Gu Mang held his head and felt dizzy.
To deceive others …
Surnamed Lin …
Lin 'an Chu's …
These fragments were like sharp knives that pierced into his skull, swimming in the depths of his chaotic mind and stimulating the memories related to it.
In a trance, he seemed to hear a soft voice singing in a low voice, "Red Begonia, Haitang, how melodious it is when the wind blows. Little Tong Xianghe is far away, making people miss their father and mother. "
The singer vaguely had a Lin 'an accent. A nursery rhyme from the south of the Yangtze River coaxed the child who was about to fall asleep.
Red Begonia, Haitang …
Gu Mang took a step back in pain, and the side of his skull throbbed. On the one hand, there were fading memories, and on the other hand, there were memories that were stimulated. The scattered past in his mind was difficult to capture like flowing wind and snow, but a shadow suddenly appeared and disturbed him more and more.
He seemed to see the hut in Wangshu Mansion. Aunt Lin sat by the window with a blanket draped over her shoulders. She patted Gu Mang who was sleeping on her knees and sang softly, "How melodious it is when the wind blows. Little Tong Xianghe is far away … "
In his memory, his young self squinted his eyes in a daze, smiled at her, and murmured as if in a dream, "Aunt Lin, you sing so well."
Aunt Lin's eyes were as gentle as spring catkins. She touched the child's hair and said, "If Mang likes it, Aunt Lin will always sing for you."
"Won't you be tired?"
The woman smiled and said, "No."
"Won't you be thirsty?"
"No."
The child was in a daze and yawned. He curled up beside the woman like a small beast and said, "Aunt Lin, how nice it would be if you were my mother."
The hands that were caressing him suddenly paused and trembled slightly.
But at that time, Gu Mang didn't notice these details at all, nor did he look up to see Aunt Lin's complicated expression. He just shrank his body and adjusted to a more comfortable position beside her.
Outside the open window of the small xuan, there were fine petals falling with the spring rain and blowing into the room.
That faint pink color was like a good dream that could be woken up at any time.
"Little Tong Xianghe is far away, making one miss his father and mother …"
Gu Mang suddenly knelt down in the depths of the dream. His head felt like it was about to be split open by a blunt axe. He hugged his head and lay on the ground, gasping for breath.
He was like a dying fish, spasming more and more violently.
The Murong Lian said, "At least you should remember."
Remember what?
He remembered that Aunt Lin's surname was not Lin, but Chu. He was also not a servant of Wangshu Mansion, but the child of Murong Xuan and Miss Chu … right?
He could not help but recall the important things he had written on the scroll. And the sentence that he repeatedly mentioned was: "Wang Shu Manor has saved your life. The past is hard to record, and the disputes are hard to express. I hope that you will at least remember this and not make things difficult for the Lord Wangshu."
So before he lost his memory, he already knew the truth, right?
As if feeling the strong tremors in his heart, some of the memories that had already sunk into the abyss came to the surface like a dragon emerging from the water.
In the nursery rhyme, he vaguely remembered the words Aunt Lin had said to him before she passed away.
That sickly woman clutched his hand tightly, her withered lips opening and closing. She said to him, "Mang … Madam Zhao … Madam Zhao … Although Madam Zhao is so … so bad … but she … but she is not like the rumors of Chong Hua in the city. She is … ahem, a ruthless and jealous woman … she … is different from her family … she has a good heart … but she is too stubborn, and many people misunderstand her … she does not want to explain …"
"But you can't misunderstand her … if it wasn't for her … Mang, you wouldn't have come to this world …"
"Do you know … She, she saved you and your mother's life." A faint smile appeared on Aunt Lin's thin face. "So, please don't resent the mother and son. Madam Zhao and the young master, actually …"
When she said this, it was very difficult for her to breathe. Her pale lips trembled, and her eyes were fixed on Gu Mang's face, as if she wanted to imprint him into the depths of her soul.
Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's, but she still held back her tears and insisted, "Actually … they … are also pitiful people …"
Begging but not getting, there was no way out.
A mother and son bound by blood and pride.
How much better could they be?
"Aunt Lin! Aunt Lin!! " Little Gu Mang crouched beside the woman's bed. The woman's eyes were still open, and clear tears flowed down her cheeks, but the light in them had been extinguished. At that time, Gu Mang did not know what life and death was, but he knew that this woman who sang nursery rhymes to coax him would probably never come back.
Because of this, he cried out loud. He was so sad, sad for the first time in his life that he could not delve into the words that Aunt Lin said before she died.
It was not until a long time later that he vaguely understood that Aunt Lin, who could say these words, must know some inside information related to his life.
At least Aunt Lin should know who his birth mother was.
But she did not give him a chance to ask.
Later, Gu Mang grew up.
Even if the Murong Lian had always made things difficult for him and humiliated him, he almost never hated or quarreled with the other party.
Perhaps it was because Aunt Lin had never asked him for anything. Before she died, the only thing she asked him to do was not to make things difficult for Madam Zhao and her son. Or maybe it was because Aunt Lin had never lied to him. She said that he owed Madam Zhao, so it could not be wrong.
He had always looked at them with gratitude.
On the other hand, Gu Mang had always been investigating his life. He gradually had some vague guesses from the small forbidden books on the street and from the rumors passed by word of mouth.
Year after year, until one time, when he was tidying up the dusty library of Wangshu Mansion, he found a box of letters between Murong Xuan and Miss Chu. Everything finally came to light. He finally realized that he should be the son of Murong Xuan, the brother of the Murong Lian with the same father but different mothers.
At that time, whether it was Aunt Lin or Madam Zhao, they had all become bones in the grave.
Gu Mang did not have any irrefutable evidence to prove his lineage. In fact, at that time, he already had his own dreams. He had lived in the dark for a long time. He had met Lu Zhanxing and a group of friends in the dust. He didn't want to shed a layer of skin and come ashore covered in blood. He didn't want to stand in the noble family that he should belong to.
He had been a slave for so many years, and he knew the hardships, so he was more eager to lead the people in the cold cave against the wind than to be alone.
The only nostalgia he had for his true identity was when he saw a stack of Murong Xuan's sacrificial robes at the end of the year. He could not help but tear up.
He stretched out his hand and gently stroked the blue-gold Heroic Valor Ribbon.
When no one was around, he tied it neatly in front of his forehead.
It was obviously something that belonged to him, but he could only wear it like a thief. Before he could take a closer look, the door behind him slammed open.
The Murong Lian rushed in angrily, his eyes flashing with resentment and anger.
"You lowly slave! You dare to touch my father's relics? Take it off!!! "
Take it off!
The Murong Lian ordered sternly and urgently. He even reached out to grab Gu Mang's heroic ribbon, "This is my Murong family's thing, who do you think you are?! You're not worthy — — "
At that time, Gu Mang was too sad to realize that the Murong Lian who rushed in to snatch the ribbon was too anxious and panicked.
He used to think that the Murong Lian bullied him because he simply did not like him.
But it turned out that it was not the case.
It was just like when he knew the truth about the two of them being brothers, but he never exposed it. In fact, the Murong Lian had known for a long time. Because of this, Gu Mang's every bit of progress was like a slap to his face. Every success of Gu Mang's was like a great threat to his power.
"You are both bloodline heirs, if you don't learn well, Wang Shu Fu will be his sooner or later."
"How can you not be as good as a commoner's brat?"
"Murong Lian, you have to treat him as a sword hanging over your head. Think about it, if one day he knows that he is also a Murong family member, how can he not take your power?"
The two of them, one in front and one behind, actually already knew about their blood relationship. However, one of them was always vigilant against the other, and speculated viciously. The other kept to his mother's last words, silently tolerating and protecting.
Until today.
Gu Mang suddenly woke up from the illusion, gasping for breath — —
Everything in front of him was pitch black. He did not know where he was, how long he had been unconscious, or what day it was, he did not have the heart to know. He only moved his lips, and raised his trembling hands to cover his eyelids.
His surroundings were dead silent.
He lay in the darkness, and his consciousness was extremely chaotic. He used his power to rub his face, but his hand was wet.
He was trembling slightly.
The blood that flowed out of the Murong Lian's serious injury seemed to still be in his palm.
The court meeting was over.
Jun Shang stood on the balcony behind the throne room with his hands behind his back. The sky was gray, and the dark clouds were moving towards the imperial city. Dragonflies flew around the lotus flowers in the flower pond, and there was already the smell of a storm in the wind.
"Jun Shang, the remnant soul of the Demonic Blood Beast has been put into the trial. So far, everything seems to be going well." Zhou He stood to the side and reported to Jun Shang, "However, there are frequent movements in Liao Country. I'm afraid that they don't want to leave too much time for the Chong Hua to respond. You also said in the court meeting today that they may launch a large-scale attack at any time. I'm afraid that I won't be able to develop what you need before the war breaks out. "
Jun Shang closed his eyes, "Man proposes, God disposes. The remnant soul of the Demonic Blood Beast was not easy to obtain. It can be considered a blessing from the heavens. Gu Mang believes in the blessing of the Chong Hua Country. You don't have to think too much, just do your best. "
Zhou He responded, but did not intend to leave.
Jun Shang turned his face, "What? Is there something else? "
"Yes." Zhou He said, "The remnant soul of the Demonic Blood Beast is very weak. It can't fully use its spiritual power. This subordinate heard that the State Preceptor of Liao Country used the Magic Zither to gather spiritual power for it. However, there is no such item on the Judicial Stage. This subordinate has thought about it for a long time, but still can't find a good solution. Thus, this subordinate dares to ask for Jun Shang's help. "
"In the end, you want a magic tool that can store the spiritual power of the Demonic Blood Beast?"
Zhou He nodded.
Jun Shang frowned, "This is indeed a bit difficult. Originally, this matter could be entrusted to the Yue Clan. However, that old man Yue Juntian's health is getting worse and worse. Not long ago, he took everyone from the Yue Clan to Lin An's old fief. They plan to recuperate in the Muddy Sky Cave. They won't be back for a while. "
Zhou He asked, "Then what about Elder Qing Xu?"
"He's also not in the capital. He said that after all, he is related to the Yue Clan by blood. Although the Yue Juntian refused to recognize him, the old man is now in his twilight years. Qing Xu is a person who doesn't care about it, so he followed him. " Jun Shang said, "Chong Hua's three master craftsmen, Yue Juntian, Jiang Yexue, and Murong Chuyi, are all in Lin An's fief."
"…"
"However, the matter of the Demonic Blood Beast must be the most important." Jun Shang said, "Today, I will write a letter and send it to the Yue Juntian. Let him find a way to develop the magic tool while he is recuperating in Lin An. Don't worry."
"Yes."
Jun Shang wanted to say a few more words. At this time, the servant hurried over and whispered, "Jun Shang, Lord Xi He is waiting outside. He wants to see you."
Jun Shang then said to Zhou He, "You can leave first."
Then he said to the servant, "Let him in."
Zhou He left and met Mo Xi in the corridor.
It had been three days since the Northern Frontier Army returned from the victory in the Great Lake. During these three days, the strange things that happened on the front line were spread like wildfire. Even Zhou He, who didn't like to listen to outside affairs, heard that the Liao Country's Imperial Preceptor used Gu Mang to threaten Mo Xi during the battle. Not to mention those charming and gentle or unbearable speculations.
For a time, the entire city was in an uproar. Although no one dared to openly question Mo Mie, almost every household and every mouth was secretly discussing the relationship between Mo Mie and Gu Mang when they were free.
For example, the Murong Lian once said that Mo Xi went to Luo Mei Bie Yuan to visit Gu Mang without permission. Also, Mo Xi once argued with the Murong Lian over Gu Mang's ownership in the imperial court.
At that time, people didn't think much of it. Now that they thought about it carefully, there was an undercurrent surging and extremely ambiguous.
And Zhou He, who had seen Mo Xi break out of prison with his own eyes, naturally had more speculations than others. Thus, when he saw Mo Xi under the verandah, he sneered ambiguously.
"Lord Xi He, you're here to plead for that good brother of yours again?"
"…"
"It won't be so easy this time. He's the number one suspect in the assassination of the Lord Wangshu."
Mo Xi couldn't be bothered to pay attention to him. With a cold and handsome face, he brushed past him without blinking and walked towards the balcony of the throne room.
When he arrived, Jun Shang was sitting on the edge of the railing, teasing the red dragonflies circling above the pond with a piece of green foxtail grass.
"Jun Shang."
"Mm. You're here. "
Mo Xi didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "How's the Lord Wangshu?"
"Meng Ze is in charge of looking after him. His condition isn't very good. It's been so many days, but there's still no sign of him waking up."
"…"
"But don't worry, I know the inside story. No matter what, I won't believe that the Lord Wangshu was assassinated by Marshal Gu. It's just that he's on the cusp of the storm now, so he has to keep up appearances. " Jun Shang paused, then continued, "The 'prison cell' where I'm holding him for interrogation is called a prison cell, but I've already shown it to you. It's actually a quiet room for him to recuperate and rest. If you want to see him, you don't have to report to me. You can just go there yourself."
Mo Xi said, "That's exactly why I'm here."
Jun Shang raised his eyebrows slightly, "Why?"
Before Mo Xi came, he thought a lot. He wanted to tell Jun Shang that even if the royal family provided the most comprehensive protection for Gu Mang, he still couldn't be at ease. He wanted to say that he had experienced too many separations with Gu Mang in the first half of his life. He didn't want Gu Mang to leave his sight. He even wanted to directly tell Jun Shang about his relationship with Gu Mang.
But when it really came down to it, he felt that there was no need for any extra explanation. He almost had a very subtle feeling — he felt that Jun Shang seemed to know everything and didn't need to say anything.
So Mo Xi said, "I still plan to secretly bring him back to Xi He's residence."
Jun Shang was silent for a moment, then sighed, "Lord Xi He, imprisoning him for interrogation is just an excuse. You also know that ever since you returned to the city, I haven't treated him badly at all. The Black Demon's aura in his body has gone berserk, and his memory is so chaotic that it's on the verge of collapse. I've been trying my best to treat him."
"I know." Mo Xi said, "I've also been tied up with the Military Council these past few days, leaving early and returning late. I know that I can't take good care of him, so I'm relying on Jun Shang to take care of Senior Brother for me."
"It's good that you understand …"
"But I've finished all the things on hand now. I still want to accompany him personally. "
"…" Jun Shang put away the green foxtail grass, and the surrounding dragonflies scattered in shock, "You don't trust me?"
"I just promised him that I won't leave him again."
Jun Shang sighed, "Lord Xi He, now the whole Chong Hua has their eyes on him, and also on you … I don't know about the rumors outside, you …" He didn't continue speaking, paused, and said, "It's better for him to stay here with me."
But Mo Xi didn't have any intention of negotiating, and only looked at him silently and persistently.
After a while, Jun Shang was defeated, and said with a headache, "… Fine, fine, fine. If you're really unwilling, you can just take him back from my treatment room. But you have to be very careful, and don't let anyone know that he's still in your residence."
Mo Xi cupped his fists and said, "Thank you, Jun Shang."
Just as he was about to turn around to pick him up, he suddenly saw a high-level shadow guard from the palace rush over.
The shadow guard jumped down from the eaves, then staggered and knelt on the ground, obviously seriously injured, "Jun-Jun Shang!"
Jun Shang was stunned, "What's wrong?"
"Not good! In the direction of the treatment room, there's … there's an expert intruding! "
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