Chapter 89: Yu Ru
Chapter 89: Yu Ru
The vendor watched helplessly as Chen Yue and Yu Ru walked away, then glanced resentfully at a nearby colleague. Just as he was about to return to his stall, a folding fan suddenly appeared, striking his wrist.
"Ouch!"
The vendor cried out, and the jade hairpin in his hand flew out, only to be gracefully caught by someone using a folding fan.
As he was about to explode in anger, he caught sight of the fan-holder's face and was immediately startled. His anger dissipated, and he took two steps back, trembling as he spoke, "So... it's Young Master Nan..."
The person addressed as Young Master Nan wore a luxurious silk robe, holding a purple wooden fan. The fan gently rested on the jade hairpin, and without glancing at the vendor, he stared thoughtfully at the backs of Chen Yue and Yu Ru.
Then, he followed after them.
The vendor watched the figure's back, trembling, but dared not speak, nor did he dare to ask for the money. After all, the person's background was too significant; he was the third young master of the Nan family in Willow Grove, and after the Zheng family's downfall, the Nan family had become the most influential power in the area, second only to the Patrol Commander of the City Guard Office.
Chen Yue leisurely walked forward, pulling Yu Ru along, when suddenly a figure appeared ahead of them. Dressed in a white silk robe, he clearly had the air of a wealthy young master. With a smile, he bowed and said, "My name is Nan An. Greetings, ladies. Are you new to Willow Grove? A peddler tried to deceive you earlier, but I've taught him a lesson. Please accept this as an apology on his behalf."
As he spoke, he took out the jade hairpin from earlier.
Yu Ru was momentarily unsure how to respond and shyly retreated closer to Chen Yue. But Chen Yue blinked playfully, took the hairpin with composure, and said, "Thank you."
Then, she continued walking forward with Yu Ru.
Nan An's eyebrows rose slightly at this, and he moved to block their path again. Smiling, he said, "Ladies, since you're unfamiliar with the area, and I happen to be free, I can guide you to your destination."
Chen Yue giggled and said, "That's great! We're heading to the City Guard Office, but we don't know the way."
The City Guard Office?
Nan An frowned slightly, shaking his head with a smile, "What's there to see at the City Guard Office? Why would you ladies go there?"
"My brother works at the City Guard Office, and we're here to find him. Are you not familiar with the City Guard Office?" Chen Yue replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Nan An smiled and said, "I'm quite familiar with the City Guard Office. May I ask your brother's name?"
Chen Yue's big eyes sparkled with innocence, "Um, my brother's name is Chen Mu. Do you know him, sir?"
Chen Mu?
Cough, cough!
Nan An's expression froze, and upon closer inspection of the girl before him, he noticed a resemblance in her features. His lips trembled as he said, "Of course. How could anyone in Willow Grove not know the Patrol Commander? So, you're the Patrol Commander's sister? My apologies. And this young lady must be..."
It was understandable if Chen Mu wasn't well-known when he first arrived in Willow Grove, but now, every family in the area was well-informed about his background and lineage.
Including the fact that he had a sister who trained at the Yu Clan Martial Academy in the Inner City.
Since the girl before him was Chen Mu's sister, Chen Yue, the other girl, who looked identical to her, must be of even greater importance.
"My name is Yu Ru," Yu Ru said timidly.
As expected!
She's from the Yu family in the Inner City.
Nan An's lips twitched again. Fortunately, he had also realized that Chen Yue and Yu Ru were not ordinary young ladies, and he had not offended them. While the Nan family was considered a powerful force in Willow Grove, they were insignificant compared to the Yu family, like ants in their presence.
"We're new here, so we'd appreciate your guidance, sir," Chen Yue said with a smile.
Nan An felt bitter inside, but at this moment, he dared not refuse. He forced a smile, opened his fan, and said, "Of course, I'll guide you ladies."
...
The City Guard Office.
In the innermost hall, within a quiet side room, Chen Mu held a book titled 'The Great Xuan Calendar' in one hand, occasionally sipping tea from a cup on his right.
Suddenly, someone entered the side room and whispered a report, "Patrol Commander, Nan An, the third young master of the Nan family, has arrived with two ladies. One of them claims to be your sister, Chen Yue..."
Chen Mu paused slightly, holding the teacup.
He glanced curiously at the reporting officer.
Nan An?
He did have an impression of the third young master of the Nan family. While not a good person, he wasn't particularly bad either. He was a womanizer, but most of the women he pursued ended up becoming his wives. After assuming the role of Patrol Commander in Willow Grove, his behavior became more restrained.
The question was, why did Chen Yue come to Willow Grove, and why was she brought here by Nan An? What an odd combination.
Could it be that Nan An has designs on Yue'er?
Hmph.
Chen Mu put down the teacup, his eyes turning cold. He stood up and walked out.
In the main hall of the City Guard Office, near the entrance used for receiving visitors, Chen Yue, Yu Ru, and Nan An were all present. The officers in the hall dared not slack off; some served tea and water, while others attended to their needs.
The fact that Chen Mu had a sister was common knowledge, even among the low-ranking officers in the City Guard Office. No one would dare to impersonate such a person, so Chen Yue could only be Chen Mu's sister. Moreover, they were accompanied by Nan An, the third young master of the Nan family, making it even more unlikely to be a deception.
Chen Yue leisurely strolled with her hands behind her back, glancing left and right.
Since being sent to the Inner City to study martial arts at the Yu Clan Martial Arts Academy, she hadn't left the Inner City. This was her first time returning to the Outer City, and it was only because she was accompanied by someone from the women's academy that she was able to come out.
If she wanted to travel freely between the Inner and Outer Cities and have unrestricted access to the Yu Clan Martial Arts Academy, she would have to cultivate the Body Tempering Art to the Meat Training Realm and master a sword technique to perfection. With this level of skill, she would face minimal danger in the Outer City, easily dealing with common thugs and ruffians. Even more troublesome individuals would recognize the reputation of the Yu Clan and wouldn't dare to lay a hand on their members.
Her brother had already become a Patrol Officer in charge of a district.
Chen Yue gazed at the sky above the government office, her heart suddenly filled with mixed emotions. Just a few years ago, she and Chen Mu were siblings who had to share a blanket during winter to stay warm. Now, within a few short years, their lives had completely transformed.
As a Patrol Officer in charge of a district, one oversees hundreds of patrol officers and governs tens of thousands of commoners.
In the past, such a position was so lofty that one could only look up in awe.
Now, Chen Mu himself held this position, and it was evident to all that with his age and talent, he wouldn't stop here. His future held even greater prospects, and he might even become a Deputy Director or higher.
In comparison, Chen Yue had also undergone significant changes. In just over a year, she had perfected the Leather Refinement Realm and mastered sword techniques. At the Yu Clan Martial Arts Academy's women's academy, she was considered one of the top talents. This was partly due to her diligent training, which far surpassed that of her peers.
It wouldn't be long before she, too, would step into the Meat Training Realm.
The days of longing for new clothes and a hearty meal were long gone.
"Yue'er?"
As Chen Yue was lost in thought, a familiar voice called out to her.
Chen Yue's eyes lit up with joy as she turned around and saw a familiar face in an emerald green official robe, walking towards her with a gentle smile.
"Brother."
Chen Yue quickly jumped in front of Chen Mu and called out in a crisp voice.
Chen Mu's face was gentle as he reached out and patted her head, saying, "Yes, you've grown a little taller."
Then, he turned to look at Yu Ru, smiled, and said, "Little Yu Ru is here too? Why didn't you tell me in advance? I could have sent someone to pick you up."
This was the third time he had met Yu Ru. He didn't have any particular thoughts about her; he only saw her as a young girl who hadn't fully matured yet. Although she was pretty and cute, she seemed even younger than Chen Yue.
"Big Brother Chen."
Yu Ru called out timidly, her eyes unable to meet Chen Mu's gaze.
The main reason was that Xu Hongyu had once mentioned her marriage to Chen Mu when she visited the Yu Clan. She had already met Chen Mu once with Chen Yue, and in her heart, she felt that Chen Mu was a gentle and reliable older brother. However, she hadn't thought about anything else, and when Xu Hongyu suddenly brought up the matter, she couldn't help but feel nervous.
Ever since Xu Hongyu mentioned it, she often found herself daydreaming about Chen Mu. This time, when Chen Yue insisted on bringing her to see Chen Mu, she didn't know what emotions she was feeling. All she knew was that after seeing Chen Mu, her heart was pounding like a drum, and she didn't know what to say.
Chen Mu noticed Yu Ru's evasive gaze and the slight blush on her ears. He quickly guessed the reason and couldn't help but smile. He took another look at her and found her quite adorable.
"So that's what it is. That's why you came to find me."
After listening to Chen Yue's explanation, Chen Mu couldn't help but laugh and say, "There's not much to do in Willow Grove. Later, I'll take you to the main street in the Southern District for a walk."
At this point, he finally turned to look at Nan An, who was standing awkwardly to the side, unsure whether to sit or stand.
Chen Mu's expression turned cold as he said, "My two younger sisters are unfamiliar with this place. Nan An, should I thank you for escorting them here?"
Nan An's face turned bitter as he replied, "It's... it's my duty. How dare I ask for thanks from the Patrol Officer?"
"Duty?"
Chen Mu narrowed his eyes, his tone unfriendly.
Nan An was usually quick-witted and playful, but at this moment, he seemed to have lost his voice, stammering and unable to respond properly.
Yu Ru, standing by the side, stole glances at Nan An, who was wearing a white silk robe, his handsome appearance now overshadowed by Chen Mu's presence. It was as if a small eel had encountered a dragon, and Nan An's entire demeanor wilted, making Yu Ru's gaze towards Chen Mu shine with newfound admiration.
Chen Yue, standing beside her, noticed Nan An's stiff posture and a mischievous glint flashed in her big eyes.
"Hmph."
As Chen Mu watched Nan An stammer, he finally let out a cold huff and waved his hand, "Take him away and lock him up. Let him sober up. Also, send someone to the Nan Clan to inform them to come and take him back!"
"Yes, sir!"
Immediately, a patrol officer took Nan An away.
Chen Mu turned to Chen Yue and Yu Ru, his previous sternness melting into a warm smile. "Let's go. I'll change into casual clothes first."
(End of Chapter)
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