novelhk Chapter 376 Lü Zhi's Awakening 6
Chapter 376 Lü Zhi's Awakening 6
Having made up her mind, Lü Zhi became much more energetic. She straightened her clothes slightly and walked briskly towards Lü Gong's study.
At this moment, Lü Gong was sitting in his study, surrounded by all sorts of books. His brow was furrowed, his eyes intently searching through the pages, trying to find the reason why Liu Ji's dragon aura had vanished. He would pick up an ancient book and carefully peruse it, then scribble and draw on paper, muttering obscure phrases under his breath. Hearing a knock at the door, Lü Gong stopped what he was doing, cleared his throat, and loudly said, "Come in."
Just then, Lü Gong glanced up and happened to see Lü Zhi walking in gracefully. A gentle smile immediately appeared on Lü Gong's face. He gently put down the book in his hand and asked with a hint of concern, "Zhi'er, is there something you need from your father?" His tone was full of affection for his daughter.
With graceful steps, Lü Zhi slowly walked to Lü Gong's side, gave a slight curtsy, and said in a sweet voice with a gleam of anticipation in her bright eyes, "Father, I want to go out and play." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a clear spring flowing in the mountains.
Upon hearing this, Lord Lü nodded slightly, his smile growing even more benevolent. He said, "It's good to go out and have some fun. It's time for her to go out and have some fun." In his view, his daughter usually stayed at home. Going out and seeing the world would broaden her horizons and help her relax.
However, Lü Zhi did not immediately show any joy. Instead, she lowered her head slightly, unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes with both hands, and stammered, "Father, I want to go to Xianyang." Although her voice was soft, it was exceptionally clear in the quiet hall.
Upon hearing Lü Zhi mention going to Xianyang, Lü Gong's relaxed brows furrowed instantly, and his smile vanished, replaced by deep worry. He slowly stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, saying as he walked, "Xianyang is so far away, and the road is unsafe. How can I, as a father, be at ease with you, a woman?" His mind immediately conjured up the remoteness and perilous journey to Xianyang, along with the unknown dangers. He simply couldn't imagine his daughter embarking on such a journey alone.
“Father, this is not a spur-of-the-moment decision,” Lü Zhi said, quickly raising her head and looking at Lü Gong with unwavering eyes. “I have heard that Xianyang is a prosperous place, full of extraordinary people and events, and many learned scholars. I wish to go there to broaden my horizons and gain more knowledge. Moreover, I will be careful and will not cause you any worry.” Her words were filled with determination and longing, as if Xianyang possessed an invisible magic that drew her there.
Lu Gong stopped in his tracks, looking at his daughter's resolute eyes, and his heart couldn't help but waver. He knew his daughter was exceptionally intelligent, with her own ideas and pursuits, but as a father, how could he not worry about her safety? "But, Xianyang is a long way away, and you'll be alone..." Lu Gong hesitated, his eyes full of doubt.
"Father, I will take Chunhua and Qiuzhu with me, and hire a few reliable guards." Lü Zhi said urgently before Lü Gong could finish speaking, "That way, we can have someone to look after us on the road, and you won't have to worry too much, Father." Her tone was pleading, hoping that her father would grant her request.
Lu Gong remained silent for a long time, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. On the one hand, he hoped that his daughter could go out and see the world; on the other hand, he worried that his daughter might encounter danger on her journey.
Seeing that her father was still hesitant, Lü Zhi said, "Father, Liu Ji is currently unconscious, and the matter of this marriage is still undecided. I'll go out for a walk to clear my head, and when I come back, I'll follow your arrangements."
Master Lü sat in the carved armchair, stroking his sparse beard, lost in thought. He knew in his heart that he did indeed employ a group of men, each one exceptionally skilled and highly proficient in martial arts. These men usually remained hidden throughout the mansion, responsible for the safety of the Lü family. Some were masters of swordsmanship, their attacks swift and fierce; others were adept at concealed weapons, their strikes precise and ruthless.
Having Zhi'er lead them to Xianyang would undoubtedly create a solid protective barrier around her. Furthermore, besides their own capable subordinates, they could hire a group of strong and experienced martial arts practitioners locally. One group could openly and ostentatiously protect Zhi'er's caravan, wielding sharp blades and spears, a formidable presence that would intimidate any malicious individuals. Meanwhile, another group could remain hidden in the mountains and forests, constantly vigilant for any disturbances, ready to intervene immediately should danger arise. This combined approach of overt and covert protection should ensure their safety.
Moreover, Liu Ji remains unconscious, his fate uncertain. Given this situation, Zhi'er's marriage is highly likely to be disrupted. These past few days, Lu Gong has watched Zhi'er lose her appetite and grow increasingly thin; her once round and rosy cheeks have become pale and haggard, and her bright eyes have lost their former sparkle. His heart is filled with unbearable sorrow. He truly loves his daughter most, and seeing Zhi'er in this state pains him deeply.
After much thought, Lü Gong silently said to himself, "Consider this a kind of compensation for Zhi'er!"
After thinking it through, Lord Lü slowly stood up and sighed deeply. He looked at Lü Zhi with loving eyes and said, "Alright, alright, since you've made up your mind, I agree. But you must remember to be careful on the journey. The road is long and arduous, with not only fierce wild beasts like jackals, wolves, tigers, and leopards, but also vicious bandits and robbers. If anything happens, send someone back to inform me immediately. Go soon and return soon; I'm waiting for your safe return at home."
Upon hearing her father's words, Lü Zhi's previously slightly melancholy face immediately broke into a joyful smile, a smile as radiant as a spring flower. She hurried forward, taking small steps to Lü Gong's side, and reached out to take his hands in hers, her hands trembling slightly with emotion. She looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude, and said, "Thank you, Father. I will be very careful."
At this moment, her eyes gleamed with excitement, as if she could already see the bustling scene of Xianyang. In her imagination, the streets of Xianyang were teeming with carriages and people, and the shops lining the streets were lined with rows of shops displaying all sorts of strange and wonderful goods. The majestic palaces soared into the clouds, their golden glazed tiles shimmering dazzlingly in the sunlight, as if a dreamlike city was beckoning to her.
Afterwards, Lü Zhi happily went back to pack her bags, her heart filled with anticipation for the trip to Xianyang, as if that unknown journey was the beginning of her breaking free from constraints.