Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 438 A Joyous Event at the Princess's Residence
Late at night, in Lizheng Hall.

Li Zhi lay on his side on Wu Meiniang's plump thighs, his eyes half-closed, occasionally letting out a comfortable groan.

Wu Zetian was holding a golden ear-cleaning spoon and cleaning his ears.

The ear pick was extremely exquisite, with a delicate dragon pattern carved on one end, resembling a hairpin, while the tail of the other end curved slightly forward, like a crescent-shaped shovel.

Wu Meiniang's movements were very gentle, making Li Zhi feel ticklish and unable to help but feel sleepy, so he yawned.

That's understandable, it's already past midnight.

Normally, the two would have been in bed by this time, but today was special, so they did not rest.

Seeing that Li Zhi's eyes were almost closed, Wu Meiniang shook her leg and said, "Your Majesty, how about I play a game of chess with you?"

Li Zhi then regained some composure, sat up, and said, "Very well."

Around 5 PM, news came from Princess Xincheng's residence that Princess Xincheng was about to give birth.

Princess Xincheng became pregnant at the beginning of this year, but her due date was several days late, and the baby still hasn't been born.

Li Zhi was really worried, so he waited for news in his bedchamber in case something happened to Princess Xincheng.

After playing chess for a while, Li Zhi felt a bit better and casually struck up a conversation with Wu Meiniang.

"Meiniang, a few days ago I overheard the Imperial Concubine talking to her friend, saying that your Wu family has produced another beauty, and many princes and noblemen have come to the Wu residence to propose marriage, almost wearing down the threshold. Is this really true?"

Wu Meiniang looked up at him and said, "Your Majesty is referring to Rou'er, isn't he?"

Li Zhi was taken aback: "Helan Minrou?"

Wu Meiniang said, "It's her. Doesn't His Majesty see her often?"

"No..." Li Zhi was a little surprised and said, "How old is she? Someone is already proposing marriage to her?"

"She came of age last year and is of marriageable age now." Wu Meiniang was quite puzzled by Li Zhi's surprised reaction, wondering if His Majesty had any designs on Rou'er.

Li Zhi touched his nose, still feeling a little uncomfortable with the early marriages common in ancient times.

He couldn't help but think of Princess Changshan again. She was only in her twenties when she got married, which seemed perfectly normal to him, but in other people's eyes, she was already an old maid.

Princess Changshan felt inferior because of this, fearing that Lu Zhaolin would look down on her.

Helan Minrou is a junior whom he has watched grow up. She was a little girl who was not even ten years old when she first entered the palace, and now she has reached the age to get married.

Li Zhi suddenly said, "If that's the case, then An'er and Hua'er will be getting married soon too?"

Wu Meiniang nodded and said, "In two more years, Hua'er will be able to get married. However, if Your Majesty wants to arrange the engagement sooner, it can be done now."

Li Zhi fell silent. Thinking of his two daughters, whom he had watched grow up, who were about to marry other men, he finally understood the feelings of an old father.

Wu Meiniang, observing the situation, smiled and said, "If Your Majesty does not wish them to marry early, it is fine for them to stay in the palace for a few more years. However, you should start worrying about Zhong'er's marriage soon. Consort Liu has come to me to mention it several times."

"Does Zhong'er have a love interest?" Li Zhi asked.

Wu Meiniang reminded him, "Your Majesty, Zhong'er is in Laizhou, and there are no women there suitable for his status."

Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "You can't say that, Meiniang. Marriage shouldn't be about social status. If even we don't set a good example, people will follow suit. Isn't that how powerful families are formed?"

Wu Meiniang paused for a moment, then, remembering that her father's family wasn't particularly prominent, she nodded.

“Your Majesty is absolutely right. In that case, I will have Consort Liu ask him for his opinion.”

Li Zhi said, "That's right."

Just then, Wang Fusheng walked in with light steps and smiled, "Your Majesty, news has come from the Princess's residence that Princess Xincheng has given birth to a son!"

The seventeenth year of the Yonghui era was the happiest year for Changsun Wuji after he was demoted to a commoner.

Firstly, the Tang army's capture of Anshi City and the annihilation of Goguryeo are just around the corner. After his death, he can bring this good news to Emperor Taizong.

Secondly, last night, Princess Xincheng gave birth to a son for Changsun Quan, and Changsun Quan specially sent someone over to ask Changsun Wuji to name him.

After much deliberation, Changsun Wuji chose the character "Liang" and sent it over.

This offspring was hard-won.

Changsun Liang's arrival will solidify Changsun Quan's position in the court and allow the Changsun clan to regain its footing in Chang'an.

Today, the Princess's residence is hosting a banquet, but Changsun Wuji is not attending.

He hoped to downplay his relationship with Changsun Quan in people's minds, so that when people mentioned the Changsun clan in the future, they would think of Changsun Quan first.

Only in this way can the Changsun clan be revitalized.

Furthermore, Zhao Chiman did not disappoint him, shining brightly in this battle against Goguryeo.

From now on, the two of them will look out for each other and help each other in the court, so he won't have to worry about them too much.

Next, as long as Han Ai and Lai Ji are brought back to the capital, Changsun Quan's foundation will be completely solid. As long as no major mistakes are made, the Changsun family will be able to stand firm in the court for the next few decades.

Changsun Wuji lay on a wide and comfortable bench, covered with a blanket, with a small brazier in front of him, humming a little tune as he pondered his thoughts.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Changsun Wuji did not open his eyes, but asked only, "What is it?"

“Ah Lang, a man who calls himself Qinling wants to see you.”

"Who?" Changsun Wuji suddenly opened his eyes and sat up straight.

"The man called himself Qinling and said he was a Tibetan."

Changsun Wuji thought for a moment, then waved his hand and said, "Please let him in."

Before long, a servant brought Qinling to the door.

Changsun Wuji invited him into the house, ordered tea to be served, and then carefully examined this outstanding Tibetan talent.

Qinling was also observing him, his deep eyes gleaming with wisdom, reminding Changsun Wuji of his first meeting with Lu Dongzan.

A moment later, after the tea was finished, Changsun Wuji smiled and said, "I didn't expect that the new Grand Master of Tibet would personally travel to Chang'an."

Qinling lowered his eyes slightly and said, "I had no choice but to come due to the circumstances."

Changsun Wuji picked up his teacup and said slowly, "Which situation are you referring to?"

Qinling raised his head and said proudly, "Naturally, it's about the situation in the Abbasid Caliphate. You must have heard that the internal strife in the Abbasid Caliphate has ended, and it is at its weakest point. If we can take this opportunity to defeat the Abbasid Caliphate and damage the prestige of the new ruler, the Abbasid Caliphate will surely fall apart!"

Changsun Wuji looked at him: "You want to take advantage of this time to attack the Abbasid Caliphate?" Qinling said: "Not only do I think so, but as far as I know, your country's Anxi Grand Protector also has this idea."

Changsun Wuji said calmly, "Your information network is quite good. You should also know that our country's current target is Goguryeo, and His Majesty has already rejected Pei Xingjian's proposal!"

Qinling said, "I know, that's why I came to find you."

Changsun Wuji shook his head and said, "What use is it for you to come to me? I am already a commoner. You should go to Yan Liben and Shangguan Yi."

Qinling said solemnly, "In my opinion, the only people in your country who can most influence the emperor's will are you and Empress Wu."

Changsun Wuji laughed and said, "Flattery won't work on this old man."

Qinling slowly said, "I have a strategy that can severely weaken the Abbasid Caliphate without requiring your country to pay a heavy price."

Changsun Wuji said, "Is this what you just said, that we should join forces to attack the Abbasid Caliphate while the new ruler has just ascended the throne?"

"Yes, but there are two plans. What I just mentioned was only one scenario, which requires your country to send troops to attack Tokharistan."

"If your country is unwilling to send troops, I have another plan. Although it may not achieve the goal of tearing the Abbasids apart, it can still severely weaken them, and your army will not have to fight the Abbasids!"

Changsun Wuji stroked his beard and smiled, "That's interesting. The first scenario is definitely not going to work. Tell me in detail about the second scenario."

Qinling stepped closer and explained his plan.

After hearing this, Changsun Wuji secretly praised him, "This young man's military talent is even greater than Lu Dongzan's. No wonder His Majesty values ​​him so much."

"Okay, I understand. If you have nothing else, you can go back now."

Qinling paused for a moment, stared at Changsun Wuji for a while, and then cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"Junior, take your leave."

After Qinling left, Changsun Wuji instructed a servant, "Have General Bian come over here."

General Bian was a brigade commander in the Inner Commandery. He was dispatched by Wang Jishan to the Changsun residence, firstly to protect Changsun Wuji, and secondly to serve as a liaison between Changsun Wuji and Wang Jishan.

When Commander Bian arrived at the study, Changsun Wuji had already written a letter and handed it to him.

"Take this to your general."

An hour later, Changsun Wuji's letter fell into Wang Jishan's hands. After reading it, he strode to Ganlu Hall.

It's afternoon now. Li Zhi didn't sleep well last night because of Princess Xincheng's matter, so he slept for a long time at noon. He just woke up and is sitting on the couch reading a book.

Wang Jishan entered the hall quietly, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

Li Zhi said, "Speak."

Wang Jishan said, "The Tibetan envoys have already entered the capital."

"I have already seen the report."

Wang Jishan asked, "Does Your Majesty know who the chief envoy from Tibet is this time?"

Li Zhi finally looked up from his book and asked, "Is it Xi Ruo again?"

Wang Jishan said, "Your Majesty, it is Qinling who has arrived!"

Li Zhi was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "He actually came in person. Is there something he needs?"

Wang Jishan said, "Qinling has come to offer advice; he has a strategy to deal with the Arabs."

Li Zhi asked, "Have you seen Qinling?"

"I have not seen him, but Qinling has consulted with the Grand Uncle Changsun."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi's attitude immediately became more serious.

Changsun Wuji must have already heard about Qinling's strategy. Given his intelligence, the fact that he had Wang Jishan tell him means that he approves of Qinling's strategy.

Changsun Wuji's approval, coupled with Qinling's identity, was enough to make Li Zhi take it seriously.

"Then summon him to an audience." He waved his hand.

About half an hour later, Wang Jishan brought Qinling to the outside of the palace. After being searched and announced, Li Zhi ordered that he be summoned.

Qinling entered the hall, performed a full Tang Dynasty kowtow to Li Zhi, and said, "Your subject Qinling greets Your Majesty the Emperor!"

Now that Tibet has submitted to the Tang Dynasty, Qinling is nominally just a Tibetan leader, so it is not unreasonable for him to kneel and pay homage.

However, as the de facto ruler of Tibet, he still showed such great respect to Li Zhi, which shows that he was flexible and good at enduring hardship.

He never imagined that no matter how much he restrained himself, he could not make Li Zhi lower his guard against him.

Li Zhi raised his hand and said, "Envoy, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Qinling slowly stood up.

Li Zhi glanced at him a few times and smiled, "The Imperial Envoy is someone I admire. If you have any requests you would like to make, please speak frankly."

Qinling solemnly said, "Your Majesty, I have a strategy that can severely weaken the Abbasids without costing the Tang Dynasty a single soldier."

Li Zhi's eyes flickered slightly: "Oh, what strategy?"

Qinling said, "Your Majesty should also know that the Abbasid Caliphate has just experienced a civil war, and now that a new ruler has ascended the throne, the country is unstable. Therefore, if we want to weaken the Abbasid Caliphate, we need to weaken the prestige of the new ruler!"

Li Zhi nodded; Pei Xingjian's request to attack Tokharistan was for the same purpose.

Qinling continued, "The Arabs now have two barriers: the first is Tokharistan, and the second is India. If they conquer either one, the new Arab ruler's prestige will surely plummet!"

That's true. Mu'awiyah had just become the new king when the Abbasid Caliphate was robbed of a piece of its territory. People in the Abbasid Caliphate would definitely think that this king was not very reliable.

Qinling said, "Originally, the best way would have been for your country to attack Tokharistan, draw the aid of the Abbasids, and then defeat the Abbasid army."

The tone shifted: "However, I also know that your country is currently engaged in military operations against Goguryeo and cannot spare the resources to open up another battlefield."

Li Zhi listened to his confident and eloquent speech and asked, "So you mean we shouldn't attack Tocharians, but rather India?"

Qinling cupped his hands and said, "Since it is inconvenient for the Great Tang to send troops, our Tibet is willing to help. However, when we attack India, we only need the Great Tang to do us a small favor."

"What do you want me to help you with?"

"Your Majesty only needs to gather a large force on the Tokharistan border, make it appear as if you are about to attack, and help us contain the main force of the Abbasid Caliphate."

(End of this chapter)