Chapter 22 The Boy of the Past

In addition to considering food, clothing and daily necessities, there are many other problems that need to be solved.

For example, why the little princess is here and whether she will be in danger.

What puzzled Chu Mo even more was that if the little princess was at the border, then... who was the little princess in the palace who was preparing for her coming-of-age ceremony?

Chu Mo did not doubt that the kitten's identity was fake. After all, one's heart would not lie, so that meant that the kitten must be a princess.

Could it be that the people in the palace are thieves pretending to be thieves?

But if that was the case, Jing Ce would not have been able to fail to notice it.

What is going on?

Chu Mo glanced at Jing Xuan who was playing with Shen Fu, and thought to himself.

Should he tell the prince about this?

He knew clearly that if Jing Ce knew about this, he would definitely let the little princess return to the capital immediately.

Chu Mo pursed his thin lips, unable to tell what he felt in his heart.

As he was thinking, a white figure jumped into his arms. Chu Mo met the amber eyes and heard Jing Xuan's voice in his ears.

[What's wrong with you?] Are you still asleep? How can you sleep so well? Like a little pig. 】

Chu Mo raised his lips. He suddenly remembered that the little princess was not yet sixteen years old. She was still a little girl. It was inevitable that her behavior would be a little childish. But she was also deeply loved and had a spoiled temper.

But such arrogance is not arrogance, nor is it derogatory, but rather the temper of a little ancestor who has been spoiled.

Such a little temper will only make people want to pamper her all the time and put all the good things in front of her.

This is why the Queen Mother, the Emperor, the Queen and the Crown Prince dote on the little princess.

Chu Mo gently touched Jing Xuan's head and felt relieved.

Well, he could take other matters one step at a time. What he had to do now was to make the little princess live happily and comfortably at the border, so that when she returned to the capital in the future and mentioned the border, her first impression would not be that the conditions were difficult, but that the border was great and the people were great.

As for the little princess's words that she would not leave, Chu Mo could no longer take it to heart.

The little princess will eventually leave, so Chu Mo needs to be mentally prepared.

…

On the prairie far away from Yunan Pass, a young man stood with his hands behind his back, looking far away in the direction of Dasui.

Compared with other grassland people, his figure is relatively not as sturdy and strong, but still tall and slender, half a head taller than Chu Mo.

He had waist-length hair and wore no extra accessories. His hair was casually draped, with only a small braid hastily tied by his ear, hung with a red rope, looking unrestrained and lazy.

Compared to the Dasui people, his facial features are more three-dimensional, his contours are as sharp as if they were cut by a knife, and he has a kind of aggressive beauty.

"Beauty" is actually a neutral word, and it suits him just right.

If Chu Mo is handsome and Jing Ce is elegant, then Tuoba Xun is beautiful.

A slight glance at the end of the narrow eyes gives a feeling of sparkling eyes, and the red mole under the eyelid adds a special charm to it. The tall nose bridge casts a shadow in the sun, which makes it look sinister for no reason.

The thin lips appear ruthless and indifferent, forming a sharp contrast with the passionate eyes.

When he was young, Chu Mo had a willful and naughty personality. He didn't get along with the equally outspoken Tuoba Xun, and often teased him in a rascally way: "Hey~ girl, cover the lower half of your face, and I will redeem you."

Tuoba Xun was a few years older than him. At first he was disdainful to bother with the kid, but later he had only one thought in his mind - what a bullshit kid, I'm going to tear his mouth apart! !

So the two of them fought fiercely, and Jing Ce was the only one left standing by, smiling helplessly and trying hard to mediate.

Until the accidental attacks of punches and kicks here and there, the calm and self-controlled Jing Ce's face darkened, and he thought to himself: You must be crazy to try to reconcile, I will beat you so hard that you will call me daddy! !

As a result, the three of them almost broke up the inn and suffered a lot of losses.

That’s right, when Jing Ce was 17 years old, he disguised himself and went to practice martial arts. After a few months, he met Chu Mo and Tuoba Xun who were also practicing martial arts.

Chu Mo was 14 years old that year. Thinking that not many people in the world knew him, he revealed his true face and changed his name to Chu Die, which is a homonym of Chu Dad.

Jing Ce stared at the son of General Chu Yi, who was famous in the capital for his elegant manner. He was silent for several breaths before he said his alias: "Zhu Shu."

Tuoba Xun raised his beautiful eyes and introduced himself: "My name is Liu Xun."

Tuoba Xun was 16 years old that year, an age when people are often abandoned by others. He and the other two became acquainted with each other through a fight, and since then they have been traveling the world together and have a very good relationship.

They grew up together and experienced turmoil together.

When Jing Ce was 20 years old, the Nanzhao Kingdom and five other tribes of the grassland conspired to kill Chu Yi. The three of them said goodbye to each other at the same time, but none of them knew what the other was doing.

It was not until he returned to the capital that Chu Mo met the Crown Prince Jingce and... Tuoba Xun, the young patriarch of the Tuoba clan who had come to surrender.

Chu Mo was 17 years old at that time. He was a frivolous boy and had just lost his father. He knew that his best friend was the grassland man who killed his father.

At that moment, Chu Mo erupted in tremendous rage.

In fact, this matter has nothing to do with Tuoba Xun. Chu Mo knows it, and Tuoba Xun also knows it.

However, even though he knew it, Chu Mo was still furious, Tuoba Xun did not fight back at all, and even Jing Ce did not dare to move.

Chu Mo’s martial arts skills are too strong, and when he is furious, he is like a mad lion.

Chu Mo finally stopped only when Tuoba Xun was beaten to a pulp and bleeding. He trembled all over, lowered his head, and his tears fell to the ground.

"I don't have a dad anymore, I don't have a father anymore. He hasn't seen me become the number one general, he hasn't seen me protect the vast mountains and rivers of Dasui, he hasn't lived a comfortable and happy life yet..."

"What should I do? What should I do? What should Dasui do?"

The next moment, a loud and crisp slap sounded suddenly, and Chu Mo's face was slapped hard to the side.

"What should we do?" Madam Chu shouted coldly: "You should replace your father as the number one general! You should protect the mountains and rivers of Dasui until you die! This is what you should do!"

"Chu Mo, what's the point of beating him? What's the point of going crazy? Go and destroy Nanzhao, go and destroy the five tribes of the grassland!" Madam Chu shouted angrily: "Go and avenge your father!!"

Chu Mo's pupils suddenly shrank, and he lowered his eyes to meet Mrs. Chu's red eyes. His Adam's apple rolled, and he stepped forward to hug his mother gently, saying in a trembling voice: "Mom, I'm sorry, it's my fault."

"I will become the number one general, I will protect the vast mountains and rivers of Dasui, I will avenge my father, and I will protect you. I will definitely do it, my son."

Madam Chu hugged him tremblingly: "Mo'er, from now on, you will carry a heavy burden on your shoulders, a responsibility that will make you breathless..."

"Mom, I'm not afraid. I will shoulder everything until I die." Chu Mo's voice was very soft, but firm and solemn, leaving no room for doubt.

That night, he knelt in front of Chu Yi's coffin and said a lot.

After the mourning period was over, he went to the study, asked for permission to go to the battlefield, and went to fight resolutely.

Emperor Suian was a good emperor and did not want to see Dingguo Mansion lose Chu Yi and then Chu Mo.

He didn't agree to Chu Mo, so Chu Mo turned his gaze to Jing Ce standing aside.

Jing Ce knew Chu Mo too well and understood what he meant instantly.

However, leading troops to fight is different. It is not something that can be easily done with just passion and hatred.

"Three years." Chu Mo's voice was hoarse, but full of confidence: "Give me three years, and I will destroy Nanzhao and the five tribes of the grassland."

Emperor Suian and Jingce were both stunned.

"I will definitely do it." Chu Mo met Jing Ce's eyes, his voice trembling slightly, with a hint of pleading: "Brother Shu, you know."

Yes, Jing Ce has always known it, even though he was Zhu Shu wearing a mask back then and now he is the noble and unparalleled Crown Prince, but he has always known it.

Chu Mo has never been an arrogant and reckless person. If he says he can do it, he will definitely do it.

only……

Jing Ce's Adam's apple rolled slightly, and his eyes were filled with complex emotions.

Is this Chu Mo, who was kneeling straight and upright in the study room, resolute and willing to give up everything, really the unbridled and wanton young man who was riding a horse and looking at flowers not long ago?

Jing Ce had a hunch that a Chu Mo like that would never appear again.

Pursing his lips, Jing Ce walked to Chu Mo, knelt down to Emperor Suian, and said loudly: "Father, I am willing to guarantee Chu Mo, he can do it."

Emperor Sui'an supported his chin, thought for a long time, and said in a deep voice: "Chu Mo, do you know what will happen to your mother if something happens to you?"

Chu Mo was stunned.

"Mrs. Chu lost her father and son. What do you think will happen to her?"

Chu Mo clasped his fist firmly and said loudly: "Mother wants me to be the first general and protect the mountains and rivers of Dasui."

He paused, then said: "I want you to avenge my father!"

"Your Majesty, I cannot stay safely by my mother's side, and my mother does not want to do it either!"

Emperor Suian was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Chu Mo, listen to my order. I order you to succeed the position of General Dingguo and go out to attack Nanzhao today!"

Chu Mo: "I accept your order!"

Looking at the backs of Chu Mo and Jing Ce leaving, Emperor Sui'an supported his forehead and smiled, and said to the eunuch beside him: "Defu, do you think he can do it?"

Defu bowed his waist and smiled flatteringly: "If your majesty thinks it is possible, then it can be done."

Emperor Suian glanced at him, suppressed his emotions, and sighed softly: "Old Chu once said that his children are better than their parents. He said that Chu Mo's achievements will never be lower than his, so..."

He whispered, "That old guy is the one who can go there without any worries. He is such an irresponsible general."

Emperor Sui'an closed his eyes and exhaled slowly: "Forget it, have a pleasant journey."

After walking out of the study, Chu Mo looked at Jing Ce: "How is Tuoba Xun?"

Jing Ce: "Nothing."

Chu Mo responded and said nothing more.

At this time, a small figure ran over and threw himself into Jing Ce's arms. A clear voice rang out: "Brother, brother, I miss you so much~"

Every time she spoke, there was a wavy tone in her voice, which made Chu Mo glance sideways, and a pale and soft little face jumped into his sight.

As she ran along, little Jingxuan's face was flushed. She buried herself in Jingce's arms and rubbed him coquettishly, making the flesh on her cheeks pile up. Her long and curly eyelashes fluttered, revealing a pair of amber eyes, which were round and very cute.

Chu Mo instantly thought of a cat, and felt that this coquettish attitude was just like that of a kitten.

Jing Ce raised his lips lovingly, smoothed the girl's messy hair, and said softly: "Why are you running? If you fall, you will be hurt."

Little Jingxuan hugged Jingce and rubbed him again, saying softly: "It doesn't hurt~"

"It doesn't hurt? Who wrote in a letter a few days ago saying that they fell and it hurt a lot?"

When Jing Ce was gaining experience outside, he would send letters back from time to time to comfort the little princess who was unhappy about her brother's departure. Little Jing Xuan would also write back to tell him some things, all trivial matters, but Jing Ce would read them over and over again, and was even laughed at by Chu Mo and Tuoba Xun because of this.

Hearing this, little Jingxuan's expression froze, and then she blinked in a very shameless way, muttering: "Who is it? What a loser, brother, it's not me anyway!"

This look is more like a kitten who is feeling guilty but pretending to be majestic after getting into trouble. Chu Mo looked at him, and the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously. The haze in his heart in recent days also dissipated a little.

Perhaps because she finally saw Chu Mo, the little princess's cheeks turned red. She didn't expect to make a fool of herself in front of a stranger, and this stranger happened to be a handsome young man. She was a little at a loss for a moment.

Chu Mo: "Minister..."

He was about to pay his respects but stopped when he saw Eunuch Defu coming out.

Defu bowed to Xiao Jingxuan and said in a gentle voice, "Your Highness, His Majesty invites you."

Little Jingxuan was always impetuous and acted on impulse. After blushing, she put the man behind her mind. No matter who he was, she looked at Defu and asked in a long tone, "What are you doing——"

Defu didn't dare to offend the little ancestor, and smiled kindly: "Your Majesty has asked the kitchen to prepare some snacks, Your Highness, would you like to try them?"

Ever since Emperor Suian ordered Jingce to go out of the capital for training three years ago, the little princess has never been kind to the emperor and has not come to the study for a long time.

As soon as he heard Xiao Jingxuan's voice just now, he immediately sent someone to the kitchen. Without saying anything else, he just wanted to use food to keep the person here!

As expected of the father, he really understood his little daughter. As expected, the little princess twitched her nose, but her face remained expressionless: "Is it delicious?"

Defu said quickly: "It must be extremely delicious!"

"Then I'll give it a try." She looked extremely reluctant.

Jing Ce's mouth twitched, he raised his hand and rubbed little Jing Xuan's furry head, and said helplessly: "Xun Xuan, be nice to father."

These words made the young man Chu Mo's eyes widen.

Little Jingxuan always listened to Jingce, so she forced a stiff smile and said, "Okay, Xuanxuan agrees to my brother."

Hearing this, Emperor Suian, who had been listening in the study, raised his eyebrows and shook his body, feeling extremely happy.

So, the little princess went in to play with Emperor Suian. Chu Mo looked at her back and chuckled, "Is the little princess the clingy sister?"

Jing Ce laughed: "Yes, I was spoiled by my father, the emperor and my mother."

Chu Mo gave him a strange look and thought, who gave you the courage to feel that you are not on this list?

Jing Ce said a few words with a smile, looked at Chu Mo seriously, and said in a deep voice: "Come back safely."

Chu Mo no longer had his usual wanton smile. Instead, he looked at him solemnly and said word by word in a clear young voice, "I will definitely not let Brother Shu, no... I will not let His Royal Highness the Crown Prince down."

Jing Ce said again: "Okay, I'll wait for you."

He raised his fist. Chu Mo was speechless and a little uncomfortable: "Forget it."

Jing Ce raised his eyebrows: "Don't you like it the most?"

Three years ago, Chu Mo liked to raise his fists towards two people and then lightly touch their fists together. He thought this was particularly cool and handsome.

But the other two were a little older and just thought it was really stupid and said they would do nothing.

Now that Chu Mo has grown up, he feels that he was a fool back then.

but……

Chu Mo met Jing Ce's serious eyes, raised his lips slightly, and raised his fist to lightly touch him.

A gust of wind blew, rustling the corners of his clothes and drawing a smooth arc in the air. Two strong and powerful fists gently touched each other. In the sunshine, in front of Lu's study, the young man raised a confident and fearless smile.

I only heard the young man laugh softly and say, "Wait for me."

——Wait until I become the number one general and protect the vast mountains and rivers of Dasui.

Jing Ce: “Okay.”

——General Chu.