Chapter 39: Su Li’s Background!
It was fruitless to indulge in wild thoughts at this moment. Su Li sensed that something was amiss with Gao Yang, but he didnt feel rushed. Instead, he instructed the maid to inform Gao Yang to return and promptly declined her presence.
Jumping to conclusions about Gao Yangs character solely based on assumptions and negative impressions would be incorrect. Furthermore, Princess Changle was still unconscious, and Su Li did not want any trouble.
The following days remained uneventful. Su Li continued to diligently attend to Princess Changles needs, scrubbing her body and occasionally administering medicinal potions to aid her recovery.
Princess Changles complexion improved day by day, reaching a state of unparalleled health. Su Li examined her pulse and found it to be as follows, using the descriptions found in martial arts novels.
Her blood surged with boiling anger. Even a well-nourished, robust adult male couldnt match the vigor and vitality coursing through Changles body.
In the blink of an eye, a month had passed. The tranquility within the Princess Mansion remained undisturbed as nothing noteworthy occurred. Since Princess Changle had yet to awaken, Su Li maintained his seclusion and strictly adhered to male virtues. Even if any incidents occurred outside, they would not affect Su Li.
However, within the palace, peace was not the prevailing sentiment. Ever since Li Er grew suspicious, he intensified his investigation into Su Li.
Initially, the investigation focused on Su Lis social connections. It revealed that Su Li had no notable affiliations. Since relocating to Longyou in the sixth year of Wu De, Su Li had dutifully and peacefully farmed alongside his parents.
In the eighth year of Wu De, Su Lis parents fell victim to illness, leaving him to farm the land alone, relying on the support of the villagers to survive.
Su Lis ventures were limited to the county seat without ever setting foot in Changan City. Without any scholarly pursuits, his life was that of an ordinary peasant.
In the fourth year of the Zhenguan era, Li Jing launched a war against the Turks, following the instructions of Li Er. Su Dingfang, a distinguished military officer, served as a vanguard and achieved great military exploits, contributing to the destruction of the Turks. However, despite his significant accomplishments, Li Jing faced impeachment by numerous civil officers.
Grand Secretary Wen Yanbo falsely accused Li Jing of lacking discipline in his army, alleging that valuable treasures had fallen into the hands of unruly soldiers. This was merely a ploy to target Li Jing, but Li Jing had ensured Su Dingfangs survival. Consequently, even though Li Jing had achieved a great victory against the Turks, he was awarded the title of Zuo Wu Huan Zhonglang General.
Unfortunately, this sealed Su Dingfangs fate within the Zhenguan Dynasty. It was not until Li Er passed away and Li Zhi ascended the throne that Su Dingfang, a renowned general known for his later achievements, had the opportunity to showcase his remarkable abilities. During the chaos involving the Western Turkic and Pingcongling, Su Dingfang, the illustrious general who had defeated Baekje, conquered Goguryeo, and pacified Tubo, emerged.
Due to his unfavorable background, Su Dingfang faced limited prospects within the Zhenguan Dynasty and remained in the Zuo Wu Hou Zhonglang General position, which was a relatively idle role as the fourth-ranked officer. Su Dingfang did not dare to strive for real authority without actual power to command troops. His teacher, Li Jing, had already warned him not to pursue real power or lead troops into battle unless he could remove Li Jing from the picture.
However, Su Dingfang held onto his sense of righteousness. If not for this, he would not have continued to rebel against Liu Heita without hesitation after Dou Jiandes defeat. Additionally, when his teacher, Li Jing, achieved great military exploits but faced impeachment, Su Dingfang, a minor vanguard officer, even vented his anger towards Doctor Yu Shi in court. Su Dingfang had no regrets.
Today was the day Su Dingfang was supposed to start working, yet he remained at home. For a man whose future seemed destined for gloom, it seemed meaningless not to seek employment. His past experiences had already determined that no matter how hard he tried, he would not be able to gain the trust of the Emperor.
Rather than taking risks and pursuing a military career, Su Dingfang might as well have stayed at home and enjoyed the stable income of a fourth-ranked officer. However, a special guest arrived at Su Dingfangs mansion on this particular day.
By order of His Majesty, it is announced that Zuo Wu Hou Zhonglang will bring Su Dingfang to the palace for an audience!
Su Dingfang, who was drinking at home, was taken aback by the sudden visit of this esteemed messenger. As someone who appeared insignificant in the grand scheme of things, he couldnt understand why the Emperor would remember his existence.
An absurd thought crossed his mind, perhaps muddled by the effects of the drink. Could it be that His Majesty had recognized his peerless talent and couldnt bear to let such a valuable asset go unnoticed?
