Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
There is Poetry Cloud: originally Grass Thicket Young Man, but unfortunately entered the Blood Army Tent, facing life and death in countless battles, ultimately standing on Azure Sky.
Xu Zhen has made a tremendous contribution that cannot be erased. Such a feat of rising six or seven ranks is extremely rare in any dynasty, truly a leap to the heavens.
Although in the city of Chang'an, where noble titles are as common as dirt, the position of Fourth Rank Deputy General of the Imperial Guard is merely a small hat without real power to command thousands, this Three Guards rank, though low, belongs to the royal inner court, holding a high status and providing opportunities for promotion, thus respected by contemporaries.
With Xu Zhen obtaining the position of Deputy General of the Imperial Guard at Yiyi Mansion, it signifies that the Sovereign has high hopes for her future, which is undoubtedly limitless. As for who Xu Sier is, everyone already knows.
During an earlier summons, Li Shimin mentioned needing Xu Zhen to assist with a task. Unexpectedly, it turned out that he recognized this Imperial Daughter Li Mingda as his sister. A father's longing for his daughter is evident, and it coincides with Li Mingda's nickname "Si Er". It seems that Li Shimin wishes for this precious jewel to walk honorably within the palace again, accompanied by the Left Right Chancellor.
Regarding the Brothers around Xu Zhen, Li Shimin did not reject them. Fourteen of them, including Zhou Cang, benefited from the set of Red Armor, becoming captains and brigade leaders of Yiyi Mansion. Meanwhile, Qin Guang and Xue Dayi were promoted to Captain Guoyi, assigned under the command of Governor of Yingzhou Zhang Jian. Both Gao He Shu and Yin Zong also received rewards and brought their own Brothers into the Yingzhou Governor's Office for service.
Calculating the time, it has been years since Li Shimin first campaigned against Goguryeo. This region of Yingzhou (present-day Chaoyang, Liaoning) directly faces Goguryeo, suggesting preparations for reconnaissance before battle. The arrival of many people in Yingzhou implies that Xu Zhen will inevitably accompany the expedition.
The current desire of the Sovereign to conquer Goguryeo is no longer a secret. Having stabilized the situation during the Tuguhun, it is natural to take advantage of this momentum. Once spring arrives next year, it is expected that discussions about attacking Goguryeo will commence.
However, now is not the time to consider such major matters. Li Shimin knows that this promotion has already exceeded normal protocols. Yet as he grows older, he becomes increasingly attached to his children. Despite the humiliation faced by Li Mingda, he has been deeply hurt for many days. Regarding King Wei Li Tai, he wishes he could move him to live in the Martial Virtue Hall, yet does not grant him an official position while frequently receiving admonishments from the censors.
Reflecting on this, Li Shimin secretly sighed. Since the death of Wei Zheng, there have been fewer officials willing to speak out against such promotions. If only Wei Zheng were still alive, he would surely be the first to oppose such elevation for Xu Zhen.
Looking at the currently quiet court, an illusion arose in Li Shimin's mind; it felt as if this court was no longer what it used to be, and he himself was not like any previous emperor.
Just as he was feeling disappointed, he saw that the Duke of the Right Guard, Du He, along with Prince Changguang's son, Zhao Jie, stepped forward together to impeach Xu Zhen, accusing her of colluding with foreigners and releasing five thousand troops from the Murong Clan for personal gain!
Initially intrigued, upon hearing their increasingly reckless accusations aimed at implicating old man Li Jing, his heart suddenly chilled.
The court has never lacked infighting; however, in recent years, such conflicts have gradually surfaced from behind the scenes into plain view. This made Li Shimin feel extremely uneasy. While it was one thing for civil and military officials to vie for power among themselves, dragging in Crown Prince Li Chengqian and his brothers—Fourth Son Li Chengqian and Ninth Son Li Zhi—was truly infuriating for him.
Li Mingda had already informed him about everything she knew. At that time, in order to save her sister, she had bravely entered into a trap set by Murong Hanzhu. This act was indeed courageous but was seized upon by others as an opportunity to spark controversy in court.
First came accusations from Xue Wanche, blaming Li Jing for being passive in defending the city and failing to counterattack, which nearly led to Ganzhou's fall and resulted in heavy casualties during defense efforts, tarnishing national prestige.
Then there was further slander from Gao Zhensheng, accusing Li Jing of having only a few thousand remnants yet ultimately defeating nearly thirty thousand elite soldiers led by Asena Lier. They claimed that this was orchestrated through connections with underlings like those under command of both Xu Zhen and Rouran People who secretly engaged in transactions. They even alleged that Qibi Helix had taken in foreigners and conspired with Li Jing against state interests while presenting numerous witnesses and evidence as if they were credible.
These individuals were blind; seeing that the sovereign rewarded three armies yet did not confer any title upon Li Jing led them to believe that he must be displeased with him—thus seizing what they thought was a perfect opportunity to impeach him—unaware that in Li Shimin's heart, no reward could ever match old War God Li Jing's contributions.
The War God, undefeated in battle, had drawn jealousy from the military leaders over the years. Despite being falsely accused and plotted against, Li Jing remained open-minded, refraining from disputes and maintaining his integrity, never participating in the court's political struggles. In Li Shimin's eyes, Li Jing was the true model of all officials.
As for Qibi Helix, the foreign general, he had been betrayed by a traitor within his clan and captured by Xue Yantuo. Li Shimin was willing to marry off a princess to redeem this loyal man, as he could not bear to hear anyone suggest that Qibi Helix harbored ulterior motives.
Seeing that the Sovereign remained silent, those present felt a sense of smugness, believing that Li Jing's reputation would soon be tarnished. However, after a long silence, the Emperor finally opened his eyes and addressed Li Jing: "Pharmacist (Li Jing's courtesy name), do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Upon hearing the Sovereign's question, Li Jing felt a chill run through him. He stood up trembling and sighed heavily. This Old War God, who had never defended himself in his life, moved his lips several times before finally gritting his teeth and speaking.
"Your Majesty, I have served the dynasty for over a decade, considering myself merely a soldier. Even if I were to die, I would want to do so with honor and integrity. I have never engaged in these power struggles; after half a lifetime of risking my life, can I not prove my own loyalty and innocence?"
Li Jing's few words were filled with desolation, expressing the bitterness he had endured over the years. Looking at the Old War God's frail figure and trembling legs from standing too long, Li Shimin's eyes suddenly welled up with tears.
"Do I not know of Pharmacist's loyalty? It's just that my old brothers have all passed away, and it has been a long time since anyone has spoken to me sincerely. I feel as if this court is no longer a court; it seems everyone is waiting for my death."
Li Shimin was known as a benevolent ruler who cared for his people. His words were unexpectedly harsh, causing all officials in the court to kneel down in shock.
Li Jing remained standing, gazing at Li Shimin as if they were back in the days of war during the Sui Dynasty. This Old War God smiled at the current Sovereign and bowed slightly: "I am old now and no longer possess the strength of my youth. I am already someone who has one foot in the grave. This time I could withdraw troops from the Tuguhun thanks to Deputy General and Xu Zhen's Eight Gates Divine Cannon. Your Majesty is wise; these young men will be the new pillars of my Tang Army. If I am unworthy, please allow me to retire peacefully."
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin felt a sense of loss. He clearly understood the situation; Gao Zhensheng had delayed military operations nearly causing Ganzhou to fall. Yet Li Jing worried about demoralizing the troops and did not bring him back to the capital for punishment but instead rewarded Gao Zhensheng. However, Gao Zhensheng turned against him and sought to tarnish Li Jing's reputation. Thinking of this made Li Shimin furious.
"Gao Zhensheng, do you truly believe that I am powerless in my old age? I have treated you leniently; if you had not falsely accused Li Jing, I would have let you go free. But you have continuously disappointed me—during military campaigns you disregarded Li Jing's orders and now you slander him again! How can I tolerate you any longer? Out of consideration for your past efforts, I will spare your life but exile you for a thousand miles!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the ministers were shocked. They had thought that the Sovereign had lost his former vigor but did not expect him to still be so decisive.
The civil and military officials did not dare voice any objections during the Sovereign's anger; however, Hou Junji stepped forward to advise: "Zhen Sheng is an old merit subject of Qin Wangfu; please forgive his offenses..."
Hou Junji had single-handedly taken down the stronghold of Tuguhun; his contributions were indeed well-deserved. Li Shimin had already cooled towards Li Jing and did not wish to further harm an old minister. However, given Gao Zhensheng's disregard for authority, how could he continue to tolerate it? He immediately replied.
"Although Zhen Sheng has past merits that cannot be forgotten, governing a country requires lawfulness; matters must be clear-cut. If Zhen Sheng is pardoned, who would not covet such leniency? My refusal to pardon him is precisely for this reason; Junji need not persuade me further!"
Upon hearing this, Gao Zhensheng slumped onto the floor of the hall in fear of implicating his family and dared not resist any further. He was soon taken away by the Imperial Guard.
Seeing everyone terrified, Li Shimin shook his head secretly and sighed lightly before angrily saying: "Everyone get up! Do you all think like that scoundrel Zhen Sheng and deceive me out of guilt?"
Upon hearing this, everyone dared not kneel again and quickly rose to their feet, not daring to utter another word.
Feeling irritated, Li Shimin was also troubled. He knew he had to balance both grace and authority, so he said to Li Jing, "Pharmacist, you have served diligently and faithfully for the country. I know your loyalty cannot be measured by any reward, so let your son inherit your position."
Li Jing, being of advanced age, truly had no desires or demands. However, thinking of Li Deqian and Li Dejiang, he felt grateful and sincerely expressed his thanks. After the commotion in the court, the meeting was hastily concluded.
Once the officials had retreated, discussions ensued. Xu Zhenzhi's name had spread widely; he had been promoted and had become Li Mingda's elder brother, seemingly becoming a new noble in the court, enjoying a moment of glory.
However, those with keen insight could sense the underlying discord. Although Crown Prince Li Chengqian still held authority over state affairs, he had not made any notable contributions throughout the proceedings. This seemed to reflect the Sovereign's intentions. Moreover, Changsun Wuji and other civil officials were surprisingly inactive, which warranted deep contemplation.
Logically, Xu Zhen should have been extremely pleased; however, she felt no joy at all. In her mind lingered only Li Shimin's sighs and the lonely figure of Li Jing as he departed.
Nevertheless, this negative emotion quickly dissipated because she had a strong premonition that a significant event was about to unfold!
Comment 0 Comment Count