Chapter 28: Du Chengfeng's Troubles

Du Chengfeng was still unaware that his residence had been exposed by Li Shimin; at this moment, he was lazily basking in the sun beneath an old tree in his courtyard. In modern times, he had never enjoyed such peaceful and pleasant days—the air in the courtyard was fresh, the breeze gentle, bathed in warm sunlight, everything seemed so beautiful.

While Du Chengfeng was savoring these rare moments of leisure, the poems he had penned had already swept through Chang’an like wildfire. Especially his "Song of Pure Peace" and "Untitled," which were revered as masterpieces by countless young women and courtesans, recited and admired day and night, turning Du Chengfeng into the object of their affections. His verse "Red River" was regarded by scholars and literati as a pinnacle of poetic achievement.

Within a few days, these poems had spread throughout Chang’an. Du Chengfeng could hardly keep from laughing, for his reputation was soaring, increasing by hundreds of thousands each day. When he checked his reputation score, it had already accumulated over a million—such a number filled him with delight.

Though the system store offered only a limited selection of goods at present, witnessing his reputation grow so explosively gave Du Chengfeng a sense of accomplishment. It was true that he had amassed quite a reputation, but thinking ahead to the exorbitant values required for certain technological advancements, he felt like a pauper.

“System, when will the store upgrade?” Du Chengfeng asked idly.

“When the Empire System upgrades, the store will naturally upgrade,” the system replied coldly.

“How can the system space be upgraded? Right now, it only hides five hundred people—it’s a bit cramped.” Du Chengfeng sighed.

“I suggest you abandon such absurd hopes. The system space cannot be infinitely expanded. The issue of an army must be solved by you alone. The system space is reserved for special missions,” the system retorted.

“Ah!” Du Chengfeng’s pleasant daydreams were shattered. This truly was vexing.

Of course he was troubled. In a few months, the Turks would march south; he couldn’t simply lead tens of thousands of troops from Du Family Village straight to the Wei River. If rumors spread, people might think he was plotting rebellion. Though he didn’t fear such gossip, Du Chengfeng didn’t want to confront the Tang army—not now, not ever.

Though he had traversed time, he was still a son of the Tang. He would never raise arms against his own people or sow internal discord.

But if he didn’t save the Tang, relying on Li Shimin’s scant forces was certain defeat. History recorded a reconciliation between Li Shimin and the Turks, but who could know what atrocities the Turks committed along the Wei River, how many commoners were displaced, or even enslaved?

Du Chengfeng was a soldier, and a soldier’s duty was to protect the people and the realm. Now that he was part of the Tang, he would never let its people suffer—this was a matter of principle.

Moreover, the saying goes: “Cherish heroes, honor heroes.” He deeply respected those famous Tang generals; if he could recruit them, it would be perfect. Those who achieve greatness must plan ahead.

Chang’an was filled with talented individuals he found intriguing. He was but one man, merely a common villager in Du Family Village. His parents’ whereabouts remained unknown. No matter how capable he was, he couldn’t do everything himself.

Should he seize the opportunity to conquer all of the Turks? But how would he govern them afterward? That was a headache.

And the base in Du Family Village—tens of thousands living underground without sunlight wasn’t sustainable. Unless the cave was completely hollowed out, it could never hold so many.

Enough—there was no point in hesitation. With overwhelming power, indecision was unworthy of a true man. Solve what can be solved, Du Chengfeng thought, inwardly mocking himself.

He resolved to develop as he saw fit, destroying anyone who stood in his way.

“Xiao Hong, come here,” Du Chengfeng called to the maid sweeping the courtyard.

Seeing his gesture, Xiao Hong quickly dropped her broom and ran over. “Young master, what is it?”

“Go find Commander Zhao for me—I need to speak with him,” Du Chengfeng instructed.

“Yes, young master. Please wait.” Xiao Hong replied cheerfully, delighted to be entrusted with a task, and hastened off to find Commander Zhao.

Du Chengfeng no longer felt like basking in the sun. He needed to find Steward Sun; a certain figure had come to mind.

With the Turks about to march south, he planned to organize his troops. The system had said cloned soldiers had formidable strength, but poor command abilities. In real combat, someone had to lead.

He had no intention of telling Li Shimin this outright—it would feel too much like groveling. Better to maintain a veil of mystery, to inspire awe.

Steward Sun was supervising the construction of the soldiers’ barracks in the rear courtyard. Seeing Du Chengfeng approach, he hurried over, believing the young master was there to inspect progress. “Young master, are you here to check the progress? The barracks are nearly finished; in a few days, they’ll be ready for use. Is there anything you’d like changed?”

Du Chengfeng glanced around, unconcerned—these were temporary lodgings and would suffice.

“Steward Sun, I didn’t come for that. I have something important for you to do,” Du Chengfeng said solemnly.

“You need only speak, young master—I will see it done,” Steward Sun pledged.

“Tomorrow, take ten guards and go to Wuyi County in Jizhou to find a man named Su Dingfang. He has the talent of a great general. Treat him with utmost respect and invite him to our mansion. Tell him I wish him to train our guards, and offer a monthly wage of ten strings of cash. If he refuses, have the guards bring him here by force,” Du Chengfeng said gravely.

Su Dingfang was a late bloomer, renowned for his courage and strength. In his youth, he fought alongside his father; after his father’s death, he joined Liu Heita. When Liu Heita was defeated by Li Shimin, Su Dingfang retired to his hometown.

Du Chengfeng believed that if he recruited Su Dingfang and acquainted him with modern military tactics, he would surely prove an exceptional general. That’s why he instructed Steward Sun to bring him back.

“Understood, young master.” Steward Sun replied, then hurried away to arrange with the cloned soldiers, convinced that the young master was about to undertake great deeds—and that his own time to shine had come.

At that moment, Xiao Hong returned, leading Zhao Long into the courtyard. She discreetly withdrew, knowing the young master must have important matters to discuss.

“Commander!” Zhao Long saluted.

“Zhao Long, I order you to return to Du Family Village and gather all soldiers at the base. Build a training camp in the mountain valley outside the cave, using local materials, to accommodate fifty thousand men. It’s not good for the soldiers to remain underground without sunlight. Once construction is complete, establish strict security and allow no one near the valley. Report back when finished. Go,” Du Chengfeng ordered sternly.

“At your command!” Zhao Long replied loudly.