Chapter Two: General Deng of Lingzhou

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Along the way, watching the crowds stream past, even Li Zisheng found it dazzling. As a modern man, he thought he had seen throngs before, yet the flourishing spectacle of Lingzhou City left him astonished. This was only a single provincial capital, and already the scale was so grand—what resplendence must await in Chang’an itself?

Li Zisheng followed Zhong Bai, trailing behind and taking in the sights step by step. The group had not chosen the central avenue, but instead took a circuitous route, heading to the army encamped in the eastern part of the city. Even though they traveled on byways and through the outskirts, the bustle was undiminished.

Merchants came and went through Lingzhou every day in an endless stream; for the locals, the sight had long since lost its novelty, so few paid much attention to Li Zisheng and his companions.

Their journey passed without wind or rain, and they arrived smoothly at the grand camp of the Lingzhou provincial army.

“Halt! Who goes there?” a soldier atop the drum tower called out in a thunderous voice.

“Chief Marshal of the Guannei Circuit, staff general under the Grand Commander, Zhong Bai, requests an audience with Lord Deng Qing, Right Guard Captain of the Loyal and Martial General.”

“So it is Master Zhong. Please wait a moment, I will go and announce you to the lord.”

Although Li Zisheng was at the rear of their party, he heard everything clearly. He had not expected the ‘God of War’ to hold such a lofty rank. The title of Chief Marshal of the Guannei Circuit alone entitled one to command all troops and provisions within the circuit; the position of Grand Commander carried the authority of imperial inspection—wherever he went, it was as if the emperor himself were touring, and no one dared provoke him.

No wonder he had so casually bestowed upon Li Zisheng the post of Inspector of the Twenty-Two Prefectures of Guannei, a position of dazzling prominence, bestowed only by someone with such power.

Even if the emperor himself later learned of it, no one would dare protest, regardless of whether it was reported before or after the act.

“Zisheng, when you meet General Deng, there’s no need to hide your brilliance. In his eyes, only merit counts—if you hold back, you’ll only lose ground.”

“That’s right, young master. General Deng is renowned throughout Lingzhou—there are even rhymes about him: ‘Lingzhou has a Lord Deng, a fierce god commanding the troops; children wail at the sight of him, grown men’s hearts fill with dread.’”

Their banter was lighthearted as they walked on.

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“Open the gate! Master Zhong, please enter.” The one who came to receive them was a scholar, refined and dignified, exuding natural poise.

“So it is Master Lin! I hadn’t expected you to join General Deng.” Zhong Bai’s heart was glad to see his old friend—though there was a difference in their ages, they had long been close confidants.

“Master Zhong, you flatter me. I have already prepared food and wine. You must all be weary from your journey. General Deng instructed me to look after you well—let us first refresh ourselves, for the general awaits you in the grand camp.”

The courtesy and humility in Master Lin’s words were like a spring breeze. The group, exhausted as they were, felt their weariness lift at his welcome.

Li Zisheng marveled inwardly at the man’s talent: in modern times, such a person would surely be an expert negotiator, perfect for public relations. No doubt his role in the military camp was much the same—when armies face off, having such an ally tipped the balance ever so slightly in their favor.

Compared to the Huiyue Camp, the main encampment of the Lingzhou army was on a scale beyond comparison. Nearly a third of all Guannei’s forces were stationed here, making Lingzhou’s military governor a figure of immense authority in the region.

Thus, everyone in the group was exceedingly respectful—after all, even with a Grand Commander as their patron, that alone would not suffice here.

No sooner had they entered the tent than a hearty voice rang out.

“Master Zhong, you’ve finally arrived! This time, with the Turkic delegation visiting, His Majesty is paying great attention—he’s exhorted us over and over: ‘You must win this contest, losing is not an option. If I lose, I may as well lose my head!’”

It was none other than General Deng, who had just spoken.

“Come, come, let’s sit and talk as we eat.” He ushered them to their seats at the table.

Zhong Bai understood well, despite General Deng’s words, that Deng’s rank was far above his own; such speech was merely a polite gesture to raise his status, and he was wise enough not to overstep.

So he clasped his hands respectfully and demurred, protesting that he did not dare.

“General Deng, our marshal attaches great importance to this contest with the Turkic delegation, and so he has recommended a prodigy—a young genius who can assist you.”

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“Oh? A recommendation from Commander Zhang? Then I should take a good look.” General Deng’s interest was clearly piqued.

“The one behind me—his name is Li Zisheng. He has already seen eight springs. Though only eight years old, he is versed in both letters and military strategy—a true child prodigy.” What Zhong Bai said was sincere, but to General Deng, it seemed as though the praise had come from Commander Zhang himself.

“I did not expect Commander Zhang to hold this lad in such esteem. Zhang is not one to praise lightly—those he values must be truly exceptional. What kind of talent does this child possess, to earn such high regard?”

Li Zisheng was unaware, and Zhong Bai had not anticipated, that his words had placed Li Zisheng on equal footing with General Deng in Deng’s eyes. The general’s gaze changed—when the group first entered, Deng, though affable, could not fully conceal his pride, but now his eyes showed a keen curiosity as he looked at Li Zisheng.

“Your name is Li Zisheng?” General Deng inquired, his tone full of curiosity.

“Yes, my lord. I am Li Zisheng.” With a graceful sweep of his sleeve, he performed a respectful bow. Although his post as Inspector was honorary and without rank, it was still an official position.

“Hmm, a natural poise—this child is indeed extraordinary.” General Deng observed him carefully, and Master Lin at his side also studied the much-lauded youth, eager to see what made him so remarkable.

“Since Commander Zhang has said you are here to assist me, may I ask what you know about the Turkic delegation?” General Deng wasted no time and asked Li Zisheng directly, without waiting for the meal to begin.

“General, I do not know,” Li Zisheng answered candidly, for in truth he had no idea what the Turkic delegation intended, only that there would be a contest of wit—nothing more.

Hearing this, General Deng frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure in his heart. Since Commander Zhang had sent someone to assist, why had he not informed him of the details of the contest?

Was this not a bit too arrogant? If the boy had real talent but it was not applicable to the contest, would that not be courting humiliation?

“Master Zhong, how do you explain this?” Deng’s expression turned cool as he glanced at Zhong Bai, then slowly raised his cup and sipped his wine.