Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
In early May, the rain fell steadily, and everything seemed unfavorable. Governor of Yingzhou, Zhang Jian, sat alone drinking, embodying the sentiment of being understood by some while others questioned his desires. Gao Lvxing arrived slowly, observing Zhang's troubled demeanor and couldn't help but smirk inwardly; after all, both of them were merely enjoying the fruits of others' labor, so why pretend to be high-minded?
However, such thoughts could not be openly expressed. After some light-hearted banter, the servants, aware of the situation, added more cups and chopsticks. The two men toasted each other while enjoying the rain, indulging in a bit of elegance.
Thinking of the Goguryeo Princess braving the rain, Gao Lvxing felt somewhat uneasy. Fortunately, Zhang Jian had recorded the alliance matter overnight and sent it off to Luoyang early that morning. They were also indebted to the Xu Zhen; without any effort on their part, they had gained significant merit.
Both men recalled that the Xu Zhen was still under soft confinement in her guest quarters, left to the court's disposition while they leisurely drank and admired the scenery, waiting for rewards. This contrast brought them great satisfaction, making previous grievances with the Xu Zhen seem less resentful.
Just as they were secretly discussing Xu Zhenzhi, the steward rushed in from outside through the rain, reporting that the Yamen soldiers had come again to cause trouble and seize people!
Zhang Jian and Gao Lvxing were furious. Such behavior showed utter disregard for authority and military law; failing to punish them would undermine military discipline!
These two were governors of Youzhou and Liangzhou; having their dignity trampled by the Xu Zhen was one thing, but now even her subordinates acted so arrogantly—how could they not be enraged?
“Come! Assemble the soldiers! We will go out and capture these unruly troops!”
The guards in the Governor's Office quickly gathered—there were two hundred of them—standing solemnly in the rain, armored and ready. They arrived at the front of the Governor's Office to find Zhou Cang and Xue Rengui standing quietly before the residence. The rain pattered against their armor like dew on lotus leaves, seemingly repelled by their imposing presence.
“Do you wish to rebel?”
Zhang Jian stood at the steps of his residence, pointing at Zhou Cang and berating them. The guards of the Governor's Office drew their swords in unison, creating a clanging sound that filled the air with murderous intent!
Zhou Cang and Xue Rengui could not bear it any longer. However, Zhang Jiunian held them back and stepped forward slowly to bow to Zhang Jian. “Governor, please calm your anger. We are not here to cause a disturbance; we only wish to welcome our Lord back.”
Although Zhang Jiunian was polite and composed, Zhang Jian was seething with rage and showed no signs of goodwill. Gao Lvxing took advantage of his position and shouted angrily, “You blind dogs! The Xu Zhen disregards military law and acts on her own accord, delaying recruitment efforts! The Ministry of War has yet to issue any documents, yet you still think about bringing her back? You must be dreaming!”
Zhang Jiunian did not argue but simply smiled lightly. “I ask for your understanding from both Governors. The Governor's Office has not received any documents from the Ministry of War; however, my Zhechong Army Yamen has received correspondence from them. I believe that military documents for your office will arrive soon as well. We are merely waiting for our Lord’s release; there is no coercion or intention to create a disturbance.”
Zhang Jiunian finished speaking, and both Zhang Jian and Gao Lvxing exchanged glances, each seeing the confusion in the other's eyes. Why did the Ministry of War issue military orders that first arrived at the Department of Military Affairs instead of the Governor's Office?
Zhou Cang and the others merely looked on coldly, not even moving their feet, seemingly certain that Xu Zhen would be released today.
"Hmph! Xu Zhen has violated military orders; that is already a settled matter. To think she could walk out of the Governor's Office is simply laughable. If you want to wait, then wait!"
Seeing that Zhou Cang and the others were not trying to take anyone away, Zhang Jian felt frustrated and was about to leave when a sudden sound of hoofbeats approached. At the end of the road in front of the Governor's Office, a relay horse raced in like a black lightning bolt, indeed bringing a message from the Ministry of War!
The relay soldier did not dare to delay; he dismounted quickly and presented the military document. Zhang Jian furrowed his brows as he examined it; it was undoubtedly a document from the Ministry of War. However, upon opening it, his expression froze.
"This! This is impossible! How could this be!"
Gao Lvxing noticed Zhang Jian's unusual reaction and hurriedly snatched the document. After just a glance, his heart felt as if it had been struck by lightning!
" Xu Zhen is appointed as Commander of the Liaodong Military! She is to command the troops of Youzhou and Liangzhou and enter Liaodong immediately! What on earth is going on here!"
Zhang Jiunian and his group of brothers saw that both men were stunned pale by the military document, their hearts filled with excitement; it was truly a moment of vindication!
"The Governor's Office is a place of great importance. We are humble and do not dare to enter. We trouble both Governors to release the Chief of Military Operations so as not to delay the war in Liaodong."
Zhang Jiunian emphasized the title "Chief of Military Operations." Zhang Jian and Gao Lvxing were furious but felt helpless. Zhang Jian was somewhat better off; considering he would have to work under Xu Zhenzhi in the future, he feared retaliation from Xu Zhen and could only swallow his anger. Gao Lvxing, relying on his family's power, still refused to believe it.
"There must be something fishy about this matter. I will issue an inquiry and settle accounts with you later!"
Gao Lvxing left with his followers in anger after dropping those harsh words. Zhang Jian, feeling helpless, withdrew the guards and dejectedly went to request Xu Zhen from her residence, feeling deeply humiliated and enraged; it was truly a great disgrace!
I thought that by bringing back the Xu Zhen, I could use this opportunity to bring her down. With Changsun Wuji and the Crown Prince scheming in Luoyang, it seemed certain we could remove this thorn in our side. However, to my surprise, not only did the higher-ups fail to deal with the Xu Zhen, but they also granted her the authority of Chief of Military Operations!
The Xu Zhen had already assisted Gao Renwu in capturing Tuolang. Now, with the military power of Chief of Military Operations and control over the troops from Youzhou and Liangzhou, if she successfully stationed herself in Tuolang, the credit for the Battle of Liaodong would undoubtedly belong to her, and it would be within her grasp!
If the Xu Zhen achieved great merit in the Battle of Liaodong, it would become even more difficult for anyone to marginalize her in the future!
As Zhang Jian walked, his mind was in turmoil. The Xu Zhen was merely an insignificant Wuhou just two years ago, yet now she had risen to the rank of Chief of Military Operations. Among the court's nobles and high-ranking officials, who had not followed the Sovereign into battle and earned their positions through years of service? In all of Tang, who else had such fortune to complete a career advancement that typically took a lifetime in less than two years?
In this expedition against Liao, His Majesty personally led the charge, gathering all elites. The Minister of Justice and Duke of En, Zhang Liang served as Pyongyang Military Governor; Left General Chang He and Lu Prefecture Governor Zuo Nandang were deputy commanders for Pyongyang Road; Duke of England Li Ji was appointed Lieutenant General of the Liaodong Military. The deputy commander position should have been filled by Prince of Jiangxia Li Daozong, but he was away delivering a bride to Tuguhun and left it vacant.
Others like Zhang Shigui, Zhi Shili, Qibi Helix, Ginger Sage, Niu Jinda, and Li Yuanzheng were all commanders under the Liaodong Military. Now that the Xu Zhen held the position of Chief of Military Operations, she had truly entered the ranks of top military generals!
Thinking about this made Zhang Jian feel utterly defeated.
Arriving at the Xu Zhen's door, Zhang Jian clenched his fists tightly and gritted his teeth. Ultimately, he forced a smile and knocked on her door.
Having experienced a delightful night before, the Xu Zhen lingered in bed longer than usual. When she saw Zhang Jian at her door, she greeted him with a beaming smile, likely pleased that her plans were bearing fruit.
Sure enough, Zhang Jian awkwardly presented an official document from the Ministry of War while explaining himself awkwardly. The Xu Zhen feigned generosity on the surface but was secretly worried.
According to Historical Records, it was none other than Zhang Jian who had gathered intelligence on Liaodong's terrain and presented a military map!
Through a series of fortunate events, the Xu Zhen inadvertently rescued Gao Renwu from Goguryeo and led the rebels to capture Tuolang while presenting a military map. In reality, she had usurped Zhang Jian's credit without realizing it. It remained uncertain what kind of chain reaction would ensue from this situation and how it would ultimately resolve!
Although Zhang Jian was narrow-minded and timid, he was not entirely without merit. It might be necessary for him to receive some credit in return later on. Therefore, rather than taking advantage of him in this moment of vulnerability, the Xu Zhen smiled understandingly and provided him with a significant opportunity to save face.
Zhang Jian initially thought that Xu Zhen would take the opportunity to mock him, but he was surprised by her tolerance and kindness. The more he reflected on it, the more ashamed he felt, especially when he recalled that the misunderstandings had all stemmed from Changsun Wuji's instigation, which had led to his own misfortune. After some contemplation, his resentment towards Xu Zhen began to fade.
Zhou Cang and others joyfully welcomed Xu Zhen back to Yamen. With the authority of the Chief of Military Operations, they quickly gathered troops from Youzhou and Liangzhou, as well as recruiting Imperial Guards from the Territory, totaling over five thousand men—a considerable force indeed!
In mid-May, Xu Zhen ordered Zhang Jian to oversee the rear supply lines, preparing and transporting food and military supplies. She herself led Zhou Cang, Xue Rengui, Xie Anting, and other fierce generals across the Liao River to officially occupy Tuolang.
Gao Renwu was overjoyed to see Xu Zhen bring three thousand elite troops. The military and civilians of Tuolang celebrated enthusiastically with a grand welcoming ceremony, referring to Xu Zhenbu as the Tang Dynasty Heroic Army.
The name of Xu Zhen as the Flame God Priest had already spread among the rebels, with her followers calling her "Suimont." Now leading the Tang Heavenly Army for assistance, she had a legitimate reason for her campaign. The remnants of Rongliuwang and many supporters of the orthodox resistance regarded Xu Zhen's forces as the Righteous Royal Army. Along the way, they were welcomed with food and drink, and the Tang Army soldiers felt honored.
Xu Zhen repaid grievances with kindness and treated others generously. She entrusted Zhang Jian with crucial rear supply responsibilities. Zhang Jian truly knew how to repay kindness; military supplies were never in short supply, and he promptly communicated military reports and orders, which greatly pleased Xu Zhen.
By late May, military reports came again. The Sovereign led six armies along with Minister Changsun Wuji and other civil and military officials away from Luoyang towards Dingzhou, leaving Duke Xiao Yu to guard Luoyang.
A few days later, Holy Presence arrived at Dingzhou. The Sage appointed Crown Prince Li Zhi as regent in charge of logistics for the six armies. Crown Prince's Grand Tutor Gao Shilian, Liu Ji, Ma Zhou, Zhang Xingcheng, Gao Jifu, and others assisted him while the Sage continued onward with Changsun Wuji, Cen Wenben, Yang Shidao, Wei Chi Jing De, Liu Hongji, Yan Lide, and others. Ten days later, Holy Presence reached Youzhou.
At that time, Chancellor Cen Wenben appeared exhausted and spoke unusually. The Sage was concerned; within three or four days, Cen Wenben suddenly passed away. The Sage was deeply grieved and posthumously honored him as an Imperial Attendant and Governor of Guangzhou with the title of "Xian," burying him alongside Zhaoling.
In this moment of sorrow and anger, the Sovereign commanded Changsun Wuji to hold a flag-raising ceremony in Youzhou City to reward the six armies. He ordered Chief of Military Operations Li Jue to lead the troops ahead. Meanwhile, news of the Tang army's occupation of Tuolang finally reached Cheon Gae Su Mun's ears; the Goguryeo army from Gaimu City officially launched a fierce attack on the small town of Tuolang!
Comment 0 Comment Count