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There is a saying that nothing can be accomplished without a bit of luck, and another that sometimes, when one intends to plant flowers, they may not bloom, while inadvertently planting willows can lead to shade. Li Mingda originally intended to tease her brother, Li Zhi, with Xu Zhen, but while hiding behind a screen, she overheard a significant conspiracy. She realized that her brother had been blinded by the struggles within the court and was willing to tarnish Xu Zhen's reputation just to suppress her.
Li Mingda was gentle by nature and valued familial bonds deeply. Li Zhi's behavior wounded her heart, and she felt compelled to confront him but was pulled away by Xu Zhen.
After sending off Murong Hanzhu and Changsun Wuji, Li Zhi felt he was one step closer to the golden throne. He was in high spirits and walked more lightly but suddenly remembered that he had neglected his sister and Xu Zhen. He hurried to the inner palace only to find it empty. When he asked the servants, they informed him that Miss Shuyi and General Xu had left in haste.
Li Zhi felt puzzled but decided to let it go. He cheerfully went to his study and wrote down the strategies proposed by Murong Hanzhu and Changsun Wuji to present them to the Sage.
Meanwhile, Li Mingda returned to Shuyi Courtyard, still heartbroken and crying like a daughter should. Xu Zhenxin also felt uneasy, thinking that Li Zhi was indecisive and had fallen for the schemes of Changsun Wuji and Murong Hanzhu. With a weak ruler and strong ministers, it was inevitable that he would be manipulated, so she pondered over countermeasures.
As expected, the next day, Li Mingda was summoned to the palace. The Sage did not scold her harshly but spoke gently instead. Feeling the affection from her superior made Li Mingda even more cautious. She missed her brother dearly and fell into a state of depression, losing quite a bit of weight.
After presenting his suggestions, Li Zhi found the Sage delighted with his ideas. The Sage ordered King Wei Li Tai to arrange matters accordingly and instructed Li Zhi to assist in gathering envoys from various nations for the Marriage Trial, aiming to turn it into a grand feast that would involve public participation.
King Wei Li Tai also wished to achieve something significant and gladly accepted the order. He coordinated with officials from Honglu Temple for proper arrangements while following the Sage's intentions regarding the examination questions in collaboration with Li Zhi.
Although they had their disputes, they were still brothers sharing the same parents. While working together, they inevitably discussed various matters, reminiscing about past memories and rekindling their brotherly bond. Li Zhi was subtle in nature while Li Chengqian was straightforward; however, there could only be one Crown Prince. Li Chengqian secretly resolved that no matter what happened, he would conduct himself as a gentleman in this rivalry without harming Li Zhi's life.
Li Zhi felt secretly pleased when Murong Hanzhu's examination questions were accepted, thinking he could finally surpass his brother Li Chengqian. He viewed Li Chengqian's generosity as an opportunity for exploitation.
With both Li Chengqian and Li Zhi complementing each other’s efforts, many details were quickly established and handed over to Honglu Temple and other relevant departments for proper arrangements. They sent out this plan which excited the envoy teams from various countries.
These foreign nations regarded marrying a Tang Dynasty princess as an honor; even small countries like Ryukyu sent envoys upon hearing that the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty intended to bestow marriage upon Tuguhun. They were eager to send messages back home urging their kings to attack Tang Kingdom’s borders in hopes of emulating Tuguhun.
With this news at hand, they naturally sought out talented individuals and strategists determined to compete for first place in the Marriage Trial and win back a Tang princess for their own country!
While excitement brewed on one side, Lu Dongzan was filled with worry. He quickly summoned Murong Hanzhu back to discuss matters regarding the Marriage Trial.
Though he understood Tang customs well, foreign envoys were equally determined not to lose ground. This was Tuguhun's first formal engagement with Tang Dynasty; any misstep could jeopardize future relations.
Considering this, he set aside his previous resentment towards Murong Hanzhu and sincerely sought advice from him. Although Murong Hanzhu appeared warm on the surface, he skillfully avoided discussing key points about the Marriage Trial. As Lu Dongzan was a Great Minister of Tuguhun, he would not tolerate being dismissed without discussion; thus their meeting ended on an unhappy note.
After sending off Murong Hanzhu, Lu Dongzan grew anxious again. After much contemplation, he decided to ask people from Honglu Temple for assistance using funds in hopes of recruiting some noble courtiers to increase their chances of success.
Hearing that Loyal Martial General Xu Zhen enjoyed great favor from the Sage, Lu Dongzan disregarded their past confrontation during the Battle of Songzhou with Xu Zhen. He changed into Tang attire and brought generous gifts to visit Brave Duke's Mansion.
After returning from Jin Wangfu, the Xu Zhen had been contemplating strategies regarding this matter. On one hand, she truly did not wish to see Li Wushuang marry far away, but the tides of history could not be altered. If Murong Hanzhu and Li Zhi succeeded, Tuguhun would lose the marriage alliance, and Li Wushuang would be unable to marry into Tuguhun. The Sage would lose face, and Li Chengqian would face punishment as a result.
Despite countless unwillingness, she ultimately could not allow history to change, nor could she stand by and watch Murong Hanzhu and Changsun Wuji become Li Zhi's right-hand men. She felt that Murong Hanzhu's approach to Li Zhi concealed a greater conspiracy, so she could not afford to sit idly by!
Having made up her mind, upon hearing that Lu Dongzan had come to pay a visit, the Xu Zhen had no reason to refuse him. However, in order to avoid drawing attention, she did not dare to keep Lu Dongzan for long. After accepting his generous gifts, she promptly sent him on his way.
In order to please the Xu Zhen, Lu Dongzan had put in considerable effort. Knowing that she was a Zoroastrian Envoy, he ordered people to present her with a treasured Zoroastrian artifact and a priceless ancient text from Tuguhun's collection!
Little did he know that the Xu Zhen accepted the gifts but did not take action, which infuriated Lu Dongzan to no end. Yet he was powerless; it was too late to befriend other court nobles and could only lament his fate.
However, the next day, an old man arrived claiming to be entrusted by the Loyal Martial General to assist Tuguhun's envoy in participating in the Marriage Trial. Lu Dongzan was overjoyed and hurriedly invited the old man inside.
Moya was originally a Zoroastrian Envoy and proficient in Turkic languages. Although Lu Dongzan was of the Tubo people, he understood both Tang and Turkic languages. After communicating with Moya, he was immediately impressed by Moya's vast knowledge and considered the two treasures worth their weight.
Lu Dongzan felt that it was worth it; the Xu Zhen surely thought the same. Although Lu Dongzan was a great sage of Tuguhun, he did not recognize the Zoroastrian holy relics. The text known as "Dawn" was a dark secret from the Dewdrop Sanctuary branch. Besides containing sacred Zoroastrian teachings, it also concealed secret techniques called Dawn Finger, similar to the Blazing Palm martial arts of Central Plains!
In fact, those who could unleash inner strength were rare in martial arts; such individuals were considered extraordinary and hard to find. Techniques like Blazing Palm were even less trustworthy.
However, the Xu Zhen had studied the Avesta for a long time and was considered a master in Illusion techniques. While practicing Dawn Finger required diligent study, it contained the essence of Illusion and needed special artifacts and medicinal bait for execution. The artifact gifted by Lu Dongzan was precisely meant for use with Dawn Finger!
Having received Li Jing's Enhanced I Ching Cleansing Inner Power Manual and practicing diligently day and night alongside Caesar in dual yoga techniques, the Xu Zhen became increasingly engrossed in her training. With these two treasures in hand, how could she not be overjoyed?
Regarding the story of Emperor Taizong's six trials of Tuguhun's marriage envoy, there were many records in unofficial histories, but opinions varied widely. The Xu Zhen could not ascertain their authenticity as she racked her brain for memories when Niu Jinda came knocking.
This rough man had been promoted from Left Guard General to Left Martial General due to his performance in the Battle of Songzhou. After years of military service, he finally achieved fulfillment in his career—thanks largely to the assistance of the Xu Zhen —and naturally wanted to express his gratitude.
Understanding his straightforward nature, the Xu Zhen accepted his gift and ordered a banquet. After several rounds of drinks, Niu Jinda became more talkative and reminded her.
"Brother Xu, it's not that I'm being nosy; if you want to navigate this officialdom smoothly, sometimes you really need to temper your brilliance. Without mentioning others, just look at Changsun... you cannot confront him directly... This time Sage specifically did not favor you because that person spoke on your behalf before Sage, saying something about cherishing your talents so as not to provoke others' jealousy or resentment; thus you cannot be promoted too quickly—Sage accepted this..."
"If it weren't for your integrity in handling matters, I wouldn't dare take this risk to say such things. Although Sage values you highly, three people can create a tiger out of nothing; public opinion can be quite powerful..."
The Xu Zhen initially had a poor impression of Niu Jinda but felt warmth at his heartfelt words when he even spoke about how Changsun Wuji treated her. She raised her glass respectfully and said: "Thanks to brother for your advice; I am aware of it now. However, a true man stands tall; if one lives uncomfortably despite holding high office, what benefit is there?"
Upon hearing this, Niu Jinda sighed lightly within himself. In their younger days, he and his old brothers shared similar thoughts; however, after years of struggle, who still remembered those youthful absurdities?
The drinking continued until the afternoon, and only then did Niu Jinda leave in high spirits. Xu Zhen, having lost her thoughts about the Marriage Trial, began to feel a surge of emotions as she stroked her long sword, and before she knew it, she started dancing with it, fueled by the alcohol.
The long sword gleamed coldly as she swung it without concern for technique. Soon, she was drenched in sweat. It was only then that Xu Zhen stopped, intending to return to rest. However, upon turning around, she discovered a graceful figure standing behind her, watching her practice swordplay without her noticing.
Li Wushuang had already witnessed the brutality of the battlefield and had finally made up her mind to agree to the distant marriage with Foreigners. Although she felt reluctant, she understood the greater good and had no choice but to comply. Yet, she remained troubled and could not find solace, so she ended up at Brave Duke's Mansion.
Seeing Xu Zhen wielding her long sword with such vigor left her mesmerized.
The two were originally rivals who could not stand each other. However, after experiencing the Battle of Songzhou together, Li Wushuang could not forget that night spent in the cave. The memory of Xu Zhen's slightly wicked smile lingered in her mind, refusing to fade away.
With Sage determined to arrange another marriage, now with the addition of the Marriage Trial, it was uncertain which vassal state she would end up in. As a daughter whose fate was not her own and who felt like a drifting reed, Li Wushuang grew increasingly frustrated and had no one to confide in but Xu Zhen.
Wiping away some sweat, Xu Zhen smiled at Li Wushuang and asked playfully, "Hey girl, how about we have a sparring match?"
Li Wushuang lifted her head slightly and smiled back. She simply replied with a "good," drew her treasured sword, and engaged in combat with Xu Zhen. The light of their swords intertwined as they exchanged blows; many words were swallowed back but were silently conveyed through each move.
As they fought on, Li Wushuang's eyes began to glisten with tears. The setting sun cast its slanted rays across the landscape; emotions ran high as words caught in their throats made their hands and feet restless. In her heart, she wished that when they met again someday, the lights would dim and they would find joy together once more.
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