Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 409 I'll Set the Stage for Him

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yi fell silent.

He has fulfilled his duty as the Imperial Censor by informing the Emperor of this matter. The situation is shrouded in mystery; it's best to wait and see.

Seeing that he remained silent, Yan Liben had no choice but to step forward and say, "Your Majesty, even if this matter is just a misunderstanding, the Turks often plunder the nine kingdoms of the Western Regions. Once they recover their strength, they may become a major threat to the court."

Hao Chujun said in a deep voice, "I believe that Minister Yan is mistaken."

Hao Chujun was always impartial and incorruptible, much like Chu Suiliang in his day, and he was always blunt in his speech in court.

Yan Liben's expression darkened slightly after being rebuffed by him, and he asked, "Where is the error?"

Hao Chujun said, “The Turks pay tribute to our Great Tang every year, but the nine kingdoms of the Western Regions only pay tribute at the end of the year. Sometimes when our Great Tang returns the tribute less, they are unhappy.”

Yan Liben was taken aback and asked, "When did they show any displeasure?"

Zhang Jianzhi stepped forward and said, "Prime Minister Yan, Minister Hao was not lying. After the various countries presented their tribute last year, the court only returned half of the gifts as in previous years. The envoys from those countries complained bitterly at the Court of State Ceremonies, saying that the tribute would be reduced this year."

"In contrast, the Turks had no complaints."

Upon hearing this, Yan Liben's face immediately darkened.

Last year, the Tang Dynasty suffered a severe drought, and it was understandable that the country reduced its spending and gifts. Yet these small countries complained about it, which shows a lack of manners!

Hao Chujun said slowly, "Prime Minister Yan has also heard it. Under such circumstances, why should we protect the Nine Kingdoms of Zhaowu and instead blame the Turks?"

Li Yifu suddenly stepped forward and said, "The Turks are wolves, and the nine kingdoms are sheep. Placing the Turks next to the nine kingdoms is like stuffing wolves into a sheepfold. If we sit idly by and do nothing, the wolves will grow fat and sooner or later turn on their master!"

Hao Chujun said, "When sheep grow up, they will sacrifice themselves to feed their masters. Wolves, however, will not. I believe it is inappropriate to compare the nine kingdoms of Zhaowu to sheep."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yi nodded secretly, thinking to herself, "Hao Chujun must know something to be so protective of Pei Xingjian."

However, soon more officials stepped forward and rebuked Pei Xingjian.

Although the actions of the nine Sogdian states displeased the officials, they posed no threat to the Tang Dynasty.

On the contrary, the Turks' obedient behavior made the officials even more suspicious.

Although Hao Chujun was sharp-tongued, he gradually couldn't keep up with the odds when facing multiple opponents.

Li Zhi interrupted, saying, "Alright, there's no need to argue anymore."

The officials immediately fell silent.

Li Zhi said slowly, "Last year, the Mengchi Governor's Office presented 10,000 sheep to Chang'an. Every minister present should have eaten the sheep presented by the Turks. Since this matter is a misunderstanding, I think we don't need to investigate it further."

Upon seeing the emperor's statement, the military officers retreated to their seats and said no more.

The civil officials looked at each other for a while, and then had no choice but to leave.

Everyone knows that emperors value substance over form. The Turks honestly paid taxes to the court and also sent tribute at the end of the year, which naturally won the emperor's favor.

Some officials began to worry that the Tang Dynasty's preferential treatment of some countries might cause those smaller countries to abandon their allegiance to the Tang and instead submit to the Arabs.

……

"Your Majesty, with such favoritism, aren't you afraid that the nine kingdoms of Sogdiana will side with the Arabs?"

Inside the Lizheng Hall, Wu Meiniang peeled a tangerine while asking Li Zhi a question.

She always liked to send people to listen to the news at the beginning and end of the day, so she knew everything about today's court assembly.

As long as Wu Zetian keeps to herself and doesn't cross the line, Emperor Gaozong will let her have her way and will listen to her opinions on court affairs.

Li Zhi sat on a cool couch covered with a bamboo mat, glanced at her, and said, "Does the Empress really think that the Nine Kingdoms of Zhaowu will submit to the Arabs?"

Wu Meiniang peeled a slice of tangerine and fed it to Li Zhi, who was craving it. She smiled and said, "The minds of the Hu people are different from ours. I am still a little worried."

Li Zhi opened his mouth and ate the tangerine, saying, "You want to know why I trust Pei Xingjian so much, don't you?"

Wu Zetian admitted, "I am indeed curious."

Li Zhi waved to her and patted his thigh, gesturing for her to sit down.

After Wu Meiniang sat on his lap, Li Zhi put his arm around her waist and said, "I once sent Gao Youdao to Anxi. After Gao Youdao returned, I heard about the Turks from him."

"I immediately wrote a secret letter to him inquiring about the matter. Pei Xingjian replied that the matter was of great importance and that he wanted to quietly return to Chang'an to explain it to me."

Wu Meiniang nodded seriously and glanced at Zhang Duohai.

Zhang Duohai understood, waved his hand, and all the servants in the hall withdrew, leaving only Wang Fusheng and himself behind.

Li Zhi continued, "After he returned to Chang'an, he told me his intentions. Pei Xingjian believed that the future enemy of the Tang Dynasty was the Abbasid Caliphate. However, the Abbasid Caliphate was a religious state, and wherever they occupied, they could use the advantages of religion to quickly control the local people and strengthen their own power."

"He felt that the nine Sogdian states were weak and fought their own battles, and were not enough to serve as a shield for the Tang Dynasty. They needed to integrate their forces as soon as possible in order to fight against the Arabs."

Wu Meiniang's eyes flickered, and she had already vaguely guessed what was going on.

Li Zhi said, "Pei Xingjian hopes that the nine kingdoms of Zhaowu will pay taxes to the Tang Dynasty like the Turks, and that the Tang Dynasty will be able to recruit soldiers from the nine kingdoms."

“If we make this request directly, they will definitely suspect that the Tang Dynasty wants to annex them, so we can only take other measures to put pressure on them and make them agree on their own initiative.”

Wu Zetian smiled and said, "So he chose the Turks?"

Li Zhi nodded and said, "Yes, the Turks are indeed wolves, but if they can be used properly, they can also play a significant role."

"After he gained my support, he began to indulge the Turks, allowing them to bare their fangs against the Nine Kingdoms. In order to protect themselves, the Nine Kingdoms had no choice but to ask us for help, and only then did we have the opportunity to achieve our desired goals."

After hearing this, Wu Meiniang exclaimed, "This person is indeed a great talent. His Majesty has not made a mistake in employing him."

When she first became empress, she almost tried to deal with Pei Xingjian because he opposed her becoming empress.

Looking back now, she admired Li Zhi's foresight in recognizing Pei Xingjian's potential and protecting him back then.

Li Zhi turned to look west and said, "I'm just providing him with a stage. I'll wait and see how far he can go."

……

After Pei Xingjian was promoted to Protector-General of Anxi, he requested permission to move the capital of the Anxi Protectorate to Suyab.

This city was built with painstaking effort by Pei Xingjian, and its blueprint was drawn up stroke by stroke by Yan Liben, the Minister of Works.

Although it is less than one-fifth the size of Chang'an City, its internal structure is 70-80% similar to that of Chang'an City.

Suyab also has a neighborhood structure, the only difference being that it does not have a curfew.

The area north of Suyab, which is the same area occupied by the Chang'an Imperial Palace, is where the Anxi Protectorate is located.

In contrast to Chang'an, the Anxi Protectorate was located in the imperial city, while the Taiji Palace and the Forbidden Garden were converted into a large military camp by Pei Xingjian.

In the northwest corner of the Protectorate General's office was the residence of Deputy Protector General Cui Zhibian.

Like Pei Xingjian, Cui Zhibian came from a prestigious family and was a man skilled in both literature and martial arts.

However, for some reason, his relationship with Pei Xingjian was not good.

Muba had been waiting at the Protectorate for more than two hours in order to see Pei Xingjian.

He couldn't wait any longer, so he requested an audience with Deputy Protector-General Cui Zhibian.

This time, a message arrived quickly, and Cui Zhibian invited him over.

Muba perked up and followed the clerk who was leading the way, along the corridor, all the way to Cui Zhibian's official residence.

After entering the house, he first performed the etiquette of the Mu Kingdom, and then the etiquette of the Tang Dynasty.

"Muba pays his respects to Governor Cui."

Cui Zhibian is from the Wushui branch of the six branches of the Qinghe Cui family. He is only in his early forties, but his temples are already gray. He has handsome features and a natural air of elegance and refinement befitting a scion of a prominent Tang dynasty family.

"Prime Minister Mu, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat." Cui Zhibian raised his hand.

Muba did not sit down, but cupped his hands and said, "As the Prime Minister of Mu Kingdom, I have come to see Protector Pei on the orders of my King. Unfortunately, after waiting for two hours, I have not been able to meet with Protector Pei."

Cui Zhibian ordered tea to be served and said indifferently, "He is currently seeing Li Zhefu, so naturally he has no time to see you."

Muba, his face flushed, said, “The Turks are disrespectful and have sent troops to plunder my capital, Mu. All the countries in the Western Regions are outraged! Yet Protector Pei met with the Turks and left me standing there. It’s truly disheartening.”

Cui Zhibian stared at the tea on his table, his face cold, and remained silent.

Muba's heart skipped a beat. He quickly picked up the teacup and said, "Thank you for the tea, Protector Cui." He took a sip of the tea in the cup before putting it down.

He knew that Tang people were particular about etiquette when entertaining guests and preferred to drink tea before talking.

It was very impolite of me to speak without having had any tea.

Cui Zhibian then withdrew his gaze, picked up his teacup, blew on it, and slowly sipped.

He drank very slowly and showed no intention of speaking.

Muba had no choice but to pick up his teacup again and drink with him. After a long while, Cui Zhibian finally finished his tea and spoke.

"Everyone in the Western Regions knows that I am at odds with Protector-General Pei. But I cannot agree with what the foreign envoy just said about Protector-General Pei."

Muba asked in a daze, "Where did I say something wrong?"

Cui Zhibian slowly said, "Li Zhefu is an official of the Mengchi Governor's Office, and belongs to the Tang Dynasty. Although your country is a vassal of the Tang Dynasty, you only have one king who is conferred a title by the Tang Dynasty."

"In other words, although Your Excellency is the Prime Minister of the Mu Kingdom, you do not hold any official position in our Great Tang. Protector Pei met with Li Zhefu first, and then with Your Excellency, which is in accordance with the regulations of our Great Tang."

Muba gritted his teeth, thinking to himself, "It seems all the Tang people are the same; they all favor the Turks!"

Cui Zhibian put down his teacup, as if he could see through his thoughts, and said, "Do you think my Great Tang is unfair?"

Muba's silence was tantamount to acquiescence.

Cui Zhibian coldly replied, "Then I can tell you, I have never trusted the Turks. If I were the Protector-General of Anxi, I would certainly request an imperial decree to annihilate the Turks!"

Muba was overjoyed and said, "Then I urge Protector Cui to speak up for justice and seek justice for my Mu Kingdom."

Cui Zhibian shook his head and said, "You don't understand. Protector-General Pei is deeply trusted by His Majesty. Moreover, the Turks pay taxes every year and send 5,000 soldiers to guard Suyab. Which side do you think His Majesty will favor?"

Muba gritted his teeth and said, "Our Mu Kingdom can also pay taxes and provide soldiers!"

Cui Zhibian glanced at him: "Can you make this decision?"

Muba said, "The king will definitely agree as long as I make the suggestion."

Cui Zhibian asked, "How much tax can you pay, and how many soldiers can you provide?"

Muba said, "Just like the Turks!"

Cui Zhibian said, “Very well, at the end of this year, you will go to Chang’an and mention this matter to the Court of State Ceremonial. His Majesty will surely reward you then. If Protector Pei dares to favor the Turks again in the future, I will speak up for you.”

Muba said, "Do we really have to wait until the end of the year? We can send envoys to Chang'an right now!"

Cui Zhibian said, "Not now. His Majesty will only ask about your situation at the end of the year. If you go to Chang'an now, you won't be able to see His Majesty."

Muba, pale-faced, said, "Then can we just let this matter go?"

Cui Zhibian picked up his teacup again and said, "Given the situation, there's nothing I can do."

Muba was silent for a while, then suddenly said, "I recently heard that Anguo is getting close to the Arabs. If they know that the Tang Dynasty is biased towards the Turks, they might turn to the Arabs."

Cui Zhibian said calmly, "It's alright. His Majesty has already issued an edict that the Abbasid Caliphate is in turmoil and that the Anxi Protectorate should prepare to help the Tokharistan restore its kingdom. If they dare to rebel against the Tang, we can deal with them along the way without much trouble."

Muba felt a chill run down his spine and quickly forced a smile, saying, "That's right, that's right... If they dare to betray us, my Mu Kingdom will be the first to punish them!"

Cui Zhibian looked down at his teacup and said, "Your Excellency, is there anything else?"

Muba knew he was seeing the guest off, so he cupped his hands and said, "I'll take my leave," before turning and departing.

No sooner had Muba left than Pei Xingjian came in and closed the door behind him.

Cui Zhibian was not surprised at all, and exclaimed, "As expected, you guessed right. The Mu Kingdom has taken the initiative to offer to pay taxes to the Tang Dynasty."

Pei Xingjian sat down next to him and smiled, "That's good. With them taking the lead, it will be much easier for the other eight countries."

Cui Zhibian poured him a cup of tea and said, "You used the Turks as your weapon, I played the good cop and you played the bad cop. This act successfully fooled the Mu Kingdom."

"I just don't understand why you object to Muba's desire to go to Chang'an earlier, and why you insist on waiting until the end of the year?"

Pei Xingjian took the teacup and said, "Don't be fooled by the Sogdians' seemingly stupid appearance; they are actually quite shrewd. If we agree too readily, they will become suspicious."

Cui Zhibian nodded. The Sogdians were no fools for being able to do business in Chang'an.

Pei Xingjian added, "Moreover, the nine kingdoms are of one mind and share the same breath. Now that the Mu Kingdom has breathed a sigh of relief, we can seize the opportunity to make all nine kingdoms pay taxes to our Great Tang."

Cui Zhibian said, "Of the nine kingdoms of Zhaowu, Kang is the center. If we can get Kang to speak up, the remaining kingdoms will be much easier to deal with."

Pei Xingjian took a sip of tea and said, "This matter is not urgent. There are still six months left, so we can plan it slowly."

Cui Zhibian glanced at him and said, "But His Majesty has asked us to help Tokharistan restore its kingdom. If we can integrate the strength of the nine kingdoms before taking action, wouldn't our chances of success be even greater?"

Pei Xingjian said, "I have already submitted a secret memorial to His Majesty, postponing this matter until next year."

Cui Zhibian frowned and said, "The Arabs are currently fighting amongst themselves. This matter should be addressed as soon as possible. If we wait until next year, they might be able to free up their resources."

Pei Xingjian smiled slightly: "What I want is for them to free themselves!"

Cui Zhibian's eyes flickered, and he squinted, saying, "You want to fight the Arabs?"

Pei Xingjian laughed and said, "Brother Cui understands me best. We will have to fight the Arabs in the Western Regions sooner or later. Since that's the case, I hope that we will take the lead in this war."

Cui Zhibian pondered for a moment, then asked, "What do you mean?"

Pei Xingjian said, "If we attack Tokharistan while the Arabs are still fighting amongst themselves, the Arabs will retreat to their homeland. Once they are unified and fully prepared, they will attack Tokharistan again."

"In that case, the duration of the war will be determined by them. The Tokharistan are too far away from us, making rescue difficult, and we will be put on the defensive!"

Cui Zhibian replied, "That makes sense."

Pei Xingjian continued, "So I plan to wait until the internal strife among the Arabs is over and a new king emerges before launching an attack on Tokharistan."

"At this time, the Arabs had just finished their internal strife and were at their weakest, needing the most rest and recuperation. We deliberately did not give them the opportunity to rest."

Cui Zhibian asked, "Are you certain that the Arabs will send troops to rescue us?"

Pei Xingjian laughed and said, "This internal strife shows that the Arabs are not united and their internal situation is complicated. When the new ruler takes the throne, if he shows signs of cowardice, how can he win the support of the people?"

"So whether he likes it or not, he has to fight this war. In this way, the initiative in the war will be in our hands."

Cui Zhibian said, "But if we lose this battle, it will be equivalent to helping the new Abbasid king establish his authority."

Pei Xingjian said in a deep voice, "Therefore, we can only win this battle, we cannot afford to lose!"

Cui Zhibian stopped talking and changed the subject, saying, "I know that you helped Li Zhefu rise to power, but judging from his appearance, he has the eyes of an eagle and the gaze of a wolf, and he is not someone who will remain subservient to others for long!"

Pei Xingjian said, "I know this man is ambitious and will surely rebel in the future."

"Then you still..."

Cui Zhibian was halfway through his question when he saw Pei Xingjian smiling. He changed the subject and asked, "Have you already decided how to deal with him?"

Pei Xingjian didn't say much, only nodded slightly.

Having worked with him for several years, Cui Zhibian had figured out his temperament. The more understated he was, the more it showed that he had everything under control.

It's very likely that when he supported Li Zhefu, he had already planned how to deal with him.

However, Choi Ji-byeon still offered a word of advice.

"If you're wary of him, why do you trust the Hu woman he gave you so much?"

Pei Xingjian picked up his teacup, took a sip, and slowly said, "That Hu woman was originally one of my people."

"Your people?" Cui Zhibian was taken aback.

Pei Xingjian said, "When I was building Suyab, I sent that Hu woman to Li Zhefu's side."

"Later, at a banquet, this woman performed a dance. I deliberately showed interest in her, and sure enough, a few days later, Li Zhefu presented her to me and sent her to keep an eye on me."

"The more I show her affection, the more relaxed Li Zhefu will become, thinking that he has me under control. It will be much easier to deal with him in the future."

After listening to this, Cui Zhibian couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

The methods employed by this colleague are truly admirable, even frightening.

Pei Xingjian suddenly stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Brother Cui, there is something I would like to ask you."

Cui Zhibian said, "You are my superior. Just tell me what you need."

Pei Xingjian said, "I hope you will return to Chang'an."

Cui Zhibian asked in surprise, "What are you doing?"

Pei Xingjian said in a deep voice, "I hope you can tell His Majesty in detail my plan to deal with the Arabs."

Cui Zhibian frowned and said, "Didn't you already write a secret letter to His Majesty?"

Pei Xingjian shook his head and said, "This matter is of great importance. I hope Brother Cui can go back to Chang'an for me and explain the matter to His Majesty in detail. If His Majesty has any concerns, Brother Cui can also explain them clearly in time."

Cui Zhibian took a deep breath and said, "Alright, I'll go back to Chang'an for you."

The next day at noon, Cui Zhibian handed over his duties and then returned to Chang'an with more than ten guards.

(End of this chapter)