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Li Zhi quietly emerged from the Martial Virtue Hall, his face clouded with gloom, clearly having not received a favorable response from Li Shimin.
He discreetly pulled a eunuch who served Li Shimin to the corner of the hall, and the two whispered to each other. Li Zhi's expression grew increasingly serious as he quickened his pace back to the Eastern Palace.
Since Murong Hanzhu rose to power, acting decisively and strategically, Changsun Wuji had entrusted many matters to him, resulting in Changsun Wuji rarely visiting the Eastern Palace.
Upon returning to the palace, Li Zhi angrily summoned Murong Hanzhu. After a private discussion, they found themselves at a loss regarding what the Sovereign had entrusted to Xu Zhen in the inner palace. They decided to send someone to secretly monitor Xu Zhen's movements to prevent any unforeseen developments.
Not only that, but Li Zhi also ordered close surveillance on King Wu Li Ke's activities, as besides Li Chengqian, King Wu Li Ke posed a significant threat to him.
After Murong Hanzhu assigned tasks accordingly, Li Zhi finally felt at ease.
Xu Zhen was unaware of these developments; having just fallen asleep, she was soon visited by Li Mingda, who feigned anger and scolded her. However, he felt an indescribable sense of happiness knowing that Xu Zhen was keeping vigil for their Sage.
After sending off Li Mingda, Xu Zhen found herself unable to sleep and decided to visit Li Chunfeng and Qingxiazi. Yan Lide had already gone to Sword South Road for shipbuilding, leaving Xu Zhen short one person for her secret plan. She could only rely on Ginger Sage for support and brought Qingxiazi and Moya into her scheme.
These old acquaintances were all astute individuals with master-level knowledge and skills. Even so, after hearing Xu Zhen's description, they couldn't help but exclaim in astonishment, feeling as if Xu Zhen was extraordinary beyond compare!
Xu Zhen had gathered this group of old friends primarily to secretly advance her grand plan. However, news of it reached Li Zhi's ears, raising his suspicions and further confirming his belief that Li Shimin must be conspiring with Xu Zhen about something that could threaten him!
Before long, another informant reported that Xu Zhen had entered Wei Gongfu!
"Is she going to see Li Jing? Could it be..." This time, Li Zhi truly could not sit still. He hurriedly sent someone to summon Changsun Wuji for a meeting while Xu Zhen was merely chatting casually with her mentor.
Indeed, Li Jing had aged; at seventy-eight years old, he was frail and nearing the end of his life. Had he not diligently practiced the Enhanced I Ching Cleansing Inner Power Manual throughout his years to cultivate his spirit and maintain his health, he might have already passed away.
Li Jing had lived a remarkable life and gained fame across the land. Now that his son Li Deqian had been exiled and Li Dejiang roamed among the common folk, though unaware of their hardships, he remained distant from court intrigues and did not worry about it.
When people mention unparalleled generals throughout history, they might think of figures like Lian Po from the Warring States period or Wei Qing and Huo Qubing from the Han dynasty. Today, when discussing the Great Tang War God, the first name that comes to mind is none other than Li Jing.
Can one have any regrets in life if they can be remembered in Blue History?
Li Jing looked at Xu Zhen, who at this moment had a mustache. After years of battles and court intrigues, this passionate young man was now completely different from the one he had been during the Tuguhun. His demeanor had become increasingly reserved and profound. Li Jing couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing that in his youth, he might not have been able to compare with Xu Zhen.
"Zhen, accompany me for a walk," he said.
"Yes."
Xu Zhen stepped forward, wanting to support Li Jing, but the latter gently waved his hand and pretended to be angry as he joked, "Young man, don't think I am incapable. If it weren't for my legs feeling a bit stiff today, do you believe I could take you down in three moves?"
"I believe, I believe..." Xu Zhen chuckled and still supported Li Jing as they walked into the courtyard. Li Jing merely hummed a couple of times, his face filled with contentment.
In old age, who doesn't wish for a house full of grandchildren to enjoy their later years? Unfortunately, Li Jing was alone; his son was not by his side, and in moments of solitude, he could only mourn for his late wife.
Xu Zhen also knew that the Red Fluff Girl from the tales did not actually exist. Li Jing's wife had passed away long ago, and he had not remarried after years of warfare; he had only taken a few concubines to alleviate his loneliness.
Now that Xu Zhen came to accompany him daily for a short while, he felt very satisfied.
At this time, he still held the titles of Duke of Wei and Chief of the Three Departments but had long since relinquished all his duties. With the system of Imperial Guards in Tang Dynasty, his influence was now reduced to just the name Li Jing.
Yet Xu Zhen still observed junior etiquette and bowed to him every day, greeting him without any ulterior motives; this was truly heartfelt.
The two took advantage of the early evening light before the night chill set in and walked a few more laps. Li Jing was in high spirits and invited Xu Zhen to stay for dinner, which she happily accepted.
Perhaps knowing that his days were numbered, Li Jing was also eager to teach and impart everything he could to Xu Zhen without holding back on important matters.
Although Xu Zhen held a high position, she did not want to act specially or break curfew. Thus, after dinner, she took her leave. Li Jing was reluctant to see her go and brewed tea again before finally allowing her to leave.
As she walked halfway down the road, the street was empty. Xu Zhen instinctively touched her full belly and felt a hard corner, which reminded her that she had forgotten to deliver the book to Li Jing. She had intended to bring it over another day, but it made no sense to take it with her only to bring it back, so she hurriedly turned around.
This was a rare collection that Old Steward had given her when she was about to leave Junjou, saying it was Li Chengqian's collection, which showed a certain friendship.
Xu Zhen saw that it was a unique treasure and knew it was something Li Jing cherished. She had planned to deliver it today but ended up forgetting in the midst of their pleasant conversation.
At this time, Wei Gongfu had already closed its doors. Xu Zhen arrived at the back entrance, and the steward who answered quickly confirmed Xu Zhen's identity. After a moment, he opened the door and indeed found it was Xu Zhen, but his expression was one of confusion.
"Why has the General come in through the back door again?"
"I apologize for the disturbance; I just remembered I needed to hand something over to Wei Gong. I trouble you, brother."
The steward dared not accept Xu Zhen's apology and quickly flattered her, saying, "The General is truly thoughtful. We just delivered some pastries; what else do you have to present to Wei Gong?"
The steward had said this casually, but Xu Zhen's face changed dramatically as she realized something was wrong. She hurriedly ran towards Li Jing's residence!
In the dead of night, who would dare rush around in Wei Gongfu? Seeing Xu Zhen's shocked and stern expression, the steward did not dare be careless and quickly summoned the household servants to follow behind her.
They were no match for Xu Zhen; she ran swiftly and had not yet reached Li Jing's residence when she saw his door wide open but dark inside. She quickly grabbed a lantern from the corridor and rushed into Li Jing's room!
"Is Wei Gong safe?"
Xu Zhen held a flying knife tightly in her hand as she entered the room like a vigilant wolf. However, just as she stepped inside, the lantern was suddenly extinguished by a hidden weapon, and a faint hissing sound immediately followed. She felt a chill at her throat as a sharp blade pressed against her neck!
"Gather energy in the jade sea and disperse it throughout your body; what comes next?" Li Jing's voice was hoarse and cold. Xu Zhen was momentarily stunned; the blade at her throat pressed closer. She quickly realized that Li Jing was confirming her identity and promptly recited the next line.
Fortunately, she was already well-versed in Enhanced I Ching Cleansing Inner Power Technique; otherwise, under such pressure, she might not have remembered it at all.
After hearing the exchange with Xu Zhen, Li Jing slowly emerged from the shadows. The Steward, accompanied by several servants, had just reached the door. The room was dark, making it impossible to see inside, and Li Jing ordered them to leave.
"Zhen, light the lamp."
Li Jing's voice was weak. Xu Zhen hurried to the candlestick, found a fire striker, and lit the room. It was then that she saw a body lying face down on the floor, dressed exactly like her.
"No wonder Wei Gong wanted to confirm my identity!" Xu Zhenxin exclaimed, horrified as he turned the corpse over and saw that the assassin had a face identical to his own!
He was well aware of Zhang Suling's disguise techniques, so he immediately recognized the assassin's trick. He wet his fingers and rubbed them against the assassin's temple, tearing off the thin disguise like a gossamer.
Just as Xu Zhen was about to search further, Li Jing could no longer hold back and spat out a mouthful of blood. His unusually rosy complexion faded instantly to pale, and he slumped weakly against the couch.
Xu Zhen rushed over and began to massage him, helping to ease the pressure in his chest. She then gave him water and followed his instructions to retrieve some pills from a cabinet in the room. Only then did Li Jing begin to stabilize.
Although Li Jing was highly skilled in martial arts, his advanced age rendered him less agile. The assassin disguised as Xu Zhen had caught him off guard, nearly allowing the assassin to succeed. While his life was not in danger, he had still suffered a blow that struck deep; for a seventy-eight-year-old man, this injury was particularly cruel.
"Zhen, are you hiding something from me?" Li Jing asked with a pale face, exhaling deeply and looking gravely at Xu Zhen.
Xu Zhen had intended to inform Li Jing about Fang Xuanling's death and what had happened with Li Chengqian. However, knowing that Li Jing had withdrawn from worldly affairs and fearing that revealing too much might endanger him further, she chose to remain silent. She never expected that Li Jing would still fall victim to an assassination attempt.
If it weren't for Li Jing killing the assassin himself, Xu Zhen felt that even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn't clear his name!
"Wei Gong... it is like this: not long ago, the Chancellor suddenly passed away..." Xu Zhen felt compelled to explain everything clearly. Li Jing listened quietly but furrowed his brow tighter.
"Zhen, if this matter is not handled properly, Sovereign may not have a good ending. I think you should find an excuse to leave Chang'an and avoid this disaster... This is something only we can discuss; it must not be spoken of outside."
Xu Zhen understood that Li Jing was looking out for him. However, he had received great favor from the Emperor; Li Shimin had invested heavily in him. How could he abandon such an important moment?
These strange occurrences all point to Li Zhi's Eastern Palace faction. It seems that although the Sovereign and the Dragon Body are in a precarious state, Li Zhi is eager to seize power.
Li Zhi is indeed a filial person, but he is inherently weak and indecisive, surrounded by poisonous figures like Changsun Wuji and Murong Hanzhu, making him susceptible to slander.
Furthermore, the Xu Zhen believes that Li Zhi's filial piety is merely for show. If he were truly filial, even with thousands of beauties in Your Majesty's harem, he should not disrupt propriety by having an inappropriate relationship with Wu Mei.
The clearer she sees Li Zhi, the less she can afford to leave Chang'an at this moment and abandon Li Shimin. At this point, the Xu Zhen finally understands Li Shimin's plans.
Li Zhi has been in power for quite some time, with Changsun Wuji rallying support for him. The court factions hope to gain merit from the dragon. Now, in this vast court, aside from the self-preserving Li Jue, the only trusted confidant left for Li Shimin is her, the Xu Zhen.
"Wei Gong, the Xu Zhen cannot evade this. The Sovereign has shown me great favor; if I do not repay it, I believe Wei Gong would also look down on me." The Xu Zhen spoke resolutely. Li Jing sighed helplessly but secretly admired her; he had not misjudged the Xu Zhen.
"Zhen, please bring me the Wooden Box from the cabinet."
The Xu Zhen was puzzled but followed Li Jing's instructions and retrieved the seemingly ordinary Wooden Box.
"Open it."
Following his command, the Xu Zhen opened it and found three scrolls inside. The scrolls were inscribed with three twisted ancient characters: Yin Fu Machine.
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