Under the sky

Chapter 297 Doubt yourself

Gu Qingshang followed Peng Tiancong's team and rushed to Hengshan for reinforcements. Peng Tiancong stayed in Tongren to reorganize his team and sent his subordinate You Wenbao to go to Hengshan at night to pass the news to Li Xuanxuan.

As soon as they entered Xiangdi, they heard that the battles in Qidong and Qiyang were fierce. After Dian Cang quickly captured Lengshuitan, he encountered strong resistance in the two places. Qidong fell for a time, and finally regained it under the fierce attack of deputy commander Lan Shengqing.

As the war situation remained stalemate for more than half a year, more and more important figures from various factions were killed. Most of them were names unfamiliar to Gu Qingshang, but there were also some elders whom he had heard of or even knew.

After arriving at Hengshan, Gu Qingshang led You Wenbao to pay homage to his master. Before entering the main hall, he saw a fat figure.Deputy head Ruan Qifeng came to greet him and was very happy to see Gu Qingshang. He said: "The head is discussing something, please wait a moment." He also praised, "This time you have really made a great contribution!"

Gu Qingshang said: "Mr. Xie from Qingcheng is planning the strategy, I am just assisting."

You Wenbao is a smart and alert person, and he helped: "Miss Gu went out with the army and raided Hanzhong from the Han River. Especially in the battle of Jinzhou, she captured the enemy's leader and made a lot of military achievements."

Ruan Qifeng said: "I know, it was written in the letter sent by Qingcheng." He then said to Gu Qingshang, "I thought you were just going to ask for help, but I didn't expect that you would take the risk of going north to fight a great victory. Is it really true? Uncle Master is impressed."

Gu Qingshang was embarrassed by the praise and said humbly: "It is difficult for all the masters and uncles to resist the powerful enemy."

Ruan Qifeng sighed: "Qidong almost fell, Dian Cang almost came to Hengyang, Qingcheng's ability to repel Huashan as quickly as possible to come to the rescue is a timely help. Qingshang, if the crisis in Qidong can be solved, you should be the first to contribute." "

Gu Qingshang was concerned about the war and asked: "How is it over there in Changsa?"

"The Shaolin reinforcements arrived in time, but Xu Fangge fought hard, and they suffered heavy casualties in just a few months."

Gu Qingshang was very worried and asked: "Where are Junior Brother Ding and Junior Brother Zhao?"

She was asking about Ding Liangji and Zhao Yili.Ding Liangji is three years younger than her, and Zhao Yili is four years younger than her. They are smart, quick to learn martial arts, and extremely talented. They are both Li Xuanxuan's direct disciples.

Ruan Qifeng said: "The leader called them to attend the military meeting."

Gu Qingshang thought to herself: "I will definitely benefit a lot from being able to listen to the military discussion beside the master." He couldn't help but want to wait for the master's summons and listen to the master's teachings.

After a while, Zhao Yili walked out and Gu Qingshang shouted: "Junior Brother Zhao!"

Zhao Yili stepped forward to say hello: "Hello, senior sister." He then said, "Master has ordered me to invite Commander You in for discussion."

Gu Qingshang was about to enter with You Wenbao when Zhao Yili stopped her and said, "Sister, Master only invited Commander You."

Gu Qingshang was stunned: "Can't I go in?"

Zhao Yili said: "No one can enter without being summoned by Master."

Gu Qingshang said: "Is it possible that Master doesn't know that I'm back? Junior brother, please tell Master."

Zhao Yili said: "Master knows that Senior Sister is back, but we are just in the middle of a military meeting. I don't know how long it will take. Senior Sister should go back and wait for Master to summon you, so as not to wait in vain."

Ruan Qifeng was a little embarrassed and said to Zhao Yili: "You go in first, the leader is still waiting for you."

Zhao Yili bowed and left. Ruan Qifeng comforted Gu Qingshang and said, "The master may have other important matters to give separate instructions, so he didn't let you in. You are waiting for the summons in Ziyun Palace. If it is too late, go back to your room to rest, or the academy is at the foot of the mountain. , it’s quick to send someone to summon you.”

Gu Qingshang said: "I'm waiting for Master at Ziyun Palace."

Ziyun Hall is the official office of Hengshan. The three deputy heads and the main halls all have official offices here. As Li Xuanxuan's personal attendant, Gu Qingshang also has a seat in Ziyun Hall.When she came to Ziyun Palace, her fellow disciples were very attentive to her, and everyone praised her for being great. Gu Qingshang just smiled, but felt uneasy.

She waited for two hours, and it wasn't until almost dusk that someone came to ask: "Is Senior Sister Gu still there?"

Gu Qingshang recognized the disciple next to the headmaster and hurriedly stood up and said, "Here he is."

The disciple said: "Master wants to see Senior Sister Gu, please come with me."

Gu Qingshang hurriedly followed and entered Li Xuanxuan's study. He saw Ruan Qifeng also there and greeted him respectfully.

I just heard Li Xuanxuan say: "I heard that you are waiting for me in Ziyun Palace. After being away for a few months, why don't you go back to the academy first?"

Gu Qingshang said respectfully: "This disciple is afraid that the master has something to ask, so he doesn't dare to leave without permission."

Li Xuanxuan said: "I have asked the envoy from Qingcheng what I need to ask. As soon as you come back, go and help Deputy Commander Mao to supervise the delivery of grain and fodder to Changsha and Changsha in eastern Qi."

Gu Qingshang hurriedly said: "Master, I want to go to the battlefield, I can lead the army!"

Li Xuanxuan said: "Transporting food is also a battlefield. It is crucial and cannot be ignored."

Gu Qingshang said: "I have been in the Qingcheng Army for several months, and I am familiar with the rules and regulations of Qingcheng generals. Master..."

Li Xuanxuan shook his head: "Deputy Commander Lan can do these things, you go and help Deputy Commander Mao."

Gu Qingshang returned home after having made great achievements. Not only was there no praise, but he felt that he had been left out. He felt aggrieved, but he still said respectfully: "Yes."

Li Xuanxuan said: "You went to war with Qingcheng. Master has been worried about you. I feel relieved when you come back safely. You need to be smart when doing things with Deputy Commander Mao and don't act out of emotion."

Gu Qingshang finally heard the master's words of concern, felt a little relieved, and said hurriedly: "Disciple will be careful."

When Ruan Qifeng saw Gu Qingshang leaving, he felt puzzled and asked Li Xuanxuan: "Qingshang has made great achievements, so it's okay if the master doesn't praise her. She has experienced battles and is familiar with Qingcheng. Since she is determined to go into battle to kill the enemy, Why not let her try?"

Li Xuanxuan said: "Qingshang is young and still needs training. The front line is a big thing, and the food road is also a big thing."

Ruan Qifeng thought to himself that Qiyang and Changsha were already at home. Although food routes are important, isn't resisting the enemy more important?Moreover, Gu Qingshang has been getting along with the Qingcheng team for a long time. Wouldn't it be more convenient for her to coordinate between the two factions when there are more coalition forces?He couldn't say anything, so he just said: "I think Qingshang is much more stable this time around. Although training is a good thing, the leader shouldn't be too harsh on her."

Li Xuanxuan said: "I understand, you should also step back."

After Ruan Qifeng left, Li Xuanxuan stood alone in front of the window looking at the plum tree, lost in thought.

■

It was already night, and Gu Qingshang returned to Tsing Yi Academy. Yuan Bingzhi was very happy to see her back.Gu Qingshang asked him not to disturb the child's sleep. Yuan Zhen saw her frowning and expressed some concern. Gu Qingshang just said it was okay and sat alone under the eaves of the corridor looking at the plum tree in the atrium.

There are still a few Lantern Festival lanterns hanging on the tree. They were bought with my own money a few years ago to add some flavor to the New Year. However, the lamp oil is a bit expensive and it is not worth burning them all night. They are just hung to bring happiness.

Yuan Zhen was always worried that she would catch a cold, so he took out thick clothes for her. Gu Qingshang declined and said he was going to bed, and went back to the room and tossed around all night.

The next day, when the schoolchildren saw her coming back, a group of children gathered around her. Gu Qingshang smiled broadly, all the depression in her heart was gone.

The schoolchildren all said, "Mr. Yuan is very worried when Miss Gu is away."

Yuan Zhenzhi said awkwardly: "Miss Gu has not been heard from for a long time. Not only me, but also the gentlemen are worried."

Gu Qingshang thought to herself that it was better not to go to the front line. If something happened to him, these children would not know what to do.

After that, she went to the mountain to do business every day, and when she had nothing to do, she would go back to the academy to take care of her children. A few days passed in a flash.When she was about to go out that day, someone knocked on the door of the academy. It was Wen Jingren, the academy's big benefactor. Yuan Zhen hurriedly welcomed him in.

Gu Qingshang was also surprised when he saw Wen Jingren. Last time I heard that he was still in Qingcheng. At that time, Wen Jingren was delivering a letter to his master. It was said that he later helped Qingcheng and Huashan exchange prisoners. Why did he suddenly come to the academy?

Wen Jingren cupped his hands and said, "We rushed back from Huashan and were summoned by the headmaster. We also heard that Miss Gu was coming back and stopped by for a visit."

Gu Qingshang asked in surprise: "Master invited you here? What does she want from you?"

Wen Jingren smiled and said, "I haven't gone to Hengshan yet, so I don't know what's going on with the master." He took out the banknotes from his arms and said, "I made some small profits between Huashan and Qingcheng, and I thought it was Miss Gu who helped me. Only then can I settle down in Xiangdi. I dare not forget this kindness and express my respect."

Gu Qingshang took it smoothly and was surprised when he saw it was a 50-tael silver note. He asked suspiciously: "Mr. Wen, does he need my help for something?"

Wen Jingren was still friendly and said with a smile: "It's nothing. I told you that my younger brother was also a private school teacher, so I know it's not easy for Miss Gu to take care of orphans."

Gu Qingshang thought to himself, since he can see his master, why shouldn't he ask him to ask for help instead of asking him?I'm just afraid that what I'm asking for is not serious.However, it was difficult to maintain the academy, so Wen Jingren donated five taels of silver to the academy every month to cope with it. Nowadays, there is war in Hengshan and soaring food prices, making it more difficult for the academy to operate. This money came just in time.

She knew that many wealthy businessmen were accustomed to collusion and working together to make profits. As the head disciple, she had also encountered fawning and was always ashamed of it. Therefore, even if she struggled to support the academy, she would never charge any extra profits. If she did, she would only receive the money. He was afraid that he would get deeper into trouble, so he said: "Master Wen really wants to help the academy. Gu will thank the students for the generous gift. If he asks for anything, it might be better to ask my two junior brothers."

Somehow, she felt sour when she said this.Wen Jingren said: "The silver is really a gift to the academy, not to mention that Miss Gu has made great achievements and will be favored by the head of the noble sect."

His compliment made Gu Qingshang even more suspicious, but it was true that the academy was short of money, so he had to collect it first. If he really had any requests, he would deal with them later.Having made up his mind, Gu Qingshang sincerely thanked him: "Thank you, Mr. Wen." Yuan Zhen hurriedly reached out and took the bank note. With this extra money, the academy can support it for a little longer.

Wen Jingren said: "Girl, you want to go to Hengshan Mountain too? Why don't you go with us?"

Gu Qingshang refused without any reason. She originally thought that Wen Jingren was riding a carriage, but unexpectedly he came on horseback, so the two of them rode up the mountain side by side.On the way, Wen Jingren asked: "Miss Gu has lived in Qingcheng for a while, and I heard that she also participated in the battle between Qingcheng and Huashan. I don't know that in Miss Gu's eyes, the head of Qingcheng and the acting head of the Gongtang thanked each other." What kind of person is sir?"

Gu Qingshang replied: "Master Shen is courteous and a gentleman. Mr. Xie... is a bit difficult to get close to, but he is resourceful and decisive, and he is a very smart man."

Wen Jingren said: "I heard that Master Shen rejected Miss Gu's marriage, but Miss Gu still praised Master Shen a lot?"

Gu Qingshang suddenly reined in his horse: "How could Mr. Wen know this?"

Her suspicion was not without reason. Although Li Xuanxuan's marriage arrangement was not a secret, it was not publicized with any fanfare. Only three deputy chiefs and a few close associates knew about it, especially Shen Yuqing's polite refusal. The matter involved privacy and was disgraceful. She knew There are fewer people.

Wen Jingren said: "When I visited the master last time, I happened to talk to Deputy Master Mao and his disciples."

"Are you asking about me?" Gu Qingshang suddenly became alert.

Wen Jingren hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Miss Gu, don't misunderstand me. It was just a topic of conversation during a casual conversation. Because I am familiar with Miss Gu, I mentioned it accidentally."

Gu Qingshang was doubtful: "Master Shen is kind and gentle. I am willful about the engagement. He is just considerate for me."

Wen Jingren said: "I am so abrupt, Miss Gu is so polite."

Gu Qingshang said "hmm" without commenting, but he was a little more wary of this seemingly harmless businessman and asked tentatively: "Master Wen said that he listened to your brother and thought that there would be chaos in the world. How could he come to Hengshan?" A place to fight?"

Wen Jingren raised his whip, patted the horse's butt gently, and said: "The Wen family's business is in the Gansu and Shaanxi areas. It would be pointless to move to Shaanxi. Wudang is not suitable for relocation, and Qingcheng and Tangmen are too close." , the beggar gang framed Zhongliang, it is not a good place, I have admired the customs and customs of the south for a long time, so I moved to Hunan."

"In the end, Xiangdi was the first battlefield. Don't you regret it, Master?" Gu Qingshang asked.

"It's a bit helpless." Wen Jingren replied, "But now that I'm here, I can only live here, and I don't know where to live if I move. People go around in circles all their lives, but there is only one way to go, and there is no need to Think about whether the other forks are better."

Gu Qingshang said thoughtfully, "Master Wen is absolutely right."

While they were talking, the two of them had arrived at the Hengshan sect.Gu Qingshang went to see Mao Yanxue, who was in charge of grain and grass, and specifically asked about Wen Jingren. Mao Yanxue said that after the Battle of Lengshuitan, Yin Molan recommended this person to the boss, but Deputy Boss Lan didn't like him, saying he was a profiteer. When asked why the head summoned him, Mao Yanxue didn't know the reason.

She asked about the war again, and Mao Yanxue said: "Deputy Commander Lan wants to take back Qiyang. The city is small and he has set up camp along the mountains and rivers. Vice Commander Lan is guarding the main road, while Chief Yin and Fourth Master Shen of Qingcheng are harassing the enemy in the rear. "

Gu Qingshang said: "What are Deputy Zhang Lan's thoughts? Is it possible that it takes so much time to achieve?"

Mao Yanxue shook her head: "We fought several times but failed to recapture Lengshuitan. Fortunately, Hengshan has accumulated decades of accumulation and abundant grain, so we can afford it. Zhuge Ran wrote many letters to the leader, but the leader didn't even read them. Just drive the envoy back." He then said, "You can go and do the inventory later. There will be another grain team going to Qiyang tomorrow."

Gu Qingshang thought that it would be better to stay at the front line than to order and collect grain in Hengyang, so she said: "Deputy Commander Mao, let me escort the grain to Qiyang tomorrow."

Mao Yanxue said: "I'm afraid I'll encounter some nuisance on the road."

Gu Qingshang replied: "I can take on the challenge."

Mao Yanxue knew that Gu Qingshang had gone deep into enemy territory and fought thousands of miles with the Qingcheng Army. She had rich experience, so she was relieved to have her transport food, so she said: "The front line is dangerous, so you need to ask your master."

Gu Qingshang said: "Deputy Commander Mao is in charge of grain transportation. Do you have to ask Master for such a small matter as sending a food guard? Although I am Master's disciple, I am also a disciple of Hengshan. Since I am ordered to assist the Deputy Commander, there is no difference in status. If When Dian Cang reaches Hengshan, do the two junior brothers have to ask their master before they can draw their swords and fight?"

Mao Yanxue thought she was right, so she said, "Then go."

Gu Qingshang was overjoyed: "Thank you so much, Deputy!"

Mao Yanxue shook her head: "In the early years, when I wanted to compete for the head position, I was as eager to make meritorious deeds as you were. But now is not a peaceful and prosperous time. Your martial arts knowledge needs to be honed. Although your two junior brothers are smart but have little qualifications, Don’t be too impatient.”

Gu Qingshang said: "Disciple understands."

Mao Yanxue still reported the matter to Li Xuanxuan. After hearing this, Li Xuanxuan only said: "Let her go."

Gu Qingshang never saw Wen Jingren again. Upon inquiring, he only found out that Wen Jingren left after a secret meeting with the boss, and did not know what mission he was assigned.The next day, she escorted the grain truck to Qiyang. The journey was much closer than Jinzhou to Hanzhong. During this trip, she felt that Dian Cang was almost at the gate of the city, and she felt even more frightened.

The grain team arrived at the camp safely without encountering any of the Dian Cang disciples. Gu Qingshang had finished delivering the grain and grass. He suddenly thought that since they were all in Qiyang, why not ask Deputy Commander Lan for a favor and stay here?So he told Lan Shengqing that he wanted to stay in the camp, and asked him to send someone to inform Deputy Commander Mao to stay in charge of ordering food.

Lan Shengqing asked in surprise: "Your master agrees?"

Gu Qingshang repeated what he said to Mao Yanxue and said, "Master asked me to help Deputy Mao in charge of food. If I stay at this point, I am also supervising food. It does not violate the order."

Lan Shengqing knew that she wanted to perform meritorious service, so he said: "This is a battlefield. You have to protect yourself. I can't care about you." Of course Gu Qingshang said yes.

When she arrived at the front camp, she saw that the Juma Trench was very solid. She rode her horse out of the camp and went up the mountain to find a high place to overlook the Diancang Camp. The two sides had been in a stalemate for a long time, and the Diancang Camp was equally solid.

Seeing several groups of Dian Cang disciples retreating towards Lengshuitan behind the enemy camp in the distance, Gu Qingshang became suspicious and reported it to Lan Shengqing. Lan Shengqing sneered and said: "It's been like this for the past few months. The fanfare during the day seems to be preparing to retreat. , and came back in the dark with a lantern at night. Zhuge Chao was unable to attack repeatedly and wanted to lure me into fighting, making me think that he was going to attack Shaoyang. I really tried to trick him and almost lost Qidong. "

He added: "Dian Cang is coming from afar. Let's delay the attack. Qingcheng will help disturb their food route. This place is surrounded by mountains and rivers. It is a dangerous place to move down to the stronghold. As long as the defense is stable, the longer it is delayed, the more disadvantageous it will be for them." , sooner or later we have to withdraw our troops. Moreover, we still have important tasks stationed here, so we cannot take risks easily."

What Lan Shengqing said made sense. Gu Qingshang couldn't find fault with it, but he picked up on something and asked, "Isn't it possible that Deputy Commander Lan's top priority is to wait for reinforcements from Qingcheng?"

Lan Shengqing was surprised: "How do you know?"

Gu Qingshang knew that he was grasping the key point, so he pretended to be calm and said: "Uncle, don't you know that I came back with the team led by Commander Peng? I participated in the military discussions on the way."

Lan Shengqing nodded: "Anyway, let's take back Lengshuitan first."

Gu Qingshang followed the words and asked: "After nightfall, I want to take a scout team up the mountain and go around to the back of Diancang camp to explore the situation. Is that okay?"

Lan Shengqing said: "You were originally left in Hengshan to supervise the grain supply. Now that you have come to Qiyang, it is not enough. You also want to be a spy. Every time you think about it, I am afraid that you will be sent to a team for a night attack tomorrow? "

Gu Qingshang said hurriedly: "I am fighting a night attack in Jinzhou. If Deputy Lan needs it, I am willing to lead the team."

Lan Shengqing rolled his eyes: "I know you want to make meritorious deeds, but you can't eat hot tofu in a hurry."

Gu Qingshang: "It will never go wrong to send more spies. I have just arrived at the camp. I need to know more about the terrain, and I also want to explore the reality."

Lan Shengqing said: "Do you think it's easy to be a spy? You have no experience and you could easily lose your life."

Gu Qingshang said proudly: "I am Master's disciple, shouldn't I take risks and get into trouble?"

Lan Shengqing couldn't defeat her, so he had to agree to send her a team of four, telling her to be careful not to go too deep and to come back early.

Gu Qingshang returned to Liangying and asked his disciples.Ever since Zhuge Ran took command of Lengshuitan, Lan Shengqing and Dian Cang were defeated more than once. Last time, they mistakenly planned to retreat. Not only were they pulled out of camp, but they were also beaten to Qidong. With great difficulty, they fought to the death to get back to the camp. From then on, they Stick to the camp and never leave lightly.

After nightfall, Gu Qingshang dressed up and left the camp.The Wounded Soldiers Camp was right next to the Food and Grass Camp, and in the silent night, faint sounds of crying and moaning could be heard.

There are many female disciples in Hengshan. Most of them go between the wounded barracks and the food team, and some go to the battlefield. Their hair is tied up and wrapped in cloth, and their faces are dirty and hard to distinguish. They don’t have eyes for swords, guns, bows and arrows. No one has time to recognize you when fighting. Male is female.

Waiting for her at the north gate of the camp was a team of four people, one woman and three men. The leading girl saw her and asked, "Senior Sister Gu?"

Gu Qingshang nodded.

"The scouts are in danger, Senior Sister Gu needs to be careful, we will cooperate with you." The leading girl told her.

To make meritorious service and be respected by the master, Gu Qingshang thought about what Xie Gubai said.Life is full of twists and turns, and there is only one way to go.

He still needs to hone himself and learn more things. Even if his master doesn't value him now, he still needs to impress her.

She held a torch and led the team out of the camp and ran towards the mountain.

(End of this chapter)