Chapter 43 Zhangsun Wuji

  After a hearty conversation with his father, Qin Mubai returned to his room to pack some clothes. During this time, he chatted casually with his mother and sister before mounting his horse and leaving home.

  It's been a few months since I arrived in the Tang Dynasty, and Qin Mubai has always felt very good about this family. The strict door wind did not dilute the strong family affection, and the strict father and loving mother had the same deep love for their children, only expressing it in different ways. Moreover, as a concubine's son, he got along well with his two older brothers. There was no internal strife or grudges like those found in some large households, but rather harmony and unity.

  Furthermore, Qin Shu Bao and Liu Shi both looked exactly like their parents from their past lives. Qin Mu Bai naturally took them as his biological parents in his heart without any awkwardness or hesitation, it was so natural.

  Thicker than water, the affection of kinship makes Qin Mubai full of attachment to this family. When facing others outside, he may be a free-spirited vagabond, or an arrogant young master, or even a wicked scoundrel who is both loved and hated by people. However, only when facing his family members does he become simple. He is the son, the younger brother, the older brother - their kin, transparent and simple, that's all.

  Home is like a warm harbor where a wandering boat can rest.

  When riding back to the imperial palace, Qin Mubai's face was filled with smiles, as if he was still savoring the warmth of the brief reunion. He rode straight into the Taiji Palace through the Xuanwu Gate, but the small guard at the gate stopped him: "General Qin, His Majesty has an edict, ordering you to return to camp and then go to the Wude Hall in the Taiji Palace for an audience."

  "Alright, thank you." Qin Mu Bai returned the horse to the stables of the Hundred Riders' Camp and wondered in his heart: I had just met with him this morning, what could be the matter now? This time, the meeting place was changed to the Wude Hall in the central government, rather than the Huangdi's resting palace, the Daming Palace. It seems that it is a more formal meeting... What could be the matter?

  With doubts, Qin Mubai arrived at the Wude Temple. After passing through the transmission, he entered the main hall of the palace where the emperor received foreign ministers and envoys, and under the guidance of the inner attendant, he went straight to the imperial study.

  In the imperial study, apart from Emperor Li Shimin, there were three other people. One of them was someone Qin Mubai knew - Changsun Gan.

  He stood with his hands hanging down on one side of the bookcase, his head lowered, and his eyes cast sideways at Qin Mu Bai. His gaze was quite complex, with a hint of resentment and hatred. Standing next to him was a man who appeared to be in his forties, slightly overweight, wearing a standard purple robe for officials above the third rank, with an official hat on his head, looking neat and tidy, with a humble and obedient demeanor. When he saw Qin Mu Bai enter, he looked at her with a gentle expression, and a kind smile spread across his face.

  At first glance, he seems to be a gentle and affable elder who exerts no pressure whatsoever. However, the glint in his eyes suggests that one should not underestimate him. Although he is introverted and low-key, Qin Mu Bai senses that this person has a profound mind, far from being an ordinary mortal. Especially when he looks at people, his gaze is soft and gentle, devoid of any hostility, entirely unlike Qin Shubao's fierce and murderous stare, yet somehow it makes one feel like they cannot hide their secrets in front of him.

  Those eyes, as gentle as water, yet penetrate everywhere without exception. Unintentionally, they see through others.

  And another person, a relatively fat young man, stood opposite Long Sun Ran. With his hands hanging down, there was no particular expression on his face, and he looked like a well-behaved boy who was listening to teachings with an attentive ear. When Qin Mu Bai came in, the young man nodded and smiled at him, then turned around and bowed his head to the emperor.

  Li Shimin still wore a smile, without showing any imperial majesty, and after Qin Mubai had paid his respects, he said in a familiar tone: "Mubai, I'd like to introduce you to two people - this one is the father of Changsun Sancai, the Minister of Works, Changsun Wuji."

  Qin Mubai's heart trembled slightly: Is this the 'legendary' first minister of Zhenguan - Changsun Wuji?

  It was like this all along!

  Changsun Wuji was the elder brother of Empress Changsun, and thus Emperor Taizong's uncle. He had followed Emperor Taizong throughout his campaigns early in his reign, serving as a key advisor and strategist, and their relationship was extremely close, even closer than brothers. In particular, during the Incident at the Xuanwu Gate, Changsun Wuji was one of the main planners of the action, and it was under his strong urging that Emperor Taizong decided to take preemptive action and kill Crown Prince Li Jiancheng and Prince Li Yuanji.

  Other merits of following the emperor for over twenty years are not recorded, but just the role played by Longsun Wuji at the time of the Xuanwu Gate Incident is enough to make the emperor trust and appreciate him 100% - that directly led to Li Shimin's attainment of the world, what could be more important than this? So Li Shimin said that he was able to attain the world, mostly thanks to the merits of Longsun Wuji.

  Of course, the reason why Changsun Wuji became the first minister of Zhenguan was not only because of his private relationship with the emperor and the Xuanwu Gate Incident. In itself, Changsun Wuji was indeed a learned and talented person who was dedicated to his duties and loyal to the emperor, especially in his meticulous study of the laws of past dynasties, which was a rare talent.

  It's not easy to be an emperor, and it's also hard to find a good minister to assist him. Often those who are capable are not loyal, and those who are loyal are not capable. Someone like Changsun Wuji who is both capable and loyal, and is also a relative of the emperor, why would Emperor Taizong have any reason not to like or heavily use him?

  Thus, it was very natural for Zhangsun Wuji to be at the forefront of all officials and become the chief minister of the Zhenguan era.

  "Your humble servant Qin Mu Bai has seen the Minister of Works, Duke Zhangsun!" Qin Mu Bai bowed deeply and made a ritual gesture. Duke Zhangsun, one of the Three Dukes, also used the same courtesy, bowing his head and returning the salute: "General Qin, no need to be too polite. We are all officials in the same court, with our king present here, we are all equals."

  His words were gentle and humble, without a hint of arrogance or superiority. This made Qin Mu Bai feel that this Long Sun Wu Ji was truly not ordinary!

  A person who is humble and unassuming, yet respected by many, remains low-key and cautious in their interactions with others... This can only prove that this person has refinement, tact, insight, and ability.

  Just then, another thought occurred to me. Changsun Wuji and his son appeared at the same time, and the Emperor summoned me again. What could be the matter? Could it be that Changsun Wuji had already invited his father to come and deal with me?

  "Guards, speak freely in front of me and tell Qin Mubai whatever you want to say!" Li Shimin spoke up.

  "Yes, Your Majesty." Zhangsun Wuji bowed respectfully to Li Shimin and turned around to make a gesture of apology to Qin Mochi, saying: "General Qin, my son is disobedient and has caused you trouble. I am here to apologize on his behalf!"

  "Is this not to belittle my position?" Qin Mu Bai hastily returned the courtesy, feeling a slight surprise in his heart: So that's how it is! ... This Long Sun Wuji may not be making a big deal out of nothing after all! Do I and Long Sun Ruan's small conflict need to be brought before the Emperor to be resolved?

  Li Shimin chuckled and said, "Assistant, it's just a small matter, I've told you not to make such a big fuss about it. Young people, especially those in the military, are hot-blooded and competitive, some friction is inevitable."

  "Your Majesty's words are indeed correct." Changsun Wuji said, "However, if the Crown Prince and General Qin were just having a disagreement in the ordinary army, even if they crippled each other, I would not have interfered. As adults, they should take responsibility for their actions. But they are not in an ordinary army, they are in the Hundred Riders! The Hundred Riders are responsible for protecting Your Majesty's safety! If the leaders of the Hundred Riders do not get along and focus on secretly competing with each other, who will protect Your Majesty? Therefore, I believe that the Hundred Riders cannot tolerate any discord. The Crown Prince is unfilial and has been unruly since childhood. As soon as he entered the army, he disobeyed military rules and regulations and assaulted his superiors, an unpardonable offense! ——You ungrateful son, I have spoken for half a day, and you remain unmoved!"

  "Ah!" Changsun Gan was startled and hastily walked out to kneel before the Emperor: "Your humble subject deserves death, please punish me, Your Majesty!"

  Chang Sun Wuji poured oil on the fire: "Your Majesty, I humbly request that you remove my son from his post as a commander of 100 riders, to avoid burying hidden troubles and harming Your Majesty's future security!"

  "You're making a big deal out of nothing, aren't you?" Li Shimin said with a smile. "Nobody is perfect, who doesn't make mistakes? Especially young people, how can they grow up without making some mistakes? You and I when we were young, didn't we also make mistakes and stumble our way through? Changsun Wuji is young and imperfect, but that's also his advantage. Knowing one's mistakes and being able to change, what a great virtue!"

  Chang Sun Bian was also a clever person, and at this time he hastily turned to Qin Mu Bai, making a proper bow: "General Qin, I have offended military discipline by rushing forward and colliding with the General, and multiple times incited others to make things difficult for the General and secretly slandered the General. Today, I simultaneously acknowledge my mistakes and apologize in front of the General. I hope that the General will be magnanimous and not hold it against me."

  Qin Mubai's forehead couldn't help but drip with a drop of sweat.

  These people, they really know how to put on a show... making such a big deal out of something so trivial. But from this, it can be seen that Li Shimin is indeed a cautious and prudent person with a high sense of propriety. When his own son made a mistake and suffered the consequences, he first thought of taking responsibility himself, in order to eliminate the unfavorable impression of the imperial family and others towards the House of Longsun.

  Show humility and weakness to others, so that they will not be on guard or bear a grudge... what a clever move!

  "Chang Sun Gongzi said so, it's making me blush!" Qin Mu Bai hastily returned the courtesy, "I'm also a newcomer to officialdom and am unfamiliar with everything. Moreover, I'm naturally reckless and rude by nature. If there's anything that's not handled fairly or if I've offended you in any way, please forgive me, Chang Sun Gongzi!"

  "Haha, see? Two excellent young men." Li Shimin burst into hearty laughter.

  Then, others also had a step down. Qin Mubai and Changsun father and son looked at each other and smiled, as if they became friends without fighting. The atmosphere in the room also became much more relaxed.

  .??，！