Picture Book

Su Nianci took a sip of tea and asked tentatively with a smile: "Ah Huai, is Miss Luo fond of you?"

Recalling what happened yesterday, Tan Wenhuai's eyebrows showed a rare bit of unhappiness, but his face still turned red, and he told everything: "Cousin, Miss Luo and I are innocent. She, she can't possibly be happy with me."

Although the Mu family lived together in the Su Mansion these days, they did not talk much because they were busy moving.

It was not until yesterday when the Su family was chatting that they learned that the sisters Mu An Ning and Mu Wan'er had actually followed the prince to such a dangerous place as the border.

While everyone was chatting happily, a servant led a girl into the front hall with an embarrassed look.

That girl was Luo Zhiyan.

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, but they didn't want to chase her away, so they had to let her sit between Su Nianci and Tan Wenhuai.

After that, the scene was very harmonious for a while, until the third daughter of the Mu family took out the osmanthus cake she had made herself from the food box and invited everyone present to taste it together.

Luo Zhiyan seemed to be quite disgusted with the cake, but not only did she not eat it herself, she also publicly asked Tan Wenhuai not to eat it either.

Mu Jingyue's face turned blue and then pale on the spot.

However, Tan Wenhuai knew how to entertain guests and did not follow Luo Zhiyan's wishes, thus saving the Mu family's face and still took a small bite.

Unexpectedly, Luo Zhiyan's face was filled with anger. She walked up and knocked over the cake in Tan Wenhuai's hand, shocking everyone so much that they didn't know whether to eat it or not.

Mu Jingyue was about to cry, and wanted to seek an explanation for herself in a wronged manner, asking herself what she had done wrong to upset Luo Zhiyan.

Afterwards, Luo Zhiyan's answer surprised everyone present, especially Mrs. Su who was used to seeing love affairs.

Luo Zhiyan raised her chin towards Mu Jingyue without any fear, and acted arrogantly: "Stay away from Tan Wenhuai. If you dare to get close to him again, don't blame me for being rude!"

Su Nianci was relieved to see that her cousin had no feelings for Luo Zhiyan. However, she still couldn't help but worry about her friend: "Ning'er is at the border now, and I don't know how she is doing..."

Her good friend really had a tragic fate. She was originally just a girl in a secluded place, but she had to face the mystery of her life experience and the cancellation of her engagement. Such strange things happened to her.

Now Mu An Ning was finally going to become her cousin's wife and marry into the Tan family, but unexpectedly she was sent to the border again.

I don’t know what the prince is planning, and the marquis’s family doesn’t take the lives of their two daughters seriously at all.

When Tan Wenhuai heard his cousin mention Mu An Ning, he couldn't stop looking worried.

The Su family's manor is very large, with many courtyards, so he didn't feel strange that he hadn't run into Mu An Ning in the past two days, and he was even secretly preparing a gift for her.

After a while, Tan Wenhuai glanced at his cousin's frowning brows, and suddenly made up his mind. He stammered, "Cousin, I, I want to go see her."

Five days later would be June 15th, their original wedding date and the day he had been looking forward to for a long time, although it seemed a little difficult to achieve now.

However, he was really worried and afraid that something might happen to her, a weak woman, at the border.

Su Nianci was a little surprised by her cousin's proposal, and wondered in her heart whether it was feasible.

After a while, she covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed a few times, then shook her head and sighed: "Ahuai, you are the only child in the Tan family, my mother will not agree..."

She was naturally worried about her friend's safety, but although Tan Wenhuai was a man, he was a scholar and had no martial arts skills. Even if he went to the border, he would only cause trouble.

As for medical skills, he also knows nothing about them, otherwise he might be able to follow the doctors in Beijing who volunteered to go to the border to save people in recent days.

Tan Wenhuai opened his mouth and wanted to argue for himself, but when he saw his cousin's tired look, he stopped talking. However, his expression did not relax at all, as if he had made a secret plan in his mind.

*

Mu An Ning looked at the tent in front of him, hesitated for a moment, and then took a step forward and followed Strategist Li and the doctor into the tent.

After all, Gu Huaizhi was trying to save her, so his injuries were so serious that his life was in danger.

And he said at that time that he wanted to die with her...

Gu Huaizhi's tent was not big, and was almost exactly the same as the ones she had seen on the way here just now.

He didn't seem to be treated preferentially because of his current status as a 'young general'.

When Military Advisor Li saw her follow in, he just nodded at her and didn't say anything more.

"General Li, we are really short of medicine." The doctor shook his head and sighed, looking at the unconscious Gu Huaizhi: "General Gu's abdominal injury, if there is no top-grade golden medicine, and only some common medicine is used, I am afraid it will take more than ten days for him to get out of bed..."

Mu An Ning couldn't help but glance at the pale-faced young man lying quietly on the couch, feeling a little surprised.

Although the wound was serious, Gu Huaizhi's health shouldn't be that bad. How could he not be able to get out of bed for ten days?

I still remember that time in Wutong City, he was also seriously injured in the abdomen, but just one day later, his injuries had improved.

Although he was not in good health at that time, he was not as weak as he is now.

Hearing the doctor's words, Li Jun's face darkened and his voice became heavy: "We really don't have any golden medicine?"

The Liang people may attack at any time in the next few days. If Gu Huaizhi continues to lie like this, something bad might happen.

The doctor sighed repeatedly, glanced at Li Jun's expression, and hesitated to say: "Li Jun, we have tried our best to reduce the use of trauma medicine, but the casualties in the past few days..."

The doctor didn't say the rest, but even Mu An Ning, who was standing quietly beside him, could hear the hidden meaning in his words.

The casualties of the Chu State were heavy. If she had not been there in person, even if she had heard about it in Shangjing before, she would never have been able to imagine it.

Just walking from her tent to Gu Huaizhi's place, she encountered many soldiers who were seriously injured.

Some people injured a hand, some a leg, and some even lost an eye, which made her feel very sad.

But what was even more painful was that she was powerless and could not go to the battlefield for them.

This sneak attack by the Liang people is truly hateful.

Military Advisor Li had a solemn expression on his face. He waved his hand and asked the helpless doctor to leave. He wondered in his heart whether the emperor had determined that Chu would win, or wanted to use the same trick to dampen the arrogance of General Gu.

Back then, when he followed Prince Anqing, that is, General Gu, to fight, the young and energetic emperor ignored the advice of others and insisted on not sending reinforcements, and even withheld half of the military rations.

Fortunately, General Gu and General Hua cooperated well at the time and used their skills in desperate situations to wipe out the enemy in one fell swoop.

Otherwise, Daliang's kingdom would be destroyed.

To be honest, he had long felt that the now aging and confused emperor should abdicate and hand over the throne to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

Mu An Ning suddenly spoke thoughtfully, interrupting Li Jun's thoughts: "Li Jun, I have a question. How many doctors are there in the military camp now?"

Military Advisor Li sighed deeply and glanced at the young general on the bed: "Five."

Mu An Ning's brows jumped immediately. No wonder she noticed that the soldiers' wounds were bandaged a little roughly.

It turned out that there were only a few doctors in this huge military camp, but there were countless people with serious injuries.

"Miss, you don't know that the Liang people were crazy that day and even the doctors were not spared..." Military Advisor Li recalled the scene of that day with regret and fear.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince came here to lead reinforcements, but he probably didn't bring much medicine, otherwise the doctors wouldn't be in such a difficult situation now.

Mu An Ning's breathing stagnated. The Liang people were indeed as heartless as the rumors said.

In their Chu State, even three-year-old children knew that it was an unwritten rule to save the doctor's life during war.

"Master Li, on the way to the military camp just now, my daughter saw a kind of herb that is very effective in healing knife wounds." Mu Anning thought that she might as well try it out. Under Master Li's inquiring gaze, she took out the drawing from her sleeve and said, "My daughter hastily drew a picture. Please take a look at it, Master Li."

In fact, when she saw them on the road just now, she wanted to pick some directly, but Gu Huaizhi's injury could not delay them, and the sooner they returned to the camp the better, so she didn't have time.

Who would have thought that there wasn't even any Golden Healing Medicine in the military camp, and the medicine given to Gu Huai now was much less effective than the Golden Healing Medicine.

She couldn't help but think that it would be great if Doctor Lu could bring all the medicinal powder he developed to the border at this moment.

Military Advisor Li was surprised. He took the paper and examined it carefully. After a while, he asked, "Miss, can you be a doctor?"

"I know a little bit about it." Mu An Ning glanced at the paper and explained slowly, "This herb is called Qingling Grass. I was thinking, if Military Advisor Li thinks it's feasible, could you send someone to go with me to pick some tomorrow?"

She had memorized the distance; the forest was not too far from the military camp.

According to the current situation, the sooner the better, and every life saved is a life saved.

"It's rare that the young lady has such a heart." Military Advisor Li pondered for a moment, his eyes falling on the flowers and plants on the paper, which in his eyes were just simple flowers and plants. "But, I still need to ask the doctor's opinion first."

Mu An Ning nodded in understanding. She was not surprised that Military Advisor Li did not trust her for the time being.

Although this herb is not common, most doctors know it and will not make mistakes.

Seeing that Li was staring at her in astonishment again, Mu An Ning thought about what to say, then smiled and asked, "The military advisor just said that my daughter looks like an old friend. I am a little curious, I wonder if the military advisor can tell me a little bit?"

After asking this question, Mu An Ning's heart seemed to beat wildly.

Even she herself didn't know why she was so nervous.

Advisor Li suddenly came to his senses, smiled and shook his head, as if recalling some past events: "That person is gone, but the girl's appearance is indeed very similar to her."

However, their personalities are completely different.

Miss Mu's temperament is exactly the same as her husband's, both are gentle.

It was a pity that he didn't have the chance to see her for the last time before he heard the sad news about her and her husband.

Over the past few months, he has been investigating why she, who is proficient in martial arts, could be killed so easily.

Accidentally touching someone's wound, Mu An Ning's eyes moved slightly, and she looked apologetic. She lowered her eyelids and said, "It was my daughter who spoke out of turn. Military Advisor, please accept my condolences."

"Nothing, the past is like smoke." Li Junshi forced a smile, wrinkling his eyes slightly, and put the paper into his sleeve: "If it works, I will trouble you tomorrow."

Mu An Ning shook her head and said hurriedly, "Military Advisor Li, you don't have to be polite. This is what my daughter should do."

If she knew martial arts, she would like to go to the battlefield and fulfill her responsibilities for the Great Chu, instead of hiding behind the soldiers.

Military Advisor Li looked at her deeply and laughed again: "In this case, I will go ahead and send someone to inform the young lady."

Before walking out of the tent, he paused, but still did not call Mu An Ning out.

After all, he had also heard about the past between the Mu Mansion and the Anqing Palace.

After Advisor Li left, Mu An Ning stood there quietly for a long while. Finally, she couldn't help it and walked slowly to the boy's bed.

She thought that being impolite occasionally was not a big deal.

Seeing the pale face of the young man on the bed, who seemed to have no life at all, Mu An Ning couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Why did Gu Huaizhi do this? Originally, his injuries were not that serious, and he even applied the powder given to him by Doctor Lu.

If he hadn't saved her, so much blood wouldn't have been shed.

Mu An Ning's eyes unconsciously swept over the boy's fingertips entangled by the gauze, his expression became complicated again, and his fingertips moved subconsciously.

They say the fingers are connected to the heart, so he must be in a lot of pain.

But he didn't say a word on the way back to the camp.

Mu An Ning didn't know when she squatted down. She was lost in thought for a moment as she looked at the handsome face of the young man. The cautious look he had shown when facing her yesterday flashed through her mind.

After a while, Mu An Ning came back to his senses and hurriedly moved his eyes away from the boy's face.

What is she doing?

The girl's heart was beating like a drum and there was a hint of panic in her eyes. She wanted to stand up and leave immediately, but suddenly she saw the boy's fingertips move.

"Aning..." Gu Huaizhi suddenly spoke in a low voice.

Mu An Ning was stunned for a moment, and only felt relieved when he confirmed that the boy was talking in his sleep and not awake.

But soon, when he realized that the boy was calling his name, Mu An Ning's heart started beating again.

She didn't know what she was feeling guilty about.

Now, does she regard him as a lifesaver, or as something else?

At this moment, someone suddenly entered the tent. Mu An Ning immediately stood up and tried to avoid him, but it was too late.

Fortunately, the visitor was an acquaintance.

"Miss Mu...Miss Mu!" The expression on Gu Ji's face changed very quickly, from worry, to surprise, and then to joy.

Seeing the girl nodded, Gu Ji asked knowingly, "Are you here to see the young master?"

"Yes, I came here with Li Junshi." Mu Anning's eyes flickered, and when he saw the basin in Gu Ji's hand, he coughed and said, "I'm leaving first. You should take good care of your son."

Seeing the girl had already walked to the table, Gu Ji, who was standing by the door, thought quickly: "Miss Mu, wait a minute!"

Mu An Ning paused for a second, and then he heard Gu Ji say with embarrassment, "I suddenly remembered that there are still many horses waiting for me to feed. Miss Mu, can you take care of the young master for me?"

Mu An Ning saw that Gu Ji was lying and was about to refuse, but Gu Ji quickly put the basin on the table and laughed foolishly: "The doctor said that the young master has a fever. Miss Mu is a good doctor and must be much more reliable than me. Sorry to trouble you, Miss Mu!"

As he spoke, he secretly admired his own wit.

If the young master wakes up and knows this, he will have to increase his monthly salary!

"I..." Before Mu An Ning could finish the rest of the words, he saw Gu Ji rushing out of the tent, running faster than the horses he was feeding.

Mu An Ning looked at the basin and towel on the table, then looked at the unconscious young man on the couch. He didn't know whether to leave or stay.

After a while, she sighed, rolled up her sleeves resignedly, wet the towel, returned to the boy's bed, and stared at him for a long time.

That’s it.

There is a shortage of doctors nowadays. Even though Gu Huaizhi is a general, it is impossible for anyone to keep an eye on him all the time.

Thinking of this, Mu An Ning slowly bent down, gently wiped the sweat from the boy's forehead, and then touched his forehead.

It's a little hot, but nothing serious.

Mu An Ning folded the towel and applied it to his forehead.

This is something she has done several times in the past.

After putting the towel away, she stared at the boy unconsciously for a long while.

His eyelashes were almost as long as hers, but they were not curled but straight.

He has a high nose bridge and his lips are a little pale, but it is not difficult to see that his lips are in a very good shape and of moderate thickness.

Just as she was watching, the boy's brows suddenly twitched, and she was so scared that she stood up hurriedly, as if he was doing something shameful.

However, Gu Huaizhi did not wake up, but seemed to have had a nightmare, with his brows tightly furrowed.

Suddenly, his foot kicked something, and Mu An Ning's eyes fixed. He squatted down and picked up the scattered books.

She didn't want to intrude on other people's privacy, but she couldn't avoid seeing what was drawn on it.

No, not a thing, but a person.

And there was more than one person.

Mu An Ning felt curious for a rare time and was attracted unconsciously. After reading page after page, he finally discovered that something was wrong.

After a while, she suddenly felt a heat rising from the inside out, as if she was the one with a fever.

This is...

In a moment, Mu An Ning suddenly closed the booklet and looked at the young man on the bed in disbelief.