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墨書 Inktalez
It is said that things become precious when they leave their hometown, and people become worthless when they leave theirs. Murong Hanzhu has followed Guanghua and wandered far from home for many years. Although he often feels a deep longing for his homeland, he has ultimately grown accustomed to this land.
Now, having arrived at Tuguhun again, he sees that he will soon face much jealousy and exclusion. He feels a silent bitterness in his heart. With his extraordinary talent, like a pearl hidden in the dark or a star shining in the night sky, how can he hide his brilliance?
Concealing his light and nurturing his strength allows him to move about in splendid attire at night. However, Murong Hanzhu has been in a low state for too long. After finally overturning the Tuguhun and placing his own princess on the throne, he must now take bold actions to plan for greater ambitions. Why should he fear the hatred of others?
Lu Dongzan is also a person with a deep heart, who, despite envying Murong Hanzhu's talent, does not reject him like other elders do. Instead, he seeks advice from him on various matters and even earns praise from Qizong Nongsan.
Yet behind the scenes, Lu Dongzan constantly stirs up discord among others, aiming to remove Murong Hanzhu from the emperor's side to ensure proper governance. Every day he promotes the might of the Tang Dynasty and its formidable army, urging various tribes to keep their distance. Yet now Zanpu has been incited by Murong Hanzhu's poisonous influence to actively challenge the might of the Tang Dynasty. Is this not inviting trouble and humiliation upon themselves?
If it is for winning over the Tang Princess to foster friendly relations between the two nations, why seek distant goals when marrying Princess Chizun of Nepal would be a much better option?
Nepal is not a powerful nation; having married off its princess, it would have to show respect to Tuguhun in the future. This is certainly better than serving the Tang Dynasty.
After Lu Dongzan's analysis, many elders believe that this invasion of Songzhou is entirely Murong Hanzhu's fault and consider it an unwise move. Privately, they are inclined to retreat.
However, Qizong Nongsan values Tang Feng greatly and has sought marriage with the Tang princess seven times without success. He harbors much resentment and seizes this opportunity while the Tang Dynasty is eager to engage in military action against Liaodong to launch disturbances. Seeing success within reach, how could he easily give up?
Once he marries the princess and receives a title from the Tang Emperor, Tuguhun will inherit many advanced crafts and technologies from the Tang Dynasty, greatly aiding its political and economic development.
Qizong Nongsan has grand ambitions and cannot be hindered by these elders. Despite their pleas, he continues to rely heavily on Murong Hanzhu to secure Songzhou.
Having gained recognition from Nong Zan, Murong Hanzhu possesses considerable strategy as well. He trains soldiers using methods from the Sui Dynasty while arranging formations specifically against the Tang army and creating various weapons. He wins the hearts of soldiers even more as he consolidates military power in his hands. As a strategist with great insight into worldly affairs, with troops under his command, what does he have to fear?
He manages Songzhou in an orderly manner, allowing Qizong Nongsan to see how Han People manage resources effectively. This deepens his admiration for Murong Hanzhu; not only does he reward him generously, but also allows young women from his clan to serve him.
Murong Hanzhu does not indulge in beauty but sends diligent and caring maidens to Fushi City for Guanghua’s service. Nong Zan feels that Murong Hanzhu does not forget past kindnesses and is a loyal person who will surely remain faithful in the future; thus, he respects him even more.
Songzhou has clearly become well-organized while the Tang army faces a period of rectification!
Niu Jinda and Han Wei returned in defeat, knowing they could not face anyone, fearing the reprimand from Chief Steward Li Daozong. In a hurry, they brought out the Xu Zhen from the military prison, treating her with utmost respect.
The soldiers in the army saw Niu Jinda and Han Wei leave with high spirits but return covered in dirt and shame. They had lost six or seven out of ten soldiers, suffering heavy casualties. Remembering the Xu Zhen's words before the battle, they were greatly alarmed, believing she possessed foresight and wisdom akin to Zhuge Liang.
Initially, the subordinates of the Xu Zhen cursed her for being cowardly and eager to follow Niu Jinda to claim military achievements. They held little respect for her. However, after witnessing Niu Jinda and Han Wei's disastrous return, they realized her life-saving grace. They gathered in groups of three or five to apologize at her tent.
Zhou Cang and others were used to such behavior and did not intend to let the Xu Zhen forgive them easily. They planned to dismiss these people quickly, but the Xu Zhen wanted to seize this opportunity to win over their loyalty. She pretended to be gravely injured, limping out to forgive her ungrateful subordinates, thus gaining their hearts.
A few days later, Chief Steward Li Daozong and Chief of Military Operations Liu Lan arrived with their troops for a meeting. Hearing reports from the army about Niu Jinda and Han Wei's actions, they were quite furious. However, with a major battle approaching, they did not want to impose severe punishments that might demoralize the troops; instead, they merely recorded the mistakes.
The generals gathered at the Central Army Tent to discuss the advance on Songzhou. With Niu Jinda and Han Wei having suffered a significant defeat and losing over a thousand men, they dared not speak up.
Yet Niu Jinda had received instructions from Changsun Wuji and was unwilling to miss any chance to undermine the Xu Zhen. Noticing the gloomy atmosphere in the tent, he boldly suggested, "Previously, my eagerness for victory with Governor Han led to our great defeat. However, there is someone in our ranks whose heart is like a bright lamp, clearly understanding our enemies; if we ask them to attack the city now, we can achieve a great victory!"
The other generals understood his intent; it was clear that Niu Jinda had suffered a setback before the Xu Zhen and was trying to provoke her into battle to diminish her spirit.
Li Daozong, as an experienced elder in the army, considered how many veterans like Niu Jinda would truly submit to the Xu Zhen.
Although young, the Xu Zhen was exceptionally composed and cunning. She carefully evaluated situations before acting and thought things through thoroughly, which naturally made others envious.
If one wished to maintain harmony, how could they quell the grievances of older soldiers? As Commander, Li Daozong understood the need for balance. How this matter would be handled depended on how the Xu Zhen responded. Thus he feigned ignorance and asked, "Is the person you mentioned none other than Loyal Martial General Xu Zhen?"
Niu Jinda's eyes lit up as he replied loudly, "Indeed it is Xu Lang!"
The Xu Zhen already knew that Niu Jinda harbored ill intentions. Had it not been for Li Zhi's secret warning beforehand, she might have truly believed she had been mortal enemies with Niu Jinda in a past life.
Li Daozong turned his gaze toward the Xu Zhen. She raised an eyebrow slightly and sighed silently. Before he could speak further, she stepped forward and said, "I am unworthy of such praise as I hold command over various armies without any merit of my own. If given this opportunity for promotion, I am willing to risk my life to charge into Songzhou!"
This time, Li Daozong was surprised at the boldness of Xu Zhen, who agreed so readily. Could it be that he truly had a hidden strategy like Zhuge Liang?
Li Daozong slammed the table and said, "Good! General Xu is indeed worthy of being a student of the emperor, deeply trusted by Sovereign. He is both brave and wise. If he can truly capture Songzhou, he will be credited with the first merit. If there is anything you desire, General, feel free to speak."
Xu Zhen secretly admired him; Li Daozong was indeed a seasoned official. No wonder he could recover so quickly after being dismissed for corruption. His political skills were quite slick, and he knew that Xu Zhen's agreement must come with a request. He articulated this in a way that left no room for refusal.
Seeing Li Daozong speak, Niu Jinda and Han Wei were eager to send Xu Zhen to the battlefield immediately, and they all echoed, "Yes! Whatever General Xu needs us to do, just say it!"
Upon witnessing this scene, Xu Zhen couldn't help but chuckle coldly. The others felt an inexplicable chill; they sensed something strange about her smile and felt uneasy. Then they heard Xu Zhen lightly laugh, "Since I have dared to take on this task, I will naturally follow through. However, I do need someone to assist me... I hope Commander will grant this request..."
Li Daozong understood that Xu Zhen was trying to be clever again, but since she was willing to go to battle, he had to give her some incentives. He asked, "May I ask whom General Xu requires?"
At that moment, Niu Jinda and Han Wei suddenly realized what was happening and broke into a cold sweat. Wasn't this the perfect opportunity for Xu Zhen to take revenge on them?
Once their hearts settled, they saw Xu Zhen point at Han Wei, saying, "What I seek is none other than Governor Han Wei!"
Han Wei raised his eyebrows slightly and steadied himself before asking directly, "What does General Xu require?"
Without hesitation, Xu Zhen stated plainly, "I intend to use a strategy of self-sacrifice. After much thought, I believe that after two defeats, Governor will face severe repercussions. However, the predicament in Songzhou is beyond ordinary understanding. The strategist behind Tuguhun will surely think that the Governor may harbor ulterior motives. If the Governor dares to endure this self-sacrifice and captures Songzhou, then in no time at all, you will be credited with great merit and able to make amends!"
Though her words sounded appealing, everyone—whether it was Han Wei, Niu Jinda, or even Li Daozong and the others—believed that Xu Zhen was merely seeking revenge for the thirty military sticks.
In ancient warfare strategies, while both cunning and straightforward tactics could lead to victory, people today were already well-versed in these methods and would not easily fall into traps.
As everyone lamented this situation, Han Wei stepped forward and said, "I am a defeated general and do not dare claim bravery; however, I am still a son of the Tang dynasty. How could I fear such a trivial self-sacrifice? Please tell me the details!"
Xu Zhen sincerely praised him: "Good! You truly have courage! Now come closer!"
Seeing how mysterious Xu Zhen was being—keeping secrets even from those in the military while teasing them in front of Chief Steward Li Daozong, everyone felt displeased. Yet since the Chief Steward did not speak up, who would dare voice their complaints?
Li Daozong felt helpless; this young man could not be measured by common sense. If it were not for Xu Zhen's strong support, he would not have been able to command the various armies and lead this war, nor would he be constrained by Xu Zhen.
Han Wei leaned in to listen, hearing Xu Zhen whisper, "Although this plan is called a bitter meat strategy, it has intricate layers of mystery. Governor, you should do this and that..."
Han Wei's expression was cold and serious at first, his brows furrowed in displeasure. However, his eyes soon lit up as if enlightenment had struck him, frequently nodding in admiration for Xu Zhen.
Once the strategy was entrusted completely, Han Wei straightened up and respectfully bowed to Xu Zhen, saying, "General Xu's tactics are astonishing. I, Han, am grateful for your teachings and am willing to endure physical suffering to redeem the shame of Songzhou!"
Xu Zhen nodded with a smile and then called over from behind to give Han Wei a thorough beating with a military baton. The scene was quite brutal; his entire back was drenched in blood, vividly realistic!
That night, Han Wei led a dozen personal soldiers to feign surrender to Songzhou. Meanwhile, Xu Zhen gathered her troops, well-fed and armored, preparing for a night raid on Songzhou!
Upon hearing the words "night raid," not only Niu Jinda but also the generals in the army broke into a cold sweat. They had suffered enough from night raids before. With Xu Zhen leading the charge and seeing Han Wei willingly endure humiliation as part of a bitter meat strategy, they all believed that Xu Zhen had an extraordinary plan for victory. Little did they expect it would still be a night raid.
Could this change of tactics really fool those Tubo people inside Songzhou City? It might backfire and lead to humiliation, resulting in a fate similar to that of Niu Jinda and Han Wei—now that would be laughable.
Li Wushuang was forced by Xu Zhen to stay in the camp but felt anger over the embarrassing incident of receiving golden armor that night. Seeing Zhang Suling wearing golden armor beside Xu Zhen fueled her stubbornness; she could not help but blend into the army, determined to fight and prove to Xu Zhen that she, Li Wushuang, was not an useless woman!
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