Travel through the heavens

Chapter 295 The Evil Demon Strikes

As dusk settled, the lights inside the general's mansion began to twinkle.

Inside the main hall, Fang Muye and Gu Yueqing sat facing each other, quietly having dinner.

The dishes were not luxurious, but they were quite exquisite, consisting of two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and a bowl of fresh soup, all of which were local flavors of Anping Prefecture.

The two ate in silence, the only sound being the soft clinking of their bowls and chopsticks. The atmosphere was strangely tranquil, devoid of the romance of newlyweds, yet also free of the estrangement of strangers.

Gu Yueqing had changed out of her red battle robe from the daytime and into a moon-white casual outfit. Her long hair was not tied up, but simply held back with a jade hairpin. She looked less sharp on the battlefield and more elegant and graceful. However, her posture while eating still had the characteristics of a soldier. Her back was straight and her movements were neat and elegant.

Fang Muye remained as gentle and refined as ever, his demeanor composed. Occasionally, he would glance at Gu Yueqing across from him, his gaze calm and profound.

After the meal, the maid cleared away the leftovers and served tea.

Gu Yueqing picked up the teacup, her fingertips gently stroking the warm porcelain wall, her gaze fixed on the rising steam, seemingly lost in thought.

The hall fell silent for a moment, with only the faint chirping of insects coming from outside the window.

Fang Muye also picked up his teacup, took a sip, and did not make a sound to disturb him.

He knew perfectly well that for this female general who had already been married last night and was only now truly facing her wedding night, the turmoil in her heart was probably no less than that of facing demons and monsters.

After a moment, Gu Yueqing finally spoke first, her voice slightly lower than usual, with a hint of tension that was barely perceptible: "Today... on Xishui Street, were you frightened?"

She found an excuse to break the silence.

After capturing the Painted Skin Demoness, Gu Yueqing returned to the Zhenfu Division to continue her official duties and parted ways with Fang Muye. It wasn't surprising that she came to ask about it now.

Fang Muye smiled slightly and put down his teacup: "The general's men are brave and valiant, and their actions are well-ordered. How can you say I'm frightened? It has certainly broadened my horizons."

Gu Yueqing looked up at him and saw that he looked calm and clear-eyed, without any pretense. She felt a little relieved, but then another layer of doubt arose in her heart.

Even the bravest scholar would find it difficult to remain calm upon witnessing the grotesque appearance of the ghosts and the thunderous force of the Zhenfu Division in vanquishing evil.

Her new husband was becoming increasingly unpredictable.

"That's good." Gu Yueqing nodded, then lowered her eyes again, staring at the tea leaves floating in the cup: "If you feel bored in the manor, you can go for a walk in the city. Anping City is not very big, but there are still many lively places."

"I spent the whole day wandering around the city and found a few good places to pass the time," Fang Muye replied gently.

There was another brief silence, and a subtle awkwardness filled the air.

The red candles burned brightly, casting a faint blush on Gu Yueqing's jade-like cheeks.

Although she was a garrison general who ruled over a prefecture and made demons and evil spirits tremble with fear, she was ultimately a woman. In matters of love between men and women and the proper conduct between husband and wife, she was no different from an ordinary girl. In fact, due to her special status, she was even more at a loss at this moment.

Fang Muye took in her subtle reactions and understood what was going on.

Although he was not a lustful man, now that they were married, he couldn't let his wife remain in such a passive and shy situation. As a man, he should take the initiative to ease the awkward atmosphere.

He coughed softly, which made Gu Yueqing look up.

Fang Muye's gaze was gentle, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. He softened his tone and said softly, "It's late. General, you quelled the demon rebellion last night and have been busy with official duties today. You must be tired. Why don't you... rest early?"

The meaning behind those words was self-evident. Upon hearing them, Gu Yueqing's ears instantly turned crimson, her fingers tightened slightly around the teacup, and her heartbeat quickened involuntarily.

She avoided Fang Muye's gaze and gave a soft "hmm," completely devoid of the decisive and ruthless demeanor she displayed during the day.

Gu Yueqing stood up, her movements slightly stiff: "Then... let's rest."

Fang Muye also stood up, still with that composed demeanor, and walked with her out of the main hall towards the backyard.

The courtyard is deep and secluded, and the moonlight is as clear as water.

The two walked side by side, their footsteps particularly clear in the quiet night.

Gu Yueqing lowered her head slightly, her gaze falling on her moving toes, feeling her cheeks burning.

Fang Muye remained calm, occasionally glancing at her with a slight smile in his eyes.

After walking for a short while, we finally arrived at the door of the new house. The bright red "double happiness" characters on the two doors were still vibrant.

Pushing open the door, the interior was furnished just as it had been yesterday: red candles, brocade curtains, and mandarin duck quilts, exuding joy and reminding the two of their unfinished ceremony.

Fang Muye casually closed the door and turned around. He saw Gu Yueqing standing by the table. Although her back was turned and her expression was not visible, her slightly tense body revealed her nervousness and helplessness.

Fang Muye sighed inwardly, knowing he couldn't let her continue in such a predicament.

He walked to Gu Yueqing's side, not getting too close, and said in a gentle but firm tone, "Yueqing."

This was the first time Fang Muye had called Gu Yueqing by her name, instead of addressing her as "General".

"Now that we have completed our wedding ceremony, we are husband and wife. From now on, we should live in harmony and respect. If you are not ready yet, it is alright to wait a little longer."

Fang Muye's voice was deep and pleasant, as if it carried a strange soothing power, and Gu Yueqing's wildly beating heart gradually calmed down a little.

She took a deep breath and looked up at Fang Muye.

In the candlelight, his face was handsome and his gaze was gentle. There was no frivolity or impatience in his deep eyes, only understanding and respect.

Gu Yueqing's tense nerves relaxed slightly, and she seemed to regain some of the decisiveness of a garrison general. She said softly, "I'm ready."

Fang Muye smiled slightly and gently took her hands in his. Although she was a female general who usually wielded swords and spears, her hands were as warm and smooth as jade, like tender shoots.

Gu Yueqing's body trembled almost imperceptibly, and she subconsciously tried to pull away, but Fang Muye's hand gently but firmly grasped hers.

Fang Muye held Gu Yueqing's hand and slowly walked to the carved bed. He led her to sit on the edge of the bed without saying a word, just quietly gazing at his newlywed wife in this world.

Gu Yueqing turned around and looked back, but her eyes flickered with a hint of shyness.

In the candlelight, Gu Yueqing's cheeks flushed red, like a water lily, shy and bashful.

"Yueqing, you are so beautiful." Fang Muye's gaze slowly moved down to Gu Yueqing's slightly parted lips, and he leaned closer.

Gu Yueqing's heartbeat suddenly became disordered, like a dense drumbeat pounding in her chest. Feeling Fang Muye's breath getting closer, her cheeks began to burn uncontrollably, spreading all the way to her ears and neck.

Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and she finally closed her eyes shyly.

Just as their lips were about to touch, a loud shout suddenly came from the front yard.

"What kind of monster dares to break into the general's mansion at night!"