Chapter 7: The Man with the Perfume

Min Ruoxi and Guo Jiuling exchanged a glance, both catching a hint of amusement in each other's eyes. Who is Zuo Lixing? A seasoned general who has honed his skills in the military for decades, not only is he rich in experience, but he has also navigated the treacherous waters of court politics, making him exceedingly slippery and difficult to grasp. What does it mean for an opportunity to be suitable? It naturally means that if the opportunity is not suitable, one will not be given a chance. It is likely that after this battle, Yang Zhi will not find a suitable opportunity either. Zuo Lixing may consider flattering Yang Yi and He, but he would never joke about matters of state and military affairs. It is likely that after this battle, Yang Zhi will not find a suitable opportunity either. Zuo Lixing may consider flattering Yang Yi and He, but he would never joke about matters of state and military affairs

At the time of leaving the capital, the Left Chancellor encountered himself on the imperial road. Guo Jiuling naturally knew that this was certainly not a chance meeting. For the Left Chancellor, who held immense power in the current court, knowing his whereabouts was indeed not a difficult matter

The two individuals were momentarily filled with deep emotion, reflecting on the records in historical texts about the Tang Dynasty at its peak, when it dominated the seas and the military banners pointed to places where all foreign tribes submitted. At that time, the Tang Dynasty truly welcomed envoys from all nations; even distant lands across the ocean had no choice but to traverse vast seas to pay tribute each year. Often, by the time one group of envoys had not yet departed from the Tang, two more groups were already preparing to set out. For during that era, the Tang was not only invincible on land but also had a naval force that swept across the world.

Guo Jiuling pulled his thoughts back from his memories, rubbed his nose, and looked at Yang Zhi, who was standing in front of Princess Zhaohua with a beaming smile. The fragrance indeed caused Princess Zhaohua to slightly furrow her brows.

"Well, thank you for your hard work. Is there anything else?" Min Ruoxie picked up the teacup. If he had any sense, he would naturally take his leave, but it was evident that Yang Zhi was not aware of this.

Then I must congratulate Young Master Yang first" Guo Jiuling said with a smile from the side, feeling somewhat annoyed with this fellow, wanting to send him away as soon as possible to discuss serious matters with Princess Zhaohua. "Young Master Yang, are you dressed like this because you are preparing to go out?"

However, this grand scene is no longer present. Although overseas merchant fleets still come and go frequently, those foreign nations have not sent envoys to pay their respects again. The once-unified Tang Dynasty has fragmented into four countries, which are in a state of constant warfare with one another. Although the Cao family's Da Qi is the strongest in power, it is also facing a united resistance from the other three weaker nations, forcing it to shift its focus to the mainland. The overseas power continues to dwindle, and thirty years ago, the last overseas territory of the Tang Dynasty declared its independence from Da Qi. The naval forces of Da Qi have been reduced to merely one-tenth of their strength compared to the peak of the Tang Dynasty. Among the other three nations, only Nan Chu still maintains a naval force, but this navy, aside from dealing with pirates, has little capacity left for overseas expeditions.

"Your Highness, may I come in?" A gentle and humble voice came from outside the large tent. It was the young guard who had been humiliated by Qin Feng inside the tent.

This is not a difficult matter, although Guo Jiuling is naturally aware of what kind of person Yang Zhi is. However, the safety of the princess will not be entrusted to him at all, and he readily agreed at that moment. Nevertheless, the subsequent words of Yang Yi and those veiled hints left Guo Jiuling feeling bitter both in his heart and on his lips

Your Highness, Yang Zhi is still young. For someone of his background—young, handsome, and talented—it is only natural that he may exhibit some frivolity. This is to be expected. Your Highness should also consider giving Yang some dignity and not be too harsh on him.

Upon hearing this sound, Min Ruoxi's expression slightly darkened. The performance of this young man in the main tent today was truly unbecoming of his status. Min Ruoxi could see disdain in the eyes of those generals.

It was only a short while apart, yet this Young Master Yang had already changed into a different outfit. The previous royal blue attire had now been replaced with a moon-white long robe, cinched at the waist with a jade belt and adorned with a golden crown. As he walked past Guo Jiuling, Guo Jiuling unexpectedly caught a whiff of a fragrant aroma, causing him to furrow his brows immediately

However, the words spoken from the mouth of the Left Chancellor made Guo Jiuling, who was smiling and occasionally nodding to the officials passing by, feel somewhat bitter inside

Come in!" Min Ruoxi slightly nodded to Guo Jiuling. Yang Yihe is the Left Prime Minister of the State of Chu, a person whom both my elder brother and second brother have been trying to win over. However, until now, he has not shown any inclination. This time, I came to the western border troops, and Yang Zhi followed. Many people in the capital have started to speculate.

"You may go now!" Min Ruoxi said hurriedly while waving her hand.

Guo Jiuling naturally understood that this was impossible. Princess Zhaohua, Min Ruoxi, was not an ignorant girl who had lived in the palace for a long time without understanding the world. In the Jiying Hall, there were all kinds of people, and the fact that Princess Zhaohua could preside over the Jiying Hall for many years was not due to her status or her skills, but rather her cunning and intellect. How could such a remarkable and reserved woman possibly be interested in someone like Yang Zhi, who was only half-competent yet could create a splash? It was not due to her status, nor her skills, but rather her cunning and intellect. How could such a remarkable and reserved woman possibly be interested in someone like Yang Zhi, who was only half-competent yet could create a splash?

Min Ruoxi presides over the Jiying Hall, having encountered countless profound and reserved experts. She holds a deep disdain for individuals like Yang Zhi, who, despite their modest achievements, are arrogant and oblivious to the vastness of the heavens and the earth. Due to his father's influence, Yang Zhi was the object of everyone's praise while in the capital, yet he remains unaware that once he leaves the capital and enters the military, where strength is paramount, his performance will only render him a laughingstock. Today, Qin Feng severely humiliated him, which greatly pleased Min Ruoxi.

However, Yang Yi and He cannot be offended. If the Second Prince can gain the support of the Left Chancellor, it can be said that he would be able to decisively overpower the Crown Prince within the civil official group, obtaining strong backing in both civil and military matters. The reason the Crown Prince is still able to contend with the Second Prince is precisely because a group of civil officials is supporting him. These individuals are seasoned ministers, their influence is deeply intertwined, and even His Majesty the Emperor would not dare to act lightly.

Min Ruoxi shook her head in disappointment, thinking that Guo Jiuling had no sense of humor at all, which was quite dull

If a peerless talent like Emperor Li Qing were to truly emerge, it might also be a good thing. The might of Greater China would once again awe the four seas, which would indeed be a great delight to the people, she said half-jokingly.

Min Ruoxi felt a flash of realization; this Yang Zhi was the son of the current Left Chancellor Yang Yihe. From a young age, he had been apprenticed under the renowned swordsmanship sect, the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, in the State of Chu. In terms of talent, he was indeed among the best, having managed to practice the notoriously difficult Sword Control Technique to a considerable level of proficiency. Among the younger generation, he could be considered a prodigy. However, this time, as she came to the western border army, the Left Chancellor Yang Yihe had placed his son into her escort team. What was he really planning? Did she not understand? Throughout the journey, Yang Zhi acted like a peacock displaying its feathers, constantly trying to show off what he believed to be his beautiful plumage, which had already become quite tiresome for her.

His son Yang Zhi has just returned from Wanjianmen and is preparing to make progress in his official career. However, he currently lacks some experience, so he hopes that Guo Jiuling, who is in charge of the princess's outing this time, will arrange for Yang Zhi to serve as the princess's bodyguard

Your Highness, the matters related to this military expedition have been discussed and agreed upon with General Zuo. The princess's carriage will accompany the main army's tent." Yang Zhi was clearly unaware that the princess before him was somewhat impatient, and he said this with a smile

Your Highness, this time I am fortunate to have come to the army. Remembering my father's teachings to serve the country, I therefore request General Zuo to grant me the opportunity to fight in this campaign. Fortunately, General Zuo values me and has already promised that at the appropriate moment, I will definitely lead a battalion into battle.

Indeed, one reason is to deliver a task to Her Highness the Princess, and the other is to request a day off to go out for a while

The meaning of Yang Yi and is to encourage Guo Jiuling to create some opportunities for Yang Zhi, enabling Yang Zhi to win the heart of the princess

However, while strolling along the imperial path with the Left Chancellor, their conversation was quite pleasant. Guo Jiuling was indeed pleased and even felt joy in his heart, not because he sought to curry favor with the Left Chancellor, but because it could create momentum for the Second Prince. The capital was well aware that Guo Jiuling was aligned with the Second Prince, and those with ulterior motives would naturally develop many thoughts upon witnessing such a scene, which was precisely what he desired.

"Your Highness, please be cautious with your words. If such a person truly exists, according to the teachings of the Tang Dynasty, that person must undoubtedly be a descendant of the Li family. It is to be feared that for him, the royal families of Qi, Chu, Yue, and Qin are all sinners, all traitors to the Tang Dynasty, and if he were to attain power, the first to be punished would be the members of these four royal families" Guo Jiuling said solemnly

It is truly bothersome to think about it