Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

"Vile creature, why do you not rise and thank your uncle-master Jiang Ziya?"

Ju Liusun snorted coldly, though his expression still carried traces of anger, yet inwardly he could not help but secretly praise Jiang Ziya for knowing how to manage affairs. Indeed, Ziya was adept at navigating complex situations—no wonder he bore the great responsibility of the Divine Enthronement.

"Thank you, Uncle-Master Jiang Ziya!"

At this moment, Tu Xingsun dared not harbor any lingering resentment toward Jiang Ziya and immediately rose, kowtowing repeatedly.

"Good!"

Jiang Ziya and Ju Liusun exchanged a knowing smile and began plotting how to secure this marriage for Tu Xingsun.

....

The next day, San Yisheng left the city and arrived at the Tang Camp. He said to the gate officer, "At the Outer Gate Command, relay this message unto Marshal Deng: A minister from West Qi, San Yisheng, requests an audience regarding an urgent matter."

The military officer delivered the message to the central command: "Marshal Deng, a minister from West Qi requests an audience regarding an urgent matter."

Deng Jiugong replied, "We are opposing kingdoms. Why would they send someone to negotiate with me? This must be empty rhetoric intending to shake the morale of our troops. Deny his entry and tell him: 'With two nations locked in autumn battles, it is not appropriate to meet.'"

The military officer returned to camp and conveyed the refusal to San Yisheng. Yisheng replied, "'Diplomacy must not be blocked in times of war.' Why not grant a meeting? I come under orders from Prime Minister Jiang with urgent matters for direct discussion—not for mere hearsay. Please report again."

The officer, left with no choice, returned to the main camp and repeated Yisheng's words to Deng Jiugong.

Deng Jiugong deliberated. His chief officer, Tai Luan, stepped forward and advised, "Marshal, seize this opportunity and let him enter. Adapt as the situation unfolds. Hear what he has to say—there may be a chance to act accordingly. What harm is there?"

Deng Jiugong said, "Your reasoning has merit."

He ordered, "Invite him in."

The gate officer returned to the Outer Gate and told San Yisheng, "The Marshal invites you in." Minister San dismounted from his horse, walked through the Outer Gate, passed three layers of wooden barriers, and arrived at the main pavilion. Deng Jiugong came out to greet him.

San Yisheng offered a respectful bow, addressing him, "Marshal!"

Deng Jiugong replied, "Minister, your arrival demands forgiveness for the lack of reception." The two exchanged courtesies and ceremonial gestures.

The two men entered the main tent, where host and guest were seated according to protocol.

Deng Jiugong said, "Minister, though we may be from opposing nations and have no resolution of victory or defeat, each of us serves our respective rulers. How could we mix private sentiments with political matters recklessly? If you speak officially, I will consider it an official discourse, and if you speak privately, I will treat it as personal words. There's no need for verbal duels without result—it would be but wasted effort. My resolve is firm as iron; I shall die before yielding to mere words."

San Yisheng smiled and said, "Since we belong to opposing nations, how could I dare to approach lightly? I come today to clarify a significant matter and nothing else. Yesterday, we captured a certain general who claims to be your son-in-law. During interrogation, he disclosed this detail. Our Prime Minister, moved by humanity, was reluctant to impose immediate severe punishment and break the ties of mortal affections. Thus, he ordered me to personally come to you and request your judgment."

Deng Jiugong was startled and exclaimed, "Who is this son-in-law captured by Prime Minister Jiang?"

San Yisheng explained, "Marshal, there's no need for feigned ignorance. Your son-in-law is Tu Xingsun."

Deng Jiugong's face turned crimson upon hearing this, his anger surging. He spoke sternly, "Minister, let me state clearly: I have only one daughter, named Chanyu, who lost her mother at a young age. She is as precious to me as the jewel in my palm—I would never easily give her away. Though she is of age now, many have sought her hand, yet I consider none of them suitable. And who is Tu Xingsun? To boast such presumptions—it's utter nonsense!"

San Yisheng responded, "Marshal, I beg your indulgence in temper and request your ear for my humble report. In ancient times, marriage alliances were made based on merit, not only familial status. Tu Xingsun is not a man of mere insignificance; he is a distinguished disciple of Ju Liusun from Jialong Mountain's Flying Dragon Cave. Being manipulated by Shen Gongbao's rivalry against Jiang Ziya, he descended the mountain to assist you in your expedition against West Qi. Yesterday, his master descended as well, captured Tu Xingsun within the city, and learned of his intentions. Though misled by Shen Gongbao, his deeper motive was inspired by the marriage bond you presented. With full devotion to you as his prospective father-in-law, he infiltrated West Qi for the sake of quick success—a truly heartfelt endeavor. After being captured, he pleaded sincerely, stating, 'To lose this marriage bond is to die with indignation.' Even both Jiang Ziya and his master Ju Liusun hesitated to forgive. It was only through my persuasion that they refrained from breaking this union prematurely. Hence, I traveled tirelessly to request your decision. Marshal, I earnestly appeal to you to extend your magnanimity and gift this mortal world a fortunate match, fulfilling their mutual affections. Surely such compassion aligns with your role as a guiding father and guardian of human ties. Thus, I dare not fear danger and request your esteemed judgment today. If Marshal agrees, Jiang Ziya will return Tu Xingsun to you for the marriage. Afterward, our nations can resume the competition of armies without further words."

Deng Jiugong declared, "Minister, you are mistaken. Tu Xingsun speaks falsehoods. He was recommended by Shen Gongbao and serves only as a subordinate officer; how could I rashly offer my daughter to him? This claim is merely a trick to evade death, an insult to my daughter's virtue. You must not take his words lightly."

Yisheng replied, "Marshal, please reconsider. There must be some truth behind his words. Would Tu Xingsun conjure such sentiments out of thin air? There must be underlying circumstances. Perhaps at moments of leisure, in celebration or reward, you offered words of comfort or encouragement, which he mistakenly took as a promise, leading him to harbor this wishful thinking."

Deng Jiugong replied, "Indeed, I once promised this: If Tu Xingsun could utterly defeat West Qi, I would give him Chanyu in marriage. So what? He has not achieved this and thus cannot take my words as realistic. Minister, if you insist further, do not fault me for showing no courtesy! Guards, escort the guest out!"

With a cold snort from Deng Jiugong, executioners stepped forward. San Yisheng had no choice but to return to West Qi's camp.

Back at the West Qi camp, San Yisheng recounted the events in detail. Jiang Ziya understood that peace through negotiation was likely impossible, leaving no option but to defeat Deng Jiugong outright in battle.

Jiang Ziya consulted with Ju Liusun, and they resolved to confront Deng Jiugong directly the following day. In their estimation, Deng Jiugong's camp lacked extraordinary talents, making their side seemingly invincible.

And indeed, that was the outcome. The following day, Jiang Ziya dispatched Yang Jian to challenge for battle, and within moments, Yang Jian had slain three of Deng Jiugong's commanders.