Bloodshed
The fact that Gu Qingyi was still alive caused an uproar among everyone, including the generals who had received aid from the Yue Kingdom.
"Gu Qingyi is still alive..." General Yan of Yue said quietly, "She's really lucky to be alive."
Now that Qi and Yue are cooperating, he naturally won't mention the former crown prince, and can only place all his resentment on Gu Qingyi alone.
“We traveled overland around the border of Qi, while your minister and Vice General Cao arrived ahead of us.”
Unexpectedly, the emperor of Qi became a bandit king, ruling over a mountain.
"Sima Xian occupies most of the area north of Chang'an. The Shanhai Academy is located in the southwest of Chang'an, a superior location that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. Using it as a base is indeed feasible," Vice General Cao continued, picking up where General Yan left off, with a simple, honest laugh.
“Vice General Cao is right. Our training at the garrison in the back mountains will be just what we need to support the Yue Kingdom’s forces.” Lu Zhuqiao pointed to the location of the Shanhai Academy on the topographic map and circled the area behind the mountains.
The group was filled with passion. They were usually too proud to meet, and they were discussing military strategies at length. At first, they maintained a rational and composed demeanor, but in an instant, their voices rose and fell, and the debate became more and more intense.
Several days have passed since the news of Gu Qingyi's awakening spread, and everyone has been on high alert.
As he looked up at her tall and proud figure from outside the house, his eyes revealed his longing.
She noticed Fu Mingguang's figure appear behind her, but remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
Fu Mingguang: "Chaoyang lived in the military camp with her blood uncle, General Meng, who guarded Jiannan, from a very young age. Although the emperor adopted Chaoyang, after the case of the Gu magic in the palace, the younger brother of the former crown princess was not at ease with the Meng family and often took Chaoyang back to the Meng family for a short stay. Once, he was so audacious that he took her back to Jiannan with the army."
“I know all this. His Majesty was furious and reprimanded the Meng family, but he couldn’t dissuade Chaoyang from doing what she wanted. From then on, she lived in Jiannan for five years from the age of twelve. During that time, she participated in battles large and small. At the age of seventeen, she was ambushed in Jiaozhou and injured her leg. She was sent back to Chang’an. Although her leg injury was healed, His Majesty detained Chaoyang in Chang’an, and Chu Shize stayed with her.”
"Chaoyang actually told you all this too."
He replied, “I saw it with my own eyes in my previous life, how can it not count?”
"When Chaoyang personally led the expedition, morale soared and the army's spirits were stabilized."
Sui Zhixu gave a mocking laugh; Fu Mingguang hadn't come here to talk to her about these things.
"Did he not even wait a month before he couldn't wait?"
"Since you've already guessed it, why be so persistent?"
"Persistence?"
The busy figure of Chaoyang in the room came into view. "You think I'm doing this because of Chaoyang? What does it have to do with her? Now, the relationship between him and me is merely that of ruler and subject, separated by thousands of miles. There's nothing to talk about. What does it have to do with her?"
“I have already conveyed the message. You may go and tell her. Cong Lan has already intercepted him eight hundred times, and had no choice but to ask me to relay it.”
Sui Zhixu lowered her eyes and remained silent. After a long while, she sighed, "Fine, let them see me then. It'll be better to give up..."
"He's in the back mountain, so I won't go there."
She nodded casually and stepped forward.
On the cliff, Lu Huai stood gazing at the scenery. Although he was dressed in casual clothes, they were more like court attire: a reddish-yellow narrow-sleeved round-necked robe, a nine-ringed belt, and six-section boots.
Its bright, reddish-yellow color is so striking that, apart from emperors, who in the world would dare to stand before others in such a grand manner?
The back mountain of Shanhai Academy is covered with fruit trees. Every spring, the blooming wildflowers will cover the entire verdant mountain. At that time, students of Shanhai Academy often come here to look towards their hometown amidst the swaying wildflowers.
Unfortunately, it is still winter, and only dark brown withered branches and fallen leaves remain on the path, creating a desolate scene.
“Your mother and I used to come here often.”
"I wonder what important matter Your Majesty has summoned me here for?"
Xu coldly spoke, shattering Lu Huai's attempt to reminisce.
He sighed deeply, "You are different from her."
“Different experiences lead to different personalities.” After a moment of silence, Xu finally couldn’t bear it.
She guessed that the friend Yueling mentioned was Zhou Changyuan, and there couldn't be anyone else. The previous life that had appeared out of nowhere was led by him.
Ultimately, it's something we owe.
"She gave birth to me, and I will repay her kindness and avenge her. You don't need to worry that I will be soft-hearted. Besides, perhaps I don't have much of a connection with His Majesty. In name, I am the head of the Sui family and the daughter of the Prime Minister. I can never be the child of His Majesty and Empress Wenzhao."
"Chaoyang is both a man of great talent and martial prowess, and is also taught by the Imperial Tutor. He is the successor recognized by the Emperor. I know this very well and will not compete with Chaoyang for him. Since it was all a twist of fate, let this secret remain buried."
Lu Huai sighed deeply, "You misunderstood me, that's not what I meant."
"Regardless of what it means, Chaoyang is an excellent heir to the throne, and I will wholeheartedly assist her on behalf of the Sui family."
"Are you blaming me? Blaming me for not protecting your mother?"
"...The past is the past, the beauty is gone, none of that matters. The current situation is good for you and me, Chaoyang, the Sui family, and even the Chu family."
The most important thing right now is the conflict between the old and new dynasties of Yu and Qi.
In the future, when the world is at peace, there should be no more disputes.
"Can you call me 'Father' in private?"
Sui Zhixu was stunned. She lowered her head and remained silent. This was the scene she least wanted to face.
“...I think Chaoyang would be more willing. Blood ties are not that important to me. Chaoyang has been under your care for many years, like your own daughter. You should show her more concern for her this time when she goes to war.”
He looked reluctant and said, "You've had a tough life, I should make it up to you."
"Hardships? I don't think so, and I don't need compensation. I'm fine now." Sui Zhixu said calmly, her hands folded over her lower abdomen. Her long eyelashes framed her upturned peach blossom eyes, making her look like a gentle and affectionate goddess from afar.
"...Alright, I heard you're pregnant, you should go back and rest."
He looked into Sui Zhixu's calm and indifferent eyes. He had so much to say, but he knew that if he did, she would probably be annoyed. He really didn't have the right to say it. In the end, it all came down to the fact that he hadn't protected his beloved and their child back then.
"This humble woman takes her leave."
Lu Huai stood alone, gazing into the distance. The disciples of the Mountain and Sea Academy came from all corners of the world, but he could not see Chang'an from where he stood.
"Your Majesty..."
The chief eunuch beside Lu Huai came to his side and said, "It's understandable that the little princess is not familiar with you because she is away from home all year round. If the Prime Minister can have such a deep father-daughter relationship with the little princess, His Majesty can certainly do the same."
Sui Zhixu tugged at the shawl on his arm and first went to search Yueling's hut on the back mountain, but no one was there.
When we got there, we stopped people and asked if they had seen the baby's age. We asked around, but no one had.
A smile spread across her face; who knows where she's off to hang out again.
Dan Hong hurried to her side, "Master, we have received news from the front that the Prince of Wei has sent out troops."
"Ah Ling!" Fan Lingzhang finally found her around the corner and ran towards her as fast as he could.
"Ruolan has lost contact, and the information I sent from my people in Chang'an is only half of what it was. I'm afraid something has happened to them."
Sui Zhixu's eyes sharpened. "Where are Chaoyang and the others now?"
"Upon receiving the message, the Imperial Tutor's men went to inform the princess, and they should have already descended the mountain by now."
Upon hearing Dan Hong's words, Sui Zhixu clenched her fists, bit her lower lip, and looked serious.
Fan Lingzhang reached out and took her hand. "Don't worry, let's go find the Prime Minister and the others first."
"Send someone to assist the headmaster in managing the students of the academy, preventing them from wandering off and ensuring their safety. Also, have Sui Chuke and Liu Lü go and inform the Zheng family that their troops should remain on high alert at all times."
Liu Lü is Chu Feixuan's apprentice and also the next head of the Military Strategist's Office.
Dan Hong and Liu Lü were trapped in Chang'an. They recognized Pu Yangkai's little parrot and managed to get help from the Chu family. They hid in a vegetable cart and sent it out.
"If we go to find Aye and the others, a fight might break out."
Fan Lingzhang: "Okay, I'll help you."
—
The clamor shook the earth as the King of Wei's elite infantry and cavalry, their black armor densely packed, stood beneath the city walls, raising dust that stretched for miles and obscured the sun.
King Wei rode out of the city, his spear occasionally scraping against the ground with a sharp screech, as he pointed it high in the southwest direction.
"Whoever manages to kill the little brat of the Lu family will be rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold and appointed as a General of the Cavalry!"
"General! General!"
The soldiers present were in a magnificent display, raising their weapons and shouting loudly. Gu Qingyi stood on the city wall, her expression indifferent, but a hint of madness shone in her eyes.
Chun Tao adjusted the cloak covering her head. "My lady, there's no need to rush. Although the Mountain and Sea Academy is surrounded by mountains, it's a dead end and not easy to escape from. The Prince of Wei's troops will surely be able to break through their defenses."
"Ha, she's quite capable, borrowing troops from the Yue Kingdom. It's true that the Shanhai Academy is surrounded by mountains, and the Wei River branches through this place, forming a valley. The location chosen by Imperial Tutor Ni back then was certainly different."
Gu Qingyi curled her lips into a sinister smile, her eyes fixed on a distant direction, seemingly looking at someone unknown.
Chun Tao looked worried. As soon as her wife woke up, she detained Ruolan, who was by the princess's side, and tortured her severely. She also thoroughly investigated all the medical clinics that the princess had visited.
She didn't know whether she should call her the Eldest Princess or not. Outsiders were only whispering about how the young master of the Sui family had infiltrated the scheme to impersonate the deceased Lu Kou, talking about it with great interest. But those involved knew that everything was real, and that the real was full of lies. After the lady woke up, she never mentioned the Eldest Princess's name, but everything she did was related to her.
"Shanhai Academy...Luoyang, the Eastern Capital..."
Chun Tao was lost in thought, and when she listened to Gu Qingyi speak again, she only caught two words.
"Why are you running around like this?" Yang Su shouted breathlessly as he climbed up the city wall.
"With bloodshed and carnage here, why not leave a mark and appreciate it?"
Gu Qingyi's face was frighteningly pale, but her eyes were unusually bright, churning with endless madness and almost burning hatred.
"Gu Qingyi, do you not care about your health? You've already repaid your debt of gratitude, so I, the Valley Master, will not save you a second time."
"In the end, I don't have many years left to live."
Yang gritted his teeth, "You just stay here with me and come back to Medicine King Valley to recuperate. Five years. I guarantee you'll be as lively as ever after five years."
"I can't wait five years! With a great war imminent, there's no way I can go back to Medicine King Valley with you. Since I can't survive, I'll make the entire Lu family pay with their lives!"
After saying that, Gu Qingyi started to laugh, but the laughter was miserable. Yang Su scolded her for being crazy, but Chun Tao stopped her.
The next second, Gu Qingyi coughed up a mouthful of blood. He was so angry that he felt dizzy, but he couldn't ignore it.
"I've really done something terrible; how could I have owed you such a debt of gratitude? Quickly, help her back home..."
"No……"
"What do you mean 'no'? You won't see her no matter how long you stay here. Chun Tao, help your wife back home. Look and look, but you still won't see her!"
On a cold winter day, he should have been spending time with his wife in Medicine King Valley, all lovey-dovey. But as soon as he was ordered to come, the patient still wouldn't listen.
"How long will the war last? You might die before the Lu family survives."
Gu Qingyi gasped for breath. Chuntao supported her and wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. She raised her eyes and looked coldly at Yang Su. Others were afraid of her, but Yang Su was not. She waved her hand and told Chuntao to pull her away.
Before leaving, Chun Tao turned her head and glanced at the King of Wei who was walking down the city wall. At the end of October last year, the King of Wei raised an army in the north in the name of supporting the Yu dynasty. The King of Wei had been rooted in the north for many years and had long since brought them under his control, quickly taking control of most of the northern region.
Meanwhile, the lady contacted the Sima clan's former subordinates in Chang'an to intercept military reports. Just before the King of Wei's army dispersed to attack Luoyang and Chang'an, the Lu clan received the news and launched a counterattack.
In the twelfth lunar month, the Prince of Wei's personal troops captured the gates of Chang'an, taking control of the aristocratic families and officials of Chang'an. His generals seized Luoyang and other places, and the palace gates were in imminent danger.
If it weren't for the obstruction of Chu Feixuan and others, they could have breached the palace gates on the ninth day of the twelfth lunar month.
In early February of the 29th year of Jianwu, Princess Chaoyang of Qi personally led an expedition, joining forces with General Yan Chong of Ning to fight against King Chu Ye of Wei at Wanshou Township outside Chang'an. Qi held firm to its defenses, and the two sides were deadlocked.
In May of the same year, Qi general Chu Feixuan led troops to Luoyang, and Wei Rong, a general under the King of Wei, went to fight. The two sides fought incessantly, with major and minor battles occurring frequently.
The soldiers had been fighting hard for days, their clothes covered in dust and blood, their heavy armor lying beside them, ready to be ordered at any time.
Everyone's face showed signs of exhaustion and weariness, but their eyes always shone brightly, like wolves lurking in the night, waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
At the same time, Sui He's eyelids kept twitching, and she held Sui Zhixu's hand.
"I'm a little panicked."
Sui Zhixu grasped her hand in return, saying, "Uncle Chu has fought on the battlefield for many years and is very experienced. He is not afraid of Wei Rong either."
"It's already May, who knows how long this battle will last?" She reached out and stroked Sui Zhixu's hair, then brushed it across her face.
“When he was young, my brother and I took him in. He said he joined the military guild to serve his family in order to repay our kindness. Later, he joined the army to fight for military merits. He was on the verge of death many times, but I have never felt so panicked.”
Her face showed worry, her beautiful brows furrowed slightly, as gentle as a rain in Jiangnan. She clenched her hands and placed them against her chest, unable to suppress the panic and pounding in her heart.
"It'll be alright, it'll be alright." Sui Zhixu hugged Sui He, saying this to both Sui He and herself.
Inside the room are the swords "Penetrating the Forest" and "Splitting Bamboo," their sheaths still drawn, like a temporarily sealed past, waiting to reappear in the world.
"It will all end."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
