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The so-called gentleman conceals his abilities and waits for the right moment to act, referring to those with the economic means to change their fate. Most remain hidden in the marketplace, waiting for a turning point. For Xu Zhen, after three years of hiding, the arrival of Li Mingda was that turning point. She initially thought it would lead her to wealth and power, but instead, she found herself entangled in court struggles. Yet, how could Caesar not also be a fateful turning point for Xu Zhen?
In her current life, what kind of woman had Xu Zhen not encountered? Having lived half her life in the game, she believed she had seen countless people. However, her dramatic encounter with Caesar had already made her regard him as her dearest person. Now, watching her own woman being beaten, how could her heart not feel like it was being cut by a blade?
Meanwhile, Zhou Cang and the Fourteen Red Armor Brothers were overjoyed as they followed Xu Zhen and Yamen to welcome their mistress home. After waiting outside for a long time without seeing Xu Zhen come out, they sensed something was amiss. They entered Yamen only to find their mistress already stained with blood, and her back likely broken from the beating!
Upon witnessing such a scene, even Zhou Cang could not bear it; Zhang Jiunian also found it unbearable. Although they were on duty that day, they all took leave to come here, armed with swords. At this moment, they drew their blades and rushed into the office, ready to slay those executioners!
"A bunch of dog killers! How dare you insult her like this!"
These fourteen guards had all been on bloody battlefields and had earned military honors through their bravery. As they charged in with drawn swords, an overwhelming killing intent filled the air. The lowly executioners could hardly withstand such pressure and nearly dropped their bamboo staffs in fear!
Caesar was cold-hearted and did not earn much affection from the brothers. However, she had risked her life for Xu Zhen, and everyone present regarded her as Xu Zhen's loyal companion. Seeing Xu Zhen tearfully enduring humiliation, how could they stand by idly?
"My Lord! This half-baked official is unworthy of our service; we might as well shed these clothes and seek freedom elsewhere rather than endure such insults from these dog killers!"
Zhou Cang was straightforward and chivalrous, a man of great stature who wielded his sword with confidence. He was no petty official but a fierce warrior who could not bear to see his Lord treated so unjustly!
Helan Baishi had already made up his mind; since he had completely turned against Xu Zhen, he would humiliate her thoroughly and intimidate her properly. Just as he was about to speak up to suppress them, Zhao Yong suddenly slammed his hand on the table!
"What a bold claim, my Lord! Do you intend to rebel?"
Zhou Cang had long been displeased with Zhao Yong's demeanor. With his leopard-head eyes wide open and beard bristling, he was about to go up and knock this official down when he was stopped by Xu Zhen's shout.
"Zhou Cang! Stand down and wait!"
Xu Zhen's expression was cold, but her eyes held an undeniable authority. Zhou Cang had never seen such a commanding gaze from Xu Zhen before; he immediately sheathed his sword along with the other brothers and calmed down.
Apologetically smiling at Caesar, Xu Zhen slowly stood up, as if carrying a heavy burden on her shoulders, and seemed to have aged significantly in an instant.
She slightly turned her head, her gaze landing on Zhao Yong, who felt a sudden tightness in his chest and shivered inexplicably. It wasn't until Xu Zhen shifted her focus to Helan Baishi that he awkwardly sat down, no longer daring to provoke Zhou Cang and the others.
Helan Baishi had served as Deputy Minister of Justice for quite some time; holding a Fourth Rank position, he wielded considerable authority. He usually interacted with prominent figures, and Xu Zhen, a person of little background who had suddenly risen to the position of Deputy General, seemed insignificant. However, he did not expect that the look Xu Zhen directed at him carried an overwhelming sense of pressure, making him feel as if he were facing a high-ranking general rather than a Fourth Rank Deputy General.
Zhao Gongcun and Liu Shuyi were equally astonished; the growth rate of Xu Zhen was truly alarming. It had only been a short time since her return to court, yet she had cultivated such an imposing presence. If given more time, she would surely become a formidable force.
"The people under me are unaware of the rules; I hope you all can forgive this. Our Heavenly Kingdom has its own laws, and once judgments are made clear, they must be accepted. Xu Zhen does not dare to interfere with justice, but if anyone deliberately provokes me, they should not blame Xu Zhen for retaliating!"
After saying this, Xu Zhen no longer looked at the courtroom. She turned her back and walked back to Caesar's side. The officials trembled in fear but were at a loss for what to do.
Zhao Yong tried several times to speak but found himself lacking the courage. Meanwhile, Helan Chushi calmed down and waved his hand, allowing the officials to continue with their duties but no longer daring to exert their full strength; it was merely a formality.
Once the punishment was completed, Xu Zhen said nothing further. She offered a polite bow to Liu Shuyi and Zhao Gongcun before picking up Caesar and stepping out of the Yamen. Zhou Cang and others hurriedly prepared a soft sedan chair to take their mistress back home.
This seemed to be the first time Xu Zhen held Caesar in her arms. Although Caesar was in pain, she endured it; such superficial injuries were not worth worrying about. However, as they walked out of the Yamen and she looked up, she realized that Xu Zhen had silently shed tears.
Caesar smiled lightly and feigned reproach: "Manly men should not act so girlish!"
Xu Zhen looked at her sister in her arms with guilt in her heart. Caesar was originally a cold female warrior; if there were no ties between them, even if she fought fiercely, she would not have fallen into official hands. Even when imprisoned, she still considered Xu Zhen's reputation and career—what a pity.
"Sister, Xu Zhen once thought that when I become renowned throughout Huaxia, I would allow you to sing and ride freely; alas, there may no longer be peaceful years for us. When I have spent half my life on the battlefield, I would promise you conversations about farming; but by then you may already be married. When I achieve success and fame, my beloved might have already married into wealth—wasting time and betraying youth. Would it not be better for me to ride high horses and promise you a wedding gown of red clouds?"
Although Caesar understood Tang Language well enough, it took her some time to realize that Xu Zhen was proposing marriage!
She was almost thirty years old, having dedicated most of her beautiful years to her daughter’s family. Finally, she welcomed the Xu Zhen, this fateful encounter. Although the journey was fraught with difficulties, her heart had found its home. Despite having no relatives to tie them together, they had already privately pledged their lives to each other. Unexpectedly, under such abrupt circumstances, the Xu Zhen spoke such tender words.
She had once secretly yearned for a life where she could only be the Xu Zhen's maid, ending her days without recognition or status. She never dared to hope that the Xu Zhen would regard her as a legitimate wife and mistress. To her surprise, the Xu Zhen had already considered her as the one and only.
The warmth in her heart dispelled the pain, melting away the years of accumulated coldness from fate, allowing her to see the splendor of this world once more. She looked up, tears streaming down from the corners of her eyes, locking gazes with the Xu Zhen, filled with deep affection, and then responded emotionally.
"When you ride high on your steed, I shall marry you as your wife!"
Upon hearing this, the Xu Zhen was deeply moved. She lowered her head and kissed her passionately, sealing their bond for life. Their tears mingled together; outside it was winter, but inside their hearts it was early summer.
Returning to the residence, Caesar naturally rested and recuperated. The Xu Zhen dismissed the maids and personally applied medicine to his wounds, taking good care of him. Once Caesar's injuries were tended to and he fell into a peaceful sleep, she went to the Courtyard to comfort Zhou Cang and the other Brothers.
She felt grateful to Zhou Cang. From their initial unfamiliarity to now relying on each other for life, the bond with Zhou Cang and others was one forged in life-and-death loyalty.
The humiliation suffered today was something no man could forget or wash away. However, grievances have their source; Zhao Yong and his companions were merely lackeys. The real masterminds who wanted to harm the Xu Zhen were those at the upper echelons of power.
Seeing the cold expression on the Xu Zhen, Zhou Cang and others understood that their lord was unwilling to accept this situation and would surely take significant action. They immediately gathered around.
Once all the Brothers were seated, the Xu Zhen began to strategize: "In a few days it will be the New Year New Year Banquet, which is bound to be a time of chaos. This time I intend to do something grand—to avenge today’s humiliation and ensure that no one dares to underestimate me again as the Xu Zhen. I hope all my brothers will assist me wholeheartedly!"
Seeing the seriousness in the Xu Zhen's demeanor as she clasped her hands in salute, many brothers felt their blood boil with excitement. Although they had served in this imperial palace every day with authority, they had not had an opportunity for combat in a long time. Hearing these words from the Xu Zhen, they were instantly stirred with passion and responded in unison: "We dare not refuse death!"
The Xu Zhen was overjoyed upon hearing this and continued to analyze: "Today’s events seem like someone wants to put me at a disadvantage; however, it is merely a conspiracy targeting me as a pawn. If we do not wish to be toyed with by others, we must possess our own capabilities. Brothers who have been with me for years, please share everything you know so that everyone can feel assured."
Zhang Jiunian then recounted all the intelligence gathered about the Du Family. It was certain that Han Wang Li Yuanchang would seize this opportunity to rebel; although they did not know exactly how it would unfold, they were certain it would happen soon.
At that time, Xu Zhen was the Middle General of Yiyi Mansion, with one Colonel and one Military Officer under her command, along with five Captains. Each Captain had two Commanders, and each Commander had twenty Captains and twenty Deputy Captains, totaling nearly two thousand Imperial Guards.
Zhou Cang and fourteen others formed the backbone of the force. Although the Brothers came from humble beginnings, they were all seasoned Soldiers who had fought bravely on the battlefield. They quickly suppressed the Imperial Guards who were descendants of nobility. Whenever they spoke of their experiences in battle, their subordinates admired and envied them greatly.
These two thousand Imperial Guards, while not as effective as the Brave Warriors Camp or the Zong Gaohe Jutsu teams, understood the importance of their roles within the imperial city. Under the daily training by Zhou Cang and others, they became the foundational strength for Xu Zhen's current plans.
Right Marshal General Wei Chi Jing De personally arranged the defense of the imperial city, placing the Gate Guards at Chengtian Gate. Meanwhile, Xu Zhen's Yiyi Mansion guards were responsible for monitoring the main entrance to the palace at Scenic Wind Gate. The personal guards and those with noble titles, along with the Qian Niu Guard, were tasked with security near Taiye Pool, ensuring everything was orderly.
However, Xu Zhen keenly noticed a problem: Colonel He Gan Chengji from the Eastern Palace's Inner Court had brought his own prince's personal guards to join the left Gate Guards in defending Chengtian Gate.
He Gan Chengji had been fighting on the Turkic Border during the Wude Era. The Tubo's ability to ally with the Turkic People was largely due to his efforts. Since Han Wang Li Yuanchang was planning a rebellion, it was hard to believe that the prince was unaware of it; it was difficult to say that He Gan Chengji would not act as a Traitor in this situation.
Records in Tang Book noted that He Gan Chengji gained merit by reporting on the prince's rebellion and was awarded honors as Deputy Commander and County Duke by Emperor Taizong. However, with only a few days until the New Year Banquet and with the prince delaying his rebellion while Han Wang Li Yuanchang showed signs of restlessness, there were no indications that He Gan Chengji had leaked any information.
Although Xu Zhen had a basic understanding of Historical Records, she could not recite all of them verbatim. Furthermore, Historical Records inevitably contained discrepancies with actual events; thus, she did not know much about He Gan Chengji.
However, knowing that there were suspicions about him, Xu Zhen would not let this opportunity slip by. After discussing matters with Zhang Jiunian and other brothers, she decided to investigate He Gan Chengji further and perhaps deceive him into revealing some information.
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