Chapter 54 Dust All the Way

Huanxuan didn't answer. The other night, Xiaoci was too tired, so it was Huanxuan who helped her soak her hot water and let her rest early. So that Xiaoci didn't pay attention to the matter of the hairpin. Now she wanted to help her untie the bun, she found that something was wrong.

"Where did you lose it? Or is it in the bag? Xiaoci is in a hurry to turn over the burden.

"Xiao Ci, don't look for it!" Huanxuan called Xiaoci faintly and didn't know how to explain it to Xiaoci.

Xiaoci stopped and turned to stare at Huanxuan, "Madam, what's wrong with you? Why is it like this? Is it because it is precious to the King of Wei, and you don't want to accept it?

"I don't know how to accept it!" Under the forced question of Xiaoci, Huanling finally gave an answer. At the same time, she twisted her face and did not look at Xiaoci's eyes.

Xiaoci was silent for a long time and sighed quietly, "I know that I still can't forget the one in the palace!"

"It's not like this, Xiaoci!" Huanxuan was sad, "It's not that I can't forget. I, as well as Ruitong and Yuan Can, the three of us grew up together and studied together. What I can't forget is actually that teenage friendship. No matter who I choose, it's actually unfair. You once asked me that if it weren't for the previous emperor's marriage, would I have anything else? Choice, I can answer you now. It is likely that there is. Although I did like Yuan Can more in those years, if I knew Ruitong's feelings, I would not have made any choice among the two of them!"

"What's wrong with you, madam?" Xiaoci frowned and said, "Xiaoci doesn't understand. Isn't it a very simple and direct thing to like who you don't like? Why does Madam want to make a simple thing so confusing?"

"Because that's simple for you. You have been living in the palace. After you fall in love with a person, you just keep him in your heart, but now you also understand that even simple feelings are sometimes unattainable, and I, if I really want to choose one from Yuan Can and Ruitong, it is a note. I will definitely hurt another person, especially I am Yuan Can's concubine. This will not only affect the relationship between their brothers, but what's worse, King Wei has great ambition. If one day, I can really ascend the throne of the dragon, do you think my identity may not be exposed? Do you think King Wei may not be laughed at by the world? What a terrible crime to take the throne of my brother and his wife!"

Xiaoci's face also changed, "Yes, my wife is hiding in Weijun now. Weijun is remote, and there is no one who knows the lady, but when she returns to the capital, those ministers in the court and the servants in the palace all recognize the wife. They are the wife, whether the wife compromises for completeness, or gives up her position as a imperial concubine, and lives in simplicity, but they can't wrap it in the paper. Fire, sooner or later it will be exposed by ully people!"

Huanying nodded sadly, "It's good that you understand. I'm all clear about the feelings of King Wei. It's just a trick in the world. I really can't accept his feelings now. Accepting it is to hurt King Wei. In the past, the former emperor's marriage, and King Wei hurt his heart once. Do you want me to hurt King Wei again?"

Xiaoci's nose was also sore. She reached out and stroked Huanying's shoulder, "Madam, you are really miserable. Xiaoci thought that your wife was luckier than Xiaoci. As long as you want, you can always accompany the king of Wei on behalf of Xiaoci. Unexpectedly, your wife is just like Xiaoci..."

"I'm lucky too!" Huanying held back her tears and grabbed Xiaoci's hand with a smile and said, "They all said that I am now alone and lonely, but I have lost everything, and won't you and me rely on each other again?"

"Uh-huh!" Xiaoci nodded hard, "Madam, don't worry, as long as you don't get rid of Xiaoci, Xiaoci will always be by your wife!"

"Stupid girl!" Huan Ying smiled and said, "If it were you, I would have put down my hopeless feelings for a long time and find someone who can really live with me. Even if it is ploughing and weaving, the sun rises and sunset, and a pile of children play in the hall, and slowly grow old. What a quiet life it should be."

"Really?" Xiaoci looked at Huanling doubtfully, "Will there be any days you said? Will those days really be calm and happy?"

"There is no dispute with the world, and you will be contented and happy. From now on, you don't have to wait on others and only live the life you want. Isn't this happiness?" Huanxuan smiled and said, "Well, you probably won't understand this for the time being, but why don't you think about it carefully?"

"Okay, I'll comb my wife's hair so that she can have a good night's sleep!" Xiaoci said and took the comb, untied Huanxuan's bun, fell down a long black waterfall-like hair, and carefully combed Huanxuan.

Huan ling stared at herself in the mirror, and her heart ached for no reason. Just now, she did not completely tell the truth to Xiaoci. She was worried that her identity would make Zhuo Ruitong famous all over the world, but one of the reasons why she could not accept Zhuo Ruitong's emotions. Another reason was that she was worried that it was really time for brothers to fight in the same room. Even if Yuan Can is willing to give up the throne, she may not be able to save her life. If her choice can become one of the exchange chips, she hopes that Zhuo Ruitong can save Yuancan's life for her sake. Even if Yuan Can is ruthless, she should stop the entanglement between the husband and wife.

At the fifth day, everything was ready. Huan Ying had almost no appetite. He forced himself to drink a bowl of hot porridge, and then took a few steamed buns and stuffed it into the package. Lu Zisang said that water in the dry area was far more important than dry food, so he would rather bring enough water than less dry food.

All the horses at the foot of the mountain are hung on water bags, so that the horses will be very difficult. Therefore, Lu Zisang has told the generals before leaving, abandoning the armor and going on the road in cloth. Anyway, the armor and various blades of Mingsha Camp are well equipped. As long as they can arrive smoothly, everyone can receive a new one.

Shi Feng rushed to see him off. Huanying asked about the sick soldiers again. Hearing that most people had stopped vomiting and diarrhea, Huanying was relieved a lot. He told Shi Feng that he must wait for everyone to recover before he could bring them to the Mingsha camp. Shi Feng agreed one by one, and Lu Zisong couldn't help saying a few words. Everyone Get up the horse and set off in the direction of Mingsha Valley.

Later, Huanxuan understood why Lu Zisong repeatedly explained the importance of water sources. It turned out that it was not only the trouble caused by drought to the march, but also the burning sun during the day. When they set off on the fifth watch day, Huanying and Xiaoci's lips were black with cold, especially the rush. The cold wind shaved his face like a knife and hurt. Then it became hotter and hotter, so hot that he couldn't even breathe. Huanying had to wipe the sweat off his cheeks from time to time, so as not to soak the sweat, cover his eyes, and look at others. Not much, but they are obviously more adaptable than her, because although they keep sweating, they are not as embarrassed as her and Xiaoci.

It was past noon, but Lu Zisong still didn't mean to stop. Huan Ying didn't want to ask much. Lu Zisong was just trying to catch up, so in addition to trying his best to keep up, he had to encourage Xiao Ci not to fall behind from time to time.

After walking for about half an hour, I came to a narrow valley. There were steep wind-eroded rocks on both sides. The vegetation did not grow. The rock wall was shining in the sun, and it felt hot when looking at it. However, because of the long and narrow terrain, the mountain wind seemed to be bigger than other places, and it was cooler. Lu Zisong grabbed the reins in front of the team, high. Calling for everyone to get off the horse, they will rest here at noon.

Huan Ying looked at the terrain and said to Lu Zisang, "Fortunately, this is in Weijun. If it is during the war, you must not rest in such a place."

"That's right!" Lu Zisong said, "It's not suitable to stop here, but the sun will be more scorching in the afternoon. We have to avoid the hottest period of the sun here, otherwise the physical strength of horses and people will be consumed too much."

"But this mountain rock is bare and can't avoid much!" Huanxuan looked at all sides and couldn't help frowning.

"Just wait a moment. Just take a look. Isn't the sun moving out of the shade?" Lu Zisong smiled and said, "It's hard to find a shady place that can accommodate so many people on this journey. We can not only eat dry food and drink water here, but also take a nap on the spot!"

"Your time calculation is so accurate!" Huanying said with admiration, "The people trained by Mingsha Camp are really extraordinary. It seems that I still have a lot to learn from Nie Kong!"

Lu Zisang smiled and untied the water bag from the horse. While feeding his mount first, he said, "Madam is already very good. It's been a long time since I've been in the army, but it's the first time I've met a female hero like my wife. Of course, the performance of the little porcelain girl can also be commendable. With the observation of someone, the two are equal. The day must be a good life. Suddenly, he came to lead the soldiers to endure hardships. The difficulties can be imagined. If there is anything uncomfortable, you must tell me in time, so that I can also take corresponding measures. In case the lady and the little porcelain girl are also sick, it will be troublesome. Before leaving, the king of Wei asked Mei Zheng to bring a letter to the end. Jiang, let the last general take good care of you two!"

Huanxuan was a little embarrassed. He learned from Lu Zisang and took out the water bag to feed the mount first. "Wei Wang always cares too much about others and doesn't care about himself. It's okay. I think I can stand it. General Lu can just march according to the established arrangement, but what about you? Isn't there any discomfort?"

Huanying turned his head and asked Xiaoci who stopped behind them. Xiaoci was breathless and only wiped his sweat, and didn't have time to care about her horse. "I'm fine. I'm sweating all over, but it's a pity that I didn't bring a few more clothes to change."

Huan ling smiled, "When you go out, there is not so much attention to it. Everyone is not the same. Forget it, it stinks a little. The weather is hot and dry, and you will sweat on the road. It's useless to change it!"

"Well, I know, that's what I said!" Xiaoci took a fancy to abrupt rock surface, which was just right, so she sat down and said, "Don't you have to rest for a while? Why are you in such a hurry? I have to wait to breathe and feed myself and the horses."

Seeing Xiaoci's lazy appearance, she was even more happy, "General Lu is like you? General Lu is still going to explore the road ahead, right?

"How do you know, madam?" Lu Zisoon was surprised and said, "There are two roads ahead, which can lead to the Mingsha Valley. I want to find out first to see which road is better."

"Can't you go the way you used to go in and out? Why do you have to work so hard?" Huan Ying said to Lu Zisang worriedly.

"The road we go in and out is narrow. In the past, there were dozens of people going in and out, and there were no thousands of people passing by, so I have to go and have a look. It's safe!" After feeding the horse, Lu Zisang hung up the water bag again. "Then you can rest first. I'll come back immediately after watching!"

"Do you want me to go with you?" Huan Ying chased Lu Zisang and asked.

"No, madam, take a break. It's better to check the soldiers and see if they are uncomfortable." After saying that, Lu Zisang turned over his horse and gently urged the whip forward.

Huanying looked at Lu Zisong's distant figure, and then looked back at Xiaoci. "Do you see how diligent he is? You, drink some water first, eat something, and help me take good care of the horse by the way. There is no horse's stake here, so don't let the horse run away by itself."

"I know, madam!" Xiaoci quickly stood up and patted the ashes on her body. "Madam, like General Lu, is a person who can't be idle. So Xiaoci won't go with Madam?"

"Well, just keep an eye on the horse!" Huanxuan said and shouted to the soldiers who stopped a little farther behind Xiaoci, "Let's rest in place and start eating!" With that, he walked towards them.

There were three or five soldiers in a pile, or tied the reins of the horses together, pressed them with big stones, or poked the ground with weapons, tied the reins with a pile, and then sat down, took water and dry food, and invited Huan Ying to eat together. Huanying shook his head with a smile. After asking about the normal situation, Huanying kept observing the last part of the soldiers along the narrow valley road. Then he ordered a few people and horses according to the roster to be responsible for vigilance, and made the sand ash on the roster. Everyone had to take turns to take turns.

When she came back, Xiaoci had already fed the horse. She opened the bag of skin that the horse had not touched and handed it to Huanxuan. "The horse uses more water than people. Why don't we use one bag together and give the remaining three bags to the horse."

"Okay, so as not to use the water in the skin bag with them. They don't mind, I still mind!" Huanxuan took the skin and took a big sip. Originally, he didn't feel that it was enough to quench his thirst, but when he thought about it, he had no choice but to resist, "Eat dry food first, or you still want to drink it after eating."

After a long time, Lu Zisuan came back sweating. Huanying hurriedly greeted him and asked him, "Have you found out? Is there any problem with the road conditions?

"Well, everything is normal. Let's take another road. Although it is barren, the road is wide and flat. We can speed up the march and successfully reach the camp at night." Although Lu Zisong was sweating, his expression was particularly relaxed. "Now it's all right. You can take a nap at ease. I just When I came back, I saw a few outposts. It was sent by my wife. I did the right thing. Every time I took a break, I asked them to take turns to keep the sentry.

"That's what I think," he said happily, "Although it's on my own territory, it's only less than 2,000 people, but everything has to be arranged according to the regular march."

"Ha ha, with a lady, the last general can also be more relaxed," Lu Zisang said, took off all the water bags, put them in a higher place, and explained, "The horse is too tired. Let it have a good rest!"

After chatting for a while, the three of them leaned on the roadside rock and took a nap. Although Huanying and Xiaoci were not used to it, the consumption of physical strength made them really fall asleep. I don't know how long it took. They suddenly realized that there was movement not far away. When he opened his eyes, it turned out that Lu Zisong had recalled the sentry men and was ready to set off again. .

Huanying and Xiaoci also quickly hung up their water bags and took their horses ready to go. The afternoon break was really useful. Everyone recovered their physical strength and spirit. They followed Lu Zisang and ran to the camp site he said in the dark.

The environment of the camp is much more desolate than that near Lingshan. It's not so much a bumpy mound as a half sand dune. There are grass nests in the east and west on the slope. It's thin, as if he had a scalp. After Lu Zisong got off the horse, he asked everyone to make a tent on the back slope. The canopy wind is strong and cold at night. If you don't set up a tent, you can't survive the cold night.

When the tents were set up one by one, Lu Zisong led everyone to the nearby water source to replenish water. After coming back, because there was not even a tree shadow nearby, he didn't want to make a bonfire at all. He had to mix cold water and dry food. Finally, Lu Zisong and Huan Ying arranged the people on duty at night. Let the rest go into the tent to rest.

The tent is limited, but even if it is so limited, it still has to leave a separate room for Huan Ying and Xiao Ci. Lu Zi Song squeezed together with other soldiers. Huan Ying glanced outside the tent and saw that each tent was full, and it was not even easy to turn over casually. The difficulty of marching was really beyond her imagination.

The two women wrapped all the clothes they brought and barely fell asleep, but in the middle of the night, they were still woken up from the cold. No matter how they shrank, they couldn't sleep any more. Huanxuan simply went out of the tent to breathe. The cold night wind outside made her excited, but the boundless moonlight made her full of unspeakable. This is a different life that can't be experienced in the prosperous capital, in the palace full of resentment and intrigue. At this moment, my heart has become extremely clear and quiet. At the same time, there is also a surge of eternal pride. Huanxuan suddenly feels that it is a great thing for her to leave the palace and the identity of the concubine. .

If you are not entangled in the hatred of the murder of your parents, perhaps it would be a pleasant life to travel around the world like this.

"Did you wake up, or is it so cold that you can't sleep?" A voice suddenly sounded behind Huan Ying. There was no need to look back. Huan Ying had heard that it was Lu Zisang.

"All of them," Huanling said lightly, "Isn't General Lu used to the climate here? Why can't he sleep?"

"It's too crowded inside and the air is stuffy. It's better to come outside to blow the wind." Lu Zisong said and handed over a robe. "This is the clothes that the general carries with him, but the general has never worn it. If the lady and the little porcelain girl feel cold, you can take it to keep out the cold."

Huanxuan turned around and looked at it, which seemed to be a thick cotton robe, and then asked, "Since it's General Lu's clothes, why has General Lu never worn it?"