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墨書 Inktalez
It is said that a person has aspirations, just as bamboo has joints. An army can take away its commander, but a common man cannot be stripped of his will. When people on the street fear offending the powerful and remain silent like cicadas in winter, this Street Urchin stands up for the Tang People, restoring their dignity!
Not changing principles for poverty, nor compromising integrity for lowly gains; if one has ten thousand volumes of knowledge stored within, who would bow their head in the grass? Since ancient times, sages have often been poor; how much more so are we, solitary and upright? The Street Urchin ultimately supports the pride of the Tang People with his small frame.
Li Mingda felt this deeply as she looked at the frail body of the Street Urchin, resembling a sturdy iron bamboo!
The people around began to throw coins at the privileged youths. The Young Master was spat upon by the Street Urchin, and in a fit of rage, he slapped the Street Urchin away!
"Smack!"
The Street Urchin's face swelled on one side as he lay motionless on the ground. The surrounding crowd was filled with righteous indignation; they had already lost their dignity, and now that this Street Urchin had ignited their passion, they could not bear to watch him being bullied!
"We don't want your filthy money!"
"Give us justice!"
"Such oppression of the good will surely be dealt with by the Rule of Law!"
The crowd began to shout. Li Mingda felt a release from her earlier tension; these Tang People were not numb to their plight; they still had hope!
Her gaze focused again on one spot: the Street Urchin shakily stood up, spitting out a mouthful of blood along with half a tooth.
He walked step by step to stand before the Young Master and spat another mouthful of blood towards his face!
Seemingly prepared this time, he did not hit the Young Master's face but instead landed on his clothes. The Young Master was furious and was about to strike down this reckless Street Urchin when suddenly he felt a sharp pain!
"Thud!"
A slight sound of something cutting through the air was heard as a silver flash shot through the air, striking into the Young Master's palm!
"Who is scheming in the dark!"
The Young Master’s palm was bleeding profusely, and the knights were finally enraged, drawing their swords from their scabbards!
This was no longer a joke; the ordinary citizens, seeing the weapons drawn, became cautious, glaring at each other but daring not to confront these people any further.
Li Mingda, upon seeing the distinctive coin emblem, was instantly overjoyed. Turning around, he indeed saw a figure approaching from the street, dressed in plain clothes with a neat mustache, standing tall with a tightly cinched leather belt at his waist, lacking a protruding belly. He exuded both masculinity and elegance, combining scholarly demeanor with martial prowess; it was Xu Zhen!
Xu Zhen had originally arranged to meet Li Mingda in front of Jinchangfang but had waited for a long time without seeing him. After hearing that the Sovereign had encountered Yuan Tiangang at Compassionate Grace Temple and had gone back to the palace to reminisce with him, she decided to search for him along the way to deliver a message, so he wouldn’t make a wasted trip.
However, she did not expect that someone would dare to kidnap Li Mingda!
He was no longer the naive youth he once was; he had the capability to rescue Li Mingda. But before that, he needed to learn as much as possible about the Young Master’s identity.
Yet when the Young Master made another move against the Street Urchin, Xu Zhen could no longer sit idly by. She threw a coin dart, which indeed sent the Young Master into a furious rage. The swords they drew were military-grade weapons rather than civilian ones!
Seeing Xu Zhen walking towards him from the crowd, exuding an imposing presence with a calm yet fierce demeanor, the Young Master recognized her face but couldn’t recall exactly which noble from the Court she was. He hesitated for a moment.
"Which family do you belong to? How dare you commit violence in public and bully the innocent? Are you not afraid of bringing shame upon your family?" Although Xu Zhen was only twenty-nine years old, her beard gave her an air of authority. As soon as she spoke, she managed to intimidate the Young Master.
However, this brat was used to acting tyrannically; despite feeling guilty, he still replied defiantly, "I am Cheng Jun, son of Duke Lu, the left general of this dynasty! Who are you to dare harm me?"
Upon hearing Duke Lu's name, Xu Zhen felt a headache coming on. Duke Lu was none other than Cheng Zhijie, known for his three legendary skills; Cheng Yaojin!
In terms of posthumous fame, Cheng Yaojin was undoubtedly well-known; aside from Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Gong—two famous gatekeepers—Cheng Yaojin's name rang out loudest.
However, Xu Zhen had not heard much about Cheng Zhijie in recent years. In storytelling and theatrical performances, Cheng Yaojin was portrayed as a brave but foolish man with a childlike heart. Yet based on her observations over the years, Xu Zhen believed that Cheng Zhijie was not only brave but also cunning—a person who possessed both wisdom and courage while being bold yet meticulous!
Years ago, it was Cheng Zhijie who persuaded Qin Shubao and Shan Xiongxin to leave Wang Shichong. In the seventh year of Martial Virtue, Crown Prince Li Jiancheng advised the Founder to transfer Cheng Zhijie to be the governor of Kangzhou in order to eliminate Li Shimin's right-hand men. Cheng Zhijie saw through this plot immediately and clarified matters with Li Shimin; he would rather die than leave Li Shimin's side.
In the Year Nine of Wude, Cheng Zhijie participated in Li Zhi's campaign and achieved great merit, being appointed as the Crown Prince Right Guard Commander and promoted to Right Guardian General, with a grant of seven hundred households.
In the Seventeenth Year of Zhenguan, the Sovereign ordered a portrait of the Twenty-Four Meritorious Officials to be painted at Lingyan Pavilion, and Cheng Zhijie was naturally included, ranking nineteenth. He was specifically assigned as the Left Tunwei Grand General and inspected the troops stationed at the North Gate of the Imperial City.
This was also the military position held by Xu Zhen at that time. To familiarize herself with the duties of Beitun Camp, Xu Zhen made a special visit to this former official, but unfortunately, Cheng Zhijie politely declined her invitation.
Duke Lu was even more low-key than Wei Chi Jing De, who feigned madness and lived a life of leisure. In fact, most of these old officials, aside from Changsun Wuji and Li Jue, chose to enjoy their retirement peacefully, fearing that any disturbance might tarnish their reputations.
Cheng Zhijie had six sons. His eldest son, Cheng Chusi (also known as Cheng Chumo in Tang Book), served as Mingwei General and was Deputy Commander in Guizhou. His second son, Cheng Chuliang, married the ten-year-old Princess Qinghe Li Jing and was granted titles as Duke of the Right Guard and Duke of Donga County. His youngest son, Cheng Chubi, rose to the position of Left General of the Imperial Guard.
The remaining three were born out of wedlock; Cheng Jun was the youngest among them. His courtesy name was Chuxia, and it was said he was preparing to serve as an Interpreter in the Eastern Palace. Those in court keenly picked up on this detail, speculating that Cheng Zhijie might have already secured a connection with the Eastern Palace.
In fact, it wasn't just Cheng Zhijie; everyone in court wanted to align themselves with the Eastern Palace and become a loyal minister. After all, the current Sovereign did not have much time left.
Xu Zhen recalled various matters regarding Cheng Zhijie and hesitated for a moment. Cheng Jun thought Xu Zhen was intimidated by his reputation and felt pleased with himself. He pointed at her and said, "You have no business here. If you know what's good for you, leave quickly. I won't pursue it further; otherwise, you'll regret it!"
He dared not speak too boldly since Xu Zhen remained calm and composed even now. Moreover, she had used considerable money to create a hole in his palm; this skill alone indicated many things.
Xu Zhen did not wish to have an unpleasant encounter with Cheng Zhijie. Although Cheng Jun was merely a son born out of wedlock, she was unsure how Cheng Zhijie would react to such disrespect. If she truly offended this Old General, her future path would become even more difficult.
Considering this, Xu Zhen aimed for peace. She approached Li Mingda and said to Cheng Jun, "I will give Lord Cheng some face; let today's matter end here. I will take these people away; you can handle the rest."
Xu Zhen pointed at Li Mingda and the accompanying Female Knights, stating decisively that she would untie Li Mingda's ropes. Li Mingda was no longer a little girl; upon hearing Cheng Zhijie's name, she understood that this matter should be let go. After all, she was no longer officially a princess; escalating this issue would not benefit her or the current Sovereign.
However low-key she tried to be, she was still a princess—a fact that could not be denied. Being humiliated by a son born out of wedlock like Cheng Jun was something she could hardly swallow. Yet since Xu Zhen had made her decision, she could only endure this time.
She wanted to endure it, but Cheng Jun showed no restraint. He felt that allowing Xu Zhen to leave was already his limit; now she wanted to take Li Mingda and several beautiful Female Knights away—wasn't that equivalent to leaving him empty-handed?
"Good dog! Are you giving face but losing your dignity?"
Cheng Jun pointed at Xu Zhen and shouted angrily. The knights behind him rushed forward, drawing their blades and surrounding Xu Zhen and Li Mingda.
"Smack!"
With a crisp sound, five red fingerprints appeared on Cheng Jun's face before anyone could react!
He stared incredulously at Xu Zhen, feeling that the man's eyes were filled with murderous intent, as if he would die like a dog at the slightest movement of the man's eyelids!
He didn't even see how the man made his move; his face was already burning and stinging!
Xu Zhen stepped forward, looking directly at Cheng Jun, and coldly admonished, "You should speak politely to your elders."
Amidst the astonishment of many, Xu Zhen slowly untied Li Mingda's bindings and also freed several female officials from their ropes. He glanced at the Evil Servants and household slaves, who quickly returned the confiscated weapons to the Female Knights!
"Too... too impressive..." The Female Knights, all elite warriors, had heard that Xu Zhen had become the new leader of the Five Hundred Riders but had never seen it for themselves. Now witnessing Xu Zhen intimidate these ruffians with just his gaze was incredibly satisfying. Their admiration turned these tough women into infatuated admirers, eager to showcase their most enchanting and feminine sides to catch the attention of this new general of the Five Hundred Riders!
Cheng Jun's face was red and hot from being slapped by Xu Zhen, and he felt humiliated as well. Yet he found no courage to confront Xu Zhen's intimidation!
He knew very well that if he waved his hand, the knights behind him would brandish their weapons and kill Xu Zhen on the spot!
But no matter what, he couldn't lift his arm, as if Xu Zhen's aura had transformed into an invisible hand that bound his own hands!
Xu Zhen took Li Mingda and the others away, along with the Street Urchin.
"What is your name?"
"I... I don't have a name..."
"Ah? An orphan... How about I give you a name? You can follow me from now on."
"Give me a name?"
"Well, from now on you shall be called... let's see... Li Yuanfang. Soon these sisters will take you back to the Qian Niu Guard House. From now on, you will be an outstanding guard!"
Xu Zhen chatted with Street Urchin as they walked. Street Urchin saw Xu Zhen slap that debauched young master, seemingly in awe of her, unaware that he was walking towards a legendary path.
After Xu Zhen and the others had walked far away, Cheng Jun came to his senses, grabbed a Whip, and started whipping the nearby servants, causing them to cry out and scatter in all directions. He then drove away the injured civilians, finally calming his anger.
"Does anyone know who that person was just now?" Cheng Jun asked coldly. The knights behind him fell silent, and after a moment, one person quietly replied.
"I think I recognize him... he seems to be the new Left Tunwei Grand General, Duke of Qi. Xu Zhen, he once came to our residence to visit Alang (the master), but was turned away..."
Upon hearing Xu Zhenzhi's name, Cheng Jun felt a chill in his heart, but after understanding the situation, he became delighted. Grabbing the man by the chest, he urgently asked, "Are you saying he was turned away?!!! Did my father not meet him?"
"Yes... yes..."
"Hahaha! Let's go back! Hurry back! I want to see my father!"
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