Section 3

In a moment, Gao Zunhui found himself in a difficult and awkward situation. Pretending to be deaf and mute was no longer an option; if he were to conspire with them, he would not dare to do so. However, if he were to intervene, it would not only offend Tang Kang and Zhang Zun, delaying state affairs, but he himself would also be implicated—who could say whether this would not be a charge against him in the future? The system and national laws might tolerate him, but how could reason and morality do the same? Clearly, he had the ability to suppress the Weinan mutiny in a timely manner, yet because Gao Zunhui was merely occupying his position without taking action, engaging in petty dealings, he missed the opportunity for victory—both court discussions and public opinion would likely not spare him... In that brief moment, countless thoughts raced through Gao Zunhui's mind, but ultimately, there could only be one outcome—he did not wish to seek trouble, yet trouble found him. No matter what he did, there seemed to be a charge waiting for him ahead... In that brief moment, countless thoughts raced through Gao Zunhui's mind, but ultimately, there could only be one outcome—he did not wish to seek trouble, yet trouble found him. No matter what he did, there seemed to be a charge waiting for him ahead. After Gao Zunyu's failure, the hope of becoming the head of the Gao clan suddenly became distant and unattainable.

Gao Zunhui was about to send someone to inquire when he suddenly noticed several dozen riders galloping towards him from the southern mountain side, surrounding two or three individuals. He focused his gaze and saw that these riders were carrying and dragging various wild beasts, and among the two or three individuals in the center, one was unmistakably Tang Kang, with whom he had crossed paths several times before

Therefore, Tang Kang did not take the matter of unauthorized mobilization of the imperial troops to heart—such incidents were not unprecedented in the Song Dynasty. During times of river disasters, it was not uncommon for local officials to mobilize the imperial troops for disaster relief, and there were usually no repercussions afterward. He intentionally or unintentionally overlooked one fact: the local officials in the Song Dynasty were, at least in name, the commanders of all stationed troops in their respective regions

"Again... again... not... not running over... not... not... and..." the soldier caught by Zhu Guang said in a flustered manner, taking advantage of his inattention, he turned and ran towards the west

Entering Shangluo from the south of Lingkou Town, one must cross Zhongling Mountain. In the past, when Liu Yu attacked Qin, he sent Shen Tianzi and others into Wuguan, fearing their numbers were few, and also dispatched Shen Linzi to take troops from Qinling to confront them—this "Qinling" refers to Zhongling Mountain, which is commonly known as "Nanshan" by the locals. To the north of Zhongling Mountain, at the junction of Lantian County and Weinan County, lies Huozi Town, which is a necessary passage from Lantian to Weinan and from Lintong and Lantian to Shangluo. Due to the frequent presence of fierce tigers and wild beasts in Nanshan at that time, the Song Dynasty established a guard station here to protect the traveling merchants. Gao Zunhui originally planned to rest in Huozi Town that evening and then set off early the next day to cross Nanshan, heading straight for Shangzhou.

Tian Liewu was taken aback, hesitated for a moment, and replied: "It is this official who has forged the documents of the central government..." Before he could finish his sentence, he heard someone outside calling out loudly: "This official, Li Hun, the editor of the Wujing Pavilion, the assistant commander, and the camp protector, requests an audience!"

Upon reaching the street, Zhu Guang discovered that chaos had erupted everywhere. From all directions, there were cries of battle, people were running in all directions, and the sounds of thunderous explosions filled the air. No one had anticipated that the imperial army would arrive so swiftly; everyone suspected that celestial soldiers had descended from the heavens. The once elite imperial guards had completely lost their fighting spirit, transforming into a disorganized mob, each one resembling a stray dog, only thinking of fleeing for their lives. Zhu Guang managed to capture several of the panicked soldiers, and after much effort, he finally understood what had transpired—the imperial army had taken advantage of a few sentinels guarding the city wall who were engrossed in gambling, scaling the low walls of Weinan with ropes, seizing the city gates, and storming into the city. ... Yet, in the darkness of night, no one could discern how many troops were actually present ...

"That's enough, that's enough. It has long been unfamiliar to me." Gao Zunhui said with a smile, shaking his head repeatedly. Although Qingfeng Sui is considered a famous tea of the time, in Gao Zunhui's view, it is truly nothing remarkable, and he is not interested in it. He then laughed and said, "General Tian, you might as well not waste your Qingfeng Sui. Just take some loose tea and drink it like Scholar Shi does; it would be much simpler."

Gao Zunhui smiled quietly as he looked at Tang Kang and Tian Liewu, remaining silent. Tang Kang was contemplating in his heart when Tian Liewu spoke first: "Lord Gao, you oversee the military and political affairs of Shaanxi. Since we have encountered each other in this town, it is likely that you have come from Lingkou Town, right"

Gao Zunhui sighed deeply, remaining silent. The rise in prices was not merely an isolated phenomenon in Yizhou Road; it was evident to varying degrees in Shaanxi Road, Hedong Road, Jingdong West Road, Bianjing, the two lakes, and even Hebei. A friend of his in Bianjing privately wrote to him, stating that the taxes collected by the court each year were gradually shifting from copper to paper currency. By last year, almost all had turned into paper currency. The copper mined from various copper mines by the court each year, once minted into coins and issued, could not be fully reclaimed. He suspected that the paper currency currently issued by the court was fundamentally being issued without any backing. His friend in Bianjing also mentioned that discussions had arisen in the court, calling for the implementation of a 50-50 system of copper coins and paper currency in taxation to alleviate the crisis. What perplexed Gao Zunhui was that while the court lacked copper coins, they were also rarely seen in the markets of Shaanxi. Where had all the copper coins gone? Nevertheless, Gao Zunhui had come to believe that Tang Kang was not lying. He did not understand the 'currency law' and could not grasp the intricacies of paper currency and copper coins, but he understood the importance of grain prices. It was not a year of disaster, yet the price of rice in Chengdu had reached two guan, which was extremely serious. Moreover, Yizhou Road not only lacked stored grain to stabilize prices but also had to continuously supply the military. At this point, if the court were to further divide the troops in Shaanxi, leading to insufficient military strength in Yizhou, it would truly result in unspeakable consequences.

Tang Kang was rapidly turning over various thoughts in his mind. At one moment, he even flashed a hint of murderous intent, but upon glancing at Zhao Long, who was chatting cheerfully with Song Xiangxian, he immediately suppressed this foolish notion. Not to mention the esteemed status of Gao Zunhui, even Zhao Long, known as Zhao Zizhan, was not someone to be trifled with. Over the past few days, Tang Kang had discerned that Zhao Long held immense prestige within the army, even rivaling Tian Liewu. This battalion had left their station to quell the rebellion in Weinan, and only Tian Liewu and Li Hun were aware of the truth; the soldiers, including Zhao Long, believed they were acting on orders from the Shufu. Over the past few days, Tang Kang had discerned that Zhao Long held immense prestige within the army, even rivaling Tian Liewu. This battalion had left their station to quell the rebellion in Weinan, and only Tian Liewu and Li Hun were aware of the truth; the soldiers, including Zhao Long, believed they were acting on orders from the Shufu. Tang Kang's heart raced as he listened intently to the conversation between Gao Zunhui and Song Xiangxian, fearing that they might inadvertently reveal something that could stir up a great uproar.

With a loud crash, Zhu Guang's long spear fell to the ground

This is a cavalry unit! In almost an instant, Gao Zunhui had accurately assessed the strength of the troops before him. "Where did the imperial army come from?" Another question immediately arose in his mind. As the Governor of Shaanxi, he should be aware of any military movements within the province. How could such a large cavalry unit appear in Suozi Town?

"Death penalty." Tian Liewu said with a calm smile, "Since the military reform, the central government, the Ministry of War, and the three offices have repeatedly emphasized the importance of military discipline. As a captain of the Imperial Guard, I was ordered to go to Yizhou to quell the rebellion, but I left my post without permission. No matter how great my contributions, they cannot offset my crime. I do not dare to complain—if this precedent is set, how can the court maintain control over the generals' actions?"

A minister, taking the world as his responsibility, must bear the weight of the rise and fall of the realm, the survival of the state, and the fortunes of the people. Where righteousness lies, I would go forth even if faced with thousands; as for those of my kin, they concern themselves only with the fortunes of their family and the private interests of their clan. The wise among them merely act with caution to preserve their own households. Although a minister may be poor and humble, all people in the world hold him in high regard; while those of my kin may be wealthy and honored, from the highest officials to the lowest merchants and laborers, they are regarded no better than traders, let alone being respected or esteemed. He looked at Gao Zunhui, moved, and said, "Although you are known for your virtue, how does the wisdom of my kin compare to that of a minister? A minister, despite being poor and humble, is admired by all; yet those of my kin, though wealthy and esteemed, are viewed as lesser than merchants, not to mention being respected or valued?" He looked at Gao Zunhui, moved, and said, "Although you are known for your virtue, how does the wisdom of my kin compare to that of a minister? In our dynasty, there are hundreds of families of my kin, and dozens are called wise. Do you think the Emperor would prefer to have one more cautious and law-abiding member of my kin, or one more loyal and virtuous minister for the country?" Although Tang Kang was persuading Gao Zunhui, he was, in fact, also speaking about himself. Gao Zunhui is indeed of 'my kin', but Tang Kang cannot escape the identity of being 'within the office'. This identity, for the mediocre, is naturally a form of fortune, but for the ambitious Tang Kang, it can sometimes be a burden.

Zhu Guang stamped his feet, cursing fiercely. However, with defeat looming like a mountain, he was powerless to turn the tide and could only prioritize his own survival. Yet, he was different from the average chaotic soldier; after a moment of composure, he realized that there was no hope at the west and north gates, both of which were adjacent to the river. Not to mention that the chaotic soldiers were surging madly from these two directions, even if he managed to escape, the northern men were unaccustomed to water and would ultimately end up as food for the turtles in the river. Zhu Guang sought a way out and ran towards the east gate. After running just two streets, he saw a group of chaotic soldiers trampling over each other in retreat, led by a black-robed Song general wielding a long knife, closely pursued by an unknown number of troops. The man was highly skilled in martial arts, and several chaotic soldiers who attempted to resist were quickly cut down within two or three exchanges. Just as Zhu Guang was momentarily stunned, he heard a feathered arrow whizzing past his ear. Without further hesitation, he turned and fled, hurriedly making his way towards the south gate. Unexpectedly, several chaotic soldiers, having no way out, saw him running towards the south gate and began to surge after him. Zhu Guang could only hear arrows whistling past his ears, while behind him, the sounds of "boom" and "boom" echoed intermittently, with blood and flesh flying everywhere. He dared not stop, running wildly until he had covered four or five miles beyond the south gate before he finally dared to stop and look back.

However, when they arrived at the town of Huozi at dusk, they were shocked by the scene before them... Several military camps were set up outside the town of Huozi, with dozens of wisps of smoke rising gently, and some unsaddled warhorses were leisurely strolling in the fields

If these words were spoken by Tang Kang, Gao Zunhui would inevitably suspect that he was retreating to advance. However, when they come from Tian Liewu, they are so candid that Gao Zunhui cannot bear to doubt him

"Thank you, my lord!" Li Huan stood up, looked at Tian Liewu, and smiled, saying, "Zhi Guo, it seems that our luck is not very good!" Tian Liewu smiled bitterly and said nothing. Li Huan continued with a smile, "Zhi Guo cannot bear all the blame alone; this is a great opportunity to make a name for ourselves in the world." After saying this, he noticed Gao Zunhui was looking at him, and quickly turned his head, speaking earnestly: "My lord Gao, regarding the crime of improperly mobilizing the imperial guards, this humble servant, as the protector of the camp, also bears responsibility. If punishment is to be meted out, I would not dare to evade it. However, I come from the imperial guard, and my entire family has benefited from the emperor's grace. If I were to be condemned to death for failing to serve the country loyally, I would die with my eyes unclosed. I beseech you, my lord, to grant me this: as long as we can quell those rebellious forces in Weinan, I will bind myself and present myself at your gate to plead for forgiveness. Even in the afterlife, Li Huan would feel grateful for your kindness."

"As long as one can be a law-abiding relative of the emperor, that would be sufficient for me," Gao Zunhui said with self-deprecation. "The aspirations of a swan are beyond the comprehension of a sparrow. However, I would never sacrifice the affairs of the state for my own gains and losses, nor become a sinner in the eyes of the world. You all, for the sake of the country and its people, are selfless in your duty; how could Zunhui not assist in achieving your noble cause?"

Boom! Boom! ... In the midst of a nightmare, Zhu Guang suddenly felt the room shake, and faintly, he could hear the sounds of shouting and the chaotic rush of soldiers... Still in a daze, Zhu Guang jolted awake, rubbed his eyes, and after a moment, he suddenly came to his senses, realizing that this was not a nightmare. He shouted, "Thunderbolt bombing!" In a flurry, he put on his clothes, grabbed his long gun, and rushed out of the house.

Gao Zunhui would have never believed that such a significant matter could be concealed from the Protectorate General. How easy is it to forge official documents from the central government? Even if Tang Kang were audacious, he would not dare to commit such a heinous act against the world. If he were to do such a thing, not only would Shi Yue and Wen Yanbo be unable to protect him, but even the Emperor would not be able to save him. Gao Zunhui might believe that Tian Liewu could go to suppress the Weinan mutiny with a heart set on certain death, but he would never believe that Tang Kang would do the same. He initially thought that Tian Liewu might have done something detrimental to the Protectorate General, but he did not expect that Li Hun was actually an accomplice. However, what surprised him even more was that Li Hun actually came from the Imperial Guard, specifically the Military Judge of the Weiwei Temple. To be promoted beyond the ninth rank, one must serve in the inner palace for three years as a guard, or serve in the inner palace for over five years and then be personally dispatched by the Emperor to the Military Academy for a year, before being assigned to a command position at the level of a military judge or above. This is to ensure the Emperor's control over the military. However, as far as Gao Zunhui knew, guards from the Imperial Guard rarely serve as military judges. The Imperial Guard, known as the 'Yulin Orphans,' consists of over 3,500 guards, all of whom are the children of martyrs. They hold a special status among the guards and are generally directly appointed as military officers at the level of command or above when assigned to the military. Very few of these individuals are willing to serve as military judges.

"Fortune and misfortune, honor and disgrace, I have long since set aside. " Tang Kang, undeterred, gazed directly at Gao Zunhui and declared in a loud voice, "But I also know that the scholars and officials must take the rise and fall of the world as their own responsibility. The Weinan mutiny is not a cause for great concern, yet now the entire Yizhou region is akin to a large powder keg. The rebellions of the southwestern barbarians arise one after another, and military disasters are interconnected. The counties have been besieged by the rebellious barbarians, and the number of Han people and settlers who have died is in the tens of thousands. The imperial court's troops sent to suppress the rebellion have repeatedly suffered defeats in Yizhou. If troops are not promptly dispatched to Sichuan to quell the unrest, I fear that the southwestern provinces, spanning thousands of miles, will no longer belong to the court! The suffering of the people in Yizhou is even more alarming; small groups of commoners have fled to the mountains and forests, banding together as thieves, and this is not just one or two cases. If we cannot quickly cease hostilities and allow the people some respite, the incidents of Wang Xiaobo and Li Shun will surely reoccur today! The army's entry into Sichuan is not only to quell the rebellion but also to deter those with ulterior motives. At this time, we absolutely cannot allow further disturbances elsewhere. The Weinan mutiny must be swiftly quelled; otherwise, if the court's military forces are concentrated in Shaanxi, Yizhou will inevitably be left vulnerable, and I fear there will be unspeakable calamities. Lord Gao, known for his wisdom among the Qili, if he were to let a single person's gains and losses cause him to miss the opportunity for battle, resulting in calamity extending to the southwest, how could he ever regret it?" Lord Gao, known for his wisdom among the Qili, if he were to let a single person's gains and losses cause him to miss the opportunity for battle, resulting in calamity extending to the southwest, how could he ever regret it?

Suddenly, the ground began to tremble behind.

The desolate city of Weinan County lay in a profound silence under the dim, dark night. On the low city walls, a few torches flickered back and forth. Within the city, faint sounds of sobbing could be heard, accompanied by the stench of decaying bodies that began to permeate the air.

General Tian, do you truly understand the gravity of the charges against you

However, he did not have much inclination to linger on this issue for too long. If he had not encountered Tang Kang and Tian Liewu, who were adept at manipulating the imperial guards, it would have been a matter of great joy for him. Gao Zunhui had no intention of obstructing the paths of Tang Kang and Zhang Dun, but fate was unkind, and he unexpectedly met them in this town. With so many people around, he dared not pretend to be blind or deaf. Otherwise, how could he escape the entanglements involved?

"Sir Gao." Tang Kang observed silently for a long time beside him. Upon hearing these few words, he further concluded that Gao Zunhui was filled with hesitation. He weighed the pros and cons and realized that it was imperative to pull Gao Zunhui into the fray at this moment. "However, even if you, sir, take charge, what will you do about the court discussions and the public opinion in the future? Not to mention the people of Weinan and Shaanxi, does Sir Gao truly not see the current situation of the country?"

Mr. Gao, please—" Tian Liewu watched as Zhao Long and the others departed, smiling as he allowed Gao Zunhui and Tang Kang to go ahead, making their way towards the central military tent

Tian Liewu smiled and said, "Then whatever I do, it cannot escape your eyes, my lord. I am indeed going to lead troops to Weinan to quell the rebellion!" Gao Zunhui looked at Tian Liewu noncommittally. This general, from his demeanor, seemed to be the kind of person whose inner thoughts could be seen through at a glance. Gao Zunhui found it difficult to associate him with terms like 'deeply scheming.' However, having encountered many cunning individuals, Gao Zunhui no longer dared to trust his instincts and simply settled down to listen as he continued, "My lord Gao, as the Governor of Shaanxi, naturally knows where my station is. This crime of unlawfully mobilizing the forbidden troops, I cannot escape no matter what. But I ask my lord to consider my case after I have quelled the rebellion in Weinan, and then discuss my punishment. This would be your grace, and I will forever be grateful for this favor."

As they entered the tent, Tian Liewu took advantage of the distraction and exchanged a glance with his trusted soldiers. Several of his soldiers then quietly exited the tent and took positions around the perimeter, leaving only Gao Zunhui, Tang Kang, and Tian Liewu inside the tent

Gao Zunhui met Tang Kang's gaze and retorted, "What about the ministers? And what about Qi Li?"

Gao Zunhui glanced at Tian Liewu and said, "General Tian, please rise first." As he spoke, he added, "You are invited!"

Zhu Guang gazed at the two to three thousand people, and suddenly felt an indescribable despair in his heart. He turned to glance at the Weinan County city shrouded in the night, and on the south gate, it seemed he could still faintly see the corpse of the county magistrate Zhou, skinned and exposed. He couldn't help but shiver all over and hurriedly closed his eyes

Gao Zunhui smiled as he looked at Tang Kang, then at Tian Liewu, and said: "General Tian is indeed a hero by nature. I have indeed come from Lingkou Town."

At this moment, behind him followed two to three thousand disordered soldiers, yet each one was in disarray, none wearing armor, and more than half had even lost their weapons. All were in a state of despair, their eyes filled with fear and confusion

Gao Zunhui turned to Song Xiangxian and laughed, saying: "Xiangxian, this is the General Zhao Zijian that Lord Yao Junrui mentioned last time. Back in the day, Yao Junrui publicly opened the Xihe River with the late King Xiangmin. Junrui was a great general who went into battle and was severely injured. He said, 'I am so thirsty that I could die; if I can get water, I might survive.' It was also dusk at that time, and the spring was near the enemy camp. Among the troops, no one dared to go, but General Zijian went alone, soaked his clothes in the spring, and was discovered by the enemy. General Zijian fought while retreating and managed to escape unscathed, bringing back water in his torn clothes to quench Junrui's thirst, thus saving his life. It is often said that among the Western army, with both righteousness and bravery, Zhao Zijian of Qinzhou is the foremost."

These rather unpleasant words also struck a chord with Gao Zunhui. Throughout his life, he was cautious and prudent, maintaining his household and personal integrity. What he sought was merely to be a law-abiding relative, so as not to incur the ridicule of future historians. Given his status as a relative, it was extremely difficult for him to gain entry into the two courts throughout his life, so what he hoped for was simply to become the head of the Gao family.

"Your Excellency, I beg your pardon for my rudeness. Will you serve as a minister or as a relative?" Tang Kang stared directly at Gao Zunhui, pressing for an answer.

In an instant, a man in his thirties from the Kansai region lifted the tent flap and bent down to enter. Upon seeing Gao Zunhui, he clasped his fists and bowed, saying: "Li Hun pays his respects to Lord Gao"

Kang Shi! Gao Zunhui seemed to be stabbed, suddenly turning around to look at Tang Kang, and coldly said, "I fear you cannot escape responsibility either"

Zhao Long was taken aback to find that Gao Zunhui had heard of him as well, and he quickly clasped his fists and said: "Indeed, it is this humble general."

Your Excellency, I am merely a martial man, and I truly do not understand great principles. However, I do comprehend that the sole responsibility of the military is to protect the common people. Whether it is to kill the enemy or to besiege a city, or to defend the borders, ultimately, it is all for the purpose of safeguarding the populace. A general must possess five virtues, among which benevolence is not merely about showing kindness to subordinates. Only a leader who loves and protects the people can be regarded as possessing 'benevolence.' Regardless of the circumstances, I cannot bear to see the common people in peril without offering assistance.

Gao Zunhui was calculating the places where he might be dismissed in the future, contemplating whether it was possible to retire early and enjoy a life of comfort and wealth, completely unaware that Tian Liewu and Li Hun were expressing their gratitude with both surprise and joy.

When Tian Liewu spoke these words, he did not seem particularly eloquent; he simply expressed what was on his mind in a plain and straightforward manner. However, both Gao Zunhui and Tang Kang were moved. Gao Zunhui thought to himself: "Indeed, he is a scholar from Wujinshi, incomparable to an ordinary commoner." Tang Kang, on the other hand, felt a flush on his face, feeling both ashamed and guilty, and sighed: "Benefiting the common people is equivalent to benefiting the country. If this is indeed his insight, it is a great fortune for the Song Dynasty."

Is it true that common people are fleeing to the mountains and forests to commit theft? Gao Zunhui was shocked by what Tang Kang said. Is the situation in Yizhou really deteriorating to such an extent

Tian Liewu was not being polite and readily replied: "That is fine, but the military is rather informal." He then smiled at Zhao Long and said: "Zijian, Mr. Song and the others, I trouble you to entertain my brother."

If he has successfully quelled the Weinan mutiny, then even if he is held accountable for the unauthorized mobilization of the imperial guards, he can face it with composure—at least he has the significant merit of suppressing the mutiny as a bargaining chip; at least he has timely controlled the situation, and the people of Shaanxi, as well as the entire Song Dynasty, will benefit from it. This sense of responsibility is something that Tang Kang still possesses.

Although Gao Zunhui realized that the Weinan mutiny had little to do with him and made efforts to remain aloof, fate played a not-so-small joke on him. He was pulled into the whirlpool of destiny, irresistibly drawn to the boiling water that he and Song Xiangxian regarded as a fierce beast, and he even had to reach his hand into it.

Zhao Long was momentarily taken aback, and in a daze, he responded with a "yes". Before he could regain his senses, Song Xiang had already approached him and said with a smile, "General Zhao, I apologize for the disturbance." He then took Zhao Long's hand and bid farewell as they left.

The setting sun hung in the distance like a pale red watermelon on the edge of the mountains, while the layers of mountains behind turned into a shade of purple-brown, mirroring Tang Kang's gloomy mood at that moment. The instant Gao Zunhui spotted Tang Kang, Tang Kang also saw Gao Zunhui! His previously excited mood felt as if it had plunged into a frigid ice cave in that fleeting moment. Yet, it was only for an instant, as Tang Kang quickly regained his composure. He reined in his galloping warhorse, briefly informed his companions Tian Liewu and Zhao Long, and then turned his horse around to approach Gao Zunhui. His previously excited mood felt as if it had plunged into a frigid ice cave in that fleeting moment. Yet, it was only for an instant, as Tang Kang quickly regained his composure. He reined in his galloping warhorse, briefly informed his companions Tian Liewu and Zhao Long, and then turned his horse around to approach Gao Zunhui. Tian Liewu and Zhao Long exchanged glances and followed Tang Kang over.

Gao Zunhui looked at Tian Liewu and then at Tang Kang, and he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of despair in his heart: "This is indeed going to get more complicated..." He hesitated for quite a while, feeling it difficult to respond to Tian Liewu. To "support" Tian Liewu would be akin to covering one's ears while stealing a bell, an act unworthy of a wise person; however, if he were to lower his dignity and send Tian Liewu back to Lantian County, merely calculating the pros and cons would not necessarily be a wise strategy. Moreover, regardless of whether Tian Liewu's intentions were sincere or not, at least he spoke with integrity, disregarding life and death for the sake of the country and its people, while Gao Zunhui, due to his own gains and losses, would obstruct him, thereby undermining national affairs...! If this matter were to spread, it would be easy to say but hard to hear; public opinion and court discussions would surely have much to say about him!

General Tian, General Li. Gao Zunhui's expression darkened as he felt a deep inner conflict. Tian Liewu and Li Huny were fearless in the face of death, which stirred something within him. The dilemma of weighing the pros and cons made it even more difficult for him to reach a decision. His tone was filled with helplessness: "You all only know to seek my fulfillment, but who will fulfill me?! Your actions, while understandable in sentiment, are difficult to reconcile with the law of the land. If I do not intervene, where does that leave the law of the nation?"

His face was filled with smiles as he casually exchanged pleasantries with Tang Kang and Tian Liewu, yet his back was already drenched with cold sweat, soaking his undershirt.

"I beg your pardon, I beg your pardon! I have long heard that General Tian is a disciple of the Son of Heaven, and that he commands great authority in Lingzhou City, striking fear into the Western Barbarians. I have always admired your reputation, and it is quite a coincidence to encounter you here today, which can be considered a stroke of fate..." Gao Zunhui said as he held Tian Liewu's hand, praising him profusely, while Tian Liewu repeatedly expressed his gratitude. Gao Zunhui then surveyed the generals around him, and when his gaze fell upon Zhao Long, he suddenly paused as if deep in thought. After a moment, he smiled and asked, "Is this General Zhao from Qinzhou, with the courtesy name Zijiang?"

Tian Liewu smiled and shook his head, saying: "What insight could I possibly have?" Gao Zunhui and Tang Kang merely thought he was being humble, unaware that he was actually speaking the truth—these words were what he had once heard from Shiyue in Huanzhou. Tian Liewu then gazed at Gao Zunhui, knelt on one knee with a clang, and said: "I am merely a martial man, while you, Sir Gao, are a noble minister of the Qi state. When it comes to loyalty to the country and caring for the common people, I am far from your reach. Just now, you did not publicly reprimand me, which shows your benevolence. I humbly ask for your understanding!"

Upon hearing the name "Tian Liewu," Gao Zunhui's heart was already clear as snow. "So Tang Kang is looking for Tian Liewu!" Yet, he could not help but feel a degree of astonishment. It must be noted that meddling with the Imperial Guard is no trivial matter. As for Tang Kang and Zhang Zun, although he had not interacted deeply with them, he had gained considerable understanding through hearsay. These two acted with what could be described in a favorable light as "resolute and decisive," but in a less flattering manner, they could be seen as "reckless and impulsive!" They were both audacious individuals. Tang Kang's actions in Rongzhou had previously drawn considerable censure, and he had even engaged in verbal disputes with the four offices of Yizhou Road. If it were not for Tang Kang's formidable background, he would have long since faced dire consequences. Therefore, it was best not to mention Tang Kang and Zhang Zun—these two meddled with the Imperial Guard not out of ulterior motives or personal gain; at worst, they would face charges of mismanagement or improper placement in a certain province, and if the sky were to fall, it would merely result in exile to the frontier. For the vast majority of officials, this might signify a dead end, something to be feared like a snake or scorpion, but these two possessed a gambler's temperament. The best outcome would be "extraordinary merit"—if they were to gamble correctly and gain the emperor's favor, it would serve as a significant leverage on the path to success! Thus, Gao Zunhui was not surprised by the extent of their risks or the outrageousness of their actions. However, Tian Liewu, along with their military law officer and camp guard, was risking execution! Leaving the defense without the military token was the most taboo matter for the court; even with merit, rewards would be impossible. How could Tian Liewu and that camp guard dare to stake their entire lives and reputations on such a perilous gamble? Gao Zunhui, reflecting on others through his own experiences, found himself utterly perplexed.

Please rise

He did not want to think about it, but the more he thought, the more helpless he felt. After a good while, he suddenly remembered something that could provide a temporary reprieve, and hurriedly asked: "General Tian, where is your camp's commander? If you want to mobilize these two thousand cavalry, you may not need to inform Zhao Long, but you cannot conceal it from the camp's commander, right? The military law officer needs to verify the documents!"

Having lived a life of caution and restraint, yet being toyed with by fate, it all came to ruin in an instant. Gao Zunhui sighed helplessly in his heart, unsure whether to mock his own momentary impulse or to lament the unpredictability of destiny. Regardless, he could not escape the fate of a scholar-official. After all, it was all a matter of sin; no matter what, he could not fall into a worse situation. It might be better to fulfill the ambitions of these impetuous young men; perhaps it would also be a favor to Shi Yue, Wen Yanbo, and Zhang Zun. He did not possess the grand aspirations of Tang Kang, who would stop at nothing to become a minister responsible for the world, but he equally did not wish to become a sinner of the realm. Having gotten into such a significant predicament, the clan leader was undoubtedly without hope, and even for any future restoration, Gao Zunhui had already lost interest.

But now, all his efforts may be in vain

"Please see to it that the deer is prepared, and select two fatter wild rabbits to make a few dishes for drinking... Also, bring me the piece of green phoenix marrow that I have hidden..." As Tian Liewu entered the camp, he instructed his personal soldiers, then turned to Gao Zunhui and Tang Kang with a smile, saying: "I apologize for the simplicity of the hospitality in the camp, and I hope you will forgive me. The Grand Marshal has issued a military order prohibiting alcohol in the army, so we can only substitute tea for wine. I have long heard that you, Lord Gao, are an expert in the art of tea; I wonder if I might have the pleasure of your company tonight?"

"How could I dare to spread rumors?" Tang Kang said bitterly, "This concerns the assessment of performance, and local officials often conceal and do not report. Your Excellency should be aware of how many promissory notes the court has issued in recent years! The court, in order to supply military needs, has been purchasing grain in Yizhou and requisitioning laborers, all of which are paid with promissory notes. In Chengdu, on one hand, there is a severe shortage of grain, while on the other hand, promissory notes are rampant. The official price for purchasing is 800 wen in promissory notes for one shi of rice, yet on the market in Chengdu, it takes 2,000 wen in promissory notes to buy one shi of rice! How many local common people have nothing even to eat but husks?" Chengdu faces a severe shortage of grain, while promissory notes are rampant; the official price for purchasing is 800 wen in promissory notes for one shi of rice, yet on the market in Chengdu, it takes 2,000 wen in promissory notes to buy one shi of rice! How many local common people have nothing even to eat but husks?

Tang Kangqiang, feeling as if sitting on pins and needles, composed himself and engaged in conversation with Gao Zunhui, smiling amiably while occasionally glancing at Tian Liewu. However, he noticed that Tian Liewu appeared completely unconcerned, warmly inviting Gao Zunhui and his party to rest in his camp, laughing and joking along the way, seemingly unaware of the danger that loomed. He sighed inwardly, unsure whether to admire Tian Liewu's calm demeanor or to mock his ignorance of the peril. Fortunately, even upon entering Tian Liewu's large camp, neither Gao Zunhui nor any of his attendants asked why Tian Liewu's thousands of imperial guards were present in Huozi Town, which finally relieved Tang Kangqiang.

General Tian, this is a case of knowing the law yet breaking it

When Tang Kang was thirty steps away from Gao Zunhui, he saw that Gao Zunhui had already dismounted and was waiting. He did not dare to be disrespectful, so he quickly dismounted and led his horse over at a brisk pace. From a distance, he cupped his fists and bowed, saying: "Lord Gao, this official pays his respects." Tian Liewu and Zhao Long also hurriedly dismounted to pay their respects. For a rising star like Tang Kang, Gao Zunhui, who had always been cautious and prudent in his official duties, would never be negligent. He quickly took a few steps forward, returned the greeting, and smiled, saying: "Kang Shi, I did not expect to encounter you here." He then helped Tian Liewu and Zhao Long up, smiling kindly as he asked: "Forgive my poor eyesight, but who are these two generals..."

After resolving this mental knot, Tang Kang's courage grew. During his time in Rongzhou, he personally killed over 1,000 southwestern barbarians, swiftly stabilizing the situation in Rongzhou. Subsequently, he was not only impeached by the censors for charges such as "specialized killing" and "causing the court to lose credibility with the barbarians," among more than ten accusations, but he also offended his superiors in Yizhou Road. However, due to someone in the court speaking on his behalf, he was instead rewarded by the emperor. From then on, Tang Kang became even more reckless; in Rongzhou, 80 to 90 percent of his actions were taken without prior consultation, often executing first and reporting later. The four offices of Yizhou Road looked down on him, but since his actions ultimately yielded significant results and he had the ability to reach the emperor's ears directly, they were helpless against him. Tang Kang also received multiple commendations for his outstanding achievements in Rongzhou, especially after the chaos among the southwestern barbarians, which made his accomplishments in Rongzhou particularly noteworthy. This promotion, aside from the influence of Shi Yue, was also due to Tang Kang's impeccable performance.

At this moment, he had not yet had the chance to do anything, so he had no leverage in hand. If Gao Zunhui were to stop him, even if Gao Zunhui might be held accountable afterward, Tang Kang, along with Tian Liewu and the enthusiastic guard Yu Hou Li Hun, would all face dire consequences. Tang Kang could clearly see the terrifying outcome; not only would he ruin his own future, but he would also implicate Shi Yue, Tian Liewu, and Li Hun as well

Zhu Guang slowly turned around and gradually opened his eyes—surrounded from all directions, countless cavalrymen were advancing towards them, holding torches high.

Song Xiangxian hurriedly stepped forward with a smile and clasped his hands, saying: "General Zhao, I am Song Xiangxian, and I have long admired your esteemed reputation." He then greeted Tang Kang and Tian Liewu respectively. While Tang Kang returned the greeting, he cast a sidelong glance at Zhao Long. He naturally understood that the Yao Junrui mentioned by Gao Zunhui referred to the renowned Yao Lin, one of the famous "Two Yaos," and that "Wang Xiangmin Gong" referred to the celebrated general Wang Shao, who had passed away a few years ago, with "Xiangmin" being his posthumous title. Tang Kang was initially unaware of Zhao Long's achievements, but upon hearing Gao Zunhui speak of him, he could not help but regard this person with newfound respect. He also looked at Gao Zunhui and inwardly lamented, realizing that the shrewdness conveyed in those few words indicated that this cousin of the late Empress Dowager Gao, Gao Zunyu, was certainly not a simpleton to be easily deceived.

Tang Kang quickly introduced Tian Liewu and Zhao Long, saying, "This is the Prefect of the Fruit, Tian Liewu, and this is the Prefect of the Winged Banner, Zhao Long, both of whom are favored generals of General Zong."