Early Tang Dynasty: forge ahead

Chapter 503 Self-recommendation
It was a dark night and Chang'an was quiet after curfew, with everything being silent.

The sound of hurried horse hooves exploded on Suzaku Street.

A scout on horseback broke directly into the Ministry of War in the Imperial City. After receiving the urgent message of eight hundred miles away, the officials on duty at the Ministry of War quickly split into two groups, one to notify Chen Qingsi and the other to go directly to the palace to meet the emperor.

Chen Qingsi was sleeping peacefully with Li Hongqing in his arms when he suddenly heard urgent military intelligence. He quickly got up, put on his clothes, and walked quickly towards the hall.

The one who came to inform was Luqiu Yuanli, the chief clerk of the Ministry of War.

"Minister Chen, something has happened in Qinghai Lake. Fu'ai City was lost, our army was defeated, and General Cheng Wuting retreated to Yide Fortress."

Chen Qingsi's face was cold, and he said, "Wait for me for a moment, and then we can go to the palace together."

Chen Qingsi never imagined that the situation would deteriorate to this extent.

The city of Voyage was lost.

Doesn’t this mean that the entire Qinghai is in danger?

At this moment, he had no intention of asking about the situation. Instead, he went to the inner courtyard to put on his clothes, and rode into the palace with Luqiu Yuanli.

While running, Chen Qingsi finally took the time to ask the reason.

Luqiu Yuanli didn't know the whole story, he just heard a general idea.

The actual details of the battle were reported to Li Zhi by the doctor from the Ministry of War who went to the palace.

Luqiu Yuanli said: "I only know that Wang Xiaojie disobeyed the general's orders and attacked rashly, and was surrounded by Tubo. Xi Duhu led his troops to rescue, and Fu'ai City fell with few soldiers."

After hearing the general process, Chen Qingsi cursed: "Stupid..."

The person he was scolding for being stupid was none other than Xi Junmai, the person he recommended and promoted.

Xi Junmai's foolish decision at the critical moment completely ruined the good situation of Qinghai Lake.

Ever since the Khan of Tuyuhun ceded Fu'ai City to the Tang court, the core of Qinghai's defense line has been in Fu'ai City.

Wang Xiaojie was trapped, Cheng Wuting refused to rescue him, but Xi Junmai sent troops to rescue him.

Extremely stupid.

After entering the palace, he saw the Emperor of Tang, who was emitting anger, in the emperor's bedroom.

Chen Qingsi was about to salute, but Li Zhi suppressed his anger and said, "This is an emergency, no need for courtesy. My dear, please read the battle report sent by General Cheng first."

Chen Qingsi did not respond, but just bowed, then took the battle report and read it carefully.

Looking at the battle report, all the reasons came together in his mind.

It turned out that even though Cheng Wuting was the successor chosen by Su Dingfang himself, Wang Xiaojie was still not convinced and felt that he should not be inferior to Cheng Wuting.

However, Cheng Wuting had considerable prestige in the army. On the one hand, this came from his father, Cheng Mingzhen, a veteran general of the Tang Dynasty. On the other hand, he had been incorporated into the Longyou Army for some time and was not a sudden parachuting in. He had already demonstrated his abilities. Moreover, his position was appointed by Su Dingfang himself, and there was no objection.

Even though Wang Xiaojie was not convinced, he could do nothing to Cheng Wuting.

Wang Xiaojie only obeyed Su Dingfang and was unwilling to be inferior to Cheng Wuting. As a result, Wang Xiaojie used various connections...

It's not to say that it had no effect at all. Originally, Wang Xiaojie was at the same level as Heichi Changzhi in the Longyou Army, but now he was promoted to a higher level, below Cheng Wuting and above other generals.

Cheng Wuting is the chief and Wang Xiaojie is the deputy.

Wang Xiaojie was not satisfied with this and wanted to prove to the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty that he, Wang Xiaojie, was more suitable to be the head of the Longyou Army than Cheng Wuting. He also wanted to prove to the late Su Dingfang that he had chosen the wrong person.

Facing another attack from Tubo this time, Wang Xiaojie put all his efforts into it and took the lead.

As a result, a strange scene appeared. Wang Xiaojie had not encountered any enemy since he went to Qinghai Lake.

Neither the slave army of the Arab Empire nor the regular army of Tubo appeared in front of Wang Xiaojie.

Cheng Wuting knew that this battle did not require a quick victory. As long as the defense line was maintained, he could hold off Tubo and delay the Arab Empire.

After fighting for more than half a year, Wang Xiaojie has not made any progress.

Other troops all had more or less records of fighting with the enemy, especially after Cheng Wuting designed to annihilate the black army of the Arab Empire, Cheng Wuting was praised and loved by the generals and soldiers in the army.

This was just a tiny victory, but for the soldiers who had been harassed by this almost cheating black surprise attack army for more than half a year, it was a great thing.

After that, the Tubo army tried to attack the defense line set up by the Tang army. After more than a month of attacks, the Tang army was able to defeat them with advantage.

But Wang Xiaojie's troops still failed to make any progress...

Wang Xiaojie was impatient and could not bear it any longer. He even suspected that Cheng Wuting was secretly playing tricks on him and deliberately suppressing him for fear that he would surpass him as the head coach.

Finally, Wang Xiaojie, unable to bear it any longer, took the initiative to seek an opportunity to fight, but fell into the trap of the Tubo army.

Cheng Wuting did not choose to rescue immediately, but stabilized the defense line first and looked for an opportunity to rescue.

What Cheng Wuting did not expect was that Xi Junmai, who was stationed in Fu'ai City, took the initiative to send troops to rescue Wang Xiaojie.

The Tubo army took the opportunity to attack the city, forcing Xi Junmai to send back for reinforcements.

The Tibetan army intercepted and defeated them on the way, and further captured the city of Fu'e.

As for Wang Xiaojie's army, it was completely wiped out and Wang Xiaojie became a prisoner of Tubo.

Cheng Wuting didn't expect Xi Junmai to disobey his orders at this critical moment...

Cheng Wuting still has a chance to make up for Wang Xiaojie's disobedience to military orders.

But once Xi Junmai made this move, Cheng Wuting could no longer recover.

Cheng Wuting had no choice but to send troops to rescue the besieged Xi Junmai, and then withdraw his troops to Yide Fortress.

Cheng Wuting's battle report was pragmatic and did not record the usual movements of the Tubo army.

But Chen Qingsi already had a certain level of military expertise, and he was able to guess the general situation from just a few words in the battle report.

"Your Majesty, the situation in Qinghai must be stabilized as soon as possible. If Tubo really occupies Qinghai Lake, he can attack Liangzhou and cut off the economic lifeline of the court. He can also attack Shanzhou and go straight to Jincheng to destroy our grain transportation roads. He can also attack Taozhou and go straight to the heart of Qinchuan. By then, Tubo and Daqin will respond to each other from afar, and our army will be in danger."

Li Zhi also knew that the situation was critical, but now the general on whom he relied for his constant victory had died of illness, and the people who had been silently supporting him behind the scenes had also gone to the Western Regions. After much thought, he realized that only Chen Qingsi in front of him could be trusted.

"What do you think, my dear?"

Facing this question, Chen Qingsi thought for a moment and said, "I am willing to lead the troops to fight for Your Majesty and eliminate the villains."

Chen Qingsi transferred many capable generals from Guanzhong and Longyou to the Western Regions.

As for Tubo, because of Qin Ling's death, Chen Qingsi was indeed less wary and thought that Cheng Wuting, Xi Junmai and Wang Xiaojie were enough to deal with it.

But he didn't expect this result. Galdongzan's ability was no less than that of his son Lunqinling.

Apart from him, there is really no one else available in the temple.

"it is good!"

After much thought, Li Zhi decided that only Chen Qingsi could take on this important task.

He doesn't believe in others.

"What kind of people do you need to dispatch? How many soldiers, food, and military equipment do you need? Just tell me the number and I will prepare them for you one by one."

Li Zhi had the courage of a great leader and knew that this was a critical moment.

As long as Chen Qingsi opens his mouth, he will gather all the supplies no matter what means he uses. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Li Zhi said: "My dear minister, please go and prepare. I will first issue an order to recruit strong men from Henan and Hebei for you..."

The Tang Dynasty adopted the system of military service, with soldiers coming from the Zhechoufu in various places.

The Zhechoufu in Guanzhong had the most troops, but some of them were transferred away by Li Ji. Some were still needed to guard the imperial city, and some were left among the people to take charge of agricultural affairs.

Therefore, soldiers for Chen Qingsi had to be recruited from Henan and Hebei.

Chen Qingsi left the palace with a heavy heart.

The Tang army's defeat came at a really bad time.

What he was thinking about was not the war situation, but the affairs of Li Yifu.

Once he goes to war, Li Yifu's affairs will become difficult to handle.

But Li Yifu is only a minor problem after all, while the situation in Qinghai Lake is a major problem.

What he said to Li Zhi was not the slightest bit of exaggeration. Given the current situation, if Qinghai Lake was in the hands of Tubo, the Western Regions would surely be defeated.

Not to mention Li Ji, even if Li Jing came, it would be of no help.

Your rear is unstable, and there is a shortage of food and supplies. How can the soldiers on the front line fight?
Chen Qingsi had no mood to sleep, so he returned home, sorted out his thoughts, and wrote down his requirements.

The next morning, Chen Qingsi called Zhou Kui and said, "Go and invite Huaiying and Mengjiang to come to my house at night. Don't let anyone notice."

After instructing Zhou Kui, Chen Qingsi went to the Ministry of War to report as usual.

At this moment, most people in the Ministry of War knew about the defeat in the Qinghai Lake battle and felt a little uneasy.

After all, Li Ji is no longer in the government, and Su Dingfang is no longer in Longyou.

But Chen Qingsi's calm attitude gave them a dose of reassurance, and they all thought: "We still have Minister Chen!"

Song Lingwen walked into the Ministry of War with some trepidation and met Chen Qingsi in the Shangshu's office.

"Meet Minister Chen!"

Song Lingwen hurriedly saluted.

Chen Qingsi asked: "How is it? How are you spending these days in Beijing?"

Song Lingwen hurriedly said, "Sir, everything is fine. I have done a lot and gained a lot of knowledge."

Chen Qingsi bluntly exposed: "That means you are not valued!"

Song Lingwen's official title was Fenglilang, a minor official of the ninth rank with no fixed job, and he worked in the Ministry of Personnel.

When a department is short of staff, these petty officials with no real work will be temporarily recruited. If they do a good job and are noticed by the department bosses, they will have the opportunity to be transferred to other departments.

Of course, there are also people who do a good job but are not reused.

Song Lingwen has done a lot of things and gained a lot of knowledge, which means that things are still the same as before.

Song Lingwen blushed, feeling very ashamed, and said, "I am unworthy of the Shangshu's respect."

Chen Qingsi waved his hand and said, "A blessing in disguise. I will be leaving for the Qinghai Lake today and I need help. You have unparalleled magical power, and it would be a waste of your talent to stay in the capital and work as a civilian. If you can make up your mind to go with me, it will be a great opportunity."

Song Lingwen said excitedly: "I am willing!"

Chen Qingsi asked: "Don't think about it anymore?"

He remembered that Song Lingwen had also wanted to join the army in his early years, but as the only child in the family, it was not convenient for him to do so.

"I don't want to think about it anymore!" Song Lingwen said, "I read Yang Lingming's "Joining the Army" in Beijing and regretted my decision. Minister Chen appreciated it and was willing to give me this opportunity. How dare I think too much."

"Okay!" Chen Qingsi nodded in satisfaction and said, "Go back and prepare. Then, follow me to the battle."

Song Lingwen said excitedly: "Yes!"

He walked out of the door, thought for a moment and walked back in, saying with some shame: "Minister Chen, can you lend me some coins? I can buy some handy weapons..."

Chen Qingsi asked curiously, "What kind of weapon are you good at?"

Song Lingwen said: "The heavier the better. I am not proficient in martial arts, I only have brute force."

Chen Qingsi thought for a moment, then led Song Lingwen to the backyard, pointed at the Mo Dao on the weapon rack and said, "Try it."

Without thinking, Song Lingwen pulled the Mo Dao out of the weapon rack, shook his hand and said, "It's a little lighter!"

The corner of Chen Qingsi's mouth twitched. No wonder this guy was able to wrestle with the mad bull, throw the mad bull to the ground, and break the bull's cervical vertebrae.

This kind of strength is something that not only a scholar but even a general who can defeat thousands of enemies may not possess.

Song Lingwen shouted loudly and swept his Mo Dao across.

"Pfft!"

There was a sudden sound of breaking air, and the strong wind blew up the dust on the ground.

Song Lingwen wiped the heavy blade with satisfaction and said, "This knife is easy to use, but it's a little light."

Chen Qingsi nodded in satisfaction and said, "Okay, I'll give you a handy Mo Dao."

That night, Chen Qingsi met Di Renjie and Zhang Jianzhi, who were slightly disguised, at home.

Zhang Jianzhi was very casual, while Di Renjie looked serious.

Chen Qingsi smiled and greeted them, "Sit down, everyone. I don't treat you as outsiders. I called you here today because I want to tell you some intimate words that are not as good as the fourth person's..."

He looked at Di Renjie and said, "Huaiying must have guessed that it was me who asked you to investigate Li Chongde."

Di Renjie nodded slightly and said, "The teacher arranged for the students to go to Beijing at this time because of something special. The teacher did not say it clearly, but there was a force pushing the students to pursue Li Chongde, so I had doubts. After receiving the letter, it was confirmed."

Chen Qingsi clapped his hands and said, "I knew I couldn't hide it from you in the end, but I didn't want it to be exposed so early. I have to start from the beginning..."

"Li Yifu, you should know me. I was the one who got rid of him...mainly to save Zhengze, that is, Liu Rengui. At that time, he came to Zhengze to exchange his son for Li Yifu. I thought it was inappropriate. Li Yifu was a treacherous villain, how could he compare to Zhengze? So I designed a plan to get rid of him."

Zhang Jianzhi immediately said: "Li Yifu is a disaster to the country and the people. It is a blessing for the country to be able to get rid of him."

Di Renjie also said: "I know the name of Li Mao, and you have done a great job, sir."

Chen Qingsi said: "When you are in power, you have no choice. If you want to eliminate evil, you must be more calculating than the evildoers and use more ruthless methods. I have also done a lot of things behind the scenes, which are far less glamorous than on the surface."

Zhang Jianzhi didn't take it seriously.

Di Renjie could understand this even more, which was why he applied for a transfer at the earliest because he didn't want to get involved in intrigues too early.

Because he understands and is very smart.

Chen Qingsi continued, "Your Majesty is a great ruler, but he has his shortcomings. He is a bit suspicious. He doesn't dare to over-employ the prime minister, nor does he dare to hand over power to the crown prince too early, so he has to over-employ Empress Wu. You know the harm of foreign relatives. Empress Wu is His Majesty's chess piece to balance the court. We, as ministers, can't persuade him, so we can only let him do it."

"My attitude is very clear. Your Majesty can use Empress Wu to check and balance the imperial court, but you must not repeat the problem of foreign relatives in the Han and Jin dynasties."

"I didn't openly oppose the Wu, but I did a lot of anti-Wu things behind the scenes. General Meng knows this best..."

Chen Qingsi continued, "Empress Wu is really powerful. I have been secretly playing against her for a long time, but I haven't gained much advantage. It's a coincidence that when I was secretly fighting with Empress Wu, I found a man named Wan Guojun..."

(End of this chapter)