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墨書 Inktalez
At the beginning of this new spring, there is much celebration in the air; however, within the palace, the atmosphere is grim. First, Han Wang Li Yuanchang was assassinated by Taiye Pool, and before the Sovereign could settle down, news came that Prince Qi Li You had raised an army in rebellion in Qizhou (present-day Jinan, Shandong). This truly pained the Dragon Body.
This matter is of great importance. If not handled properly, many princes and royal family members may see an opportunity to act, leading to chaos throughout the realm. With Li Mingda and Li Zhi expressing their loyalty and offering comfort to the Sovereign, he finally opened the court to summon civil and military officials for discussion.
It is said that Xu Zhen had just been promoted to Middle General of Yiyi Mansion not long ago when the incident at Taiye Pool occurred. The defense of the palace was a significant achievement for her; however, Li Shimin still needed to evaluate her performance, which is why rewards had not yet been decided. After all, rapid promotion is not necessarily a good thing for someone as young as Xu Zhen.
Initially intending to share some of the responsibilities of palace defense to balance the tensions between Qibi Helix and the Crown Prince, now with Li You's rebellion, there was a desire to send Xu Zhen on a mission to quell it.
Hou Junji and his son had made contributions during the Tuguhun and had also performed exceptionally at Taiye Pool. They were excellent candidates for suppressing this rebellion. Old ministers like Li Daozong and Zhang Liang were also loyal and courageous, while die-hard loyalists like Qibi Helix were eager to volunteer.
Li Shimin was not worried about a lack of capable individuals; however, he sighed deeply within. He prided himself on being benevolent and loving towards his people, believing that his governance had led to a strong and prosperous nation. Why then did these relatives turn against him and commit such treasonous acts?
With Li Yuanchang's past events in mind, many ministers dared not offer too much advice. Only a few senior officials like Hou Junji stepped forward to insist that Qizhou must be cleared of rebels; otherwise, public sentiment would become unstable.
The Sovereign rubbed his forehead in contemplation, unable to speak for a long time. The court fell into a heavy silence; indeed, the heart of the ruler is difficult to fathom.
After some time, the Sovereign suddenly raised his head and said wearily, "Let us adjourn for today. You may discuss among yourselves and present your conclusions tomorrow."
This matter concerns royal affairs, and since the Sage values familial ties, many civil and military officials did not dare make hasty conclusions. They could only wait for the Sage's decree; how could they act recklessly? Hearing that court was dismissed felt like receiving a great pardon. Just as they were about to respectfully send off the Holy Presence, they saw that the Sage had paused and spoke softly but with a voice that resonated throughout the hall!
"Is Xu Zhen present?"
Hearing the Sovereign personally mention her name as he was leaving made all officials tense up. They thought that this time the Sovereign would express his stance; after all this time without rewards for Xu Zhen, she was finally going to take center stage!
Although Xu Zhen had received her official title and rank, she still did not have a seat and remained standing near the palace gate waiting. Upon hearing the Sovereign's inquiry, she quickly bowed and stepped forward to pay her respects at the steps of the hall.
"Your servant, Xu Zhen, is here to humbly listen to the imperial decree!"
Li Shimin frowned slightly and waved his hand casually, saying, "There's no need for such formalities. Come in with me."
The officials felt a chill in their hearts. It was not uncommon for the emperor to summon ministers privately, but calling Xu Zhen in front of all the officials was a great honor!
Once inside the inner hall, an eunuch led Xu Zhen into the Celestial Hall and arrived at the Imperial Study.
This was Xu Zhen's second visit to the Imperial Study. The emperor's desk was cluttered, clearly indicating that he had been troubled by matters concerning Han Wang, revealing a side of this ancient emperor that was rarely seen—his tenderness.
Xu Zhen no longer felt the shock she had during her first audience; however, she still kept her head lowered, not daring to look directly at the emperor's face. After all the eunuchs were dismissed, the emperor finally sat down and asked softly, "What does Mr. Xu think should be done about this matter?"
Xu Zhen was not a foolish person; she knew that speaking less meant making fewer mistakes. However, seeing the emperor's sincere expression gave her courage, and she boldly expressed her thoughts, which aligned with the accounts in Historical Records.
"Though my status is humble and I should not presume to speak out of turn, your great kindness makes it impossible for me not to share your burdens. Therefore, I dare to suggest that this matter should strike fear outward while showing leniency inward. We could mobilize the surrounding Imperial Guards to quell any dissenting voices. As for Prince Qi... our Sage values family ties and should show some leniency to avoid alienating hearts and causing fear among royal relatives. Only then can we balance both family and state..."
Li Shimin had already made up his mind but wanted to see if anyone in this vast court would dare to speak up. Remembering the late Wei Zheng brought a wave of melancholy to his heart. Hearing Xu Zhen speak boldly filled him with joy.
"What you say is quite right. In that case, I intend to have Hou Junji lead troops to suppress them. What do you think?"
Since Xu Zhen had opened her mouth, she decided to speak her mind fully and replied respectfully, "I believe that is unwise..."
Li Shimin was slightly surprised but a smile appeared on his lips. He pointed to the footstool beside the emperor's desk as a gesture for her to sit and casually asked in return, "What makes it unwise?"
Xu Zhen thanked him and sat down, adjusting herself before analyzing the situation seriously: "At this time of turmoil in Taiye, Chang'an is quite unstable. The Duke of Houguo holds a high position and has decisive power, so he should remain in the capital to assist the Eastern Palace and stabilize the people's hearts..."
Li Shimin frowned and leaned forward, staring directly at Xu Zhen: "This is not what you truly believe, is it? Do you think I can be easily deceived?!"
Xu Zhen hurriedly fell back into her seat, disregarding her previous composure, and expressed her thoughts: "Your Majesty, forgive me! It’s not that I dare not speak; I only fear being accused of speaking behind your back and harming the reputation of good people. If you have any grievances, Xu Zhen will accept them!"
Li Shimin couldn't help but smile, tapping Xu Zhen on the forehead: "Get up and speak. You are too easily frightened. I grant you no blame; just speak your mind. Wouldn't that be delightful?"
Xu Zhen quickly stood up but did not dare to sit again. Biting her lip, she hesitated before saying: "I... I am afraid that Lord Hou might repeat past mistakes and wrongfully kill Prince Qi... Therefore, I believe this action... this action is inappropriate..."
Li Shimin recalled how Han Wang Li Yuanchang was executed by the Hou Family Father and Son, feeling a wave of sorrow. He thought that Xu Zhen was indeed considerate of his intentions. Leaving his seat, he slowly approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder, pressing this fourth-rank little Colonel down onto the Footstool.
"Since it is so, Qibi Helix is loyal to me; sending him will surely not bring disgrace, right?"
"Qibi Helix commands the Northern Guard Army, guarding the palace's great prohibitions; he cannot leave easily!"
"What about Old General Li Jing?"
"The Duke of Wei is quite old; he may not withstand fatigue!"
"What about Duke of Yan Zhang Liang?"
"Forgive Xu Zhen for being disrespectful; while Zhang Liang is capable in civil governance, his martial skills are truly lacking..."
"Hahaha! Your courage is growing bolder! Well then, tell me, who should I send?"
The Xu Zhen saw Li Shimin's delight and finally felt at ease. With a playful smile, she teased, "The Sage has already made up his mind, so why trouble the little ones..."
Li Shimin was genuinely amused this time, finding the Xu Zhen interesting. He joked, "It is said that Mr. Xu has the foresight of a seer. Perhaps he has already glimpsed my intentions. Why don't we write down our candidates and see if Mr. Xu truly possesses such foresight?"
Li Shimin thought the Xu Zhen would apologize again, but to his surprise, she slightly raised her head and nodded at him!
Picking up the red brush from the imperial writing desk, Li Shimin first wrote a character in his palm before passing the brush to the Xu Zhen. She received it with both hands and secretly glanced at the Sage, only to meet his smiling gaze. Gritting her teeth, she wrote a character in her palm.
Their eyes met, and Li Shimin gently nodded. When they opened their palms, they had indeed written down the same person. However, while the Sage had written the character "Ji" from Xu Shiji's real name, the Xu Zhen had written "Ji" from Li Jue's name due to superstition.
Li Shimin laughed heartily and gently patted the Xu Zhen on the shoulder, feeling quite comforted before ordering someone to escort her out.
Once the Xu Zhen left, Li Shimin fell silent. The surroundings were quiet, and he felt a heaviness in his heart. It seemed that despite the vastness of the world, no one truly spoke to him from the heart. It was indeed lonely at the top.
At that moment, holding the red brush, he sat down and personally wrote an edict to be sent with the army against Prince Qi's rebellion.
He unfolded the paper and reminisced about past warmth, moved to write: "You have always been sincere and virtuous but have been misled by evil words, bringing calamity upon yourself and seeking destruction. How foolish you are! As a traitor and a beast, you forget filial piety and loyalty, disturbing Qi's borders; you deserve execution without guilt. To abandon your stronghold is to invite danger; to undermine your foundation is to seek conflict. Disregarding propriety and righteousness is intolerable by heaven and earth; abandoning father and ruler invites wrath from gods and men alike. Once my son, now a national enemy!"
Before he could finish writing, tears streamed down his face as he wept uncontrollably.
The next day at court meeting, before any officials could present their memorials, the Sage issued an edict appointing Minister of War Li Jue as Commander of the Nine Provinces Army—Huaizhou, Luoyang, Bianzhou, Songzhou, Lushi, Huazhou, Jizhou, Yuzhou, and Haizhou—to quell the rebellion. Minister of Justice Liu Dewei was appointed as secretary to assist him.
Many officials gathered yesterday to discuss matters, and Sage's actions were not surprising. However, the subsequent appointments were somewhat unexpected yet reasonable.
It is said that although the positions in the Five Houses and Guard are minor, they must be utilized effectively as a pathway for promotion. The Xu Zhen had only recently been appointed as the Middle General of Yiyi Mansion and had gained merit from the Taiye Pool incident, finally receiving significant recognition!
While it is unclear why Sage summoned her privately, judging by the rewards bestowed upon the Xu Zhen today, she has begun her journey as a favored student of the emperor!
From a lower fourth rank Middle General of Yiyi Mansion, she was promoted to the Shangfu Negotiation Commander at fourth rank. Although it is only one level up, the power she holds now is vastly different from before, spanning both internal and external military affairs!
To honor the Xu Zhen for her contributions at Taiye Pool, her title was elevated from Valiant Viscount to Brave Count. At just twenty-five or twenty-six years old, she has already been granted a countship, paving a smooth path for her career!
From the rewards given to the Xu Zhen, it is evident that she is to accompany Li Jue in quelling rebellions, allowing this Duke of Ying to nurture her further!
With the Nine Provinces Army mobilizing, how could Li You's Qizhou withstand this? The Sovereign clearly intends to bestow great merit upon the Xu Zhen, using Qizhou as a training ground for her!
The seasoned officials have already sensed that Sage's forthcoming major actions will involve the Xu Zhen!
(Note: Li Jue is Xu Shiji. Due to his high achievements, he was granted the surname Li and changed his name to Li Shiji. To avoid using the name of Li Shimin, he dropped the character "Shiji" and became known as Li Jue.)
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