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墨書 Inktalez
It was the yellow of April, with Jujube Blossoms yet to fall and Paulownia Leaves long. The green mountains were visible in the morning and again at dusk, as the horses neighed, longing for home.
Only a month had passed, and the freshness of the journey had already worn off, replaced by monotony and the hardships of travel. Fortunately, the delegation bore the great Tang Banner and had nearly a hundred guards. Along the way, they received warm receptions from locals, and Xu Zhen and others did not suffer.
In those years, Master Xuanzang spent eighteen years to obtain Scriptures from India, enduring numerous dangers that moved both gods and men. Wang Xuance, having experienced his first mission to India, had a clear route, strong horses, and ample supplies. Thus, it was estimated that he could return to Chang'an in about two years.
In just a month, Xu Zhen had already crossed Gansu and Liangzhou, where he had once fought hard, entered Gua Prefecture, passed Yumen Pass, and was about to enter the desert.
Xu Zhen paused slightly, took down his water bag, and carefully sipped a little to moisten his cracked lips. He looked up at the glaring sun, feeling his nostrils sting from the heat.
After putting away the water bag, he instinctively touched the iron thumb ring on his finger, recalling the scene of parting with Li Mingda. A surge of motivation welled up within him. His other hand also bore a thumb ring, but it was made of jade.
On the day he left Vermilion Bird Gate, a swift horse caught up with him and delivered this Iron Thumb Ring along with a Secret Letter. He found a secluded spot to read through the Secret Letter before memorizing its contents. After tearing it up, he swallowed it.
Thinking of the contents of the Secret Letter brought tears to Xu Zhen's eyes. However, this matter was significant; he hadn't even revealed a word to his closest confidant, Caesar.
Before him lay Endless Yellow Sands; it was unclear where the end might be.
Here truly marked the end of spring's fragrance in the human world; the heat was unbearable. The pace of everyone slowed down as summer also arrived in the imperial capital of Chang'an.
The Sovereign fell ill from chills and suffered from capital heat. On April Ninth, he ordered repairs on Zhongnan Mountain's Ruined Palace—now renamed Emerald Palace—for summer retreat and recuperation.
By Early May, the Sovereign visited Emerald Palace and entrusted all matters requiring reports from civil and military officials to Crown Prince Li Zhi. At this time, Li Jue had already led his troops across Liao River to begin a second campaign against Goguryeo.
After crossing the river, Liaodong Circuit Commander Li Ji led Li Hai'an, Zheng Rentai, and other Chiefs of Military Operations with three thousand troops from Yingzhou Governor's Office to sweep through land routes. They captured Nansu City and Mudi City while burning and pillaging without lingering in battle; they retreated after thoroughly destroying everything.
During their first expedition, the Tang Dynasty Army halted at Anshi City defended by Yang Wanchun. At that time, Li Jue vowed that if he breached the city, he would not wield his sword for three days but would slaughter everyone within. Now that he had come this far in burning and killing, it could be considered a resolution of his inner conflict.
In terms of the Sea Route, Niu Jinda was appointed as the Grand Commander of the Qingqiu Military. Along with Li Hai'an, who arrived shortly after, he led over ten thousand troops across the sea from Laizhou to attack the southern coast of Goguryeo.
By early July, Niu Jinda had captured Stone City with his forces, taking nearly a thousand men and women as prisoners. He then advanced to Jili City, where Goguryeo dispatched over ten thousand troops to resist. Li Hai'an led a flanking attack that broke the enemy lines, resulting in over two thousand enemy heads being taken.
Whether it was Li Jue's troops or Niu Jinda's forces, their aim was solely to burn, kill, and plunder, causing widespread destruction to the lives and livelihoods of the Goguryeo people. Their swift movements inflicted tremendous losses on Goguryeo, leaving the nation in dire straits.
Upon receiving the good news, Li Shimin was overjoyed. This campaign against Liaodong had placed considerable pressure on the court, but Changsun Wuji strongly supported this expedition. The soldiers had experienced hundreds of battles and emerged victorious in every engagement. Consequently, Li Shimin rewarded the troops generously with various honors.
Even the Minister of State, Changsun Wuji, was appointed to the important position of Governor of Yangzhou but remained in Chang'an to assist Crown Prince Li Zhi.
As July transitioned into autumn and the weather grew cooler, the Sovereign decided that due to the Emerald Palace's narrow and perilous terrain, it was unsuitable for officials. He ordered the construction of Jade Blossom Palace in Yichun Phoenix Valley. It wasn't until July 26 that the Sovereign returned to the palace.
Throughout history, emperors have often favored grand construction projects; however, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty had always been frugal. Now he was building palaces one after another. Changsun Wuji seemed to sense something amiss and secretly instructed Duan Zhichong from Qizhou to submit a petition requesting that the Sovereign hand over state affairs to the Crown Prince.
The officials in court were not oblivious to Changsun Wuji's intentions.
The Sovereign's health was declining, and his behavior and decision-making were no longer as disciplined as before. For several months, state affairs had been managed by the Crown Prince with Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji assisting him. All military matters were entrusted entirely to Li Jue. The implications were clear; however, no one dared to openly discuss such matters.
Upon hearing Duan Zhichong's petition, Li Zhi was immediately filled with sorrow and earnestly pleaded with the Sovereign to resume control over state affairs, shedding tears profusely. Changsun Wuji and other civil officials were alarmed and requested that Duan Zhichong be executed.
Although Li Shimin's health was failing, his mind remained sharp. He wrote an edict stating: "Those who govern with virtue prosper; those who elevate themselves at others' expense perish. Therefore, Mount Wuyue Lingxiao and Four Seas and Eight Lands may harbor filth without diminishing their grandeur; Duan Zhichong seeks to force me into abdication with his mere mortal status. If I am guilty, then he is justified; if he is innocent, then he is mad. It is like a foot-long fog attempting to obscure the sky—no harm done to its vastness—or an inch of cloud trying to taint the blazing sun—no harm done to its brightness."
Due to Li Shimin's magnanimity, Duan Zhichong faced no punishment; however, Changsun Wuji's and Li Zhi's eagerness for power became increasingly evident.
The political currents within the Tang court were gradually becoming clearer as Princess Jinyang finally arrived in legendary India with her delegation.
At this time, India was divided into five regions: southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest, and central. Central India was particularly powerful; Wang Xuance aimed to visit King Jiriyu Shiluo of Central India.
The journey had been filled with frustration, and the Xu Zhen had already learned a great deal about India from the Old Interpreter. She held a favorable impression of King Jiriyu Shiluo.
This emperor could be considered a great leader; he began his conquests at the age of fifteen, unifying the various states in northern India with considerable ambition. When Xuanzang Master arrived in India, he brought with him the unparalleled achievements of Tang Emperor Li Shimin, which led Shiluo Die to regard Li Shimin as an idol to surpass in his lifetime.
Shiluo Die was not only a distinguished national hero but also an outstanding poet and playwright. His broad-mindedness was evident; although he personally practiced Shaivism, his family included followers of Buddhism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism.
He aspired to emulate the legendary Indian emperor Ashoka by adopting a policy of religious tolerance and support, allowing his citizens to practice their faith freely, which endeared him to the people.
As they gazed upon the golden-topped pagodas ahead, along with vast earthen fortresses and stone buildings filled with exotic architectural styles, the Xu Zhen and her companions could hardly contain their excitement, eager to release the pent-up frustrations of their months-long journey!
Wang Xuance was also eager to proceed, instructing the Old Interpreter to present their diplomatic credentials upon entering the city. The Xu Zhen led over thirty personal guards behind her, while Deputy Envoy Jiang Shiren took command of sixty guards as they slowly made their way toward the royal city.
As the setting sun cast its rays, the golden rooftops of the royal city reflected a dazzling light. From a distance, it appeared as though the entire city was constructed from pure gold, stirring feelings of awe and longing.
"The tradition of A San's reliance on external help goes back so far... even their ancestors were not lacking," the Xu Zhen couldn't help but marvel quietly.
She slightly adjusted her headscarf that had shielded her from dust along the way, revealing her chiseled features. To avoid sunburn, she had grown a thick beard; although travel-worn, this added an air of ruggedness rather than detracting from her beauty.
"My lord... I feel uneasy... something may happen; it would be wise for the Brothers to stay alert," Caesar said. As a top assassin, she had a strong sense of danger. The sound of hooves on the muddy road made her feel as if blood might well up from the earth itself.
The Xu Zhen simply smiled lightly to reassure her. Though she didn't take it too seriously, she couldn't dismiss Caesar's concerns and ordered Zhou Cang and others to remain vigilant regarding their surroundings.
Seeing this, Wang Xuance and Jiang Shiren couldn't help but mock the Xu Zhen for being overly cautious. They seemed to think she was just a naive country bumpkin who had never seen much of the world. Having visited India before, Wang Xuance felt a sense of superiority over her and proudly led his troops at a leisurely pace.
However, his smile quickly faded when he spotted an Indian cavalryman approaching under the slanting rays of the sunset. The rider carried a banner on his back and rode forth with a raised spear that bore several severed heads!
Jiang Shiren's keen eyesight quickly recognized that those heads belonged to the Old Interpreter and his accompanying guards who had gone ahead to announce their arrival!
"Trouble! Brothers! Things have changed, quickly form up!"
Jiang Shiren shouted loudly, and the Guards all urged their warhorses to form a defensive circle. Meanwhile, over thirty personal guards under Xu Zhen dismounted and took out their massive Crossbows. Under the setting sun, their Red Armor gleamed as if soaked in blood and fire!
However, they soon fell into despair, for on the horizon behind the knight, countless horse heads and human heads surged forth. A rough estimate showed nearly a thousand people!
The Cavalry thundered, shaking the ground. The Guards of the Tang Dynasty were so frightened that their hands trembled, as they numbered only around a hundred while the enemy had nearly a thousand knights. The disparity in strength was overwhelming!
Seeing this scene, Wang Xuance was momentarily stunned but quickly realized that if it were King Jiriyu Shiluo, he would never have executed the Old Interpreter. It seemed that a change of dynasty had occurred in Central India, and a new king had taken the throne!
Instinctively, he ordered the Guards to lower their weapons because he was an envoy of the Tang Dynasty. Regardless of who the new king was, they should not refuse an envoy from the Tang Dynasty, nor dare to kill one.
Jiang Shiren obeyed Wang Xuance's command, and his sixty bodyguards dismounted and lay down. However, Xu Zhen and her Brothers had already prepared for defense. Upon seeing the approaching Cavalry, with a sharp call from Xu Zhen, they swiftly dashed toward the grassland on the South Side!
"Damn Xu Zhen! She's going to provoke these Indians!" Wang Xuance cursed as he saw Xu Zhen's group fleeing.
The Cavalry indeed did not harm Wang Xuance and his companions; however, they noticed Xu Zhen's escape. A general-like figure waved his curved sword and shouted angrily as the Cavalry charged after Xu Zhen and her group!
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