Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Luzi did not need to prepare, as his gear had long been packed. He had been waiting for this order to depart, and the dust had settled while he waited. He had hoped for this command, whether early or late. However, when he finally heard the news of another expedition, he found it surprisingly unfamiliar.
The means of war have always served politics, regardless of one's political awareness. It is not something that a general on the front lines can dictate; even if one can command a battle, one can never command a war. Many optimal times for attack are often forced to be advanced or delayed due to various reasons. Consequently, more soldiers must pay with their lives to complete battles that come either too early or too late. What remains is only blood and fire burning fiercely, composing a magnificent and tragic symphony throughout the annals of history.
Since what is meant to come will eventually arrive, let it come!
What he did not expect was that Zhang Cheng soon arrived as well, which was quite surprising. The two took their seats, each looking at the other in silence for a long time.
It seemed that Zhang Cheng had something on his mind that he could not hold back any longer. He glanced around and then looked at Luzi.
Luzi certainly understood the implication and smiled lightly at Zhang Cheng. He nodded to indicate that there were no eavesdroppers and that it was fine to speak freely.
Zhang Cheng nodded in understanding, cleared his throat, and said, “Although we brothers meet infrequently, we know each other well enough. There are some things I must discuss with you. As for whether you find it agreeable or not, I apologize in advance.”
At this moment, Zhang Cheng had taken over Luzi's previous position and was significantly higher in rank. In contrast, Luzi's current status felt somewhat lowly; he was merely an eighth-level Public Officer who could not be exempted from military service. Hearing Zhang Cheng speak this way made him quite anxious. He quickly stood up and clasped his fists in greeting, saying, “I dare not! Please instruct me, Lord Zhang.”
Zhang Cheng hurriedly returned the gesture. “Brother! Since we are not outsiders, let’s get straight to the point. You may have sensed something amiss lately; I find it strange as well. Ever since you returned from your ambush in the State of Chu, it’s like you’ve become a different person. I don’t know if this change is due to the Crown Prince Incident, but that’s not really important.”
Luzi nodded noncommittally but remained silent. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to explain; he simply couldn’t.
Zhang Cheng clearly had no intention of hearing any defense and continued, “Our king personally went to the State of Chu to welcome you back; this alone speaks volumes. As a Lord of the Nation, he would never apologize to us brothers. I hope you can understand his predicament as a subject; this is what I most wish to see as your junior.”
Luzi shook his head with a bitter smile but still did not respond. This matter was difficult to articulate; if it were indeed true! The last time he went to the Qi State to find the sidelined Meng Wu, that knot had yet to be untied. Now with the Crown Prince's ambush and still no sign of him—alive or dead—coincidentally during this troubling time when everything was closely related to him. The Crown Prince secretly wanted him dead while he sought revenge in kind. This reasoning made perfect sense!
This is what is called helplessness! This is the motive for the crime! If we speculate, regarding the Crown Prince Incident, I am currently the biggest suspect!
Meng Wu is easier to deal with; at least he will give you a chance to explain. But with the Crown Prince, it’s not that simple. Before the truth comes to light, there is no way to raise any objections. Because you are the person involved! If you rashly try to explain to King Zhao in an attempt to extricate yourself, what evidence do you have to prove that this matter has nothing to do with you? The current unfavorable situation is quite passive; it would be better not to say anything at all.
Zhang Cheng saw Luzi with his head down and silent, and couldn't help but sigh. Perhaps this is the gap between people. He knew very well that even if King Zhao took a high-handed approach and personally invited Luzi back home, there was still a hint of showmanship in it. As for the life and death of the Crown Prince, no one has yet discovered who was behind it. To say that there are no unresolved feelings inside would be pure self-deception.
Doubt does not equate to actual action; this is actually where King Zhao is currently entangled. The fact that the case cannot be resolved for now is true, and no amount of urgency will help. To unravel the mystery requires time—lots of time—to break through the enigma and reach the truth.
Zhang Cheng was aware of this entanglement, but this visit was not for idle chatter. He continued to persuade: “Luzi! Do you know? During the time before the king welcomed you back, your position has always been reserved for you. I’m afraid that in Great Qin and even in the whole world, only you can enjoy this privilege. King Zhao has treated you this way; don’t you feel satisfied?”
As the saying goes, if you don’t speak, you won’t know; if you don’t drill into wood, you won’t penetrate it. Upon hearing the truth, Luzi was immediately moved to tears. He expressed his gratitude: “I appreciate Zhang Cheng’s heartfelt concern; Luzi understands now.”
Conversations between understanding individuals only need to touch on key points, and Zhang Cheng did just that. Seeing that the other party seemed to understand, he intended to go over and give a hug but suddenly remembered some recent rumors from outside. He quickly stopped this action and hesitated before saying: “Has my senior brother not found a woman yet? If it’s hard for you to speak up, let me help you out. At your age, it’s time to settle down and carry on the family line; it would also save Outside from gossiping.”
When Zhang Cheng brought up marriage, Luzi initially wanted to find an excuse to decline. However, upon hearing rumors related to himself, his heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean?”
Zhang Cheng looked up at the ceiling, feeling that this topic was indeed hard to bring up. So he evaded: “Actually, it’s nothing much; as long as my senior brother marries a wife, I believe the rumors will naturally dissipate.”
Upon hearing this, Luzi was even more confused. What connection could there be between rumors and marrying a wife? He had thought earlier that the rumors were related to Chuchu, but now realizing they were merely about marriage issues allowed him to finally relax. He nodded in agreement while declining by saying he would consider it after finishing his current tasks.
There were three matters for which Zhang Cheng had come this time; now two had been accomplished. Since he had received a response from Luzi, it was time to address the third matter. He reached into his pocket and pulled out King Zhao of Qin’s decree, saying: “The Royal Decree is here! Please accept it, senior brother!”
You could say this is all over the place! It could give someone a heart attack!
Luzi hurriedly bowed down and raised both hands to receive the decree. "Your servant! Luzi receives the decree!"
Zhang Cheng did not open the Edict, as he had been instructed beforehand that this letter was only to be read by one person. His task was to give Luzi a gentle nudge, hoping he would understand King Qin's heartfelt intentions.
After waiting for a long time without hearing anyone announce the imperial edict, Luzi wondered if Zhang Cheng had something else to attend to. Just as he was about to look up, he felt a set of Bamboo Slips appear in his hands.
Comment 0 Comment Count