There have been red and white ceremonies at home, and the family members have made a special trip to the guest's house to answer the gift, which is considered a relatively high-standard "courtesy". Among the gentry class of the Tang Dynasty, it is relatively popular.

So today, Qin Mubai took his sister Shuang'er, went to the palace to call Princess Gaoyang, and went to the homes of many guests to answer the gifts one by one.

When he arrived at the palace, Qin Mubai first found his eldest brother Qin Tong and asked him where King Wei was. Qin Tong said that Wei Wang Zheng and a group of scholars were discussing the revision of the "Kuodi Chronicles" in the Hongwen Pavilion, and it was estimated that they would not leave the palace this morning. Qin Mubai said in his heart This is just right, I will go to other houses first, and then go to King Wei's house last.

By the way, Qin Mubai asked again about the matter of Lanzhou when he was meeting today. Qin Tong said no, he said that in recent days, there has been no public discussion of this matter. However, the eldest grandson Wuji and Chu Suiliang presided over two cabinet prime ministers' meetings and discussed this matter. Because the eldest grandson Wuji was in charge of opposing Lanzhou's continued use of troops, the main peace faction had an absolute advantage. However, at the second meeting, an important figure such as Li Tao in the main battle faction made a statement, making his stand clear and advocating the use of troops in Lanzhou to seek peace through war. The eldest grandson Wuji and Chu Suiliang were also unable to completely suppress him for a while, so it was still to be discussed.

Qin Mubai was secretly relieved in his heart, although Li Tao had always been low-key and cautious, but this time, he had a rare tough posture. This may be somewhat unexpected by Changsun Wuji and others. After all, Li Tao is the chief boss of the Tang Dynasty military circles today, and even the eldest grandson Wuji cannot ignore his opinions.

Killing a Li Tao in the sky somewhat disrupted the deployment of the eldest grandson Wuji.

Qin Mubai thinks about it now, when the emperor secretly transferred Li Tao back to the dynasty, in addition to impeaching the eldest grandson of Chang'an Jiumen, he also had the intention of "erecting enemies" for the eldest grandson Wuji. Because Li Shimin knows very well that Li Tao has always been a neutral position, with a upright temperament, and will never be flattering to anyone. In the early years, when Li Shimin was competing with his brother for the crown prince, Li Tao remained neutral, did not get involved with any prince, and only cared about his own affairs. He didn't even give the emperor's face, so how could he be afraid of the eldest grandson Wuji, and it was impossible for him to stand in the camp of the eldest grandson Wuji under pressure.

Li Shimin wants to delegate power to the eldest grandson Wuji, and test what kind of effect he will have if he assists Li in governing the country; However, he will never let any one person dominate the family and dominate the dynasty alone. Looking at today's court, those who are qualified and capable enough to make a call with the eldest grandson Wuji, if Wei Gong Li Pharmacist does not come back, it is estimated that only Li Tao will be left.

Since the prime ministers of the cabinet have temporarily diverged on this matter, Qin Mubai has secretly put some thoughts at ease. Fortunately, with the support of Li Tao, the military will not be completely suppressed by the eldest grandson Wuji's group of civil ministers.

Qin Tong also said that due to the importance of the First World War in Lanzhou, the imperial court issued an edict ordering Duan Zhixuan, Wei Chi Jingde, Cheng Zhijie and other important generals who were leading troops abroad to recall them and hold a third important meeting to decide on this major military event. It is said that even Wei Zheng, who was sick in bed and almost blind, would be brought in, and perhaps even Fang Xuanling, who was in the same ward as the emperor, would also be invited.

This should be the largest meeting of ministers in recent years. In the past, such meetings were generally presided over by the emperor, and they were the Imperial Council, the highest meeting in the empire.

It can be seen that the eldest grandson Wuji deliberately downplayed the role of Li Tao alone. After the Turkic war, there were few wars in the Tang Dynasty, and the civilian clique gradually occupied the right to speak in the court. The eldest grandson Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, plus the newly stubborn Chu Suiliang, the four of them are enough to suppress Li Tao's voice. Even if Wei Chi Jingde, Cheng Zhijie and others would support Li Tao's proposal, it would be difficult to overshadow the eldest grandson Wuji and his group. Moreover, it is still difficult to say whether Wei Chi Jingxing and Cheng Zhijie will support Li Tao. Although they are all military leaders, they have not committed any offense over the years, and the degree of unity between them is far less than that of these few members of the civilian clique.

Qin Mubai thought about it for a while, with his relationship with Cheng Zhijie, it shouldn't be difficult to convince him; On Wei Chi Jingde's side, he was not too sure; Duan Zhixuan, not very familiar.

After all the calculations, the only ones who can unite are Li Tao, Li Daozong and Cheng Zhijie. Although Li Daozong was the prince, he was restricted by the constraints of Emperor Li Shimin's relatives who were not allowed to interfere too much in politics, and generally did not attend such meetings. Therefore, his role has to be greatly reduced. However, it can allow him to exert his influence and lobby some generals to support the main battle.

After thinking about it, Qin Mubai felt that the current military power above the court was far inferior to that of the civilian official group. The convening of this "quasi-imperial meeting" is likely to be more than auspicious.

Unless, you can wave your magic stroke again and send out one or two strange troops, so that you can defeat the strong with the weak.

How did this strange soldier come out, Qin Mubai thought of a few ways. First, he thought of his old mentor Li Jing, who had retired. Although he has been retired to the court for a long time, his influence among many generals is unmatched. Although he would certainly not attend such a meeting, he could be allowed to come forward and persuade the generals to form a united front. With him in his presence, it will be much easier for the military generals to unite. Even Wei Chi Jingde, who has a hot temper and has always refused to accept anyone, also sold Li Jing a little face. However, Li Jing's willingness to refuse is a problem.

Second, it is the King of Wei. Today, the prestige of King Wei in the court is extremely high, and he has recruited civil and military generals such as Li Daliang and Zhang Liang, who are also going to participate in the imperial meeting. If the King of Wei has made a stand in favor of the main battle, then the comparison of civil and military strength will change somewhat, at least it will not be one-sided.

Third, Qin Mubai very much hoped that Emperor Li Shimin would stand up at this time and support the main battle with a decisive word. After all, this was the grand strategy he had set with Qin Mubai earlier, and he should not shoot himself in the foot and oppose it at this time. However, what made Qin Mubai feel the most uncertain was Li Shimin. It is said that the gentleman's heart is unpredictable, Li Shimin can let the eldest grandson Wuji toss so much in this matter, and the ghost knows what he is thinking in his heart? Could it be that he has already regretted it, and it is not good to break his word and gain weight, so he borrowed the hand of the eldest grandson Wuji to overthrow the national policy he had set himself? It's not impossible!

In short, the next "quasi-imperial meeting" will be a historical turning point in the Tang Dynasty, and it will also be a major turning point in Qin Mubai's life. If he sends troops, then Qin Mubai will have the opportunity to soar into the sky, completely gain a foothold in the court, and gain the right to dialogue with the eldest grandson Wuji on an equal footing; If the marriage lord is given peace, then Qin Mubai can only stay in Chang'an and obediently be his idle horse. From then on, he will gradually fade out of the Datang power group, if the eldest grandson Wuji does not squeeze him far away and suppress him miserably, then there will be ghosts. It is very likely that Qin Mubai will follow in the footsteps of Hou Junji and roll to the border wilderness to be an idle petty official.

This war without gunpowder has begun......

Qin Mubai rode a horse, escorted Princess Gaoyang and Shuang'er's car, and drove out of the imperial city. It feels like I'm going to fight in full gear, and my mood is not relaxed at all.

The group first arrived at the mansion of Wei Gong Li Pharmacist. At the funeral of the demon child, Li Jing, who had inconvenient legs and feet, did not attend, and the appointed disciple Su Dingfang was the representative. Qin Mubai visited today, and the doorman actually blocked and did not let him in, Qin Mubai talked left and right for a long time, but he was not allowed to enter, saying that Wei Gong was unwell and would be contagious, so it was really inconvenient to see guests. said that Princess Gaoyang was a little angry, if Qin Mubai hadn't stopped her, she would have been furious.

Qin Mubai shook his head helplessly, and was about to leave with Princess Gaoyang and Shuang'er. At this time, a person walked out of the house, it was Su Dingfang.

Qin Mubai hurriedly stepped forward to see it and asked, "How is the teacher?" ”

Su Dingfang smiled slightly and said, "Senior brother don't worry, the teacher has taken the medicine and has already fallen asleep." ”

"Well, that's fine." Qin Mubai didn't say much, just nodded.

"Senior brother, I have something to tell you." Su Dingfang stretched out his hand and motioned for Qin Mubai to come closer with him. After standing still, he said, "The teacher knows why you are here, but he will not see you at this time. ”

"yes, I see." Qin Mubai sighed lightly, nodded and said, "The teacher has the thoughts and duties of the teacher, and since he has retired, it is inconvenient for him to take care of the affairs of the court, I understand." I won't force him to be an old man anymore. ”

"Senior brother is a reasonable person, it is best to think like this." Su Dingfang smiled and said, "The teacher has something for me to convey to you." ”

"Senior brother, please speak."

"You've heard this sentence before, plain-hearted, indifferent. In everything, there is no need to overkill, everything just goes with the flow. Su Dingfang said.

After hearing this, Qin Mubai wrinkled his brows and pondered for a long time, not knowing his intentions, so he asked: "Senior brother, does the teacher mean that I should not run around looking for someone to help, and let things develop freely?" ”

The teacher didn't say anything. I've always been unqualified, you know, and I can't think of those things. Su Dingfang smiled meaningfully, "The junior brother is extremely talented and has excellent understanding, and he can understand the deep meaning of the teacher, so I won't mislead you by guessing." ”

"Hmm...... Thank you, brother. Then I'll take my leave. Please say hello to my teacher on my behalf, in addition, my brother went to my house to hang himself for a funeral before, and today my brother also came to return the salute. ”

"Okay, you can go!"

Leaving the Wei Mansion, Princess Gaoyang said angrily: "That bearded old man of Pharmacist Li is really stinky and hard, he actually closed the door and didn't see us, he was angry!" The next time I see him, I have to climb on his head and pull him down a few handfuls of beard! ”

Qin Mubai said with a smile: "If you really dare to do such a thing, I will obey you." ”

Princess Gaoyang smiled and said, "Of course I don't dare, so I have to scold and have a good time!" I know that he is your most respected teacher, so I don't dare to be rude to him! If it weren't for that, I would care what he was doing and plucking his beard! ”

"Haha!"

The three of them went to several more houses one after another, and the eldest grandson Wuji and Chu Suiliang's house also went. Neither of them was at home, but their families received them. Qin Mubai also deliberately avoided meeting with these two in private, and made a special trip to go when they were not at home.

At this time, it was already noon.

The three of them neither returned to the palace nor went home, so they settled lunch in a wine shop to rest for a while, and then made a special trip to the Wei Palace.

When it came to going to King Wei's Mansion, Princess Gaoyang didn't have a good face, and even Shuang'er was not very happy. Princess Gaoyang said that among his many royal brothers, Li Tai is the most hypocritical, although he usually always smiles, but his laughter can make people's hearts chill; Not to mention Shuang'er, Li Tai has never had a good impression of Li Ke, and he can't get rid of him quickly, how can Shuang'er have a good impression of him?

Qin Mubai persuaded them that they were just going to go through the motions, and they didn't have a relationship with them. As soon as you enter the house, you should treat yourself as a mud fetus bodhisattva, and I will deal with everything.

Li Tai, the king of Wei, seemed to be waiting for Qin Mubai in the mansion, and the people on the left and right were completely abandoned, and he sat alone in the main hall waiting for him to come. Seeing Qin Mubai and the other three coming, he got up to greet him with a smile from a distance, and stood under the eaves of the hall and stood with his hands.

"The horse and the royal sister came to visit together, the foolish brother is far away, and he is guilty of sin!"

Qin Mubai smiled and greeted him politely, Shuang'er couldn't help but roll her eyes, and scolded secretly: "Hypocrisy, snobbery!" There are only my brother and princess in my eyes, and I dare to love me as a dead man! ”

"Oh, isn't this Miss Frost? I haven't seen it for a long time, and it's getting more and more beautiful! Haha, she is worthy of being the daughter of Yiguo Gong and Mu Bai's sister-in-law with the same mother! The father and son are well-known beautiful men, and Shuang'er is even more slim and beautiful, and the end is endearing! Li Tai laughed.

Shuang'er pursed her lips and said, "Thank you King Wei", still scolding in her heart. Qin Mubai was also a little funny, and said in his heart that this Li Tai was not ambiguous when he patted his ass, and praised the genes of our Qin family.

After the greetings were over, Li Tai invited everyone to sit down and make tea. The second daughter sat for a while, and Li Tai's wife, Princess Wei, came out to accompany her, and invited the second daughter to ask for flower embroidery and enjoy some grass and flowers, and only Qin Mubai and Li Tai were left in the hall.

Li Tai said that he had never heard of Mubai's elegance and that his attainments in music were unsurpassed, so he invited Qin Mubai to his secret pavilion to enjoy a set of ancient music scores that had only recently arrived. Qin Mubai said that he had sworn not to play music again, but Li Tai hurriedly said that it was okay, just to enjoy the score, and by the way, he asked him to check the authenticity. Qin Mubai knew that he was going to discuss the opportunity with him, so he no longer shirked and followed him to the top of a carved building.

"This place is pure, there is no heaven or earth, but any word comes out of the mouth of the king and into the ear of a certain one." Li Tai unfolded a sheet music and said, "Mu Bai, just teach." ”

"Don't dare to be." Qin Mubai smiled, took a few closer glances at the old music score, and nodded, "It turned out to be the Zheng song of "High Mountains and Flowing Water", which is genuine, but it should be handed down from the Three Kingdoms period, not the version of the pre-Qin period." ”

"I'll just say, Mu Bai is a big expert!" Li Tai smiled and said, "Actually, Xiao Wang thinks that ancient songs may not necessarily be able to win over modern songs. Mu Bai said that he would no longer play music, and Xiao Wang felt very regretful. Not to mention anything else, Xiao Wang really wanted to listen to the song "Lanzhou Hong" that Mu Bai played on Zhongnan Mountain that day. ”

Qin Mubai's heart twitched faintly, his brows twisted slightly, and he said, "That's the demon's legacy." ”

"Oh? Sorry, sorry! Xiao Wang actually had no intention of touching Mu Bai's sad things! I just heard that everyone who went to Zhongnan Mountain that day stained their shirts with tears because they listened to this song played by Mu Bai. Xiao Wang yearned for a while, so he ......" Li Tai hurriedly defended.

Qin Mubai smiled and waved his hand: "Your Highness doesn't have to care, the dead are gone, and you are not a person who can't let go." ”

"That's fine. Mu Bai is a true hero, a great husband, naturally he will not be depressed because of the departure of his beloved. This is also where Xiao Wang can afford you. Fang Jin's Tang Dynasty is troubled in the world, and there are many major events waiting for Mu Bai District! Li Tai said with emotion.

Qin Mubai smiled, thinking that you have been around for most of the day, have you finally gotten to the point? Waiting for your words, I won't take the initiative to mention it, if you can't hold back and provoke the topic first, and then take the initiative, I can take the initiative.

"What does Your Highness mean by 'big things'?" Qin Mubai asked, "Your Highness also knows, and the lowly officials are foreign officials, and they don't know much about the affairs above the court." Could it be that the great things that His Highness said are related to Zaixia? ”

"That's nature." Li Tai squinted his eyes and nodded with a smile, and said, "Eldest Sun Wuji convened a cabinet meeting to discuss the matter of the war and peace in Lanzhou. Do you say, "Has this ever been related to you?" ”

"Oh?" Qin Mubai looked surprised and asked, "Did that ever have a result?" ”

"Although there is no final result yet, the Lord and the faction have already occupied an absolute advantage. If this development continues, Lanzhou will not fight. The court will send envoys to Tibet to discuss and give marriage. Li Tai said.

"Hey......" Qin Mubai shook his head very regretfully, and gently smashed his fist on the table to show his unwillingness and indignation, and sighed, "In this way, all the efforts and efforts in Lanzhou last time have come to naught!" ”

"Yes! The overall plan and military policy of Helong and the Western Regions set by His Majesty before have also become a lie! Li Tai also sighed, shook his head and said, "Although there is a lot of turmoil in my Tang Dynasty now, we still have the strength and confidence to compete with Tubo." However, the eldest grandson Wuji and others only focused on the present and ignored the century-old plan. They only look at the day and the country when they seek things, and they think about their own fame and political achievements, thinking that the country is safe if there is no major event, and they do not want to be long-term. This kind of practice is okay to keep the country into peace, and it is not possible to dominate the industry. ”

"Your Highness's words are to the point." Qin Mubai nodded and said, "Originally, the Lanzhou plan was a great cause that was grand for a hundred years and related to the fortunes of the country and the rise and fall of the nation. Although there will be some poor soldiers who will work hard and lose money for a while, from the perspective of history and the nation, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. At this time, the Tibetans united with Gaochang to fight against me. If I don't give a strong counterattack, the countries of the Western Regions will inevitably follow. At that time, a sweeping wave will be formed, not only will the Western Regions lose all the rivers and dragons, but they will also have to be threatened to the Central Plains. The eldest grandson Wuji and others have to put down this overall national policy just because of the current unrest in the court, I deeply regret it! ”

"Mu Bai, what is the use of your mere regret? You shoulder the main responsibility for Lanzhou's plan, at this time, shouldn't you stand up and stick to the main battle? Li Tai said tentatively.

Qin Mubai shook his head with a wry smile and said, "Your Highness will stop making fun of Qin." Qin has always been self-aware. I'm just a lieutenant general of the Lanzhou Governor's Mansion and Weiwei Yifu, and I don't even have the qualifications to participate in the Imperial Meeting, so what position do I have to talk about, how can I insist on it? ”

"What?" Li Tai was surprised, "Could it be that the eldest grandson Wuji and Chu Suiliang didn't even give you an invitation to attend the meeting?" ”

"Nope." Qin Mubai picked the corners of his mouth and shook his head with a sneer, "They should do this!" ”

"Humph! It's so hateful! Li Tai said hatefully, "Why are the people who should attend the meeting the most excluded?" They are obviously not allowed to disagree with each other and are in charge of the dynasty alone! ”

Qin Mubai was secretly amused, thinking to himself, why don't you show some fox tails? If you don't show it, how do I know that you are my own person, how can I be in cahoots with you?

Just thinking about it, Li Tai slapped the table and said in a deep voice: "Mu Bai, this court is not the court of his eldest grandson Wuji and Chu Suiliang. Although Xiao Wang is not talented, he can still say a few words. I don't have to say, you must attend the third imperial meeting! ”

"Oh?" Qin Mubai made a surprise gesture and hurriedly said, "If King Wei is successful, Qin will be grateful!" ”

"Don't thank me." Li Tai waved his hand and said, "Xiao Wang is also thinking about the overall situation, but you can't let the eldest grandson Wuji have the final say in everything." So where will I be placed? ”

"Well, what Your Highness said is very true. At present, the emperor is sick, and all government affairs are determined by the eldest grandson Wuji and Chu Suiliang. In the long run, there will be no place for those of us to stand. Qin Mubai said, "Although Qin has no aversion to the eldest grandson Wuji and Chu Suiliang, but for Lanzhou Zhan and me, I am not right about things and people, at this time, I must not leave the matter out of the matter." However, even if Qin was able to participate in the Imperial Meeting, after all, he would be soft-spoken. If the King of Wei can stand up and insist on the main battle, then ......"

"Well...... lee Tai's ass shook, and the fox's tail was finally revealed. He chuckled twice and said: "This matter is important, although Xiao Wang also has the right to participate in politics, but ......"

"What, Your Highness has concerns?" Qin Mubai asked.

"It's not a concern." Li Tai smiled bitterly twice and said, "Mu Bai, you are not an outsider, Xiao Wang might as well tell you clearly." As everyone knows, the eldest grandson Wuji is my maternal uncle. He advocates peace, so how can I be so good at advocating peace through war? Isn't that going against him? ”

"Oh......" Qin Mubai smiled meaningfully, "It turns out that His Royal Highness is afraid of offending - the eldest grandson Wuji!" ”

Hearing this, Li Tai's face changed on the spot.