First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 474

...

Zhang Anan who was serving tea at the side twitched the corners of his mouth when he heard Gao Chong's words.

Gao Chong continued to say cheerfully: "Cui Anshang's grandfather, Cui Zhongfang, was a close friend with his uncle. When his uncle Zhaoxuan begged for family ancestor Fan Yang Lu, Cui Zhongfang went with him, and two good deeds were achieved. Cui Anshang's grandmother and my grandmother are sisters of the same family."

Li Shimin was slightly startled, shook his head and said with a smile: "I also asked why you didn't recommend your other cousin Lu Chengqing. After all, he is also an expert. It turns out that this Cui Dunli is also your relative."

Gao Chong said truthfully: "These are all relatives who are out of reach, so I will not avoid relatives even if they are worthy."

This distant cousin was actually just an excuse for Gao Chong. In fact, Gao Chong knew that on the original track, the courtiers recommended Cui Dunli, the general manager, to go to Youzhou to recall Li Yuan.

However, under the instigation of Wang Junkuo, Li Yuan had already turned against him. After Cui Dunli arrived in Youzhou, he imprisoned him, tortured him severely, and asked Cui Dunli whether Li Shimin planned to recall him to the court before he could do harm. Cui Dunli scolded Li Yuan Rebellious officials and thieves, despite being tortured, are always steadfast and unyielding,
Li Yuan was furious and imprisoned Cui Dunli, intending to sacrifice Cui Dunli to the flag on the day of the rebellion, but before Li Yuan could act, the farce of rebellion was put down by Wang Junkuo, and Cui Dunli was rescued.

When Li Shimin heard about Cui Dunli's unyielding deeds, he praised him greatly, promoted him to general Zuo Weilang, and bestowed him with good horses and gold.

What made Gao Chongyin even more profound was that Cui Dunli, a distant cousin, was proficient in various languages, and later went to Turkic, Xueyantuo, Huihe, Tiele and other places many times to perform meritorious service.

In the Zhenguan Dynasty, he successively served as the governor of Lingzhou, Hongluqing, and Minister of the Ministry of War. He assisted Li Ji in the crusade against Xue Yantuo, made military achievements, and was named a duke for his achievements.

Let me talk about it here. At the beginning of the founding of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan indiscriminately conferred titles, which led to the proliferation of titles. Later, Li Shimin reduced the titles and strictly controlled the titles. Those who had not made great military achievements were not allowed to be titled. This shows how difficult it is for Cui Dunli to be duke .

On the original trajectory, until Li Zhi came to power, Cui Dunli entered the Zhengshitang, served as a servant, Zhongshuling, etc., and became the prime minister. Gao Chong, such a powerful figure who has gone from general to prime minister, was deeply impressed.

And Gao Chong has already figured out the relationship between the characters. According to the original trajectory, the brothers Gao Shilian and Gao Jifu are the prime ministers, the nephew and grandson Wuji are the prime ministers, the cousins ​​Lu Chengqing and Cui Dunli are the prime ministers, and the sons of the cousin Xue Shou are the prime ministers. That is to say, Xue Yuanchao, the cheap cousin, is the prime minister.

Now Jiang Baoyi has become Gao Chong's brother-in-law. If there is no accident, his nephew Jiang Ke, who was born at the end of last year, is Jiang Ke who was originally the one who conquered Tie Le and Tubo in the Gaozong Dynasty in history. He was promoted to prime minister because of his military exploits.

Seeing Gao Chong's explanation like this, Li Shimin didn't think about it. After all, the relationship between the famous and famous families is intricate. There is me in you, and you in me. If Gao Chong accidentally knew the talent of this distant cousin, it would be normal .

After Gao Chong left, Li Shimin felt bored when he picked up the memorial again. At this moment, Zhang Anan said: "Your Highness, it's getting late, it's time for dinner."

Li Shimin came back to his senses, looked up at the sky outside, and quickly ordered: "The three provinces are about to be on duty, you go and invite Cui Dunli, and I will have dinner with him."

Zhang Anan heard the words and did not dare to delay, so he went in person.

To the east of Taiji Palace is the East Palace, to the west is Yeting Palace, in the middle are the three main halls and the harem, and Menxiasheng is on the right side of Taiji Palace, next to the History Museum and Imperial Academy.

After Zhang Anan left Cheng'en Hall, he hurried all the way to the south, from the Tongxun Gate next to the Zuochunfang of the East Palace to Menxia Province.

Arriving outside the Gongli Gate in Menxia Province, Zhang Anan calmed down, straightened his clothes, and was about to enter, when he saw a large group of people coming out chatting and laughing, and the leader was the servant Gao Shilian.

"I have met Mr. Gao", Zhang Anan hurriedly stepped aside and saluted respectfully.

Gao Shilian crossed his hands to return the salute, and asked with a very kind smile: "What's the matter with Zhang Shaojian here?"

Official Zhang Anan worshiped as the young supervisor of the Ministry of Internal History, and he was ranked in the fourth rank. Now he is second only to Li Yuan's internal servant supervisor Wang De, and he will definitely be the top internal servant in the future.

"Returning to Mr. Gao, His Royal Highness summoned Cui Dunli, the general manager, and asked if Cui Sheren is still under the door?" Zhang Anan said truthfully, Gao Shilian was not only the prime minister, but also the uncle of the crown prince, with an extraordinary status.

"Cui Dunli?" Gao Shilian was startled, turned his head to look at a person in the crowd behind him, waved his hand and said, "Anshang, come here, His Royal Highness is calling you."

"I planned to have a small gathering today, and Cui Dunli happened to be here," Gao Shilian said with a smile.

Cui Dunli, who was talking to his colleagues, heard the shout and stepped forward quickly. After seeing the ceremony, Gao Shilian smiled meaningfully: "The prince is calling, this is your opportunity, please go quickly."

Cui Dunli was only 30 years old at the time, and although he had some talent and fame, he had never had the opportunity to show it and had no achievements. He was a little excited when he heard that the prince called him, and he bowed to answer.

All the way to Cheng'en Hall, Zhang Anan smiled and said: "His Royal Highness will give you food, Cui Sheren, don't be rude."

Cui Dunli straightened his clothes, nodded in response, "I'm sorry, Young Prison Zhang."

"Cui Dunli, a member of the court, has met His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." After entering, Cui Dunli bowed solemnly.

This is the first time that Cui Dunli has had private contact with Li Shimin. After the founding of the Tang Dynasty, Cui Dunli became an official and served in the Zuowei Mansion for several years. , but fortunately he is knowledgeable, and upon recommendation, Li Yuan promoted him to be a general manager.

During the struggle between the two governments, Cui Dunli did not participate in the battle, but he was very transparent because he was a general manager who was committed to proclaiming labor and had no effect on the government.

"Anshang, there is no need to be too polite, please take a seat." Li Shimin had already changed into a round-neck robe, very casually, stretched out his hand and said with a smile: "I have heard about Anshang's talent for a long time, and seeing him today, he is indeed handsome and handsome." .

It wasn't Li Shimin's intentional praise, Cui Dunli's appearance was that of a son of a standard family, gentle and refined.

Cui Dunli was humble when he heard the words. Although he was a little confused about Li Shimin's sudden enthusiasm, he did not express his eagerness.

"Anshang, it's like this. I urgently need someone to go on an envoy, and I am worried that there is no one available. Gao Youzhi came here just now and recommended you to me. He highly respects you. How about it? Would you like to take this trip? "Li Shimin didn't let Cui Dunli wonder for too long, and said directly.

Cui Dunli was stunned when he heard the words: Dali Temple Qing Gao Youzhi?How could he recommend me?
As Cui Dunli thought about it, he became even more puzzled.

"Come, let's chat while eating," Li Shimin said with a smile while ordering the meals.

Li Shimin set an example by advocating frugality. Naturally, this dinner could not be too rich, but it was only two vegetarian dishes and one meat dish.

(End of this chapter)