Boss Kiryu's expression changed slightly.

As if he wanted to hide his face, he buried his already drooped head lower.

The candlelight hit his face, and the light and shadow flickered, making his expression blurry and difficult to distinguish.

"Boss Kiryu, please raise your head."

Compared to Shicai, Qingdeng's attitude and tone were more tough.

"You keep your head down, how can you see Ah Wu's eyes? How can you feel Ah Wu's will?"

"Is it true that, as I said just now, the energetic and shining eyes unique to young people make you feel at a loss?"

At this time, Kinoshita Mai on the side gently pulled Qingden’s sleeve and whispered:

"Qingdeng..."

She signaled to the other party with her eyes: Pay attention to the way you speak, your words are a bit rude.

Aonto turned a deaf ear to Kinoshita Mai's body shape.

He pushed aside her little hand that was tugging on her sleeve, and then continued speaking to himself:

"A Wu and I have known each other for nearly three years."

"Although I am far from being able to say that I 'understand A Wu' compared to you who have watched her grow up, but at this moment, it is indeed the first time I have seen her show such a determined look in her eyes."

"Although I am not qualified to judge what you do or think in terms of my status, I still sincerely hope that you can look at Ah Wu with a more equal attitude."

"One party expounds his goals and ideals with enthusiasm and energy."

"The other party lowered his head the whole time, pretending to be blind and deaf. He was neither willing to look into the other party's eyes, nor willing to listen to the other party's voice."

"This can't be called fair, can it?"

"I don't ask you to fully support Ah Wu, but at least give her a chance to use her power, right?"

"Ask Ah Wu to write a letter to her grandma and ask for her opinion - she can always have this kind of power, right?"

After finishing speaking, Qingden looked straight at Boss Kiryu, waiting for the other party's response.

At the same moment, Kinoshita Mai's body subconsciously leaned forward and cast a look full of expectation and hope towards Boss Kiryu.

"..."

Boss Kiryu crossed his arms and remained silent.

He didn't keep them waiting for too long.

After only a moment, he half-closed his eyes and whispered to himself:

"Obviously there is no blood relationship, but this temperament of never changing his mind once he sees something is exactly the same as the master..."

As he spoke, he slowly stood up.

"If my lord does not agree with you joining the Suppressing Army...then don't blame me for being unkind."

After leaving these words without sadness or joy, Boss Kiryu walked away without any pause.

Soon, his figure disappeared deep into the inner room of Thousand Things House.

Qingdeng let out a sigh of relief.

This can be regarded as a staged victory... he thought to himself.

Just words alone made Boss Kiryu change his old ways - from the beginning, Aomori had no hope of this.

As long as he can be persuaded to let Kinoshita Mai send a letter to Kinoshita Rin, it will be considered a success.

While Aoto let out a long breath, Kinoshita Mai also had a "relieved" expression on her face.

However, with just a snap of his fingers, his expression turned into a hint of worry.

"Qingden, although Mr. Kiryu has given in, I don't have the confidence to convince grandma..."

Qingdeng heard this and smiled slightly.

"There's no need to make things so complicated."

As he spoke, he naturally and deftly put his palms into Kinoshita Mai's armpits like he was carrying a cat, picked her up, placed her on his legs, and then used a force that was neither light nor heavy from behind.

Hold her tightly, keeping your chest close to her back.

Anyway, Boss Kiryu was no longer present, so he didn't have any worries anymore.

After being hugged by Aoden, Kinoshita Mai leaned back in a very natural movement and rested the back of her head into Aoto's shoulder.

"'How should I write', 'What should I write to impress grandma'...Don't think about these things."

"Just write your will and determination on the letter paper with sincerity and truthfulness. After the letter is sent, just wait for fate."

Kinoshita Mai asked back:

"What should I do if grandma objects?"

"Let's wait until then to find another way."

At this time, Kinoshita Mai seemed to have remembered something, paused, and then asked:

"Speaking of which... Qingdeng, you don't seem surprised that I want to join the Zhenfu Army? Don't you object?"

After Qingdeng heard this, he couldn't help but feel secretly amused.

He had just heard a similar question from Sanako last night.

So, he repeated what he said to Sanako yesterday with slight changes, without blushing or heart beating:

"You are not my property. Who am I to make decisions about you and dictate your future?"

"Since it is dangerous to go to Luo, what I should do is not treat you like a baby and trap you in your infancy."

"But hold the sword in your hand tightly and protect you until you don't need my protection."

"The look in your eyes tells me: your decision is not a fantasy, but an ideal after careful consideration."

"That's it, that's enough."

"That alone is enough reason for me to fully support you."

Multi-tasking - speaking the same words to different people - this is a skill Qingdeng has become more and more proficient in after forming a complicated relationship with three women.

Even the dignified Sanako was coaxed into smiling brightly by Qingto's affectionate words, not to mention the simple-minded and soft-eared Mai Kinoshita?

Suddenly, the girl in red smiled silly, her whole face became soft, and the soft flesh on her cheeks seemed to be hanging down.

"I know! I'll write a letter tonight!"

"Early tomorrow morning, I will entrust the most powerful Shili Feijiao to send the letter to grandma's case as quickly as possible!"

[Note: Shitachi Hikka: A "courier" who specialized in delivering letters in the Edo period]

"A round trip between Edo and Osaka will take about 4 or 5 days... I hope I can catch up."

Qingden shrugged:

"Don't worry, there is plenty of time. The recruitment ceremony for the Zhenfu Army will not end until January 20th. Even if you miss the time, I will do a little trick to allow you to enter the Zhenfu Army smoothly."

Kinoshita Mai said angrily:

"Qingdeng, it's not good to abuse your power."

Qingden Wan'er:

"As the envoy of Gyeonggi Town, I recruit outstanding talents under special circumstances - I should have this power, right?"

…

…

The next day——

Wenjiu three years (1863), January 5——

Edo, Zhenfu Army Recruitment Venue——

From south to north, the high sky is covered by clouds like fish scales, and the clouds are pale and pale.

Today there are a little less applicants and people coming to watch the fun.

Qingdeng stood under the high platform and stretched his muscles.

Woohoo...!

The raging north wind brings abundant water vapor like an undertow.

"It's so cold..."

Qingdeng raised his palms to his lips and took a breath of hot air.

In the dense heat, the world is cast into a dreamy filter.

It should snow today... Qingdeng thought to himself.

Suddenly, a black and gold-painted hat, luxurious in shape, carried by four strong men, followed by a group of attendants in a sedan, suddenly burst into Qingdeng's peripheral vision.
To be continued...