"handsome?"
The tailor innocently asked, "Is it the 'Handsome' in 'Marshal'? You mean you want someone with an imposing, murderous, and unparalleled heroic bearing?"
Xi gave him a cold glance, her gaze filled with murderous intent, which made the tailor tremble and sweat bead on his forehead.
His expression was aloof and inscrutable, as if he were discussing some important matter—a surprise attack on the Northern Rong and the extermination of the wicked—as he spoke, enunciating each word clearly:
"Of course not. What I want is someone as handsome as Pan An or Song Yu reborn! Ideally, they'd be unable to take their eyes off me the moment they see me, you understand?"
tailor:"………………"
Within the Northwest Army, a secret rumor began to circulate quietly at some point:
It is said that General Xi Chenzhou, having had enough of being the "Little Champion Marquis with unparalleled bravery in the three armies," is now preparing to return to the capital to become "Zhang Wulang, who bewitches the country with his male beauty"!
Zhang Wulang, whose real name was Zhang Yizhi, was the fifth in his family, hence the nickname Wulang. He was fair-skinned and handsome, and skilled in music and lyrics. He was the male favorite of Empress Wu Zetian of the previous dynasty and was deeply loved by her.
He had served as a high-ranking official, was granted the title of Duke, and was bestowed with countless fields, houses, and riches. He and Changzong were domineering and arrogant, and all the officials in the court were afraid of him. Even the sons and nephews of Empress Wu Zetian would fight over the reins and call him Fifth Brother.
Of course, that's a story for later. Right now, the deputy generals were all red-faced with embarrassment and staggered away from General Xi's tent.
After walking a distance, they looked at each other with strange expressions and said with difficulty, "The general, well... he has a lot of ideals."
"He's called Zhang Wulang, but he's definitely not the Little Empress—how could such an incompetent ruler be fit to ascend the throne? I think it would be better to let the General do it—"
"Shh! Quiet! Don't discuss matters of the palace! And don't say anything disrespectful to the Empress! If the General hears this, you'll lose your head!"
"Let's not talk about that anymore, let's talk about your sister-in-law instead."
"She must be the daughter of a family with a long and distinguished lineage, to be so outstanding that the general is so infatuated with her and can't sleep at night."
"That's right, that's right, the general really has lofty ideals!"
With lofty ideals, Xi began to pay attention to the tailor's work of making new clothes for him every day. When the military doctor did not have the medicine ready, he asked the military doctor to help him figure out how to prepare it.
Except for necessary outings, I never leave the shade except in the early morning and late evening. Even my daily exercise is either moved to before sunrise or after sunset, or it is done indoors.
It seemed he was determined to fatten himself up and regain his youthful appearance in the mere few days before returning to the capital.
Although he wasn't dark-skinned, with a healthy, light tan, he was exceptionally handsome, with a firm chin, a high nose bridge, narrow, sharp eyes, and an imposing, noble demeanor that inspired awe and admiration in all who beheld him.
Among all the soldiers, he was already the one who stood out the most.
While the deputy general was struggling with this dilemma, the Northwest Army soon returned to the capital. The 300,000-strong army was stationed outside the city, and General Xi led his personal guards and meritorious soldiers into the city to receive their rewards.
According to custom, the Empress would personally greet him at the palace gate as a sign of her favor.
Yun Zong was not happy about this, but the Empress could be sidelined as usual. At this moment, with everyone watching, he had not completely ruined the Empress's reputation, so he could not cause any trouble and prevent the Empress from coming out.
Since that's the case, he could only send more people to accompany the Empress, giving her instructions and monitoring her closely to prevent Tong Su from saying anything she shouldn't in formal settings.
Tong Su was very annoyed by this. She longed to go back to her palace to continue studying the military strategy book. She was very impatient with the people Yun Zong sent to teach her etiquette and was always listless.
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