When weddings and weddings are held at home, family members make a special trip to the guest's house to pay tribute. This is considered a relatively high-level "courtesy". It was relatively popular among the gentry class of the Tang Dynasty.
So today, Qin Mubai took his sister Shuang'er and went to the palace to call Princess Gaoyang, and together they went to many guests' houses to greet them one by one.
When they arrived at the palace, Qin Mubai first found his eldest brother Qin Tong and asked him where the King of Wei was. Qin Tong said that the King of Wei was discussing the compilation of "Kuo Di Zhi" in the Hongwen Hall with a group of great scholars, and he probably would not leave the palace this morning. Qin Mubai thought to himself that this is just right. I will go to other houses first and then go to King Wei's house.
By the way, Qin Mubai asked again whether Lanzhou matters were discussed during today's court meeting. Qin Tong said no. He said that the matter had not been discussed publicly at the court meetings in recent days. However, Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang presided over two cabinet ministerial meetings to discuss this matter. Since Chang Sun Wuji took the initiative to oppose Lanzhou's continued use of troops, the peace faction had an absolute advantage. However, at the second meeting, important figures such as Li Ji among the main militant faction spoke out and stated their position in favor of using troops in Lanzhou to seek peace through war. Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang were also unable to completely suppress him for the time being, so further discussion was needed.
Qin Mubai was secretly pleased. Although Li Ji had always been low-key and cautious, this time he rarely took a tough stance. This may be somewhat beyond the expectations of Changsun Wuji and others. After all, Li Ji is the chief military officer of the Tang Dynasty today, and even Changsun Wuji cannot ignore his opinions.
Li Ji shot out of the sky, which somewhat disrupted Changsun Wuji's plan.
Now that Qin Mubai thought about it, when the emperor secretly transferred Li Ji back to the court, in addition to impeaching Changsun Huan of the Nine Clan of Chang'an, he also had the intention of "making an enemy" to Changsun Wuji. Because Li Shimin knew very well that Li Ji had always taken a neutral stance, had a strong personality and would never flatter anyone. In his early years, when Li Shimin was competing with his brothers for the heir apparent, Li Ji remained neutral, not having anything to do with any prince, and only focusing on his own affairs. He didn't even give the emperor the face, so how could he be afraid of Changsun Wuji, let alone stand in Changsun Wuji's camp under pressure.
Li Shimin wanted to delegate power to Changsun Wuji and test the effect of having him assist Li Zhi in supervising the country's governance; however, he would never let any one person dominate the family and control the government. Looking at the current court, if Wei Gong Li Pharmacist does not come back, the only one who is qualified and capable to challenge Changsun Wuji is Li Ji.
Since the prime ministers in the cabinet were temporarily divided on this matter, Qin Mubai secretly felt relieved. Fortunately, with the support of Li Ji, the military will not be completely suppressed by Changsun Wuji and his group of civil servants.
Qin Tong also said that due to the seriousness of the Lanzhou War, the imperial court issued an order to recall the important generals Duan Zhixuan, Yuchi Jingde, Cheng Zhijie and others who were leading troops abroad to hold a third important meeting to decide on this important military matter. . It is said that even Wei Zheng, who was bedridden and nearly blinded by illness, would be brought here, and perhaps even Fang Xuanling, who was in the same ward as the emperor, would be invited.
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 meeting, the highest-scale meeting in the empire.
It can be seen that Changsun Wuji deliberately downplayed Li Ji's role. After the war against the Turks, there were few wars in the Tang Dynasty, and the civil service group gradually took over the say in the court. Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and Wei Zheng, plus the new and stubborn Chu Suiliang, four people were enough to suppress Li Ji's voice alone. Even if Yuchi Jingde, Cheng Zhijie and others would support Li Ji's proposition, it would be difficult to overshadow Changsun Wuji and his group. Furthermore, it is still difficult to say whether Yuchi Jing's office and Cheng Zhijie will support Li Ji. Although they are all heads of the military, over the years they have always maintained their own interests, and the degree of unity between them is far less than that of the civilian group.
Qin Mubai thought for a while, and based on his relationship with Cheng Zhijie, it shouldn't be difficult to convince him; Yuchi Jingde didn't have much confidence; Duan Zhixuan wasn't very familiar with him.
After all the calculations, only Li Ji, Li Daozong and Cheng Zhijie can be united. Although Li Daozong is a prince, he is restricted by Li Shimin's imperial relatives not to interfere too much in politics, so he generally does not attend such meetings. Therefore, his role must be greatly reduced. However, he can use his influence to lobby some generals to support the main battle.
After thinking about it, Qin Mubai felt that the military's power above the court was far inferior to that of the civil service group. The convening of this "quasi-imperial meeting" is likely to be a disaster.
Unless he can use his magic pen again and send out one or two extraordinary soldiers, he can defeat the strong with the weak.
Qin Mubai thought of several ways to come up with this strange weapon. First, he thought of his old mentor Li Jing who had retired. Although he has retired from the court for a long time, his influence among many generals is unmatched. Although he will definitely not attend such a meeting, he can be allowed to come forward to persuade those generals to reach a united front. With his presence, it would be much easier for the military generals to unite. Even Yuchi Jingde, who had a hot temper and always refused to accept anyone, gave Li Jing some face. However, whether Li Jing is willing or not is a question.
The second is King Wei. Nowadays, King Wei's reputation in the court is extremely high, and he has recruited civil servants and generals such as Li Daliang and Zhang Liang under his sect. These people also have to participate in the imperial meeting. If the King of Wei expresses his support for the main battle, then the balance of civil and military strength will undergo some changes, at least it will not be a one-sided situation.
Third, Qin Mubai very much hoped that Emperor Li Shimin would stand up at this time and make the final decision to support the main battle. After all, this was the grand strategy he had set with Qin Mubai earlier. He should not shoot himself in the foot and raise objections at this time. However, the person who made Qin Mubai feel unsure the most was Li Shimin. It is said that the king's heart is unpredictable. Li Shimin can let Changsun Wuji be so troubled about this matter. Who knows what he is thinking? Could it be that he already regretted it and couldn't bear to break his promise, so he borrowed the help of Changsun Wuji to overturn the national policy he had personally set before? It's not impossible!
In short, the next "quasi-imperial meeting" will be a historical turning point in the Tang Dynasty and a major turning point in Qin Mubai's life. If troops are sent, then Qin Mubai will have the opportunity to soar into the sky, gain a firm foothold in the court, and gain the right to talk to Changsun Wuji on an equal footing; if he is granted a marriage agreement, then Qin Mubai can only stay in Chang'an and behave obediently. Become his free consort. From now on, he will gradually fade out of the Tang Dynasty power group. If Changsun Wuji doesn't push him far away and suppress him miserably, then he will be evil. It is very likely that Qin Mubai will follow in the footsteps of Hou Junji and become an idle official in the wilderness.
This war without gunpowder has begun...
Qin Mubai rode on his horse to protect Princess Gaoyang and Shuang'er's car as they drove out of the imperial city. It felt like I was fully clothed and going into battle, and I didn't feel relaxed at all.
The group first arrived at the residence of Wei Gong Li Yaoshi. At Yao'er's funeral, Li Jing, who had difficulty with his legs and feet, did not attend, and was represented by his appointed disciple Su Dingfang. Today Qin Mubai came to visit, but the doorman actually blocked him from entering. Qin Mubai kept talking for a long time, but he refused to let in. He said that Mr. Wei was unwell due to the cold and was also contagious, so it was really inconvenient to see guests. Princess Gaoyang was a little angry. If Qin Mubai hadn't stopped her, she would have gone crazy and forced her way in.
Qin Mubai shook his head helplessly and was about to leave with Princess Gao Yang and Shuang'er. At this time, a person walked out of the house, it was Su Dingfang.
Qin Mubai hurriedly came forward to see him and asked, "How is my mentor?"
Su Dingfang smiled slightly and said, "Junior brother, don't worry, my teacher took the medicine and fell asleep."
"Well, that's good." Qin Mubai couldn't say more and just nodded.
"Junior brother, I have something to tell you." Su Dingfang stretched out his hand and motioned for Qin Mubai to follow him closer. After standing still, he said: "My mentor knows why you are here, but he will not see you at this time."
"Well, I understand." Qin Mubai sighed softly, nodded and said, "My mentor has the thoughts and duties of a mentor. Now that he has retired, it is inconvenient for him to take care of the affairs of the court. I understand this. I also Don’t force him anymore.”
"Junior brother is a sensible person. It's best if you can think like this." Su Dingfang smiled and said, "My teacher asked me to convey something to you."
"Senior brother, please speak."
"You have heard this sentence before, keep a normal mind and be indifferent. There is no need to overdo everything, just let everything take its course." Su Dingfang said.
After hearing this, Qin Mubai frowned and thought for a long time, but couldn't figure out the purpose, so he asked: "Brother, does my mentor mean that I should not run around looking for help, and just let things develop freely?"
"Teacher didn't say anything. You know that I have always been weak in qualifications, but you never thought of those things." Su Dingfang said with a meaningful smile, "Junior brother is extremely talented and has excellent understanding. He can understand the profound meaning of his teacher, so I won't mislead you with blind guesses. ”
"Well... Thank you, senior brother. Then I will take my leave. Please say hello to my mentor for me. In addition, senior brother went to my house to pay tribute to me last time. Today, junior brother also came here to pay tribute."
"Okay, go ahead!"
After leaving Duke Wei's Mansion, Princess Gaoyang said angrily: "That bearded old man Li Yaoshi is really smelly and tough. He actually closed the door and refused to see us. I'm so angry! Next time I see him, I have to climb up to him." Pull some of his beard off his head!"
Qin Mubai smiled and said, "If you really dare to do such a thing, I will obey you."
Princess Gao Yang laughed and said: "Of course I don't dare, so I have to curse for a while! I know that he is your most respected teacher, and I don't dare to be rude to him! If not, I don’t care what he’s doing to protect the public and his mother, just pluck out his beard!”
"Ha ha!"
The three of them went to several more houses one after another, including the families of Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang. Neither of these two people were at home, but their family members received them. Qin Mubai also deliberately avoided meeting with these two people in private, and went there specially when they were not at home.
At this time, it was already noon.
The three of them neither returned to the palace nor went home, so they had lunch in a wine shop and rested for a while, and then made a special trip to Prince Wei's Mansion to return the favor.
When it comes to going to Prince Wei's Mansion, Princess Gao Yang has a bad face, and even Shuang'er is not happy. Princess Gaoyang said that among all her royal brothers, Li Tai was the most hypocritical. Although he was always smiling, his smile could make people feel cold; not to mention Shuang'er, Li Tai had always treated Li Ke didn't like him and wished he could get rid of him quickly. How could Shuang'er have a good impression of him
Qin Mubai persuaded them that they were just going for a formality and did not want to make friends with them. When you enter the house later, just think of yourself as a Bodhisattva with a clay body, and let me handle everything.
Li Tai, the king of Wei, seemed to be waiting for Qin Mubai in the palace. Everyone around him had completely abandoned him, and he was sitting alone in the main hall waiting for him to come. Seeing Qin Mubai and the other three people approaching, he stood up to greet them with a smile from a distance, and stood under the eaves of the hall with his hands clasped.
"The prince-in-law and the emperor's sister came to visit together. Brother Yu failed to welcome him from afar. It's a sin!"
Qin Mubai smiled and exchanged greetings with him. Shuang'er couldn't help but roll her eyes and secretly cursed: "Hypocritical and snobbish! The only people in your eyes are my brother and the princess. If you dare to fall in love with me, you will be dead!"
"Oh, isn't this Miss Shuang'er? We haven't seen each other for a long time, and she looks more and more beautiful! Haha, she is indeed the daughter of Duke Yi and the biological sister of Mu Bai from the same mother! Father and son are famously handsome men. Shuang'er is even more graceful and beautiful, and she's so adorable!" Li Tai laughed.
Shuang'er curled her lips and said, "Thank you, King Wei." She was still cursing in her heart. Qin Mubai was also a little amused, thinking that Li Tai was very flattering and praised our Qin family's genes.
After the greetings were over, Li Tai invited everyone to sit down and make tea to treat each other. Not long after the two girls sat down, Li Tai's real wife, Princess Wei, came out to accompany them and invited the two girls to ask for advice on embroidery and appreciate some flowers. Qin Mubai and Li Tai were the only two people left in the hall.
Li Tai said that he had always heard that Mubai was elegant and unmatched in his musical attainments, so he invited Qin Mubai to his secret pavilion to appreciate a piece of ancient music score that he had recently acquired. Qin Mubai said that he had already sworn not to play music again, but Li Tai quickly said that it didn't matter. He was just enjoying the music score and asked him to judge its authenticity. Qin Mubai knew that he wanted to discuss secrets with him, so he no longer shied away and followed him to a carved building.
"This place is pure and pure. It does not reach the sky or the earth. Any words that come out of the king's mouth will enter someone's ears." Li Tai unfolded a music score and said, "Mubai, feel free to teach me."
"I don't dare to take it seriously." Qin Mubai smiled, took a closer look at the ancient music score, and nodded, "It turns out to be the zheng music of "Mountains and Flowing Waters". It is genuine, but it should have been handed down from the Three Kingdoms period. , rather than the pre-Qin version.”
"Let me just say, Mu Bai is a great expert!" Li Tai chuckled and said, "Actually, Xiao Wang feels that ancient music may not necessarily be better than modern music. Mu Bai said that he would never play music again, what did Xiao Wang say? I'm sorry. Among other things, Xiao Wang really wants to hear the song "Lanzhou Hong" played by Mu Bai on Zhongnan Mountain that day."
Qin Mubai felt a faint pain in his heart, frowned slightly, and said, "That is Yao'er's legacy."
"Oh? Sorry, sorry! Xiao Wang actually had no intention of touching Mu Bai's sadness! I just heard that everyone who went to Zhongnan Mountain that day was stained with tears because of listening to this piece of music played by Mu Bai. . Xiao Wang was yearning for it for a while, so..." Li Tai hurriedly defended.
Qin Mubai waved his hand with a smile: "Your Highness, don't worry, the deceased is already dead, and I am not someone who can't let him go."
"That's good. Mu Bai is a true hero and a great husband. Naturally, he will not be depressed because of the departure of his beloved. This is what Xiao Wang thinks highly of you. Nowadays, there are many troubles in the Tang Dynasty. "Uneasy, there are many big things waiting for Mu Bai to do!" Li Tai said with emotion.
Qin Mubai smiled and thought, after taking a long time to make detours, have you finally come to the point? What I'm waiting for is your words. I won't take the initiative to bring it up. If you can't hold it in anymore and start the topic first, then I can take the initiative.
"What do you mean by the 'big things' that His Highness said?" Qin Mubai asked, "His Highness also knows that. He is a low-ranking official and is a foreign official. He doesn't know much about things above the court. . Could it be that the big thing His Highness is talking about is related to me?”
"That's natural." Li Tai squinted his eyes and nodded with a smile, "Changsun Wuji held a cabinet meeting to discuss the Lanzhou War and Peace. Do you think this matter has anything to do with you?"
"Oh?" Qin Mubai looked surprised and asked, "Has there been any results?"
"Although there is no final result yet, the peace faction already has an absolute advantage. If this continues, there will be no war in Lanzhou. The court will send envoys to Tibet to discuss peace and grant marriages." Li Tai said.
"Hey..." Qin Mubai shook his head with regret, and lightly smashed his fist on the table to show his unwillingness and anger, and sighed, "In this way, all the hard work and dedication in Lanzhou last time were in vain. !”
"Yes! Your Majesty's overall plan for Helong and the Western Regions, as well as military and national policies, have become a piece of lies!" Li Tai also sighed and shook his head, "Although there is a lot of turmoil in our Tang Dynasty, we still have However, Changsun Wuji and others only focus on the present and ignore the century-old plan. They only think about their own fame and political achievements, and think that the country has no important issues. It’s Da’an, but it’s not for the long term. This approach is acceptable for maintaining the country’s security, but not for pursuing hegemony.”
"Your Highness's words are on point." Qin Mubai nodded and said, "Originally, the Lanzhou plan was a century-old undertaking that was related to the fate of the country and the rise and fall of the nation. Although for a while there would be some wasted soldiers, labor and wealth, but From a historical and national perspective, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. At this time, if the Tang Dynasty and Tibet do not give a strong counterattack, the countries in the Western Regions will inevitably start to fight. At that time, a sweeping wave was formed. Not only was the Western Region completely in danger of losing Helong, but they had grown stronger in the past, and they would threaten the Central Plains. Changsun Wuji and others had to give up the whole situation just because of the current unrest in the court. National policy, I deeply regret it!”
"Mu Bai, what's the use of just being sorry? You shoulder the main responsibility for Lanzhou's plan. At this time, shouldn't you stand up and take a clear stand and insist on the main battle?" Li Tai asked tentatively.
Qin Mubai shook his head with a wry smile and said, "Your Highness, please stop making fun of Qin. Qin has always known himself. I am just a lieutenant general in the Lanzhou Dudu Mansion, Biejia and Weiweiyi. If you don’t have the qualifications, how can you stand or persist?”
"What?" Li Tai asked in surprise, "Did Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang not even give you an invitation to attend the meeting?"
"No." Qin Mubai raised the corner of his mouth and shook his head with a sneer, "It's just right for them to do this!"
"Hmph! That's so hateful!" Li Tai said bitterly, "Why are the people who should participate in the meeting the most excluded? They obviously don't tolerate any objections and are in charge of the government!"
Qin Mubai was secretly amused, thinking why don't you show your fox tail? If you don't show it, how can I know that you are one of my own, and how can I collude with you
Just as he was thinking about it, Li Tai slapped the table and said in a deep voice: "Mu Bai, this court is not the court of his eldest grandson Wuji and Chu Suiliang. Although Xiao Wang is not talented, he can still say a few words. Needless to say, you must attend the third imperial meeting!"
"Oh?" Qin Mubai looked surprised and hurriedly said, "If King Wei can help you, Qin will be grateful!"
"No need to thank me." Li Tai waved his hand and said, "Xiao Wang also thinks about the overall situation, but he cannot let Changsun Wuji and others have the final say on everything. If so, where will I be placed?"
"Well, what His Highness said is absolutely true. The emperor is currently ill, and all government affairs, big and small, depend on Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang. In the future, we will have no place to stand." Qin Mubai said, "Although Qin has no regard for Changsun, Ji and Chu Suiliang have no objection, but the Lanzhou War and I are against each other. At this time, I can never stay out of the matter. However, even if Qin can participate in the imperial meeting, he is still indifferent. If the King of Wei can step forward and insist on the main battle, then..."
"Well..." Li Tai shook his butt, and the fox's tail finally came out. He chuckled twice and said: "This matter is important. Although Xiao Wang also has the right to participate in and discuss politics, but..."
"Why, Your Highness is worried?" Qin Mubai asked.
"It's not a concern." Li Tai smiled bitterly and said, "Mubai, you are not an outsider. Xiao Wang might as well tell you clearly. As everyone knows, Changsun Wuji is my uncle. He advocates peace, what should I do? Wouldn't it be contrary to him to advocate war for peace?"
"Oh..." Qin Mubai smiled meaningfully, "It turns out that His Highness is afraid of offending Changsun Wuji!"
Upon hearing this, Li Tai's expression changed on the spot.