"Before dinner, I went to the study to look for my father, but I didn't see anyone. There was only this note on the desk."
Huang Rong answered truthfully, with a trace of worry unavoidable in her words.
Guo Mo said nothing and came to Feng Heng with the letter.
"Mother-in-law, the content of the letter left is very simple, and the font is also very neat. It can be seen that my father-in-law did not leave the note in a hurry. As for why he could not say goodbye in person, but took the form of leaving a letter, I am afraid it has something to do with this 'old friend'.
"
"Maybe there is something inconvenient to say. Let's not worry about it. With my father-in-law's skills, no one in the world can easily keep him."
"Yes, Master, you see, Brother Guo also said the same. Don't even bother with tea and rice. Maybe Master is having a good meal with old friends somewhere."
Chen Xuanfeng also took the opportunity to persuade, and Huang Rong quickly asked Tingxiang to go out and arrange dinner.
The meal was eaten peacefully. Nothing like this had ever happened before, and it always seemed a bit strange.
It’s hard to say much. No one here is stupid. Some people say too much, which is counterproductive.
"Brother Mo, do you think dad won't encounter any problems?"
Huang Rong looked at the pair of children sleeping soundly next to them, and gently covered them with quilts.
April has just entered, and the peach blossoms on "Peach Blossom Island" have already bloomed.
In "Fulongju", many peach trees have been transplanted in the past two years, just for the purpose of planting trees. Guo Mo didn't bother to build another peach blossom array.
"Rong'er, this matter is indeed weird, but unfortunately I have no clue. For a master of my father-in-law's level, I just want the 'Imperial City Division' to investigate it, but I am afraid that I am not able to do anything about it."
If "Dongxie" Huang Yaoshi wanted to hide his identity, no one would be able to find out.
"However, there should be no danger. In today's world, my father-in-law is already one of the 'Five Ultimates'. Even if there are still some hidden sects, how many top masters can there be?"
This is the truth, but Huang Rong still looks worried.
"Okay Rong'er, if you look worried too, what do you want your mother-in-law to do? Xiang'er and Yi'er are only a few months old, so you can't have any problems."
"If you really don't worry, I will go out with my senior brother and second senior sister tomorrow to look for it, but the chance of finding it is probably slim."
Huang Rong was originally a smart person, but when she suddenly encountered such a thing involving her father, she inevitably became confused.
Seeing Guo Mo say this, I felt that for a while, there was no better way, so I had to do this for now.
Early the next morning, Guo Mo and others had just finished breakfast when Ting Xiang came in to report.
"Nanshan Woodcutter" Xiren came, and with him came a foreigner.
Guo Mo was a little surprised. The "Imperial City Division"'s rhythm of reporting every three days has been going on for the past six months.
However, we just received the latest intelligence summary yesterday. How come it was only one day and the fourth master came here so early in the morning?
"Brother Mo, let's go see the fourth master together. Maybe something will happen."
Guo Mo had no choice but to hand the little Guo Xiang to Feng Heng. As long as this little girl was awake, she always wanted to be held by her father. The child was only nine months old, but had all kinds of weird things.
When the two came to "Lingqing Pavilion", Nan Xiren was already drinking tea there, and there was another person sitting next to him, who turned out to be a Miao man.
"Elder Shi? Why are you here?"
Guo Mo didn't expect that the person who came with the fourth master was actually Elder Shi Ming, whom he met in "Luo's Ghost Country" more than two years ago.
When Shi Ming saw Guo Mo and Huang Rong coming in, he also hurried over to greet him.
They had known each other more than two years ago, and Guo Mo and the others were his saviors, and the saviors of the entire "Luo Family Ghost Country".
This time, Shi Ming was ordered to go on a mission to the Song Dynasty. To a large extent, it was also because of Guo Mo that he made this trip.
It turned out that more than a year ago, the Song Dynasty's unprecedented "martial arts" led to the martial arts trend throughout the country.
And several "disciples of the emperor" who came out of the "martial arts" have become household names.
Especially last year's battle against Jin, names such as Guo Mo, Meng Gong, Yue Ao, Yu Jie, Wang Jian, Qin Ju... were even more resounding throughout the country.
Whether it was the Dunwu training in the south of Lin'an City or the cavalry selection outside Jiangling City, they all lasted for at least half a year, and it became a place that the entire Song Army and the passionate young men yearned for.
As the initiator and creator of all this, Guo Mo has become the focus of attention from both the government and the public.
Now, who doesn't know that the "Dunwu Army", "Zhongshun Army" and "Jingnan Army" are already on the front line of the Song Dynasty and can fight, and they are inextricably linked to Guo Mo.
Although Guo Mo has been out of work for more than half a year, his "legend" has always been circulated among the people, and it is becoming more and more popular.
Guo Mo's name naturally spread to the "Luoshi Ghost Country" adjacent to the Song Dynasty.
There wasn't much trouble at first, until more information spread, and it attracted the attention of the top management of "Luo's Ghost Country".
At this time, the leader of the "Luo's Ghost Kingdom" is none other than Ander, who was rescued by Guo Mo from the "Ten Thousand Bones".
Although Ender escaped from danger, the foundation of his body was severely damaged after being imprisoned for so many years. In addition, he was no longer able to have children due to his age.
Then, An Ling'er naturally became the only heir to the throne.
More than a year ago, when Guo Mo was preparing for the "Martial Arts Examination", thousands of miles away in the "Luo Family Ghost Country", An Ling'er, who was pregnant out of wedlock, gave birth to a son.
It sparked heated discussions for a while, and even several powerful tribes within the "Luo Family Ghost Country" used this as a reason to question An Ling'er's qualifications as heir.
In the end, the highly respected High Priest Lanze came forward and used the most mysterious divination technique of the "Luo Family Ghost Kingdom" to calculate that the child An Ling'er gave birth to was a gift from the gods.
He is here to protect the "Luo's Ghost Country" and should be the future master of the "Luo's Ghost Country".
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Although some people are still doubtful, the status of the Lan family in the "Luo Family Ghost Country" and the decades of influence of the Lanze High Priest have calmed down this minor incident.
Quite a storm.
Even, in the end, the newly born baby was directly designated as the heir to the throne of "Luo's Ghost Kingdom".
Some people believe in his "extraordinary origin", and some people may think that if there is such a young master in the future, it will be more convenient to protect the interests of their tribe.
"Luo's Ghost Kingdom" has always intended to become a vassal state of the Song Dynasty, but after so many years, the Song Dynasty has no "ambition" for external expansion, and even "Luo's Ghost Kingdom" does not dare to accept the initiative of surrender.
.
Unexpectedly, in the past year or so, the Song Dynasty repeatedly defeated the Jin army in the Lianghu area, and even took back the Deng and Tang states from the Jin state.
Ander was interested in joining the army, so he specially sent a delegation headed by Elder Shi Ming to bring tributes such as jewelry and spices to An'an.
Of course, Shi Ming also has a more important task, which is to determine whether Guo Mo, who is famous all over the world, is the Guo Mo who saved the "Luo Family Ghost Country" from danger.
After arriving in Lin'an, Shi Ming and others were naturally received by the corresponding officials of the Ministry of Rites.
Privately, Shi Ming took out the portrait of Guo Mo painted by An Ling'er and asked the officials of the Ministry of Rites.
Don't tell me, this portrait is at least 70% similar to Guo Mo himself.
"Elder Shi, do you know Guo Dutong of our Song Dynasty?"
The officials of the Ministry of Rites were very surprised, but when they saw that the other party took out Guo Mo's portrait, they unconsciously felt a little closer to him.
Only the "capital commander" who is an army will be called "a certain metropolitan commander" by everyone.
Although Guo Mo was removed from the position of the capital commander of the "Dunwu Army", in the hearts of more people, he is not only the capital commander of the "Dunwu Army", but also the "Zhongshun Army" and "Jingnan Army"
The actual person in power.
Therefore, even when talking about Guo Mo in private, he still calls him "Guo Dutong" unconsciously.
When Shi Ming saw that the officials in his Ministry of Rites really knew Guo Mo and directly addressed him as "Guo Dutong", he knew that this popular figure was really the person he was looking for.
"To be honest, as early as more than two years ago, when Guo Dutong was still white, he was kind to Shi and the entire "Luo Family Ghost Country". I wonder if your Excellency can tell me where Guo Dutong is?"
Shi Ming couldn't wait to see Guo Mo. Since Guo Mo has such a status, there are still some things that need to be clarified in person.
In fact, before Shi Ming came to the Song Dynasty, Ande and An Ling'er, father and daughter, had secret talks with him.
They all gave him earnest instructions, but what they said was almost completely opposite.
However, Shi Ming also had his own thoughts, and he felt that he needed to tell Guo Mo about his thoughts.
"Elder Shi, maybe you don't know yet. Guo Dutong has been idle at home to recuperate since he recaptured the two states of Deng and Tang last year. His subordinates don't know where he lives."
Shi Ming had no choice but to follow the arrangements of the Ministry of Rites and meet with the officials of the Song Dynasty first.
It was rare for a foreign country to submit to the Song Dynasty. Zhao Kuo was very happy when he heard about it.
In fact, the "Luo's Ghost Kingdom" can be considered a very powerful force in southern Xinjiang.
In order to show his importance, Zhao Kuo specially met with Shi Ming at the court meeting in "Daqing Hall".
After a normal audience and presentation of gifts, Shi Ming, who was outspoken, still talked about Guo Mo in public.
"To inform the officials of the Great Song Dynasty, more than two years ago, there was a rebellion within our 'Luo Shi Ghost Country'. It happened that a hero of your country at that time, who is now the 'Dunwu Army', controlled Guo Mo, passed by our country."
"The rescue of our lord from danger, including my life, was all saved by Guo Dutong back then. Guo Dutong was really kind to me, the 'Luo Family Ghost Country', in rebuilding it."
"When I arrive, the Lord of the Bibang Kingdom has repeatedly told me that I must thank Guo Dutong in person, and I will also give you a heavy gift!"
When Shi Ming said this, the civil and military personnel in the entire hall became restless.
Guo Mo's name has not appeared in everyone's ears for more than half a year, and some people have even forgotten this person.
Unexpectedly, today's envoy from the "Luo Family Ghost Country" shouted "Guo Dutong" one after another. He also wanted to thank him in person, but actually threatened to send him a "heavy gift"?
Don’t you know that accepting bribes would violate criminal law in the Song Dynasty?
How dare you say it openly in this solemn "Daqing Hall"?
Zhao Kuo was originally sitting on the dragon throne, listening to Shi Ming's free New Year greetings, not to mention how happy he was. Who wouldn't be willing to hear good words?
Unexpectedly, the messenger changed the subject and started talking about Guo Mo.
That kid is actually the savior of "Luo's Ghost Country"?
How big a deal is this? I didn't hear that kid say it.
If this is taken care of, it won't just be a simple foreign dependence. Maybe it can become a powerful helper for that kid.
After all, it was an official family. In just a short while, I was thinking about how to operate in a way that would be more beneficial to my son.
"I have informed the officials that I will impeach the 'Dunwu Army' who has resigned and take control of Guo Mo."
When Zhao Kuo was making calculations, a censor actually jumped out and threatened to impeach Guo Mo. What does this mean?
"Zhang Qing, it seems that Guo Mo hasn't shown up for more than half a year. Why are you impeaching him?"
Naturally, a father would not be happy when he heard that someone was impeaching his son, but Zhao Kuo still asked patiently.
"The official said, as the envoy from the 'Luo Family Ghost Country' just said, Guo Mo actually had connections with foreign countries for a long time. Now it seems that there must be some conspiracy to participate in the 'martial arts' in the Song Dynasty?"
"This envoy actually claimed that he wanted to send a big gift to Guo Mo. Doesn't this mean that he is giving and receiving gifts from the country in private? Please punish Guo Mo for his crime."
Well, you can even say this.
"Come, where are the warriors in the palace? Give me this arrogant and rebellious person... and take him out——"
Hearing that Zhang Yushi was obviously making trouble unreasonably and messing around, Zhao Kuo wanted to punish him in anger.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Later, when I thought about his identity as a censor, it was "heard and reported", so I changed it to "forked out".
In the past two years, with the continuous success in the military, the country has also become tougher in diplomacy, and there is no need to pay any more "annual gifts" to the Jin Kingdom.
As for Zhao Kuo himself, he has been practicing internal martial arts for a year and a half, especially the first level of the "Nine Yang Divine Skills" taught by Guo Mo, "Yunyu Purple Qi", and he has just started to learn it recently.
Old Zhao Kuo seemed to have a second spring, his strength increased greatly, and his archery skills improved a lot, and he could hit the target a hundred steps away.
He spoke with a loud voice and walked vigorously, and the demeanor of a generation of emperors became more and more majestic.
Looking at the court, the important ministers who are completely loyal to themselves are not only half, but at least 30%.
And the army that can be commanded is the most powerful. Zhao Kuo talks and acts more like a real official.
Zhao Kuo's move suppressed the other censors who wanted to leave their jobs, and they all stood there dejectedly.
"Haha, I didn't expect that our two countries have such deep exchanges for a long time. I wonder what kind of gift your envoy plans to give to Guo Dutong?"
After scolding Zhang Yushi for being aggressive, Zhao Kuo looked at Shi Ming and asked with interest.
"I would like to report to the official family that when I arrived, the lord of our country said that after meeting Guo Dutong, if he needs it, my lord is willing to give 8,000 war horses to help Commander Guo achieve new achievements."
What?
Eight thousand war horses?
Or "gift"?
Zhao Kuo was no longer calm. How much money is this?
Even if you have money, you may not be able to get 8,000 war horses at once!
Last year, it took a whole year of using rice, armor and weapons, and various intrigues to obtain 20,000 war horses from the Jin Kingdom and Xixia.
Now, as soon as the messenger's upper lip touches his lower lip, he will give Guo Mo eight thousand war horses. How big a face is this for that kid?
Zhao Kuo looked at the jewelry, spices and other tributes sent by "Luo's Ghost Kingdom" and suddenly felt that they didn't smell good.
"Old man, arrange for the envoys from the 'Luo Family Ghost Kingdom' to meet with our General Guo."
Zhao Kuo wished he could say the last few words through gritted teeth, then stood up and left the "Daqing Hall".
The old eunuch didn't dare to laugh. Does this official still taste his own son?
Someone quickly notified "Nanshan Woodcutter" Nanxi Ren and asked him to take Elder Shi Ming to "Peach Blossom Island" to meet Guo Mo.
This is how Shi Ming came here. After he briefly described it, Guo Mo was also a little shocked.
"Elder Shi, eight thousand war horses? Do our 'Luo Shi Ghost Kingdom' have many war horses?"
"Dian Horse" Guo Mo naturally knows this. He has super endurance and is adaptable to mountain walking and long-distance running.
Under the blockade of the Song Dynasty by several northern countries, Yunnan horses have been the main source of war horses for the Song Dynasty in the past years.
Even now, the actual number of cavalry in the Song Dynasty army is close to 100,000, and the number of Yunnan horses is at least 60,000 to 70,000.
This is because, among the 60,000 people in the three armies that Guo Mo can control, more than half of the cavalry, the 20,000 to 30,000 northern war horses were either exchanged or stolen last year.
Originally, with a cavalry force of 60,000 to 70,000, northern war horses could only be seen sporadically.
It's just that Yunnan horses are generally shorter in stature. They are good for riding and running, but they are almost useless when used in battles between two armies.
"My benefactor, the territory of 'Luo Shi Ghost Country' is very mountainous and has few foreign wars. It has quite a lot of war horses left in it."
"It's just that it's not easy to pick out the big ones. This time, of the 8,000 war horses my Lord ordered, only about half of them can really catch up with the northern war horses."
"However, when used for long-distance raids, one person and two horses can be used, the shorter one can attack, and the higher one can fight on the battlefield."
This is a good idea. The key is that the 8,000 war horses are given for free, and there is no need to spend any money.
"Then Mr. Guo is very grateful to Elder Shi. When he goes back, he will pay homage to the Lord of the Kingdom for me. Once he says 'benefactor', Elder Shi doesn't need to mention it anymore."
"It's just that your gift of eight thousand war horses this time is a bit generous. Guo doesn't know how to thank you."
Guo Mo was actually a little confused. Even if he had rescued them, it had been more than two years.
It's a little late to return the favor now, but the key is that the favor needs to be a bit exaggerated.
"My benefactor...Guo Dutong, there is actually something else that Shi has not thought of how to say."
Shi Ming seemed a little embarrassed and looked at Nan Xiren and Huang Rong sitting next to him.
"Don't worry, Elder Shi. You also know this person. The person who went to the 'Luo Family Ghost Country' with me back then is now my wife."
"And this person is my mentor and the closest person to Guo. If Elder Shi has anything to say, you might as well say it directly."
Guo Mo explained hurriedly.
It was because Shi Ming saw Huang Rong that he hesitated whether to say it or how to say it.
Seeing Shi Ming's eyes constantly scanning her body, Huang Rong's heart skipped a beat.
"Elder Shi, could it be that your main purpose in coming to Song Dynasty this time is to find Brother Mo?"
Huang Rong thought for a moment and asked directly to the point.
Shi Ming was a little surprised, but still nodded.
"To be fair to Miss Huang, it is indeed the case. It was because of hearing the news about Guo Dutong that my Lord asked Shi to travel all the way to the Song Dynasty to seek attachment. However, coming to see Guo Dutong..."
"Elder Shi, is it the arrangement of your country's leader that you come to see Brother Mo, or... or is it the arrangement of sister Ling'er?"
"What? You...you know everything?"
Huang Rong's question made Shi Ming stand up from his chair and looked at Huang Rong in surprise.
He always thought that only a few people on his side knew about the incident more than two years ago, and Guo Mo and Huang Rong were probably completely unaware.
At that time, it was all in order to remove the "poison" from An Ling'er's body, so he had no choice but to take this step.
If An Ling'er hadn't given birth to a child, if Guo Mo hadn't become famous in the Song Dynasty, if it weren't for the purpose of stabilizing the child's future throne, Shi Ming would not have come to "Peach Blossom Island" to find Guo Mo.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Looking at Shi Ming's look, Huang Rong knew that her guess was right. In fact, she had doubts more than two years ago.
Seeing Guo Mo's condition at that time, Huang Rong always felt that something was wrong.
The two of them could be regarded as their saviors, and Guo Mo did not hesitate to use up his skills to get rid of An Ling'er's "poison".
And when they were leaving, there was no one to see them off?
What's so important that Ander and An Ling'er don't want to send their savior away?
It's just that Huang Rong had no evidence at that time. At best, it was just a woman's natural "sensitivity", so she wouldn't be so stubborn, right?
Later, when I left there, I thought that we would never have the chance to meet each other. As time went by, Huang Rong gradually forgot about it.
Unexpectedly, today, two years later, I met Elder Shi Ming again on "Peach Blossom Island", and the other person showed up with "eight thousand" war horses. What kind of friendship is this?
Guo Mo was confused after hearing this. He looked at Huang Rong and then at Shi Ming.
"So, you just admit that this trip is related to sister Ling'er? Is it also because of her that you gave away 8,000 war horses?"
Huang Rong asked calmly, her tone was very calm, but Guo Mo could hear a hint of inexplicable sadness.
"Miss Huang, you guessed wrong on this point. It was the head of my family, or rather my idea, to come to Guo Dutong. Ling'er just gave the order not to let me disturb Guo Dutong, and instead gave me 8,000 war horses.
It is also the arrangement of my country’s master.”
Seeing Shi Ming say this, Huang Rong didn't understand again.
"I want to know, what is the purpose of doing this?"
"Because Ling'er gave birth to a son, who is now one year and eight months old."
"What?--"
With a "thump", Huang Rong stood up from the chair, her eyes instantly filled with tears, and her body was trembling slightly.
He looked at Shi Ming in disbelief, with a trace of anger or fear in his eyes.
"Rong'er, what's wrong with you?"
Guo Mo felt something strange about Huang Rong and hurriedly stepped forward to support her.
Huang Rong pushed Guo Mo away gently and without leaving a trace.