Chapter 83: The Fourth Generation's Dormancy

(ps: Brothers, I've been notified to work overtime! This damned ox-and-horse life, any brothers who are as ox-and-horse as the author, leave a comment, let the author know they're not alone in the fight)

When Wang Xiu's consciousness descended again, he found himself standing on a dust-filled drill field.

The air was filled with the smell of sweat and leather.

By his ears were the soldiers' uniform shouts during drills, and the clanging sound of weapons colliding.

He had become Wang Zong.

Wang Ce's son, the fourth generation of the Wang Family.

He possessed all the memories of Wang Zong from over twenty years.

From childhood he grew up under his father's strict tutelage, while other aristocratic youths were reciting poetry and fighting cocks and dogs, he was practicing horse stances and sword techniques.

His childhood had none of the misty rains of the South of the River, only the scorching sun and blowing sand of Everlasting Peace.

He had also complained, not understanding why his father forced him onto this most bitter path.

Only later did he gradually understand.

The Wang Family needed a sharp sword to guard its tranquility, and he was the chosen sword.

He inherited his father's 【superb martial skill】 talent, the blue surpassing the indigo.

But he also remembered the Wang Family's family precepts—conceal one's clumsiness, stay low-key, avoid contention.

So, in the army, he had always performed quite mediocrely.

His martial skill was strong, but in sparring he never readily revealed his full strength, always winning by a slight margin.

When drilling troops, he followed the rules, never making mistakes, but also never standing out.

His current post is that of a sixth-rank Colonel of the Guard; in the talented Divine Strategy Army, he is merely an unremarkable mid-level officer.

"Colonel Wang, it's our turn to go out."

A similarly young officer patted his shoulder.

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu) came to, nodding his head.

Today, it is a grand sparring match within the Divine Strategy Army.

The winner can not only receive a generous reward, but also has the chance to be personally summoned by the Emperor.

This is the best opportunity for all mid- and low-ranking officers to rise in a single step.

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu) knew that he had lain dormant for so many years, waiting for just such an opportunity.

The Wang Family cannot remain silent forever.

He needed an opportunity, one that could let him reach a higher position without seeming too abrupt.

And this grand sparring match is the perfect stage.

He must win, but not too easily.

He wants everyone to think he prevailed only through stubborn will and a bit of luck.

The sparring began.

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu) held a wooden spear and stepped onto the fighting platform.

His opponent was a burly, thick‑cheeked tough guy, also a famed fierce general of the Divine Strategy Army.

"Kid, will you admit defeat, or wait for me to knock you flat?" the burly man sneered at him.

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu) said nothing, merely settling into a stance silently.

"Looking for death!"

The burly man roared, waving his wooden spear like a ferocious tiger as he lunged at him.

The spear wind howled, mighty and heavy.

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu)'s footwork shifted, his body like willow fluff, easily dodging the opponent's attack.

Then, the wooden spear in his hand, like a snake emerging from its hole, stabbed at an extremely tricky angle toward the opponent's armpit.

The burly man turned pale with fright, hastily pulling back his spear to defend.

"Clang!"

The two wooden spears slammed together heavily.

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu) felt a huge force transmitted, his tiger's mouth went numb, and his body uncontrollably retreated several steps.

He deliberately put on a look of being unable to withstand the force, his face showing an expression of disbelief.

The spectators below, seeing this, all let out sighs of regret.

"Alas, Colonel Wang is still too young, lacking too much strength."

"Yeah, it looks like he's going to lose."

Only the few veteran generals seated on the viewing platform, watching Wang Zong on the fighting platform, saw a fleeting glint of sharpness in their eyes.

They could see that Wang Zong's retreat just now, though appearing embarrassed, actually deflected most of the opponent's force,

and his position after retreating happened to be an angle most advantageous for himself and most awkward for the enemy to attack.

On the fighting platform, the battle entered the white-hot stage.

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu) had been on the defensive, taking hits.

He continually evaded and defused the opponent's fierce attacks with his exquisite footwork and techniques.

He seemed surrounded by danger, several times nearly knocked off the platform, but each time he could turn peril into safety at the critical moment.

While that burly man held an absolute advantage on the field, his stamina was rapidly draining; slowly, his attacks became sluggish and his form began to fall into disorder.

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu) knew the opportunity had arrived.

Just as the burly man swung his spear down again, revealing a momentary opening.

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu)'s gaze sharpened suddenly.

He no longer dodged, but instead advanced against the spear wind, closing in.

The wooden spear in his hand traced a strange arc in the air, like an antelope's antlers, leaving no trace.

"Snap!"

A crisp sound rang out.

The wooden spear, precisely, hit the strong man's wrist that held his spear.

The strong man felt his wrist go numb and could no longer grip the Weapon in his hand; the wooden spear slipped free and flew out.

Meanwhile, the tip of Wang Zong's spear had already stopped just an inch before his throat.

The whole arena fell into dead silence.

Everyone stared dumbfounded at the scene.

No one expected that Wang Zong, who had been at a disadvantage the whole time, would at the last moment pull off such a stunning last‑second counter‑kill!

"I... I lost," the strong man said in a hoarse whisper, his face ashen.

Wang Zong withdrew the wooden spear, calmly clasped his fists in salute toward him, then turned and walked off the arena.

Only after he left the arena did the audience below erupt in thunderous cheers.

"Well done! Colonel Wang!"

"Incredible! This is true softness overcoming hardness!"

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu) paid no heed to the surrounding praise.

He knew the impression he left on everyone was that of a young Colonel with solid fundamentals, a stubborn will, adept at seizing opportunities, yet not top‑tier in strength.

That was precisely the effect he wanted.

In the next few bouts of the competition, he used similar tactics to win the hard‑won victories.

In the end, he successfully claimed first place in this grand martial competition.

…

A few days later, the imperial palace.

Emperor Li Ang of the Tang Dynasty, newly enthroned, personally summoned the champion of the grand martial competition in the imperial study.

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu) knelt on the ground, his mind rapidly analyzing the young emperor.

Li Ang, Emperor Wen of Tang, was the second son of Emperor Mu of Tang, and his ascension to the throne was rather fortuitous.

His elder brother, Emperor Jing of Tang, was killed by eunuchs for his frivolity. The eunuchs initially intended to enthrone Jing's younger brother, but with the backing of another eunuch faction, Li Ang ultimately ascended the throne.

Thus, although he was emperor, in reality he was a puppet controlled by the eunuchs.

In his heart he harbored hatred toward those tyrannical eunuchs, yet felt helpless.

He longed for trusted confidants and to restore imperial authority.

Wang Xiu knew this was his opportunity.

"You are Wang Zong?" Emperor Li Ang asked, looking at the young man below.

"I, Wang Zong, bow before Your Majesty,"

"Raise your head,"

Wang Zong raised his head.

Emperor Li Ang gave him a few glances, nodded, and said, "I have heard of your performance in the competition; you fought well. Resilient and steady, brave and cunning. You are a talent for command."

"Your Majesty's praise is mistaken; I am unworthy,"

"Your father was General Wang Ce, wasn't he?" Emperor Li Ang asked again.

"Yes."

"Indeed, a tiger father does not produce a dog son," Emperor Li Ang smiled faintly, "I recall that your Wang Family has been loyal for generations. Your uncle Wang You once led the two‑tax reform, rendering an unparalleled service to the state. Your great‑grandfather Wang Hui was also a loyal minister of the Tang Dynasty. Your father further commanded the Imperial Guards, defending the palace city with great merit."

"Today, I wish to promote you to Left Army General of the Divine Strategy Army, to command a portion of the Divine Strategy Army. Do you accept?"

Left Army General of the Divine Strategy Army!

This is already close to the highest command of the Divine Strategy Army; although it is a regular fifth‑grade official, its potential is great!

It is a key post that truly wields Military Power!

Wang Zong (Wang Xiu) understood that the emperor was sending a strong signal to him and to the Wang Family.

He intends to support himself in opposing those tyrannical eunuchs!

The Wang Family's house rule rang in his ears once more.

"Do not involve yourself in succession, do not vie for the great treasure."

"Never stand at the highest place."

But before him lay not a succession dispute, but a struggle between imperial authority and the eunuchs.

If he were to retreat, the Wang Family would only watch helplessly as the Tang Dynasty's imperial authority is completely sidelined by the eunuchs, eventually being dragged by these castrates into the abyss of ruin.

By then, how long could the Wang Family remain stable?

He knew he had to gamble.

"I... am willing to give my life for Your Majesty!" Wang Zong raised his head, his eyes for the first time showing unmasked sharpness.