Dusk clouds hung low over Chang'an. The chill of spring in the seventeenth year of Zhenguan had yet to fade.
"Urgent dispatch from the border!" The palace eunuch's voice tore through the solemn silence of the Golden Chariot Hall. Incense curled through the hall as Li Shimin held the memorial, his brows drawing together like distant hills. The smoke from the bronze crane incense burner suddenly froze in place. The civil and military officials bowed their heads as one, while the copper bells beneath the eaves outside chimed faintly in the draft.
"The Turks have invaded the border. Youzhou is in danger..." Taizong tapped the dragon throne lightly with his fingertips. His gaze swept over the officials from behind the strings of his crown, then settled on a tall figure among the military ranks. "Minister Luo, what do you think?"
The young general strode out from the crowd. His face beneath the gold hair crown still looked a little youthful, and the hem of his crimson robe swayed as he walked. The silver-threaded soft armor at his waist gleamed coldly in the candlelight. The scent of incense mingled with aloeswood, suddenly sharp and clear, and Luo Tong tightened his grip on his sword hilt without realizing it.
"I ask to lead the campaign." His voice was not loud, yet the hall fell so silent that a pin could have been heard. The eighteen-year-old General Huaiyuan straightened his back, candlelight flickering in his eyes. "I am willing to lead three thousand light cavalry in a night raid on Yinshan."
