The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 257
Translated by Pure
Chapter 257 The Emperor's Bestowed Reward
Chi Jingxi glanced at the people lining the road in Yibei, then turned his gaze upwards to the warm sun high in the sky. With a decisive gesture, he gave the order, "Let's set off!"
Just as Mu Yang concealed the last packet of snacks, he mounted his horse and let out a loud whistle. With that signal, the group began to move, proceeding along the street in a grand procession.
Behind them, the residents of Yibei City followed, singing songs in a dialect unfamiliar to Wen Yantong. The melodies were beautiful and spread a tune of longing, evoking tears from many.
Every household in Yibei wanted to offer them something, but Chi Jingxi had instructed them to accept only symbolic gifts, not too much.
In such moments, when the realization dawns that this might be their final encounter, farewells carry a weighty significance.
Though Wen Yantong didn't have deep connections with the people of Yibei, the grand farewell scene couldn't help but stir her emotions. From atop her horse, she extended her hand in a wave and silently mouthed her goodbyes.
When they arrived in Yibei, it was still early summer, and now as they departed, winter had just arrived. Yet, the constant remained: the radiant sun in the sky and the ceaseless wind.
Chi Jingxi emphasized the need to hasten their return to Chaoge before the roads became impassable due to heavy snowfall, urging them to minimize their time spent traveling. While they no longer camped under the open sky as they had on their journey to Yibei, their days on the road were still filled with urgency.
Mu Yang, known for his playful nature, often sought amusement along the journey. In the past, Wen Yantong would take on the role of the martinet, scolding Mu Yang for his lack of self-discipline.
Once, while passing by a river, Mu Yang insisted on taking out his wooden boat and going for a ride.
However, the boat had never been tested on water, and its seaworthiness was uncertain. Concerned for his safety, Wen Yantong advised Mu Yang to wait until they returned to Chaoge before attempting such a risky venture.
Mu Yang was naturally unwilling to wait and threw a fit. After some negotiation, with the assistance of Fu Zixian, they reached a compromise: Mu Yang could try riding his boat, but only once.
So, the group paused their journey and watched as Mu Yang prepared to take the boat out onto the river. However, as Mu Yang began to set the boat afloat, he realized that he had forgotten the oars. Turning back, he shouted, "Quickly, bring me my oars!"
Wen Yantong endured it for a while before restraining herself from physically dunking his head. Standing on the sidelines, she gave him a cold glare and remarked, "I don't think it's necessary anymore."
Mu Yang protested, "But how can I row a boat without a paddle?"
Wen Yantong gestured with her chin, directing his attention to the scene unfolding in the river. As Mu Yang turned to look, he saw the wooden boat he had just launched beginning to sink, its body listing to one side as it drifted downstream.
Mu Yang cried out, "My baby!"
Wen Yantong sighed, "I knew this wooden boat would sink in the river."
Mu Yang wanted to dive into the river to retrieve the wooden boat, but luckily Fu Zixian, who was nearby, swiftly caught him. He comforted him in a low voice, "Mu Yang, crafting a boat requires skill. Just because it looks like a boat doesn't mean it's seaworthy. Fortunately, you didn't get on board, or you might have sunk with it."
Mu Yang lamented, "I made this with my own hands..."
Chi Jingxi watched as the wooden boat disappeared beneath the river's surface, then gestured for everyone to continue on their way.
"But..." Mu Yang attempted to protest.
Chi Jingxi turned his gaze towards him. "If you utter another unnecessary word, I'll give you a proper thrashing."
Mu Yang pursed his lips, realizing that arguing further would only lead to trouble. Resigned to the loss of his boat, he chose to remain silent.
Ultimately, the wooden boat that he adamantly insisted on bringing back could only be abandoned, sinking into an unnamed brook along their journey.
As they continued onward, making stops along the road, the weather grew colder and colder.
Wen Yantong soon bundled up in a thick coat and a fox fur cloak.
Amidst the chilling temperatures, several individuals fell ill. Concerned for Wen Yantong's well-being, Chi Jingxi insisted she ride in the horse-drawn carriage, taking over her horse himself to ensure her warmth and comfort.
When they arrived back in Chaoge, they coincided with the first snowfall of the season, a celebrated event in the city.
Every household adorned their homes with red lanterns, while the streets sparkled with colorful lights and decorations. It was a sight to behold, and Wen Yantong couldn't help but take it all in, savoring the lively atmosphere of Chaoge City once again.
They had finally returned home.
As the twelfth lunar month approached, with the New Year on the horizon, the people of Chaoge City were bustling with preparations. The air was filled with the occasional pop of firecrackers, and every household was busy planning their New Year celebrations.
Wen Yantong bid farewell to Chi Jingxi and the others, returning to her residence. The servants had been forewarned and had meticulously organized the household. Yet, devoid of habitation for over five months, the residence exuded a sense of cold emptiness.
Mo Li saw Wen Yantong and noticed that she had become darker and thinner, prompting tears to well up in her eyes. Despite this, Wen Yantong smiled and presented her with the gift she had brought back from Yibei. She then instructed the servants to hang red lanterns under the eaves and procure various New Year decorations for the house.
Last year, Wen Yantong welcomed the New Year in Chaoge, and this year was no different. However, she chose to stay home instead of venturing elsewhere for the celebrations.
Meanwhile, Chi Jingxi remained preoccupied with the aftermath of the Yibei war, dedicating long hours to palace affairs, leaving little opportunity to seek out Wen Yantong.
Rumors circulated about Mu Yang's return and the subsequent altercation with Mu Yuan, resulting in tears shed by both father and son as they embraced each other.
Wen Yantong could envision the scene vividly; after all, neither father nor son possessed particularly sharp wits.
Fu Zixian's significant contributions led to direct recognition from the Emperor, resulting in his appointment as the Deputy Minister of War. Prior to this, Fu Zixian was relatively unknown in Chaoge City compared to Fu Sheng's eldest son, Fu Mingyi. Many believed Fu Zixian to be an illegitimate child who lacked favor. However, Fu Sheng's unexpected support for Fu Zixian changed perceptions.
Fu Mingyi's discontent with the situation led to significant turmoil at home. Eventually, it was rumored that Fu Sheng sent him to their former residence in another city as a form of punishment. However, Wen Yantong refrained from inquiring further into the details.
This turn of events diverged from what she had read in the book. In the book, Fu Zixian was indeed overlooked and only came to prominence after aligning himself with Chi Jingxi during his rise to power.
However, it was surprising to learn that Fu Sheng held a secret favoritism toward Fu Zixian among his offspring.
The development of Fu Zixian's martial prowess suggested that he had likely received training from a young age, indicating a long-standing favoritism from Fu Sheng.
Despite the intrigue surrounding others' secrets, Wen Yantong found herself lacking the time or energy to delve into them.
Returning from Yibei left Wen Yantong utterly drained. For several days, she remained confined to her bed, only rousing herself to eat and sleep. And it was during this time of rest, she managed to regain all the weight she had lost previously.
However, extended periods of lying down had left many parts of her body sore, and it took several days for the discomfort to gradually subside.
As the year drew to a close, Wen Yantong found herself occupied with preparations for the New Year every day. Without much help from her servants, Wen Yantong personally marinated some meat and dried it in the sun. She intended to cook a special meal for herself on New Year's Day, treating herself to something delicious.
Just as Wen Yantong was idle at home, an imperial edict unexpectedly arrived, knocking on the door of the Wen Residence.
Wen Yantong, who had been sleeping, was jolted awake by Mo Li's report. She quickly sprang out of bed, hastily dressed herself, and rushed out to greet the visitors.
The bearer of the decree this time was a young imperial bodyguard, accompanied by a line of attendants carrying rewards. Upon spotting Wen Yantong, he greeted her with a wide smile and inquired, "Are you Wen Tongtong?"
Wen Yantong was slightly perplexed by the name but affirmed, "Yes, that is indeed this commoner."
The guard proceeded to unfurl the imperial decree, saying, "Commoner Wen Tongtong, heed this imperial decree—"
Wen Yantong knelt down, joined by the servants behind her.
"Commoner Wen Tongtong, through her exemplary courage, resourcefulness, talents, and virtues, has made remarkable contributions to restoring peace in Yibei, repelling enemy forces, and combating the epidemic. In acknowledgment of her outstanding service, she is hereby granted the esteemed title of Commandery Princess of Ningguang. Additionally, she shall receive the Commandery Princess Mansion, along with a thousand bolts of brocade, a hundred cases of precious stones, and numerous loads of rare treasures. End of decree—"
As soon as the imperial edict was read, all the guards knelt down to salute and said in unison, "This subject pays respects to Commandery Princess of Ningguang."
Wen Yantong was left utterly dumbfounded.
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The author has something to say:
[After Mu Yang returned home]
Mu Yang (sobbing): Dad, I wanted to bring my child back to show you, but he perished in the waters midway through our journey home…
Mu Yuan (visibly shaken, his complexion draining of color, his insides twisting with anguish, filled with dread): What?!
