130 Farewell (2/2)

”Sir Zhong.”

Duyi Zhong looked at the youth before him, his expression complicated as if he were studying her.

As if not noticing his gaze, Rin said softly. ”It would seem we've caused trouble to you and your men.”

He sighed and shook his head. ”Not all. After all, we're still in an alliance, are we not?”

Rin nodded, peacefully looking at the Tuhan soldiers in front. The two stood in silence, both bearing different expressions. The calm elder for the first time displayed a tense and disgruntled appearance.

Duyi Zhong looked at Rin, deeply concerned. ”You…Must you go with them?”

Rin never retracted her gaze and continued to look out at the snow-covered field with Tuhan soldiers.

Quietly, she nodded her head and said resolutely, sounding very sure of herself. ”Yes.”

Duyi Zhong was a little surprised when he heard Rin's answer and his brows immediately furrowed. He had thought she would at least consider or appear hesitant. But she hadn't batted an eyelid and seemed perfectly set on her decision.

”Duyi Zhong.”

Duyi Zhong had opened his mouth to say something, but a deep voice suddenly sounded nearby, causing Duyi Zhong to shift his head to see An Sun approaching them. An Sun strode toward the two and stopped until he stood before Duyi Zhong.

”Once this situation with my father is resolved, I'll send someone to inform you. I hope to continue our partnership, Governor Duyi.”

Duyi Zhong's eyes widened in great surprise, and he stared at until he finally reacted and smiled stiffly. ”Yes, of course, I understand. I hope you all travel safely.”

An Sun hummed but did not say anything more as he turned to look at Rin. ”Let's go, Bai Lan.”

Rin nodded. Glancing at Duyi Zhong one final time, she bows her head. ”It was a pleasure to work alongside you, Governor Duyi.”

Saying her piece, Rin turned to follow An Sun. Watching the youth leave, the smile on Duyi Zhong's face faded and his eyes narrowed. Shuffling through his robes, he takes out a small letter with a set of gentle strokes written on the top.

The day Rin visited to inform him of their leave, she had said:

”I know Sir Zhong has told my grandfather of my location and I can understand your reasons. Regrettably, it seems I won't be able to say goodbye to him in person.”

Reaching inside her robes, she takes out a white, folded letter and hands it to Duyi Zhong.

”When he arrives, could you please give this to him?”

”Bai Rin…”

She pushes the letter closer into his hands and reveals a strained smile. ”Please.”

Duyi Zhong looked at the letter, then the girl across from him. Although they had not known each another for long, he felt quite close to Rin - as if she too were his granddaughter. Wrapping his wrinkled hand over her soft one, he grips it tightly and offers a soothing crinkled smile.

”Of course.”

Rin smiles back, her eyes arching up. ”Thank you…”

Standing at the top of the Jilin walls, he looks down to see the Tuhan soldiers departing. A young youth sat atop a horse beside An Sun's and beamed at the young man. At some point, the youth's emerald eyes glanced up and met with his. Bobbing their head in acknowledgment, they turn away.

Duyi Zhong watched until no more, could their figures be seen in the vast white field. He stood in inner turmoil, his heart filled with pity and reluctance.

Pity for the girl who set herself to strive on the path of virtue. Reluctance to stop her from following this path.

He knew when one intended to weaken, they must first strengthen. When one intends to rest, you must first flourish.

This he knew. He knew this was only the beginning to her path.

”Farewell, Bai Rin.”