A Good Landlord in the Tang Dynasty: Emperor Yuan Cong

Chapter 1226 I will clear the hidden danger for you

“That’s the smell. It’s really delicious.”

Not long after arriving home, he finally ate the noodle soup made by his eldest sister Wu Yu'e. Although it seemed like a simple bowl of noodle soup, Wu Huaiyu felt it was exceptionally delicious, and it was exactly the taste in his memory.

"Eat slowly."

Lady Wu Yu'e of the State of Yan looked at her brother's fierce eating and said with a smile. Although she was the wife of the prime minister, the mother-in-law of the crown prince, and was granted the title of Lady of the State of Yan, when she came here, she still rolled up her sleeves, kneaded the dough for her brother, and boiled water to make a bowl of noodle soup.

Add some boiled lamb tail oil to the noodles, put some green vegetables, and add a little salt and pepper. It is simple but very delicious.

Wu Huaiyu ate several large bowls in one go.

As a result, the younger children in the family were all drooling with envy, and they all wanted to eat the noodles in grandpa's bowl. They didn't want to eat the noodles served to them individually, and only wanted to eat the noodles that grandpa picked for them with chopsticks.

Then,
Huaiyu and these little guys took turns eating with their chopsticks, and ate several bowls of noodles in a daze.

Wu Huaiyu put down the bowl and imitated Twenty-Two Lang Chengxun, patting his belly and saying, "I'm so full."

Zheng Liwan made a cup of tea for Wu Huaiyu and brought it over. "It's cold, so I didn't make green tea. I made cinnamon tea from Wuyi Mountain in Jianzhou."

He knew that Wu Huaiyu didn't like too many kinds of tea, so he didn't add anything else.

"Well, this tea has a very obvious cinnamon aroma, a strong, sharp and long-lasting fragrance, and a clear yellow soup color. It's a good tea."

After taking a sip, I found the taste mellow and refreshing.

This tea is also produced by Wujia Jianzhou Wuyishan Tea Farm. It is an oolong tea made using the production method of Wuyi rock tea. It is a high-fragrance variety and one of the ten varieties launched by Wujia Jianzhou Wuyishan. It is quite popular.

"I drank too much milk tea in the Western Regions, and now I drink such authentic cinnamon, which is really a pleasure."

While drinking tea, Huaiyu asked someone to fetch the gifts he brought back for everyone.

There are wives, concubines, and children in the family, so naturally the eldest sister's family will not be missing either.

Of course, my eldest brother and youngest sister’s families also had preparations.

They are all specialties from the Western Regions, such as Persian carpets, Roman gold ornaments, Khotanese jade, Qiuci pipa, Shiguo pipa, etc., all kinds of exquisite gifts.

It is very popular among everyone.

Even Fan Xuanfu, who had just been jealous of Wu Huaiyu, was delighted after receiving many gifts and let bygones be bygones.

When it gets dark,
Ma Zhou just arrived.

He lost a lot of weight. Diabetes is an incurable disease in later generations, and there is no good way to treat it in the Tang Dynasty. Although Wu Huaiyu gave him a prescription for recuperation, Ma Zhou was very busy.
There is no way I can take good care of myself and rest as Wu Huaiyu said.

Ma Zhou often told his wife who tried to persuade him that the emperor had shown him great kindness and treated him as a great man, and he must repay the emperor with a great man.

No one can persuade you.

This Zhongshu Ling went out early and came back late, without a day off, and often stayed up late in his study with a lamp on.

No healthy body could withstand such torture, not to mention that he suffered from diabetes, so just quitting drinking would be of no use.

"His Majesty has just summoned us to a court meeting. I have some news to tell you."

"You Pushe Gao Shilian requested to abdicate, and Your Majesty approved it in the palace, and appointed him as the Grand Master of the Three Departments, the Third Rank Master of the Secretariat, and the Minister of State Affairs."

Upon hearing the news, Wu Huaiyu frowned.

In the study, Ma Zhou picked up a cup of cinnamon tea and said, "Prime Minister Gao suddenly resigned from the post of Right Servant, and Your Majesty immediately agreed. This is not a simple matter."

Wu Huaiyu nodded. No matter how he looked at it, it seemed like they were making room for him.

The emperor had previously wanted to confer Wu Huaiyu the titles of Zhongshu Ling and Minister of Personnel, but it was not approved by the Council of State. If it was just Zhongshu Ling and Minister of Personnel, the Council of State would have approved it. However, because there were six consecutive imperial edicts, the rewards were too great, and none of them were approved.

Now that Wu Huaiyu has returned to Beijing, the matter is still stuck in the Council of State Affairs.

Ma Zhou submitted his resignation letter before Gao Shilian.
But the emperor did not agree.

Ma Zhou had submitted several petitions to resign from his post as Minister of the Central Secretariat.
But now, when Gao Shilian asked to resign from the position of Right Prime Minister in the court, the emperor immediately agreed without even making a few symbolic refusals.

But the problem is that the emperor approved Gao Shilian's resignation as You Pushe, but at the same time let him take charge of state affairs with the third-rank title of Tongzhongshumenxia, ​​which means that he is still the prime minister of the Zhengshitang.

Then what's the point of giving up the right servant?

Of course it is to make room for people.

It couldn't be that it was vacated for the Grand Marshal Changsun Wuji who was still serving as the governor in Luoyang.

After Li Jing conquered the Eastern Turks, he was impeached by the Imperial Censor Xiao Yu when he returned to the court. The emperor reprimanded Li Jing, and Li Jing kowtowed to apologize. After a long time, the emperor first said that he should be rewarded for his merits, pardoned Li Jing's crime of poor military management, recorded his merits in defeating the Turks, promoted him to the title of Zuo Guanglu Dafu, gave him a thousand pieces of silk, and increased his fief to five hundred households.

Soon he said that the truth had been uncovered and that someone had slandered Li Jing, and that he was not guilty. He was then awarded another 2,000 pieces of silk and promoted to the position of Shangshu You Pushe.

Before destroying the Turks, Li Jing was already the Minister of Punishments and the Inspector of the Secretariat, and later he was transferred to the Minister of War.

Before being promoted to the position of Right Pushe, Li Jing was scolded several times. After being promoted to the position of Right Pushe, Li Jing became a decorative official in the Government Affairs Hall. Later, he simply stopped going to the Government Affairs Hall.

Now, does the emperor want Wu Huaiyu to be like Li Jing, visiting the Secretariat once every two or three days and then not saying a word when he is there?

If that's true, it's not a bad thing.

Now the emperor and his ministers are suspicious of each other, which is not a good thing.

"There is another piece of news. Youzhou Governor Qiu Xingze died of illness while in office. The news of his death has just been reported back to Chang'an. Qiu Xingze's eldest son, Linji County Master Qiu Yingqi, went to the palace in the afternoon to report to Your Majesty, and then went to Youzhou to carry the coffin back home."

Qiu Xingze was Wu Huaiyu's half father-in-law. I say half because Wu Huaiyu took his daughter as a concubine, and also took his half-brother Qiu Xinggong's daughter as a concubine.

The Tang people paid great attention to the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.
When talking about in-laws, only the wife's family is considered. Although Wu Huaiyu married Qiu and two granddaughters, only Fan Xing's family was counted as his wife's family.

Qiu Xinggong and Qiu Xingze are brothers, but they are not worthy of being called father-in-law by Wu Huaiyu.

"Sudden illness?"

Qiu Xingze's name is Qiu Shili, and his courtesy name is Xingze. He is the eldest son of Qiu He and the elder brother of Qiu Xinggong. He is only in his sixties this year.

Tan Guogong Qiu He passed away five years ago at the age of eighty-six.

"It is said that he had a sudden stroke," Ma Zhou sighed. Qiu Xingze was also a famous warrior, an old subordinate of the Qin Palace. He guarded Hebei at the end of Wude Dynasty, and was sent to Jiaozhou and Youzhou during the Zhenguan Dynasty. Although he once competed with his half-brother Qiu Xinggong for the burial of his mother, which made Chang'an a laughing stock,

But the Qiu family is famous for two things:
First, the Qiu family had many children. Qiu He lived to be 86 and had dozens of children. He had 15 sons, 7 or 8 of whom were dukes and marquises. The lowest of all his sons was a fifth-rank general. The Qiu family's original surname was Qiu Dun, and they were also Xianbei people. They were a family of generals for generations and were very brave.

The Qiu family also has one amazing thing, that is, they not only have many daughters but they are also beautiful. The Qiu family has a tradition of choosing a son-in-law through a treasure window, and Qiu women marry nobles and relatives of the Manchu dynasty.

For example, Gao Shilian, who had been a subordinate of Qiu He in Jiaozhou, took Qiu He's daughter as his concubine. Zhangsun Wuji and Wu Huaiyu successively took Qiu Xinggong's daughter as concubines.

The Qiu family has great connections and influence in the court.

Qiu Xinggong is now also the General of the Left Tunwei Guard.

For example, Qiu Xingze's eldest son Qiu Yingqi, Wu Huaiyu's adopted brother-in-law, was ten years older than Wu Huaiyu. At the beginning of Wu De's reign, he served in the Qin Palace with Qiu Xingze and followed Li Shimin to conquer the world. Later, he was also granted positions such as Qianniu Beishen.

Last year, Qiu Yingqi, who was the governor of Qingzhou, also participated in the Western Expedition. In Khan Futu City, he followed Cheng Yaojin to fight Helu and others. He showed bravery in leading the troops to charge and suffered heavy losses in several places. Finally, the Western Expedition was ended ahead of schedule and he was sent back to Chang'an to recuperate.

Qiu Xingze's death did not have much impact on Wu Huaiyu, but for the court, Youzhou was an important town in the north, and this position could not be left vacant, especially now that the emperor decided to launch a campaign against the Xueyantuo in the northern desert.
It is said that Qiu Xingze was not included in the list of main generals of the Eastern Route before because he had always been in poor health.

Now that he is gone, who should be sent to take over?
"What do you think of me going to Youzhou?" Wu Huaiyu asked his brother-in-law Ma Zhou. When he was talking to the emperor in Daming Palace today, he took the initiative to mention that he wanted to go to Liaodong to manage the affairs, on the grounds of deterring Goguryeo and preventing them from sending troops to support Xueyantuo.

But this reason is a bit far-fetched, and there was no Liaodong governor before. There was only one person, the Yingzhou governor and Andong protector, who was Cheng Mingzhen.

The level is not very high.
For a prime minister of Wu Huaiyu's rank, there was no reason for him to be the Protector General of Andong and the Governor of Yingzhou unless he was demoted. And if he was only given a temporary assignment with the title of Liaodong Jinglüe, it would be obviously inappropriate, so the emperor did not respond at that time.

Ma Zhou thought for a moment and said, "You were the governor of Youzhou in the early Zhenguan period. You defeated Jie Li at Yehu Ridge and conquered the Northern Mountain Xi in the north of the mountain. You pacified the Xi and Khitan for the court. You expanded the territory there and your prestige is very high.

But with your current rank, it is not appropriate for you to take over as the governor of Youzhou."

There were two inappropriate reasons for Wu Huaiyu to be the governor of Youzhou. First, if he went to Youzhou at this time, others would think that the emperor demoted him instead of rewarding him for his meritorious service. Second, if Wu Huaiyu really went to Youzhou, with his prestige in Youzhou and the fact that Youzhou was far away from Chang'an, Wu Huaiyu had previously married the daughters of the kings of Xi and Khitan, and adopted their sons as his students.
If Wu Huaiyu had any ulterior motives in Youzhou, it would be very dangerous and the emperor would certainly not let him go. Otherwise, why not just let him stay in the Western Regions? Why would he be recalled?

Wu Huaiyu was also a little helpless.

Although his official rank was high, he was now restricted in what he could do. If he wanted to go out, there was no suitable position for him.

"I think your majesty's intention is to let you stay in Chang'an first and appoint you as the Right Prime Minister. Your contribution this time is so great, and the discussion in the court and the public is so heated. It is impossible to ask you to resign and return home when you come back, or to send you to a remote place. Neither is appropriate."

"One more thing,"

"Minister Wei Zheng has been seriously ill recently and can no longer take care of the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel. He has also submitted several resignations to Your Majesty. I estimate that even if Wei Zheng's illness can be delayed for a while, he will not be able to continue to lead the Ministry of Personnel."

"It is possible that His Majesty wants to let Uncle Changsun return to Chang'an,"

Ma Zhou is the emperor's first secretary and is quite familiar with the emperor. Based on the current situation in the court, he speculates that there will be a major personnel reshuffle.

Wu Huaiyu may be appointed as You Pushe, and Zhangsun Wuji may return to the capital, but it is highly likely that he will not be directly appointed as Shizhong, but will be appointed as Jianxiu Zhongshuling or participate in political affairs and enter the Zhengshitang.
The person who was most likely to succeed Wei Zheng was Liu Li, who had already entered the Council of State Affairs and was involved in government affairs. He and Wei Zheng had served as the left and right chancellors of the Secretariat respectively, and this person was quite capable.

Of course, it is also possible that the emperor's brother-in-law, the Minister of Personnel Yang Shidao, would serve as the Minister of the Court for a transition period to hold the position for Zhangsun Wuji.

If Yang Shidao is appointed as the Shizhong, the Minister of Personnel may be concurrently held by Wu Huaiyu or Zhangsun Wuji.

It is also possible that the Minister of War Li Ji was promoted to the third rank of Zhongshu Menxia and entered the Zhengshitang as prime minister this time.

"These are just my speculations. They are very likely, but not necessarily accurate," said Ma Zhou.

Wu Huaiyu thought about it and came to a conclusion.

"It seems that His Majesty wants to keep me in Chang'an, but he doesn't intend to let me really take charge of the central government. I don't know whether I should be the Right Prime Minister or not, but I have to serve as the Right Prime Minister for at least a year or so."

"Fuzhou Governor Yuchi Jingde has just been dismissed from his post. His Majesty promoted him to the first rank of Kaifu Yitong Sansi, but did not give him any other duties. He was only allowed to attend court meetings every five days. Yuchi Gong has been devoted to practicing Taoism and refining elixirs for many years. He has neglected his official duties while serving in the local government and has been impeached many times. Now the emperor has recalled him back to the capital for his past merits, which means he is completely ignoring him."

Yuchi Jingde was a door god, unparalleled in bravery, and the first to achieve great merit. But now, after all his mixed up efforts, he could only get a first-rank civil rank, and even lost his sinecure position like the General of the Twelve Guards.

This guy is truly lying down, and the emperor has given up on him.

Wu Huaiyu was a little envious of him.

The situation is becoming clearer and clearer. At present, the situation is still good. Emperor Li Shimin is not a cruel and ruthless emperor.

Next it will be his turn to sit on the bench. At the age of 35, he will have to retire early like Li Jing.

"Your sister persuaded me many times to quit my job and recuperate for a few years. She also said that Duke Qi was seriously ill, and you later prescribed medicine for him, asking him to quit his job and recuperate in the countryside of Sanyuan. As a result, he really recovered well a few years later and became a brave man again."

"Ah, sometimes I also want to put everything aside and take a long vacation, but seeing that Your Majesty is working day and night and has so many unfinished plans, how can I have the nerve to ask for it.

I was originally a poor scholar, but you rescued me at the Jingyang Post Station and took me to Longyou. Later, Your Majesty appreciated and promoted me, and I rose to prominence. I know how to repay your kindness."

"Brother-in-law, your health is your capital. When a person dies, it's like a light goes out, and everything is gone. If you take good care of your health, you can continue to serve His Majesty, and even in the future, you can assist the Crown Prince.

You are still young, and if you overwork yourself, His Majesty will not be happy."

"Then after we finish the battle in Mobei next year and destroy the Xueyantuo Khanate, I will formally ask the saint for a long vacation and recuperate." Ma Zhou finally made up his mind.

night.

In the north of Chang'an City, in Taiji Palace.

Emperor Li Shimin specially summoned the prince into the palace tonight, and then asked the prince to sleep on the same bed with him.

The father and son haven't slept together for a long time. The last time was more than ten years ago.

"Tomorrow, I will convene a court meeting. Imperial Censor Zhang Liang will impeach Wu Huaiyu on many charges in the palace, and then I will reprimand Wu Huaiyu.
Retract the six orders previously issued to the Political Affairs Hall.

Appoint Cheng Mingzhen to take over the post of governor of Youzhou left by Qiu Xingze after his death, and then appoint Wu Huaiyu as governor of Yingzhou and protector of Andong. "

"Your Majesty," Cheng Qian couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"Don't be impatient, Dalang." The father and son slept with their feet touching. Li Shimin lay on this side and said slowly, "I want to try Wu Huaiyu again.
If Wu Huaiyu received this imperial edict without any dissatisfaction and was able to immediately take up his post in Yingzhou, it would mean that he was still loyal and sensible.

After he leaves, you can speak up for Wu Huaiyu in public. I will then re-investigate the impeachment of Wu Huaiyu, and cancel his appointment on the grounds that many of the impeachments are untrue. I will summon him back to the capital, appoint him as Shangshu You Pushe, grant him a fief of 500 households, and make him the Minister of the Interior and the Prince's Tutor."

Cheng Qian was lying there, confused.

Li Shimin sighed, "Wu Huaiyu is your teacher and has helped you a lot, but you have never been kind to him. I am doing this to test Wu Huaiyu's loyalty again, and also to let you show him kindness, so that he will remember your kindness to him and owe you."

This is the mentality of an emperor, and today Li Shimin is teaching it to the prince again without reservation.

"What if the teacher doesn't want to go to Liaoxi?" Cheng Qian asked.

Li Shimin's voice rang out mercilessly in the dark room, "Then father will eliminate this hidden danger for you in advance!"

(End of this chapter)