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墨書 Inktalez
Night Star was lost in thought about the Penglai Ancient Jade he had seen earlier, and his mind wandered to the most striking young man among the four mysterious figures. An inexplicable emotion stirred within him.
The young man appeared graceful and extraordinary; despite his simple attire, his remarkable presence could not be concealed. If he was not mistaken, they must have come to find Mo Xi'er.
If that were the case, what was their relationship with Mo Xi'er? Or rather, what unusual connection did that elegant young man have with Mo Xi'er?
Perhaps even Night Star himself did not realize that at this moment, his heart—usually only ignited by the battlefield—was now filled with an unfamiliar emotion, perhaps jealousy, due to his feelings for Mo Xi'er towards a handsome youth he had never met before.
As night gradually fell, under the gentle moonlight, this seemingly ordinary small town took on a hint of mysterious beauty, perhaps due to the wisps of smoke rising from cooking fires.
Surrounded by deceit in the court, Night Star felt his heart gradually soften. Sitting by the bed, he remained still and upright like a bell, yet his expression was gentler than ever before.
He wondered how that silly girl was doing now. She had always been wise, kind-hearted, and sensible, yet she lived so cautiously around him. Ultimately, was it his failure to protect her enough? Was it right or wrong to insist on keeping her by his side?
His mother harbored deep hostility towards her and had repeatedly made things difficult for her. Although he wished to protect her completely, he could not always be by her side.
Moreover, her mysterious background, her claims of amnesia, and her hair that changed from black to white... all these indicated that there were too many obstacles to resolve between them.
A clear bird call snapped him back to reality. Night Star focused his mind and looked out the window. Sure enough, a lithe figure soon leaped through the window and knelt before him.
"Subordinate pays respects to the General." The newcomer was none other than Qinglong, the leader of the Shadow Guard accompanying him this time.
Night Star took the note he handed over and quickly scanned it, frowning deeply: "Indeed, they are from Penglai."
"I knew better than to startle them," Qinglong said softly. "I only left Zhuque and Xuanwu at their sleeping quarters to report their movements at any time; the rest of our brothers have withdrawn."
"Well done." Given the unclear enemy situation and his official duties, many matters were indeed inconvenient. This arrangement clearly pleased Night Star. "Go receive your reward."
"To serve the master faithfully, this servant does not dare to seek rewards." Although Qinglong said this, he did not move, clearly indicating there was more to discuss.
Night Star glanced at the figure on the ground; he was not someone who would drag his feet. Rewards and punishments were orderly rules in the military, and those he led were no exception.
Compared to those who remained silent, he preferred the Shadow Guards who could follow orders while also being willing to make requests. Only those with ability had the right to ask, didn't they?
"Speak," he said, pouring a cup of tea but not in a hurry to drink it, slowly moving to take a seat.
Qinglong took a deep breath. "This servant wishes to ask the master for a reward for Baihu."
"Baihu?" Night Star murmured, recalling a familiar face. He looked at Qinglong and asked, "Wasn't he injured last time during the Gaochang Plague and sent back to the Training Institute for recuperation?"
"Exactly!" Qinglong's throat tightened slightly, and his kneeling body felt somewhat unstable. Thinking of his brothers' gazes, he finally spoke up: "This servant wishes to request that the master arrange a marriage between Baihu and Zhuque."
As soon as he finished speaking, the room fell silent.
After a long while, the distant lights began to extinguish one by one, and the sounds of children crying gradually faded away. In this room, it felt eerily quiet as if there was no life at all.
Qinglong was indeed trained at the Training Institute; even though his knees had long lost sensation, he remained still as a pine tree. Only the sweat at his temples betrayed his current nervousness.
It is well known that Shadow Guards are nameless and faceless, neither living nor dead.
Those who enter the Training Institute, regardless of gender, are orphans without parents or names, cultivated by the royal family. Those with outstanding appearances focus on arts such as music, chess, calligraphy, and dance while delivering messages;
Those with remarkable physiques specialize in martial arts and assassination; those with exceptional intelligence focus on strategies and military tactics.
But the one unchanging rule is loyalty!
Because of loyalty, they can survive;
Because of loyalty, one can live better;
Even more so because of loyalty, one can only and must live without desires or demands!
This is the most basic and helpless rule of being a Shadow Guard!
The Shadow Guards of the General's Mansion are the highest honor for all trainees at the Training Institute, not to mention that Night Star's remarkable military achievements and noble character command everyone's admiration.
Qinglong deeply understands how reckless his request today is. If it were another master, he would have likely been dragged out and beaten to death by now.
But he cannot ignore Baihu and Zhuque, two people as important to him as his own siblings, the pain of loving deeply yet being unable to be together.
Perhaps even he is gambling, betting on Night Star's kindness, betting on the change that came after he met that woman.
"Do you know what you are saying?" Night Star's voice revealed no emotion.
Qinglong lowered his head: "Qinglong knows his crime."
"You are indeed guilty." Night Star set down the already cold teacup and kicked out at the person kneeling on the ground with force.
Qinglong was knocked onto his back, spitting out a mouthful of blood, and crawled back to kneel beside Night Star: "Qinglong knows his crime."
"As a Shadow Guard, one should not have any worldly emotions or desires; otherwise, how can one serve their master wholeheartedly? The Training Institute is a royal secret organization that has served the emperor loyally for many years.
You were bestowed upon me by the emperor; you are to obey me as well as the Sovereign. How can you entertain such rebellious thoughts? It is simply outrageous." Night Star looked expressionlessly at the person kneeling on the ground, who gradually began to tremble under his words, knowing he had taken them to heart.
"You will return and accept fifty military strikes as punishment. As for Baihu and Zhuque..." Night Star said softly.
Qinglong's voice began to tremble with fear, "General, today's matter was solely Qinglong's idea and has nothing to do with them."
"Qinglong acknowledges his mistake and is willing to accept any punishment. However, I ask the general to consider that the White Tiger is still young, and having suffered serious injuries this time, as for the Zhuque, being a woman, please spare them both from punishment."
Night Star pondered for a moment before softly saying, "The White Tiger has made contributions during the Gaochang Plague War. Although the Zhuque is a woman, she does not fall short of men in capability, yet merits and faults cannot offset each other... Send my secret order for the White Tiger and Zhuque to go to Luzhou Island to collect the Thousand Mountain Snow Lotus for His Majesty's longevity. They are not allowed to return to the capital until the mission is complete."
Qinglong was initially startled. "General, please calm your anger."
Before he could finish speaking, he regained his composure and felt joy again. "Thank you, General. I will relay the order to them immediately."
"Wait." Night Star called out to the overjoyed Qinglong, his gaze drifting to the brightening moon in the sky. With thoughts of someone in his heart, his voice carried a hint of tenderness.
"The Thousand Mountain Snow Lotus blooms once every sixty years and bears fruit once every sixty years. Moreover, Luzhou Island is located at the intersection of three kingdoms, with countless people eyeing it greedily. The dangers they face on this journey are evident. You should take my token and give it to them, telling them that the Night Family stands with them."
If Qinglong had any hesitation about his gratitude towards Night Star earlier, it had long since vanished, replaced by deep appreciation and respect.
The Night Family Token, when presented, would be like seeing the head of Night Manor. It would ensure smooth passage throughout the Heavenly Universe Kingdom, along with access to countless silver banks, businesses, silk shops, jade stores, and weapon halls.
Though it seemed that Night Star was sending the White Tiger and Zhuque to a harsh place, it was actually a way for them to bond deeply; his intentions were undeniably profound!
Qinglong, a tall man from a hellish background, felt his eyes sting at this moment. "Qinglong thanks the General on behalf of the White Tiger and Zhuque."
Thank me? Night Star smiled faintly, feeling bittersweet as he waved his hand. "You may leave now. Keep a close watch on those four individuals."
Silently, only a solitary figure remained in the room.
"Mo Xi'er, if you knew that today I went against my original intention and let go of two Shadow Guards with ulterior motives, would you call me foolish or smile and say I did well?"
His long fingers gently traced the rim of his cup as a soft smile appeared on his lips. "You are so kind; you treat everyone around you with sincerity. You would surely think that what I did was quite good."
After years of bloodshed on the battlefield, he no longer harbored any excess sympathy or pity in his heart. Yet humanity told him that even nameless Shadow Guards without parents or identity deserved to live with dignity!
Unable to contend with the Emperor's extraordinary talents, at the very least, one can do something within their capabilities for the sake of their lives.
On the sickbed, White Tiger excitedly knocked over the medicine bowl. "Big Brother, are you really telling the truth?"
Qinglong, usually calm, couldn't help but feel excited at this moment. "Why would I lie to you? This is what the General personally said. Look, this is the token he asked me to bring to you and Zhuque. It can't be fake."
White Tiger was both surprised and delighted, unable to believe it. He held the token and examined it several times, nodding repeatedly. "It's the Night Family Token, no doubt about it. I've seen it before; it's the Night Family Token, Big Brother..."
As he spoke, he couldn't hold back his tears any longer and buried his face in the pillow. Even without making a sound, his trembling shoulders betrayed his overwhelming emotions.
Qinglong initially wanted to tease him a bit but stopped midway, ultimately resting his hand on his own leg.
When White Tiger lifted his head again, his eyes were slightly red. As the saying goes, a man does not shed tears easily; it's just that he hasn't reached that deep emotional point yet. He forced himself to get out of bed and knelt on the ground. "Big Brother, please allow me to pay my respects."
Qinglong did not stop him; even if he wanted to, he couldn't. He accepted this bow and quickly helped him back onto the bed.
Some words need not be spoken. White Tiger understood how great a price Qinglong had to pay for granting him such immense grace. Not to mention anything else, just the willingness to treat him like a biological brother and regard Zhuque as a real sister—constantly guiding and educating him—this kindness would be remembered by White Tiger, this usually taciturn man, for a lifetime.
Qinglong patted his shoulder. "Don't forget to thank Zhuque when you leave."
White Tiger nodded with determination in his gaze.
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