Chapter 85

Luo Shixin was waiting, and the Silla sisters, Jinde Man and Jin Sheng Man, were also waiting.

The former was waiting for the right moment, while the latter was waiting for Li Yuncun and others from Taibai Mountain to succumb to the pressure, like the only force that could save Zuo Tiancheng, to seek help from the Silla Kingdom.

Therefore, the atmosphere of the two was completely different.

Silla was not weak among the three northeastern kingdoms, ranking second, weaker than Goguryeo but stronger than Baekje. However, being sandwiched between Goguryeo and Baekje, and having poor relations with both, its situation was the worst. Therefore, they were determined to gain control over the living force of Zuo Tiancheng, which was not under the control of Goguryeo or Baekje.

Years ago, Jinde Man had already noticed the existence of this group and had a deep understanding of it, knowing well how Zuo Tiancheng defined that force. With this as a foundation, she was confident that she could make that stubborn group compromise and work for them.

Therefore, compared to Luo Shixin's solemn pre-battle demeanor, Jinde Man and her sister were much more relaxed. In their view, Li Yuncun and his group, being in a foreign land, were like tigers that had fallen into a flat land, destined to be bullied by dogs. Only by accepting their help could they break free from their困境 and show their ferocity.

However, Jinde Man still maintained a low profile, observing everything from the reception building.

"How boring!" Jin Sheng Man, in an ungraceful manner, leaned on the table, her small cherry mouth opening and closing, playing with her upper and lower teeth.

Jinde Man tapped Jin Sheng Man's head with a book and said, "You've always been smarter than me since childhood, but you lack patience and dedication. Father is old, and the burden of Silla falls on us. You just think about playing all day."

Jin Sheng Man, holding her head with both hands, said, "Isn't there you, sister? This burden can only be carried by one person; two would be chaotic. I'm the younger sister, so I naturally should play."

Jinde Man smiled bitterly. Jin Sheng Man's playfulness was, in a way, the greatest help to her. Only she truly understood her sister. But thinking about how she worked hard while the other enjoyed life, the gap was too great, and she couldn't help but feel a bit envious. If she were the younger sister, how nice it would be.

Jin Sheng Man's eyes twinkled and she said, "Sister, what do you think they are doing? Look, he saved me. Why don't we invite him to dinner? I can bring him to Silla to help you. That would be a great support for you!"

Jinde Man had heard similar words so many times recently that she simply ignored them, giving her a cold look and continuing to read and wait. However, she was secretly puzzled: her sister, who usually had high standards, why was she suddenly so fixated on a stranger they had met by chance? Although that person did give off an unfathomable aura, it wasn't enough to warrant such fixation.

As she was thinking, a gentle knock on the door sounded, followed by Jin Guxin's voice: "They have arrived."

Jinde Man smiled lightly and said, "Please bring him in!"

Li Yuncun, under Jinde Man's watchful gaze, strode into the room. Inside, he saw two almost identical, exceptionally handsome men, one older and one younger. Recalling Luo Shixin's evaluation, he couldn't tell who was who.

"Li Yuncun greets the two princesses!"

"There's no need for formalities," Jinde Man nodded and gestured for Li Yuncun to sit down. She then continued, "Jinde Man understands your concerns and will not beat around the bush. General Zuo is in the hands of Gao Hui Zhen. With your current strength, it would be extremely difficult to rescue General Zuo, and you might lose all your achievements. Silla has always admired the culture of Central China and deeply sympathizes with your plight. My father has specially sent me to the capital city to handle this matter. If you are willing to serve Silla, Silla is willing to send troops to rescue General Zuo. As the saying goes in Central China, there's no such thing as a free lunch. Goguryeo is stronger than Silla, and it is clear to all. Silla's rash military action could lead to a war between the two countries, which would be a significant risk. This is the price Silla is willing to pay, and we hope you can understand our difficulties."

Li Yuncun had to admit that this young and beautiful girl was formidable. She was straightforward, without any formalities or beating around the bush, clearly stating Silla's difficulties and the price they were willing to pay.

It was a simple statement: Silla was willing to go to war with the powerful Goguryeo to rescue them. As the rescued party, it would be inappropriate not to offer any return.

Li Yuncun solemnly said, "As long as the princess can save my uncle, I, Li Yuncun, on behalf of all my clansmen, am willing to serve Silla and be loyal to the Silla king, following his lead."

Jinde Man smiled, her beauty radiating, "A gentleman's word!"

"Is as good as a galloping horse!" Li Yuncun responded without hesitation.

With no other options, Jinde Man did not doubt his sincerity. After seeing Li Yuncun off, she immediately wrote a secret letter and sent it by fast horse to the border, ordering the troops to prepare for an attack on Gao Hui Zhen's forces.

**********

The north wind howled, and large snowflakes mixed with hail particles stung people's faces.

Gao Hui Zhen, braving the wind and snow, was in an exceptionally good mood. He glanced at Zuo Tiancheng, who was locked in a cage, and all his worries of the past years vanished. He thought to himself: It was finally his time to shine.

Gao Hui Zhen's position in Goguryeo was somewhat awkward. He was a royal noble and held the position of Southern Mosa. Mosa was a title in Goguryeo, equivalent to a governor in Central China, and the Southern Governor was a high-ranking and powerful position. However, this position was inherited from his father. In the past, when the Sui Dynasty invaded, his father led the troops to fight the Sui soldiers, achieving great military success and earning the position of Southern Mosa. After his father's death, he inherited his father's political legacy.

This meant that Gao Hui Zhen lacked sufficient achievements to prove that he was capable of handling such a high position. Years of anti-bandit campaigns had only resulted in a lot of dust and no substantial results. The remnants of the Sui Dynasty still lived well in Taibai Mountain.

With the new king of Goguryeo on the throne, the call to reduce military power was growing louder. Gao Hui Zhen, who lacked significant achievements, was the first to be targeted. He was so worried that he couldn't sleep at night, his spirit was listless, and even his sexual function was affected, making him a quick shooter.

Unable to find a solution, he sought medical help everywhere, but Goguryeo's doctors couldn't treat his psychological issues. Sun Simiao entered Gao Hui Zhen's line of sight, and this attention immediately brought him good luck, capturing the fat sheep, Zuo Tiancheng.

Just by escorting Zuo Tiancheng to Pyongyang, it would be a great achievement. If he could take the opportunity to lure the Sui remnants out of Taibai Mountain and annihilate them, it would be even better. At that time, who would dare say that Gao Hui Zhen had no achievements, and who would dare to reduce his power?

Gao Hui Zhen deliberately slowed down the army's march to lure the Sui remnants.

In recent days, many mysterious people had appeared around the army, all of which he had noticed but pretended not to.

"Southern Mosa!"

A rider came through the wind and snow, carrying a golden seal, which was the king's messenger.

Gao Hui Zhen stepped forward and asked, "Does the king have any orders?"

The king's messenger shouted, "There is a rumor in Pyongyang that Silla has colluded with the Sui remnants and is preparing to send troops to rescue Zuo Tiancheng. The king asks whether to send reinforcements."

Gao Hui Zhen was furious, "They must be trying to steal the credit!" He immediately said, "Reply to the king that I have a plan and do not need reinforcements." After dismissing the king's messenger, he worried that Silla might really come to the rescue, so he summoned his confidants and ordered 5,000 troops from the capital city to come to his aid.

He was completely unaware that the troops guarding the capital city were already less than 8,000.