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墨書 Inktalez
Ancient Saying It is said that when a tree stands out in the forest, the wind will surely bring it down. Xu Zhen did not wish to participate in Second Wang's struggle for supremacy, but just as the tree desires peace, the wind does not cease. His rapid rise has caused much concern among the court officials, and he cannot be used by anyone. It is no wonder that Changsun Wuji deliberately suppresses him. Furthermore, with enemies like Murong Hanzhu joining Changsun Wuji, how could he find peace?
Although aware that Changsun Wuji is intentionally making things difficult for her, causing Xu Zhen to embarrass herself in front of the civil and military officials and envoys from various states, she had no choice but to respond passively. She stepped forward and said, "Though I am unworthy, I am willing to give it a try."
Li Shimin nodded in appreciation, but inwardly he sneered. How could he not understand Changsun Wuji's intentions? The civil and military officials have clearly divided into three factions: some support King Wei Li Tai, some back Prince Li Zhi, while others remain neutral.
From Li Shimin's perspective, Xu Zhen neither supports King Wei Li Tai nor assists Prince Li Zhi. Her statement of merely wanting to defend the country and expand its borders has already earned her Li Shimin's admiration.
The saying goes that the people are precious, the state is secondary, and the ruler is light. Li Shimin has always believed that water can carry a boat but also capsize it; he prioritizes the people. Since Xu Zhen does not engage in power struggles and focuses solely on serving the country and its people, how could this not move Li Shimin?
After the Battle of Tugu Hun, when Xu Zhen brought back Yin Kaishan's long knife and the Tian Ce Red Armor, Li Shimin felt this was heaven's arrangement to bring such talent close to him, thus he resolved to promote her.
Later, when Xu Zhen uncovered Han Wang Li Yuanchang's assassination plot, starting from when she was sent by Li Shimin to quell unrest in Qizhou, he began to have great intentions for her. The subsequent events of the Songzhou Battle only reinforced this.
Old ministers like Li Jue, who deeply understand the emperor's intentions and know that the Sage wishes to cultivate Xu Zhen, would not easily impart their lifelong knowledge unless they were aware of her potential.
Li Shimin also had his own considerations. As he grew older, many matters became beyond his control. If he were to establish King Wu Li Ke as heir based on his civil governance skills and strategic mind, perhaps he could still manage these court officials. However, due to his background from the Sui Dynasty, establishing King Wu as heir was becoming increasingly unrealistic.
The remaining candidates, whether it be Li Chengqian or Li Zhi, are not well-versed in military affairs and have no experience in this area. Without martial prowess, how could they command respect from these stubborn old ministers?
Thus, Li Shimin wished to establish a pillar within the military. Figures like Li Jue, who have made significant contributions, could indeed hold their own. However, he worried that these individuals might become too powerful with their own troops. A wise leader must know how to balance power; thus, with her sincere heart for the country, Xu Zhen is indeed the best candidate.
Yet, Xu Zhen did not delve deeply into this meaning. Since it was a task entrusted by the Sage, she must utilize her wisdom and intelligence without allowing herself to be trampled by Changsun Wuji and Murong Hanzhu.
As for distinguishing between a hundred chicks and hens, it is far more challenging than differentiating between a stallion and a colt; at least a hen does not provide milk for her chicks—old methods cannot be applied here.
Many marriage envoys were also sweating profusely; fortunately, such questions did not fall upon them; otherwise, they would have been racking their brains in distress.
All of this had been meticulously calculated by Murong Hanzhu. Seeing that Xu Zhen wore a troubled expression and appeared helpless, Changsun Wuji felt quite pleased with himself and regarded Murong Hanzhu with even greater respect.
Li Mingda, already thoroughly disappointed with Li Zhi, now saw that Changsun was making things difficult for Xu Zhen. This only increased his dislike for both Li Zhi and Changsun Wuji.
Once upon a time, she regarded Changsun Wuji as a kind Old Uncle and was affectionate towards her many siblings. However, only now did she understand a truth: perhaps there truly is no familial affection in the imperial family.
Her gaze inevitably fell upon the Xu Zhen. She had shared hardships with the Xu Zhen; although they were not of the same bloodline, their bond was as sincere as that of biological siblings. Yet, she felt discontent and was unwilling to consider the Xu Zhen as a sister. Perhaps...
She did not dwell on this thought any longer, for the Xu Zhen had remained silent for a long time and still had no good ideas. The envoys waiting to continue the competition were already murmuring, and among the officials, many were instigating others, clearly beginning to mock the Xu Zhen.
Seeing Li Mingda so anxious, Li Shimin could only smile wryly. He was not worried about whether the Xu Zhen would come up with a solution; rather, he was concerned about the attitude of the civil and military officials towards her.
Despite his favor towards the Xu Zhen, the officials still did not regard her as a significant figure and continued to suppress her, which made Li Shimin feel extremely uneasy.
He looked at the solitary figure of the Xu Zhen and her unyielding demeanor, which seemed to further solidify his thoughts.
The Xu Zhen had no time to consider Your Majesty's thoughts; she focused all her energy on this difficult problem. She lacked the quick wit to compose poetry in seven steps but possessed knowledge that Tang people could not have!
Zhang Suling was also worried about her Lord but firmly believed that this Lord would display an unimaginable calmness and wisdom in difficult times!
Sure enough, just as she was anxious, the Xu Zhen waved at her. She hurried over, and after whispering some instructions in Zhang Suling's ear, Zhang Suling's eyes lit up with surprise!
Ginger Sage accompanied the army to Songzhou, and his collaboration with the Xu Zhen further enhanced his reputation. The Sage even summoned him privately to inquire about the Battle of Songzhou. After he shared how he would create Jingzhe Thunder with the Xu Zhen, the Sage was astonished.
He finally understood why Yan Lide and Li Chunfeng held the Xu Zhen in such high esteem. After receiving generous rewards, he became even more interested in her and secretly felt anxious for her when he saw her troubled by such a dilemma.
Just as he was worried, he saw the Xu Zhen directing Zhang Suling to come over. After hearing Zhang Suling's message, Ginger Sage's expression changed instantly. Gritting his teeth, he quickly left the crowd and rushed back to his residence.
Changsun Wuji and others noticed that the Xu Zhen had not moved for a long time but remained calm. However, he signaled to those below him. At that moment, Chancellor Gao Jifu, who was sent by Li Zhi's faction, took Changsun Wuji's hint and mocked, "If General Xu has no good ideas, you may speak frankly. In our Tang Dynasty, there are many talented individuals; I believe someone must have an answer. General might as well let them share their wisdom; do not delay the Marriage Trial competition!"
Gao Jifu came from the Gao family of Bohai and was considered a descendant of noble lineage. He worked diligently in his youth and excelled in martial arts. Known for his benevolence and filial piety, he joined rebel forces during the Wude Era but later surrendered to Tang and was appointed as an assistant in the Governor's Office of Zhizhou. After Li Zhi ascended to power, he was promoted to Censoring Imperial Historian. He was unafraid of powerful figures when it came to making accusations against officials, which eventually led him to become Chancellor.
In the eighth year of Zhenguan, when Sovereign ordered close aides to comment on political gains and losses, Gao Jifu submitted five memorials advocating for upright officials while reducing taxes and labor burdens and curbing extravagance among nobles. His various insights were well-received by Sage and gained Changsun Wuji's attention, allowing him to join Li Zhi's faction.
Gao Jifu seemed to be considering the competition, but in reality, he was mocking Xu Zhen's incompetence. Many court officials were already irritated, with numerous supporters echoing his sentiments, and some had even begun to verbally drive Xu Zhen away, leading to a chorus of criticism and ridicule in the venue.
Xu Zhen let out a cold laugh and stared directly at Gao Jifu, saying, "If Elder has such an opinion, it must mean you have a brilliant plan. Since Xu Zhen is useless, why not entrust this important task to Elder?"
Although the Tang Dynasty valued martial prowess, military generals were not allowed to meddle in political affairs, and the status of civil officials was quite high. They traditionally looked down upon those who wielded swords and spears. This was also the reason Changsun Wuji held Xu Zhen in contempt; she presented an image of a brave and resourceful warrior, which elevated the reputation of military officials at court.
Gao Jifu had no solution either. The question was modified from a previous one posed by the Sage, making it more difficult. Not only Gao Jifu but others might also struggle to find an answer. Hearing Xu Zhen retort sharply, Gao Jifu became displeased.
"This riddle was created by the Sage; it is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. How could I possibly solve it? I simply cannot stand your procrastination, which wastes time. If you have no countermeasures, why delay further? It would be better to be straightforward!"
Gao Jifu clearly looked down on Xu Zhen and never considered that she could solve this difficult problem. As a result, when he spoke these words, many civil officials burst into laughter, leaving the military officials feeling embarrassed.
Xu Zhen did not back down and confidently countered, "Since Elder also has no solution, why mock me? Knowing that the task is difficult yet attempting it is the spirit of us warriors. Elder has spent too long in the study; I imagine you cannot understand this."
Upon hearing her words, the military officials felt vindicated. Seeing Xu Zhen mock civil officials for being timid and afraid of difficulties ignited Gao Jifu's anger. He was about to use his sharp tongue to belittle her when Ginger Sage hurriedly arrived and handed something to Xu Zhen.
As she received what she needed, Xu Zhenxin felt a surge of joy and waved at Gao Jifu, saying, "Please step aside for a moment, Elder, so that Xu Zhen can solve the riddle without startling you..."
At this remark from Xu Zhen, Gao Jifu's face turned pale with anger. How could distinguishing between a chick and a hen frighten me? Was this not mocking us civil officials for being cowardly?
"You!"
Gao Jifu was furious and fuming with rage while many military officials chuckled knowingly. Xu Zhen paid him no mind; seeing Ginger Sage scatter grains of rice on the ground caused the chicks to gather around and peck at them, gradually revealing their distinctions. She then raised the item in her hand high.
Li Shimin knew well that Xu Zhen had many clever ideas. Both Yan Lide and Ginger Sage praised her endlessly. Now seeing her hold up a bamboo tube as thick as a person's leg piqued their interest.
When Xu Zhen felt it was time, she opened her right hand and snapped her fingers with a loud "pop," igniting a flame on her index finger that drew gasps of amazement from everyone.
Using the flame on her finger, Xu Zhen lit a fuse at the mouth of the bamboo tube in her left hand.
All eyes were on the scene, and Gao Jifu was bewildered, staring at the bamboo tube in Xu Zhen's hand. The fuse, like a glowing little snake, slithered into the bamboo tube, hissing and emitting blue smoke. After a moment, a thunderous explosion echoed, shaking the hearts of all present.
"Boom!"
The bamboo tube in Xu Zhen's hand erupted with fireworks. A burst of flames shot out from the tube, soaring into the sky. Upon reaching its peak, it suddenly exploded, creating a dazzling display of fiery blossoms in mid-air, vaguely resembling a phoenix bathed in flames.
Gao Jifu had never witnessed such an extraordinary event. Startled by the loud noise, his legs went weak, and he uncontrollably fell to the ground!
Everyone present looked up in astonishment at the fiery spectacle above, their hearts filled with awe. Even after the fiery phoenix dissipated, they were still captivated. Turning around, they saw Gao Jifu sitting on the ground in shock, his face pale and devoid of any composure.
What was even more impressive was that despite being startled by this sudden thunderous display, the chicks were terrified and scrambled under their mother hens' wings. The distinction between the hundred chicks and their mothers was perfectly resolved!
Amidst the admiring gazes of the crowd, Xu Zhen slowly approached Li Shimin and bowed, saying, "I have frightened Your Holy Presence; Xu Zhen deserves to die a thousand deaths..."
Li Shimin was a seasoned warrior and was not easily shaken like Gao Jifu. Instead, he was very curious about Xu Zhenzhi's invention. He waved his hand to indicate that there was no harm done and then asked, "What kind of marvelous object is this, Minister Xu?"
Xu Zhen smiled slightly and clasped her hands together, saying, "This is an invention by Xu Zhenzhi. It symbolizes chicks transforming into a phoenix and is a gift of gratitude for Your Holy Presence's favor. It is called a ceremonial cannon!"
(Note: In the Tang Dynasty, those who were older among the Chancellor ranks were referred to as Elder. Later on, both Chancellors and officials from the Central Secretariat could be called Elder as a term of respect.)
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