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墨書 Inktalez
On the first day of December, during the cold and snowy season, Xu Zhen and Caesar spent a sleepless night discussing many experiences. By the early hours of the morning, she quietly practiced the Enhanced I Ching Cleansing Inner Power Manual to restore her spirit. She got up early, attended to by Caesar, and donned her brand new light crimson attire.
Today was a grand court assembly where civil and military officials gathered to discuss state affairs. Xu Zhen had received instructions from the eunuchs earlier, so she prepared herself for the court session.
As the dawn drum sounded, Xu Zhen, under Caesar's escort, left her residence and headed towards Chengtian Gate. On the way, she noticed many officials hurriedly gathering in one direction. Servants flowed like water, and the noise of carriages and horses filled the air. Even the light snow could not dampen this sudden bustle.
Upon reaching Chengtian Gate, she saw familiar faces like Li Chunfeng and Yan Lide who were chatting quietly without entering. When they noticed Xu Zhen approaching, they quickly surrounded her to exchange pleasantries. They were concerned that she might disrupt court etiquette on her first visit, so they offered their support. Seeing her brothers shivering in the cold moved Xu Zhen.
Having arrived at this point, Caesar naturally returned. Xu Zhen followed Li Chunfeng and others into Chengtian Gate, ascended Longwei Path, and was scrutinized by the Censoring Imperial Historian regarding her appearance before finally arriving at the entrance of Tai Chi Hall. By this time, it was already crowded with officials who were whispering among themselves and exchanging flattering remarks.
Li Chunfeng was a Taichang Doctor, while Yan Lide was known as Master Yan; both had qualifications to enter the palace. In contrast, Xu Zhen was merely a fifth-rank Colonel Murong Xiao from a lower court with a fifth-rank title as Cavalry Captain—neither high nor low—and she did not know whether she would be allowed inside or have to stand outside.
Fearing that others might seize upon any mistakes she made, she decided to stay outside. However, these officials were accustomed to their usual positions, making Xu Zhen feel like an outsider. Although some officials secretly offered gifts to her, with so many eyes watching during this grand assembly, they were cautious and did not dare to associate with her.
As a result, Xu Zhen felt out of place and ended up standing at the back awkwardly while others hesitated to approach her.
As the hour approached for the assembly to begin, many prominent figures from the Chief of the Three Departments began to arrive: Deputy Ministers from the Ministry of Rites, the Chancellor, Imperial Attendants from the gate, three young princes, as well as various officials from Jingzhao and generals from different courts gathered one after another.
Li Jing arrived at Tai Chi Hall accompanied by his son. Noticing Xu Zhen looking lost on either side, he approached her with a friendly smile and said, " Commander Xu seems so reserved; may I lean on you to enter?"
Understanding that this Old War God meant well for her, Xu Zhen quickly offered her arm to support Old General as they entered Tai Chi Hall together. However, upon reaching the entrance, she wisely stood still at the end of the right-side military official line. Slightly raising her head, she noticed that directly in front of her stood Duan Zan, son of Duke of Bao Duan Zhi Xuan, who was also Colonel Murong Xiao!
Duan Zan merely smiled awkwardly upon seeing Xu Zhen below him; his expression bore hints of despair and sadness in his eyes. It seemed that his gravely ill elder was not expected to last much longer, hence his inner gloom.
The two shared a brief moment but did not speak further. After waiting for a while longer as Gao Zhensheng and other returning military generals entered one after another—passing by Xu Zhen as if they had not seen her at all—she felt increasingly invisible among the crowd.
As people continued to flow in endlessly, feeling overlooked for too long made Xu Zhen lose patience; she couldn't help but poke Duan Zan in the back.
"Why are you calling me?" Duan Zan turned slightly with annoyance in his voice.
Xu Zhen paid no mind to his tone and lowered her voice to ask, "Have you heard of Sun Simiao?"
Duan Zan glanced at Xu Zhen as if she were an idiot, not responding, his expression seemingly mocking her. Who in the world did not recognize this great master of medicine from the Tang Dynasty?
Xu Zhenxin felt somewhat displeased, but since he had already spoken, he held back and patiently said, "This disciple of Sun Divine Doctor, Liu Shenwei, has had many interactions with me. He mentioned that Sun Divine Doctor will come to Chang'an after the New Year to compile new medical techniques. If you find it appropriate, you could ask Liu Shenwei to help arrange for that old divine doctor to take a look at your father’s condition..."
Duan Zan's heart suddenly tightened. He was deeply attached to his father and watched him fade day by day. As a son, how could he not feel heartbroken? He would be willing to do anything, even sacrifice himself to save his father, let alone seek out Sun Divine Doctor!
In fact, Xu Zhen did not leave a bad impression on him. Back when they were in Shanshan, he had even regarded her with admiration. However, Xu Zhen's rapid rise had unknowingly blocked the paths of many military officials, and there were countless people who secretly envied her. Seeing that he was about to lose his father's protection, Duan Zan naturally viewed Xu Zhen as a threat. With the scheming Hou Polu stirring trouble behind the scenes, this only deepened his resentment towards her.
However, hearing Xu Zhen offer advice without holding grudges made Duan Zan feel an indescribable shame in his heart, though he could not express it openly in the grand hall.
Just as he was thinking of striking up a conversation with Xu Zhen to ease their relationship, a figure in a purple robe gracefully entered—the Minister of War, Duke Chen Guo, Hou Junji!
Duan Zan's heart tightened, and all thoughts of speaking with Xu Zhen retreated into his mind. At this moment, the hall was filled with people; civil and military officials were arranged on either side. On the left side were civil officials led by the founding noble Zhao Gong and Minister Changsun Wuji, along with Duke of Ying and Minister of Rites Li Jue. On the right side sat military officials led by Li Jing.
The sovereign had always treated loyal old ministers generously; many distinguished nobles sat in front while others gradually stood to listen to discussions.
Poor Xu Zhen had long admired the founding heroes of the Tang Dynasty. Although she could infer one or two from Historical Records, with so many heroes gathered in the hall, she found herself at a loss to recognize them all.
Just as she was lamenting this internally, she heard Duan Zan quietly remind her without turning his head: "Under General Li Jing is the Left Tunwei Grand General and Inspector of the North Gate garrison, Duke Lu Cheng Zhijie (Chen Yaojin); next is the Left Military Guard General..."
Xu Zhen was slightly taken aback; she did not expect Duan Zan to be willing to point out these prominent figures of the court. Seizing the opportunity, she memorized all this important information.
However, when her gaze swept toward the lower right side of the imperial dais, it stopped at a figure standing cautiously—Crown Prince Li Chengqian from the Eastern Palace!
He was dressed in ceremonial attire made of deer skin with a rhinoceros horn hairpin and crimson silk robes over plain garments. His leather belt and small ribbons adorned him; beneath his formal attire were white socks and black leather shoes—exuding royal dignity!
This was also Xu Zhen's first time seeing Tubo. Thinking about what would soon transpire made her feel an undeniable sense of regret for him.
Seemingly sensing Xu Zhen's gaze, Tubo slightly raised his head and exchanged a distant glance with her. A subtle smile played at the corners of his mouth, leaving an intriguing impression.
Xu Zhen hurriedly lowered her head, listening as Duan Zan could not speak for a moment. The eunuch then called for the morning court session, and Your Majesty slowly entered, taking a seat on the dragon throne. All the officials called out in unison, praising Sovereign for his wisdom, and after performing great bows, they took their places upon receiving Sovereign's approval.
The entire hall fell silent. Li Tang Emperor straightened himself and surveyed the hall before speaking: "My loyal ministers, you have suffered greatly. Throughout the year, the Tuguhun has relied on its vast territories, repeatedly disturbing the borders, committing atrocities without restraint, causing destruction wherever they go. The leader has fled, bringing about his own downfall."
"I reign over the world with a grand vision and do not wish to see our ancestral worship cut off due to their chaos. Thus, I appointed the false ruler's son, King Murong Shun, to pacify the remnants and maintain their old affairs. However, he showed no gratitude and harbored treasonous intentions. Within his ranks, there is resentment among both people and livestock. Therefore, I established a great righteousness to eradicate them. Even if I restore power to his son, his forces continue to cause turmoil, engaging in conflict as they please."
"I am concerned for the common people and do not wish for any division between our cultures. Thus, I look westward with vigilance. If we do not speak of rescue soon, we fear that suffering will continue unabated. Therefore, I have commanded an expedition, fortunate to have Heaven's favor upon the Tang Dynasty, returning victorious."
"Minister of War Duke of Lu, Hou Junji and others are all talented in both civil and military affairs, deeply trusted inside and outside the court. Their strategies are well-known in the palace while their achievements are recorded in the royal archives. They have spread our influence beyond borders and secured distant lands. Now that they have returned to the imperial court, they shall be rewarded to demonstrate the grace and might of the Tang Dynasty."
Upon finishing his speech, a eunuch presented a document and Edict, which was then read aloud in the hall.
"Punishing crimes and mourning for those lost; former kings acted with high virtue; dynasties rise and fall according to national laws. The Tuguhun has usurped authority over rulers and seized barren lands. Their intentions are malevolent; governance comes from powerful families. The leader has conspired against us; resentment brews within their ranks; long-standing evils remain uncorrected; ambitions grow rampant. They disregard the principles of vassal states and have shown no respect for our authority. They have plundered battlefields and oppressed commoners. Their accumulated sins have reached a tipping point; Heaven shows signs of their demise."
"I reign over all seas and nurture countless beings; when one thing is lost, I hold myself accountable. Therefore, I command six armies to undertake nine campaigns; righteousness exists to preserve our nation; feelings do not justify reckless warfare. Now that we return victorious, rewards and punishments must be clear to demonstrate grace and might."
"To grant Hou Junji, Minister of Personnel, Minister of Rites an edict: ..."
"To grant He Li as Grand General: ..."
"To grant Gao Zhensheng: ..."
As each reward edict was read out loud, joy filled the hall; even Duan Zan, Hou Polu, and Zhang Shenzhi received rewards. However, notably absent were the names of Li Jing and Xu Zhen!
Xu Zhenxin was also puzzled; after Li Mingda returned, he would surely report everything to His Majesty. Compared to Sovereign, he could deduce some underlying issues—why were only Hou Junji and others heavily rewarded?
The people in the hall were equally confused as to why only Xu Zhen was excluded from rewards. The news of Li Mingda's return had already spread throughout the inner court; anyone with intent could easily inquire for accurate information. For the sake of imperial dignity, it was impossible for the incident at Xuanwu Gate Incident to be "revived from death."
However, given His Majesty's temperament, it was unlikely he would let this matter slide. As the greatest contributor to saving Li Mingda, having achieved remarkable feats during the Battle of Tugu Hun, it was astonishing that Xu Zhen received no reward at all.
The eunuch watched as he reached the end, and finally the name of Xu Zhen appeared!
“Deputy Commander Xu Zhen is brave and skilled in battle, having achieved remarkable feats, earning the respect of the Salar and Rouran clans. She is stationed in Ganyiang for training, possessing both literary and martial talents, making her capable of great responsibilities. She is appointed as Deputy General of the Imperial Guard, promoted to Colonel Murong Xiao of the Light Army, and granted the title of Valiant Viscount. Her younger sister Xu Sier is gentle, wise, and exceptionally talented, thus she is specially awarded the rank of Miss Shuyi from the fifth grade, allowed to enter and exit without restriction from the palace.”
“What!!! From the sixth grade down to Central Military Deputy Du Wei, jumping seven ranks to Deputy General of the Imperial Guard?!!! How is this possible! How can His Majesty be so willful!”
“This kind of reward is indeed rare; moreover, being granted a title in the Light Army as Colonel Murong Xiao is a significant honor! Xu Zhen, merely a Cavalry Captain from the fifth grade, actually jumps six ranks?!!”
“Indeed! And she was even granted a viscountcy; this truly is a meteoric rise!”
“You all are so shortsighted. The Sovereign's rewards are merely an embellishment; what he truly intends to honor is Xu Sier!”
“Who do you think Xu Sier is? Have you ever heard that Xu Zhen has a younger sister?”
“Could it be... Xu Sier... this name... The Sovereign must have put in considerable effort...”
(Note: Duke of Bao Duan Zhi Xuan passed away in the sixteenth year of Zhenguan, 642 AD, while this story takes place at the end of 644 AD. For narrative purposes, the timeline has been slightly adjusted; please do not take it too seriously as it is not a history textbook.)
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