Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 415 Conferring the Title of Lady of Korea
In the hazy depths of the night, everyone is busy.

Hei Chi Changzhi arrived at the inn where Jiang Ke was staying and expressed his wish to go to Chang'an.

Jiang Ke poured him a cup of tea and asked, "Do you really want to go to Chang'an?"

Hei Chi Changzhi sighed and said, "To be honest, General, I am currently being called a traitor by the Buyeo people and an internal spy by the Mahan people. I am exhausted. I only hope to go to Chang'an and serve as a lowly guard. I just hope to repay His Majesty's kindness in recognizing my talent!"

Seeing his sincere tone, Jiang Ke also said frankly, "If you want to serve His Majesty, it would be best to stay in Baekje."

Hei Chi Changzhi asked in surprise, "Why?"

Jiang Ke said, "His Majesty wishes to bring Baekje under his rule, and he needs your help for this."

Hei Chi Changzhi asked in astonishment, "If Your Majesty has such intentions, why not send you to help us deal with the Fuyu people?"

Jiang Ke said calmly, "What His Majesty wants is a stable Baekje submission, not one that keeps rebelling after submission, causing His Majesty headaches. Do you understand?"

Hei Chi Changzhi's eyes flashed, and he said, "I see."

Jiang Ke said, "When I entered the city just now, I saw that the people of Sabi City should welcome the rule of our Great Tang. However, the fact that so many people have joined the rebel army shows that most of the people of Baekje are still willing to accept the rule of the Buyeo people."

Hei Chi Changzhi said in a deep voice, "Most of those refugees are coerced. Only when we defeat the Fuyu people will those refugees show their true will."

Jiang Ke glanced at him and said, "You want me to send troops to help you defeat the rebels outside the city?"

Hei Chi Chang said, "No need for General Jiang. The rebels have already lost their courage, and the morale of the city's garrison has improved. I will lead my troops in a surprise attack tomorrow night and I am confident that I can defeat them!"

Jiang Ke smiled, raised his glass, and said, "Alright, I'll be there to support you!"

……

"Father, a terrible thing has happened in Baekje! How can you still be in the mood to enjoy singing and dancing! All of you, leave!"

Inside the main hall, Quan Gaesomun was enjoying a song and dance performance with his two sons when Quan Nansheng suddenly rushed in, ran into the group of dancers, and shouted loudly.

Quan Nanchan sneered, "Brother, you're not even a Molizhi yet, and you're already showing off your power. Are you trying to usurp the throne?"

Quan Nansheng glared at him and said, "What time is it? I don't have time to argue with you."

Izumi Osamu scoffed, "Oh, judging from your tone, is the country about to perish?"

Quan Nansheng said, "It's hard to say!"

Izumi Osamu shouted, "Father, did you hear that? My brother's words clearly show he doesn't respect you..."

Quan Gaisu slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Stop arguing! Everyone except the boss, step back!"

Quan Nanchan was about to speak again when his second brother, Quan Nanjian, pulled him aside and gave him a wink. Only then did the two of them step back.

Before long, only Quan Gaisuwen and Quan Nansheng remained in the main hall.

Quan Gaisuwen glared at his eldest son and said, "You can say what you want to say now!"

Quan Nansheng asked, "Father, are you aware of the changes in Baekje?"

Quan Gaisu asked, "Are you referring to the Tang army's entry into Sibi City?"

Quan Nansheng stepped forward and said urgently, "Not only that, but as soon as the Tang army entered the city, Hei Chi Changzhi led his troops in a night raid on the army of the Buyeo nobles. In one battle, more than 80,000 troops collapsed and the refugees scattered. Hei Chi Changzhi is now marching towards Suwon City!"

Quan Gaisuwen said calmly, "They were just a rabble to begin with, so I already guessed this outcome."

Quan Nansheng asked anxiously, "Father, do you know that the people of Baekje are becoming increasingly close to the Tang Dynasty? There are even people who are using the name of the Tang Dynasty to form militias and are attacking Suwon City?"

Quan Gaesomun snorted, "The Tang people are best at these little tricks to win people's hearts. Most of the Baekje people are stupid and despicable Koreans, so it's normal for them to be fooled by them."

Quan Nansheng said, "Baekje is located to our south. If it is annexed by the Tang Dynasty, they can attack us from both the north and the south. Father, how do you plan to defend against this?"

Quan Gaisuwen said indifferently, "Then what do you want me to do?"

Quan Nansheng said, "To send troops to rescue Suwon Castle, we must help the Buyeo people reclaim Baekje in order to prevent future troubles!"

Quan Gaisuwen coldly said, "Foolish! If you do this, you will truly fall into the Tang people's trap!"

Quan Nansheng said blankly, "I don't understand..."

Yeon Gaesomun said in a deep voice, "Haven't you noticed that over the years, the Tang people have been constantly causing trouble around us, conquering Baekje, fighting Japan, pacifying the Khitan, and destroying Tamna, but they haven't come to attack us? Why is that?"

Quan Nansheng paused for a moment, then shook his head.

Quan Gaisuwen coldly replied, "Because the Emperor of the Great Tang is afraid of us!"

Quan Nansheng remained silent, his expression clearly showing disbelief.

Yeon Gaesomun said calmly, "When I say I'm afraid, I don't mean that the Tang army is afraid of our Goguryeo army. I admit that no country can match the Tang army's fighting strength."

"So, what does Father mean?"

Yeon Gaesomun said, "When Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty attacked Goguryeo, he was defeated and returned in defeat, which was a great blow to the Tang people. They greatly admired that Emperor Taizong. Although the current emperor Li Zhi is not bad, he must understand that even Li Shimin could not conquer Goguryeo, so he is even less capable."

"Li Zhi is no match for his father in battle, but he is far more cunning and treacherous. Over the years, he has been trying to lure our main force away from Goguryeo and into a head-on confrontation with them!"

Quan Nansheng asked, "How do you know?"

Quan Gai Suwen snorted, "His first plan was to appoint Liu Rengui, that old scholar, as the governor of Yingzhou. I was careless at the time and almost fell into his trap. Fortunately, we retreated in time and at least we did not suffer any losses."

Quan Nansheng murmured, "So that's why you left the Khitans to die and withdrew your troops?"

Quan Gaisu said, "That's right. The Tang people are ostensibly fighting the Khitans, but their real intention is not what they seem; their target is us."

"As you saw later, the Tang people kept provoking wars around us, trying to lure us into sending troops so they could annihilate our main force!"

Quan Nansheng said, "But if Baekje is destroyed, they will be able to attack from two directions and I'm afraid it will be difficult to stop them."

Yeon Gaesomun said in a deep voice, "There is no other way. Only by not sending troops and defending Goguryeo to the death can we have a chance to wear down the Tang people and thus gain another twenty years to catch our breath!"

Quan Nansheng hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Father, since that's the case, why not..."

Quan Gaisu interrupted sharply, "You want me to surrender to the Tang Dynasty?"

Quan Nannan lowered his head and remained silent.

Yeon Gaesomun coldly said, "Don't forget, our Goguryeo occupies the four commanderies of the Han people. The emperors of the Central Plains have a tradition of recovering lost territories, otherwise they will be ridiculed by future generations. So no matter how humble we are, he will not let us go!"

Quan Nansheng sighed and said, "I understand."

Because Goguryeo stood idly by, in early September, Heukchi Sangji and many rebel armies under the banner of the Tang Dynasty captured Suwon Castle and took Buyeo Pung prisoner.

Those Buyeo nobles were all exterminated.

In late September, the imperial edict from the Tang emperor arrived, appointing a large number of Baekje people as officials and local officials in the Xiongjin Protectorate.

This time, the investiture was no longer differentiated between Mahan and Buyeo people. All those who received the investiture were pro-Tang.

Those who rose up in rebellion under the banner of the Tang Dynasty were rewarded, and various regions of Baekje were divided into prefectures and counties, with many even being appointed as governors.

One of them was named Yan Zhong, who was originally just a shoemaker selling shoes. Because his grandmother was from the Central Plains, he learned the Tang language from a young age.

Among the rebels, he raised the banner of the Tang Dynasty and claimed to have Tang blood. He gathered the most rebels and was therefore appointed as the governor of Guang Prefecture.

From this day forward, Tang language replaced Buyeo language and became the common language among the nobles of Baekje.

Having endured several years of civil war, the Baekje people now loathe war and only desire to have enough to eat and live a peaceful life. Therefore, after Baekje was incorporated into the Tang Dynasty, it did not provoke any resistance.

Just after Baekje regained stability, Kim Yeon requested permission from the court to resign from his position as governor of Ungjin.

Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) granted her request, but to commend her for her contributions, he bestowed upon her the title of Lady of Han, and appointed Jiang Ke to replace her as the Governor of Xiongjin.

When Jin Yan returned to Chang'an, it was already November of the sixteenth year of the Yonghui era.

An Lie had been waiting at the city gate for a long time. When the two of them got into the carriage and returned to the mansion, the carriage shook violently and almost fell apart.

After returning home, they spent another tender time together. The next morning, when Jin Yan opened her eyes and saw her husband sleeping soundly beside her, she felt especially at ease.

She carefully dressed, left the mansion, and arrived at the inner palace.

Wang Jishan was busy at the time, but when he heard that she had arrived, he quickly put down what he was doing and ordered someone to invite her into his office.

"Jin Yan, oh no, I should call you Lady Han now. You have completed your mission exceptionally well. As agreed, you may leave the Inner Territory."

As he spoke, he handed her a small brocade box.

Jin Yan took the box, opened it, and found a glittering gold ornament inside. It looked like a ring, but there was no band.

"General Wang, what is this?"

Wang Jishan said, "This is a badge specially commissioned by His Majesty, which he said is a symbol of honor, representing that the court will not forget your achievements." Jin Yan's eyes flashed, and she curtsied, saying, "Please ask the general to thank His Majesty on my behalf."

Wang Jishan's expression turned serious, and he said, "You are an excellent spy, but there are some things I still need to remind you of. After leaving the Inner Guard, you must not reveal any of the Inner Guard's secrets. You know very well what the consequences of revealing them will be."

Jin Yan solemnly replied, "General Wang, rest assured, my daughter will not divulge a single word. If she disobeys, she is willing to accept punishment!"

Wang Jishan nodded and said, "Go, live the life a woman should have. You have a good husband, I believe you will be happy."

Jin Yan smiled slightly, thanked him, and turned to leave.

Jin Yan walked with unusually slow steps along the corridor of the Inner Palace.

She was initially captured as a Baekje spy, but was later allowed to enter the Naereongbu (Inner Territory) thanks to the king's pardon.

She used to stay here only to atone for her sins, and then live a peaceful life with her husband in Chang'an.

As I was about to leave this mansion, I felt a pang of reluctance.

As they were walking, a person suddenly appeared in front of them.

Jin Yan looked surprised and said, "Mr. Wu Lang?"

The newcomer was Wu Minzhi. He smiled slightly and said, "Lady Jin, I didn't expect to meet you again. From now on, we'll be colleagues. Please take care of me, haha!" He couldn't hide his joy.

Jin Yan said, "I'm afraid we can't be colleagues."

Wu Minzhi was taken aback.

Jin Yan smiled and said, "From today onwards, I am no longer a member of the Inner Court."

Wu Minzhi patted his chest and said, "So that's what you mean. You scared me. I thought Aunt had changed her mind again."

Jin Yan bowed to him and walked away.

Wu Minzhi continued forward with light steps.

His last mission to Baekje left him deeply shaken, but it also strengthened his resolve to serve his country.

After returning to Chang'an, Wu Meiniang asked him if he still wanted to join the Inner Guard, and Wu Minzhi answered without hesitation that he did.

Seeing this, Wu Meiniang said nothing more, only telling him that as long as he could persuade Madam Yang to agree, she would help him get into the Inner Guard.

For the past few months, Wu Minzhi has tried every possible method, constantly pleading and cajoling, to persuade Madam Yang, but he has been unable to get the old lady to agree.

Later, Helan Minrou gave him a suggestion: to ask Li Xian for help.

As Wu Minzhi grew up, and Li Xian became lively and adorable, and skilled at pleasing people, Madam Yang's most beloved person was her little grandson, Li Xian.

Li Xian has recently become obsessed with horseback riding again. After hearing Wu Minzhi's request, he asked Wu Minzhi to give him his beloved Liangzhou yellow horse in exchange for his help.

In order to join the Inner Guard, Wu Minzhi had no choice but to give up his beloved position. Later, no one knows what method Li Xian used, but Madam Yang actually agreed to his request.

While Wu Minzhi felt joy, she also felt a touch of sadness.

He used to be his grandmother's favorite, but now that brat Li Xian has taken his place.

In any case, she finally got into the Inner Guard. When she told Li Ji yesterday, Li Ji was extremely envious, which made her feel a little better.

Soon, he arrived at Wang Jishan's office, bowed sternly, and said, "General Wang, I've come to report for duty. My aunt should have explained the situation to you, right?"

Wang Jishan was no longer as polite to him as before, and said indifferently, "Her Majesty the Empress has already told me, and I also have a few words to tell you."

Wu Minzhi hurriedly said, "General Wang, please speak!"

Wang Jishan said in a deep voice, "Once you enter the Inner Guard, there will be no Duke of Zhou, nor the Empress's nephew. Do whatever I tell you to do. Don't ask why, and don't disobey orders without authorization. Otherwise, you will be punished according to military law. Do you understand?"

Wu Minzhi replied, "Understood."

Wang Jishan said, "Take a look at the information on these people. In a few days, you will start keeping an eye on them and protecting them secretly!" He handed over a booklet.

Wu Minzhi asked excitedly, "A new mission so soon?"

Wang Jishan said with a stern face, "It's normal to have missions in the future, what's the big deal?"

Wu Minzhi quickly stopped smiling, took the booklet and looked at it. He found that it contained records of envoys from the nine kingdoms of the Western Regions, and was immediately disappointed.

These nine kingdoms are all vassal states of the Tang Dynasty. Who would want to harm them? This is obviously a boring mission.

Wang Jishan waved his hand and said, "You may leave now. I will send someone to tell you the details of the mission in a few days."

Wu Minzhi agreed and took his leave.

Wang Jishan continued to handle his official duties. Every year-end, when envoys from various countries came to Beijing, he would be exceptionally busy.

He was busy until the afternoon when a subordinate came down to report that the emperor had summoned him for an audience.

Wang Jishan followed the summoning eunuch all the way to the Lizheng Hall, where he saw the emperor playing chess with the empress.

Wang Jishan dared not disturb them and waited patiently by his side.

After the game of chess was finished, Li Zhi noticed his arrival and said, "Fu Sheng, show the memorial sent from Anxi to Minister Wang."

Wang Fusheng acknowledged and took out an official letter from his sleeve, handing it to him.

Wang Jishan took the memorial, glanced at it, and his expression immediately became more serious.

The memorial stated that over the past few months, the Anxi Protectorate had been secretly plotting and had finally managed to get the nine Sogdian states to unanimously agree to pay taxes to the Tang Dynasty and send troops to guard the borders.

However, in October, for reasons unknown, the King of Kang suddenly changed his attitude and opposed the matter.

Kang State was the leader of the nine Sogdian states. When they opposed it, several other states immediately followed suit.

Pei Xingjian and Cui Zhibian both felt they had failed in their duties, so they investigated the reasons for Kangguo's opposition while simultaneously submitting a memorial to the emperor to apologize.

"Minister Wang, what do you think of this matter?" Li Zhi asked, looking up.

Wang Jishan said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I believe that the news from Guang and others in Anxi is too passive. We can investigate the reasons from the envoys of the nine countries."

Li Zhi said, "Your words are exactly what I was thinking. I plan to have the Crown Prince investigate this matter, and you can secretly assist him."

Wang Jishan was slightly startled, thinking to himself, "Why did His Majesty suddenly order the Crown Prince to investigate?" He cupped his hands and said, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "Alright, you may leave."

Wang Jishan agreed and took his leave.

While the two were talking, Wu Meiniang had been looking down at the chess game, and only now did she ask, "Your Majesty, why did you suddenly think of having Hong'er investigate this matter?"

Li Zhi countered, "Meiniang, has Minzhi made great progress recently?"

Wu Meiniang thought for a moment and replied, "It can't be called improvement, it's just that I'm not as reckless as before."

Li Zhi laughed and said, "You don't need to be modest. If he hadn't made progress, why would he have volunteered to go to the Inner Palace? Yesterday, I went hunting with my eighth brother, and he told me that Ji'er has also made great progress recently."

"Eighth Brother thinks it's because of Ji'er's coming of age, but I know it's because of Ji'er and Min-ji's experience as envoys to Baekje that changed them."

Wu Meiniang nodded and said, "Experiencing more is always good for a person."

Li Zhi said, "I naturally understand this principle. Hong'er will be thirteen years old soon, and it's time for him to leave the Eastern Palace and get more experience."

Wu Meiniang felt a chill run down her spine. Judging from Li Zhi's tone, it seemed that his previous refusal to let Li Hong leave the palace was not out of indulgence.

"Your Majesty, was there a special reason why you didn't allow Hong'er to leave the palace before?" she asked tentatively.

Li Zhi, not expecting her to be so perceptive, chuckled dryly and said, "There's no particular reason. I just hope he can focus on his studies, exercise, and build a solid foundation first."

You can't exactly say that you're worried Li Hong might get tuberculosis after leaving the palace.

Li Zhi once consulted Sun Simiao, who said that tuberculosis at this time was called "laozhai," and even Sun Simiao had difficulty curing it.

Most importantly, there is no record in history of how Li Hong contracted this disease, nor is it known in which year he contracted it.

Li Zhi only vaguely remembered that during the Xianheng era, Li Hong was unable to oversee the country due to illness, which was still five or six years ago.

Therefore, Li Zhi could only have Li Hong exercise to improve his physical fitness and keep him away from the palace as much as possible, in order to protect him.

Li Hong is now almost thirteen years old and in good health, so the chances of him contracting the disease again are not high. Li Zhi weighed the pros and cons and let him leave the palace.

Wu Meiniang stared at Li Zhi for a while, but couldn't think of any other motive he might have, so she didn't ask any more questions.

After Li Zhi reviewed the game with her, he left the Lizheng Hall and conveyed the imperial decree to the Eastern Palace to investigate the Kangguo envoy.

(End of this chapter)