Chapter 59 - Ventral Enemy
After Fox Xiaxia returned from his run, he was placed in General Wei's mansion to recuperate. Still, he kept falling into a deep sleep, and Ouyang Zhong could tell that Fox Xiaxia's mana was significantly depleted. Knowing this was not trivial, he wore the peach kernel whistle he had initially given to Xiao Feifei to cure him of Fox Xiaxia. This peach kernel whistle is a magic weapon that fox Xiaoxian has accompanied. It can not provide Fox Xiaxia healing, but it is not too sure, right as a talisman to protect its safety! However, Ouyang Zhong's kind gesture has instead harmed Fox Xiaxia. At this moment, Fox Xiaxia's magic power is the weakest, his body's ability to resist is inferior, the peach kernel whistle previously adsorbed too much demonic qi from Xiao Feifei Faye's body as well as the resentment of Xiao Wushuang's death, so all these evil spirits took advantage of Fox Xiaxia's deep slumber to invade his body, Fox Xiaxia's demonic qi is back, and Fox Xiaxia's body is gradually growing fine downy hairs.
The temporary Zongcheng City Management Chamber did not use the empty inner courtyard of the Imperial City; instead, it used the inner hall of General Wei's mansion, a space that was not large but specially designed, handled, and heavily guarded. General Wei, Ouyang Zhong, and several vice generals and ministers who stayed behind in Zongcheng often gathered here to deliberate until late at night.
Ouyang Zhong stood in the council hall, looking at the defense map hanging on the wall with a heavy heart. His mind quickly combed through his thoughts, hoping to devise a way to deal with the dilemma of internal and external attacks.
He was clutching a bunch of letters in his hand. The secret mark on the envelope was the unique Double Vermilion Bird talisman of the Ouyang family. When General Wei arrived, he looked at Ouyang Zhong standing with his hands behind his back and patted the young man on the shoulder as if he were comforting. He also guessed a thing or two about how it was.
These secret letters were the information that Ouyang Ming had sent to his son by flying pigeon. Since the royal clan members and civil and military officials of ZongCheng abandoned the city and fled, he and a few of his fellow clan members escorted the young new emperor to migrate southward, preparing to move into the jurisdiction of Marquis of DingGuo DongFangChang in Nandu City and hoping to relocate the capital to Nandu City to revitalize the prestige of the ZhongMing nation.
At first, Ouyang Ming just reported safety in his letter.
Xiao Qing, the fourteenth prince, was only four years old when he was ordered to become the youngest king since the founding of Zhongming. He is not only young and sick but also suffers a lot of shock on the way to escape the high fever and illness. He is scared, and Ouyang Ming is afraid that the ZhongMing Kingdom is about to be cut off. As a first-ranking Minister of State, Ouyang Ming is in the highest position of power in his party; the civil and military officials are with his head. Ouyang Ming summoned the accompanying doctors to treat the little king and even himself day and night at the side of Xiao Qing's care; he has yet to be so devoted to his sons. Luckily, it was only a rush of fire caused by wind-cold plus shock, and the young lord was not seriously hurt.
Another part of the people followed the former eldest princess's extra horse harnessed by the side of a team, the peace Marquis Zhangsun Zhi, who went to the west of Yuepi City. His son is also the Xiao Feifei. Several lashes of Zhangsun Tai is autonomous, followed his father to the west of the migration halfway, looking for a country that will be self-established as a king. The father consented to his son's somewhat unorthodox behavior because, in his opinion, his son only wanted to be an idle prince. In contrast, he tried to establish himself as an emperor and never lived under the suppression of the Xiao family in Zhongming again.
Ouyang Ming, in the letter to Ouyang Zhong, said, this father and son of the two wolves' ambition is clear, although painfully disgusting, but think back to the previous behavior of all kinds of, today's result is not surprising, just now they are not firmly rooted, but also not to be feared. However, later in the letter, Ouyang Zhong can feel the father's real worry and anxiety.
Originally, Ouyang Ming and the Marquis of Dingguo Dongfang Chang were family friends of similar ages; the two spent several years of childhood in the House of the same school and worshipped the same teacher; their feelings were excellent. It can be said that it is not like a brother. Later, we have adults into the official, do several years of peers, even if some of the policies under the different points of view, but also did not cause each other not happy to turn against each other. Dongfang Chang's ancestor was appointed Marquis of Dingguo to enjoy his hereditary title because of his outstanding achievements in the wars of the ZhongMing Kingdom. When Dongfang Chang's father passed away, his hereditary title was moved from Zhongming's capital, Zongcheng City, to the fiefdom, Nandu City. His chances of meeting with Ouyang Ming were much less.
Ouyang Ming was expecting and excited to see his two best friends, who had not seen each other for many years. Still, when he arrived at Nandu City, he realized that the friendship he once had gone with the wind and that there was only a rebel army in front of him who also wanted to make his way in the world.
The young lord and his civil and military officials are now in a dilemma.
Nandu City was unwilling to receive them, so it closed its gates to allow them to suffer hunger and cold on the outskirts. To the west, the city of Yue Bilu has already rebelled and established itself as the country's king. Beiwang City and several northern counties have already fallen, and Zongcheng City is about to be invaded by foreigners, making it impossible to return. Before and after the attack, the back of the enemy, Ouyang Ming, long pouting and sighing at night, can not sleep.
Although he is pedantic and cunning, greedy for glory and wealth, the country of the Zhong Ming Dynasty and the country's king have always been loyal. He also knows that now his son in the army is immensely appreciated, but also clear that some people will be explicitly or implicitly let their Ouyang family take advantage of the opportunity to hostage the emperor to command, to do that one person under ten thousand people on the supervision of the state. Even more, they did not do anything: kill the young emperor, and Zhangsun Zhi and Dongfang Chang, the same self-appointed king, formed the trend of confrontation. The temptation of power is indeed remarkable. However, Ouyang Ming could not get past his conscience, no matter what.
He urged his son Ouyang Zhong in the letter: no matter what, you and I are subjects, for the subjects must be loyal to the king to serve the country, before the son of heaven is not kind to the crimes against heaven, for the subjects should be the world's top priority, regicide is for the sake of heaven, the heart is not guilty. And now, if you try to fulfill your desires, to make a big no-no against things. For the father must be the first not allowed, deposed Er Ouyang clan name from the expulsion of the genealogy, no longer recognize your father and son with you, and personally edged to consolation for the country's sacrifice of the martyrdom of the faithful.
Ouyang Zhong clutched these letters, although they were the complexity of the heart, but the bottom of the heart. He knew his father was not confused then, but finally, he was determined to make him admire and struggle.
Wei Kongji told Ouyang Zhong: "Our Wei family, for this Zhongming Xiao, several generations of men have tied their heads to the waistband of their pants from birth and conquered the sands to protect the country. By the time the last generation of the old monarch, Xiao Zhan, came into the hands of the old monarch, very few males were left in our entire clan. Both of my sons died in the years of war between Northwatch and the Dingling clan. Even my daughter has practiced martial arts since she was young, and she continues to take up my mantle of charging into battle with a battle flag in her hand if the men all die fighting one day.
Our Wei family is unlike your Ouyang family, with silk satin brocade clothes and jade food. We live in this peaceful capital of the country, Dongcheng City of the deep house, to enjoy happiness. So say some sour and smelly words of loyalty to the king and the nation as if it were easy. We ah! We don't want to fight for this asshole ruler, this chaotic country anymore.
We'd instead knock down everything and start over and build a new country that is clean, peaceful, and well-being, and that country's lord, I truly believe you, the brat, deserve it. Although I wish you could declare yourself king, I understand and respect your father's decision. Let's not worry about what happens to those other rebels who have made themselves kings. They will not be a threat to the young lord of Zhongming for a while.
You were right the other day. We can't run away as soldiers any longer. I don't do it for the king, only for the people. Plan well. As long as I, Wei Kongji, am around, Zongcheng will not fall into the hands of those stinking bastards from Dingling, no matter what I say!"
Ouyang Zhong was touched inwardly when he heard this. He was very thankful to have met such a mentor and friend as Wei Kongji, who was like his father and brother.
Friendship needed to improve in Ouyang Zhong's growing-up experience; he didn't feel or care then. But when he realized his feelings for Linghu Xian, in addition to the male and female affection, more the kind of BoYa and ZiQi sympathetic cherish, the sort of high mountains and flowing water, he knew how to understand the hard to find.
Later, his warhorse, Red Flame, sacrifices his life for the sake of his and Linghu Xian's kindness, letting him understand that friendship is not just a monopoly unique to human beings but can be generated between all races.
Now, between General Wei and him, they could lay down their lives for each other and make friends. Having such a deep friendship was a blessing in such a crisis and turmoil.
Ouyang Zhong cupped his fist to the Wei General solemnly saluted, and said gratefully: "Heavy age is still young, many things are still inexperienced, handling is not complete, this way since the fortunate Wei General and all of you to help support and carry, can get the General's appreciation and love, heavy self-worth and marvel at this deep friendship. Regardless of who will be in charge of the world, Chong has never coveted the dragon chair and will not be as ambitious as Changsun's father and son and Dongfang Chang's stream of wolves who set the people at risk. I will do my best to defend myself against foreign enemies with all of you. Calm the war and restore stability."
The council hall was packed with people, and everyone was discussing nervously and intensely how to deal with the Dingling army that might attack the city at any time and prevent whether the several surrounding forces would be unfavorable to Zong Cheng City.
After all, this is still the country's capital, and less than thirty miles away from the city of Zong Yu Mountain, there are mines of black gold that are even more precious than gold. How many foreign tribes intend to invade the country of Zhongming, all because of the covetousness of this heavenly treasure? In the ZhongMing Kingdom these years, the national strength and politics are getting weaker and weaker, not as strong as in the past, so it is more like holding gold-waving children. Not only is about to fight in the Dingling tribes, but there are several tribes in the north, south, and northwest tribes want to move. At this time in the Zhong Ming Kingdom, own internal stupidity is also divided into pieces, and the nest in the egg of reason, compared with the vast interests there, has been thrown out of the mind.
And food supplies have been stretched to the limit. Where can you find food? How should the people be transferred in the event of a real war? Do you not know how Dingling's specific action is to target the defense layout? A series of questions were frequently thrown out. This is afraid of another sleepless night.
Just as everyone's heated discussion gradually reached an impasse, the guards outside the House were suddenly heard shouting, "Who is it?" A tall, masked man walked towards the council chamber from the shadows, and several guards instantly drew their sabers and set up a formation ready to meet them. At this extraordinary time, anyone could be a spy or a threat to the entire city, so no one dared to let their guard down.
The man coughed awkwardly and said playfully, "Aiya, people are not beautiful; sorry to show their faces. You guys don't force me. Quickly let Ouyang Zhong. Oh no, General Ouyang comes out for a bit. I'm looking for him for something."
"Lord Ouyang is also something you can call out just because you say so? Who the hell are you? If you don't show your true colors again, you'll blame us for being impolite!"
"Wait!" Ouyang Zhong walked out of the room, fixed his eyes, and could not see anything tangible. But what his eyes could not understand, his nose told him the truth. In front of him, this man with a cape and masked face with a huge figure was Fox Xiaxia!
"I say, you... how did you grow taller? And masked face?" Ouyang Zhong was a bit strange, but he also felt a bit funny.
"What's wrong? Who the hell is he?" Wei Kongji also walked out and asked, puzzled.
"Aiya, I've said you guys shouldn't force me to show my face. It's too ugly now to come out and scare people. I'm doing this for your good!" Fox Xiaxia remained a bit embarrassed.
"Reporting to General Wei, this person is the military doctor Hu Xia, who came back to report this morning after he fainted or you arranged for him to recuperate in your side yard," Ouyang Zhong explained at the side.
Wei Kongji smiled and asked concernedly, "Is military doctor Hu's health better? Why are you dressed like this? Could it be that the fever is still there? We are discussing countermeasures against Dingling, and I wonder if Military Doctor Hu like to confer with us?"
Fox Xiaxia said with embarrassment, "Originally, I didn't want to participate, but on second thought since I've given you all a message, I must know the situation of Dingling's army the best. And you~ Ouyang Zhong!" Fox Xiaxia threw something to Ouyang Zhong through the air as swiftly as a dart. Luckily, Ouyang Zhong caught it smoothly. It turned out to be that peach kernel whistle.
Fox Xiaxia continued, "In the future, don't just give it to others to wear blindly if you don't know what it is. It's all because of you that I'm not beautiful now. I'm sick of it! This peach kernel whistle is a token of love between you and my sister; don't just give it to anyone else; she should be upset."
When Fox Xiaxia walked into the room, people could see his appearance change under the light. If not, everyone constantly fought to see some big scenes or was scared half dead. It turns out that because of the demonic evil gas, Fox Xiaxia'sa magic power is weak and invades the body, resulting in Fox Xiaxia's humanoid appearance becoming a man, not a man, fox, not a fox. He was covered in snow-white fluffy fur, topped with a white fox's face, and his body was much taller due to the beast's transformation; even his fox tail had grown out, while the rest of his figure had human features.
Wei Kongji and Ouyang Zhong stared wide-eyed, their mouths open and unable to speak for half a day. Ouyang Zhong, if he hadn't believed that his sense of smell must not be wrong and that he indeed smelled like Fox Xiaxia, he would have thought that he had recognized the wrong person.
Fox Xiaxia was embarrassed and angry, complaining: "Oops, what are you guys doing? I've said I'm not beautiful, but you guys don't believe me. How was the first-class beautiful when I was a fox or later cultivated into a human? Now it's good, and neither human nor fox, I don't know when I can restore the original appearance. Alright, alright, you guys hurry up and close your jaws. There are still serious things to do!"
Fox Xiaxia no longer pretended, informing everyone that he was the actual blood brother of Linghu Xian and that they used to all be foxes but had already transformed into people. Seeing that the people were still a bit shocked and skeptical, Fox Xiaxia said with a straight face, "You humans are hateful and stupid. Who says that being a demon race will harm people? This kind of black-or-white thinking pattern is backward. Also, have I ever harmed you guys? My sister Fox Xiao ... Oh no, has Linghu Xian ever harmed you? Even if you don't know how to repay me, you are still pedantic, unenlightened, and stubborn."
Ouyang Zhong and Wei Kongji know that they are not justified and are disrespectful to the benefactor, and then rush to round up the good life to comfort Fox Xiaxia, and is on the seat and tea, can be counted on the Fox Xiaxia coaxed a lot of happy. Fox Xiaxia said: "And my elder brother Shan Xiaohu is a person of cultivation, by the order of the teacher to help you through the tribulation, the two of us, one in the army to practice medicine, the other in the border between Dingling and the Zhong Ming Dynasty stayed to observe the enemy situation." He then told the crowd in detail about the ten million crows he had seen attacking the city in Beiwang City and the current situation of Dingling's army.
Then he pulled out the few spirit seeds that he had retrieved from the water from his arms, spread them out on the table, and said to the crowd, "After my sister transformed into a wall of fire, that piece of land turned into an elongated watery marsh, and these seeds are the ones that have been visualized through the essence of heaven and earth. Although I don't know exactly what they can grow, I think we can try it, and perhaps the people of the whole city will have their rations."