Chapter 806: Ghillie Suit Ambush (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
Zhao Feng's emotions were written all over his face, how could Qin Li not see through his thoughts? He exhaled a puff of white smoke with a slight awkwardness. Because it had been stored away for many years, the old cigarettes no longer tasted the same as they used to, just like his mood at this moment: "Dayi finds it very strange?"
Zhao Feng scratched his face awkwardly.
"It's because every time Gong Su mentions that person, he seems to want to bite him. After so many years of hostility, he suddenly tells me that you two used to be friends... I just can't understand it..." His surprise was understandable.
Gong Su was a very slow-to-warm-up person.
To put it more bluntly, he is distant from everyone.
Qin Li came from a very high social standing. He was born into a royal family and was a nobleman. Although he was not qualified to inherit the throne, his direct descendants all served as clan officials, responsible for managing the royal family's register of names and overseeing the royal family's affairs. They held extremely high positions and reputations within the royal family.
Before the fall of his kingdom, the most austere days of his life were the few years he spent practicing asceticism with his hair still intact, but this "austerity" was relative to his own character. To outsiders, he still appeared refined and carefree. He was born a carefree prince, sitting high in the clouds, looking down upon the mortal world.
How can someone like that easily make friends and open up to others?
Even Zhao Feng and his group only truly won Qin Li's acceptance because of their shared experience of fleeing and enduring hardship together. But considering the timeline, Qin Li must have considered Qi Shan a friend before the country's turmoil! Who would he have accepted back then?
Zhao Feng's curiosity was practically bursting out.
Qin Li said calmly, "Back in Shouyang."
Zhao Feng: "..."
He was completely stunned!
He subconsciously raised his hand to refute, patting his chest and saying, "Impossible, absolutely impossible! When you were practicing with your hair still intact at the ancestral temple on Shouyang Mountain, I was there too! How could Qi Yuanliang avoid my eyes and become friends with you, young master?"
While Qin Li was practicing asceticism with his hair still intact at the ancestral temple, Zhao Feng was merely a lowly military officer, just beginning to gain some recognition. He cherished his future immensely, diligently patrolling the mountains daily with his hundreds of soldiers to ensure the safety of the next generation of the royal family's clan leader. He hoped that if he could endure these years and earn some seniority, his military rank and status might even rise.
Zhao Fengke didn't notice anything unusual!
Qin Li told himself that he had been seduced by Qi Yuanliang during those years at the Shouyang Ancestral Temple, and Zhao Feng was inexplicably angry! It felt just like the cabbages in his own garden had been gnawed on long ago, and he only found out many years later.
Qin Li said, "Avoiding you is very simple, isn't it?"
He was, after all, a scholar of considerable literary talent.
His practice of remaining hair while practicing Buddhism was merely a pretext to avoid the power struggles within the royal family. Even with his calm and composed nature, his age made it impossible for him to spend years on the mountain eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist scriptures. He would occasionally sneak down the mountain.
Of course, it must not be discovered.
Zhao Feng: "..."
Qin Li gradually found a familiar feel for it as he puffed out smoke: "However, if I had known that sneaking down the mountain would lead to running into Qi Yuanliang, then squatting on the mountain with only a lamp and a Buddha statue wouldn't have been so boring."
You shouldn't pick up random things from men on the street.
This statement applies not only to women but also to men.
Qin Li: "At that time, the country already showed signs of turmoil..."
He found Qi Shan, severely injured and unconscious, by the roadside. Moved by compassion, he took him in to prevent this strangely handsome young man from being dragged away and slaughtered by starving passersby. Because the royal princes were preoccupied with vying for power, they neglected to address the drought within the kingdom. With no one to oversee the relief efforts, the vast amounts of relief grain poured in only resulted in layers of corruption, feeding countless insects.
The relief grains received by ordinary people were mixed with large amounts of sand, stones, and bran… Within a month, no fewer than 100,000 starving people had gathered near the capital. The porridge in the government-run soup kitchens contained hardly a grain of millet; the porridge was so thin that a handful of chopsticks would float on it. Under such circumstances, cannibalism was not surprising. A single adult lying on the roadside was enough to feed them for several days!
The young man was lucky; he recovered after a few days of rest.
Qin Li and the young man got along well, as if they were on the same wavelength.
Because of the young man, he was sneaking down the mountain more often, having to find ways to outwit and outmaneuver the honest and unassuming garrison commander, Zhao Feng, every day. But when he thought of the young man, who was a perfect match for him in every way, he felt the effort was worthwhile. The other man understood him so well!
The young intellectual Qin Li quickly regarded the young man as a close friend. They exchanged names; the young man's surname was Qi, given name Shan, and courtesy name Yuanliang.
She is kind and benevolent, with a gentle and refined appearance.
Qin Li, who had little social experience, naturally fell for the trap.
At that time, Qi Shan was a heavy smoker; almost every time he saw Qin Li, he had a cigarette in his hand, his brow often furrowed. Qin Li had never seen this object before and became somewhat curious. Qi Shan smiled gently and harmlessly, inviting, "Want to try it?"
Even though Qi Shan had prepared the mildest tobacco, it still made Qin Li choke. He couldn't understand why his friend would like such a strange thing. Qi Shan said, "Probably because it can relieve my worries. I've gotten used to it..."
Qin Li, with a stern face, advised his friend: "Indulging in external things is ultimately an act of escapism, and it doesn't solve the problem."
The real solution to worries is to solve the root of worries.
What's the use of just this smoking pipe?
Qi Shan chuckled lightly: "It's not just about the taste. Before, as someone's advisor, I was working myself to the bone, researching strategies until late every night. Without this, how could I possibly stay awake? This stuff also has a stimulating effect, which is a priceless treasure for someone like me."
Qin Li frowned slightly: [It has this use too?]
Qi Shandao said: "There is such a thing, but too much of anything is as bad as too little."
He frankly admitted that he had been under too much pressure lately, which was why he had been smoking so heavily. He said he usually controlled himself very well, because the profession of strategist requires strong self-control and one cannot develop a dependence on external things. Qin Li was much relieved to hear this.
Qin Li discovered that although this friend was a wanderer from another country, his political acumen and demonstrated governance abilities were rare talents. Seeing a hint of frustration in the man's expression, he subtly suggested that he could recommend him.
Qi Shan paused, then said: "Hmph—we'll talk about it later."
Qin Li asked in surprise: "[Yuan Liang doesn't want to take up an official post?]"
Qi Shan smiled and said, "If I were unwilling to serve in the government, why would I have bothered to acquire such skills? Years of diligent study were solely for the purpose of assisting a wise ruler and restoring order to the world. However, I was recently heartbroken and wish to recuperate for a while before discussing anything else."
Alas, none of his lords listen to him.
What use is there in keeping a disobedient lord?
The young man stared at the orange glow on the pipe, a sinister smile playing on his lips. Qin Li, however, was still wearing his filter and didn't notice anything amiss. Qin Li was wealthy; he always paid for everything. With ample funds, the two would go boating on lakes, hiking, or anonymously attend poetry and tea parties, watching scholars recite poems and compete in their brilliance.
The only thing that puzzled Qin Li was that Qi Shan rarely talked about his past, and Qin Li assumed that his past was something he couldn't bear to recall.
Qin Li's life before was conventional, like a caged bird, pampered and precious, beautiful but lacking in freedom. Qi Shan, on the other hand, had traveled to various countries over the years, gaining extensive knowledge. He could analyze the political situation of any place and talk about the customs of any place. There was almost nothing he had not been to and nothing he did not know.
What's even more amazing is that he also has superb painting skills.
Everything that Qin Li had never heard of or seen before was fully depicted in his writing, captivating the reader's imagination.
I truly wish I could travel the world with Yuanliang, traversing every mountain and river.
Qi Shan said: 【That won't do.】
Why is this?
[Gong Su will be the future Grand Master of Ceremonies, burdened with official duties. How could he possibly be as idle as I am, running around like this?]
Qin Li sighed: "But the Imperial Clan Court isn't any good."
Qi Shan's eyes held a strange glint: "Gong Su is saying this only because you still possess it. Once you lose it, you'll know the taste of something lost and irretrievable… All your arrogance stems from the fact that you truly have it!"
Qin Li said: "Perhaps."
The recollection has come to an end.
Zhao Feng got goosebumps all over.
His expression was complicated: "Gong Su, you are very capable."
They actually did so much with Qi Yuanliang right under his nose, including, but not limited to, one burning incense and playing the zither while the other painted. Qi Shan also sent Qin Li many of his works. Zhao Feng then remembered that Qin Li did indeed have a box containing paintings.
When they fled after their country's fall, everyone was in dire financial straits. Qin Li sold all his precious accessories to buy rice, flour, and cloth for everyone, but he never considered selling his paintings. Now, he realized it wasn't that he didn't want to sell them; it was simply that Qi Shan's paintings wouldn't fetch a good price!
Qin Li said, "That's not quite right..."
"Qi Yuanliang's paintings are actually quite valuable."
He wasn't selling them simply because if these paintings were to circulate, his enemies would surely follow the trail and come after him; Qin Li wasn't stupid.
Zhao Feng's face darkened: "...So you guys still collapsed?"
Qin Li: "We disagree on political views."
If it were just about eating, drinking, and having fun, the two were truly in perfect harmony, never experiencing the slightest unpleasantness. Looking back now, Qin Li has to admit that it was truly the most vibrant period of his life. The prerequisite was that political ideologies couldn't be involved…
That's a fundamental conflict.
In the past, Qin Li would always try to avoid this to prevent any unpleasantness between them, as he cherished this friend. However, there are always times when it's unavoidable, especially after he later discovered the truth.
Zhao Feng was astonished to hear that there was a twist in the story.
He hurriedly asked, "What truth?"
Qin Li tapped his pipe with a cold laugh, his expression indifferent: "Dayi, do you really think there is another soulmate in this world who is completely compatible with you? Someone whose appearance, temperament, experience, hobbies, and even speech... are all completely pleasing to you?"
Zhao Feng was taken aback: "Uh, maybe?"
"In this vast sea of people, what are the chances of meeting someone?"
Zhao Feng had already sensed that something was wrong.
Qin Li said, "Unless this person came specifically for you. That scoundrel Qi Yuanliang... he freeloaded and then schemed against me!"
Zhao Feng: "..."
Suddenly I can understand why Gong Su hated E Mou for so many years.
Zhao Feng quietly added, "He even burned the mountain in the end..."
They used forceful tactics to force Qin Li down Shouyang Mountain.
Seeing Qi Shan smiling broadly at the foot of the mountain, Qin Li, covered in dust and grime, was so angry he felt like his head was about to explode. But things had come to this point, and he had no choice but to work with her for a while, even if it meant swallowing his pride. Qi Shan was incredibly annoying as a colleague—dictatorial, domineering, and always going against Qin Li. During that time, Qin Li cursed Qi Shan repeatedly in his heart, calling him a despicable villain.
That was also the period when he smoked the most.
I'm so worried, so very worried!
What troubled him even more was that he discovered Qi Shan's criminal record.
The phrase "too numerous to record" is insufficient to describe even a fraction of its extent.
He didn't know what his lord and clansman was thinking, daring to use Qi Yuanliang! Although Qi Yuanliang did help him seize the throne, the methods he used were too ruthless and insidious, and problems were bound to arise sooner or later. For example, Qin Li also hated the fact that nobles occupied 80% of the country's fertile land, but he was even more aware that too many interest groups were involved, and that moving one would have far-reaching consequences. One wrong move and he would be setting himself on fire!
only--
The phrase "slowly plotting" is not found on this part.
Kill anyone who gets in our way!
Qin Li felt like he was being slapped by a dog. He used to like Qi Yuanliang's face so much, but now he just wanted to tear it apart!
Deception, scheming, plotting, national destruction...
Oh, back then, Qi Yuanliang's face was still fake!
Thinking about it this way, Qin Li became even angrier.
Zhao Feng sensed something was wrong and quickly changed the subject.
Pointing to the sand table, he said, "A fight has broken out."
As he spoke, he bent down, almost pressing his entire face against the sand table. When the moving figures below were less than fifty feet away from Shen Tang's ambush troops, many trees, bushes, and rocks on the other side of the sand table began to move. One of the figures, covered in leaves and turf, grabbed the fabric on its shoulder and forcefully threw it away.
Zhao Feng pointed and said, "This must be Lord Shen."
He had served under Shen Tang for several years and was somewhat familiar with the latter's fighting style. Although swords and spears are indiscriminate on the battlefield, Shen Tang's strength was undeniable, and he could roam freely. Zhao Feng looked at the tiny figure that had almost left a mark on the sand table, feeling slightly regretful.
"Gongsu, why is there no sound?"
It would be perfect if this sand table had sound!
Qin Li said elegantly, "If you wish for my sudden death, then speak frankly."
The scholarly ways before him were already draining him dry; if another voice were added, would he even survive?
Zhao Feng sat attentively beside the sand table, watching the battle.
The little figure he was focusing on was holding a small sword, its blade aimed straight for the enemy's throat. At the same time, like an enraged mad bull, a powerful white light burst forth from its body, and with a head-on charge, it sent the enemy soldier flying before he could react!
"Shen Jun really likes to lead from the front."
The sixteenth-level Grand Master is recklessly charging forward; whoever gets in his way dies!
Behind the little man, hundreds of other strangely shaped little figures followed, charging forward. At such close range, for this elite force, a single breath was enough to bring them face to face. From above, the enemy's formation was in complete disarray.
Qin Li: "He is brave and resourceful, which is acceptable."
Those who lack combat strength but love to charge into battle are already dead. Even if they don't die on the battlefield, they'll be killed by sneak attacks from villains.
Zhao Feng watched with great interest, wishing he could enjoy the view while munching on corncobs, muttering to himself, "This ambush idea is great, now it's mine! We should do this again in the future. Gong Su, can you help me find Dawei?"
Qin Li became interested: "Dawei is here too?"
Zhao Feng stroked his beard and said, "I'm just guessing! Lord Shen is definitely going to focus on training female martial artists now. In this kind of sure-win situation where everyone who participates gets military merit points, our Dawei will at least get a share of the spoils. Can you help me find out where Dawei is?"
Qin Li: "..."
|ω`)
Be careful when you meet someone who pleases you in every way.
An alliance of victims including Qin Gongsu and Liao Shaomei
(End of this chapter)
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