Chapter 193: Chaos in Xiaocheng (Thirty-Three) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
Gong Cheng secretly observed Chu Yao carefully.
This man had a young face but a full head of gray hair, a distinctive feature that made him impossible to ignore in a crowd. Gong Cheng racked his brains but couldn't recall any extraordinary person with such characteristics. So he asked, "May I ask your name, sir?"
Chu Yao: "My surname is Chu, my given name is Yao, and my courtesy name is Wuhui."
Chu Yao?
Chu Wuhui?
Gong Cheng vaguely felt that the name sounded familiar.
I just can't remember who this person is for the time being.
"So it's Mr. Chu. I'm Gong Cheng, you can call me Yun Chi. And who is this righteous man?" He then noticed the tall, strong man beside Chu Yao. Although the man had an unfamiliar face and he had never seen him before, he couldn't help but feel a sense of goodwill at first glance.
Gong Shuwu had already composed himself and looked at his nephew with a normal expression, introducing himself as "Gong Shuwu, courtesy name Banbu".
Gong Cheng glanced at the deserted street corner and said, "This is not the place to talk. Please, you two righteous men, come with me."
Chu Yao: "Thank you for your help, young master."
The two followed Gong Cheng into the prefectural governor's mansion.
The mansion was much quieter than when Qi Shan came.
Occasionally, servants would pass by, but they were always in a hurry and acted cautiously, not daring to make the slightest mistake. The place lacked human warmth, and an indescribable desolation permeated the air. Chu Yao walked side by side with Gong Shuwu, his gaze fixed on the back of Gong Cheng, who was leading the way.
With his intelligence and keen observation, he couldn't have missed the unusual behavior of Gong Shuwu when facing Gong Cheng, and he guessed that the young man before him was most likely a member of the Gong clan, and closely related to Gong Shuwu by blood. Judging by his age, he couldn't possibly be Gong Shuwu's son; could he be a nephew or niece?
This incident was not part of his plan.
Despite his inner worry that it might affect his subsequent plans, he remained outwardly calm. Gong Cheng stepped into the main hall, which the former prefect Yan Cheng had used to receive guests. Inside, two people had been waiting for some time, and Chu Yao even recognized a familiar face among them.
Gu Chi, Gu Wangchao!
What's this guy doing here?
His pupils suddenly contracted. Under the cover of the wide sleeves of his scholar's robe, his fingers, which were hanging inside the sleeves, plucked out a string of fingers in a certain rhythm. Gong Shuwu, who was beside him, received the information and was slightly surprised. He first glanced at Gu Chi without making a sound, and then calmly looked away.
When the two entered, Gu Chi was drinking tea with his head down.
He clearly heard two unfamiliar voices approaching the main hall, which, without a doubt, should be the "person offering advice" that the gatekeeper had mentioned.
At first, these two would utter a few vague thoughts, but just now, almost simultaneously, they both went silent, drawing his attention. This action seemed like they were deliberately guarding against someone… but in the entire main hall, who needed to be guarded against like this?
Gu Chi raised his head.
His gaze fell on one person: "Gong Shuwu?"
When I went to see Qishan earlier, I happened to run into Gong Shuwu. The two exchanged a few words, so we could barely count it as a brief encounter.
so--
Gu Chi turned his gaze to Chu Yao. He knew that Qi Shan had an excellent ability to disguise himself, so he probed, "Qi Yuanliang?"
"You've mistaken me for someone else. I'm not Qi Yuanliang."
Gu Chi frowned: "You're not?"
He doesn't believe it!
Since they were acquaintances, they could speak frankly. Chu Yao said, "I am Chu Wuhui, and I will not change my name or surname."
Even if I really had to use a pseudonym, I wouldn't bother using Qishan's.
Hearing the conversation between Gu Chi and Chu Yao, the young man in brocade robes sitting at the head of the table showed delight: "Mr. Gu is acquainted with this gentleman?"
Gu Chi replied bluntly, "We're not close. We've met once."
However, when he casually glanced at the Wenxin Huaban (a type of Chinese monogram) on Chu Yao's waist, his pupils dilated, and his heart was filled with shock!
He had just seen Chu Yao a little over a month ago!
Although Chu Yao was dressed neatly and respectably at that time, the fatigue and wrinkles on his face showed that he was old. His shoulders and back were hunched, and he showed no signs of the vigorous spirit of the three heroes of Chu Kingdom in his youth.
Gu Chi felt it was a pity, but not strange.
After so many years of wear and tear, how could it not leave traces?
But who is this young man in front of me?
Aside from hair color, does it have anything to do with Chu Yao?
Although Danfu Wenxin was crippled, it wasn't entirely hopeless for him to recover. However, firstly, the price was too high; he couldn't imagine anyone who could make Chu Yao willingly risk his life as a wager, becoming subject to someone else's control from then on. Secondly, the time was too short!
Even though Chu Yao was willing to take risks to restore his literary heart, it would still take time to condense his literary heart in his dantian a second time!
Is this person really Chu Yao?
A hint of doubt flashed across Gu Chi's eyes.
As for Chu Yao—
His expression had become numb.
I even wanted to exclaim how lucky I was.
My original intention was to see who was in charge of Xiaocheng temporarily. After all, when the former prefect Yancheng disappeared, Xiaocheng was able to organize an effective military resistance in a short period of time. This temporary leader must be quite capable to have done that. Perhaps I could use his help to find him.
I never expected this—
A whole bunch of familiar faces!
Including the young man in brocade robes who just spoke.
Yes, the young man in brocade robes is also an acquaintance!
It was that eccentric courtesan from Yuehua Tower!
Looking back now, the so-called "guan'er" was probably just a pseudonym used by the person for convenience, and their true identity is questionable.
The young man in brocade robes, who was also known as Tudege, the hostage from the Northern Desert who used the alias Wu Yuan, showed a momentary unease upon hearing Gu Chi's reply.
It's obvious that Mr. Gu doesn't follow any rules!
If Gu Chi had said "we're very familiar," he could have easily played the emotional card and gotten closer to him. But Gu Chi was so straightforward, saying "we're not familiar," leaving his prepared response useless.
However, this did not dampen Wu Yuan's enthusiasm for winning him over.
"Mr. Chu, please take a seat."
Chu Yao's willingness to step forward and offer advice in this critical moment demonstrates that his character and abilities are at least above average. In such a life-or-death situation, who would dare to embarrass themselves without some skill? A poorly devised plan would not only fail to earn a reputation but would also become a laughingstock.
Everyone took their seats.
Wu Yuan salvaged the awkward atmosphere with just a few words.
Knowing the strategist's temperament well, he didn't immediately ask Chu Yao about the content of his plan. Instead, Chu Yao began to get impatient.
His purpose in coming to the prefectural governor's office was very clear.
They offered a plan to allow Xiaocheng to survive a little longer.
Find the whereabouts of Tu Rong and his family.
As for Wu Yuan's probing and attempts to win him over, he probably had no interest whatsoever.
Gu Chi lowered his head to sip his tea, smiling without saying a word.
Chu Yao asked, "Are you aware that the rebels are throwing civilians into the city?"
Wu Yuandao said, "I know."
But he had no idea what the rebels were up to.
The enemy had clearly concentrated all their forces and could have taken them down with a single strong attack, but instead, the battle dragged on from day to night. When they finally managed to send out troops, they only lost a few men. The operation was baffling.
"What do you plan to do with the bodies of those civilians?" Chu Yao asked solemnly. "The rebels have malicious intentions. I urge you, my lord, to treat this matter with caution, for the sake of the tens of thousands of people in Xiaocheng."
Wu Yuan: "This... I've already ordered someone to collect the body."
The people have been sent out.
However, he didn't care whether it could be implemented effectively.
He hadn't originally intended to defend the city; he just wanted to use this opportunity to cause trouble, ideally igniting a war among the northwestern kingdoms. Having received news of 20,000 rebel reinforcements during the day, he was already preparing to escape the city amidst the chaos…
Who knew the rebels would pull such a stunt?
He discussed this with Mr. Gu and Yun Chi for a long time, but they still couldn't come up with a solution.
Wu Yuan asked with delight, "Sir, do you know about the rebels' plans?"
Chu Yao: "I can guess about 30% of it."
He didn't make any absolute statements.
Naturally, they wouldn't fully reveal their suspicions.
Wu Yuan isn't like Goro, you can't just fool him with a few words.
Chu Yao had this in mind, but his plan was genuine, specifically designed to address the rebels' strategy of "besieging but not attacking." It covered everything from the troop deployment for defending the city to the distribution and control of water and food supplies, as well as pacifying the populace and promptly controlling any suspicious individuals who might try to incite unrest.
It seems like it was written casually, but the content is detailed and meticulous, not like something that was thought up on the spot, but rather like something that had been thought up long ago.
Wu Yuan's guess was not without reason. In fact, Chu Yao had faced similar situations before—for example, the Chu Kingdom was destroyed.
"Mr. Chu...do you have a strategy to defeat the enemy?"
Wu Yuan felt increasingly uneasy as he listened.
The suggestions offered were all about passive defense, with no proactive attacks whatsoever!
Chu Yao said, "No!"
Wu Yuan: "..."
Gong Cheng, who was completely engrossed in listening, was speechless.
Gu Chi then revealed an expression of "I knew it".
Chu Yao said bluntly, "The rebels are strong and well-equipped, and you should know better than anyone the situation in Xiaocheng. The only option now is to stall until reinforcements arrive, only then will we have a chance of survival! I am not unaware of your thoughts, sir. However, to defeat the enemy, we first need manpower. How many men do you have under your command?"
Wu Yuan was speechless.
He has a group of people in private.
These men were his mother's secret trump card, a bargaining chip for his future return to the Northern Desert to fight for power; he couldn't possibly lose them here. Even if he were out of his mind and willing to use them, would a few hundred elite troops be enough to feed tens of thousands of rebels?
Night had fallen.
Wu Yuan arranged for Chu Yao and his companion to stay at the guest courtyard.
The person leading the way was not a maid or servant, but Gu Chi.
"I have some things I'd like to discuss with Wu Hui. Would you be welcome to?" Gu Chi asked Chu Yao for his opinion, but his actions clearly showed that he didn't want to talk, but he still had to sit down and have a chat.
Chu Yao said calmly, "Of course."
The guesthouse is located in a relatively remote area, quiet and serene.
Gong Shuwu lay down fully clothed. He could vaguely hear Chu Yao and Gu Chi exchanging witty remarks next door, but he didn't want to ponder whether their words were implied. He closed his eyes, trying to fall asleep, but he couldn't. Every blade of grass and every tree in the Gong mansion kept flashing through his mind.
It was mostly his nephew, Gong Cheng.
Gong Cheng's life was no longer in danger, and as his second uncle, he was naturally overjoyed. He also thought about finding an opportunity to reveal his identity and take Gong Cheng away again. As long as he had a breath left, he would never allow anyone to bully his nephew. If given the chance, perhaps he could restore the Gong family's reputation.
As long as people are still alive, the Gong family will not be finished!
only--
He tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
He happened to see the moonlight shining like water in the courtyard, which soothed his inner turmoil. He sighed, got up, and went for a walk in the courtyard to dispel his gloom. As he walked, he wandered into an empty garden and heard the sound of weapons being brandished and their blades cutting through the air.
Following the sound, a familiar figure came into view.
He was slightly taken aback.
Unexpectedly, the person dancing with a sword under the moon was his nephew.
Gong Cheng noticed him, but didn't pay attention to him.
After watching for a while, Gong Shuwu realized that his nephew's swordsmanship had deteriorated considerably due to the destruction of his Danfu (energy center) and the injuries sustained during his exile. In the past, the young man's swordsmanship would have been even faster and more swift, a sight to behold while simultaneously taking lives!
I got distracted while watching.
When he came to his senses, Gong Shuwu realized that he had knocked the boy's sword away, and Gong Cheng, his longsword out of his hand, was looking at him in disbelief. Gong Shuwu said, "I was just itching to show my skills and disturbed you, young master."
Gong Cheng bent down to pick up the longsword and said in a low voice, "No, the righteous man's swordsmanship is superb. I benefited greatly from sparring with him. However, I am dull-witted and I am afraid I will not make much progress in the future."
The sense of familiarity grew stronger.
A certain title almost slipped out.
This person reminded him so much of his second uncle!
Gong Shuwu said dryly, "Just practice some more."
Gong Cheng looked somber.
He's not going to get better!
"I noticed a hint of melancholy in your brow, sir. Have you encountered some trouble?" Gong Shuwu hesitated slightly, concerned about how Gong Cheng had been these past few days. But he was more interested in how Yun Chi had gotten together with Wu Yuan and when they had met. "I am a few years older than you. Why don't you tell me? Perhaps it can help you resolve your worries."
Neither Mr. Qi Shan nor Mr. Chu Yao had a very positive opinion of Gu Chi.
Indeed, he was a qualified scholar-strategist.
But which scheming person in the world isn't ruthless?
He and Gong Cheng were both wondering what merits their nephew possessed that would tempt others, and what about that Wu Yuan...
When it came to Wu Yuan, he felt the name sounded familiar.
But Gong Shuwu overlooked one thing: what he thought was concern was perceived as inquiries by others. Gong Cheng was no exception.
"No, it's just that I'm worried about the situation and can't sleep at night."
Gong Shuwu then steered the conversation toward Wu Yuan.
Faced with this man who made him feel close to him, Gong Cheng's guard was unknowingly broken down, and he revealed a lot of details—besides that he was a member of the Gong family and Wu Yuan's true identity.
He simply said that Wu Yuan was a close friend from his childhood, and that his family had fallen on hard times, so he was able to find a place to live thanks to Wu Yuan's help.
Upon hearing the word "friend," Gong Shuwu suddenly remembered.
Wu Yuan, isn't this the hostage from the Northern Desert?
When Gong Shuwu was at home, he heard his elder brother complain more than once that Gong Cheng was getting too close to a hostage from the Northern Desert, and he had tried to dissuade him several times without success. But Gong Shuwu felt that the Xin Kingdom was currently very powerful, and even if a hostage from the Northern Desert had some ulterior motives, he couldn't harm anyone.
As a scion of a prominent family and a junior favored by the King of Xin, it is understandable that the hostage from the Northern Desert would want to improve his situation as a hostage in another country by cultivating a good relationship with him.
Gong Shuwu then asked Gong Cheng about his future plans.
Gong Cheng said, "Brother Weng has some business in the Northern Desert. After things are settled in Xiaocheng, I plan to go to the Northern Desert to find a skill to make a living... I might come back someday."
Gong Shuwu: "..."
Gong Shuwu: "!!!"
He almost thought he was hallucinating.
"You want to... go to the Northern Desert to make a living?"
It wasn't that Gong Shuwu was pedantic, but rather that he had dealt with the Ten Crows of the Northern Desert before, and even more so, with the bloodshed and fierce battles on the battlefield. How could he not know the situation on the Northern Desert side?
The Northern Desert and the Xin Kingdom are mortal enemies!
If he goes to the Northern Desert and people find out his identity, he will inevitably be ostracized, and in severe cases, he might even lose his life!
He was struggling with whether or not to reveal his identity directly. He couldn't let Yun Chi go to the Northern Desert under any circumstances; as his second uncle, he was more than capable of supporting him! He had just opened his mouth when he said, "Young brother Yun Chi, you—"
With a thud.
A stone was thrown in from outside the courtyard wall.
This was followed by a very poorly sung "cuckoo" call.
_(:3」∠)_
This chapter has undergone significant changes in detail, and I estimate it will require removing a lot of chapter comments.
(End of this chapter)
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