Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 42: The Eastern Girl Returns to Tang
The Spring Festival in the Tang Dynasty lasted for seven days, three days at the end of the month and the first to fourth days of the first lunar month.

The first day of the first lunar month was a grand court meeting, which was equivalent to paying New Year's greetings to the emperor, and the second day was to pay New Year's greetings to the crown prince. Fortunately, the new crown prince had not yet been appointed, which saved a lot of trouble.

On December 28, all officials stayed away from work, leaving only one official on duty in each office, accompanied by several clerks.

On this day, Zhangsun Wuji was discussing the grand court meeting with Han Ai and Lai Ji in his mansion when a clerk from the Ministry of Personnel suddenly came to report that the emperor had issued an edict.

Normally, the emperor would rest during holidays and rarely issue decrees.

However, there are exceptions, because when the emperor issues an edict, the procedure is simplified and the official on duty directly drafts and reviews the edict.

Therefore, even if the ministers were on leave, they did not dare to be careless. Every time they were on duty, Han Ai and Lai Ji would let their confidants be on duty, and even the clerks would be carefully selected.

So even if the emperor wanted to launch a surprise attack, they would be able to know in time and respond.

Han Ai and Lai Ji were both shocked when they heard the emperor's decree.

If the emperor suddenly issued an edict at the beginning of the year, they would not be very afraid.

However, over the past year, the emperor's authority grew through several major events, and even if they knew about it, they would find it difficult to stop it.

Only Changsun Wuji remained calm and said calmly, "What decree did the Saint issue?"

The clerk replied, "Your Majesty has decreed that the Queen of the Eastern Qiang Dynasty be appointed General of the Right Army and Vice Governor of the Songzhou Military Governor's Office. She is granted the title of Baron of Wenyang County and the surname Li."

Han Ai breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I heard that the queen came to Chang'an in person, wanting to submit to the Tang Dynasty. According to the rules, this title is not excessive."

Lai Ji took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "Back then, the Dongnu Qiang helped Tuyuhun fight against the Tang Dynasty. Later, Tuyuhun surrendered, but they refused to join us. Now they have finally come to their senses."

Changsun Wuji suddenly asked, "Is there anything else?"

The clerk replied, "The sage also issued an edict ordering the officials of the Honglu Temple to reprimand the Tibetan envoys and forbid them to invade Tuyuhun."

Han Ai was surprised and asked, "Your Majesty, why are you helping Tuyuhun again?"

Lai Ji put down his teacup and said, "That's not surprising. Didn't His Majesty say a while ago that Tubo was strong and Tuyuhun was weak, and asked us to send troops to help Tuyuhun?"

Changsun Wuji pondered for a moment and said, "I recently received news that Princess Honghua has also come to Chang'an."

Han Ai asked, "The princess who married into Tuyuhun?"

Zhang Sun Wuji nodded and said, "It is said that this girl has a close relationship with the Wu Mansion. I also heard that she was invited into the palace by the Wu family a few days ago."

Han Ai angrily said, "I was wondering why Your Majesty suddenly became involved in the affairs of Tubo and Tuyuhun. It turns out it was this witch whispering in your ear!"

Lai Ji asked, "General, may I ask for advice on this matter?"

Changsun Wuji shook his head and said, "Last time, when I asked you to submit a memorial to ban the Alchemy Scripture and to arrest Sun Simiao, His Majesty did not agree. It's no use trying to persuade you any further."

He knew that the emperor had been constrained by him for many years. Now that he had freed himself from the constraints by enthroning Wu as empress and obtained the magic medicine, he became even more complacent and would no longer listen to anyone else's advice.

At this time, when he was singing against the emperor, he would definitely not have any scruples as before, and most court officials would side with the emperor.

Under the current circumstances, the emperor will only wake up if Wu Meiniang, Xu Jingzong and others are allowed to run rampant for a while and cause trouble.

Lai Ji said, "But what about Wu? If we don't depose her, I'm afraid that Your Majesty, under her instigation, will suppress our clan again."

Zhang Sun Wuji said slowly, "The aristocratic families are the cornerstone of the world's stability. They surround the emperor like the stars surrounding the moon, and they have remained strong for centuries. There is a reason for this. It's not easy for a woman to shake their foundation."

Lai Ji said: "That being said, Wu is ruthless and cruel. Once she becomes queen, I'm afraid she will take revenge on you and me."

Changsun Wuji said, "As long as we behave uprightly and without flaw, she won't be able to harm us. Furthermore, I've observed that Your Majesty's recent behavior seems to have changed considerably since before Li Wu."

Han Ai hurriedly said, "I feel the same way. For example, regarding the appointment of a crown prince, His Majesty has not yet expressed his stance, which clearly shows that he is wary of the Wu family."

Changsun Wuji said slowly, "The current situation is unclear, and Your Majesty is undecided. Let's wait and see how things develop before making a plan."

The two said in unison: "Teaching."

At night, when Changsun Wuji was reading in his study, Changsun Chong came to report that the Tubo envoy wanted to see him.

Changsun Wuji smiled and said, "He came to us to lobby us." Changsun Chong said, "Then let him go."

Zhang Sun Wuji thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty attaches so much importance to Tubo. I've always thought that it's not entirely because of Wu Shi. I should meet him. Through him, perhaps I can understand some of Your Majesty's thoughts."

Chang Sun Chong took the order and left.

After a while, Dubu came to the study and performed Tibetan etiquette towards Changsun Wuji, saying, "I am Dubu, the Tibetan envoy, paying my respects to the Grand Commandant Changsun."

Changsun Wuji stood up and returned a half-bow, extending his hand and saying, "You are welcome, foreign envoy. Please take a seat."

Du Bu pulled a book from his bosom and said with a smile, "I've long heard that the Grand Marshal is the most remarkable man in the Tang Dynasty. My own Prime Minister Lu Dongzan also spoke highly of you. When he heard that the Grand Marshal was writing a book, he specially ordered me to present this ancient book to him."

Changsun Wuji took it and took a look at it. Without saying much, he smiled and said, "Thank you for your trouble." He handed the ancient book to Changsun Chong.

Dubu sighed and said, "Back then, the Tang Dynasty married its princess to Tubo, and our two countries became as friendly as Qin and Jin. There has been no war for over twenty years. It's a pity that this beautiful peace is about to be destroyed by a villain."

Changsun Wuji was surprised and asked, "Who is this villain that the foreign envoy is referring to?"

Du Budao said: "Of course it is Tuyuhun. They just annexed Bailang Qiang and now they are invading Tubo. They are even accusing us of attacking them first."

Changsun Wuji said calmly, "It is true."

Dubu sighed, "The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty has been deceived by them and has actually sent people to rebuke Tubo. I really have no place to complain!"

Changsun Wuji pondered for a moment, then said, "Don't worry, envoy. If this is really the case, I will definitely not sit idly by."

Dubu said gratefully, "If the Grand Commandant can speak up for Tubo, the people of Tubo will always remember your great kindness!"

Zhang Sun Wuji raised his hand and said, "The foreign envoy is being polite. I am also doing this to prevent Your Majesty from being deceived by villains. By the way, since Tuyuhun is attacking Tubo, do you want the Tang Dynasty to lend a helping hand?"

Du Bu said, "Thank you for your kindness, General. However, we Tubo people are all brave men. We are not afraid of the Tuyuhun invasion. We are only worried that the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty will be deceived by them and attack us. Then Tubo will be destroyed."

Changsun Wuji smiled and said, "Alright, I'll make a note of this. Chong'er, why don't you take a look at the tea?"

Chang Sun Chong agreed and ordered someone to serve tea.

Du Bu chatted with Changsun Wuji for a while, then stood up and said goodbye.

Changsun Wuji ordered Changsun Chong to send him off personally.

Chang Sun Chong quickly returned to the study and saw Chang Sun Wuji standing by the window lost in thought. He smiled and said, "Father, this Tibetan is quite tactful and even left a gift. I think what he said is probably true."

Zhang Sun Wuji said coldly: "Stupid! This person doesn't speak a single word of truth."

Chang Sun Chong was surprised and asked, "How did father know?"

Zhang Sun Wuji said, "A country truly under threat would have requested reinforcements from the Tang Dynasty, just like Tuyuhun did. But when I just offered to send troops to help them, they refused. Why is that?"

Chang Sun Chong suddenly realized, "He's afraid that if we send troops over there, we'll find out that they are invading Tuyuhun?!"

Changsun Wuji glanced at him and said, "At least he's not completely stupid. This Tibetan appears respectful but is actually treacherous. He always belittles himself and shows weakness, praising the Tang Dynasty. He must have ulterior motives and is extremely ambitious!"

Chang Sun Chong sighed, "This man hid his secrets so well that I almost got fooled by him."

Changsun Wuji said calmly, "This person is still a little immature. The real scary person in Tubo is Lu Dongzan. However, even if Lu Dongzan came in person, he couldn't fool my eyes!"

Chang Sun Chong said, "The Tibetans are so abominable. Father, should we petition His Majesty to attack them?"

Changsun Wuji waved his hand and said, "No need. Since Wu has met Princess Honghua, she should have seen the true situation between the two countries. Let Wu deal with it, and we will just watch from the sidelines."

Chang Sun Chong nodded and asked, "Father, are you going to the grand court meeting in the first month of the lunar year?"

Changsun Wuji looked up at the bright moon and sighed deeply.

"Of course I will go. Your Majesty wishes me to write books and not be involved in court affairs. Then I will follow the example of Li Ji and serve as a clay sculpture or wooden sculpture in the court. I will then see how Your Majesty governs the country left by Emperor Taizong."

(End of this chapter)