Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 428 Requesting the Tang Dynasty to Send a Righteous Army
In early July, Gao Funan led a delegation from Goguryeo to Chang'an, bringing with him a letter of credence personally delivered by Quan Nansheng, hoping to ease tensions between the two countries.

Instead of meeting Gao Funan, Emperor Gaozong gave the Court of State Ceremonial a task: to find a reason to send troops to Goguryeo by getting information from Gao Funan.

Dai Zhide certainly understood the emperor's meaning.

When Emperor Taizong attacked Goguryeo, he accused Yeon Gaesomun of regicide and insubordination, as well as of attacking Silla, a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty.

Now that the emperor is preparing to launch another campaign against Goguryeo, he certainly needs a better reason.

Gao Funan's accusation that Quan Nansheng imprisoned the King of Goguryeo and his request for the Tang Dynasty to send troops to rescue his father was a very good reason.

However, despite Dai Zhide's repeated persuasion, Gao Funan refused to acknowledge the fact that the King of Goguryeo had been imprisoned. He even requested to serve as a sacrificial offering at the Tang Dynasty's ancestral temple in order to ease relations between the two countries and eliminate the threat of war.

Left with no other option, Dai Zhide had to seek help from Zhang Jianzhi.

Zhang Jianzhi concurrently served as the Vice Minister of the Secretariat. His main duties were usually to sit in the Secretariat, and he only took priority for his duties at the Court of State Ceremonial during the busy year-end season.

Although he didn't share the same obsession with the war against Goguryeo as those old ministers, he inherently despised the Hu people.

Taking advantage of the internal turmoil in the Central Plains, Goguryeo occupied the four commanderies of Han, which was enough for the Tang Dynasty to send troops to destroy the country.

He immediately agreed to Dai Zhide's request for help. After pondering for an hour in the room, he went to the Honglu Temple and invited Gao Funan into the back hall.

After tea, Zhang Jianzhi said, "Prince Gao, do you know that a great calamity is about to befall us?"

Gao Funan paused, lowered his head, and said calmly, "Everyone says that the Tang Dynasty is a land of etiquette and that the Tang emperor is a benevolent ruler. Do you really intend to kill a mere envoy like me?"

Zhang Jianzhi said, "The impending disaster I was referring to wasn't you, but your father!"

Gao Funan's expression changed slightly, and he looked up, asking, "What makes you say that?"

Judging from his expression, Zhang Jianzhi knew that he had come to the Tang Dynasty to make peace because his parents were in Goguryeo and had been taken hostage by the Quan brothers.

Zhang Jianzhi said calmly, "If you hadn't come to the Tang Dynasty, your parents might still be alive. Now that you've come, your parents are doomed."

Gao Funan, pale-faced, said urgently, "I...I have made contributions to the country, how could Mo Lizhi harm my parents?"

Zhang Jianzhi shook his head and said, "Since Quan Nansheng sent you to the Tang Dynasty, he naturally wouldn't harm you."

Gao Funan's expression changed, and he said, "Could it be Quan Nanjian and Quan Nanchan?"

"Not at all."

Gao Funan's face showed a hint of wariness as he said, "Could it be that Vice Minister Zhang is deliberately trying to trick me into revealing information?"

Zhang Jianzhi smiled slightly, picked up his teacup, drank the tea, and remained silent.

Gao Funan sat for a moment, but as expected, he couldn't hold back any longer and asked anxiously, "Please enlighten me, Vice Minister Zhang."

Zhang Jianzhi took a sip of tea and slowly said, "I'm here to ask you, has your father ever tried to break free from Quan Gaisuwen's control over the years?"

Gao Funan hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped, and did not answer.

Zhang Jianzhi glanced around and said, “You don’t need to worry. There are only the two of us in this room. What you say will go to my ears, and no one else will hear. This is just a casual chat and does not represent a conversation between our two countries.”

Gao Funan took a deep breath and said, "Alright, I was just saying these things casually. If you want to take it seriously, I won't admit it in the future."

Zhang Jianzhi raised his hand, indicating that he should speak directly and not worry about anything.

Gao Funan said in a deep voice: "Two years ago, your country's supplies were hijacked at sea. The surrounding countries all thought it was done by my Goguryeo, so they sent a large number of spies to Pyongyang, causing chaos in the city."

Zhang Jianzhi smiled faintly and said, "Your father thought his opportunity had come and wanted to take advantage of the chaos in the city to plot something?"

Gao Funan said in a low voice, "Yes, my father wrote a letter in blood, which he wanted my uncle to take to Yingzhou to request your country's assistance in punishing the traitors."

Zhang Jianzhi said, "It didn't succeed, did it?"

Gao Funan sighed, "When Quan Gaisuwen discovered it, my uncle was killed on the spot, and my mother was almost killed as well, thankfully..."

Zhang Jianzhi said, "Fortunately, Quan Gaisuwen was mindful of our Great Tang, so he dared not make a move."

Gao Funan tacitly agreed.

It was precisely because the Tang Dynasty suddenly reinforced its troops on the border that Yeon Gaesomun was so alarmed that he abandoned his plan to kill his mother and hurriedly left.

Zhang Jianzhi said slowly, "From this incident, we can learn two things, and because of these two things, your parents are in danger!"

Gao Funan asked urgently, "Which two points?"

Zhang Jianzhi held up one finger and said, "First, your father, Gao Baozang, did not submit to the Quan family and has been looking for an opportunity to get out of his predicament!"

Gao Funan thought to himself that his father was timid and might have already given in, but his mother would never give in, so he did not argue.

Zhang Jianzhi continued, "Secondly, the reason your father is still alive is because of the deterrent power of our Great Tang Dynasty, which prevents the Quan family from acting recklessly!"

Gao Funan nodded. This was beyond doubt, so deep down he held the Tang Dynasty in great awe.

“Minister Zhang, you are right about both points, but I don’t understand how this could have put Father and Mother in danger?”

Zhang Jianzhi said in a deep voice, "Don't you understand? Back then, there was only a little chaos in Pyongyang, and your father couldn't help but take action. Now that Yeon Gaesomun is dead and you've been sent to the Tang Dynasty, will he behave himself and remain indifferent?"

Gao Funan shook his head and said, "Ever since the blood letter incident, my father and mother have been under even closer surveillance. I think they won't act rashly!"

Zhang Jianzhi shook his head and said, "As long as a person harbors the will to resist, no matter how harsh the environment, they will resist to the end!"

Gao Funan gritted his teeth and remained silent, not entirely believing Zhang Jianzhi's words!

Zhang Jianzhi glanced at him and said, "Actually, even if Quan Gaisuwen were dead, your parents might not have resisted, but once you came to Chang'an, they would definitely have taken action!"

"Why?" Gao Funan asked in surprise.

Zhang Jianzhi stared at him and said, "Because even if they die, at least you are safe, and there is still a chance to use the power of our Great Tang to take back the country from the traitors!"

The words weren't spoken loudly, but they struck Gao Funan like a thunderclap.

This deduction was airtight and flawless. Gao Funan suddenly realized that his mother would definitely persuade his father to take action immediately.

Because regardless of success or failure, the Gao family will be saved!
Zhang Jianzhi's next words completely plunged him into the abyss!

"Chuan Gaesomun is a smart man. He didn't kill your parents so that our Tang Dynasty wouldn't have a reason to attack Goguryeo. But what about Chuan Namsaeng? If he learns that your parents are trying to escape again, can he, like Chuan Gaesomun, refrain from taking action? Even if he can, what about the others?"

"With Chuon Gaesomun dead, those who supported your father will surely become restless. At this moment, Pyongyang is on the verge of war, ready to erupt at any moment. If your parents make the slightest move, it will surely cause chaos. At that time, even if Chuon Nam-nam doesn't want to kill your parents, he won't be able to!"

Gao Funan's face turned deathly pale, and he said in a trembling voice, "Minister Zhang, is there any way to save my parents?"

Zhang Jianzhi looked at him and said slowly, "You are a filial son, which I admire. If there is a way, I am willing to help you!"

Gao Funan asked in astonishment, "Is there really no other way?"

Zhang Jianzhi sighed, "Think about it carefully. Once your parents have been calculating the time and know that you've arrived in Chang'an, will they still continue to wait?"

Gao Funan's eyes were red, and he remained silent.

Zhang Jianzhi said, "They are also worried about your safety in Chang'an. They are afraid that if you speak up for Quan Nansheng, we will imprison you or even kill you. So they will definitely take action as soon as possible. Even if they fail, as long as the news reaches Chang'an, you will definitely not be able to help the wicked anymore, and you will be safe."

Gao Funan let out a sob and collapsed to the ground, weeping bitterly. Zhang Jianzhi sat silently, waiting for him to finish crying before saying, "Even if you cry all your tears, can you cry the entire Quan clan to death?"

Gao Funan clenched his fists, slowly raised his head, and gritted his teeth, saying, "I...I want to request the Great Tang to send a righteous army to help me punish these treacherous officials!"

Zhang Jianzhi stood up and said slowly, "That's exactly why I came!"

……

In Pyongyang, Goguryeo, a residence south of the city is surrounded and monitored by the army.

Gao Baozang huddled in the corner of the bed, stroking his face with his hand, and said in a trembling voice, "No, no, if I keep doing this, I will definitely die, I will definitely die!"

Queen An stood by the bedside and gently advised, "Your Majesty, Fu Nan has already gone to Chang'an. Even if we fail, at least he can survive."

Gao Baozang cried out urgently, "But I don't want to die!"

Queen An said quietly, "Your Majesty, do you know why Quan Nansheng sent Fu Nan to Chang'an?"

Gao Baozang asked in surprise, "Why?"

Queen An said softly, "If Fu Nan can persuade the Tang Dynasty to stop its war, that would be best for them. If the Tang Dynasty still sends troops to invade, they will put the blame on Fu Nan, and then on you, saying that you betrayed the country. On this ground, they can kill you!"

Gao Baozang exclaimed in fear, "No, it can't be..."

Queen An gazed at him and said, "Your Majesty, we have no way out. Only by making one last desperate attempt can we have a glimmer of hope!"

Gao Baozang stared blankly into the void for a long time before asking, "Are you confident?"

Queen An revealed a hint of joy and hurriedly said, "I have already turned one of the generals guarding us against us and devised a plan to escape from Pyongyang. As long as Your Majesty agrees, we can escape from here tomorrow!"

Gao Baozang really wanted to ask her how she managed to turn that general against his will, but he swallowed the words back and mumbled, "At this point, there's no other way."

Queen An said happily, "Then I will make the arrangements right away."

As she reached the door, Gao Baozang called out to her again, asking, "Your Majesty, is there really any hope?"

Queen An turned her head and said firmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will risk my life to rescue you!"

The Royal Palace, north of Pyongyang.

Izumi Nanami stared at the secret letter in his hand, his hands trembling uncontrollably, muttering, "How could this happen? How could this happen?"

This is a secret letter sent by a spy lurking in Chang'an.

The letter stated that Gao Funan accused the Quan clan of murdering the emperor and seizing power, bringing disaster to the country and its people, and requested that the Tang Dynasty send a righteous army to punish the Quan clan, these treacherous officials!
Xin Cheng said with a stern face, "Mo Lizhi, since the first step of the plan is not feasible, we can only resort to the next best option."

Quan Nansheng looked at him and said, "You mean..."

Xin Cheng coldly said, “Tell the people about this matter, saying that Gao Baozang and Gao Funan led the thieves into the house and betrayed the country for personal gain. Execute Gao Baozang to establish your prestige!”

Izumi Nanko hesitated and said, "Won't this... cause nationwide unrest?"

Xincheng squinted and said, "Back when your father and I killed the treacherous king, we were also worried about nationwide unrest. But what happened? Nothing happened. Do you know why?"

Quan Nansheng shook his head.

Xin Cheng said, "Because the people know things from the officials. As long as we control the officials, we can make them know whatever we want them to know."

“Your father killed hundreds of officials and replaced them all with our people. Then he had those officials tell the people that King Rongliu was a treacherous and incompetent ruler, and they believed it.”

Quan Nansheng frowned and said, "But right now, the Tang Dynasty is also watching us covetously. I'm afraid that before I can appease the people, the Tang Dynasty will attack!"

Xin Cheng said, "You don't need to panic. First, kill Gao Baozang to establish your authority and intimidate your brother, then deal with the Tang Dynasty slowly."

Quan Nansheng's expression changed as he said, "Who do you expect me to intimidate?"

Xin Cheng was silent for a moment, then said, "I know that Lao Molizhi wants you to unite your brother, but based on my observation, they all seem to have rebellious intentions!"

Quan Nansheng said unhappily, "General Xincheng, since you know Father's last words, why do you still say such things? Isn't this trying to sow discord between my brothers?"

Xin Cheng remained silent.

Quan Nansheng said, "You must not say such things again!"

Xin Cheng said, "I understand. However, Gao Baozang must be killed. Firstly, to enhance your prestige, and secondly, to prevent future troubles!"

After hearing this, Quan Nansheng remained silent in thought.

At this moment, a palace attendant came to report that Izumi Ken and Izumi San requested an audience.

Izumi waved his hand and said, "Let them in."

A short while later, the two strode into the hall, and Quan Nansheng asked them what their purpose was.

Quan Nanchan snorted, "Brother, we advised you not to send Gao Funan to Chang'an back then, and now look what happened, Gao Baozang really is up to no good, isn't he?"

Quan Nansheng's expression changed slightly, and he asked, "What happened to Gao Baozang?"

Quan Nanjian clapped his hands and shouted, "Bring him in!"

A clanging sound of armor clashing rang out, and a group of soldiers escorted several people in. They were Gao Baozang, Queen An, and a soldier.

All three had their hands tied behind their backs.

When Quan Nansheng saw the three of them, he was stunned.

Xincheng's concern was not for the three men, but for the army that had brought them in.

This team was a city defense force controlled by Quan Nanjian. Logically speaking, they were not qualified to enter the palace. How could the royal guards allow them to enter at will?
The Imperial Guard was handed over to Eulji-jin for command by Iwon-sang.

That leaves only one reason: Eulji-jin has already defected to Quan Nan-jian.

"Is it too late?" Xincheng felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that Quan Nanjian already had the power to rebel.

Quan Nansheng was unaware of this, his gaze still fixed on Gao Baozang and Princess An, and asked, "Second brother, why did you bring them here?"

Quan Nanjian remained silent with a cold expression.

Quan Nanchan snorted, walked to Queen An's side, grabbed her hair, and said, "Brother, this woman has turned one of the guards against her and wants to escape Pyongyang with Gao Baozang!"

Quan Nansheng's expression changed slightly. He wondered if Gao Funan's defection to the Tang Dynasty was on Gao Baozang's orders.
Suddenly, Quan Nanjian drew his sword, came up behind the general, and kicked him in the back of the knee, causing the general to fall to his knees.

Quan Nanjian grabbed his hair with one hand and held a sword in the other, wrapped it around his neck, and slashed it inwards, severing his head.

Blood gushed out, splattering all over Quan Nanjian's face, making him look ferocious and terrifying.

Quan Nansheng looked at his younger brother and felt a chill run down his spine. He finally realized that something seemed off about the atmosphere.

Quan Nanjian slowly walked towards Gao Baozang and said calmly, "If you, brother, dare not kill him, then I will do it for you!"

Gao Baozang was so frightened that his legs went weak and he fell to the ground, trembling all over as if he had a seizure.

(End of this chapter)