Simultaneous travel: I am a talented person in all the worlds

Chapter 253 Gongsun Li: Is Commander Important or Am I?
Qin Shi Moyu did not immediately go to find General Li.

Instead, they brought a prepared offering to the still-unbuilt mourning hall to pay their respects.

A play must be performed completely!
The posture must be done correctly!
Just as he stepped into the mourning hall, on the other side, Gongsun Li, guided by Wei Mo's disciple, finally found her beloved senior brother Jing Ke.

At this moment, Jing Ke had taken off his usual chivalrous attire and was dressed in plain clothes, helping with the arrangements with a sorrowful expression.

"Senior brother."

Gongsun Li walked up behind him and called out softly.

"Huh? Junior Sister?!"

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Jing Ke turned around abruptly and saw Gongsun Li standing there gracefully. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but it was immediately replaced by the joy of a long-awaited reunion. "Why are you here?!"

Looking at the genuine joy in his eyes, Gongsun Li felt a little less resentful and aggrieved from being ignored for days.

A thousand words welled up in my heart, and I was just about to say something.

Suddenly, a rough shout came from the side:

"Brother Jing Ke! We're short-handed here! Come and lend a hand!"

"Okay! Coming right away!"

Jing Ke responded reflexively. Turning to Gongsun Li with a hint of apology, he said:

"Junior sister, I'm sorry, I'm just too busy here and can't leave. You... wait for me a moment, I'll come back and talk to you later!"

After saying that, without waiting for Gongsun Li's response, he turned around and ran away in a hurry.

Gongsun Li reached out her hand, gazing at Jing Ke's busy back, as if she wanted to say something, but swallowed the words back.

She could only watch silently as his figure disappeared from her sight... The autumn eyes that had regained their sparkle with joy at their reunion gradually dimmed.

She stood there, frozen in place, waiting.
Although this scene was not part of Qin Shi Moyu's script, it was something he could have anticipated.

Jing Ke was this kind of person from beginning to end.

He always held the greater good of the nation, the well-being of all people, and the bonds of brotherhood in his heart, and always lingered in distant ideals, thus inadvertently missing the ardent gaze of Li Ji.

Gongsun Li herself knew this better than anyone else.

Normally, in this situation, she would at most sigh helplessly and mutter "idiot" or "blockhead" in her heart in embarrassment and annoyance.

Even afterward, they would still be considerate of him, understand him, and silently support him.

But, this time, that time.

If it weren't for Qin Shi Mo Yu's previous hints and guidance... if it weren't for those ten-odd days of being 'forgotten' alone at the base and enduring immense mental pressure...

At this moment, the string of 'trust' and 'dependence' in Gongsun Li's heart had already been quietly plucked without her realizing it.

For her, her childhood sweetheart and her senior brother Jing Ke, a crack in their relationship that was difficult to mend had quietly begun to grow.

Jing Ke's logic remained unchanged from beginning to end!

But Gongsun Li, who usually only saw his strengths and subconsciously ignored his weaknesses.

At this moment, she could no longer ignore him. Instead, his flaws deeply stung her heart, which had become extremely sensitive due to anxiety and fear.

Half an hour felt like an eternity.

Jing Ke finally returned, surrounded by two or three people, talking as he went.

Seeing that Gongsun Li was still standing there blankly in the bright sun waiting for him, Jing Ke was stunned for a moment, then finally realized what was going on. He quickly stepped forward and said apologetically:

"Junior sister, I'm so sorry! Look at me... I get so busy that I forget the time! I'm really... sorry! I've been so busy these days, running around everywhere, and haven't been able to find time to see you. Are you... alright?"

When Gongsun Li heard him say this, and his tone seemed sincere, she finally felt a little better about the inexplicable sense of loss and grievance in her heart.

She forced a smile and shook her head: "It's okay, senior brother. I know you're busy with important matters, for the great cause of resisting Qin. I... I'm fine."

Jing Ke awkwardly smiled and led Gongsun Li to a relatively shady and quiet corner of the courtyard, under a pillar where no one would disturb them.

The two chatted about recent events.

As always, it was mostly Jing Ke who was talking, while Gongsun Li listened quietly.

But compared to before, she kept her head down, rarely interrupted, and... rarely looked up at him.

Jing Ke, however, did not feel that anything was wrong with this.

Or perhaps he had long been accustomed to this way of getting along, and as always... he didn't pay any special attention to Gongsun Li's recent situation or mood.

Instead, after giving his explanation, he directly asked Gongsun Li why he had come:

"By the way, junior sister, you came all this way to see me today, is there... something important?"

Gongsun Li's heart sank slightly at his words, but she didn't show it. She simply calmly and earnestly stated her purpose and plan. She was a woman who was gentle on the outside but strong on the inside, quiet and intelligent.

Faced with such an important matter as saving the nation, any personal grievances or unpleasant feelings would be temporarily and firmly suppressed deep within her heart.

To Gongsun Li's utter surprise, her senior brother Jing Ke, who had always been almost always there for her, changed his tune after hearing her plan.

Instead of the agreement or excitement she expected, he... showed an extremely troubled expression, his brows furrowed!

"If we could persuade General Li and these border cavalry brothers to lend a hand and aid the country, it would indeed greatly strengthen the defenses of Puyang, but... but..."

Jing Ke was in a terrible headache! An unbearable headache!

On the one hand, as the commander of Wei Mo, and with Gongsun Yu treating him like a teacher and father, he should and would do everything in his power to save Wei from its predicament, both for public and private reasons, even at the cost of his own life!

But on the other hand... these soldiers of Zhao's cavalry!
After spending so much time together, drinking and eating together, cursing and complaining together, and even going through life and death together, he had long regarded him as a true brother he could entrust his back to!
How could he... how could he just stand by and watch these good brothers, who had just lost their commander and whose futures were uncertain, be 'tricked' into jumping into the fire pit of Puyang City by him?!
Puyang was originally the capital of the State of Wei, but now even the King of Wei, King Jiao, has packed up his valuables and, along with his officials, made a hasty journey all the way to Yewang!

He left the entire mess, along with all the soldiers and civilians in the city, to his master, Gongsun Yu!
In this situation, sending elite cavalry to defend the country would be nothing short of betraying our own brothers!
How could Jing Ke possibly be willing to do such a shameless thing—pushing his brothers into a fire pit for his own selfish reasons?!

Gongsun Li and he grew up together since childhood, childhood sweethearts, and she knew his thoughts and personality very well.

Almost as soon as Jing Ke showed that embarrassed, conflicted, and distressed expression, she instantly understood!
An indescribable chill shot straight to his head! His face turned ashen instantly, completely drained of color!
The image of last night...that man! Senior Brother Mo Yu, whom I had only known for a little over half a month and whose relationship with me was not particularly close!

When she mustered the courage to voice this idea, which even she herself considered somewhat naive.
He not only showed no scorn or disdain, but resolutely offered his most steadfast and reliable support and assistance!

And in front of you!
This is the senior brother Jing Ke whom I have trusted, relied on, and even... admired since childhood!
He! He actually!!

He knew perfectly well that this was the only chance to save his grandfather and the country! He also had the opportunity to persuade those officers!
How could... how could they hesitate because of so-called 'brotherly loyalty'! Because of all sorts of ridiculous reasons!

Even! You want to refuse?!

Thinking of this, Gongsun Li felt her blood surging violently in her chest, and her vision went black!
Her pale face was flushed with a sickly red, and her tender lower lip was bitten and bled, oozing a metallic taste!
Finally, she slowly lowered her head and said calmly, almost coldly:
“I already mentioned it to Senior Brother Mo Yu last night. He told me to go for it and promised that the Mo family would fully support me!”

However, at this moment, Jing Ke was still torn between his brotherhood and his country and teacher's kindness. Although he vaguely noticed the change in Gongsun Li's tone, he did not take it too seriously.

He knew his junior sister definitely wouldn't like his attitude, but he was completely unaware of just how serious her 'dislike' and 'anger' had become!

Especially after hearing Gongsun Li say that even the Grand Commander, whom he considered infallible and concerned for the common people, actually supported her in "going ahead and doing it".

Jing Ke was completely unaware that his sensitive and perceptive junior sister was comparing him to Qin Shi Mo Yu! He hadn't even considered that possibility!

His only thought at that moment was... since even the Grand Commander thought it was feasible.

Does this mean that bringing this elite cavalry to Wei might not be as bad as he imagined?
Or perhaps, there is some higher-level calculation or arrangement hidden behind this that he cannot understand?
"Commander...did he really say that?!"

Suddenly enlightened, Jing Ke excitedly grabbed Gongsun Li's arm and eagerly confirmed it again.

If that's the case, then all the problems are solved!

Gongsun Li looked at his face, at the undisguised joy and...relief that came from hearing "the Grand Commander's support"? She felt that the last trace of warmth in her heart had been completely frozen!
To her at that moment, Jing Ke's surprised question sounded like a veiled attack, questioning her forgery of the "royal decree"! What difference was there between this and stabbing her in the heart again?!

He immediately let out a very soft, cold laugh, his voice filled with disappointment and mockery:

"If you don't believe me, you can go and ask me yourself! Senior Brother Mo Yu specially took time out of his busy schedule to come with me to support me. Right now... he should be discussing important matters with General Li."

"So the Commander is here too?!"

Upon learning that Qin Shi Moyu was at the General's Mansion, Jing Ke's face lit up with even greater joy, as if all his problems had been solved! He said eagerly:
"Great! Junior sister, wait a moment! I'll go find the commander and ask him right now!"

After all, from his perspective and in his logic, the current situation is:

The junior sister got angry because she didn't want to "trap" her own brother.

However! The all-powerful president seems to have a different plan and perspective on this matter!
This might not actually be a scam!
As long as he finds the Grand Commander now and confirms this arrangement and plan, he will have the confidence to do his best to plead and persuade these brothers to go to Wei with him!
That solves all the problems!

The State of Wei has been saved! Master Gongsun Yu is safe and sound! Junior Sister Gongsun Li's anger has naturally subsided!
perfect!

Thinking of this, Jing Ke no longer cared about comforting his junior sister. He immediately turned around and walked towards the council hall.
But what did Jing Ke's hurried act of 'seeking confirmation' represent in Gongsun Li's eyes?

He actually... he really wanted to go and 'reconcile accounts' with the President? What a blatant lack of trust in her!
Even when she was in such pain and despair because of the crisis facing her country and the unknown fate of her teachers, all he cared about was... "What did Senior Brother Mo Yu say?"

From a more emotional and personal perspective... she always thought that she wasn't the most important person in Jing Ke's heart.

Shouldn't it at least occupy an extremely important and special position?

But what's the result? !
She had been talking for a long time, her throat dry, placing all her hopes and pleas on him. But he remained unmoved, looking troubled, and making all sorts of excuses!
But... but when I merely mentioned, "Senior Brother Mo Yu agreed," you, Jing Ke! Your attitude changed drastically immediately! You started seriously considering it! You even went to verify its feasibility?!
In your heart, which is more important: me, Gongsun Li, and my request? Or is the Commander-in-Chief's casual remark, his attitude, and his order more significant?

Although, rationally speaking, these two viewpoints are somewhat conflicting and contradictory.

But when people are emotional, especially women, they simply don't care about these details and logic!
They will only choose to believe the 'fact' that they want to believe!
When she sees you as a good person, everything about you is good, even your flaws are seen as 'adorably silly' and a manifestation of your true nature.

But once she starts to feel disappointed in you and begins to see you negatively...

Then, all your previous strengths might be seen as 'hypocritical' or 'pretentious'!
And those flaws of yours that could have been ignored or tolerated will be magnified infinitely! They will become repulsive! Unforgivable!
As Gongsun Li watched Jing Ke's hurried departure, without even glancing back at her, she felt as if her heart had shattered.

(End of this chapter)