Marrying a treacherous official

Cui Zemin pushed open the door and entered the main room again. Yunji was lying on the soft pillow, already asleep from crying.

He changed his clothes and went to bed. He heard her murmuring something in her sleep, so he pulled her into his arms, put his ear to her lips, and listened quietly to what she was saying.

The cicadas chirped incessantly, filling the entire night with their song.

A moment later, she murmured something, which seemed to be someone's name.

He made up his mind then and there: if she called out to another man, he would not let that man live.

"...Cui...Zeming...Waaaaah..."

Cui Zemin's thoughts were in turmoil for a moment.

Just call his name, but what does the subsequent sobbing mean?

Moreover, she called his name repeatedly, her voice choked with sobs, her calls coming in fits and starts.

Cui Zemin pulled her into his arms and held her close as she lay on her side on the bed.

"How did I bully you, huh?"

He gently patted her back and said, "She was still calling my name in her nightmares. How can you be so wicked as to accuse someone first? You spoiled brat."

Whether it was his gentle caress or not, she nestled in his arms and gradually drifted off to sleep peacefully.

The following day, after the court session ended, Emperor Chenghe kept Cui Zemin alone in the Qin Zheng Hall.

"After Pei Zheng's death, there is an urgent need to rebuild the Xuanjia Army. In General Cui's opinion, who is suitable to be its commander?"

Cui Zemin cupped his hands and asked for instructions:

"Whom does the Emperor favor?"

"How is Pei Yun?"

Emperor Chenghe sat on the dragon throne and stared intently at him.

After pondering for a long time, Cui Zemin replied:

"General Pei has been stationed at the Xijing camp for many years, and has been busy with military affairs for more than ten years. He is familiar with the defense of the northwest city and knows the tactics and deployment of the Northern Yan cavalry like the back of his hand. He is capable of being a general, but he is not qualified enough to be a commander."

"In your opinion, who would be suitable to be the commander-in-chief?"

Cui Zemin knelt on the ground, lifting his robe, and pleaded for orders:

"Your Majesty, I humbly request permission to go to Xijing to rebuild the Xuanjia Army and, taking advantage of the defeat of the Northern Yan army, annihilate the enemy beyond the northwest borders in one fell swoop, restoring peace and prosperity to our land."

Emperor Chenghe rose from his dragon throne, unable to contain his excitement, and stepped down the jade steps. He quickly walked to him, leaned over, and helped him up from the ground.

"I never intended to send you to Xijing to guard the border, so why are you doing this?"

"My grandfather was appointed as the military governor of Xijing by order of Emperor Taizu. He defended against foreign enemies for more than 30 years. After that, he formed the Xuanjia Army to wipe out the Northern Yan and resist foreign invasion."

Cui Zemin explained the situation to the Emperor, saying:

"Unfortunately, my grandfather was ambushed in the Battle of Wudu and died on the battlefield. I was lucky enough to survive. I swore a solemn oath that I would spend the rest of my life fulfilling my grandfather's long-cherished wish. I beg Your Majesty's permission."

He was about to kneel down again when Emperor Chenghe lifted him up with both hands.

"Since it is General Cui's last wish, then let's go."

Emperor Chenghe patted him on the shoulder and said with deep affection:

"But before you leave, I have something to tell you: you are my right-hand man and a pillar of the court. Just like when we fought side by side to conquer this country, I look forward to your triumphant return."

"Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."

Cui Zemin brushed away Emperor Chenghe's hand, knelt on both knees, and bowed deeply in respect.

Yunji had been looking forward to Cui Zemin's return from court since he got up early.

She gazed absently at the pomegranate tree in the courtyard, silently putting down the history book in her hand, and said:

"Granny, when will the master return?"

"This is the seventh time the First Madam has asked this question."

Granny Kong smiled kindly as she watched the First Madam blush, and respectfully replied, "After court, the Master has to go to the Privy Council for duty. If he's quick, he'll be back at the mansion by noon; if he's slow, he should be back by 5:45 PM."

Yunji said nonchalantly, "I have important matters to discuss with you, sir. I cannot rest easy until this matter is settled."

Granny Kong lowered her head and pondered:

"If Madam is in a hurry, this old servant will send a guard to tell Master. Master knows what is important and what is urgent, and he will definitely come back in advance to discuss it with Madam."

"No, there's no rush."

Yunji quickly stopped her, saying, "Private matters should not be mixed with military affairs. Do not send anyone to deliver the message, lest you be scolded by the master for no reason."

"The First Madam is indeed very thoughtful."

Granny Kong agreed with a smile, and then heavy footsteps could be heard coming from outside the courtyard.

"Isn't it the old man who's back?"

She looked in the direction of the sound, and her old eyes lit up. She quickly went to greet them at the door.

"It's just in time for Master to come back. Madam has been waiting all day, mentioning him seven or eight times. We've finally got Master back."

Yunji watched as Cui Zemin took a shortcut and passed under the pomegranate tree. She thought to herself that Granny Kong couldn't keep anything to herself and kept talking nonsense. But on the surface, she pretended to be calm and picked up a cup of jasmine tea and sipped it slowly.

As soon as Cui Zemin entered the flower hall, he asked her, "What are you waiting for me for?"

Yunji glanced lightly at the account books on the square table, put down his teacup and said, "The account books for the past three months have been compiled. Please take a look, sir."

Cui Zemin turned around and ordered Granny Kong:

"From now on, the household accounts will be managed by Madam. There is no need to bring them to me for review. All the affairs of the Marquis's mansion, big and small, will be decided by Madam."

"This old servant obeys."

Granny Kong took the account books off the table and led the maids and servants in the flower hall away.

Cui Zemin sat down on the meditation chair and looked at her from a distance, saying:

"While we are all alone, Madam, please tell me whatever you have to say."

Yun Ji's cheeks flushed slightly, but she stubbornly replied, "Nothing to say."

"Well, I do have something to tell you, Madam."

Cui Zemin stared at her intently and said:

"I have already requested permission from the Emperor to go to Xijing to rebuild the Xuanjia Army, and then pursue the enemy in victory to annihilate them all beyond the northwest borders. What does Your Majesty think?"

Yunji looked at him blankly, her fingers curling up nervously. She was shocked, reluctant, and heartbroken. But when she came to her senses, she felt relieved.

"Was the old man really forced into this situation in the imperial court?"

"At what level?"

"My lord's great victory over the combined forces of Northern Yan and Tubo has greatly increased his prestige in the army. All the generals obey his orders. Moreover, my lord holds a high position, serving as both Privy Councilor and Chancellor, firmly holding the power to deploy troops in his hands. How could the woman above not be wary of my husband's power?"

Yunji said coolly and with restraint, "Only by relinquishing the power to mobilize troops and becoming the sharpest sword in the Emperor's hand can you, sir, escape unscathed and allow the Cui family to remain as prosperous as ever among the aristocratic families."

But these were not the words Cui Zemin wanted to hear.

"When you learned that I was to be transferred to Xijing to command troops, why didn't you say a word of reluctance?"

"Of course I'm reluctant to part with it."

Yunji softened her voice and looked at him tenderly, saying, "I am extremely reluctant to let my husband leave."