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墨書 Inktalez
People say that true feelings are revealed in times of hardship; a thousand acts of kindness are not as valuable as a single gesture of help in a time of need. When Qibi Helix and Asena Sher found themselves in a difficult situation, it was Xu Zhen who came to their rescue. This kindness had already made a deep impression on both of them. Now, seeing Xu Zhen being sent to Tuguhun as an envoy, they felt sorrow for her, believing that her loss of power was due to their own troubles, which made them even more grateful.
The fallen phoenix is not as good as a chicken; Liu Jinzhao naturally understood this principle. However, having been stationed at the Border for a long time, he found himself without any means to return to the capital and seek promotion. This is why he treated the fallen general Xu Zhen with such respect. Moreover, Yin Zong was bold and young, gaining the support of the military and surpassing Liu Jinzhao's reputation as Deputy Commander. Since Xu Zhen was an old lord of Yin Zong, Liu Jinzhao's dislike for her only grew.
Qibi Helix and Asena Sher came with the intention of temporarily mobilizing troops from Yutian Prefecture to go to Khotan for revenge and capture Uighur Khan.
Without an imperial decree from the court, even if Liu Jinzhao was Deputy Commander of the Zhechong Bureau, he would never dare to privately summon troops or make unauthorized troop movements; that would be a grave crime!
However, Qibi Helix and Asena Sher had come to Khotan under imperial orders to persuade surrender. Before departing, they received a decree from the Sovereign allowing them to act according to circumstances, but local cooperation was necessary.
The difficulty lay in the fact that the Sovereign's decree did not specify what kind of cooperation was expected or to what extent it should be provided. After all, Qibi Helix and Asena Sher had nearly been buried alongside Taizong at Zhaoling; now they were being reinstated, but the Sovereign's intentions remained unclear. Liu Jinzhao dared not decisively align himself with them.
Thus, he thought about passing this responsibility onto Xu Zhen, letting Xu Zhen handle Qibi Helix and Asena Sher.
Unexpectedly, after hearing their words, Xu Zhen had the same idea and wanted Liu Jinzhao to mobilize troops. This left him feeling overwhelmed.
If they won this battle, it would be a significant achievement for Liu Jinzhao. But if they lost, the responsibility for mobilizing troops would fall squarely on his shoulders!
When Liu Jinzhao was dispatched to Anxi Protectorate, it was because he was more focused on maintaining stability than on ambitious expansion. Now that an opportunity had arisen, this Deputy Commander was still hesitant and evasive. Qibi Helix and Xu Zhen understood his reluctance but did not press him further.
After returning to their temporary residence, the group settled down to talk. Qibi Helix couldn't help but sigh; he was getting older and thought it should be time for him to enjoy his twilight years. Little did he know that Taizong had passed away first, leading loyal foreign generals like him to be viewed with suspicion by the new ruler.
He had hoped that they could rely on the initial deterrent force from their campaign in the Northwest to persuade the King of Khotan easily. However, Fuxin's arrogance nearly led to disaster for Qibi Helix and Asena Sher when they were ambushed along the way.
If they could borrow troops and capture Fuxin to bring back to Chang'an, the new ruler Li Zhi would surely value Qibi Helix and Asena Sher once again. Even if they were merely sent back to guard the Border, they would have completed their mission honorably. Returning in such a disheveled state would leave them with little hope of gaining Li Zhi's favor.
Furthermore, Khotan was an ancient kingdom in the Western Regions originating from Tocharian culture. It was bordered by Kunlun Mountains to the south and Taklamakan Desert to the north, connecting eastward to Qiemu and Shanshan while westward leading through Shache and Shule. It served as a vital hub for transportation between Northwest regions and northern India or ancient Daxia.
Moreover, Khotan is the largest oasis along the Southern Silk Road, with a favorable climate suitable for agriculture and abundant production of gemstones. The beautiful jade produced here has been renowned throughout history. If we could capture the King of Khotan, it would undoubtedly be a grand gift for the new ruler!
After Li Zhi ascended to power, civil governance flourished while military prowess was lacking. Changsun Wuji and Zhu Suiliang were both civil officials who focused on national policies and governance, slightly neglecting military campaigns. If Qibi Helix and Asena Sher could conquer Khotan, there would be no need to worry about not being valued.
Although the three Xu Zhen es were all great generals, they could not force Liu Jinzhao to mobilize troops. In their frustration, they could only speak in discontent.
Yin Zong, although merely the Captain Guoyi of Yutian Prefecture, commanded several hundred loyal soldiers. Allowing him to mobilize troops was simply a matter of a word from the Xu Zhen, but those few hundred soldiers were still insufficient.
Just as they were in a dilemma, the envoy from Tuguhun proposed an exciting suggestion: he would go to the Tuguhun to borrow troops!
At this time, the Tuguhun was a puppet state of Tuguhun. The last time the Xu Zhen borrowed troops to defeat the Turkic forces, after two thousand Tuguhun Cavalry returned triumphantly, they received a personal audience with Qizong Nongsan and were greatly rewarded. The Tubo Army was also envied by all.
Tuguhun did not emulate the Tang Dynasty's Imperial Guards system; the production and social systems of both countries were different. While the Imperial Guards system allowed the Tang Dynasty to prosper, it could not be implemented in Tuguhun.
The armed forces of Tuguhun were controlled by local Lords. After these Lords pledged loyalty to Zanpu, Zanpu could command them to lead their troops into battle.
The last time a Lord lent troops to the Xu Zhen, he was initially mocked by other Lords. However, after the Xu Zhen achieved a great victory over India, this Lord's status and power significantly increased, leaving other Lords regretting their earlier ridicule.
Khotan is like a pearl amidst dust; both the Tuguhun and Tuguhun had long coveted it but lacked justification for military action. Now that a great general from the Tang Dynasty was involved, it was an opportune moment to strike at Khotan!
Although control still rested with the Tang Dynasty, those lending troops would undoubtedly gain numerous benefits. They recalled how they had lent two thousand elite soldiers to the Xu Zhen, bringing back a wealth of enticing spoils for that great Lord, making them all envious.
Now that the Xu Zhen wanted to borrow troops, it was as if she had called upon countless supporters!
Qibi Helix and Asena Sher had long been engaged in battles along the border and had extensive contact with various tribes. Their strategy of using one tribe against another had proven effective time and again. They had no objections to borrowing troops and quickly settled this matter.
Upon hearing that the Xu Zhen was leading an effort to borrow troops from the Tuguhun and surrounding tribes, Liu Jinzhao's expression darkened. With the Xu Zhen's charisma and the mediation of Tuguhun's envoy, gathering a large force would not be difficult. With Qibi Helix and Asena Sher—two unparalleled generals—stationed there, attacking small Khotan would be as easy as sweeping leaves in autumn!
If they were to conquer Khotan with the help of the Foreigners' troops, Liu Jinzhao would not only gain no credit but might also be ridiculed as a cowardly and incompetent person. At that point, it would be even more difficult for him to request a transfer from the border defense!
However, he had already politely declined the request from Xu Zhen and her companions for military assistance. Now, if he were to actively seek help again, people would gossip about him, mocking Liu Jinzhao for being opportunistic and spineless. Yet, seeing Xu Zhen and the others poised to claim such significant military achievements in their assault on Khotan while he received nothing was truly disheartening.
Just as he was feeling troubled, Yin Zong volunteered to lead his troops to support Xu Zhen and her companions, which made Liu Jinzhao overjoyed!
Yin Zong was eager to fight alongside his Lord and did not have such strong ulterior motives. In the past, Liu Jinzhao would have harbored resentment towards Yin Zong, fearing that this young man’s military accomplishments might overshadow him as Deputy Commander and threaten his position.
But now, when he didn’t know how to ask for help, Yin Zong had come forward just at the right moment!
Not only that, but Liu Jinzhao also made enough arrangements to accommodate the Delegation's personnel, ensuring timely supplies so that Xu Zhen and her companions could focus on their mission without worries.
Once the Delegation was settled, the Tuguhun envoy felt much more at ease. During the Tuguhun, many clans flourished, but the Ashina Clan remained a formidable force. Therefore, the Tuguhun envoy decided to take Asena Sher to borrow troops from the Tuguhun. Of course, he did not bring Xu Zhen along because her title of Firewood Man was given by Tuguhun Achai. In the eyes of the Turquoise Hu Man, Xu Zhen was indeed a true killing god!
Qibi Helix was also busy gathering troops from nearby tribes. Although these small tribes had limited populations, they were all warriors. Yin Zong was originally the successor Sili of the Salar Tribe and had taken on the role of Captain Guoyi. He had looked after border residents and small tribes well, gaining considerable reputation; thus, recruiting soldiers went exceptionally smoothly.
Xu Zhen could not afford to be idle either; she began organizing Yin Zong's troops and collected intelligence on Khotan's army through scouts brought back by Qibi Helix. They were diligently preparing for war and mobilizing their forces.
While they were busy with preparations, Li Mingda was filled with worry. Although she held the title of princess and had broader horizons than most young ladies, after becoming closely bonded with Xu Zhen, she could no longer bear to see her in danger. In her heart, Xu Zhen was her only family left; how could she not be concerned?
Xu Zhen had to take time out to comfort Li Mingda. However, the young girl had grown up and could not be easily soothed with just a few words; she insisted that Xu Zhen promise her not to go into battle personally.
With no other choice, Xu Zhen thought for a moment and came up with an idea. She said to Li Mingda: "Sister Si, your Brother Xu is quite remarkable; he has returned safely from many years on the battlefield. How could this small Khotan possibly harm me? India is so vast, yet it was swept clean by your brother!"
"You are my good sister; you will also become my good wife in the future—a virtuous partner. If you act this way, how can Brother Xu fight with peace of mind? Why don’t you manage and take care of the Delegation? These craftsmen have families; in this cold weather, they are struggling too. Sister Si is kind-hearted and possesses the grace of an Imperial Daughter; I can trust you with these people!"
"Can Brother Xu rest assured leaving this matter in your hands?"
Xu Zhen After this conversation, Li Mingda indeed calmed down, and then a flush of excitement appeared on her beautiful face, with a smile slowly creeping up the corners of her eyes.
For so long, she had been unable to do anything for Xu Zhen. Whether Xu Zhen was fighting battles or facing court intrigues, she had never been able to help her. She did not want to be a burden to Xu Zhen, and this thought became even stronger after the passing of Li Shimin.
She was originally a proud little dragon girl who did not need to struggle. However, the experience of fleeing with Xu Zhen completely changed her mindset. She trained in martial arts with Zhou Cang and Li Dejiang, hoping no longer to hide under someone else's wings. She longed to possess the strength to protect herself!
She hated the feeling of powerlessness that came from relying on others. Even when Li Shimin, who loved her most, was alive, she thought about becoming self-reliant. She wanted to contribute her modest strength when Xu Zhen needed help!
Now, her opportunity had finally come; she could prove herself in front of Xu Zhen!
She raised her head, her watery beautiful eyes sparkling, and with a determined expression, she clenched her delicate fist and declared to Xu Zhen: "Don't worry, Sister Si will definitely live up to your expectations!"
Xu Zhen nodded in satisfaction, feeling very pleased. Habitually, she reached out to pat Li Mingda's head and smiled affectionately: "Girl, you have really grown up..."
Hearing the words "grown up," Li Mingda inexplicably recalled that night with Xu Zhen, remembering the blooming red peony on the sheets. Her cheeks suddenly flushed with excitement, and her eyes were filled with desire. After that night, they had rarely been intimate. Now that Xu Zhen was going back to battle, it was hard to part ways, and naturally, they couldn't help but indulge in lingering affection.
Outside, there was a light snowstorm, but inside, the air was already filled with sweat mist... The atmosphere was thick with a sweet scent...
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