Late Tang Dynasty: Descendants of the Imperial Clan

These words, persuading them with emotion and reason, stirred the minds of the officers and soldiers present, instantly dissipating most of their previous righteous indignation.

The Zhao family's military commander stood at the table, his expression shifting between light and shadow, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something, but he ultimately swallowed his words.

He slowly returned to his seat, raised his wine cup, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, then slammed the cup down heavily on the table with a dull thud.

Sun Chu lowered his head, his white beard trembling slightly, his thoughts unreadable.

The remaining officers and soldiers were either sighing, whispering among themselves, or remaining silent, clearly moved by what they had said.

Seeing the relaxation in everyone's expressions, Peng Jingrou felt secretly pleased, but showed no sign of it on his face. He simply sighed and said slowly:

"How could I not know the pain you all feel? And how could I feel any better? But in these chaotic times, survival is more important than anything else. As long as we live, there is always a chance to turn things around. Besides—"

He abruptly changed the subject, raising his voice by three degrees:

"Huang Chao has seized Chang'an, established a state, and proclaimed himself emperor, naming it Great Qi. If we submit to Great Qi, we will become its subjects. Since Huang Chao has seized the throne, if we follow him, we can achieve merit and establish ourselves, and our wives and children will be rewarded. Isn't that better than following that emperor who only knows how to flee?"

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

Li Cenji sat at the end of the table, holding a wine cup in his hand, his gaze slowly sweeping over the faces of everyone present.

He saw hesitation in some people's eyes, interest in others, and even an ugly expression on some people's faces, but no one else dared to refute him.

He knew in his heart that Peng Jingrou's words had touched the hearts of most people.

As for the rest, it's just a matter of time.

Li Cenji felt no particular emotion.

His current situation is characterized by his low status and lack of influence.

Even if he were to stand up at this moment and shout out some grand principles like "Loyalty to the Emperor and Serving the Country" and "Rather Die Than Surrender," who would pay him any attention?

Moreover...

Li Cenji took a sip of wine, thinking to himself:

The real show is yet to come.

He had written several historical novels in his previous life, though none of them touched on the Sui, Tang and Five Dynasties. He considered himself a history enthusiast, though he hadn't read many serious historical books. But he couldn't resist the abundance of marketing accounts on Douyin that talked about history.

He watched at least 800, if not a thousand, short videos.

He could recite all sorts of historical anecdotes with his eyes closed, such as "the most tragic battle that led to the fall of the Tang Dynasty," "the secrets behind Huang Chao's uprising," and "how Zheng Tian extended the life of the Tang Dynasty by thirty years."

One particular scene, which would have happened today, he remembered exceptionally clearly—

Originally, Zheng Tian was bedridden due to rheumatism, and the officers and soldiers of Fengxiang were summoned by the supervising officer Peng Jingrou to discuss surrender.

Forced by circumstances, the generals had no choice but to comply. However, during the banquet, the musicians in the mansion happened to play a piece called "The King of Qin's Battle Song".

The melody was powerful and stirring, and it was a military music personally composed by Emperor Taizong Wen in the past.

When the generals and officials heard this, they recalled the hardships Emperor Taizong had endured to establish the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty, with its more than two hundred years of foundation, was about to be handed over to a salt merchant. Who could not feel heartbroken and weep with grief?

So he drew his sword on the spot, beheaded Huang Chao's envoy, swore an oath of blood, and raised an army to serve the king.

The marketing accounts described this part in great detail:

The phrases "The music suddenly rose, and the whole audience wept" and "A single song broke through the enemy lines, extending the life of the Tang Dynasty by thirty years" were so powerful that they made one's blood boil.

When Li Cenji came across these videos, he was quite moved.

But now that he was actually sitting at this banquet, he felt that something was not quite right.

He glanced around, observing the officers and soldiers whose expressions were uncertain, then looked at Peng Jingrou, who sat at the head of the table with a beaming smile, and secretly began to calculate:

Those lowly musicians and dancers kept by Peng Jingrou, would they really dare to play "The Qin King's Battle Song" in such a scene?

Li Cenji took another sip of wine, trying to comfort himself:

Perhaps it is true that "righteousness often comes from humble backgrounds," for there is no shortage of patriots in the world who are willing to fight to the death for the survival of their country.

Wait a little longer, wait a little longer.

He held his wine cup and continued watching the play.

Peng Jingrou and the clerk Zhang Yuanxian, after exchanging pleasantries and creating a lively atmosphere, gave a wink to the servants behind them.

The servant understood and turned to go into a side room.

A moment later, the curtain of the side room was lifted, and a person walked out.

It was the messenger sent by Huang Chao.

The man strode out, glanced around the hall, a smug smile playing on his lips. Without bowing to the crowd, he walked directly to Peng Jingrou's side and stood there.

Peng Jingrou hurriedly stood up and bowed to the crowd, saying:

"Gentlemen, this is the envoy sent by the Emperor of Great Qi. His surname is Wang, and his given name is Jing."

Wang Jing raised his chin, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the crowd, his words brief and direct:

"Generals, Lord Peng has already drafted a letter of thanks in the name of Zheng Tian, ​​offering his seal of office and submitting to the Great Qi. If you all understand the times, then follow Lord Peng and return together; the Emperor of Great Qi will surely promote you."

The room was deathly silent.

The officers and soldiers looked at each other, their faces a mixture of pale and ashen.

This person's words were utterly devoid of any politeness, leaving them not even the last shred of decency.

Sun Chu kept his head down, his white beard trembling slightly, his hands hidden in his sleeves, his knuckles white from clenching them.

He had a thousand grievances and a thousand unwillingnesses in his heart, but how could he say them out loud?

Zheng Xiangong was critically ill and unable to manage state affairs, the emperor had fled to Chengdu, and Huang Chao's army could arrive at any moment. The generals in the city had lost all will to fight...

What could a powerless civil official like him do besides go with the flow?

The other officers and soldiers thought much the same way.

Some sighed deeply, some sat silently, and some simply drank one cup of wine after another, as if trying to swallow all the humiliation and helplessness in their hearts.

Seeing that no one dared to object, Peng Jingrou was overjoyed and quickly bowed to Huang Chao's envoy, smiling as he said:

"Your Excellency, please see that all the generals here are wise and capable men who know when to yield. The matter of their submission to the Great Qi is thus settled."

The envoy nodded, a satisfied look on his face, and said:

"Lord Peng has worked hard. I will report back to His Majesty and he will surely reward you handsomely."

Peng Jingrou waved his hands repeatedly and said:

"No, no, it's all thanks to the envoy's kind words."

Having said that, he summoned a servant and gave him instructions:

"Bring more wine and food! Today is a joyous occasion; we must celebrate properly!"

The servants filed in and put the dishes that had just been removed back on, and the wine was also replaced with fresh brew.

Peng Jingrou added:

"Go, summon all the musicians and dancers in the manor to play music and dance to entertain the envoy!"

Soon after, the musicians came out carrying various musical instruments such as the pipa, bili, and clappers, and sat down in the hall.

Several more dancers gracefully emerged, dressed in light silk and wearing floral crowns, and stood in the hall.

As soon as the music started, the dancers swayed their waists and began to dance gracefully.

For a moment, the hall was filled with pleasant music and singing and dancing, just like a festive occasion.

The soldiers who had been standing guard outside the main hall relaxed quietly when they saw the singing and dancing inside, and retreated into the courtyard from the side corridors.

It was as if everything had been settled.

After several rounds of drinks, the stiff and awkward expressions on everyone's faces gradually faded with the effects of the alcohol.

Some people, emboldened by alcohol, began to speak in hushed tones.

At first, it was just a few insignificant words, but as they talked, someone started to cover their face with their sleeve and sob.

The crying was initially suppressed, with only slight tremors of the shoulders and low sobs escaping the throat.

However, in no time at all, like an epidemic, seven or eight people began to weep.

Some covered their faces with their sleeves, some lowered their heads as if wiping away sweat, and some simply lay on the table, shrugging their shoulders.

Upon seeing this, Huang Chao's envoy was displeased, so he deliberately frowned and asked:

"Generals, why is this so?"

Everyone was speechless for a moment, looking at each other blankly, and no one could answer.

You can't exactly say that you shed tears because you were forced to lose your integrity and join the bandits, and that you were heartbroken.

If these words were spoken, the messenger would lose face.

The scene was a little awkward for a while.

Just then, Sun Chu stood up, bowed to the envoy, and said with a sorrowful expression:

"Your Excellency is unaware that Minister Zheng is unable to attend the banquet due to paralysis. We are deeply saddened by his illness and thus we shed tears."

When he spoke, his voice was steady and his expression was normal, as if he were truly worried about Zheng Tian's illness.

The envoy glanced at him, a cold smile playing on his lips, but didn't press the matter further. He simply said "Oh" and went back to drinking.

The officers and soldiers breathed a sigh of relief, wiped away their tears with their sleeves, and suppressed their resentment and humiliation once again.

Seeing this, Li Cenji felt a mix of emotions.

He was not moved by the "integrity" of these officers and generals.

To be honest, when everyone tacitly surrendered, not a single person shed a tear.

Now, with the effects of the alcohol rising, a few sobs are nothing but self-deception.

What he was worried about was whether or not the "Qin King's Battle Song" would be played.

The night grew deeper.

The candlelight flickered in the hall, casting the shadows of everyone on the wall, swaying gently.

The banquet was drawing to a close.

Huang Chao's envoy ate until his face was flushed, embracing two dancers on his left and right, grinning from ear to ear.

Peng Jingrou was also drunk and dazed, chatting and laughing in low voices with Zhang Yuanxian, who was constantly fawning over him and offering him drinks, while occasionally glancing at the envoy.

Among the officers and generals, some were fast asleep at their desks, snoring loudly; some were still drinking casually; and some were staring blankly out the window at the night, their minds wandering far away.

Li Cenji sat at the last seat, his wine cup filled countless times, yet he did not drink a drop.

His eyes darted around the hall, his ears perked up, afraid of missing any sound.

However, the iconic scene that was supposed to happen was long overdue.

The musicians, who had played soft and charming tunes all night, were now exhausted. The clappers slowed down, the pipa music faded, and it was time to end the performance.

Li Cenji finally couldn't hold back any longer.

He cursed inwardly:

Damn it, you really can't trust marketing accounts!

What "Qin King's Battle Song"? What "the audience wept"? What "Emperor Taizong's miraculous appearance"?

It's all made up!

If we really wait for those musicians to play, it might be all for nothing by dawn!

He took a deep breath, his mind racing.

Since we can't wait for that iconic scene, then...

Build it yourself?

The moment this thought crossed Li Cenji's mind, he was startled.

But on second thought, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea.

The original owner was a member of the Tang imperial family, though from a distant branch, but still surnamed Li.

The lyrics and music of "Qin King's Battle Song" may not be fully remembered by ordinary people, but the original owner of the body remembered them word for word.

As long as the atmosphere is created, and these officers and generals are reminded of Emperor Taizong's great achievements and the more than two hundred years of the Tang Dynasty's foundation...

Who knows, it might actually bring back that iconic scene!

As Li Cenji was pondering his next move, he suddenly felt a burning gaze fixed on him from behind.

He turned his head slightly and saw Xu Tai's square face, which was flushed red.

Xu Tai, disguised as a servant, stood behind him, one hand hidden in his sleeve, gripping a short blade tightly, his knuckles turning white.

His jaw was clenched so hard it was grinding, and the muscles in his cheeks were twitching.

He repeatedly winked at Li Cenji, the meaning of which was crystal clear:

Captain, let's begin!

Li Cenji glanced at him and shook his head slightly.

Xu Tai, however, was not satisfied. Taking advantage of pouring him wine, he leaned close to his ear and whispered:

"Commander, the eunuch and the traitor are at the head of the group. If I suddenly launch an attack, I'm sixty percent certain I can charge up and capture that scoundrel surnamed Peng! Once we've captured him, the garrison troops outside will be hesitant to act, and we'll have our chance..."

He spoke quickly and urgently, his voice extremely low, clearly indicating that he had been holding it in for a long time.

Li Cenji did not answer immediately, but instead used the gesture of picking up his wine cup to quickly glance at the situation in the hall.

His seat was at the very end, at least twenty paces from the head of the table.

There were a dozen or so tables and desks in between, dozens of officers and soldiers, and servants and dancers moving among them.

Let alone a 60% chance, I have no chance at all.

He grabbed Xu Tai's hand that was holding the blade, and with force, pressed the short blade back into his sleeve.

Then, she tilted her head slightly, leaned close to Xu Tai's ear, and whispered:

"Don't be reckless. My seat is more than twenty paces away from the head of the table, and there are so many people in between. Even if we really want to make a move, we can't start from this distance. Besides, although the garrison soldiers have retreated to the courtyard, they are only waiting outside the gate. If we make a move here, they will swarm in, and neither of us will survive."

Xu Tai gritted his teeth and said:

"Then what should we do? Are we just going to stand by and watch that eunuch hand over Fengxiang City to Huang Chao?"

Just as Li Cenji was about to speak again, he suddenly felt a gaze fall on him.

He looked up and saw Peng Jingrou at the head of the table, holding a wine cup and looking in his direction with bleary, drunken eyes.

The old eunuch had drunk quite a bit of wine, his face flushed and his eyes somewhat unfocused, yet his gaze remained sharp, instantly spotting Li Cenji and Xu Tai huddled together, whispering to each other.

Peng Jingrou put down his wine cup, tilted his head and peered at it for a moment, then suddenly raised his voice and asked:

"Jingzhi, what secrets were you whispering with that servant? Could it be that you're dissatisfied with my hospitality?"

His voice wasn't very loud, but as the hall gradually quieted down, his words became exceptionally clear.

All the officers and soldiers raised their heads and, following Peng Jingrou's gaze, looked at Li Cenji, who was sitting at the end of the table.

Li Cenji felt a chill run down his spine, but his expression remained unchanged. His mind raced, and he instantly came up with a plan.

He calmly rose, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting to Peng Jingrou, and said with a smile:

"Peng Gong, what are you saying? I was just discussing with my men about having him go to your esteemed residence's musicians to borrow a musical instrument."

Peng Jingrou was taken aback upon hearing this, and said:

"Borrow a musical instrument? What do you need a musical instrument for?"

Li Cenji smiled and said:

"Today, Lord Peng is hosting a banquet, and we are surrendering to the Great Qi. This is a joyous occasion. I am but a humble general, and I would like to offer my humble contribution by playing a song to celebrate our surrender and add to the festive atmosphere."

These words shocked everyone in the room.

The Huang Chao envoy, who was already dazed with drunkenness, perked up immediately upon hearing this, sat up straight, and looked at Li Cenji with great interest.