Chapter Fifty-One: Preparations for Departure

With this command, even General Huang Li and Deputy General Zhong Bai were now subordinates of Li Zisheng. Coupled with the authority to act at his own discretion, it could be said that the power over life and death rested entirely in Li Zisheng’s hands.

Li Zisheng was well aware that he was gambling with the lives of his entire clan. But a true gentleman knows when to act and when to refrain. His mentor's kindness to him was as heavy as a mountain; if he could not resolve this enmity, he would feel unworthy as a human being.

“Thank you, General. I humbly request three days’ time to bid farewell to my elders at home, to ease their hearts.”

“Granted.”

Hearing Li Zisheng directly address himself as a humble subordinate, the man behind the screen nodded inwardly—this Li Zisheng was indeed perceptive. Now, all that remained was to go to the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel to make his farewells, and then await the imperial edict.

Thinking of this, the man behind the screen furrowed his brow. Some of the rigid officials at court could be troublesome; he hoped nothing would go wrong on this journey. Most importantly, Li Zisheng himself had to prove his worth, so that the effort invested in him would not be in vain.

This was also a good opportunity to see whether Li Zisheng was suitable for his daughter. If things went well, he might well become an ideal son-in-law.

“This is my command token. Within the boundaries of the pass, you may act on my behalf. The imperial edict will be issued in a few days.” With those words, the man behind the screen dismissed the others. If Li Zisheng wished for further details, he could consult Zhong Bai.

Zhong Bai handed Li Zisheng an iron badge, upon which was engraved a fierce tiger, alongside a gleaming sword.

“Daughter, this time your father has staked a great deal. If Li Zisheng proves unworthy, I will kill him myself.” The man behind the screen’s eyes flashed with a trace of ruthlessness, though expectation shone brighter.

He thought of his daughter, who had been forcibly summoned home by her grandfather for secretly passing information to this young man, which forced many matters to proceed ahead of schedule.

Leaving the Huiyue military camp, Li Zisheng did not return immediately to the academy, but first went to his aunt’s house. His cousin was already waiting at home, having been told to do so before Li Zisheng was summoned to the command tent.

“Cousin, you’re back! So, what does the God of War look like? Is he fierce? Does he have a blue face and fangs? A full beard? Does he speak in a thunderous, domineering voice?”

Before Li Zisheng could utter a word, Wang Qianlang bombarded him with a barrage of questions, all of them rather ridiculous.

“Cousin, is Aunt at home?” Li Zisheng chose to ignore the questions.

“Yes, Mother’s busy in the kitchen. She guessed you’d come for lunch, so she’s preparing food.” Seeing that Li Zisheng didn’t want to answer, Wang Qianlang’s expression grew awkward, and he stopped asking.

“Xiaosheng, you’re back! Come, come, lunch is ready. You scholars use your brains so much—Auntie made plenty of meat for you today. You’re too thin and still growing, eat more!”

Li Zisheng felt the warmth of kinship in these words, which strengthened his resolve to protect his family. Great Tang was not a safe society—life and death, fortune and misfortune, could come without warning.

Only by gaining strength could one protect those dear and stand firm in the Tang realm.

Li Zisheng, Wang Qianlang, and his aunt sat at a table laden with food, far more than the three could possibly finish.

“Come, Xiaosheng, eat this—it’s good for you!” His bowl was soon piled high.

“Thank you, Auntie. Please eat, don’t worry about me.” Though he cherished his family’s warmth, Li Zisheng feared losing it most of all.

“Auntie, I have been ordered to leave Huiyue County for some time. There was no time to bid farewell to my elders, grandparents, parents, and uncles. I hope you’ll pass on my regards.”

Halfway through the meal, he finally spoke, unable to hold it in any longer. Otherwise, he might not find the courage later.

Li Zisheng dreaded this kind of uncertain, life-and-death parting. He had requested three days so he could visit his mentor, but had no intention of returning home—he could not bear to see his elders worry on his behalf.

“What? Leaving Huiyue? Where to? Just a few days ago, your grandmother and mother sent word they wanted to visit, and now you’re leaving? This won’t do. What kind of general sends people off at a moment’s notice?”

His aunt was clearly upset—not with Li Zisheng, but with the general who had summoned him. Her child was only eight, at the prime age for study—how could he be sent off running around?

“Mother, don’t say that. This is the God of War himself, one of the most mysterious and renowned generals in Tang. Many would give anything to serve under him.” Wang Qianlang clearly saw things differently.

In his eyes, a general’s order meant an important matter. To defend the country was the duty of every passionate young man—not a misfortune, but a great honor. At this moment, he envied his cousin deeply.

“Cousin, could you take me with you?” Wang Qianlang asked before his mother could speak.

“Be quiet! You deserve a scolding.” His aunt quickly cut him off.

“Cousin, I do not know the general’s intentions, and bringing others would be impossible. Best let go of the thought.” Li Zisheng was helpless before his cousin’s eagerness, but the journey was too uncertain—he would never let his family take such risks.

After the meal, Li Zisheng asked for brush and paper, wrote a letter to his family, and entrusted it to his aunt. His aunt was still somewhat indignant but resigned—what was decided could not be undone.

Wang Qianlang, disappointed at being left behind, sighed for a long time before returning to the academy after lunch.

As for Li Zisheng, there was no need for him to request leave; Zhong Bai would handle all that.

Li Zisheng spent a little silver to hire a carriage and went to his mentor’s old residence. The door was slightly ajar—likely left that way by the neighbor, who had been entrusted to clean the house and allow Li Zisheng to consult the books inside. The neighbor had agreed readily.

Li Zisheng stepped inside. The yard was small, unchanged from before. Spring was deepening, and a hint of green brightened the garden. The peach blossoms were budding, their petals poised to burst forth on slender branches.

The house, thanks to frequent cleaning, was spotless. The books on the shelves were in neat order.

“Who’s there?” a voice called from outside.