Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 24: Liu Rengui, the Official
The next morning, Li Zhi got up earlier than usual. Xu Jin helped him change into court clothes and watched him leave, but there was a hint of worry in his eyes.

Die'er saw her worried expression and asked, "Madam, what's wrong?"

Xu Jin returned to the palace, dismissed the other servants, and sighed softly, saying, "Last night, His Majesty asked me for advice, and I spoke without much thought. Now I regret it."

Die'er said, "That idea hasn't come up yet, has it?"

Xu Jin sat on the couch, holding his chin with one hand, and said, "Not really. I'm just afraid that everyone will often tell me about court affairs in the future."

Die'er giggled and said, "Isn't this a good thing?"

Xu Jin glanced at her sideways: "You don't understand."

To serve the emperor is like serving a tiger. The first time Xu Jin understood the meaning of these words was during a conversation with her sister Xu Hui.

Everyone thought that Xu Hui was extremely favored by Emperor Taizong. Even Xu Jin used to think so, but later she realized that she was wrong.

Emperor Taizong did favor her elder sister Xu Hui and often told her about state affairs.

Xu Hui also tried her best, racked her brains to relieve Taizong's worries, and offered many suggestions.

Emperor Taizong listened to most of her advice, and this story spread throughout the world, became a good story, and was even written into the national history.

However, the truth is that since Xu Hui began to frequently give advice, Emperor Taizong no longer favored her, but became more wary of her.

Having said that, Emperor Taizong would still listen when Xu Hui continued to give advice.

Later, Xu Hui realized that Emperor Taizong used to treat her as a woman, but later treated her as a subject.

What he wanted to maintain was this beautiful story between the two of them, to make it go down in history and be remembered for generations to come. The love between the man and the woman became as light as a feather.

Outsiders envied Xu Hui, thinking that she had both the favor and respect of Emperor Taizong.

However, nothing in this world can be perfect.

After a conversation with her sister, Xu Jin realized that her sister had lost the joy of being a woman, which was why she had no children.

It was Emperor Taizong who took the initiative to ask his sister about state affairs, and his sister did her best to share his worries, but he distanced himself from her.

Xu Jin felt that the emperor was terrifying at that time.

But her sister still loved Emperor Taizong wholeheartedly and even died for love in the end.

Xu Jin understood the king's capricious mood from her sister's life experience.

So when she was neglected, she did not feel sorry for herself, but now that she is favored, she is worried and afraid.

These words were not to be told to outsiders, so she had to calm down and start wearing court clothes.

Today, not only will the outer court hold the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month, but the harem will also hold a regular meeting, presided over by Empress Wu in Lizheng Hall.

As Xu Jin was getting dressed, she asked, "Has there been any news from outside the palace about father and mother?"

Die'er said, "I came last night. My wife was talking to everyone, so I didn't disturb her. The old man and the others have already gone into the city."

Xu Jin thought to himself, "Father is so anxious, I'm afraid he wants to attend today's New Moon and Full Moon Court." He couldn't help but worry about his father again.

Xu Jin's father is named Xu Xiaode, who is in his fifties this year. He was born in the Xu family of Donghai. He was originally an old hero of the Southern Chen Dynasty, but later fell into poverty and became a poor family in Jiangnan.

He rushed all the way yesterday and finally entered the city in front of the city gate. He first went to the Ministry of Personnel to get his official robe and fish token, and then returned to his old house with peace of mind.

He only rested for more than two hours at night and got up at the hour of Yin.

Before daybreak, he arrived outside Danfeng Gate, wearing a scarlet official robe, a gold belt, and a silver fish talisman. His face was flushed and he was in high spirits.

His father died early when he was young and he was raised by his widowed mother. He had a great ambition from an early age to bring honor to his family.

Now, as a fourth-rank official in the Ministry of Personnel, you hold a high position and great power, and the year-end assessment is coming soon. It is the time for you to show your talents and make great achievements!
Soon, more and more court officials gathered outside Danfeng Gate.

Xu Xiaode had been an official in Beijing and had followed Emperor Taizong in attacking Goryeo. He never associated with aristocratic families and belonged to the old Qingliu faction in the court.

This faction belongs to the neutral faction, and its members were originally disciples or good friends of Ma Zhou.

Most of them were from poor families, few in number, very old, but of low official rank. They had no contact with the young and upright faction headed by Xue Yuanchao.

Several old Qingliu officials surrounded Xu Xiaode with a smile, congratulating him on his promotion. Some even joked with him that he had two good daughters.

Xu Xiaode didn't like what he heard, so he changed the subject and said, "I heard that Silla sent envoys. Is the situation in Liaodong very urgent?"

All the officials who followed Emperor Taizong to attack Goguryeo, like Emperor Taizong, had an unusual obsession with Goguryeo.

An official in his forties with a fair face and a slight beard and an extraordinary appearance smiled and said, "You have fast news. The one who came is Jin Renwen, who was hung on the city wall overnight." This person was Shangguan Yi, the Junior Secretary and a direct scholar of the Chongwenguan.

Xu Xiaode asked, "It's so urgent, could it be that Goguryeo is sending troops to attack Silla again?"

Shangguan Yi said, "That's exactly it."

Xu Xiaode frowned and said, "The imperial court is currently deploying troops against the Turks. I'm afraid it will be difficult to take care of both. What should we do?"

Shangguan Yi said calmly, "Let the aristocratic families and Minister Xu worry about it. It's useless for us to think too much."

Everyone sighed. Although they could discuss state affairs on weekdays, they did not have much say in the court.

Someone said, "The two factions will start fighting again soon. What should we do?"

Another person said coldly: "What should we do? Just keep silent."

The first person said, "With Minister Xu taking the lead, perhaps we can have a few words."

Everyone looked at Xu Xiaode.

Xu Xiaode remembered the letter his daughter had sent him, asking him to be careful when he came to Beijing and not to get involved in court struggles, so he remained silent.

He turned to a dark-faced old man and asked, "Liu Hulu, what do you think?"

The black-faced old man was named Liu Rengui, and he worked as a clerk in the Ministry of Personnel. With his broad bones and burly build, he looked more like a military general than a civil servant.

Because he is usually taciturn and like a mute person, his friends call him Liu Hulu.

Liu Rengui was silent for a while, then said, "No need to worry."

Xu Xiaode was stunned and said, "What's not to worry about?"

Everyone asked more questions, but Liu Rengui's mouth seemed to be sewn shut and he refused to say another word.

After a while, the officials arrived one after another.

Xu Xiaode observed quietly and found that Han Ai, Lai Ji and other officials from aristocratic families seemed very calm, and only occasionally said a word or two to each other.

On the contrary, pro-military officials such as Xu Jingzong all had sad faces, whispered to each other, and looked very anxious.

In fact, the reason is very simple. After the last New Moon and Full Moon Court ended, the atmosphere in the court began to change, and Xu Jingzong and others became a little too proud of themselves.

Last night, the captain at the city gate passed the news to the Secretariat. The guards under Li Yifu and Wang Dejian were quite loyal and went to their residences to report the news.

It’s a pity that both of them are not at home.

Li Yifu rented a room outside his wife's house and stayed there, while Wang Dejian went to Furong Garden with his friends and took a boat trip on Qujiang River, and did not return all night.

It was not until dawn that Empress Wu sent someone to ask Xu Jingzong, and Xu Jingzong finally got the news.

Xu Jingzong hurriedly told the news to others. Since the court meeting was about to start, they had no choice but to hurry up and discuss countermeasures.

The more hurried you are, the more confused your mind becomes. How can you come up with a good solution in a short period of time?

Li Yifu knew that he had made a mistake, and in order to atone for his sins, he actively offered suggestions.

"They will definitely propose withdrawing the Western Expedition Army and sending troops to Liaodong. We can't stop them. We can only try to protect the Duke of Ying and prevent him from leading the troops."

Whether officials from the aristocratic families or those supporting military power, they all felt that the situation in Liaodong was more important than that in the Western Regions.

Xu Jingzong said in a deep voice: "We can't give in voluntarily. Even if we can't hold on to this step, we have to argue with them and consume their energy."

Li Yifu slapped his forehead and said, "Mr. Xu is right. I was confused."

Yuan Gongyu said, "We must eventually discuss sending troops to Liaodong. Who should we propose to replace Lord Li?"

Li Yifu asked, "How is Zheng Rentai?"

Xu Jingzong shook his head and said, "He lacks the ability, and Your Majesty does not trust him."

Li Yifu asked again, "Where are Qibi Heli, Ren Yaxiang, and Ashina Buzhen?"

Before Xu Jingzong could answer, the sound of drums rang out from the Danfeng Gate. Cui Yixuan's face turned pale and he said, "There's no time."

From a distance, Han Ai called out, "Doctor Cui, the court meeting has already begun. Why haven't you taken charge yet?"

Cui Yixuan had no choice but to walk to the doorway and loudly shouted: "The time has come, all officials should attend the court."

(End of this chapter)