readytorunbook Chapter 214 Running
Chapter 214 Running
Sunlight, like scattered gold dust, spilled across the winding trade route as two sturdy horses moved slowly forward. On their backs sat Xiao Han and Mu Qingling. Their shadows stretched long in the sunlight, like weary birds returning to their nests, eagerly galloping towards their homeland—the Nanzhao Kingdom.
"Miss Mu, when we get back to Nanzhao, you must let me try that street food you mentioned." Xiao Han turned slightly to the side, a gentle smile on his face, breaking the tranquility of the journey.
Mu Qingling smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation: "Of course! Don't you dare want a second bowl after you've already eaten one, and keep pestering me to take you there."
The two men looked at each other and laughed, their laughter echoing along the empty trade route. Recalling their experiences in the Western Regions, the thrills and adventures seemed as if they were still vivid in their minds.
They met during a trade trip between the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Western Regions. At that time, Xiao Han, as a promising young general of the Nanzhao Kingdom, was responsible for escorting the caravan; Mu Qingling was the most intelligent strategist in the caravan, offering advice and resolving many crises.
During a surprise attack by bandits, Xiao Han fought bravely but was accidentally struck by a stray arrow. Mu Qingling disregarded the danger and rushed to bandage his wound, taking meticulous care of him. From that moment on, their hearts grew closer and closer without them even realizing it.
As the caravan progressed through the Western Regions, they explored mysterious ruins together, unraveled ancient mysteries, and helped the local people withstand natural disasters. Each time they fought side by side, their understanding of each other deepened.
Now that the mission is complete, I'm eager to return home. However, the journey home is not without its challenges.
As they reached the edge of a vast desert, the sky suddenly darkened, and a fierce wind, carrying yellow sand, rushed towards them like an angry beast.
"Oh no, it's a sandstorm!" Xiao Han's expression turned serious. He quickly grabbed Mu Qingling's reins and shouted, "Quickly, find somewhere to take shelter!"
The two men galloped away on horseback, trying to find shelter in the vast desert. But the wind howled, the sand swirled, and their vision was completely obscured; they gradually lost their way.
After riding for an unknown amount of time, Mu Qingling's horse was suddenly tripped by a stone, and she flew forward, crashing heavily onto the sand.
"Miss Mu!" Xiao Han was extremely anxious. He immediately jumped off his horse and ran over to help Mu Qingling up.
Mu Qingling's face was pale, and blood was seeping from her forehead, clearly indicating that she was seriously injured. Xiao Han took out a clean cloth from his pocket and gently wiped her wounds, his eyes full of heartache: "It's all my fault, I didn't take good care of you."
Mu Qingling shook her head weakly: "It's not your fault, it was an accident. Let's figure out how to get through this sandstorm first."
Just then, a hawk circled overhead, emitting a sharp cry. Xiao Han looked up, a thought flashing through his mind: "This hawk might be able to guide us. Let's follow it!"
So they laboriously climbed onto the horses' backs and, guided by the eagle, slowly moved forward. The wind and sand stung their eyes, but they did not give up, closely following the eagle's shadow.
Finally, amidst the sandstorm, a dilapidated stone house came into view. Xiao Han was overjoyed and urged his horses to quicken their pace.
They rushed into the stone house, closed the door, and collapsed wearily onto the ground. Outside, the sandstorm continued to rage; inside, the sound of their heartbeats could be clearly heard.
"Thank goodness for this stone house, otherwise we would have been in danger today." Mu Qingling breathed a sigh of relief, her face showing the relief of surviving a disaster.
Xiao Han nodded and got up to check the condition of the stone house. The stone house was empty except for some old tables and chairs, but fortunately it was still sturdy enough to keep them out of the harsh wind and sand.
He walked over to Mu Qingling, squatted down, and carefully examined her wound: "Miss Mu, does the wound still hurt? I'll re-bandage it for you after the sandstorm passes."
Looking into his concerned eyes, Mu Qingling felt a surge of warmth in her heart: "I'm fine, don't worry about me. But you, you must be exhausted after running around for so long."
Their eyes met, a thousand words unspoken in their deep gaze. Without them realizing it, their hands quietly clasped together, as if this would give each other strength.
The sandstorm lasted all night and only gradually subsided at dawn the next day.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the stone house. Xiao Han and Mu Qingling stepped out of the house, gazing at the trade route buried under the yellow sand, their hearts filled with complex emotions.
"This sandstorm is really fierce. I wonder how far we've strayed from our course." Mu Qingling frowned, her eyes filled with worry.
Xiao Han comforted him, "It's alright, as long as we keep heading towards the Nanzhao Kingdom, we'll eventually get back."
They repacked their bags and began their journey home. After several days of trekking, they finally emerged from the desert and arrived at a small town.
The small town was bustling with activity, people coming and going. Xiao Han and Mu Qingling found an inn, intending to get a good night's rest and replenish their supplies.
At the inn, they heard some news about the Nanzhao Kingdom. Apparently, there had been some unrest within the kingdom recently, and the border regions were also not very peaceful.
"It seems we need to speed things up." Xiao Han said gravely. "I don't know what exactly happened back home, but I hope it's not too late."
Mu Qingling nodded: "We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning and try to return to Nanzhao as soon as possible."
The next day, before dawn, the two rode away from the town. They traveled day and night without daring to slacken their pace.
As they drew closer to the Nanzhao Kingdom, their excitement grew. Finally, at dusk, they spotted the city gates of Nanzhao in the distance.
The setting sun cast its golden rays upon the city walls. At the city gate, soldiers stood guard and patrolled.
"We're back!" Mu Qingling exclaimed excitedly, tears welling in her eyes.
Xiao Han also showed a long-lost smile: "Yes, we're finally back."
They rode their horses to the city gate, identified themselves to the soldiers, and entered the city without incident.
The city remained a familiar scene, with bustling streets and people living in peace and contentment. However, Xiao Han and Mu Qingling keenly sensed a tense atmosphere permeating the air.
They didn't go home immediately, but went to the general's mansion first. At this time, the general's mansion was brightly lit, and the atmosphere was solemn.
Xiao Han met his father—the Grand General of the Nanzhao Kingdom. The general smiled with relief upon seeing his son return safely, but quickly regained his serious expression.
“You’ve come back just in time,” the general said. “The domestic situation has been complicated lately, and our borders are under threat from neighboring countries. We need your strength just the right time.”
Xiao Han and Mu Qingling exchanged a glance and nodded firmly: "We are willing to serve the Nanzhao Kingdom!"
In the days that followed, they threw themselves into the intense preparations. Xiao Han, drawing on his experience in the Western Regions, formulated a new strategic plan for the army; Mu Qingling, on the other hand, used her wisdom to advise the court and resolve many internal conflicts.
Through their joint efforts, the Nanzhao Kingdom gradually stabilized, and the border crisis was alleviated.
After this ordeal, Xiao Han and Mu Qingling's relationship deepened even further. They knew that no matter what difficulties they faced in the future, they would work together to protect the land they loved so dearly.
It was another sunny day, and Xiao Han and Mu Qingling strolled through the streets of Nanzhao Kingdom. The food stalls along the street emitted enticing aromas, and people's faces were filled with happy smiles.
"Let's go, I'll take you to that snack shop." Mu Qingling said cheerfully, holding Xiao Han's hand.
The two arrived at the food stall and ordered two bowls of steaming hot snacks. Eating the familiar flavors, they felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
The experiences they had on their journey home have become some of the most precious memories of their lives. And in the days to come, they will continue to write their own legend on this land.