Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 517 Changsun Wuji's Guidance

That night, Han Ai and his family stayed at the Zhao residence. The next morning, Han Ai and Zhao Chiman set off together towards Zhongnan Mountain.

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, Han Ai abandoned the car and walked. He witnessed the changes in Zhongnan Mountain and was filled with emotion.

The two quickly found Baiyin Temple halfway up the mountain and followed a monk to Changsun Wuji's large meditation room.

Upon arriving at the door, Han Ai dismissed the monk who had been leading the way, his face showing excitement. He took a deep breath and went to knock on the door.

With a creak, Changsun Wuji opened the door from the inside. When he saw Han Ai, his usually calm face could not hide his joy.

"Lord Changsun, it's been so many years. How have you been?" Han Ai asked, his eyes red with emotion.

Changsun Wuji grasped his hand and exclaimed, "Good! Good! Ah, Brother Han Ai, it's only been a few years, how come your hair has turned so white?"

Han Ai smiled wryly, "When I first left the capital, I couldn't sleep at night. Before I knew it, my hair had all turned white. But I managed to get through it. As long as we know that you are safe and sound in the capital, we who are outside can feel at ease!"

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji burst into tears.

He naturally understood what Han Ai was afraid of, and he also understood the meaning behind Han Ai's words.

They were far away from the capital and had little knowledge of the situation in Chang'an. Although they occasionally corresponded with me, the changing situation was difficult to describe in words.

Han Ai and others were probably worried that Empress Wu would settle scores later, and they urged the emperor to order their execution.

Changsun Wuji was their last shield; as long as Changsun Wuji lived, they would be safe.

If something happens to Changsun Wuji, it will be a signal that Han Ai and the others will no longer have any illusions and will definitely choose to commit suicide.

Changsun Wuji, holding Han Ai's hand with one hand and Zhao Chiman's hand with the other, entered the house and personally brewed tea for them, appearing very pleased.

Zhao Chiman felt ashamed when he saw how warmly he welcomed the visitor.

When old friends meet, it seems they have endless things to say.

Changsun Wuji and Han Ai began talking about leaving Chang'an, chatting away and losing track of time until their mouths were dry and their voices were hoarse.

Zhao Chiman poured tea for the two elders and listened quietly.

Changsun Wuji cared deeply about his old friends, asking about each one who had been demoted from Chang'an.

Han Ai suddenly laughed and said, "By the way, last year someone suddenly came to see me. Guess who it was?"

Changsun Wuji asked, "Chu Suiliang?"

Han Ai glared at him and said, "You could guess that? Did he write you a letter?"

Changsun Wuji laughed and said, "He didn't write to me, but you've already mentioned all those old friends, except for Chu Suiliang, so I guessed it was him."

Han Ai smiled wryly and said, "Every time I'm with you, I feel incredibly stupid."

Changsun Wuji joked, "Didn't you once tell me that being stupid is a blessing, and that if you were like me and had to think things through, life would be meaningless?"

Han Ai smiled and said, "That's right. This was what I told you in the third year of Yonghui, when Chu Suiliang was first demoted."

Changsun Wuji asked, "How is Chu Suiliang doing lately? I've written to him three times, but he hasn't replied."

Han Ai sighed, "He didn't have a good life. From the eighth to the ninth year of Yonghui, Empress Wu secretly sent people to destroy all his property, and he had difficulty making a living."

Changsun Wuji remained silent for a long time before saying, "I have wronged him."

Han Ai snorted, "How can you blame him? He has a bad temper, is stubborn, and is self-righteous. A lot of trouble is actually caused by himself, but you and I have to clean up the mess."

Changsun Wuji asked, "How is he doing now?"

Han Ai said, "He's alright. With his calligraphy skills, he'll never starve. He's changed a lot; he's no longer as rigid as before, and he's become more humane."

"What does he want with you?" Changsun Wuji asked.

Han Ai said, "He hoped I could help him make arrangements so that he could visit the late emperor at Zhaoling, but I did not agree."

Changsun Wuji was silent for a while, then said, "You're right not to agree. Empress Wu has probably almost forgotten about him. If she hears that he went to pay respects at Zhaoling, she'll probably punish him again."

Han Ai sighed, "Yes, we're all getting on in years. We should just live out our last few years peacefully. Why make things so complicated?"

Changsun Wuji suddenly turned his gaze to Zhao Chiman and said, "Chiman, I heard that His Majesty is going to take action against the Mohe. As the Deputy Protector-General of Yingzhou, what is your opinion on this matter?"

When Zhao Chiman saw that he asked the same question as Han Ai, he told him about how the emperor had ordered the Mohe to return the land of Silla to them.

"It's not that simple. Since His Majesty appointed Pei Xingjian as the Protector-General of Yingzhou, he must have a plan. If I'm not mistaken, His Majesty wants to attack Yingzhou."

Zhao Chiman's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "How did you know?"

Han Ai also pricked up his ears and looked at Changsun Wuji.

Changsun Wuji slowly said, "Imagine if His Majesty were to attack the Mohe, how would the court officials react?"

Han Ai said, "I will definitely object."

Changsun Wuji said, "That's right. The court has fought too many wars in recent years, and there's no benefit in conquering the Mohe. The ministers certainly don't want His Majesty to send troops."

"From His Majesty's perspective, what should he do to gain the support of the court? He can only find a reason to make the Mohe people make a mistake so that His Majesty has a legitimate reason to take action."

Zhao Chiman was greatly shocked. Based on the situation when he met the emperor that day, he believed that Changsun Wuji's words were completely correct.

Han Ai questioned, "Lord Changsun, are these all just your guesses?"

Changsun Wuji said in a deep voice, "It was originally just a guess, but His Majesty's appointment of Pei Xingjian as the Protector-General of Yingzhou confirms my guess."

"Why?" Han Ai asked.

Changsun Wuji held up four fingers and said, "In His Majesty's heart, there are many good generals in the court, but only four are qualified to be commanders."

Zhao Chiman couldn't help but ask, "Which four people?"

Changsun Wuji said, "Li Ji, Su Dingfang, Pei Xingjian, and Xue Rengui."

Even though Zhao Chiman knew he wouldn't be included, he still felt somewhat disappointed upon hearing this.

Changsun Wuji continued, "If it were a direct battle, His Majesty would choose Xue Rengui and Su Dingfang, as they are skilled in head-on combat. If it were a battle that required careful planning and multiple strategies, His Majesty would use Li Ji and Pei Xingjian, as they are more adept at strategy."

"The Mohe army is no match for us, so this is not a tough battle. However, we cannot find a pretext to attack them, so we need to plan ahead. Your Majesty can only choose Li Ji and Pei Xingjian."

“Li Ji is getting old, and His Majesty certainly doesn’t want him to travel anymore, so the best choice is Pei Xingjian.”

Zhao Chiman listened with great admiration; Changsun Wuji's grasp of the overall situation was something few could match.

As Changsun Wuji spoke, he kept observing Zhao Chiman's expression. He saw that Zhao Chiman had a look of sudden realization, but his face was very serious. "Chiman, didn't Pei Xingjian tell you about these things?"

Zhao Chiman was taken aback: "No."

Changsun Wuji said, "That's not good. Pei Xingjian is planning such a big thing, so he must need someone to assist him. When you visited the Pei residence, did he give you any hints?"

Zhao Chiman stammered, "I...I have never been to the Pei residence."

Han Ai glared and said, "What? Pei Xingjian is your superior. He has been appointed as the Protector-General of Yingzhou, and you're not going to pay him a visit?"

Zhao Chiman lowered his head slightly and said, "I think it won't be too late to pay a visit once we arrive at the Protectorate."

Changsun Wuji waved his hand at Han Ai and said, "Brother Han, don't blame Chi Man. Actually, he was implicated by you and me this time."

Han Ai was taken aback for a moment, then said, "You mean, Pei Xingjian still harbors resentment towards us because of what happened back then?"

Back then, Pei Xingjian belonged to the aristocratic faction, but because he was close to Su Dingfang, he was ostracized by the aristocratic faction.

After being summoned by Empress Wu, Pei Xingjian knew he was going to be demoted. With a heart full of patriotism, he went to Changsun Wuji and told him about the food shortage in Chang'an, hoping to find a solution.

As a result, Changsun Wuji drove him away.

Later, when Yuan Gongyu impeached him, not a single member of the aristocratic faction spoke up for him. If it weren't for the emperor protecting him, Pei Xingjian would probably have been demoted to the Lower Governor's Office as a chief secretary.

Changsun Wuji slowly said, "He naturally harbors resentment because of how we treated him back then. Chi Man was recommended by Changsun Quan, so it's understandable that he's unwilling to trust him."

Zhao Chiman said in a deep voice, "It doesn't matter if you don't tell me. Let him do it himself!"

Changsun Wuji looked at him and said, "Don't you understand? If he doesn't let you participate in this matter, you won't be able to keep your position as deputy protector."

Zhao Chiman's expression immediately changed, and he couldn't help but ask, "Does Your Majesty really listen to him so readily?"

Changsun Wuji slowly said, "In His Majesty's heart, Pei Xingjian is a person who can handle problems. As long as His Majesty can achieve the results he wants, His Majesty will agree to anything!"

Zhao Chiman lowered his head; he had never carefully considered the emperor's thoughts.

Han Ai asked anxiously, "Lord Changsun, is there any way to keep Chi Man's position?"

Changsun Wuji thought for a moment and said, "Since His Majesty has not yet issued an edict to remove Pei Xingjian from his post as Deputy Protector-General, it means that Pei Xingjian has not yet chosen a suitable candidate, hence he has not submitted a memorial."

Han Ai said happily, "That's right. He's been in Anxi all along and isn't familiar with Liaodong. It's not easy to find a reliable deputy who is also familiar with Liaodong!"

Changsun Wuji looked at Zhao Chiman and said, "Go to the Pei residence immediately, sincerely apologize, and then tell him in detail about the situation in Yingzhou."

Zhao Chiman's face flushed red, his fists clenched, and he remained silent.

Changsun Wuji said calmly, "Xue Rengui is over thirty years old and still a peasant. If you can't even endure this humiliation, you will never become a military genius in His Majesty's eyes!"

Zhao Chiman took a deep breath and said, "Okay, I'll go find Pei Xingjian to apologize!"

Han Ai's guess was correct; Pei Xingjian was indeed unfamiliar with the generals of Liaodong.

However, the reason he had not yet chosen a deputy was that he had been engrossed in reading the Mohe and Silla diaries without any distractions.

That morning, he finally finished reading and had a clear understanding of the Mohe people. The next step was to choose a deputy to assist him.

He had no base or prestige in Liaodong. Without anyone to help him, it would be inconvenient for him to do many things, and he would be easily deceived.

Zhao Chiman is definitely not an option. He hasn't visited me in so long; he's clearly an arrogant and disdainful scion of a powerful family.

Pei Xingjian disliked this kind of person.

Since he was not familiar with the others, Pei Xingjian had no choice but to visit the Xue residence and ask his friend Xue Rengui to recommend someone for him.

“If Brother Pei wants a general who is prestigious in Liaodong and familiar with the Mohe people, I think Gao Kan is the most suitable.”

Pei Xingjian's eyes lit up: "Is that Gao Kan, the one who captured Chebi Khan alive and then used a scheme to severely weaken the Eastern Turkic Khaganate?"

Xue Rengui laughed and said, "That's right. Brother Gao and I are on good terms, and he is skilled in strategy. He should be just what Brother Pei likes."

Pei Xingjian laughed and said, "To receive such praise from Brother Xue, this person must have extraordinary abilities. Very well, I will request His Majesty's decree to appoint General Gao Kan as my deputy."

After leaving the Xue residence, Pei Xingjian returned home and wrote a memorial requesting Gao Kan to replace Zhao Chiman, then prepared to meet the emperor.

While they were selecting horses for the trip in the stables, Kudi came over and said with a smile, "Young master, a man named Zhao Chiman wants to see you."

Pei Xingjian was slightly taken aback. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Let him come to my study to see me."

Pei Xingjian returned to his study and sat there for a short while before a servant brought Zhao Chiman into the study.

Zhao Chiman bowed deeply with great respect.

Pei Xingjian smiled and asked, "General Zhao, why are you performing such a grand ceremony?"

Zhao Chiman said in a low voice, "You are the newly appointed Protector-General of Yingzhou, and I am only now visiting as the Deputy Protector-General. I should apologize for this."

Pei Xingjian stared at him and said, "Then may I ask, why didn't General Zhao come earlier?"

Zhao Chiman frankly said, "I originally thought that after Protector Liu was dismissed, I should take over as Protector, so I was dissatisfied with you and that's why I didn't come to visit you."

"what about now?"

Zhao Chiman looked at him and said, "This humble servant is still not convinced, but since His Majesty has appointed you as Protector-General, it is my duty to come and see you and tell Protector-General Pei about the situation in Yingzhou. This is my duty."

Pei Xingjian praised, "What a fine example of separating public and private matters. I understand if you disagree, but I believe these misunderstandings will be cleared up as we spend more time together."

Zhao Chiman immediately told Pei Xingjian about all the situations in Yingzhou, such as the territory occupied by the Mohe, the current situation of the Japanese, the topography of Yingzhou Island, and so on.

Pei Xingjian already knew most of these things, but there were many situations he was hearing for the first time, so he listened very carefully.

After Zhao Chiman finished speaking, he took his leave.

Pei Xingjian sat in his chair and pondered for a while. He then discarded the original memorial and wrote a new one.

He still requested that Gao Kan be appointed as the deputy governor, but instead of replacing Zhao Chiman, he chose to add a deputy governor.

Carrying the revised memorial, Pei Xingjian passed through the Zhuque Gate and entered the palace to meet Li Zhi. He then told Li Zhi about his plan to sow discord between the Mohe and Silla.

Li Zhi was very satisfied after listening to the story.

Pei Xingjian seized the opportunity to submit a memorial to the emperor. After glancing at it, Emperor Li Zhi, with a stroke of his jade pen, granted his request.

In early January, three days before the Lantern Festival, Pei Xingjian, along with Gao Kan and Zhao Chiman, and their entourage, traveled to Yingzhou Island to assume their new posts.

(End of this chapter)