When Mo Xi returned home, Gu Mang was reading and writing in his study.
The vermilion window was open, and scattered flowers floated outside. Gu Mang was dressed in a light blue robe made of fine hemp. Her hair was tied up loosely behind her head into a loose bun. When the wind blew, the shadows of the flowers swayed on his body and the desk.
When Mo Xi saw the book lying on the desk, he knew that he was recording the lost memories again. Gu Mang was very focused on writing, and didn't notice Mo Xi's arrival. His cheeks were slightly puffed up, his berry-like lips were slightly pursed, and his smoky eyelashes cast a gentle reflection on the side of his nose, trembling from time to time.
Mo Xi didn't want to break this hard-won peace, so he just stood outside the half-open door of the study and watched. After a while, Gu Mang finally finished writing what he wanted to write today, so he raised his head.
Seeing the man standing outside the door, Gu Mang was stunned, his blue eyes widening slightly. "Eh? When did you come back? You've been standing outside the whole time? "
Mo Xi was clearly not someone who was good at lying, but at this moment, he said calmly and naturally, "No. I just came back." "I didn't."
As he spoke, he entered the room.
Gu Mang asked, "What did the court meeting say? Did Jun Shang return to court today? "
"He did."
"That's good. In that case, the cities near Shituo Pass are also —"
"It's already too late. Da Ze City has fallen. The report just arrived today."
Gu Mang was shocked. "Another city?!"
"Yes." Mo Xi said, "Jun Shang has already drafted the imperial edict. In another two hours, he will send these edicts to the relevant mansions. At noon, he will go to the General Appointment Platform to gather the generals and lead the army to the north."
"He has already discussed this with you?"
Mo Xi paused, then said, "Yes. I'll lead the Northern Frontier Army, and I'll send fifty thousand cultivators from the Pegasus Battalion, led by the Murong Lian. There are still fifty thousand Red Plume Camp cultivators who have yet to be appointed. "
When Gu Mang heard that the Murong Lian was going, his brows had already furrowed. He thought to himself that the Murong Lian clearly no longer had any interest in the battlefield. His addiction to 'A Floating Life Is Like A Dream' had already reached this point. Yet, Jun Shang still wanted to send him … he didn't know why. However, when he heard that the fifty thousand Red Plume Camp cultivators had not yet been decided, his frown deepened.
"He doesn't have a candidate yet?"
Mo Xi shook his head. "He prefers Meng Ze."
"…"
"Although Meng Ze's body is weak, she used to be the commander of Chi Ling's former subordinates. Moreover, this army is made up of the elites of the number one noble family. Although they are obedient, they are still unruly. Jun Shang is worried that if other people were to be the commander, they would not be able to stand the nobles' elites of Chi Ling. Therefore, he hopes that Meng Ze can stay in Chi Ling's army and not really do anything for him. "
Gu Mang pursed his lips. "Do you think Jun Shang is really doing this because of this?"
"I don't want to guess why he is doing this." Mo Xi said. "I came back before the appointment for nothing else but to ask you if you are willing to replace Meng Ze to take over Chi Ling's former subordinates and go to the front line with me."
Gu Mang was stunned. "You want me … to take over Chi Ling's former subordinates?"
"Yes. Are you willing? "
From Gu Mang's expression, one could clearly see the change in his emotions. Gu Mang did not even have time to react before the unexpected news of 'being able to return to his own country and fight alongside his fellow countrymen' caused his blood to rush to his head. He was seven parts astonishment and three parts joy.
But gradually, the intense blush on his face receded, and the light in his eyes dimmed a little.
Gu Mang said slowly, "Mo Xi. I really want to go to the front line with you. Even if you didn't tell me when you came back today, I would have done the same if I knew. "
Mo Xi could not help but smile bitterly. "I understand. I actually don't want you to go to the front line, but I think if I really stopped you, you wouldn't be happy and would only blame me. Therefore, it was I who suggested to Jun Shang that you go with me. "
Gu Mang was stunned for a moment and then lowered his eyes. "Thank you."
Mo Que raised his hand to ruffle Gu Mang's hair. His hand had always been rather strong, and Gu Mang's hair was loosely tied up in a bun. As he ruffled it, a few strands of hair drooped down to the side of his face. Mo Xi said, "There are benefits for you to go. At least I can see you all the time. If you are willing, I will go and talk to Jun Shang … "
Gu Mang interrupted him. "I want to go to the battlefield. But I don't want to lead the people of the Red Plume Camp. "
Mo Xi, "…"
Gu Mang said, "I can't be the commander anymore."
"Think about it. The Red Plume Camp is full of cultivators from noble families. They have fought against the Burning Country for so many years. They hate me to the core. It is impossible for them to be willing to listen to my orders."
"… I understand what you mean. If you are worried about this, then you don't have to worry. " Mo Xi said, "If you wear the veil, Jun Shang will tell the Red Plume Camp that you are a noble of the royal family. However, due to some reasons, it is not appropriate to disclose your identity. With Jun Shang's warning and me as the commander, no matter how much they guess, they will not do anything rash. "
Under Mo Xie's deep arched brows, that pair of phoenix eyes as black as night looked at him. That gaze was gentle, without coercion or persuasion. There was only endless tolerance, like an ocean that swallowed the starry night.
"As long as you are willing."
"But if you are not willing, or if you just want to be a soldier by my side, then it is up to you."
How could Gu Mang not be willing? How could he not know Mo Xi's painstaking efforts?
If he could lead the Red Plume Camp to victory, then in the future, if he had the chance to disclose his identity as a spy to the world, this would be a meritorious service that could not be underestimated.
Thinking about it, Mo Xi had asked Jun Shang for the position of commander of the Red Plume Camp. Jun Shang obviously had his own selfish reasons for choosing Meng Ze, the Murong King, as the deputy commander. Mo Xi had used Jun Shang's interests to obtain a bargaining chip for him.
Gu Mang was silent for a while, then said, "… let Meng Ze go."
Even though he was more or less prepared, when he heard that Gu Mang had really given up, Mo Xi's eyes were still filled with sorrow.
— — Just like how Gu Mang could see through Mo Xi's sacrifices, his risky moves, and his violation of Jun Shang's boundaries.
How could Mo Xi not see that his senior brother had given up for him?
"Gu Mang …"
Gu Mang covered his wide dark blue sleeves and explained, "I am still not suitable to be the commander of the Red Plume Camp. Everyone is looking at me. No one can guarantee that no one will find out. If my identity is exposed during the war, it will cause internal strife among the Chong Hua soldiers. "
"Also, my memory is slowly fading. I don't know what will happen to me next. If I am to be the commander, I cannot do it without a clear mind. "
"…"
"I know what you're thinking." Gu Mang looked at Mo Xi's gloomy expression and stepped forward to hold Mo Xi's slightly cold face. A soft smile appeared at the corners of his eyes. "But I just want to do my part for the Chong Hua. I want to fight side by side with you. I want to be by your side."
After a pause, he tiptoed slightly and pressed his hand against Mo Xi's forehead. His hand slid down and intertwined with his fingers.
"This time, let me be one of your retainers."
Mo Xi lowered his eyes and said, "This is not the position you should have …"
"I think this is the position I should have."
Mo Xi: "…"
"Good boy." Gu Mang rubbed his forehead. "I am already very happy to be able to complete my apprenticeship for the Chong Hua with you again."
"With you. With the Northern Frontier Army. Either way, it will be good. "
"Mo Xi, we can fight side by side again."
— —
June 17th of the Chong Hua calendar.
Summer.
Less than two years after the end of the war, the Liao Country tore up the contract and raised its army to attack Shituo Pass. Because the Chong Hua had delayed the deployment of troops, after the Liao Army broke through Shituo Pass, they quickly swallowed up Feng City, Di City, and Da Ze City. They took back the important place where Chen Tang had sealed the Blood Scourge.
When the news of Da Ze breaking through the city spread, Jun Shang finally woke up from his deep sleep. In order to quickly recover this city, Jun Shang immediately ordered the troops to prepare for war on the day of the court meeting.
The strong wind blew against the bright red war flag. Jun Shang stood with his hands behind his back at the side of the pillar of the platform.
On his left was Mo Xi in a black robe with golden edges. On his right was the Murong Lian in a royal blue robe.
The sun was shining brightly. Jun Shang's gaze swept inch by inch across the three armies below. Gu Mang stood among them with his face covered. When Jun Shang's gaze fell on him, he paused for a moment. Then he nodded almost imperceptibly, using this method to greet his Commander Gu.
The commander of the Northern Frontier Army and the commander of the Pegasus Battalion had already been decided. Jun Shang played with the heavenly jewel on his wrist. Then he used the sound amplification technique to spread his voice to the entire drill ground. "Murong Meng Ze, step out."
"Yes, Jun Shang."
Meng Ze walked out from the side of the army formation.
She looked gentle and beautiful. Her body was weak, but her bearing was tall and straight. Especially when she tied up her hair and changed into a slim-fitting royal military robe, she looked even more dignified. No one could tell that she was a sickly person with a broken spiritual nucleus.
Jun Shang said, "The position of commander of the Red Plume Battalion is given to you today. I hope that you and the Lord Wangshu will work together to help the Lord Xi He conquer Da Ze in the north and recover the lost land. "
As soon as he said this, there was a faint commotion in the army.
Murong Meng Ze lowered her head and said, "Yes, sir."
She received the Golden Order Arrow from the messenger. Stepping on the vermilion carpet covered steps, she walked up to the stage and stood beside the commander Mo Xi according to the rules.
The stage was solemn and respectful. No one was allowed to casually whisper to each other. But when Meng Ze stood in the commander's position, many of the nobles revealed expressions of disbelief and dissatisfaction. They didn't utter a word. Their eyes met, and it was already self-evident.
There were many people who could be used in the Chong Hua. Why was this Golden Order Arrow received by Murong Meng Ze?
Could it be that Jun Shang was selfish?
Could it be that he wanted Meng Ze and Lord Xi He to fight side by side and help each other?
Could it be that he was deliberately alienating his relatives …
All kinds of thoughts seemed to materialize. In the silent stage, the undercurrent was turbulent.
And Gu Mang, who had deep contact with Jun Shang, was very clear about the deeper meaning of this. This battle was of great importance. The most elite troops had already been deployed. It could be considered a battle where victory was almost certain. Before this, the nobles from all walks of life pushed the responsibility to each other. As a result, the cities were lost and the borders fell. It was truly a misfortune for the state.
At that time, Murong Meng Ze, who was in charge of the battle, was clearly entrusted by Jun Shang. But because she was a woman, she was questioned. On the surface, it seemed that the nobles were not convinced that a woman was in charge. But if one looked deeper, it was because these old nobles who had the Red Ink Iron Certificate and their ancestral land did not put Jun Shang in their eyes. That was why they dared to take advantage of this loophole.
The collateral nobles were already so arrogant. If Jun Shang gave the commander's position to any one of them, wouldn't he be slapping his own face?
Only by handing over the Murong Meng Ze would he be able to vent this resentment. Only then would he be able to silently and intimidatingly warn them: Chong Hua is overseen by me. Whether it's a woman or a slave, whoever I want to use, you can't stop me.
Under the bright sun in the clear sky, Jun Shang said: "For this battle, a total of two hundred thousand cultivators will be deployed. The army will suppress the Great Lake. We will set out today."
The war drums sounded. Immediately, the drill ground exploded with a uniform response. The light of the armor reflected the sun, and the halberds shone brilliantly. As usual, the cultivators of Chong Hua shouted the oath before setting out. Their voices broke through the nine heavens and resounded through the clouds.
"We obey Jun Shang's order! We will not return it until it is broken! "
"We obey Jun Shang's order!"
"We will not return it until it is broken!"
Gu Mang was hidden in the crowd like the most insignificant person. He looked at the cultivators shouting left and right, listening to the roars that could swallow mountains and rivers. After hesitating for a while, he also tried to carefully follow them. He recited the oath that was previously engraved in his mind but was now almost unfamiliar to him.
Gu Mang softly recited: "Together with my son, we will not return it until it is broken …"
He mounted an ordinary date red warhorse, the feathered pheasant in his hood swaying in the wind.
The city gate opened wide, and the army advanced north.
At that moment, he returned to his old friend, his comrade, and his Northern Frontier Army as a small soldier.
Everything seemed to return to the sunny days.
Gu Mang turned his face to the side. In a trance, he saw the similarly young Lu Zhanxing, the still immature Mo Xi, and the seventy thousand brothers who had passed away getting back on their horses. They were so young, and he was already so broken and old.
"We will not return it until it is broken!"
Amidst the deafening shouts, the army marched from the drill ground to the official road. Perhaps the sun at this moment was too bright, piercing Gu Mang's eyes through his eyelashes. He actually felt a little sour and wanted to cry.
This year, he finally set out on an expedition once again.
Just like when he was in high spirits at twenty years old.
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