Tang Dynasty Swordsman.

Yan and Cui exchanged a glance, and then Yan Zhuang slowly said, "The Ministry of Agriculture is a heavy responsibility, and we have no other hope. We came to you because it is indeed for the sake of the country—although it is also related to personal motives—as of now, I have no desire to move, and you certainly cannot help."

Cui Guangyuan also said, "Li Fuguo has promised me that I will be appointed as a military governor again..." Li Ji thought to himself, "Oh, you've latched onto that old eunuch again? Was it Li Shi who pulled the strings?" "If there is any emergency within the clan while I am away from the capital, I hope you will lend a helping hand, Second Brother."

In truth, the Cui family of Boling, a powerful clan for centuries, even in its current decline, still had many officials in green and blue robes, and even more disciples and former subordinates. How could they possibly need Li Ji's help? There was still Cui Youfu there. Cui Guangyuan was merely saying this casually, trying to strengthen their relationship, mainly to show: I already have a suitable place to go, I don't need you.

Li Ji said that since that was the case, he would take his leave first—if he stayed any longer, the street-silencing drum would sound, and he wouldn't be able to get home.

Cui Guangyuan laughed and said, "Why is Erlang in such a hurry? He can sleep at the Lü family's house... Could it be that you look down on Miss Susu?"

Li Ji politely declined—indeed, he didn't like round faces and preferred to go home and cuddle with Qingluan—Yan and Cui didn't insist he stay and escorted him to the courtyard. Servants brought his mount and presented him with two maces—each carrying one, they were somewhat out of breath—Li Ji couldn't help but glance around, wondering where Cui Qi had gone; he hadn't even come to see him off…

After Li Ji left, Yan and Cui returned to the house and ordered more lamps and wine to be added, resuming the banquet. Cui Guangyuan asked Yan Zhuang, "What do you think of this boy?"

Yan Zhuang nodded: "He is indeed a talented man. If properly nurtured, he will surely become a great asset." He paused, then changed the subject, asking Cui Guangyuan: "The situation in the capital is changing rapidly, and it's a very interesting time. Why do you insist on taking up a post outside the capital?"

Cui Guangyuan sighed, "I'm old now, and all my ambitions have vanished. Please forgive me for not being able to accompany you here under this precarious wall... Today I've introduced Li Ji to you. If anything happens in the future, you can summon him. I'll just stay in Jingzhou and observe your remarkable skills from afar."

Yan Zhuang reminded him, "You are a good official if you govern a region, but as for commanding troops... I really don't think you're a good fit. Haven't we learned our lesson from the defeat in Weizhou?"

Cui Guangyuan smiled slightly: "The situation has changed. In the past, civil officials were civil officials and military officials were military officials. Since the Kaiyuan and Tianbao eras, border generals have mostly been appointed by non-Civilians. In the future, civil and military officials will inevitably be mixed. Those who have never been generals will probably not be able to become prime ministers. Even if they do enter the Council of State, it will not last long."

Yan Zhuang curled his lip and said, "How can that be? You're just trying to find another way because the right path is blocked."

Cui Guangyuan shook his head: "I have truly given up on the idea of ​​becoming prime minister. I only hope that Yifu can enter the Hall of State Affairs in the future, so that my Boling Cui family can have another prime minister..." He paused here, looking at Yan Zhuang: "I was just thinking, Yifu has a daughter who is not yet married, should we try to match her with Li Ji?"

Yan Zhuang asked, "The Cui of Boling and the Li of Zhao County are indeed a good match, but... is it really necessary?"

Cui Guangyuan said, “If our Tang dynasty has an orderly succession, then Li Ji will surely become a general in a region in the future. At that time, his grandson will be a prime minister in the court, and his son-in-law will be a general in the field, and the family will be able to live in peace and prosperity.”

"Cui Youfu is ultimately the second son, while you are the third son of Boling. Why do you need to focus all your attention on him? Do you think that Guangdi, your son, your nephew, and the others have no hope of becoming pillars of the court?"

Cui Guangyuan smiled bitterly, "If Qianling were still alive, perhaps there would be some chance. As for the sons of Neng, Ju, and Kang... well, let's wait for the grandchildren. The reason I supported Yisun is that I hope he can repay my grandson in the future..."

“But if your plan is as you see it,” Yan Zhuang couldn’t help but laugh, “is it possible for an old man and his son-in-law to both be serving in the court at the same time in the future?”

Cui Guangyuan remained silent upon hearing this, pondering without uttering a word.

"Moreover, you only thought of the prime minister and the general, but you did not know that in the future, there will be another type of person who will be highly valued. Only with three powerful figures can your family remain as stable as a rock."

"You mean?"

"We should also make friends with people like Liu Shi'an and Yuan Gongfu as soon as possible."

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Chapter Five, Divine Strategy Enters the Guard

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The day before Yu Chaoen led the Shence Army back to Chang'an, an imperial edict was issued to establish the "Military Inspection and Pacification Commissioner" (abbreviated as "Military Inspection Commissioner") in the Yingwu Army. In reality, the Commissioner was a military supervisor with more power than the generals and supreme generals, let alone Dou Wenchang and Huo Xianming, who were merely the chief secretaries.

This was naturally Li Ji's suggestion to the eunuchs Dou and Huo, based on Yan Zhuang's advice. As for how the two of them would operate, he didn't care—nor could he. Not to mention that he was just a minor official of the eighth rank, this newly built windbreak wall had to be built with eunuchs, and only the palace attendants could devise plans for the appointment of eunuchs.

However, after much negotiation, the final choice for the Martial Army's Military Inspection Commissioner was not Cheng Yuanzhen or Sun Changkai, whom Yan Zhuang had hoped for, but a dark horse—Wang Jiahe, the former fifth-rank Inner Attendant.

Wang Jiahe was also an old acquaintance of Li Heng when he was the Crown Prince. He had followed Li Heng from Chang'an to Lingwu and thus gained his favor. However, unlike Cheng Yuanzhen and Sun Changkai, Wang Jiahe also enjoyed reading military books and discussing military strategies. He often read frontline military reports to Li Heng, and his words were often insightful—of course, they were all just theoretical discussions.

Therefore, Li Heng sent him to take charge of the Yingwu Army, also to maintain balance within the Imperial Guards—because it is said that after Yu Chaoen returned to the capital, he would no longer supervise the external troops, but would still hold the title of Military Inspection Commissioner, only leading the Shence Army.

After receiving the imperial edict, Wang Jiahe swaggered to the Yingwu Army headquarters and summoned his officials. From Dou Wenchang and Huo Xianming down, all the civil and military officials were present and paid their respects. Li Ji glanced at Wang Jiahe and saw that he was not very old, only in his early thirties, with a rather square face and an extremely serious expression.

Wang Jiahe exchanged a few polite words and then ordered his subordinates to register one by one—of course, he was familiar with the eunuchs Dou and Huo, so there was no need for them to register. The first to register was Ma Sui, and Wang Jiahe nodded: "You must be Ma Xunmei?" His tone seemed a little sarcastic, but judging from his expression and the words he used, there was no malice in it.

“The minor official Ma Sui.”

"The Emperor often mentions the Emperor's name to me, placing high hopes on him. He even said that many of the generals on the front lines are unsuitable and that Ma Xunmei should be sent to the Imperial Censorate of Siming. It's a pity that you are still inexperienced. Just work hard and persevere for a few years until you get promoted. Then you will have the opportunity to lead troops into battle, make merits, and be promoted."

“This junior official must be diligent in his duties and live up to the expectations of the emperor and the trust placed in him by the army.”

Next, Li Ji, Wang Jiahe nodded as before: "You are Li Erlang, the one who defends the borders of Longyou?"

“Li Ji, a minor official.”

"It's a pity that you didn't continue to fight bandits and make meritorious contributions in Guanzhong, but instead came to the capital to sit idly. However, the safety of the sage is of utmost importance to the world. If the sage is safe, the world is safe. You must remember this."

"I will naturally keep in mind your words of military discipline."

After counting everyone's heads, Wang Jiahe said, "I often have to serve His Majesty in His Majesty's presence, so I can't come to the yamen every day. But when I do come, I have to check the accounts and inspect the military uniforms. You all should be careful and not let me find any mistakes..." Then he raised his eyebrows and said, "I am a man of iron heart, but I am loyal to His Majesty. Among my colleagues, I may not care about saving face!"

As he was about to leave, Dou Wenchang mustered his courage and asked, "Junrong, I've heard that the Shence Army will be entering the capital tomorrow or the day after to assist in guarding the Forbidden City. What is the division of authority between us and the Yingwu Army?"

Wang Jiahe raised an eyebrow: "Don't worry, the Yingwu Army was personally promoted by the Emperor, so naturally he trusts them the most. Besides, those barbarians from Shanzhou don't know etiquette. What if they offend the inner court and the palace ladies? I'm afraid even Yu Chaoen wouldn't be able to cover it up. I have already informed the Emperor that the Yingwu Army will continue to guard the inner court, and we can give the middle and outer courts to the Shence Army."

Dou Wenchang and Huo Xianming were overjoyed upon hearing this. Huo Xianming seized the opportunity to say, "However, our Yingwu Army is short-staffed, and we hope that our military appearance will be satisfactory before His Majesty..."

Wang Jiahe frowned slightly and shook his head, saying, "Let's leave it at that for now. The Sage has no intention of increasing the size of the Heroic Army—I will devise a plan gradually, and you should not rush me."

Wang Jiahe's attitude greatly excited the two eunuchs, Dou and Huo. Although it was impossible to increase the number of troops and expand the Yingwu Army to a number comparable to the Shence Army for the time being, at least they could still protect the inner court and be closer to the emperor. Moreover, Wang Jiahe had clearly ignited a burning ambition and wanted to compete with Yu Chaoen. With him in the lead, the pressure on the two eunuchs, Dou and Huo, would be greatly reduced.

Li Ji was somewhat disappointed by this. In fact, even if the Yingwu Army expanded, in his opinion, it would definitely not be able to defeat the Shence Army. After all, since the creation of the "Palace Archery", these guys had been living in luxury by the emperor's side, their killing intent had been extinguished, and they had gradually become lazy; while the Shence Army, although it had not fought any major battles in recent years, had been trained in Shanxian County under the supervision of Wei Boyu, and its organizational ability and combat experience would be more abundant.

Li Ji certainly didn't want internal strife or trouble in the palace, but with the changing times, especially as Li Tong grew older, it seemed unavoidable. If trouble did arise, it would be best to have a proper showdown with the Shence Army, a decisive battle where the victor would reign supreme. If it were just a power struggle between Wang Jiahe and Yu Chaoen, he wouldn't be able to exert any real influence; it would be like putting his life in someone else's hands. He could only hope that Yu Chaoen wouldn't defy public opinion and side with Empress Zhang… even if he remained neutral, things would be much easier.

Sure enough, the next day, Yu Chaoen led four thousand Shence Army soldiers into Chang'an City and immediately set up the Shence Army headquarters inside the Yanzheng Gate of the Daming Palace—directly opposite the Yingwu Army headquarters to the east and west. The Shence Army then took over the defense of the inner and outer courts. Apart from a few main gates and main halls where the Imperial Guards served as decoys, all that could be seen were Shence soldiers with red headbands and turbans.

Li Ji felt a prickling sensation on his back. The Yingwu Army headquarters was located in the outer court, and given his status, even if the Yingwu Army was actually guarding the inner court, he couldn't easily enter. Therefore, as soon as he left the headquarters, he would be surrounded by the Shence Army…

In fact, he was acquainted with many of the generals in the Shence Army. Even if he wasn't familiar with them, he could still talk to them if he mentioned Wei Boyu, Chen Fu, Yi Tiechui, etc. But the problem was that the Shence Army was now in the hands of Yu Chaoen, and that guy's grudge against him was even deeper than that against Li Fuguo!

----------

Now, Yu Chaoen had just returned to Chang'an when he handed over all his troops to Liu Xixian, the commander of the Imperial Guard, and hurriedly went to the palace to pay his respects to Emperor Li Heng.

As soon as he entered Chongming Gate, he saw a group of eunuchs in red robes surrounding an old man in purple robes, their hands clasped in front of their stomachs, smiling and waiting for him. Yu Chaoen hurried forward and bowed deeply, saying, "Fifth Brother."

The old man was none other than Li Fuguo. He immediately took two steps forward and grabbed Yu Chaoen's arms with both hands: "You've finally come back—I have to manage both the palace and the court these days, I'm so busy that my hair is turning white every day, I've been longing for you to come back and share the responsibilities."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Fuguo suggested leading Yu Chaoen to see Li Heng. Yu Chaoen asked, "Where is the Emperor?" Li Fuguo replied, "In the Hall of Longevity... Lately, His Majesty's health has been poor; he frequently suffers from headaches and runny noses. Even so, he insisted on going to the Western Palace to pay homage to the Retired Emperor. We had great difficulty persuading him to stop."

As he spoke, he glanced sideways at Yu Chaoen, who understood and quickly said, "His Majesty is unwell. If he were to see the Retired Emperor, it would only cause the old man worry. What's the point of that..." He looked at Li Fuguo and asked in a low voice, "How is the Empress?"

"The Empress seems quite at ease, often reciting memorials and requesting imperial decrees from her bedside. She also said that she fears we might be troubled, and that official business can be sent directly to Qingning Palace..."

"This is against the rules..."

Li Fuguo smiled and said, "If it were during the reign of Emperor Gaozong or the Jinglong era of Emperor Zhongzong, it would have been the same system..." He then glanced at Yu Chaoen and said, "After you have met the Emperor, the Empress will probably summon you as well. Be careful."

Yu Chaoen nodded repeatedly, then asked, "I heard that Li Ji, while serving in the Yingwu Army, often carries double maces in and out of the Forbidden City... Why doesn't Fifth Brother punish him?"

Li Fuguo shook his head: "He has never entered the inner court. Who said that the outer court cannot carry a mace?" He paused, then said: "Don't move yet. I still have a use for this man."

As they spoke, they arrived at Penglai Palace, south of Taiye Pond, where Li Heng had been staying recently—the emperor's sleeping quarters, commonly known as the "Hall of Longevity." Li Fuguo took his leave, and Yu Chaoen announced her arrival and entered. She immediately lowered her head and crawled on her knees to the bedside. When she raised her head again, her face was covered in tears: "Your Majesty, I've missed you all so much!"

Li Heng, wrapped in a brocade quilt, sat on the couch, surrounded by books and memorials. He actually looked quite well. He smiled and gently stroked Yu Chaoen's cheek: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back..."

After a long audience, Yu Chaoen finally took his leave. He had barely stepped out of the palace gate when a red-robed eunuch with a fawning smile came up to him: "Lord Yu has just returned to Chang'an, and before he has even washed away the dust of his journey, he has come to pay his respects. His sincere loyalty is truly a model for us all."

Yu Chaoen puffed out his chest, tilted his head back, and glanced at the man with slightly lowered eyes: "Oh, it's Ma Yingjun. You're wearing a red robe now too? What's your job?"

"I am a humble servant in the inner palace, mainly serving in the Qingning Palace..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chaoen's expression immediately changed, and his chest shrank slightly. He smiled and said, "So you've really made something of yourself by serving the Empress. Well then, your arrival..."

"The Queen summons the Fishman."

Yu Chaoen smiled bitterly to himself: It really was unavoidable.

So he followed Ma Yingjun to Qingning Palace to pay respects to Empress Zhang. Empress Zhang first comforted him gently, then the topic turned to Li Yu—"Your Majesty's health is not very good, and the Crown Prince is unable to share Your Majesty's burdens... So what use is that Crown Prince?!"

Then she launched into a long, rambling rant about Li Yu, to which Yu Chaoen could only offer perfunctory "humphs" and "hahs." Finally, Empress Zhang paused for a moment, and he quickly interjected, "The Crown Prince is loyal and mature, but I fear he lacks responsibility. While I was away, I heard that the Prince of Fengjie is wise and virtuous, and some even say he has the same charm as the Emperor Emeritus in his youth..."

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhang's face darkened, and she let out a cold snort.

Taking the opportunity, Yu Chaoen said, "I have also heard that Prince Fengjie often secretly associates with court officials and gives them many gifts. There is also Li Ji, the military registrar of the Left Yingwu Army, whose residence in Anxing... no, Guanghua Ward was given to him by Prince Fengjie."

Empress Zhang's expression changed slightly: "You mean that 'Li Erlang who defends the barbarians'?"

"Yes, the Empress has met him before, even in the past..."

Empress Zhang said, "It was my oversight. How could this person have entered the Yingwu Army? Is it possible to let him go?"

Yu Chaoen lowered her voice and said, "Li Ji is unruly and arrogant. This servant begs to get rid of him for the Empress!"

I thought I had specifically reminded Empress Zhang, remembering how Li Ji stormed the palace to save Li Tan back in Ding'an, which had frightened you quite a bit, hadn't it? So Empress Zhang would naturally be happy to see me devise a plan to get rid of Li Ji. But to my surprise, Empress Zhang pondered for a moment and then said, "Think of a way to drive him out of the capital."

"Is the Empress concerned about his relationship with the Prince of Fengjie and His Highness the Crown Prince?"

Empress Zhang sneered, "What concerns do I have? It's just that... Li Ji is a brave general, well-known in the court and the public, and Li Bi is also a prime minister, no less than Di Wenhui. In the future, he may be able to assist the emperor and safeguard the country. How can we kill him at will and harm the affairs of the state?" She deliberately emphasized the word "future".

Yu Chaoen understood. Empress Zhang hated Li Tan, Li Yu, and Li Shi, but she didn't necessarily hate Li Ji that much—because Li Ji had only argued with her a few times and hadn't chased her around the palace. In Empress Zhang's eyes, Li Ji was just an ant, and without Li Bi's support, he couldn't enter the inner court. What chance did he have of ruining her affairs? Why bother trying to crush him, only to provoke the hatred and vigilance of Li Yu and his son?

However, Li Ji's reputation for bravery has recently soared, and his elder brother Li Bi is also a talented man. If they could be temporarily sidelined and then brought back to assist their sons after they ascend the throne, they would likely prove useful. Especially since she actually compared Li Bi to Di Renjie… Yu Chaoen thought to herself, "Do you want to be Empress Wu Zetian?!"

Left with no other choice, they had to continue to give perfunctory answers.

After Yu Chaoen left, Ma Yingjun, the Inner Attendant, and Duan Hengjun, the Inner Attendant, flanked him and said, "It seems that Yu Chaoen is not of one mind with the Empress. Not a single word he said just now has been put into practice."

Empress Zhang nodded coldly and said, "He must not be allowed to take charge of the Divine Strategy again. Let's just kick him out and send him to command the outer troops!" She glanced to the left and right and asked, "Who do you think can take over the Divine Strategy in his place?"

Ma Yingjun said, "Zhu Guanghui, who is in charge of the Inner Palace Affairs Bureau, is acceptable."

Empress Zhang shook her head: "Zhu Guanghui is in charge of provincial affairs and is opposing Li Fuguo. He cannot be touched."

"What does the Empress think of Dan Tingyao and Chen Xianfu?"

Empress Zhang nodded: "Summon the two of them here, so I can test them..."

----------

Meanwhile, Yu Chaoen spent a long time in the inner court, visiting friends and inquiring about the current personnel and factional situation of the Inner Palace Secretariat. Only then did he retreat to Yanzheng Gate at dusk. His confidant Liu Xixian quickly went up to him and reported, "Everything has been arranged. The government offices have been set up and are being swept and tidied. There is no need to worry about the military appearance."

Yu Chaoen nodded: "Thank you for your trouble. I trust you to handle things."

Liu Xixian continued, "In accordance with the military's orders, the soldiers who have been stationed outside for a long time and have just entered the capital, except for those on duty, will all be given three days' leave and can move freely within Chang'an City..."

Yu Chaoen hummed in agreement: "'A balance of tension and relaxation is the way of both civil and military affairs,' as long as they don't cause any trouble—where are they all going to play? Could it be Pingkangfang?"

Liu Xixian laughed and said, "Junrong is truly a brilliant strategist. Just now someone came to invite him, and most of the generals have gone to Pingkangfang for a banquet."

"Oh, you've only just arrived in the capital, and someone's already hosting a banquet? Who is it?"

"It is Ma Sui, the registrar of the Yingwu Army, and Li Ji..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chaoen's eyes narrowed immediately, and he felt a surge of anger rising in his chest.

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