Mohuai Prefecture.
Above the city wall, the Nanman flag was hung high, and the Nanman guards were stationed here. Although the common people were still living as before, they were already discussing it in private:
"Are we now part of the Southern Barbarian Country?"
"I am from the Great Chu. My parents are both from the Chu State. Even if the southern barbarians occupy Mohuai Prefecture, I am still from the Great Chu State!"
"snort!"
"My heart goes to Chu!"
Even though Mohuai Prefecture was occupied, the people were united and not afraid of the powerful southern barbarians at all.
nature.
Tuoba Mingyue did not dare to use tough measures to exert pressure.
Since ancient times, a country can only become rich and strong if the people support it.
He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world.
During this period, although she occupied Mohuai Prefecture, the Southern Barbarians were not welcome in this land and were even regarded as invaders, encountering obstacles everywhere.
"Princess, something bad has happened. Early this morning, our guards clashed with several people from Da Chu and a fight broke out!"
"Princess, the people of Mohuai Prefecture are unwilling to provide food to our army."
"Princess, something bad has happened..."
"Princess……"
None of the news reported by the guards was satisfactory.
Tuoba Mingyue stood on the high city wall, looking down at the prosperity of the city. "Let Deputy General Li come forward in person and solve the problem properly. We must not arouse public anger."
"yes!"
Xiang Yue took two steps forward and said, "Princess, you are too kind to these people. It is they who don't know how to appreciate it."
Tuoba Mingyue leaned against the city wall with both hands, facing the wind, and closed his eyes:
"To the people, we are invaders."
"Only if I can stabilize the people's hearts can I set foot on the land of Mohuai Prefecture and attack Da Chu without any worries."
She needs Chu Yeli's help.
"Where's Brother Yeli?"
Xiang Yue pursed her lips and said, "His Highness Dong Ling has locked himself in his room without taking a drop of water for seven days."
Tuoba Mingyue sighed.
What is love in this world?
"He can't get over the hurdle in his heart, but I need him. He is an orphan of the previous dynasty. He has enough reasons and status to help me win over the people of Mohuai Prefecture."
"As long as he reveals his true identity, we will become the helpers who support the orphans of the previous dynasty to restore their country, rather than invaders. Only then will the people accept and support us."
She lowered her eyes and thought.
After a while.
He raised his head and asked, "How is the preparation for you going?"
"Don't worry, Princess. We have found the person."
In the state capital.
The doors and windows were closed, and the room was as dark as a deserted place. A dejected figure was curled up in the corner of the bed. The man's clothes were disheveled, his expression was dim, his chin was covered with stubble, and he looked as haggard as a beggar.
A pair of eyes were like extinguished ashes, dull and unfocused, as if it were just a breathing corpse.
His thin lips were dry and chapped, and he was mumbling something silently:
"No...it's not me...coming back...you coming back...Xiaojiu..."
"Forgive me..."
“No… that’s not the case…”
The rustling sound of the arrow feathers pierced the air and caused severe pain in his eardrums. He felt as if he had been stimulated by something and banged his head against the wall like a madman.
"No!"
"It's not me!"
"I didn't kill him! It wasn't me!"
Bang!
Bang bang!
"Fifth brother! Fifth brother!"
A pair of hands held his shoulders.
The man was shocked, and when he looked up, he saw a familiar face. "Xiao Jiu?"
"Fifth brother, it's me."
The woman was wearing men's clothes and had her hair tied up. Her fair face was 80% similar to Chu Li.
Chu Yeli hadn't slept for seven days and seven nights, and hadn't eaten or drunk anything. He was so weak that he could hardly see the woman's face.
Is it a dream?
Or is it real?
"Fifth brother, I missed you so much. I know you didn't shoot me on purpose, and I never blamed you."
The woman gently held his hand.
"Fifth brother, I am lying alone in the coffin. It is so dark and cold. Can you come and see me? Take me home. Chu is our home, but now it has been occupied by a group of thieves."
"I'm lying alone underground, Fifth Brother, I'm so scared."
Chu Yeli's eyes instantly turned red, tears streaming down her cheeks:
"Xiao Jiu..."
-
Jiangnan.
"ah--"
A lazy yawn started a beautiful morning.
In the bronze mirror, the woman's graceful figure was reflected. She was wearing a crescent-shaped white dress, which was spotless.
"Miss, you are such a beauty!"
Chuyi held a hairpin with a phoenix and peony pattern, and tied up her soft black hair, and couldn't help but praise sincerely.
That sounds nice.
Chu Li was happy: "Reward!"
He opened the dressing box and gave her a white jade bracelet as a reward.
"Thank you, Miss!"
"Morning, Master Turtle."
After breakfast, Chu Li started practicing again.
She practiced it for several days in a row, although she didn't know if it was useful...but since she started practicing the tortoise breathing technique, she slept very soundly.
Noon.
She had a string of cinnabar hanging around her waist, was holding a bird cage, and had one hand behind her back, as she went out shopping leisurely.
With this kind of behavior, she has completely integrated into the lives of the local people in Jiangnan.
"Hello, Miss Chu."
"Miss Chu is out on the street again."
Chu Li used a pseudonym, and because she liked visiting theaters and was generous with her tips, she soon became famous in the area.
All the vendors nearby know her.
"Uncle Wang, business is booming... Aunt Zhang, isn't your grandson going to school today... Hey, Sister Li, why didn't you come to set up the stall yesterday? Are you pregnant with your third child? Congratulations..."
Chu Li carried the bird cage and entered the teahouse.
The waiter swung the handkerchief and said, "Miss Chu, the best seat is reserved for you!"
"Bring the best tea and serve it well. It will benefit you."
"Dear guest, please come in!"
Chu Li sat down and played with the white-feathered parrot in the cage.
The white-feathered parrot is the rarest and most powerful parrot species. The day before yesterday, she spent a large sum of money to buy it.
It's only been two days, and it has already learned to speak intelligently:
"Morning, Uncle Turtle."
It flapped its wings, "Quack! Good morning, Master Turtle—"
Chu Li curled his lips, teased it, and played with it for a while. His eyes couldn't help but fall on the storyteller in the hall on the first floor.
The man was in his early forties, wearing a grey gown, and was well-mannered. He was stroking his beard and telling the story of the dispute between the Southern Barbarians and the Chu Kingdoms:
"Last time, we talked about the battle in Southern Xinjiang."
"Continuing from last time, let's talk about the story of our regent who had always won battles but gave up his throne for a woman."
"Since ancient times, heroes have always been tempted by beautiful women..."
The storyteller spoke vividly, and the ups and downs of his voice created a lively atmosphere. More than twenty listeners surrounded him, listening with excitement and anticipation.
Chu Li's eyes darkened slightly.
Hand over the country...
This story has almost spread throughout the entire Chu State.
It tells the story of a regent who, for the sake of a woman, exchanged the territories of the three states of Nanman, Mohuai and others for this woman.
Replace her body...
He was stationed in southern Xinjiang for eight years.
For eight years, facing the invasion of the southern barbarians, he won every battle and refused to give in, firmly guarding the territorial integrity of the Great Chu. However, it was also this that made him give up one-third of the territory of Chu just to get her body back.
It would be a lie to say that she felt no emotion at all.
Humans are not plants or trees.
However, she really didn't want to be involved in power struggles and life-and-death fights anymore.
Imperial uncle, you are the regent of a country, and that kingdom, which is the most powerful among the ministers, is your destiny.
And she...
She was originally a foreign descendant who was adopted and raised by Concubine Wen.
She was never royal.
Just like two parallel lines that should not have intersected, now, they have returned to their respective worlds and are living their respective lives.
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