bookrandom Chapter 641: Chang'an Waiting for Return
Chapter 641: Chang'an Waiting for Return
The streets and alleys of Chang'an have long been filled with the lively atmosphere of the New Year. Lights and decorations are everywhere, and red lanterns are hung high, swaying gently in the cold wind, telling of the joy of the New Year.
The street stalls are filled with a wide variety of New Year goods, including sweet sugar-coated melons, brand new New Year pictures, and exquisite window decorations.
Children wearing new clothes and holding candied haws were running and laughing in the crowd, with clear laughter echoing one after another.
The adults were all smiling as they carefully selected New Year's goods, preparing to welcome the arrival of the New Year.
But this lively scene could not dispel the gloom in the palace.
In the Liangyi Hall, Li Chengqian sat in front of a table piled with memorials, his brows furrowed, the red pen in his hand suspended in mid-air, not falling for a long time.
His mind was not at all on the mountain of government affairs, but was distracted by Crown Prince Li Jingyou who was far away in India.
The end of the year is approaching, but there is still no news from Tianzhu. This unknown situation makes Li Chengqian extremely anxious.
He finally put down the memorial in his hand, slowly stood up, walked to the window, and looked through the window at the sky in the distance.
At the same time, Su Zhi's health was deteriorating and she was on the verge of death.
She lay weakly on the sickbed in Lizheng Hall, her face as pale as paper and her body so emaciated that it was heartbreaking.
Each breath was accompanied by a heavy gasp, and her consciousness was sometimes clear and sometimes blurred, but even so, her heart was always worried about her son who had not yet returned.
How she wished that she could see Li Jingyou again at the last moment of her life and tell him all the instructions hidden in her heart.
Mr. Qi has always been serving Li Chengqian, seeing his worries and feeling the pain in his heart.
He stepped forward and said in a soothing voice, "Your Majesty, please do not be too worried. The journey to India is long, and the transmission of news has been hindered, which has delayed us for some time. I believe that news will arrive soon."
Mr. Qi paused slightly, his tone more resolute, "Ruzhao was raised by your Majesty and me. He is thoughtful and prudent, and will definitely not disappoint your Majesty and your Majesty's expectations."
"Even if we fail to capture the King of Tianzhu and bring him back to Chang'an alive, we will do our utmost to ensure the safe return of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Li Chengqian listened to Mr. Qi's words and nodded slightly. He took a deep breath and tried to calm his inner anxiety: "I understand. Ruzhao is a reliable child. You'er will definitely return safely."
After saying that, his expression softened a little. "By the way, Lao Qi, this New Year's Day, come to the palace and have a reunion dinner with me. Invite Fatty Lin as well. We haven't had a good reunion in a while, so let's celebrate the New Year together."
And in the distant Tianzhu Jiuye City, it is currently undergoing a radical change.
Shi Jiumo stood on the city wall, looking at the slowly opening city gate, his eyes full of disbelief.
The Old Ye City, which he once regarded as indestructible, was conquered so easily by the Tang army.
Fundamentally, what destroyed the city was not the Tang army's weapons and cavalry, but their own internal divisions that had already been riddled with holes.
When the people outside the city, whom they usually contemptuously called "low-caste pigs", gathered like a tide, Shi Jiumo and a group of nobles just sneered. In their deep-rooted arrogance, these untouchables who were trampled under their feet could not cause any waves at all.
But they forgot that no matter how strong a fortress is, once cracks appear inside, it will collapse in an instant.
As the resistance of ordinary people in the city grew stronger, the noble soldiers gradually could not resist, and Old Ye City eventually fell into chaos.
Balafadan held the imperial edict issued by Emperor Taizong in trembling hands. He knelt on the ground with a plop, forehead pressed to the cold ground, and tearfully begged the Tang army to show mercy and spare the innocent people in the city: "Tang soldiers, this imperial edict was issued by Emperor Taizong back then. I beg you to spare me for the sake of our past friendship!"
His voice was filled with tears and echoed in the cold wind, sounding extremely desperate.
Wang Wen achieved an amazing record in just eighteen days.
He successfully opened the gates of Old Ye City and captured the Four Kings of Tianzhu alive. Such remarkable achievements, achieved at such a young age, would have made him exceptional even during the Zhenguan era, when talented individuals abounded.
The soldiers of the Tang Dynasty were all smiling. Not only did they survive this expedition safely, but they also harvested a lot of wealth in India and made a fortune.
More importantly, I can finally go home and reunite with my family during the Chinese New Year.
Everyone cheered Wang Wen's name loudly, and the enthusiastic shouts resounded through the sky, as if to spread the joy of victory thousands of miles away.
Li Jingyou stood aside, quietly looking at Wang Wen, who was surrounded by the crowd like a moon surrounded by stars. A complex and indistinguishable emotion flashed in his narrowed eyes.
Qin Ruzhao was so excited that his face turned red. He raised Wang Wen high above his head with one hand, causing the soldiers to shout "General Qin's supernatural power".
Li Jingyou had no interest in the bustling scene. He was introverted and steady by nature. At this moment, he just turned around silently and left quietly with the children of officials, leaving behind a slightly lonely back.
He may have his own thoughts in his mind. This victory may just be a small node in his life.
At the end of the 16th year of Qianwu, the army set out on its return journey in a mighty force.
This year's winter in Chang'an is particularly cold. The biting north wind is howling, scraping across people's cheeks like a knife.
There are still fifteen days before New Year's Day, and the whole city has already been covered with thick snow, swathed in silver.
Inside the Lizheng Hall, the charcoal fire in the stove burned dimly, but it could not dispel the sorrow that filled the room.
Li Chengqian sat in front of Su Zhi's bed and gently held her bony hand.
"Brother Qian, is You'er back?"
Su Zhi's voice was as weak as a gossamer, and her eyes were filled with worry for her son. However, a faint glimmer of hope ignited in her dim eyes.
Li Chengqian gently touched her hand and soothed her softly: "Lingxi'er, our You'er will definitely be back before the New Year. Please be patient and wait."
His voice was soft, yet firm.
"Brother Qian, I'm afraid... I'm afraid I won't be able to wait for You'er."
As Su Zhi spoke, she slowly turned her head to look at Li Jingyi who was playing beside her, and tears instantly blurred her eyes.
Yier is still young. If I pass away, what will happen to my brother and sister?
She felt powerless.
Su Zhi could clearly feel that life was slipping away from her body bit by bit. Now the only thing supporting her was her concern for Li Jingyou.
She had so many things she wanted to say to her son. She wanted to tell him to get along well with his father, not to be willful and angry anymore, and to listen to his father.
Li Chengqian's eyes were red. He gently tucked the quilt for Su Zhi, his voice trembling slightly: "Don't let your imagination run wild. It's definitely not too late. When have I ever lied to you?"
"I promise you that You'er will come back as soon as possible."
After saying that, he held Su Zhi's hand tightly.