Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 360

Chapter 360 Fox Tail

The family had held a red and white wedding, and the family members went to the guests’ houses to answer the gifts, which was considered a high standard of “courtesy.” In the Great Tang Dynasty, it was more popular among the gentry.

So today, Qin Mubai brought her sister Shuang’er to the palace and called for Princess Gao Yang to pay her respects to the guests.

After arriving at the palace, Qin Mubai first found his eldest brother, Qin Tong, and asked him where the Wei King was. Qin Tong said that King Wei and a group of university scholars were discussing the compilation of the Records of the Earth in the Hong Wen Pavilion. He estimated that he would not leave the Imperial Palace this morning. Qin Mubai thought to himself, “This is perfect. I’ll go to the other houses first, and then to the Wei Wang Clan.”

Incidentally, Qin Mubai asked if there was any discussion about Lanzhou during the court meeting today. Qin Tong said no. He said that in recent days, there had been no public discussion of this matter at the court meeting. However, Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang presided over two meetings of the Prime Minister of the Pavilion to discuss this matter. Due to the fact that Changsun Wuji was opposed to Lanzhou’s continued use of troops, the main faction had an absolute advantage. However, at the second meeting, an important figure like Li Ji from the main warring faction spoke, stating his position that Lanzhou should use troops to seek peace. Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang also found it difficult to completely suppress him for a while, so they still needed to discuss it again.

Qin Mubai was secretly gratified. Although Li Ji had always been low-key and cautious, this time, he had taken a tough stance. Perhaps this was somewhat beyond the expectations of Eldest Sun Wuji and the others. After all, Li Ji was the chief leader of the army of the Great Tang. Even Eldest Sun Wuji couldn’t ignore his opinions.

The killing of a Li in the sky had somewhat disrupted Eldest Sun Wuji’s plans.

Qin Mubai now recalled that when the Emperor secretly transferred Li Ji back to the court, other than impeaching Chang’an’s nine sects’ Eldest Sun Huan, he also had some intention of “setting up enemies” for Eldest Sun Wuji. This was because Li Shimin knew very well that Li Ji had always been neutral and had a temperament that did not flatter anyone. In the early years when Li Shimin was fighting with his brothers for the throne, Li Ji remained neutral and did not interfere with any prince. He only cared about his own affairs. He didn’t even give the Emperor face, so how could he be afraid of that Eldest Sun Wuji, let alone stand in Eldest Sun Wuji’s camp under pressure?

Li Shimin wanted to delegate power to Eldest Sun Wuji to test the effects of assisting Li Zhijian in governing the country. However, he could not allow any one of them to rule the court alone. Looking at the current court, he was qualified to challenge Eldest Sun Wuji. If Apothecary Wei Gong Li did not return, it was estimated that only Li Ji would be left.

Since the prime ministers of the Pavilion Division were temporarily divided on this matter, Qin Mubai secretly felt relieved. Fortunately, with Li Ji as the pillar of support, the military would not be completely suppressed by the civil servants like Eldest Sun Wuji.

Qin Tong added that because of the importance of the battle in Lanzhou, the Imperial Court issued a written decree ordering the heavy generals Duan Zhixuan, Yuchi Jingde, Cheng Zhijie, and the others to recall and hold the third important meeting to decide on this military-state matter. It was said that even Wei Zheng, who was sick in bed and almost blind, would be brought over. Perhaps even Fang Xuanling, who was sleeping in the same ward with the Emperor, would be invited over.

This should be the largest meeting of ministers in recent years. In the past, such meetings were usually presided over by the emperor, which was the imperial council, the empire’s largest meeting.

It could be seen that Changsun Wuji was deliberately downplaying Li Ji’s role as a person. After the Turkic war, there were few battles in the Great Tang Dynasty, and the civil service groups gradually occupied the right to speak in the Imperial Court. Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, and Chu Suiliang, who had just entered, were enough to suppress Li Ji’s voice alone. Even if Yuchi Jingde, Cheng Zhijie, and the others supported Li Ji’s proposal, it would still be difficult to overshadow Eldest Sun Wuji’s group. Moreover, it is hard to say whether Yuchi Jingzheng and Cheng Zhijie will support Li Ji. Even though they were the leaders of the military, the various parties had never offended each other over the years, and the degree of solidarity between them was far inferior to those of the civil service groups.

Qin Mubai thought for a moment. With his relationship with Cheng Zhijie, it shouldn’t be difficult to convince him. Yuchi Jingde didn’t have much confidence. Duan Zhixuan was not very familiar.

The only ones who could unite were Li Ji, Li Daozong, and Cheng Zhijie. Although Li Daozong was his highness, he was restricted by the fact that Li Shimin’s royal relatives were not allowed to interfere too much in politics, so he generally did not attend such meetings. Therefore, his role had to be greatly diminished. However, he could use his influence to persuade some generals to support the main battle.

Thinking back and forth, Qin Mubai felt that the military’s influence in the court was far inferior to that of the civil service group. The convening of this “Quasi-Imperial Meeting” was most likely doomed.

Unless he could use another miraculous brush and send out one or two mystical weapons, he would be able to defeat the strong with the weak.

Qin Mubai thought of a few ways to deal with the problem. First, he thought of his retired master, Li Jing. Although he had retired from court for a long time, his influence among the generals was unmatched. Although he would definitely not attend such a meeting, he could still persuade the generals to reach a united front. With him, it would be much easier for the military generals to unite. Even Yuchi Jingde, who had always refused to accept anyone with his fiery temper, gave Li Jing some face. However, whether Li Jing is willing or not is a question.

The second was King Wei. Right now, King Wei’s reputation in the court was already extremely high, and his subordinates had recruited civil servants like Li Daliang and Zhang Liang. These people were also going to participate in the Imperial Council. If King Wei expressed his support for the main battle, then the comparison of civil and military strength would change. At the very least, there would not be a one-sided situation.

Third, Qin Mubai really hoped that Emperor Li Shimin would stand up and support the main battle. After all, this was a grand strategy he had set with Qin Mubai earlier. He shouldn’t have lifted a rock and smashed himself in the foot and raised an objection at this moment. However, the one thing that made Qin Mubai unsure was Li Shimin. It was said that the Sovereign Heart was unpredictable. Only when Li Shimin allowed Eldest Sun Wuji to do so did he know what he was thinking? Could it be that he had already regretted it, and it was not good for him to go back on his words, so he borrowed the hands of Eldest Sun Wuji to overthrow the national policy he had personally set before? It’s not that there’s no such possibility!

In short, the next “Quasi-Imperial Meeting” would be a turning point in the history of the Great Tang, and it would also be a major turning point in Qin Mubai’s life. If they sent troops, Qin Mubai would have a chance to soar into the sky and gain a foothold in the Imperial Court, gaining the right to talk to Eldest Sun Wuji on an equal footing. If the marriage master and Qin Mubai were to be given peace, then Qin Mubai could only stay in Chang’an and obediently be his leisurely son-in-law. From then on, he would gradually fade out of the Great Tang Power Group. If Changsun Wuji didn’t push him far away and suppress him miserably, then there would be a ghost. It was very likely that Qin Mubai would follow in Hou Junji’s footsteps and scram to the wilderness to become an idle official.

This war without smoke had already begun …

Qin Mubai rode his horse, protected Princess Gaoyang and Shuang’er’s carriage, and drove out of the Imperial City. It felt like he was about to go into battle, and his mood wasn’t relaxed at all.

The group arrived at Medicine Master Wei Gong Li’s mansion first. During Yao’er’s funeral, Li Jing, who was inconvenienced by his legs, did not attend. He was represented by Su Dingfang, the appointed disciple. Today, when Qin Mubai visited, the doorman actually blocked his way. Qin Mubai had said for a long time that he wouldn’t let him in. He said that Duke Wei occasionally felt cold and his body was unwell, and that it was contagious. It was really inconvenient for him to meet his guests. Princess Gaoyang was a little angry. If not for Qin Mubai stopping her, she would have rushed in.

Qin Mubai shook his head helplessly. He was preparing to leave with Princess Gaoyang and Shuang’er. At this moment, a person walked out of the mansion. It was Su Dingfang.

Qin Mubai hurriedly stepped forward to meet him and asked, “How is Master?”

Su Dingfang smiled and said, “Junior Brother, don’t worry. Master took the medicine and is already asleep.”

“En, that’s good.” Qin Mubai didn’t have the time to say anything else, and only nodded.

“Junior Brother, I have something to say to you.” Su Dingfang stretched out his hand and signaled Qin Mubai to follow him closer. After standing still, he said, “Master knows why you’re here, but he won’t see you at this time.”

“Yes, I understand.” Qin Mubai sighed softly and nodded. “Master has his own thoughts and responsibilities. Since he has retired, it is inconvenient for him to interfere in the court’s affairs. I understand. I will not force him to do so.”

“Junior Brother is a reasonable person. It would be great if he could think like this.” Su Dingfang smiled and said, “Master has a message for me to convey to you.”

“Senior Brother, please speak.”

“You’ve heard this before. You’re calm and indifferent. There’s no need to overcorrect everything. Just let nature take its course.” Su Dingfang said.

Qin Mubai knitted her brows and pondered for a long time without any intention, so she asked, “Senior apprentice-brother, does Master mean that I should not run around looking for help and let things develop freely?”

“Master didn’t say anything. I have always had a dull aptitude. You know that, but you never thought of those things.” Su Dingfang said with a meaningful smile, “Junior Brother is talented and has excellent comprehension. He can naturally comprehend the profound meaning of Master, so I won’t mislead you.”

“Mm … Thank you, Senior Brother. Then I’ll take my leave. Please say hello to Master for me. Also, Senior Brother went to my mansion to hang himself in mourning. Today, Junior Brother also came specially to return the favor.”

“Alright, you can go now!”

After leaving Duke Wei’s mansion, Princess Gaoyang angrily said, “Medicine Master Li, that bearded old man, is really stinky and hard. He actually closed the door and didn’t see us. I’m so angry! Next time I see him, I have to climb onto his head and drag his beard down!”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “If you really dare to do such a thing, I will admire you.”

Princess Gaoyang chuckled and said, “Of course I don’t dare, so I can only curse! I know that he is your most respected teacher, so I don’t dare to be rude to him! If not, I don’t care about Wei Gongwei and Wei Mu, pull out his beard and talk about it!”

“Haha!”

The three of them went to a few more houses one after another, and so did Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang. Neither of them was at home, but their families received them. Qin Mubai also deliberately avoided meeting with the two of them in private and specifically chose to go when they weren’t at home.

It was already noon.

The three of them did not return to the palace or return home, so they settled down for lunch in a restaurant and rested for a while before heading to the Wei Palace to pay their respects.

When it came to going to the Wei Palace, Princess Gaoyang’s face turned pale, and even Shuang’er was unhappy. Princess Gaoyang said that of all his royal brothers, Li Tai was the most hypocritical. Although he always smiled, his smile could make people’s hearts go cold. Shuang’er needless to say, Li Tai had never had a good impression of Li Ke, so how could Shuang’er have a good impression of him?

Qin Mubai advised them to just go through the motions and not interact with them. Later, when you enter the manor, treat yourself as Bodhisattva Clay Body. I’ll handle everything.

King Wei, Li Tai, seemed to be waiting for Qin Mubai in the mansion. He left and right people behind and sat alone in the main hall, waiting for him to arrive. Seeing Qin Mubai and the others walk over, he stood up and greeted them with a smile. He stood under the eaves of the hall and cupped his hands.

“Prince Consort and Royal Sister are visiting together. Foolish Brother, you have failed to welcome us from afar. You have sinned!”

Qin Mubai greeted him with a smile. Shuang’er couldn’t help but roll her eyes and curse, “Hypocrisy, snobbery! There are only my brother and princess in front of her. I dare to be dead!”

“Oh, isn’t this Miss Shuang’er? I haven’t seen her for a long time, and she’s getting more and more beautiful! Haha, she’s indeed the daughter of Duke Yi, Mubai’s biological sister! The father and son are famous beauties, and Shuang’er is even more handsome and beautiful. She’s so adorable!” Li Tai laughed.

Shuang’er curled her lips and said, “Thank you, King Wei.” She still kept cursing in her heart. Qin Mubai was also a little funny. He thought to himself that Li Tai’s flattery was unambiguous, and he praised our Qin Family’s genes.

After the greetings were over, Li Tai invited everyone to sit down and make tea. Not long after the two ladies sat down, Li Tai’s real wife, Princess Wei, came out to accompany them. She invited the two ladies to teach Hua Xiu some grass, leaving only Qin Mubai and Li Tai in the hall.

Li Tai said that he had always admired Bai Fengya, and that no one was better at music than him, so he invited Qin Mubai to his secret pavilion to enjoy an ancient music score that he had only recently obtained. Qin Mubai inferred that he had sworn an oath not to play any more music. Li Tai hurriedly said that there was no harm in it. He just appreciated the music and asked him to appraise the authenticity of the music. Qin Mubai knew that he wanted to discuss secrets with him, so she no longer refused and followed him to a carving building.

“This place is quiet, no matter where you go, no matter where you go. Anything that comes out of your mouth will enter your ears.” As Li Tai unfolded his music, he said, “Mubai, you can teach me.”

“You flatter me.” Qin Mubai smiled and looked at the ancient music score carefully. He nodded. “So it’s the zheng song of Mountains and Rivers. It’s the real thing. But it should be passed down from the Three Kingdoms, not the pre-Qin version.”

“I told you, Mubai is a great expert!” Li Tai chuckled and said, “Actually, Little Wang feels that the ancient music may not necessarily be able to beat the current one. Mubai said that he would no longer play music. Little Wang is very regretful. Not to mention anything else, Little Wang really wants to hear the song” Lanzhou Hong “that Mubai played on Zhongnan Mountain that day.”

Qin Mubai felt a slight pain in his heart. He frowned slightly and said, “That’s Yao’er’s last work.”

Li Tai hurriedly explained, “Oh? I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Little Wang has no intention of touching Mubai’s sadness! It’s just that I heard that all those who went up Mount Zhongnan that day had tears stained their shirts because they heard Mubai play this song. Little Wang yearned for it for a moment, so …”

Qin Mubai smiled and waved his hand, “Your Highness, there’s no need to worry. The dead are already dead, I’m not someone that I can’t let go of.”

‘”That’s good. Mubai is a true hero. Husband Wei, naturally, he won’t lose his life because of his beloved’s departure. This is also where Little Wang thinks highly of you. The Tang Empire is troubled, and there are many important matters that need to be settled in Mubai District!” Li Tai sighed with emotion.

Qin Mubai smiled, wondering if you had finally got to the point after circling around for a long time? I’m waiting for your words. I won’t take the initiative to bring them up. I insist that you can’t hold back and start the conversation first. After that, you can make people first. I can take the initiative instead.

“What does His Highness mean by’big ‘?” Qin Mubai asked, “Your Highness also knows. I’m a lowly official and an outer official. I don’t know much about the matters in the court. Could it be that what Your Highness said has something to do with me?”

“Naturally.” Li Tai narrowed his eyes and smiled as he nodded, “Eldest Sun Wuji convened a meeting of the pavilion to discuss the Lanzhou War. Do you think this matter had anything to do with you?”

“Oh?” Qin Mubai asked in surprise, “Has there been any results?”

“Although there is no final result, the main faction has the absolute advantage. If things continue like this, Lanzhou will not go to war. The Imperial Court will send messengers to Tibet to negotiate and grant the marriage.” Li Tai said.

“Ah” Qin Mubai shook his head with great regret and smashed his fist lightly on the table to show his unwillingness and resentment. “So, all the efforts and efforts he made in Lanzhou last time were all in vain!”

“That’s right! The grand plan of the River Dragon and the Western Regions that His Majesty had set down earlier, the grand plan of the army and the kingdom, has also become a piece of empty talk!” Li Tai also sighed and shook his head, “Although our Great Tang Dynasty Hall is in turmoil, we still have the strength and confidence to compete with Tibet.” Helplessly, Changsun Wuji and the others only valued their eyes and ignored the hundred-year plan. They only think about their own fame and accomplishments for one day and one night. They think that a country without major affairs is a country with great security and no long-term goals. This kind of method is not bad for a country like An Guo. It’s not good for a country like An Guo to have a grand ambition. ”

“Your Highness has reached the point.” Qin Mubai nodded. “Originally, the Lanzhou plan was a grand plan for a hundred years. It was related to the destiny of the country and the rise and fall of the nation. Although there would be some impoverished soldiers and calves wasting their money in a short period of time, from the historical and national point of view, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. At this time, Tibet joined forces with Gao Chang to face our enemies. If our Great Tang doesn’t give us a strong counterattack, the countries of the Western Regions will inevitably start to fight with us. At that time, it would form a wave that swept through the Western Regions. Not only was the Western Regions in danger of losing the River Dragon, their appearances would allow them to grow stronger in the past, but they would also want to reach the Central Plains. “I am deeply regretful that Changsun Wuji and the others are going to let go of this overall national policy just because of the current unrest in the Imperial Court!”

“Mubai, what’s the use of just regretting? You shoulder the main responsibility for the Lanzhou plan. Shouldn’t you stand up and stand up for the main battle at a time like this?” Li Tai probed.

Qin Mubai shook his head with a bitter smile and said, “Your Highness, don’t make fun of me again. I know myself. I’m just a lieutenant general of the Lanzhou Governor-General’s Mansion and a corps commander of the Wei Wei Yi Mansion. I don’t even have the qualifications to participate in the imperial meeting. What position do you want to take? What do you want to insist on?”

“What?” Li Tai asked in surprise, “Could it be that Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang didn’t even give you an invitation to participate in the meeting?”

“No.” Qin Mubai raised the corner of his mouth and shook his head with a cold smile, “They should do this!”

“Hmph! Too hateful!” Li Tai hatefully said, “Why should the people who should participate in the meeting be excluded? They are clearly not allowed to disagree with the ruling platform!”

Qin Mubai secretly laughed, wondering why you didn’t reveal a little bit of a fox tail? If you don’t reveal yourself, how would I know that you are one of my own? How could I be in cahoots with you?

Just as he was thinking, Li Tai slapped the table and said in a deep voice, “Mubai, this court is not his eldest grandson Wuji’s and Chu Suiliang’s court. Although Xiao Wang is not talented, he can still say a few words. It’s not worth mentioning that you must attend the third imperial meeting!”

“Oh?” Qin Mubai made a pleasant surprise and hurriedly cupped his hands. “I would be extremely grateful if King Wei could fulfill my wish!”

“There’s no need to thank me.” Li Tai waved his hand and said, “Little Wang is also thinking about the overall situation. We can’t let Eldest Sun Wuji and the others decide everything. In this way, where will he put me?”

“Yes, Your Highness is right. Right now, the emperor is sick, and all government affairs are decided by Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang. In the past, we, the generals, will have no place to stand.” Qin Mubai said, “Although I don’t dislike Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang, I can’t ignore the fact that the Lanzhou War and I are in the wrong. However, even if I can participate in the Imperial Meeting, I will still be understated. If King Wei can stand up and persevere in the main battle, then …”

‘”Well” Li Tai’s butt shook and the fox’s tail finally appeared. He chuckled and said, “This matter is very important. Although Little Wang also has the right to participate in politics, but …”

“What, does His Highness have concerns?” Qin Mubai asked.

“I’m not worried.” Li Tai smiled bitterly and said, “Mubai, you’re not an outsider either. Little Wang might as well tell you. Everyone knows that Eldest Sun Wuji is my biological uncle. He advocates peace. How can I stand for war? Isn’t this going to go against him?”

“Oh …” Qin Mubai smiled meaningfully. “So His Highness is afraid of offending-Eldest Sun Wuji!”

Hearing this, Li Tai’s expression immediately changed.