The Emperor ordered Zhao Tang

Chapter 320 Brotherly Love and Respect (Part 1)

We agreed to take three days to consider, but almost two months have passed in the blink of an eye.

Zhang Chengfeng neither met with Cui Xuan again nor made any moves. Cui Xuan also seemed unconcerned, spending his days strolling in the courtyard and playing with the dog, appearing indifferent to the present situation and his mission.

The Guiyi Army loosened its control over them somewhat. As long as they didn't stray too far from the monitored guild hall and didn't settle the Tibetans in their courtyards, they were left to their own devices. Indeed, Zhang Chengfeng acted swiftly, contacting all sides the day after receiving Cui Xuan's message, informing them of the Holy Emperor's possible attack, and that the Tibetan envoy had already arrived in Shazhou.

However, like Cui Xuan, the Tibetans next door were also very quiet, and they stayed indoors unless Zhang Chengfeng summoned them.

It's also possible that the Tibetans weren't strongly inclined to aid the Guiyi Army, or that the situation wasn't urgent enough yet. The Holy Emperor's threat was still superficial, perhaps just a prior notification from a high-ranking mage or lord to gather information.

After the collapse of the Tubo central government, numerous factions arose. It's unclear which far-sighted lord took notice of the situation and began planning for the future—at least according to Cui Xuan's understanding, the rebel army occupying the Kyoto-Luoxi area was no longer viable. After years of chaotic warfare, their objectives had been achieved, their desires had waned, and they had little interest in breaking the Changqing Alliance and launching a campaign against the Tang Dynasty. Their armies were also strictly restricted from crossing the Western Sea.

They were probably nobles who had fled to the Jinshan area. But they lacked strength. According to Cui Xuan's own deduction, these bastards had no other skills besides verbal support, and they would only fight for their lives when they were attacked at their doorstep, so they might as well just stand here and watch.

But he couldn't just stand by and watch.

These days, Cui Xuan has been going out for walks from time to time to clear his head. Whenever he goes out, four or five junior officers from the Guiyi Army always lazily follow him. They serve a dual purpose: protection and surveillance. It's at this point that people realize Cui Xuan's identity as Cui Anqian's nephew.

Like his uncle and his cousin Cui Yuzhang, Cui Xuan was naturally outgoing and sociable.

After a few casual words, he could practically put his arm around someone's shoulder, then consult their birth charts, tell their fortunes, or ask about the birth years and places of their children, suggesting elegant and refined names that would leave them completely captivated. He would also secretly give these officers the food, drink, and clothing meant for the envoys, improving their living conditions. He had already thoroughly investigated the military government, the rumors about what the higher-ups were thinking, and knew exactly which factions the Tibetan delegation came from, how many people were in each faction, their height, weight, martial arts skills, and personalities, even the layout of the neighboring courtyard and the number of guards…

The cool twilight cast a soft glow.

Not a single lamp was lit in the room where Cui Xuan was staying.

Cui Xuan sat on the couch, surrounded by a dozen bodyguards, including Chilihan, who were either sitting or standing. All that could be heard were their heavy breathing and the fierce look in their sunken eyes.

Outside the carved gate, Ashide stood guard with unwavering loyalty.

The moonlight cast his bear-like silhouette, motionless, sharpening his knife.

Upon his return, Cui Xuan summoned Zhang Guan, the historian, and Ashide Zhi Nian, and recounted all the matters concerning the Tibetan forces, including the Lord of Huahaizi City, Mingluo, the Compassionate Messenger of Mingjing, and the Bodhisattva of Jinshan, as well as the ongoing disputes between the pro-government and separatist factions within the Guiyi Army.

What lies ahead is up to you.

Cui Xuan remained silent, and so did everyone else. Logically, Cui Xuan had already exceeded expectations. Who would have thought that the Guiyi Army and the Zhang family, who had always been aloof and unresponsive despite repeated letters from Xu Yanruo, the former Liangzhou military commissioner, would not only be hesitant to make a decision for so long, but would also begin to take sides around Zhang Chengfeng and Zhang Shouxin, the two sons of the Zhang family?
Upon hearing that there had been no reply from Khotan and Loulan Uyghur, Cui Xuan guessed that Du Hu and the others had met with misfortune and that they might support Zhang Chengfeng. Everyone remained silent.

Khotan, Loulan, and Tibet are close to the Guiyi Army but far from Tang. As long as these people support them, it will be difficult for the faction that wants to enter the court to stir up trouble.

After a long, long time, Chilihan finally let out a cold laugh: "...Looking at this situation, once Zhang Chengfeng settles the military government and reaches a strong agreement with the Tubo, we'll be in danger. They might kill us as a sacrifice to their flag, or use us as a token to show their resolve to the Tubo. Even if they don't kill us, detaining Cui Jun for a few months will give them more time to prepare for a rebellion..."

"Let's just run away! In my opinion, we should leave tonight. I've already checked the yard thoroughly. The walls aren't high, and the Guiyi Army doesn't guard every place tightly... If you want to escape, you're guaranteed to get away!"

This is Li Xiong, a Uyghur, whose loud voice made the whole room buzz.

Someone nearby kicked him twice, and he covered his mouth with both hands.

Zhao Simo, a composed Turk in the group, pondered and said, "Li Manzi's words make sense. It's rare for him to be so clear-headed... Lord Cui, I think we can only run now... Fortunately, there are only two envoys, Lord Cui and Lord Zhang. We can protect them even if we close our eyes."

"When have I ever been abnormal?!" Li Xiong almost jumped up, but Zhang Guan quickly pulled him back.

"Whether to kill or fight, to flee or observe, we will listen to Lord Cui." After Li Xiong was restrained, the others also expressed their stance.

Cui Xuan remained silent.

Li Xiong was still whispering, "I've observed this before. In the middle of the night, only half of these Guiyi Army soldiers are on duty, and the other half are sleeping in the sheds by the east wall! The city gate is at most a mile away from the guild hall. If we occasionally run into a few patrolling soldiers or minor officials, how could we not take them down? We'll just find a dog hole or a latrine and let them go to war!"

Cui Xuan listened quietly to the barbarians around him, each saying their own thing, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts.

That unconventional idea is growing stronger and stronger.

Even a few days ago, he wouldn't have even considered it. But now, he's already come this far!

Cui Yi held the imperial insignia in Dongchuan, Cui Jiahu held a high position in the Imperial Guard with numerous military achievements, and Cui Wuci was renowned throughout the Imperial Guard. His uncle was buried with the honor of being a Grand Master, and was bestowed the title of Consort Luo by the Imperial Seal. Su Su was Consort Cui… while he himself was still a useless nobody, with little influence and no reputation. Looking back, Cui Xuan didn't feel that he was any better than an ant.

Zhao Simo noticed Cui Xuan's quietness and tugged at Li Xiong, telling them to shut up.

After a long silence, Cui Xuan slowly spoke: "Everyone—"

He finally made up his mind. Perhaps he couldn't make a splash... but some things are better done before seeking meaning.

Uncle, if you were still alive in heaven, please lend me a hand.

“Since the two factions represented by Zhang Chengfeng and Zhang Shouxin are still locked in a tug-of-war, whoever shows the most determination will have more confidence to turn against their superiors… We…” Cui Xuan slapped his thigh and looked around at the seventeen barbarians present: “Let’s help Zhang Shouxin overthrow his superiors!”

"Subordinates overthrowing their superiors?" Zhao Simo's eyes darted around a few times before he finally remembered the word and jumped up.

Cui Xuan slowly stood up and looked at Zhao Simo.

Countless expressions flashed across Zhao Simo's face, but in the end he didn't say a word. He simply bowed down and said, "Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?! If Lord Cui dares to do so, I dare to do it for wealth and honor!"

"Good, good, good." Cui Xuan praised, patting Zhao Simo's cheek, who was a head taller than him: "You're lucky! Following us civil officials, getting promoted, making money, and getting women is much faster and easier than following military officials!"

Having said that, Cui Xuan drew his sword and lightly sliced ​​his wrist, letting drops of blood fall into the bowl: "Golden Mountain Bodhisattva, Bright Mirror Envoy, Flower Sea City… all the delegations of the nine major Tibetan powers, kill them first." The others in the room also sensed the change in atmosphere, staring at Cui Xuan, their hearts pounding. To "cause trouble" so far away, in someone else's stronghold—this was incredibly exciting!
Nobody knows if it will work out.

Throughout the journey, it was always Cui Xuan, who appeared the weakest, who led the way. He was sharp-witted, resolute, bold yet meticulous, and his knowledge and experience far surpassed everyone else's. The group, initially escorting him with the intention of making money, gradually became dependent on him, following his lead blindly. They felt this man was omnipotent and omniscient. Following him, they could have anything they wanted.

Everyone raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp.

Only Li Xiong, stroking his chin, muttered blankly, "When are we going to make our move?"

********
Inside the garden, everything was the same as usual. Except now, banquets were laid out everywhere, and large groups of soldiers sat at tables, eating and drinking heartily. When they got excited, they played games like pitch-pot and polo, creating a chaotic and disorderly atmosphere.

Their conversations, filled with laughter, anger, and scathing remarks, touched upon both Chinese and foreign topics.

For example, “The court has betrayed me! I have been a vassal for years, offering up territory, yet I only have a single military governorship.”

"The Holy Emperor wants the Guiyi Army, the Holy Tang Dynasty wants it, and we want it too. If you want it, then come and fight for it yourselves!"

"If the king can rebel, the emperor can rebel too!"

"Why be a mountain king when you can enter the court? Listen to me and submit to the Holy Tang. You can become an official or a general anywhere. I heard from that envoy that there are a lot of surrendered generals and vassal officials in the court, including generals from Chengde, Weibo, and Hedong."

The generals and officers of the Guiyi Army, the powerful local magistrates of Shazhou, and the tribal chiefs who were subservient to the military government were all present. They raised their cups to each other, drank merrily, and talked freely about military and political affairs.

Zhang Chengfeng and several of the most esteemed officials, such as Zhang Shouxin, Cao Rengui, Suo Zhong, Zhang Liangzhen, Linghu Jingcheng, Murong Fu, Song Huixin, Luo Tongda, Yin Shiyin, etc., were all at the Orchid Pavilion by the pond.

Since Cui Xuan entered Shazhou, seeing the Holy Emperor's firm stance, the military government has been in an uproar over whether to fight or make peace. This banquet isn't very meaningful; it's just a way to ease the tension. With so little resources, they can't afford another bloody battle.

Compared to a few days ago, Zhang Chengfeng was much more indifferent, acting as if nothing had happened. At the banquet, he merely gestured and talked about his grandfather's overthrow of Tibet, his own joining the army with his father, and the chaos caused by Chao and Zhu. He spoke of how the signs of national subjugation were already evident, and that the country could not be saved. He was also quite eloquent, vividly recounting the stories of the fallen officials and nobles, the collapse of the 100,000-strong Shence Army in the rainy night, and Zhu Dalang's dominance in the Central Plains.

The confidants surrounding Zhang Chengfeng couldn't help but glance a few more times at the generals and powerful figures who wanted to obey the imperial edict. These men themselves exchanged bewildered looks—the court was so corrupt; who knew what fate awaited them if they defected!

Zhang Shouxin remained unmoved, his words and smiles unchanged. Occasionally, when recounting his grandfather's victories in the restoration of the six prefectures of Hexi, he could paint a picture of brotherly affection and sisterly love between Zhang Chengfeng, Zhang Miaoyan, and Zhang Min, the children of the Zhang family.

From afar, the air was filled with waves of joy. Each murmur was a call to friends, a cacophony of voices, both loud and soft. Just as some were about to run out of drinks and were trying to dodge the toasts, others were being dragged along and forced to drink. The clamor and laughter rose in waves.

Shazhen was in ruins, and years of war had disrupted agriculture and livelihoods, leading to a shortage of grain. Brewing alcohol had been banned for a long time, making it a precious commodity. Today, with such a grand feast, everyone was eager to indulge in their revelry. Moreover, after such a long meal, the tension of the previous gatherings had eased, and many people felt at ease, making the meal even more enjoyable.

However, Zhang Shouxin, who was accompanying Zhang Chengfeng, was chatting happily and drinking only a little. Zhang Chengfeng, on the other hand, had already downed several large cups of wine, appearing to have let go of his worries.

"Whose jade flute softly plays a tune? Scattered on the spring breeze, filling Luoyang city~" The jubilation nearby rose to another level. The beautiful Song Huixian, dressed as a lady with her hair styled in high double buns, her red makeup, green dress, and white blouse shimmering, caused a deafening sensation with her dance and song!
Zhang Chengfeng rubbed his red, drunken eyes and laughed, "We siblings are all born so heartless! Even when the Uyghur Holy Emperor and his family were invading us, my brother Shouxin was still so devoted to Yingying. With this spirit, what are we afraid of, being attacked from two sides or surrounded by enemies?"

Zhang Shouxin raised his glass and said, "We're not easily intimidated."

"It's all about sheer willpower!" Zhang Chengfeng waved his hand and laughed, then stumbled to his feet, propping himself up on the table. "I've been smitten with Huixian since I was a kid! It's a pity that Song Shiniang is determined to cultivate immortality. I'm going to go see her! I'll dance the 'Yizhou Song' with her!"

This made everyone burst into laughter. The young marshal's infatuation with Song Shiniang was common knowledge throughout Shazhou.

"By the way—" Zhang Chengfeng turned his head and looked around, then called out, "Where's Liangzhen? He's all drunk and acting like nobody's there. Among the officers, soldiers, and sons of powerful families, who still acts like a warrior? Tell Liangzhen to bring the roster! I want to see how many of them are still standing up straight and talking! Those who drink in moderation will be rewarded... Whether it's to conquer the bastards or, in case Emperor Li comes, we'll still need the sons to put in the effort!"

"Haha." Zhang Shouxin straightened his clothes and stood up, helping Zhang Chengfeng to his feet: "Brother, please~"

Seeing this, Cao Rengui and the others also stood up and advised, "Young Marshal, why be distracted? Just enjoy the music and dance with Song Shiniang and concentrate on having fun. As for who is virtuous and who is not, we can have the Commander-in-Chief check it out!"

Zhang Chengfeng just waved his hand cheerfully, rambling incoherently: "This whole thing about going to court has caused quite a stir. It's rare to see everyone in such high spirits these days, so I'm happy too. Let's have a couple of drinks and turn the page on the unpleasantness! As for what happens next, let's talk it out calmly! If it really doesn't work out, I wish those who want to leave well. And if all else fails, I'll just quit this commandery position. What's there to be reluctant about?"

"Alright, alright!" Cao Rengui and the others then led Zhang Chengfeng toward the lawn.

Dozens of tables were set up on the lawn, a sea of ​​black. A group of generals, officers, and their families were engaged in games like arrow throwing, sumo wrestling, dancing, and drinking contests. At this climax, the revelry reached its peak, and men and women lost all restraint. Several young men and women, their youthful passion ignited, kissed and embraced passionately in the bamboo grove under the eaves, rolling around in a passionate embrace, exchanging acts of adultery. Song Huixian was simply surrounded by a group of officers who commented on her buttocks and breasts.

Cao Rengui stepped forward and shouted sternly: "Young Marshal, you come to feast with such disrespect, yet you behave so rudely?"

Only then did everyone notice, and they all turned to look. A roar echoed through the garden: "Greetings, Young Marshal!"

Zhang Chengfeng pulled his hand away from Cao Rengui's support, but did not go to dance with Song Shiniang.

He reached out his hand, and Zhang Liangzhen handed him the roster from behind. He flipped through a few pages, then lowered his head and hissed, "Where is Zhang Yunqi? Is he drunk?"

A cold voice returned from the banquet: "Reporting to the Commander, Yunqi is not drunk."

Then I saw Zhang Yunqi stride out.

After everyone was seated, they removed their armor and weapons. Zhang Yunqi, dressed in a turban and round-necked robe, appeared refined and elegant, yet a decorated ceremonial sword was still slung at his waist! At the banquet, no one found it inappropriate, and no one said anything against him. But now, standing before others, he stood out starkly!
The brothers Zhang Chengfeng and Zhang Shouxin, who were holding hands, had already tacitly let go of each other's hands.

Zhang Shouxin looked at his brother, his expression quickly turning cold.

Zhang Chengfeng glanced back at his younger brother and said, "Are we siblings all born so heartless?"

As the sun set, the officers, soldiers, and sons of powerful families who filled the garden all stared intently at the two brothers.

This seems to have been a recurring theme in the history of regional military governors after the mid-Tang Dynasty, such as the stories of Chengde Wang Chengzong and Wang Chengyuan, Weibo Tian Yue and Tian Xu, and Fanyang Liu Kun and Liu Zong.

(End of this chapter)