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墨書 Inktalez
Since ancient times, wise rulers have emulated Shun and Yao. If it were not for the pressures of national circumstances, who would want to engage in the futile pursuits of war? Although the Tang Dynasty has only been established for a little over a decade, it has already achieved the prosperity of the Zhenguan era. Such accomplishments are worthy of being celebrated throughout history; why should one seek additional military exploits?
A gentleman is born in chaos and must refrain from certain actions while committing to others. This is because heroes are forged by the times. Now that the world is stable, the Sage still sends troops everywhere, which indeed seems unreasonable. However, each victory has united the people's hearts, fostering cooperation and diligence, allowing the nation's affairs and people's livelihoods to flourish. Over time, the Tang people have also become martial and warlike, unwilling to let these foreigners disturb their peace.
While diplomatic relations with foreign nations reflect a benevolent national policy that embodies the vast grace of the Heavenly Kingdom, encompassing all under heaven, our Sage does not grant such favors lightly. How can one tolerate the likes of Tuguhun invading our borders and demanding such grace?
The people are well aware of this and have been quite vocal. Today, as news spreads that the Tang army is about to march against Tuguhun, many passionate men enlist to serve in the military, making the military headquarters bustling with activity.
With the impending expedition of Princess Jinyang, there are many matters to attend to. She first pays a visit to the retired Li Jing. Although he is advanced in age, having cultivated his Gifted Inner Strength through the I Ching, he breathes and nourishes himself skillfully, maintaining good health and vitality. He engages in discussions about warfare with Princess Jinyang, imparting his lifelong strategies and wisdom.
Li Jing's eldest son, Li Deqian, has immersed himself in craftsmanship and has a promising future ahead. However, his second son, Li Dejiang, possesses a heroic spirit and enjoys associating with chivalrous figures from humble backgrounds. Gradually withdrawing from officialdom, he finds himself in different circumstances. The great strategist Li Jing has no one to pass on his tactics to and has long regarded Princess Jinyang as a confidant.
When discussing his two sons, Li Jing cannot help but sigh. He takes out a wooden box and hands it to Princess Jinyang with a wry smile. "This is something my son asked me to pass on to you. Li Deqian is timid; although he was not the main instigator behind the Eastern Palace incident, he has suffered much disgrace. Before leaving, he entrusted this box to me for you. If we meet again someday, he will apologize in person."
Princess Jinyang gently opens the wooden box and finds a neatly folded soft golden armor inside—this is indeed the Golden Silk Armor obtained from that mysterious tomb during her previous expedition. As she caresses the armor, an indescribable feeling wells up within her. She emotionally tells Li Jing, "Li Deqian's nature is not bad; he simply lacks ambition for court positions due to his character. If given the chance, I will certainly plead with the Sage to allow him to return and serve at Li Gong's side..."
Li Jing's eyes are filled with gratitude. Throughout his life, he seems never to have used his power for personal gain; he has always been just and fair. As a result, his son has innocently suffered consequences without daring to use personal connections for help. Although he and Princess Jinyang do not have an official master-disciple relationship, she constantly expresses her gratitude and concern for him. She never distances herself but always comes to check on him; how could this not bring comfort to Li Jing?
Thinking of this, Li Jing places his dry yet strong hand on Princess Jinyang's shoulder and imparts his final lesson: "There are no invincible generals on the battlefield; those who survive long enough are true generals. All strategies revolve around this principle—remember it well!"
Princess Jinyang furrows her brow in seriousness and nods deeply before accepting the Golden Silk Armor. Just as she reaches the door to leave, she suddenly stops in her tracks, turns around, kneels at the entrance, and performs a formal bow of respect—finally mustering up her courage to acknowledge Li Jing as her master!
Li Jing's heart trembles as warmth fills him from within. This old general, who rarely sheds tears throughout his life, feels moisture in his eyes as he raises his hand in response to Princess Jinyang's gesture of respect.
After the Xu Zhen left, Li Jing stared blankly at the door, muttering something to himself, unwilling to accept the thought: "If only one could have a son like this. If man can triumph over fate, would it be too much to ask for another thirty years of life, so that I may ride forth beyond the Great Wall?"
Having reluctantly bid farewell to Li Jing, the Xu Zhen returned to her residence. Before she could settle in, Li Jue had already sent someone to invite her, prompting her to hurry over to Li Jue's side.
The Duke of Ying did not forget to offer advice. Compared to Li Jing, Li Jue was more immersed in officialdom, relying more on strategy than brute force. Thus, the teachings he shared with the Xu Zhen were primarily about political maneuvering and understanding human nature. On the battlefield, one must be wary of enemies as well as those behind them; throughout history, countless invincible generals have met their demise at the hands of their own.
The Xu Zhen dared not take this lightly and kept it firmly in mind. She would repay such great kindness not with words but through her numerous military achievements that would honor her mentor's grace.
After returning from the Duke of England's residence and having a good chat with Moya, she finally made her way back home. Moya was getting older and had many difficulties with mobility, so she could not accompany the army. Instead, she stayed behind to manage the estate and enjoy her later years while studying the Zoroastrianism scriptures obtained from King Wei. This way, she could still contribute ideas for the Xu Zhen and explore some illusions for practical use.
After a day full of activities, the Xu Zhen felt fulfilled but also guilty for neglecting Caesar. Since becoming involved with Xu Zhenzhi, Caesar had become increasingly understanding. Although her nature remained cool, she often showed warmth and had matured into a safe harbor for the Xu Zhen.
Thinking about the upcoming expedition, their feelings intertwined deeply. They spent a night filled with passion, and when dawn broke, the Xu Zhen rose early. Seeing the scars covering her body, Caesar felt a pang of sorrow and couldn't bear to leave her side, pulling her back into the warmth of their bed.
As the wind calmed and the rain ceased, the Xu Zhen inhaled Caesar's fragrance while gazing at her sister resting on her chest. She saw no trace of maturity in Caesar; instead, she resembled a shy young woman. Gently caressing her delicate nose and kissing her forehead while whispering sweet words made it hard for them to part from their bed.
While they were enjoying breakfast together, someone came to summon them—it was a steward from King Wei Li Tai's residence. The Xu Zhen received Li Jue's instructions and dared not linger in these political disputes any longer. She instructed Zhang Jiunian to prepare a generous gift for the steward to return to King Wei.
Just as she was preparing to discuss military matters with Zhou Cang and several brothers, a young servant entered with news. Just as she intended for Zhang Jiunian to go out and deflect inquiries, the newcomer barged in uninvited—it was none other than her younger sister Li Mingda!
The little girl stormed in with an angry expression and stomped on the Xu Zhen's foot. Pouting, she scolded, "You deceitful person! Off you go to battle without caring about your sister’s worries! Do you believe I’ll go charm our elder brother into preventing you from going to Songzhou?"
Li Mingda vented her frustrations but quickly regretted mentioning death before an expedition and slapped herself on the mouth. This drew laughter from many brothers gathered in the hall; they had all grown up alongside Li Mingda and paid no mind to her status as an imperial daughter as they exchanged teasing glances at this sibling pair.
The Xu Zhen pulled Li Mingda aside and reproached softly, "My dear sister! Shouldn't you leave some face for your elder brother? With such antics, how will he ever command respect from those barbaric men?"
The words were not spoken very loudly, but they were overheard by a group of Brothers in the hall. Their faces turned pale, and they cursed their Lord in their hearts, forgetting all sense of master-servant decorum.
Li Mingda, seeing no opportunity to speak with her brother, suddenly erupted in anger, placing her hands on her hips and pretending to be furious. "Do you wildlings want to die? Do you believe that if I make a gesture, a hundred or eighty skilled fighters will come in to deal with you?"
Zhou Cang grinned widely and laughed, "I believe it, I believe it! Hahaha!"
Zhang Jiunian, being the sensible elder, laughed along while pushing the group of Brothers out, leaving space for Xu Zhen and Li Mingda.
With the others gone, Xu Zhen and Li Mingda felt somewhat awkward. Just as they were about to speak, they noticed each other's lips moving but held back. They exchanged glances, and the atmosphere became even more uncomfortable. However, Xu Zhen was used to such situations; she pretended to be casual and ruffled Li Mingda's hair while chuckling.
"Don't worry, girl. If your brother has divine assistance, who could possibly harm me? Just stay at home and wait!"
Li Mingda was about to complain when she heard Xu Zhen say to wait at home. A ripple of thoughts crossed her mind—did this mean that she and her brother had already become like family?
As she blushed and lost herself in these thoughts, Xu Zhen leaned closer, gazing into Li Mingda's eyes. She touched her forehead and asked curiously, "What are you daydreaming about?"
Feeling the warmth of Xu Zhen's hand, Li Mingda's heart raced, her ears burned hot, and her neck flushed deeply. Yet she continued to stare into Xu Zhen's eyes, recalling how since returning from the Tuguhun, they had not shared any intimate moments. Her youthful feelings suddenly blossomed within her, making her feel shy and flustered.
Xu Zhen sensed the girl's enthusiasm and quickly withdrew her hand as if she had been teased by a large man. She thought it was bad; she had stirred this girl's youthful feelings and must not let them go to waste. She hurriedly laughed off the moment with words.
The previously defiant Li Mingda now sat quietly like a delicate flower ready for picking. Xu Zhen looked at the girl's fresh beauty reminiscent of a lotus after rain and nearly lost her composure. She quickly sat back down and took a sip of cool tea to calm herself.
Just as she was about to find something to ease the tension in the air, a woman entered from outside—it was Li Wushuang.
Seeing Xu Zhen and Li Mingda with flushed cheeks made Li Wushuang curious. Having grown older and knowing a bit about romantic matters, she quickly understood what was happening. Noticing Li Mingda's playful gaze, she realized she had spoiled the girl's good fortune and couldn't help but smile wryly.
However, she was in a hurry and couldn't care about so much. After exchanging pleasantries with Xu Zhen, she began to discuss serious matters.
Xu Zhen was worried about the atmosphere and was delighted to see Li Wushuang. However, she did not expect that this girl would also be a troublesome one, insisting on following Xu Zhen to the battlefield for fun!
Last time during the campaign against the Tuguhun, Li Wushuang had received orders from her father, Li Daozong, to serve Li Mingda closely. This time, without Li Mingda's constraints and amidst the fervor of battle, although she had martial skills, how could she fight like a man?
If outsiders found out, Xu Zhen would become the target of criticism!
Unfortunately, this girl was stubborn. She claimed that the war was due to her reluctance to leave her parents and hometown, and her parents were also unwilling to lose their daughter. This led many soldiers to recklessly rush to the battlefield. If she didn't go and fight, how could she sleep peacefully?
Xu Zhen was not soft-hearted and refused her request. Li Wushuang resorted to all sorts of tricks—pleading, threatening, and even teaming up with Li Mingda to intercede. However, Xu Zhen remained firm in her refusal, leaving Li Mingda with no choice but to leave in disappointment.
Li Mingda was also reluctant but ultimately bound by court rules and dared not linger. Accompanied by Li Wushuang, they left Brave Duke's Mansion.
Xu Zhen felt a headache coming on; just when she thought she could have a moment of peace, someone else arrived—this time it was Prince Li Zhi himself!
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