Clouds and Moon Shadow

Chapter 41 Nanzhao Knocks on the Gate

Everyone else also broke into big smiles, including the expressionless Wen Qinglan.

"Hahaha······"

"We're amazing!"

"We want to become the number one inn in Liquan County!"

"..."

Looking at the group of enthusiastic smiling faces in front of her, Gu Qingyue felt a surge of joy in her heart.

I remember when I first met these kids, they were so thin and weak. Now, although they haven't gained much weight, they are much more energetic.

Gu Qingyue was very satisfied with the current situation. At least she had changed the fate of these teenagers when she came into this world, hadn't she?

Although this was not in her plan, the good result was enough.

I hope the inn can develop steadily and smoothly in the future, and that these children can also have a stable life.

"Sister Rong, Qingyue," Wen Qinglan's clear and gentle voice suddenly rang out from behind.

Gu Qingyue turned around and asked with her eyes.

"Manager Liu from Liufu Inn also came for dinner today. I think he has ulterior motives," Wen Qinglan said thoughtfully.

He witnessed it today: Manager Liu ordered almost all the new dishes at the inn, and he was the only one there, tasting them while constantly looking around at the inn.

Finally, they stayed for almost two hours before leaving, and even packed up the remaining food when they left.

He originally wanted to refuse to pack the food, fearing they might steal his cooking techniques, but he couldn't find a reason to refuse, so he had no choice but to let him take it all.

I wonder if they'll also make these kinds of food to steal business from me?

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingyue and Rong Qingqing exchanged a glance, their brows furrowing. The newcomer was clearly up to no good!

However, after waiting for several days, there was still no other news from the inn. Gu Qingyue guessed that they were still trying to do it. Regardless, she decided to focus on getting the Rong family's rest business up and running first.

there is always a solution to a problem!

However, this wish was shattered by a sudden piece of news on the tenth day after the inn opened!

The Nanzhao Kingdom knocked on the gate.

Liquan Pass, the closest pass to Liquan County, was attacked by the Tiger Warriors led by Yue Zhiqi, the third prince of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Zhao Yuji, the general of Liquan Pass, was killed, and Zhao Yushan, the adjutant general, was seriously injured.

When the news reached Liquan County, Gu Qingyue was looking at the account books behind the counter.

Hearing the guests having breakfast in the lobby discussing the matter and expressing their deep condolences and regret for General Zhao Yuji, he was deeply moved.

It is said that Zhao Yuji was only thirty-eight years old this year, the prime of a military general's life, yet he suddenly died. Those who heard the news expressed their regret and unease about the current situation. Of course, the guests talked most about Yue Zhiqi, the third prince of the Nanzhao Kingdom.

It is said that he is only twenty-one years old this year. Among the many princes of the Nanzhao Kingdom, he is the most resourceful and ruthless. His Tiger Warriors have fought against neighboring countries for nearly three years and have never been defeated.

Hearing the guests' discussion, Gu Qingyue felt a sense of foreboding. Liquan Pass was more than 400 li away from Liquan County, which was not far. If Liquan Pass fell, could Liquan County remain unscathed?

Once chaos erupts, what will become of these children?

It seems she was too naive. In this chaotic ancient world, without peace, running an inn or making a fortune in business were all just pipe dreams.

She really wanted to make money peacefully, she just wanted to be a lazy rich woman, get her illness treated, and live a peaceful and smooth life. Why is it so difficult?

With a sigh, Gu Qingyue began to consider her next move.

Wen Qinglan wiped her sweat as she entered from the back room and saw Gu Qingyue staring blankly at the account book. She walked over and waved her hand in front of Gu Qingyue's eyes, but Gu Qingyue didn't notice at all.

Wen Qinglan wanted to roll her eyes in an unseemly manner, but after thinking about it, she decided against it, remembering there were still guests in the lobby.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Wen Qinglan finally couldn't help but ask.

Gu Qingyue then came to her senses, "Are you talking to me?"

Wen Qinglan gave her a disapproving look, clearly dissatisfied: "Otherwise what?"

"I was thinking about something and didn't notice," Gu Qingyue said listlessly, suddenly feeling dispirited as she recalled the war.

Wen Qinglan looked at her curiously, a rare look of seriousness appearing on her usually calm and expressionless face.

"What happened?"

"General Zhao Yuji, the commander of Liquan Pass, has been killed, and the Nanzhao Kingdom is about to invade," Gu Qingyue said, pinching her brow, her heart heavy.

Wen Qinglan's face darkened instantly, a storm brewing in his eyes. His hands, resting on the counter, clenched into fists, and his lips pressed tightly together. This was the first time Gu Qingyue had ever seen this handsome young man show such an expression.

Upon further reflection, I understood.

The Nanzhao army massacred Mingzhi County, and his father died under the swords of those southern barbarians. How could he remain calm when he heard that the Nanzhao army was about to break through Liquan Pass and enter the Great Chu?

Gu Qingyue raised her hand and patted his shoulder, signaling him to calm down.

Wen Qinglan lowered her head, concealing the light in her eyes, and her emotions gradually returned to normal.

Gu Qingyue understood as she observed his change.

"I want to join the army," Wen Qinglan murmured, clenching her fist after a moment's pause.

"You're too young," Gu Qingyue said earnestly. She didn't want to see such a young child go to the battlefield; it was too cruel.

Wen Qinglan looked up at Gu Qingyue with a strange expression. "You're the same age as me, but you always sound so mature, like an adult?"

After saying that, he looked Gu Qingyue up and down and said: You don't even look as old as me, what are you pretending to be an adult for?

"Cough cough..."

Gu Qingyue couldn't help but cough. This was the first time the expressionless boy had ever said so much to her, but it was just too choking!

"Can't I be mature beyond my years?" Gu Qingyue stared at the person in front of her with disdain, indicating that he underestimated her.

Wen Qinglan ignored her and turned to go to the backyard. He wanted to discuss joining the army with his brother. This was the first time he had suddenly had this idea, and at this moment, the idea was crystal clear and unwavering.

Gu Qingyue watched him walk away in a hurry, lost in thought.

She had also heard about the conscription situation in the Great Chu. According to the conscription order of the Great Chu, men must be at least fifteen years old to enlist in the army. However, in reality, when the war was intense, children as young as thirteen or fourteen would also be conscripted to the battlefield, but this was a very rare case.

Recalling the look in Wen Qinglan's eyes before he left, Gu Qingyue didn't doubt his determination, but she didn't want them to seek revenge in this way; it was too dangerous.

She has to find a way to stop it.

Gu Qingyue only went into the backyard after the store closed for the night.

Rong Qingqing sat under the big tree in front of the house, holding the sleeping Xiao Nian in her arms, lost in thought, her eyes filled with worry and unease.

Gu Qingyue pondered Rong Qingqing's expression, guessing that she probably also knew about Wen Qinglan's desire to join the army.

“I can’t stop them, both Xiao Qinghong and Qinglan want to join the army,” Rong Qingqing said with a sigh as she watched Gu Qingyue sit down opposite her.

"Don't think too much about it. I'll go and talk to her again. You should take Xiaonian to bed. You've been busy all day."

After Gu Qingyue finished speaking, she waited for a moment, but Rong Qingqing didn't say anything. So she got up and prepared to walk towards Wen Qinghong's room.

“If we don’t let them go, I don’t think the army will accept them. They won’t give up unless we try,” Rong Qingqing said, switching Xiao Nian to her other arm and standing up. The little guy was fast asleep, completely carefree. “I’ll think of another way.”

Gu Qingyue thought about it and realized that she had no reason to stop the two brothers from seeking revenge for their father. With a heavy heart, she lay on the bed, tossing and turning.

Thinking of the news from earlier that day, and how her peaceful life, which had just begun, was about to vanish, she hated that prince of Nanzhao Kingdom to the core. She didn't feel a strong sense of belonging to this era, nor did she have any patriotic sentiments. All she wanted was to live a peaceful and tranquil life.

She didn't fall into a deep sleep until midnight.