The Rebirth Of The General Who Always Sees Himself As A Replacement - Chapter 92
Chapter 92: I’m A Man Who Enjoys Convincing People To Drink.
Under the vast desert sky, a flock of geese flew silently in the autumn breeze. As the campfire devoured the firewood, Mu Zhiming followed the Gouji Soldier, walking about a hundred paces, until finally stopping before a tent.
This tent was different from the others. It had a dome-shaped roof, with a sun painted in gold, with felts of vivid red and yellow colors woven into the tent’s fabric, signifying the noble status of its owner.
The Gouji Soldier lifted the curtain and invited Mu Zhiming inside. The warm fragrance of incense wafted through the air. Next to a bronze chandelier created in the shape of three green birds, was a large carpet with red embroidered patterns covering the floor. Behind a low carved table made of willow wood, Buri Gude sat upright, smiling at the newcomer. Gesturing to the seat in front of him, Buri Gude said: “Honored Envoy, please take a seat.”
Mu Zhiming paid his respects and sat down opposite of Buri Gude. When he noticed that the table was filled with delicacies and exquisite wines, Mu Zhiming became perplexed: “I wonder why the Great Khan has sought me out, is there a problem?”
Buri Gude took a jug and poured a porcelain cup with the sweet clear wine: “Gouji’s exquisite wine is famous all over the world. I noticed that at the banquet today, you didn’t take a single sip. I felt it was such a pity, so I called you to taste this hundred-year-old amber glow.”
Mu Zhiming politely declined: “I appreciate the Great Khan’s kindness, but I must not. If I were to get drunk and act foolishly in front of the Great Khan, it would be most disrespectful. However….” Mu Zhiming raised his head and stared at Buri Gude: “I think the Great Khan must have another reason for summoning me at this hour.”
Buri Gude smiled: “You’re really smart. I really envy the Emperor of the Great Jin Empire for having someone as talented and virtuous as you. You’re right, I did summon you for another matter.”
With that said, Buri Gude’s posture changed from sitting cross-legged to sitting in a crouched position, with his right forearm resting on the table. Carefully observing Mu Zhiming’s expression, Buri Gude calmly asked: “May I ask this esteemed Envoy about the identity of the man accompanying you?”
Although the question was too ambiguous, considering Gu Heyan’s identity, a shiver ran down Mu Zhiming’s spine for a moment.
Mu Zhiming’s eyes flickered and moved around, forcing himself to quickly calm down.
‘No, it couldn’t be. Gu Heyan is hiding too well. Besides, if the people of the Gouji Kingdom really had discovered something, how could the Great Khan calmly sit here in order to question me?’
“‘Esteemed Envoy?” Seeing Mu Zhiming’s prolonged silence, Buri Gude asked aloud.
“Oh, he…” Mu Zhiming sorted out his thoughts and smiled: “He is my husband.”
Buri Gude: “….”
Mu Zhiming continued: “In the Gouji language, that means ‘my beloved spouse’….”
“Stop, stop, I know what it means.” Buri Gude hastily interrupted Mu Zhiming. The young Grand Khan appeared to be at a loss for words, stroking his forehead for a moment before looking up again and saying: “Lord Envoy, we are talking about serious matters.”
Mu Zhiming put on an innocent face: “When have I not spoken of serious matters?”
Buri Gude cleared his throat, raised his head, and said with severity: “Lord Envoy, the reason I called you here today is simply because I do not trust your companion.”
Mu Zhiming was puzzled: “Why, Great Khan, you have never seen him before.”
“That’s true, but his face reminds me of someone.” Buri Gude said. “Someone from the Great Jin Empire.”
Mu Zhiming became increasingly puzzled: “Who?”
Buri Gude looked at Mu Zhiming and spoke slowly. Every word the Great Khan uttered sent shivers down Mu Zhiming’s body, making him narrow his eyes.
Buri Gude said: “The Fifth Prince of the Great Jin Empire, Fu Yi. About a year ago, he met with the former Great Khan at the Border. After that meeting, the former Great Khan began recruiting troops and preparing to attack the Great Jin Empire. If you had not come to offer a peace treaty this time, I fear that the conflict between the two nations would have been inevitable.”
Mu Zhiming’s heart trembled and he was at a loss, unable to breathe. After what seemed like an eternity, Mu Zhiming managed to speak: “Great Khan, are you implying that the Fifth Prince of the Great Jin Empire is responsible for this conflict and possible war….?”
Buri Gude interrupted him: “I am not aware of the internal conflicts within the Royal Family of the Great Jin Empire, nor do I understand the Fifth Prince’s intentions. I simply remembered that incident upon seeing your companion, and wanted to share this piece of information with you. You are smart, you will understand.”
Indeed, as soon as Buri Gude finished uttering those words, a scroll of images about political scheming began to slowly unfold inside Mu Zhiming’s mind.
Mu Zhiming then recalled his past life. This same year in his past life, for some unknown reason, the Gouji Kingdom and the Western Rong Tribe recruited troops, launching attacks on the Border of the Great Jin Empire, provoking continuous battles. Gu Heyan died on one of these battlefields. After his death, the morale of the Rong Yan Army plummeted, resulting in repeated defeats, and allowing the foreign invaders to capture five cities.
Right when foreign troops were about to march into the Capital, the Fifth Prince, Fu Yi, volunteered to fight at the front. At the risk of his life, the Fifth Prince fought on the battlefield, managing to recapture three cities, holding the front line of defense and protecting the country.
Once everything calmed down, although the Great Jin Empire had lost two cities, Fu Yi, with military power in his hands, received praise from both Civil and Military Officials.
In a short time, the Fifth Prince who had been unfavored and unnoticed since childhood, suddenly gained a military power that could rival that of the Crown Prince and King Xian.
Although Mu Zhiming hated Fu Yi, he never came to think, or even imagine, that this conflict would be a conspiracy.
After all, in the eyes of the former Mu Zhiming, during critical times when the fate of the Great Jin Empire hung by a thread, Fu Yi would always step forward and risk his life in order to protect the country.
But now, if everything really was as Mu Zhiming was suspecting….
It would mean that in his past life, Gu Heyan’s death along with the death of countless soldiers and citizens, were indirectly caused by the war that Fu Yi deliberately influenced.
—
Seeing Mu Zhiming’s face suddenly turn pale, and his hands clenched into fists, which trembled slightly at his sides, Buri Gude asked with a hint of concern: “Lord Envoy, are you feeling alright?”
Mu Zhiming took a couple of deep breaths, trying to calm the overwhelming indignation and anger inside him. Bowing in greeting to Buri Gude, Mu Zhiming said: “Thank you, Great Khan, for informing me of this matter.”
“We are having an informal conversation, there is no need for such formalities.” Buri Gude smiled. “However, Lord Envoy, don’t you really want to taste this excellent Gouji wine? It will surely be an unforgettable experience for you.”
Mu Zhiming waved his hand in a gesture of rejection: “I appreciate the Great Khan’s kindness, but I really must not drink.”
Buri Gude smiled and his blue eyes curved like a crescent moon, exuding the exotic charm of the desert people. He said: “In truth, I have a bad habit. I’m a man who enjoys convincing people to drink.”
Mu Zhiming sighed: “Great Khan, is this your way of taking revenge for the slight cut I made on your throat a few days ago?”
Buri Gude let out a laugh: “Lord Envoy, please rest assured. Although I enjoy encouraging others to drink, I will not force anyone to do so. I prefer to see the other party drink voluntarily.”
“Then today I fear I will have to disappoint the Great Khan.” Mu Zhiming said confidently. “I never take the initiative to drink.”
Buri Gude laughed even more: “Lord Envoy, your words are truly exhilarating. They spark the fighting spirit within one.”
With that said, Buri Gude placed an object on the table and pushed it towards Mu Zhiming: “I wonder, is this object worthy of making Lord Envoy taste the exquisite Gouji wine?”
As soon as Mu Zhiming fixed his gaze on the object on the table, he became speechless.
The object Buri Gude had placed on the table was none other than the waist token with the characters ‘General Yulin’ engraved in gold. This was the waist token that the Emperor had bestowed upon Gu Heyan years ago, the same one that Mu Zhiming lost a few years ago in that village in the desert!
TRANSLATOR’S NOTE:
Aaaahhh it was that motherf***er Fu Yi’s fault!! Because of him my baby Gu Heyan died in the past life!!! (╬ಠ益ಠ) I hate him so muuuchhhh 🤬😡🤬😡
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