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The Book of Rites states that rituals do not apply to commoners, and punishments do not extend to nobles. Although the Xu Zhen is merely a Colonel Murong Xiao, she cannot be on equal footing with Zhang Jian; however, Zhang Jian does not dare to treat her poorly. Although it is called confinement, no punishment has actually been imposed, and she is well taken care of.
Gao Lvxing and Zhang Jian are celebrating and waiting for the court's decision regarding the Xu Zhen. For the two of them, it seems unlikely that the Xu Zhen will escape blame this time, and it may even cost Colonel Murong Xiao his position.
Murong Hanzhu has also relaxed. Departing from Chang'an and passing through Youzhou and Yingzhou, she has successfully instigated these two Governors to capture the Xu Zhen, making her efforts worthwhile.
Just as they were enjoying their drinks, a report came from outside announcing that a Goguryeo envoy had come to seek an audience to discuss an alliance. Zhang Jian and Gao Lvxing were in high spirits and ordered someone to bring the envoy in.
Gao Huizhen felt helpless; Gao Renwu and others were guarding Tuolang. Given their limited combat power, if they could not mobilize the Tang army across the river in time, Tuolang would undoubtedly fall once Cheon Gae Su Mun's forces arrived.
Although she was from Goguryeo, as a Princess, she was well aware of the factional struggles within the court. She did not know when the Xu Zhen would be released; in any case, she wanted to ally with the Tang army rather than with the Xu Zhen. Thus, she took the initiative to request an audience with Governor of Yingzhou Zhang Jian.
If it had been Gao Renwu, he would never have made such a choice. However, Gao Huizhen disliked Xu Zhenzhi's character, and given the urgent situation in Tuolang, she lacked consideration.
At this moment, Gao Huizhen changed into traditional Goguryeo attire, which accentuated her tall and slender figure. Her athletic form was graceful yet wild; years of martial training and combat gave her an elegance infused with a hint of royal charm. Gao Lvxing, being someone who appreciated beauty, was instantly captivated by this Goguryeo envoy.
Zhang Jian remained courteous and invited Gao Huizhen and the accompanying interpreter to take their seats. He smiled and inquired about the details of the alliance, showcasing the demeanor befitting a Governor of the Tang state.
Murong Hanzhu quietly listened from the side but felt increasingly shocked. If it were not for targeting the Xu Zhen, this alliance plan would be a godsend opportunity. The geographical position of Tuolang was extremely special; if troops were stationed there, it could serve as a springboard for launching an attack on Goguryeo!
The interpreter's command of Tang Language was not very fluent but conveyed the general message without issue. After listening, Murong Hanzhu felt some regret; compared to completely undermining the Xu Zhen, conquering Goguryeo was far more important. Whether from Sui Dynasty or Tang Dynasty, Goguryeo was always the land that Central Plains dynasties most desired to conquer!
However, from Gao Huizhen's words, Murong Hanzhu could tell that this envoy did not necessarily want the Xu Zhen as an intermediary but was eager to ally with the Tang army. She secretly nodded at Zhang Jian, who understood immediately that this was a significant achievement and readily agreed.
Gao Huizhen was naturally thrilled; her face flushed with excitement, causing Gao Lvxing to forget his own name in his admiration.
Rongliuwang had once been conferred as King of Liaodong Commandery by Gaozu and King of Goguryeo. Within Goguryeo itself, there was great admiration for Tang Feng. Nobility had always taken pride in learning Central Plains calligraphy and wearing Tang dynasty clothing, leading to a surge in interest in learning Tang Language.
At that time, Gao Huizhen was deeply immersed in martial arts and had no interest in such trivial matters. Therefore, she was not fluent in Tang Language. After discussing specific matters through an interpreter, it was already late at night. Zhang Jian ordered someone to arrange a guest room for Gao Huizhen to rest.
Gao Huizhen felt relaxed, especially since Zhang Jian fully displayed the demeanor of a respected bureaucrat, which made her feel at ease as she was led to the guest room.
Upon arriving at the guest room, Gao Huizhen noticed that a room in the courtyard across was still lit. The silhouette reading by the light through the window resembled Xu Zhen, so she asked the maid who guided her, "Who is staying in there?"
The maid had been specially arranged by Zhang Jian and understood Goguryeo Language. Given the turbulent situation in Liaodong, many Goguryeo people risked crossing the river to seek survival in Liaoxi, and those with any beauty were often bought as slaves. This maid had been entrusted by the High Commander to accomplish an important task and was somewhat distracted, so she casually replied, "In response to the envoy, that room is occupied by Deputy Commander of the Zhechong Bureau, Lord Xu Zhen."
Hearing the name Xu Zhen, Gao Huizhen couldn't help but glance again at that silhouette, and for some reason, memories of that rainy battle flooded her mind— Xu Zhen tightly clutching her painting—her face suddenly flushed.
Once inside the room, the maid began to assist Gao Huizhen with her bath. Having lived a harsh life among the Goguryeo Resistance Army and not having enjoyed such luxurious treatment for a long time, she soaked in the fragrant wooden tub as if returning to her life as a princess.
After changing into clean and comfortable clothes, the maid brought in wine and food, specifically mentioning that the fine wine was a gift from the High Commander and that it could enhance beauty when consumed by women. Gao Huizhen was pleasantly surprised and poured herself a cup, drinking it all at once. The wine was indeed rich and smooth with an indescribable sweetness.
Seeing Gao Huizhen drink the wine seemed to relieve some tension from the maid. After all, Gao Huizhen was a woman from a royal family; she didn't want her eating posture to be observed by this maid, so she waved her hand to send her out.
The maid was just worried about finding an excuse when she quickly exited the room and hurried toward Gao Lvxing's residence.
Gao Huizhen drank another cup of wine but felt an unusual restlessness rising within her. The image of Xu Zhen kept appearing in her mind and would not fade away. Remembering their shared memories of battling together in the rain and reflecting on how she had sought an alliance with Zhang Jian without considering Xu Zhen made her feel indebted to her.
In Goguryeo culture, there were no strict boundaries between men and women. Gao Huizhen gritted her teeth, placed the wine jug and some snacks into a food box, and went to Xu Zhen's door.
Xu Zhen was reading classics at night. This scripture had been obtained from Flame Cave Temple Priest Liu Chen and contained teachings and legends about the God of Fire Sect. Goguryeo did not have its own writing system; like Silla, they used Han Characters for writing and recording.
However, this scripture mixed many strange Goguryeo symbols that Xu Zhen found perplexing as she racked her brain trying to decipher them when footsteps sounded outside.
Xu Zhen immediately became alert but heard Gao Huizhen asking if she had settled down in Goguryeo Language. She quickly opened the door and saw it was indeed Gao Huizhen. Noticing she was carrying a food box, Xu Zhen invited her into the room.
Gao Huizhen was also a straightforward person. After having a few drinks, she shared the reason for her presence in the Governor's Office and discarded her prejudices, apologizing to Xu Zhen.
Xu Zhen was not narrow-minded or shortsighted; she understood the urgency of the situation regarding Tuolang and graciously accepted the apology. Seeing Xu Zhen's tolerance made Gao Huizhen very happy, and she quickly took out food and drinks to share with her.
After a couple of drinks, their conversation flowed more freely. Xu Zhen took the opportunity to ask about the symbols in the scriptures. Although Gao Huizhen was not interested in the traditional teachings of the Royal Family, she enjoyed studying legends and myths. It was rare for her to encounter the classics of Flame Cave Palace, which excited her, and she eagerly discussed them with Xu Zhen.
As they exchanged ideas, Gao Huizhen found Xu Zhen to be endlessly charming. In Xu Zhen's eyes, this princess was a perfect blend of wildness and nobility, an intriguing combination that made her increasingly fond of Gao Huizhen. The two inevitably drew closer together.
Having just bathed, Gao Huizhen exuded a faint fragrance and warmth typical of youth. Xu Zhen felt her heart racing. When Gao Huizhen looked up, their eyes met, and they both sensed an overwhelming desire in each other's gaze, leading them to embrace passionately.
The candlelight unexpectedly extinguished, and an ambiguous scent began to fill the room...
While Xu Zhen was consumed by passion, Gao Lvxing was equally anxious and restless. From the moment he laid eyes on Gao Huizhen, he had been captivated by this Goguryeo Princess.
What kind of women had Gao Lvxing not encountered? He had long since lost interest in ordinary women, seeking only physical satisfaction. However, seeing Gao Huizhen tonight had completely enchanted him.
Being a reckless person by nature, he did not inform Zhang Jian but instead handed a packet of Healing Powder obtained from a foreign monk to a Maid. This Healing Powder mixed into the wine would make anyone unable to resist its effects, regardless of their chastity.
At that moment, he was drinking in his room when he received word from the Maid that the Goguryeo Princess had already consumed the fine wine. His heart ignited with wicked excitement, but he worried that the effects might not take hold quickly enough. If the Princess caused a scene, it would be quite embarrassing. So he waited another half hour before eagerly heading toward Gao Huizhen's guest room, his trousers bulging as he hurried along, barely able to contain his impatience.
Finally arriving at Gao Huizhen's door, he pretended to knock lightly. When there was no response from inside, he felt elated and pushed the door open—only to find no one inside!
"Where is she?"
He grabbed the Maid like an enraged lion. The Maid had no idea where Gao Huizhen had gone; she could only cry in fear, trembling as she regretted giving Gao Huizhen the drug.
Gao Lvxing's excitement clouded his judgment; all around him, the rooms were darkened. There were dozens of guest rooms in the Governor's Office. Searching through them would create too much noise. Thinking that his plans for tonight might fail, he vented his frustration on the Maid instead.
He saw that Gao Huizhen's clothes were still in the room, so he ordered the Maid to wear Gao Huizhen's clothes and had his way with her before leaving the room satisfied.
The Maid was already used to this, neatly folding Gao Huizhen's clothes and quietly leaving the room. Remembering the Governor's words, which were as insignificant as a pinky finger, she felt disdain in her heart. Unsatisfied, she secretly slipped into the firewood room to meet the strong Helper.
The Xu Zhen had no idea that such a twisted situation had occurred. She slept soundly until dawn, feeling groggy, with a sore back and limbs that felt weak and exhausted. Suddenly recalling last night, she hurriedly threw off the covers and saw a blood-red peony blooming quietly on the bed, particularly striking.
Upon reflection, it was truly unforgettable. However, having studied traditional Chinese medicine with Liu Shenwei and researched Western medicines with Moya, she got up to sniff the wine jar and quickly understood that whether Gao Huizhen was willing or not was unknown, but it was certain that this wine had been drugged without a doubt!
Gao Huizhen was also filled with regret. Her legs trembled, making her walk awkwardly. Remembering waking up to find the Xu Zhen embracing her made her feel utterly embarrassed. After thinking it over, she quickly realized where the problem lay; however, she could not cause a scene over this matter, or else the alliance would be ruined.
But it was clear that someone in the Governor's Office coveted her beauty. If she stayed here any longer, how could she guarantee that her purity would not be taken by someone else?
Being taken by the Xu Zhen was something she could accept because after last night’s events, she had come to recognize her feelings for the Xu Zhen. But if it were someone else, it would be an irredeemable disgrace.
With this in mind, she instructed the interpreter and hurriedly left the Governor's Office, returning to the Department of Military Affairs where many of the Xu Zhen's Brothers were present along with a hundred Goguryeo Suidong Guards, which made her feel much more at ease.
Just as Gao Huizhen left, an urgent military document from the Ministry of War arrived at the Yingzhou Governor's Office!
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