The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 256
Translated by Pure
Chapter 256 Returning in Triumph (2)
Wen Yantong approached Chi Jingxi with curiosity, examining him closely. "Is the Little Marquis injured?" she inquired.
Chi Jingxi shook his head slightly, beckoning her closer. "Come here," he said.
Wen Yantong took a few steps forward, and to her surprise, Chi Jingxi pulled out a hairpin seemingly out of thin air. It was crafted from mahogany, adorned with delicate glazed jewels on each end, and embellished with tinkling tassels that chimed softly with each movement.
Chi Jingxi carefully inserted the hairpin into Wen Yantong's hair, observing the effect with a satisfied expression. "It suits you perfectly," he remarked.
The surrounding crowd erupted into louder chatter, causing Wen Yantong's cheeks to flush with embarrassment. She spoke shyly, "Why are you giving me this now?"
Chi Jingxi explained, "I've wanted to give you this hairpin for a while, but with the ongoing war in Yibei, I've been preoccupied with military affairs and haven't had the opportunity until now."
Wen Yantong raised her head, causing the beads on the hairpin to collide with a crisp sound. Chi Jingxi couldn't help but extend his hand to fiddle with it, smiling as he looked at her.
Wen Yantong inquired, "Have the enemy troops been dealt with?"
"After they escaped from the city, they fled to the southern mountain ridge. At a fork in the road, they abandoned everything, sending the horses laden with supplies down one path while they took another route toward the great canyon," Chi Jingxi explained. "Following your earlier suggestion, we dug into the depression on the mountaintop and released the accumulated water, flooding the entire canyon. Everyone perished in the deluge, and there were no survivors."
"Then the spies in the army..."
"Over seventy officers and soldiers who colluded with the enemy have been executed. The two remaining high-ranking military officers I've spared will be sent back to the capital for judgment by the Emperor," Chi Jingxi replied. Pausing for a moment, he spoke in a solemn tone, "It's all over now."
Wen Yantong felt a stinging in her eyes and found herself at a loss for words. Eventually, she simply nodded in acknowledgment while holding back her tears.
That night, the lights of Yibei City shone brightly, and the sounds of jubilant celebration echoed through the streets as people sang, danced, and held hands to the rhythm of drums, commemorating their hard-won victory.
Years later, Wen Yantong still vividly recalled the starry sky, the gentle breeze caressing her face, and the joyful laughter that filled her ears on that memorable night. It became a cherished memory etched in her heart.
Mu Yang, despite contributing the least, seemed to revel in the celebration more than anyone else. He joyously pulled Fu Zixian into a lively dance around the bonfire, brandishing a roasted chicken drumstick in one hand, and enthusiastically beckoning Wen Yantong to join them.
Wen Yantong, not one for dancing, opted to observe from the sidelines.
Chi Jingxi, not typically one to indulge, actually opened a flask of wine and settled by the campfire, the flickering flames casting a mesmerizing glow in his eyes as he watched Wen Yantong sitting nearby.
Despite the wind tousling his hair, his handsome smile remained undiminished. "Why aren't you joining him?" he asked.
Wen Yantong held onto the ends of his hair, expressing, "Lately, we've been apart more than we've been together. I just want to spend some time with you."
Chi Jingxi, accustomed to Wen Yantong's directness in expressing her emotions, said nothing, simply reaching out to hold her hand and envelop it in his palm.
The festivities continued with joyful singing, but the returning soldiers were weary, prompting Chi Jingxi to depart from the celebration early.
Fu Zixian made every effort to engage with Mu Yang, yet he eventually succumbed to exhaustion, his head finding a resting place on Mu Yang's shoulder as he drifted off to sleep.
It was a stark reminder that despite the victory in battle, maintaining peace and order was a challenging task. Chi Jingxi and Fu Zixian, both young leaders, bore the weight of this responsibility heavily. Thus, on this night of jubilation throughout Yibei City, Chi Jingxi, Fu Zixian, and their comrades found solace in a deep and undisturbed sleep.
Word of the victory swiftly reached Chaoge, eliciting joy from the Emperor who promptly commanded for everyone’s return to the capital.
The preparations for their journey back to Chaoge proceeded smoothly.
Chi Jingxi remained in a deep slumber for an extended period. Wen Yantong, concerned for his well-being, summoned a doctor to tend to his wounds, ensuring they were cleaned and properly dressed. Throughout this process, Chi Jingxi stirred only briefly, opening his eyes once to glimpse Wen Yantong by his bedside before succumbing once more to sleep.
With Chi Jingxi's wounds tended to, Wen Yantong maintained a vigilant watch at his side, patiently awaiting his awakening.
As the city buzzed with celebration following the victory, many began to prepare for their departure. Soldiers, eager for respite and revelry, sought to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the city's festivities.
Once Chi Jingxi had sufficiently recovered, his first act upon waking was to lead the soldiers out of the city. Together, they journeyed to the cemetery nestled behind the mountains, where they paid solemn tribute to the heroic soldiers who had fallen in battle.
The journey back to Chaoge was too lengthy, leaving these foreign-born officers and soldiers interred in the soil of Yibei, where they would remain for eternity.
Nevertheless, Chi Jingxi offered comforting words to all, stating, "The winds of Yibei are strong and far-reaching, carrying their spirits to every corner. They shall ride upon these winds back to their homeland."
Despite the trials endured, the peace of Yibei had been secured, fulfilling Chi Jingxi's mission and granting Wen Yantong's heartfelt wish.
Under the radiant sun and amidst the heartfelt farewells of the city's residents, they departed from Yibei City, carrying their belongings, and commenced their journey back to Chaoge.
…
Mu Yang had actually caused a significant delay on the day of departure.
The reason for the delay was Mu Yang's firm insistence on bringing his small wooden boat, painstakingly crafted by his own hands. Yet, with the limited space available for luggage on the journey back to Chaoge, there was simply no room to accommodate Mu Yang's cherished creation.
Mu Yang's frustration was evident as he clutched the wooden boat tightly, exclaiming, "This is something I poured my heart into making. It's like my own child. Are you expecting me to abandon my child here?"
Wen Yantong was left speechless. "You're calling this rough, bumpy thing your child?"
Mu Yang retorted angrily, "Don't insult my child like that!"
Letting out a long sigh, Wen Yantong turned to Chi Jingxi and said, "Please handle this, my head is starting to hurt."
Chi Jingxi approached, examined Mu Yang's wooden boat, and suggested, "Take it with you; secure it on top of the carriage."
Wen Yantong was surprised by Chi Jingxi's agreement, not expecting him to concede.
Mu Yang handed the wooden boat to the servants with a sense of relief and happiness, ensuring it was securely tied to the carriage before finally departing.
Wen Yantong was perplexed by Chi Jingxi's decision. Logically, he shouldn't have indulged Mu Yang like this.
"Why did you agree to take Mu Yang's wooden boat back to Chaoge?" she asked.
Chi Jingxi examined the boat and replied, "Mu Yang has spent six months here, and this boat is the only thing he's taking back. We can't let his time here be in vain."
After hearing Chi Jingxi's explanation, understanding dawned on Wen Yantong. As they prepared to depart, everyone carried with them a keepsake from their time in Yibei. Mu Yang's sole possession for the journey was his handcrafted wooden boat. Despite it being his creation, he considered it a symbol of Yibei, crafted from its indigenous wood, thus embodying the essence of the region.
No matter what, it was unlikely they would have the opportunity to set foot on this land again in the future.
As everything was nearly packed, Wen Yantong changed into men's clothing before departure. Stepping outside, she found everyone already assembled.
A’Guan stood by her horse, a gift from Cheng Xin, waiting patiently.
Chi Jingxi had shed his armor for a dark black robe embroidered with silver. His long hair tied up, neatly fashioned with a redwood hairpin. When his eyes met Wen Yantong's, a smile slowly spread across his face, and he waved to her.
Wen Yantong approached with a smile. "Little Marquis, are we departing?"
Chi Jingxi nodded. "Are you comfortable riding? Or would you prefer sitting in a carriage?"
"I'm accustomed to riding. I arrived in Yibei on horseback," Wen Yantong replied confidently.
As if to demonstrate, she grabbed the saddle and began to mount. Chi Jingxi watched for a moment before reaching out to steady her by the waist. With a gentle push, he effortlessly lifted her onto the horse's back.
Wen Yantong glanced down at Chi Jingxi and urged, "Little Marquis, please mount your horse quickly."
Chi Jingxi nodded, his gaze softening. "If you feel tired, don't hesitate to let me know. A carriage has been prepared for you."
"Got it," Wen Yantong replied.
After assisting Wen Yantong onto her horse, Chi Jingxi swiftly mounted his own steed. With a graceful motion, he turned the horse around to survey their surroundings.
The people behind him were already prepared, their eyes fixed on Chi Jingxi, awaiting his command.
Meanwhile, Mu Yang was busily stuffing food into Fu Zixian's horse's backpack. Puzzled, Fu Zixian inquired, "Didn't we bring enough food?"
Mu Yang muttered in response, "This is my secret stash. Don't let Wen Yantong find out, or she'll snatch them from me!"
Curious, Fu Zixian asked, "Then why are you putting it with me?"
Mu Yang patted him on the shoulder and said confidently, "Wen Yantong will never suspect you."
Meanwhile, observing the scene, Wen Yantong remained silent. Can't you hide these things when I'm not around?
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The author has something to say:
The serious plotline has now come to an end; what remains are merely mundane daily occurrences. I’ll be wrapping this story up very soon~