Heaven is the shore of mortal dust

Chapter 139

Hearing her coaxing the servants, he couldn't help but think to himself, if she were truly a man, probably no one could rival her in matters of the heart. Just look at her tricks for charming people; a few simple words are enough to make someone laugh through tears. Clearly, she's quite the ladies' man. Luckily, she's a woman.

After changing into dry clothes, Wei Zijun hesitated for a long time before finally mustering up the courage to come out.

Seeing Li Tianqi standing at the door, he was somewhat surprised, "Why is Second Brother still standing here?"

"I'm waiting for my fourth brother here!" Li Tianqi deliberately emphasized the words "fourth brother".

Volume 3, Dayu Chapter 125: Farewell

Wei Zijun blushed, stammered, her red lips moved, and she uttered some incoherent syllables.

Li Tianqi's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but pull Wei Zijun into his arms, pressing his head against her forehead. Their faces pressed together felt like two blazing fires, scorching each other.

Li Tianqi murmured, "How should you be punished for the crime of deceiving the emperor?"

He lowered his head, and Wei Zijun instinctively turned her face to the side. He pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth, then slid down to her red lips and took her in his mouth.

Wei Zijun's heart pounded wildly. In that instant, she felt intoxicated. In that instant, the image of that frail woman flashed before her eyes. But in that instant, Wei Zijun pushed Li Tianqi away.

Their bodies, pressed tightly together, came together and then separated, both of them breathing awkwardly.

To ease the awkward atmosphere, Wei Zijun asked, "Second Brother, is there something you need to do so late at night?"

She received no answer, but saw Li Tianqi staring intently at the bundle she had packed. He walked over and opened it. Then, slightly angry, he said, "You're going to take revenge like this?" He shook the bundle, "You're not allowed to go, you're not allowed to go, I won't allow you to go."

Seeing the neatly folded clothes instantly turn into a messy pile, Wei Zijun cried out in her heart. She had spent an entire night tidying up, folding and organizing each piece, and he had just ruined it.

"Zijun, don't you believe your second brother can avenge you?" Li Tianqi looked intently at Wei Zijun. "I have already sent people back to mobilize the army. In a few days, Chen Chang will lead the army to Jiannan Road. At that time, we will attack Tubo from the east and west, and we will definitely raze Tubo to the ground."

Wei Zijun was somewhat surprised. "But Second Brother, it's the dead of winter. I'm afraid our Dayu soldiers will have a hard time adapting to this cold weather. Besides, if someone plots against us and takes the opportunity to start an internal conflict, what will happen?"

“Zijun, you’re overthinking it. I know you’re worried about your second brother’s throne. Trust me, everything has been arranged. Otherwise, how could I have ascended the throne in such a perilous situation? Besides, a desperate army is bound to win. Those Western Turkic troops have a deep bond with you; they admire you and are determined to avenge you. With this, we will surely wipe out the Tubo.” Li Tianqi stroked Wei Zijun’s shoulder, brushing away a stray strand of her wet hair. “As for the climate, Zijun is so intelligent, I shouldn’t need to explain it to you.”

Wei Zijun's eyes sparkled, and she curled her lips into a smile. "Second Brother chose to attack Jiannan because the climate there is warm, and we don't need to penetrate too deep into Tibet. We can simply tie down the Tibetan army. Moreover, Jiannan is the farthest from Khotan, forcing Tibet to split its forces into two routes to fight the enemy. With one route to the east and the other to the west, their forces will be scattered, the battle lines will be stretched, and they will be exhausted from running around. It will also be difficult for them to provide mutual support. Besides, they have just lost hundreds of thousands of troops. If they split their forces into two routes, their strength will be even more dispersed. Then, our Western Turkic army's attack will be unstoppable."

That's how it is. Tibet is located on the plateau, in the Jiannan area, making an uphill attack difficult. The Dayu army can tie down a portion of its forces in Jiannan, while the main force of the Western Turks will be the main attacking force. With this strategy, conquering Tibet should be within reach.

However, even the most brilliant plans will eventually be shelved if they encounter irreversible events.

The day after the two finished making their plans, Li Tianqi received news of an internal uprising in Dayu.

In February of the third year of the Jiande era of the Dayu Kingdom, just as the Dayu army and the Western Turkic army were about to jointly launch a campaign against Tibet, an unprecedented upheaval broke out within Dayu. The rebel army was a group of anti-Dayu martial arts forces. They rose up in the Jiangnan region and launched an attack in the Jiannan region, amassing tens of thousands of troops. They were well-equipped with armor, clearly backed by strong economic power, and each soldier was highly skilled in martial arts, making the capture of cities and towns as easy as taking candy from a baby. Within a few days, they had already taken control of several cities.

Although Li Tianqi had meticulously controlled Li Beiji's power, making the entire imperial city impregnable and rendering Li Beiji powerless, Li Tianqi never expected that trouble would arise outside his own home.

He never expected that despite all his calculations, he would overlook this detail about Nangong Que. While Li Beiji was accomplishing nothing, Nangong Que ordered his gang members, who were scattered throughout the martial arts world, to organize a rebel army in the Jiannan area. They unexpectedly occupied the area from Tongchuan County to Quanshan County, just southwest of the capital city of Daxing.

Thus, Chen Chang's army, which was heading to attack Tibet, was blocked in the Shunzheng County area and could not advance. The plan for the Western Turks and the Dayu army to simultaneously advance into Tibet was shelved.

The winter sun, though tinged with cold, was unusually warm in the part that shone through the windowpane. New charcoal had been added to the brazier inside, occasionally crackling as it burned.

The figure standing by the window exuded a delicate fragrance, like a fragrant orchid. "Second brother, hurry back. There is no time to lose. The rebels are determined to completely conquer Jiannan and then lure the Tibetan army into Dayu. This critical moment concerns the safety of Dayu. Second brother, you must quickly quell the rebels. Moreover, if the country is without a ruler at this time, it may lead to disaster. Second brother, set off immediately."

Li Tianqi gazed at the figure standing by the window; her serene silhouette, bathed in sunlight, softened his heart. "Zijun, you must come back with me."

"Second Brother, it's not advisable to withdraw our troops here immediately. You should go back. I will return once the situation here is stable." Wei Zijun did not turn around.

"Why is it so hard to do something for you? I always seem to miss the mark."

Wei Zijun turned around, smiled faintly, and said in a gentle voice, "Second Brother, don't dwell on this thought. I understand your feelings."

“Zijun, I’ll tie you up and bring you back. I’m afraid that as soon as I leave, you’ll risk your life. I won’t allow you to go.” He stepped forward and pressed his forehead against hers.

"Second brother, if we go against Ziju's wishes, Ziju will be very sad. What's the point of you kidnapping me? We can't withdraw our troops here immediately. Ziju must also promise not to put herself in danger. Ziju must stay."

For a long time, Li Tianqi remained silent. He could hear the determination in Wei Zijun's words. She would not go back with him, just like when she ran away from him. He frowned and sighed deeply, "Zijun, I will leave Miaozhou by your side to watch over you. You must not do anything foolish."

The vast, boundless snowfield was magnificent and expansive. On the icy and snowy plains, a hundred thousand armored soldiers marched slowly. The army approached very slowly because of the two commanders who were moving slowly across the snowfield.

The two men, one riding a black steed, handsome and elegant, the other standing on a white Akhal-Teke horse, refined and charming, with an extraordinary bearing, were both figures revered by the army. Yet, atop their horses, before the vast army, they held hands.

Li Tianqi gently held Wei Zijun's fingertips, gazed at the pure white snow, and sighed softly, "Zijun, what kind of man do you like?"

Wei Zijun looked up at him, somewhat surprised by his question. "I haven't thought about it." She really hadn't thought about it. Perhaps it was the constraint of her male identity, or perhaps it was because she didn't need to depend on a man, but she had never thought about finding a man to spend the rest of her life with.

"Does Ziju like a man like Helu?" Li Tianqi's heart tightened as he asked this question.

"Hmm?" Wei Zijun was taken aback. Do all men like to ask questions like this? He Lu? She liked him, but not in the way he described. "I feel sorry for him, worry about him, and take care of him like a family member." She spoke frankly. For this kind of topic, honesty was probably the best approach.

"Don't you have any romantic feelings for him?" Li Tianqi's palms were sweaty.

Love between a man and a woman? Wei Zijun was confused. What is pure love between a man and a woman? What is pure familial love? How do you draw that line? She recalled the scenes with He Lu. She was accommodating to him, and seeing him didn't make her heart flutter or panic. She thought for a moment and said, "No, it's just that when he's in front of me, I feel impulsive and worry about him."

What was the source of this worry and concern? Was it because of his unwavering devotion? Suddenly, images flashed through her mind of He Lu's kisses—his kisses on her shoulders and neck, that heart-fluttering, tingling sensation that had momentarily captivated her. She recalled that intimate moment, the blushing, the heart-pounding feeling, the gasps and moans, the perfect harmony—his skin like satin, his breath sweet. Though it was to save him, it had given her a taste of something wonderful. Was it pure desire? The desire of a man and a woman together?

"What is the meaning of love between a man and a woman in Ziju's heart? If your man already has another woman, can Ziju accept it?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt ashamed. How could such a pure-hearted Ziju allow herself to share a man with another woman? He regretted what he had just said. He had vowed not to let his woman suffer the pain of fighting, so how could he have said such filthy words to Ziju? Yes, because of his uncontrollable emotions, he had a moment of filthy thoughts. Because of his uncontrollable emotions, even he, such a steadfast man, almost gave in for a moment. But he couldn't think like that; he would be letting down both women.

Wei Zijun smiled and said, "Doesn't Second Brother already know? Even Second Brother has sworn not to let his woman suffer the pain of competing for favor. Second Brother doesn't need to ask such a question."

Li Tianqi laughed self-deprecatingly. Yes, he was ultimately not qualified, not even a little bit.

The army marched further and further away, and the walls of Qiepantuo City had long since disappeared from sight, yet they continued to advance relentlessly.

Seeing her walking further and further away, as if she could follow him back forever, Li Tianqi gripped Wei Zijun's hand tightly, "Zijun, come with me—" His voice was filled with helplessness and desolation.

Wei Zijun was suddenly overwhelmed by a huge sadness. "Second brother, I won't go with you this time, but I will next time."

"When will it be next time?" Li Tianqi asked, looking at her. He pulled her hand closer, forcing the two horses to rub their thighs together.

Wei Zijun gazed into the distance, offering no answer. Next time? When is that? Will there ever be a next time?

They traveled so far, and saw us off so far.

Finally, Li Tianqi stopped. "Let's go back. Look, your face is all red from the cold."

When the moment of parting arrived, they were suddenly at a loss, with so many words stuck in their throats, unsure of where to begin. Finally, Li Tianqi pleaded again, "Come with me, don't let me see your departing back again."

Wei Zijun looked up at him, her chest filled with sorrow. "This time, I'll watch you leave, let me watch your back. Only when you're far away and out of sight will I return."

Tears welled up in his eyes. "Zijun, what am I going to do with you? What am I going to do?" Li Tianqi took a deep breath. "There's something I'm not qualified to say anymore, but I want to say it now." He pulled her closer to him. "Zijun—I love you! I loved you when you were a man, and I've loved you whether you're a man or a woman. Don't laugh at me, I've used up all my courage."

Having said that, he released her hand, shook the reins, and the warhorse neighed loudly, galloping away. He walked so fast, so very fast, without looking back. The north wind blew against his face, wiping away the tears in his eyes. He remembered how, two years ago, he had abandoned her, and back then, he had done the same, letting the wind dry the tears in his eyes.

The black steed galloped away, its sturdy and upright figure, along with the massive army of black iron, gradually transforming into a black line on the snow-covered plain.

Wei Zijun did not leave; she had promised him she would stay until she could no longer see him.

The cold wind whipped at her robes, and tears blurred her vision.

Second brother, Ziju is ultimately not something I can give to you.

Ziju won't laugh at you; she'll only laugh at herself, at being a coward in matters of the heart, spouting pale moral principles while never daring to face her own heart. She just watches your desolate, frozen heart without offering a single comfort, letting you suffer the slow torture of emotions alone without extending a helping hand. She sees you struggling in this cold and desolate world without offering you a moment of warmth, and she sees your lonely and forlorn figure without chasing after you to embrace you.

Why, even with such intense longing, can they not be together? Why, when love becomes madness, does it only bring heartbreak? Why, in this life, did he have to meet her? If it's only for leaving, he'd rather they had never met. If they had never met… if they had never met…

Forget about Ziju. Perhaps you would be happier without meeting Ziju. Perhaps the world without Ziju would be peaceful and gentle...

The north wind stung Wei Zijun's cheeks. His figure, standing tall on horseback, was as cold and aloof as jade, appearing lonely and frail in the cold wind.

Wiping away her blurry eyes, the black line disappeared into the snowfield. Wei Zijun slowly turned around and steered her horse. She saw Miaozhou not far away, and a warmth rose in her heart. In this vast, empty snowfield, in this unbearable emptiness, she truly needed to see a figure waiting for her, no matter who that person was.

Wei Zijun headed towards Miaozhou to meet him. Suddenly, she sensed something was amiss. Overwhelmed by the sadness of parting, she had overlooked some people. She wondered why He Lu, who always followed her like a tail, wasn't there today. This wasn't like him; he wouldn't leave her side unless he fell. A flicker of worry crossed her mind, and she quickly sped towards Qiepantuo City.

Volume 3, Dayu Chapter 126: Letters

Upon entering the camp, Wei Zijun went straight to He Lu's room. Finding it empty, she hurried out and asked Fu Li beside her, "Where did He Lu go?"

"Reporting to the Khan, the Yabghu went out in the middle of the night yesterday and has not returned."

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun felt dizzy. Something was definitely wrong; his words were certainly not right. Where could he have gone? His words from the night before flashed through her mind: "My whole life has been for you, to live for you, to die for you..."

Wei Zijun's mind went blank. This fool! He went to avenge her! Realizing this, she was suddenly filled with anger. What could he do alone? He would likely lose his own life, and hers as well. Had he ever considered her feelings? Didn't he know that she always went to save him? He only knew how to cause trouble, without caring how she would resolve it.

Wei Zijun grew angrier the more she thought about it, and turned to leave.

"Khan—" Na Fuli called out.

Wei Zijun stopped. "What is it?"

"Yaghu said that he left a letter in the room, saying that when the Khan asked, he would ask the Khan to read the letter."

Has there been any news? At least he did something to clean up the mess; otherwise, how would she find him in the vast snowfield? Almost a day has passed, and she wonders where he is.

Wei Zijun hurried back to He Lu's room. The first thing he saw was the desk, upon which lay a thick stack of books he was reading—all military strategies and tactics. A sheet of raw Xuan paper lay open on the desk, weighed down by a paperweight, upon which was prominently displayed a pagoda poem:

think.

Tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

It cannot be separated from, nor can it be understood.

Western-style painted curtains hang low, and the silk veil is thin.

A thousand miles away, separated by dust and noise, I cannot see your face.

Longing grows silently in my temples, a melancholy lingers as the nightingale sings and the moon wanes

From then on, my pillow was empty and lonely, and I dreamt of you every day...

After reading it, Wei Zijun's eyes welled up with tears. Foolish boy, did he see Li Tianqi had continued her poem and secretly wrote one too? Judging from the ink and the creases on the rice paper, it had been written for a long time. Was he deliberately showing it to her today?

Having calmed himself down a bit, Wei Zijun glanced to the side. Beneath the paperweight, there was a letter. He pulled it out, unfolded it, and read on:

"Wind, you're so smart, you must know where I've gone. Don't worry about me, don't risk your life to save me. Remembering how you came alone to face the enemy last time, I'm terrified. Knowing you're here to save me makes my heart sweet. Every time you rescue me, I'm so happy I can't sleep. Thinking of you makes me feel even more lonely on my pillow. Every time I see you risking your life for me, I'm so excited; you do care about me. I wish I could cause trouble all my life, so you'd care about me forever? I want to see you rushing from afar, so captivating, but I also don't want to see you, because it will make me worry. Although I miss you so much, this time, you can't come."

"Don't worry about me, I'm not alone. I stole your golden arrow① and transferred the army of the Right Wing Nushibi tribe, which is loyal to me. I will be the vanguard to clear the way for you. By the time you see this letter, I may have already entered Tibetan territory."

"Feng—I know his plan. Seeing the continuous arrival of supplies, I know he's about to attack Tibet. Tibet is mountainous, making an uphill assault difficult. I'll be the vanguard, drawing away some of the enemy's forces. Then you can advance smoothly. If he can mobilize the garrison in Jiannan to attack Tibet simultaneously, that would be best, keeping the enemy constantly on the move. Remember, don't come looking for me, or all our efforts will be wasted. I will send troops to Xiangxiong, cutting off Tibet and its northern cities of Greater and Lesser Bolu, controlling a portion of the enemy forces. You will then send your troops straight into Qiangtang, following the predetermined route. You should be able to capture Tibet and its northern cities, and then take Lhasa directly."

"Feng, they hurt you so much, I will definitely avenge you. Remember, don't look for me."

Tears gradually blurred her vision, falling with a soft thud onto the rice paper and spreading rapidly. Wei Zijun tilted her head back and blinked.

She had ultimately neglected him too much, neglecting his heart and his actions. Yesterday, she had noticed the unusualness in his words, but seeing that he was only grooming Tesaru's fur, she didn't pay attention to it. He always liked to be with Tesaru, so she didn't notice any difference in his behavior. However, she didn't realize that he was spending more time with Tesaru than usual.

She stretched out her long fingers and gently wiped the wetness from the corner of her eyes, then put the letter into her bosom.

Outside, the air was frigid and chilly. Miaozhou stood like a statue in the snow. He followed her out. Wei Zijun remained silent for a long while, then turned to Geshu Fa beside her and said, "Order all the generals to wait in the reception hall."

"Fourth Prince, we must not send troops now," Miao Zhou behind him said, trying to stop him.

"Why?" Wei Zijun turned to look at him.