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墨書 Inktalez
In October, the weather began to turn cold. The court established five provinces, including Relics, under the Turkic tribes, which were subordinate to the Yunzhong Governor's Office. Six provinces, including Sunong, were under the Zhengxiang Governor's Office.
By mid-October, Tuguhun sent envoys to express condolences to Taizong and included a personal letter from Zanpu Qizong Nongzan, claiming that the Tang Emperor had just ascended to the throne. If any of his subjects were disloyal, Zanpu would surely lead troops to eliminate them in order to demonstrate Tuguhun's loyalty.
With Li Zhi as the new ruler, it was a time to spread grace and win over people's hearts. He hosted a banquet for the Tuguhun envoys at Liangyi Hall and invited many other vassal state envoys as well. Officials from both civil and military sectors gathered to showcase the grace and power of the Tang Dynasty.
The Xu Zhen, who had been idle at home, decisively accepted the invitation to the banquet. Although she had faded from the court's spotlight, her titles as General of the Guard, Grand Minister, and Trusted Minister with a Secret Edict meant that no one dared to neglect her.
However, Changsun Wuji and Murong Hanzhu were enjoying their moment in the limelight and naturally took precedence among the officials. The Xu Zhen did not want to stir trouble and went over to greet Li Jue instead, sitting quietly in a corner.
Li Zhi faced many constraints in governance and grew increasingly frustrated with Changsun Wuji. During the banquet, he displayed imperial authority while also being approachable, praising many vassal states and rewarding various leaders.
When it came time for the Tuguhun envoys, Li Zhi decided to confer the title of Duke of the Right Guard upon Zanpu Qizonglongzan and grant him the title of Prince of Xihai. He also rewarded over a hundred craftsmen skilled in silk weaving and provided a batch of agricultural seeds and other supplies to showcase the Tang Kingdom's grandeur. He similarly sent envoys for a return visit to Tuguhun.
Upon hearing about the return visit to Tuguhun, many officials expressed their discontent. Tuguhun was far away; taking these craftsmen and supplies would likely take a year or more for a round trip. This delay could extend two or three years at least. Setting aside the arduous journey, Li Zhi had just ascended to power and was in a prime position for advancement—who would want to leave the capital?
Li Zhi scanned the room but found that all officials were engrossed in drinking or whispering among themselves; no one volunteered for this task.
The Tuguhun envoy continued praising the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty for his benevolence towards all nations, which only added to Li Zhi's dissatisfaction. He instinctively glanced at Changsun Wuji, who understood immediately and stood up to speak loudly.
"Bestowing a title upon a prince is a matter of great importance; it cannot be taken lightly. Tuguhun has been loyal to our Tang Dynasty and deserves respect and attention. In my humble opinion, this matter should be entrusted to General Xu Zhen. What does Your Sovereign think?"
As soon as he spoke, many officials at the banquet chuckled quietly; some even took pleasure in seeing Xu Zhen further marginalized. If she were sent back to Tuguhun now, her chances of rising again would be even slimmer!
Many officials looked around until they spotted Xu Zhen sitting alone in a corner while everyone else enjoyed themselves amidst clinking cups and laughter. Her solitary figure was indeed pitiful.
Seeing Xu Zhen in such a desolate state tugged at Li Zhi's heartstrings. He had intended to appoint Xu Zhen as a counterbalance against Changsun Wuji but did not expect Changsun Wuji to place this matter squarely on Xu Zhen's shoulders at such a critical moment!
Most people felt it was unfair for Xu Zhen; however, Xu Zhen secretly rejoiced. He had come to this banquet precisely expecting Changsun Wuji to set him up for this task. If he wasn't set up by Changsun Wuji, how would he have an excuse to make a trip to Tuguhun?
Xu Zhen also played hard to get. If he had taken the initiative from the start to volunteer and serve as an envoy to Tuguhun, perhaps Changsun Wuji would not have acted as he wished. Now, hiding in a corner, Changsun Wuji unexpectedly pulled him out, and he was more than happy to put on an innocent yet bitter smile.
However, the members of the Tubo Envoy Group stood in respect, raising their glasses and approaching Xu Zhen's table, loudly asking, "Is it true that with just one person's strength, you borrowed the Nepal and Tuguhun Cavalry to defeat General Xu of India?!!!"
Once the envoy from Tuguhun spoke these words, many foreign envoys turned their gazes towards him. Upon confirming it was indeed Xu Zhen, they cheered joyfully and came forward to toast.
Indeed, while those within the walls were envious and jealous of Xu Zhen, beyond the borders of the Tang Dynasty, Xu Zhenzhi's name had already spread far and wide!
In the many tribes of the northwest during the Tuguhun, tales of the legendary Xu Zhen and the Son of Ahura still circulated today. In the northeast, among nations like Goguryeo, Shiwey, Mohe, as well as Baekje and Silla, the name of Xu Zhen resonated like thunder. After Gao Huizhen became the Divine Maiden, leveraging the power of the Flame Cave Palace, she further shaped the image of Xu Zhen into that of a true deity walking among mortals!
In the distant western regions, tales of how Xu Zhen single-handedly defeated India, combined with her status as a legitimate Zoroastrian Messenger, made for captivating stories!
These small nations outside the Tang Dynasty depended on it for their development, yet they held steadfast beliefs that they valued even more than life itself. Upon hearing that the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty intended to appoint Xu Zhen as an envoy to Tuguhun, they cast envious glances at the envoy from Tuguhun!
The envoy from Tuguhun felt honored as well because when Xu Zhen defeated India, they had lent two thousand cavalry, witnessing and participating in this extraordinary feat!
Seeing the envious gazes from various foreign envoys made the envoy from Tuguhun feel as if his face was adorned with gold paper. He expressed deep gratitude towards Li Zhi, praising him profusely and vowed that upon returning home, he would certainly petition for an increase in tribute and trade between their two nations for the coming year!
Although Li Zhi did not wish for Xu Zhen to leave, now that Changsun Wuji had spoken and with such joy from the envoy from Tuguhun, even though Xu Zhen held no official position, her numerous honors made her journey to receive the title of Prince from Zanpu in Tuguhun quite appropriate; however, there was no suitable reason for it.
Moreover, since it was difficult for ministers to see this poor soul, who had come out to take on this arduous task, they all voiced their agreement. It was not even up to him, Li Zhi, to oppose it. At this moment, he once again felt isolated and bitter about being sidelined in power, regretting deeply but could only swallow this bitter pill.
After returning home, Xu Zhen was in high spirits. She quickly summoned her aides and called upon people like Yan Lide. She entrusted them with all remaining blueprints and celebrated with her friends until they were all drunk, treating it as a farewell gathering.
The court's preparations for rewarding supplies to Tuguhun did not take long; however, recruiting craftsmen required several days. Thus, Xu Zhen hastened her efforts to handle post-event matters and went to bid farewell at Li Jue's residence.
Perhaps others saw her as someone who had given up hope and wanted to leave behind the political scene of Tang Dynasty. However, knowing what kind of person Li Jue was—aware that such tyranny by Changsun Wuji could not last long—he understood that it was indeed wise for her to step out temporarily to avoid trouble. He subtly encouraged her without overstepping boundaries, but she understood perfectly well, and they enjoyed a pleasant conversation.
Li Jue also shared some important points regarding matters she needed to pay attention to while serving abroad, offering valuable advice before finally letting her return home.
Many things were almost ready, and everything that needed to be explained had been taken care of. Only one last question remained: Li Mingda!
"Come in, please bring Miss Ru Mei to my room."
Xu Zhen gently set down her brush and instructed the servant waiting outside the door. Shortly after, a graceful young woman dressed in blue entered. Her name was Ru Mei, a Female Knight in the palace. She had stayed by Xu Zhen's side to facilitate communication with Li Mingda.
For a heroic figure like Xu Zhen, how could Ru Mei not be moved? Thus, she willingly served Xu Zhen, who treated this Female Knight with great respect, refraining from any inappropriate thoughts.
After hearing Xu Zhen's command, Ru Mei quickly went to inform Li Mingda. Soon, Li Mingda hurriedly left Shuyi Hall and headed towards Celestial Hall.
Since discovering the affair between Li Zhi and Wu Mei, and after experiencing a series of actions from Li Zhi, Li Mingda had become utterly disappointed in her brother. Now they were like strangers, and she truly did not want to see him again.
However, she had no official title as a princess. Although her true identity had been exposed by Changsun Wuji's underhanded tactics, she still had not received formal recognition or re-appointment from the court. After the death of her beloved Li Shimin, Li Mingda was left with only Xu Zhen as someone she could rely on.
Unfortunately, Changsun Wuji had falsely accused her and Xu Zhen within the palace walls, forcing them to remain apart and suffer from longing.
She could not understand why her uncle Changsun Wuji could treat her so unfairly and look down on her. She also wondered where that shy little boy from her childhood had gone…
Yet for the sake of her future, she had to meet this brother who had now become Your Majesty; otherwise, she would either die in the palace or be sacrificed in a political marriage to an unknown nobleman.
Li Zhi was very happy about Li Mingda's arrival because he saw through the warmth and coldness among family members. In the face of power, familial bonds seemed as fragile as paper. The revelation of Changsun Wuji's true nature further touched him.
Li Mingda already knew about his affair with Wu Mei but had never revealed this secret or used it to blackmail him. Although this younger sister had grown up, she still maintained a pure heart, making Li Zhi feel guilty towards her.
He initially thought that his sister Li Mingda came to see him to forgive his actions; however, he did not expect that her only reason for seeking him out was to ask for his permission to leave.
"Your Majesty, Sister Si wishes to accompany General Xu Zhen to Tuguhun to see Sister Peerless… After Ye Ye's death, Sister Si…" Li Mingda intended only to seek Li Zhi's consent but, being kind-hearted, she unconsciously began to pour out her feelings.
She had been holding back for too long. She wanted to find Li Chengqian, but Li Zhi was extremely wary of him. If she went to Junjou, it would only bring rumors that could harm Li Chengqian. Now that she could not meet with Xu Zhen either, she could only relay messages through the Female Knight. How could she trust such intimate thoughts to be passed back and forth by someone else?
Upon seeing Li Zhi, she forgot his identity as emperor and truly confided in him as if he were her brother.
At first, when Li Zhi heard Li Mingda call him "Your Majesty," he felt a chill in his heart. However, after listening to Li Mingda's confessions, his mood grew heavier. He felt he owed too much to this sister of his.
Given the current situation, it would be quite difficult for her to facilitate a good match with the Xu Zhen. It might be better for her to accompany him to Tuguhun, where they could spend time together. Moreover, the Wencheng Princess of Tuguhun was Li Wushuang, who had always been close with both Li Mingda and the Xu Zhen. She could settle down in Tuguhun for a while until the rumors about the chaotic harem subsided. By then, they could arrange a marriage without any pressure.
The matter concerning Li Mingda and Xu Zhenzhi was something that Li Shimin personally instructed before his passing, and Li Zhi naturally kept it in mind. Although he was reluctant, he had no choice but to let Li Mingda go.
Before she left, Li Zhi called out to Li Mingda, took off the jade bracelet from his wrist, and gifted it to her. He moved his lips for a long time but ultimately couldn't utter a single word.
Li Mingda sensed something and smiled as she bid farewell to Li Zhi, saying, "Take care!"
That smile seemed to take Li Zhi back to a time when he was still young—when Li Shimin, Empress Changsun, Tubo, and Li Chengqian were all together. The sun was warm, and so were their smiles.
"Sister Si, take care..." he finally managed to say, but by then, Li Mingda had already walked far away.
In December, the current Sovereign issued an edict allowing Prince Li Tai to establish an office and appoint subordinates. Carriages, clothing, and precious meals would all be provided with special privileges.
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