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墨書 Inktalez
Luzi suddenly woke up, feeling as if he had just fallen asleep. He sat up and listened to the sharp howling sound of the cold wind seeping through the cracks in the door and windows. He put on some clothes and got out of bed to add some firewood to the nearly extinguished fire. As the flames rose again, the room, which was almost as cold as outside, regained its warmth.
Luzi quietly sat by the fire, watching the red flames while recalling what he had just said to Li Mu. No matter how much he had drunk, he felt he had said too much! Was it due to pressure? Or was it because good friends make drinking feel less? While pondering this, he felt an extra layer of warmth around him. Without turning around, he asked, "Why aren't you asleep yet?"
Xiao Yu'er draped a thick cloak over Luzi's shoulders and then sat down by the fire to warm himself. "I can't sleep!"
Hearing this made Luzi almost laugh out loud. "You say you're so young, why do you have such heavy worries?"
Xiao Yu'er sighed heavily. "It seems like Luzi isn't that old either!"
Luzi didn't answer that question but said, "You should go to sleep! We have a lot to do tomorrow! I'm going to sleep too!" After saying this, he watched Xiao Yu'er yawn and get up to head back, adding a few more pieces of wood to the fire...
Lying on the wooden bed in his clothes, Luzi found it hard to fall asleep for a long time; counting sheep didn't seem to help. His mind was filled with thoughts when he was startled awake again. He got up and rubbed his swollen forehead, at least not recalling how much he had drunk last night. Determined not to drink so much in the future, he noticed Li Xin standing at his bedside with no intention of leaving. "Is there something?"
"It's already Bunny Hour! General!"
"Is it?" Luzi hurriedly looked for his clothes and realized he had worn them to bed without taking them off. "Is there any movement outside? Is Crossing Battle about to start?"
Perhaps due to the overcast sky and the long winter night, it was still dark outside. Only the fire inside was still burning. Li Xin turned back to look outside, which remained pitch black, and quickly explained that it wasn't dawn yet! After saying this, he handed a Bamboo Slip to Luzi.
"Li Mu has already left with Sima Shang's Charioteer Camp and probably won't be coming back. Before leaving, he asked me to deliver a letter to you, General. He said this would be our farewell, and who knows when we will meet again? Before parting, one must leave some words behind."
"Got it! You go ahead!" Luzi replied as he reached out to take it.
Li Xin looked at Luzi, who was lowering his head, wanting to say something but unable to. He saluted and then turned to leave.
Luzi stood up and stretched lazily, weighing the Bamboo Slip in his hand before placing it on the bedside. He moved his body around, feeling his stiff limbs return to normal. At that moment, the crowing of a rooster echoed from the Shanxia barracks. The natural alarm clock woke everyone still lost in their dreams; as they rubbed their eyes to adjust to the darkness, they realized that the sky Outside was already bright.
It turned out that Li Mu had to return to the capital early today with Sima Shang because they had been reported for misconduct. It was said that King Zhao was furious upon hearing the news and ordered both of them to return immediately to report on their duties. In principle, they would retain their positions and could return to their posts once proven innocent.
According to a brother who came to handle the matter, it was during the construction of the Dan Shui River defenses that they got into trouble, though the specific details were unclear. Regardless, those details were not important; what mattered was that they were returning home to face an investigation by a temporary task force composed of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of War, and Ministry of Personnel.
What could possibly be the issue!?
The quality of the project was undoubtedly fine and had received unanimous praise from the many commanders involved in the battle. The number of endorsements was rising sharply, and industry insiders were optimistic about both of their performances, with a strong trend toward winning this year's championship. Beyond that, there remained only the issue of corruption for personal gain. It seemed that Foreman Li was primarily responsible while Sima Shang assisted.
This highlights how crucial it is to have connections within the court. Logically, it should have been Centurion Sima Shang leading the project! How could a minor official lead a major one!? It is likely that Li Cihou offended some powerful noble's relative during the construction of the defenses!
Once a project starts, it can yield immense profits! With such sums involved, who would believe you took nothing!? Ironically, Li Mu certainly took nothing! Sima Shang would naturally refrain from touching any of it with Li Mu by his side. The problem is that even if they don’t take anything themselves, they won’t allow others to take anything either! This inevitably leads to offending people and being targeted without question!
Luzi put down the Bamboo Slip in his hand and couldn't help but sigh. He hadn’t expected Li Mu’s letter would involve such matters; he originally thought it contained only mutual admiration between heroes.
Alas! In these chaotic times, it's hard for good people to survive!
If Li Mu understood corruption, would he have stayed in a Sergeant position for so many years!? Surely he would have been promoted long ago! How could he possibly act like a madman, freezing and starving in this icy environment while searching all over for a decisive battle against the Qin Army!?
As Luzi thought about this, a sudden idea surged into his mind. Li Mu would never die at the hands of enemies; he would only be harmed by his own people! The reason for this belief was simple: enemies could not kill him; only his own people could commit such treacherous acts!
The Bamboo Slips crafted by the Craftsman are usually bundled together. If the written content is not extensive, they can be separated and tied together for use. If the writing exceeds the original length, they can be connected using the rope knot above.
At this moment, the Bamboo Slip on the table belonging to Luzi is an extended version. His fingers feel as if they might freeze, so he busily moves them around and breathes into his hands. Once he feels a bit of warmth returning, he picks up the Bamboo Slip to continue reading the subsequent content.
Li Mu only mentioned his reasons for leaving, without a single word of complaint. In the face of such slander, he appeared remarkably composed. After discussing the current battlefield situation again, he shifted his tone to express his concerns for Luzi. Whether it was Li Mu's speculation or merely worrying unnecessarily, in any case, it ultimately comes down to trusting one's instincts!
When Luzi saw the signature at the end of the letter, he flipped through it once more to check for any additional content. Seeing that there was none, he tossed the Bamboo Slip directly into the fire. This was evidence of collusion! If anyone discovered it, there would be no benefit at all!
Speaking of feelings, there was something almost mystical about it. But facts can always prove that feelings are indeed real. In fact, what lies within is more about how the brain compiles many inconspicuous details and summarizes them into conclusions. These so-called inconspicuous details are often the key points that people easily overlook.
Luzi has always believed in feelings; perhaps many skilled individuals also share this belief. If ignored, what follows is an inevitable outcome that exists but has long been doubted!
Watching the Bamboo Slip catch fire, Luzi extends his hand to warm himself by the flames. Li Mu's feelings are certainly not baseless because he is a keen observer himself. If one disregards the distinctions between Qin Zhao and others, then what Li Mu said must be a reminder that significant events are about to unfold.
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