Chapter 1, The Prisoner of the Copper Palace
He thought that the tiger cub would tremble in fear, but the tiger cub took the sword, grinned at him, and showed not a trace of fear
Accomplishing the tasks assigned by the General is indeed a great achievement
No," replied the tiger cub.
If it were not for a royal command, unless your family has a beautiful daughter-in-law or daughter, I would not appear before you either The young man grinned lazily
Wen Shu indeed received the order, but he was still hesitating whether to comply with it
The Copper Palace covers a vast area and is divided into four zones according to cardinal directions: east, west, south, and north. The western zone is adjacent to the mountains, and those confined here have always been the most important "criminals" of the empire
Chen Shang rode only one horse and did not intend to let the young man ride with him. Instead, he allowed the young man to follow behind the horse. The horse initially walked slowly and then began to trot, yet the young man managed to keep up closely, even though he was panting heavily, he still did not fall behind
The person I am taking away has no name
The young man raised his face and glanced at him, his gaze still vacant
( "Chronicles of the Heroes of the Shiliu Desert": Chen Shang, the son of the former Marquis of Guannei, Chen Shou, originally named Shang, was a wayward youth, a roguish wanderer. His father, in exasperation, remarked, "Is it Shang or is it Shang? How does it compare to Shang?" Thus, he changed his name to Shang. Many in Xianyang found this peculiar, yet only the Northern Army's general, the Lu native Qi Hu, the Chu native Yu Long, and the former Right Army general Li Yang's son Li Guo befriended him, collectively known as the 'Four Oddities' )
In front of the Copper Palace gate, what he saw as the Tiger Milk Child was a wooden figure, but now in his eyes, the Tiger Milk Child had a pair of eyes that were frighteningly agile
"Of course, I will shoot arrows from behind; do not think of escaping. I am on horseback, and I can run faster than you." Chen Xiang cheerfully raised his bow towards the other party
The prison guards behind Wen Shu were all dumbfounded, as no one could understand how this fellow could fit so many things into his pouch
"From today onwards, you shall be called Zhao Hu." Chen Xiang patted the young man's shoulder and then gestured for him to follow him out.
It should be the seal of the Grand General, anyway I have not seen it before. If you find it unsuitable, I can take it back.
No name?" Wen Shu furrowed her brows slightly
Thus, Chen Shang could only remain speechless; he had always been known for his sharp tongue and quick wit, yet in the presence of this young man, he found himself entirely at a loss for words
-
Wen Shu could actually guess the identity of Hu Ru'er, but he was very clear about what he should know and what he should not know
The ancient bronze sculpture takes the form of a monstrous creature resembling a tiger
It is hard to believe that the general's seal, which pertains to the military power of the empire, was actually tied to this guy's backside and brought here
"Do you know who you are?" Chen Xiang asked
"It is not Wen Shu who has come, but rather the Mangshan bandits. Do they not even have a single armored soldier? They truly underestimate me." Chen Shang laughed loudly, dragging out his voice.
These figures were originally lying in ambush on both sides of the road, but upon seeing Chen Xiang not entering their ambush zone, they took advantage of their numbers and surged forward.
Why are you not afraid? Chen Xiang could not help but ask why
"Zhao Hu, go!" Seeing that the opponent had already entered the shooting range, Chen Xiang tapped the head of Hu Ru'er with the bow.
Chen Shang once again scrutinized the young man, noticing that even in such circumstances, there was still no expression on the boy's face, making him appear like a wooden figure. Chen Shang muttered to himself and then smiled.
Wen Shu stared at the bronze talisman for a while: "The General's Seal?"
The boy's reaction made Chen Xiang feel very uninteresting: "Why don't you ask why?"
The ordinary scenery outside, however, is a beauty that this child has never seen before
He was one of the ruthless officials appointed by the late Emperor Liewu. It is said that in his youth he was a tomb raider and also a petty thief who cut paths. Later, for reasons unknown, he caught the attention of a high-ranking official and became a minor clerk. Subsequently, due to his strictness, he remarkably stood out among countless minor officials and became a favored figure of the great emperor.
The tiger cub, which has just received a new name, initially ran with some stiffness, but now it is running more freely. Although it is panting heavily, it shows no intention of stopping
"Without the imperial decree, no one may be released," he said coldly
Wen Shu's two eyebrows knitted together, and instead of being angry, he smiled: "What is your surname and name? What brings you here?"
There are more than thirty people in total, all wielding weapons and dressed in various types of clothing, appearing to be like ruffians and wanderers from the streets.
Ah, I remember now, I tied it behind my back!" Chen Xiang slapped his forehead, realizing that there was nothing in his arms. He then pulled out a copper talisman from behind him: "I don't have any imperial edict, but I have this thing, is that acceptable?
Oh
Chen Shang stared at him, his expression slightly easing. This young lad, having just been born, encountered great misfortune, and while still crying for nourishment, was imprisoned in the Copper Palace.
After running for two miles like this, Chen Xiang slowed down, turned back to glance at Hu Ru'er, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes
The more than thirty individuals drew closer.
They formed a formation and were not prepared to give Chen Xiang and Hu Ru'er a chance for a one-on-one confrontation
The tiger cub smiled and said, "No."
"If one can grow up in the Copper Palace, one will not easily perish," said the old gentleman next door.
Only with great achievements can one accomplish monumental tasks that shake the heavens and the earth. If successful, one will be immortalized in history, fulfilling long-held aspirations; if unsuccessful, one will merely end up as a forgotten casualty along the road.
Chen Shang chuckled, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes: "You run quite fast, but it's still not enough. Soon, you must run even faster"
Chen Shang halted his horse, and the tiger cub also came to a stop, lifting its head to look at him. Those eyes, which had originally seemed dull, appeared as if they could speak.
The tiger cub did not speak, but merely looked at him
After waiting for a while longer, the side door of the Copper Palace finally opened. Accompanied by a dozen guards, a slender young boy stepped out.
However, in an instant, Chen Shang's heart hardened once again
In any case, it does not matter how intelligent this young man is; it is sufficient that he is the one designated for release by the general.
This is a bronze token
Chen Shang whistled while calling out to his new companions
"So, do you want to know about your origins and background?" Chen Xiang asked again
Then he saw the tiger cub raise the sword
Zhao Hu, hurry up
The boy's bright and lively eyes suddenly became dull again, and without much hesitation, he replied: "I don't want to."
Unattended by anyone, Chen Xiang felt no embarrassment whatsoever
At your age, shouldn't you be full of curiosity? Haha, you really are not likable at all, said Chen Xiang
Wenshu still remembers that fourteen years ago, a baby known as the Tiger Infant was sent to the Copper Palace by the Shanglin Ling. The Shanglin Ling did not disclose his identity, and Wenshu did not inquire about it. When asked about the baby's name at that time, the Shanglin Ling pondered for a moment and then wrote down the three characters "Tiger Infant".
In the laughter of Chen Xiang, several figures have already appeared on the road opposite.
Bring the tiger cub here, Wen Shu instructed
The young man remained silent for a while: "I will not seek to be liked, but I will strive to learn how to be liked."
Tong Gongling Wen Shu stared coldly at the young man before him, as if he were a corpse that had lain in an ancient tomb for a thousand years, with two flickering yellow flames dancing in his deeply sunken eyes
This time it was simpler; he only said two words
Is this him? Chen Xiang was taken aback: It looks like he isn't even twelve years old
My surname is Chen, Chen from the East of the Ear, with the single name Shang, you must have heard of me! The young man smiled even sweeter: I am here to bring someone out of the Copper Palace, you should have received the order!
I don't know
This child is truly not cute at all, and he does not like it at all
Why should I ask why
Of course, it is to engage in battle; one cannot fight the enemy barehanded, can one?" Chen Xiang tilted his chin.
This time, Chen Xiang was truly astonished by him
The tiger cub had always been silent and reserved, but at that moment, when it spoke such a sentence, it was like the tip of a awl protruding from a bag, causing Chen Xiang to be taken aback for a moment, and then burst into hearty laughter
Tiger cub
The elderly gentleman next door said that every additional day spent in the Copper Palace is a gain. I have already lived an extra 5,272 days, and now I can still smell the scents beyond the Copper Palace and see the scenery outside. I have no regrets, so why should I be afraid? said Tiger Milk calmly
If it is said that the people of the other three districts still have a chance to regain their freedom, then in the century-long history of the Empire, no one has ever left the Western District of the Copper Palace alive—those who died here have not left either, for all those who die here are buried on the spot
The illustrious figures locked within the Copper Palace are all renowned, with only one exception that remains nameless
Today, this history is set to be broken
What? The tiger cub was momentarily taken aback
Wen Shu's brow twitched slightly, yet her face remained adorned with that expression of eternal ice.
As he ran, his pair of eyes darted left and right, scanning up and down, as if he wanted to conceal everything within his heart
The late emperor has passed away, and the new emperor has yet to ascend the throne. The Grand General Cao Meng, as the head of the five regents, holds the imperial seal, which serves as the edict at this moment
Then let me see your abilities, to see if you are indeed a child raised in the Copper Palace, who surely would not perish easily
However, the young man in front of him wore a playful smile, appearing utterly carefree.
Chen Shang suddenly handed the sword in his hand to Hu Ru'er, saying: "Go ahead"
I will tell you why you need to run faster. Wen Shu is not easy to deal with; he only obeys the will of Emperor Lie Wu. Emperor Lie Wu does not allow anyone to leave the Copper Palace alive, so he will definitely carry out that order. Although he was forced to let you come with me under the command of the Grand General, he will surely send someone to intercept us on the way. " Chen Shang said as he drew his sword, "You need to keep up with me; if we are killed by this group of scum, my mission will be incomplete. " Although he was forced to let you come with me under the command of the Grand General, he will surely send someone to intercept us on the way. " Chen Shang said as he drew his sword, "You need to keep up with me; if we are killed by this group of scum, my mission will be incomplete.
Wen Shu squinted his eyes, and after a long while, he finally spoke: "Since you have come bearing the seal of the Grand General... who do you intend to take away?"
The officials and soldiers of the Copper Palace were all trembling with fear in his presence
Chen Xiang lazily rummaged through his belongings, first pulling out a jade pendant, then a gold hairpin, and subsequently a pair of gem-studded bracelets. Without exception, these were all personal ornaments of a woman. Seeing that none of these were the items he was looking for, Chen Xiang became furious and emptied his pockets, revealing even a few pieces of women's clothing.
"Alright, I hope you can still put on such airs later on," Chen Xiang said, his lips curling in surprise at this response.
What he intends to do is a monumental task that will shake the world; this child, if left in the bronze palace, is merely waiting for death, so it is better to turn it into his achievement
"The Copper Palace will not mistake anyone." Wen Shu said coldly, "Take him with you, you can leave!"
"Have you never seen the outside?" Chen Xiang asked
Then they waited idly in front of the gate of the Copper Palace. Chen Shang was a restless person; he paced back and forth in front of Wen Shu, touched the armor of the guards, knocked on the gate of the Copper Palace, and even ran to a tall ancient tree beside the gate to relieve himself. Afterward, he came back proudly, saying: "When I return, I can boast in front of my brothers that I am the one who urinated at the Copper Palace and still came out unscathed"
And you?
"Someone like you dares to appear before me; it seems that after His Majesty's passing, the court has indeed encountered problems." Wen Shu's pair of icy eyes finally blinked.
"What can't he do?" His confidence prompted Chen Xiang to ask a question.