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Chapter 119: Mourning
Dan Xiongxin felt quite honored, and Qin Shubao also believed he was receiving exceptional treatment, which naturally made them both very happy. Not long ago, he had visited other factions as well.
Although they were willing to use him, their attitudes were high-handed, clearly not considering him too important. In comparison, this journey of a thousand miles felt particularly worthwhile.
Qin Shubao bowed to Li Jian Cheng and said, "It's just luck; you flatter me, my lord."
Li Jian Cheng pulled the two into the residence and instructed Li Jin, "Prepare the pot, cut the lamb, and brew some wine."
"Yes."
The preparations were swift. The couple had been enjoying hot pot since winter began; at this time, it was called antique soup or warming pot. Eating it while appreciating the snow during the harsh winter month was the most comfortable thing to do.
Dan Xiongxin and Qin Shubao had traveled from afar, bringing with them a chill that made this meal fitting for the occasion.
In the Governor's Office Main Hall, Xiao Chanyan greeted the three with a bow. Dan Xiongxin and Qin Shubao merely glanced at her before bowing their heads in return. She was the niece of the current Empress and the legitimate daughter of the Emperor of the Liang Dynasty.
If it had been several decades earlier, they would have had to address her as Princess.
After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Chanyan returned to the courtyard. Only then did the two relax. After enjoying a cup of tea, the warming pot was brought out, and the three sat down together to cook meat and drink wine.
Each person consumed several pieces of meat and downed two large bowls of wine. They felt their bodies warm up as they discussed the battle in Liaodong, each sharing their own insights.
Li Jian Cheng's perspective was more focused on the overall situation, while Qin Shubao expressed dissatisfaction with Come to Protect the Child's eagerness for quick results. Otherwise, with just Naval Forces proceeding steadily, they could have surrounded Pyongyang. By the time Yuwen Shu arrived with Wen Long's army, a significant victory would have been achieved.
Dan Xiongxin kept it simple; although he possessed courage, this battle was his first experience. He wasn't too familiar with everything and only spoke about what he had witnessed.
It is no wonder that Dan Xiongxin feels this way. Although Qin Shubao's father was not well-known, he had served as a military officer under the Former King of Qianqi, Hulei Wu. After the fall of the Qi State, he returned home to focus on raising his children.
Qin Shubao received the education befitting a general's son, and with his exceptional talent, he quickly began to stand out in the military. However, barring any unforeseen circumstances, this would likely be his limit.
He was from Qijun Licheng, not only lacking the status of Qin's Clan Members but also not being part of the Wuchuan Nobility.
Even if he were to be promoted further, the chances of him commanding an army independently were slim. He would need the support of influential patrons and the emperor's favor—both were essential.
Although Qin Shubao believed that Come to Protect the Child had underestimated the enemy and led to an early defeat, he still held great respect for him and understood that Come to Protect the Child's risks were not motivated by personal gain.
"My Lord, should we send a general to the Eastern Capital to apologize? What does His Majesty think?"
Li Jian Cheng poured him a drink. "Don't worry; His Majesty will not blame anyone further. After the New Year, he will likely order a campaign against Goguryeo again, and most likely command our general to lead the Naval Forces into battle."
"To achieve success is less important than to avoid mistakes; that's all there is to it."
Neither of them had met the emperor, so they naturally trusted Li Jian Cheng. After all, he was not just a ruler but also a relative; surely he understood his temperament better than outsiders like them.
"That's good. I believe this time we will surely subdue Goguryeo!"
Both men were optimistic about the prospects of the second campaign against Goguryeo. Although they had not achieved success in their previous engagement, they had witnessed Goguryeo's troops firsthand and found them lacking in comparison.
Dan Xiongxin asked, "What do you think, my Lord?"
Li Jian Cheng set down his chopsticks and replied, "I believe it will not go smoothly. It is not because of Goguryeo's strength but rather due to our own issues within the Sui Dynasty."
Qin Shubao frowned and said, "Are you referring to those rebels, my Lord? They are not a significant threat. His Majesty has already ordered the various provinces to encircle them. I believe they can be completely eradicated within two years."
Li Jian Cheng shook his head. "It's not them."
Dan Xiongxin and Qin Shubao exchanged glances, quickly realizing that if it wasn't the common people, it must be the court officials and nobles. Changing dynasties was not an uncommon occurrence; this dynasty had only reached its second generation.
Both men understood without needing to ask further. Their status did not grant them the right to meddle in such matters; asking would only bring unnecessary trouble.
However, they both sensed that the world was becoming increasingly chaotic, and there was a growing need for a strong figure to rely on.
Before long, Li Jian Cheng's messengers returned with Li Jing and Li Xiaogong. After exchanging pleasantries, they drank heavily until late into the night, all of them intoxicated. Xiao Chanyan arranged for people to help them to their guest rooms to rest.
The next day, as Li Jian Cheng prepared to take them out for another feast, he was interrupted by a panting servant who had rushed in from Chang'an. Upon inquiry, he learned that the Old Matriarch of the Dugu Clan was gravely ill and had little time left.
Dan Xiongxin steadied the swaying Li Jian Cheng and hurriedly reassured him, "My Lord, do not worry. There are many skilled physicians in Chang'an; perhaps the Old Matriarch has already turned the tide."
"Yes, the Old Matriarch is a blessed person; heaven will surely protect her."
Everyone spoke these auspicious words, but they all understood that for someone advanced in years and frail in health, passing away during the Harsh Winter Month was quite normal. Who could resist the cycle of life and death?
Li Jian Cheng felt both duty-bound and obligated to return to Chang'an. After apologizing briefly, he hurried back to his study to draft an official letter and ordered it sent urgently to Luoyang. As a Prefect, he had responsibilities to maintain peace and order in his territory; he could not leave without proper authorization.
The Dugu Clan held a noble status; after all, she was the Emperor's aunt. Therefore, His Majesty would certainly grant permission. Li Jian Cheng and Xiao Chanyan began preparing for their return journey, arranging transportation and supplies while secretly getting mourning attire ready.
After everything was arranged, Li Jian Cheng said to Qin Shubao and Dan Xiongxin, "I intended to host you both well, but unexpected events have occurred. I truly apologize."
"My Lord, there is no need for such words. We are the ones who feel guilty for not being able to alleviate your worries," they replied.
...
Just two days later, the emperor's decree arrived. It was clear that this order did not stem from Li Jian Cheng's memorial; the emperor must have received news from Chang'an as well.
Thus, they set off promptly, entrusting all matters to Li Jing and the County Magistrate. The prominent families of Zhuojun not only escorted them out of the city but also sent several representatives along, ostensibly to accompany him back to Chang'an.
Less than half a day into their journey, news came from a servant that the Old Matriarch had passed away. Li Jian Cheng wept until he fainted, and everyone present could not help but shed tears, lamenting Li Langjun's deep filial piety.
The Li family donned mourning attire, and the representatives from Zhuojun changed into plain clothes. They hastened their pace towards Chang'an. This journey was unlike Li Jian Cheng's previous trip for his appointment; although there were old friends along the way in each prefecture offering hospitality, it was merely a cup of hot tea before they silently joined the procession.
Since receiving the news, Li Jian Cheng had not smiled again and had switched to a vegetarian diet. However, he took great care of his friends, ensuring they did not suffer alongside him.
A grand procession finally returned to Chang'an city. In his heart, Li Jian Cheng had already accepted this event and felt little sorrow; after all, his grandmother had lived a long life.
Yet upon seeing the city walls of Chang'an, he couldn't help but recall over a decade ago when he entered the palace with his grandmother's letter to meet the Queen, which led to his current prominence.
...
(End of Chapter)
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