Not long after waiting in the study, Murong Xuan saw this man who originally belonged to King Pei's party.
Zhang Jianzhi was very famous in Chang'an City. It is said that King Wu Chengsi of Zhou once said to those around him that among King Pei's party, there were two talents he admired the most.
One is Yang Wulian, who will be the eunuch, and the other is Zhang Jianzhi.
Now, with the help of Wu Chengsi, these two people have escaped from prison, and they have naturally become Wu Chengsi's subordinates.
Zhang Jianzhi, in particular, was recommended by Wu Chengsi and became a fifth-rank doctor in the Ministry of War. Moreover, he was a close friend of Di Renjie, another confidant of the King of Zhou.
Murong Xuan naturally did not dare to neglect such a person. He raised his hands and said, "Mr. Zhang is here, and the palace is full of glory."
Zhang Jianzhi said: "You didn't disturb General Murong, did you?"
Murong Xuan smiled and said: "What did Mr. Zhang say? Although this is the first time for you and I to meet each other, I have heard of your name for a long time. Come, please sit down."
Zhang Jianzhi did not sit down, but held up his hands and said: "General Murong, Mr. Zhang always speaks more directly, please bear with me. I came to you this time because I have something to ask General Murong for help."
"General Zhang, please speak. As long as I can do my best, I will never refuse."
Zhang Jianzhi took a few steps closer and said: "General Murong must also know that sooner or later the imperial court and the Tubo people will have a war. Although we are still in the preparation stage for the war, I feel that we can send people to inquire about Tibetan information in advance."
What Murong Xuan thought about day and night was to attack the Tibetans and regain their homeland.
Hearing that the imperial court had begun an intelligence war, I was very excited and said loudly: "Whatever Mr. Zhang wants me to do, just ask."
Zhang Jianzhi smiled and said: "Zhang needs a group of talents who understand Tubo dialect and can sneak into the Tubo country without being discovered."
Murong Xuan said without hesitation: "How many do you want? Is a hundred people enough?"
Zhang Jianzhi said: "You don't need that many, forty people are enough."
Murong Xuan said: "No problem, but I need to contact the old headquarters near Qilian Mountain, which will take some time."
Zhang Jianzhi said: "This will help General Murong. Zhang will definitely tell His Highness the King of Zhou about your contribution."
Murong Xuan waved his hand and said: "You're welcome, Mr. Zhang. I, Murong Xuan, am a minister of the Tang Dynasty. It is my duty to serve the imperial court."
Zhang Jianzhi thanked him again, then said goodbye and left the princess mansion.
He did not return to the official residence of the Ministry of War, where he currently lived, but went to Dali Temple. When he arrived at the Dali Temple office, he knocked on the side door and entered.
Although Di Renjie is a young minister, he still lives in the temple office.
Zhang Jianzhi knew him well. He knew that he had a wife and children in his hometown, and he sent most of his monthly salary back to his hometown. He was usually extremely stingy, and they basically didn't want him to pay for the meal.
When he came to the door and knocked on it, Di Renjie said, "Why did you come here so late?"
There was no smile at all on his face, only the words "not welcome" were written on his face.
Zhang Jianzhi didn't care, entered the room from him, sat down on a chair, and said: "I have agreed first, there will be a curfew outside, and I may have to sleep with you tonight."
Di Renjie said numbly: "It's okay to sleep, but I don't care about eating."
Zhang Jianzhi said angrily: "I had already eaten before coming here. Is your problem getting worse?"
As he spoke, he poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip and frowned.
"Why didn't you even put the tea leaves? There is still sand in the water. Could it be the water from the well I passed by when I came in just now?"
Di Renjie ignored his words, crossed his arms and said, "Tell me, why are you coming to me so late?"
Zhang Jianzhi smiled and said, "Can't I come to you if I have nothing to do?"
Di Renjie said coldly: "Stop beating around the bush, you always don't go to the Three Treasures Hall for any reason, don't I know?"
Zhang Jianzhi put away his smile and said with a serious face: "I can't say that there is anything wrong. It's just that I noticed something is wrong with the court recently, so I asked you to ask."
Di Renjie came to sit next to him and poured himself a glass of water, but did not drink it immediately. He said calmly:
"Are you referring to the secret confrontation between Her Royal Highness the Queen and the powerful family?"
Zhang Jianzhi nodded and said:
"As expected, you noticed it. I found out that Her Majesty the Queen was targeting the Guanlong clan. In addition, Her Majesty the Queen was assassinated in Daci'en Temple a few days ago. I'm afraid this matter is not simple, right?"
Di Renjie was silent for a long time and said:
"Although I didn't go to Da Ci'en Temple, I can tell from other people's words that it was not just the Tubo people who assassinated Her Royal Highness the Queen."
Zhang Jianzhi's eyes flickered and he said: "It seems that this matter should be related to these nobles, but why did they want to assassinate the queen?"
Di Renjie picked up the teacup that had been holding it for a while, drank only the top layer of water into his mouth, and said:
"According to my observation, His Royal Highness King Zhou should be investigating something recently, and it is probably related to money."
Zhang Jianzhi thought for a moment and sneered:
"These aristocratic families have always been selfish. It must have been that they were discovered embezzling national wealth. Her Royal Highness the Queen asked His Royal Highness the King of Zhou to investigate, and they retaliated fiercely."
Di Renjie said coldly: "This is just right. Neither Her Royal Highness the Queen nor His Royal Highness King Zhou have a good impression of the noble families. Taking this opportunity to liquidate a group of wealthy families will only be good for the country."
Zhang Jianzhi nodded. He and Di Renjie both came from poor families and hated the rich and powerful.
Moreover, both of them believed that it was extremely unreasonable for Menyin to enter the officialdom and should be completely replaced by the imperial examination, so they were happy to see the family being purged.
After resting for a night in Di Renjie's house, Zhang Jianzhi went home early the next morning to wash himself, then put on his official uniform and went to the Ministry of War to attend the office.
As soon as I arrived at the Ministry of War office, I heard two Ministry of War officials talking in the corridor, and one of them vaguely mentioned the name "Xue Rengui."
Zhang Jianzhi stepped forward quickly and asked: "Master Wang, Master Fu, what are you talking about?"
Both officials saluted him, and one of them said: "I heard that General Xue was escorted back to Chang'an. When he entered the city, the people in the city blocked the road."
Zhang Jianzhi shuddered slightly, nodded and said: "Counting the days, we should arrive in Chang'an City within these two days."
Without saying anything more, he turned around and returned to his office.
After finishing some urgently needed business matters, he stood up and went to the office of Le Sihui, Minister of War.
After Le Sihui saw him, he said, "Mr. Zhang, you don't have to ask, Her Royal Highness the Queen has not yet chosen a candidate to replace General Xue."
In the past few days, Zhang Jianzhi came over every day to ask questions, and Le Sihui was a little afraid of seeing him.
Zhang Jianzhi added: "Le Shangshu, when the weather gets warmer next spring, the Tibetans may raise troops to invade the country. Please inform His Highness to select new generals as soon as possible to take charge of the four towns in Anxi."
Le Sihui said: "Your Majesty has been in poor health recently, and Her Majesty the Queen is in a depressed mood. I already had the courage to report it last time, so we'd better wait patiently."
"Le Shangshu, this matter is related to the national affairs. There must be no negligence. Please remind Her Royal Highness the Queen again!"
Le Sihui pondered for a while, then frowned and said, "There are still a few months until spring begins. Why don't I wait until the New Year is over before I go?"
Zhang Jianzhi said in a deep voice:
"Le Shangshu, the distance from Chang'an City to the Four Towns of Anxi is long, and even if the generals pass, it will take time to get used to the troops. This should happen sooner rather than later."
Seeing that Le Sihui was silent in thought, he added: "The Tubo general Lun Qinling is very scheming and good at fighting. If he finds a loophole in the border defense and takes the opportunity to attack, you and I will not be able to escape the responsibility!"
Le Sihui sighed and said: "Forget it, I will go to meet Her Royal Highness the Queen one more time." After saying that, he stood up and left the room.
Zhang Jianzhi did not leave, but waited in the house.
About half an hour later, Le Sihui came back with a smile on his face and said: "Mr. Zhang, after my persuasion, Her Royal Highness the Queen finally agreed to send someone to replace General Xue."
"Who is it?" Zhang Jianzhi asked hurriedly.
"You Weiwei General Zhang Xuanyu."
Zhang Jianzhi breathed a sigh of relief.
Although Zhang Xuanyu is not as good as Xue Rengui, Su Dingfang and others, he is still a good general. With this person in charge of the four towns of Anxi, you can feel at ease.
After leaving Le Sihui's office, he went to the "Service Department".
There are four departments in the Ministry of War, namely: Ministry of War, Staff Department, Treasury Department, and Driving Department.
Zhang Jianzhi was a doctor in the driving department, in charge of the post office, stable husbandry and other matters.
The Staff Division is in charge of strategic intelligence such as national territory, enemy terrain, and culture.
Zhang Jianzhi went straight to the archives of the Staff Department and read the situation in Tibet in detail. He was immersed in it and spent more than three hours reading it.
The clerk on duty at the archives office saw that it was past noon and Zhang Jianzhi still had not gone to eat. He admired him and came to him carrying a lotus leaf rice dumpling.
"Mr. Zhang, it's too late, would you like to have something to eat?"
Zhang Jianzhi raised his head and said with a smile: "Thank you very much. I just finished reading and will go out to eat."
Putting down the book in his hand, he left the warehouse and went straight out of the imperial city.
Generally, after noon, officials have to go to the Yamen on time and are not allowed to go out at will.
But this is aimed at the lowest level officials.
Zhang Jianzhi was the chief officer of a department, so naturally no one came to take care of him. Moreover, he did not come out to eat, but had other important matters.
After eating a bowl of oily rice on the side of the street and filling up the five internal organs temple, Zhang Jianzhi walked quickly towards Xue Mansion.
He had already asked Di Renjie to find out that after the Xue family's house was sealed off, the Xue family brothers and sisters bought a two-acre new house in Fenglefang.
Following the address, I found the Xue family's new house. I saw a red sign on the door. It was obvious that the move was only a few days away.
Knocked on the door, and the person who opened the door was a young woman. She had a broom in her hand and seemed to be cleaning the yard.
"I am Zhang Jianzhi. I have something to ask you to see General Xue." Zhang Jianzhi cupped his hands and said.
That woman was Xue Yujin. Her pretty face sank and she said, "My father just came back today, and he is still on trial at the Criminal Department."
Zhang Jianzhi said: "I know that General Xue just came back today, but I thought that General Xue's trial will be over soon."
Xue Yujin frowned and stared at him for a while, then said, "Are you an official from the Ministry of Justice?"
"I am the head of the Ministry of War."
Xue Yujin said happily: "Did His Majesty have a new decree and pardon my father's crimes?"
Zhang Jianzhi hurriedly said: "I haven't heard of this."
Xue Yujin's face sank again and said: "Then how do you know that daddy will be back soon?"
Zhang Jianzhi was about to answer.
Suddenly, I heard the sound of horse hoofbeats, and two horses were running towards me from a distance.
Although one of them was wearing gray cloth and looked haggard, his whole body was as straight as a gun. It was Xue Rengui.
Xue Yujin rushed out of the house and said happily: "Dad, brother, you are back!"
Xue Rengui's stern face showed a hint of softness, and he said softly: "Well, I'm back."
Xue Yujin held Xue Rengui's arm, looked around and said, "Hey, where are Brother Wu and Zhi Ying?"
As soon as Xue Rengui returned to Beijing, Wu Chengsi and Li Zhiying informed the brother and sister.
Wu Chengsi was in charge of observing this time. Originally, the brother and sister planned to go to the Criminal Department with him and wait for the outcome of the trial outside.
But Xue Ne said that someone was needed at home in case Erlang, Sanlang, Silang and Wulang of the Xue family suddenly came back. Xue Yujin had to stay at home.
Li Zhiying promised her to help her go there and wait for the results, and would tell her as soon as there was news.
Xue Ne replied: "His Royal Highness the King of Zhou and His Royal Highness the Princess were originally going to come back with us, but His Majesty suddenly issued a decree and summoned them to the palace."
Xue Yujin nodded, and suddenly heard Xue Rengui say: "Jin'er, who is this?"
Without waiting for Xue Yujin's introduction, Zhang Jianshang stepped forward and cupped his hands and said: "I, Zhang Jianzhi, have met General Xue."
"Xue is already a commoner and cannot be called a general." Xue Rengui said lightly.
Suddenly, his eyes sharpened and he stared at Zhang Jianzhi and said, "I seem to have seen you in Prince Pei's Mansion."
Xue Yujin was shocked and angry, and said: "Are you from King Pei's party?"
Zhang Jianzhi smiled bitterly and said nothing.
Xue Ne hurriedly said: "Father, little sister, I have heard rumors in the community that a long history official in Prince Pei's Palace was favored by His Highness King Zhou. That person is named Zhang Jianzhi, and I think it must be him."
Zhang Jianzhi remained silent. No matter how unbearable King Pei was, this behavior of betraying his old master made him feel ashamed.
Xue Rengui nodded and said in a deep voice: "His Royal Highness King Zhou asked you to come?"
Zhang Jianzhi shook his head and said, "I'm here because I want to ask Mr. Xue... Mr. Xue for advice on something."
Xue Yujin suddenly said: "Dad, this man is very powerful. He said you would come back today, but he was right."
Xue Rengui looked at Zhang Jian silently for a while, raised his hand and said: "Please come into the house to talk."
The courtyard of the new house is small but well taken care of.
There are rows of flowers and plants on the left and right, all sent by Li Zhiying, many of which can be used as medicine.
Next to an apricot tree in the west corner, there were stone chairs and benches for entertaining guests. Xue Rengui looked around and said with a smile: "The house is very good, better than the original one!"
The Xue brothers and sisters were secretly happy. Xue Yujin smiled and said: "Dad, brother, you entertain the guests, and I will make tea."
Zhang Jianzhi felt the strong family affection between the three of them, and suddenly felt that he was an intruder in this warm little world.
He always puts business first, and sometimes he is almost unkind, but at this time he took the initiative to hand over his hand and said: "Mr. Xue, I'd better come to visit another day."
Xue Rengui did not try to persuade him to stay, and said: "Is this an official from some yamen? Xue will go visit me another day."
"I'm Zhang Jianzhi, the doctor at the Ministry of War. If Mr. Xue has some free time, I'd like to invite you to the Ministry of War. I have some questions about Tibet and I'd like to ask you for advice."
Xue Rengui cupped his hands and said, "Definitely."
Just as Zhang Jianzhi was about to leave, Xue Yujin suddenly said: "Hey, Mr. Zhang, how did you guess that my father would be back today?"
Zhang Jianzhi smiled slightly and said: "As far as I know, Mr. Xue Langjun is an honest man, and he will admit it no matter what he does. Then the trial of the case will be simple, and only the verdict will be enough."
"Based on Xue Langjun's past achievements and His Highness the King of Zhou's mediation, at most Xue Langjun will be demoted and removed from his post, and he will not be imprisoned."
After explaining, he cupped his hands and left Xue Mansion quickly.
Xue Yujin looked at his back and said in a daze: "This man is so powerful, no wonder Brother Wu wants to take him under his command."
Xue Rengui did not look at Zhang Jianzhi, his eyes were fixed on Xue Yujin, his big calloused hands gently caressed her cheek, and said softly: "Jin'er, our family can survive the crisis this time, thanks to you."
On the way back home, Xue Ne told him everything that happened during this period.
How he himself almost broke up with his sister because of the second daughter of the Wei family, how the Prince of Zhou helped him when the Xue family was sealed, and how he was almost killed when he went to work as a mason.
It can be said that this time the Xue family encountered a catastrophe, and the help from the Zhou Palace was like a timely help, otherwise it would be difficult for the Xue brothers and sisters to persist until he came back.
Although Xue Rengui had previously admired Wu Chengsi for his flexibility in fighting, he had no deep friendship with him.
This time, Prince Zhou's Mansion was willing to help, but he knew it was thanks to the handkerchief between Xue Yujin and Princess Zhou.
Xue Yujin's eyes turned red instantly, and she said angrily: "Why are you saying these things? Really! I am your daughter!"
Xue Rengui had smile lines at the corners of his eyes and said, "Okay, I won't say anything anymore."
Xue Yujin wiped the corners of his eyes and said, "You must be exhausted from the journey. I'll make tea for you." As he said that, he ran quickly to the back room.
Xue Ne came to Xue Rengui and said, "Father, the second brother and the others haven't come back yet. I'm a little worried. Do you want me to go out of the city to pick them up?"
"No need, I have asked someone to send the second, third, fourth and fifth children back to their hometown in Hedong."
Xue Ne was surprised and said: "Although our yard is not as good as the previous house, it is enough for a few brothers to live in. Why do you let them go to your hometown?"
Xue Rengui was silent for a while and said slowly: "Boss, this matter between my father and King Pei, as well as the matter between you and Miss Wei's family, all explain the same truth."
Xue Ne's cheeks turned red and he said, "What are you referring to?"
"A life that is too comfortable will only wear down one's will. Being a father has been too smooth over the years, and my will has slackened unconsciously. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been involved in such a thing because of a horse."
"Although the conditions there in Hedong are a little more difficult, there is nothing wrong with it. If it weren't for your sister, I would have planned to go back to my hometown in Hedong."
Xue Ne hesitated for a moment and asked: "Father, when you went to Prince Pei's Mansion, why didn't you leave immediately after seeing people from Prince Pei's party?"
Xue Rengui sat down on the stone bench and sighed: "I was alone when I went there. King Pei took me to see the "Zhaoye White Dragon". When I saw the horse, I became confused."
"This horse has a fierce temperament. King Pei tried to tame it for several months without success. He also said that as long as someone can tame it, he will give the horse to that person."
Xue Ne snorted: "This is a lie!"
Xue Rengui smiled bitterly and said: "I was so distracted at the time that I didn't realize it. Just when I proposed to try riding this horse, a group of guests came."
"King Pei said he had a banquet, and after the banquet was over, he would let me try riding the white dragon. At that time, my whole heart was tied to the horse, so I attended the banquet in a daze."
Xue Na remained silent.
At this moment, the sound of horses neighing and wheels was heard outside the door, followed immediately by a knock on the door.
When Xue Ne opened the door, his expression changed drastically. He saw a pretty woman standing outside the door, but she was the second young lady of the Wei family.
"What else are you doing here?" Xue Ne's face had bulging veins.
Miss Wei Er bit her lips and said with red eyes: "Xue Lang, I know that I broke your heart that day, but it didn't hurt me. You know, I haven't missed you even a day in these days."
Xue Ne's face was ashen and he said nothing.
Miss Wei Er sobbed: "Are you still unwilling to forgive me? But my father was watching from a distance at that time. If I didn't do that, you wouldn't survive!"
Xue Ne sneered and said nothing. Suddenly, Xue Rengui's voice came over.
"Boss, who is it?"
Miss Wei Er was slightly startled and said, "Has your father come home already?" Then she smiled and said, "That's great, look at what this is?"
As she spoke, she stepped aside. Behind her, several servants were holding a horse. It was the "Zhaoye Bailong" that Xue Rengui got from King Pei and was later sold by Xue Ne.
The white horse seemed to be quite spiritual. It felt that Xue Rengui was in this room and raised its head and neighed loudly.
Xue Rengui's expression in the courtyard changed, and he subconsciously started to walk out the door. He suddenly realized and stopped, letting the white dragon neigh in mourning, but remained motionless.
Xue Ne replied: "Father, the person outside the door is the second young lady of the Wei family. She has brought... Bai Long with her."
Xue Rengui said coldly: "Say something more to her, do you want to make your sister angry again?"
Xue Ne nodded and said indifferently: "You go." Then he closed the door, and the voices of the second lady of the Wei family and Bai Long were blocked out.