Chapter 58: Manipulation (IV)

There are always certain matters in the world that cannot be spoken plainly face to face, for doing so would strip away all dignity; and there are also matters that can only be spoken plainly over wine, for only then can one find peace of mind.
The advantage of drinking is that what is said there need not be taken seriously. In other words, when someone demands you keep a previous promise, you can simply wave your hand and say, “That was said while drunk—it’s not binding!”
Lord Xue, the imperial envoy, understood this perfectly well.
General Gao Xianzhi, the governor of Anxi, hosted a sumptuous banquet at his residence to welcome Lord Xue and his entourage. The intention was partly to foster goodwill and partly to gather information. As a prominent figure from Chang’an, every move Xue made represented an attitude—a stance from the imperial court.
The Crown Prince, Prince Qing, General Gao, Prime Minister Yang Guozhong…
The struggle for power never ceased for a moment; every step taken by any of them could make the land of the Tang Dynasty tremble. It was like a thrilling game of chess, with both sides fighting fiercely, making moves, and experiencing wins and losses. As for who would emerge victorious in the end, it naturally depended on the emperor’s will—his command could even defy fate. Wasn’t this attitude worth Gao Xianzhi exploring actively?
After several obvious probes, Gao Xianzhi came to a rather amusing conclusion—Xue Bo was a complete old fox. Despite being in his twenties and holding only the title of a seventh-rank county magistrate, the descendants trained by the Xue family truly had extraordinary minds.
One thing was certain: Xue Bo had already made his bet, but that didn’t mean the entire Xue family had. For such noble families to thrive from generation to generation, they must not risk everything on one person. Sharing risks evenly and avoiding crises wisely were what these families preferred to do.
“Lord Xue, do you like the songs and dances here?”
Gao Xianzhi raised his cup proudly, toasting from afar.
“Not bad, not bad. I thought the borderlands would be desolate and cold, with biting winds—never expecting to find beautiful songs and exquisite melodies instead!”
Xue Bo lifted his cup in return as a gesture of respect.
“The songs and dances here, under Governor Gao, are no worse than those in Chang’an. To speak disrespectfully, even the performances by the imperial musicians pale in comparison to the elegance of the dancers here.”
Xue Bo took a sip of the fine wine and smiled, “I’ve truly broadened my horizons now. I’m afraid you’ll laugh at me, but I’m starting to feel reluctant to return to Chang’an.”
“Sigh!”

Gao Xianzhi quickly waved his hand and said, “What are you saying, Lord Xue? Chang’an is surrounded by purple magnolias—it’s known as the City of Gold. How can it be compared to the narrow borderlands? Please stop mentioning it.”

Seeing Gao Xianzhi’s cautious attitude, Xue Bo found it amusing. “Oh? General Gao is quite interesting indeed.”

After a brief pause, Xue Bo continued, “I’ve heard that General Gao is skilled at commanding troops, with capable and brave subordinates. General Li, who was sent to the Western Regions not long ago, must have followed General Gao’s teachings.”

With that, Xue Bo glanced at Li Kuo sitting below, his words laced with disdain. Just a minor general without any real foundation—certainly not capable of achieving anything!

Gao Xianzhi beamed with pride and nodded. “General Li is indeed resourceful. He has made great contributions on this mission to Hezhong. General Li, please greet Lord Xue at once.”

Gao Xianzhi gave Li Kuo a slight nod, signaling him to take the initiative in greeting Xue Bo.

Li Kuo was slightly startled upon hearing his name mentioned. He composed himself and bowed to Xue Bo, saying, “Your humble servant greets the imperial envoy. The mission to Hezhong was a strategy decided by His Majesty, and with General Gao’s guidance, I merely fulfilled my duties. I dare not claim credit.”

He had been handling military affairs in Shule when he suddenly received a message from Gao Xianzhi stating that an imperial envoy was coming from Chang’an, ordering all military commanders to head to Kucha. He handed over his responsibilities to his trusted officers and led fifty light cavalry to Kucha City. He had assumed the envoy would be an middle-aged official or an elderly minister with gray hair, but instead, it was a young man just past his twenties.

Xue Bo’s lips curled slightly before he smiled and said, “General Li is far too modest. If such achievements can’t be attributed to military officers, then the rewards and punishments in the Anxi Army are truly unfair, aren’t they? What do you think, General Gao?”

Gao Xianzhi was annoyed by his interference but had no choice but to agree. “Yes, yes. This merit belongs to you. Why involve me?”

“I have a favor to ask. I wonder if the Grand Protector Gao can approve it?” Xue Bo asked loudly, raising his eyebrows.

“Lord Xue, please speak freely. I will do my best to help,” Gao Xianzhi replied with a faint smile.

“I wish to personally participate in the battle against the Arabs in Hezhong!” Xue Bo raised his voice, making a request that shocked everyone.

“Oh, well…” Gao Xianzhi was at a loss for words, his wine cup frozen mid-air. There were indeed examples of civil officials leading troops, but given Xue Bo’s status as an imperial envoy, if anything went wrong in the army, how could Gao Xianzhi explain it to the emperor?

Seeming to read Gao Xianzhi’s thoughts, Xue Bo raised his head and said, “General Gao need not worry about my safety. I believe that with General Li’s protection, nothing will happen to me!”
What? He had even thought ahead to where he would stay temporarily! Gao Xianzhi could only smile bitterly. At this point, what else could he do but agree?
“General Li, do you have any issues? The imperial envoy is of great importance; you must ensure his safety!”
Li Kuo was also shocked. He had already learned from Gao Xianzhi about the plan to march into Hexiang and engage in a decisive battle against the Arabs, but he hadn’t expected the envoy himself to be involved as well.
This envoy really had a fondness for adventure!
“I have no issues. It is my responsibility to ensure the safety of the imperial envoy!”
Though he thought so, Li Kuo had no choice. He wasn’t originally part of Gao Xianzhi’s core group, and if he hesitated over such a minor matter, it would surely diminish his standing in Gao Xianzhi’s eyes.
“Very well then, Lord Xue, you may stay temporarily with the Shule army and march with the Anxi forces to Hexiang!”
Gao Xianzhi wanted to befriend Xue Bo, so this was a good opportunity to do him a favor.
Xue Bo threw his wine cup onto the table and said with enthusiasm, “Sweat glistens on my shoulders as the Hu wine flows; the autumn moon shines over Suiye City. An imperial edict arrives swiftly, ordering the presentation of a sword. I bid farewell to you tonight to conquer Loulan. Under these circumstances, I am willing to act as a centurion and, together with Protector Gao and General Li, help expand the borders of our Tang Dynasty!”
Volume 5: Western Peace