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墨書 Inktalez
This time, it is said that the Xu Zhen, in order to protect Li Mingda, compelled Zhang Suling to impersonate her and sent Caesar into Shuyi Hall. On this snowy night, she found it difficult to sleep, tossing and turning until she finally got up, wrapped herself in a warm cloak, and walked around the courtyard. When she reached the old locust tree in the yard, she saw someone standing in the snow—it was none other than the restless Zhang Suling!
Zhang Suling was the illegitimate daughter of Zhang Yungu. She had lived in this residence during her childhood, but later, due to the main wife's exclusion, she and her mother moved away from the main house. Although they were not lacking in material needs, they missed the warmth of care and concern.
Now returning to this familiar place, Zhang Suling couldn't help but sigh. Her mother was also a virtuous woman who should not have been involved in that miscarriage of justice but foolishly sacrificed herself for love, leaving only Zhang Suling behind. This little girl had once felt angry and thought it unfair for her mother; however, as she grew older, her desire for revenge intensified.
The night sky was devoid of stars and moonlight, with icy snow falling like a heart of frost. The wine in her hand was cold and bitter. Who would listen to my song tonight? After years of laughter and tears, familial love could not enter my dreams; the cuckoo cried out in vain.
Feeling melancholic and desolate, Zhang Suling took a swig from the wine jug, finding it unbearably bitter.
The Xu Zhen looked at this slender figure and felt that this person was lonely and unwelcomed by the world. Remembering her own identity triggered an inner resonance that made her feel oppressed. After hesitating for a moment, she ultimately chose not to approach and returned to her room.
As soon as her figure disappeared, Zhang Suling turned slightly and let out a soft sigh. She had learned about the Xu Zhen's experiences from Zhang Jiunian and others. Wasn't the Xu Zhen also struggling alone in this world like herself?
Unfortunately, the Xu Zhen did not come over to strike up a conversation; otherwise, sharing a drink of bitter wine together would have been quite nice.
Back in her room, the Xu Zhen tightly bandaged all her wounds and donned her inner armor. She put on the long-awaited Red Armor, covering herself completely in armor. She slung Caesar's handcrafted Carved Bow over her shoulder and picked up a long knife, as if returning to the battlefield of the Tuguhun!
Meanwhile, Zhang Suling wore the Deputy General's military armor belonging to the Xu Zhen. At dawn, she stepped out of the house, unable to contain her excitement about the significant events set to unfold that day.
Since many clever devices were to be operated, Moya had long teamed up with Li Chunfeng and Yan Lide. After much planning and preparation over time, today was finally the day to put their plans into action. Unfortunately, nature was not on their side; such weather was indeed unfavorable for their endeavors.
Han Wang Li Yuanchang was twenty-four years old at this time—full of vigor and charm with beautiful women surrounding him. He enjoyed endless glory while possessing both literary talent and martial prowess. He had an extensive collection of books and exceptional martial skills while enjoying the nobility of being a prince. However, human desires are never easily satisfied; he too was of royal blood. As he awaited Li Shimin's gradual decline, how could he not dare to fight back?
Although Crown Prince Li Chengqian was a courageous man, he faced too many constraints around him. With talents gradually dwindling in court—many founding heroes either dead or aging like Li Jing—self-preservation became their priority as they waited for ascension. Xu Shiji dared not give reckless advice; he only thought about maintaining his position. Changsun Wuji had ambitions but only manipulated political strategies.
It must be fate that someone like Hou Junji, with such great ambition and spirit, has gathered many capable scholars and warriors. Since the Crown Prince cannot rise to the occasion, Li Yuanchang feels that his destiny has arrived!
He tightly grips his treasured blade and swings it a few times, feeling as if he could split the heavens and the earth apart, filled with the power to change the world!
After today, Li Yuanchang will take another step forward and reach the pinnacle of the mortal realm!
Unfortunately, he cannot personally go into battle to showcase his extraordinary martial skills before the world. He can only conceal his short blade within his armor and, surrounded by numerous personal guards, head towards Daming Palace's Taiye Pool.
The surroundings of Taiye Pool have long been prepared. The winter snow has just cleared, but the sky is somewhat gloomy, with dark clouds pressing down low, much like the undercurrents swirling within the palace, giving rise to an unsettling premonition.
The civil and military officials arrived early, exchanging congratulations and auspicious words before taking their seats in order. Many members of the royal family also gathered here, bringing together those who hold power over the realm. It felt as if the vast Tangdu had been condensed into this vicinity of Taiye Pool, with clear distinctions among them.
Li Yuanchang entered confidently, just a few steps away from his seat. However, his mood unexpectedly calmed down, so much so that he felt a sense of fear!
Amidst the anticipation, a ceremonial cannon fired, and drums and gongs sounded in unison. The Imperial Guard stepped out in succession, their golden ranks seemingly dispelling some of the gloom from the heavens!
The Current Sovereign slowly arrived, and that sacred presence caused everyone present to momentarily freeze. Even from a distance, their hands and feet trembled involuntarily!
Everyone stood up to congratulate the Sovereign. Although the Sage does not favor flattery, during this festive season, officials still offered words wishing for prosperity and longevity.
The Sage's demeanor was imposing; this year marked a sweeping away of the Tuguhun, showcasing the might of our great Tang dynasty. Thus, a general amnesty was declared, and civil and military officials were rewarded; everyone praised it with thunderous applause.
Officials from various regions presented reports of bountiful harvests and overflowing treasuries among other achievements. Many princes came forward to express filial piety and benevolence. Various officials recounted their duties and highlighted their accomplishments, proclaiming that the nation is rich and its people strong—indeed a once-in-a-thousand-years occurrence!
The entire process took a considerable amount of time before the banquet finally began. Celestial music played, and graceful dances filled the venue, creating an atmosphere of peace and joy that captivated everyone, making them reluctant to awaken from this enchanting experience.
Li Yuanchang maintained a calm demeanor, drinking as he should and even warmly paying respects to his brother. The Sovereign was in high spirits, offering comforting words, truly embodying familial affection, which made many officials feel the harmony and benevolence of the imperial family.
It was only when the twenty dancers were about to take the stage that Li Yuanchang's heart tightened!
These twenty dancers had trained for a long time, imitating Yuchang by concealing short blades in their shoes, waiting for the moment when the Chengtian Gate would be breached. Once the rebels entered the palace, the dancers would be able to subdue the Current Sovereign and even assassinate him on the spot!
At that moment, Li Yuanchang realized his heart was racing violently; he was afraid!
After years of scheming, he had never felt fear before. Now, with success just a step away, he found himself gripped by anxiety!
The Deputy Minister of Rites stepped onto the stage to announce the next gift presenter. Li Yuanchang's body almost left his seat; victory or defeat hinged on this moment!
However, when the Deputy Minister spoke, it abruptly interrupted Li Yuanchang's thoughts, leaving him feeling extremely frustrated because the name he announced was Xu Zhenzhi!
The Sage was also surprised. Although he knew that Xu Zhen possessed extraordinary skills, as the Deputy General of the Imperial Guard, she should be stationed at Chengtian Gate. How could she break protocol to come here and present a gift?
Many officials frowned deeply. If Xu Zhen dared to come here, while they could not drive her away on the spot, there would surely be a flurry of reprimands afterward. If she had any sense of duty as an official, she should not abandon her post just to please the Sovereign!
However, they were mistaken; Xu Zhen indeed stepped out from among the crowd and walked onto the stage!
Li Jing and other old ministers exchanged glances. To leave her post in front of the Sage—regardless of how the Sage felt—was something everyone knew would have serious consequences!
The Xu Zhen, however, remained calm and bowed to the Current Sovereign without uttering any congratulatory words. Instead, she looked at Li Shimin with a bitter expression and slowly opened her arms.
Li Shimin was no ordinary person; he considered himself well-acquainted with many people. Who could hide their true feelings from him? Seeing the Xu Zhen's expression, he already sensed that something was amiss.
Li Chunfeng and Yan Lide had long arranged for personnel. Upon receiving the Xu Zhen's signal, they fired the ceremonial cannon. The cannon fire shot up into the sky like a fiery dragon, exploding into a myriad of flames that spread across the heavens like blooming crimson peonies, casting an eerie sorrow over the entire sky.
This was a new type of ceremonial cannon developed by the Xu Zhen and Li Chunfeng. Its appearance immediately astonished everyone present, who regarded it as a miracle!
Before the crimson peonies faded, fire dragons rose from Chengtian Gate, and the City Wall suddenly ignited with dazzling blue and white flames. This was a powder refined by Li Chunfeng according to the Xu Zhen's instructions, burning with a brilliant light!
The flames lingered for a long time, illuminating all directions. Suddenly, a concave Silver Mirror rose on the City Wall, seemingly collecting and concentrating the firelight before reflecting it towards Taiye Pool!
Above Taiye Pool, another Silver Mirror rose, perfectly aligned to reflect that light without any deviation!
The waterwheel behind the stage rumbled as it transported water to the top of the artificial mountain, which then cascaded down to form a peculiar Water Curtain!
Everyone was already filled with amazement when unexpectedly, the Silver Mirror turned and projected onto the Water Curtain, causing indistinct images to appear within it!
Though dim, the images were particularly clear due to the darkening sky. Countless citizens were seen surging towards Chengtian Gate, waving various swords and blades as they attempted to storm the palace!
It was unclear who first realized what was happening, but someone pointed at the Xu Zhen on stage and shouted, "Bold traitor!"
These four words instantly ignited chaos in the hall. The Imperial Guard and Qian Niu Guard surrounded the Sovereign tightly while civil and military officials erupted into commotion. The personal guards could only forcibly suppress them, ensuring that no one could leave their seats!
" Xu Zhen!"
Everyone turned their gaze to the stage, but the Xu Zhen smiled lightly, brushed her hand against her waist, and suddenly threw a small projectile to the ground. A loud explosion followed, filling the air with smoke that obscured her figure. The Guard members became alert, shouting and creating a commotion!
However, when the smoke cleared, the Xu Zhen was nowhere to be seen!
In contrast, above the Water Curtain, behind the Chengtian Gate, the Guard of Yiyi Mansion stood out in their bright armor, resisting the attacking rioters. Fifteen Red Armor soldiers were particularly eye-catching, with their leader wielding a long knife—it was none other than the Xu Zhen!
The venue fell into silence!
The Xu Zhen seemed to possess the ability to be in two places at once; one moment she was on stage, and in the next, she appeared by the Chengtian Gate!
"Quickly protect the Sovereign and return to the palace! Hurry!"
Li Jing and Xu Shiji, being experienced, quickly instructed the Imperial Guard and Qian Niu Guard. However, the eyes of the Current Sovereign erupted with killing intent; he refused to retreat to the palace and shouted loudly: "Bring me my armor!"
Seeing that things were going awry, Li Yuanchang could no longer remain seated. He drew a short blade hidden beneath his inner armor and shouted at the twenty Dancer: "The heavens have their retribution! Kill!"
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