All your life is gentle

After witnessing the fire that burned the city, the people near Tongcheng all strengthened their determination to escape, and spread the news of the destruction of Tongcheng along the way.This news was already horrifying enough. Thousands of people heard it from ear to ear, and the more they said it, the more frightened they became. The panic spread like a dark cloud over the city, and the migratory locusts passed through the border and spread rapidly, so that within a few hundred miles to the south, there was almost no human presence.

Zi Shi and the others walked very slowly.

Except for Changsheng, the other three had never done this kind of long-distance trek, and they couldn't get up fast at all.After walking less than twenty miles on the first day, Zizhou and Zigui developed blisters on the soles of their feet.The two children were strong, moving forward while weeping in pain.Zi Shi looked at the road, there was no village in front of him, no shop in the back.It was getting late.At the moment, I decided to hurry up with Changsheng alone, with the two little ones on my back, and at least find a place to spend the night.

Finally arrived at a village, it was quiet and silent.He called twice, but no one answered.Some people's houses are locked, while others have their doors wide open, and the inside is empty, with the intention of leaving forever.

Seeing the yard with the open door of the first house, the four of them went in.

"Hey, this family is so thorough, they even took the bed boards away." Zi Shi stepped over and pulled out the straw under the bed to spread it out.

"The bed board can be put on the car to load things, erected to keep out the wind and rain, can be used as a weapon when necessary, and can be used as firewood when split..." Chang Sheng said as he came to help.

"That makes sense." Zi Shi nodded.Gu Changsheng is an experienced pragmatist.On the way to escape, having such a helper is simply a gift from heaven.

As soon as the straw was laid, Zizhou and Zigui immediately lay down on it, not knowing whether it was too comfortable or too tired, they squinted their eyes and hummed.

"Don't sleep yet." Zi Shi said, "Take care of the blisters on your feet." Turning around, he asked Chang Sheng, "Where's the knife?"

"The knife won't work." Chang Sheng said, turned and went out.

Zi Shi saw that he was handing it over to me, so he simply let him go and sat on the straw.As soon as I sat down, I immediately wanted to fall down, I couldn't tell where the pain was, I just felt sore all over my body.I opened my eyes vigorously, afraid that I would not have the strength to open them after closing them.After waiting for a while, he was hesitating whether to get up and go out to have a look. Chang Sheng came in with a bucket of water, and held a few long brown thorns in his other hand.

"What do you do with the saponin thorns?"

"Saponica thorn?" He looked down, "So it's called that. I just broke off a few to see if it looks good."

After pulling and pulling, I got the two children up and told them to sit on the bed frame and wash their feet.

Changsheng squatted down, gently pierced the blister with the saponin thorn, but did not bandage it immediately, letting the water in the bubble flow down the long thorn, and the skin was almost intact.In this way, Zizhou and Zigui took care of all the blisters on their feet.Thinking about finding something to wipe, Zi Shi next to him happened to hand over a cloth strip.It turned out that after seeing Changsheng's posture, he already knew what to do, so he searched the room carefully and found a clean cloth curtain.

The two children were already lying down, and Chang Sheng went out to change a bucket of water, Chong Zishi said: "You."

"En." Responded, bent down to take off the shoes, but did not take them off, and gasped in pain.

Zi Shi's original shoes were soaked in blood, and died with the Han River.This pair of shoes was picked off the feet of some dead person. They are a bit big, so I can barely wear them.Walked all day and got more blisters on my feet than two kids.It was worn out in several places, and the blood stained the shoes, congealing and connecting them.Now they have to separate forcibly, which will naturally cause a sharp pain.

"It needs to be soaked." He simply put his shoes into the bucket.The sore and swollen feet were shocked by the cold well water, and the bones trembled.Grinding his teeth, he grasped the bed frame tightly, and suddenly regained his energy.He was soaking here, and Changsheng went out again.This time it took longer, and when I came back, I was carrying a wicker basket.Zi Shi had already taken off his shoes, and was picking up the unbroken blisters on his feet just like he did before.

It was the turn of the right foot, and the left hand worked, very clumsily.

Suddenly a hand reached out and took away the saponin thorn.Another hand reached out and grabbed the ankle.

Both of them were slightly shocked.

Zi Shi was slightly startled, and then felt that hand was warm.How can the feet that have just been fished out of the well water be willing to break free?So forgot to move the reaction.Changsheng is the temperature and tactile sensation that come unexpectedly from the hands: so cool, so slippery, so thin, too hard to hold.Under the thin skin, faint blood veins can be seen, like ice sculptures...

"Cold is colder, but cold water will reduce swelling, bear with it."

Zi Shi still felt a little ambiguous at first, and considered whether to reluctantly refuse the other party's help.Seeing his serious appearance, he felt nervous, so he didn't say anything.

Changsheng carried the blisters for him.The worn place was washed clean of blood, and small patches of bright red tender flesh were exposed on the soles of the white feet. I knew that he must be in severe pain.Secretly admired in his heart: Although this person's body is fragile, his temperament is extremely persevering.Not to mention the pain, he didn't show it on his face along the way.However, he didn't show it, so he could guess it.At that time, I thought that long-term pain is worse than short-term pain. The earlier the cocoon is ground, the later will be less painful, and there are two younger ones to take care of.Seeing him walking as usual, he forgot to ask later.

Now he couldn't bear it anymore, so he said "I don't say anything", got up and went to fetch the fern grass in the bundle.

"It's okay. If I walk a little longer, I won't feel the pain. I can't find another big brother to carry me.

Chang Sheng crushed the fern-tail grass and put it on him, then wrapped it with cloth strips, and said: "I'm sure I won't be able to leave tomorrow, let's stay here for a day."

Thanks to saving Gu Changsheng back then.Sure enough, if you do a good deed every day, there will be good rewards.Great value.Seeing his skillful movements, Zi Shi laughed at himself: ""Four limbs don't work hard, and the five grains don't distinguish"—as expected, he is a scholar who is useless."

Unexpectedly, Changsheng didn't raise his head, and continued, ""Those who work hard will rule others, and those who work hard will rule others". You see, I just happen to be here."

scare!Great progress, kid.

"Gu Changsheng, are you mocking me or comforting me?" Zi Shi tilted his head, wanting to stare at him, but he didn't hold back, he enjoyed himself first.

Changsheng showed no expression, stretched out two arms, picked him up and put him on the grass.Turning around and tossing the wicker basket that was brought in before, he actually took out an iron pot, a few broken bowls, and half a bag of brown rice.

Zi Shi looked at him in admiration.

Changsheng was carrying half a bag of rice and the pot, and was about to lift his legs, but stopped again, and explained to Zi: "He who governs others eats others, and those who govern others eat others"—Mr. Li, just wait for the meal .” Grinning all the way out.

Zi Shi came back to his senses, and yelled viciously in the direction of the kitchen: "Please, Mr. Gu, don't forget to stew a piece of rib meat from yourself, so that I deserve it." I couldn't help laughing for a long time.

When the meal was ready, Zizhou and Zigui woke up, and the four of them ate the sweetest meal these days.

Passing through Liaocheng, the equipment of the four of them has been greatly improved.

It turned out that Jiang Zhongyi, the prefect of Liaocheng, and Shi Yuan, the garrison, heard the news that Tongcheng was besieged, and immediately rolled up Xiruan, took their families, abandoned the city and fled.The people in the whole city followed suit one after another, scrambling to escape quickly, even earlier and faster than the people near Tongcheng.

The four of Zi Shi were already behind the fleeing crowd, they started late and walked slowly, passing through more than a dozen empty and quiet villages along the way.Almost everyone abandoned their homes and fled. Occasionally, the old, weak and sick remained behind.There are also some who just hide in the nearby mountains and forests, and come out from time to time to have a look.I heard that the Xirong army went to the east, and turned back one after another.Although Zi Shi clearly warned them that the enemy may come again at any time, many people decided to go home and wait and see.

On the contrary, Liaocheng is really a completely empty city.Walking on the street, there are no traces of people.Many people's shops had their doors open, and they were in a mess. You can imagine how they were in a hurry that day.

From the east of the city to the west of the city, the four of them had a whole new look.According to Zi Shi's instructions, he chose the simplest and strongest clothes, but he chose the best leather shoes for shoes.In addition to the clothes on his body, he also packed a few pieces in his bag.Changsheng found himself a pair of rhino horn bows and arrows, and a scimitar with a sheath.Zizhou took a sword, which was a little heavy, but still able to move.Just when I was happy, I heard my elder brother say: "Put it back."

"why?"

"Holding a spear without being able to protect yourself, the result can only be to give someone a handle. What's the use of you holding it? It's better to carry this thing for me than to carry it." Saying that, he took the small iron pot that he carried all the way Buckle it on Zizhou's head.

Girls love beauty after all. Seeing the colorful silks and satins stretched everywhere in the silk and satin factory, they couldn't help picking them up and gesticulating on them, but Zi Zhou scolded them: "These things are not ownerless things. Let's take them without asking." , it is true that you have to do what you have to do, and you should only take what you need, how can you be greedy?"

"Li Zizhou! Who do you think is greedy?" Zi Gui threw down the silk satin and rushed over with his fist.Zi Zhou hurriedly ran behind Chang Sheng and made a grimace.Zigui resentfully said, "You are just venting off because elder brother forbids you to hold that sword."

Zi Shi said: "The war is in turmoil, no matter whether he has a master or not, he will take it if he takes it. The problem is that we still have a long way to go, so we can't ask for burdens. Bringing some flashy things will cause trouble. The second is to cause trouble for nothing."

The voices of several people's voices echoed in the quiet streets and alleys of houses, and they seemed to spread far away, making people feel frightened for no reason.

"Brother, let's get out of here quickly, shall we?"

"Wait a minute." Zi Shi looked at Chang Sheng and said, "There may not be such a good opportunity in the future, the situation in Chuzhou is much slower, and we are going deep into the hinterland, so it may not be too much affected by the current situation—"

Changsheng murmured: What exactly did he want to say?

"...every move costs money, instead of thinking about it when the time comes, it's better to be here—"

Oh, I understand, while there is no one here, collect more valuables and bring them with you.Alas, I have to make a lot of detours and make a grandiose statement about a blatant theft and robbery.

Of course there is no cash, it was taken away by the owner long ago.I found some utensils inlaid with gold and silver, all of which were very exquisite.Zi Shi looked at each piece one by one, and sighed in his heart: They are all art treasures.But so what?Human life is still in danger, so how can we care about these things!He finally smiled and stretched out his hand: "Gu Daxia, please."

Chang Sheng rolled his eyes at him, picked up a knife and pried and dug, unloaded a small pile of gold bars and silver nuggets, wrapped them and handed them to Zi Shi.I thought to myself that I had led my subordinates to rob so many gold and silver treasures, and it was really the first time I did it myself.

Zi Shi took it, took a few small pieces and hid them with his younger brothers and sisters. The rest was divided into two bags, one bag was put in his arms, and the other bag was handed to Chang Sheng: "So as not to be caught all at once."

Zizhou and Zigui were a little hesitant.Taking people's gold and silver directly seems to be different in nature from taking a few pieces of clothes and a few pairs of shoes.But the posture of the two elder brothers was so natural, and they were confident and confident from the beginning to the end, which made them unable to say anything.

Going out of the west gate, looking back at the city full of ancient trees and flowers, white walls and blue tiles, waiting for the fate of being abused defenselessly.Perhaps within a few months, this city will follow in the footsteps of Tongcheng.

Zi Shi was in a complicated mood and stood there for a long time.Changsheng stood with him for a while, lifted the burden on his back and put it on his shoulders, and said, "Don't delay, let's go." Greeting to the two children, he strode forward.

Approaching Chuzhou, the population gradually became denser.All the way westward, I saw a large area of ​​fertile land left unattended after spring plowing, leaving it to fend for itself.Walking to the territory of Linxiang, there are shepherd boys and farmers in the forest and fields from time to time.Even some refugees who fled from the north and the east stopped here, opened up wasteland and farmed land, went to the city to work, settled on the spot, and made peace with the situation.

"This should be Qingshui River. The mountain opposite must be Nanzhu Mountain." The west of Nanzhu Mountain already belongs to the boundary of Chuzhou.

Li Zishi's romantic attitude is natural, even though he is covered in dust, he stands by the river, raises his hand and points forward, with the intention of riding the wind and facing the water.He chanted casually: "Clear water makes me sad to see off guests, and Qingfeng intends to welcome people with a smile. I heard that Chuzhou has beautiful mountains and rivers, and outstanding people. Judging by the weather, there is indeed beauty hidden inside."

Changsheng refrained from looking at him.Li Zishi finally got used to his sour temper these days.Fortunately, although he likes to drop book bags, there are actually some genuine goods in his stomach.Along the way, relying on his memory of the books he read in the past, he knew the road and the direction, and he was almost inseparable.Even though he went around a few times, it was quite rare for a young man who had never traveled far.Of course, Changsheng's rich practical experience in these areas played an extremely important auxiliary role.

After so many days of training, the ability of the three Li brothers and sisters to travel long distances has been greatly improved.Although he was far inferior to Gu Changsheng, his stamina and speed had improved greatly, and he was no longer the miserable and embarrassing appearance at the beginning.Along the way, all three of them became dark and thin, with calluses on their feet and peeling skin on their hands.Gu Changsheng and Gu Changsheng, who are traveling together, have a deeper friendship day by day.

There is no bridge in sight.There was a farmer working in the distance. Zi Shi stepped forward a few steps, curled his hands into tubes, let go of his voice and shouted, "Uncle——how does this river get across?——"

"Two miles ahead, there is a bridge."

"Erli..." Zi Shi looked at the width of the river, and it was only about ten feet wide.Throwing a quick stone down, wading is obviously not operable.Childlike innocence suddenly arises: "Why don't we swim there?"

As soon as the words fell, he had already won cheers from his siblings.The weather is getting hotter and hotter, and there is never a chance to take a good bath. It is comfortable to think about being able to swim in this clear river.Children from water villages know the nature of water by themselves.However, young masters and young ladies like the Li brothers and sisters only played with adults behind their backs when they were young.When you grow up, the rules are stricter, and you don't rely on it for food, so you have little chance to go into the water.The technology is not very good, and it is still no problem to deal with the small river ditch in front of us.

Changsheng's face showed embarrassment.

"No? It doesn't matter, you have kung fu, you can learn faster." Zi Shi had a sudden thought, "Gu Changsheng, with your skill, can you "cross the river with Dengping" or "cross the river with a reed"? "While talking, he gestured, "Whoosh, just passed by. Then he stood calmly on the other side and pissed us off."

"Where did you hear all this?" Chang Sheng didn't know whether to laugh or cry, thinking to himself that he was a scholar, why was there such a mess in his mind.

"Sweeping for several feet, that can only be done by a top expert. Besides, I haven't practiced light kungfu much, but I know a few simple moves..." Looking up, "you swim from here, I will go forward and cross the river , I’ll come back and find you guys. It won’t be long.” Si Li couldn’t stand his legs shaking.

Knowing that northerners are afraid of water, Zi Shi thought of the boundless future, and it was necessary to train the best bodyguard to become a decathlon, so he earnestly said: "Although Chuzhou is not densely covered with rivers and lakes like Yuezhou, it is also full of waterways. I can't swim. , After all, it’s troublesome, what’s wrong with learning it?”

Changsheng hesitated for a while, looked at Shangzi Shi with expectant and pleading eyes, opened his mouth and said "yes".When he was forced to take off his clothes and stand trembling by the river with only a pair of trousers on, he regretted so much that he wanted to cry.

"Brother Changsheng, come down, we will pull you!" A pair of twins had already jumped down.Zigui is a girl, she rolled up her sleeves and fastened her shirt tightly, but there was no hindrance.

"Although you have a good figure, I've already exaggerated it." Zi Shi came over and poked Chang Sheng's beautiful abs, and while he was stunned, he suddenly kicked him into the river with force.

Under Changsheng's shock, he instinctively struggled desperately, and Zi Shijuan yelled: "Hold your breath!" He is a martial arts practitioner, he is very proficient in this technique of holding his breath, so he did it immediately.However, the breath-holding in fist-foot-knife technique requires the whole body to be tense and gather strength, which is completely different from swimming.Seeing that his anger was closed, but he sank down like a lump, Zi Shi said anxiously: "Relax——"

Alas, this stupid boy probably doesn't know how to relax.Immediately said loudly: "Gu Changsheng, don't think about anything, just listen to my voice." He chanted loudly, "The waves are far away, and the river is faintly hidden. Tens of thousands of miles away, breathe out spiritual tides. Naturally reciprocate, evening or morning... Purity and emptiness always exist, and chaos never ends. Embodying body according to shape, drifting with the current. It is as quiet as the abyss, and as untied as a boat..."

The clear and pure voice came leisurely, carrying a peaceful and peaceful force.Changsheng naturally gets rid of distracting thoughts and relaxes the body and mind.The next moment, he suddenly realized that he had actually floated up, fluttering and rippling on the surface of the water.Trying to move the hands and feet, the body is actually moving forward!It's so fresh and wonderful, it's really interesting.The cool river water infiltrates the whole body, and I immediately feel comfortable. "It turns out...water...isn't that scary..."

"Zi Zhou Zigui, bring your elder brother Changsheng up here."

Zi Shi was afraid that Gu Changsheng would avenge his previous kick, so when he saw him climb up, he immediately changed the subject: "I will show you a demonstration, watch carefully." When he walked to the river, he stretched his muscles and bones first, then took off his clothes and threw them on the ground. In the grass, the upper body of the bone and flesh is showing.

The injury on his back has almost healed, and the matte new skin and dark brown old scabs are intertwined and tangled, which is still shocking.The two largest scars run obliquely from the upper part of the left waist to the right shoulder blade. They are curved, deep and shallow, like twigs of flowers. At first glance, they are startled. If you look twice, against the background of ivory white, there is a unique scar. A seductive attraction.

"Your injury...can you go into the water?"

"It's so itchy, I can't sleep at night because it's so cold." Zi Shi said, and jumped into the water with a "plop".Changsheng instantly remembered the silver koi he had seen in the Imperial Palace Lake in Yangyang City.

Of the two, one was inspiring and good at instructing, the other was smart, eager to learn and brave to practice, but after a long time, Gu Changsheng was able to swim several feet along the river bank.

Tired, I shook off the fur skin and put it on the branch, separated a relatively secluded space, and changed my clothes.Wet clothes were washed and hung up in the river.The four of them lay side by side on the grass by the river, and the south wind was blowing, making them very comfortable.

In the distance, there is a faint folk song coming with the wind, men and women respond to each other, the ups and downs are subtle, loud and lingering.Zi Shi discerned carefully and heard the lyrics:

"The big trees in the deep mountains are good for shade, I only listen to folk songs but don't see people; if my sister is kind enough to answer, don't teach my brother to search all over the mountains—"

"Making the fields in March, looking forward to the early rice yellow in June; looking forward to eating the rice yellow, looking forward to sharing the barn with the man—"

…………

Chang Sheng didn't know what it was singing, but felt that the tune was indescribably melodious and melodious, which made people feel numb and soft all over.After listening for a while, he remembered about swimming, and asked, "Li Zishi, what did you recite when...you asked me to hold my breath?"

"Oh, that's Lingxuzi's "The Fu on Goodness Ruo Shui"."

"How did I not hear it being said?"

"This is a Taoist chapter on health preservation, and few people read it. All scholars in the world are disciples of the holy sect, and most of them don't bother to read it. My father doesn't allow me to read it. He hides it in the plywood in the attic—he himself read it secretly."

He licked his lips, and said again: "The things about Taoism are very interesting, such as this article. It says "the best is like water."Water is good at benefiting all things without fighting, and it is the virtue of humility; nothing in the world is weaker than water, and no one can win against the strong. Uninterrupted...""

Almost all the books Changsheng has read are holy scriptures.He was born in the desert and grew up on horseback. He has always believed in the law of the jungle.Hearing such an ingenious article suddenly, pondering it in his heart, there is actually a different realm.

Over there, Zi Zhou and Zi Gui also listened to the elder brother preaching the scriptures.

The Li family in Tongcheng has a cultural lineage that stretches for several generations, and the family has a long history and deep roots.Several children have been trained by the court since childhood. In their minds, studying and studying is like dressing and eating. It is the most natural thing.Even girls should be able to read and write, and be polite.So Zigui has been studying with his brothers, but it is much more relaxed and casual.

Zi Zhou waited for Zi Shi to finish speaking, and said, "Brother, I want to pick up my homework, can you teach me every day?"

He is really a good boy who is motivated. He doesn't need fat and water to joint himself, and he doesn't need to whip himself.Zi Shi said, "Okay. Zi Gui should come with me."

Zi Gui responded.

Zizhou climbed to Changsheng's side, flattering: "Brother Changsheng, how about I ask you to learn kung fu as my teacher? Just like last time, an arrow hit the rabbit. Also, the knife flew out with a "swish", cutting Broken poisonous snake..."

"I want to learn, I want to learn!" Zigui got up excitedly.

Zi Shi closed his eyes to enjoy the cool breeze and green shade, and let the two little ones toss about him.Changsheng looked at him, and nodded to the two children: "I am not qualified to accept apprentices, I will teach you some basic self-defense skills, just treat it as strengthening your body."

There was a sound of children's laughter on the bank of the small river.