Le paysage est comme une peinture

Chapitre 6

Junyu had seen him with this expression twice before, so she asked, "Yuanjing, you and Zhu Yu?"

Meng Yuanjing paused for a moment, then spoke.

It turned out that Meng Yuanjing had an unexpected encounter with a famous courtesan from Jiangnan named Xiang Hongye. Xiang Hongye was beautiful and talented, and despite her profession, she maintained a high moral standard, like a lotus flower blooming in mud. The Meng family was a renowned family in Jiangnan, though it had declined after the early death of Meng's father. However, Meng's mother would never allow a woman of the night to enter the family.

Meng Yuanjing lost his father at a young age and was raised entirely by his mother, who was extremely filial to him from childhood. However, he was torn between openly disobeying his mother's wishes and not wanting to disappoint Xiang Hongye. He was deeply in love with Xiang Hongye, and although he couldn't marry her formally, he redeemed her from her servitude and bought her a beautiful villa. Seeing no hope of marrying into the Meng family, the proud and aloof Xiang Hongye couldn't tolerate this arrangement and began to sulk with him.

Just then, Meng Yuanjing was hastily conscripted to the battlefield and had to bid farewell to Xiang Hongye in haste.

Zhu Yu's family originally lived in the capital with Prime Minister Zhu, but his ancestral home was in Yangzhou. After reaching adulthood, he frequently returned to Yangzhou alone. Meng Yuanjing had been away on the battlefield for a long time, and through a series of unfortunate events, Zhu Yu, having long heard of the renowned beauty of Xiang Hongye, visited her residence several times. Zhu Yu, a man of refined taste and charming manners, showered her with attention. Xiang Hongye initially ignored him, but over time, she was moved by his charm and attentiveness, and they exchanged poems and songs, their music becoming a harmonious union. However, their relationship eventually turned into something more. Zhu Yu, proud of his status as the son of the Prime Minister, would never truly marry a courtesan. He resolutely refused Xiang Hongye's request to be his concubine. In despair and feeling ashamed to face Meng Yuanjing again, he committed suicide last month, on the eve of Meng Yuanjing's return from the battlefield.

Meng Yuanjing had never mentioned these words to anyone before. This was one of the greatest humiliations a man could ever experience in his life. Now, facing his old comrade, he had spoken them all to him, and he suddenly felt much lighter!

Just as Junyu was about to say something to comfort him, Meng Yuanjing seemed to see through her thoughts and calmly said, "Junyu, you don't need to comfort me. Zhu Yu has been against us since childhood. He did this on purpose to hurt me! Junyu, you should be more careful of this person in the future!"

Junyu nodded. This was the most serious injury he had suffered in recent years. Thinking of Zhu Yu and meeting Zhu Yu was truly a headache.

"Yuan Jing, didn't you have something important to do? Will it be a big deal to be delayed for these few days?"

"I'm rushing back to the army; it's just a side trip anyway, so it won't delay anything. Next month, we'll be fighting the Hu King's army..."

"Oh, in this battle between Tang Zhen and Hu Wang's army, the Phoenix Army was conscripted, and I will also be going on the expedition. Because various forces have been eyeing Phoenix Village covetously, I am afraid that Phoenix City will be ambushed if it is temporarily undefended, so I have come to ask for your assistance."

Meng Yuanjing was overjoyed: "Can we fight together now?"

Junyu nodded: "However, since we've split into several groups and are heading in different directions, we won't be able to meet each other."

Upon their reunion, Meng Yuanjing felt a pang of reluctance to part with his old companion: "Now that we know each other's whereabouts, it will be easier to meet again, right, Junyu?"

Junyu said, "That's right, hehe."

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Chapter 9: The Ninth Chapter

An autumn rain has brought cooler weather.

The two fast horses traveled through the canyon for about three hours, entering the towering mountains, where Phoenix Village was already in sight.

The village is built along the mountainside, surrounded by winding walls and castles, with fertile fields and lush tea gardens both inside and outside the walls.

The closer you get to the mountain village, the more you see a sea of golden flowers—a vibrant expanse of blooming chrysanthemums covering the entire mountainside. Above the village gate are three large characters: "Phoenix Village"!

In the distance, the village gate opened, guarded by two robust women. Upon seeing Junyu, a clear whistle blew, and nearly a hundred women poured out from the fields, gardens, and courtyards, cheering in unison, "Young Master Jun is back..."

"Sir!" Junyu seemed a little embarrassed, surrounded by a group of women.

Young Master Nongying smiled faintly. At this moment, the many women seemed to notice the elegant and refined man beside Junyu and began to scrutinize him.

A round-faced girl with a big smile came running over and said loudly, "Young master must be tired from his journey and has important matters to attend to. Please, ladies, go about your business!"

Junyu smiled: "Manqing, thank you for your hard work!"

Manqing answered with a smile, but her eyes kept darting towards Young Master Nongying.

"This is Mr. Nongying. Manqing, immediately notify the four leaders to come to the meeting hall. We have something to discuss." Junyu instructed, and Manqing agreed with a smile and went to do so.

Junyu smiled and waved to the women, who then laughed and dispersed.

Seeing such a scene for the first time, Young Master Nongying couldn't help but whisper, "Riding a horse and leaning against a slanting bridge, a whole building of red sleeves beckoning! Junyu, they all like you very much."

Junyu turned around and saw the ambiguous smile on Nongying Gongzi's face for the first time. She smiled too, "They are all very lovely girls, and I like them very much!"

The two walked straight ahead, and Junyu introduced the situation of the mountain stronghold to Young Master Nongying.

Phoenix Village is built against Phoenix Mountain, and the surrounding area is beautiful with clear waters and mountains. In addition to the original inhabitants of Phoenix Village, more immigrants from various places have come to settle here in recent years.

The original leader of the mountain stronghold was Zhao Conglong, Manqing's father. He organized several hundred brothers to engage in bandit activities, targeting passing officials, merchants, and notorious thieves. They had also clashed with the imperial army on several occasions. Three years ago, Zhao Conglong was wounded in a battle with a group of government troops. He was rescued by Junyu, who happened to be passing by. However, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after returning to the stronghold, leaving behind his regrets.

After learning of Zhao Conglong's death, the imperial court immediately dispatched troops to besiege the mountain stronghold. Junyu led a group of men and launched a series of surprise attacks, resulting in a major defeat for the government troops, who then retreated. Subsequently, the young Junyu was elected as the chief of the stronghold.

Afterwards, Junyu established a law strictly prohibiting the brothers in the village from looting, and organized the people to train in the army during their spare time and farm during busy times. At this time, there was war on the border, and many refugees from beyond the pass fled along the way. Phoenix Village immediately opened its gates to welcome them. Soon, many people came to hear of it, and three years later, there were tens of thousands of households around Phoenix Village. They had cultivated thousands of hectares of land around the village, and for a time, the tea gardens were lush and the fields were rich.

Due to the dire situation at the border, the imperial court hastily dispatched 10,000 soldiers to garrison Phoenix City, originally intended as a temporary settlement to manage provisions and provide support to the front lines. However, upon their arrival, the tens of thousands of troops at the front had already fled. Seeing the dire situation, the defending general, Peng Dong, did not send reinforcements but instead remained stationed there. Afterwards, instead of focusing on training troops to defend against the enemy, Peng Dong was eager to eliminate "Phoenix Village," hoping to gain merit to atone for his failure to support the front lines.

In their first encounter, General Peng Dong was "invited" to the mountain stronghold, whereupon he formed a defensive alliance with Jun Yu. Peng Dong had initially agreed to the treaty under duress, but shortly afterward, Monlier led elite troops in a night raid on Phoenix City. Peng Dong urgently requested reinforcements, and under Jun Yu's command, the enemy was completely annihilated within three days, with Monlier killed in action! Although the defending troops also suffered over 5,000 casualties, this was, after all, the first major victory for the imperial court against the northern frontier in many years. Peng Dong not only escaped punishment but was also promoted and ennobled.

Peng Dong was a cowardly and timid man who joined the army solely for the sake of securing a title and position for his family. He lacked both strategy and foresight, and his subordinates were nothing but a motley crew. After this victory, the court had high expectations of him, and to maintain his achievements and gain further merit, Peng Dong had no choice but to rely entirely on Jun Yu. What reassured Peng Dong even more was that Jun Yu instructed him not to mention himself at all in his memorials to the court. Peng Dong, lacking any talent for command and clearly seeing that Jun Yu had no intention of securing a title and position for his family, was simply happy to take it easy. He let Jun Yu handle all the affairs of the army, while he could simply reap the rewards alone!

After this battle, Junyu had become the de facto commander of Phoenix City. She felt it was necessary to intensify the training of the troops, so she sent the three old men from the village to lead the troops in training and troop deployment, and recruited local strongmen and miners from far and wide for intensive training.

With all the elite soldiers in the stronghold transferred to the city, only the elderly, women, and children remained. She organized all the men over the age of 12 in the stronghold, leading them under the guidance of several newly joined young leaders. During busy times, they farmed and planted crops; during leisure time, they practiced martial arts and built walls. Meanwhile, the hundreds of able-bodied women and children were led by Zhao Manqing, who spun and embroidered during busy times and studied and practiced martial arts during leisure time.

As the two spoke, they arrived at a courtyard surrounded by lush greenery, with the words "Meeting Hall" written on the gate.

As soon as the two entered, the four young men sitting in the hall stood up in unison, "Greetings, Chief!"

These four young men, known as the "Four Heroes of the North," were Lu Ling, Dongfang Jiong, Bai Ruhui, and Geng Ke. Once, in the desert, they encountered a Hui Muslim army robbing merchants. The four bravely intervened, but were outnumbered. At that time, Junyu was leading several brothers from Phoenix Village back from their first border tea trade, so he stepped in to save them!

The four then joined Junyu's forces. At that time, the stronghold was short of manpower, and the four were quickly entrusted with important responsibilities. Soon they became the most important young generals in the stronghold. In particular, Bai Ruhui was a business whiz, and his mining and salt transportation businesses were very successful. Half of the stronghold's income came from his business, and he was highly valued by Junyu.

Another important source of income for the mountain stronghold came from the tea produced on the mountain and the domestication of horses. In recent years, Lu Ling has been in charge of the tea trade and horse trading with merchants from the north, and his income has been quite substantial.

Dongfang Jiong was meticulous, skilled at raising and training pigeons, and fluent in dozens of languages of ethnic minorities in the border region. During his two years in Phoenix Village, he established a vast intelligence network for the village, which ensured that the Phoenix Army was always well-prepared for every expedition. Dongfang Jiong's contributions to the victories in several major battles were truly indelible! Among the four brothers, Geng Ke was the most skilled in martial arts and was mainly responsible for the daily military training of the elderly, weak men, women and children in the village who were not incorporated into the Phoenix Army.

Junyu used his earnings to purchase a large number of weapons and horses; the "Phoenix Army" in the stronghold was far better equipped than the so-called elite troops of the imperial court. Another major expense in the stronghold was the cost of education for the children and women. The stronghold established its own school, taught by several literate elders from the village.

Junyu invited Young Master Nongying to the head of the table, and sat down on a chair to the side: "This is my strategist, Young Master Nongying. After I go to war, you will handle all the affairs of the stronghold on my behalf. I hope the brothers will give you your assistance!"

The four agreed in unison, and Young Master Nongying returned the greeting with an air of composure and dignity.

"Lu Ling, what's the situation on your end lately?" Jun Yu asked.

"During this trip, I met a Kazakh soldier I knew before. He has now joined the Chijin tribe's army. He said that the Chijin tribe and the Hu King have formed a complete alliance. According to reliable sources, the Hu King's army forged a large batch of weapons three months ago, and there may be new developments..."

Young Master Nongying said, "The Crimson Gold Clan has recently risen to power, and is brave and skilled in battle. They may become a greater threat than the Hu King's supposedly hundreds of thousands of troops. Now, the emperor is old and incompetent, and the court is entirely controlled by Prime Minister Zhu. Prime Minister Zhu is all-powerful, greedy, cruel, and tyrannical. Many loyal ministers who dare to impeach him are suppressed, killed, or exiled. Therefore, all avenues for criticism are blocked, and no one dares to utter a word. Prime Minister Zhu sometimes advocates war, sometimes peace, entirely according to his whims. The Grand Marshal of the Northern Army, Tang Zhen, is very close to Prime Minister Zhu. In recent years, the border has repeatedly been in dire straits, and Tang Zhen has often suffered crushing defeats, yet he still receives promotions and titles. Tang Zhen is extremely arrogant, stubborn, and suppresses talent. He is again the commander-in-chief in this decisive battle; the outcome is truly unimaginable..."

Junyu thought to himself that what Young Master Nongying said made sense; the border would probably never have a peaceful day again!

While they were discussing, Zhao Manqing suddenly brought in three people. Junyu took one look and saw that it was General Peng Dong from Phoenix City and his two personal guards.

Peng Dongxi said, "Young Master Jun, you're finally back. I received a secret order last night that the Phoenix Army doesn't need to send troops. It's said that the imperial court has already made peace with the Hu tribes and will pay them tribute in cash and silk every year."

The army had already set up its formation, and even the vanguard had set out. At this critical juncture, Prime Minister Zhu decisively withdrew his troops, causing the army and the people to lose all morale. It is feared that the Hu tribes will become even more unscrupulous in the future, eyeing the enemy covetously and taking advantage of the situation to invade.

Junyu gave a wry smile. "If that's the case, why did General Peng come here in such a hurry?"

"I have other important business to attend to today. After the Phoenix Army's great victory over the Crimson Gold Khan last time, heroes and strong men from all directions have flocked to join the Phoenix Army..."

It turned out that after several battles, the Phoenix Army had become famous and attracted heroes from all directions to join them. Although this was a good thing, the heroes were ambitious and used to being undisciplined, making them difficult to control and often causing trouble. Therefore, Peng Dong was both happy and worried and made a special trip to Phoenix Village to request support.

Junyu looked at the "Four Heroes of the North," and among them, Geng Ke was the best in martial arts. She immediately said, "Geng Ke, you will accompany General Peng to assist in training the new recruits."

Geng Ke accepted the order and followed Peng Dong.

After everyone had dispersed, Mr. Nongying said, "Prime Minister Zhu is all-powerful, and even paying tribute and negotiating peace may not guarantee long-term stability on the border. However, since there is no war for the time being, I must also leave."

"Sir, where are you going?"

"I need to go to the Fire Mountain in the west to find a special material for firearms. It will probably take quite a while to travel back and forth."

Junyu dared not stop him, and could only say, "Alright, sir, please take care."

Mr. Nongying nodded, then suddenly said, "The Phoenix Army has gained great fame in recent years, and it is not under the control of Prime Minister Zhu. He has a personal grudge against you. If he finds out your identity, he will definitely do something bad to you. You must be more careful in the future."

"Okay, sir. I'll be careful."

After seeing off Young Master Nongying, Junyu turned and walked through several groves of trees to a courtyard nestled in the greenery. The courtyard, with its blue bricks and green tiles, was simple, quiet, and secluded—this was her residence.

A slightly older woman named Mo Feiyan came forward, smiling at him, "Young master, you're back!"

Not long after leaving Qiansi Academy, Junyu passed through Jiangnan and encountered a woman preparing to commit suicide. The woman was almost dead; it was Mo Feiyan, who had nowhere else to turn. At that time, eighteen-year-old Mo Feiyan had just been divorced by her husband and had nowhere to go. Utterly desperate, she was contemplating ending her life. After being rescued by Junyu, Mo Feiyan completely abandoned her suicidal thoughts and followed the young Junyu, wandering with his books and sword. For a considerable period, Junyu and she depended on each other for survival, their affection deepening. Three years ago, she settled in Phoenix Village with Junyu, mainly assisting Zhao Manqing in managing the village's affairs.

Junyu nodded to her very affectionately. Over the years, it was Mo Feiyan who had helped her tidy up her house and take care of her daily life in the mountain stronghold.

“Young master, you won’t be leaving soon after you return, will you? My sister Manqing and I miss you very much…” Before she could finish speaking, the door was pushed open and Zhao Manqing walked in.

Before his death, the old chieftain entrusted Manqing to Junyu. Over the years, Junyu has taken good care of Manqing. Therefore, in everyone's mind, Manqing has long been regarded as the future "chieftain's wife".

The three exchanged a smile. Over the years, only at Phoenix Village had Junyu truly relaxed. Manqing and Mofeiyan both knew her true identity; there was no need for any pretense.

Junyu noticed a jade bracelet on Manqing's wrist, one she had never seen before.

Seeing Junyu staring at the bracelet, Mo Feiyan giggled, and Manqing's face suddenly turned red.

"This was a gift from Brother Bai, young master. Don't you think it's beautiful?" Mo Feiyan teased, looking at her. "Sister Manqing has been treasuring it..."

Manqing's face turned even redder: "Sister Feiyan, Brother Bai also brought gifts for all of you, why is it only for my baby?"

Junyu laughed too: "Manqing, don't blush. Actually, I think Bai Ruhui is quite good. I also hope you find a good home and live up to the chieftain's dying wish..." Manqing blushed and didn't speak. Junyu smiled and didn't press her for details, having already made up her mind.

Junyu suddenly remembered the group of women who had been brought back, and asked Manqing how they had been arranged.

It turned out that Manqing had divided them into three groups: one to take care of the tea garden, and another to look after the vegetable and orchards. Manqing also bought an abandoned teahouse in Phoenix City and handed it over to another group to manage. After all the assignments were done, only Luo Luo was left.

Zhao Manqing's face was full of joy, and Junyu looked at her with a smile. Whenever Manqing did something she was proud of or discovered something particularly gratifying, she always had this proud and spirited look on her face. It was a small and cute pride that was unique to intelligent women.

“Young master, we now have a true teacher…”

Junyu was overjoyed. As more women and children became literate, the few remaining teachers in the village, who already had limited literacy, were finding it increasingly difficult to keep up. Luo Luo, coming from a scholarly family and possessing a refined upbringing, was perfectly suited to Manqing's arrangement—a truly ideal fit!

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Chapter 10: The Tenth Chapter

That day, Junyu was training new recruits in Phoenix City when a fast horse suddenly galloped into the city. When it reached the area where horses were not allowed to pass, the rider hesitated for a moment but then stopped.

Junyu looked in the direction of the sound and saw the man holding a pass that only a very few people in the army possessed, looking at him arrogantly.

Junyu was quite surprised: "Zhu Yu, what brings you here?"

Zhu Yu said coldly, "I came to see who this famous 'Phoenix City Flying General' really is, but it turns out to be an old acquaintance!"

Junyu gave him a half-smile: "You saw it, didn't you? Have you seen enough?"

Zhu Yu stared at her, at those bright, sparkling eyes, and suddenly let out a strange laugh: "Junyu, you can be so smug here, but do you know that your master's wife is already locked up in Yangzhou prison..."