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墨書 Inktalez
Under the organization of Zhang Zhao, countless young Rogues voluntarily joined the ranks of the county soldiers. The floating bridge, constructed with numerous sheep-skin rafts and freshly cut timber, was finally completed, allowing the troops of Xu Zhen to cross the river smoothly. The people of Shandan bid farewell to their benefactor with tears in their eyes, silently hoping that Xu Zhenbu could lift the siege on Shandan County.
Xu Zhen was well aware that delaying military action and making unilateral decisions were major taboos in the army. However, in his view, the moment they stepped out of the Kuo Prefecture camp, the Brothers had already entered a state of war. Their journey to Ganzhou was to fight Ah Chai, and their arrival at Shandan was also to confront Ah Chai. For Xu Zhen, who had only over two hundred elite soldiers, attacking Shandan would contribute more to the Li Jing Army.
Military situations change rapidly; who can guarantee that no unexpected events will occur? This is also one reason why "the orders of the sovereign are not to be heeded in the field." Although this phrase is often misused by those with ulterior motives, it expresses the helpless fate of a general.
Moreover, according to Xu Zhenzhi's philosophy, every prosperous dynasty is built upon countless bones. Regardless of how difficult it may be, it is always the common people who suffer. If the world were at peace, he would prefer to live quietly in a corner like an ordinary citizen; as long as he faced no illness or disaster, what did it matter if he earned a little less money?
This explains why he had remained dormant in Chang'an for three years—he was observing, feeling lost, and searching for his place. He initially thought he could live a life of ease in Chang'an indefinitely, unaware that fate had brought him to extraordinary circumstances at an extraordinary time, compelling him to undertake extraordinary tasks.
"What others cannot imagine, he also cannot imagine what he will accomplish."
Perhaps this is the best interpretation of Xu Zhen as a time traveler.
After crossing the Shandan River, Xu Zhenbu, guided by Zhang Zhao, rode swiftly toward Heli Mountain (commonly known as Tu Mountain), approaching Shandan County!
At this moment, fierce battles raged in the county town. County Magistrate Xie Anting led the soldiers within the city in a desperate defense while County Chief Yang Wen rushed around inside the city, continuously reallocating resources and manpower to reinforce the city gates. Relying on the low city walls, wooden logs rolled down like Feathered Arrows. The Tuguhun's Ah Chai forces, accustomed to charging across flat terrain but inexperienced in siege warfare, found themselves unable to breach the defenses after prolonged attacks and suffered heavy casualties.
Murong Ge'erhe commanded from the center and wore a worried expression as he watched his Brothers perish one by one beneath the walls. He had no choice but to sound the retreat while still blocking all routes and sent his personal guards toward Ganzhou for advice.
The Tuguhun was not short of brave warriors but lacked great strategists capable of commanding sieges. Seeking counsel from Ganzhou essentially meant consulting one person: Princess Guanghua!
This refers to Princess Guanghua of the Sui Dynasty. She first married Shifu and later became embroiled in the internal strife of the Tuguhun after Shifu's death. She remarried her brother-in-law Murong Fuyun and bore Murong Shun. After Murong Shun's death, her son Nuohebo ascended to power as the current chieftain of Tuguhun. Although Sui Wendi did not allow Tuguhun to refer to her as Empress Guanghua, she was still called Empress Guanghua within Tuguhun until today.
Princess Guanghua brought Han cultural teachings to Tuguhun. Whether in agriculture or craftsmanship involving tea and salt, even in governmental systems, many improvements were made due to Empress Guanghua's influence. Therefore, her reputation soared high above others. Now nearing fifty years old yet still accompanying her troops into battle against Tang forces due to deep-seated national grievances and personal vendettas speaks volumes about her commitment.
Surrounding Ganzhou and harassing the surrounding areas for supplies was a strategy devised by Empress Guanghua. During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, the border residents were wealthy, and the Riding Team swept through towns, often achieving great victories. Various textiles, gold, silver, and food were sent back to the army, replenishing resources, and everyone in the army held deep respect for Empress Guanghua.
With Shandan blocked, Murong Ge'erhe naturally sent someone back to seek advice. However, his personal guard was stopped outside the Golden Tent because Empress Guanghua was attending to private matters and could not be seen. The guard had no choice but to find Murong Hanzhu instead.
Murong Hanzhu recognized the urgency of the military situation and hurried to the Golden Tent to request an audience. Many maidservants were about to drive him away when Empress Guanghua issued an order for him to be allowed in.
Murong Hanzhu, now past his forties, did not favor Barbarian Attire and was dressed in scholarly blue robes. Although his temples had begun to show gray hair, he still exuded an air of elegance and dignity typical of a cultured man.
He entered the Golden Tent with his head bowed but found it empty of attendants. The layers of light silk curtains mingled with the fragrance of fresh wood and flowers in the warm steam, creating a dreamlike atmosphere within.
Murong Hanzhu knew he had acted rashly. Empress Guanghua adapted to local customs and did not demand much from life, yet she could not shake her daily habit of bathing in fragrant water. It was no wonder her guards were unable to see her; despite having followed Guanghua for decades, there remained a distance between master and servant, requiring him to serve respectfully outside the curtain without glancing aside.
Empress Guanghua soaked in her fragrant bath, gently caressing her body. Though nearing fifty and appearing somewhat plump, she radiated vitality as if she had regained her youth, feeling a stirring desire within her body. This was entirely due to her return to this land that belonged to her Yang Family.
Through the thick curtains, she caught sight of a faint figure outside. The person matched his name—tall and slender like a cold bamboo. For decades, he had always treated her with courtesy and propriety, even though they had grown up together. From the moment she understood the boundaries between men and women, she knew he had always loved her.
For the sake of the royal family, she married Shifu. He bore no resentment; instead, as a loyal servant, he accompanied her to the Tuguhun. After two or three years, Shifu died in internal strife, and she married Shifu's brother Murong Fuyun. He too held no grievances but secretly assisted her with strategies that made her a capable aide to Murong Fuyun.
It can be said that Empress Guanghua's significant contributions during the Tuguhun and her widespread reputation relied heavily on that man outside the curtain. Even the surprise attack on Ganzhou after crossing the Qilian Mountains originated from this strategist.
Recently, he further disrupted new reserve troops into dozens of small units that infiltrated around Ganzhou causing chaos and bringing back substantial supplies for the army.
More than a decade ago, in recognition of his achievements, Cui Hanzhu from the Sui Dynasty's Cui Clan was granted the surname Murong, becoming today's Murong Hanzhu!
He became increasingly composed, more inscrutable, always exuding an air of strategic depth that suggested he could command victory from afar. However, in Guanghua's eyes, he remained that youthful scholar, the one who loved her deeply, unwaveringly for decades, without complaint or desire—Cui Hanzhu.
The more she thought about it, the warmer her body felt, as if a long-lost sensation was being stirred up by memories from deep within her. She subconsciously placed her hand on her still smooth and delicate thigh, caressing it back and forth, her throat growing parched and yearning.
The master and servant remained silent, the sound of water splashing faintly emanating from behind the curtain. Murong Hanzhu understood what his master was doing; after so many years of companionship, they had developed a profound tacit understanding. Guanghua had endured loneliness for so long, and in moments of solitude, had indulged in many absurdities. This kind of thing was unspoken between them; although they were close every day, there was always an ocean separating them—a gulf called propriety. In the increasingly liberal Tang Dynasty, this concept of propriety might not seem like an ocean anymore, but Murong Hanzhu prided himself as a man of integrity and had always adhered to it.
Yet today, his heart could not remain calm. Listening to the increasingly rhythmic sound of water, his feet began to move against his will, stepping closer into the curtain.
This was the first time he had seen Guanghua like this. They gazed at each other without any reservations, as if trying to penetrate each other's hearts through their eyes.
Guanghua reached out her hand and guided Murong Hanzhu into the wooden tub.
A fleeting glance in their youth had stirred someone’s emotions and easily promised an unforgettable eternity. Yet love had been split in two; time had passed, but true feelings were like aged wine—growing richer with time. Bound by societal norms for over thirty years, the master and servant shed tears as they embraced their madness, seemingly trying to make up for everything they had lost over the decades.
Water overflowed from the wooden tub as their sobs and suppressed heavy breaths grew more intense.
A storm-like sense of fulfillment filled their bodies and minds; the waves of emotion in their hearts could not settle down. Guanghua caressed Murong Hanzhu's temples, seemingly seeing in every strand of hair the man's selfless devotion to her over the years.
Murong Hanzhu held Guanghua's hand, and in that moment, they felt as if they had regained decades of youth, returning to that autumn when they first met.
He tenderly kissed her forehead and whispered in her ear: "In the beginning, you resided in Phoenix Pavilion; Cui could only look up at you. But then you soared into the Azure Sky clouds, leaving me unable even to gaze upon you—only able to chase after your shadow on the ground. In my youthful arrogance, I once dreamed of giving you a kingdom so you could continue being a princess; now let me first give you a city!"
Beauty brings disaster; it can ruin nations. In ancient times, there were tales of flames igniting wars among lords—one smile or frown could topple cities and kingdoms. Scholars in Records of the Grand Historian often criticized such women harshly; yet how many women harbor dreams within their hearts, yearning for such beauty and affection?
Guanghua was aware that her appearance was not particularly outstanding, yet she could truly captivate a city and a nation. This was because she knew that the man holding her close had long been praised by renowned scholars during the Daye period for his deep understanding of Confucius and Mencius, as well as his knowledge of various schools of thought. When he promised to give her a city, it was certain that he would deliver.
The loyal guards waiting outside finally saw Murong Hanzhu return. Although he lacked extraordinary wisdom and strategy, he had a keen ability to read people. It was evident that this distinguished figure from the Sui Dynasty walked with a light step, radiating vitality and energy.
What surprised him even more was that Murong Hanzhu was draped in a large purple marten fur coat, which belonged to Princess Guanghua!
The guards dared not voice any complaints and waited quietly outside the tent. Soon, they saw Murong Hanzhu emerge carrying a book box and wearing a long sword. Without acknowledging the guards, he stepped out and was met by attendants who brought a fine horse.
Murong Hanzhu gracefully mounted the horse, filled with vigor, gazing towards the direction of Shandan. He said to the guards, "Come with me to take a look."
Snapping back to reality, the guards quickly called over a dozen soldiers to protect Murong Hanzhu, heading straight for Shandan.
Years ago, seeking a title from afar, he had patrolled Liangzhou alone. Where had his dreams of crossing rivers and mountains led him? The old fur coat lay dusty; the Hu had not yet been defeated, his hair graying with age, tears flowing in vain. Who could have predicted that in this life, his heart remained in Tianshan while his body aged in Cangzhou?
Murong Hanzhu no longer wished to be like the "dark marten coat" of Su Qin. He stepped out from behind the scenes into the spotlight, determined to exchange this purple marten coat for four, five, six, or seven cities!
(Note: Princess Guanghua of the Sui Dynasty was a member of the royal collateral branch. She first married Shifu, then married Murong Fuyun, giving birth to Murong Shun. By the time Murong Shun's son Nuohebo attacked Tang, he was already in his fifties or sixties. Here she has been slightly aged down. The Cui Clan was one of the ten prominent families during the Sui-Tang period.)
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