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After finally sending off Li Mingda and Li Wushuang, Xu Zhen was greeted by Prince Li Zhi. Just the day before, she had bid farewell to Li Jing and Li Jue, and she felt as though her entire life was intertwined with those bearing the surname Li. It was no wonder that this Tang Dynasty was called Li Tang.
Regarding Prince Li Zhi, Xu Zhenxin had his own reasoning. Although the young man was moderate, he had the support of Changsun Wuji and was adept at seizing opportunities. While he did not leave a deep impression, far less stunning than King Wei Li Tai, he possessed a profound cunning despite his youth.
Having received a hint from Li Jue, Xu Zhen was already aware that Changsun Wuji intended to employ some subtle tactics against her in this upcoming battle. She had grown cautious and convened with Zhang Jiunian and others to discuss this matter.
At this critical moment, Prince Li Zhi's sudden visit disrupted Xu Zhen's plans, leaving her somewhat bewildered about the situation.
Li Zhi was also an understanding person. Knowing that if he sent someone to invite her like King Wei did, he would surely be politely declined by Xu Zhen, he decided to come incognito instead.
Xu Zhen could neither dismiss him nor dare to do so. She hurriedly rearranged the seating and welcomed Li Zhi inside.
Li Zhi was friendly and close to Li Mingda. He did not carry himself like a prince but addressed Xu Zhen as "sister." After some casual pleasantries, the conversation quickly fell silent.
After a moment of hesitation, Li Zhi finally broke the silence and said earnestly, "I have something on my mind that I wanted to explain to Brother Xu earlier, but I never found the opportunity. Now that my brother is going off to battle, I fear I may not have another chance, so I must speak frankly..."
Seeing Li Zhi's sincere demeanor, Xu Zhen could not bring herself to refuse him. She clasped her hands and leaned in slightly, saying, "Please tell me more."
Li Zhi's lips moved as he sighed and said, "I know my brother has some misunderstandings about me. I must tell you this out of necessity; I hope you can help me!"
Xu Zhenxin grew increasingly puzzled. Although Li Zhi was not favored as much as King Wei, with Changsun Wuji's assistance, if the campaign against Goguryeo were delayed for a few days, he would still have a chance to ascend to power. Why then did he speak of needing help?
Li Zhi did not keep him in suspense and spoke plainly: "Brother may not know this, but Zhi Nuer is aware that she cannot compare to you. Regarding the matter of succession, she has no extravagant hopes. However, our uncle is pressing her urgently; Zhi Nuer fears that Tai Ge'er will not be able to withstand our uncle's influence and will ultimately face misfortune!"
Upon hearing this, Xu Zhen was greatly alarmed. It turned out that both Li Zhi and Changsun Wuji had already made their plans! It was commendable that Li Zhi valued their brotherly bond and worried that Li Chengqian might be harmed by Changsun Wuji.
However, if he had no desire for conflict, how could Changsun Wuji have sought him out? Even if his talents were mediocre and his loyalties wavering, without any intent to fight back, he would not have been ensnared by Changsun Wuji.
"Does the King want me to persuade King Wei to give up the struggle for the crown prince?"
The Xu Zhen spoke sharply, narrowing her eyes as she stared at Li Zhi. He looked guilty but gritted his teeth and replied, "That is indeed the intention! Only if Tai Ge'er voluntarily gives up can we secure future wealth and honor; otherwise, Zhi Nuer will have to submit to the uncle of the state, which would bring disgrace upon my brother!"
Although Li Chengqian's expression was sincere, the Xu Zhen felt an inexplicable chill in her heart. She realized that Li Zhi was not as simple as he appeared. If he were truly a moderate person, how could he have initiated the subsequent Zhenguan Era?
Taking a deep breath, the Xu Zhen lightly tapped on the table while quickly contemplating. According to the Historical Records, Li Zhi would undoubtedly be the ultimate winner. Even though she admired Li Chengqian, she could not go against such significant trends. Now that Li Zhi had come seeking her advice, perhaps she could persuade him a bit to ensure a favorable outcome for Li Chengqian and prevent another court tragedy.
With this thought in mind, she sighed lightly and replied to Li Chengqian, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I consider myself lacking in virtue and talent and am not particularly concerned with these court matters. I only wish to guard our borders well and earn some military achievements for Tang. If you are worried that I might assist King Wei, you need not be concerned. In this matter, I will treat it as self-preservation; we shall not interfere with each other..."
Upon hearing this, Li Zhi felt relieved. If it were an ordinary fourth-rank general, he wouldn't bother to win them over, but although the Xu Zhen's official position was not prominent, she was on par with Li Mingda's siblings and often received private summons from the Sage. Her rapid rise through the ranks was remarkable, indicating that the Sage held her in high regard. Such a person was naturally someone for whom both Li Zhi and Changsun Wuji had concerns.
With the Xu Zhen's assurance, Li Zhi returned home delighted but felt a twinge of reluctance. He turned back and reminded her, "Brother Xu, take care on your journey. I've heard that General Niu Jinda has received much favor from our uncle..."
With that said, the Xu Zhen understood his implication and distantly thanked him without mentioning a word further.
Finally settling down, the Xu Zhen couldn't help but think of some strategies. By noon, Li Chunfeng came to visit again, saying that the Sage had ordered Yan Lide to go to Laizhou to build five hundred large ships, indicating that a military campaign against Goguryeo was likely already decided.
Thanks to Li Chunfeng and Yan Lide's assistance, upon hearing that Yan Lide would be constructing ships in Laizhou, although she didn't know much about warships, she had some creative ideas about modern vessels. Thus, she accompanied Li Chunfeng to Yan Lide's residence where they took paper and pen to sketch out some theories about modern warships. The two listened intently as if they were hearing divine wisdom and regarded the Xu Zhen with utmost reverence.
Although Li Chunfeng was knowledgeable, he was not as skilled in crafting as Yan Lide. As they say, an expert sees things differently; the Xu Zhen's theories seemed imaginative to him but opened up a new world for Yan Lide—like a saint witnessing divine light and gaining wisdom!
After returning from Yan Lide's place, the Xu Zhen finally had a moment to breathe. She prepared the tools needed for Moya's illusion techniques. Although this period had been rushed and hectic, she had never stopped her training. The Enhanced I Ching Cleansing Inner Palace had already reached an advanced level; she had made some progress with the Seven Sacred Blades and Yoga Techniques' secret methods. With flying daggers and Caesar's meticulously crafted Carved Bow in hand, along with Yin Kaishan's long sword and wearing Heavenly Strategy Divine Armor and Golden Silk Armor for protection, she felt completely armed and fearless.
Recently at military headquarters for duty reports, many soldiers were readying themselves for departure soon. The Xu Zhen also accelerated her preparations but forgot about Zhang Suling.
This Zhang Family Girl excelled at disguise; her nature was unpredictable yet exceptionally clever. In truth, she had always been concerned about her father's status. The Xu Zhen had once intended to report this matter to the Sage in order to vindicate Zhang Yungu but had postponed it due to being overwhelmed with official duties and encountering significant events one after another.
Now that there is some free time, it is not easy to meet the Sage. Even if one were to bring up the matter, the Sage might not necessarily accept it. Historical records mention that the Sage regretted killing Zhang Yungu; while it comforted the family, it also left a lingering guilt towards Zhang Suling due to the long absence.
Thinking of this, Xu Zhen arrived at Zhang Suling's villa.
This girl was originally a daughter of the Zhang Family, and now living in the main residence brought a unique feeling. She had not laughed for days and had not teased Xu Zhen or anyone else; it was unclear what was on her mind.
Upon seeing Xu Zhen arrive, Zhang Suling quickly stood to greet her, standing at eye level with Xu Zhen, truly a graceful and tall beauty.
Xu Zhen did not hide her troubles and spoke openly about them. However, Zhang Suling showed no signs of blame; instead, she expressed gratitude for Xu Zhen's kindness in taking her in. When Xu Zhen inquired about her future plans, she immediately stated her willingness to stay by Xu Zhen's side as a servant.
Xu Zhen found this both amusing and perplexing. Like Zhou Cang and the other Brothers, although they were called vassals, they had long since shed their status as servants. How many of them were truly Xu Zhen's subordinates?
Since Zhang Suling brought it up, Xu Zhen decided to take action and would go to the Ministry of Revenue to secure a proper status for Zhang Suling. Since she wished to stay in the noble residence, she would be provided for there. If there were future opportunities for advancement, she could decide then.
Zhang Suling responded obediently but felt reluctant about Xu Residence. Xu Zhen could see this and chose not to say more.
The pleasant evening could not last forever; soon enough, the day of departure arrived. The streets of Chang'an were bustling with people, drums and gongs resounding as citizens lined the roads to bid farewell. Many young men were spirited and eager as the Sage personally reviewed the troops before setting off from Chang'an towards the west.
Caesar, wearing a veil, gave heartfelt instructions. Ultimately, she was a resolute Female Assassin who did not display tears like a typical daughter; only after Xu Zhen had walked far away did she turn away to wipe her eyes.
Li Daozong, as Chief of Military Operations, had Sage personally leading him. Xu Zhen was prominently included among them, bringing honor to her name. Many officials were inspired; after conducting rituals, the entire army finally set out from Chang'an.
The Fourteen Red Armored Guards served under Xu Zhen as captains and other roles, ensuring that everything was well organized under her command.
However, just as the convoy left Chang'an, Zhou Cang rushed over with urgency: "My Lord, something has happened!"
Xu Zhen rode alongside many generals when she heard Zhou Cang's words; her heart tightened as she quickly pulled on the reins and moved towards the rear of the convoy. There she saw a tall captain with sharp features and an undeniably handsome appearance; yet there was a cunning glint in his eyes. Xu Zhen dismounted and stared at this captain for a long time before pulling him aside without regard for the surrounding soldiers. She leaned in close to sniff him and suddenly her expression changed!
"You are being ridiculous! Military matters are not to be taken lightly!"
The Captain, however, just stuck out his tongue and chuckled, allowing the Xu Zhen to scold him without restraint. His demeanor and aura were unmistakably that of the skilled impersonator, Zhang Suling!
On the day they entered the Xu Residence, the Xu Zhen had made an agreement with Zhang Suling, fearing that she might disguise herself and play tricks on others. Therefore, she gave her a pouch containing a unique fragrance to identify her true self. It was only after smelling it that she recognized it was indeed Zhang Suling.
This Sachet had been with Zhang Suling since the day the Xu Zhen played with the Three Immortals Return to the Cave. The girl had not removed it, likely intending for the Xu Zhen to discover her identity. Otherwise, how could someone as rough as Zhou Cang possibly pick out a clever girl like Zhang Suling from among the soldiers?
Thinking this way, Xu Zhenxin suddenly felt uneasy. This girl was openly trying to let the Xu Zhen know her identity, which meant she must have some backing. If that were the case, there must be someone behind her!
"If it were Caesar's sister, she wouldn't need to instruct Zhang Suling; she could just follow me directly. It must be Sister Si behind this! Oh my heavens!"
As the Xu Zhen thought this, her head began to ache. She turned to Zhang Suling and asked, "Is it Xu Sier who is behind this?"
Zhang Suling gently shook her head and pointed into the ranks, where a young Captain with delicate features stood—none other than Li Daozong's daughter, Li Wushuang!
Seeing that the Xu Zhen had recognized her, Li Wushuang smiled mischievously and walked straight over. Had it not been for her promise to help Zhang Yungu clear her name, she wouldn't have received Zhang Suling's assistance in disguising herself to infiltrate the military!
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