Chapter 0099 True Feelings Revealed

Chapter 0099 True Feelings Revealed

There's a romantic saying: "In the old days, carriages and horses were slow, letters took a long time to reach their destination, and one's life was only enough to love one person."

Xiao Rong didn't know which sentimental youth had come up with this phrase. Firstly, in ancient times, there was never any such thing as only loving one person; just look at Gongsun Yuan, whose harem was almost large enough to field a soccer team. Moreover, anyone who could say such a thing must have had plenty of free time to appreciate the so-called romance in the extremely slow correspondence.

Xiao Rong was a pragmatist, so it was normal for him to dislike this phrase. Another person who disliked it was Song Shuo, who hadn't experienced happiness since Mid-Autumn Festival...

When the monk set out, Song Shuo's cold wasn't yet fully recovered. Although he no longer had a fever, his nose was red like he had changed races, and there was always liquid threatening to flow out.

Seeing him like this, Mi Jing's face showed a mix of emotions. He wanted Song Shuo to go back, but Song Shuo refused. He insisted on coming out to see Mi Jing off. Later, Mi Jing heard him sniffing and muttering softly, "At least we've known each other for some time. I should see him off for the last time."

Mi Jing: "..."

Mi Jing was the one least likely to take offense at Song Shuo's behavior, so he pretended not to hear and mounted his horse. Soon, he disappeared down the official road, while Song Shuo stood there silently, watching him leave. Regardless of how much he had annoyed Mi Jing earlier, at that moment, he sincerely hoped Mi Jing would be safe.

And Xiao Rong, Yu Shaoxie, Yu Shaocheng, and The King...

He didn't want to always be the one sending people off, nor did he want to wait endlessly for bad news one after another.

He was only twenty years old, an age when others should be worrying about him, so why had things turned around?

Song Shuo dejectedly lowered his head and turned to go back. *

Meanwhile, today, as the monk had settled into the camp, Song Shuo's condition—worsened.

There was no way around it. Xiao Rong's illness was fake, but Song Shuo's was real. With a weak immune system and repeated setbacks, his psychological stress had reached its peak. It was no wonder he fell ill, and the more ill he became, the more anxious he got. He wanted to recover quickly and continue managing the affairs of Chenliu, but illnesses came like a mountain falling and left like pulling silk. Now, not only was his nose red, but his entire T-zone was red too.

Gao Xunzhi came to visit him and almost couldn't connect this sickly person with the previously slick Song Shuo. Sitting beside him, Gao Xunzhi said, "Now I understand why your grandmother named you Song Shuo."

Song Shuo: "..."

He asked unhappily, "Did Xiao Rong tell the Chancellor? Hmph, I don't even need to ask; it must have been him!"

Gao Xunzhi paused, then changed the subject, "Since you're unwell, rest properly. There are many officials in the city; if you don't use them now, when will you? As for those scholars Ah Rong mentioned who are still under evaluation, given the special circumstances, you can directly employ those with good character. And that Zhao Yaozu, Zhao Guangzong, whatever his name is, since Ah Rong assigned him to you, use him."

By the end, Gao Xunzhi sounded somewhat resentful, "If you keep overworking yourself, a minor illness will turn into a serious one. How will I explain this to Ah Rong?"

Song Shuo shrank back in his chair and whispered, "I could say the same to the Chancellor."

Gao Xunzhi: "..."

He laughed, but it was mostly filled with helplessness, "Take better care of yourself. I've lived through many storms, and now that Ah Rong and The King are well, the most dangerous days seem to have passed."

Song Shuo frowned, "How can you say they've passed? The mastermind is still at large, and news of The King's injury has spread throughout the land. Chancellor, haven't you noticed that Chenliu is already in grave danger?"

Gao Xunzhi: "..."

He began to reflect, wondering if naming the Northern Pacification Army without divination had led to attracting such dramatic individuals, always exaggerating or making grand statements.

After a long silence, he countered, "The King left ten thousand troops here. Unless Southern Yong gathers all their forces, they cannot possibly attack Chenliu."

Song Shuo asked, "What if they attack other cities?"

For example, heading towards Chenliu and first conquering the areas between Jinling and Chenliu.

Gao Xunzhi looked at Song Shuo and said, "We'll ignore them."

Song Shuo's expression changed slightly.

The room fell silent for a moment. After a while, Gao Xunzhi spoke again, "Other cities are not as important as Chenliu. While their local officials are still in place, these cities belong to The King only temporarily. They know The King, and The King knows them, but both sides operate independently. If we have spare resources, I'd be willing to send troops to help them, but these ten thousand are for Chenliu, not the entire region north of the Huai River. If we divide them, we might lose both."

Song Shuo knew Gao Xunzhi was right, but he felt very anxious, so much so that he wanted to pull out his hair, "No, I can't lose any cities. I was entrusted with this task, and Xiao Rong chose me. I can't fail him by losing a city..."

This was the root of Song Shuo's refusal to rest. He feared that once he rested, things would spiral out of control, and he didn't want to disappoint Xiao Rong.

It was clear that the enemy was plotting in secret. The remaining troops in North Yangzhou reported that Shen Yangrui was no longer in Huaiyin City, and no one knew where he had gone. Without any particular reason, a general being suddenly summoned meant something significant.

Yong Dynasty had always been unpredictable, often changing plans at the last minute. They had even recalled armies just before reaching enemy territory.

Previously, Gao Xunzhi criticized Yong Dynasty for being fickle and unfit for leadership. Now, he sighed, "Money talks; only with money can they afford such whimsical actions." ...

Song Shuo wouldn't listen to advice, so Gao Xunzhi had to force him. He divided Song Shuo's duties among others and selected four decent scholars from those who had recently joined. With all the trivial tasks delegated, Song Shuo and Gao Xunzhi were left with only the critical matters, such as fortifying the city defenses and gathering intelligence.

They did what they could, and if any unexpected events occurred, they couldn't prevent them. *

Song Shuo's concerns were also shared by Xiao Rong, but since he wasn't responsible, he remained calm. ...

He thought similarly to Gao Xunzhi: as long as Chenliu was safe, the ten thousand troops could hold out until Qu Yunmie returned. So, what was there to worry about?

Moreover, he had written to the young emperor, who, although powerless, was still the emperor. His words might tip the scales when Sun Renluan was wavering. Sun Renluan was smart and would realize that not attacking Chenliu was the wiser choice.

After spending a brief moment considering Chenliu, Xiao Rong returned to planning his ambush strategy.

Although Qu Yunmie initially proposed the plan, his version was too simple and brutal. After Xiao Rong's continuous improvements, it had evolved into version 5.0, nearing public release.

Qu Yunmie's original plan involved a day of fierce fighting, followed by an immediate rush to the northern gate of Sheng Le, climbing the walls, and slaughtering everyone in sight.

Ignoring the distance from the southern to the northern gate of Xianbei, Qu Yunmie's self-centered approach remained unchanged. He believed that if he could fight all day and still have energy to run all night, his soldiers should too.

People say overconfident soldiers are doomed to fail, but exhausted soldiers fare even worse. Military tactics teach generals how to exhaust enemy troops, but Qu Yunmie wanted to lead exhausted troops into battle.

So, it was impossible to complete this plan in a single day. It would take at least seven days, requiring several generals to control the pace, winning against the Xianbei without appearing too easy, giving them hope of turning the tide.

This was done to lure more Xianbei troops. Sheng Le still had tens of thousands of elite Murong troops. Despite nearly a century of power corruption, Murong nobles could still fight, even the middle-aged and overweight ones could mount horses and charge into battle.

This should have been their nation's pride, but countless examples proved that mere fighting prowess was not enough; unity and wisdom were far more crucial. ...

And during these seven days of intense fighting, the reinforcements for Qu Yunmie should have set out on the first day. If everything went smoothly, they would reach Qingluan Ridge in three days. Although there were no shelters along the way, once they reached Qingluan Ridge, things would be different. There were many mountain gorges where they could find a suitable spot to hide quietly.

But this was no easy task. To avoid being discovered by the Xianbei, they couldn't cook or make any noise. The entire army had to crouch in the grass or deep within the forest, sharing space with snakes, insects, and rodents.

How miserable... It was late autumn, and the animals hadn't yet gone into hibernation. They were all fattening up for winter, even the foxes had become more aggressive. And those mosquitoes that had survived since the Cretaceous period—autumn mosquitoes were the worst. But if bitten, they could only endure it.

Bitten during the day, frozen at night—it was a collective operation. Without strong willpower, one weak link could ruin everything. The general leading them needed to be someone who could keep them under control.

Qu Yunmie said he only needed three thousand men, but Xiao Rong wanted him to take thirty thousand. However, thirty thousand was too many; there simply weren't enough mountain gorges to hide such a large force.

After several discussions, they finally settled on fourteen thousand men.

It was an exact number, the result of negotiation...

As for the generals leading the troops, one was Wang Xinyong, and the other was Yu Shaocheng.

Xiao Rong proposed Wang Xinyong, while Qu Yunmie specifically chose Yu Shaocheng.

The reason was simple: Wang Xinyong had an incredibly stable temperament. Otherwise, as a former enemy general, he wouldn't have risen to the F4. Moreover, despite being at the bottom of the F4 for years, he never complained. He remained steadfast no matter what, which made him perfect for hiding in the wilderness.

Additionally, Xiao Rong wanted to give him a chance. For years, Wang Xinyong had worked hard without recognition, while others took all the credit. This was unfair. In historical records, he followed Qu Yunmie until the end, refusing to surrender even when captured, which led to his execution.

Wang Xinyong was the oldest in the F4, already thirty-two. When he first met Qu Yunmie, he was also a rising star in Southern Yong. But the new star fell to the sun, and he became Qu Yunmie's prisoner. Seeing his skills, Qu Yunmie spared him and kept him close.

Although Qu Yunmie often ignored Wang Xinyong and even said he didn't like him, throughout Qu Yunmie's life, Wang Xinyong was the only prisoner he ever spared. There was no precedent before or after.

Xiao Rong wasn't sure if Wang Xinyong was grateful for this, or if his silence hid a deep admiration for Qu Yunmie's ideals. Regardless of the reason, as long as he was genuinely committed to the Northern Pacification Army, that was enough. Xiao Rong thought, if Qu Yunmie wouldn't elevate him, then he would.

Jian Qiao was deeply hurt.

He thought he had the best relationship with Xiao Rong among the four of them. Could it all have been his own wishful thinking? All their experiences, from Pingyang to Yanmen County, and then to Chenliu, had they all been in vain?!

Yu Shaocheng looked at Jian Qiao's gloomy face and silently moved away.

Even though Wang Xinyong and Yu Shaocheng were leading the attack on North Gate, it didn't mean the others had nothing to do. The previous seven days of fighting were their responsibility. However, everyone knew where the main credit lay, so everyone wanted to go to North Gate.

Well... not everyone. Gongsun Yuan didn't care either way.

As for Yuan Baifu, he lowered his eyes and said nothing.

Xiao Rong couldn't help but look at him.

The list of these two generals was decided privately between Xiao Rong and Qu Yunmie. They argued for a long time. Xiao Rong was dissatisfied with Qu Yunmie's choices, and Qu Yunmie was unhappy with Xiao Rong's suggestions. Qu Yunmie's reasoning was simple: Wang Xinyong was steady, but a surprise attack required speed, precision, and decisiveness. If Wang Xinyong hesitated, everything could fall apart.

Xiao Rong's opposition was simpler: you kangaroo brain, don't you know how to lead effectively?! Yu Shaocheng was too young and not even a commander. He couldn't command respect. Putting him in such an important position would only breed resentment!

Qu Yunmie, however, was adamant. In warfare, it's about ability, not age or status. He believed in Yu Shaocheng because he was strong, energetic, commanding, and fearless. He knew how to seize opportunities and work well with others.

Xiao Rong: "…………"

Xiao Rong was exasperated. While Qu Yunmie's arguments made sense, he was missing the point. The main issue was Yu Shaocheng's low status.

But it was Qu Yunmie's choice, not his. Besides, Qu Yunmie was an intuitive leader. Those he trusted usually worked out well, even if he didn't understand why.

Compared to potential dissatisfaction, Qu Yunmie's safety was more important. Xiao Rong didn't want any risks due to personnel choices.

So he agreed, but with a condition: Wang Xinyong must come along. Initially, he suggested Wang Xinyong, but now he felt it was necessary. Yu Shaocheng was unpredictable... if he went crazy, at least there would be another steady hand to intervene.

Wang Xinyong wore a pained expression. It was a good mission, but why did he have to partner with Yu Shaocheng? He wasn't familiar with Yu Shaocheng. Their only two interactions somehow ended up talking about Yu Shaoxie. Wang Xinyong found him strange and didn't want to spend days crouching with him.

How terrifying. As generals, they would have to stay together. Waiting was boring, and they would surely chat. He didn't want to always agree with Yu Shaocheng.

The plan was roughly this. Since it involved a surprise attack, Xiao Rong didn't intend to inform the reinforcements.

If he could keep it secret from one person, he would. The reinforcements knew their role was just to add numbers and prestige. Neither side trusted each other.

Three days before the battle, the Buddhist disciple was about to depart. He carried the heavy burden of persuading the Kumo Xi people.

Someone came to reassure Mi Jing, telling him not to be too discouraged if he failed. They could always take a longer route. Under Xiao Rong's new plan, they weren't in such a hurry. A few hundred extra miles wouldn't matter.

Mi Jing smiled at those who came to comfort him. He felt fine. Years of immersion in Buddhism and the chaos of war had made him somewhat contradictory. Despite his desire to achieve his goals, once he started, he remained calm.

Whether the outcome was bitter or sweet, he could wait until the end to taste it. Until then, he would continue step by step.

Mi Jing packed his things. Before leaving, an unexpected visitor arrived—Qu Yunmie.

Never expecting Qu Yunmie to visit him, Mi Jing was slightly taken aback. He gave a single-handed salute: "Amitabha, Mi Jing greets the King."

Qu Yunmie: "……"

Hearing "Amitabha," Qu Yunmie felt a headache coming on.

He wanted to grimace but held back to maintain his tough-guy image: "I don't tolerate such formalities. No need to be so polite."

Mi Jing smiled: "Does Lord Xiao share this view?"

Qu Yunmie: "……"

No, Xiao Rong always emphasized maintaining his dignity and not dismissing others' courtesies. Some formalities should be accepted.

Qu Yunmie was annoyed: "I came to see you off, and you don't seem very grateful."

Mi Jing: "Your Majesty misunderstands. I am very happy that you came. I just fear saying something wrong and upsetting you again."

Qu Yunmie: "…………"

He gritted his teeth: "Last time, it was your fault!"

Mi Jing bowed his head: "As Your Majesty says, it was my fault."

He apologized so quickly that it left Qu Yunmie feeling unsettled. Staring at Mi Jing's bald head, he realized one thing: never debate with someone who is good at arguing! Never do what others excel in!

Taking a deep breath, he finally managed to suppress the anger within him. Qu Yunmie stood uncomfortably for a while before speaking to Mi Jing, "About the night of Mid-Autumn... thank you."

Mi Jing looked up in surprise. He hadn't intended to speak, but Qu Yunmie thought he was about to and immediately interrupted, "Don't misunderstand. The King knows why you told Jian Qiao about it. Your willingness to use anyone for the sake of the people still displeases me. Xiao Rong has been so kind to you, yet you even used him."

At this point, under Mi Jing's slightly stunned gaze, Qu Yunmie paused and then changed his tone, "But regardless, thank you. If not for you, I wouldn't have known how long I would have been kept in the dark. You may not be a good friend, but you are the high monk that all the people dream of having."

Mi Jing lowered his eyes, "Perhaps because within the temple, Mi Jing only learned how to be a monk, not how to be a friend."

Listening to this, Qu Yunmie suddenly understood. He was the same. Despite being taught other things by Gao Xunzhi and Agusega when he was young—reading and medicine—he had only dabbled in them. If his brother hadn't died, he might have continued learning. But on the day his brother died, he became a general, and since then, he had never strayed from that path.

Another silence fell, and then Qu Yunmie suddenly said, "You are no longer in the temple; you are in the world. It's not too late to learn these things now. Look at me; didn't I start learning this year?"

Mi Jing: "..."

The King truly remains as straightforward as ever.

Mi Jing remained silent, and Qu Yunmie couldn't tell if he was happy or upset just by looking at his face. Frowning, Qu Yunmie thought to himself, _Why can't others be as easy to understand as Xiao Rong?_ Then he said to Mi Jing, "May the Buddhist disciple return safely. Ah Rong and I both hope you don't die far away. You've wandered long enough; this time, come back home with us."

Stunned, Mi Jing watched as Qu Yunmie nodded at him and left. *

Back in the King's tent, Xiao Rong heard familiar footsteps and immediately looked up, "How did it go?"

Qu Yunmie: "...I said what you asked me to say, and even more than that."

Xiao Rong was taken aback, "What did you say that I didn't ask you to? What, you didn't—"

Qu Yunmie replied, exasperated, "I just thanked him. Why are you so nervous?"

Xiao Rong: "..."

Who am I nervous about? If it weren't for your past actions, would I need to worry?

Shaking his head, Xiao Rong continued fiddling with something in his hands. After a moment of silence, Qu Yunmie couldn't help but ask, "You seem to care a lot about Mi Jing. To ensure his safe return, you even made me say those words. Why didn't you say them yourself?"

Xiao Rong: "If I said them, they wouldn't have the same effect. Someone who usually doesn't show their emotions suddenly expressing genuine feelings is precious. My usual conversations with Mi Jing..."

He suddenly paused, realizing the rest of his words were inappropriate. Looking up, he saw Qu Yunmie staring at him darkly, "Go on, how do you usually talk to him? Have you already shown your true feelings?"

Xiao Rong: "............"

Yes, yes, I show my true feelings to everyone. Happy now?

Good intentions misunderstood. I shouldn't have bothered with you! ... Angry.

With a huff, Xiao Rong threw down what he was holding and stormed out. Qu Yunmie immediately asked, "Where are you going?"

Xiao Rong stopped, turned around, and glared at him, "To show my true feelings!"

Qu Yunmie: "..."

* * *