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Chapter 129: Dragon Dawn (Part 12)
Chapter 129: Dragon Dawn (Part 12)
Everyone was surprised. Although they had their own motives for proposing punishment, even the ministers close to the Li Family, who had argued with them, had at most excused Li Hao's actions by citing his youth and arrogance fueled by favoritism.
How could they possibly speak of lofty ambitions and patriotism?
For these corrupt and pedantic scholars to offer such praise was no small feat.
The Grand Guardian respectfully said, "Your Majesty, a few days ago, one of my students returned from Qingzhou City, bringing back a collection of poems. According to my student, all the poems in this book were written by the Li Family's Young Master. He has verified this from multiple sources, and it is absolutely genuine!"
"Hmm?"
Emperor Yu was surprised. The young man could actually compose poetry?
Upon further thought, if he could play chess, why not write poems?
In his mind, chess was much more difficult than poetry.
Of course, he could never admit this to the scholars in the Hanlin Hall; otherwise, they would surely argue until his head exploded, demanding a clear explanation.
"Upon receiving this collection, I feel ashamed. We scholars read the classics and observe the vast rivers and mountains of the world, yet in the end, we are not as talented or broad-minded as a child who spends his days sitting in the courtyard. It is truly shameful to face Your Majesty."
The Grand Guardian paused here, raising his hand to cover his face, displaying a look of sorrow and regret.
Everyone watched in astonishment.
Was this old man really bewitched?
When had they ever heard him say "ashamed"?
He usually argued without reason, but today he was actually admitting defeat?
Emperor Yu was also intrigued, urging, "My dear minister, don't keep us in suspense. Tell us, what is the reason?"
Seeing this, Grand Guardian Uncle Zhao withdrew the poetry collection from his loose sleeves and presented it with both hands.
When Eunuch Chu Jiuyue, who was by Emperor Yu's side, waved to receive it, Uncle Zhao turned to look at the Liangzhou Commander, his sleeves fluttering and his gaze sharp.
"They did fight, and it was indeed a violation of the moral code, but to say that no reason can justify it is incorrect!"
"We in Dayu respect propriety, but we do not rigidly adhere to outdated customs!"
"Otherwise, would we not be a group of obsolete and narrow-minded people?"
Isn't that true?
The generals all rolled their eyes inwardly.
However, Uncle Zhao's eyes were fiery, and he declared loudly, "I ask you, can someone who says, 'Only to die for the country on the battlefield, why must we be wrapped in horsehide,' be considered a true patriot?"
"Can someone who says, 'Since ancient times, who can escape death? Let my loyal heart shine in history,' be considered a patriot?"
"Let no one talk of titles and honors, for one general's success is built on the bones of countless soldiers!"
Uncle Zhao stared intently at the Liangzhou Commander, his eyes burning and his voice resonating through the hall. "These words advise against seeking titles and honors, for one general's success is built on the bones of countless soldiers! He feels compassion for the fallen soldiers rather than seeking fame and glory!"
"I ask you, what kind of person can place the nation so highly and regard fame so lightly?!"
"How many people can truly do this?!"
Everyone was stunned, speechless for a moment, but then they grew indignant. You can say what you want, but what's with that look, as if we're all here for the titles and honors.
The Liangzhou Commander's face changed slightly. Those few lines had a significant impact on him.
He was angry at the Qingzhou youth, but more out of concern that the Heavenly Gate Pass might fall, and the people of Liangzhou would suffer.
But those words, "Why must we be wrapped in horsehide"!
As a seasoned warrior, he had seen the brutality of war and the soldiers who couldn't even keep their bodies intact.
Those words brought tears to his eyes.
The soldiers who had fought to the death and defended their posts must have felt the same way.
They just lacked the eloquence to express it.
At this moment, Emperor Yu was also flipping through the poetry collection handed to him by Eunuch Chu Jiuyue, his expression becoming solemn and silent.
"Even if he is patriotic and a loyal general, the fact remains that he drew his sword against his father!" someone suddenly said.
Uncle Zhao looked at the person and sneered, "It is a fact, but is a fact always the truth?"
The person was taken aback, his thoughts scrambled by the question.
No wonder these pedantic scholars were so eloquent; one question had left him speechless.
"Flowers in the mirror, moon in the water; even what we see is not always real."
Uncle Zhao said coldly, "Even if it is true, is the Xingwu King entirely blameless?"
"Was punishing his son and sending him to the Heavenly Gate Pass not severe enough? I ask you, who would dare to garrison there?"
"..."
Everyone was speechless. They were discussing a father killing his son, but now the fire was being directed at them.
"Such a youth, with such a sincere heart, can be so compassionate to the people. Could he not also be forgiving towards his father? I believe there must be other reasons, and we need to investigate before making a judgment!" Uncle Zhao declared loudly.
Those who had initially proposed punishing Li Hao looked at each other in dismay.
With the support of the Hanlin Hall and the original dissenters, the matter was likely to be decided in his favor.
"Can a few poems really prove anything? Anyone can talk, right?" a voice sounded again, belonging to another general, his expression cold.
Uncle Zhao sneered, "Then why don't you try?"
"I am skilled in military strategy, not poetry, but I can still speak plainly. Loyalty to the emperor and service to the country, we will die a thousand deaths without hesitation!" the general said.
Uncle Zhao coldly snorted, "Without a deep and passionate heart, one cannot write such profound and moving poetry. Your plain words are something anyone can say."
As great scholars, after reading the collection, they had a very favorable impression of the young man they had never met.
Seeing the poems was like meeting the person. They knew that if someone were insincere, they might manage one or two poems, but they could never produce so many loyal verses.
At first, they didn't believe it. But after gathering more information from various sources, they finally confirmed that all of these remarkable achievements were indeed the work of that young man alone.
For such a refined and talented youth to emerge from among these rough and uncivilized warriors left the scholars in awe and admiration. It was truly an eye-opening experience for them.
"A single body has fought across three thousand miles, and a single sword can withstand a million soldiers!"
At that moment, in the imperial court, Emperor Yu's voice echoed softly, sending a shock through everyone present.
What a grand and majestic poem!
A radiant light slowly appeared in Emperor Yu's eyes. The image of that prodigious young genius from Qingzhou became even clearer in his mind.
"Excellent poem, excellent youth!"
Emperor Yu smiled, his praise unrestrained.
Those who had intended to argue further changed their expressions and fell silent.
With Emperor Yu speaking, there was no point in further discussion.
Perhaps they could only pray that the snow and wind beyond the Border Pass would truly bring down that young man...
The court session ended.
In Qianming Palace.
Emperor Yu strolled to this place, with Eunuch Chu Jiuyue following slightly bent behind him.
"Have you seen that child at the True Dragon Banquet? What do you think of him?"
Emperor Yu walked slowly, stopping casually in front of a flowering tree. However, only one flower bloomed on the tree, with snowflakes falling on its branches.
Seeing this, he suddenly remembered a line from a poetry collection:
"When autumn comes on the eighth of September, my flowers will bloom after all others have withered!"
His lips curled slightly. That young man's aggressive chess moves and his ability to write such a fierce poem seemed quite fitting.
Eunuch Chu Jiuyue pondered for a moment and then bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I found the child to be casual and free-spirited, yet his character is steady and composed, not at all frivolous or arrogant. The incident that day was indeed initiated by the Buddhist Master's personal disciple, who harbored a hidden intent to kill, though it was extremely subtle, I still managed to detect it..."
Emperor Yu's eyes flickered, and he murmured, "Buddhist Master..."
He looked into the distance and said softly, "It's snowing. I wonder how that child is faring beyond the border. I've heard that King Xingwu has withdrawn all the troops from there. It seems he has understood the implications of my previous words and plans to abandon that area."
Eunuch Chu Jiuyue lowered his head, knowing that sometimes it was better to say less.
"If you have the time, take a trip there. I've heard that the child left in a hurry and didn't even bring a sword. Take one on my behalf."
Emperor Yu smiled and said, "Take the one called... Dragon Dawn."
Eunuch Chu Jiuyue's heart skipped a beat. That was the first of the Ten Great Swords of the World.
It seemed that Emperor Yu's affection for that Li Family youth was even greater than he had imagined.
"Yes, Your Majesty", he responded respectfully.
"Lord Tian Gang doesn't fear the death of his son, but I do..."
Emperor Yu chuckled and said, "Tell him that if he gets tired, he can return to Dayu Province. I will allow him to enter the outer chambers of the Qian Dao Palace to cultivate and live with the Princes."
Eunuch Chu Jiuyue's pupils dilated slightly, but he still responded respectfully.
...
...
At the Heavenly Gate Pass on the border of Liangzhou.
Cangya City, now reduced to a small mound of earth.
Snowflakes fell, covering the tents of the encampment and the corpses of the Demons that had fallen the previous day.
"It's snowing."
Li Hao paused his writing of the cultivation techniques, using his Object Control Power to prevent the snow from touching the paper and getting it wet.
"Snowy weather isn't good for fishing..."
Li Hao muttered to himself, looking in the direction of Qingzhou, wondering if it was snowing there and if the lake had started to freeze over...
"Today, the two of you should consider leaving."
Li Hongzhuang said to Li Hao and Li He.
Li Hao's eyes flickered, and he looked at her calmly.
Li Hongzhuang smiled faintly and said, "When you went to destroy their lair yesterday, did you interrogate anyone about the Dragon Mountain Daoist Ground? There are more than just one Great Demon of the Three Eternities Realm there. You killed Chi Hu Jun, the old dragon's mount. They will surely seek revenge!"
"Over the years, they have held back from launching a full-scale attack. I suspect it was intentional."
Li Hao, recalling his investigation, asked, "Do you know why?"
"There are several possibilities. First, they might be using this as a pretext to demand more living sacrifices from Beilin Kingdom. Second, they might be slowly eroding our Li Family. After all, directly breaching the Heavenly Gate Pass would be pointless. The Dragon Pass Road has already been invaded, and they can enter our territory at will, though on a smaller scale."
"On the contrary, by keeping us trapped here, they can continuously drain our resources. The old dragon might have a personal grudge against our Li Family Ancestor and is deliberately doing this."
Li Hao nodded, realizing that Li Hongzhuang was well aware of these matters.
"But today, they will likely come with a vengeance and won't hold back", Li Hongzhuang said.
As she finished speaking, the ground seemed to shake violently.
All three of them looked outside the camp.
At the horizon, several massive and imposing figures appeared.
(End of Chapter)
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