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墨書 Inktalez
Yin Zong was a young hero from the Salar Tribe, while Gao He Shu was a fierce warrior from Rouran. After joining Xu Zhenzhi, they thrived and achieved remarkable feats in the Battle of Tugu Hun. Upon arriving in Yingzhou, they were initially well-regarded; however, Zhang Jian, driven by greed and arrogance, began to suppress the Xu Zhen's core brothers after receiving the trust of Changsun Wuji.
Yin Zong and Gao He Shu were dispatched to connect with the Khitan and other tribes for military strength. Although they were both foreigners, the Khitan looked down on Yin Zong due to his Tuguhun background, and they regarded Gao He Shu, a remnant of Rouran, even less. The two struggled to find their footing and faced an uncertain return.
Fortunately, both were valiant men from their tribes and did not need to rely on Tang National Prestige. They set up a challenge arena among the Khitan tribe and accepted challenges for over sixty days, remaining undefeated and defeating more than a hundred opponents!
Although they eventually lost to a Khitan warrior, they had already earned the respect of the Khitan people. The Khitan were subjects of the Tang Dynasty but had a small population and difficult living conditions. They did not wish for their brothers to die on the battlefield, which led to delays.
Their soldiers were valued for their prowess rather than numbers. They allied with the Xianbei and Mohe tribes, gathering over ten thousand troops to return with Yin Zong and Gao He Shu to Yingzhou.
Zhang Jian was astonished; he had not held much hope but was surprised that Yin Zong and Gao He Shu had indeed brought back over ten thousand troops, all elite soldiers!
At that moment, he had just sent Han Fuqi out, knowing that Han Fuqi's two hundred men could not accomplish anything significant. Worried about this, he hurriedly instructed Yin Zong and Gao He Shu to provide assistance.
Yin Zong and Gao He Shu had already received a secret letter from Xu Zhen, informing them that she was stationed at Tuolang. They did not expect Goguryeo to launch a military offensive so quickly, so they immediately rushed to provide aid.
Upon seeing their lord trapped in enemy lines amidst chaos and slaughtering enemies left and right, their blood surged with excitement. With a command given, over ten thousand cavalry thundered across the ground like a tidal wave, almost instantly overwhelming Gao Yanshou's forces. Horses trampled through the ranks as spears flew in every direction; wherever the cavalry passed, the ground soaked in blood as if stepping on it would cause it to bubble up!
The tribal army's warhorses were massive and powerful. The cavalrymen were seasoned in mounted combat, wielding sabers and spears with great skill. Wherever they went, blood and flesh flew; some enemies were lifted by spears only to be reduced to pulp before hitting the ground—truly leaving no trace of the enemy behind!
The enemy was terrified and could only protect Gao Yanshou as they retreated towards Xuantu City. Meanwhile, Xu Zhen's morale soared as three groups of troops gathered together for an ambush until dusk fell when they finally sounded the retreat.
Upon returning to Tuolang, both military and civilians celebrated joyously. A rough tally revealed that they had beheaded over two thousand enemies and captured nearly eight thousand; those accompanying them included countless militia and auxiliary troops along with livestock and provisions—this was indeed a great victory!
As Chief of Military Operations, Xu Zhen held power in her hands. She rewarded the three armies first; the Khitan and other tribes received bounties as well. The entire army celebrated while Gao Renwu and the rebels also received substantial supplies and equipment—these would become their foundational capital for restoration, earning them deep respect for Xu Zhen.
Han Fuqi's two hundred guards were pivotal cavalry that turned the tide. At the victory banquet, Xu Zhen put aside past grievances to commend Han Fuqi’s great contributions with generous rewards. Han Fuqi was pleased; upon hearing that Zhou Cang also hailed from Green Forest origins—despite having been defeated by Zhou Cang before—the camaraderie among these roguish men flourished over drinks as they began calling each other brothers.
Xu Zhen reunited with Yin Zong and his fellow brothers after a long time apart; it was inevitable there would be some nostalgia. This loyal group that had followed her since the Tuguhun finally came together again, now joined by fierce generals like Xue Rengui. That night ended in drunken revelry!
The entire city celebrated for most of the night, the gloom and bloodshed brought by war dispelled by joyful songs and dances. The military and civilians finally fell into a peaceful sleep, with the joy of victory immersing everyone in sweet dreams.
The Xu Zhen was not completely drunk; her mind was slightly tipsy, yet she remained calm. She carried a long knife and was about to accompany Caesar on a patrol when she noticed Xue Rengui, dressed in white armor, standing atop the City Wall like a vigilant hawk guarding the night below.
Whether it was Yin Zong or Gao He Shu, Xie Anting or Qin Guang Zhou Cang, this group of Brothers were all unruly heroes. The Xu Zhen worried that Xue Rengui might struggle to get along with them. At the celebration banquet, seeing Xue Rengui leave hastily, she feared he would not integrate well with the other Brothers.
Now, witnessing Xue Rengui's dedication and humility after their great victory, maintaining sufficient vigilance and caution even after triumph, she couldn't help but feel a sense of affection and respect for him.
Upon reaching the City Wall, the Xu Zhen praised and comforted Xue Rengui, who repeatedly modestly declined her compliments. She sensed that he was not as open as usual and felt something was off about his expression but did not inquire further. Instead, she continued down from the City Wall with Caesar toward the Lord's residence.
Halfway there, they saw Xie Anting hurrying over with a food box. Upon seeing the Xu Zhen, he simply chuckled and pointed at Xue Rengui on the City Wall. It turned out that they had decided earlier to keep watch together. However, since the enemy seemed too timid to launch a night attack, Xie Anting thought to find some food and drink to share. No wonder Xue Rengui looked awkward.
The Xu Zhen recalled Xue Rengui's embarrassed smile and laughed heartily as she returned home with Caesar.
Jin Shu was now the Divine Maiden of Flame Cave Palace. Coming from a wealthy background, she managed the temple in an orderly manner and had gained significant influence due to her many followers. If it weren't for the Xu Zhen, she might have starved amidst the Rogue tide.
After the celebration banquet, Jin Shu felt a flutter in her heart and wanted to invite the Xu Zhen back to the temple to rest. However, halfway there, she noticed Princess Min'en heading toward the Xu Zhen's room!
Jin Shu was taken aback but recalled Gao Huizhen's status; ultimately, she bit her lip and quietly retreated.
Gao Huizhen also summoned great courage. Although she had shared intimate moments with the Xu Zhen before under Gao Lvxing's influence, this time it was an impulse from her heart.
The Xu Zhen had just finished a cold shower; although she felt somewhat refreshed, the effects of alcohol still lingered. Leaning against her couch to rest and planning to practice partner yoga with Caesar, she heard a gentle knock at the door.
Caesar opened it to find Gao Huizhen dressed in a Goguryeo woman's long dress instead of military armor; her proud and graceful figure rivaled his own!
Gao Huizhen already knew about Caesar's relationship with the Xu Zhen. Seeing Caesar present was unexpected yet understandable; disappointment inevitably filled her heart.
She was originally a proud Princess, previously a spoiled and willful person, not very good at concealing her emotions and expressions. Caesar, with his keen insight, could see through Gao Huizhen's intentions just from her eyes and the blush on her cheeks.
Xu Zhen felt a headache coming on. Although the taste of Gao Huizhen's presence lingered in her mind, she also understood Caesar's temperament. With the two women meeting tonight, Gao Huizhen's pride would surely be wounded, making it difficult for them to reconcile in the future.
To his surprise, however, Caesar and Gao Huizhen did not have any conflict. Caesar rarely smiled but said, "Sister, would you like to come in and sit?"
Gao Huizhen responded with a smile, "Since my sister has invited me, I cannot refuse..."
Xu Zhen was immediately confused; what was going on here?
Yet she did not notice the intense hostility hidden in the eyes of both women. Caesar had never been one to lose to others, and Gao Huizhen considered herself strong-willed; how could she easily give up what she wanted?
That night, the two women competed against each other, and Xu Zhen benefited from their rivalry in ways that were beyond words.
As for Xue Rengui, he had not been given much importance when he first joined the army. It was only after he pledged allegiance to Xu Zhen that he found his true calling. Similarly, Xie Anting, who was equally brave and skilled, had initially been just a minor county officer in the northwest Ganyiang region but had now become an indispensable right-hand man for Xu Zhen.
Their circumstances were similar, and both were talented in both literature and martial arts. Naturally, they felt a connection and shared mutual admiration. As they enjoyed their drinks together while gazing at the dark night over Liaodong land, their spirits surged with ambition. Seizing the moment of intoxication, Xie Anting pointed toward Marudo Castle and said to Xue Rengui,
"Brother Xue Li, it feels like we met too late. Why not use this Marudo Castle as a witness and swear brotherhood? We can fight side by side and one day plant the Tang Banner all over Goguryeo, earning titles and nobility—wouldn't that be wonderful!"
Xue Rengui clapped his hands in agreement. Thus, they swore brotherhood and downed their cups of strong liquor while laughing heartily at each other.
Just as they were caught up in the excitement, Xue Rengui furrowed his brow and stepped onto the City Wall to gaze out at the bamboo sea outside Tuyang City. There should have been several flickering lights in the darkness—those of the sentry camp—but now those lights were nowhere to be seen!
"This is bad! The enemy is indeed planning a night raid! Quickly gather the Brothers!"
Xue Rengui took up his Horn to assemble the troops, but Xie Anting stopped him!
"Brother Xue Li, do not act rashly! Our army has achieved a great victory, and the morale is high. If we sound the Horn, the enemy will surely be aware of our movements within the city and will not dare to attack again. Instead, let us quietly gather our forces and wait for them to come, catching them off guard to eliminate future threats!"
Upon hearing this, Xue Rengui slapped his forehead in delight and said, "It is indeed my wise brother who thinks quickly! Let us act swiftly!"
The two exchanged glances filled with determination and mobilized the City Wall and Garrison, sending people into the city to contact the ambush troops, while also notifying the Chief of Military Operations and Xu Zhen at the lord's residence.
The army in the south was stirred upon hearing that the enemy dared to launch a night raid. The atmosphere in the camp became lively; although alcohol was generally prohibited among the troops, Xu Zhen made an exception to celebrate. Many soldiers, intoxicated, though somewhat dazed, were filled with courage and eagerly requested to fight, creating an atmosphere charged with killing intent.
Qin Guang and Zhang Jiunian, seeing the soldiers in such a state, dared not allow them to charge into battle recklessly. Fortunately, the tribal soldiers brought by Yin Zong and Gao He Shu had impressive drinking capacities and were ready for action. Thus, they ordered the tribal soldiers to prepare themselves, lying in wait on either side of the city gate.
After receiving intelligence, Xu Zhen immediately got up to don her armor. Caesar and Gao Huizhen were still entwined in sleep like two white fish made of jade. Hearing Xu Zhen stir, they slowly woke up and hurriedly separated, their faces flushed with embarrassment. Xu Zhen, however, strapped on her long sword and turned back with a grin.
"Wait here for a moment, sisters; I will be right back!"
While Xu Zhen prepared for battle, Gao Yanshou remained unaware of the situation. He had been reluctant to initiate a night raid but received a Secret Letter claiming that the military and civilians of Tuyang City were celebrating, with soldiers heavily intoxicated—an excellent opportunity for a surprise attack!
Recalling the heavy losses suffered during the day, Gao Yanshou felt he could not return to Gaimu City in disgrace. Therefore, he gathered the remaining few thousand troops, sending back those who were injured and keeping only over two thousand elite soldiers to launch a nighttime assault!
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