Chapter 216: Hoping for a Safe Return

Chapter 216: In Hope of a Complete Return

"It's the least I could do," Lin Nanshu said, pressing the jade token into Cheng Ge's slightly cold hand. Their fingertips touched briefly before parting, too quick for Cheng Ge to react.

The token brought with it the lingering warmth from Lin Nanshu's chest, resting against Cheng Ge's palm.

Holding the smooth jade token, Cheng Ge's heart surged with a whirlwind of emotions. A sudden, unprovoked impulse welled up within him.

He looked at the face before him, always so calm and composed, seemingly forever unruffled.

Suddenly, he broke into a broad grin, tinged with the pallor of recent recovery, yet dazzlingly bright.

The next moment, he threw his arms wide and gave Lin Nanshu a solid embrace.

"Good brother!" Cheng Ge patted Lin Nanshu's back vigorously, his voice hearty. "Take care, alright? When I'm back from Yuanzhou, I'll bring you some local specialties."

Lin Nanshu's body stiffened abruptly, as if struck by an invisible icicle.

He raised his hand instinctively, pausing stiffly in mid-air for a long moment, his fingers curling slightly.

But in the end, he did not place it on Cheng Ge's back. Instead, he slowly lowered it, his fingers quietly clenching within his sleeve.

He could feel Cheng Ge's somewhat thin frame beneath his cloak, and the slightly fragile warmth of his embrace.

A cold wind swept past, lifting the hems of their robes.

After a long pause, Lin Nanshu replied in a voice lower and hoarser than usual, a barely audible "...Mm."

"Take great care," he said softly, each word clear and distinct, falling into Cheng Ge's ears. "In hope of your safe return."

Cheng Ge released his arms, stepped back, still grinning carelessly, and was about to turn and mount the carriage.

Suddenly, a rapid clatter of hooves, urgent and disorderly, broke the solemn silence before the city gate.

Everyone turned to look. Several riders on fast horses shattered the remnants of snow, charging forward. Their horses' nostrils billowed thick white mist, a sign of long and exhausting travel.

At the lead was none other than Wu Zhongzi, a colleague from the Imperial Censorate. He still wore his official crimson robe, which he hadn't had time to change, and his official cap was even slightly askew.

His face bore the marks of hurried travel and urgency. Behind him followed several other familiar officials from the Censorate.

Judging by the scene, they must have just come from the morning court and immediately ridden off in pursuit to see him off.

"Lord Cheng! Hold a moment!" Wu Zhongzi dismounted before his horse had fully stopped, rushing forward a few steps to Cheng Ge.

Still catching his breath, he grabbed Cheng Ge's arm, his eyes filled with undisguised concern and anxiety.

"We rushed and rushed, barely... barely made it! You young fellow, leaving without even a word in advance—we had to race here after court, almost rattling these old bones apart on the road!"

Seeing them, Cheng Ge's face lit up with surprise and apologetic gratitude, and he quickly clasped his hands in salute. "Brother Wu! My esteemed colleagues! My apologies, my apologies!

I thought the hour was too early to disturb your official duties, so I planned to slip away quietly. I never imagined you would all..."

Another censor, surnamed Wang, cut in, panting. "What nonsense! We've served in the same office, friends like brothers. This journey to Yuanzhou is long and perilous—how could we not see you off?"

He studied Cheng Ge's complexion, frowning slightly. "Look at you, you still haven't fully recovered from that cold, have you? The journey will be rough—take care of yourself. Did you bring enough medicine?"

"I brought it, I brought it," Cheng Ge nodded repeatedly, his heart warmed. He pointed to the carriage behind him, piled high with luggage, and laughed. "They nearly loaded the whole pharmacy onto the cart—please rest assured, everyone."

A younger censor, Li, stepped forward, his voice tinged with worry and righteous anger.

"Muyu, I've heard those parts... are quite unstable. You must be careful in everything you do there!

If you encounter anything tricky, remember that we are still here in the capital—don't try to handle it all on your own!"

Wu Zhongzi nodded emphatically, taking over the conversation, his tone growing serious. "Exactly. Muyu, official duties are heavy, but your safety is even more important. Be... be extra careful in all matters."

His words carried a deeper meaning, patting Cheng Ge's arm. "We are all waiting for your return. Then we'll prepare a feast to welcome you and hear about the scenery and customs of Yuanzhou."

The crowd gathered around Cheng Ge, talking one after another, their concern evident in every word.

The brief, lively chatter dispelled some of the sorrow of parting, yet it also highlighted the uncertainty of the road ahead.

Cheng Ge responded to everyone, deeply moved. The melancholy of parting from Lin Nanshu faded a bit, diluted by his colleagues' warmth.

After the chatter subsided, Wu Zhongzi took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the sizable convoy behind Cheng Ge, which only made the difficulty more apparent.

The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a heavy solemnity.

"Muyu, this trip to Yuanzhou—over high mountains and long roads, treacherous and harsh—this must indeed be a perilous journey. Take the utmost care, and return safely!"

The other colleagues also sobered, looking at Cheng Ge with complex expressions.

Everyone knew that Yuanzhou was a den of dragons and tigers. This journey might be a one-way trip, perhaps a final farewell.

A heavy, silent atmosphere settled over them, drowning out the brief clamor and the cold wind.

Wu Zhongzi took a deep breath, abruptly stepped back, and quickly exchanged a glance with the other colleagues.

Then, they all composed themselves, smoothing their robes, their previously disheveled looks becoming neat and orderly.

They retreated a few steps together, standing upright before Cheng Ge's carriage. With solemn faces, they clasped their hands and made a deep, respectful bow with clasped hands.

Cheng Ge was startled, at a loss for words, about to say something.

But the next moment, led by Wu Zhongzi, they all simultaneously lifted the front of their robes, bent their knees, and knelt heavily and knocked their heads on the ground.

A heavy, silent pressure filled the air, overwhelming the wind.

Their heads hit the cold, hard ground, producing a muffled, synchronized thud.

Then, they raised their heads, their voices loud and together, carrying the steadfast integrity of scholar-officials and their deepest hopes.

Piercing the biting wind, it reached Cheng Ge and everyone present, clear and sharp.

"Let the spring breeze bring good news, as we await our old friend's safe return!"