kvmb Chapter 139 Reencounter with Zhao Xiong and Others
Chapter 139 Reencounter with Zhao Xiong and Others
In the following days, Murong Yi was like a piece of malt candy that he couldn't shake off, always sticking to Lin Qianqian's side. Wherever she went, he followed, the two were inseparable. Everyone in the mansion watched the unusual behavior of the prince and princess chasing after each other as she tried to escape.
"What a perfect couple!" Xiaodie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "If I ever meet my Mr. Right, will he be just as clingy to me like this?"
"Hmph~" Wuming remained silent, letting out a soft snort with a disdainful expression.
These intimate gestures quickly reached Su Wan'er's ears. Her face instantly turned deathly pale, then flushed red, as if ignited by a ball of anger.
"Lin Qianqian, you bitch!" Su Wan'er roared, her teeth clenched so tightly they chattered. Her eyes flashed with rage as she muttered to herself, "You, Murong Yi, you've grown tired of me so quickly! You said you were too busy with official business to spend time with me, but it turns out you've fallen for that bitch Lin Qianqian! I finally married you, hoping to escape my fate as a concubine, but you went back on your word and betrayed me! I will never let you get away with this!"
Su Wan'er was consumed by jealousy. Her hands clenched into fists, like a wild beast trapped in a cage, struggling and roaring wildly.
That day, as usual, Murong Yi followed Lin Qianqian like a shadow, strolling leisurely along the bustling street.
Lin Qianqian's eyes sparkled like stars as she curiously examined the dazzling array of trinkets on the street. However, she glanced at Murong Yi beside her and felt a little uneasy. She scratched her neck and walked lightly, pretending to be calm and relaxed. Her skirt seemed even lighter in the breeze.
Murong Yi stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his gaze fixed on her, a doting smile on his lips. Occasionally, he would lean close to her ear and whisper a few words, making Lin Qianqian either angry or shy.
Not far away, Wuming and Xiaodie followed silently. Wuming's eyes revealed a trace of loneliness and helplessness. His feet seemed to weigh a thousand pounds, and every step was extremely difficult, yet he dared not easily move forward.
Xiao Die stood to the side, her eyes darting around. She glanced at the beautiful couple in front of her, then at the silent Wuming beside her. She wanted to say something, but was afraid of breaking the delicate atmosphere, so she swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue. She simply stayed quietly with Wuming, watching the lively scene that seemed to belong only to Murong Yi and Lin Qianqian.
Just then, Murong Yi and Lin Qianqian were immersed in their own little world. Suddenly, several figures blocked their path. The leader looked intently at Lin Qianqian and called out loudly, "Little sister, do you still remember me?"
Hearing the sudden call, Lin Qianqian was slightly startled, her steps faltering. Her bright eyes quickly scanned the face of the person before her, but in an instant, the floodgates of memory opened in her mind, and scenes from the past surged into her heart like a tide. She suddenly realized, and a bright and surprised smile instantly bloomed on her face. She excitedly shouted, "Zhao Xiong? Brother Zhao! It really is you!" Her voice was full of uncontainable joy and excitement.
Then, her gaze passed over Zhao Xiong and landed on the group of brothers behind him. In that instant, those long-buried memories of the past vividly resurfaced.
Once upon a time, they were feared bandits, ruthless and unscrupulous, roaming freely in the mountains. However, as time passed, they served three years of hard labor. Now, Zhao Xiong has shaved his beard clean, looking refreshed and energetic. His former ferocity has vanished, replaced by a calm and reserved demeanor born of hardship.
Lin Qianqian's eyes sparkled with joy and concern, and a warm smile graced her lips as she said, "Big brother, it's been so long! You look even more energetic! How are you doing, getting used to it?"
Zhao Xiong straightened his back slightly, a simple smile on his face, but his eyes revealed a determination that had weathered many storms. He cleared his throat and slowly began, "Well, the Emperor made us do hard labor for three years to temper our will. At first, we really didn't feel good about it. We couldn't control our wildness anytime soon. We kept thinking, 'It would be better to go back to the mountains and continue being my mountain king, carefree and unrestrained!'"
He paused slightly, as if lost in memories, then laughed heartily again, "But when I think back to the days I spent with you, little sister, and the heartfelt words you shared with us, my head slowly cleared. The brothers got together and discussed it, and realized that all this hardship and toil isn't such a big deal after all. So we pulled ourselves together and started working diligently, not daring to slack off even a little, working incredibly hard!"
Lin Qianqian's face beamed with a relieved smile, a smile as radiant and captivating as the warm spring sun. She turned slightly, her gaze meeting Murong Yi's. After exchanging a smile, Lin Qianqian turned to Zhao Xiong and said, "Really? I'm so happy to see you two like this! You must keep up the good work and persevere! Three years will pass quickly!"
Murong Yi merely raised the corners of her mouth, forming a faint smile, and then nodded slightly, her eyes showing approval of Zhao Xiong and the others' transformation.
Zhao Xiong threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh, the sound echoing through the street. After laughing, he said, "Oh, right, I have some good news to tell you all." He paused deliberately for a moment, his throat bobbing as he swallowed, a gesture that successfully whetted everyone's appetite.
Lin Qianqian, Murong Yi, Xiao Die, and Wuming all pricked up their ears curiously and stared intently at him.
Zhao Xiong then excitedly announced, "Because of our outstanding performance, hard work, and diligent labor, the imperial court has granted us an early end to our hard labor!"
Lin Qianqian's eyes widened instantly, filled with surprise and disbelief: "Really?!"
Zhao Xiong nodded vigorously: "Yeah~ that's why we finally got to have a proper meal and drinks with the brothers today. We've been so bored all year, hahaha!"
Lin Qianqian clapped her hands lightly, her joy deepening: "It seems you really did a great job. I'm so happy for you!"
Zhao Xiong's smile vanished, replaced by a serious and grateful expression. He took a deep breath and said from the bottom of his heart, "We owe everything we have today to you." With that, he suddenly knelt down on both knees, the movement swift and decisive.
Lin Qianqian was caught off guard by this sudden action. She quickly took two steps forward and reached out her hands to help Zhao Xiong up: "Hey, Brother Zhao, what are you doing? Get up quickly!"
Zhao Xiong stubbornly refused to get up. He looked up at Lin Qianqian, his eyes filled with respect and gratitude: "Miss Lin, if it weren't for you, who enlightened us and pointed us in the right direction, we would still be heinous bandits, doing things against our conscience and against morality. You are our savior!"
After he finished speaking, his brothers behind him knelt down one by one, kowtowing to express their gratitude. Each of their faces was filled with sincerity and respect.
Lin Qianqian's eyes were slightly red, and she said with deep emotion, "Brother Zhao, please get up, don't perform such a grand ceremony. I am truly happy to see you all reformed and on the right path. This new life is all thanks to your own determination and perseverance, and you deserve a better life." As she spoke, she used both hands to help Zhao Xiong up, and then waved to the brothers behind her, signaling them to get up as well.
Seeing this, Murong stepped forward, nodded slightly, and said gently, "Yes, I am deeply gratified that you have all turned over a new leaf. The past is gone like smoke and dust. In the days to come, we should cherish this hard-won turning point and do righteous things for ourselves and for the world." His eyes revealed his approval and love for Lin Qianqian. He turned and gently held Lin Qianqian's hand, as if silently expressing his support and admiration for her.
Zhao Xiong slowly stood up, his eyes slightly red, his gaze filled with a mixture of emotion and admiration.
He first looked deeply at Lin Qianqian, his eyes filled with sincere gratitude, as if he had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to begin.
Then, he turned to Murong Yi, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a salute, bowed his head, and said respectfully and solemnly, "Your Highness, we, your humble servants, committed heinous crimes in the past. Fortunately, Your Highness and Your Highness and Your Highness were magnanimous and did not look down on us because of our humble origins and bad deeds. They even gave us guidance and help. We will remember this great kindness and virtue forever."
His voice trembled slightly, carrying an uncontrollable emotional fluctuation, and his body was also slightly tense due to excitement. Every word came from the bottom of his heart and was resounding.
Lin Qianqian's bright eyes curved into crescent moons, and her smile bloomed like spring flowers. She cleverly changed the subject, saying, "Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. We should celebrate our reunion today. Brother Zhao, why don't we find a good place to go and eat and drink to our hearts' content, sharing this joyful time!" With that, she clapped her hands excitedly, her eyes full of anticipation.
Murong Yi stood to the side, his gaze always gently fixed on her, the doting look in his eyes almost drowning one. Seeing Lin Qianqian so joyful and excited, the smile on his lips deepened, and without hesitation, he strode forward with long, slender steps, closely following behind her, as if wherever she was, that was where his heart belonged.
Wuming slightly raised his head, a hint of envy and relief in his eyes, and silently followed. Xiaodie, like a cheerful little bird, hopped and skipped closely behind, chirping away.
"Hmph~" In the shadowy corner of the street, Su Wan'er stood motionless like a statue engulfed in jealousy. Her eyes were wide open, flashing with a fierce and venomous light like a wolf, as she glared menacingly at Lin Qianqian and her group, who were laughing and chatting not far away.