The carriage traveled steadily along the official road, and Li Hanyu marveled at how well-prepared the carriage was, quickly discovering the mahjong set in the cabinet.
Having not played mahjong for a long time, Li Hanyu was immediately thrilled, especially since there were exactly four people in the carriage.
What more needed to be said?
The group chatted while playing mahjong, with tea and snacks prepared by Lu Zheng, feeling no fatigue from traveling at all.
As for Old Huang, who was driving the carriage? He maintained a spirited state!
My master is an Abnormal Person!
He can deal with the Yizhou Anomaly Suppression Bureau!
Hmm... he only knows this much, but that's already enough; knowing more might give him a heart attack.
"Brother Lu, we accepted benefits from that ghost; isn't that bad..."
"Nothing bad about it, the truth is evident. Human hearts can be scarier than ghosts; the Anomaly Suppression Bureau usually won't deal with harmless ghosts. We're just going along with the flow."
Lu Zheng played a Five Bamboo and then smiled, saying, "As for that 'Spirit Nourishing Technique,' I'll copy it down when I return and send it to you."
Zhu Yushan was about to refuse when he felt a kick from his wife on his leg, decisively nodding, "Okay!"
Soon, the carriage reached the Lushui Ferry, coincidentally the same ferry where Lu Zheng spent the night and witnessed Zhu Yushan and Li Hanyu's wedding last time. Read full story at NoveIꜰire.net
"Little Sister Qingyan hasn't visited the mansion yet; it's already late today. Let's stay at the mansion for the night and continue our journey tomorrow," Li Hanyu suggested.
Liu Qingyan looked at Lu Zheng, who then glanced at Li Hanyu, "We won't be imposing, will we?"
"My father and Magistrate Luo mentioned you several times. They'd be more than happy if you visit, and my mother would be delighted as well with Little Sister Qingyan's presence."
"Alright, we'll take you up on your offer then."
Lu Zheng nodded and opened the window in front of the carriage to speak to Old Huang, "Turn to the riverbank and drive into the river."
"What?" Old Huang turned his head in confusion.
"Drive into the river." Lu Zheng repeated.
"But... okay!" Old Huang initially wondered if Lu Zheng misspoke, but quickly remembered his master's abilities, and since no one else in the carriage objected...
What was there to say? Just do it!
The carriage veered off the main road, heading toward the riverside and coming to the riverbank.
At the ferry, many onlookers saw this scene and exclaimed in surprise as the river in front of the carriage parted, revealing the riverbed. The carriage proceeded without touching a drop of water, reaching the river bottom.
The riverbed was a bit bumpy. Li Hanyu used a Seal Technique, applying a Wave Calming Technique to support the carriage wheels with a shallow stream of water.
On the carriage, Old Huang was utterly bewildered, only able to follow the route Lu Zheng pointed out.
The carriage raced forward, and soon, from amidst the closed river waters, came a somewhat hoarse voice, "The Patrol Envoy of the Lu River God's Mansion is here! Stop and report your name!"
Old Huang was befuddled and swallowed hard, then heard Madam Zhu's voice from the carriage, "It's me."
"Miss!" the voice immediately responded, "Miss and Sir are back! Greetings, Miss! Greetings, Sir!"
"Hello, Inspector Huang," Zhu Yushan greeted from within the carriage.
"Hello, Inspector Huang," Lu Zheng also greeted.
"Ah, so it's Young Master Lu!" the voice chuckled, "Greetings, Young Master Lu, I'll report back right away!"
With those words, there was a sound of water in front, like a large fish darting away.
Soon after, the water receded, revealing an imposing Water Mansion before the carriage.
With red tiles and white walls, the mansion had layered buildings, and anti-water pearls hung beneath the eaves, clearing the water for meters around.
Upon approaching, the ground turned into a bluestone pavement, and Li Hanyu dismissed the Wave Calming Technique, bringing the carriage smoothly to the mansion's entrance.
The mansion's side gate opened, and Magistrate Luo Wensheng awaited at the door.
"Young Master Lu!" Luo Wensheng greeted with a bow and a smile.
"Magistrate Luo!" Lu Zheng alighted, assisting Liu Qingyan out of the carriage, greeting Luo and introducing, "This is my fiancée, Liu Qingyan."
"Greetings, Miss Liu!"
"Greetings, Magistrate Luo," Liu Qingyan gracefully curtsied.
Led by Li Hanyu, Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan first met the Lu River God and Lady River God, then were shown to the welcoming banquet prepared by Luo Wensheng.
During the dinner, all the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves greatly.
Originally, Lu Zheng planned to stay only one night, but Lady River God took a liking to Liu Qingyan, and invited her to stay longer, even suggesting Lu Zheng handle his affairs first and leave Liu Qingyan to stay for a few more days.
You could refuse the River God, but you must give face to Lady River God, not to mention it was for Liu Qingyan's sake.
So, Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan stayed at the River God's Mansion for three days. Aside from crossing to modern times from time to time to send messages, they explored the scenic spots around the Lu River, with Lady River God accompanying them.
After three days, Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan took their leave and, by carriage from the river bottom, reached the opposite shore of the Lu River.
Saved a ferry fee, how wonderful.
"Why does Lady River God like you so much?"
"Hee hee!" Liu Qingyan giggled, seeing Lu Zheng puzzled expression, she explained, "Because Madam Li is also a renowned healer."
Lu Zheng suddenly understood.
"Calling her Aunt already?"
Liu Qingyan stuck her tongue out, "Madam Li insisted I call her that."
"Hee hee, Madam Li mentioned she'd visit Renxin Hall to offer consultations when she's free."
"Li Hanyu plays mahjong at Peach Blossom Plain, Lady River God offers consultations at Renxin Hall," Lu Zheng couldn't help but pout, "Amazing! Truly amazing!"
Liu Qingyan blinked, looking at Lu Zheng, unsure what he meant.
Lu Zheng sighed, "Each of you has claimed a lady; what about me?"
The sudden jest made Liu Qingyan burst into laughter, collapsing onto Lu Zheng.
"Teach me that 'Spirit Nourishing Technique' tonight when we go back?"
Before sunset, the carriage returned to Tonglin County; they directly went home, planning for Lu Zheng to have dinner at the Liu Family that night.
However, just as 5:00 p.m. began, before Lu Zheng could leave, Hu Zhou arrived at the house.
After teaching Hu Zhou the 'Tiger Roar Saber,' Lu Zheng rarely summoned him back home for guidance.
Typically, any questions were resolved with a few pointers when meeting at Renxin Hall, quickly solving any issues.
Moreover, Hu Zhou's Martial Dao talent was high, making it difficult for him to encounter any unsolvable issues later.
Seeing Hu Zhou's anxious and unsettled expression, with a hint of unease, Lu Zheng grew serious, "What's the matter?"
"Master! I seem to have encountered a problem while practicing the saber!" Hu Zhou exclaimed anxiously, "I suddenly have a fierce and violent Qi in my body, which isn't Blood Qi. Every time I use the saber, it activates on its own, doubling the power, yet it leaves me with a surge of violent thoughts."
"What?" Lu Zheng grew alarmed, thinking Hu Zhou might indeed have a problem.
Since he reinforced the 'Tiger Roar Saber' with the Light of Fortune and hadn't faced such issues, it suggested the technique had no flaws.
In that case, the issue must be with Hu Zhou.
Thus, Lu Zheng turned back inside, quickly bringing out a saber, tossing it to Hu Zhou, "Here, perform a move, let me see."