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Cui Yuqing is a standout among the young talents of the Boling Cui Clan, known for his magnanimous and principled actions, reminiscent of his father. He has gained significant attention from the civil officials, yet being still young, holding the position of a regional deputy is already enviable.
However, as a member of the Cui Clan, who does not aspire for greater heights? Moreover, with Murong Hanzhu distancing herself from Changsun Wuji and supporting Li Zhi, she has gained Li Zhi's favor. Now she holds the titles of Left Cavalry Attendant and Silver Blue Grand Minister, ranking among the Nine Ministers and having direct access to the emperor. Although the Cui Clan is a prestigious family, they still rely on Murong Hanzhu's influence.
In the past, Murong Hanzhu was also a prominent figure within the Cui Clan, a true gem among people. However, due to her infatuation with Guanghua, she abandoned a bright future and married into the Tuguhun. Now she has returned and even brought Guanghua back with her, bestowing her with the title of Korean Lady.
All of this has allowed the Cui Clan to once again recognize Murong Hanzhu's value. Over the past year, she has contributed numerous policies aimed at stabilizing people's livelihoods for Li Zhi. The successful implementation and rapid effects of these policies are largely due to the Boling Cui Clan's support, rallying many noble families to back her efforts.
Cui Dunli initially caught Li Zhi's attention thanks to Murong Hanzhu's mediation, which tightly bound the interests of the Cui Clan with those of Murong Hanzhu.
Murong Hanzhu is not an easily satisfied person; her goal has never been to be a loyal subordinate to anyone. She never intended to be a mere pawn under Changsun Wuji. Upon noticing Changsun Wuji's arrogance towards Li Zhi, she deliberately sought to sow discord between them and decisively chose to align with Li Zhi.
Changsun Wuji may not have opposed this since he lacks imperial ambition. Even if Li Zhi were weak and ineffectual, he would not dare usurp the throne. He merely considers himself a founding hero and takes pride in being an imperial teacher and uncle, wanting to safeguard this unambitious nephew's territory.
However, Li Zhi feels he has grown up and no longer needs Changsun Wuji's nagging. Fearing loss of power, Changsun Wuji constantly tries to control Li Zhi’s thoughts, providing Murong Hanzhu with an opportunity.
To assist Li Zhi in dealing with Changsun Wuji, she must possess sufficient power. Emperor Taizong's Zhenguan Era continually suppressed clan influences, leading to the marginalization and oppression of long-established families like those from Shandong. With Li Zhi now in power, it presents a prime opportunity for many families to rise again.
In such circumstances, what could be easier than helping Li Zhi remove Changsun Wuji to gain his trust and seek benefits for noble families?
Cui Yuqing understands this key point well; after all, Murong Hanzhu is an idol for their generation, and he admires her immensely.
In their eyes, referring to Murong Hanzhu as a hidden gem would not be an exaggeration. If there is any regret regarding Murong Hanzhu, it would naturally be related to Xu Zhen.
Murong Hanzhu's experiences can be described as tumultuous; step by step she returned from the Tuguhun to Tang Dynasty. With her keen political instincts, she boarded Changsun Wuji's ship and entered Li Zhi's inner circle. Now she has become one of Li Zhi's most favored confidantes; all of this is filled with legendary elements.
Of course, this is all under the premise that there is no Xu Zhen!
The Xu Zhen seems to be a natural nemesis of Murong Hanzhu. Despite Murong Hanzhu's meticulous plans, every confrontation with the Xu Zhen ends in failure, making her the most detested figure among the entire civil official group. It is not without reason that the Cui Clan has been fanning the flames.
Cui Yuqing, the young leader of the Cui Clan, naturally harbors an innate aversion towards the Xu Zhen. Therefore, when Luo Hongyi sought him out to discuss strategies, his first thought was to seize the opportunity to drag the Xu Zhen into this matter!
The Xu Zhen has reversed the situation in Tuguhun, stirring up turmoil and becoming the National Master of Tubo, with hundreds of thousands of followers. This news has long reached the Tang Dynasty, and it is said that the current Sovereign personally issued an edict for the Xu Zhen to return to Tang and receive her rewards.
Although the position of National Master is merely a religious title, the Xu Zhen is a pillar of the Tang Army. Even if she were sent to Tuguhun as an envoy, she should not accept the title of National Master from Tuguhun. This act has provoked strong protests from the civil officials, who claim that the Xu Zhen is disloyal and treasonous.
For military officials, however, the Xu Zhen's actions are akin to a single person toppling a nation; it demonstrates both wisdom and bravery. Far from being as sordid as claimed by the civil officials, it enhances Tang's prestige and instills greater respect from Tuguhun.
Li Zhi wants to free himself from Changsun Wuji's interference. In addition to Murong Hanzhu representing a powerful family faction, he naturally requires support from the military. Murong Hanzhu has already learned of Li Zhi's intentions. This time, summoning the Xu Zhen back to the country is a sign that Li Zhi intends to reinstate her and have her succeed Li Jue as the foremost figure in the military!
After this news reached the Cui Clan, many disciples of Cui Clan offered their suggestions; however, there was no effective way to prevent the Xu Zhen from returning or distort her image in Li Zhi's eyes.
Therefore, Cui Yuqing naturally thought this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
If he could cause the Xu Zhen to stumble here, he would be able to resolve Murong Hanzhu's only regret regarding her. Without the Xu Zhen, Li Zhi would have no choice but to comply with Murong Hanzhu’s wishes—this was precisely what these ancient noble families hoped for!
Once he accomplished this monumental feat, his future career would face no obstacles. He could rise to become a favored son of his clan, standing shoulder to shoulder with his idol Murong Hanzhu and perhaps even surpassing him!
Thinking of these wonderful prospects made Cui Yuqing's pale face flush with excitement. Luo Hongyi believed that all members of Cui Clan were cunning strategists. Although Cui Yuqing was still young, he had previously devised many clever strategies and made significant contributions to local governance. Assuming this young man was contemplating strategies again, Luo Hongyi did not interrupt him.
Cui Yuqing pondered for a moment before confidently suggesting to Luo Hongyi: "Do you remember what happened in January?"
Luo Hongyi's eyes suddenly brightened at the words, and he joyfully said, "Could it be that the favor of the past allows this old man to use his old tricks again?"
Cui Yuqing's reminder made Luo Hongyi recall the events from January. The reason they were certain that the information about Xu Zhen was true was entirely because Ashina Helu was not an honest person. Back in January of the Second Year of Yonghui, this old rascal had already caused a stir in Tingzhou.
At that time, Ashina Helu had been appointed by the court as the Left Vanguard General and Governor of Yaoti, gaining considerable popularity. He gathered scattered forces, and his tent grew increasingly prosperous. Initially, upon hearing of Taizong's death, he thought the time was ripe to rebel and planned to attack the Western Province and Tingzhou.
Coincidentally, Cui Yuqing had just taken office in Tingzhou not long before and had been secretly operating to establish the Cui Clan's foundation in Tingzhou, aiming to infiltrate their influence into this strategic stronghold on the western route.
The Cui Clan's influence quickly took root and organized numerous merchant caravans for trade, engaging with major merchants who were all part of noble families. They managed to steal Ashina Helu's ambitious plans and sent them back to Tingzhou.
To gain Luo Hongyi's trust, Cui Yuqing delivered this intelligence to him. Luo Hongyi promptly reported it to the court. At that time, Li Zhi had just ascended to the throne and was beset by internal strife and external threats, making it impossible for him to launch military campaigns. He ordered Interpreter Qiao Baoming to pacify and persuade Ashina Helu.
Qiao Baoming proved to be quite capable and successfully convinced Ashina Helu, leading his eldest son Zhi Yun to serve as a guard officer in the Tang Dynasty, where he was granted the position of Deputy General of the Imperial Guards.
Thus, a crisis was averted, and Luo Hongyi received commendation from the Sovereign. This was during a critical moment when Li Zhi was trying to win people's hearts, so Luo Hongyi's rewards were particularly generous. Consequently, Luo Hongyi regarded Cui Yuqing as his lucky star and right-hand man.
Now that Cui Yuqing brought up past events again, he immediately thought that the situation back then was remarkably similar to today. Although Ashina Helu was about to mobilize troops, Xu Zhen was a great general and Grand Minister with immense prestige among various tribes in the Western Regions.
If Xu Zhen were to mediate and persuade them, Ashina Helu would surely think twice before launching an attack. Furthermore, even if negotiations failed with Xu Zhen, responsibility could be shifted onto her shoulders. After all, with nearly one hundred thousand troops under Ashina Helu's command, if they truly attacked, Tingzhou would be unable to withstand it; it would be better for Xu Zhen to take the blame!
"However... if Ashina Helu goes mad and kills Xu Zhen, that would be a huge problem..." Luo Hongyi thought to himself. But he quickly reassured himself because the civil officials did not have a favorable view of Xu Zhen. If she were killed by the enemy, her prestige would surely incite public outrage, which could then rally resistance against Ashina Helu and boost military morale.
Moreover, after Xu Zhen's death, the Cui Clan would undoubtedly feel grateful towards Luo Hongyi. With their support in his later years, he might still have a chance for resurgence in his career!
After all, he was also a regional governor; if he lacked such cunningness, it would have been impossible for him to hold onto his position for so many years. Regarding Murong Hanzhu's favor and his discord with Xu Zhenzhi, Luo Hongyi was already well aware of everything. Thus, he quickly made up his mind.
The candlelight in the study remained lit until dawn. Luo Hongyi carefully crafted the document, with Cui Yuqing providing guidance by his side. After spending nearly half the night, they finally completed the memorial and sent it back to Chang'an with an urgent courier.
Xu Zhen was unaware that he had been schemed against. Concerned about the safety of the people, he rose early, hurried through his morning routine, and requested to see Luo Hongyi to discuss Ashina Helu's military movements.
Luo Hongyi was eager to lay the groundwork and welcomed this opportunity. Together with Xu Zhen, he summoned the Imperial Guards and requested troops from the Qinghai Army for joint defense. They conducted daily inspections and training, reinforced the city defenses, stockpiled Armor of Blades, gathered warhorses, and recruited militia.
Xu Zhen believed that Luo Hongyi was genuinely committed and capable. Little did he know that Luo was merely placating him, allowing him to gradually integrate into local military affairs. Once the imperial decree was granted, Xu Zhen would be left holding a hot potato!
However, Ashina Helu had already made up his mind to rebel. In early August, Ashina Helu, claiming to be Shabola Khan, captured Golden Ridge City and Pulley County, killing over three thousand soldiers and civilians and seizing countless livestock and supplies.
At this moment, Luo Hongyi was still inspecting the troops with Xu Zhen!
Xu Zhen finally realized something was amiss. Although he had some acquaintance with Cui Yuqing afterward, this official had been accompanying Governor Luo on their inspections every day. However, after the fall of two counties, Xu Zhen began to understand that Luo Hongyi's apparent vigilance was merely a facade. As for his true intentions, Xu Zhen was no sage; he could not decipher them immediately.
Yet he already harbored a vague sense of unease. This Territorial Governor Luo Hongyi was not an ordinary person; perhaps he was targeting Xu Zhen!
Just as Xu Zhen was filled with doubts, the court's decision finally arrived.
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