70 Room For Improvemen (2/2)
”Any other civilians out, inform them to head back into the city. We're shutting the gates, make sure not a citizen is outside the walls.” Rin gazed ahead at a few civilians helping the soldiers dispose of the deceased bodies in front of the walls. ”We'll perform a proper burial for the deceased later.”
”Yes, sir.” The soldier cupped his hands.
Nodding her head once again, Rin turns her body around to head back toward the city gates. Light coughs escaping her rosy lips.
As she walked, her mind began recalling the countless dead bodies in the snow. So many of those corpses were their own men. Some belonging to the Tuhan's.
However, when in comparison to the soldiers lost, their side had twice as much.
Due to the snow, they were given an advantage when the Tuhan's arrived since it'd slow them down.
Earlier, Governor Tao sent word to the Eastern Empire's capital for more reinforcements, including to the Bai army.
Rin could only hope the battle in the capital would finish soon, and their reinforcements would arrive. And for her grandfather and Uncle Guo to make it out safely.
Entering the city, Rin's steps halt upon recognizing a familiar figure among the civilians. In her hands was a set of large furred blankets.
The woman's long flowing black hair was elegantly tied in a styled bun - a simplistic jade hairpin placed in her hair. Wrapped around her tall, slender body was a light purple cloak.
Suddenly noticing the approaching figures, the governor's wife shifts her brown eyes in their direction.
”Captain Bai.” The woman's soft voice greeted them.
”Madam Tao, you shouldn't be here. It's cold and dirty, who knows if you'll catch a cold. Allow us to return to the estate.” Rin lightly lowered her head.
Staring at the boy with soft eyes, the woman smiles serenely, a slight shake in her head.
”I'm all right, thank you. Supporting the civilians is all I can do in this situation.”
Despite her age being near thirty, the governor's wife was both sophisticated and youthful looking. Her silk lengthy lashes and carefully powered face, all glowing softly in the white scenery.
”I thank you for accompanying my daughter often, she mentions you quite often.” Madam Tao gently giggles.
With a faint smile, Rin nods her head. ”No need to thank me, I enjoy hanging out with young Miss Lixue. She's great company to have during such times.”
Smiling lightly, the governor's wife smoothly lowers her long lashes.
”Captain Bai, I understand the pressure that weighs on your shoulders during this time, however, be sure to keep in mind to properly take care of yourself.” Madam Tao reminded kindly.
Rin couldn't help but be stunned by the woman's gentle words. Her brows somewhat furrowed.
”You should see a doctor once in a while. I've noticed you've been coughing lately, not to mention your complexion is paler than usual.”
”I thank Madam Tao for your concern and kindness. However, such things will be put on hold until...”
”Captain Bai!”
All turned toward the frantic sound of a soldier's voice. Rin quickly turns her gaze in the soldier's direction with narrowed eyes.
”The scout sent to the Eastern Empire's capital has returned! Governor Tao is requesting for you!”
Rin's expression becomes alert at the soldier's report.
”Understood. Have someone prepare me a horse immediately!” Rin said sternly while quickly walking away - however, not forgetting to turn to look at the governor's wife. ”Madam, I apologize, I need to return. Please go back to the estate safely.”
With those parting words, Rin quickly mounts the horse given to her by a soldier and withdraws to the provincial office.
Observing the boy leaving on the horse, the governor's wife watches with a concerned expression.
A man with long hair and a ruffled beard who previously was within the house of a civilian appears behind her. His strange appearance was frail and slightly ragged, one a beggar would look. Dressed in white robes, his long shoulder-length hair tied in a ponytail.
Already perceiving the man's presence, the governor's wife slightly shifts her gaze toward him.
”Do you know what's taking place?” Madam Tao looked at the man with furrowed brows.
”I do not, madam.”
Hearing his response, Madam Tao's brows deepened, her dark glossy eyes turning in the direction Rin departed in.
”In that case, do check on the situation. Make sure everything's all right my husband and Captain Bai.”
”Yes, madam.”
Afterward, the ragged man parts ways with the governor's wife and begins walking in the direction of the provincial office.