Chapter 308 A Life-and-Death Struggle

Chapter 308 A Life-and-Death Struggle

Chapter 308 A Life-and-Death Struggle

In the main hall, light and shadows were scattered. At some point, Lu Yunyi quietly left.
Only Mu Ying was left, occupying the main hall alone.

The sunlight that came in gradually dimmed, casting mottled shadows.

Dancing slowly on the empty lobby floor, it adds a sense of depth.

Mu Ying sat upright on a carved pearwood chair with his back straight, gently shaking the teacup in his hand, and tiny ripples spread across the surface of the tea.

His face was immersed in the semi-darkness,
His brows were slightly furrowed and his eyes were deep.

The main hall was so quiet that the only sounds could be heard: the subtle sound of tea falling into the bottom of the cup and Mu Ying's unconsciously heavier breathing.

At some point, light footsteps sounded, coming from far away.
The door curtain at the back hall swayed gently, and Feng, dressed in gorgeous clothes, walked out slowly. Her figure looked even more elegant and noble under the dim light.
She sat quietly beside Mu Ying, her face gentle and concerned, and asked softly:
"how?"

Mu Ying was still sitting upright in the chair, his brows furrowed like two insurmountable mountains, his face still showing no sign of contemplation.

He didn't answer, but just raised his hand slightly, rubbing his fingertips on the edge of the teacup, making a slight sound.

After waiting for a long time, the concern on Feng's face gradually turned into anxiety.
She bit her lip lightly, and a faint wrinkle appeared between her brows unconsciously.

She gently pushed Mu Ying, her voice filled with reproach:
"You dead man, say something, you are still showing off your authority at home."

Mu Ying's face flashed with displeasure, and he waved his hand casually:
"Don't make any noise, I'm thinking."

"What are you thinking about? Yun Yi is already talking about love with Ting'er.
If you continue to criticize others at this time, Ting'er will probably pull your beard."

Feng's face showed a bit of anger. She picked up Mu Ying's teacup angrily and started drinking.

It was not until this moment that the solemn expression on Mu Ying's face gradually disappeared, replaced by complexity and a hint of helplessness.

"Yun Yi is a rare young talent. I'm just a little unsure."

Feng was stunned, with a hint of doubt in her eyes, and her voice was involuntarily lowered:

"Is there anyone you're unsure about?"

Mu Ying smiled bitterly: "People's hearts are hidden, how can we predict everything?"

“Yun Yi is young, no more than nineteen, but he has a deep mind.

What he said today was earth-shattering and profound.
Some of the senior officials in the court could not understand these words. "

"What?" Feng's face became serious, she stared at him and asked.

"Don't ask anymore. Such words cannot be spread out. If they are spread out, both you and I will be in trouble."

As soon as these words came out, Feng's eyes widened, and a trace of awe flashed in his eyes:
"He wants to rebel?"

"Who would tell me about the rebellion?"

"Too.."

Mu Ying's heavy mood was immediately destroyed by his interruption, and he sighed:
“He still decided to go to the Beijing Xingdusi.

However, if it were someone else, I would definitely believe what he said, but I am a little skeptical about what he said. "

"What are you suspicious about? Yun Yi was born a border dweller. Is it wrong for him to hope for a good life? Or is it wrong for him to be loyal to the court?

With the protection of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Lan Yu, if he doesn't do it, who else can do it?

When it comes to big things, we have to rely on our own people.
Others would be happy to have realized this, but you are already doubting it."

Feng put down the teacup, put her hands on her waist, and said angrily:
"He has a clean family background, is capable, and is a great fighter.

If you don't grab such a good son-in-law, someone else will snatch him away. It's only because Lan Yu doesn't have a daughter, otherwise it wouldn't be your turn."

"Woman! What do you know!"

Mu Ying was a little anxious. He snatched the teacup from her hand and wanted to take a sip.
But he found it was completely empty and couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Feng on the side gently stretched out her hand and said unhappily:

"Bring it here."

"What?"

"Pour the tea!"

Feng stood up, snatched the teacup angrily, and walked quickly to the side.
He filled the teapot and reached out his hand to test the temperature.

"Give."

Mu Ying took the teacup, but did not drink from it. Instead, he spoke calmly:
"In fact, I just have doubts in my heart. The bad thing is that he can fight."

"What do you mean?" Feng looked puzzled.

Mu Ying's face was solemn, and he spoke in a deep voice:
"He said he took an unconventional approach and took many risks.
But I see that what he does seems dangerous, but in fact it is under control.
The approach was not to resort to risky tactics, but to be meticulous and strict in military discipline.

To achieve this, one must be very good at controlling people's hearts and the battlefield.

Otherwise, a small mistake can lead to a big error. Can such a person have a bad mind?

I was afraid that he had noticed your majesty's intention and was doing it on purpose for us to see."

"What on earth is going on?"

Feng's face was full of confusion at this moment, and her bright eyes were shining.

"I am just guessing about this.

No one knows what my father is thinking.
I cannot tell you, ma'am, until the matter is settled."

After hearing this, Feng became serious and thought for a moment before saying:

"A gentleman judges deeds rather than intentions. As long as he and Chu Ting live a good life, isn't that enough? Why think so much?"

"You are like a mother-in-law who likes her son-in-law more and more.
Ting'er, my original intention was to find her an ordinary family.
It doesn't matter whether you are a commander or a deputy commander.

You have some talent, but don't be too aggressive. Just live a stable life.

Yun Yi is very good, but he reveals his ambition everywhere.

Being too capable is not a good thing. If you are not careful, you may end up with nothing.

Now the court is fighting like this again,
A few days ago, a letter came from the capital, saying that Lan Yu and Zhao Yong were having a huge quarrel.
The cause of the incident was the feud between Lu Yunyi and Yu Tongyuan. How can I let it go? "

Feng was also shocked when she heard this: "Aren't they afraid of Lan Yu and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"

Mu Ying shook his head slowly, with some gloom in his eyes:
"There is no such thing as retreating in a court struggle. It's a life-and-death struggle, there is no compromise.
Are you afraid so you don't fight?

Lan Yu has the prince behind him, so does that mean there is no one behind Zhao Yong and the others?

It is naturally a good thing for Yun Yi and Chu Ting to get married.
I am not afraid of Yu Tongyuan, Zhao Yong and their gang, as well as the people behind them.
If they want to use any means, we will take it all on ourselves."

As soon as these words were spoken, a sense of dominance in the southwest arose naturally.

Mu Ying's face also had a hint of coldness, although he was wearing casual clothes, he carried the majesty of a man in charge of the southwestern troops.

But soon, he showed some worry:

"I'm afraid that if something happens to Yun Yi in the future, will you or I protect him?

If I don't protect her, Ting'er will be sad. If I protect her, it will make it difficult for her father.

How far has the court struggle progressed? You and I are so far away in the southwest, how can we see clearly? "

Feng pursed her lips and asked with relief:

"How about I write a letter to my uncle and ask his opinion?"

Mu Ying waved his hand:

"The Duke of Song has already gone into hiding, and you are still going to cause trouble, you woman!"

"Then what do you say we should do? Are you not going to get married?" Feng straightened her back and glared at him.

Mu Ying held his forehead with one hand, looking helpless:
"Now that things have come to this, how can I not get married?"

"That's it. I'll go ask the monk to pick a date." A smile broke out on Feng's face.

"What date? I said that three days later is an auspicious day. Can he still say it is not suitable for marriage?"

Feng glanced at him and muttered:
"There has to be a process, otherwise it would be too casual."

After saying this, Mu Ying was the only one left in the main hall, and the atmosphere became solemn again.

In the backyard of the Mu Mansion, Lu Yunyi was sitting in the pavilion with Mu Chuting, chatting idly.

Mu Chuting tilted her head to look at Mr. Lu and found that he had a gloomy face, as if he was worried about something.
Even his answers sounded absent-minded and incoherent.

"Mr. Lu, is there something on your mind?"

After a pause, Lu Yunyi looked over and showed some apology:
"Please forgive me, Miss Mu. I was a little distracted."

Mu Chuting was not surprised, but smiled and looked at him gently:

"If Mr. Lu has any worries, he can talk to Chu Ting.
The book says that if you are upset, talking about it will help you feel better. "

"Mr. Lu is young and promising. He is already an important general in the army at such a young age. It is normal for him to have some worries. Don't take it too seriously." Lu Yunyi smiled, his mind in disarray.
Although he had some advantages in the attack and defense with his father-in-law,
But what he had said to Mu Ying before was a gamble after he had obtained the status of son-in-law.

It is believed that the Emperor and the Crown Prince had already seen the problems in the north and had the idea of ​​moving the capital.

It is bet that Mu Ying, as the adopted son of the current emperor, is of the same mind as the royal family.

Now it seems that the ending is neither good nor bad.

Lu Yunyi turned his head and looked at Mu Chuting who was sitting beside him.
There was a brightness on her fair cheeks and a hint of joy in her eyes.

Sensing his gaze, Mu Chuting dodged a little more, and her voice was no longer cold:
"Mr. Lu, why do you look at me like this?"

"Of course it looks good."

Mu Chuting pursed her lips, lowered her head slightly, a blush quickly appeared on her face, and she muttered softly:
"lecher."

For some reason, the distance between the two of them suddenly shortened.

Lu Yunyi smiled and spoke softly:
“Miss Lu, I used firearms as an important means of defeating the enemy during the war on the Western Front.

Whether it was to break through the Jinchi Guards or to clear out the Jinchi Guards, it played a huge role.

As long as the number is sufficient, the firearms phalanx alone can change the course of a war.

Originally, Lu had already started preparing for this matter.

But unexpectedly, something happened and he was transferred back to Kunming City for garrison.

I think our bet has come to an end."

Lu Yunyi spoke in a calm voice. He picked up the teapot from the table and filled the teacups in front of the two people one by one, with a look of regret on his face.

Mu Chuting's cheeks turned red and she whispered:

"Mr. Lu, you are joking. Chu Ting was going to marry Mr. Lu.

Gambling is just a game between you and me.

Now that Master Lu has given such a valuable betrothal gift, even if Chu Ting wants to not marry, her father will not agree."

As she spoke, Mu Chuting glanced vaguely at the ancient book of Dali Kingdom on the table.
There is a record of the "Dali Kingdom Buddhist Image Scroll" on it.

In her mind, she had tried her best to elevate the "Buddhist Elephants of the Dali Kingdom" to a higher level, but after reading the ancient books, she still underestimated it.

It is already the most expensive betrothal gift that can be offered in the southwest of the Ming Dynasty.

The more she thought about it, the redder her cheeks became.
This betrothal gift undoubtedly shows Mr. Lu's intentions.
This made her feel secretly happy, as if the feeling was as sweet as a spring.

Lu Yunyi thought for a moment and said:

"A real betrothal gift cannot be just a painting.
Of course, gold, silver, jewelry, silk and cloth are all needed.

It just so happens that there are quite a few captured items on this trip, and I have ordered the soldiers to sort them out, and they will be delivered when they are complete."

"Seized?" A hint of surprise flashed in Mu Chuting's eyes, and she lowered her voice and said:

"Mr. Lu, our acquaintance is destined by heaven.
It doesn't matter if you don't have these mundane things, but the military rules should not be broken because of Chu Ting."

Lu Yunyi laughed and said in a deep voice:
"It was Lu who said that he was used to it. Naturally, the seized goods could not be moved.

Even if you want to move it, you can only spend it in the military, not for personal matters.

Now that this money was found together with the Dali Kingdom Buddhist Image Scroll, it should be given to them."

After that, Lu Yunyi told the story of how he used the seized food in the capital to buy food for the soldiers.
Hearing this, Mu Chuting opened her mouth slightly, her eyes sparkled and she was smiling.

"It's rare to see a general like Mr. Lu who cares about his soldiers. Your Majesty has also developed a love for talent."

"Now that I am in this position, I don't care much about money.
Even if you are poor, you can still live on your salary.

Some soldiers, however, had parents who were born in troubled times.

I have never enjoyed happiness in my life, and even the number of times I have had a full meal is very rare.
Their son is in Lu's army, so I have to take good care of him.

Give them more money so that they can take it back home and let their wives, children and the elderly live a good life.

Even if His Majesty heard about this, he would not blame me."

Mu Chuting's eyes widened slightly, a little surprised:

"Mr. Lu loves his soldiers like his own sons, no wonder he can win so many battles."

Lu Yunyi raised his eyes and stared into Mu Chuting's eyes, and their gazes collided in the air.

A thin blush crept up from Mu Chuting's cheeks, and then spread a little bit,

It quickly reached the neck and earlobes, and the joy in his eyes could no longer be concealed.

Perhaps it was Lu Yunyi's look that made her feel a little uncomfortable.
She slowly stood up and walked behind Lu Yunyi, and spoke slowly:
"Mr. Lu, the march must have been exhausting.
Chu Ting happened to learn some kneading techniques these days, why not let Master Lu experience them for himself."

Her voice became smaller and smaller, until it was as thin as a mosquito's hum.

Lu Yunyi was a little surprised and turned his neck.
Feeling the stiffness in my shoulders and neck, I laughed:

"Thank you, Miss Mu."

"Um"

So, Mu Chuting stood behind Lu Yunyi.
She stretched out her fair and slender palm, placed it on his neck, and gently massaged it.

This scene made the servants hiding not far away open their mouths wide.
It is a big taboo for wives who have not yet married to meet each other, so why are they serving each other now?

Xiao Hong stood there blankly, with a look of disbelief on her face.

She had followed the young lady for many years, but this was the first time she saw the young lady being so proactive.

"Mr. Lu, my mother will go to Baohua Temple today. Please ask the abbot to choose an auspicious date.
We should get married soon. Hopefully, the auspicious date will be closer."

Mu Chuting's voice was gentle, and her cheeks became redder as she spoke.

She looked around cautiously and breathed a sigh of relief when she found no one was paying attention.

Lu Yunyi felt the kneading and felt a sense of relief:
"Don't worry, Miss Mu. Whatever day your mother-in-law says will be an auspicious day."

Mu Chuting was stunned for a moment, then she understood the meaning of the words and couldn't help but smile.
"That's right. Baohua Temple was built by my father, so naturally the abbot will do whatever the palace says."

As if she felt that it was inappropriate to talk about this matter, Mu Chuting changed the subject and talked about something else:

"Mr. Lu, have you ever heard of the Martial Arts Hall?"

Lu Yunyi had already closed his eyes at this moment, and said in a gentle voice:
"Of course I've heard of it. I heard it's similar to martial arts.
Some veterans in the army sometimes go to give lectures and teach young people how to fight.”

Mu Chuting's eyes sparkled, and the corners of her mouth curled up, revealing a bit of playfulness:
"Mr. Lu, are you willing to give the class?"

"I?"

Lu Yunyi opened his eyes, looking surprised:
"Lu is so young, it would be a bit inappropriate for him to teach."

"The most accomplished ones come first in the army. Young Master Lu has achieved accomplishments that others cannot match, so he is naturally the elder."

Mu Chuting slid her hands to her shoulders, kneading them and saying:

"The Luchuan envoy has been staying in Kunming, hoping to gain control of Jingdong through mediation.
The envoy was a little skeptical about the war and thought he could defeat the Ming Dynasty."

"There is such a thing? You really overestimate your own abilities. Have you been bewitched by those foreigners?"

Lu Yunyi thought of his third brother in the Luchuan Army. Both of them seemed to have the habit of overestimating their own capabilities.

Mu Chuting smiled and continued:
"Dad wanted to teach him at the martial arts hall a few days ago to make him give up.

But the Luchuan envoy was also good at sophistry, and after several tit-for-tat exchanges, neither could convince the other.

The matter was dropped, but Chu Ting felt that Lu Yunyi was very good.

He has made great contributions in the battle against the enemy, and is very knowledgeable about many military matters. He is much smarter than those uncles."

Lu Yunyi blinked:

"Miss Mu, are you lobbying for your father-in-law?"

Mu Chuting's cheeks turned red: "How could that be?"

There was a bit of confusion on her face, and hesitation flashed in her bright eyes. She bit her red lips with her pearly teeth and spoke softly:
"Some people in the city spoke rudely to Master Lu.
I think Mr. Lu's achievements are just a coincidence.
Chu Ting was furious when she heard this.

That’s why I thought of asking Master Lu to dampen their spirits, so that some people in the city won’t be ignorant of their own limitations.”

As she spoke, Mu Chuting lowered her voice, her heart pounding, and her voice became barely perceptible:
"Degrading the husband"

"What?" Lu Yunyi was stunned and looked back.

Mu Chuting's eyes were filled with panic for a moment, "Nothing."

Lu Yunyi laughed heartily, and the gloom in his heart was relieved a lot.

(End of this chapter)