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墨書 Inktalez
A heavy snowfall made the journey ahead difficult, and the challenges of marching in such conditions were evident. In fact, situations like this, where troops are deployed in winter, are quite rare, as the unknown dangers encountered on long treks are numerous. However, a Royal Decree is a Royal Decree, and as Generals, they naturally could not voice any objections. Moreover, many of the current military officials were not even born when King Zhao of Qin led his campaigns. Since the old man deemed it acceptable, there was no point in pretending to be overly concerned.
That said, it was Meng Wu who faced defeat because he advanced with the vanguard through the snow without adequate supplies. However, given the current circumstances, it was hard to assign blame.
In truth, when it came to commanding operations, Meng Wu had never been known to lose to anyone. His only flaw was that he often faced unfortunate circumstances that seemed to conspire against him. But this was beyond human control; perhaps it was simply fate. Luzi noticed the troubled expression on his face and asked, "General Meng, would you like a drink?"
Meng Wu shook his head and replied with a bitter smile, "Drinking only deepens my sorrow; what good would it do?"
Luzi nodded and decided not to press further. "I will be heading out with the troops tomorrow; you can stay here and look after my house."
Due to the unresolved Crown Prince Incident, Meng Wu could not leave the capital for now. His home was not near Capital Xianyang but rather in Gaoling County, over a hundred miles away. Staying at an inn was an option; it wasn't that he couldn't afford it. However, as one of his few friends, Luzi wanted to help him during this difficult time. Under normal circumstances, it might not have mattered much, but given Meng's current predicament, even a small gesture was worth making.
Meng Wu hesitated for a long time before deciding whether to accept Luzi's offer to look after his house. He understood that the notion of looking after someone’s home was merely a way to save face. To directly say he had nowhere to stay would sound inappropriate even if well-intentioned.
He could seek help from his father's old friends, but doing so now would only burden them further. After much contemplation, he ultimately decided to rely on Luzi—his only trustworthy ally at this moment.
He arrived around noon with his belongings and learned from the doorman that Luzi had gone out on official business. So he decided to wait outside until dark when Luzi finally returned home. Before he could explain his situation upon seeing Luzi, he heard that Luzi would be heading out with the troops. At that moment, despair welled up within him.
Seeing Meng Wu with his head down and tears in his eyes, Luzi could not bear to see his old friend in such distress. He recalled how their master had once disregarded personal gain and loss to protect this seedling for Great Qin. Now that fate had brought them together again, there should be no hesitation! With that thought in mind, he stood up and told Meng Wu to eat first without waiting for him; he had urgent military matters to attend to but hoped to return soon.
After calling for Shisan, who had already gone inside to rest, they hurriedly took a carriage to the palace gates. Luzi explained to the Palace Guard that he had urgent matters to report and requested an audience with King Zhao.
King Zhao of Qin was reviewing memorials under the lamp when he heard that Luzi had come again late at night. He wondered what urgent matter could possibly bring him back at such an hour? The issue regarding Han's city submission had already been settled firmly. The matter of seeking compensation for fallen or injured soldiers had likely been thoroughly discussed by Wang He earlier in the afternoon. What else could there be? Did this man intend to resign like Zhang Cheng?
"Did he explain the purpose of his visit?"
The Night Watch Eunuch immediately replied, "Your Majesty! General Lu did not disclose the reason for his visit; he only knelt outside the palace gate, requesting to see you."
Upon hearing this, King Zhao of Qin slammed the Bamboo Slip onto the table. If he wanted to see him, I would have seen him long ago. Why has it come to this!? At such a critical moment, not a single person thought of me! What a bunch of useless people! Why do I need to wait for you all like a statue!? He stood up and scolded, "Look at you all handling matters! Do you want me to go out and ask myself!?"
Seeing King Zhao's anger, the eunuch reporting the matter broke into a cold sweat. He hurriedly bowed and pleaded, "Your Majesty, spare me! Your Majesty, spare me! I... I will go out and ask right away."
Ask again!? If you go out to ask again, how could that fellow not know who is asking!? King Zhao of Qin grunted heavily and sat back down. Since it had come to this, he might as well find out what it was all about. If he didn't ask, it would truly be a source of anxiety!
"Summon!"
Luzi had already thought about what to do upon arriving. If King Qin did not summon him soon, he would simply kneel outside the palace and not leave! After waiting for a long time without hearing any news from within the palace about an audience, he considered sending Thirteen back first. After all, they had a long journey ahead tomorrow; safety was paramount. If it were any other time, it would be fine to sleep in the carriage. But in this cold winter, falling asleep could lead to serious problems.
"Summon Luzi to the hall!"
Hearing this bright voice, Luzi's heart instantly filled with light. He took a deep breath and quickly walked inside. He was not worried that King Zhao was already resting because this diligent Monarch was always busy with state affairs. If he guessed correctly, the old man should be reviewing memorials in the hall at this moment.
This is a blessing for the people! A fortune for the country!
Inside the grand hall, lights shone brightly as oil lamps woven from Mugwort and reeds burned fiercely to bring light into the world. Even if they would eventually turn to ashes, they would strive to release their brightness and dispel the darkness. This is The Way of the Gentleman—willing to sacrifice oneself to hold high the light above one's head!
When King Zhao of Qin saw Luzi enter, his anger flared up immediately. You say you are going to follow the Army into battle tomorrow; why are you running around instead of resting at home? If this delays my important matters, you'll have it coming! Without waiting for Luzi to begin his greeting, he slammed his hand on the table.
"Lu Ziquan! Did you think this king, All Day, has nothing to do like you? Is that right!? Why are you up in the middle of the night, what is the purpose of your visit!?"
As soon as I entered, I was met with a barrage of scolding that left me even more uncertain about the topic I had planned to discuss. Just as I was lowering my head to ponder over my speech, I heard the one referred to as Above call my name. Upon hearing this, the anxiety that had just risen in my throat eased.
When the old man is truly angry, he often falls silent. That is when he is most terrifying; after such silence, someone is bound to suffer! To put it lightly, it could mean being dismissed from office or having one's position reduced for the sake of the people; to put it harshly, it could lead to exile, confiscation of property, execution, and extermination of one's entire clan.
However, it seems that a great matter can be accomplished! Perhaps this is what they call fate! So without further hesitation, I raised my voice and declared, "I report to Your Majesty! I have come not for personal gain but solely for the Great Qin and the State and Nation!"
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