"The Indecisive" by Dong Qian.
The drums of war are thundering, but what is the significance of such drumming? The sound of drums that belittle human life, no matter which side wins, the lives lost cannot be regained.
She would never let her people die alone, even if it meant sacrificing herself.
In front of her were all the brothers who died on the battlefield. How many times, during the lull in the fighting, she and Huaining looked at the shattered bodies of their own soldiers. She may not have had enough time to get to know them in life, but when their bodies lay side by side, she would surely compare their names one by one and bid them farewell as if they were her own kin, watching them enter the grave.
Be careful, Lord Feng! The young boy is chasing closely behind, trying his best to hold an umbrella for him.
With the new king ascending to the throne, the power is being reshuffled. The Eastern Prime Minister has become the most favored person in front of the emperor. It is said that Ruan Dongqian is highly valued by the Prime Minister. If something goes wrong, he will not be able to explain it.
She met the person's gaze for a long time, and then answered very cautiously:
All of a sudden, he was taken aback, and he pressed his pulse with force on his fingertip. The astonishment immediately showed on his face.
It is almost imaginable that he continues to manipulate and scheme within the court.
Okay, she waits for Huaining on this Yin and Yang road, not letting him feel a moment of loneliness.
He weighed the gains and losses, immediately picked up Donggu, and disappeared on the battlefield.
A loud bang, and the sound of tables and chairs overturning inside the car.
His heart skipped a beat, knowing clearly that Donggu must be nearby.
Feng Yilang gently brushed aside her disheveled hair and stared at her pale face.
Feng Yilang turned a deaf ear.
There is no need to move. Just now, Deputy Ruan lost too much blood and... passed away.
"Young Master Feng, Young Master Feng, Lord Ruan has warned you that you cannot withstand prolonged exposure to the sun!" The young servant covered his nose, suppressing the urge to vomit, and desperately chased after the white-haired youth who was searching for Lord Ruan's body. "Why don't you take a rest first? I will ask the military officer in charge of the aftermath to inform you as soon as Lord Ruan's body is found, is that okay?"
Her eyes were tightly closed, and she didn't show any signs of pain, even appearing somewhat peaceful.
Waited for a long time, but still did not wait for Huaining. She scratched her head and began to suspect that there might not be only one way.
Rumbling loudly, mixed with rolling dust waves. The city gate slowly closed, drawing a line of life and death.
With him around, even if she's not there, the common people behind the city gates still have vitality.
Gritting his teeth slightly, even if his eyesight was not enough, he still refused to look away, staring straight at the burial ground of Donggu.
He couldn't see clearly, couldn't see clearly, how much he hated his eyesight at this moment.
Doctor, I am asking about the life and death of Lord Ruan. The man from the capital army became displeased.
However, he thought that with his ability, he could save her life. However, he also thought that even if there was such a day, Donggu would sacrifice himself for her ideals, and all three would die without regrets, rather than dying so worthless like now!
The child stood still for a moment, disregarding the umbrella, and then turned around and ran towards the city.
Feng Yilang is unbelievable. Immediately, he changed his target to Huaining, a person who is so weak and shallow that his breath is almost disappearing!
My translation is: My lord, in this battle, many people died unjustly and unwillingly. Among the soldiers, there were murmurs of complaint: "Why? Who among the officials sent by the court is really considering our well-being?"
Will it ... ....
Feng Yilang suddenly stiffened, his gaze immediately shifting to Donggu in Huaining's arms.
Feng Yilang silently met the strange gaze, and then asked softly:
From beginning to end, he is also implicated as the mastermind. When he supported her in buying an official position, he should have anticipated such an outcome when he learned about the border conflict.
She is only in her twenties, but she always feels that there are too many things left unfinished. However, she has never regretted being able to accompany her good brothers to the end of the world.
Upon hearing this, she furrowed her brows and slowly scanned the soldiers.
Sir, you really shouldn't be in a place like this...
Okay, when I descend to the Yellow Springs, I will plead with Lord Yanwang for mercy. In the next life, I will be a good sibling with Huaining and work for the well-being of the people. This time, I will make an effort to read more books and not buy an official position in the next life. I will rely on my abilities to take the imperial examination, so I won't feel so guilty... Hmm, if my divine eyes are open and there are no more natural disasters or man-made calamities, then I will live as an ordinary citizen, working from sunrise to sunset, living a disciplined life, so as not to burden my sworn brothers... Hmm, if my divine eyes are open and there are no more natural disasters or man-made calamities, then I will live as an ordinary citizen, working from sunrise to sunset, living a disciplined life, so as not to burden my sworn brothers...
Although she was fully focused on political affairs, she had also heard of the tradition of the "seventh day" and the "day of returning souls" after someone's death. So, on her seventh day, she wanted to go and see her brother, and apologize to him once again. His future is still long, with or without her, his life will go on. He is even smarter than her and understands this truth.
The army from Beijing arrived in time and won the war. Under the scorching sun, the stench of corpses filled the air, and a strong smell of death permeated the dry and arid atmosphere. Looking around, there were almost endless graves of human bodies.
Before General Wang arrived, my father said, "Perhaps this war will soon come to an end because Minister Ruan is here." Unfortunately, his prediction did not come true, and the battle lasted for several years...
Feng Yilang was extremely surprised, and for a moment, he couldn't regain his composure. His mind was in complete chaos, but he had a strong intuition about one thing—.
Unable to hear, unable to see, perception is gone, even the physical sensation is gone, but she is very clear about what awaits her.
Stairway, seemingly endless, with each step Feng Yilang takes, a piece of his heart dies.
Feng Yilang quickly raised his eyes and followed that direction. Sure enough, not far away, he saw Huaining in his black clothes.
I know, so I came. I'm here to make amends.
She's already dead... She sighed and without any hesitation, stepped forward and bowed, saying:
Feng Yilang squinted his eyes and stared at the old doctor with great composure.
There is only one Ruan Shilang in this world, someone said.
The silver hair with a touch of yellow fluttered in the gusty wind. The strong wind brought a strong smell of corpses. Her originally pale face slowly turned towards him. After looking at him for a long time, she asked with a indifferent expression:
His heart beats faster and faster, slowly squatting down, staring at Huaining's unwilling expression without turning his eyes, for a while, he can only suppress the chill all over his body, and move towards the delicate body that Huaining is protecting with all his strength.
Thinking of this, he did not hesitate to quickly press down on her pulse.
It's my fault. If she had been more tactful, perhaps these people wouldn't have died for no reason.
The young master Feng... The young boy holding an umbrella beside him called out to him in a trembling voice. The boy was a local resident, and most locals knew exactly who was strategizing and keeping the city gates unbroken amidst the power struggles in the court.
Regardless, only hope that the city remains intact.
Everyone is dead... all dead... What are we still arguing about? Without any adults, perhaps even my parents will be dragged into the war... The young man repeated it twice, his expression gradually fading.
Young Master Feng, we can't see anything... After each ceasefire, the corpses are scattered and broken. You know it's not easy to find Ruan Shilang's body among them. It's hard to say whether we can survive this time!The young boy suddenly became excited and grabbed his wide sleeve tightly. "Young Master Feng, you have to save us. Only you can save us now!" Even if they don't want Ruan Dongqian to leave like this, they still want to survive!
Where does the question of should or should not come from in this world? You are human, am I not also human? Ultimately, the destiny of humans is the same, regardless of their rank or status. In the end, who does not return to dust?
"Quickly... call for a military doctor! There are still people alive! Hurry!" He rarely shouted.
Even those who are closer to the government and the people know that Ruan Dongqian once impersonated General Cheng. At that time, his outstanding contributions gave them full confidence, thinking that the imperial court's holy prestige was invincible even against barbarians. It was not until Wang Cheng arrived and the war situation became one-sided that they realized not every official in the court would pay attention to them.
She chuckled twice and said, "The city is not yet broken. Brothers, don't worry. With Feng Yilang here, you can rest assured." After scanning the group, Huaining was not among them, which was expected. She had long known the difference between men and women, and she should have been the one to go to the Yellow Springs earlier.
Oh no, if we let the military doctor save us, our secret will be exposed. He tried to carry Donggu, but even if Huaining was unconscious, he didn't let go. He gritted his teeth and whispered in Huaining's ear, "It's me, Ichiro. Huaining, Donggu is still alive. Let go, if we're too late, she might not be saved."
Murdered by a random knife.
Ichiro knows, what he knows, he knows about her.
The senior doctor remained silent for a while and said:
Feng Yilang's life is for whom to live, he has always been very clear, but she cannot understand. In her heart, although they are close, she believes that without her, he and Huai Ning can still go on, just as one day, when he dies, she will continue to walk on despite her sadness.
Ichiro, in my life, the ones I am most grateful for are you and Huaining. Thank you for accompanying me through this storm. Now, it's my turn to accompany Huaining on the final journey.
She waited here for a long time, but Huaining didn't show up. If Huaining could really survive, she would only be grateful, but shouldn't there be ox-headed and horse-faced figures?
In the midst of chaos, Wang Cheng's sharp and uneasy voice pierced through Feng Yilang's cold perception. He slowly turned his head and looked somewhat bewildered at the culprit who had caused Donggu's death.
Last month, my little son came back home and excitedly said that he had spoken to Mr. Ruan...
Her mind is drifting and she can never concentrate. It's unclear how many arrows have struck her body, and she can't see them at all. It's impressive that she can hold on for so long.
Moreover, these people in front of me speak with a certain detachment, although their expressions appear somewhat numb. The longer I spend time with them, the more I realize that even their speech becomes disjointed and careless...
No one is allowed to come in!
When Feng Yilang rushed up the city wall, despair almost overwhelmed him. Looking into the distance at the rolling yellow sand, the flag of the barbarian tribe fluttered, as if entering a deserted land. The breath of death shrouded the battlefield covered with corpses. Knowing that there were still people fighting like trapped beasts on the battlefield, he was powerless!
The battlefield of slaughter outside the door is the underworld of the mortal world, where there is no chance to turn back once you step out of the door.
Found it! The locals exclaimed.
Doctor, how is Minister Ruan doing?
Did you see it?" he asked in a hoarse voice.
Adult, I still think you shouldn't have come.
He forced himself to rush forward, staring at Huai Ning who was shot by an arrow, with his back facing up, holding someone in his arms.
Feng Yilang's heart was pounding like a drum. He never expected that Huaining could still survive. Huaining once said that he was a short-lived ghost, thinking that his master was omniscient and everyone thought he would never come back again.
Are you not afraid of death at all? asked the man who was killed by a random knife in the inner circle.
No one is allowed to leave! First capture Feng Yilang... Yes! It's him! He and the Ministry of Revenue's Assistant Minister Ruan Dongqian came up with a good plan, which led to the near annihilation of the imperial army! Quickly capture him!
In the fragmented and broken body, he first saw the robber he encountered on the streets of Beijing that winter, and then one of the men she trusted.
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A few days ago, he died on the battlefield at the age of only twenty. He wanted to return home alive, but he also understood the kind of talent sent by the court. In this world, if everyone were like Ruan Shilang, how wonderful would it be? He has always wanted to become someone like Ruan Shilang. Lord Feng, do you think it would be better for Ruan Shilang to stay alive?
From beginning to end, they surrounded her and refused to disperse, even blocking her way. This...? It's really strange. If Ichiro were here, he would surely be able to see through the problem at a glance, wouldn't he?
Winter, I'm here to pick you up," he said softly, trying to lift her out of Huaining's arms.
Sir! You... You also... So, so...
Prince Feng, what's wrong with you? The young boy saw the intense emotions on his face and thought he was finally going crazy.
A bead of sweat the size of a bean slid down his icy face. He held onto a glimmer of hope, but he also knew that what he would find would only be a lifeless body.
"Young Master Feng?," the young boy called out with a hint of fear.
She glanced at him and recognized him with a surprised sound. He was a border resident who joined the army, a young man who left in the battle... Such a promising future...
Feng Yilang answered without hesitation:
She thought for a moment and said:
All of a sudden, Feng Yilang seemed to regain consciousness and rushed up the steps of the city wall, surprisingly encountering no one who tried to stop him.
Actually, it's false to say that there are no regrets.
From the moment the city gate opened, he was looking for someone.
The old doctor did not answer, but instead looked at Feng Yilang.
Yes, his determination has always been like this. He never regrets what he decides to do, even if he knows it's a dead end. He never frowns. ... He thought he would see her die with her eyes wide open, and thought he would see her being pierced by arrows and left without a complete body.
Grandma, it must be that Doctor Zhang was too focused on treating the injury of our master, and accidentally knocked something over.
She smiled faintly and said:
Pheng-ilang outside the house remained calm and gently stopped the doctor's elderly wife:
Long time no see, brothers. She is extremely free-spirited.
She smiled faintly and said softly:
As soon as she regained consciousness, she saw that all her limbs were intact, without a trace of arrow wounds. She was slightly surprised and looked ahead at her astonished brothers.
Feng Yilang closed his feverish blue eyes upon hearing the words, and said in a hoarse voice:
Sir! You...
Having accompanied him through more than ten years of winter, he was still not mentally prepared to see her lifeless body. He was even unwilling to imagine what she looked like when she died! He dared not imagine!
Old Masterーー
"Brother Feng, why don't you invite the military doctor to come?" asked the man leading the Beijing army.
The Minister of Revenue, Ruan Dongqian, who came to the court, never hesitated to reveal who came up with the brilliant strategy. He has always been proud of Feng Yilang, and his unreserved pride has led many to suspect that they are actually brothers.
He should be at peace, at least she passed away peacefully...
He doesn't move at all.
He repeated several times, then tightly hugged her arms before slowly and weakly letting go, allowing him to quickly drag Donggu out.
Huaining, it's me, Ichiro. I've come to take you home.Feng Ichiro tried again to pry apart Huaining's stiff arms after her death.
The military doctor is busy taking care of the wounded soldiers. If you come specifically to take care of my lord, he will definitely punish you when he wakes up. The doctors here have been helping to treat the wounded soldiers all year round, and they are capable. "Feng Yilang said calmly with his hands behind his back, appearing calm, but his clothes were soaked with sweat.
Who are you?
He gazed at her blankly. Suddenly, he chuckled.
Upon hearing the words, the senior doctor hesitated. ... He never imagined that Ruan Dongqian, who had been fighting on the border for many years, would have another identity. If possible, he really hoped that talents like Ruan Dongqian could return to the court, but...
Still alive, let's move back to the city first, and then leave it to the military doctor!" the man said.
As for the Eastern region, it is...
Waited outside for a whole day before finally seeing the senior doctor walk out weakly.
Sir!
Why still can't wait?
Doctor, is my elder relative still alive?
She glanced at them and laughed, saying:
Feng Yilang glanced at Huai Ning, and the military doctor arrived soon, but Dong Gu could not stay any longer.
Eastern Africa...
She will not fall, Huaining must do so, she cannot show weakness, even if she fights to the death, she will not fall, so that the barbarians can see the indomitable spirit of the imperial sons.
I'm afraid, I'm so afraid that I might die before finishing everything I need to do. However... I think there must be more than one Ruan Shilang in this world. If I really can't finish it, someone else will eventually do it. If I think this way, I'm not afraid anymore.
Little did he know that he was in the prime of his youth, strong and healthy, having escaped from the Palace of Yan Wang. It's hard to believe that he is ultimately a young girl...
White snow-like eyelashes droop slightly, tightly holding onto the bricks and tiles of the city wall... The world that I wanted to protect in winter...? If there is no one left, what is there to protect?
At first, there was absolutely no sign. He tried his best to stay calm, to force himself to stop trembling lightly, and to feel her pulse. It seemed as if several years had passed before her extremely faint pulse finally emerged.
Doctor, thank you... I thank you on behalf of my family's elder for the last bit of effort you put in for her.
No. Even if she were alive, as long as people like Wang Cheng exist, her fate will not change. If given another chance, she would still choose this path. Unless she resigns from her position--" She paused for a moment and said meaningfully, "Or, she dies."
She remembers that his parents are still alive.
On the battlefield where the smell of blood is pungent, piles of corpses like mountains, and blood still flowing like rivers.
Tried several times, found that Huaining held on tightly and refused to let go.
On the day we became sworn brothers, I didn't finish my oath... My throat felt warm, but my blue eyes were calm like the sea. He said softly, "Donggu, we may not have been born on the same year, month, and day, but I hope we will die on the same year, month, and day. As your sworn brother, Feng Yilang, I will not abandon you and follow Huaining." After speaking, he no longer paid attention to anything around him and waited quietly for the city to fall.
The senior doctor took a deep breath, understood Feng Yilang's implication, and was also well aware of the consequences of returning the military doctor to Ruan Shilang. Therefore, he regretfully replied:
Yes, once the city gate is breached, the long-lasting anger may very well turn into a massacre.
The senior doctor ignored him and only looked at Feng Yilang, saying:
Or, looking for the corpse.
Feng Yilang is a man of Ruan Dongqian. Now that Ruan Dongqian has left, will Master Feng stay? Will he?
Feng Gongzi!
No, he knows very well who the real culprit is.
After General Wang received the military token, it was said that the adult was the Assistant Minister of Revenue, and should not be on the battlefield or in such a place. Among the soldiers, there were her trusted aides, looking at her in disbelief.
The consciousness scattered into nothingness, suddenly gathered together rapidly by a scream.
Ruan Dong suddenly felt something was different. At first, she didn't pay much attention, just wanting to be with her own soldiers, which was the best thing. After the excitement, some strange phenomena made her feel puzzled.
No matter whether it should appear or not, I have come.