Chapter 96 Brothers are brothers, Nian Xi talks alone

The imperial court had already been recruiting food, fodder, and soldiers in preparation for a major war.

Due to the strong recommendation of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the recommendation of many generals in the court, Duke of Zhenguo Gu Chengye was still appointed as the Grand Marshal of the Army to fight against the Liang Army and make meritorious contributions despite his crime.

Gu Ci was appointed by Emperor Jing as the commander of the Piaoyao Army and followed his father into battle.

Gu Ci became busier and busier day by day. It was during this process that he realized more deeply the difficulties his father and brother faced, and the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

His two elder brothers had protected him and helped him grow up easily, and now it was his turn to protect his family.

So even though he often lingered in front of the Wen Mansion, he never stepped in. Nianxi shouldn't have to shoulder such a heavy responsibility. She was born to live in a prosperous life and be pampered.

He didn't even go to "Half a Cup of Floating Life" anymore.

Even though he would think of her all the time whenever he stopped, his mind was filled with dark and selfish thoughts, but he controlled himself.

Because we are so busy even before the army sets out, let alone the things that will happen after the army sets out.

He had lived a life of luxury in the capital for twenty years, and he didn't know if he could shoulder the responsibility of the Gu family and revive the family.

His second brother died, and his eldest brother lost an arm. He is the only one left in the entire Gu family. Gu Ci doesn't know how long he will stay in the northern border after repelling the Liang enemy. Will it be three to five years, or thirty to fifty years?

He and Nian Xi are thousands of miles apart.

He could not share her joys and sorrows, could not accompany her in her life, and could not even give her the most basic promises.

The most hopeless thing is to wait indefinitely.

He is not that selfish.

"Can you receive the letter?" Nian Xi asked him before they parted that day.

"The post station has been destroyed, and the army is on the march and the whereabouts are uncertain, so it is not certain that we can receive it. Once we defeat the Liang enemy and restore transportation, we will be able to receive it."

"So...what if I go to see you?"

He saw Nian Xi's earnest eyes and brows, which were full of his reflection.

Everyone has a selfish and dark side, and the same is true for resignation.

Of course he understood what Nianxi meant.

But the North is not a good place for Nianxi to stay. It is full of killing and cruelty, not to mention the harsh climate.

Just like her mother, she gave birth to three sons and three daughters, but always stayed in the capital.

Nianxi is still very young, just a teenage girl, she shouldn't bear his responsibilities.

This is not fair to her.

So Gu Ci endured all the heartache and reluctance, just smiled and shook his head, "I will be back."

A beautiful relationship, no matter how short it is, is enough to make people unforgettable.

Before leaving, Qin Lang saw him off.

It was still the four of them, and it was still the same restaurant on the night of Chinese Valentine’s Day.

The atmosphere was solemn.

The last time Pei Jian went crazy and deliberately angered Gu Ci, the two of them started fighting, and at that time Qin Lang felt like the sky was falling.

But at this moment, he would rather Pei Jian go crazy every day than send Gu Ci to the battlefield.

"What are you doing? Everyone has a miserable look on their face."

Gu Ci was as cheerful as ever, and said with a smile, "I will go to the battlefield and gain military merit much faster than you can gain experience in Beijing. When I come back, I may even be a senior officer."

Qin Lang was unwilling to be so depressed, and he toasted Gu Ci with a smile, "When you return victorious, we will have someone to back us up! You better work harder!"

Wen Qingheng's voice was still low, "Why is it so sudden?"

He wanted to say that Nian'er had lost a lot of weight recently and had been ill, but when the words came to his lips, he swallowed them back.

Why bother?

It only adds to the sadness.

Gu Ci smiled faintly, "There will always be a day to come back."

"I will not be in the capital from now on. My mother is the only one in the house. If there is anything, please take care of her."

After saying this, he drank the wine in the glass.

Not to mention Wen Qingheng, Qin Lang has lived in the same courtyard with Gu Ci since he entered the Imperial College, and they have been classmates for many years. Hearing him say this now, he felt even worse when he thought that all the sons of the Gu family had gone to fight for the country and had no family.

Pei Jian finished his drink and then spoke his first words of the day. He said:

"rest assured."

Pei Jian said don't worry, and Gu Ci no longer had anything to worry about.

As long as it is Pei Jian’s guarantee, he will do what he says.

He had never compromised with himself regarding Nianxi.

Gu Ci lowered his eyelids, and remembered something. He smiled, took off the long sword from his body, and placed it on the table. "My precious sword is magnificent, isn't it?"

Wen Qingheng and Qin Lang both looked over, but Pei Jian didn't even look away.

He knew Gu Ci too well and refused to give him any chance to show off.

But Wen Qingheng and Qin Lang had already followed Gu Ci's words and flattered him dryly. Seeing that he didn't move, Gu Ci didn't get upset. He stroked the sword and said, "Nian Xi gave it to me. She said that a sword is given to a hero. I am the hero in her mind."

Wen Qingheng and Qin Lang looked at each other and sighed in their hearts——

He really refuses to rest in peace even before leaving.

Wen Qingheng felt a sharp pain in his teeth at these words. If it were in the past, he would have retorted and stabbed Gu Ci, but Gu Ci was about to die... Forget it, he just endured it for the time being and pretended that he didn't hear it.

As for Qin Lang, he should have flattered Gu Ci and praised his sister for her good taste. But he looked around secretly and saw Pei Jian's expression had changed, and Wen Qingheng also looked patient, so he shut up knowingly.

The refusal was of course intentional.

Although he no longer appears in front of Nian Xi, it does not mean that he does not mind Pei Jian's coveting of Nian Xi.

Here at Guci, brothers are brothers, and we just talk!

Coincidentally, Pei Jian also thought so, "Since you are a hero, you should stay in the northern border to protect the peace and tranquility of the area and uphold justice."

In short: don't come back.

Gu Ci's face froze, and he looked straight at Pei Jian, "You wish!"

Pei Jian was not to be outdone, he looked back and sneered, "Hero~"

"There are some people you can never even think about in your life!"

"It all depends on your ability."

"Pei Shizhang!"

"What are you afraid of?"

Pei Jian slowly filled another glass of wine for himself and looked at Gu Ci provocatively, "If you are afraid, you'd better get out of here as soon as possible. I will not show mercy."

Gu Ci was suddenly stunned.

Pei Jian's dark eyes were looking at him, full of depth and complexity.

He was about to say something when Wen Qingheng suddenly spoke up, "Well - if you two want to fight, let us know in advance so we can be prepared."

"The prices of the tables and chairs in this restaurant are not cheap," he added in a low voice.

Gu Ci was interrupted by this, and all the original emotions such as sadness of separation and jealousy of seeing his rival disappeared. Instead, he felt a long-lost sense of relief.

He looked at Pei Jian, and even though he already had the answer in his mind, he still asked, "Do you still want to fight?"

Pei Jian closed his eyes and poured the wine, "Forget it."

Wen Qingheng wanted to say more, but was grabbed by Qin Lang. He asked impatiently, "What are you doing? Didn't you ask me to warn those two people?"

Qin Lang almost wanted to hold his forehead, "My dear brother, those two have stopped fighting, can't you see it?"

Wen Qingheng turned his head doubtfully, only to see Pei Jian and Gu Ci, both of whom were looking at him coldly and sternly.

He looked back at Qin Lang and was very sure:

I really don’t have this!

…

On the day of the expedition, His Majesty personally saw off the army in front of the reviewing platform.

At noon, the army moved slowly, passed under the reviewing platform, and went out through the city gate. Gu Ci rode his horse in front of the team, the warm autumn sun shining on his silver armor, and his straight posture exuded a cold and murderous aura.

Nian Xi was at the pavilion outside the city gate, watching the army marching along the way.

Gu Ci didn't mention it to her, so Nian Xi didn't let him know that she was there to see him off.

But when the tall and majestic figure turned his horse's head and looked back the way he came, she couldn't help waving her arms vigorously, hoping that he could see her small figure.

It doesn’t matter if you can’t see it.

Nianxi said to him in her heart:

Have a safe trip, my General Gu.