The group walked in silence, exchanging few words.

After a short while, the group arrived at the gate of a mansion.

Led by Huang Rong, Zhang Huai strode into the solemn and magnificent mansion.

He walked with an upright posture and steady steps, but he was secretly observing him. This gang leader, Huang, seemed gentle, but in fact, he had been observing him silently all the way, probably wary of his background.

This is exactly the Huang Rong he had imagined.

This is the General's Mansion, with its vermilion gate wide open and stone lions guarding the entrance on both sides.

The bluestone path leads straight into the depths of the courtyard, with neat and orderly sides without any superfluous decorations.

The entire mansion was devoid of any luxury; there were no exotic flowers or rare plants, no gold or jade ornaments, and not even a sound of stringed instruments.

However, he exudes a solemn and righteous aura, a demeanor that can only be cultivated by those who guard the border year after year and are devoted to their country and its people. Ordinary wealthy families could never imitate it.

Upon entering the mansion, one sees ancient pine trees planted on both sides of the courtyard. The pine branches are upright, the needles are green, and some pine needles are scattered on the ground, feeling slightly soft underfoot.

The courtyard is clean, elegant, and spotless.

Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen kept their heads down, and seeing Huang Rong's serious expression, they felt even more uneasy.

They had followed Guo Jing and Huang Rong in martial arts training since childhood and always respected their master's wife. Today, they acted impulsively at the city gate, not only failing to teach others a lesson but also being easily fooled. They not only disgraced Guo Jing's disciples but also made their junior sister dislike them.

At this moment, I only hoped to receive fewer scoldings, so I followed closely behind, not daring to overstep my bounds even by half a step.

Guo Fu kept a straight face, occasionally stealing a glance at Zhang Huai with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

However, she feared her mother's authority and was afraid that Huang Rong would discover that she was secretly observing the other person. Every time their eyes met, she would hurriedly look away and pretend to be nonchalant, but in her heart, she had already made a firm impression on the boy who had suddenly appeared.

Huang Rong continued walking, leading Zhang Huai to the main hall.

She walked with a calm and elegant demeanor, seemingly serene, but her mind was racing. She had seen countless heroes and chivalrous figures in her life, but she rarely saw a young man of such age with such composure. He was highly skilled, calm, and his background was a complete mystery, so she had to be very wary of him.

Occasionally, servants and Beggar Clan disciples would pass by, and when they saw Huang Rong personally leading a strange young man, they would all show surprise on their faces.

The Beggars' Sect disciples had followed Huang Rong for many years and knew that their leader was meticulous and had an excellent eye for people. They knew that a young man who could be treated with such courtesy by her must be no ordinary person, and they all secretly guessed Zhang Huai's identity.

Huang Rong secretly observed Zhang Huai all the way. She saw that after he entered the mansion, he stood tall and straight with an open and honest look in his eyes. He did not seem to feel awkward or pry into the furnishings of the general's mansion or the gazes around him.

He is clearly someone who has seen a lot and whose mindset is far beyond that of his peers.

Before long, the group entered the main hall. The furnishings inside were extremely simple, with no superfluous ornaments or ornate decorations. The hall was clean and refreshing at first glance, reflecting the owner's simple and upright character.

In the center sits a pear wood table, its solid wood and elegant grain clearly indicating that it is a practical object rather than a ostentatious display.

On both sides are plain-colored chairs and benches, and on the wall hangs a calligraphy scroll of "Man Jiang Hong". The strokes are vigorous and powerful, and every stroke is full of fierce and righteous spirit. It is as if you can see the writer's heart full of patriotic blood. The signature is Guo Jing's own handwriting. The whole room is filled with the atmosphere of loyalty, courage and integrity.

Huang Rong turned to the side and raised her hand, her tone gentle yet polite, her demeanor displaying the grace of a noblewoman.

"Please sit down, young brother. Brother Jing is inspecting the city's defenses at the outpost. The defense of Xiangyang is of utmost importance, and he personally inspects it every day without daring to slack off in the slightest."

"Please wait a moment. I have sent someone to inform him, and he should be back soon. Someone, bring tea."

Zhang Huai bowed in thanks and sat down in the guest seat as instructed, maintaining an upright posture, neither humble nor arrogant.

His gaze slowly swept over the furnishings in the hall. Looking at the painting "Man Jiang Hong," he secretly admired Guo Jing and his wife for their extraordinary demeanor. With such a couple guarding Xiangyang, it was no wonder that they had been able to hold out until now despite being surrounded by the Mongol army. They were truly a blessing to the people.

Wu Xiuwen, being young and impetuous, was still not calm and composed. He recalled how Zhang Huai had tricked him at the city gate. In front of countless people and Beggar Clan disciples, he had been easily subdued without even touching the hem of Zhang Huai's clothes. The sense of powerlessness and humiliation still lingered in his mind.

Now that he was in the manor, and his master's wife was treating him with such courtesy, showing no sign of blaming him, he felt a tightness in his chest and a surge of resentment rising to his head. He couldn't help but glare at Zhang Huai, his eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, to question the other party, and to regain his face.

Huang Rong's gaze turned slightly cold as she glanced at him. Though her eyes held no hint of reprimand, they carried an undeniable authority that was more intimidating than a harsh rebuke.

Wu Xiuwen's heart tightened, and he instantly came to his senses. He dared not make the slightest move, and quickly lowered his head, no longer daring to look up or make any unnecessary movements.

Although Guo Fu was somewhat curious about Zhang Huai and vaguely felt that the young man had an indescribable air about him, she still felt a little resentful because he had embarrassed her in front of so many people.

She had been pampered since childhood, spoiled by Guo Jing and Huang Rong, and always yielded to by Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen. She had never suffered such grievances before, and the more she thought about it, the more indignant she became.

She pouted, looked aggrieved, and moved closer to Huang Rong, whispering, "Mother, why are you so nice to him? He deliberately bullied us at the city gate just now. I was so embarrassed."

Zhang Huai, who was leisurely sipping tea to the side, had hearing far beyond that of ordinary people, so he naturally heard Guo Fu's soft complaints clearly.

He found it amusing. Although Guo Fu was spoiled and willful, she was not a truly wicked person. She was just a pampered little girl, and her little temper was nothing to him.

He remained calm and pretended not to hear, simply picking up his teacup and slowly sipping his tea, his expression serene, as if all the surrounding discussions and gazes had nothing to do with him.

Huang Rong gently pressed her hand down, lowering her voice to a whisper, but her tone left no room for argument:

"Fu'er, stop talking nonsense. This young brother is highly skilled and unfathomable. He also knows the Soul Shifting Technique from the Nine Yin Manual. He can control his attacks with ease. He could easily injure Da Wu and Xiao Wu, but he holds back and stops when he's done. He is no ordinary person."

Since he said he wanted to see your father, he must have something important to discuss. It must be something significant, and there must be a reason for it. You absolutely must not be impolite and ruin this important matter.

Upon hearing Huang Rong's evaluation, Zhang Huai nodded inwardly. This Chief Huang was indeed insightful and exceptionally wise.

He gained even more approval for Chief Huang's insight and knowledge, and a satisfied look appeared on his face.

Although Guo Fu was spoiled and willful, and fearless in the past, she always listened to her mother. Knowing that what Huang Rong said was true, she could only shut up in a huff.

But she was still unconvinced, her eyes filled with resentment and curiosity as she kept scrutinizing Zhang Huai, as if trying to discern something from him.

But after looking at him for a long time, she still couldn't figure out what was so special about Zhang Huai.

Huang Rong sat in the main seat, seemingly sipping tea quietly with her head down, looking relaxed. In reality, her eyes were sharp, and she took in Zhang Huai's every move, every change in expression.

She became increasingly certain that this young man had a mysterious background, not only possessing an extraordinary temperament but also remarkable skills. Although she had never heard of his name, he was certainly no ordinary person.

This trip to Xiangyang, specifically asking to find Brother Jing, must be of great importance to the safety of Xiangyang and Brother Jing. I must be careful and cautious, and not be negligent in the slightest.

Just then, a Beggars' Sect disciple rushed in, respectfully announcing, "Chief Huang, Hero Guo is back!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Rong's face lit up with joy. Having toiled tirelessly for the defense of Xiangyang for days, seeing Guo Jing return brought her a great sense of peace. She immediately rose to greet him, "Brother Jing!"

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