Le paysage est comme une peinture

Chapitre 34

Junyu stood up, and the strange sound rang in her ears again. Without thinking, Junyu immediately went out and followed the sound.

By this time, dawn was breaking, and Junyu realized that the figure she had just seen was indeed Tuosang. Without further doubt, she quickly gave a few brief instructions to the two guards at the door and quietly followed them.

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Chapter 105: Running Away with Gold (5)

Tuosang turned his back and hid in the shadow of a tree. As soon as Junyu approached, he didn't turn around and immediately strode ahead.

Tuosang walked faster and faster. Although Junyu was puzzled, she didn't ask any questions because it was Tuosang, and kept up with him at the same pace.

The morning wind was biting cold. There was no road ahead at all, only uneven rocky hills. The hills were getting higher and higher, and the two of them had entered the mountainous area.

Looking around, Junyu saw almost nothing but towering, majestic mountains.

As the sun began to set in the west, we arrived at an unnamed valley. The valley was quite flat, with jagged rocks scattered everywhere.

"Junyu, look."

Junyu looked in the direction he pointed and saw a huge brown rock. The rock was uneven, but it didn't seem to be much different from the many large rocks around it.

Tuosang suddenly walked over, and Junyu followed behind him. They saw a crevice more than a foot wide next to the boulder. Tuosang practiced Tantric Buddhism, and his Yoga Bone Shrinking Technique was already highly refined. In a flash, Tuosang had already squeezed into the crevice.

The crevice wasn't very narrow, and Junyu, being rather thin, managed to squeeze in by turning sideways.

Sunlight shone from a very unusual angle, and Junyu almost cried out in surprise.

Inside the cave, there was a dazzling golden light, while outside the cave was a huge, deep pit.

In the deep pit, the jagged golden rocks were covered with gems, jade, pearls, agates... and those large, messy golden boulders were actually piles of gold. Even more gold had solidified into tree pillars, as if cast, impossible to move an inch.

Looking down, it's impossible to tell how deep the pit is or how much gold is inside.

Junyu was naturally aware that the followers possessed vast wealth in this vast and mysterious land. However, the monks spent their lives diligently practicing asceticism, indulging in little material pleasure, and had little interest in what these reclusive people so eagerly sought. Although various external forces were curious about this vast land and its wondrous treasures, for thousands of years, apart from a very few members of the sect, the rest of the population had long been unaware of and indifferent to those treasures.

Tuosang looked at the pit full of gold and gems with the same gaze he gave to the stones and sand beside it: "If these things are useful to the Northwest Army, you can take some with you."

Junyu shook his head in horror: "Tuosang, you will be punished for doing this."

Although these things were no different from stones and rubble in the eyes of the monks, and had lay there silently for thousands of years, uncared for by anyone, they were, after all, objects of the sacred palace, and no outsider was allowed to covet this secret.

“Since they are useless lying here, why not give them to those who are truly useful? There is a plague raging in the Northwest Army now. Saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. I think Buddha will not blame me.”

Before Junyu could speak, Tuosang suddenly took out a large bag, casually picked up some gold nuggets and gems and threw them inside. Junyu was stunned for a moment when she saw this, and then immediately followed suit.

Chapter 106: Running Away with Gold (6)

Because the imperial court prohibited the outflow of gold and silver, border transactions historically involved iron coins and a small amount of copper coins, which were extremely inconvenient to transport. This dissatisfaction was particularly pronounced among ethnic minorities, especially in large-scale transactions like the purchase of horses, where the heavy iron coins often led to refusal to trade. Therefore, in the Northwest region, the purchasing power and popularity of gold and silver far exceeded that of equivalent iron and copper coins.

Tuosang was unfamiliar with foreign affairs and didn't know which items could be traded more conveniently and quickly, but Junyu did. Although the numerous gemstones were all rare treasures, they were difficult to sell and raise funds in this harsh northwest region in a short time, so Junyu only picked up a small number of gemstones and chose the heavy little pieces of gold that could pass through the narrow crevice in the rock.

Seeing this, Tuosang followed suit and specifically chose those heavy little gold nuggets.

Judging that this gold would just be enough to cover the period when the imperial army's pay arrived, Junyu stood up and said, "Let's go."

Tuosang nodded.

The moon has risen.

The two men trudged along, staggering and hunched over, like weary oxen carrying loads of sand and gravel through the valley.

Tuosang carried the large bag, while Junyu carried a bag made from Tuosang's large outer robe, which was slightly easier to carry than Tuosang's large bag.

Inside, it was filled with heavy gold nuggets and a small number of gems.

Junyu accidentally stepped on a pebble, stumbled, and almost fell to the ground.

Tuosang quickly stopped and asked, "Junyu, how are you?"

Junyu sat on the ground, the boundless moonlight shining on the dark sand, and she saw that Tuosang's face was covered in sweat.

At this moment, Tuosang was neither the solemn and sacred figure in his brand-new cassock, nor the carefree and otherworldly figure playing the zither in the gardens of Sichuan or picking flowers on Phoenix Road. He was dressed in thin clothes, yet his face and head were covered in sweat. He was carrying a heavy bag, bent over, looking just like a laborer doing hard labor.

Tuosang had cultivated in the deep palace since childhood. Given his status at that time and place, he probably had never personally used any gold or silver in his entire life. Now, however, he was carrying such a large bag of gold and desperately traveling in the dark night.

Seeing him drenched in sweat and looking worried, Junyu couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Tuosang, you look just like a fugitive on the run. Hahaha."

This was the first time Tuosang had ever seen Junyu laugh like this. Seeing the once renowned and elegant young man covered in sweat and covered in dust, Tuosang could no longer hold back and burst into laughter for the first time in his life.

He simply put down his bag and sat down next to Junyu.

Under the quiet moonlight, both of them were panting heavily from exhaustion.

Junyu suddenly said, "I always thought that 'Bokdo' would never laugh like that. I actually saw it once, haha, I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse."

Tuosang perfectly mimicked her tone: "This is the first time I've seen 'Flying General Fengcheng' so disheveled. Am I lucky or unlucky?"

The two looked at each other's disheveled appearance and burst into laughter again.

In the faint light of dawn, the garrison camp in Yushu Town was already in sight.

Tuosang put down the bag, and Junyu nodded, saying softly with a smile, "Goodbye, Tuosang."

Tuosang gave her a deep look, smiled, turned and left. After a few steps, he turned back to look at her again, then quickened his pace and his figure quickly disappeared into the morning mist.

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Chapter 107: A Great Victory

The camp of Muter was brightly lit.

"Report: The plague in Dafengkou and Yushu Town has been brought under control."

"Report: Dafengkou currently has only 2,000 soldiers. According to reliable sources, their food supplies are insufficient to last three days."

"Report! According to reliable sources, the 50,000 troops stationed in Yushu Town have only enough food for three days. Morale among the soldiers is now extremely low..."

"Report! We've captured a Northwest Army officer and learned that the grain and military supplies collected by various prefectural governments in the Northwest have passed Wuwei City and are being transported to Xining Prefecture. It's understood that this batch of supplies was forcibly collected by Lin Baoshan and his men through coercion of local officials. Although it's not as much as the military pay allocated by the imperial court, the amount is still estimated to be considerable. Currently, Xining Prefecture has mobilized 30,000 troops to meet them..."

This was the third intelligence report already; the Xining army, having nowhere else to turn, had secretly taken local officials hostage, demanding grain and supplies. Zhenmutier pondered. Lin Baoshan was a ruthless bandit. Although Junyu's decision to allow him to coerce the local government offices when Junyu was desperate was a serious offense, the Northwest Army would be a major threat once they obtained the grain and supplies.

To his surprise, the "Flying General of Phoenix City" had actually mobilized 30,000 troops, including the elite troops of Xining Prefecture, to protect the grain, which showed that they were fighting a desperate battle.

A general stood up: "Your Majesty, the epidemic in the Northwest Army has been basically brought under control. This batch of grain is their last lifeline. We must secure this military pay."

Another general said, "The plague is severe in Dafeng Mountain, leaving our forces depleted; we can ignore it. Although Yushu Town is heavily stockpiled with troops, its food supplies are running low. Now, 'Flying General Fengcheng' has dispatched 30,000 troops to protect the supplies, clearly indicating that no mishap is permissible. However, we must ensure that this 'mishap' occurs, and we must cut off the food supply to Yushu Town and Xining Prefecture. Otherwise, if we allow them to delay until the arrival of their pay, we will miss a crucial opportunity..."

Zhenmutier nodded. The reason he had hesitated to order an attack was twofold: firstly, the Northwest Army's food supplies had been sufficient for the past few days; and secondly, he was wary of the rampant plague. Now, the Northwest Army's food supplies were less than three days' worth, and morale was already low. If the food supplies from Wuwei City were to arrive smoothly, they feared they would lose a favorable opportunity to attack and fall into a passive position once again.

Such a good opportunity should be seized. That night, Zhenmutier made his deployment, dividing his troops into three groups. Knowing that he would be facing his old nemesis "Flying General of Phoenix City" again, Zhenmutier did not dare to be careless in the slightest, even though he had the advantage of timing and location and his deployment was appropriate.

A great battle is about to begin.

Intense drills are underway at the Daxiao Field in Yushu Town.

The epidemic has been basically brought under control, and all patients have been moved to a safe area for treatment.

In this situation, controlling the epidemic is no less important than commanding a major battle. The military had already ordered Lu Ling, Bai Ruhui, Geng Ke and others to be responsible for settling the patients.

Although the fear of the plague had been dispelled, the fear of famine spread even more severely. Although drills continued as usual, the hungry soldiers were filled with anxiety: if today passed, tomorrow's dinner might be a luxury.

Zhou Yida hurriedly entered the commander's camp, only to find Junyu sitting quietly in a large chair at his desk, writing something.

"Marshal, according to our scouts, the Crimson Gold Clan's army has deployed at Yuguan, Yanshiping, and the Mongolian grasslands, forming a combined force without encircling us. Our army's provisions will only last until tomorrow. Although General Lin has personally led 30,000 troops from Xining Prefecture to Wuwei City to retrieve the provisions, I fear they will be intercepted en route..."

Junyu put down his brush and looked up: "The left wing of the Crimson Gold Clan has already moved into the grasslands. Tomorrow night, we should be able to meet Lin Baoshan."

Zhou Yida immediately asked, "What should we do?"

"Immediately summon the three armies, light fires and cook meals, and ensure that all provisions are sufficient for one meal."

Zhou Yida exclaimed in surprise, "Marshal, our army has been tightening its belt and has only managed three meals of thin porridge. If we eat it all tonight, even if General Lin receives that batch of rations, it won't be long enough to deliver it to the Yushu Town camp..."

Junyu smiled and said, "Issue the order immediately, without fail."

Zhou Yida dared not say anything more, but seeing Jun Yu's confident demeanor, he had no choice but to immediately pass on the order.

The bewildered faces didn't care where tomorrow's breakfast would be. For the first time, the army of Yushu Town, long plagued by plague and hunger, ate their fill.

The army lined up, abandoning all their baggage. Soldiers and officers alike stared at their ever-calm commander, wondering in their hearts: after their last supper, were they really going to fight the Crimson Gold Clan army to the death?

Under the cover of night, three elite cavalry units were heading towards Yushu Town from neighboring Sichuan and southern Tibet.

Junyu personally ascended the tower, and the city gates opened wide. Lu Ling, Bai Ruhui, and Geng Ke entered from three directions one after another. The specially transported horse caravans filed in, and the carts were filled with bags of rice and fodder from neighboring Sichuan, barley flour, various dried foods, and beef from southern Tibet.

In the escorting team, a petite figure dressed in a tight-fitting outfit caught Junyu's attention.

Junyu stepped forward, and the person in the tight-fitting clothes jumped off the horse; it was none other than Shu Zhenzhen.

"Sister Shu!" Jun Yu exclaimed with joy.

Shu Zhenzhen's eyes were also filled with joy: "Junyu."

The faces of the soldiers, long tormented by plague and hunger, immediately became vibrant and full of energy.

Lu Ling, Bai Ruhui, and Geng Ke stepped forward: "Marshal, we have completed our mission."

Lu Ling looked at Shu Zhenzhen and bowed, saying, "We owe a great deal to Miss Shu's assistance in gathering provisions in Shu."

Junyu looked at Shu Zhenzhen, who smiled and said, "You've been in the Northwest Army for almost a year now, and I've wanted to come see you for a long time. When I heard that the Northwest Army's pay had been robbed, I rushed over immediately, but I ran into Lu Ling and the others by chance."

Zhou Yida was overjoyed but also puzzled: "Didn't the three of you go to settle the patient?"

Lu Ling laughed and said, "If we didn't have this excuse, how could we have gotten away without any obstacles? Besides, we were afraid that if word got out, we would be robbed on the way, and all our efforts would be in vain."

All three looked at Junyu, who smiled but did not answer. Instead, he said, "The three of you will still lead your original troops. Geng Ke, what are you waiting for? Your old friend is waiting to meet your 'Emei Vanguard'."

Geng Ke immediately accepted the order, and the Emei vanguard took the lead, heading straight for Yanshiping.

Lu Ling led his army straight to Dafeng Mountain to join forces with the Dafeng Mountain garrison and then ambushed the Chijin tribe's army in the Yumen area.

Under the lamplight, Junyu and Shuzhenzhen had a long talk by candlelight.

Shu Zhenzhen asked, "Do you know which force is hijacking the Northwest Army's military funds?"

Junyu shook his head: "I've only heard that it was a conspiracy involving nearly a hundred bandits and thieves from Sichuan and Shaanxi."