Chapter 119: The Peerless Loyalty of Duke Xu of Guo (Additional Chapter for "I Want to Live for Decades")

Yang Xuan turned his head back with some reluctance.

Zhou Ning looked at him calmly and said softly, "Go on."

In this era, the constraints on women are much fewer than in previous dynasties, but when it comes to marriage, the dictate of parents remains the mainstream.

Yang Xuan wore a cheeky grin and said, "I'll invite you to dinner in Pingkang Ward later."

He expected Zhou Ning to decline politely, maintaining a young lady’s reserve.

Instead, Zhou Ning nodded without hesitation. "Alright."

A feeling called excitement began to bounce around Yang Xuan's heart; he even wanted to jump on the spot to vent the emotion.

Zhou Ning suddenly said, "I know of a restaurant where the fish is unrivaled in Chang'an."

At this moment, a touch of the anticipation that a young girl should have appeared between her brows.

"Alright."

Yang Xuan agreed with her on the time for dinner, then departed.

"The little brat is so excited he’s practically flying."

Not far away, An Ziyu shook her head, puzzled. "Why did Zhou Ning see him out? Could it be that Yang Xuan is ill?"

Yang Xuan mounted his horse. Since he was in Chang'an, he could not bring his dozen guards to parade through the streets; it would be far too eye-catching.

Wang Lao'er followed behind with two soldiers. This fellow carried a small bundle containing the dried meat Han Ying had given him.

"Young Master, Han Ying is a good woman!"

Wang Lao'er felt that the woman who walked with such difficulty was truly good—exceptionally good.

Yang Xuan retorted irritably, "You were bought off by a bag of dried meat?"

Wang Lao'er replied, "Old Thief said last time... she's too thin, all bones, and it's uncomfortable."

That damned Old Thief, I'll deal with him later! Yang Xuan said, "Old Thief was just spouting nonsense."

"He wasn't spouting nonsense," Wang Lao'er said very seriously. "Old Cao also said that being plump is beauty, and I also think..." He began to ponder seriously.

The silly lad is gradually beginning to understand the ways of men and women!

Yang Xuan couldn't help but feel gratified, planning to have Yi Niang find a wife for Wang Lao'er later so he could have a litter of his own.

Wang Lao'er finally thought it through. "Young Master, when I eat mutton, I like the fatty parts too."

Yang Xuan: "..."

That’s a woman, not mutton!

Turning past the Imperial Academy, Yang Xuan planned to head to Chang'an County to take a look around.

The alley ahead was very short.

Yang Xuan led his men through it.

Xu Ernan turned out from the alley behind them, his eyes filled with coldness.

Only four people.

Just as he was about to leap forward in pursuit, he suddenly stopped.

A figure flickered on the wall to his right, and An Ziyu landed gracefully. She crossed her arms, holding a ruler in her right hand, and asked indifferently, "Whose side are you on?"

Xu Ernan replied, "Whose side I am on doesn't matter. What matters is... don't block the road, or you might get your legs broken. I'll give you three breaths; if you don't leave, you won't have to."

The ruler danced between her fingertips as An Ziyu said, "Go back and tell those people: Yang Xuan is a disciple of our Imperial Academy. To move against him is to move against our Imperial Academy!"

Only then did Xu Ernan realize the identity of the woman before him. He sneered, "The Imperial Academy? That bunch of fellows who can't even keep themselves out of trouble—who do you think the name of the Imperial Academy can intimidate?"

"There is no need to intimidate anyone!"

The two looked up.

Xu Ernan’s eyes narrowed. "A bunch of fools who only know how to boast all day—do you really think I don't dare to strike?"

*Whoosh!*

A gust of wind blew, and fallen leaves danced in the narrow alley.

A punch flew straight forward.

The ruler lashed out fiercely.

*Bang!*

Xu Ernan retracted his hand; the back of it was severely swollen.

"You!"

An Ziyu sneered, "Did you think your internal energy was deeper than mine?"

Xu Ernan took a deep breath, his face suddenly turning pale.

He threw another punch, slow and deliberate.

*Whoosh!*

The wind bitingly cold.

An Ziyu’s long hair flew backward.

She narrowed her eyes, and the ruler dancing in her hand lashed out slowly.

*Bang!*

An Ziyu and Xu Ernan brushed past each other.

A tree branch protruded from the wall on the left; just after she passed, the branch fell, its cut clean and sharp.

Xu Ernan spoke, "Who are you?"

An Ziyu didn't look back. "Imperial Academy Instructor, An Ziyu!"

Xu Ernan took a deep breath. "Why not kill me?"

An Ziyu said impatiently, "If you die, who will deliver the message to those people?"

With a flick of her finger, the ruler spun at her fingertips, whistling in the wind. "By the way, remember to tell those people: Yang Xuan is a disciple of our Imperial Academy. Anyone who wants to lay a hand on him must consider our Imperial Academy their enemy as well."

Behind her, Xu Ernan turned around, swaying.

*Puff!*

He spat out a mouthful of blood.

Injured, he returned to the He household. Once inside, he couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed.

He Huan came upon hearing the news.

"Yang Xuan doesn't have that kind of strength. Who did this?"

Blood kept spilling from the corners of Xu Ernan's mouth. He gasped, "The... Imperial Academy, An Ziyu. *Puff!*"

"She also said... that moving against Yang Xuan... is moving against the Imperial Academy..."

...

Zhang Chumao was currently in Yang Songcheng's office.

"...This great victory is primarily due to the soldiers fighting bravely, but the planning of funds and supplies by the Ministry of Revenue is also an indelible contribution. In warfare, money and grain come first, and the dedication of the troops comes second."

Yang Songcheng said slowly, "Without the Emperor's foresight and strategic planning, could this battle have been won?"

Zhang Chumao looked 'deeply ashamed,' bowing his head. "Indeed! I was too reckless."

"One must be steady in their actions," Yang Songcheng said calmly. "The Northern Liao has been restless in recent years. Huang Chunhui is old and lacks ambition. The Emperor has long been dissatisfied with this, so this time, you must be... steady. Do you remember?"

Zhang Chumao nodded. A dignified Duke actually lowered his head to the Minister of Revenue.

Yang Songcheng said with satisfaction, "If the Emperor asks about the situation on the northern border, be prudent."

"Yes."

Yang Songcheng stood up. "The court is about to discuss matters; let this be presented."

Later, the monarch and his ministers gathered.

Li Mi looked radiant, though his voice was a bit hoarse, which made one think of the "Pear Garden" troupe he had recently established, where he had people drumming, dancing, and singing.

The Left Chancellor, Chen Shen, remained as he always was, as silent as a deep pool.

The Minister of Works, Wang Douluo, looked calmly at the Minister of Justice, Zheng Qi, as if staring at a stubborn rock.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Personnel, Luo Cai, was more domineering, questioning the Minister of Rites, Zhu Wei.

"Minister Zhu, how is the Imperial Concubine's brother doing in your Ministry of Rites?"

The Emperor, who was about to stifle a yawn, paused, the yawn stuck in his throat, making him extremely uncomfortable.

Zhu Wei smiled at the Emperor first before saying, "He is very capable and gets along well with his colleagues."

Luo Cai smiled. "Indeed, he gets along well. I heard that as soon as he arrived at the Ministry of Rites, he beat up two of his colleagues."

The Emperor coughed. "Let us discuss the matters at hand."

Rumors had been spreading that the Imperial Concubine was arrogant, promoting whomever she pleased, and that Luo Cai of the Ministry of Personnel had become a puppet.

Luo Cai used the exchange with Zhu Wei to signal that he and the Ministry of Revenue were not to be trifled with, which pleased everyone, though the Emperor did not look to be in a good mood.

The discussion began.

"Your Majesty, the envoys from the various prefectures have mostly arrived, and the gifts have also arrived," Zhu Wei reported.

Every year-end, the prefectures sent envoys to Chang'an to present the annual tribute.

The Emperor’s mood visibly improved. "Make preparations; follow the protocols."

The protocol was for the gifts from all prefectures to be placed together for the Emperor to inspect, much like mortals offering sacrifices to the gods.

As for the envoys, there would be a collective audience.

With the business mostly concluded, the Emperor rubbed his temples—a sign of fatigue, meaning it was time for everyone to take their leave.

Yang Songcheng glanced at Zheng Qi.

Zheng Qi stood up. "Your Majesty, I have heard of the great victory on the northern border and am greatly encouraged. I expect the Northern Liao will be quiet for a while after this battle. However, the Northern Liao is powerful, and I fear they may return next year. Sending troops from Chang'an to the northern border is a massive mobilization that wastes countless resources..."

Chen Shen slightly raised his eyelids, a rare look of mockery in his eyes.

A fine dog Yang Songcheng has raised!

The Emperor’s expression was calm. "Do you have any suggestions?"

"I do," Zheng Qi said. "The Northern Border Pacification Commissioner, Huang Chunhui, is elderly. If he continues to toil, I fear something regrettable might happen. Your Majesty, I suggest letting Huang Chunhui return to Chang'an for a comfortable retirement, allowing a meritorious official to finish his career with dignity."

"Then who can replace Huang Chunhui?" Yang Songcheng asked, frowning.

Zheng Qi looked up. "Your Majesty, the Duke of Xu has just led the army to a great victory, striking fear into the Northern Liao. I believe he is capable of taking over the post of Northern Border Pacification Commissioner."

The Emperor scanned the officials. "What do you all think?"

Yang Songcheng smiled at Chen Shen.

*Old dog!*

He sneered inwardly.

He was no longer worried about Chen Shen interfering; he was only concerned that the Emperor might harbor doubts about Zhang Chumao's loyalty. That was why he had Zhang Chumao offer his most outstanding son to express his loyalty to the Emperor.

A hostage, essentially.

But that was not enough. To this end, Zhang Chumao had pledged that if he were appointed as the Northern Border Pacification Commissioner, he would go to the post alone.

If his entire family were hostages, who could question such loyalty?

Wang Douluo stood up. "Your Majesty, Commissioner Huang has been at the northern border for many years and can be described as steady. I believe it is better not to replace him."

The Emperor said noncommittally, "Do the ministers have any other views?"

Zheng Qi smiled. "Commissioner Huang is steady, yes, but I fear he is too steady. I have heard..." He looked around at the others, smiling. "I have heard that Commissioner Huang dozes off during meetings every day. This... is that not being too steady?"

Yang Songcheng said indifferently, "Commissioner Huang has rendered great service."

But you need to get out of the way.

The Four Families and Four Surnames must have influence in the military to drive out this old dog, the Left Chancellor.

This was surely the Emperor's wish as well.

Wang Douluo looked at Yang Songcheng. "The Northern Liao is strong. Does the Father-in-law mean... that we should take the initiative to attack?"

Yang Songcheng smiled. "That depends on the situation."

"I believe the northern border is treacherous, and only an experienced veteran like Commissioner Huang can stabilize the situation," Wang Douluo emphasized his stance.

"But the Duke of Xu is not frivolous, is he?" Zheng Qi countered.

Yang Songcheng prepared his finishing blow. "The recent great victory shows that the Duke of Xu is an excellent commander. If he takes charge of the northern border, he will surely keep the Northern Liao from looking south."

The crowd fell silent.

The Emperor looked like he had heard enough and was impatient to return to the inner palace to play music and sing.

Chen Shen moved, and the eyes of all present converged on him.

He said slowly, "A great victory... May I ask the Father-in-law, how many enemies were killed?"

"Over a thousand!" Yang Songcheng said.

Chen Shen made an "oh" sound. "This report of victory... who submitted it?"

Zheng Qi stood up for his master. "The Duke of Xu."

Chen Shen smiled. "What does the northern border say? Your Majesty, why is there no documentation from the northern border regarding this matter?"

"..."

*Old dog!* Yang Songcheng sneered. "There was no achievement on the northern border; what is there to talk about?"

Chen Shen said gently, "But they must have witnessed this great victory. If it has not been verified by them, then this victory... whose victory is it?!"

He spoke very softly, yet everyone felt a lightning bolt flash before their eyes.

The Left Chancellor was questioning the authenticity of the great victory!

The Emperor had to provide an opinion.

The ministers waited for the Emperor to speak.

The Emperor rubbed his temples again. "In that case, order the northern border... Huang Chunhui is elderly and cannot withstand the strain. Have the Deputy Commissioner come to Chang'an—at full speed!"

Soon after, they dispersed.

Zhang Chumao was summoned to Yang Songcheng’s office, and the two held a secret discussion.

That night, Zhao Dong, the commander of the vanguard, took his own life at home, leaving a suicide note claiming he was ashamed of the Emperor's trust; despite the great victory, the losses were significant, and he could not face the rewards.

Zhang Chumao personally went to the Zhao residence, wept over the coffin, and spoke of his deep reluctance to lose Zhao Dong, taking all the blame for the losses upon himself... In Chang'an, people shed tears over this, composing thirty poems in one night to eulogize the generosity of the Duke of Xu.

Following this, the number of people singing praises for Zhang Chumao in the court increased significantly.

The climax occurred the next day when Zhang Chumao submitted a memorial asking for punishment, stating that the significant losses in the vanguard were his fault, and pleading to have his title of Duke of Xu stripped so he could serve as a lowly soldier in the army to redeem his sins.

Poems about the Duke of Xu's unmatched loyalty and righteousness circulated throughout Chang'an. It was the end of the year and freezing cold, yet many poets organized poetry gatherings to eulogize the wisdom of the Emperor, while also praising the loyal and righteous Duke of Xu.

The long-term history officers of the march were summoned to testify.

All testimonies proved that the Duke of Xu was a good man.

"Shameless to the extreme!"

Yang Xuan could not help but sigh.

This matter would have to wait for news from the northern border; before then, his most important task was taking Zhou Ning to dinner.

"Newbie, you need to be serious about your first date," Zhuque instructed him.

"I am already very serious. I bathed and changed." Yang Xuan looked at himself in the bronze mirror and felt he was quite the handsome young man.

"Newbie, brush your teeth quickly."

"Why?"

"Otherwise, the beauty will be put off by your bad breath."

"You're bluffing me!" Yang Xuan exhaled and sniffed, feeling quite fresh.

"Did you watch those TV dramas for nothing?" Zhuque said, annoyed. "Look at those men who wear makeup for dates, spray perfume, and have to take a dump before leaving just so they don't fart when they're with a beauty..."

*To hell with listening to you!*

Yang Xuan went to the entrance of Pingkang Ward just like that.

When he saw Zhou Ning walking slowly toward him, he sniffed. "Zhuque."

"I'm here."

"Is it still in time to brush my teeth?"

...

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