Chapter 174: Surprise Attack on the Frontier

I'm serious, Little Yuanzhi, you need to think carefully.

Gu Rongjin's low, seductive voice sounded beside Mu Yuanzhi's ear; she could no longer think seriously, and her ears turned red from the teasing.

Hmm, I'll consider it.

At that moment, a white pigeon flew in through the window, tilting its head to look at the two people in the room, not cooing, just hopping about, occasionally flapping its wings.

Mu Yuanzhi spotted something tied to the pigeon's leg.

Pigeon post?

It must be coming for me. Gu Rongjin released Mu Yuanzhi and went to grab the pigeon.

The white pigeon obediently let Gu Rongjin hold it as he untied the letter wound around its leg.

Upon opening it, Gu Rongjin's brow furrowed.

What's wrong? Mu Yuanzhi asked.

Gu Rongjin put the letter away, and the pigeon flew off.

News came from the capital that Fusang Kingdom and Brilliant and Severe Kingdom had gathered several hundred thousand troops at our frontier, launching a surprise attack on our border towns.

He said grimly.

What?! Mu Yuanzhi tensed up. Why would Fusang Kingdom and Brilliant and Severe Kingdom form a joint army? Is Fusang Kingdom trying to retake its cities?

And what about Brilliant and Severe Kingdom? Is it because of the two princes?

That's likely the case. Gu Rongjin said solemnly.

Mu Yuanzhi asked anxiously, "What is the emperor doing? Is he sending the General Who Suppresses Rebellion to lead troops there?"

The emperor is holding back his forces for now. Saying this, Gu Rongjin's expression grew even more solemn.

Why? How many troops can we have at the frontier, and where could we resist a force of several hundred thousand? Mu Yuanzhi also knew a little about military deployments.

We have a garrison of 100,000; even if we mobilize nearby troops, it would only be 200,000, but their joint force could far exceed that number. Gu Rongjin said.

Mu Yuanzhi didn't understand: "Why would they suddenly muster troops to attack, as if they knew the emperor wouldn't send troops? Could it be… could they have seen that the emperor actually doesn't trust the General Who Suppresses Rebellion?"

Gu Rongjin: "You might have hit the nail on the head. Qi Shihuai handed over the cities to me to present to the emperor; that was already a risky move, so the emperor couldn't help but suspect."

But now the enemy is at our doorstep—who else could lead troops?

Otherwise, it would be the late Grand General, my father-in-law. Gu Rongjin said.

That's what "gone" means.

Gu Rongjin: "You might have hit the nail on the head. Qi Shihuai handed over the cities to me to present to the emperor; that was already a risky move, so the emperor couldn't help but suspect."

Mu Yuanzhi sighed and said to Gu Rongjin, "Why don't you go back to the capital for a trip?"

What could I do if I go back? My father probably just wants to find a way to flee. Gu Rongjin said, "I'll write a letter to Qi Shihuai later."

Three days later, feeling she had rested enough, Mu Yuanzhi wanted to set off for the Black Sea.

She took medicine, acupuncture, and herbal baths every day, and her recovery was fairly good.

But Gu Rongjin still hoped Mu Yuanzhi would rest a few more days, knowing she was preoccupied with frontier affairs and wanted to return quickly from the Black Sea to the capital.

They went to eat on the first floor of the inn, where a table of loud guests were talking about the Black Sea, which made Mu Yuanzhi and them very interested.

Really, really, I saw it with my own eyes! It was a huge monster!

What did the monster look like?

I couldn't see it clearly—getting away was the priority!

Mu Yuanzhi and Gu Rongjin exchanged a glance; Gu Rongjin went over, sat down, and put on an eager-to-listen expression: "The monster you two spoke of—is it in the Black Sea? To be frank, I'm planning to go to the Black Sea, and hearing you say that makes me a little afraid."

Oh dear, little brother, you definitely shouldn't go to such a place! the burly man who had just spoken of seeing the monster said: "With my physique, I couldn't even beat that kind of monster—it's truly several times larger than a person! Moreover, who knows if it's just one; someone also saw a giant python!"

Gu Rongjin hissed, looking frightened as he clutched himself: "Isn't it everywhere then?"

Saying it's everywhere would be an exaggeration, but it's pretty much the case; besides, that place is inherently dangerous, with an unfathomable black ocean and primitive forests—what monsters and spirits aren't there?

Gu Rongjin: "Do they also appear in broad daylight?"

Exactly! I've heard that before it wasn't so rampant—only seen at night—but now they come out in broad daylight. Originally, many people lived near the Black Sea, but now they've all moved away, and few outsiders dare to approach.

Well then, that's too scary—I think I won't go after all. Gu Rongjin rose to say goodbye: "Thanks a lot, brothers, for the info."

You're welcome.

Gu Rongjin returned to their table, and the two men who had been bragging also left, full of food and drink.

After they left the doorway, Gu Rongjin related everything he had heard exactly as he had learned it.

Mu Yuanzhi pondered a moment and said, "I somehow feel there's something fishy about this."

Qilin, chewing on a bun, asked, "What fishiness?"

The monk twirling his Buddhist Prayer Beads gave a low chuckle and said, "Use your not-so-smart brain to think about it."

"Did I ask you?" Qilin rolled his eyes.

This smelly monk is dead set on following them—what's wrong with him?

Gu Rongjin said, "I also sense something fishy, as if there's some shameful secret they fear being exposed."

Qilin was unconvinced: "Could it be that you're overthinking? It's normal for such a place to have big monsters—just like in our Southern Border, there are many monsters unknown even to locals, hidden deep in the mountains and old forests; our elders have always warned us not to wander in recklessly."

That makes sense too. Mu Yuanzhi said.

No matter what, we still have to go to the Black Sea—everyone, stay alert. Gu Rongjin poured himself a cup of wine.

Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the monk; though the monk wasn't particularly reliable, having him along made Gu Rongjin feel a bit more at ease.

Having him watch over two people really does put some pressure on him.

Don't worry, senior sister—I'll protect you, absolutely no problem! Qilin thumped his chest in assurance.

Mu Yuanzhi: "Just look after yourself."

She was, after all, most worried about Qilin getting hurt; in this lifetime he must stay safe.

Senior sister, I'm very strong.

"Your senior sister is right, Qilin—you just need to protect yourself well; your senior sister has entrusted me to you," Gu Rongjin said.

Qilin pouted; anyway, he will protect his senior sister well.

"By the way, Yuan Yan, have you ever been to the Black Sea before?" Mu Yuanzhi asked.

The monk chuckled, "I have."

"You should have told us earlier if you've been! Hurry up and tell us!" Qilin urged.

"If you hadn't asked, the poor monk wouldn't have said anything." The monk also poured himself a cup of wine.

He is obviously the sort who lets wine and meat pass through his gut while keeping Buddha in his heart.

【68> Others are also used to him being like that and don't find it strange.

Others were also used to him being like that and didn't find it odd.

"The Black Sea is indeed quite dangerous."