Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 146 The Power of Mount Tai is Truly Enviable

"Wang Maozhong, this treacherous servant, is truly arrogant and laughable. He actually dares to dream of serving the emperor with his offspring!"

Inside the inner palace, Consort Wu Hui's face was flushed with anger, like a peony, but it had nothing to do with beauty. Her eyebrows were raised, her phoenix eyes were wide open, her teeth were clenched, and her breathing was rapid, showing an extremely angry expression.

Zhang Dai rushed into the Forbidden Palace, only to watch as his aunt angrily slammed her hand on the table and cursed Wang Maozhong for a good half hour, without being able to get a word in edgewise.

Even traveling at top speed, it would take two days for Consort Wu Hui to return from Guangchengtang in Ruzhou to the imperial palace in Luoyang. Naturally, it was impossible for her to return by express courier. It would take her three to five days to travel back. Yet, she was still furious when she returned, which shows how intense her anger was.

What angered her so much was that recently, at Guangchengtang in Ruzhou, the Northern King Mao Zhong had arranged for his daughter to perform in the palace during a banquet where the emperor was bestowing gifts upon his confidants, and he even revealed his intention to bring his daughter into the inner palace.

Consort Wu Hui is currently the emperor's favorite in the inner palace, but she has not yet received the title of empress. She is therefore quite sensitive about matters such as offering palace maids. In particular, Wang Maozhong's identity is extraordinary, and his intention to do so makes her even more wary. On the spot, she used the excuse of being unwell to forcibly drag the emperor away, thus disrupting the banquet.

Although the banquet was interrupted, the underlying issues remained, as Wang Maozhong had not explicitly stated his opinion, nor had the Emperor clearly indicated whether he would accept or refuse. Consort Wu Hui grew increasingly angry, likely having argued with the Emperor, and thus ended her hot spring vacation, returning to Luoyang ahead of time.

"Sixth Brother, among all our relatives and friends, you are the most opinionated. Now that your aunt is facing such difficulties in personnel matters, do you have any ideas to come in?"

Consort Wu Hui, who had been holding back her anger, finally vented her frustrations and then looked at Zhang Dai and asked him a question.

When Zhang Dai heard this question, he was speechless for a moment and didn't know how to answer.

In this matter, while Wang Maozhong's idea was somewhat far-fetched, Consort Wu Hui's reaction was also a bit excessive and showed a degree of arrogance due to her favor with the emperor.

Even if the emperor were to take Wang Maozhong's daughter into the palace, his power in the Northern Army would hardly help him gain favor in the inner palace! Doesn't the emperor fear that while he is having sex with someone else's daughter, Wang Maozhong might suddenly appear at his bedside with troops?

Therefore, even if Wang Maozhong's daughter entered the palace, she would at most be just an ordinary concubine. After all, the current emperor wasn't completely driven by lust yet. Even if Wang Maozhong's daughter were as beautiful as an angel, it was impossible for him to bestow too much favor upon her or establish her as a living ancestor with a superior status in the Northern Court!
More likely, the emperor simply won't take the bait. Although he's adept at using hints to guide others to do things his way, the Northern Court is far too sensitive, as it concerns his own life and safety, so it's not advisable for him to pull any stunts.

Especially now that the Emperor is still at the Guangchengtang Palace, it is all the more necessary to pay attention to the control of the Imperial Guards in the Northern Garrison. It is hard to say whether Wang Maozhong chose to do this at the Wentang Palace because he, as the commander-in-chief, might have had a psychological advantage under those circumstances.

Consort Wu Hui's abrupt departure from Guangchengtang was certainly a display of arrogance born of favor. However, it's also possible that she harbored some apprehension because of this. Although she couldn't fully weigh the pros and cons, she subconsciously chose what she perceived as a safer situation: returning to Luoyang as quickly as possible.

Ultimately, if this were just a typical palace intrigue for favor, Consort Wu Hui, with her years of experience in dealing with people and situations in the deep palace, might not necessarily be helpless.

However, the presence of Wang Maozhong, a dangerous and sensitive element, inevitably caused Consort Wu Hui to lose her composure. Her previous series of incessant curses, though seemingly fierce, were perhaps a way of masking her inner anxiety and tension.

Seeing that Zhang Dai remained silent for a long time, Consort Wu frowned and said, "Even you, Sixth Prince, are terrified and at a loss?"

This isn't a matter of having a plan or not; the key issue is that opening your mouth will offend taboos. How am I supposed to explain the emperor's private parts to you?
Seeing that Consort Wu Hui's expression became agitated again, Zhang Dai was worried that she might have another extreme reaction. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke again: "The other day, the Duke of Bohai told me that there was quite a rift between the eunuchs and the Northern Office?"

"Are you instructing me to enlist the help of the eunuchs to exclude and expel Wang Maozhong, that slave official?"

Upon hearing this, Consort Wu's eyes lit up, and she nodded, saying, "I had this idea on my way back. Mao Zhong and the others have become quite arrogant in recent years, causing much dissatisfaction among the eunuchs. However, these eunuch servants are physically disabled; can they really stand up to the Northern Gate's armored thugs?" What are you going to do?
Zhang Dai was startled when he heard this. We were just talking about the power struggles in the palace. Why are you worrying about whether the eunuchs can defeat the Imperial Guards at the North Gate? This is hardly enough to warrant organizing a coup by the eunuchs. Besides, what kind of relationship do they have with you? You think you can just do it like that?
Seeing that Consort Wu Hui's emotions were somewhat unstable, he simply said directly, "Although Wang Maozhong is in charge of the Northern Office, he is not a Dragon Martial Official and is disliked by many of the meritorious officials of the Tang Dynasty. This may be the reason why he wants to curry more favor with the Emperor."

In order to control personnel in the Northern Court, he has recently been using money and silk to bribe and befriend powerful military officers, a matter that I have been advised on by the Duke of Bohai. Currently, the profits from the joint venture between the three parties are substantial, and Wang Maozhong and others have also benefited greatly. However, if an agreement can be reached with the Duke of Bohai and others to prevent Wang Maozhong from further extracting profits, it will undoubtedly severely reduce their expenses…”

This level of dispute was not something Zhang Dai could easily intervene in, so he could hardly offer Consort Wu Hui any effective strategies.

However, the Emperor took the initiative to involve Consort Wu Hui in this business of making money. Consort Wu Hui's use of this to control Wang Maozhong was a reaction that the Emperor expected, and it was not something to be taboo.

"That's exactly how it should be done, so that this thieving bastard won't get an inch of profit! That dog is insatiable, taking advantage of my nephew's schemes while harboring sinister plots; he's truly hateful!"

Upon hearing this, Consort Wu Hui nodded repeatedly, saying that she was currently furious and was willing to do anything that could retaliate against Wang Maozhong.

But she quickly frowned and said, "This flying money is just a new source of income. Even if the scoundrel can't withdraw it, he still has his existing sources of income to support him. It doesn't really hurt him. Sixth Brother, do you have any other clever schemes? Don't hold back, tell us all!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai thought to himself, "You really think highly of me. Do you think I'm some kind of idea genius who can come up with all sorts of schemes and tricks with a flick of my eye?"
As he was still frowning and pondering, Consort Wu Hui suddenly reached out and grasped the back of his hand, pulling him straight to her side. Then, with a look of emotion, she said, "Sixth Prince, you are still young and do not know the suspicion and difficulties we, the descendants of Empress Dowager Wu, suffer in this world."

Your mother was born into a powerful family, but even as a concubine to Zhang Yan, she did not live a long and peaceful life. Your aunt was somewhat unlucky, having entered the palace at a young age and avoiding the troubles of the outside world, but do you think I am at ease in the deep palace?
Since the beginning of the Kaiyuan era, there have been many births and many premature deaths, but I have never dared to shut myself away in sorrow, swallowing my bitter tears and blood, only to turn around and put on makeup and adornments, smiling and seeking favor. Am I a madwoman who knows neither joy nor sorrow? I simply know the way to make a living!
Most of the men from other tribes are useless. Of all those I've seen so far, only Liu Lang is capable of planning and offering valuable advice. If this matter is allowed to go unchecked, the consequences will be dire. Liu Lang, you must help me!”

Upon hearing Consort Wu Hui's sudden outpouring of sorrow, Zhang Dai couldn't help but think of his maternal uncle, Wu Zhong, who had righteously declared he would not take concubines as his own. Looking at Consort Wu Hui's solemn and wounded expression, he was deeply moved.

“I am also deeply indignant that my aunt has been made to suffer this hardship. However, Wang Maozhong is, after all, a trusted general of the emperor, entrusted with the important task of guarding him. If we were to confront him directly, it would be a bad idea regardless of whether we win or lose. My aunt is the master, and Maozhong is the servant. There is no need for me to lower myself to fight with him.”

The key point of this matter is that we cannot have any direct conflict with Wang Maozhong. It's not simply because we are afraid of Wang Maozhong's power in the Northern Court, but because the emperor has not yet found anyone who can replace Wang Maozhong and is not prepared to eliminate him.

There are roundabout ways to avoid direct confrontation. After a moment's thought, Zhang Dai said, "I do have a low-level scheme that can't be brought to the table. I can have Niu Neipu and others secretly spread the word at the North Gate. They'll say that the daughter of the Duke of Huo has come of age and wants to choose a good husband from among the families of the generals in the Northern Army... By the way, Aunt, what do you think of this Wang woman's looks and talents?"

"A despicable person, driven only by lust!"

Consort Wu Hui still harbored strong resentment, and upon hearing this, she snorted coldly.

Hearing this, Zhang Dai continued, "This is even easier to do. If the male servants of the generals at the North Gate hear of this, they can not only marry a beautiful woman but also gain the favor of a powerful father-in-law. Their followers will surely vie for her affections. If Wang Maozhong does not respond, he may lose the support of the masses..."

Upon hearing this, Consort Wu Hui's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands repeatedly, saying, "Sixth Brother's plan is truly brilliant! I knew I hadn't asked the wrong person!"

"Indeed, Zhang Yan's strength is as formidable as Mount Tai, admired throughout the land. Now, this treacherous scoundrel Wang Maozhong enjoys even greater power and favor. Who wouldn't be eager to form a marriage alliance? If he continues to be arrogant and indifferent, he is underestimating the Northern Gate's followers; how can he still be a worthy commander?"

Zhang Dai felt a little uncomfortable after hearing this. "You can say whatever you want, but why do you have to expose my shortcomings like this? You keep bringing up my grandfather's trivial matters."

This plan is naturally very cunning. If Wang Maozhong ignores the demands of these generals in the Northern Army, he will naturally make enemies. He is already of low character, and yet he looks down on us Longwu officers. What a bunch of scoundrels!
However, if he chooses to form a marriage alliance with the military officials of the Northern Garrison, he will undoubtedly offend the emperor: "You Northern Gate slave officials are forming marriage alliances with each other and becoming one family behind closed doors. Are you trying to create a new Guanzhong region?"
(End of this chapter)