Le paysage est comme une peinture

Chapitre 86

The two embraced for a while. Tuosang looked at her slightly messy hair, reached out and gently untied it, picked up a comb from the table, and gently combed her hair.

Those gentle hands ran through her hair, and Junyu closed her eyes slightly: "Tuosang, I really hope the war ends soon. That way, you can comb my hair every day."

Tuosang slowly combed his full head of black hair, then turned his head to gaze at the slightly tired and haggard face for a moment, and smiled, "Junyu, you're too tired. After the war is over, we'll find a happy place, and you can rest well at home and don't have to worry about anything. Once you've recovered, you can do whatever you want. No matter what, I'll be with you."

Junyu remained silent for a long while before sighing, "Tuosang, since I met you, you have done so much for me. These days, you have shared my burdens and offered me advice. You are no less relaxed than I am, yet you still take care of me in every way. The day after our marriage, we had to be separated by a great distance, and as for myself, let alone fulfilling my duties as a wife, I have never even taken good care of you."

Tuosang smiled and stroked her hair. "Silly child, you work so hard every day. Being able to share your burden and take care of you is something I've always dreamed of. Although we're so close, I'm already so happy just to be with you. And—" His voice trailed off, "After the war, we'll have countless beautiful nights to spend together... There's no rush, is there?"

"Mmm," Junyu blushed and nodded.

***************************************************************************

Chapter 311: The Intimacy Before the Final Battle (Part 2)

The slight blush made her slightly haggard face instantly radiant. Tuosang gently patted her face: "Junyu, after the war is over, you must take a good rest for a while."

Junyu laughed: "Okay. After the war, I won't care about anything anymore. Let's go sightseeing first, and then open an academy. How about you be the headmaster?"

“Okay. I’ll be a serious and old-fashioned headmaster then,” he whispered in Junyu’s ear, “and when we have children in the future, I’ll put on a stern face and scare them…”

Junyu's face turned even redder: "Tuosang, you're talking nonsense again."

Tuosang hugged her and sighed, "Setting up an academy so our children can study there, isn't that a wonderful life!"

Junyu nodded and snuggled into his arms. "Yes, I'm really looking forward to that day."

"That day will come soon, Junyu, I really look forward to it."

Junyu glanced at the time; it was already late. She took Tuosang's hand and said, "We'll be setting off at midnight. You should get some rest."

Tuosang nodded, and Junyu held his hand tightly without letting go, saying softly, "Tuosang, tonight, we..."

Looking at her soft whispers and the boundless tenderness in her eyes, Tuosang's long-suppressed passion for her burst forth like a flood. His gaze burned like lightning on a summer night, and he picked her up urgently yet gently...

***************************************************************************

Chapter 312: The Intimacy on the Eve of the Decisive Battle (Part 3)

Since their marriage, the two had only shared their wedding night. Their love was as sweet as honey, yet they had long restrained themselves. Now, with their separation imminent, they were reluctant to part and lingered in each other's arms with the utmost tenderness.

After their passionate and joyful encounter, the two embraced tightly, showing no signs of sleepiness. In the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the assembly bell would ring.

Tuosang whispered in her ear, "Junyu, time is almost up..."

"Um……"

Junyu looked left and right; Tuosang's military uniform was now neatly arranged. This was the first time she had personally and carefully tidied Tuosang's uniform, and she felt both sweet and warm inside.

"Alright, Junyu, you don't need to do that anymore." Tuosang smiled as he watched her tilt her head and earnestly adjust his helmet, and hugged her tightly. Junyu hugged him back tightly and whispered, "I'm waiting for your triumphant return."

"Junyu, don't worry, I definitely will."

As they stepped out the door, Tuosang glanced at Junyu, who smiled back at him. This was the first time they had parted since their marriage. Tuosang turned and walked back a few steps, then took her hand: "Junyu, you must take good care of yourself."

"I will. Take care, Tuosang."

Outside, the army was already fully prepared and ready to go.

Junyu's smiling gaze swept over the crowd. Tuosang nodded, gave her a deep look, mounted his horse, and galloped away. Only after his figure was completely out of sight did Junyu turn back, a slight sadness flickering in her heart.

A chill ran through her, and she immediately took a deep breath, realizing that the great battle she needed to personally command was imminent.

※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※

Garrisoned at the border.

Zhu Yu had just returned to his makeshift camp after inspecting the military situation.

Zhu Sihuai approached and whispered, "Second Young Master, the armies of Wutu and Ejina have been defeated. Although the Chijin tribe's army suffered heavy losses, Lisuo's troops are well-trained and fierce, giving them a great advantage in both offense and defense... Zhenmutier's personally commanded army also won a great victory and has now advanced into the Qilian Mountains. Once we cross this barrier, we can go straight to Xining Prefecture..."

"So what if Zhenmutier has captured the Qilian Mountains? The war is unfolding exactly as Junyu predicted!" Zhu Yu thought of the "Phoenix Military Strategy" he kept in his pocket, a book Junyu had given him years ago when they fought side by side. At that time, the military treatise was not yet finished. He wondered, "Now, it must be completed by now, right?"

"Sun Jia's Phoenix Army has penetrated deep into the grasslands, cutting off their retreat; Zhou Yida's light cavalry has also decimated the remaining forces of the Crimson Gold Clan's stronghold. It seems that Zhenmutier has fallen into Junyu's trap and will find it difficult to break through the Qilian Mountains... However, Zhenmutier is no ordinary man and may have already realized this. At the critical moment of his fifth son's battle, he has preserved a route to retreat to the Western Regions and the outer grasslands, and his generals are also returning from the western expedition to provide reinforcements. Junyu will have to pay a considerable price to win this battle completely. However, the Northwest Army is currently in high spirits and almost invincible. Junyu also has several outstanding generals under his command. In this battle, Junyu's chances of winning are much greater."

***************************************************************************

Chapter 313: Tuosang VS Zhu Yu 1

"The Northwest Army has always been corrupt, so it is really unexpected that its combat effectiveness has improved so rapidly in recent years."

"Junyu was strict in managing the army and was good at discovering and making good use of talents. When she reorganized the Northwest Army, she transferred 3,000 Phoenix Army soldiers as an example. It is said that those 3,000 Phoenix Army soldiers could train for several hours in the rain without a single one of them falling down. During the training, Junyu herself participated in the whole process. With such a commander, how could others dare to slack off? After several years of such grueling training, it would be difficult for the Northwest Army not to become strong."

Zhu Yu thought for a moment and then said, "Judging from the troop strength deployed in this decisive battle, Jun Yu is not just the commander of the Northwest Army. She has completely and rationally mobilized the troops of the entire thirteen northern provinces and deployed battle formations along the entire northern border to completely crush the main force of the Crimson Gold Clan, and even prevent Zhenmutier from escaping. Otherwise, why would Sun Jia, Zhou Yida and others have such a purposeful deep offensive to intercept them?"

"Our dynasty has always strictly controlled the troop strength of military generals. How could a foolish emperor grant her such great power?"

Zhu Yu nodded: "Neither we nor Zhenmutier expected her to have such great authority, because according to the military system and laws of this dynasty, it would be impossible. Presumably, the tyrannical emperor already knew her identity and was not afraid of her powerful achievements. According to secret reports, Meng Yuanjing personally went to the army, so the strategic deployment proposed by Junyu must have been approved at that time. This move by the tyrannical emperor is a grand gesture that solves problems once and for all; otherwise, how could the army's strategic supplies be so well prepared?"

Zhu Sihuai said, "A tyrannical ruler is always mean, suspicious and paranoid. Even though Junyu is a woman, it is hard to imagine that he would go to such lengths."

"It was I who overlooked that. Don't forget Meng Yuanjing is still working tirelessly in court to protect her. Meng Yuanjing and Junyu are sworn brothers. With him handling things, the tyrant has essentially taken the entire family of the Grand Secretary hostage. What is there to worry about? Besides, although the tyrant is suspicious, he only suspects Junyu's identity, never her ambition. Junyu has only attended court twice during her two trips to the capital. Even if there are important matters, the tyrant has to personally visit her residence. In this world, besides her, who else dares to act with such arrogance?" Such arrogance? Because although she possessed great abilities, she had no desire for officialdom and was all alone with no ties. Aloof and proud people are often neither heroes nor ambitious schemers, especially since she was a woman. The tyrannical ruler must have seen this, so he let her take the plunge, hoping that once she protected half the country, he could also cultivate an image of a wise and powerful ruler…” Zhu Yu looked at the distant sky, “Father thought the tyrannical ruler was similar to the old tyrannical ruler, but he didn’t know he was far more powerful, which is why the Zhu family suffered such a tragic fate…”

Zhu Sihuai lowered his head, feeling immense grief, recalling the calamity that had implicated nine generations of the Zhu family.

Seeing his grief-stricken appearance, Zhu Yu smiled coldly: "Fourth Uncle Zhu, perhaps one day we will point our swords at the Central Plains and take the head of the tyrant to appease all the dead souls of the Zhu family."

Zhu Sihuai immediately perked up and said, "Yes, Second Young Master!"

As the two were talking, a rider galloped back: "Your Highness, the Second Prince has been ambushed by a large army and is now trapped in Wuwei. He requests Your Highness's assistance..."

"Oh?" Zhu Yu became interested. "The Second Prince's position is closest to Zhang Yuan's. How did Zhang Yuan manage to escape from the encirclement and even make it to Wuwei?"

"This army first feigned an attack on the pass, but then sent a surprise force across the river from Jincheng, catching the Second Prince off guard. However, the leader of this surprise force was not Zhang Yuan."

"But who is it?"

"Only after the war did we learn that the leader was called 'Young Master Jun,' had no military rank, and we couldn't find out his background..."

Zhu Yu seemed to understand: "Alright, I understand, you may leave."

The messenger was a trusted guard under the second son of Zhenmutier, and he said anxiously, "Prince Consort, please send troops to support the Second Prince immediately."

"Okay." As soon as Zhu Yu finished speaking, Zhu Sihuai gave a wink, nodded, and stabbed the envoy through the vest with a knife, quickly dragging him into the tent to hide him.

Now that Zhenmutier's eldest and second sons are dead, and the other two have suffered great defeats, only Riso remains. Thinking of how stumbling blocks are being eliminated one by one, Zhu Yu's lips curled into a cold smile.

Zhu Sihuai said, "Is the person leading the army 'Young Master Jun'? Could it be that Jun Yu has come in person?"

"Jun Yu is the commander-in-chief, stationed in the central army. How could he come here so easily? What a 'Young Master Jun'! He actually thought of using this tactic of besieging Wei to rescue Zhao. Little does he know, I am just waiting for 'Wei' to be destroyed."

"Should we launch a full-scale attack on the pass before he gets back?"

Although Zhang Yuan was ambushed, he remained calm and quickly adjusted his strategy. After several days of stalemate, Zhu Yu's army, despite having a significant advantage, could not easily break through the pass.

***************************************************************************

Chapter 314: Zhu Yu VS Tuosang 2

“Zhang was originally an unknown soldier, but after being promoted by Junyu, he came up with many ingenious plans and became one of Junyu’s most trusted generals. Although he made a mistake this time, he immediately came up with a way to turn the situation around. He is a man who is loyal and resourceful because of the kindness he received. I’m afraid he will never give up until the last moment. If we launch a direct attack, the price will be too high…” Zhu Yu shook his head. “This kind of person is the most difficult to deal with. It’s a pity that Junyu has several such people under his command.”

"Then, what do we do?"

Zhu Yu thought to himself, "Since Junyu sent Zhang Yuan to deal with me, it's obvious how much he values him. Junyu will leave the army sooner or later, and then Zhang Yuan and others will inevitably become the backbone of the Northwest Army. The more one they keep, the more of a threat they pose. It's better to take them down as soon as possible."

"Now that Zhenmutier's sons have been killed or wounded, we should take this opportunity to establish our prestige with a victory and also probe the strength of this army. Since 'Young Master Jun' was able to launch such a surprise attack, he must have other brilliant strategies. Before he can return to rescue us, we must take down Zhang Yuan at all costs."

"Alright. I will pass on the order immediately."

When Zhu Sihuai returned with the order, he was still somewhat curious: "Who exactly is this 'Young Master Jun'?"

Zhu Yu said coldly, "In this world, there are two most famous 'Young Master Juns'. One is Jun Yu, the Flying Marshal of Fengcheng, and the other is 'Young Master Jun,' the owner of 'Jun Ji,' who has many large businesses on the border... Do you know who this 'Young Master Jun of Jun Ji' is?"

Who is it?

“It is indeed Tuosang. I sent someone to investigate this matter this January. He is very famous in the border market but is elusive. Many people regard him as a legendary figure because he suddenly rose to prominence in just two years. However, at the end of last year, he handed over all his businesses to others and went to the army with Junyu.”

"He's that good?"

"Don't forget his extremely special identity and abilities; he's a legend in his own right. A person like him would be exceptional in anything he does. He was resurrected for Junyu's sake, and now, with a great battle at hand, he will certainly spare no effort to help her. Junyu is already formidable enough, and now with Tuosang added to the mix, I want to see just how powerful Junyu and Tuosang will become when they join forces. Hehe, I might not necessarily lose to them."

Zhu Sihuai had served Zhu Yu for many years and knew that he was infatuated with Junyu. He also knew about the complicated love-hate relationship between the three of them, so he immediately said, "Second Young Master, you..."

Zhu Yu laughed. "Don't worry, I've completely given up on Junyu. War isn't a time for personal feelings. This battle to break through the pass isn't aimed at Junyu and Tuosang. After all, they're just one of my many adversaries now. Since ancient times, the world has always been ruled by the victors. My Zhu family of over a thousand people can't die in vain, can they?"

Seeing that he looked relaxed and at ease, as if he had completely let go of the past, Zhu Sihuai was overjoyed and sighed, "Young master, there are so many beautiful women in the world. It's good that you let go of everything sooner rather than later."

Seeing his relieved expression, Zhu Yu burst into laughter: "Uncle Zhu, all these years, I've been infatuated with a woman who never showed me the slightest affection. Now, thinking back, I feel strange, absurd, and regretful. No matter how wonderful or rare she was, she never had me in her eyes or heart, so why should I dwell on her? If I had focused my energy on helping my father instead of targeting Tuosang, the Zhu family wouldn't have been wiped out! Actually, there are many things in this world more important and interesting than being infatuated with a woman. There are plenty of fish in the sea! Just open your eyes, and you'll see all kinds of beautiful women in the world. Whether they're sincere or not, just enjoy them. If my elder brother had understood this back then, he wouldn't have taken his own life at such a young age!"

Chapter 315: The Struggle Between Wives and Concubines 1

Hearing his words, Zhu Sihuai breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to say something, a fast horse came galloping over. It was one of Zhu Yu's most trusted and capable bodyguards, who had been sent out several days ago.

Upon seeing him, Zhu Yu immediately entered the tent, followed by his guards. Zhu Sihuai waved his hand, and the four guards inside temporarily withdrew.

The guard took out a secret letter and whispered, "Your Highness, I have brought back the alliance letter from the Little Hui King. Now, the Little Hui King has stationed troops in one side. If Your Highness needs him, he will send troops at any time."

Zhu Yu was overjoyed. He quickly and carefully read the secret letter, then put it in his pocket: "You've worked hard. You can go now."

Zhu Sihuai was also quite excited: "Second Young Master, what should we do now?"

Zhu Yu said in a low voice, "Actually, I don't care about the outcome of this war. It would be best if Junyu and Zhenmutier were both severely weakened. It would be even better if Zhenmutier were completely defeated and annihilated. Before the situation becomes clear, we must preserve our strength. No matter the outcome of the war, we will be the winners. Now, the path to the Southern Zhao King's side has been paved and there are no major obstacles. As for the Little Hui King's side, we can marry his daughter next month to consolidate the alliance between the two sides..."

"Second Young Master, your recent favoritism towards Lady Nanzhao has already greatly displeased the Princess, causing her to fly into a rage several times. Relying on the power of her father and brothers, the Princess does whatever she wants, never taking the Prime Minister and the Third Young Master seriously. Once, she simply disliked the Third Young Master, and when he contradicted her, she whipped him. Lady Nanzhao has already been beaten several times since she married into the family. Now that the daughter of the Little Hui King is also here, given her naturally fierce and jealous nature, I'm afraid who knows what kind of trouble she'll cause."

Last month, while Zhu Yu was away, the princess beat Lady Nan Zhao so badly that her face was covered in bruises, and it took almost half a month for her color to return. Later, Zhu Yu conquered a small allied regime and obtained an extremely rare and exquisite piece of jewelry. That very night, Lady Nan Zhao fawned over him, serving him to his utmost satisfaction, and thus bestowed the jewelry upon her. However, the next day, the princess learned of this and caused a huge scene, then went to harass Lady Nan Zhao as well. Zhu Yu personally witnessed the two women arguing, which escalated into a physical fight.