The sky was still dark, and the spring rain gently fell on the loquats in the courtyard, making rustling sounds. The lights in the attic were dim, and the young ladies had already gotten up and were silently packing his luggage for him. The atmosphere was indescribably depressing.
Luo Ning helped him put on his underwear and put on his armor. Then, she looked up and down and carefully stretched out his armor.
"Big Brother, this is for winter clothes, and the other is for summer clothes. They are all newly made for you. I heard that the wind and sand outside the Great Wall are strong, and the weather is abnormal in the morning and evening. You have to change your clothes in time, and don't be lazy. " Qiaoqiao pointed at the big bags in front of her and said one by one, "Here are the toiletries, towels, salt, soap, and more than ten pairs of new shoes that I made for you. I don't know if they are enough for you …"
She had thought of everything she could think of, and brought everything she could, for fear that she would miss anything. As the little lass spoke, her eyes turned red, and tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.
I don't look like I'm going to war, but more like I'm going on a vacation. The days of having a wife can't be compared to the days when I was a bachelor. Lin Wanrong smiled bitterly and shook his head, but he couldn't disobey the good intentions of the ladies. He could only hold Qiaoqiao's hand and comforted her with a smile, "You brought so many things for me, how can it not be enough for me to wear? The situation outside the Great Wall isn't as bad as you think, so you can rest assured. "
"Lin Lang, put this on for you." Xiao Qingxuan carefully hung a jade Buddha around his neck and said softly, "This was left to me by my mother. She will definitely ensure your safety."
Xiao Yuruo's cheeks blushed. She slowly stepped forward, holding a heart protection talisman strung with red threads in her hand, and gently hung it around his neck, "This is called a Heart Linking Lock. I have one, and you have one. " She gestured at her ample breasts with her little hand, then pointed at Lin Wanrong's chest, and her eyes became moist.
Ning 'er, Xian' er, Qiaoqiao, Second Miss, none of them were willing to fall behind. Golden locks, jade pendants, protective talismans, all of them had small things on them, hanging all over his neck.
A beauty's kindness was too great, it was just too hard to endure. Sir Lin shook his head and sighed. If this continued, he might not even be willing to leave.
Qin Xian 'er hung the sword in front of him. Gao Qiu had already prepared the horse carriage and was waiting in front of the fu's gate. Seeing him go out and board the carriage, the fine horse raised its hooves.
"Lin San —" Grand Mistress cried out in sorrow. She didn't know where the courage came from, but she lifted her dress and jumped into the carriage, burrowing into his arms.
Looking at Xiao Yuruo's expression. The young ladies below the carriage were even more dejected, their tears merging with the drizzle.
Hugging Grand Mistress's soft and boneless body in his arms, Lin Wanrong felt an indescribable feeling in his heart, "Be good, don't cry, don't cry. I will be back soon. "
Grand Mistress faintly said, "Is this the only thing you can say to coax people?!"
Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment, then he smiled and said, "Don't you know my temperament? I never know how to coax people. Little darling, when we come back from the war, we will return to the Lingyin Temple to fulfill our vows. Didn't the marriage divination I gave you come true? That monk from the Lingyin Temple is quite honest! "
"Hateful!" The Eldest Young Miss softly spat and pinched him with a flushed face. Then, when no one was paying attention, she held back her shyness and lightly kissed him on the cheek. In a soft voice, she said, "Come back quickly, I will wait for you!!!"
Grand Mistress shyly jumped off the carriage. "I will wait for you," this gentle and soft voice made Lin Daren's heart melt.
He suddenly burst into laughter and shouted at the young ladies with tears in their eyes, "Come, let's hug each other! Pay attention to discipline, one by one. Hey, Second Miss, you only said hug, not kiss — — "
When the carriage had gone far away, Gao Qiu turned his head back and saw the young ladies standing in the rain. The oil-paper umbrellas had long since been thrown away somewhere. Their reluctant appearance was like a bunch of frozen stones looking at their husbands. Gao Qiu shook his head and sighed, "Brother, I really envy you. The love the madams have for you is deeper than the East Sea."
"Yes, it is indeed deep love." Lin Daren forcefully wiped the lipstick and rouge on his face and said helplessly, "But they are too passionate — — Ning 'er put on this rouge, she is purposely letting the soldiers of the three armies see me as a joke, haha — —"
The light rain fell as it walked. Before they had reached the outskirts of the city, the rain became thicker and drifted in diagonally. When it hit people's faces, it felt painful.
"Green bamboo hat, green straw raincoat, the wind and drizzle do not need to return." Sir Lin moved aside the curtains, gazing at the distant mountain ranges and rivers. Under the drizzling rain, it was like a fine splash-ink landscape painting. He shook his head and said with a sigh, "It's windy and rainy. Today's departure date might not have been chosen too well."
Gao Qiu snorted, "This was chosen by the Imperial Astronomer. I heard that the muddle-headed old men there looked at the stars at night and speculated for a month before choosing today as an auspicious day. Hmph, from what I see, this is clearly extorting the Emperor's money. "
Lin Wanrong laughed a few times and did not reply. When they arrived at the Northern Barracks, the sky was still gloomy and there was only a trace of light at the edge. Torches were burning in the barracks and the lights were brightly lit. The large barracks was illuminated as if it was daytime.
"General, you're finally here." At the entrance of the barracks, Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan, Saint Li, and Xu Zhen were all lined up. Everyone was neatly armed and when they saw his carriage arrive, they hurriedly rushed over in surprise.
Lin Wanrong lifted the curtain and got off the carriage. He cupped his fists at everyone and said with a smile, "Oh, everyone is here. Look at you guys, were you worried that I wouldn't come? When did I become a deserter?! "
The others laughed when they heard this. Seeing that he was neatly dressed in armor but his leg was still bandaged, Du Xiuyuan whispered, "General, how are your injuries?"
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Don't worry, I will recover in a few days. When we reach the front lines, we can race against the horses again. "
Du Xiuyuan was relieved. They were about to enter the barracks when they saw a figure rushing out from the side and blocking their way, "Lin San, you, you did not keep your word!"
The person blocking the way was about thirteen or fourteen years old. His brows were tightly knitted and his fists were clenched. It was unknown what kind of grievance he had suffered. Lin Wanrong gave him a strange look and said with a smile, "Oh, isn't this Little Li? What's wrong, when did I not keep my word?!"
Li Wuling grunted but did not answer. Hu Bugui said, "General, Wuling wholeheartedly wants to follow my army to the north, Grand Marshal has given full authority over this matter to Military Advisor Xu to handle, but Miss Xu does not allow it. The army is about to set off today, how can he not be anxious?! "
Lin Wanrong responded, then remembered that the last time he came to the barracks, Li Wuling wanted to follow him to the front lines to kill the enemy. But he was young and was Li Tai's only grandson. This was a matter of great importance, and no one dared to make a decision. Li Tai did not say anything and only left this matter to Xu Zhiqing. Li Wuling wanted him to talk to Xu Zhiqing about this.
Looking at Little Li's angry expression, Lin Wanrong smiled and patted him on the shoulder, "What, your Aunt Xu has not agreed to this matter?!"
"It would be strange if she agreed!" Li Wuling said angrily, "I have begged her hundreds of times, but Aunt Xu's temper is just like you, stubborn to the extreme. General Lin, big brother Lin, this is what you promised, what do you think we should do?! "
Official Lin and Miss Xu were now in a cold war. He could not open his mouth to beg Xu Zhiqing no matter what.
"Why don't you follow my army and set off first?" Lin Wanrong said after a brief thought, "Once the army leaves the frontier fortress, it will become an established fact. Even if Miss Xu wants to blame me, she can't do anything."
"Good — —" Li Wuling was about to clap his hands when Du Xiuyuan hurriedly stopped him, "General, this is not feasible. Military adviser Xu is strict in managing the army, the number of soldiers in the army is reported every day. If there is any concealment or omission, it will be punished according to military law. If Wuling rashly hides in the army, once it is discovered, with military adviser Xu's temperament, he will definitely be severely punished. The crime of beheading is not impossible. "
Hu Bugui and the others had been under Xu Zhiqing's command for a long time, and nodded in agreement. Official Lin sucked in a breath of cold air. No way, Xu girl is so violent?
"Therefore, if you really want Wuling to follow the army, you can only put in some good words with Military Adviser Xu. I believe that with General Lin's elegant demeanor, Miss Xu will certainly accept General's words. "Hu Bugui winked at Lin Wanrong, his expression very ambiguous. He had followed Lin Wanrong to Shandong, and had seen with his own eyes that Official Lin hugged and hugged Military Adviser Xu. Apart from being angry, Military Adviser Xu had never really scolded him. The relationship between the two could be imagined.
"This, let me think about it. Ah, I need to go to the toilet first — — "That was then and this is now, Miss Xu and I have long been spilled. Official Lin's expression was distressed, and he was about to use an escape technique. Li Wuling anxiously pulled him back and said, "General Lin, Big Brother Lin, I beg you, in another hour, the oath-taking ceremony will be over, and the army will really set off. I won't have any hope at all. Quick, quick, I'll bring you to see Aunt Xu, I beg you — — "
This little fellow was covered in tears and mucus, pushing his wheelchair into the camp. How could a disabled person like Official Lin be his opponent? After calling out twice, Li Wuling's footsteps became faster and faster.
Xu Zhiqing's tent was set up in the center of the camp, next to Li Tai's tent. At this time, the oath-taking ceremony was about to begin, and the army was being mobilized. For a moment, swords, spears, people came and went, groups of soldiers with murderous intent ran past in front of Lin Wanrong. The atmosphere was extremely tense.
"I say, Little Li, can we discuss this matter a little more?" Thinking about seeing Xu Zhiqing, Lin Wanrong's hair stood on end, "How about this, I'll go find Commander in Chief. He is the Grand Marshal, and everything is up to him."
Li Wuling shook his head, "My Brother Lin, it has already come to this, there is no point in finding Grandfather. He has already handed the matter of mobilizing the troops to Aunt Xu, and he won't interfere anymore. Isn't it just a few words with Aunt Xu, you're pushing it around, are you afraid of her? "
He was even trying to goad him into action. Lin Wanrong laughed bitterly.
Beside Li Tai's tent, there was a small and exquisite tent. The curtains were slightly lifted, and a dim yellow light seeped out. One could faintly hear some voices.
"We're here," Li Wuling quietly lowered his voice, his hands clasped together, his tone sincere, "Brother Lin, you have to help me do this. I, Li Wuling, will rely on you for the rest of my life. Please, please! "
This kid's words were sincere, and his heart was devoted to protecting his country, which was quite rare. Since it had already come to this, it was impossible for him to shirk his responsibility. Lin Wanrong could only brace himself and do it.
Li Wuling sneakily pushed him to the entrance of the tent. Lin Wanrong pretended to knock on the curtains twice, letting out a hoarse voice, "Excuse me, is there anyone inside?!"
"Who's making a racket?!" A clear and dignified voice of a man rang out from inside the tent.
This kid Li Wuling, he made me walk into the wrong tent. Lin Wanrong laughed and was about to step back when the curtains were lifted. An imposing man walked out from inside. He was tall and slender, had a dignified appearance, and was clad in armor from head to toe. When he saw Lin Wanrong, he was stunned for a moment, then he smiled, "Isn't this General Lin? What, you've already returned to the camp. Have you come to see Military Advisor Xu?! "
This was the young general who had volunteered to fight with Lin Wanrong over the commander of the right side, called Yu Zongcai. Lin Wanrong had a good memory, so he naturally recognized him.
"So it's General Yu." Lin Wanrong cupped his fists and said with a smile, "My apologies for not recognizing you. You're dressed so handsomely. At first glance, I didn't recognize you. May I ask, is this Military Advisor Xu's tent? I want to find her to discuss some matters. "
"Shh," Yu Zongcai lowered his voice, "Miss Xu is thinking about the army's future itinerary, don't disturb her. If General Lin has something to say, there's no harm in telling me first, and then I'll pass on the message to Miss Xu. "
Pass on the message? Official Lin was dumbfounded. This Miss Xu was getting more and more arrogant, actually finding this General Yu to be her secretary. Lin Wanrong made a long "oh" sound and said with a smile, "Actually, it's nothing much. There's just a small matter that concerns my China's future hundred years of foundation, so I want to discuss it with Miss Xu. I wonder if it's convenient for General Yu to pass on the message? Oh, if it's not convenient, it's fine. I'll go and discuss it with Great General, it's the same. "
Official Lin's tone was very arrogant. The first thing he said was that it concerned China's future hundred years of foundation. Hearing this, Yu Zongcai didn't dare to be negligent and said carefully, "General Lin, Miss Xu is really tired. Can you tell me a bit first, and then I'll pass on the message."
This General Yu was young and handsome, and had protected Xu Zhi Qing time and time again. His intentions were probably not as simple as a subordinate's respect for a military advisor. Lin Wanrong smiled and patted his shoulder, "Brother Yu, this matter is very important. If I can tell you, based on our relationship as brothers, what's the harm in letting you know? It's just that this is a serious matter, and I don't dare to make a decision on my own. Please forgive me, Brother! "
He was much younger than General Yu, but he kept calling him brother and smiled shiftily. How could General Yu not be angry when he heard this.
General Yu snorted and was about to speak when a woman's tired voice came from the tent, "Who's making a racket outside?!"
Yu Zongcai hurriedly said, "Miss Xu, it's the right vanguard General Lin. He says he wants to see you!"
A dull thud came from inside the tent. No one knew what it was. After a long period of silence, Xu Zhi Qing's calm voice came through, "Brother Yu, please tell General Lin that the Emperor is about to arrive and the army's oath-taking is about to begin. If there's anything, we can discuss it after the army departs. "
Yu Zongcai smiled and looked at Lin Wanrong, indicating that he had already reported and Miss Xu said she wouldn't see him.
Lin Wanrong smiled and said carelessly, "Since Military Advisor Xu doesn't want to hear it, then forget it. Anyway, this matter concerns China's future hundred years of foundation, Military Advisor Xu doesn't really care."
After he finished speaking, he turned his wheelchair around and left. The tent was silent for a while before Xu Zhi Qing's voice slowly sounded, "Invite General Lin into the tent for a chat."
Do you think I'll go in just because you tell me to? Lin Wanrong chuckled, but before he could take a few steps, he was pulled back by Yu Zongcai, "General Lin, Miss Xu invites you into the tent."
Yu Zongcai was in awe of Xu Zhi Qing and hurriedly pushed Lin Wanrong into the tent. The tent wasn't big. There was a table and an oil lamp in the front, and a curtain at the back to separate a small space. It must be Miss Xu's temporary boudoir.
Under the dim light of the oil lamp, Xu Zhi Qing's pretty face was clean and flawless, sparkling like jade. She wore a light purple dress and had a graceful figure. Her phoenix eyes were slightly bloodshot. It was obvious that she hadn't rested well these days.
Seeing Lin San come in, she glanced at him slightly and saw that he was wearing armor. Although his face was dark, he looked very tall and sturdy. Compared to his usual cheerful appearance, it was as if he was a completely different person. However, his leg was still heavily bandaged. It seemed that his injury hadn't healed yet.
Seeing that there were some lipstick marks on his face that hadn't been wiped clean, Miss Xu lowered her eyes and said lightly, "General Lin returned to the camp in time. It's really gratifying to add tiger wings to our army. "
This was the first time the two of them had met since the quarrel that day. After not seeing her for a few days, Miss Xu's cheeks seemed to have lost a lot of weight, which made her figure even more beautiful. Lin Wanrong stole a few glances and didn't dare to look anymore.
"Miss Xu, you're too polite." Lin Wanrong laughed and said, "Actually, I came to see you today. I have a matter that concerns the future rise and fall of China, so I have to discuss with Miss Xu — "
He paused and didn't say anything. How could Xu Zhi Qing not know what he meant? She looked at Yu Zongcai and said, "Brother Yu, go and report to the marshal. Just say that I'll arrive later. I won't delay the time of the oath."
Yu Zongcai gave a slightly disappointed hum and secretly sized up Miss Xu. He lowered his head and left. Only the two of them were left in the tent, and the atmosphere was a little silent.
"Now, General Lin, you can say what it is. It concerns the future rise and fall of China." Xu Zhi Qing's expression was calm. Her slender white hand gently flicked the lamp, and the oil lamp gave off a light crackling sound. Her soft hand glowed like jade under the light.
Lin Wanrong retracted his gaze from her hand and lowered his voice, "Actually, it's about Li Wuling —"
As soon as he finished speaking, he heard Miss Xu laugh coldly, "This is the matter that concerns the rise and fall of China? Are you trying to make a joke out of our country with your alarmist talk? Official Lin, Prince Consort Lin, this is the army, not the court. Even if you have the most noble princess in China protecting you, the military law can still deal with you. "
This girl seemed to have taken gunpowder. Her words were so unpleasant to hear. Lin Wanrong's stubbornness also came out. He snorted coldly and his old face turned black, "What a good military law!!! Since Military Advisor Xu thinks that I'm just being an alarmist, then deal with me — "
"You —" Xu Zhi Qing stood up, her willowy eyebrows slightly raised, and her pretty face flushed red. However, Lin San was unafraid. There was a cold smile on his lips, as if he was going to fight her to the end. The two of them didn't say much, and the tent was terrifyingly quiet. Only the crackling of the oil lamp slightly eased the tense atmosphere.
"No matter what you say, I will not allow Wuling to go north." Miss Xu snorted, and finally spoke, her tone was unshakable.
"No matter what you say, I will not allow Wuling to go north." Miss Xu snorted, and finally spoke, her tone was unshakable.
Lin Wanrong's smile was not salty nor faint, "His legs are his own. If he wants to go to the battlefield, who are you to stop him? Please give me a reason! "
What she hated the most was that he was as calm as water, like a tree stump, without a trace of emotion. Miss Xu gritted her teeth and snorted, "What reason do you need? Just because his surname is Li, and he is the only bloodline of the number one military family in China, he can't go! Not to mention his young age, just the bloodline of the Li family is the flag in the hearts of China's soldiers. If he goes north, and something happens to him, what kind of blow to our army's morale? How excited will the Hu people be? Do you know this?! "
Tears glistened in Xu Zhi Qing's eyes. No one knew if it was because of the sadness in her heart, but she held it back and did not let the tears fall.
"The number one military family in China?!" Lin Wanrong said disdainfully, "Miss Xu, what you said was in the past. In the future, this title will no longer exist."
"Nonsense! Why?! "Xu Zhi Qing said stubbornly.
"Miss Xu, are you really muddle-headed or just pretending to be muddle-headed?" Lin Wanrong snorted, "A successor of the Li family who has never been on the battlefield, a Marquis of Peace living in the capital, this is the legacy of China's number one military family? What a joke!!! Being protected by you like this, raised in captivity, China's number one military family will be destroyed in your hands. Not to mention the ancestors of the Li family, even General Li Tai, will he agree? "
Miss Xu said coldly, "Even if I protect him, once something happens to Li Wuling, how excited will the Hu people be, how depressed will our army be? If the army's morale is lost, the war will be lost. Have you ever thought about it?! "
"Hahahaha — —" Lin Wanrong laughed loudly, his voice shaking the accounting room. Xu Zhi Qing was embarrassed and angry, "What nonsense are you laughing at, you can't win against me?!"
"Miss Xu, why don't you think about it the other way around? Li Wuling cannot go to the battlefield, China's number one military general has no successor, then who is the happiest? Who is the most disappointed? "Lin Wanrong suppressed his laughter and sighed," My view is the exact opposite of yours. Li Wuling cannot go to the battlefield, the Hu people will be happy, because from now on, they will have one less terrifying opponent, and China's army will have one less future commander. It is precisely the pain of one's loved ones, the joy of the enemy, self-destruction of the Great Wall. Is this not harming China's future hundred years of foundation, am I being an alarmist? "
He had a glib tongue, but what he said was not without reason. Miss Xu said bitterly, "Even if you are not being an alarmist, what if something happens to Li Wuling?! The Li family only has this strand of bloodline left!! "
Lin Wanrong said angrily, "Miss Xu, let me ask you, why is it that the children of other families can die in battle, but Li Wuling cannot have an accident? Is it because he is Li Tai's grandson?! Your style of being a son of a high official is unacceptable!! "
"What style of being a son of a high official, I have never thought of it that way." Miss Xu was also angry, her voice unconsciously raised.
"You do not think like that, but you do it like that. Because Xiao Lizi is the grandson of Great General Li Tai's wife, you unconsciously set him apart from the rest of the world. Everyone else can die, but he can't. But have you ever thought, among these tens of thousands of brothers, which one of them is not raised by their mother? Who is not a precious treasure? Who is more noble than who? Li Wuling died in battle, perhaps some people will be sad, but that is the glory of a soldier, there is nothing to say. Even if the Li family is gone, there will still be the Wang family, the Qian family, and the Zhou family. I, Da Hua, have never lacked a backbone!! I do not object to sitting and enjoying the glory of our ancestors, because that is the blood of our ancestors, you can enjoy it with a clear conscience. But do not think of this kind of enjoyment as noble, as if everyone owes you. Miss Xu, to put it bluntly, you are using your own selfishness to harm the foundation of our China, you cannot be more wrong! — — Hey, don't hit me, I will go, I will go by myself! "
"Get out, quickly get out!" Miss Xu's shoulders trembled. He fiercely scolded.
He only cared about himself, Xu Zhiqing was a proud woman, how could she endure his reprimand. Her cheeks were pale, her red lips were about to bleed, tears rolled down like broken pearls, her small hand grabbed the oil lamp, wanting to throw it at him.
Yu Zongcai was waiting outside the tent. Hearing this, he rushed in, seeing Xu Zhiqing's tear-stained face, his expression became anxious. With a shout, he rushed towards Lin Wanrong.
"Brother Yu, what are you doing?!" Xu Zhiqing was shocked, she did not even bother to wipe her tears, hurriedly blocking in front of Lin Wanrong, angrily scolding Yu Zongcai.
Yu Zongcai was stunned: "Miss Xu, wasn't it General Lin who bullied you?!"
Xu Zhiqing's eyes were faint, looking at the flickering candlelight, lightly saying: "Brother Yu is wrong, why would he bully me? I was the one who thought of something sad just now, I cried, what does it have to do with him?! "
Yu Zongcai did not know if what she said was true or false, but seeing Lin San's shifty eyes darting around, his expression was very strange. He snorted, cupped his fists towards Lin Wanrong, his face revealing a smile: "General Lin, please forgive me, Zongcai almost misunderstood General, please forgive me."
"Look at what you're saying, do I look like such a bad person?" Official Lin smiled as he hid the hidden weapon in his chest, affectionately patting Yu Zongcai's shoulder.
Xu Zhiqing's expression gradually recovered, looking at the two people in front of her, she snorted: "Brother Yu, General Lin, please go back first, the oath-taking ceremony is about to begin."
Lin Wanrong grunted, "Then what I just said to Miss Xu — —"
This was touching a sore spot, Miss Xu's expression changed, angrily saying: "I already told you, do you need me to say it again? I still have important matters to attend to, brother Yu, send General Lin out. "
This girl's stubbornness is really comparable to mine. Seeing Miss Xu's face as cold as ice, Lin Wanrong also knew that this matter was definitely not going to succeed, so he snorted and left the tent.
The army had not set off, but the vanguard on the right had already fought several rounds with Military Advisor Xu, if this matter were to spread out, no one would believe it. Lin Wanrong gloomily returned to his camp, Du Xiuyuan and the others were already neatly arranged, waiting for his return, but did not see Li Wuling.
"Did you succeed?!" Seeing his unfriendly expression, Hu Bugui carefully asked.
"Women, women." Lin Wanrong shook his head and bitterly sighed, not answering the question, "Their thoughts are too hard to understand. Brother Hu, go inform Little Li, tell him to stay at home and be a peaceful Marquis! "
Seeing that this matter had failed, everyone felt regretful. Ever since they had followed General Lin, this was the first time he had failed, and it was in the hands of Miss Xu. Everyone felt that it was somewhat strange, but could not say what it was.
It was drizzling, and the sky was getting brighter. To the north of the training ground, there was a huge platform that was thirty feet high and twenty feet wide. Huge logs were used to build a tall pergola on the platform. The golden dragon flag danced in the wind, the commander's flag fluttered, and in the midst of the heavy rain, the atmosphere was desolate.
On both sides of the platform, there was a leather drum as tall as a person, and in front of it were thousands of wooden stakes with countless ox spirits tied to it, specially for the purpose of offering sacrifices to the flag.
The old Emperor wore his hat, his expression solemn, and the fine rain fell on his face, but he did not feel it at all.
"Your Majesty, the auspicious time has arrived!" The Imperial Astronomer shouted. The Emperor nodded slightly to Li Tai.
The General strode forward, his white hair in the wind and rain seemed incomparably desolate and tragic. His large eyes swept around, and he said in a long voice, "Swear to destroy the Hu, protect our China. Where are the men — — beat the drums, call the soldiers — — "
"Beat the drums, call the soldiers — —"
"Beat the drums, call the soldiers — —"
The order was passed down from the north to the south, layer by layer, and the sound of the chanting was endless.
"Dong — — Dong — —" The dull and loud sound of the drums cut through the silence of the sky, startling the sleeping birds in the forest. The sound of the bugle horn, the sound of hooves, the sound of footsteps, the sound of armor rubbing against each other, and the sound of swords and spears clashing. It was as if many heavy logs were hitting the ground, and the sound was incomparably loud.
The army in the camp was already ready to move out. When the two drumbeats sounded just now, the three armies had already assembled. As far as the eye could see, the training ground was filled with a dense mass of human heads.
Hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers wore shiny armor, and their expressions were solemn. Their sabers, spears, swords, and halberds flickered with cold light. In the center was the elite soldiers of the Divine Arms Camp. There were tens of thousands of godly archers and strong crossbowmen, and hundreds of cannons that looked brand new, and the black barrels pointed to the sky. On the right was the cavalry camp. Warhorses and knights marched forward, and the sabers and spears in their hands gleamed with cold light, inspiring awe. Although there were many soldiers and generals, the entire training ground was completely silent. Not even the neighing of the warhorses could be heard. Li Tai's reputation for training soldiers was indeed well-deserved.
The Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites read out the imperial edict, lamenting the calamity of the Turks and the Hu's evil hearts, harming countless citizens of China, and coveting China's vast expanse of fertile land. The emperor of China followed the will of the heavens and the will of the people. One million soldiers will march forward to defeat the Turks, recover the border, and spread the might of China.
It was unknown who drafted this imperial edict, but it was very difficult to understand. Lin Wanrong could not bear to listen to it halfway through. He looked around his troops and suddenly saw Li Wuling's figure. This lad was dressed in armor and looked very proper. Standing in the center of the troops, he was very focused on the imperial edict, and his face was flushed with excitement.
"Brat, are you seeking death?!" Lin Wanrong hurriedly ordered Gao Qiu to drag him over and heavily smacked him on the head, "Sneaking into my camp on the right. If your Aunty Xu finds out and punishes you according to military law, who can protect you?"
Li Wuling did not care and laughed, "General Lin, Big Brother Lin, you're so powerful, are you afraid of my Aunty Xu?"
Lin Wanrong did not fall for his provocation and chuckled, "There's no point in saying more. I've already done my best. I can't stand your Aunty's temper. You should just go back and obediently stay there. If I have time, I'll catch a Turk wife for you to play with. "
Li Wuling disdainfully snorted, "Even Aunty Xu told me to come. Why would I go back? "
"Who, who told you to come?!" Official Lin hurriedly dug his ears and asked seriously.
"What, it wasn't you who convinced Aunty Xu?!" This time, it was Li Wuling's turn to be shocked, "She was the one who personally asked me to join your army!"
Li Wuling would not joke about this kind of matter when they were about to set off. This meant that it really was Miss Xu's intention. Lin Wanrong was also a little dumbfounded. He hurriedly looked around for Xu Zhiqing, but among the hundreds of thousands of soldiers, there was a sea of people, so how could he see her shadow?
"Kill the Hu, protect our China!" The hundreds of thousands of soldiers gathered into a boundless ocean, all of their faces red, the weapons in their hands raised high, and they shouted in unison. That monstrous heat wave even seemed to cover the continuous spring rain.
Lin Wanrong looked up and saw that it was the old emperor giving a lecture, "— Those who advance will be heavily rewarded, those who retreat will be killed. All of our words can be summed up in one sentence — those who offend our China, no matter how far away, will be killed! We will be here on this General Stage, on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, waiting for the triumphant return of our soldiers. Do — — "
The emperor drank the big bowl of strong wine in one gulp, then slammed the big bowl onto the ground. Tens of thousands of soldiers raised their big bowls at the same time, drinking the strong wine. The sound of porcelain bowls shattering rose and fell, endlessly.
"Sacrifice the flag — —" Li Tai gave a long shout, then thousands of cavalrymen leaped out at the same time, their horses neighing, the spears and sabers in their hands clattering.
"Kill — —" Thousands of cavalrymen madly galloped, quickly arriving below the General Stage. Aiming at the cattle tied to the sacrificial altar, they raised their sabers, their movements so neat that it was like a biting cold light, the heads of thousands of animals were chopped off at the same time, blood splattering all over the drill ground. The cavalrymen raised the bloody heads high, quickly retreating, the blood arousing the murderous spirit of the soldiers.
"Kill — —"
"Kill — —"
Hundreds of thousands of people raised their sabers and spears, shouting in unison, their voices reaching the clouds, shaking the heavens and the earth. Xu Zhen, Hu Bugui and the others beside him, had bloodshot eyes, their blood boiling, their coarse voices causing Lin Wanrong's eardrums to ring.
The Great General's white hair fluttered in the wind in the sporadic drizzle. He stood facing the wind, the sword in his hand fiercely swinging forward, "Men, let's go — —"
The beating of the war drums was like thunder in spring, pounding on everyone's heart. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers lined up like a long snake, braving the spring rain as they marched towards the north. The fluttering banners seemed to reflect the mood of every soldier who was going to war, excited and solemn.
Tens of thousands of people surrounded the two sides of the road, running together with the troops. The endless army, together with the people on both sides, formed a huge dragon.
Once they left, they would most likely be separated by life and death. The white-haired old mother, the newlywed wife, and the happy children called out the name of their loved ones over and over again. Their tears ran dry, and they only hoped to see the appearance of the person in their dreams again. Occasionally, those who found their loved ones, hugged each other tightly, unwilling to be separated. The bags of fruits and dried rations, regardless of whether they recognized them or not, were directly stuffed into the hands of the soldiers.
"The hardest part is the separation!" The solemn and desolate atmosphere caused Hu Bugui, a veteran general who had fought with the Hu people for many years, to involuntarily tear up, unable to help but sigh.
Lin Wanrong had never experienced such a scene, this was a true separation of life and death. Looking at the countless wives and mothers, who were dragging their children, eagerly waiting, and crying their hearts out, this feeling of shock was indescribable unless he experienced it himself. He suddenly hated war more than ever before.
"Big brother, husband — —" A delicate cry came from the other side. It was Ning 'er, wearing the brightest dress, stepping on the roof of the carriage, like a butterfly flying through flowers. Tears streamed down her face, desperately waving her little hand, and she had long become a tearful person. Qing Xuan had a big belly, and the Grand Mistress was tightly hugging her. Qiaoqiao, Yushuang, Xian 'er... they were squeezed together with everyone, moving along with the flow of people, moving step by step, waving at him again and again.
"Ning 'er, Qing Xuan, Xian' er, Yushuang, Xiao Yuruo, Qiaoqiao, take care, take care — —" Lin Wanrong waved with all his strength, as if he had gone crazy, tears surging down like a broken dam.
In the midst of the tears, those familiar faces were slowly submerged in the sea of people, gradually getting further and further away.
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