Robe blanche - Chapitre 159
"Sister, I have something to discuss with you." Zi Nuo looked at me with eagerness and barely concealed excitement.
"What is it?" I asked, extremely curious.
Zinuo pulled me aside: "This is of great importance, let's talk inside."
Looking around the courtyard, he saw that although there were only a few close relatives there, there were also a few servants. He then told Gan Lin and went into the house with Zinuo.
Once inside, Zi Nuo finally spoke: "Sister, seven or eight tenths of Xuan Ying's territory has fallen. The remaining areas are still putting up a last stand, but the five southern cities of Song, Fu, Xi, Gong, and Bao have all surrendered to Jin Que and are willing to return to Jin Que's territory." After Zi Nuo finished speaking, her face became even more radiant.
"This is a good thing." Most of the people in Qiuyang Valley come from these five cities, and there are also 20,000 soldiers held hostage in Jinque. I wonder if they have anything to do with this matter.
“But,” Zi Nuo’s expression darkened again, “Father has sent me to the northern frontier to investigate their true intentions and see if they are truly willing to submit to Jinque. If they are, my troops on the border will have to march into Xuanying. In that case, the time spent there will probably be a long time.”
"If we can truly obtain five cities without losing a single soldier, then it will be worthwhile." This was the line that King Golden Sparrow had cast a long time ago, and now he had finally caught the fish.
Zi Nuo looked at me with a hint of resentment, seemingly blaming me for my lack of romantic understanding. She couldn't help but laugh and ask, "Are you upset that I didn't feel any reluctance to part?"
Zi Nuo remained silent, and I chuckled: "In the end, this is the important matter. I'll stay here and take good care of myself so that I can come out of the city to pick you up when you return."
Zi Nuo smiled noncommittally.
The situation on the northern battlefield was constantly changing, and there was a fear that things might change along the way. Therefore, Zi Nuo's departure to the north was set for the third day of the fourth month, which was very rushed. Zi Nuo was so busy that he didn't even have time to go to the palace.
On the evening of the second day of the fourth lunar month, I took the hastily printed books and went to the palace with Gan Lin to see Zinuo off.
Inside the Xiyang Palace, when I presented Zinuo with the newly printed book "Tianjiao," the ink of which still seemed to be wet, Zinuo looked at me with great confusion.
"Look, this is the gift I promised to give you. Now that I'm going to the Northern Frontier, I definitely can't spend my birthday here." This took me almost a year of my life to write. I recorded Zinuo's growth as an observer, but the story was slightly altered. I was expelled from my home by my father, then taken in as a disciple by the Imperial Preceptor, and later sent by the Golden Sparrow King to Mount Yunmu to accompany Zinuo, who was cultivating there. I witnessed how Zinuo transformed from a child into a proud young man with a heart for the world. After Zinuo completed his studies and descended the mountain, I accompanied Zinuo on a journey to Youjing. Then, the two of us were separated during the war in the northwest of Youjing. Zinuo returned to his country, but I was harmed by villains in Youjing, and was eventually rescued by Zinuo.
The story, a blend of truth and fiction, portrays a gifted and compassionate crown prince of the Golden Sparrow Kingdom. I wrote this book because the background of Zi Nuo's return to the kingdom was shrouded in mystery, leading to much skepticism and unfavorable speculation among court officials, which was detrimental to him. This book aims to unveil Zi Nuo's mystery, dispelling many doubts, and also to enhance his reputation among the people… These are my hopes. As for the book's ultimate success, we don't know yet. I've only asked the publishing house to print two copies: one for Zi Nuo and one to be presented to the Golden Sparrow King. Since it involves the royal family, the King's approval is necessary before it can be released to the public. To prevent Zi Nuo from overshadowing the King, I've deliberately praised him extensively in the book, praising his diligence and love for his people, the effort he put into nurturing Zi Nuo, and his care for me, an orphan… Truly, my efforts are well-intentioned.
Zi Nuo took the book, flipped through a few pages, her face full of disbelief, her eyes slightly red, and she murmured, "Sister, is this the gift you promised me last year?"
I nodded, about to tell him not to be too moved, when he suddenly looked indignant: "Is this what you write every day?"
Seeing me nod again, Zinuo sighed softly, picked up the book, and turned to leave.
I blinked in confusion. The effect of this book was quite different from what I had expected from the very beginning.
Not long after, Zinuo came back and looked at me seriously, saying, "You can't go to such lengths in the future."
So it turns out he was worried about my health. Back then, wasn't I afraid my days were numbered and I wanted to leave something behind, to do something more for him?
“Ganlin also helped,” I said. When I got tired of writing, I dictated while Ganlin wrote it down.
Zi Nuo's eyes flickered, then he chuckled softly, his expression unreadable.
Early in the morning of the third day of the fourth lunar month, Zi Nuo left Han Yue City and headed north again. I only had time to see the backs of a group of people and horses galloping away from the city tower.
The six-month period mentioned by the Immortal is getting closer and closer. I don't know what it will be like when Zinuo comes back. I can only obediently eat the medicinal meals that I don't like and drink the soup that I don't like to simmer every day. I don't feel any discomfort. I have more energy than before. However, I love to sleep more than before.
Ruosheng was very worried about my performance, but Ganlin remained calm and continued to teach Chuchen as usual, or joke and tease me.
The expression on Bu Bei's face grew heavier each day as he brought medicine, and he would occasionally say, "Master will definitely cure you," but his eyes were clearly filled with worry.
Do not lean against the west railing to lock in the clear autumn. Chapter 138
Chapter word count: 4332 Update time: 09-09-22 06:13
With the approval of the Golden Sparrow King and after some minor revisions, "The Pride of Heaven" was finally able to be printed in batches. After its release, it quickly sparked a craze for worshipping the Regent Prince Luoyang in the Golden Sparrow Kingdom. Zi Nuo's popularity soared, and my wallet gradually bulged, earning me my first pot of gold. It turns out that you can make money with words at this time. If I had known earlier, I probably wouldn't have had to sell myself... But I digress.
When Bu Bei brought in the medicine, he saw a copy of "The Pride of Heaven" on the table, picked it up, flipped through a few pages, snorted, and tossed it aside with a disdainful look. I was used to Bu Bei's behavior and didn't care. I just continued counting the money the bookseller had given me, grinning from ear to ear.
"Vulgar!" Bu Bei muttered, slamming the medicine bowl down on the table before leaving again.
After counting the silver, I finally picked up the medicine bowl and drank it. To be honest, I used to hate drinking Chinese medicine, but now I drink it every day, and it has become a habit like eating. I no longer find the medicine so unpleasant to drink.
During dinner that evening, I suddenly had a whimsical idea and said to Gan Lin, "How about we start from scratch and create another Mo family, the richest family in the world, and you become the head of that Mo family?" After discovering that I could also make money, I felt very unsettled and restless.
Gan Lin shook his head and laughed, "I can wield a sword, but I absolutely cannot do business."
I glared at him: "I don't believe anyone in the Mo family is incapable of doing business." I paused, then added: "Putting everything else aside, Chu Chen is all grown up now, he has to do something respectable, he can't just run around with swords and knives and expect to make money." Right now, we're all being fed and cared for by Zinuo, but what about the future? What identity will we use to enjoy all this? Will generations of us be dependent on Zinuo?
Gan Lin blushed slightly, a rare occurrence, and said in a low voice, "Let's give it a try."
"I don't even know how many more days I have left to live, and I'm just worrying about all this nonsense." Bu Bei, who was sitting opposite me, suddenly spoke up without even looking up.
Whether he could see me or not, I glared at him, controlled my emotions, and said earnestly, "Young man Bu Bei, living isn't just about yourself. Don't be so indifferent to the world at such a young age." This guy, aside from showing some concern when I'm not feeling well, why does he always seem to be picking on people?
Upon hearing this, Bu Bei choked on the food in his mouth, stared at me with wide eyes, and looked on in great pain.
Bu Xi put down his chopsticks and massaged Bu Bei's back a few times. Bu Bei finally let out a long breath, his face flushed red. "Master taught us from childhood not to talk while eating or sleeping. You didn't listen today, so you choked, didn't you?" As he spoke, Bu Xi handed Bu Bei a glass of water. The scene was quite strange, making me wonder if the relationship between these two brothers was more than just that of brothers.
Bu Bei drank the water, slammed the cup down on the table, and glared at me angrily: "What kind of look is that? What nonsense are you thinking?"
I hastily withdrew my ambiguous gaze, gave an awkward laugh, and thought to myself, "When did this guy's eyes become so sharp? He can even read half of what I'm thinking."
“However, what my junior brother said is not wrong. You should worry less about other things. We can’t let our master’s reputation be ruined in your hands.” Bu Xi said coldly.
"Yes, yes, yes," I replied repeatedly. As a patient, I should fully cooperate with the doctor and listen to his words. "Master Bu Xi is right."
With a cough, Bu Xi, his face flushed, glared at me angrily. I suddenly realized what was happening and quickly said, "Oh, no, Master Bu happy is right."
His displeased face turned even redder.
It seems that there is no difference between "disliking Master" and "disliking Grand Master," as they both sound very much like a monk's Dharma name.