She arrived at Jinshan with the two of them at the fourth watch. Lin Chaoying gazed at Wang Chongyang, sword in hand, striding across the gate, radiating vigor and lightness in his steps, his condition better than ever. Unable to resist, she followed to observe what new techniques he had devised. By the lake, he was indeed practicing a new swordplay. The movements were ethereal and natural, his intent profound and his methods complete. Just as she felt excited and wanted to draw her sword for a good sparring match, his murmur drifted into her ears, "Am I glad that I've prepared myself so diligently for battle?" How could I not be happy for what you are willing to do for me? Gratitude, shame, and regret surged through Lin Chaoying's heart. Unable to move or speak, she silently watched him practice until dawn. No other thoughts could enter her mind; she only wished to follow his footsteps, one by one. Suddenly, the voices of two men reached her from ahead. She quickly hid, not wanting to cause him any trouble.
Listening to their conversation, she learned they had come to invite him to participate in the Northern Expedition, but he had declined, citing an "urgent matter of the martial world" as his reason. Gou'er said, "Brother Shixiong's heart is set on the three-month appointment. Why don't you reveal yourself, thus dispelling his longing, and then discuss your future plans together?" No, he was hesitating. Revealing herself now would be tantamount to forcing him to choose her, and she absolutely did not want to compel him and incur his resentment later. Recalling the conversation between the three of them, he seemed to be wary of Xiao Ziru's group. What exactly had they done?
Seeing the Taoist being driven out of the chamber, she worriedly darted in. Suddenly, a wine cup hurtled towards her, but she sidestepped to avoid it. He spun about, his movements wild and his body tiring until he collapsed softly. She quickly scooped him up, gently caressing his face, his countenance now replaced by weariness. She heard him softly ask, "Why treat me like this?" Stirred by a torrent of shame, she wanted to confess, begging him to understand, but then he continued, "You won't let me!" Hey, the Northern Expedition was always your most important endeavor! ... Alas, I knew this from the very beginning. With this thought, she had intended to cruelly throw him onto the ground, but in the end, she still helped him to the bed to lie down.
Next, she watched him interact with Xiao Ziru and the other. "Zhongli Sword" was wrongly said, and she agreed with his decision to avoid them. However, regardless of the outcome, it was indeed difficult not to lament his loss of this opportunity to fulfill his ambitions, which would surely linger throughout his life. After the three departed, he immediately packed his belongings, intending to reveal herself and support his approach of "helping without participating" once he left Jinshan. This way, it would be akin to the Northern Expedition while maintaining a distance from that group. Little did she know that such a group of soldiers could gain his consent. This quagmire was still unavoidable, and she couldn't help but sigh.
Wang Chongyang clasped Lin Chaoying's hands, which were holding the brief summary, vowing not to let any person or matter take her away again! Wang Chongyang said, "We will return to the Tomb of the Living Dead immediately."
Because you nodded, I cannot help but shake my head, Lin Chaoying said with a cold laugh, "Are you eager to decide life and death?"
Tonight, I must speak clearly! Wang Chongyang said, "I..."
Lin Chaoying interjected, "If you don't flinch from a formidable opponent like me, how much less from some mere clowns?"
Only you understand! A warm current filled his chest. Wang Chongyang, needing to vent his grievances, said, "I only hope that those who participate can be of one heart and one mind. I have no interest in dealing with pointless scheming."
Lin Chaoying said coldly, "Haven't you just created a martial art with the principle of 'generating from nothing, returning to nothing'?"
Facing such comfort, Wang Chongyang was both angry and amused, saying, "The martial art I've just created is still in its nascent stage, stemming from the Taoist concept of 'life and cessation'." He then explained the essentials of the entire martial art to her in detail. The two of them were once again lost in freely discussing martial arts theories without restraint, for over two hours.
Lin Chaoying said, "When you return from the Northern Expedition, I will surely be able to create a martial art that can counter yours." Wang Chongyang's emotions were conflicted; he was grateful for her understanding but reluctant to part, filled with regret. He said, "The outcome of the Northern Expedition is uncertain, and it's even harder to predict how long it will take, delaying you!" Lin Chaoying said, "At worst, it will be another eight years." Wang Chongyang was speechless. He took her hand and gazed at her face again and again, as if preserving it for future remembrance. Though Lin Chaoying cherished this affection, she thought it would disturb his mood before battle, and even more so, she disdained to bid farewell tearfully like ordinary couples. Thus, she averted her gaze and looked up at the gradually waxing moon, suddenly feeling something.
Wang Chongyang kept staring into her eyes. Seeing her reaction, he seemed to understand her thoughts and said, "Today is the twelfth, exactly eight months since Grandma's death anniversary." He immediately knelt and clasped his hands towards the moon. Grandma's death anniversary was on the thirteenth, but Lin Chaoying did not correct him. She then knelt and prayed, "Grandma, bless his endeavors to be successful and his name to be recorded in history. I don't care how he treats me in the future." Wang Chongyang prayed, "Grandma, if the Northern Expedition is successful, we will retreat to the Tomb and never set foot in the martial world again." Gently lifting her up, he said, "After joining the army, I will send you letters every month."
Lin Chaoying said, "There's no need."
Wang Chongyang was surprised for a moment, then guessed her worry and said, "Afraid of causing gossip? If I can't even protect this, how can I be worthy of you?"
Lin Chaoying raised her eyebrows and turned her face to the side, but her head leaned against his shoulder.
In May of the thirty-second year of Shaoxing, Prince Jian Zhao Wei was established as the Crown Prince and granted the name Shen. In June, the Crown Prince abdicated and ascended the throne, establishing his reign title as Longxing. He was determined to restore the Central Plains and recover the lost territories. In July, he issued an edict to vindicate Yue Fei and posthumously enfeoffed him as the Duke of E, with the posthumous title Wumu.
After Wang Chongyang joined the army, Lin Chaoying returned to Cuihua Mountain. Counting the days, nine months had passed. Gou'er, as usual, went to the stall in town to collect the letters that Wang Chongyang had sent. Since Wanyan Liang led his army south, the Song state had established relay stations every nine or ten li to cope with the severe military situation and facilitate the urgent transmission of military intelligence. Many people, including Wang Chongyang, used various pretexts to mix their personal letters with official correspondence. Besides collecting letters, Gou'er also "selected" some ornaments and treasures to prepare for Lin Chaoying's dowry. On his way back, he visited nearby villages to "obtain" some daily necessities before concluding his errands and setting off for Huanguang Cave.
As November arrived in Cuihua Mountain, layers of dark peaks were dotted with patches of snow, and undulating white fields flowed into winding black streams, resembling a vast ink scroll fluttering in the wind before her eyes. From this painting emerged a handsome young man, adorned as if by an artist's brush, gradually approaching Gou'er.