Chapter 160

On the broad and slow flowing north-south canal, there are five official ships with the banner of Hubu heading north. Although it is already spring day, the north wind is still blowing between heaven and earth. The wind is not very strong, but there is a wisp of water vapor in the chill of the spring wind, which makes people feel very comfortable and refreshing.

There are more than ten wooden cases piled on the lower deck of the official ship in the middle of the fleet. Inside are some southern specialties that Gu Huaiyi, the second uncle of Gu Qingcheng, asked to bring back to the capital when he passed Qingquan County for more than ten days. Except for those from Wei and Ding governments, the rest are entrusted by Gu Huaiyi's friends in Beijing.

Lu que was lying on a wooden box with her hands behind her head. Her eyes were empty, looking at the floating white clouds in the sky. Her brows were slightly wrinkled, and she didn't know what she was thinking. Not far away from Lu que, Gu Qingcheng also supported the rail on the side of the boat with her hands and looked at the gulls playing by the river. However, her tightly pressed lips also showed her mood, It's not as pleasant as you think.

Now it's almost late March. They have been on the canal for more than 20 days. According to the blind speed, they can return to the city they are very familiar with, Qianyuan City, the capital of the great Qian empire.

But the closer they are to the capital, the less excited they are to return to the capital and the less happy they are to see their families. When passing by Qingquan County, Gu Huaiyi specially came to tell them what happened recently in the imperial capital. Although he had some psychological preparation before, after hearing Gu Huaiyi's narration, they still didn't smile.

Because of his growing up experience, Lu que didn't like the glitz and noise of Qianyuan city all the time. Gu Qingcheng, who had experienced the battle of Southern Xinjiang, the pure land of Lianhua in xiyuanze and the ancient tomb of Xihuang, didn't know whether it was because of the improvement of cultivation or the influence of Lu que that he became indifferent. Gu Qingcheng feels heavy when she thinks about the quarrel between the court and Lu que. She is not afraid of criticism, but a little tired of the power struggle in the court.

The closer we are to the capital, the worse the red dust in the imperial capital makes Lu Que and Gu Qingcheng, who like freedom and purity, feel more and more breathless. Especially Gu Qingcheng, she suddenly yearns for the tranquility in the mountains. At this moment, she suddenly wanted to leave with Lu que, not because of escape, nor to escape quietly, but to return from secular disputes, to return to the supreme road that the ancient human holy emperors had gone through.

"Lu que, what's your life like in buguishan." Gu Qingcheng didn't look back at Lu que not far behind her, but her voice and the river breeze still clearly spread into Lu Que's ears. There was a trace of weakness and yearning in her voice.

"Not back in the mountains?" Lu que sat up and stretched out his waist, and said, "with mud as the wall, logging as the house, open canals for farming, hunting and grazing, work at sunrise and rest at sunset. Every day is very simple and full. It's nothing more than eating, sleeping, working, reading, practicing and experiencing. Every day's heart is fixed and quiet. "

"That's good." Lu Que's words are very simple, but in Gu Qingcheng's eyes, there is a picture of mountains surrounded, wooden houses by the lake, men's farming and women's weaving, pure and joyful, and the men and women in the picture are her and Lu que, which makes her feel shy and blush.

Although the picture is good, Gu Qingcheng knows that neither she nor Lu que can leave at this time. They have too many obstacles and responsibilities. Father, mother, Lu family, family care, poor family, xungui, and even the future of Da Qian are all things they have to bear from the moment the emperor orders them. They have to wait until the world is peaceful, When there is no more war between the north and the south, they can be freed from the secular cage and live a peaceful life in the picture.

"Sister Qingcheng, if one day I leave Daqian, would you like to leave with me?" Lu que looked at Gu Qingcheng's back, hesitated for a while, and then said.

It's only two years since he returned to Daqian. The Lu family in Yushan County had been scattered in the war decades ago, and few people can be found now. However, there are only three people in Wei government, including him and his parents. Besides the three or five friends in the Academy, Lu's lack of Daqian is more due to the responsibility brought about by his status as the son of Wei, although there are also some family feelings, But it's not strong. But Gu Qingcheng is different. She has lived here since she was a child. There are her family, her people, her enlightenment teacher, her best friend, and so many things that she can't put down.

"I will." Gu Qingcheng didn't even think about it and replied, "but in the world of life, the grace of dripping water should be rewarded by the spring. Your majesty has the grace to promote you and me. When the north and the south are pacified, we will leave together. Just like Bu Shenglian and Bai lichengping, we will retire with success. In this way, we will not be responsible for the righteousness of our family and country, nor for what we have learned from our hearts. Do you agree?"

"I think so, too." Lu que smiles happily when he hears the words.

"After the fall of the wild lion army, the military strength of Tianxing Kingdom has been greatly damaged. According to your Majesty's arrangement, it should use troops in southern Xinjiang in the near future." Gu Qingcheng said.

"Yes, now the war in southern Xinjiang is about to rekindle. There are four legions on the front line. In addition to the Fengxiang army and the Changqing army's water barracks, the Star Kingdom is like a turtle in a jar. Even if the king comes to help, it can't save the crisis. After the southern Xinjiang was pacified, the only thing left was the Three Kingdoms in Northern Xinjiang. These grassland people who come and go like the wind do have some troubles. " Lu que nodded.

"Now there is Marquis Wu'an in Northern Xinjiang. As long as the war in southern Xinjiang does not drag on for a long time, there is no problem. As for the time for the success of the first World War, we still need to wait. I think that's what your majesty and other military ministers think. "

Lu que was silent when he heard that. Sometimes things in the world are just like this. The world knows that the best person to be the commander-in-chief of Northern Xinjiang is not Hou Baiyi of Wu'an now, nor himself in the future, but Lu Chun, the father who trains the Changqing army in the capital. If his father is in Northern Xinjiang, the Three Kingdoms of Northern Xinjiang will not dare to cross the thunder pool, and he will take advantage of his father's talent, It will certainly be able to effectively integrate several legions in Northern Xinjiang. At that time, it will not have the power to destroy the country, but it will also be able to effectively curb the development of grassland, until it does not attack itself.

But Lu que knew that his father never returned to the mountains, and after he came out, he didn't plan to lead the army again. If it wasn't for the chaos of the eighteen Marquis's house before, the father of the Changqing army might not have been in charge. On the one hand, because my father's cultivation has reached the peak of catastrophe, he can enter the realm of human beings only if he is short of the last Dao Xin robbery. At this time, he is just about to suppress himself with the cultivation of mind and nature, and he has no ability to work in complicated military affairs.

In addition, my father has a high reputation in the army, even though he has been in the mountain of no return for 12 years. Last year, my father's book of war was finally finalized. Many people think that his father is a great sage who has combined the ancient and modern art of war with Dacheng, and has brought him a lot of fame. But also because of this, many people in the court do not want my father to lead the army again, These people even included Zhuge Xingzhi, the grandfather of his good friend Zhuge Yan. There are the most suitable candidates, but they can only be abandoned, which has to be said to be the sorrow of the whole Da Qian.

"Do you think of something? Why don't you talk?" Gu Qingcheng waited for a long time, but he didn't hear the movement behind him. Turning around, he found Lu que sitting on the wooden box, looking at the continuous river. His face was uncertain, and he didn't know what he was thinking. However, Gu Qingcheng knew that Lu Que's mind was exquisite, and he couldn't use common sense. He couldn't help but wonder.

"Ah ~" Lu que was a little stunned. Then he reacted and said, "I wonder if the Three Kingdoms in Northern Xinjiang will take the opportunity of my expedition to the south. Now in Northern Xinjiang, the Shanyin army is on the line of Shanyin county and Mingquan pass in the west, the Tianhuo army is guarding Hanshan pass in the northwest, and the Longxiang army is guarding piaoyueguan in the north, Pan Shi's army was in the area of Heishishan and Jiashan in the northeast. The defense lines between the four legions were somewhat loose, and the links were not close. As long as the Three Kingdoms in Northern Xinjiang suddenly launched, as long as they broke one place, they could drive straight in. "

"You have a point. However, several military commanders in Northern Xinjiang are good at military affairs, and they have experienced the war in Northern Xinjiang and the war in the grassland. They have rich experience, so they should not fail to guard against this." Gu Qingcheng was not surprised when he heard that Mingquan pass, Hanshan pass, piaoyue pass, Heishi fortress and Jiashan fortress were all famous fortresses in Northern Xinjiang, but there were no fortresses that could not be broken since ancient times. Once the three countries in Northern Xinjiang really went south together under the pressure of the great army, they might be caught off guard.

"Marquis Wu'an and uncle Zhuge are both outstanding people of the same generation. They have no ability or experience to criticize. However, marquis Wu'an has been in confrontation with Raymond court of CHIDI people for a year outside the piaoyue pass. Although they have consumed Raymond's national strength, they may even be defeated by MA BI. Marquis Wu'an and his dragon army were stationed in the South after all, Can one year really make him understand the relationship and details of the Three Kingdoms in Northern Xinjiang? " Lu said it casually just to cover up his previous thoughts, but after he said it, he suddenly found that this unintentional remark is likely to become a reality.

"Shall we remind your majesty when we get back?" Gu Qingcheng frowned. Although he had never experienced the battlefield in Northern Xinjiang 20 years ago, he also heard about the situation from his father Gu Huairen. In that year, Qingyang Empire took advantage of the new emperor's accession to the throne and went south to break through the Blackstone pass. The soldiers went straight to the Lanhe plain. After the war in Northern Xinjiang, there were almost none of the people in Northern Xinjiang. This shows the tragic situation of the people in that year.

If it's true, as Lu que said, things 20 years ago may happen again, or even worse. I don't know how many people will die under the butcher's knife of grassland cavalry.

"This is not suitable for you and me. You and I are the target of public criticism now. The court doesn't know how many pairs of eyes are staring at us. Even the impartial and upright Yushitai is very uncomfortable looking at us now. If you tell us something about the military and political affairs in Northern Xinjiang at this time, it will inevitably fall into people's mouths. You'd better give it to your parents." Lu que rubbed the temple and sighed, feeling a little tired.

"It can only be so." Gu Qingcheng naturally understood Lu Que's meaning and nodded helplessly. This is the Chaoju. If you are in a high position in the temple, you have to seek for yourself before you can do anything. Otherwise, the more you do, the more mistakes you make. Now many people, whether out of public interest or self-interest, are waiting for her and Lu to make mistakes.

When they thought of the dark and turbulent court hall, they had no thought of speaking. For a moment, they thought that the fresh spring breeze had become a little biting. They tightened their tight clothes and returned to the cabin.

In the twinkling of an eye, five days later, April is about to enter. This official ship composed of five cargo ships finally arrived at Fengjin, the water port to the south of Qianyuan City, the capital of the emperor. On the ship, you can clearly see the outline of Qianyuan city in the north.

"Lu que, you've finally come back. I thought you couldn't come back." As soon as Lu Qiaogang got out of the boat, he was hugged by a pair of big hands.

Only listening to the sound, Lu que knew that it was duanmuye. Looking around, his friends Zhuge Yan and Lin Qingyu, the eldest princess Yu Tianxiang, the princess of Qinglin Yu Qinglin, and Gu Qingcheng's elder brother Gu Qianxue all appeared in Fengjin harbor, which is dozens of miles away from the imperial capital.

"Why are you here?" It's a lot of fun for old friends to meet again. After seeing each other, Gu Qingcheng asked.

"The official ship of Hubu has to contact Hubu every three days. Three days ago, we knew that you came back today. It happens that fengjinggang and Fengming academy are both in the south of Qianyuan, and they are not far away. There is nothing wrong in today's Academy, so we will come to meet you." Yu Tianxiang looks at Gu Qingcheng and Lu que with a smile on his face. He hasn't seen them for several months. They are the second class ministers in the imperial court. Because of their affairs, there is a big disturbance in the imperial capital.

"I forgot the rules of this household." Lu que patted his forehead twice.

"Little sister." Gu Qianxue, who was originally standing behind the crowd, walked two steps to Gu Qingcheng and looked at her younger sister, who was much less than a few months ago. Her eyes flashed.

Gu Qingcheng has been the apple of her family since she was a child. She is loved by her father and brother. How ever did she suffer a little. I didn't expect that during this trip to the south, I first led a thousand li army to fight two battles, and then I was trapped in xiyuanze, which almost separated heaven and man forever. At this time, I saw my sister standing in front of me intact. Gu Qianxue's face turned red with excitement. Only those who had experienced despair knew how hard it was to get together at this moment.

"Qingcheng has met my elder brother. Once you leave Jingyue, have you ever been well at home? Have you ever been well?" Gu Qingcheng's voice trembled and tears rolled in her eyes. This is the elder brother who has been loving her and protecting her since she was a child. She can imagine how her parents and elder brother came over when she has been missing for such a long time.

"All right, all right, but my mother miss you so much that she has to talk about it several times a day. My father has been dispatching materials from the southern Xinjiang army for several days. I heard that you came back today and asked me to pick you up. He said that he would make up for the reunion dinner on New Year's Day tonight. I was assigned by my father. I don't really miss you. You know, I have a lot of things to do in the evergreen army. " Seeing the heavy atmosphere, Gu Qianxue takes a deep breath and plays a joke with Gu Qingcheng.

"Yes, the elder brother is now the elder uncle of the evergreen army. Naturally, he is busy with official business. If he can take the time out of his busy schedule to meet him, the younger sister will be very grateful." Gu Qingcheng stabilized his mind, looked at his elder brother who was much darker and stronger than before, and said with a smile.

"Hey ~" Gu Qianxue was not happy to hear that. After graduating from the Daqian military academy, students can directly serve as the uncle in the army, but they must be talented people. Gu Qianxue entered the Changqing army last year as the uncle directly, which is a very high start.

However, compared with his younger sister, who had not graduated from the academy and was already led by the second grade Imperial Guard, it was really nothing. The junior commander of the military was a ninth grade officer, while the uncle had no rank. According to the military rules, he would salute Gu Qingcheng and honor him as commander-in-chief.

Lu Que and Gu Qingcheng are not rare. Both of them are the first cases of Daqian. If Gu Qingcheng says that, how can he not recognize that they are arranging him.

"Don't look down on people yet." Then Gu Qianxue straightened his clothes like a model, and suddenly gave a military salute: "Gu Qianxue, the left sentinel commander of Shesheng battalion of Changqing army, has met Lu Shuai and Gu Tongling."

After Gu Qianxue's ceremony, Lu Que and Gu Qingcheng gave way. They didn't accept the ceremony, but they all had a smile on their face. Zhuge Yan, Duanmu ye, Lin Qingyu and Yu Qinglin also watched the excitement with a smile, while Yu Tianxiang in the crowd still had a smile on his face, but his eyes narrowed slightly.

Although Gu Qianxue's gift seems to be playful, it also determines the status of Lu Que and Gu Qingcheng in the military from another aspect. As a elder brother, he has to be present. If others see Lu Que and Gu Qingcheng, they have to salute according to their grades. Otherwise, a disrespectful senior official will be put off.

As for Zhuge Yan, Duanmu ye and Lin Qingyu, they were just happy because of the reunion of old friends. As for Lu Que's official position, they didn't care much. They are now students in the Academy, and they don't know how long it will take until they graduate from the Academy. Yu Qinglin is just a little girl. As the only daughter of Zhongyang king, no matter what happens in the future, she will not be affected.

"I didn't expect to see my elder brother for several months. I've been promoted to Duwei. It's really gratifying. My younger sister must drink more to my elder brother tonight." Gu Qingcheng glanced at each person's face and took a panoramic view of each person's expression. He was relieved to see that there were not too many differences on these faces.

"Well, let's not talk about this, little sister, and Lu que. Let's go back to the mansion first and prepare a carriage outside Hong Kong. Both of them are in the mansion." Gu Qianxue looks at her sister's appearance, smiles and shakes her head, suddenly remembers the business and says.

"I'm going back to the house to greet my father and mother." Gu Qingcheng also wants to go home as soon as possible.

"Thank you, brother Gu." Lu Qiaogong arched his hand and then looked at Zhuge Yan.

"Lu que, you go home first. Don't let Princess Chang and Duke Wei wait for a long time. Tomorrow, the Academy will be closed. We three will take care of you." Zhuge Yan patted Lu que on the shoulder. They had to return to the Academy today. The carriage stopped in the East and was not the same way as Lu que. Today, they came here to meet their friends in advance.

Lu nodded. There was no need for politeness between them. After saying goodbye to Yu Tianxiang and Yu Qinglin, who were going to return to the Academy, they followed Gu Qianxue to the north exit of Fengjin port.

Walking at the end, Yu Tianxiang steps slightly, turns around to look at Lu Que's back and sighs.