Жениться на государственном служащем династии Северная Сун

Глава 84

As we approached Xining Prefecture, we could already faintly sense the joyful festive atmosphere within.

Zhu Yu slowed her pace, her heart pounding in her chest: I'm going to see her! Soon, I'll be able to see her!

At the city gate, vigilant veterans patrolled meticulously, showing no sign of letting their guard down despite the New Year's Eve atmosphere. On the contrary, the increased shift changes tonight made the atmosphere of vigilance even stronger.

As the veteran soldier changed shifts and turned around, Zhu Yu silently pulled off his night clothes, revealing a suit of clothing nearly the same color as the city wall. Like a nimble cat, he leaped onto the city wall, then sped forward, finally landing in the shadows on the other side.

Looking down from here, one sees a vast, imposing training ground. On the ground, soldiers stand in perfect formation, their ranks perfectly aligned.

At that moment, the stands in the parade ground were ablaze with candlelight, as bright as day. He crawled silently forward along the shadows, then found the best spot to stop, the closest and best location to the stands.

Looking towards the stage from afar, all the generals and officers of the Northwest Army were on it, and standing regally in the center was that handsome young man in military uniform. She was always so outstanding, always like the most radiant sunrise; even among millions of people, he would always spot her at first glance.

Her posture was that of a professional soldier—meticulous, disciplined, resolute, calm, and proud. Yet her voice was serene, calm, and powerfully resonant; she was delivering a simple holiday greeting to all the soldiers. A moment later, her voice became strong and forceful, almost like a mobilization rally on the eve of this major battle. Her words were concise yet highly inspiring, filled with an uplifting power. As soon as she finished speaking, a thunderous response erupted from the audience…

Zhu Yu recalled the elegant and beautiful small regular script calligraphy written by Junyu that he had collected, and couldn't help but smile, thinking to himself, "Junyu, with your eloquence and talent, you could become the top scholar even if you don't become a marshal."

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

Chapter 299: The Shattering of Dreams 1

The cheers from the audience lingered for a long time, and Zhu Yu, taking advantage of this excellent cover, quickly moved further into the shadows. Once the cheers subsided, Jun Yu turned around, and the officers and soldiers retreated to the makeshift observation platform. Rows of neat formations began a large-scale military exercise, some drilling, some engaging in combat drills. Although it had a strong festive performance aspect, it was entirely well-trained, fully demonstrating the combat strength honed through years of diligent drills.

Looking down from the shadows, Zhu Yu could now make out Jun Yu's face almost clearly. At that moment, she was intently watching the drills below, her eyes sparkling and a smile playing on her lips. Her military uniform, far from diminishing her stunning beauty, added a touch of perfect elegance to her radiance.

There are some people who bring light wherever they stand. In that instant, Zhu Yu suddenly understood why she had led her troops to victory after victory for so many years. Besides her strict and effective military discipline, her own diligence and hard work, and her unparalleled innate wisdom, it was also due to her attitude towards her soldiers and her tolerance, trust, and unconventional approach to promoting and appointing talented individuals.

From Peng Dong to Lin Baoshan, Sun Jia, and Zhang Yuan, who had previously clashed with her, as well as Zhou Yida, Liu Zhiyuan, Lu Ling, Bai Ruhui, Geng Ke, and others whom the Crimson Gold Clan army dreaded, regardless of whether they were originally mediocre or talented, and regardless of their original rank or position, as long as they had some skill, they would get the right opportunity to display their abilities. And these people, upon meeting her, would naturally willingly submit and follow her, serving her, and ultimately shining brightly themselves. Furthermore, in recent years, due to Junyu, the Northwest Army had gained the trust and attention of the imperial court, and the rewards and promotions of its soldiers were all superior to their peers. Therefore, more and more people flocked to her, and in the past three years, she had recruited many new extraordinary individuals and talents.

Over the years, how many generals has she supported and cultivated? How will she strategize and win the upcoming great war?

Looking at her radiant beauty and radiant smile, a long-lost ray of sunshine pierced his dark and cold heart: "Junyu, I should feel proud to be an opponent of someone like you. But I never want to be your enemy again, never again!"

Zhu Yu lay lurking in the shadows, like a beast driven mad by love, smiling greedily as he stared intently at her, as if he could grasp her hand and hold onto the last glimmer of hope and warmth in the world if he leaped out of the shadows. In that instant, he almost forgot to be careful, to hide, even to forget all the pain and regret of the past, and to forget that he was now all alone in the world.

The cold city walls have been transformed into paradise.

Someone moved closer to her. She turned slightly, smiled casually, and her eyes and brows were filled with tenderness.

Zhu Yu's head buzzed for a moment, and she suddenly realized cruelly that her eyes had never been so sharp, and that she could discern such subtle changes in her expression even at such a short distance.

And the person next to her, the one who had been standing among the generals on the stage and whom she had only just noticed, was actually Tuosang!

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

Chapter 300: Never to Meet Again in Heaven or on Earth

He composed himself and looked closely again. The man beside Junyu, dressed in a long robe and wearing a hat, possessed a refined and elegant air, yet also exuded a calm and dignified presence. This man, even after entering the secular world, still possessed an imposing air about him—it was indeed Tuosang! Although he didn't know that the new "Bokdo" had been established yesterday, he had inquired slightly and learned that a new candidate had already been found. Now that Tuosang was openly present here, it was clear that there were no longer any obstacles between the two.

Tuosang's standing posture was that of a protector, seemingly casual yet perfectly coordinated and considerate. His gaze and expression, similarly seemingly unintentional, were always focused on the same spot, unwavering even if the sky were to fall.

From this angle, the two figures, graceful as swans and agile as dragons, stand almost side by side, a sight to behold, a picture of perfect harmony and intimate closeness.

Zhu Yu suddenly couldn't help but laugh inwardly: she had personally witnessed the masked Tuosang in the desert long ago, yet she had repeatedly deceived herself, fantasizing that what if, what if, they could never be together! Little did she know, since Tuosang could appear in time when Junyu was in trouble, why wouldn't he return to her side as soon as he was free? In truth, what difference would it make if Tuosang weren't there? Junyu could risk her life for many people and disregard everything for many things, but how often had she shown that tender, smiling gaze to anyone other than Tuosang?

Like a dying traveler in the desert who suddenly discovers an oasis, rushes towards it only to find it's a mirage. Zhu Yu swayed, almost falling off the city wall again.

The next performance was already underway. Zhu Yu sat blankly on the city wall, watching the two men smile and say something. Jun Yu's face, bright and beautiful in the firelight, was becoming increasingly blurry; no matter how hard she looked, she couldn't make it out clearly.

My mind and soul had become blank without me even realizing it, leaving only my numb limbs stiffly standing in the shadow of the city wall.

Before I knew it, I was already walking on the snow outside Xining Prefecture.

It was the coldest night of the year, and the wind howled, piercing through thick clothes and scraping straight into every bone.

“I’ve never liked arrogant people, and you are a perfect example of someone I don’t like.”

"If I am already dead, why should anyone else grieve for me or hold a memorial service for me!"

"Zhu Yu, I don't like you. Please be mindful of your position."

"Zhu Yu, congratulations on your increased wealth and status. From now on, we are enemies."

“Zhu Yu…”

In the howling night wind, it sounded like countless demons were screaming in anguish. Zhu Yu couldn't help but reach out and cover her ears.

Finally, it was all over. The mad fantasy, like a centipede that was dead but not stiff, had its last leg completely severed and stiffened.

As they walked further and further away, a loud bang echoed behind them—the sound of firecrackers being lit in the city to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Zhu Yu turned around, looking in the direction of Xining Prefecture, a sweet feeling rising in his throat, and burst into laughter: "Junyu, from now on, we will never meet again, neither in heaven nor on earth!"

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

Chapter 301: The Beginning of Hostility

The March breeze has turned the vast grasslands green, and the shores of Qinghai Lake are already a sea of green. Smoke and fire are billowing across the entire northern front, and a brutal decisive battle has begun.

The people coming and going in Xining Prefecture all had solemn expressions, reflecting the normal busyness, tension, anticipation, or even excitement of war.

Around dusk, a guard suddenly announced that there was a visitor.

Junyu and Tuosang looked up from the pile of military maps, exchanged a glance, and were both somewhat surprised. During the chaos of war, the journey was treacherous; who would have come to visit? And why would the guards have brought this group of people in?

The two arrived at the reception room of the marshal's mansion, where several people were already seated. Upon seeing this group, Junyu was overjoyed. She waved her hand, and all the guards withdrew.

She was about to speak, but the group of people just glanced at her with a smile and immediately shifted their gaze to Tuosang beside her, seemingly more interested in Tuosang than in her.

"Hello, sir, Sister Shu, Manqing, Feiyan..."

Tuosang calmly returned the strange, joyful, and friendly gazes of the crowd.

Although everyone's attention was focused on Tuosang, even Junyu, who was usually calm and composed, couldn't help but chuckle slightly awkwardly in front of these most important people in his life.

Tuosang bowed to Mr. Nongying and Ms. Shu Zhenzhen and said frankly, "Sir, Sister Shu, Junyu and I are already married. Due to the haste of war, we did not have time to inform you. We will invite you to our wedding banquet after the war is over. Please forgive us."

Mr. Nongying nodded, looked at Junyu with a very gentle gaze, and smiled, "Junyu, I am now completely at ease."

Junyu blushed and nodded slightly. Shu Zhenzhen pulled her hand and sat down beside her. Manqing and Feiyan exchanged a glance. Manqing suddenly made a face and whispered in her ear, "Should I call him 'Young Master Jun' or 'Brother-in-law'?"

Her voice was soft, but Tuosang heard it completely and turned to wink at Junyu. Junyu smiled at him, and Shu Zhenzhen laughed too, saying to Junyu, "This little devil has a lot of tricks up her sleeve, just ignore her."

Junyu sighed, "Sister Shu is still the best."

"Hmph, does having 'Young Master Jun' mean we two 'fiancées' are no longer good?" Fei Yan suddenly glared at her angrily. Jun Yu recalled how well she and Man Qing had acted when they were posing as her "fiancées" in the Marshal's Mansion in the capital, and how they had handled the emperor's questioning. She couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Mo Feiyan glared at her a few more times, then burst into laughter herself.

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

Chapter 302: Wedding Banquet

A simple banquet was quickly set up at the Marshal's Mansion. The finest bamboo leaf wine and fresh fruits were all bought by Manqing and her companions on the way. Manqing poured the wine and said with a smile, "Last time we came here, goodness, what did we eat? So this time we were smart and brought some good things to reward the two 'Young Masters,' which can also be considered as drinking your wedding wine."

Junyu and Tuosang exchanged a glance, and everyone raised their glasses with smiles, drinking a few cups heartily.

Mr. Nongying put down his wine glass and said, "Zhu Yu has been making quite a splash these days..."

Since the New Year, Zhu Yu has acted ruthlessly and swiftly, almost as if divinely aided, successively seizing control of several small tribal alliances on the border.

"Currently, Zhu Yu's army is not primarily composed of the Crimson Gold Clan's forces. Many of his troops are comprised of those he acquired and integrated from other tribal alliances he conquered. These forces are stronger in both manpower and resources, and they obey only him, giving him absolute authority within them. Moreover, it's said that just earlier this month, he married the daughter of the Southern Zhao King as a concubine, greatly expanding his influence… Junyu, if Zhu Yu is truly loyal to the Crimson Gold Clan, he may become your biggest obstacle in this great war…"

Junyu gave a wry smile: "Then I guess I'll just have to wait for him."

After the simple banquet, Shu Zhenzhen said, "Junyu, the war has begun, and we cannot stay any longer. I came today to tell you that we have found a very good and quiet place, and we will head south together as soon as the war ends..."

The place she mentioned was the one Mr. Nongying had chosen last year, and everyone obviously thought it was good.

Junyu smiled and looked at Tuosang. She had already mentioned this to Tuosang, who had agreed at the time. Now that Shu Zhenzhen had brought it up, he naturally had no objections, and the two of them immediately agreed.

Shu Zhenzhen looked at Tuosang again: "In preparation for leaving, I ended a lot of your trade at the border because I couldn't do it as well as when you were here..."

"Since we're leaving anyway, Sister Shu can handle it. It'll just be a bit of a hassle for you, Sister Shu," Tuosang said with a smile. "We can do it later when we get to a new place."

While Tuosang was talking with Mr. Nongying, several women were saying their goodbyes.

Junyu said, "Sister Shu, you've worked so hard."

Shu Zhenzhen took Junyu's hand and whispered, "I'm not tired at all, I'm happy. Did you know that all of Tuosang's trade on the border is called 'Junji'?"

Junyu blushed and whispered, "I know. He's the one who wants to support me; he's afraid I'll suffer in the future."

Shu Zhenzhen sighed with relief and said, "With your abilities, Tuosang still cares about your future and wants to give you the best. Before, we were always worried that you would be alone for the rest of your life once you left the battlefield, but now we don't have to worry about that anymore. There really is no man in this world more suitable for you than Tuosang."

Manqing glanced at Tuosang with a smile, then at Junyu: "In this world, there really is no one more suitable for each other than these two 'Young Master Juns'."

“I think so too.” Junyu nodded and smiled.

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

Chapter 303: Mr. Nongying's Instructions

Junyu and Tuosang saw everyone off at the city gate.

As he stepped out the door, Mr. Nongying turned back to look at Junyu: "Junyu, there are a few words I want to say to you."

Junyu walked over. Mr. Nongying looked at her carefully for a few moments before whispering, "Judging from Zhu Yu's methods in conquering those alliances, he employed many flexible tactics that were difficult to fathom. Moreover, unlike other Crimson Gold Clan generals who massacred cities and plundered, he used a combination of kindness and force, making him extremely formidable. He has always been unwilling to lag behind others, and his reliance on the Crimson Gold Clan is certainly not of his own volition. Once a man becomes obsessed with power and victory, and develops an ambition to conquer the world, he becomes as hard as iron; otherwise, he cannot succeed. The road to power is always filled with despicable acts and bloodshed, and for this reason, he will eliminate all obstacles at all costs. No matter who stands in his way, he will show no mercy. In the past, Zhu Yu might have left you some room for maneuver, but in the future, it's hard to say. In short, Junyu, you must do your utmost when you encounter Zhu Yu; he is even more difficult to deal with than Zhenmutier."

Mr. Nongying rarely spoke so much without getting tired of it. Junyu solemnly said, "Sir, I have never dared to underestimate Zhu Yu. However, since we have to face him sooner or later, I will just go all out."

"Okay, that puts my mind at ease. Besides, you have Tuosang to help you."

Junyu bowed deeply to him and smiled, "Sir, please don't worry about me, I will be fine."

※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※

After seeing everyone off, the two returned to the study at midnight.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating the map and battle strategy displayed on the table. Junyu slowly sat down and rubbed his forehead.