Man Tang Huacai

Chapter 591 Hereditary
In fact, at the beginning of the first year of Zhengxing, Pugu Huai'en did meet Yidijian.

That morning, he was shirtless and let the doctor check the millet-like pustules on his back.

"The color of the carbuncle is dark, and the pus is thin and clear. Is there anything else wrong with the commander?"

"Lack of energy." Pugu Huai'en said, and then added in a muffled voice: "Thirst, irritable, constipated, and red urine."

"Please open your mouth."

"what."

"Jie Shuai's tongue is pale with a thin white coating, and his pulse is slightly rapid but weak. It is definitely a back carbuncle."

Pugu Huai'en was surprised and asked quickly, "How long can I live?"

"Don't worry, Marshal Ji. It has just started to scabies. I will prescribe you medicine and you can take good care of it."

Having said that, Pugu Huai'en knew that back carbuncle was a terminal illness and many famous ministers and generals had to suffer from it, so he couldn't help but feel worried. However, no matter how he asked, the doctor just told him to be at ease.

At this time, Pugu Yan rushed back from Zhongshoujiang City to ask for a meeting. Pugu Huai'en hurriedly put on his clothes and told the doctor not to let anyone know that he had a back carbuncle.

Pugu Yan dismissed his attendants as soon as he entered the room, and whispered mysteriously in Pugu Huai'en's ear, "Grandpa, I met my brother-in-law, and he wants to see you."

"Sister-in-law?" Pugu Huai'en pointed to the north and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Yes." Pugu Yan nodded quickly, "He wants to see Grandpa."

Both father and son knew that Xue Bai had captured Yehu and released him back to Huihe, so he must have supported Yehu in the Huihe civil strife. On the other hand, Yidijian continued to provoke the Tang Dynasty.

If the court knew about having private contact with Yidijian at this time, it would be a serious crime.

But after much deliberation, Pugu Huai'en decided to go to Yinshan to meet Yidijian in person.

Yidijian is about the same age as Xue Bai, and is less than 30 years old this year. He has a strong body, eyes as sharp as a prairie goshawk, and an awe-inspiring air.

He came with his wife, and first reunited Pugu Huai'en and his daughter. Then he frankly expressed his desire to become the Khan of the Uighurs, and Pugu would then be his Khatun.

Afterwards, the father-in-law and son-in-law rode their horses for a while on the grassland and had a long talk.

Yidijian was very clear about Xue Bai's intention to split the Uighurs. He knew that it was Xue Bai who had reminded Yehu to be careful of him.

He had originally planned to get rid of Yehu, but failed at the last moment, which made him a great enemy. He could not bear to allow a Tang emperor who was hostile to him to ascend the throne.

In addition, he now urgently needed money to reward his subordinates, appease their anxious hearts, and consolidate his position.

Therefore, he hoped that Pugu Huai'en could join him in attacking Chang'an. Then the gold, silk, and children would belong to him, and the city of Chang'an would belong to Pugu Huai'en, thus achieving the best of both worlds.

The words of persuasion were also very moving. Pugu Huai'en had devoted his heart and soul to the Li family, but unfortunately he was not trusted by the current Tang ruler. It would be better for him to discuss important matters with his son-in-law.

After thinking for a long time, Pugu Huai'en frowned and relaxed his brows several times. Finally, he thought of the carbuncle on his back and shook his head.

"With Guo Ziyi keeping watch, I'm afraid that if I start to fight, half of the Shuofang troops under my command will surrender."

He did not completely refuse, but only asked Yidijian to get rid of Yehu first, and wait until Guo Ziyi was dead before discussing the overall plan.

After all, nothing was accomplished during this meeting. After they parted, Yidijian instructed his people, "We will head east and capture Hedong and Fanyang."

"Great Khan, why don't you grab the ones that are nearby, but run so far?"

"Give my father-in-law some face, and make the Tang Lord suspicious of him." Yidi Jian sneered, looking at the back of Pugu Huai'en riding away, and said: "Did you see it? My father-in-law has a rebellious mind."

……

After returning to Lingwu from Zhongshoujiang City, Pugu Huai'en's attitude towards Pugu Yan was different.

He changed his previous harshness and sometimes expressed his feelings in front of Pugu Yan.

"More than 40 people from my Pugu family died fighting for the Tang Dynasty. Unfortunately, I didn't even get the credit for following the emperor. Several of your brothers have died. If I'm gone, how can you support this family business?"

Pugu Yan said: "I thought that my father was devoted to the country and never thought about his family."

"Fool, if it weren't for the Pugu clan, why would I risk my life so hard?"

"If that's the case, why didn't Grandpa agree to my brother-in-law?"

"I have my own reasons."

Pugu Huai'en kept a straight face and answered his son's question with an unyielding attitude. But after a while, he decided to tell the truth.

"I have fought with the current Emperor of the Tang Dynasty and I am scared of him."

After hearing this, Pugu Yan was stunned, then he clenched his fists and said loudly: "As a man of the Pugu family, there is no way I would give in after losing once!"

"Snapped!"

Pugu Huai'en slapped him in the face and said, "I treated you well for a few days, and you became crazy?!"

This slap restored his dignity. Thinking of the carbuncle on his back, he pondered for a long time, and finally said, "Don't worry, I will find a good way for the Pugu family to be related to the country."

At first, Pugu Yan didn't know what the way out was until Du Wulang came to Lingwu.

~~
"His Majesty asked me to ask Marshal Jie whether he can trust you?"

Faced with Pugu Huai'en's murderous intent, Du Wulang was trembling with fear in his heart but pretended to be calm on the surface.

Pu Gu Huai En glared and said in a deep voice: "For many years, I have abandoned my family and career, fought for the Tang Dynasty, and fought in the battlefield. Countless children and relatives have died in battle. Your Majesty, how can you doubt me now?!"

Du Wulang was startled, and stood up quickly, saying, "You are too kind, too kind. Your Majesty will certainly not doubt the commander."

"If so, I ask Your Majesty to appoint my son Pu Guyan as the commander of the Shuofang Army."

"what?"

Du Wulang knew that Pugu Huai'en was straightforward, but he didn't expect him to be so straightforward. He actually put forward the conditions directly.

But this condition was not something he could easily agree to on behalf of Xue Bai.

Pugu Yan was left as the governor of the Shuofang Army, which meant that once Pugu Huai'en died, Pugu Yan would succeed him as the governor of the Shuofang Army.

The Jiedushi already held all the power in a region, which was equivalent to a local lord. And if the title was passed down from generation to generation, how was it different from dividing the territory?
"If your majesty trusts me, please appoint Pugu Yan as the commander of the Shuofang Army." Pugu Huai'en faced Dongfang Zhili and reiterated his attitude to show his firm attitude. "If so, I will be deeply grateful to your majesty and will repay you with my death!"

If Xue Bai could agree, he really intended to die for Xue Bai.

Just like what he had done for Li Heng and his son before, he would personally go into battle to kill the enemy, sacrifice his loved ones, and even kill his own son who surrendered to the enemy.

As long as the king can give him the purest trust, he will return the king with the most ardent loyalty.

"I know that your majesty has great ambitions to recover Hexi, contact the Western Regions, lead troops to Qinghai, defeat Tubo, subdue Huihe, and dominate all nations. For this, I am willing to fight on the battlefield and die. However, in these years, I have been fighting rebellions for the Tang Dynasty, and my people have suffered heavy casualties and my descendants have died. If you can solve your worries, I will have nothing else to ask for!"

"Marshal Jie, this matter..."

Du Wulang originally wanted to say that he couldn't make the decision and had to report to Chang'an. But he changed his mind and felt that he had to bear it for a while to buy some time for Xue Bai.

"I have to think about how to report this to His Majesty. I... have come from a long way and have a terrible headache. I cannot think about such a big thing right now."

After stammering an excuse, Du Wulang said goodbye to Pugu Huai'en.

When he left the Marshal's Mansion, he could not help but groan in his heart, thinking that this was the end. He came here only to force Puguo Huai'en to rebel.

Suddenly, he was bumped and fell to the ground.

"Hey, are you okay, my dear?!"

Du Wulang looked up and saw a soldier with sweat all over his forehead coming forward to help him up.

"It's okay, why are you running so fast?"

The soldier was originally worried that he had bumped into an honorable person, and was very nervous, but when he saw that the man was easy to talk to, he felt much more at ease. He carefully patted Du Wulang clean, saluted, and hurriedly ran away.

"Hey you……"

Du Wulang didn't know what urgent military information could make him so anxious, so he turned around and looked at his military badge, which had his rank and name on it.

In a hurry, I only saw the word "six".

However, the soldier hurried into the commander's mansion and reported an important event to Pugu Huai'en.

"General, the Beiting Protectorate has sent someone!"

"Whose people?" Pugu Huai'en was surprised, thinking he had misheard.

"It's Cao Lingzhong under the command of Yang Zhilie, the governor of Beiting."

"how come?"

Pugu Huai'en thought about it and ordered that the group of people be brought over so that he could meet them in person.

While waiting, he arranged a banquet and served good wine and food.

"This humble general pays respect to General Puguji!"

Cao Lingzhong strode into the hall, and when he saw Pugu Huai'en, his face showed reverence and excitement.

He was originally a soldier from Hexi. During the Anshi Rebellion, he followed Yang Zhilie to Beiting to recruit soldiers. Having heard about Pugu Huai'en's loyal and brave deeds, he knew that he was a good general for the country and admired him very much.

"He is indeed a good man."

Pugu Huai'en nodded his head repeatedly when he saw Cao Lingzhong, and his eyes showed admiration. He invited the soldiers to enjoy the wine and meat. The soldiers were generous and straightforward, and there was no need to be polite. They drank heartily.

During the banquet, Pugu Huai'en asked about the situation in Anxi and Beiting, and Cao Lingzhong answered his questions in detail.

"Two years ago, Feng Changqing led his troops to Anxi via the Huihe Pass. Has he arrived there?"

Cao Lingzhong was drinking from his cup, then he put it down and said with a smile, "So the commander knew that I was originally serving in the army in Yizhou, and it was only when I met the commander that I volunteered to return to the capital to report the news."

Pugu Huai'en was puzzled and asked, "Why didn't Feng Changqing send a messenger back, but entrusted it to General Cao?"

"Of course I have confidential military information to present."

"Can I see it?" Cao Lingzhong said, "General Jie has made great achievements in battle and his loyalty is as great as the sun and the moon. I should see it."

As he spoke, he took out a map from his military robe and presented it to Pugu Huai'en.

This map marks the military strength of Anxi, Beiting, and the distribution of Tubo's military forces. It also contains the strategy for recovering the Hexi Corridor formulated by local generals such as Feng Changqing, Yang Zhilie, and Guo Xin.

Pugu Huai'en looked at it and remained silent for a long time. Finally, he returned the map to Cao Lingzhong.

After traveling thousands of miles back to the Tang Dynasty, one can imagine the mood of the Anxi soldiers. It was a rare opportunity for them to drink to their heart's content, so they drank too much that night and stayed overnight in the Marshal's mansion.

The breathing sounds in the guest house came one after another, but no matter how loud it was, it could not be heard outside the guest house.

The moonlight shines across the vast sky and earth. In the distance are the Helan Mountains, the Yellow River, and the endless Gobi Desert. There is a sense of tranquility as if the world is at peace.

Pugu Huai'en stood in front of the window, thinking a lot.

"Lock them all up."

"General Jie? Why is that?"

"Once Feng Changqing recovers Hexi, it will be even more impossible for the emperor to agree to my request, so let's delay it.

On that day, another group of merchants left Lingwu City. After leaving the city, some of them changed to fast horses and rushed towards Chang'an. They did not stop until they reached the next post station, where another postman delivered the message.

After going from one stop to another, the letter was finally delivered to Xue Bai.

~~
Chang'an, Daming Palace, Xuanzheng Hall.

Xue Bai put down Du Wulang's letter and said to himself, "I thought the hereditary rule of the feudal lords started with Tian Chengsi, but I didn't expect that it was Pugu Huai'en who started it first."

He didn't immediately think it was a bad thing.

At least, Puguo Huai'en has not rebelled yet, and his attitude has shown that he does not want to rebel, so there is still room for maneuver.

There was no way that the post of regent would be given to Pugu Yan, as this touched Xue Bai's bottom line.

Perhaps in the eyes of people today, it is as natural for the son to take over the father's position as it is for the family estate to be inherited by the descendants, but Xue Bai does not think so. One important change he intends to bring to the Tang Dynasty is to reduce the practice of family influence to a great extent. It is the problem of resource allocation that causes chaos in the country.

However, handling this matter also requires skill.

After much deliberation, Xue Bai finally decided to summon Guo Ziyi back to the court to report on his work, and to send Wang Nan to temporarily govern Qin and Long.

In fact, Guo Ziyi was Puguo Huai'en's old boss and the most suitable person to intimidate Puguo Huai'en. But he was called back, which may mean that Xue Bai did not trust Guo Ziyi.

If Guo Ziyi thought Xue Bai wanted to get rid of him after receiving the imperial edict, he might contact Pugu Huai'en to rebel.

Therefore, Xue Bai's behavior was very risky. Yan Zhenqing and Du Youlin were very opposed to it and proposed to directly issue an edict to let Guo Ziyi replace Pugu Huai'en as the governor of Shuofang.

But Xue Bai said: "It doesn't matter. Let them have doubts. Let's see if they really dare to rebel against me."

~~
In November, the court's arrangements reached Lingwu.

When Pu Gu Huai En heard that the emperor summoned Guo Ziyi back to Chang'an to report on his work, he was somewhat confused. He wondered if it was because Xue Bai suspected Guo Ziyi, and if it was because Xue Bai was planning to get rid of him by force, so Guo Ziyi was transferred away so that Wang Nanyi could do his best.

He met with Du Wulang several times to test his attitude, but Du Wulang only said that he had submitted his request to His Majesty.

"Perhaps Your Majesty would like to discuss this with Lord Guo?"

Pugu Huai'en didn't believe Du Wulang's evasive words at all, so he simply found an excuse to keep Du Wulang in Lingwu so that he could ask Xue Bai for an official position. Du Wulang didn't seem to want to leave and was willing to stay and observe his attitude.

It was at this time that Dazha Lugong also sent someone to meet Pugu Huai'en and made a proposal similar to that of Yidijian.

However, Pugu Huai'en could sense from the words of the Tibetan envoy that Dazha Lugong was somewhat guilty this time. He did not have the heroic spirit of Yidijian to lead his troops to Chang'an and break into the city. His greater purpose was to use Pugu Huai'en to contain the Tang army in Qinlong.

It seems that the battle a year ago dealt a heavy blow to the Tubo army.

Since Pugu Huai'en did not even agree to Yidijian's request, it was even more impossible for him to cooperate with Dazha Lugong. However, he still told Dazha Lugong a piece of news, that is, Feng Changqing had already traveled thousands of miles and took a detour to the Western Regions.

~~
The twelfth month of winter.

Dazha Lugong sat by the campfire and, after hearing the messenger's report, he cursed: "This Pugu Huai'en is indecisive and will never accomplish anything great."

"General, my mission this time was not without results. I found out some important information."

"explain."

"The Tang ruler recalled Guo Ziyi to Chang'an because he was afraid that Guo Ziyi would unite with Pugu Huai'en to rebel against him."

Dazalugong said coldly: "Do I need you to tell me? Don't I think of it?"

He did have this guess, but he also had many other guesses.

For example, he already knew that a great change had taken place in the capital, Trisong Detsen had perished in a fire, Mashang had established a new king, and Tubo was now in a period of serious internal strife. After a year of rest and recuperation, the Tang Dynasty had the strength to fight Tubo again, not to mention recovery. Xue Bai transferred Guo Ziyi at this time, perhaps to discuss strategy.

"General, you are wise. Of course you have thought of it. I just want to say that I have confirmed this matter after arriving in Lingwu."

"Can you confirm?"

"Yes, I bribed some of Pugu Huai'en's trusted aides. I heard that Pugu Huai'en wanted to ask for a post as successor to his son, but the Tang emperor did not agree. That's when Guo Ziyi was transferred back, definitely to deal with Pugu Huai'en."

Because of this matter, Dazalugong thought about it for a few days, then summoned all the generals under his command and instructed them on an important matter.

Since the death of Trisong Detsen, many tribes in Tubo accused Mashang of killing the Zamp, and did not recognize the Zamp he supported, so they took the opportunity to rebel.

Dazha Lugong had to quell the rebellion as soon as possible and stabilize the situation in Tubo. It was for this reason that he was worried about being harassed by the Tang army and wanted to form an alliance with Pugu Huai'en.

It now seemed that the Tang court was also plagued by internal strife and had no ability to look west to Tibet, so he could dispatch troops without any worries.

~~
Guo Ziyi returned to Chang'an. His hair was already gray, but he was still energetic and had the dignity of a general.

Since Xue Bai became regent, he has done some things to plot against Guo Ziyi, but Guo Ziyi saw through it but did not say anything. He pretended to be confused and pretended not to know. In the past two years, he has been silently guarding Qin and Long and guarding against Tubo.

"This is Pugu Huai'en's request. Please take a look."

Guo Ziyi took it and read it, then sighed and said, "Pugu Huai'en is like this because I am incompetent in leading the army and failed to teach him the way of loyalty in time. I am willing to go to the Shuofang army, teach him the righteousness, and bring him back to the capital. Your Majesty can send another general to replace him."

Xue Bai looked at Guo Ziyi deeply for a while, nodded, and said, "I know Mr. Guo's loyalty, but there is no rush. Today, I have another matter to discuss with Mr. Guo. Come with me."

As he spoke, he walked around the screen and came to another imperial desk.

There was a large map on it, covered with markings.

Guo Ziyi quickly scanned the different locations on the map and gradually saw the connection.

Xue Bai didn't let him guess too long and first clicked on the Zamazhisang Palace on the map.

"Trisong Detsen has been taken to Chang'an. A year ago, there was a civil strife in Tubo, and Maxiang planned to send someone to kill him and establish a new king. He fled to the Tang Dynasty and sought asylum."

Then, Xue Bai continued to point out some Tibetan tribes on the map.

"This led to the Subi, Yangtong, Faqiang, Mitang and other tribes opposing Maxiang one after another, while the Xiangxiong and Yalong tribes were also involved in this turmoil because they supported Maxiang. If my guess is correct, Dazha Lugong will soon send troops to maintain the stability of the domestic situation in Tubo. And I summoned Guo Gong back to the court at this time. On the surface, it was for Pugu Huai'en, but in fact, it was to paralyze Tubo."

For Xue Bai, the matter of Pugu Huai'en should be delayed rather than rushed. For the time being, he could neither agree nor refuse, comfort Pugu Huai'en and give him a ray of hope, as long as he did not rebel.

Once the external threat is resolved and the court has established its prestige, it will be more confident in dealing with Pugu Huai'en. We can even wait until Pugu Huai'en dies and deal with Pugu Yan directly. At this stage, it is more important to take back the Hexi Corridor.

"My actual goal is here."

Xue Bai stretched out his finger and pointed to the location of Liangzhou on the map.

"I have ordered Wang Nan to be ready at all times. Once the opportunity comes, he will immediately send troops westward to recapture Liang Province. What do you think, Lord Guo?"

Guo Ziyi was not dissatisfied with Xue Bai for not using him as the commander-in-chief. Instead, he said, "Two things. First, the troops must be mobilized, and the food and grass must go first. If Wang Nan wants to send troops, the court should first transport the food and grass to Qinlong. Second, I, this old minister, would like to persuade Pugu Huai'en to send troops to help the court recover Liangzhou."

He said he was "persuading", but in fact he was preparing to use the prestige of his former superior to overwhelm Pugu Huai'en.

And this is exactly what Xue Bai wanted.

"Then I'll leave it to Mr. Guo."

~~
Soon it was the end of December.

Du Wulang never thought that he would have to spend the New Year in Lingwu, and he never expected that Pugu Huai'en would be so stubborn and stubborn.

He felt that if he wanted a high position and generous salary, he should at least follow the emperor's wishes. If he insisted on asking the emperor for an official position, even if he got it, he would not have a good ending.

As expected, a secret letter from Chang'an arrived, telling Du Wulang in advance that the court was ready to send Guo Ziyi.

After the New Year, a public decree will be issued to allow Guo Ziyi to command the northwestern troops.

In the eyes of some people, this was nominally to recover the Hexi Corridor, but in reality it was to let Guo Ziyi replace Puguo Huai'en; only Xue Bai knew that this matter seemed to be aimed at dealing with Puguo Huai'en, but in reality it was finding a reason to mobilize a large amount of food and grass without arousing the vigilance of Tubo.

In short, Du Wulang got the news in advance and had to prepare to leave Lingwu.

This time, he has expressed the utmost sincerity on behalf of Xue Bai.

On the day of his departure, Pugu Huai'en said, "I don't ask for much, just a promise from your Majesty."

"Yes Yes."

Du Wulang was too lazy to argue with this stubborn ox, and replied: "Anyway, let your majesty consider it, and we will talk about it after the New Year. I should also hurry back to Chang'an. If I walk fast on the road, maybe I can make it to the Lantern Festival."

After saying goodbye and leaving the city gate, Du Wulang was walking slowly in a queue when he suddenly noticed the soldiers at the city gate whispering.

"Since they said that the comrades from Beiting Anxi came back to report the news, why did they stop making any noise after entering the Marshal's Mansion?"

"Shh!"

"That's urgent military information. Can I let you know?"

"Of course I know. I was wondering if Lao Liu had gone with those people. Didn't you see him praising General Cao that day?"

"I don't know, but I don't believe that Lao Liu is a deserter."

Du Wulang heard this conversation and suddenly thought of something, so he stopped...

(End of this chapter)