Chapter 6, The Awakening of Romantic Feelings
I have followed my late master on journeys across the land since my youth, and I am not even clear about my own origins," Xu Fu casually replied, "Regardless of where I came from, I am now a citizen of the Great Qin, haha
For several consecutive days, Chu Li ignored Yang Jin. However, in the first two days, she was clearly quite angry, but later she merely huffed softly and stamped her delicate foot, evidently putting on a show of arrogance. Yang Jin could naturally see that she was just putting on an act for herself, and he secretly felt delighted, as it seemed that the return to that sweet and beautiful feeling was not far off.
"I don't know!" Chu Li said playfully with a smile, "But I do know!"
Meng Tian escorted Xu Fu to the construction site of the Great Wall. After inspecting the area, he returned to Yunzhong. In the following days, Xu Fu led Yang Jin and Chu Li to survey the mountains and terrain during the day, drawing geographical maps, and at night, they returned to the camp to organize and prepare matters. Naturally, they did not need to worry about labor, but they had to brave the wind and cold every day to climb high and look far, which was truly arduous. It was not until the second month that the construction officially began.
Yang Jin had once told them that if there were any further news regarding the magical creatures, they must find a way to inform him at the earliest opportunity. General Meng Tian understood well that to establish a foothold in the clouds, these magical creatures, like the Hu people, were enemies that could not be ignored. Since Yang Jin was most familiar with the magical creatures, he strongly supported the idea of gathering more intelligence about them. However, he did not expect that this time, Tao Su would come in person, clearly indicating that there was not only new developments regarding the magical creatures but also that the matter was of great significance.
This... I... I misunderstood! It turns out you wanted to play a tune! Yang Jin only felt her cheeks burning, unsure where to direct her gaze.
Yang Jin gently shook her head, feeling conflicted within as she said: "Perhaps that is where the answer to the mystery in my heart lies. Perhaps there is nothing there at all"
Secondly, what the world knows is merely a drop in the ocean; some histories have already been lost in the long river of time. If that is the case, this former marquis likely existed in an even more distant era and was not particularly famous during his lifetime
In the stillness of the deep night, soft snores have already begun to emanate from Tao Su's side, yet Yang Jin tosses and turns, unable to find peace in sleep
Yang Jin gazed at Chu Li. He did not want to doubt her words, but he instinctively sought to discern the truth from her eyes.
After Meng Tian and Xu Fu exchanged pleasantries, the banquet commenced, with cups being passed around. Gu Yong was lost in thought; although he knew it was difficult to experience the charm of Chu Li, merely being able to glance at her was a pleasure. He paid no attention to what he was picking up with his chopsticks, simply sending food to his mouth. Tao Su, noticing Gu Yong's dazed expression, decided to play a trick and brought a piece of spicy ginger to his lips. Gu Yong bit into it, chewed a few times, and swallowed it whole, completely unaware. This left Tao Su dumbfounded, shaking her head in helplessness.
Meng Tian's ancestors had served as officials for generations and were well-versed in the ways of governance. At this time, he intended to arrange for Yang Jin to be by Xu Fu's side. This was because, although Yang Jin held the position of military guard in the army, his rank remained that of a public official. Firstly, he had not served in the military for a full year, and secondly, despite Yang Jin's numerous achievements in resisting the demonic creatures, Meng Tian found it difficult to report these accomplishments and apply for military honors on Yang Jin's behalf. Now that the First Emperor was obsessed with the pursuit of immortality, if Xu Fu were to return to court in the future and speak favorably of Yang Jin, it would naturally be an easy task to assist Yang Jin in obtaining a noble title and securing benefits for his descendants.
I cannot do it either!" Chu Li scolded unusually, flinging open the curtain and running out without looking back
Yang Jin
"What do I, an old man, know about any magical arts?" Xu Fu laughed and shook his head repeatedly, "However, I do understand some construction techniques. I was sent here to assist the general in building the Great Wall and repairing the straight roads, contributing my humble strength to our great Qin. As for the so-called demonic creatures, I am indeed quite curious about them"
Here? Yang Jin immediately realized the seriousness of the problem, "How could it be so coincidental?"
During the time of the Seven Kingdoms, the Zhao State was exhausted from the wars in the Central Plains, and the Great Wall in the north suffered significant damage, with abandoned fortifications visible everywhere. The Qin State aimed to repair the former Great Wall of Zhao and connect it, a project of immense scale. Currently, the priority is to quickly restore the dilapidated sections and link them to the Jiuyuan Great Wall. As for the complete construction of the magnificent Qin Great Wall, that is a monumental undertaking that will take a long time.
Yang Jin could no longer restrain himself and inquired of Xu Fu. Xu Fu informed Yang Jin that although there were mountains serving as natural barriers in that area, the land to the north was flat and open. If the Hu people were to march south and breach this location, they would certainly be able to advance unimpeded. Therefore, it was imperative that the walls be high and the city strong. As for the use of copper and iron, Xu Fu merely smiled mysteriously and stated that he had his own purposes for them, instructing Yang Jin to act according to his arrangements.
"Old and decrepit Xu Fu, nothing more than a few tricks of deception," a hearty voice came from outside the door, as if it had heard Gu Yong's complaints, "I apologize for keeping all the esteemed officials waiting for so long, I am truly fearful and apprehensive"
This is an elixir of my own secret formulation, which must not be disclosed to anyone except my direct disciples, and it would not be appropriate to inform Mr. Yang about it. Xu Fu declined with a smile, waving his hand and saying, "Even Chu Li, although she is my direct disciple, is not yet skilled enough in her practice, and she does not know the formula for this elixir."
Yang Rui was packing a bag for Yang Jin in the inner room, silently shedding tears, which happened to be seen by Yang Jin as she walked in. Yang Jin had never regarded Yang Rui as a servant and hurriedly asked her why she was crying. Yang Rui, clearly in tears like a pear blossom in the rain, hastily wiped away her tears and insisted that she was not crying.
Unbeknownst to him, the sun had risen high in the sky. Suddenly, two soldiers requested an audience with Yang Jin. After granting permission, Yang Jin noticed that the faces of the soldiers entering the barracks were familiar, yet he could not recall when he had had closer contact with them. The two approached Yang Jin, not saluting as soldiers should, but instead bowed deeply, crying out with a tone of desperation: "Lord Protector, save us!"
Xu Fu was aware that the two were frequently meeting, yet he did not deliberately intervene. Without Yang Jin by his side asking endless questions, he felt even more at ease in building his Great Wall
At that moment, she realized that the four individuals were actually wooden puppets. Although they varied in stature, they were indistinguishable from ordinary people, with carved patterns resembling armor on their bodies and facial features including eyes and eyebrows. Amusingly, each of them had a single character inscribed on their foreheads, which were Tao, Tian, Wu, and Gu respectively
Yang Jin was at a loss in front of Chu Li, awkwardly saying: "I... this is not the case, it's just that the principles of machinery manufacturing are indeed too complex to explain, and I am not good with words..."
One could see that one person's palm was swollen and thick, as if it had been bitten by a fierce venomous insect, while the other person's palm showed no abnormalities; however, the nails had turned pitch black and were as hard as iron. Yang Jin was greatly astonished; if one were to combine the characteristics of the two individuals' palms, wouldn't it resemble the palm of a demonic creature?
In fact, Chu Li was completely unaware of which one was Tao Su at the banquet; however, she possessed an extraordinary memory. Yang Jin had previously asked her to draw a likeness of Tao Su, so she could naturally recognize Tao Su at a glance
After nightfall, Yang Jin and Tao Su changed into agile clothing and quietly left the tent
"Please take a look, Guard Commander." As the two spoke, they each extended a hand, presenting it before Yang Jin
She stood up, facing the wind on the plateau, and stretched her waist: "I thought I had gotten used to it, but for some reason, I suddenly feel quite unhappy"
The innocent words of a child left Yang Rui blushing deeply, as she turned her face away to avoid Yang Jin. Yang Jin stood there in a daze, unsure of how to respond. He had indeed never considered having Yang Rui serve as a maid in his home for life, but he had originally planned to wait until he achieved further military merit to find another servant for Yang Xu, and then arrange for Yang Rui to marry Gu Yong. Yang Jin only knew that Gu Yong had feelings for Yang Rui, never expecting that Yang Rui's beloved was actually him.
He wandered aimlessly in the camp, and before he knew it, he had arrived at Chu Li's dwelling, without even realizing why he had come here. The light from the stove inside the tent cast Chu Li's silhouette on the curtain, while Yang Jin stood outside the tent, just a partition away from Chu Li, gazing dreamily at the beautiful figure seated with a slight bend.
Chu Li remained silent for a moment, then smiled gently and said: "Indeed! Teacher... has already devised a method to deal with the monsters. That item is the magical artifact that Teacher uses to combat the monsters!"
Are your brothers all wooden men?" Chu Li couldn't help but chuckle.
Firstly, the state of Zeng has brought great calamity, inciting the wrath of both gods and men. The feudal lords all express their fears that heaven will impose punishment upon the state of Zeng, which is why no one dares to record Zeng in the annals.
Winter is quietly passing, yet the nights in the wilderness remain extremely cold, especially at this altitude. Tao Su is shivering in the wind, unable to help but wipe his nose, longing to return to the tent warmed by the crackling fire.
Wow, doesn't that mean that San Ge can be with that beautiful lady every day? Gu Yong murmured enviously, "When will I have such good fortune?"
Yang Jin was deep in thought when Chu Li burst into the tent. Upon seeing Tao Su, a look of joy immediately appeared on his face: "You are Tao Su?"
The more Yang Jin thought about it, the more troubled he became. Unable to bear it any longer, he put on his robe, wrapped himself tightly in his warm cloak, and stepped out of the tent. Within the camp, every several dozen paces, a bonfire was lit for illumination, casting a dim light on the vast, dark earth. Although the scene before him was lifeless, the cold wind blowing against his face slightly eased Yang Jin's agitated heart.
The Taoist priest has traveled from afar and has prepared a modest wine offering. The mutton is warming in nature, intended to help the Taoist priest dispel the cold and cleanse the dust. Meng Tian quickly rose and cupped his hands in salute, saying, "If there are any shortcomings in the hospitality, I hope the Taoist priest will forgive me"
Chu Li smiled and said: "The reason the teacher has come to Yunzhong this time is certainly to build the Great Wall. However, as you know, the teacher, who is deeply trusted by Emperor Qin, has traveled a long distance to be here, largely due to those magical creatures. In fact, the teacher has already vaguely understood the origins and characteristics of those magical creatures from the ancient texts he treasures, and has thought of ways to deal with them."
Chuli smiled and clapped his hands, saying, "Then it's settled. I will create his portrait. Once it's done, you can attach it to that wooden figure. As for the other few individuals, if there are any I have seen before, feel free to give me a hint about who they are, and I will be able to draw them. Even if I haven't seen them, you can describe them to me, and after a few attempts, I will be able to capture their likeness!"
Yang Jin unearthed an ancient artifact, holding it in his hand and contemplating. Based on the circumstances from the day he infiltrated underground, it appeared that the demonic creatures were quite fearful of the cave where the bronze cauldron was placed. However, it now seems that their fear was not due to trepidation, but rather because that place was the 'sacred ground' where they were created. Now that the sacred object has been taken away by him, the demonic creatures are determined to retrieve it.
A certain fool always annoys me, I want to burn the cursed things he gave me!" Chu Li said, while secretly glancing at Yang Jin from the corner of her eye
I have finished it and was just about to send it to you Yang Jin hurriedly dug out a roll of brocade from the cluttered desk
Yang Jin's expression changed unpredictably, and Tao Su had rarely seen him so serious. The last time he was like this was when he decided to lead a team of about one hundred people to resist the thousands of dog-riding cavalry.
This story is indeed very bizarre, thus it holds no value
Tao Su pretended to cover his head and then said: "By the way, you asked me to inquire about news regarding the Zeng state from the local soldiers, and I did manage to find something out. However, it is merely a folk legend, quite bizarre, and completely unfounded."
"It is not that; it is that I miss them so much that I made these four puppets." With this smile, Chu Li's charm was beyond description, causing Yang Jin's heart to flutter. Fortunately, his mind remained relatively clear, and his response was coherent.
Yang Jinhun's thoughts, wandering beyond the heavens, were called back by Tao Su. He took a deep breath and said, "Tonight, I will take you to a place!"
Ah! Am I not seeing you here?" Yang Jin chuckled awkwardly and quickly changed the subject, "You are in the military, lacking freedom, how could you possibly come here? Unless... you have some news about that monster?"
No one expected this medicine to be so effective. Yang Jin, who had always been half-skeptical about the practices of the Taoist priests, could not help but be deeply impressed. The two soldiers were overjoyed, kneeling on the ground and repeatedly bowing their heads, exclaiming: "The immortal's divine skill, truly a venerable immortal!"
"She is the maid of my family, is there anything inappropriate about that?" Yang Jin did not understand why Chu Li had such a strong reaction
The transportation was proceeding in an orderly manner, and Yang Jin found himself with a considerable amount of free time. He couldn't help but reminisce about the moments spent with Gu Yong and others. The loneliness made him feel an impulse several times to sneak back and visit his brothers. However, the distance from here to Yuncheng was quite far, and in helplessness, he could only channel his thoughts into design
"How long are you going to hold on? Do you want someone to shout 'indecent' at you?" Finally, Chu Li, with a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown, returned to her quirky self.
Chu Li gazed at Yang Jin, her eyes shimmering with emotion, and after a long pause, she slowly said: "What do you think that is?"
"Speak quickly, don't keep me in suspense," Yang Jin urged
Before dusk, Meng Tian indeed sent someone to deliver a letter, inviting Yang Jin to Yunzhong City to host a banquet for the visiting alchemist. Yang Jin brought along Gu Yong and Tao Su, entrusted the military affairs to Wu Zhuo, and immediately set off for the banquet
"The sorcerer speaks with reason; it is I who am confused," Yang Jin feigned admiration. Because Xu Fu spoke ambiguously, Yang Jin's doubts deepened. He was uncertain whether Xu Fu was concealing something, but the mystery of the former state was of great significance, and he could only proceed with caution and discretion.
It is a great fortune for this humble servant to serve the general, and I would never dare to have any improper thoughts. Yang Rui secured the package and placed it in Yang Jin's hands, saying sorrowfully, "I can only think of the general going to repair the Great Wall. I have heard that in those mountains, monsters roam and pestilence prevails, with nine out of ten who go not returning. Therefore, I am worried and in tears. Young Master Xu is still very young; he speaks recklessly, so the general should not take it to heart.
Tao Su's conjecture roughly coincides with Yang Jin's, but Yang Jin had previously consulted Meng Tian. However, the Meng family has produced three generations of renowned generals, who have fought in battles across the south and north and possess extensive knowledge, yet they have never heard of a feudal lord named "Zeng." Since ancient times, from Fuxi's tortoise shell inscriptions to Cangjie receiving the Luo Book to create characters, everything in the world has some form of recorded remnants. Although the State of Zeng is not lacking in ancient artifacts that have come to light, historical records do not document it. The reasons for this may be limited to two possibilities. Since ancient times, from Fuxi's tortoise shell inscriptions to Cangjie receiving the Luo Book to create characters, everything in the world has some form of recorded remnants. Although the State of Zeng is not lacking in ancient artifacts that have come to light, historical records do not document it. The reasons for this may be limited to two possibilities.
Indeed! Tao Su sat down heavily on the couch, warming his hands by the lively fire. Not long ago, taking advantage of the fact that the weather had not yet turned warm, I led a team to explore that cave, as those monsters have a habit of hibernating. Can you guess what I discovered?
Yang Jin is also a man, and as a man, he cannot help but have his gaze drawn to Chu Li. When Meng Tian called out his name, Chu Li followed the sound of Meng Tian's voice and looked towards Yang Jin. Their eyes met across the distance, causing Yang Jin's face to flush; he quickly averted his gaze and responded to Meng Tian
Suddenly, she gently leaned closer, like a light cloud drifting by
I suspect that those monsters are not actually migrating, but are instead coming for you, Third Brother!" Tao Su expressed her greatest concern.
As the sun sets behind the western mountains, Yang Jin gazes at the Chu Li draped in the glow of the sunset, resembling a beautiful fallen immortal. In this moment, he truly wishes that this feeling and scene could last forever, that all worldly disputes would have nothing to do with him, Yang Jin, and that it could remain this way, indefinitely, until the end of time.
Yang Jin's seat was directly opposite the empty seat, and Gu Yong sat behind Yang Jin, inhaling the aroma of the meat on the table but unable to pick up his chopsticks. He muttered softly in complaint: "What kind of sorcerer is this, a charlatan pretending to be mysterious, acting so grandly, leaving us here to starve."
Suddenly, Yang Jin thought of a terrifying question: if Xu Fu harbored ulterior motives, then what about Chu Li...? What kind of role does she play in the scheme set by Xu Fu? If she is merely a simple assistant, it would be unnecessary for Xu Fu, who has many disciples, to bring along a strikingly beautiful woman.
Yang Jin examined the construction drawings and found it strange that there was a long stretch of road where the width remained completely uniform regardless of the terrain. This design did not take the surrounding topography into account, resulting in the need for significant manpower to level certain areas while requiring large amounts of earth to fill others. Such an unreasonable waste of human and material resources is evidently highly impractical
Chu Li smiled brightly at Tao Su Ming, but when she turned to Yang Jin, her expression immediately hardened: "Where is the design I asked you for? Is it done yet?"
Then I will accompany you in conversation. Chu Li adjusted her skirt and squatted down, looking at Yang Jin, whose expression was somewhat melancholic and filled with desolation, and couldn't help but speak out.
In this tent, only Chu Li would usually barge in without prior notice. Yang Jin instinctively thought it was Chu Li who had arrived. Facing the cold wind that swept into the tent, she joyfully looked up and said: "You are here?"
Of course not! Yang Jin chuckled.
In fact, the two of them have not lacked opportunities to meet in recent days, but each has their own responsibilities, leaving no chance for interaction. They only exchanged some words regarding the construction of the Great Wall. Chu Li, with her unparalleled beauty, inevitably made Yang Jin, such a straightforward and honest man, feel somewhat nervous and shy while conversing with her
Chu Li gently shook her head: "Why does the teacher need to tell you? What the teacher intends to do is beyond the authority of even General Meng Tian to question. Do you think that what the teacher plans to do requires an explanation to you one by one?"
Why are the monsters migrating here with all their might
Do you still remember me? Tao Su recalled her brief encounter with Chu Li at the banquet in Cloud City
I originally intended to create them based on their appearances, but I am not skilled in drawing or sculpting, and I simply could not manage it. Therefore, I had no choice but to write their surnames on their foreheads for distinction. Yang Jin pointed to the dolls and introduced to Chu Li, "This is my elder brother Wu Zhuo, this is my second brother Tian Ruihe, unfortunately, he died in a battle against the Hu people. I am the third, the fourth is Gu Yong, who is brave and skilled in combat, and the fifth is Tao Su, who is very clever and often helps me devise strategies. Brothers! Meet Miss Chu."
"Found it." Yang Jin, noticing her expression, asked curiously, "Do you recognize this thing?"
If it were not for Tao Su's reminder, Yang Jin would indeed have forgotten about the bronze artifact. Although he still had it with him, it was no longer carried on his person but rather placed in his bag.
As this reasoning continued, many overlooked clues were suddenly picked up by him one by one
"Wait until next spring, and you should quickly eliminate a few of those Hu leaders. Don't think that just one Yang Rui is enough; even ten Yang Ruis would be easily dealt with." Tao Su took the opportunity to tease Gu Yong
Moreover, the construction of the Great Wall originally required only earth, stone, and bricks, yet Xu Fu demanded a large quantity of copper and iron from Yunzhong County, the purpose of which remains unclear. Could it be that he intends to cast copper and iron on the surface of the Great Wall?
This time, Yang Jin fell silent, struggling for a long while before finally mustering the courage to say: "I believe that thing... seems to be related to the demonic creatures!"
Chu Li's hand was as delicate as a soft reed, and Yang Jin was reluctant to let go. Chu Li did not struggle; the firelight infused her sparkling eyes with a dazzling brilliance as she gazed at Yang Jin, her expression pitifully charming. Women from Qin and Chu are known for their cheerful and uninhibited nature. If it were a woman like Yang Rui, she would have long been blushing with embarrassment, but Chu Li remained poised and graceful.
Do not speak to anyone about our night exploration of the Great Wall tonight!" After returning to the tent, Yang Jin reminded Tao Su once again
Faced with this seemingly ambiguous response, Yang Jin felt quite helpless and could only follow Xu Fu's instructions. However, he combined the methods he gleaned from the bamboo slips with the techniques of the Mohist school, constructing a transport frame for moving bricks and stones using wood and ropes, which significantly reduced the labor intensity of the hard work and also accelerated the speed of the wall's construction
I have never regarded Yang Rui as a servant". As soon as Yang Jin uttered these words, he suddenly felt a twinge of regret. Although he was still quite naive about emotions, he had already begun to grasp something vaguely.
At that moment, as they drew closer, Yang Jin caught a unique fragrance, one that was difficult to replicate with flowers and herbs; it must have been a distinctive body scent of Chu Li. Yang Jin had never been close to any girl, let alone experienced such an enchanting subtle aroma. For a moment, it felt dreamlike and ethereal as their eyes met silently, and time seemed to flow back to that hillside at dusk, where neither of them wished to break the warmth and tranquility of the moment.
Meng Tian is currently organizing the military horses and intends to personally lead a contingent to escort Xu Fu to the construction site of the Great Wall. Yang Jin has taken the two soldiers to meet Xu Fu first. Upon seeing the soldiers' palms, Xu Fu showed a slight expression of surprise; however, he evidently did not doubt Yang Jin's words and therefore did not inquire further.
The women in the Yuncheng area endure the harshness of sun and wind, their skin dark red and rough, and they are required to perform many heavy tasks, rendering their robust physiques devoid of any beauty. Even such women are a rare sight in military barracks; the woman beside Xu Fu is regarded by all as a celestial being from a painting. Even in the beautiful city of Xianyang, where lovely women abound, this woman stands out as a true gem among people, making one feel as if they have encountered a warm sun on a bitter winter day. Even such women are a rare sight in military barracks; the woman beside Xu Fu is regarded by all as a celestial being from a painting. Even in the beautiful city of Xianyang, where lovely women abound, this woman stands out as a true gem among people, making one feel as if they have encountered a warm sun on a bitter winter day
Chu Li's every frown and smile, each expression of joy and sorrow, possessed their own unique beauty, captivating Yang Jin to the point of distraction. Upon hearing her question, he hurriedly replied: "I can change, but I do not know what the young lady wishes to change."
One day, Chu Li came to find Yang Jin, asking him to design an object that could rise and fall freely while also having an axle. Only the drawing was needed, no manufacturing required. Chu Li took the initiative to make the request, and how could Yang Jin refuse? Without a moment's hesitation, he readily agreed, completely unaware of the unwilling expression on Chu Li's face when the request was made, nor did he notice that this object had no connection whatsoever to the gift he had previously given to Chu Li.
What is this?" Chu Li couldn't help but ask. Yang Jin was completely focused on manipulating the puppet and had not noticed anyone approaching. When he realized that Chu Li had come to his side at some point, he shyly said, "These are my four sworn brothers"
"Tell me about it!" Yang Jin was very interested, even though Tao Su said it was a baseless folk legend. However, the matter of him encountering a demon in Yunzhong County, if told elsewhere, would also be nothing more than a baseless and bizarre legend
Yang Jin remarked, "Then why is he so mysterious? I asked him about the matter of consuming a large amount of copper and iron, but he did not speak directly."
Yang Jin was taken aback for a moment after speaking, realizing that the person who had arrived was not Chu Li, but rather a man, unmistakably Tao Su, whom she had not seen for a long time
The sudden fierceness that flashed in her eyes, along with her unusually delicate reprimand, was vastly different from her usual demeanor, as if she were two different people... That feeling was like... like...
"Has the sorcerer sent by His Majesty the Emperor arrived? I understand, you can rest assured, I will definitely discuss this matter with the sorcerer and ask him to find a way to treat your unusual ailments." Yang Jin said this, but he had other plans in mind. Influenced by Yang Mao, Yang Jin had never had a good impression of practitioners of sorcery. Especially when he was young, he had witnessed scoundrels who used the name of sorcery to deceive others while fleeing with Yang Xu to seek refuge with his uncle. However, now that these two soldiers were in a desperate situation, Yang Jin had no choice but to agree to them for the time being, while secretly planning to arrange for them to go to the Central Plains on another day to seek a renowned physician.
Chu Li shot him an annoyed glance and said, "Why would I commit suicide when everything is perfectly fine?"
After Tao Su finished speaking, Yang Jin remained silent for a long time, seemingly lost in thought.
Chu Li's eyes flickered, and her face flushed. In her hand was the musical instrument gifted by Yang Jin. It was difficult to fall asleep at midnight, not least because of the entanglement of emotions. Yang Jin, that young man, might not fully understand her feelings at this moment, but Chu Li knew her own heart, and inevitably felt a bit guilty. She pretended to throw the "shakuhachi" into the stove.
"Hmm, what is it?" Yang Jin looked at Tao Su in confusion
As soon as Chu Li's voice emerged, Gu Yong felt his bones and flesh soften. Since joining the army, he had only seen one young woman, Yang Rui, after Yang Jin was granted nobility. However, Yang Rui only served Yang Xu at home and never came to the military camp unless there was an important matter. Even when she saw Gu Yong, she spoke very little. Gu Yong had never heard such a heavenly voice before, and he had completely forgotten about food and drink; merely looking at Chu Li seemed to satisfy his hunger and thirst.
"Young man finds the accent of the alchemist very familiar, may I ask where the alchemist is from?" Yang Jin thought of this and fabricated a reason, testing Xu Fu, "My ancestors are from Yan, could it be that we are from the same hometown as the alchemist?"
Sister Rui likes her brother and is reluctant to see you go, so she cried. Yang Xu stood at the door and said this as a matter of course
Xu Fu, with white hair and a youthful face, wore a high crown and had his hair tied back. He was draped in a plain long robe, with silk ribbons hanging at his waist, and three strands of long beard floated gracefully in front of his chest. He strode into the hall with his head held high, exuding an ethereal and transcendent aura. He greeted the officer who stood to welcome him with a courteous gesture. What was most surprising, however, was that a young woman followed closely behind Xu Fu, illuminating the eyes of everyone present like a bright lamp.
Xu Fu was the imperial envoy sent by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, specifically in charge of the construction of the Great Wall. In this matter, even Meng Tian had no right to intervene. If he merely had doubts, could he question the imperial envoy? ... This is the Qin Dynasty, and the will of Emperor Shi Huang cannot be defied by anyone. To question the envoy is to question the Son of Heaven, unless ...! ... he possesses irrefutable evidence!
Chu Li gazed deeply at Yang Jin, as if the clear and profound light in her eyes rippled with a strange brilliance
Chu Li lowered her head, as if afraid that the light would reveal her expression. She hurriedly picked up the silk and took her leave. Since Tao Su was nearby, Yang Jin did not think much of it.
Yang Jin chased after her, staring in astonishment at the receding figure of Chu Li, feeling a mix of joy and confusion. No matter how dull he was when it came to emotions, he understood at that moment that Chu Li must have developed feelings for him. ... But ... ... Chu Li's reaction ... ...
"Third brother, what is this? Did you bring me here just to see this?" Tao Su could not discern the intricacies of the device before her
Yang Jin and Tao Su quietly climbed the Great Wall, trekking on foot for approximately over 1 mile, and arrived at the section where Yang Jin had previously raised questions about the design plans.
Chu Li said softly: "Just as you saw me pick up the 'shakuhachi' outside the tent, yet mistakenly thought I was going to take my own life with a knife. Sometimes, even if you see something with your own eyes, it may not necessarily be true. Why do you still prefer to believe your eyes rather than my words?"
Xu Fangshi is well-versed in the art of construction? That is excellent. In my camp, there is indeed a person who is proficient in construction techniques. If he remains under my command, it would be a waste of his talents. I can recommend him to Xu Fangshi to assist him. " Meng Tian's surprise was evident as he called out to the seat opposite Xu Fu, " Yang Jin.
Yang Jin made a bitter face and said, "Just one! I still don't know if I've been deceived or not!"
Yang Jin exclaimed, "Exactly! He is Gu Yong, the fourth! Miss Chu Li, your painting skills are truly extraordinary."
Chu Li examined the ancient bronze key under the lamp meticulously, not overlooking even a single line or pattern, and then gently shook his head: "I cannot tell, I cannot make it out either"
Thinking of the remains of the Southern Barbarian found in the cave, Yang Jin instructed Tao Su to inquire in the barracks whether there were any soldiers or refugees who had come from the south, as this might provide some clues.
The next morning, Yang Jin returned home first to bid farewell to Yang Xu. Since he was to follow Xu Fu, he needed to accompany Xu Fu to build the Great Wall. This journey involved crossing mountains and traversing desolate areas, making it inconvenient to bring Yang Xu along. Moreover, he was no longer a homeless wanderer, so it was only natural to leave Yang Xu in Yunzhong County.
Yang Jin did not care about revealing the Mo family's techniques to Chu Li, but the technology integrated into the puppet was derived from the bamboo slips, and he was not adept at lying, so he awkwardly said: "This... this cannot be told to you"
Upon arriving at the Great Wall construction site, Yang Jin truly understood why the world regards the building of the Great Wall with such trepidation. It was already the cold winter season, yet the prisoners sent to construct the Great Wall still resided in thatched, leaky huts, dressed in tattered clothing and thin trousers, many suffering from frostbite and ailments. Although the soldiers had tents and fur cloaks, they too found it difficult to withstand the biting northern winds and snow, and the campfire was kept burning day and night without daring to extinguish it
"Third Brother, I have a conjecture; please listen and see if it makes sense," Tao Su said to Yang Jin. "Before the Seven Kingdoms rose to prominence, there were countless small and large feudal lords, among whom were not few who mastered sorcery and evil arts, especially the Southern Barbarians who were the most prosperous. The people in the underground caves were part of this group, and they were annihilated by our Great Qin. The remnants fled here, hiding underground and secretly crafting demonic weapons, waiting for an opportunity to take revenge on our Great Qin. However, the demonic weapons they created turned into uncontrollable monsters, ultimately leading to their own downfall, as they were buried under the hands of these monsters."
The silent Great Wall is deserted, with stone slabs and various building materials piled everywhere. The laborers and soldiers have withdrawn to rest, and there are even no sentinels stationed at the completed watchtowers. Meng Tian's army of 300,000 is still stationed in the clouds, and the Hu people would not dare to risk attacking such a desolate place that lacks food, women, money, and goods. There is no value in occupying or garrisoning here.
Chu Li ... ! ... This girl's name is indeed aptly chosen. She is clearly an untamed raccoon.
I have no siblings, nor friends. Since I can remember, I have been wandering around with my teacher..." Chu Li said softly, a hint of loneliness subtly rising between her delicate brows.
Yang Jin suddenly recalled the civet cat she had seen in the mountains during her childhood. That animal was usually gentle and well-behaved, often lazily lying on a tree. However, once provoked, its soft, cushion-like paws would swiftly reveal sharp claws, and its mouth, which typically only licked its fur with a delicate tongue, would emit fierce growls and display its fangs
Since the establishment of the Great Qin, Meng Tian has been engaged in years of military campaigns along the borders, possessing an intimate knowledge of the geography, topography, and local customs of regions such as Yunzhong and Jiuyuan, providing Xu Fu with a detailed introduction during the escort journey
"Good! I did not expect that Miss Chu Li not only possesses remarkable artistic skills but also has an extraordinary memory!" Yang Jin squatted down, gazing at the lifelike figure of Gu Yong on the ground. In his delight, he lamented, "Unfortunately, no matter how lifelike they are, they cannot converse with me. The mechanical knowledge I have acquired is still insufficient to endow them with vivid expressions and the ability to speak."
"Why is there a woman?" Chu Li immediately determined the gender from the shape of the adult puppet
"You little rascal! Dare to make fun of me!" Yang Jin laughed and scolded as she gave him a tap on the head
Chu Li put down the "shakuhachi" without the slightest awareness of her wearing a small garment, the buds blooming, and even revealing a trace of a snowy valley on her chest.
In the evening, Yang Jin was in the tent designing the items entrusted to him by Chu Li. His design was actually complete; he was merely conducting the final simulations to ensure that there would be no mistakes. Just as he reached the last step of the simulation and was about to reveal a satisfied smile, the tent curtain was drawn open.
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If this state of Zeng did exist, there is no need for speculation; Zeng must have truly existed in the past. If this state of Zeng indeed engaged in some unimaginable activities, such as... creating monsters. This is no longer a legend; it has been witnessed firsthand in the underground caves of Yunzhong County. If the actions of the Zeng Marquis aroused the suspicion and fear of the Zhou Son of Heaven, leading to the dispatch of troops to eradicate the state of Zeng, and if there were remnants of Zeng that survived and subsequently... fled to hide underground in Yunzhong County. If the actions of the Zeng Marquis aroused the suspicion and fear of the Zhou Son of Heaven, leading to the dispatch of troops to eradicate the state of Zeng, and if there were remnants of Zeng that survived and subsequently... fled to hide underground in Yunzhong County
Tao Su smiled wryly and said: "Isn't this nonsense? I also find it absurd and laughable. If it weren't for my elder brother's prior instructions regarding this matter, and this being the only piece of information, I really wouldn't want to mention it."
Yang Jin understood Meng Tian's intentions and quickly clasped his fists and bowed, saying: "General, Master Xu, you flatter me. If Master Xu does not mind, I am willing to follow Master Xu and serve the country."
One evening, as Chu Li returned from overseeing the construction project, he suddenly noticed on a flat area halfway up the mountain that Yang Jin was dancing and gesturing in front of four strange individuals. Although these four acted according to Yang Jin's commands, their movements were stiff and lacked the fluidity of flesh and blood. Curiosity compelled him to approach and observe more closely
Ah! So it turns out to be a servant
Yang Jin returned to the military camp and bid farewell to Wu Zhuo and others, admonishing them not to neglect the city defense and to remember their responsibility to protect the citizens within the city. Gu Yong could not stand others being overly sentimental and said, "Third Brother, it’s not like you’re leaving for good, why do you need to explain everything so clearly?" Yang Jin thought this was also true, but when he left, Gu Yong was the first to burst into tears. Having known each other as brothers without ever parting ways, the feelings of separation were naturally hard to bear
Yang Jin rushed into the tent, only to be taken aback once again
"Little apprentice Chu Li." Xu Fu smiled as he introduced Meng Tian, "Chu Li, have you not yet met the general?"
The four figurines simultaneously clasped their fists in a salute to Chu Li, causing her to laugh so heartily that her flowers swayed. She mimicked the stiff movements of the figurines and returned the gesture, saying, "This young lady is honored. Hehe, this is truly delightful; I have never seen anything so interesting. How did you create this?"
Chu Li curled her lips, unsure whether to believe it or not. She looked at the four puppets standing there without anyone directing them, looking foolish and confused, which was quite endearing. Unable to help but smile, she asked, "Can this puppet be altered?"
Yang Jin suddenly realized, recalling that these two individuals were the ones who had reached into the smoky copper cauldron in the underground cave. At that time, the three of them had extended their hands into the cauldron, and one person had met a tragic end, while the other two showed no signs of distress. Therefore, Yang Jin had not paid them any mind and quickly forgot about them. In retrospect, it is evident that the copper cauldron was indeed a tool for creating demonic creatures
Yang Jin, upon seeing this, realized that there must be some hidden circumstances between the two. He hurriedly helped them up and asked with concern, "What is it that is life-threatening? Please feel free to speak."
Xu Fu repeatedly expressed his good wishes, and together with Meng Tian and Yang Jin, they drank and spoke freely. In a moment of drunkenness, Meng Tian revealed the threat of the demonic creatures. The people in the court did not actually believe in the existence of such absurd entities, stubbornly attributing the disturbances to the Hu people. However, in the vicinity of Yunzhong City, everyone was already aware of it. Although Meng Tian made every effort to contain the information, how could such news be kept under wraps? The more bizarre the news, the faster it spread.
Yang Jin felt a renewed sense of doubt. The strange illness afflicting these two soldiers was caused by the bronze ding of the Zeng state. Without the corresponding medical skills of the Zeng state, even if Bian Que were to be reborn, it should not have been so easily cured. Unexpectedly, this strange illness was resolved effortlessly in front of Xu Fu. Was it truly that Xu Fu, as a practitioner of the arts, possessed extraordinary powers, or did the techniques he mastered have an inexplicable connection to the mysterious Zeng state, which is not recorded in history?
Chu Li pointed at the image on the ground and said with a smile, "The person I saw at General Meng Tian's banquet, who was staring at me foolishly, he must be one of your brothers, right"
But what are the monsters doing here? What reason does Xu Fu have to wait here to open a passage for those monsters? He is a sorcerer highly trusted by the First Emperor, enjoying endless wealth and honor. Does he really need to come here to plot against a group of monsters? Although these monsters are terrifying, it is evident that they cannot charge straight into Xianyang. The First Emperor's army, which swept across the six directions, can easily eliminate these monsters!
He ordered Chu Li to bring a brocade box. Upon opening it, there were two pills and two paper packets inside. Xu Fu commanded the soldiers to swallow the pills, open the paper packets, and sprinkle the powder inside onto their palms. Using a damp cloth, they rubbed their palms repeatedly. In less than a quarter of an hour, the two men's palms returned to their original state
Yang Jin was taken aback and awkwardly said: "Ah! You... you are not going to commit suicide..."
I certainly believe your words! Whatever you say, I will believe it; if you say the sky is red, I will go to the heavens and change its color! After all, you are right!
Yang Jin walked under the wooden frame and observed carefully for a while, finally understanding what Xu Fu intended to do with the copper and iron. It was evident that the central structure of the apparatus was missing a crucial component. He recalled the design he had just handed over to Chu Li, whose dimensions were just right to be placed in the center of the apparatus. Once activated, it would be able to control the cone to drill into the ground
Why was Xu Fu able to easily cure the mutated hands of those two soldiers
Yang Jin was taken aback, murmuring, "Is that so?"
Tao Suyi was taken aback. Yang Jin arrived in such a mysterious manner, and he originally thought there was some significant secret, yet he left so easily? This was clearly not in line with Yang Jin's style. However, since Yang Jin said he was leaving, he did not ask further. Among the sworn brothers, he was the most perceptive. He could tell that Yang Jin had something on his mind, and he knew that when the time came for Yang Jin to share, he would certainly reveal everything without reservation.
The land beyond the Great Wall is inherently less rich in resources than the Central Plains. Moreover, it is the height of winter, and fruits and vegetables are scarce. To entertain the Taoist priest, a unique feast of beef and lamb has been specially arranged. Meng Tian sits in the center, leaving a seat beside him for the Taoist priest, while the deputy general and the guards have already taken their places, yet the Taoist priest has yet to make an appearance.
Chu Li entered the banquet hall, removing her fur cloak used for warmth, and her exquisite and graceful figure was instantly revealed. Just the act of bending down to take a seat showcased her enchanting posture, which was simply breathtaking. Yang Jin noticed that Gu Yong behind her was acting strangely and turned to look. It turned out that after Chu Li sat down, Yang Jin obstructed Gu Yong's line of sight, and he was now craning his neck, trying hard to see past Yang Jin's shoulder. Yang Jin shot a reproachful glare at Gu Yong, but to her surprise, Gu Yong's eyes were only on Chu Li, completely oblivious to Yang Jin's disapproving look.
Miss Chu Li, what exactly is Xu Fangshi doing on the Great Wall? He has used a large amount of copper and iron, and has also constructed a peculiar framework, including the item you asked me to design... Yang Jin made an effort to prevent Chu Li from detecting his doubts
"Third brother, this young lady is called Chu Li, isn't she?" After Chu Li had walked far away from the tent, Tao Su finally opened his mouth to inquire.
From that day on, whenever the two had free time, they would gather together to chat about various topics. No matter what Yang Jin spoke about, Chu Li would often listen quietly. Yang Jin would occasionally create novel items to please Chu Li, such as a bird that chirped on schedule and flowers that bloomed in the wind, all of which Chu Li received with joy and laughter
This Yang Jin, a disciple of the Mohist school, is proficient in machinery and civil engineering, and possesses both wisdom and courage. Meng Tian does not hesitate to praise him, stating, "If a person like this were to assist a sorcerer, it would be like adding wings to a tiger"
The bamboo slips do not contain any records related to the Zeng State; instead, they document various construction techniques, accompanied by the author's insights. It is evident that these are notes written by a certain individual from the Zeng family who had secluded himself underground. After reading them, Yang Jin experienced a sudden enlightenment, and in conjunction with the obstacles encountered during previous manufacturing research, many difficulties were resolved effortlessly. He greatly benefited from the bamboo slips and could not help but marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the Zeng State, lamenting that it has not been passed down through the ages. However, perhaps it was precisely because of this technology that far exceeded that of the time that the Zeng State embarked on a path of destruction. As the saying goes, water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it; the bronze cauldron used to create magical creatures is indeed the most compelling evidence of this.
Yang Jin said slowly: "That thing... should not have appeared on the Great Wall, nor was it meant to strengthen the defenses of the Great Wall. I am skilled in manufacturing, and this much can still be seen!"
Yang Jin felt as if his lips had been gently kissed by the clouds, soft, tender, fragrant, and warm... Then, it was as if he had stepped onto the clouds, his entire being and heart floated away...
The monsters are migrating here, and machinery is being constructed to drill into the ground. Is it to welcome the monsters? Of course, the monsters can also surge from the surface, but Cloud City stands between the monsters' lair and this section of the Great Wall. Traveling from underground, while undoubtedly a massive undertaking, is certainly much safer.
However, from another perspective, what if it is true? When people spread messages that are already imbued with legendary qualities, they often cannot help but embellish and process them, making the disseminated information more captivating and accelerating its spread, much like the magical creatures of Yunzhong County and the myths and legends that have persisted to this day. The story brought by Tao Su has been passed down through countless generations, and it undoubtedly contains some unrealistic elements, but what if a part of it is true?
It was evident that Chu Li was angry, and Yang Jin was at a loss regarding this matter. His skilled hands could restore damaged instruments to their original condition, or even improve them beyond their previous state. However, when it came to mending the relationship with the girl he admired, Yang Jin was even less capable than a novice apprentice.
"Just in time, I have something to ask for your help with," Yang Jin said as she walked to the side of the tent, removing the covering oilcloth, revealing two figurines, one large and one small. "Miss Chu, could you paint faces on these two figurines?"
Chu Li turned to leave, but suddenly saw the bronze artifact placed on the table. Her expression changed instantly as she grabbed the bronze artifact and examined it closely, exclaiming, "Where did this come from?"
I am going to supervise the construction of the Great Wall, which is different from those death row inmates and repeat offenders, so you need not worry so much. Although Yang Jin knew that Yang Rui was speaking falsehoods, he could only comfort her by going along with her words. When he thought about saying more, he found himself at a loss for where to begin and could only fall silent.
The two of us have visited the renowned physicians in the city, but none have a remedy. We have heard that a practitioner from Xianyang has arrived in Yunzhong today and is being hosted at a banquet by the general. The guard is a trusted confidant of the general and will surely be among the invited. As they spoke, they knelt down again, repeatedly bowing their heads, and said, "I humbly request the guard to inform the practitioner of this matter during the banquet, seeking the practitioner's elixir and miraculous methods to save me."
Chu Li picked up a branch, tilted his head in thought, and began to draw on the ground with swift strokes. In a short while, the image of Gu Yong vividly came to life.
"I wonder what ingredients were used in this pill by the alchemist, as it has such remarkable effects?" Yang Jin asked curiously
"It's nothing, let's go back!" Yang Jin said dejectedly
Is this true?" Yang Jin was overjoyed
"Charging at me?" Yang Jin looked at Tao Su with confusion.
Night exploration of the Great Wall, has he unraveled the mystery? He has uncovered some, yet has added more confusion. However, he is also aware that until everything is thoroughly understood, he can only bury his doubts deep within his heart
There were quite a few soldiers from Chu, but most had never heard of a country called Zeng. Only one soldier told me a story. He said that in the Yunmengze area, there has been a magical legend passed down for a long time. It is said that during the previous dynasty of Zhou, there was a small country in the Yunmengze area called Zeng. The Duke of Zeng learned sorcery from somewhere, allowing him to command demons and spirits. When he raised the soul-calling banner, all the demons and spirits in the world would heed his command. The Son of Heaven of Zhou ordered the feudal lords to rise up against him, but they were still no match. The Duke of Zeng, unaware of the consequences, continued his tyrannical ways and ultimately angered the heavenly deities. The deities, with their immense power, uprooted the state of Zeng from the earth and cast it into the chaotic world, where it would suffer the torment of heavenly thunder for eternity
This section of the Great Wall is nearly completed, yet there is a massive wooden frame erected on it, within which lies an unidentified apparatus, standing at a height of 3 zhang and a width of 1.2 zhang, with an inverted cone suspended below. The key points connecting this enormous wooden frame are reinforced with fine iron, and the inverted cone is entirely cast from fine iron.
After Tao Su withdrew, Yang Jin continued to diligently study the bamboo slips obtained from the cave. The characters on the bamboo slips were obscure and difficult to read. Through extensive research of various texts, Yang Jin discovered that the script on the bamboo slips bore a close resemblance to the characters from the Chu region, which further supported the conjecture that the historical state of Zeng might have existed in the south. Unfortunately, the bamboo slips were incomplete, and Yang Jin was unable to read the entire text, relying only on fragments to explore and ponder.
Who said I want to play a tune! Chu Li looked at Yang Jin, then glanced at what was in his hand
Xu Fu stroked his beard, squinting as he examined Yang Jin, and exclaimed: "The Mo family school has a long history, forming its own system, with a continuous emergence of talents. I did not expect that there would be such a young hero under the general's command, which makes this old man envious."
The beautiful figure sitting at the top of the curtain seemed to pick up a short sword, examining it for a moment, and suddenly lunged towards her throat. Yang Jin was taken aback and exclaimed, "Miss Chu! You must not!"
"What is the problem?" Chu Li's eyes suddenly narrowed.
Yang Jin walked out of the house holding a package carefully prepared by Yang Rui, while Yang Rui held onto Yang Xu, standing at the door to bid farewell. If one were unaware of their relationship, one might mistakenly think it was a wife sending off her husband with their son. A gust of cold wind blew by, and Yang Jin tightened his clothing on the horse, gazing at the vast sky, a sense of inexplicable melancholy rising within him, making him unable to resist the urge to let out a few long howls to vent his feelings
Who else could it be but me? Third Brother, did you know I would come? Tao Su, with a face showing signs of travel, looked at Yang Jin with joy
Xu Fu was a practitioner of the arts of divination, unlike some officials in the court who were rather obstinate. He stroked his beard, slightly inebriated, and said: "Consider our vast Qin territory, rich in resources, where it is not surprising for some unknown wild beasts to roam in the remote borderlands. After I conduct a thorough investigation, I will certainly devise a method to address this matter"
Looking at Chu Li's silhouette, Yang Jin smiled wryly in resignation
After hearing Xu Fu's words, Yang Jin suddenly remembered the two mutated soldiers he had almost forgotten and quickly informed Xu Fu of the matter, asking for his assistance. On one hand, Yang Jin wanted to see if this alchemist, who was highly valued by the First Emperor, truly lived up to his reputation; on the other hand, although the hands of the two soldiers had mutated, their lives were not in serious danger. If Xu Fu could indeed cure them, it would be a good thing; even if he could not, they could always seek another famous doctor. However, Yang Jin concealed the matter of the underground cave and only mentioned that the two were injured in battle against demonic creatures. After hearing this, Xu Fu readily agreed without hesitation and asked Yang Jin to bring the soldiers to see him the next day
"Third Brother?" Tao Su looked at Yang Jin with curiosity
Chu Li seemed to have long been accustomed to the gaze of men, lowering her eyelids without glancing aside. She deeply bowed to General Meng Tian, her red lips slightly parted as she softly uttered, "Chu Li has met General Meng. The general's reputation is renowned, and it is a great fortune to meet you today, a blessing of three lifetimes."
"Indeed, has the Third Brother forgotten? That bronze artifact of yours!" Tao Su reminded Yang Jin, "That item is the key to activating the creation of the demon copper cauldron. I suspect that the demons can sense the location of this key."
Chu Li was dressed in a small outfit, holding a "shakuhachi" in her hand, seemingly about to bring it to her lips and play. That "shakuhachi" was personally made for her by Yang Jin when he noticed her feeling dry and bored in the mountains. Upon seeing Yang Jin enter, Chu Li slightly tilted her head, her lively eyes gazing at him like a bird.
Chu Li gazed at Yang Jin, her eyes reflecting a strange charm, akin to a small beast that had spotted a fellow creature intruding into her territory, intending to settle there. She coldly questioned Yang Jin, "Do you wish to take her as your wife?"
Amidst the thick fog, Yang Jin confirmed some speculations, but soon new doubts arose.
I asked you who she is. Chu Li's eyes suddenly revealed a hint of ferocity
The woman's skin is delicate, resembling a lotus flower just emerged from the water. Her cheeks, unable to withstand the cold winds from the north, flush with a rosy hue that perfectly complements her complexion. Her hair is elegantly styled up, revealing a long and fair neck. Her brows and eyes are like a painting, with a glance that stirs waves of emotion. Her pitch-black eyes, reflecting the candlelight, exude a clear and luminous sheen. Her nose bridge is as straight and upright as a mountain ridge, with a small and charming tip. Her lips resemble flowers that are vibrant and dripping with dew after the rain.
Oh? Just like my master, it also belongs to the secret teachings of the school and cannot be shared with outsiders?" Chu Li glared at Yang Jin, her small mouth slightly pouting, pretending to be displeased, and her娇嗔 demeanor was indescribably adorable
This is Yang Rui, and this younger one is my younger brother Yang Xu," Yang Jin introduced.
Xu Fu was quite satisfied with this and praised Yang Jin highly, entrusting all transportation work to Yang Jin. As for the construction project on the city wall, Xu Fu personally supervised every detail, allowing no one to interfere except for Chu Li.
Don't! Without a second thought, Yang Jin rushed forward and grabbed Chu Li's hand.
Are the characters on their foreheads their surnames? Chu Li raised her delicate fingers
Chu Li chuckled softly and playfully tapped Yang Jin on the shoulder with a light punch, saying, "You smooth talker, tell me! How many young ladies have you deceived in this manner?"
The monsters have stopped their hibernation, yet they have not emerged to wreak havoc on the surface. It seems they are in the process of migrating, having excavated a long tunnel underground. By the time I discovered it, the tunnel was already seven or eight miles long, indicating their intention to move silently. Moreover, Tao Su's expression grew serious, "The direction of the tunnel excavated by the monsters... is precisely here"
"This was picked up by my younger brother, as for where it was found, I do not know either." Yang Jin persistently inquired, "What do you think is the origin of this item? Which dynasty, era, or country could it belong to?"
Oh! I... I don't recognize it! I just think this thing is very rare. You know, I have traveled far and wide with my master, so I have seen and learned a lot..." Chu Li stammered a few words and then asked, "Where did you find this thing? It should be an artifact from ancient times, right?"
Why did Chu Li have such a strong reaction upon seeing the ancient bronze key
As the end of the year approaches, the border regions are cold and frozen, and the movements of the monsters have completely vanished. Yang Jin is intensifying the supervision of the construction of the city defenses to prevent the monsters from launching another attack in the spring. At the same time, based on the underground diagrams recorded by Tao Su, he is calculating the surface orientations in an effort to find other entrances and exits where the monsters may appear.
A strange stone fell from the sky, startling the First Emperor. It is necessary to summon the labor of Master Xu to this harsh and cold frontier. All of this is due to my own incompetence, and I feel deeply ashamed. Meng Tian raised his wine cup to Xu Fu, saying, "In the future, I will have to rely more on the immortal arts of the master to ensure the peace of my frontier."
Chu Li... Chu. ... Li, she mentioned that she had traveled the seas with Xu Fu since childhood, so she must have been born in the land of Chu, which is why she took her surname from the place name. And isn't Yunmengze precisely located in the land of Chu?
Tao Su inquired curiously, "Where is it?"
Everything requires a thread to connect them in an orderly manner
Ah! Yang Jin seemed to have been scalded, and suddenly let go. Remembering the doubts in her heart, recalling the intoxicating intimacy with Chu Li just moments ago, the emotionally awakening Yang Jin finally allowed her feelings to triumph over reason, and could not help but directly ask.
Chu Li took the silk cloth, wrinkled her nose and made a face at Yang Jin, playfully pouting: "You know how to be considerate, I, this young lady, am magnanimous and have decided not to be angry with you anymore"
Why did Xu Fu not allow him to intervene in the construction of the Great Wall
"Hehe, Third Brother is here, but there is joy amidst the suffering!" Tao Su winked at him playfully.
"If you have anything unhappy in the future, just tell me," Yang Jin said involuntarily, not even realizing how these words came out so naturally. "Although I don't know what I can do to help you, just speaking out your worries will make you feel much better..."