Fire Captain

"Uh..." Bai Ziyang pretended to be hesitant. Seeing that Mei Changsu's heart was about to jump into his throat, Bai Ziyang said, "Is his health okay? No... no big problem... If you don't let him go, he won't be able to rest and recuperate in the capital!"

Mei Changsu finally breathed a sigh of relief, turned to look at Prince Jing, and said, "I didn't lie to you, did I? The doctor said there's nothing wrong with my health, so don't hesitate any longer."

Prince Jing was helpless after hearing this and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Well... okay... I understand what you mean. It is indeed the best arrangement to have Meng Zhi as the commander-in-chief and have you take charge of the overall situation on his behalf. It's just..."

Mei Changsu said: "I am accompanying the commander on this trip and will not be fighting on the battlefield, so you don't have to worry about anything!"

After leaving the East Palace, they returned to the Su residence. Walking in the corridor, Bai Ziyang looked at Mei Changsu and said, "Although I deceived the prince for you, you can't deceive me... Your body is like a clay Buddha crossing a river, and you can't even protect yourself. Even if you don't have to fight on the battlefield, marching and fighting still requires physical strength and energy. Even if your energy can hold up, your body can't! What will you do if you lie down?"

Mei Changsu looked at the horizon and suddenly started talking about something else: "A few days ago, Wei Zheng and his men found the Ice-Renewing Grass... The Ice-Renewing Grass can cure the fire and cold poison, but you know how to use it... I happened to meet Lin Chen, and I know that he made the Ice-Renewing Pill out of the Ice-Renewing Grass..."

Bai Ziyang understood immediately and said, "Then do you know that once you take this Bingxu Pill, it can stimulate your physical strength with its medicinal effects, but it is also a fatal disease with no chance of recovery. When the three-month deadline is up, you will..."

Mei Changsu said: "I know, I have been Mei Changsu for thirteen years. If I can return to Lin Shu's ending, return to the northern border, and return to the battlefield, it will be a blessing for me..."

Bai Ziyang said, "I know, I understand, I comprehend, so I can help you, but these are not important, what's important is that you think about how to convince my elder brother!" After saying that, he stopped and looked at Lin Chen, who was standing on the steps in front of the house with an unpleasant look on his face. Bai Ziyang immediately turned around and left, leaving Mei Changsu alone, and he would rather die than let his friend die...

…………

After Mei Changsu left, Bai Ziyang moved closer to Lin Chen and said, "Did he succeed in convincing you again?"

Lin Chen said: "Whether he chooses or gives up, it's his own decision. When the three-month deadline is up..."

Bai Ziyang said: "Then let's try it out. I'll come when the time comes. It would be best if he can survive. If not... then I'll collect his body!"

The war was urgent, and the three armies were ready to go as soon as possible. In the early morning, the prince led important civil and military officials to the city wall and watched the soldiers leave the city for the battlefield.

Meng Zhi and Princess Nihuang each led a group of soldiers and rushed in two directions after leaving the city. The two armies stretched for several miles, with no end in sight. After saying goodbye to Princess Nihuang, Mei Changsu whipped his horse and rushed to Meng Zhi's place. He saw many familiar faces, including Fei Liu and Lin Chen, as well as Yan Yujin, Xiao Jingrui and other young talents in the capital.

Bai Ziyang and Chu Qiao, who were mixed in with the army, rushed out of the city on horseback, just like when they came. After galloping for several miles, they suddenly stopped their horses, turned around and looked at the Jinling City that had become small and blurry, and they were both filled with emotion.

After coming and going, Chu Qiao thought of the various people she had met in Jinling City, such as Princess Nihuang and Prince Jing. In particular, Princess Nihuang's strategy of leading troops and her military tactics were really amazing, which made Chu Qiao and her benefit a lot from chatting unconsciously. For example, Commander Meng, she always felt that Commander Meng seemed to have a sense of great wisdom and foolishness, and his martial arts were very strong. Neither she nor Fei Liu could beat him. After fighting with Commander Meng several times, her skills improved a lot... And Concubine Jing, Concubine Jing was not only impressive for her medical skills, but also for her attentiveness, her intelligence, her agility, her quietness, etc. If it weren't for her later identity and time not allowing it, she really wanted to stay with Concubine Jing more...

There is also the kind-hearted Xiao Jingrui, the cheerful and humorous Yan Yujin, the innocent and righteous young prince Mu Qing... Chu Qiao couldn't help but smile when she thought of all the people who were kind to her and helped her. She turned around and smiled at Bai Ziyang.

Bai Ziyang asked, "Shall we go?"

Chu Qiao waved her whip and said, "Go!"

On the way, Bai Ziyang told Chu Qiao what happened in Western Wei after they left, as well as the current situation there.

"Yan Xun tried to escape back to Yanbei, but unfortunately failed. The emperor of Western Wei was also a cruel man. He killed Yan Shicheng on the charge of treason and wiped out Yan Xun's entire family. If it weren't for Yan Xun's mother Bai Sheng's plea for mercy and Yu Wen Yue's mediation, Yan Xun would probably not have survived. Although the Emperor of Wei didn't kill Yan Xun, he was reluctant to let him return north and kept him under house arrest in Yingge Courtyard. It has been more than two years now..."

Chu Qiao asked, "The method you talked about with Mei Changsu and the others, is it referring to Yan Xun?"

Bai Ziyang said: "That's right!"

Chu Qiao asked doubtfully: "Will he agree to join forces with you? And can he do it?" Chu Qiao's impression of Yan Xun was still that of the man who would smile brightly two years ago.

Bai Ziyang said affirmatively: "Don't underestimate him. In fact, he is a wolf at heart. He just pretended to be a sheep because he was a hostage in Chang'an before... He is a ruthless and smart person..."

Chu Qiao said: "If that's the case, aren't you afraid that you won't be able to control him in the future?"

"Don't be afraid!" Bai Ziyang bared his teeth and laughed: "Although this is not a good thing to say, as for Yan Xun... In fact, I really have two important chess pieces in my hands. Besides, I don't want to control him. As long as I can restrain Yan Xun at the critical moment, it will be fine!"

After talking about Yan Xun, there is another person who must be mentioned. Bai Ziyang said, "Yuwen Yue was transferred to the border under the command of the seventh prince Yuan Che two years ago. I have to say that Yuwen Yue is quite talented. His outstanding military exploits have helped him gain a foothold in the military camp. He was just transferred back to Chang'an and is now the deputy commander of the Cavalry Battalion."

Chu Qiao heard this and said, "Oh, that's good too!"

Bai Ziyang felt a little puzzled when hearing Chu Qiao's tone. After thinking about it for a while, he tried to hold back his laughter and said deliberately, "Everyone has a dark history. Don't worry, I won't laugh at you!"

Chu Qiao looked at Bai Ziyang expressionlessly, flicked her whip and left first, leaving Bai Ziyang behind with a mouthful of dirt, and had to chase after him...

Two years have passed. The two didn't know many people in Chang'an City back then, so they entered Chang'an City smoothly. It was still the same villa from two years ago. After Bai Ziyang and Chu Qiao put away their luggage, they couldn't help but relax when they looked at the familiar environment.

Chu Qiao raised her hand and poured herself a cup of tea. She then filled up Bai Ziyang's cup and asked, "Are you going to see Yan Xun tomorrow?"

Bai Ziyang took a sip of tea and said, "Why are you in such a hurry? He's in that small courtyard and he can't run away!"

Chu Qiao said: "Be loyal to the trust of others... Don't forget that the Western Wei army is still confronting the Liang army at the border. One day later will increase the danger!"

Bai Ziyang quickly put down his teacup and said, "Oh my god, I almost forgot... Mei Changsu's medicine can only last for three months. We must resolve the border crisis and rush back within three months..."

Chu Qiao said: "Finally remembered?"

Remembering that he had something important to do, Bai Ziyang immediately got into the mood and said, "Ah Chu, you've been tired these past few days. Have a good rest today. Tomorrow we'll quietly go to Yingge Courtyard to meet our old friend first!"

The guards at Yingge Courtyard were much more lax than they had been at the beginning, and Chu Qiao and the other two were not able to be stopped by the guards with their martial arts skills. The two entered the courtyard in broad daylight.

Yan Xun was reading a book in the room, with a cup of tea on the small table next to him. He looked much calmer than two years ago, less energetic and sunny than before, and more gloomy. Although he covered it up, Chu Qiao still noticed it at a glance. At the same time, she thought to herself that what Bai Ziyang said was indeed right. Yan Xun was not a naive person in his bones. The only one who was really naive was probably her at the beginning...

Yan Xun was served by Zhong Yu and A Jing. As soon as Chu Qiao and Bai Ziyang entered the courtyard, they were discovered by the three of them. Yan Xun put down the book and looked at them. Zhong Yu and A Jing appeared behind Yan Xun at the same time.

When Yan Xun saw Chu Qiao for the first time, his eyes lit up but then quickly calmed down. He put on a fake smile and said, "Xing'er? Long time no see. How are you?"

Chu Qiao said: "My name is Chu Qiao, I'm not Xing'er!"

Yan Xun smiled and said, "Yes, you are not Xing'er!" She was indeed not Xing'er. When they met again, Yan Xun found that the girl who was as sharp as a little wild cat had changed. She was like a sword in a scabbard, still as sharp, but with less light. She would no longer attract people's attention and make people wary. She had changed from a painting to a book, which made him go from simply liking her to having a stronger desire to explore. It was a pity... Yan Xun's eyes moved from Chu Qiao to the man standing beside her.

Bai Ziyang didn't like the way Yan Xun looked at Chu Qiao. Just as he was about to interrupt, he saw Yan Xun turning his head to look at him. He couldn't help but laugh and said, "What? Finally saw a living person here?"

Yan Xun cupped his hands and said, "I have yet to ask for your name, sir?"

Bai Ziyang responded with a salute: "Bai Ziyang!"

Yan Xun asked, "Someone from Langya Pavilion?"

Bai Ziyang smiled and said, "I guess Yu Wenyue must have told you that!"

When Yu Wenyue was mentioned, Yan Xun's face changed slightly, and he said in a slightly cold tone: "I wonder why Mr. Bai came here?"

Bai Ziyang put down his arms and said in a convincing manner: "Prince Yan Xun is so direct, so I won't beat around the bush. I'm here to discuss cooperation with you!"

Yan Xun was indeed puzzled about the purpose of their visit. Hearing this, he was slightly surprised and said, "Cooperation? You and me?"

Bai Ziyang raised his eyebrows and said, "What? Is it weird?"

Yan Xun said: "I don't think there is anything we need to cooperate with!"

Bai Ziyang said, "How could there not be? The Emperor of Wei exterminated your entire family, I'm afraid you hate him to the core... The three-year period is up, the Emperor of Wei will not let you return to Yanbei safely... Not enough manpower, right? The plan is not going smoothly, right? You want to leave Chang'an? What I want is to turn Chang'an upside down. You see, our goals are the same, why can't we cooperate?"

Yan Xun suddenly sneered and said, "I didn't expect that Langya Pavilion, which has always claimed to be neutral, would actually work for Emperor Liang?"

Bai Ziyang said: "It seems that you know a lot?" From Yan Xun's tone, he knew that the border of Liang Dynasty was in danger, and Bai Ziyang was here to attack Wei and save Zhao.

Yan Xun suddenly said: "Okay, how do you plan to cooperate?"

Bai Ziyang suddenly smiled and said, "I have one more request before we cooperate!"

Yan Xun said: "You say!"

Bai Ziyang said: "I know that there is a Xiuli Army in the Xiaoqi Battalion. They originally came from Yanbei and were reorganized by the Wei Army after being defeated. I want that army!"

"Oh?" Yan Xun said, "Since you know the Xiu Li Army, you should know that the Xiu Li Army is not under my command now, and I cannot command them!"

Bai Ziyang said: "This is my natural way. I just want you to promise that after you leave Chang'an, Xiu Li Army will no longer belong to Yanbei!"

Yan Xun had long been angry at the Xiu Li Army for the defeat in Yanbei that year. Even if the Xiu Li Army was still alive, they would probably be sent to the death squad. Now, in exchange for a chance to leave the city with something he didn't want, he naturally agreed without hesitation.

Bai Ziyang smiled, so they could discuss the next step of cooperation. Bai Ziyang knew that Yan Xun had agreed to cooperate with him out of necessity, but he must have been extremely wary and distrustful. The more requests he made at this time, the more he would dispel Yan Xun's suspicion and make him believe that the two of them were united for the sake of interests...