Chapter 191: I will support you no matter what decision you make

As expected, Qi Shihuai's gaze fell on the National Teacher.

"I, the general, have some matters I need to ask the National Teacher for advice; I don't know if you'd honor me with a visit to my humble abode?"

Qi Shihuai's words pushed the tense atmosphere to its breaking point.

Gu Rongjin's face darkened: "Shihuai, do you know what you're saying?"

In his presence, you want to detain his people?

"I and the National Teacher have always gotten along well; are you misunderstanding something?" Qi Shihuai's expression unchanged.

They indeed were once on the same side; Gu Rongjin also hopes for that in the future.

But now...

"Xiao Yang should return to report; if you have matters to consult him, better wait until we return to the capital to discuss." Gu Rongjin said in an unquestionable tone.

Upon hearing that, Qi Shihuai's expression also sank: "You mean you want me to return to the capital?"

What does returning to the capital mean? Gu Rongjin couldn't possibly not know.

Their conversation seemed light and breezy, but actually reeked of gunpowder.

Mu Yuanzhi truly worried they'd start fighting over a disagreement.

She naturally stood on Gu Rongjin's side.

This matter is no child's play in the mud; it's indeed tying the lives of the nine clans to one's waistband.

And Qi Shihuai clearly wanted to force Gu Rongjin to comply.

Qilin quietly asked the monk: "Can you beat them?"

The monk helplessly said: "What joke are you making? I, a lone monk, could take on tens of thousands of troops; what use is an army? Just go straight to the battlefield."

"Really useless." Qilin muttered under his breath.

What should we do now?

If they don't keep the National Teacher, will Qi Shihuai not let anyone go?

At this moment, the National Teacher sighed, stepped forward, and said: "General Qi and I haven't caught up in a while; rather than picking another day, let's just do it today."

"Xiao Yang!" Gu Rongjin frowned, whispering: "You don't need to sacrifice yourself like this; I have a way!"

The National Teacher, however, gently shook his head at Gu Rongjin.

Gu Rongjin clenched his palms, looking at Qi Shihuai who wore a satisfied smile, and said with a hollow grin: "In that case, the three of us should have a good gathering!"

"Rongjin!" Mu Yuanzhi called out worriedly.

In this situation, she couldn't rest easy leaving Gu Rongjin behind.

"It's fine; don't forget who I am, you go back to the capital first." Gu Rongjin's expression softened as he looked at Mu Yuanzhi, he took her hand and promised: "Rest assured, I know my limits."

Mu Yuanzhi glanced at Qi Shihuai, then, after turning her gaze back, she reluctantly nodded: "Don't act recklessly, don't show off."

"Mm, I promise you."

"Furthermore!" Mu Yuanzhi stared at Gu Rongjin, looking into his eyes, and declared firmly: "No matter what decision you make, I will support you."

Her single sentence outweighed everything in the world.

Gu Rongjin felt his world instantly brighten.

"Wait for me, I won't let you down." Gu Rongjin said solemnly.

Qi Shihuai revealed a satisfied smile and made a gesturing invitation.

As the three departed, the imposing cavalry also gathered up and left.

Mu Yuanzhi watched Gu Rongjin's receding figure, her heart inevitably rising.

"Senior sister, are we just letting them go like that?" Qilin felt somewhat unwilling.

"Maybe giving it our all could work?!"

"They haven't broken ties yet; perhaps there will still be room for reconciliation later, so it's best not to act rashly now." Acting impulsively and playing the hero are not wise choices.

Moreover, she believed he would surely devise plans from behind the scenes!

"Your Highness the Princess is right, Monk Qilin is still too young."

"Are you much older than me?" Qilin snapped.

"At least ten years older is certain."

"Let's go, we should return to the capital sooner." Mu Yuanzhi composed herself and said: "By the way, Master Yuan Yan, are you planning to return to your previous temple?"

"Now that it's come to this, the poor monk can only accompany you back to the capital." The monk said.

"What do you mean 'now that it's come to this, I can only go back with you'?" Qilin couldn't follow his logic: "Go stay at your temple, or if you return to the capital, I'm afraid you'll be purged by Xiao Yichen!"

The monk smiled: "I and Benefactor Xiao are merely passing acquaintances; with you all, we share hardship."

Qilin:?!

"Having a master accompany us, there's someone to look after us on the road—couldn't be better." Mu Yuanzhi said politely.

"Senior sister!" Qilin always felt this monk unreliable, feeling he might betray at any moment; going back to the capital with them, he didn't know if it was well-intentioned.

Although he indeed helped them all the way, without him they might not know when they'd get out of the forest.

After Qilin reconsidered, his mind was full of the monk's goodness, and he felt he had no basis left to stop him.

"Donor Qilin, don't make trouble for nothing; let's go."

"!"

"Damn it, this stinking monk makes him angry every time he speaks!"

"As a monk, shouldn't he be kind and amiable?"

"Who knows." Mu Yuanzhi also didn't understand, but "the National Teacher's words are indeed trusted by the emperor; for any metaphysical matter, big or small, he likes to consult the National Teacher."

"Even so, it still feels worse than detaining Xiao Yichen; besides, he's not here, but no matter what, using one's own sister as a stake—this Qi Shihuai is truly heartless toward his kin."

Even so, it still doesn't feel as good as pressing down on Xiao Yichen, though he isn't here either, but no matter how you say it, using one's own younger sister as a stake, this Qi Shihuai is really enough to be unrecognizing of his six relatives.

Monk: "Don't judge things by appearances."

What do you mean? Are you suggesting Qi Shihuai is completely sure he can get his sister out safely?

Or maybe this sister isn't that important?

What isn't important? Could it be she's not actually a blood relative?

Who knows?

Mu Yuanzhi: "Alright, we need to get going."

It will still take at least ten days to get back to the capital.

These ten days seem peaceful and calm; the prefectures and counties along the way appear unaffected, bustling as usual, prosperous as ever, yet one often hears ordinary folk discussing the war.

Why hasn't the allied force of Fusang State and Huangli State withdrawn yet? Weren't they already supposed to have signed a peace treaty?

Who knows? The court is diligent in conscripting troops, yet it doesn't actually send them out.

Even my nephew has enlisted; how did the world suddenly come to this, needing war?

If I had my way, the court would have sent General Qi out to fight long ago, and there wouldn't be so many problems.

Exactly, I can't fathom what the Son of Heaven is thinking.

We common folk just need to stay fed and warm; we don't want things to become as chaotic as the border.

Mu Yuanzhi sat nearby listening, her brow never relaxing.

The allied forces really want to push further, huh?

Even now, the Son of Heaven still refuses to return military authority to Qi Shihuai.

The Qilin eating noodles really wanted to go over and ask for details, but Mu Yuanzhi held him back and shook her head.

We're not far from the capital now; whatever it is will become clear once we're back in the capital.

One day later, Mu Yuanzhi's group finally returned to the capital; just as they entered the city gate, the latest military news buzzing through the streets reached their ears—another city had been lost!