nucmednet Chapter 125 Gu Chang'an's Gift
Chapter 125 Gu Chang'an's Gift
After Shen Li arrived, she stayed in the general's mansion, which was some distance from the battlefield. Lin Xiao held several positions, including the title of Grand General and the General of Yuezhou.
She had requested to go to the battlefield, but there were no offensive battles to fight right now; the focus was on defending the city, and the most experienced commanders were needed.
The ability to charge is not important.
Moreover, Lin Xiao and Xiao Qi didn't think she had any fighting ability, and felt that if something unexpected happened, they would have no way to explain it, so they left her in the rear.
The Great Liang is launching an unprecedentedly fierce attack. Shen Li can feel the earth-shaking sound of artillery fire even from the rear. The war has reached a fever pitch.
The war has reached this point, which boils down to who has a stronger foundation. The Great Liang has missed its best opportunity, while the Great Zhao has limited troops and can only defend, not attack. Neither side has the ability to end the war in a short time.
We can only drag it out and wait it out.
The fighting lasted for almost half a month. During the Lantern Festival, Shen Li was still at the General's Mansion. She really couldn't help the front line much, at most she could help transport some cotton clothes.
Not only was she out of work, but Li Rui, who had been fighting on the city wall in full armor, also withdrew from the front line. The reason was simple: reinforcements had arrived, and he was no longer needed.
On this day, Shen Li received a truckload of little rabbit lanterns, each with a different shape, all very lively and cute.
She hung all the lanterns in the yard, and looking at them warmed her heart.
This was sent by Gu Chang'an, along with a letter saying that the emperor had already chosen a successor for Cangzhou and believed that she and the old Duke would be able to return to the capital soon.
Shen Li was happy at the thought of going back, and with a stroke of her brush, she drew a pair of rabbits and had them sent back to the capital to Gu Chang'an.
Her thoughts were simple: she just wanted to be a real couple with Gu Chang'an, just like those rabbits.
She could even picture Gu Chang'an blushing and looking flustered after hearing this hint.
"Miss, it's chilly at night, why don't you go back inside and sit down?" Lian Qiao advised softly.
Shen Li nodded. She wasn't afraid of the cold, but she didn't want her maid to get cold too.
Back in her room, her thoughts were still racing. Finally, she asked Lianqiao and Shaoyao beside her, "It's almost March and my husband's birthday is coming up. What do you think I should give him as a gift?"
She only thought of it after receiving the lanterns. She had never given Gu Chang'an a decent gift before, and since his birthday was coming soon, she should prepare it early.
"Gifts should naturally be chosen to please the person most. Madam, think about what the master usually likes the most?" Lianqiao offered her some ideas.
Shen Li pondered for a moment and replied, "Me."
"...That's true."
Shen Li was about to say something when she heard the pop-up window sound, so she said, "There are no outsiders, come in."
Shadow then slipped in, his face obscured by a black cloak. He bowed and said, "Madam, the Flying Fish Guard has some firsthand information from the front lines, which I am bringing to you now."
"What is it?" Shen Li asked.
"Mobei is mustering its troops and will attack Daliang today," Shadow said in a low voice.
"Oh?" Shen Li's eyes lit up.
Despite the entire nation's strength being mobilized for the war, the Great Liang Dynasty was unable to conquer the Great Zhao Dynasty, which inevitably meant that its forces on the western border were insufficient. The Northern Desert anticipated that this would be a protracted war and wanted to take advantage of the situation.
This is also a good opportunity for Da Zhao. If they make good use of it, they might be able to gain some initiative.
Although she had no military talent, she believed there was something to be done here.
"Is there anything else?" she asked.
"That's all. I'll take my leave." The shadow said, disappearing back into the darkness.
"Miss, why didn't the Flying Fish Guards inform General Lin of such big news?" Peony asked.
“The Flying Fish Guards are His Majesty’s personal guards. Colluding with foreign officials is a serious crime, let alone for a general on the frontier.” Shen Li shook her head and said, “This news will be sent to His Majesty as soon as possible, and then His Majesty will issue an order to inform him.”
"Won't the daylilies get cold by then?"
"This is why Gu Chang'an told me this; it's a good opportunity to seize." Shen Li wasn't going to sleep anymore and immediately got up, saying, "Bring me the armor; I'm going to the pass."
Even at night, the Yuebei Pass was bombarded as if it were daytime. Shen Li had a gold medal in her hand and no one dared to stop her. She successfully climbed the city wall and saw the soldiers throwing stones and logs down.
Even so, some Liang soldiers still climbed up and engaged in close combat.
A single glance revealed countless casualties. Lin Wan'er, clad in armor, gave orders that were always direct and effective. If anyone nearby came up, she would personally take action.
The so-called "white-hot" situation is clearly a test of who can't hold on any longer.
If that's all, then so be it. Occasionally, shells will fly up and blow up several people when they land.
"Why are you here?" Lin Wan'er saw Shen Li in her white clothes and silver armor and immediately pulled her aside, shouting, "Go down quickly, it's dangerous up there."
"I need to talk to you." Shen Li unconsciously raised her voice amidst the gunfire: "It's important."
"Let's talk downstairs." Lin Wan'er instructed her deputy to take command, and as she walked down the steps, she even pressed Shen Li's head down.
"Be gentle, I can walk, I'm not a child." Shen Li felt that her helmet had been bent crooked by her.
Lin Wan'er ignored her and led her to her barracks, asking, "What happened?"
Shen Li removed her helmet before saying, "I just received news that the Northern Desert will be invading Daliang in the next few days."
"Really?" Lin Wan'er's face was covered in dust, but her bright eyes were still clearly visible.
"The news from the Flying Fish Guard will be presented to His Majesty tonight," Shen Li affirmed.
"Great, great!" Lin Wan'er said excitedly, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword at her waist. She paced back and forth in the narrow barracks.
"If you need any help, just say so. The imperial court has found someone to take over Cangzhou, and I can help you for no more than a month," Shen Li said.
“Your news is very timely. I will discuss tactics with my father right away. You…” Lin Wan’er looked around her small and dirty barracks and said, “Go back to the General’s Mansion. I will let you know if I need your help.”
"I'll go with you." Shen Li's attitude was firm: "Let's go."
Lin Wan'er had no choice but to bring her to the central military tent. Xiao Qi was also summoned there, and the group waited for Lin Ao to arrive so they could discuss important matters.
Seeing Xiao Qi's complicated expression, Shen Li coughed lightly. She knew that her cousin was definitely thinking about the portrait of the God of Light, and she felt a little guilty for a moment.
She knew she would be scolded when she painted it, but she was also certain that Xiao Qi wouldn't have hung it up if it weren't for an extremely urgent situation.
"Little sister, that's impressive!" Xiao Qi couldn't help but praise her.
Although the idea was a bit unethical, who dared to say they had any other way to hold off the enemy for three days without attacking the city, and in the end, they even had to pay 100,000 taels of silver to redeem the painting?
"Brother, you're the one who painted it. Don't go out and say it was painted by me. It's enough that our family loses face." Shen Li said, indicating that she was a contemporary master and didn't care about losing face if word got out.
"Do I even need to say it? Once this thing is in my hands, you can forget about clearing your name." Xiao Qi had a carefree expression on his face. "Besides, your painting isn't even worth 100,000 taels."
"You even sold the painting?" Shen Li's eyes widened.
"It was sold by the Ninth Prince, and it cost 100,000 taels of silver. That's enough for the brothers to eat fine rice, flour, and meat for a month. We're not losing out."
Shen Li sighed, feeling both amused and exasperated.
Her cousin is really... pragmatic.
Moreover, the fact that Da Liang spent so much money to buy the painting suggests that it wasn't just to pay for the journey, but that he genuinely liked the painting.
"You're not angry, are you?" Xiao Qi was getting anxious when she didn't speak: "I was wrong, I shouldn't have agreed to sell."
"We sold too few," Shen Li said regretfully. "Actually, we could have eaten enough refined rice for two months."
Xiao Qi was relieved, then thought for a moment: "This matter was initiated and promoted by His Highness the Ninth Prince. Is it possible that he took a cut from the deal?"
“It’s not impossible,” Shen Li smiled.
She and Li Rui were the same age and had known each other since childhood. Li Rui was quick-witted and had a knack for coming up with all sorts of ideas. Moreover, he was unconventional in his behavior and there was nothing he wouldn't do.
As the two were talking, Lin Ao arrived, and Lin Wan'er also told them about Shen Li.
“The western border of Daliang is undefended. If the northern desert forces penetrate deep into our territory, our opposing army will inevitably have to return to reinforce it.” Lin Xiao pointed to the map in front of him and said, “The western border of Daliang is flat land. Once the northern desert forces enter, they will advance very quickly.”
“If they come to our aid, our chance will come.” Xiao Qi’s eyes lit up. “If we seize the opportunity, we can turn the tables and get our revenge.”
After saying this, he exchanged glances with Lin Xiao and Lin Wan'er, and the three of them nodded, clearly having reached a high degree of tacit understanding.
The other two heads looked at each other. Shen Li saw bewilderment on Lin Ao's face, and Lin Ao saw confusion on Shen Li's face.
Neither of them knew what the other was trying to say.
"General Lin, is there anything I can do?" Shen Li asked.
Lin Xiao said with a slightly troubled expression, "Madam Gu, it's dangerous here. You should go back to the General's Mansion to rest."
"No rush, I'll wait here." Shen Li looked at Lin Wan'er: "Wan'er, can I sleep in your barracks?"
She observed that the small barracks had two beds, but only one set of bedding, indicating that Lin Wan'er had always lived alone.
But that's not surprising, since she's the only girl in the military camp.
The discussion ended there. Lin Wan'er led Shen Li back to the barracks and then said, "You haven't sat down since you arrived. Are you sure you can stay here?"
"I am a clean person, but that doesn't mean I can't stand dirt. Others may not know, but you do, I spent a year in prison." Shen Li said as she sat down on the empty bed.
"So what are your plans?" Lin Wan'er asked, puzzled.
“Although I don’t understand military strategy, the concept of taking the initiative is not difficult to grasp. I will follow you.” Shen Li lay down and said, “I may not be good at leading troops myself, but I can certainly work with you.”
"Alright, then I'll go out and guard the city. I'll have someone bring you a blanket." Although Lin Wan'er didn't know what she was thinking, she understood Shen Li. With Shen Li's quick wit, she would never do something without a reason.
She must have her reasons.
"Don't bother, just give me yours, you can bring a new one when you come back." Shen Li was so sleepy that she simply went to Lin Wan'er's bed. "Okay." Lin Wan'er shook her head slightly, but agreed very easily.
What can I do if she won't listen to my advice? I can only go along with her.
Shen Li naturally couldn't sleep well either. With her keen hearing, being bombarded like this was really uncomfortable, but she always felt that there must be something she could do by staying here.