Chapter 95: Good Men Should Be Submitted to the Country

Gu Chengye didn't expect Nian Xi to say this.

He had been a soldier all his life, and had a murderous and ruthless aura about him. Not to mention the daughter of a noble family, even ordinary civil servants would inevitably tremble with legs and hands when they saw him. However, this little girl from the Wen family was quite courageous.

"For a general, being kind is not a virtue."

Gu Chengye looked at Nianxi, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, cold and stern, "During the siege of Chicheng, my son Gu Yan was injured by a poisonous arrow, and his entire right arm has been disabled."

Nian Xi was startled and suddenly looked up at the gloomy-faced man opposite her.

Gu Chengye gave a bitter smile, and his usually resolute face also showed a bit of misery, "The news came quickly, but Xiaoliu doesn't know yet."

Nian Xi was in a very sad mood.

She had heard a lot about the dismissal of her two brothers.

Gu Ci was full of respect and admiration for them. Whenever he mentioned them, he was always grateful, "If it weren't for my two brothers who shouldered the responsibility of the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion, I wouldn't be able to enjoy the prosperity of my life in Beijing."

Now, one of them is injured and one is dead.

"Don't comfort me," Gu Chengye waved his hands, "'If you want to die for your country on the battlefield, why should you return home wrapped in horsehide?' I didn't come here to tell you that."

Nian Xi couldn't help but feel solemn, and said solemnly, "Duke Zhenguo, please speak."

"Xiao Liu is reluctant to leave you and is very hesitant. My wife told me that you are the only one in the mansion who remembered Xiao Liu's birthday. It's embarrassing to say that as a father, I failed to support this family. It's all thanks to you that he was able to get through this period."

"Even without me, Gu Ci is strong enough." Nian Xi refused to take credit for it, because in his previous life, even if Gu Ci was the only one left, he still managed to hold on on his own and become the new generation of Northern God of War.

"Duke Zhenguo, are you here to ask me to persuade you to resign?"

Gu Chengye's eyes were cold and hard, and he asked back, "Can you do it?"

Nian Xi thought about it carefully, then shook her head, and said, "No."

Gu Chengye was a little surprised. "My wife has praised you in front of me many times. I thought you were a girl who cared about the overall situation and understood the big picture."

Take the overall situation into consideration and have a deep understanding of justice.

Nian Xi chewed over these eight words, her eyes and eyebrows not surprised, "Duke Zhenguo is too kind. I am just a little woman in the secular world. All I wish for is to find a loyal person, grow old together, and live in peace and happiness."

"But I also understand that the safety of Dajing's country and its people needs soldiers like you to protect it. I don't have the same righteousness as the Duke of Zhen who sacrificed his own family for the sake of everyone, but I admire you very much in my heart."

Gu Chengye didn't speak for a long time.

The two sat in silence for a long time. Nian Xi raised her head and smiled at the Duke of Zhenguo, "I just said that Gu Ci is a kind-hearted person."

"He has felt guilty towards his two brothers since he was a child. Now that the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion is in danger, he will definitely step forward and take on this responsibility."

"Not only for you, but also for his two brothers and his three sisters who married out. If the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion collapses, their lives in their husband's families will not be easy. Gu Ci will build a new sky for you. You protected him in the past, and he will protect you in the future."

"I know him."

Gu Ci was the kindest person she knew.

At that time, Nianxi asked Pei Jian what would happen to the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. Pei Jian told her that there was a possibility of losing the title. Nianxi already knew the choice of Gu Ci.

The Northern Territory is the responsibility and honor of the Zhenguo Mansion.

Once lost, the blood and tears of several generations of the Gu family will be in vain. Without the protection of the Duke of Zhenguo, Gu's three sisters who refused to marry into a high-class family will also be deeply implicated.

Of course you don't have to go if you want to.

He is a martial arts champion and has his own mission. If they stay in the capital, Nianxi will be with him for a long time, and their feelings will be deep. With time and space, maybe they will really grow old together.

Mrs. Wang hopes to choose the latter.

But for Gu Ci, who grew up in the care and love of his father, brothers and sisters, and is such a considerate person, he has only one answer.

There is nothing wrong in choosing parents, relatives and justice.

But I will definitely give up the thought.

The war situation in the north was severe, and the fighting continued for years. The nomadic people of Beiliang often harassed the border and provoked. The reason why the Zhenguo Mansion was stationed in the border town was to guard and protect it.

When Gu resigned, he was shouldering the responsibility of the entire Zhen Guogong Mansion and guarding the border of the entire Dajing. After many years of separation, there was no sign of his return.

Nian Xi understood his difficulties better than anyone else.

Because she also has parents and brothers to take care of, such a choice is tantamount to gnawing at her heart and bones.

"I wish the Zhenbei Army can drive out the Liang enemies as soon as possible," Nian Xi said earnestly, "and I also wish you and Gu Ci can overcome the cold wind and win the battle."

Gu Chengye sighed softly.

Nianxi's insight was beyond his expectation, and it made him feel even more sorry, "It's such a pity for you and Xiaoliu."

What a pity?

There must be.

They knew each other for less than a year and parted almost at the height of their love.

This is of course regrettable.

But sometimes, regret is also a kind of beauty. At least when she searches her memory, the words in her memory are always so vigorous, cheerful, beautiful and sweet.

Nianxi has experienced a failed relationship and marriage, but in the end, she and Pei Jian also had a good time.

Just one year, two years, five years, ten years, time changes everything.

In this relationship, Nian Xi was the demander at first, absorbing the nourishment of love given by Gu Ci. Later, she was healed and comforted by Gu Ci's tenderness, and she returned him the same warm and sincere love.

Every day, she lives her life seriously and loves everyone who deserves her love.

She and Gu said goodbye, and they enjoyed every memorable moment.

…

A day later, Gu Ci came to the Wen Mansion to pick her up, but he didn't just say a few words before leaving in a hurry.

The two of them had a tacit understanding, and neither of them said anything to spoil the mood.

They ate fish sashimi, watched various operas, played Cuju in the East Market, and even visited the Treasure Pavilion.

They had a great time the whole day.

When they were about to leave, Nian Xi took out a sword and a Mohelo doll and gave them to Gu Ci.

"A sword for a hero."

Nian Xi smiled, her voice as sweet and soft as when they first met, "Originally this is your birthday gift, I prepared it a long time ago."

"Then why did you change it?" Gu Ci held the sword with a gentle smile, but his eyes were full of sadness.

What Nian Xi later gave to Gu Ci was a mutton-fat jade peace locket.

"Being a hero is too hard, all you need is to be safe."

Tears gradually welled up in Nianxi's eyes, but she was still smiling, very gentle, "This Mohele doll was given to me by you. I made a wish in front of the Weaving Goddess to bless and protect you."

Gu Ci took it and gently stroked the four characters "卿卿念兮" that he had carved with his own hands. A tear fell on it, making it difficult for him to see clearly. Where was the crooked stroke he had carved?

Gu Ci lowered his head to wipe away the tears from his eyes, and said in a clear and crisp voice, "What a coincidence, I have also fixed Gu Xiaoliu's wound. Take a look, are you satisfied?"

He choked up a little, but insisted on finishing his words with a smile.

Nian Xi also reached out to take it.

Except for the fact that "Gu Xiaoliu"'s arm was slightly damaged, there was no sign of repair on the rest of the body.

Gu Ci supplemented it very well and attentively.

She still remembered what she had said -

"Master Gu, I'm leaving Gu Xiaoliu in your care. I love him too much and I can't bear to see him get hurt. You must help me fix him."

Nian Xi held "Gu Xiaoliu" in her arms and nodded heavily, "You always do what you promised me."

"Master Gu, I have one more thing to ask of you this time."

"You said?"

"Master Gu, my little Gu Xiaoliu is about to go to the battlefield. I want to ask you to protect him for me. Don't let him get hurt. Please take care of yourself."

Tears finally blurred her eyes, and she almost cried, "I am far away, and I will wish him peace and health from afar."

Although neither of them said it explicitly, they both knew that after today's farewell, they would never see each other again.

Gu Ci nodded and looked at Nian Xi who was grief-stricken at the moment. The sadness in his heart almost overwhelmed him.

From the first time they met in Qushui, she entered his world with a hint of sadness between her brows, and he wanted her to be happy.

He released paper orioles for her and taught her how to ride a horse. Even after her tragic fall, he was still more determined to give her happiness.

He watched with his own eyes as the fragility and hurt in the eyes of the little girl in front of him gradually disappeared, and she became free and happy. Finally, he saw the light in her eyes.

Gu Ci never asked her about her unspoken concerns, and he never mentioned the past that was filled with gloomy emotions.

I just carefully guard the precious love that belongs to her.

But, but...

Gu Ci felt a pain in his throat and was almost unable to speak. He just hummed, took out the gold and jade hairpin he had just bought from the Treasure Pavilion, and carefully put it on Nian Xi's head.

He didn't know how long it would take him to return from his trip to the North.

Can you come back?

She was so gentle and kind, and there were many people in Beijing who admired her, not to mention Pei Jian who was eyeing her covetously.

Gu Ci had originally made an appointment with Nian Xi today, asking her to wait for him for a few years.

He knew she would agree.

He also knows his own selfishness.

He was not a true saint, and he wanted to keep her by his side in a despicable way. But looking at the sad Nian Xi at this moment, how could he ask for this?

When they first met in Qushui, he wanted to make her happy.

Do I have to let her become dim and withered again in the repetitive waiting?

Will those bright almond eyes be covered with gray again?

Can he bear it?

It was he who chose the family.

Gu Ci even began to understand Pei Jian's feelings. As long as her eyes could stay on him, it didn't matter who she was with.

She was his eternal favorite.

"When are you leaving?" Nian Xi asked him, "I want to see you off."

Gu Ci stroked her head and said softly, "You don't have to send me off."

"Nianxi, I will come back to your side."

Gu Ci did not tell Nian Xi the time of his departure.

Even if it's just to deceive yourself.

Tomorrow, he would appear at the familiar door of Yiqiao Street, waiting for that pretty figure, smilingly helping her into the carriage, and then driving to any pleasant place.

Perhaps regret is the norm in life.

Only in this way can people remember it deeply and never forget it.

Gu Ci watched Nian Xi return home for the last time.

He said to himself in his heart:

One day, I will return home.

I will do my best to come back to you.