A middle-aged man rode a fast horse and rushed out of the city gate. He jumped down when he was still more than ten metres away from Suo Lun, then took two steps in three and rushed in front of Suo Lun, hugging him tightly.
He hugged so tightly that Suo Lun could hardly break free.
This was a very strong and powerful middle-aged man, about one hundred and eighty centimetres tall, with a refined yet dignified face. His eyes were like bright stars, his nose was straight like a hanging gallbladder, and his lips were red as if painted with vermilion.
In short, this was a face full of charm. Every part of his body was filled with an aura that made people trust him and even feel close to him.
Suo Lun especially noticed that his ears were very long and his earlobes were extremely thick.
This person was the kingdom’s feudal lord, the lord of Linhai City, Gui Xing Fu, who was also Suo Lun’s future father-in-law.
“Come, follow your uncle home. From now on, Linhai City is your home.” Gui Xing Fu tightly held Suo Lun’s hand and walked towards the city. His hand was big, warm, and full of strength.
Seeing this scene, the others temporarily breathed a sigh of relief. At least Earl Gui Xing Fu would not turn against them, and he looked completely as if he treated Suo Lun like family.
But Suo Lun did not relax at all in his heart. Instead, he became even more vigilant.
There is a type of person in this world who is very dangerous. They appear extremely loyal but are actually treacherous. Often they sell you out without you even knowing.
Moreover, there was one point that Gui Xing Fu could hardly wash away. If he really cared so much about Suo Lun, then why did he not help when Tianshui City fell? Why were his troops not waiting on the north bank of the Nu River to receive him, even if he did not know that Suo Lun would come to Linhai City?
Also, the suspension bridge leading to Linhai City was so important. How could it have been destroyed so strangely?
At this moment, Gui Xing Fu said with a sad expression: “It is uncle who is at fault for letting you suffer so much hardship. When the rebels like Nuer Dan rebelled, I should have sent troops to help immediately. After Tianshui City fell, although I did not know if you would come, I should still have sent troops to receive you.”
Suo Lun was suddenly startled. The Gui Xing Fu in front of him seemed to be able to read minds, as if he completely knew what he was thinking.
Gui Xing Fu continued: “More than a month ago, His Majesty the King sent an envoy group to visit the East Li Kingdom. Because I once knew Prince Jiang Ye of the East Li Kingdom, His Majesty included me in the envoy group as well. So during this period, I have been visiting the East Li Kingdom and only returned home yesterday. Then, upon hearing the news that Tianshui City had fallen, I immediately gathered troops to go to Tianshui City to receive you. Unexpectedly, I received a report that you had already arrived outside Linhai City.”
At this point, Gui Xing Fu stopped, looked at Suo Lun with eyes full of sincere emotion and said: “It is uncle who is at fault for letting you suffer so much hardship. It is truly a blessing from heaven that you are safe and sound. Otherwise, how could I explain to my deceased elder brother.”
In just a few words, all of Gui Xing Fu’s moral flaws had been washed away cleanly.
Suo Lun suddenly felt some doubt in his heart. The emotions of this father-in-law in front of him were too sincere. It was really hard to tell whether they were genuine or fake.
However, distinguishing truth from falsehood was very simple. It depended on whether he was willing to marry Gui Qin Shao to Suo Lun.
Next, Gui Xing Fu held Suo Lun’s hand just like that and walked on foot towards the Linhai City Lord’s Mansion.
The main city of Linhai was not as large as the main city of Tianshui, but it was very prosperous. Shops lined the streets one after another, and the roads were bustling with people. Moreover, Gui Xing Fu’s prestige and support among the people here were extremely high. All the common people would cheer when they saw him, and they would bow or even kneel from the bottom of their hearts.
Gui Xing Fu would also very patiently wave to the common people and even chat with them. He was completely a model of loving the people like his own children.
After entering the City Lord’s Mansion, Suo Lun discovered that this mansion was not large. It was located in the bustling city area and very close to the common people. Moreover, the guards did not look particularly strict.
At the entrance of the City Lord’s Mansion, a graceful and beautiful woman was already waiting there with a group of people. This should be Gui Xing Fu’s wife, Madam Tu Ling Si.
Indeed, Tu Ling Si was exactly the younger sister of Tu Ling Tuo, his cousin.
Suo Lun noticed that Madam Tu Ling Si had some foreign blood. Although her hair was black, her eyes were emerald green.
Her skin was extremely snow white, and her figure was especially hot and alluring. Although she was older and slightly plump, whether it was the peaks on her chest or the round buttocks below her waist, their sizes were astonishing. She was completely a model of stunning breasts and angry buttocks.
She was extremely beautiful, wearing a purple-red long skirt that made her look very noble, dazzling, and enchantingly charming.
Upon seeing Suo Lun, she first frowned slightly, then forced a smile with some reluctance.
“Worthy nephew, this is your aunt, and also your future mother-in-law.” Gui Xing Fu said.
He seemed to say this casually, but it made Suo Ning Bing and the others behind Suo Lun overjoyed.
The current Suo Lun had lost his territory and was like a stray dog, and his reputation was also very bad. So everyone around him felt that even if this marriage engagement did not fall through, it would still require a lot of effort. They had not expected Gui Xing Fu to point it out directly.
However, when his wife Madam Tu Ling Si heard the words “mother-in-law”, her beautiful face twitched slightly, and the forced smile on her face could hardly hold. It was obvious that she did not like Suo Lun.
“Son-in-law pays respects to Mother-in-law.” Suo Lun seized the opportunity and stepped forward to pay his respects.
Madam Tu Ling Si’s gaze was cold. She nodded slightly and said: “From now on, treat this place as your home.”
When she said this, her tone was already very stiff.
“Where is Gui Qin Shao? Why has she not come to see her fiancé?” After looking around and not seeing his daughter, Gui Xing Fu said with some displeasure.
“People have already been sent to find her.” Madam Tu Ling Si said.
Upon hearing this, Suo Lun’s heart jumped slightly.
Next, Gui Xing Fu arranged everything for Suo Lun down to the smallest detail. He prepared the best clothes, the best residence, the best food, and the best maids and servants for him.
Moreover, he properly arranged every family warrior.
However, Madam Tu Ling Si’s attitude, which was still acceptable in front of outsiders, turned completely cold after entering the City Lord’s Mansion. She left with a completely expressionless face.
Immediately, Gui Xing Fu smiled apologetically at Suo Lun and said: “Sorry, your aunt is just that kind of person. Her temperament is very straightforward, and everything is written on her face. You may not know, but my reputation for fearing my wife has already spread throughout the entire circle of kingdom feudal lords.”
When he said this, he carried an air of ease and self-mockery, which easily made people feel close to him and trust him involuntarily.
Then Gui Xing Fu said: “Gui Qin Shao’s temperament follows her mother, so in the future you will need to yield to her more.”
Suo Lun smiled and said: “I will strive to carry forward the reputation of fearing my wife.”
“Hehe, as long as a man takes the initiative on the key battlefield, the rest can be muddled through.” Gui Xing Fu winked playfully.
Without doubt, the key battlefield he mentioned was in bed and such matters.
Such words were probably only spoken between a father-in-law and son-in-law who had the best relationship.
It had to be said that Gui Xing Fu was truly a very admirable elder. Perhaps anyone who met him for less than half an hour would develop a good impression of him. Back then, Suo Long had probably become close friends with Gui Xing Fu for this reason.
“Alright, worthy nephew, you have been travelling for many days and must be exhausted. Later I will have someone cook a bowl of ginseng porridge for you. After drinking it, take a bath, change clothes, and have a good sleep.” Gui Xing Fu said: “In the evening, I will hold a grand banquet in the City Lord’s Mansion to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey.”
“Thank you, Uncle.” Suo Lun said: “In the evening, will Gui Qin Shao come home?”
“Of course she will come back.” Gui Xing Fu said: “Her fiancé has come. If she dares not to come home, she will not need to come back in the future. Rest assured, I have no way with your aunt, but I am still very strict with my daughter. Then, worthy nephew, rest well. See you in the evening.”
Then, Gui Xing Fu left.
…
Soon, the maids brought steaming ginseng porridge. Suo Lun drank several bowls in a row.
After eating his fill, the maids had already prepared the bath water.
Suo Lun had not had a proper bath for several days and nights. He soaked comfortably in the bath water.
A moment later, a pair of small hands began to massage his scalp, sometimes light and sometimes heavy. It was very comfortable.
Of course, this was his elder sister Suo Ning Bing.
“The situation is better than imagined, right?” Suo Ning Bing asked.
Suo Lun said: “I do not know, but the banquet tonight will reveal the answer.”
Suo Ning Bing said: “What do you plan to do at the evening banquet? Directly ask to borrow money, troops, and territory?”
Suo Lun shook his head and said: “Of course not. These matters cannot be mentioned.”
Suo Ning Bing asked: “Then what should be mentioned? There will be many guests tonight, and Gui Xing Fu has always cherished his reputation very much. Our Suo clan has great kindness towards him. If we openly borrow territory or money from him in public, he definitely cannot refuse easily.”
Suo Lun said: “No. Tonight I will only do one thing. That is to propose marriage to Gui Qin Shao and request that the wedding be held soon.”
Suo Ning Bing was stunned. Previously, every time she mentioned the engagement with Gui Qin Shao, Suo Lun had not been very happy. He would either remain silent or talk about other things. She had not expected that today he would say he wanted to propose directly.
“Yes, you decide. Elder sister’s mind is not as quick as yours.” Suo Ning Bing said.
After bathing, he changed into comfortable sleepwear and then lay down on the soft, fragrant bed.
Suo Lun had always had poor sleep because his mind was too deep. People like this often could not fall asleep.
Suo Ning Bing sat on the edge of the bed, gently humming a little tune and softly rubbing Suo Lun’s temples.
In this way, Suo Lun finally fell into a deep sleep.
…
At nightfall, without waiting for anyone to call him, Suo Lun directly opened his eyes and woke up.
He found that Suo Ning Bing was still in the room, using a hot iron to press Suo Lun’s brocade robe.
This garment was the Tianshui Earl’s robe bestowed by the king, along with the golden crown. They were now neatly placed on the table.
Tonight, Suo Lun would wear this outfit to attend the evening banquet.
“Sister, have you not slept at all?” Suo Lun asked with heartache.
“I slept for a while.” Suo Ning Bing said: “Come, put on the new clothes.”
Then, Suo Ning Bing personally helped him put on the earl’s robe and placed the golden jade crown on his head.
“Little Lun, you look too handsome. It makes people’s eyes unable to open.” Suo Ning Bing clapped her hands and said.
These words made Suo Lun feel embarrassed.
At this moment, Gui Xing Fu’s voice sounded from outside: “Worthy nephew, come with me now. All the guests have already arrived and are just waiting for you, our honoured guest.”
After Gui Xing Fu came in and saw the refreshed Suo Lun, his eyes lit up immediately. He clapped and praised: “Worthy nephew is truly dazzling. Tonight I am afraid you will overshadow everyone else’s splendour.”
Then he said to Suo Ning Bing: “Little Bing, let us go now.”
“As Uncle says.” Suo Ning Bing said softly.
Immediately, Gui Xing Fu held Suo Lun’s hand and walked towards the banquet hall.
After passing through two courtyards, a corridor, and a garden, the banquet hall that could hold nearly ten thousand people was ahead.
At this time, it was already brightly lit with lamps and bustling with noise.
Before Gui Xing Fu even arrived, he said cheerfully: “Everyone, the protagonist of tonight has arrived. Come and see. Is my elder brother’s son not frighteningly handsome?”
As soon as these words were spoken, all the guests present stopped talking, and all eyes turned uniformly towards Suo Lun beside Gui Xing Fu.
Then, Gui Xing Fu said again: “Gui Qin Shao, why have you not come to welcome your younger brother Suo Lun?”
As soon as these words were spoken, Suo Lun immediately looked towards the crowd.
At first glance he spotted Gui Qin Shao, because she was the most beautiful girl in the crowd, simply peerlessly gorgeous and dazzling beyond measure.