Chapter 447 - 446: Father

Chapter 447: Chapter 446: Father

Du Yunluo fled in a panic.

Mu Lianxiao took the handkerchief from his shoulder, holding it in his hand, his eyes curved with a smile.

After washing up, he came out and sat in the chair, drying his long hair.

Du Yunluo, soft-hearted, eventually went over, took the handkerchief, and helped Mu Lianxiao dry and tidy his hair, tying it neatly.

Mu Lianxiao allowed her to work, her touch gentle and soothing, relaxing him into a drowsy state.

By the time Du Yunluo noticed, Mu Lianxiao had already fallen asleep.

Du Yunluo thought about letting him lie on the bed but feared waking him, worried he might not rest well if disturbed. Thus, she fetched a blanket and covered Mu Lianxiao with it.

After tucking him in, Du Yunluo crouched down beside Mu Lianxiao, gazing at his sleeping face.

She didn’t often see this.

When they were together, she always slept early and woke up late, only occasionally observing his peaceful slumber.

His brows relaxed, a faint smile on his lips, and his breathing even.

But now, Mu Lianxiao’s sleep wasn’t entirely peaceful, with clear shadows under his eyes.

Du Yunluo frowned, quietly lighting a calming incense in the room.

Whether it was because Mu Lianxiao was truly exhausted or due to the calming incense, he didn’t wake up until just before dinner.

Upon waking, Mu Lianxiao felt much better, stretching his limbs.

Du Yunluo gently asked him, "Doesn’t your back hurt from sleeping on the chair?"

"Then will you massage it for me?" Mu Lianxiao moved closer, smiling.

Du Yunluo snorted softly, not refusing, and moved behind him, massaging his back with her hands.

Mu Lianxiao let out a sigh of relief. These days, he had been so busy, even with little time for sleep. Being someone who practiced martial arts, he wasn’t particularly precious about sleeping conditions. A chair or even a wall would suffice for a rest.

Yet, he enjoyed Du Yunluo’s massages and didn’t want to complain and worry her, gladly accepting her touch.

Dinner was sumptuous, at least compared to the camp.

Mu Lianxiao had a good appetite and played with Brother Yan afterward.

Brother Yan recently became fascinated with speaking. Du Yunluo taught him to say "Dad" and "Mom," and he could mimic, albeit with odd pronunciations, but it still carried meaning.

While playing with Mu Lianxiao, Brother Yan suddenly blurted out "Dad."

Mu Lianxiao was momentarily stunned, eyes wide with disbelief, looking between Brother Yan and Du Yunluo, delight in his voice. "Yunluo, did you hear? He called me."

Du Yunluo burst into laughter.

Elated, Mu Lianxiao coaxed Brother Yan to say it again.

Brother Yan opened his mouth and spoke, even clearer than before, making Mu Lianxiao hold him tight, planting two kisses on him.

Du Yunluo sat beside the father and son, pinching her son’s small palm, saying, "Don’t get too excited. He knows just a few words and likes saying ’Dad’ these days. He calls everyone ’Dad’—me, Jin Rui, even Hong Jinbao’s family."

Mu Lianxiao’s smile faltered, glancing down at Brother Yan.

It seemed that Brother Yan didn’t understand; he just enjoyed saying it.

A fleeting sense of loss passed, but Mu Lianxiao grinned, making Brother Yan laugh, saying, "What does it matter if he understands? As long as he calls me, it’s enough. Come on, my good son, say it again."

Brother Yan called "Dad," and Mu Lianxiao couldn’t get enough of hearing it.

Du Yunluo laughed so much watching the two of them that she couldn’t straighten up.

When it was time for Brother Yan’s bedtime, Du Yunluo called in Lady Peng to take him to rest.

Mu Lianxiao had slept the entire afternoon, feeling energetic, sitting on the heated platform chatting with Du Yunluo: "The preparations at Shanyu Pass are almost done. We probably head out in about ten days."

Talking about military affairs brought a slight bitterness to Du Yunluo’s smile, but she covered it, saying, "Elder Brother said that traveling from Shanyu Pass to Ancient Meili takes about two days, right?"

"Yes," Mu Lianxiao nodded.

"Two days going, two days returning, within four or five days, you should be back at Shanyu Pass?" Du Yunluo asked again.

"It’ll take a bit more time. Taking Ancient Meili means holding it until the Dazi army returns from the Northern Border. Based on their route, we should be back in about half a month," Mu Lianxiao explained.

Not understanding the details, Du Yunluo changed the topic.

"My family sent a letter, saying Fourth Brother and Sister-in-law are married now. Mother likes her very much, and she’s well-liked by the family.

In Tong City, grandfather can now walk with a cane in the back garden for a quarter of an hour, thanks to Imperial Doctor Xing’s care. Otherwise...

When we rushed to Tong City, we thought it was a critical moment, unsure if we could see him one last time. Being pulled back from the brink and recovering is truly a blessing."

Recalling those days, Mu Lianxiao also felt deeply moved.

Perhaps it was fate’s arrangement. He happened to be at Qinglian Temple when she came to pray, rescuing Imperial Doctor Xing and, thus, Old Master Zhen.

"Yunluo," Mu Lianxiao embraced Du Yunluo, saying, "When we return to Beijing, let’s visit Tong City to pay respects to grandfather and grandmother, and let them meet Brother Yan too.

With Mr. Xing’s medical skills, perhaps he could help Elder Brother recover his memory. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

I also want to visit Qinglian Temple. If Mu Tang sees Elder Brother, perhaps he’ll speak. Maybe Elder Brother will remember something upon seeing him."

This thought aligned with Du Yunluo’s as well.

If Mu Liankang could remember or Mu Tang spoke, it would be confirmation enough.

Du Yunluo shifted slightly to a more comfortable position, saying, "Is Mu Tang truly mute or pretending? Why not have Imperial Doctor Xing take a look at him too?"

Mu Lianxiao smiled faintly, "He can write. If he’s willing to speak, he can write even if truly mute. If unwilling, even a pretender wouldn’t open his mouth."

That was indeed the truth.

As night deepened, Du Yunluo called Jin Rui to help her wash up. After that, she and Mu Lianxiao settled down to rest.

The crescent moon shone softly through the window lattices, and Du Yunluo could vaguely see Mu Lianxiao’s outline.

She thought for a moment, propped herself up slightly, and asked, "Are you leaving tomorrow? Will you visit again before departing?"

With her movement, the quilt slipped down her back. Afraid she might catch a cold, Mu Lianxiao reached out to adjust it for her, "I’m leaving tomorrow and won’t return before departure."

Du Yunluo pursed her lips, her cheeks slightly puffed in disappointment.

Mu Lianxiao, with excellent night vision, saw her little expression clearly. He couldn’t resist poking her cheek with his finger, laughing, "Before I leave, I’ll have Shuying or Ming Liu send you a message. Would that be alright?"

Du Yunluo sniffed, "That’s more like it."

Mu Lianxiao’s smile widened, his fingers tracing down her cheek, the slightly rough and calloused fingertips gliding over Du Yunluo’s neck, resting on her collarbone.