Geshu Han sighed.
Buzz!
Wang Chong’s heart trembled, and he raised his head and stared.
“Great General, what do you mean?”
“General Wang, you might still be unaware, but yesterday, the army inspectors from the Imperial Court arrived at Big Dipper City. Every level from hundred-man commander to the general is now under the supervision of an army inspector, and every order, even ones from me, has to go through these inspectors before they can reach the ordinary soldiers. I’ve already received word that fifty percent of the soldiers currently in Big Dipper City must be dismissed, and even though I’ve strongly argued otherwise, I have been ordered to dismiss at least thirty percent of my soldiers within two months!”
Geshu Han bitterly smiled.
“What!”
Deep shock appeared in Wang Chong’s eyes.
The Big Dipper Army had never depended on the quantity of its soldiers, but the quality, and Geshu Han had been an ardent practitioner of this principle. Despite the vast population and size of Longxi, Geshu Han had only around twenty thousand soldiers. These twenty thousand soldiers had served as a stalwart barrier against the entire Ü-Tsang Empire for decades, a feat that only Geshu Han had ever been able to accomplish.
The Big Dipper Army had always been lacking in soldiers, and if it were further reduced by thirty percent, how would it deal with the massive number of Tibetan cavalry? This was nothing more than digging one’s own grave.
“Not only that, I have also received word that the Imperial Court has signed a peace treaty with the Ü-Tsang Empire. The Six Bureaus have jointly signed a document forbidding any attack targeted against the Ü-Tsang Empire from Big Dipper City without an explicit decree. Even if it is attacked, the Imperial Court and the army inspectors must approve any large-scale counterattack!”
Geshu Han’s words were like a bomb going off in Wang Chong’s mind, stirring up massive waves. He had never imagined that someone of Geshu Han’s status would also be swept up in this mess.
“General Wang, the world has already changed. This is no longer a matter that concerns me alone, and while it may appear of little consequence now, I worry that this is only the beginning. I worry that the Great Tang is entering a period of many troubles.”
Geshu Han gazed at Wang Chong and sighed.
“The events of Khorasan and Big Dipper City are not exceptions. The Eastern and Western Turks, Goguryeo, Nanzhao… the Imperial Court has probably signed similar treaties with them. It’s no longer just you and me, but all the generals and soldiers from the borders to the Imperial Court that are in danger.
“But my greatest worry is still the Great Tang. Since ancient times, there has never been a dynasty or empire able to stand on its own without formidable martial might. The Great Tang is crippling itself!”
Wang Chong grimly stared at Geshu Han. He had never realized that so much had happened in so little time.
“This is an unprecedented storm!”
With this one phrase, Geshu Han described the nature of this crisis.
“General, whether it’s me, or Gao Xianzhi, or Lord Wang Zhongsi in the capital, or even the imprisoned Fumeng Lingcha, all of the generals who assisted in building that dazzling era of Tang history are entering their forties, some of them their fifties. Right now, of all the Great Generals of the Great Tang, only you have yet to reach your twenties. I do not know how long this storm will last, nor how far-reaching its effects will be, nor do I know how many people will be able to hold on. I only hope that no matter what, you will not be discouraged… because you are the hope of the Great Tang!”
Geshu Han solemnly pronounced these words, endowing them with all his hopes and ambitions.
The empire was like a pool of stagnant water, and it had been many years since its surface had been disturbed. If the empire wanted glory, wanted to pass on its radiance and culture, or wanted to achieve even greater glory, it needed a few flames. And it wouldn’t be from an ordinary Great General like him, but those endowed with formidable power, persistence, and sharpness. Only a person like this could alter the face of the Great Tang and be a flame for the world.
In the past, Geshu Han had believed that such a flame could never exist, because no ordinary person could do this. Those who could reach the level of himself and Gao Xianzhi were already considered heavenly talents, and to surpass this level was almost impossible.
This thought had remained steadfast for many years… until he met Wang Chong!
Chapter 1220 - Sensational Return to the Capital!
Chapter 1220: Sensational Return to the Capital!
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
The military law of the Great Tang decreed that commanders without orders could not leave their bases. If someone like Big Dipper Great General Geshu Han committed such a crime, he would immediately be severely punished. Even going out on the official road to welcome Wang Chong was an enormous risk, which was why he had dressed in casual wear to welcome Wang Chong and send him off.
Geshu Han saw in Wang Chong a hope like he had never seen before.
Hwoooo! Gusts of wind blew between Geshu Han and Wang Chong, causing their clothes to flap. All was quiet as both of them stared into each other’s eyes. Wang Chong had never imagined that Geshu Han would view him so highly.
As he gazed into those sharp and bright eyes, countless thoughts flew through his mind. Finally, Wang Chong opened his mouth, and his voice was like a breath of fresh air to Geshu Han.
“The dark clouds cannot obscure the sky forever, and even the greatest blizzard will eventually disperse. Great General, I do not know what happened in the Imperial Court, nor do I know why all this happened. But I do know that no matter how great the storm is, there will come a day where the sun will once more shine over all our heads.
“What Great General anticipates, I anticipate, and so does everyone else. That day will come eventually, and it will not be that far in the future!”
Wang Chong at this moment was like a sheathed sword displayed in a pavilion for a long time, finally revealing its edge. Its blinding radiance at that moment could even outshine the sun.
In the gusting winds, Geshu Han stared in shock at the blazing light in Wang Chong’s eyes. Even the Big Dipper Army soldiers standing around the area to protect Geshu Han were stunned and shaken by the spirit and bearing Wang Chong revealed at this moment.
Wang Chong’s supreme martial arts, incredible feats, and astonishing grasp of the art of war had made him renowned throughout the world, but at this moment, his stubborn will, tenacious spirit, and inextinguishable determination were even more dazzling than his achievements.
“Hahaha! Good!”
Geshu Han suddenly began to laugh.
“General Wang, I truly did not judge you wrongly. With these words of yours, I have no more regrets. The Great Tang, the Central Plains, and all its people are fortunate to have you! Geshu Han will remember these words of yours for the rest of his life, and I hope that General Wang will also not forget them! When you go to the capital, no matter what setbacks you may face, I hope that you will never give up. As long as General Wang remembers the words of today, Geshu Han and all the other generals in the military will always be there to support General!”
Clang!
Cups clinked in the air once more, wine spilling out from them.
After drinking the last cup of wine, Geshu Han departed with his ten-some elites, heartily laughing. When he arrived, he had been depressed and dejected, his heart full of worries, but now, he was carefree and joyous.
“Great General, take care of yourself!”
Wang Chong gazed at Geshu Han’s back, and then at the trail of dust left behind as he rode away. Finally, after watching for so long, he turned around and went back to his carriage.
“Wang Chong, just now, that was…”
On the carriage, Xu Qiqin looked worriedly at Wang Chong.
“An old friend. H
e already left.”
After saying this, Wang Chong closed his eyes and fell silent.
“Hyah!”
With the crack of a whip, the carriage set forth once more, and the group was once more on the road to the capital.
As the group traveled along the Silk Road toward the capital, they encountered no more obstruction. Ten-some days later, after passing through a set of steep mountains, they finally left the territory of Longxi and arrived at the most dazzling capital of the Great Tang.
Boom!
When Wang Chong’s carriage arrived at the capital, a sea of people gathered outside the western gate. Countless people had immediately rushed to the western gate upon hearing the news of his arrival.
“He’s coming, he’s coming!”
“It’s the King of Foreign Lands—hurry and look!”
“Wang Chong! Wang Chong!”
Before the carriage had even approached, a thunderous cheering came from the distance. Tens of thousands of commoners, their expressions agitated and excited, rushed toward Wang Chong’s carriage.
“He’s back! The Young Marquis is finally back! Everyone, go and look!”
Everyone enthusiastically vied against each other in a bid to reach the carriage.
“Milord, we’ve arrived.”
A voice came from outside the carriage.
But there was no sound from the carriage, a stark contrast with the clamor outside.
Wang Chong’s eyes were shut, his back leaning against the carriage compartment. Without even needing to leave, he could sense from the thunderous cheers that there was certainly a vast multitude of people outside.
But Wang Chong felt no joy on this occasion. Everyone knew that he was returning victorious from Khorasan, but none of them knew that his promotion was a sham and that he was returning after being demoted. The common people would never know what was actually going on in the Imperial Court, nor the policies written out in the documents. While the crowd cheered, they were utterly unaware that the world had already changed.
“。”
“Haaaa…”
Wang Chong gave a long and sorrowful sigh.
“The sky will clear up once the rain passes. There will come a day when the ministers of the court understand your intentions. I am confident that one day, all this will pass.”
Xu Qiqin, dressed in a white dress, sat next to Wang Chong and softly comforted him. When she saw Wang Chong’s saddened face, she unconsciously felt rather sad as well.
Wang Chong silently nodded.
The sea of people surged toward Wang Chong’s carriage, but they could not cross the wall created by the Imperial Court’s army.
“Stand aside! All of you, stand aside!”
“Everyone, back up!”
“Pass on my order! Anyone who dares to defy the order and crosses the line will be arrested by the City Guard and jailed!”
At the very front of the crowd, officials from the Bureau of Rites, Bureau of Revenue, Bureau of Personnel, the City Guard, and the Court of Judicial Review were commanding an army of several thousand soldiers in holding back the crowd, all of them exceptionally wary and vigilant. To them, that ordinary carriage was a thorn in their side.
They had long ago received orders from King Qi to keep Wang Chong separated from the common people when he returned. King Qi hoped to minimize Wang Chong’s influence in the capital and hinder him from using his return to raise his prestige and status in the minds of the people. The Wang Clan was already illustrious enough. He could not allow another Duke Jiu to be created.
“What a headache! We can’t defy King Qi’s order. Even if we have to arrest every commoner in the city, we can’t let the Wang Clan get their way!”
As he watched the carriage get closer, the eyes of the leading official from the Bureau of Rites twinkled.
The achievements Wang Chong had rendered in the west were truly stupendous, and his prestige was like the noon sun amongst the common people. This made openly opposing him an extremely unwise decision. The advisors at King Qi’s side had long ago thought up a plan. As long as they could use the excuse of maintaining public order and preventing trampling amongst the crowd, they could fairly and openly ‘protect’ Wang Chong’s party while subtly minimizing the effects of his return. Afterward, they could stir up rumors that Wang Chong was conceited from his achievements and had requested the army to stop the crowd from approaching.
By spreading this rumor, they could grind away at Wang Chong’s image and achievements. As for the truth, how could the ordinary commoners ever find out?
The official from the Bureau of Rites pointed at two experts from the City Guard and ordered, “You two, listen up! Take some men to tightly guard the carriage. Remember, no matter what, don’t let Wang Chong get off his carriage.”
These experts had been placed in the City Guard by King Qi, and they were both loyal and reliable.
“Yes!”
“You guys, follow me!”
The two City Guard experts waved their hands, mounted their horses, and rode ahead, their eyes flashing.
……
“Lord Marquis, it’s people from the City Guard!”
While Wang Chong was still seated in the carriage, Xu Keyi’s voice came from outside.
“The common people of the capital have all been greatly anticipating Lord Marquis’s return, and too many have come out to welcome Lord Marquis. The people from the City Guard are worried that a stampede might happen and hope that Lord Marquis can enter the city as quickly as possible to avoid any chaos.”
Wang Chong continued to lean against the carriage apartment, no change of expression on his face as he softly grunted. Xu Qiqin, on the other hand, immediately frowned.
“I didn’t think that they would be so impatient.”
Xu Qiqin softly sighed. As someone who had spent far too long living in and being influenced by the capital, she knew all the backstabbing methods and devious tricks of the Imperial Court like the back of her hand. With just a glance at the situation, she could tell what was going on.
“They truly managed to find a good excuse!”
Xu Qiqin was rarely moved to anger, but she couldn’t help but show a faint tinge. The two of them had been putting their lives on the line for the sake of the empire, but when they returned to the capital, this was how those people in the Imperial Court had decided to treat them.
“Let them do as they please!”
Wang Chong gripped Xu Qiqin’s palm and softly soothed, “A wisp of smoke can’t block out the sun, and a mantis’s arm can’t change the universe. The major events of history and the world are not something that one, or two, or even a handful of them can change. No matter who they are or what they’re planning, they will never succeed.”
The warmth of another’s hand and those bright eyes caused Xu Qiqin to pause. Her emotions immediately settled, her face turned red, and she softly grunted.
As the carriage advanced, the cheering grew louder and louder, causing the entire world to shake.
Meanwhile, the carriage window remained closed. Wang Chong had listened to his own advice and not emerged, allowing the supervising official from the Bureau of Rites to breathe a sigh of relief.
Given Wang Chong’s current reputation, if he wanted to use this triumphant return to win the hearts of the people, he would merely need to show his face to immediately achieve the maximum effect. This was what they and King Qi feared the most. But as long as Wang Chong didn’t leave his carriage, the influence of this event would be minimized.
Regardless, it seems like we succeeded! The Wang Clan won’t be able to use this matter to increase their own prestige, the official from the Bureau of Rites thought to himself.
Chapter 1221 - Spiritual Legacy!
Chapter 1221: Spiritual Legacy!
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
As the official from the Bureau of Rites was relaxing, the crowd was getting more and more excited and
stirred up. In the middle of a packed crowd, a man raised his child up onto his shoulder.
“Look! Son, that’s the person you need to imitate. When you grow up, you need to become that kind of hero.”
The father excitedly looked at the distant carriage.
“Daddy, daddy, I see it, I see it!”
The boy of three or four spoke in a childish tone as he excitedly watched from his father’s shoulders.
The calm Wang Chong, his eyes closed, heard this childish voice. His heart thumped and a hint of emotion appeared on his face.
“Stand aside! Everyone, back up!”
Perhaps because they were too excited, this father-son pair continued to surge along with the crowd, failing to notice that they had pressed right up against the wary soldiers.
In a flash, a soldier turned around with a savage expression and forcefully pushed back the crowd, the father and son amongst them.
The father staggered back, causing his son to fall with a shriek from his shoulders.
Just when the child was about to hit the ground, boom! A majestic stream of energy shot forward to catch the boy.
Buzz!
All of this happened very abruptly, and when everyone turned to see where this energy came from, they fell silent. Even the soldiers on the perimeter who were pushing back against the crowd came to a shivering stop.
“Fuck!”
The officials from the Bureau of Rites in the distance immediately paled.
All of them suddenly felt an extremely ill foreboding.
“Hurry!”
The supervising official frantically bellowed the order like a beast, and the City Guard experts around him immediately charged toward the source of the disturbance.
But though they reacted swiftly, the matter was already developing in the worst way possible.
Bang!
As countless people watched, the wooden doors of that simple and unadorned carriage suddenly flew open, and a young and slim figure emerged.
The area around the city gate became deathly still and silent.
“The King of Foreign Lands! It’s the King of Foreign Lands!” a man suddenly yelled out from the middle of the dense crowd, and then the city gate practically exploded with earthshaking cheers, louder than they had been at any time previous. For many of the common folk of the capital, this was their first time seeing Wang Chong.
The Human Emperor c1-2382 Page 768