Jennifer Williams
Stories
12
Chapters
3,221
Words
2.4 M
Comments
0
Reading
8 d, 6 h
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Five days later, Songtsan Gampo returned to Tubo, not heading directly to the capital city of Luoxie but to the old city of Pibo in the southern mountains. Here, he encountered envoys from various other tribes that surrounded the northwest border of the Tang Dynasty. “Why has Zanpu suddenly summoned us? What important matter does he wish to discuss?” questioned Bayegu Zhang, the representative from the Nine Clans of the Tiele people and the young chieftain of the Bayegu tribe, whose age was similar to…-
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In the barracks, Su Li was revered by the people. It wasn’t just the officers who witnessed this scene. During breakfast preparation, they were in the military camp, and countless individuals saw what happened. Soon, news of Su Li’s unparalleled bravery, surpassing even Xiang Yu, spread throughout the camp. Yesterday, they had been concerned about Su Li’s military order, fearing for their lives under such a commander. Now, they were energized like never before. The officers, in particular, were…
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Legend had it that the last monarch of the Shang Dynasty, Emperor Xin, who was also known as King Zhou of Shang, was said to be an invincible warrior. He was said to have the ability to control fierce animals with his bare hands, possessing unparalleled martial skills and incredible strength. This wasn’t from myth or legend but was explicitly recorded in historical accounts by Sima Qian. “Backwards trailing nine oxen, caressing the beams to ease the pillars” served to illustrate King Zhou of…
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Li Daozong and Su Dingfang quietly observed the unfolding scene not far from the impressive tent. Su Dingfang sighed and remarked, “Your Highness, you should’ve intervened yesterday.” Yesterday, Su Li only summoned Li Daozong, not Su Dingfang. After Li Daozong emerged from the command tent, Su Dingfang discovered the order issued by Su Li. Initially, he wanted to approach Su Li immediately, but Li Daozong held him back. Su Li probably intentionally excluded Su Dingfang to avoid his…
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If it were in the past, Su Li wouldn’t mind following the procedures step by step. After all, it was not often that one got to experience being a military commander. Treating it as a game could be a good experience if taken seriously. However, at this moment, Su Li wasn’t in the mood for games. With his child about to be born, wasting time playing war games outside seemed unthinkable. Su Li even entertained the thought of completing everything and returning to Changan, perhaps even in time for the…
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At night, Su Li studied a marching map independently inside the military camp. For this expedition, Li Er granted Su Li, the commander-in-chief, complete autonomy. Even the march route could be decided by him. This surprised Li Daozong and Su Dingfang, considering that in the past, generals had no authority to choose their march route within the Tang Dynasty. The emperor aimed to control the army tightly. The designated route was usually the most cost-effective and ensured prepared supplies. Additionally,…
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Lu Dongzan was acquainted with Su Li. He greatly admired the sophistication of Central Plains culture, excelling in the six noble arts. This Tubo figure was a true all-rounder. Poetry was certainly among his interests. During the months since descending from the plateau, Lu Dongzan read nearly all available books in Song Zhou City. His favorite was Su Li’s poetry collection. Even though it had been a while since Su Li’s hundred poems were composed during a wine-fueled night, it was still well-regarded…
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In a valley not far from Song Zhou City, the main forces of the Tubo were stationed. Standing on the hillside and looking down, you could see a continuous line of tents. A rough count revealed that the Tubo people were straightforward. Unlike some commanders in other regions who boast about having a million soldiers when they had only two hundred thousand, the Tubo people were honest about their troop numbers. Even when they had thirty thousand troops, they didn’t falsely claim to have sixty…
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In the blink of an eye, people envied Su Li’s favor under Li Er’s tutelage, but they generally doubted the expedition’s true potential for success. Unknowingly, the departure date arrived. Before dawn, a heavily pregnant Changle arose. Rejecting the maids’ assistance, she prepared Su Li’s undergarments and armor. Afterwards, Changle, accompanied by the female attendants and maids of the entire Princess Mansion, arrived at the entrance to bid farewell. “Wait for me to come back!” Su Li…
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Inside the house, Li Xueyan sat silently beside the bed. Once she learned that she had been selected to marry, she didn’t smile again. She, who had always shown strength, had now succumbed to self-pity. In the world, most problems could be resolved through influence and riches. Even without authority or affluence, capable individuals could usually find solutions. However, the issue that Li Xueyan confronted was utterly insurmountable! Her cleverness proved futile when it came to matters entwined with…
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