Chapter 438: Cui Ling'an, a warrior
In sight, the man was wearing a wide-sleeved official robe, a jade crown and a face like the dawn on a spring mountain. His appearance was originally refreshing, but at this moment, in Cui Jing's eyes, he felt inexplicably annoying——
The "eyesore" had already raised his hand with a smile, saluted and congratulated him: "Congratulations to General Cui on the triumphant return of his army."
This was none other than Wei Shuyi who had returned from Dongluo.
Soon, another seven or eight officials wearing robes of different ranks appeared and came forward to congratulate Cui Jing.
Cui Jing raised his hand to return the greeting, his face expressionless: "Cui Jing didn't know that you gentlemen came here, maybe I have been treated with indifference, please forgive me."
Wu Siqing waved his hands and said, "We heard the good news that General Cui had defeated the Mohe cavalry on the way, so I took the initiative to come here to congratulate you..."
Wei Shuyi nodded with a smile: "That's right, we came here uninvited, and we need to ask General Cui to forgive us."
On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, they set out from Dongluo and returned to Dasheng. After learning from the Andong Protectorate that Kang Dingshan was dead and the wars in Jizhou and Yingzhou had been settled, Wei Shuyi chose to change his route.
On the way, upon hearing of Cui Jing's great victory, at the suggestion of Wei Shuyi, the envoys decided to stay in Youzhou for a few more days, partly to rest and partly to congratulate and express gratitude.
Of course, he was thanking Cui Jing for sending troops to help.
"I can't help you in any way." Cui Jing said as he looked at Chang Suining who was listening to Chang Sui'an's whisper.
Some officials could not hide their admiration and said: "This time, General Cui took back Jizhou and Yingzhou without spending a single soldier, and made the Pinglu rebels turn back in time. This is not only a great achievement, but also a great favor."
Cui Jing still looked at Chang Suining and said meticulously: "This matter is entirely due to Governor Chang coming all the way to help. I, Cui, am just a warrior, and I am just following Governor Chang's advice."
Chang Suining looked up at him after hearing this: "?"
She was certainly quite capable, but how could she be so capable alone? Wei Shuyi was speechless - what a "mediocre warrior Cui Ling'an".
Changji, who was not far away, also twitched his mouth - what was the difference between this and his husband's words "Wei Shuyi is old and yellow"? After hearing Cui Jing's words, the officials naturally shifted their admiration and flattery to Chang Suining.
Tan Li sincerely praised, "It turns out that the plan for Jizhou City was actually from Governor Chang! In the past few days, I have never heard Governor Chang mention it... Such a brilliant plan that is linked together without bloodshed is truly a genius!"
Chang Sui'an's eyes lit up when he heard the word "genius" and looked at Tan Li - his confidant! Chang Sui'an said proudly: "If my sister doesn't become a general, she will be a first-class genius as a military advisor!"
Chang Suining nodded obediently: "Well, if there is no war one day, I will change my career to become a military advisor."
"If such a military advisor were to appear in the world, he would surely attract competition from all sides!"
"Isn't this a waste of talent?"
The officials joked and laughed, and the atmosphere was particularly harmonious.
The relationship between the civil officials and military generals in Da Sheng had never been harmonious, but at this time and in this place, a different atmosphere was created.
For Wu Siqing and his officials, they were rescued by Chang Suining and Cui Jing first, and now they have won a great victory, and it is such a rare victory -
They were in Guandong this time, and this victory directly guaranteed their safety. Otherwise, if Youzhou was lost and the Mohe cavalry was allowed to enter the interior, it would be difficult for them to return to the capital.
The interests of the country are certainly one aspect, but what makes people more likely to be grateful and fortunate is their own safety in the present moment. This is the most practical human nature.
Furthermore, they had seen too many tragic scenes of war along the way, and they increasingly realized the devastation that brutal wars had on the national strength and people's livelihood. It was truly precious that they were able to recover Jizhou and Yingzhou so safely this time.
This time, in addition to repelling and expelling the Mohe foreign tribes, this foreign war that had to be fought, internally, was indeed won without bloodshed.
Wei Shuyi looked at Chang Suining.
So, when she said "there are more important things to do", was she here for this bloodless victory? Thinking of these four heavy words in his mind, and surrounded by a group of armored soldiers, he seemed to see her "in the past" when she led the army.
Throughout the whole year of last year, he had read through her glorious military achievements many times, but in the end he was just browsing through them. Until now, seeing such a person standing in the army she once founded, all the recorded words took shape, walked out of those merit books, became her sword, her armor, her warhorse, her high spirits and unyielding determination, and finally condensed into a real and complete "her".
Wei Shuyi suddenly felt that he seemed to finally truly know "her".
People are afraid of ghosts, but they are afraid of evil ghosts and resentful ghosts. But how could such a "she" ever show resentment to the world, or how could she ever show evil to the world? Facing such an extremely brilliant soul, if he only feared it, it would seem too foolish and shallow, wouldn't it?
"Minister Wei?"
A gentle call brought Wei Shuyi back to his senses.
Tan Li smiled, not wanting to know why Minister Wei was distracted in such a bustling atmosphere, and simply said, "Minister Wei, let's go too."
Wei Shuyi then noticed that everyone had followed Cui Jing into the tent.
Most officials simply escorted Cui Jing to his tent, exchanged a few words of greeting, and then left at an appropriate time, so as not to take up too much of Cui Jing's time after he returned to the camp.
Cui Jing invited them to stay for two more days and it would not be too late to set off after the military celebration banquet was over.
Wu Siqing and others readily agreed.
After all the officials left, only a few familiar generals were left in the tent. Chang Sui'an could no longer hold back and told his sister about his military achievements. He killed the enemies bravely and even killed a famous general in the Mohe army.
Chang Sui'an described himself as embarrassed, but that did not stop him from vividly reconstructing the situation at that time: "...the spear techniques used were exactly the ones we practiced against each other in the capital!"
"Ningning, I didn't know until I was on the battlefield that the spear techniques you used when you practiced with me in the past may not seem very surprising, but they are practical and can defeat the enemy very accurately!"
Kang Zhi, who was standing next to Chang Suining, was moved and looked longing when she heard this.
After listening to Chang Sui'an's tireless speech, and the other generals' praise, Chang Suining smiled and nodded: "It sounds like you are really brave, and you have achieved great military exploits on this trip."
"Girl." At this time, Jian Tong suddenly spoke, clasping his fists towards Chang Suining, and said without looking away: "I have three charges against you--"
Chang Sui'an, with a smile on his face, looked at Jian Tong in disbelief: "?"
Why do you want to expose him?
The sword boy said with an upright demeanor: "First, you ignored the advice and left the team once without permission. Second, you ignored the danger and rushed into the enemy's formation. Third, during the rest period, you secretly practiced shooting all night without conserving your energy."
Chang Sui'an was dumbfounded: "Jian Tong, you..."
He didn't know when Jian Tong had recorded so many black accounts of him! What a good battlefield judge! Chang Suining sighed. She knew that some of the wounds on her brother's face were self-inflicted.
She had originally thought that Sui'an's temperament was much calmer than that of Lao Chang, but when he went to the battlefield, wasn't he just as impulsive as Lao Chang when he was young? They were definitely cut from the same mold.
Hearing his sister's sigh, Chang Sui'an felt guilty: "Ningning, I..."
Sensing the change in atmosphere, Deputy General Yu coughed lightly, found an excuse to leave, and several other generals hurriedly followed him. The lively scene of everyone praising Chang Sui'an was no longer there.
The atmosphere is just like hugging a child. Everyone is happy to hug a laughing child, but if the child looks like he or she is about to cry, then it is best to hug him or her as far away as possible.
Seeing that everyone had left, Chang Sui'an became more and more anxious.
Chang Suining sat cross-legged there, looking at the uneasy young man: "Although I have said that you resemble your father and have the potential to be a general, talent is something that can only be honed. If you only hone your skills halfway, you'll be gone. How can you still be a general?"
"Brother, you were able to return safely this time, not only because of the protection of your comrades, but also because of many other lucks. But you must not regard this luck as your true ability."
Hearing Chang Suining's gentle tone, Chang Sui'an's expression slowly changed from uneasy to self-reflective.
"On the battlefield, swords and guns are blind. No matter what position you hold, there is no reason to retreat. However, there are different ways to sacrifice one's life. As a soldier, dying at the hands of a powerful enemy is a worthy death. But if you die because of your own arrogance and carelessness, it is meaningless."
"Brother, can you understand?"
Chang Sui'an nodded solemnly and shamelessly: "Ningning, I'll remember that."
In fact, he was also afraid when he had a close brush with death several times, but the joy of victory and military merit soon made him forget the fear, and he didn't even have time to think about it.
But his sister was so nice. She didn't get angry with him or blame him. She just advised him patiently.
Chang Sui'an was moved, and saw his sister turned her head and looked up: "General Cui——"
Hearing this voice, Cui Jing nodded: "I've made a note of it, too."
Chang Suining: "…Why did Grand Commander Cui record this?"
What's the difference between this and the top scholar who has already won three prizes in a row coming to listen to her talk about elementary education? But the man was very serious: "It makes a lot of sense."
Seeing that there was no false flattery on his face, Chang Suining was silent for a moment before he said what he wanted to say: "Since you are a soldier under the command of General Cui, I'd like to trouble General Cui to decide on rewards and punishments for your merits and demerits this time."
Cui Jing looked at Chang Sui'an and nodded: "Okay, I'll punish you."
Chang Sui'an looked bitter for a moment, but he knew he had done something wrong and did not complain. He cupped his hands and said, "I am willing to accept the punishment."
Cui Jing asked Yuan Xiang to take Chang Sui'an to find Deputy General Yu.
Chang Sui'an then took the judge and the sword boy with him.
The situation on the battlefield changes rapidly, and it is more important to adapt to the situation. Chang Sui An has his faults, but his merits outweigh his faults, and even if he is punished, it will never reach the point of using a military stick. At most, he will be asked to run around the parade ground and do horse stance with sandbags on his back. It is a small punishment and a big warning, just to make him remember.
When Chang Suining was about to leave, Wei Shuyi, who had just fallen behind, came to him alone.
Wei Shuyi thanked Cui Jing in private again. It was he who wrote the letter asking for help, and Cui Jing agreed to help without hesitation. Wei Shuyi was grateful for this and expressed his gratitude.
Seeing Cui Jing's indifferent expression, Wei Shuyi sighed, "There are no outsiders here, Cui Ling'an, even if you admit that you and I are close friends, what can we do about it?"
Cui Jing's expression remained unchanged: "How can there be no outsiders? Aren't you the one?"
Wei Shuyi did not feel hurt, but smiled: "No, I am not an outsider, but a thief."
As he spoke, his eyes vaguely glanced at Chang Suining who was sitting opposite him.
Chang Suining was confused. Who was the thief? Why was he looking at her?
She subconsciously looked at Cui Jing with a puzzled look, but found that although Cui Jing was sitting upright, he seemed a little uncomfortable.
The next moment, Cui Jing started to drive him away: "I am tired from traveling. If Minister Wei has nothing important to do, please feel free to do as you please."
Wei Shuyi nodded, his eyes showing sympathy: "Yes, I can see that General Cui is indeed very tired, covered in dust, and no longer as elegant as before. It is obvious that he is really tired."
“…” Cui Jing lowered his head subconsciously. Through the tea in the tea bowl in front of him, he saw his dusty and bearded appearance. Suddenly, his body stiffened.
He had been on the march and fighting for many years and had become accustomed to military life. He would not look in the mirror once a year and did not care about his appearance. In order to deter the enemy, he often deliberately made himself look rough.
At this time, Wei Shuyi had stood up, raised his hand to salute with impeccable manners, and the word "elegance" seemed to be written all over him from head to toe.
Cui Jing considers himself not to be someone who cares about his appearance, and even once felt very troubled because his face was too good-looking.
Of course, he is definitely not someone so shallow and boring as to compare appearance with others...
but……
now……
In front of Chang Suining, looking at Wei Shuyi who looked even more elegant despite his deliberate efforts, it was hard for him not to feel like a rough man, or even a savage, who had just returned from hunting in the mountains.
For the first time in my life, I felt uneasy because of my appearance at that moment.
Wei Shuyi achieved his goal, and turned to Chang Suining with a smile and said, "Governor Chang, Commander Cui is tired, so we should not bother him any more, right?"
Chang Suining was about to leave, but now he nodded and stood up, saying to Cui Jing, "Then you should take a rest first, we can talk later if there is anything else."
Cui Jingwei nodded: "...Alright."
Watching the two men leave together, Cui Jing closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he said, "Come here——"
Soon a soldier stepped forward and asked, "What do you want, Grand Commander?"
Cui Jing: "Prepare some water for me to wash myself."
The soldier was stunned. Now?
In broad daylight, the Grand Commander actually wanted to take a bath immediately, contrary to his usual practice? The soldier responded and went down to do as he was told.
When Yuan Xiang heard about this, he was clear-headed. He had seen it all before him. Minister Wei was always dressed up in front of the governor Chang. His intentions were obvious. Yuan Xiang, unwilling to fall behind Chang Ji, took over the matter and brought new clothes for his commander-in-chief. He also caught Doctor Cao who happened to be there and asked him about the quick way to restore youth.
Doctor Cao was very excited and felt extremely relieved. Oh my God, finally! He finally waited for the day when Commander Cui was willing to make good use of his face!
Due to the interference of Yuan Xiang and Doctor Cao, Cui Jing was forced to bathe for nearly half an hour.
Just as I was getting dressed and tying up my hair, I heard someone outside the tent coming with his hands tied, asking for forgiveness.
The people who came were Shi Man and several generals from the Pinglu army.
Shi Man and his men were all tied up with their upper bodies and their hands tied behind their backs. They entered the tent and knelt down one after another: "Shi Man, the sinner, comes to plead guilty."
But when they looked up and saw the young man sitting at the top, they couldn't help but be stunned.
4200 words, good night, my dears~ (End of this chapter)
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