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As Colonel Murong Xiao, the Xu Zhen left her station without notice and crossed the river into Goguryeo territory, bringing back envoys and over a hundred guards. Although she rescued the Right Guard Captain, Deputy Commander Chen Taowen lost his life in a foreign land. With the impending war, if there were any intentions to frame her, it would not be unreasonable to accuse her of treason.
Zhang Jian arrived with forces from the Governor's Office, appearing quite formidable. However, the Xu Zhen remained calm, and Xue Rengui and others also rushed from their territory to join her forces. Seeing the Xu Zhen enter Liaodong alone and rescue Qin Guang, they felt a deep sense of gratitude towards their lord and could not help but pledge their lives. If Zhang Jian persisted in his actions, many brothers would likely resort to violence to protect their lord.
In truth, Zhang Jian was merely putting on a show. At that moment, he was overwhelmed and preoccupied, feeling irritable and just wanting to vent his frustrations on the Xu Zhen.
Upon witnessing the strength of the Xu Zhen's forces, he left in anger.
The Xu Zhen soon learned that Your Majesty had led civil and military officials along with Prince Li Zhi away from Chang'an to Luoyang. Fang Xuanling and Li Daliang remained in Chang'an while the imperial army's expedition to Liaodong had already begun formal preparations.
It was said that Master Yan Yan Lide had assembled over four hundred warships in Hongzhou, Jiangzhou, and another Jiangzhou (all located in present-day Jiangxi) for transporting supplies. Preparations for the expedition to Liaodong were also underway in Luoyang.
Given the geographical positions of You and Ying provinces, the Sovereign had ordered Gao Lvxing and Zhang Jian to lead troops from the Governor's Office to unite with armies from Khitan, Xianbei, and Mohe to conduct reconnaissance as vanguards for the expedition.
However, Gao Lvxing had yet to arrive, and Yin Zong along with Gao He Shu sent to Khitan and other tribes had not returned. Zhang Jian only had the troops from the Governor's Office at hand, making it difficult for him to accomplish anything. With pressure mounting from Luoyang, it was no wonder he could not afford to dwell on his personal grievances with Xu Zhenzhi.
Zhang Jian returned home in frustration, fuming with rage. The maidservants trembled in fear and did not dare enter to serve him. Murong Hanzhu shook her head with a smile and went straight into Zhang Jian's study.
"General, why are you so troubled?"
Seeing Murong Hanzhu enter, Zhang Jian's expression softened slightly. He sighed deeply before speaking: "Mr. Cui may not know that Gao Lvxing has yet to arrive and there has been no news from tribes like Khitan. With only a small force at my disposal as Governor, and since the Xu Zhen refuses orders, it is truly difficult to make something out of nothing..."
Murong Hanzhu chuckled lightly at this: "Governor, why worry? Yin Zong and Gao He Shu are loyal old generals of the Xu Zhen. Their delay must be at her secret behest. Once we capture the Xu Zhen, how can we worry about them not returning?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian's eyes brightened momentarily but then clouded with concern as he replied: "Although the Department of Military Affairs lacks heavy troops, those under the Xu Zhen are all valiant warriors. If we forcibly detain her and provoke conflict at such a critical moment, it would not bode well..."
Murong Hanzhu coldly smiled inwardly, viewing Zhang Jian as indecisive and incapable. Yet she offered advice: "Governor need not worry; Gao Lvxing will surely arrive at Yingzhou within three days. If you are still concerned then, we can join forces together to capture the Xu Zhen."
Zhang Jian nodded slightly; his mood seemed somewhat improved. He ordered a banquet prepared for himself and Murong Hanzhu to drink together. They exchanged smiles while discussing national affairs and military matters under a facade of loyalty while secretly harboring their own plans.
At that time, Xu Zhen was to collaborate with Zhang Jian on the Fish Document, gathering all the soldiers. This was a foresight for future preparations. However, Zhang Jian refused to use the seal due to the humiliation he suffered from Han Fuqi, which forced Xu Zhen to recruit six hundred personal guards and an additional four hundred volunteer warriors, reaching a total of one thousand.
Little did they expect that Sovereign would quickly stabilize state affairs, leading the civil and military officials along with Prince Li Zhi to Luoyang. He ordered Zhang Jian to recruit the Imperial Guards for a tentative attack on Goguryeo and to gather intelligence from the battlefield.
At this moment, Zhang Jian remembered the need to assemble the Imperial Guards but was hindered by pride. He had no choice but to ask Han Fuqi to inform Xu Zhen. However, Xu Zhen was currently at Tuolang, and Zhang Suling, fearing that secrets might be leaked, feigned illness and stayed back. Han Fuqi found Xu Zhen arrogant and began causing trouble. Zhou Cang could not tolerate this, leading to a confrontation where Han Fuqi suffered a significant defeat.
With his wife and brother-in-law repeatedly humiliated by Xu Zhen, Zhang Jian could no longer endure it. He was about to confront the Department of Military Affairs when he received intelligence that Xu Zhen had appeared on the banks of the Liao River, accompanied by a delegation from Goguryeo.
Zhang Jian suddenly understood that the Xu Zhen he had been monitoring was an imposter! No wonder she dared not present the Fish Document for collaboration!
Realizing this, Zhang Jian resolved to conspire with Murong Hanzhu, deciding to shift the blame for the delayed assembly of the Imperial Guards onto Xu Zhen. At that time, she had crossed over without permission to rescue someone; he would see how she would defend herself!
Meanwhile, Xu Zhen's brothers were also furious. They intended to recruit Imperial Guards to cross over and retrieve their people. When Zhang Jian refused, Xu Zhen had no choice but to act independently, rescuing people and bringing back envoys from the rebel alliance. This act was tantamount to assisting Tang in recruiting a guiding faction. Yet, instead of acknowledging her efforts, Zhang Jian sought to arrest her under charges of contempt for military law due to her unauthorized actions. Her brothers were unwilling to let this go!
At this time, the Department of Diplomatic Negotiation had a thousand troops: six hundred were elite soldiers from headquarters, four hundred were newly recruited volunteers, plus one hundred tunnel guards. Their combat strength was formidable. Zhang Jian wanted to take control but lacked troops. After waiting three days with Murong Hanzhu, they finally awaited Gao Lvxing's arrival.
On this clear day, Gao Lvxing led troops from Youzhou Governor's Office alongside Zhang Jian to confront the Yingzhou Pacification Office regarding grievances. The brothers were filled with righteous indignation; however, Xu Zhen wished to avoid further conflict and instructed Zhang Jiunian and others accordingly, surrendering peacefully.
Zhang Jian and Gao Lvxing captured Xu Zhen and immediately wrote a memorial detailing her unauthorized actions that caused delays in recruiting troops for Yingzhou Prefecture. They dispatched it swiftly to Luoyang.
Simultaneously, Qin Guang reported under his title as Right Guard Captain of Yingzhou Pacification Office that Xu Zhen had acted alone in crossing the river to rescue people while collaborating with the Goguryeo Resistance Army to seize Tuyang City and become a spiritual leader among Goguryeo civilians. All these incidents were documented in a Secret Letter along with a Military Map of Goguryeo and sent swiftly into the hands of Duke Li Ji of England.
In this campaign against Liaodong, Li Jue was the Commander among Commanders. He valued Xu Zhenzhi's talent greatly and imparted everything he knew about Xu Zhen, having already regarded her as his closed-door disciple. Upon receiving the Secret Letter, he immediately sought an audience with Sage.
Li Shimin was handling military affairs when he received Zhang Jian and Gao Lvxing's memorials. His brow furrowed as he thought about how young and impetuous Xu Zhen was; although she rescued Qin Guang, she delayed the recruitment of Imperial Guards which harmed rather than helped the overall situation. However, knowing that partiality leads to darkness while listening broadly brings clarity, he called upon Minister Changsun Wuji who also had criticisms towards Xu Zhen. This angered Sage even more!
Just as he was about to issue a decree against Xu Zhen as a warning for others, an eunuch came in requesting an audience on behalf of Duke Li Jue who sought an audience with Holy Presence. Li Shimin was initially inclined to refuse due to his anger but since Li Jue was leading this campaign against Liaodong and Xu Zhen was his disciple, he had no choice but to suppress his anger and summoned Li Jue in.
Li Jue saw Changsun Wuji and Li Zhi present, and he hesitated. These two now held great power, with officials leaning towards the Eastern Palace and the Minister of Works. If he supported Xu Zhen, it would likely lead to conflict with them.
However, Li Jue was a person who understood the mind of the ruler. Since the deaths of Pei Ju and Wei Zheng, only Zhu Suiliang dared to speak boldly to the Sovereign, who happened to appreciate such boldness. Li Jue had remained quiet in court for many years, often appearing soft and yielding, which gave others the impression of being slick and unremarkable. He thought it best to take this opportunity to join the ranks of those who spoke out.
Having made up his mind, Li Jue presented the Secret Letter along with a wooden box containing a Military Map.
After reading the Secret Letter, Li Shimin's brow remained furrowed. He asked Li Jue, "If Xu Zhen has been wronged, why does she not present her case personally but instead sends a Secret Letter through you?"
Although many years had passed, Li Shimin did not forget their past and still referred to Li Jue by his surname Xu. Privately, he even called him Brother Shiji, indicating how much he relied on him. However, any emperor would be extremely displeased with court officials forming factions. The fact that Xu Zhen sent a Secret Letter to Li Jue instead of presenting her case directly to him raised concerns about whether he would be seen as unjust.
Li Jue had served the emperor for many years and immediately understood Li Shimin's feelings. He quickly explained, "This young man Xu has suffered quite a bit along the way. I heard he had some friction with members of the Gao family and Zhang Jian. If he were to formally present his case through military channels, it might take time for it to reach Sage. By then, he could suffer losses. If I hadn't come today, would Sage have already issued a decree?"
Since Li Jue had decided to be a straightforward advisor, he no longer worried about court struggles. He knew that Gao Lvxing was the son of Crown Prince's Grand Tutor Gao Shilian and part of the Crown Prince's faction but spoke frankly without hesitation.
Li Jue was originally a talented individual with both courage and wisdom. However, after entering court, he had to prioritize self-preservation, which gradually subdued his aggression and ambition. Now that he was once again in command of the military, his youthful pride was rekindled; if he were to offend someone, he might as well offend everyone.
Upon hearing Li Jue's statement, Changsun Wuji's expression changed dramatically as he prepared to refute him but was interrupted by Li Shimin's hearty laughter.
"I indeed did not misjudge; once you mentioned war, you could no longer contain your impatience! Hahaha!"
Although Changsun Wuji held a high position and great power, during the chaotic times of Tang's founding, he gained recognition not through martial prowess but through cunning strategies. Unlike Li Jue and Qin Shubao who had fought alongside Li Shimin in battle, Changsun Wuji recognized that Li Jue had gained the upper hand from Li Shimin's demeanor and chose not to speak further.
Li Jue could only smile wryly while secretly feeling pleased that his gamble had paid off.
Li Shimin set aside the Secret Letter and opened the long wooden box, unfurling the scroll inside. The large table was soon filled with its contents!
"This... Is this indeed Goguryeo's Military Map?!!!" Upon seeing the densely packed annotations on the Military Map detailing mountains and strategic locations—some even indicating troop deployments of Cheon Gae Su Mun—Li Shimin was left speechless in astonishment before finally exclaiming in admiration.
"With this Military Map, it is comparable to an army of a hundred thousand!"
Changsun Wuji and Li Zhi exchanged a glance, cold sweat immediately breaking out as they realized that the plot against Xu Zhen was indeed unwise, and they felt extreme dissatisfaction towards Gao Lvxing and Zhang Jian!
Conquering Goguryeo was the final wish of Li Shimin, the Heavenly Khan. Whoever could achieve merit in this matter would naturally gain the Sovereign's special favor.
Li Shimin studied the map for a long time and found that many of the markings were unclear, and the symbols were strange and obscure. He then asked Li Jue, "This map was obtained by Xu Zhen during her solitary venture into Liaodong. Surely she can decipher it? This Secret Letter must have taken considerable effort to create..."
Li Jue immediately replied, "Xu can indeed interpret this map. In just a month, he has already become proficient in Goguryeo Language..."
Li Jue did not need to overly praise Xu Zhen; the Military Map laid out before them was the best evidence!
Sure enough, Li Shimin placed his hand on the Military Map as if he had the entire Goguryeo in his grasp, his spirit soaring as if through this Military Map, he had returned to the days of conquering all directions!
"Let all provinces be informed, and have the Ministry of War issue orders to appoint Xu Zhen as Commander of the Liaodong Military, overseeing the troops of You and Ying provinces, with full authority to supervise the vanguard military. The six armies shall choose an auspicious day to depart for Dingzhou!"
Li Shimin said this to the officials summoned in, officially announcing that the Battle of Liaodong had begun!
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