What does it mean to use "civil" and "military" in reverse?

Qian Yong was always at the forefront of gossip.

I never allow myself to be kept in the dark.

Gong Xiqiu said seriously, "I don't know either."

Qian Yong: "..."

Everyone: "..."

If Gongxi Chou weren't nominally the Grand General of Kangguo, one of the highest-ranking military officers, Qian Yong would have already criticized him. He doesn't even know this, yet he jumps out to spout nonsense. Other military officers, being more refined than Qian Yong, didn't react as noticeably.

"I'm just relaying my elder brother's words, isn't that enough for him to know?" Gong Xichou said this with a straight face. If it weren't for the fact that these people couldn't help Mama, he wouldn't bother with all this thankless work. "I'll ask him later, why do you want to see what I'm doing?"

Qian Yong was rebuffed by Gong Xichou with just two sentences.

He was so angry he wanted to explode.

Because Gong Xichou was a better fighter than him, he silently endured it.

Gong Xiqiu stood with his arms crossed beside Shen Tang, his gaze towards the crowd inadvertently revealing a hint of contempt. These people, as subordinates, couldn't even share the burdens of their ruler; were they all just sitting around doing nothing?

Qian Yong and the others were furious at his gaze. He couldn't help but say sarcastically, "How vast is this world? And the enemy is a military general from a hundred years ago. It's normal that our generation doesn't understand. But how does the general's brother know so much detail?"

Gongxi Qiuye looked at Qian Yong.

"Our ancestors fought each other."

Qian Yong, always eager for a good show, turned his head and pointed the cannon at Xun Ding, asking with a smile, "Why didn't General Xun mention this earlier?"

Xun Ding, who was called out, was speechless.

What does this have to do with me?

After the Battle of Beimo ended, the external pressure on Kang Kingdom was greatly reduced, and Xun Ding, the general of Yaoguang Guard who had been guarding the capital Fengluo, was ordered to be transferred to Heyin County. Xun Ding led a part of Yaoguang Guard troops and arrived half a day later than Shen Tang.

Having traveled a long and arduous journey, Xun Ding hadn't even had a chance to take a bath before being summoned to a meeting. He hadn't even had a chance to sort out the whole situation, so how did he become the target of Qian Shuhe's attacks? Qian Yong said sarcastically, "Since the Gongxi clan's ancestors fought against this person, there should be records within the clan. General Xun, as the son-in-law of the Gongxi clan, is completely unaware of this? We're all on the same side, surely that's impossible?"

Xun Ding: "..."

He was certain that he was being targeted by the perpetrators.

Qian Yong's failure to get what he deserved from Gong Xiqiu made things difficult for him.

Xun Ding really didn't know anything about the uncle-nephew pair from the Eternal Life Cult. Even though he had read all the documents of the Gongxi clan, there was no such record. Gongxi Chou came to his rescue: "The relevant records are all in the old clan territory. I'm not even qualified to know them, so of course he wouldn't know them either."

Qian Yong gave a meaningful "Oh".

Xun Ding wanted to hit him because of his sarcastic and strange appearance.

The relationships among the military generals of Kangguo weren't bad, but they weren't particularly good either, especially when everyone was vying for military merit. Qian Shuhe relied on his seniority, seniority, and membership in the Tian Shu Guard, the head of the Seven Guards. The Tian Shu Guard was nominally headed by Chu Jie, but he was obsessed with cultivation, and most of the affairs of the Tian Shu Guard were handled by two generals. In other words, Qian Yong was the actual head of the Tian Shu Guard.

That old man is shameless enough to steal anything.

Xun Ding also suffered several hidden losses at Qian Yong's hands.

Shen Tang intervened at the opportune moment, extinguishing the budding flame.

Where is the High Priest of Jimo?

Unlike Gongxi Chou, who nominally held the title of Grand General, Ji Moqiu was still a free commoner. He wasn't free to come, but no one could stop him from leaving if he wanted to. He had been helping out at the wounded soldiers' camp recently, but had disappeared without a trace.

"They're on their way."

Jimo Qiu has never gone far.

When the army was on a march, he would travel; when the army stopped, he would go to the nearby mountains and forests to gather herbs and search for insects. Occasionally, he would visit the wounded soldiers' camp to exchange medical and venomous insect techniques with the physicians, sharing knowledge and learning from each other's strengths. Shen Tang was very at ease with Gong Xi Chou protecting him.

When Gong Xichou sent him the message, he and Lin Feng were guarding a nest of plump, snow-white insects, and they took all the eggs.

Lin Feng was a promising talent that Gong Xiqiu introduced to him.

According to Gong Xi Chou, although Lin Feng was not a member of the Gongxi clan, he possessed an extremely high talent for raising Gu (a type of poisonous insect), having mastered the basics through simple writing and notes, making him a self-taught young Gu master. Ji Mo Qiu talked with her and discovered that her younger brother had actually proven reliable for once.

She's already so talented despite being self-taught; with a little guidance and some proper instruction, wouldn't she make rapid progress? However, these past few days, Ji Moqiu's gaze towards Lin Feng has been complex, hesitant, as if she doesn't know how to begin. Lin Feng understands that Ji Moqiu probably doesn't want to continue teaching her, but just doesn't know how to bring it up with him.

As an outsider, the content she studied was indeed beyond the standard.

It's difficult to bring up Ji Moqiu, but Lin Feng can take the initiative.

result--

The gentle high priest looked flustered and shook his head slowly but firmly: "It's not what Lady Lin thinks, but rather—this matter is difficult to talk about, and I really don't know how to bring it up."

Lin Feng: "..."

If it wasn't what she thought, then what could it be?

Seeing Ji Moqiu stammering, she was also a little worried, afraid that Ji Moqiu would say something presumptuous. It wasn't that Lin Feng was overconfident, but rather that many people had indeed opened up to her in the past two years. However, Lin Feng was only focused on his career and had no plans for romance or children for the time being: "High Priest Ji Moqiu, please speak freely. As long as it is something I can help with, I will certainly not refuse."

Ji Moqiu: "Are you interested in the High Priest?"

Lin Feng was unsure: "...To you?"

Ji Moqiu hurriedly explained, "No, no, what I meant was—may Lady Lin be interested in becoming the High Priestess?"

Lin Feng: "...This, you can still be interested?"

Aside from a few descendants of the Gongxi clan, Lin Feng was the person who knew the most about this clan. He naturally knew the high priest's special status within the Gongxi clan, even surpassing that of the clan leader. As an outsider, it was impossible for him to understand from any perspective.

"Lin is not a member of the Gongxi clan."

Ji Moqiu said, "It doesn't have to be a member of the clan."

Lin Feng: "..."

Is this even possible?

It sounds absurd, but it's true.

In the secular world, noble families are centered on bloodlines and surnames; those with the same blood and surname belong to the same clan. However, the Gongxi clan is different. The Gongxi clan did not share a single ancestor, and their adoption of the same surname was due to historical reasons. Their identification with the clan is primarily based on their faith, with the surname being secondary. Simply put, anyone who acknowledges their worshipped deity and is willing to change their surname to maintain uniformity can theoretically join the Gongxi clan; a pleasing appearance is even better.

Lin Feng: "..."

She keenly noticed the last point.

"Pleasing appearance?"

"His Highness is more patient and shows more favoritism towards believers who suit his tastes," Ji Moqiu said earnestly, looking at Lin Feng. "Your talent is quite suitable for being a high priest."

Lin Feng naturally refused: "Even so, it's never good for someone of a different surname to be the High Priest. Didn't Queen Gongxi give birth? Her child is the descendant of the Gongxi clan, so wouldn't she be more suitable?"

Ji Moqiu was troubled when this matter was mentioned.

"I have consulted the gods on behalf of that child."

What was the result?

"What the gods dislike, appearance is unacceptable."

The gods favor those with striking appearances, and over hundreds of years, the Gongxi clan's genetic makeup has become fixed, resulting in many members sharing similar features. However, Gongxi Lai and Xun Ding were both from other clans. Naturally, their children could not possibly match the Gongxi clan's style.

Ji Moqiu, refusing to believe it, asked more than thirty times, but it was impossible.

This child is no good, and the next one will most likely be no good either.

Physical appearance inheritance cannot suddenly change.

Ji Moqiu has been worrying about his successor these past few days.

He thought of Lin Feng. He asked the gods about Lin Feng, and the answer was "acceptable". Ji Moqiu rubbed his eyes in disbelief several times, and asked more than thirty times, from "acceptable", "okay", "not bad" to "I have to ask a few more times".

Lin Feng: "...These are all replies from God?"

The way this chosen high priest was far too capricious.

They only judge by looks?

Ji Moqiu nodded solemnly.

Lin Feng hesitated several times before politely declining, but he didn't completely rule it out, only saying he would think about it. Ji Moqiu didn't press him. Anyway, he could live a long time; Lin Feng wouldn't agree, so he would wait for Lin Feng's descendant. The gods liked her face, and the child who most resembled her should also win the gods' favor. He was very patient.

If Lin Feng has no descendants, then he should try to find a surrogate from the Lin family.

Among the Lin family, there are always children who resemble Lin Feng.

Lin Feng: "..."

At this moment, Gong Xichou sent a message.

Ji Moqiu glanced at him and noticed his brows were furrowed tightly.

"Lady Lin, let's go back to camp first."

Although Lin Feng was strong enough to protect himself, he couldn't just leave the person there and go ahead. He replied to Gong Xichou, and the two returned to camp together. They arrived an hour later than expected, almost right after the white-eyed girl and her apprentice.

Gong Xichou, who had come out to pick up the person, complained.

"Why is my brother so late?"

"We've taken the wrong turn."

Gong Xichou's gaze fell on Lin Feng.

She was there, so how could she still get lost?

Lin Feng's lips twitched slightly. Could she say they almost ran into the enemy's vanguard scouts? They nearly plunged headfirst into the Gao Kingdom's camp. She could recognize directions, but Ji Moqiu was too fast; even with her [Chasing the Wind and Shadowing the Scene] skill, she was left far behind.

Gong Xichou: "Never mind, it's not a big deal anyway."

Since Ji Moqiu hadn't arrived, Mama and the others skipped over the uncle-nephew duo of the Eternal Life Cult and discussed dividing their forces—the Gao Kingdom's troops were deployed in Yiru and Tianhai counties, advancing on two fronts to attack He Yin from both sides, while the Kang Kingdom planned to strike first. The Kang Kingdom had ample troops and supplies, and was well-prepared. They just didn't know which front the uncle and nephew of the Eternal Life Cult would be on…

Who was leading the troops, how many soldiers did they have, and from where were they attacking… Gongxi Chou was already overwhelmed just listening to it all, so he made an excuse to leave and find some peace and quiet. He thought his elder brother would be back in a quarter of an hour, but it took an hour. Gongxi Chou finally understood why he had never been able to find him back then. With such a quick escape and ability to get lost, how could anyone find him?

Lin Feng took his leave, carrying a nest of insects.

Gong Xichou recognized what it was with just a glance.

"Isn't that the raw material for refining the Heart-Eating Gu?"

Ji Moqiu: "Mm."

Gong Xichou shook his arm, as if he had some psychological trauma.

He was often taught a lesson by this insect when he was a child.

"Why did you stop, Brother?" Gong Xi Chou was about to lead Ji Mo Qiu to the main tent, but after taking a few steps, he realized Ji Mo Qiu hadn't followed. Thinking he'd gone the wrong way again, he turned around and saw Ji Mo Qiu staring in a certain direction. Following his gaze, he realized Ji Mo Qiu was looking at a white-eyed girl, who was also facing them. "What's so interesting about someone pretending to be blind?"

Ji Moqiu withdrew his gaze: "This person has a unique aura."

At the same time, the white-eyed girl was pulled away by her master, who nagged, "What are you looking at in a place like this?"

The white-eyed girl stumbled.

He lowered his voice: "Things that generate each other."

"What are mutually reinforcing things?"

The white-eyed girl said, "Didn't we say before that there was someone who was incompatible with the King of Shen, and that we needed to find something that could complement him? It's on his waist."

"Waist?"

"That strange wooden staff."

To be precise, it's the small red flower at the top of the wooden stick.

The master and apprentice quickly fell silent.

They discovered that the people they had just discussed were following the same route, both heading towards the main tent of the Kang Kingdom's camp. The physiques of the martial artists were far beyond that of ordinary people; upon closer inspection, they realized just how tall the Gongxi Chou brothers were—they blocked out the sunlight from their heads.

The master and disciple remained silent until they were summoned by the main tent.

Upon entering the tent, the white-eyed girl felt the hairs on her back almost stand on end! Inside the tent sat a group of "counteracting" individuals, and the Shen Kingdom's ruler, whom they restrained, smiled broadly, as if nothing had happened.

As ordinary citizens, when had the master and apprentice ever witnessed such a scene? Dozens of curious or scrutinizing gazes fell upon them, bringing not only a burning sensation but also a strong sense of crisis, making them wish they could disappear into the ground. Fortunately, someone helped divert the attention.

“Feng En has already spoken with the High Priest of Jimo about the general situation.” Shen Tang didn’t waste any more words and went straight to the point, asking about the specific information about Jimo Qiu and his nephew—their weaknesses and how to deal with them.

Everyone's curiosity was piqued.

How do you use "civil" and "military" in reverse?

Ji Moqiu didn't hold back, recounting everything he knew. The most troublesome person for this uncle and nephew wasn't the 20th-rank Marquis, but the scholar. The scholar had a way of life, which, when used, could completely reverse the roles of civil and military officials on the battlefield.

The scholar with a literary mind will become a warrior with a martial spirit.

A warrior with martial prowess will become a scholar with a refined mind.

Qian Yong was dumbfounded.

"So... this is a case of using civil and military skills in reverse?"

"Yes."

Qian Yong glanced down at himself, imagining himself in a scholar's robe, commanding armies on the battlefield, and immediately shuddered. This wouldn't do; he knew little about the power of scholarly discourse! If he suddenly lost his martial prowess and transformed into a scholar, he wouldn't even know how to fight. Expecting a scholar of his caliber to assist the army? Qian Yong then looked at his fellow military officers.

They were also looking at each other.

Clearly, everyone felt that the others were unreliable.

Gu Chiqi and the others had blank expressions.

Gu Chi pointed to himself, shocked: "Does the High Priest of Jimo mean that I, Gu, must become a Martial Warrior... to charge into battle?"

The scholars fell silent.

Ji Moqiu nodded again: "Yes."

Zhao Feng gritted his teeth: "What's there to be afraid of!"

Qian Yong: "I'm terrified! After this mess, we can't even walk properly, let alone fight. How are we supposed to fight their elite army? Speaking of which, why does such an absurd scholarly way exist? That old geezer is cheating!"

He felt resentful!

Ji Moqiu: "They were also affected."

Qian Yong breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this: "That's good."

Gong Xichou coldly poured cold water on the situation.

"What a load of rubbish! This is their ability. Even if they don't cram at the last minute, they will make arrangements in advance."

(*￣︶￣)

It's almost March again for tax refunds! I booked my appointment for the 1st right on time, hoping for lots of money coming from all directions! (((((())))))