Jiuxi

Chapter 883 881 [Newcomer]

Luo Jiujiu originally just had a mixture of emotions and was unable to control herself for a moment, but she was not that sad.

But once the crying starts, it’s not easy to stop.

She buried her head in Lu Chen's arms, wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and cried so hard that her tears continued to wet Lu Chen's chest.

In fact, it is not her fault to describe it this way. After all, it has been a year and a half since she and Lu Chen last met. Although they have exchanged letters during this period, her longing for each other is too great. How can she remain calm?

Even though Lu Chen repeatedly assured her in his letters that she need not worry about the future, she was still worried and anxious in the distant Shazhou.

Originally, Luo Jiujiu thought she was open-minded enough, just wanting to do what she likes, not expecting to be together day and night, so she was very free and easy to express her feelings to Lu Chen, and even offered the most precious innocence of a girl. At that time, she felt that even if they would never meet again in the future, as long as they could have a moment of happiness, she would be satisfied.

Later she realized that she had always overestimated her determination. It turns out that the word love can really break one's heart.

She woke up from her dreams countless times in the middle of the night and could no longer fall asleep. She got up, put on her clothes, and went outside. Looking at the Shazhou landscape in the night, she couldn't help but look towards the distant east.

Day and night, over and over again.

Lu Chen was no longer the dull-witted person he used to be. He naturally understood why the girl was crying. He raised his hand and gently stroked her back, whispering words of comfort in her ear.

Luo Jiujiu's appearance was very sudden. He had not received any news beforehand, but from this he could conclude that there was no problem with Shazhou, otherwise he would definitely know it in advance, so he did not rush to ask questions and patiently calmed the girl's emotions.

After a moment, Luo Jiujiu realized where she was now, so she stopped crying with difficulty and left the embrace that she missed and loved. Looking at the wetness on Lu Chen's chest, she suddenly burst into laughter, and her face instantly brightened.

Seeing this, Lu Chen smiled and said, "Your makeup is all ruined by crying."

"what?"

Luo Jiujiu hurriedly looked around, but how could there be a mirror in the main hall?

"Come with me."

Lu Chen took her hand and walked out without any doubt.

Luo Jiujiu did not resist, lowered her eyes, and followed him obediently.

Feeling the warmth of his palm, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly.

The two of them came to the flower hall. Lu Chen asked her to wait for a moment, then walked out. Not long after, he brought a basin of water and a clean face towel, and said with a smile: "Come, Miss Luo, I will help you wash your face."

"you……"

Luo Jiujiu wanted to say something but stopped.

By now she had calmed down and looked at Lu Chen carefully. He was wearing the common clothes of a prince, a jade belt around his waist and a Yishan crown on his head. He had a calm demeanor and was intimidating without even getting angry.

Even though she grew up in Shazhou and was not familiar with the rules and customs of Qi, Luo Jiujiu knew that the man standing in front of her with a gentle smile had already reached a high position in the government, but he did not seem to be much different from the past.

She heard that most men in Qi State liked to act like masters. Although Lu Chen's current status was obviously better than that of most people, he took the initiative to help her wash her face.

Looking at Luo Jiujiu's hesitant expression, Lu Chen understood in his heart. He did not take the opportunity to show how open-minded he was, but said frankly: "Home is different from outside. After all, you still have to pay attention to etiquette in front of outsiders. There is no need to attract criticism, but when you return home, it is better to be more relaxed and do not need so many strict rules. Let me tell you a secret. Your two sisters will never bow to me respectfully. I think this is good. A harmonious family is closer."

There is no doubt that the word "home" deeply touched Luo Jiujiu's heart, so she smiled brightly, walked closer and said: "Then I will trouble you, Your Majesty."

Lu Chen smiled, wet the towel with clean water, and carefully wiped Luo Jiujiu's cheek.

Luo Jiujiu felt his tenderness and couldn't help biting her lower lip. She looked at him intently, the affection in her eyes obvious.

Lu Chen looked at her fair and rosy skin and praised her sincerely: "In fact, I think you look better without makeup."

Luo Jiujiu's eyes moved, and she turned to look at the bronze mirror on the table. Looking at herself in the mirror, with her bare face facing up, she found that her cheeks had unknowingly become rosy, as if she were shaded by peach blossoms, and she was more beautiful than peach blossoms.

"Liar."

Luo Jiujiu touched his hot cheek, turned around and said, "It doesn't look good at all."

That's what you said, but what's with the smug joy in your tone that you can't hide?

Lu Chen did not expose her, but called the maid with a smile, and soon exquisite snacks and top-quality tea were served.

Luo Jiujiu had cried quite hard before and felt obviously hungry. Seeing Lu Chen being so considerate, she gave him a smart and sweet smile, then picked up a piece of dessert and started eating slowly.

Lu Chen held the teacup and savored the rare Bitan Piaoxue. After Luo Jiujiu had roughly filled her stomach, he asked, "Jiujiu, why didn't you send someone to tell me in advance that you were coming to the capital? Could it be that the manager of the Lu family business was not paying attention?"

"No."

Luo Jiujiu shook his head quickly and continued, "I left in a hurry, thinking there was no need to trouble them, and the business company might not be able to pass on information faster than me. Now that Shazhou and Qi are on good terms, I have the official document written by Chengzhou Governor Tong Shiyuan, and my journey is smooth."

Lu Chen nodded slightly. Although Tong Shiyuan was not his core subordinate, he could now be considered a confidant who could be commanded. Naturally, he would not treat the Luo family of Shazhou badly.

He asked with concern: "You came in such a hurry, is there something wrong in Shazhou?"

Luo Jiujiu shook his head again and said, "Shazhou is fine, you don't have to worry. The great general Zhang Xu led his troops to borrow Feiniao Pass. He is very strict with his soldiers and does not allow them to approach the area where our Shazhou people live without permission. Their food and grass are also transported all the way from the south bank of Hengjiang River. It has no impact on our Shazhou." Lu Chen said, "This is the best."

Luo Jiujiu couldn't help but said happily: "You may not know that Shazhou is different from before. Since Qi State opened up trade between the two places, especially your Lu family business has been particularly attentive, the lives of Shazhou people are getting better and better. At least now the tribesmen can have enough food and don't have to worry about food. Lu Chen, thank you."

Seeing the bright smile on her face, Lu Chen felt something in his heart and smiled, "Shazhou and Da Qi have had a friendship for more than a hundred years. When that foolish emperor made a mistake, the people of Qi naturally tried their best to make up for it. These are what we should do, so there is no need to thank us."

"Let's put it one way or another. You are not the one who made the mistake. We Shazhou people clearly distinguish between gratitude and resentment. Of course, we must remember your kindness. That's why my father asked me to come to the capital of Qi State, and also asked me to--"

Luo Jiujiu suddenly stopped talking and lowered her head shyly.

Seeing this, Lu Chen asked, "Jiujiu, are you here just to see me?"

Luo Jiujiu said softly, "Uncle Twelve sent a message back, so my father and I know that your situation is very bad. The Emperor of Qi has suspected you and targeted you again and again, and most of the ministers are not on good terms with you. I know you didn't tell me about this because you didn't want me to worry, but Shazhou can't do without you. What should we do if something happens to you here?"

The twelfth uncle she mentioned was Luo Yan, who had gone to great lengths to help Lu Chen find the person who had purchased the Cloud Chanting Grass a few months ago.

Lu Chen's heart moved slightly, and he asked tentatively: "So your father asked you to help me?"

"It's not just me."

Luo Jiujiu blushed and said, "Uncle Hardy and Uncle Na Yan, we came to the capital together to make a request to your Qi court on behalf of Shazhou."

Lu Chen became more and more curious.

In his memory, Luo Jiujiu was bright and lively, wearing a fiery red dress, and she never appeared in such a timid posture as she did now, so he slowed down his tone and asked, "What's your request?"

Luo Jiujiu looked up at him and said with courage: "Marriage."

Lu Chen was unable to understand what was going on for a moment, and said thoughtfully, "Marriage? I remember your brother is only sixteen years old this year. Isn't it too early to get married? And you probably don't know much about the rich and powerful in the capital. I wonder whose girl you have taken a fancy to?"

Luo Jiujiu didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and rolled her eyes at him: "It's not my brother, it's me."

Lu Chen was stunned, his face slightly solemn: "You?"

"Oh! You are so stupid!"

Luo Jiujiu was both amused and embarrassed, so she decided to go all out and said bluntly: "Dad has decided to submit a marriage request to the Qi court in the name of Shazhou, and betroth me to the famous Duke of Qin!"

Lu Chen suddenly realized something, and looking at Luo Jiujiu's rosy cheeks, he was deeply moved.

He understood why Luo Yaozong did this. Before the situation became completely clear, Shazhou must not act rashly, because Luo Yaozong was responsible for the future and destiny of all the people in Shazhou. He would not gamble the entire Shazhou just because he was worried about Lu Chen's safety, but he was unwilling to sit idly by.

Therefore, without knowing the situation here, Luo Yaozong decided to use marriage to tell the ruler and ministers of Da Qi that the reason why Shazhou was willing to repair relations with Qi was entirely because of Lu Chen. In this way, he would give Lu Chen more bargaining chips to prevent some people from misunderstanding the situation.

As for Luo Jiujiu's attitude towards this matter, it can be known from her expression at the moment.

Lu Chen said seriously: "Thank you."

Luo Jiujiu's eyes curved like crescents, then she stopped smiling and said in a serious tone, "To be honest, because of the incident more than 20 years ago, Shazhou cannot fully trust Qi. Unless you show greater sincerity, the Qi army cannot pass through Shazhou at will in the future. My father thought again and again and decided to deepen the trust between each other through marriage. Your country does not have a prince of marriageable age, and other people are not within the consideration of the various departments of Shazhou, except Duke Qin... Oh no, except the Prince of Huai'an. If the Prince of Huai'an is willing to marry Shazhou, the two sides can be guaranteed to be allies forever."

Lu Chen was amused by her demeanor and said with a smile: "So, I have to sacrifice myself in order to gain the trust of the various tribes in Shazhou?"

Luo Jiujiu coughed lightly, raised her smooth white chin slightly, and asked, "I wonder if the prince is willing?"

"I don't want to."

Lu Chen shook his head.

Luo Jiujiu's momentum immediately collapsed and she looked at him aggrievedly.

Lu Chen couldn't help laughing.

"Bad guy!"

Luo Jiujiu stood up and threw herself into Lu Chen's arms like an agile cat, and gently bit his shoulder.

Fortunately, Lu Chen now had advanced martial arts skills and was sitting steadily, so he was not knocked down by her along with his chair.

Luo Jiujiu felt his breath and murmured, "You must not be unwilling, otherwise I will hate you for the rest of my life, and in the next life, and the next life after that."

"Ah."

Lu Chen hugged her light body and whispered, "Of course I am willing. I couldn't ask for more."

Luo Jiujiu smiled sweetly and changed into a more comfortable position. The exhaustion from the long journey and the drastic changes in emotions turned into deep fatigue, so she simply closed her eyes in his arms.

Gradually fell asleep peacefully.

(End of this chapter)