Chapter 169: |
As for the achievements that Cheng Yaojin mentioned, let them take the credit. This expedition had been quite exhilarating for him. He had developed a good relationship with Cheng Yaojin and the others and couldn’t let these veteran generals become mere supporting roles. Handing over military power and allowing them to accumulate merits was also a good idea. While Cheng Yaojin and the others might not pursue it, Su Dingfang needed such merits. Su Li’s elder brother had suffered from bad luck and hadn’t gained any significant opportunities under Li Er’s rule. Only after Li Er’s death did Su Dingfang rise to become the new military deity of the Great Tang. Su Li was curious about how high Su Dingfang’s achievements could reach if he hadn’t wasted the best period of his life under Li Er’s rule.
During the turmoil engulfing the various kingdoms in the northwest of the Great Tang Dynasty, as the situation had become exceedingly chaotic, Su Li, the main instigator of it all, had already mounted a white dragon and embarked on his journey alone. As the commander-in-chief of an army, returning to the capital with honor should not have been so informal.
Li Daozong and others strongly advised him to bring along hundreds of guards, at the very least, to maintain the appearance of a distinguished general. However, all of these suggestions were firmly rejected by Su Li. At this moment, his heart was set on returning swiftly, and he cared little for matters of prestige. The White Dragon could cover a thousand miles daily, and bringing others along would only slow down his journey.
Setting off in the early morning, he could reach Changan before sunset. As the sun started to set and dusk approached, a dense crowd of people stood outside the Kaiyuan Gate of Changan City. Li Er’s ceremonial procession was positioned just below the city gate. To his right stood a group of military generals led by Li Jing, while to his left was a gathering of civil officials led by Zhangsun Wuji. At this moment, everyone tilted slightly, gazing towards the western horizon.
Since they approved Su Li’s request to return, Li Er sent urgent decrees three times a day, dispatched to the Western Regions to inquire about the exact date of Su Li’s return. Yesterday, news reached the army that Su Li would arrive in Changan today. Li Er knew well that Su Li’s divine steed could travel a thousand miles daily. So, after having lunch today, he summoned all the civil and military officers to gather at the Kaiyuan Gate.
The Emperor himself, accompanied by the entire court of civil and military officers, craned their necks in anticipation, all waiting for one person’s return. The person who received such honor throughout the centuries was Su Li. But at this moment, everyone had solemn expressions devoid of any discontent.
Su Li had achieved the feats that countless warriors dreamed of. Such a legendary figure, similar to a war god, was idolized by many generals. Fans could be unreasonably devoted to their idols. Even if they had to come after lunch, these people would gladly comply, even if Li Er had ordered them to stand guard in the middle of the night.
As for the civil officers, they also held a favorable view of Su Li at this moment. After Li Er ascended the throne, a significant policy he implemented was to pacify the Western Regions. Governing the Western Regions couldn’t rely solely on military prowess. It required the ingenuity of these civil officers. Over the years, numerous envoys had been sent to the Western Regions for various reasons, but the results were meagre.
Su Li’s decisive victory in the northwest brought immense joy to the civil officers. With Tubo and the Western Regions combined, such a vast territory would inevitably need governance. This created a host of positions out of thin air. Which officer would complain about too few opportunities?
As the sun was about to dip below the horizon, the distant sound of hurried hoof beats finally reached their ears. Immediately after, a white horse burst forth as if leaping from the massive sun, galloping towards them. “He’s here!” Li Er’s spirit soared, and he then descended from the imperial carriage, striding forward with regal steps to greet the incoming figure. By his side was only a head-lowered eunuch. This person was well-known even within the court. Li Er’s court didn’t feature eunuchs with excessive power, but there were influential eunuchs. This individual, Zhang Anan, was a renowned figure. He had followed Li Er since the time of Li Yuan’s uprising and had played a pivotal role in the dynasty’s founding. Despite his eunuch status, he had made significant contributions during the establishment of the Great Tang. As a mere eunuch, he had been conferred titles such as Silver Seal Gentleman, Grand Master of Ceremonies, and State Counsellor. Li Er had even granted him the Marquis of Weng Jiang County title and appointed him as the Left Guard General, making him the overseer of the eunuchs in the imperial palace.
As the white dragon dashed closer, upon spotting Li Er, it suddenly neighed, lifting its front hooves and coming to an abrupt halt. Su Li gazed at Li Er, about to dismount. However, Li Er waved his hand with a smile and said, “You’ve had a long journey. Allow me to accompany you for a stretch.”
Amid the civil and military officers’ amazed stares, Li Er unexpectedly took hold of the white dragon’s reins and began walking towards the city gate. Su Li seemed inclined to refuse, but he also realized that Li Er’s grand gesture held deeper meaning beyond a simple show of respect.
Li Er’s actions were a declaration to the world, a testament to his profound respect for the general who had played a pivotal role in establishing the Great Tang.
Leading the horse to the city gate, Zhang Anan, who stood beside Li Er, suddenly stepped forward and approached the white dragon, bowing down. “General, please dismount.” Su Li didn’t recognize Zhang Anan, but the sight of Zhangsun Wuji greatly moved, signaling that this eunuch who willingly acted as his “horse stool” was likely not ordinary. Yet, since Li Er had arranged this, he didn’t decline. He lightly tapped Zhang Anan’s back with a simple twist and then dismounted.
Under the city gate, Zhangsun Wuji wore a complex expression and sighed, “The emperor holding the reins, a marquis serving as a horse stool. Such honor is unparalleled throughout history!” All the court officers, both civil and military, gazed with envy in their eyes, knowing that such an honor was beyond their reach.
The details of the three major battles in the northwest had gradually spread, and no one felt they could compare to Su Li’s accomplishments. He was the only unparalleled individual who had truly created an army by himself in a thousand years. Returning alone, the scale of honor he received far surpassed any triumphant army that had returned to the Great Tang.
After some courteous words, Su Li finally approached Changle. Their eyes met, reflecting fulfillment in each other’s eyes. Changle’s eyes were reddened, and she attempted to rise to greet Su Li, a customary gesture for the main consort when her husband returned from a campaign. Su Li quickly supported her and gently said, “Considering your condition, you need not focus on these formalities.” As she looked at her dusty husband, Changle’s emotions overwhelmed her, and tears fell.
Beside them, Li Er felt relief upon hearing Su Li’s words. In the past, he had anticipated Su Li leading troops into battle, but after this campaign, he genuinely dared not hope for it anymore. Su Li’s exceptional prowess had given him pause, and letting go of this concern refreshed Li Er. He gazed at the two embracing figures, teasing with a smile, “Well then, in the future, you must take good care of Changle and not let her worry anymore.”
Beside the sedan chair, Li Xueyan stared blankly at the scene before her. Su Li’s campaign had led to the destruction of Tubo, lifting the dark cloud that had weighed on her heart for a long time. Yet, even in her relief, an inexplicable bitterness grew within her.
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