Chapter 164 is about to end.

"There are good things, too."

At this point, Erniu seemed to feel that it was inappropriate to continue talking, and changed the subject, "During the two years when the White Lotus Sect was here, one of Aunt Cheng's nephews came over and lived in Aunt Cheng's house. During that time, everyone lived well. Later, when we fought with the imperial court, Aunt Cheng's nephew made a contribution and got a cow!"

Cows in this era are an absolutely precious resource. Killing cows for meat without reason is against the law. The labor force represented by a cow can even exceed that of three or four adults.

If anyone has a cow at home, his accent in the village will be much higher.

"Even during the two and a half years of fighting, Aunt Cheng's life wasn't bad. But later on, everyone was really defeated and had to retreat. When they were retreating, they couldn't take the cattle with them, and of course they wouldn't leave them for the court, so they had to slaughter them and eat their meat."

Erniu sniffed, "That cow was very intelligent, kneeling on the ground and crying. But there was nothing we could do. People couldn't survive. What could we do? A few more bites of beef might save a few more lives. Aunt Cheng seemed to wake up at that time, lying on the cow, refusing to let anyone cut it. Of course, no one would listen to her - if the cow was not killed and left here, how could an old woman take care of it? This was a rebellion! They couldn't even bear the loss of a human life, let alone an animal? After the cow was killed, Aunt Cheng started to go crazy again, scolding us and everyone."

The fire in front of him had lost its flames, leaving only black embers in the shape of red spots separated by cracks. At first glance, it looked like unused charcoal, but in fact, only debris was left.

"Then everyone evacuated, and there were fewer and fewer people left alive in the village. I would come to take a look occasionally, but it was useless because Aunt Cheng would never leave. Even if she was taken there, how good would her life be? She couldn't stand having to evacuate every few days. Sometimes I think it's good for Aunt Cheng to stay here, at least she has a home. She might have to endure more suffering outside, so it's better not to bother."

Erniu stood up and stomped hard on the embers of the fire several times. Sparks flew out from under his muddy feet, like thousands of faint and tiny meteors passing by, but along with the meteors, there was also a blanket of dust splashing in all directions.

"It's actually not that bad. Over the years, what have we not seen? Aunt Cheng's matter is over, it's just that we are more familiar with each other."

Xun Ke opened his lips, as if he wanted to say something, but he knew it without asking. However, he still had some expectations in his heart, "Where is Aunt Cheng's nephew?"

"Died in battle."

Erniu touched the curved and hideous scar on his face that looked like a centipede, "Many, many people died in the war, including Daniu, Erdan, Heitun, and even Xiaobutian."

He uttered a series of names, all of which were more or less not presentable.

People in the countryside believe that it is easier to make a living if you have a humble life, so they generally do not consider the various nicknames they give to others in a nice way. Even Xun Ke was called a fool.

But those unpleasant names correspond to the living people in Xun Ke's memory. They once went to school together, climbed trees to pick fruits together, and ran to the source river to play in the water and catch fish together. A strong feeling like suffocation was brewing in his chest. Xun Ke opened his mouth several times, wanting to say something, but tears always slid down first, interrupting the words that could no longer be uttered.

This is war.

War means death.

No matter whether you know each other or not, are familiar with each other or not, or have a good relationship with each other, when everything comes, many people have no choice.

A rebellion purely by the lower-class people is never a bright journey. It is just the angry wails and helpless cries of those who are oppressed to the extreme and hungry to the extreme.

Most of the unorganized people still burned, killed, and looted wherever they went, becoming bandits, and the victims were still ordinary people.

The people who suffer from disasters and wars are the most miserable. No one gives them a chance to survive.

Rebellion means death, and living an ordinary life also means death. Death is everywhere, and it is difficult to see even the slightest hope.

It is just like this that the lowly lives of countless living beings cannot be calculated.

Xun Ke looked rarely so embarrassed. He looked at Gu Dan with sparkling eyes full of helplessness, as if he was expecting something.

This young man who was once full of vigor and wanted to change the world is now too young and seems so powerless to do anything.

“It’s about to end.”

Gu Dan stared at the pair of crystal eyes with tears in them, his voice as calm and firm as ever. He nodded seriously and repeated, "It's over!"

He is not a born saint, and he has always adhered to the principle of "I will not offend others unless they offend me", neither causing trouble nor attracting trouble.

Not everyone can do this: It is not that I do not have a safe place to live, but that I do not have a safe heart; it is not that I do not have enough money, but that I do not have a satisfied heart. Therefore, the gentleman makes it difficult for himself and makes it easy for others, while the common people make it easy for themselves and make it difficult for others.

But it is not easy to say that Gu Dan has become accustomed to all kinds of tragedies in the world!

If you can feel joy, you can also naturally feel sorrow.

Too much wisdom will lead to harm, too much love will not bring longevity. In troubled times, even if you do nothing, as long as you walk out of the door, you will see that the world has become gray, like water splashed with ink.

The whole city is filled with grief and blood, but the only thought is to save the people!

In this world, it is time to establish a mission for the people.

This time, Gu Dan chose to come out to help and bring peace to the world of Dayue.

"With such a guarantee from Mozi's close friend, I'm afraid peace in the world won't be far away."

Seeing that Gu Dan was speaking so seriously, Erniu couldn't help but speak up to liven up the already somewhat tense atmosphere.

Erniu certainly didn't know Gu Dan, but when he heard Xun Ke say that Gu Dan was Mo Qiu's close friend, he naturally became quite respectful.

At that time, it was not enough to describe Mozi's reputation as being at its peak. The existence of Mozi, the Mohist school, and the Mohists gave many people a glimpse of bright light in the grayness of near despair.

After all, it probably takes a thousand years for a saint to appear who asks for nothing but peace for the world and for the people to live.

With such a reputation, being familiar with Moqiu or even being on good terms with him is a reason for many people to trust and even respect him.

Capable people are always attracted to each other. After all, a tiger’s friend cannot be a rabbit.

"How did you get back?"

Gu Dan did not continue to discuss this topic in depth. No matter how much he talked, it would be better to do something practical. Mo Qiu talked while doing, so he naturally had to do it first and then talk.

"We lost the battle. We can't hold on any longer."

Sighing, Erniu said helplessly: "We originally had eight sects. Although it was difficult to fight against the imperial court, it was not impossible. But some time ago, for some reason, I heard that the leader suddenly disappeared with a group of people. Those who were taken away were all high-ranking figures in the sect. Without those people, the situation that could be barely maintained can no longer be sustained."

"No news?"

Gu Dan asked again.

This matter was also mentioned in the letter Wang Mang sent him. The leader of the White Lotus Sect suddenly left with several good fighters from the sect, and he didn't even explain why. Even the White Lotus Saint didn't know.

The number of people who left was not actually very large, but they were all good hands, in charge of all matters big and small within the White Lotus Sect. After these people were taken away by the White Lotus leader, the White Lotus Sect was like having its bones pulled out, and could not stand up at all.

If it weren't for this incident, Wang Mang and the White Lotus Saint would not have been able to make up their minds so decisively to seek the White Lotus inheritance.

"No. Who knows? Anyway, there is no way to fight any further. The people from eight halls cannot defeat them, and now there are only three halls left. If the fight goes on, all of them will be killed. Besides, the leader hasn't shown up for such a long time, and everyone is afraid." Erniu said.

Once the leader ran away, people's morale was low and it became difficult to lead the team.

Gu Dan seemed to be thinking about something.

The White Lotus Sect is keen on rebellion, and the leader of the White Lotus Sect is a master-level figure. If you say he is afraid of death, then if it is really necessary, wouldn't it be easy for a master to escape? You have to know that there is no master who protects the country in Dayue now!

The White Lotus Sect had not yet reached the end of its rope, and it was clearly because of his departure that this result occurred.

What on earth was the reason that would make the White Lotus Sect leader willing to let the power he had built suffer heavy losses, and disappear with all the best men in the sect?

His original plan was that since he had to go to Yuzhou, he might as well get rid of the White Lotus Sect leader while he was there, so as to prevent this troublemaker from thinking of rebellion for no reason.

But since the leader of the White Lotus Sect is not here, it would be much simpler. He could just incorporate the White Lotus Sect and then take the incorporated White Lotus Sect to Yangzhou to meet up with Moqiu.

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

You can also discuss the next matters in detail with Moqiu.

If Mo Qiu is willing to go up to the Dragon Pavilion, Gu Dan has no objection.

Anyway, it is enough to quell the current suffering as quickly as possible.

After being promoted to Grand Master, Gu Dan was ready to kill anyone who stood in the way of world peace.

After thinking for a moment, Gu Dan asked, "By the way, do you know Hongyang Hall?"

If I remember correctly, the hall that Wang Mang was in charge of was called Hongyang Hall.

Erniu immediately patted his chest and said, "I am from Hongyang Hall! I am not a deserter. I came back here only because the hall master ordered us to withdraw first, so I came to the village to take a look! If the hall master lets me go back, I will go back without saying anything! The reason I know Mozi is because the hall master tells people stories about Mozi all day long!"

"Oh? You seem to like Hongyangtang very much?"

Gu Dan heard the hidden meaning and asked, "Why?"

"Master Wang treats us as human beings!"

Speaking of this, Erniu became interested in talking again, and said repeatedly: "Now there are three remaining halls. The people in Hunyuan Hall are basically old people in the sect. They are lazy and never seen during the war. When they are seeking credit, they shout louder than anyone else. They always talk about seniority and look down on us who joined halfway. They are the most hateful! And Dacheng Hall, everyone's life is very precious, and they are all a group of rich men. They look down on this one and that one, and they want to look down on people with their noses. Although each one is more than the other... They are afraid of death, but they are still quite good at fighting. They were the first to collapse in this battle. If it weren't for them, they might have been able to hold out for a little longer! Only Hongyang Hall doesn't despise us. They reward those who have made contributions and punish those who have made mistakes. They judge things based on facts, regardless of seniority and background. Everyone respects Hall Master Wang! Hall Master Wang often eats with us peasants. I even drank with him once! I heard that he also had a poor background before, and he couldn't stand the court, so he chose to rebel. One of the people he admires most is Mozi. Otherwise, how would we know that saint!"

"So, you are very convinced by Hall Master Wang?" Gu Dan said.

"That's right! If it weren't for Hall Master Wang, people like us wouldn't be able to ride a horse. It would have been snatched away by someone long ago! The person I admire most is Hall Master Wang!"

His voice was excited and full of pride. It was obvious that he identified very much with Hongyang Hall and Wang Mang. Erniu pointed to the horse tied under the eaves outside the door to avoid the rain, and was quite proud of it.

Horses are naturally not as valuable as cows in normal times, but this is in troubled times! You have heard of spurring a horse, but you have never heard of riding a cow to sail, right?

It is really not easy for someone of his background to have a horse as a mount.

"I understand. It won't be long before the Hall Master Wang whom you worship will come over."

Gu Dan nodded slightly, and finally a smile appeared on his face.

In his most recent letter, Wang Mang did not brag about the career he had worked so hard for - although based on letters from earlier years, it cannot be said that this career was entirely based on gigoloing, it can only be said that he was most likely hooking up with a rich woman.

But it is completely impossible to gain the trust and respect of subordinates without sufficient personal charm and means.

However, recalling the time when the Gu family compound had nothing to do with the Mohist school, Wang Mang, who was just nine years old, dared to play tricks of tipping off and killing with a borrowed knife. It is not surprising that he has such intelligence and means now.

Perhaps it was because the prison boss's children were used to seeing the dangers of the world and knew very well how to win over the people under their command.

"Um?"

Erniu was a little surprised. After all, Master Wang was one of the most outstanding heroes under the White Lotus Sect Leader. Why did he come here for no reason?

Gu Dan said nothing more. He picked up a half-broken earthenware jar from under the eaves, collected a lot of rain water, and poured it on the embers of the fire in the house that had almost completely extinguished.

"Sizzle~"

White smoke rose up and the faces of the people wandering around could not be seen clearly.

Although this house is no longer habitable, it was once a home, so we should take good care of it.

Didn't make them wait too long.

Not long after, Gu Dan was the first to hear the sound of horses galloping.

Compared with the sound of the two oxen riding towards him, the sound of horse hooves sensed by Gu Dan this time seemed steady and powerful, obviously much better, and the two horses were galloping together.

"Brother Gu?! Are you here?!"

From a distance, Wang Mang began to shout at a very loud voice.

“That sound?”

Erniu looked up blankly and asked in disbelief, "Why does he look so much like Hall Master Wang?"

(End of this chapter)