Chapter 134:
In the blink of an eye, people envied Su Lis favor under Li Ers tutelage, but they generally doubted the expeditions true potential for success. Unknowingly, the departure date arrived. Before dawn, a heavily pregnant Changle arose. Rejecting the maids assistance, she prepared Su Lis undergarments and armor. Afterwards, Changle, accompanied by the female attendants and maids of the entire Princess Mansion, arrived at the entrance to bid farewell.
Wait for me to come back! Su Li lightly embraced Changle before mounting the white dragon and heading towards the camp.
When he arrived, Lieutenant General Li Daozong had already organized 50,000 troops for the forthcoming expedition. Among them, 5,000 were elite soldiers from the Right Martial Guards, forming Su Lis contingent. The remaining 45,000 consisted of vigorous government soldiers.
Before departing for battle, the commanding officer would usually give some instructions. Sometimes, if they were a bit naughty, they might even involve a few unfortunate individuals for amusement. Like Cheng Yaojin, who used to select individuals from the army before every campaign, behead them, and hang their heads on flagpoles. Standing on a raised platform and seeing a sea of heads below, Su Li suddenly realized he had little to say.
Ordinarily, he didnt need to employ tactics when going to war. His approach was fairly straightforwardeach man for himself, pushing through directly. Bringing along a group of comrades was mainly for battlefield cleanup and to create an atmosphere. Could he tell them they should cheer with 666 during the fight? That would be too disrespectful.
Li Daozong stood at Su Lis side and noticed his concern. He assumed Su Li was nervous, although most generals, having risen from the ranks, had seen enough and wouldnt experience stage fright. His case was exceptional, given Su Lis sudden elevation and command over 50,000 troops.
Taking the instance of Su Lis swift rise, he was now in a high position, leading 50,000 soldiers alone. These werent just 50,000 cabbages. Based on the circulating rumors in Changan, at least 40,000 of these troops held an attitude of distrust towards Su Li. Having the focused gaze of so many people directed at oneself could be quite overwhelming. In all honesty, for someone without experience, managing not to falter upon encountering such a scene for the first time was already impressive.
Li Daozong felt genuinely thankful for Su Li. After that day, his daughter had ignored him, but she had returned to normal the following day. Li Daozong and Li Xueyan had a lengthy conversation. He discovered that his daughter seemed to have developed a deep affection for Su Li. No wonder she was reluctant to thank him personally. Once he recognized this, Li Daozong didnt press the matter further.
Sometimes, he also felt that having someone like Su Li as a son-in-law would be wonderful.
Hadnt he seen how Li Er treated Su Li now? To determine if a son-in-law was good enough, you just need to observe the attitude of the father-in-law towards him. Unfortunately, Su Li was a consort. If Changle and Su Li had a strained relationship, perhaps Li Daozong could have considered a solution. However, the reality was that the two were deeply connected, and it was evident that his daughters feelings were unrequited. Every time he thought about this, Li Daozong felt a bit frustrated.
After all, Su Li had done so much that he felt that besides giving his daughter to Su Li, there was no other way to repay the favor. But now, Su Li didnt want it. Who could he reason with this situation? Li Daozong couldnt help but think of taking better care of Su Li in the military, guiding him to make fewer mistakes and detours. Although he had heard others say that Su Lis military strategies were comparable to Li Jings, a strategy was one thing. Leading troops in marching and battle involved much more.
The moment when he saw Su Li appear somewhat stage-struck, Li Daozong quickly stepped forward, intending to help Su Li out. However, Su Li waved his hand and said, Lets go, before walking away. Li Daozong couldnt help but smile and appreciatively nodded. This kid is quite quick-witted
On the palace wall, Li Er stood alone, leaning against the railing and gazing in the direction Su Li had departed. Soon enough, a cloud of dust spiraled up, rising high into the sky. Li Er finally breathed a sigh of relief. It wasnt easy. He had finally managed to get this kid onto the battlefield! Li Er felt satisfied with the thought.
Thinking back to when he had first considered having Su Li join the army, it had been a year since then. Li Er realized it had been quite a challenge. Ive always known this kid is resourceful and, according to Li Jing, even surpasses him in military tactics. However, Im not sure how much he can display on the battlefield.
Li Er had some anticipation. As a general himself, he understood that displaying ones true abilities outside of battle was one thing. The real test came on the battlefield. Most people could only demonstrate about seventy to eighty percent of their capabilities on the field. Li Ers expectations werent high. Su Li would be commendable if he could show even half of his potential.
It was Su Lis first time on the battlefield, and Li Er didnt ask for too much. Yet, to play above ones level on the first battlefield encounter was rare. Li Er smiled more brightly. Then, his expression paused as if he had thought of something. He furrowed his brow slightly. If that kid performs exceptionally and defeats Tubo and those foreign entities he talks about, how should I reward him? Do I have to grant him a kingship with a different surname?
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