The Ancients also said that Floral Wine is both aged and has some Jade Nectar; sipping Jade Liquid quenches thirst, while nibbling on fragrant delicacies alleviates hunger.
Wei Chi Jing De always suspected that the three Xu Zhen es were secretly indulging in Elixir, and now, having tasted Soda Water, something completely unprecedented, he was utterly shocked!
In the end, it seemed that age had made him as childlike as ever. After tasting Soda Water, Wei Chi Jing De was overwhelmed with excitement, believing he had truly consumed a divine potion. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he pointed at Xu Zhen and scolded, "Xu, you stingy brat! With such a divine potion available, you didn't let this old man have a taste! How can we enjoy ourselves in the future?"
Normally, Xu Zhen would have laughed and joked with Wei Chi Jing De. This father-in-law would shout at others but was obedient to Xu Zhen. Now that she had been promoted to Left Tunwei Grand General, nearly equal to his position as Right Marshal General, they should have exchanged playful banter.
However, Xu Zhen merely shot him a cold glance before slowly rising and seriously saying, "Wei Chi Gongye, please follow me."
Yan Lide and Li Chunfeng did not know Xu Zhen's intentions and dared not follow. Wei Chi Jing De snorted coldly, clutching his Luminous Cup. Seeing Li Chunfeng and Yan Lide hiding their cups behind their backs, he snatched them away and drained both of their cups before following Xu Zhen.
Xu Zhen led Wei Chi Jing De to a secluded spot and whispered something to him. His brows furrowed as he listened. Once she finished speaking, his eyes widened in shock as he exclaimed, "Is it really so? I have indeed misunderstood Young Master!"
While waiting for Li Chunfeng, Xu Zhen had already informed Yan Lide about Sovereign's infatuation with Naluo Nuo and her gluttony for Hu Zeng Yao. Although Yan Lide usually acted carelessly, he was not shallow-minded. Seeing that Xu Zhen had brought Wei Chi Jing De over, he thought it must be for preparations regarding that matter and thus did not hide anything from Li Chunfeng.
After hearing this, Li Chunfeng was also greatly alarmed. He had once privately divined Sovereign's fate, which was a death sentence. Therefore, when Sovereign inquired about his fate, he only mentioned it briefly, saying that the heavenly secrets could not be disclosed.
However, the divination indicated that the Emperor Star would fall; it shouldn't happen so soon. With Naluo Nuo appearing now to confuse Sovereign and muddle the heavenly secrets, this truly posed a disaster for the Tang Dynasty!
The two continued to whisper for a while longer until Xu Zhen and Wei Chi Jing De returned. It was unclear what Xu Zhen had said; this old man rarely showed such seriousness and remained silent as if he had returned to the ambitious invincible figure of over a decade ago!
After giving some instructions to Yan Lide, who then went back to the courtyard, it wasn't long before he brought out two exquisite Wooden Boxes and handed them to Xu Zhen. She then passed one of the Wooden Boxes to Wei Chi Jing De.
"Old General, this matter is of great importance and relies heavily on you. One of these divine potions is reserved for you; I hope you will not refuse."
Wei Chi Jing De understood the gravity of the situation. He initially did not want to involve himself in court matters again; however, given how things had progressed, he had no choice but to step forward. Moreover, since Xu Zhen had gifted him a divine potion, how could he dare not contribute?
"Young Master need not worry; although I am old now, my courage remains undiminished. Just wait for Sovereign's summons!"
Xu Zhen stood upright and expressed her gratitude: " Xu Zhen thanks Old General for your loyalty!"
Wei Chi Jing De was slightly taken aback but quickly returned her salute with a serious expression before leaving.
After sending off Wei Chi Jing De, Xu Zhen sat back down among Yan Lide and Li Chunfeng. She did not wish to hide anything from them but considering the matter concerning Sage—if it failed and implicated them—she decided it was best not to say anything.
Yan Lide and Li Chunfeng were exceptionally wise individuals, having vaguely guessed the truth of the matter. They were fully aware of Xu Zhen's good intentions and complained that she did not regard them as Brothers. Xu Zhenxin felt a warmth in his heart and, seeing that no one was around, shared his plan.
At that moment, Li Chunfeng and Yan Lide realized that the situation was far more serious than they had imagined; a slight misstep could lead to eternal disgrace!
However, they could not help but admire Xu Zhen. Even at the risk of her own reputation and life, she prioritized the Sovereign's interests, proving that the Sovereign's trust in her was well-placed.
Now fully informed, Li Chunfeng and Yan Lide considered the intricacies of the situation and offered strategies to Xu Zhen, helping to refine the entire plan. They illustrated everything needed for the operation, allowing Yan Lide and Li Chunfeng to make arrangements.
Just as they were about to disperse, Ginger Sage approached again. Xu Zhen had no choice but to present new beverages to entertain this clever master. Ginger Sage reacted similarly to Yan Lide and Li Chunfeng.
Being a trustworthy person, if Yan and Li were informed, how could Ginger Sage be deceived? Thus, Ginger Sage also joined the plan.
As evening approached, Yan Lide wanted to invite a few Brothers to stay for dinner. Li Chunfeng and Ginger Sage readily agreed, and Xu Zhen felt it inappropriate to decline. However, at that moment, someone from Xu Manor arrived, requesting Xu Zhen return home to meet guests.
Xu Zhen was understandably displeased. The servant hesitated to respond in front of her but whispered a few words. Xu Zhen frowned deeply; fearing it would delay her important matters, Yan Lide escorted her out.
By the time she returned home, the lights were ablaze. In the living room knelt a person dressed in red and yellow attire, holding a bead in one hand while spinning a prayer wheel with the other—clearly a high monk from Tuguhun.
Xu Zhen hurried forward a couple of steps, performed a single-handed Buddhist greeting, and smiled as she said, "Master has traveled from afar; I apologize for not welcoming you personally. I hope you can forgive me."
The Tuguhun monk felt somewhat flattered by Xu Zhen's warm reception. He was always attentive to the changes within the Tang court and naturally knew of Xu Zhen's recent elevation.
"Lord Xu need not be so humble..."
Xu Zhen slightly waved her hand, signaling for the Tuguhun monk to take a seat. The servants had already prepared refreshments; after exchanging polite remarks with him, she noticed that the living room was empty and thus got straight to the point.
"I come from Tuguhun Xiao Zhao Temple with the intention of visiting Compassionate Grace Temple to pay respects to Master Xuanzang and discuss Buddhist doctrines. A noble person entrusted me with this letter that must be delivered personally to Lord Xu..."
The monk opened his robe and tore open a seam from beneath it to present a secret letter concealed within his clothing to Xu Zhen.
Feeling it inappropriate to open the secret letter in public, Xu Zhen ordered someone to take the lama monk to a guest room for proper hospitality since it was already late at night with street patrols in effect. The monk recited a Buddhist chant before departing from Xu Zhen.
Once back in her room, Xu Zhen opened the secret letter. As she read line by line, her brow first furrowed tightly before relaxing again, only to furrow once more at the end.
The candle in the room had burned all night, and it was not until the next day when Caesar came to attend to her that he discovered Xu Zhen had fallen asleep on the table.
Seeing Xu Zhen pressing a letter under her hand, Caesar instinctively glanced at it, but his brows furrowed. Not wanting to disturb her, he was about to leave when Xu Zhen suddenly woke up.
Noticing Caesar's unusual expression, Xu Zhen handed the letter to him.
Zuo An and Gem had been staying at Xu Manor, learning the arts of Illusion and assassination from Old Man Mo Ya and Caesar. The two talented individuals were favored by their seniors and made rapid progress.
Upon hearing that Xu Zhen had summoned them, the two quickly arrived at the living room, where they found Zhang Suling and Caesar already waiting.
Xu Zhen wasted no time. After everyone took their seats, she slowly spoke, "I have an important matter for you all to go to Tuguhun..."
After listening to Xu Zhen's words, Zhang Suling and the others fell into a brief silence. Then Zhang Suling chuckled and said, "I am willing to make this journey for my lord!"
Xu Zhen cast a questioning glance at Caesar, who nodded lightly. Zuo An and Gem seemed to breathe a sigh of relief; they were naturally lively and had received true teachings from Moya and Caesar. They had long wanted to venture out for experience and play, so this trip to Tuguhun was a perfect opportunity, and they would certainly agree.
Seeing everyone so willing, Xu Zhen felt reassured. She took off an iron ring from her hand and handed it to Zhang Suling, instructing, "Deliver this... to her..."
After leaving the living room, Caesar and the others returned to their rooms to pack their bags. Soon after, they escorted the monk from Tuguhun to Compassionate Grace Temple.
This monk was perceptive about worldly matters and had long transcended earthly desires. Hearing that Xu Zhen wanted these four young men and women to serve as guides for him and later escort him back to Tuguhun, he had already deduced much of what was happening.
However, given the special status of the noble person who entrusted him with this task, he did not dare refuse.
After sending off Caesar and the others, Xu Zhen felt a wave of gloom wash over her. She realized that she had acted somewhat impulsively; if Zhang Suling and the others could not reach Tuguhun in time, it would be troublesome.
At that time, Yin Zong and Gao He Shu had already arrived in Longyou Dao for their posts, guarding the border. Even Li Chengjun, who had changed his name to Gao Sheji, had been brought back by Li Jue from Goguryeo and was now following Yin Zong and the others.
Xu Zhen feared that Caesar and the others might delay their journey, so she sent a fast horse to ensure that Yin Zong and the others were prepared to assist Caesar's group, ensuring that everything would go smoothly.
After completing these tasks, she went to Shuyi Hall to find Li Mingda. After all, the strategy they had set yesterday required Li Mingda's covert support.
Li Mingda was already aware of Sage's obsession with Naroni Soppa and knew well about her background. He felt both angered yet powerless regarding his brother Li Zhi's actions. Now seeing that Xu Zhen was finally taking action, he felt relieved in his heart and readily agreed without hesitation.
The two of them discussed in secret for a while before the Xu Zhen returned to the Beitun Camp to take her post.
Not long after she sat down, someone from the palace arrived, saying that the Sovereign wanted to summon General Xu!
"This Wei Chi Jing De really succeeded!" Xu Zhenxin thought with joy, but fearing others might suspect him, he pretended to inquire about it from the eunuch before hurriedly entering the palace.
At this moment, Li Shimin was reclining on the couch. Having not been seen for some time, his eyes were dark, his cheeks sunken, and his hair was completely white, making him appear several years older in an instant. Naluo Nuo Sopa was attending to him nearby.
On the table, on the left side, there was a transparent glass bottle. Through the ice-like bottle, one could see the green Elixir of Life inside, as if it contained boundless vitality.
On the right side of the table was a wooden box containing a round crimson pill.
Li Shimin's gaze shifted back and forth, seemingly indecisive. He had already tasted the spiritual medicine offered by Wei Chi Jing De and had to admit that after taking it, he felt completely refreshed, as if the toxins accumulated in his body over many years had been thoroughly cleansed.
However, the Crimson Pill and the pleasures brought by Naluo Nuo Sopa, who was well-versed in matters of intimacy, made him extremely reluctant to choose...
As he struggled internally, the eunuch entered and announced, "Your Majesty, General Jinyang has arrived..."
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