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墨書 Inktalez
In November, the northwest was already lightly snowing. Although the Tubo Envoy Group's Guard was leading the way, as dusk fell, the convoy had to stop to avoid the wind and rain.
Xu Zhen rubbed her hands together to warm them and then placed them on Li Mingda's cheeks, warming her frozen, red face.
This marked the tenth year of Xu Zhen's reign in the Tang Dynasty, and he was now thirty-one years old. Whether in the comfortable and leisurely Chang'an or in the cold and harsh Liaodong, he seemed to have paid little attention to the falling snow in this land.
Tonight, watching the busy convoy personnel setting up camp, a poem unexpectedly came to his mind.
"The moon is dark and the wild geese fly high, the Chanyu escapes at night; wanting to chase with light cavalry, heavy snow fills the bow and blade."
In his impression, the snow of the Tang Dynasty was never romantic but rather a snow that buried corpses. The memories of snow were more red than white.
Back then, his greatest wish was simply to be a small official among the Street Folk, living without worries about food and clothing, marrying a virtuous woman from an ordinary family, and perhaps taking one or two concubines—this would have been enough for him in this life.
However, after getting involved with Wuhou, he discovered another path and saw the possibility of returning to reality. Thus, he began to accumulate energy and wait for opportunities. Eventually, he encountered Li Mingda, who was only twelve years old at the time, disguised as a boy to watch performances but was then schemed against by Moya and Caesar.
From beginning to end, without meeting Li Mingda, Xu Zhen would never have reached this point today. At this moment, that girl who was once a little girl had grown from a youthful and spirited firecracker into a ripe peach ready to burst with sweetness—and that peach was now in his arms.
Gazing at the wind and snow outside the tent, they embraced each other for warmth and quietly recounted their experiences over the years to pass through the cold winter night.
Li Zhi worried about Li Mingda's safety and dispatched two Female Knights for close protection. One was Ru Mei, who was stationed at Xu Zhen's residence, while the other was Liu Yan, who had long been following and protecting Li Mingda.
Although they each had their own tents, as dutiful Female Knights, they did not rest but stood guard outside Xu Zhen's tent in the falling snow until Li Mingda instructed them to go rest before they finally left.
By late night, the wind and snow had ceased, allowing the horse team to settle down. Thanks to the bonfire that burned all night long, everyone in the horse team could rest peacefully.
However, by the next morning, it began to rain mixed with snow again. The Tubo Envoy Group's members were eager to return home and decided to travel despite the snow. Xu Zhen and the other Tang people could not oppose this decision; it was only hard on those craftsmen and their families.
These individuals were being transported to Tuguhun and might never return to the Tang Dynasty in their lifetimes. Nevertheless, they willingly accepted the court's summons; despite the hardships of the journey, they bore no complaints.
Upon reaching the area of the Anxi Four Garrisons, everyone looked eastward with reluctance in their eyes.
The Anxi Four Garrisons is subordinate to the Anxi Protectorate and was established as early as the Year Fourteen of the Zhenguan Era. However, in recent years, it has faced constant assaults from various foreign tribes, leading to frequent changes and much turmoil.
Although the Tubo Envoy Group was accompanied by a small number of Guards, they were deeply concerned. These small tribes were not like larger clans or small nations; they had no political concepts and migrated with the seasons, showing no fear of the Tuguhun or the armies of the Tang Dynasty pursuing them.
These tribes often operated like bandit groups, relying on plunder for survival, indifferent to whether one was a Tuguhun envoy or a Tang envoy.
The Tubo Envoy Group had previously encountered robbery, resulting in the loss of dozens of Guards' lives to protect the Delegation. Now that they had arrived in this tumultuous land again, they were naturally on edge.
The Xu Zhen also had over a hundred people acting as Guards, but they were not her personal soldiers. Zhou Cang and others had been dispersed among more than a hundred Imperial Guards in the Tang Dynasty, serving as grassroots Captains and Colonels, and could no longer serve as Xu Zhen's Elite Guards.
Without the close protection of Zhou Cang and others, the Xu Zhen felt some anxiety. However, such is life; the more one worries, the more likely it is to happen. After traveling for half a day, they reached a low hill where the horse team was exhausted and was about to stop for a rest when suddenly two groups of Bandits charged out from either side of the hill!
The Tibetan Guards had learned from past experiences and had remained vigilant throughout their journey. They quickly detected the enemy's presence; horns blared loudly, and the Guards galloped out!
"Protect Sister Si!" The Xu Zhen commanded Ru Mei and Liu Yan with a stern expression while she equipped herself with the Carved Bow gifted by Caesar, mounted her Azure Steed, and led the Tang Imperial Guards into battle against the bandits!
These bandits were dressed in mismatched attire with various weapons; some even rode small horses and donkeys. However, their eyes were filled with ferocity. To them, this horse team of three to four hundred people appeared as a large piece of fat meat!
Although the Delegation bore the flag of Tuguhun and the Xu Zhen carried that of Tang Dynasty, these Bandits were like starving wolves attacking wherever they could bite. They cared little whether it was the Tang Heavenly Army or Tuguhun's cavalry they faced!
The Guards of the Delegation were regular troops, and with an unparalleled warrior like Xu Zhen at their helm—especially with only a hundred Tang Imperial Guards equipped with massive Crossbows—the bandits quickly fell apart after a fierce volley!
Those bandits were terrified and did not know who shouted in Turkic Language; remnants scattered like birds and beasts!
Someone in the Tubo Army understood Turkic and grasped what the Bandit had shouted. They cast an admiring glance at Xu Zhen because that Bandit had screamed: "I recognize him! Red Armored Longsword! This is Firewood Man from Salar Tribe!"
The title of "Firewood Man" had not been heard in the Northwest for three or four years. It originated when the Xu Zhen infiltrated the Tuguhun, making a name for herself among Yin Zong and Ulyet's Salar Tribe.
These bandits roamed the grasslands, deeply believing in legends of gods and spirits. Although the names of Son of Ahura and Firewood Man had gradually faded over time, some old horse bandits still spread tales of this great figure, as being defeated by Firewood Man was a point of pride for them.
When some tribes recruited bandits, hearing that a particular bandit had survived under Firewood Man's command would instantly elevate their status. Now that the Xu Zhen's Red Armored Longsword had reappeared on the grasslands, it was believed that within two days, the name Firewood Man would once again blaze across the Northwest!
The members of the Tubo Envoy Group had certainly heard of Firewood Man's name, and Son of Ahura's reputation was even more resounding. They could not help but show pride, as Son of Ahura was about to go to Tuguhun to confer the title of Prince upon their Zanpu!
As expected, ever since the Xu Zhen was recognized, they encountered several groups of bandits one after another. However, these bandits only lingered on the outskirts; upon confirming Xu Zhen's identity, they hurriedly left and dared not infringe further. Consequently, many bandits came daily to admire Xu Zhen's grace, behaving more like fans visiting an idol than thieves looking to rob.
The Tubo Envoy Group members were in awe, while the Tang Imperial Guards realized just how renowned Xu Zhenzhi was in remote areas!
The border residents nearby heard that Son of Ahura had arrived and rushed to offer food and drink along the way. The Zoroastrian Apostles were particularly fervent, inviting Xu Zhen to their small tribes to ignite the Holy Fire.
This naturally delayed their journey for some time; however, both the Tubo Envoy Group and Tang Imperial Guards felt honored. Li Mingda was especially delighted as he witnessed various tribal customs along the way, broadening his horizons.
After two more days of travel, a team of Tang border troops thundered into view—an entire cavalry unit equipped with full gear, an elite force led by Yuzhen Guoyi Duwei Yinzong from Anxi Protectorate!
Yin Zong was originally the son of Salur Great Chief and had followed Xu Zhen for many years, achieving numerous military exploits. After Xu Zhen returned to court and her brothers were scattered, he was assigned to Anxi Protectorate while Gao He Shu was sent north to monitor Turkic remnants.
Yin Zong was valiant and unyielding; being the son of a local chieftain made him adept at managing local affairs. Even the deputy protector had heard his name and knew he was a direct subordinate of Xu Zhen with a background as a personal guard. He intended to make good use of him!
In recent days, scouts had continuously relayed news about Xu Zhen back to Yin Zong, who could no longer contain his excitement. Today he could not resist bringing his personal guards to welcome his old lord!
Seeing Yin Zong thriving brought comfort to Xu Zhen; after all, these were his brothers!
Upon arriving at their stationed territory, Yin Zong quickly ordered his men to properly attend to the delegation's horses. Deputy Commander Liu Jinzhao personally welcomed Xu Zhen. Although Xu Zhen held no official position, with titles such as General of the Guard and Grand Minister, how could these border commanders dare act arrogantly?
As soon as they were seated and exchanged pleasantries, a Soldier hurriedly came to report. Liu Jinzhao's expression darkened, and he left his seat to whisper with the Soldier for a moment, his face growing increasingly grave.
Xu Zhen observed the situation and, not wanting to delay military matters while also wishing to catch up with Yin Zong, quickly excused herself. However, Liu Jinzhao insisted on keeping her there, requesting with a troubled expression.
"General Xu, please stay... This matter may require the Grand General's input; I would like to seek your favor..."
Xu Zhen was puzzled but decided to stay. Before long, she saw the Soldier leading two individuals in—Qibi Helix and Asena Sher!
Both were Grand Generals of the Sixteen Guard. Although they were Foreign leaders, they were fiercely loyal and had fought in many campaigns over the years, earning Taizong's trust and reliance.
However, after the new ruler ascended the throne, there was much caution surrounding them. Thus, they were sent to Khotan to persuade Uighur Khan Fuxin, hoping to achieve a peaceful submission without battle and have Fuxin pay homage to the new ruler as a sign of allegiance.
Xu Zhen had an old friendship with them and did not hesitate to abandon her official duties in support of these two men in court. It was no wonder Liu Jinzhao wanted her to stay.
Qibi Helix and Asena Sher felt helpless; they had recently captured the Sovereign of Kucha Kingdom and brought him back to Chang'an. Logically, Uighur Khan should not have been so unreasonable. However, when they met Uighur Khan, he was exceptionally domineering. Not only did he refuse to come pay his respects, but he also ambushed them midway with hidden troops, attempting to take Qibi Helix and Asena Sher hostage!
Both were seasoned warriors of unparalleled skill; however, the disparity in forces was too great. Their soldiers were not from their main troops, lacking the same level of coordination and determination. They suffered heavy losses at the hands of Khotan's ambushers and could only lead a few dozen guards back in a disheveled retreat.
Seeing Xu Zhen unexpectedly present shocked both Qibi Helix and Asena Sher. Upon spotting Tuguhun's envoy outside their camp earlier, they had wondered who the unfortunate soul sent to Tuguhun was. Little did they know that this unfortunate person turned out to be their benefactor, Xu Zhen!
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