Chapter 130 The Clear Stream Flows Eastward (II)

　　“On the frontier in autumn the scenery is strange; the wild geese leave Hengyang with no thought to stay. From all four sides the border sounds and horncalls rise; among a thousand ridges, long smoke and the sinking sun enclose a lone city. A cup of turbid wine — home lies ten thousand miles away; unless my name be carved on Yanran I have no plan to return. The Qiang pipe moans; frost covers the ground; men cannot sleep; the general’s hair is white, the conscript’s eyes flow with tears.”　　When Li Chenghao (Li Chenghao) presented himself before the Emperor, the Emperor handed him the political memorial by way of Gao Lishi and, after Li Chenghao had read it carefully, the Emperor spoke at length, his voice and countenance weary: “Honest words are often harsh to the ear, yet I have not profited from them… I too have fallen into the errors of those before me. Had I heeded the counsel of my ministers sooner, would there have been so dire a disturbance by the traitors?” Li Chenghao raised his head and saw the Emperor’s face grown dark and obscure. He replied, “No man is a sage; who can be without fault? Your Majesty must not chastise yourself too harshly. I volunteer to lead troops to quell the rebellion.” The Emperor looked at Li Chenghao with a complicated gaze and nodded: “I am indebted to you, Chenghao.” Li Chenghao clasped his hands in salute and said, “I am but fearful. I shall serve with my whole life and die when duty is done.”　　At once the Emperor ordered Gao Lishi to clear away the banquet vessels and replace them with a plain farewell. He then turned and donned his armor and left the hall. Outside the palace the wind tightened; he vaulted into the saddle and led his forces from the city.　　Likewise, the Emperor ordered Gao Lishi to cease the drinking and administered a last drink to Li Chenghao before he took his leave. Li Chenghao drained the cup of clear brew and went to the Secretariat to receive his official orders.　　After Li Chenghao departed, Li Lingyue (Li Lingyue) heard the news and cast a divination within the palace. The omen showed great misfortune would befall Li Chenghao on this journey. Alarmed, Li Lingyue muttered to herself, “Fool, do not go!” Having said this she rose and intended to pursue him, but she was detained by the Dragon Guards.