Swallow Return

Liu Yun removed her sword, loosened her belt, and took off her haori. She hurriedly took them one by one and placed them in appropriate positions.

Liu Yun gracefully entered the bedroom, where she had already brought out a change of bathrobe and a clean towel, which she respectfully presented.

Watching Iori's hurried departure, Ryuun felt an indescribable sense of joy.

Is this the legendary Yamato Nadeshiko service?

That's really good!

It would be even better with a three-finger salute and the bride's three questions.

As Liu Yun indulged in this fantasy, he suddenly noticed a detail.

This is--

The curtain that used to divide the room in two in the middle of the bedroom has been removed!

It was precisely because of the existence of this curtain that Liu Yun, in an unseen way, gave people a hint, which ultimately led him to choose the path of a beast... no, it was to choose to uphold the noble character of a transmigrator.

Now, the beams and pillars are completely empty.

The curtain has disappeared.

First of all, although this is a world where supernatural forces exist, the possibility of a curtain becoming a spirit and walking away on its own is still very low and can be ignored.

Secondly, Liu Yun clearly remembered that she had not touched the curtain.

Therefore, we can only consider the last possibility.

Liu Yun pointed to the beams and pillars, adopting a serious and earnest posture, and asked, "Why are the curtains here drawn up? Did the maid take it upon herself without permission?"

Lady Iori was taken aback by these words. Then her face turned red, she let out a soft groan, curled up into a ball, and buried her head in her chest as if she wanted to disappear into her chest.

However, although she had a broad mind, it couldn't contain her own head.

If it were the anti-demon ninja Ikawa Asagi I met that day, someone with that figure might be worth a try...

Wait a minute, in this situation, isn't it a bit rude to be thinking about other women?

Liu Yun quickly focused his mind.

At this moment, Iori had composed herself and calmed down a bit. She slowly raised her head and said in a low voice, "It was I who asked the maids to remove the curtain."

After saying that, he quickly lowered his head.

The blush on her face vanished in a flash.

But instead of curling up, he knelt upright on the ground respectfully.

After all, she was a mature woman, not some unmarried teenage girl who had never seen or experienced anything.

Her shy demeanor, though she tried her best to restrain herself, was ultimately quite touching.

Seeing this, Liu Yun felt embarrassed to tease him any longer. He coughed and said bluntly, "If that's the case, then I understand."

Then, Iori took a deep breath, pressed her index, middle and ring fingers on the tatami mat, first flattened her upper body until it was close to the ground, then slightly raised her upper body and said softly, "This humble servant... begs your mercy."

The three-finger salute has appeared!

Although there were no three questions from the bride, the three-finger salute did appear!

It's in three dimensions, not on a screen!

What was that boxing champion Raoh saying again?

My life has been one without regrets!

At first, Liu Yun felt that it was still a bit too early.

But he immediately put that thought out of his mind.

Although it goes against the noble character of a time traveler, it would be too unfair to my little brother if I continued to endure it.

Moreover, from the perspective of modern hospitals, holding it in for too long is actually detrimental to health.

Considering health, there's nothing we can do.

After all, Sasaki Ryuun was a samurai who intended to make a name for himself and achieve "freedom of monks and wine" through his own martial prowess.

Everything else is secondary; health is the one thing that absolutely cannot be compromised.

With this in mind, Liu Yun's resolve gradually strengthened.

He nodded seriously and said, "You stay here and don't move. I'll go wash up and then come back."

At this moment, Iori slightly raised her head, her eyes darting around as she glanced at him, then immediately nodded and said softly, "May I ask... if I may have the honor of serving you... dressing you for your bath?"

After a moment's thought, Liu Yun nodded decisively: "It would be too unreasonable to refuse this request."

"Yes."

Iori answered softly, struggled to her feet, and followed behind Ryuun with her head bowed.

Right now—

Suddenly a sound came from outside.

"My lord! I have returned from Yokoyama Castle and received very important news from Lord Kinoshita!"

That's Hayami Seibei's voice.

Upon hearing the words, Iori covered her mouth and gasped softly, quickly switching from the delicate new wife to the capable wife.

Ryuyun was furious and, unusually, lost control of his emotions. He slapped his thigh and said angrily, "That Hayami Kiyobei! I told you he should be expelled from the family and kicked out!"

Chapter 24 Takenaka Shigeharu of the Sick and Beautiful Man

"You'd better really have something important to say..."

As Liu Yun fastened his belt, put on his haori, and donned his sword, he grumbled through gritted teeth.

Perhaps it's a lingering effect from his soul's journey, or perhaps it's due to the nurturing and guidance he received from Zen Master Shunshan, but over the years his personality has become very "Buddhist," with almost no emotional fluctuations.

But today is definitely an exception.

Just as he was about to enter the inner sanctum, ready to gain a comprehensive understanding and discuss the philosophy of life with his beloved, he was stopped by someone.

How can I not get annoyed?

Besides, the sun is almost setting now, why does it have to be at this time!

It's important to understand that discussions about the philosophy of life are very much dependent on the atmosphere. If you're interrupted when everything is in perfect condition, the experience might lose much of its charm and won't feel the same.

For example, when Iori heard that there was something important to do, she immediately reverted to her usual role as a matriarch, appearing as a dignified and capable homemaker.

The delicate, alluring beauty of the flower, so delicate and inviting, has vanished.

Only faint traces remain between the eyebrows, temples, lips, and teeth.

How can one not feel regret and sigh with sorrow?

With a livid face, Liu Yun walked out of the bedroom, through the corridor, and into the front hall of the Sasaki residence.

Looking around, I realized I wasn't in the mood to get angry.

Before him stood not only the travel-worn, stern-faced Hayami Seibei, but also the sallow-faced, lean Kinoshita retainer, Maeno Nagayasu.

There was another uninvited guest whom we had never seen before.

The man was of medium height, standing gracefully, holding a ten-foot-long bamboo cane. He was dressed in light blue Wu-style clothing, with red lips and white teeth, bright eyes and kind eyebrows. He had a face like jade, and also possessed a gentle and refined, elegant and refined demeanor.

He was just a little pale and sickly.

By the standards of this era, he lacked martial prowess.

He doesn't seem like a warrior from the Warring States period, but rather like a nobleman from Heian period.

If this were in later generations, he would probably become a top-tier idol who would ignite the entertainment industry.

Of course, it could also be a cross-dressing master who makes countless otaku waver between Jehovah and Lucifer.

Although Liu Yun was a man, he couldn't help but admire the man's handsome face, which seemed to have been carved by the heavens.

I'm not particularly envious or jealous; I actually wish I looked more masculine.

Who is this person?

Before he could ask any questions, the handsome man bowed and said, "I am Takenaka Shigeharu. I have come to visit Lord Sasaki Ryuun at the request of Lord Kinoshita because of the matter of Kosho-ji Temple."

His voice was as clear as jade, and his pronunciation was perfect.

So it was this guy!

Takenaka Shigeharu, nicknamed "Mino Kirin's Child" and "Kon Kongmei".

Upon hearing that Liu Yun was a highly popular celebrity in later generations, he subconsciously began to take him seriously.

He then temporarily put aside what had just happened with Iori.

Moreover, this guy makes a much better first impression than Kinoshita Tokichiro.

Both in appearance and temperament.

Especially their appearance.

After all, this world is judged by appearance.

However, it seems that the previous part mentioned the "Kōshō-ji Incident"?

Liu Yun felt a sense of doubt, but chuckled and said, "I never expected that my dispute with the Guangzheng Temple would attract Lord Takenaka's presence. It is truly an honor. I wonder what instructions Lord Kinoshita has for this matter?"

Takenaka Shigeharu sighed softly and remained silent.

Hayami Seibei knelt and replied, "It is so... Originally, I went to Yokoyama Castle on behalf of the Sasaki family to complain to Lord Kinoshita about the improper actions of Koshoji Temple. Lord Kinoshita was unable to make a decision, so he sent someone to Koshoji Temple to confront them. However, they found that nearly a hundred monks in the temple had been murdered, and the manner of their deaths was extremely cruel. Meanwhile, the merchants and passersby in the vicinity claimed that they had not heard much noise."

Maeno Nagayasu nodded and added, "I saw it with my own eyes."

"Is that so?" Liu Yun's expression changed immediately. He realized the key point: "I had a dispute with those monks this morning, and they were killed tragically not long after, and no one around noticed... With my martial arts skills, it is indeed possible that I could kill them all in an instant without alerting anyone. Now that you mention it, does Lord Kinoshita suspect that I did it?"

Hayami Seibei said bitterly, "I'm afraid some people will think that way... After all, quite a few people saw the scene of the lord's dispute with Koshoji."

Shigeharu Takenaka slowly shook his head: "Those monks appeared to have had their necks snapped or their chests bitten open by wild beasts while they were asleep, rather than being wounded by knives. Unless someone deliberately manipulated the situation, the blame shouldn't fall on you."

Liu Yun keenly sensed the implied meaning in the words and immediately asked, "According to what Lord Zhuzhong is implying, someone will surely be deliberately guiding us soon."

Takenaka Shigeharu smiled but did not answer, changing the subject and saying, "I have come to visit you to request that Lord Ryuun join me in the pursuit of the real culprit, so as to avoid any unforeseen troubles later."

Liu Yun was greatly surprised: "Lord Takenaka found out the real culprit so quickly?"