He achieved legendary military feats and laid the foundations for Liang's unprecedented greatness. Yet in the final battle, he chose to fake his death, abandon his name, and live as a lame old man with white hair in Dongli Village.
Su Zhonglie had two great wishes in life.
First, to leave the smoke and bloodshed behind, tend his small patch of land, and live out the rest of his days in peace, like an old dog.
Second, to watch Xu Qingmian, the adopted grandson left in his care by an old comrade, pass the imperial examinations and become the top scholar, admired by all.
But fate had other plans. His adopted grandson, who should have claimed the title of top scholar, inexplicably failed the exam.
Xu Qingmian had no way to appeal and was instead thrown into prison, sentenced to execution after the autumn harvest.
On hearing the terrible news, the mighty dragon who had lain dormant for over twenty years finally opened his eyes!
Su Zhonglie dug a rotten wooden chest out of the back courtyard.
Once the dust was brushed away, the chest revealed a tattered military banner, a symbol of the souls of 180,000 fallen soldiers of the Black Dragon Army!
From the moment Su Zhonglie carried the tattered banner out of Dongli Village, the Liang Empire was turned upside down!
Good novel, thumbs up!