Chapter 1219: The Hope of the Great Tang! (1/2)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
”General Geshu!”
Wang Chong slightly hastened his steps as he confidently strode over.
The most famous Great Generals of Qixi and Longxi had finally met.
Wang Chong had heard of the Big Dipper Great General countless times, and he had also once imagined how his first meeting with Geshu Han would go, but he had never imagined that it would be like this.
Upon seeing Wang Chong, Geshu Han gave a carefree smile and pointed to the other side of the table. ”Lord Wang, sit. I've been waiting for you for several days now!”
A Big Dipper soldier quickly came over and placed a small stool next to the table.
After a brief moment of thought, Wang Chong strode over and seated himself across from Geshu Han.
”Many thanks, Milord!”
Wang Chong acted neither proudly nor meekly, and his expression was carefree and natural. Although this was their first meeting, there was no sense of estrangement or unfamiliarity. On the contrary, they acted like they were old friends.
”Lord Wang, I already know everything. I've come to send you off!”
Geshu Han gazed at the youth before him and got straight to the point. He rarely used honorifics with others, much less to those so much younger than him, and he and Wang Chong had once conflicted with each other. But Geshu Han spoke these words with sincerity that came from the depths of his heart.
The address of 'Lord' was enough to show the status Wang Chong had in Geshu Han's heart.
”Milord is too polite!” Wang Chong calmly replied.
”Geshu rarely toasts another, but, Lord Wang, I offer a toast to you!”
Geshu Han raised his wine cup as he spoke with admiration to Wang Chong.
After a moment of silence, Wang Chong took the remaining cup from the table, clinked cups with Geshu Han, and drank the wine.
”All the people of the world know of General's achievements in the west, and no matter what the ultimate result of this foreign expedition was, General has already raised the prestige of the Great Tang and won dignity for its people. General Wang, you have done what Geshu Han has wanted to accomplish for his entire life but has hitherto failed to do. I give you a second toast.”
Geshu Han refilled his and Wang Chong's cups and raised his cup once more.
If this scene on the road were made known to the rest of the world, it would certainly leave everyone stunned.
These were two Great Generals of the Great Tang, one famous and well-respected, the other a rising star. Their meeting alone was enough to shock the world, let alone the fact that senior and respected Geshu Han was pouring wine for Wang Chong. This would leave anyone who knew of the discordant relationship between Wang Chong and Geshu Han stunned and amazed.
Clang!
Two white porcelain cups lightly clacked together once more, and Wang Chong and Geshu Han once more drained their cups.
”Milord flatters me!”
Only after draining his cup and putting it down did Wang Chong finally speak.
”Wang Chong has never believed that he rendered any great achievements. I only did my duty as a soldier. And this was not done through the efforts of Wang Chong alone, but through the efforts of all of the Great Tang. Now that I mention it, Wang Chong must also thank Great General for lending three thousand soldiers of the Divine Martial Army. If not for the help of Milord and the other generals, Wang Chong would have found it very difficult to emerge victorious in this war,” Wang Chong calmly said. His posture was erect, and there was no hint of arrogance in his eyes, only confidence and calm.
Geshu Han stared into Wang Chong's eyes, those eyes that were like placid pools of water, and he sighed.
”General Wang, Geshu Han was wrong and misunderstood who you were in the past. The Great Tang and its people are truly blessed to have one such as you. I drink this cup to punish myself!”
Geshu Han took his cup and quickly drained it once more, a complicated expression on his face.
Geshu Han had not always treated Wang Chong like this. During the Regional Commanders Incident, Geshu Han had even joined with other generals in requesting to the Sage Emperor that Wang Chong be executed. And when Wang Chong established his fief in Wushang, Geshu Han had still been brimming with hostility. But Geshu Han was forced to admit that he had been rash and petty. This youth before him truly did have the power to transform the Great Tang.
He was not the stubborn and spoiled brat he had first imagined him to be.
”Alas, Wang Kunpeng, if you had been born ten-some years earlier, we might not have had this misunderstanding. We might have even been able to work together to attack Ü-Tsang and change the face of the Great Tang. Everything would be possible.”