Chapter 256: Secret Envoy from Chang’an

When Du Gu Mingyue’s carriage reached Xianyang County, she realized she didn’t need to go west any further. Inside and outside the county town, there were camels from the Western Regions, people with foreign features and accents, along with noisy cries of vendors and haggling.
In front of a porcelain shop, two foreign merchants were arguing with the shopkeeper.
“This silver was exchanged in Anxi of the Tang Dynasty! How can you refuse to accept it?”
“You’re foreign merchants who understand Chinese—how can you not know the rules? The Tang Dynasty only accepts copper coins and cloth. If you want silver, go to the black market; someone there might want it. At least we won’t accept it.”
As the carriage passed by, the argument faded into the distance. The closer she got to home, the more nervous Mingyue became. But where could Li Qing’an be?
A voice from outside the carriage asked, “Sir, may I ask where your general is? We’re his family, coming from Chang’an.”
“Our general just went to the county office. You should go there to look for him.”
“Thank you. Where is the county office?”
“We don’t know. Ask the locals.”
The butler tried to find a local, but the streets were filled with Sogdian people with blue eyes and high noses, making it difficult to find someone local. At that moment, Mingyue saw two young women coming out of a music shop—apparently a master and her servant, both wearing snow-white dresses. Mingyue, who considered herself beautiful, couldn’t help but marvel at them. She had never seen such beautiful women before—their faces were as exquisite as ice and jade, and their demeanor was so extraordinary that they seemed like immortals untouched by the mundane world. Mingyue suddenly felt as though she had seen one of these women somewhere before, but couldn’t recall where.
“Miss, please wait!”
As the two women passed by the carriage, Mingyue finally couldn’t hold back and called out to them. “Excuse me, miss, where is the county office?”
These two women were naturally Wu Yi and her maid Yu Nu. Wu Yi’s pipa strings had broken, so upon arriving in Xianyang, she had gone to a music shop to get new strings. She had just come out when she encountered Mingyue.
Wu Yi turned to look. The curtain of a nearby carriage was lifted, and a young woman was asking her questions. Seeing Mingyue, Wu Yi was also shocked in silence, thinking, “How can there be such a beautiful woman in the world?”
If Wu Yi’s beauty was like ice and jade, then Mingyue’s was like flowers in full bloom. She wore heavy makeup, yet it didn’t make her seem vulgar. Her beauty was like that of a noble peony—so stunning that it made others feel ashamed in comparison.

For several years since she arrived in the northern court, Wu Yi’s beauty had been renowned there; everyone praised her as the most beautiful woman in the Western Regions. Sometimes, just walking on the streets would cause a stir, forcing her to wear a veil whenever she went out. She was always extremely confident in her own beauty.

Today, when she met Ming Yue, she suddenly realized that there were other beautiful women in the world besides her. Perhaps because they were both stunningly beautiful, Ming Yue’s beauty made Wu Yi feel a sense of kinship. She stopped in her tracks and smiled, “Miss, do you need anything?”

“I’d like to ask how to get to the county government office.”

Wu Yi once had a student who was the daughter of the magistrate of Xianyang County. She also wanted to visit there, so she smiled and said, “What a coincidence! I’m heading there too. I’ll take you! It’s not far; just turn left at the next intersection.”

“If you don’t mind, please get in the carriage. It’s faster to go by carriage.”

After thinking for a moment, Wu Yi smiled and said, “Alright then! I’ll trouble you.”

She and Yu Nu got into the carriage. Yu Nu and Ming Yue’s maid, Cai Yun, sat in the front row, while Wu Yi and Ming Yue sat in the back. The carriage was very elegant, with carpets on the floor and silk curtains on the walls, filled with a faint fragrance coming from incense burners in the corners.

The two exchanged glances and smiled at each other. Wu Yi thought to herself, “Judging from her attire, she must be from a wealthy family or a noble household. I wonder how good her playing is. Since she knows music too, maybe we can become friends.”

Ming Yue also thought to herself, “She seems about my age. Why does there seem to be a hint of sadness in her expression? Such a beautiful woman—could she also have suffered misfortune? I wonder what her name is. If conditions permit, I’d like to get to know her better.”

Ming Yue looked at Wu Yi more closely and found her increasingly familiar. She smiled and said, “Miss, I seem to have seen you before. Did you used to live in the Liyuan courtyard?”

Hearing that she had been recognized, Wu Yi smiled, implying agreement. But Yu Nu in the front row blurted out, “Miss, you’ve got the right person! Our lady is none other than the former Qin Xian!”

“Yu Nu!”

Wu Yi’s expression darkened as she reprimanded her. The era of Qin Xian was long in the past; she no longer wanted to recall it. She had already told Yu Nu not to bring it up. But as soon as she returned to Guanzhong, Yu Nu became overconfident. Yu Nu was so scared that she stuck out her tongue and dared not say another word.

Ming Yue, however, was delighted. “I wondered why you seemed familiar. So you’re Qin Xian! Four years ago on the Mid-Autumn Festival, I heard you play the zither. Your music was like heavenly sounds, and you were like a fairy from the moon palace. I’ve never forgotten it. Miss Qin Xian, why haven’t I heard from you in these two years?”

Wuyi smiled faintly and said, “Tides rise and fall; there will always come a day to retire. The Qin Immortal is a thing of the past. May I ask your name, young lady? How skilled are you at playing the zither?”
All women in Chang’an could play the zither, with the difference lying between excellence and mediocrity. Mingyue was certainly very good at it, but in front of the Qin Immortal, she dared not boast about her skills. Moreover, the Qin Immortal was so famous in Chang’an yet remained low-key. If she boasted about her family background, it would seem vulgar and arrogant. The surname Du Gu was rather sensitive, so Mingyue simply said with a smile, “My surname is Pei. I’m from Chang’an. I’ve studied the zither for a few years and only have a basic understanding of music. What’s your surname?”
“My surname is Jiang.”
“Oh, it’s you, Miss Jiang. Have you always lived in Xianyang?”
“No. I left Chang’an two years ago to go to the Western Regions to learn the local musical instruments. I’m back in the capital now to visit old friends. And you, Miss Pei? Are you here in Xianyang to visit relatives?”
Mingyue nodded, acknowledging it. At that moment, the carriage stopped in front of the county office. Wuyi hesitated for a moment. Although Li Qing’an was inside the office, she wanted to go to the back residence, but she felt embarrassed to ask Mingyue to drive there. So she said with a smile, “I’ve arrived. Thank you for the ride, young lady.”
“I need to get off too.”
The two got out of the carriage one after another and exchanged a few words before preparing to part. Just then, Li Qing’an came out of the county office, escorted by the magistrate of Xianyang.
“General, rest assured. I’ll arrange for the fodder right away and send someone to the military camp within an hour.”
“Then thank you, Magistrate Guo.”
Li Qing’an stepped down the steps. First, he saw Mingyue, and surprise flashed in his eyes. As his gaze swept around, he saw Wuyi and was stunned.
“How are these two together? They shouldn’t know each other! They seem very close. Could it be they’ve accepted each other willingly?”
Surprised, Li Qing’an hesitated. At that moment, Mingyue and Wuyi approached him at the same time, calling out, “Young Master Li!”
The air seemed to freeze in that instant. Both women stared at each other, utterly astonished.
“So you’re Mingyue!”
“So you’re Wuyi!”
They spoke at the same time again, both showing embarrassed expressions. Li Qing’an glanced at Mingyue and then at Wuyi, then suddenly laughed and said, “You two already know each other?”
A complex look flashed in Wuyi’s eyes as she sighed inwardly, “So it’s her. No wonder Young Master Li wants to marry her. She’s truly beautiful and comes from a noble family. Unlike myself, who am alone and a widow with no family support. Alas! There must be a reason. If Young Master Li marries her, it won’t be a disgrace to me either.”

Bright Moon also praised in silence, “So Wu Yi is actually the Qin Immortal. No wonder Lord Li took her to Beiting. Only a fairy-like woman like the Qin Immortal can match a hero like Lord Li.” Knowing of Wu Yi’s tragic background and her continued bondage by a marriage contract, and now learning that she was the Qin Immortal she had admired, Bright Moon felt deep sympathy for her. She stepped forward, took Wu Yi’s hand, and smiled, “So the Qin Immortal is Sister Wu Yi. If one is a fairy in the moonlight, her reputation truly lives up to it.” Wu Yi forced a smile as well and said, “If you said your surname was Dugu, I would have known it was you. But you said your surname is Pei.” “My mother’s surname is Pei,” she replied. Wu Yi nodded. “I should have guessed. Who else but Sister Bright Moon could be such a beautiful woman?” Seeing the two getting along so well, Li Qing’an felt greatly relieved. He had feared they wouldn’t get along at all when they met, but it seemed they could at least maintain a decent relationship, which was enough for now. At that moment, a warhorse rushed over from afar. Bright Moon quickly pulled Wu Yi aside. It was one of Li Qing’an’s personal guards. He dismounted, saluted militarily, and said, “General, there’s a visitor at the camp. Mr. Li asks you to return immediately.” Li Qing’an thought for a moment and immediately realized it must be people sent by Li Heng. He nodded and smiled at Bright Moon, “You and Wu Yi, have a good chat. Later, Wu Yi will take you straight to the camp. You can rest well there. We’ll eat together tonight.” It had been over a year since Bright Moon last saw Li Qing’an, and she had so much to say, but in front of Wu Yi, she didn’t want to show it. So she smiled and said, “Go ahead and take care of your duties! I’ll talk with Sister Wu Yi. I also need her to teach me how to play the zither.” Li Qing’an glanced at Wu Yi again, signaling her to take good care of Bright Moon. Wu Yi understood his meaning and nodded. Li Qing’an mounted his horse, pulled the reins, and galloped out of the city. Wu Yi watched him go until he was out of sight. Now, she had no interest in her students either. She took Bright Moon’s hand and smiled, “Let’s go! I’ll take you back to the camp to meet Lord Li’s precious twin sisters.” They got into Bright Moon’s carriage and slowly headed toward the camp outside the city. …… Li Qing’an rushed all the way to the camp, which was located in a large training ground outside the city. In addition to a thousand cavalry, there were also five thousand camels, loaded with various supplies captured from the Abbasid army. The camels were taken care of by specialized attendants, so aside from the soldiers, there were nearly a thousand camel handlers as well. Li Qing’an rushed to the main tent, dismounted, and a soldier shouted, “The general has arrived!”

As the curtain was lifted, Li Bi stepped out quickly and whispered to Li Qingan, “It’s someone from Prince Liang’s camp.” Prince Liang was none other than Li Hen. Li Qingan hurried into the large tent, where a man was walking back and forth with his hands behind his back. When Li Qingan entered, the man suddenly turned around and said with a smile, “General, how are you?”

Li Qingan was stunned. The man was actually Li Qiu, the son of Li Cong. What was going on? How could Li Qiu be part of Li Hen’s camp? What story lay behind this?

Li Qiu expected Li Qingan’s surprise. He smiled slightly and said, “General, just think about who my biological father is, and you’ll understand.”

Li Qiu’s biological father was the former crown prince, Li Ying. Li Qingan immediately understood. Li Qiu had abandoned Li Cong and turned to Li Hen, apparently betting on him as well.

Li Qingan nodded and waved his hand, saying, “Young prince, please sit.”

Li Qiu sat down, followed by Li Qingan and Li Bi. Li Qingan glanced at Li Bi. He hadn’t told him when Li Qiu had defected to Li Hen.

As if sensing Li Qingan’s thoughts, Li Bi said with a smile, “I just found out too. This matter is kept very secret. Aside from those two, no one else knows, not even the crown prince.”

Li Qiu quickly explained, “Today, I used hunting as an excuse to leave the city. Aside from a few trusted men, no one else knows I’m here.”

At that moment, a bodyguard brought in several cups of tea. Li Qingan said to him with a smile, “Have some hot tea first. We can talk at our leisure.”

The three of them took a sip of tea. Then Li Qiu took out a gold plaque and a letter from his bosom and handed them to Li Qingan, saying, “This is from the young prince for the general.”

The gold plaque was identical to the one Li Qingan originally had, except that the pattern on it had changed to a qilin, and the number engraved below had changed to “1.” This meant Li Qingan had become Li Hen’s top confidant. The original plaque had been seized by the Censorate when he was imprisoned, and this one was a replacement given to him by Li Hen.

Li Qingan picked up the gold plaque, examined it carefully, and placed it safely in his bosom before opening the letter. It was written in Li Hen’s own hand, expressing his desire to return to the eastern palace and asking Li Qingan to support him as before.

Li Qingan nodded silently. After pondering for a moment, he asked Li Qiu, “How is the situation among the princes vying for the throne now? Please tell me, young prince.”

Li Qiu bowed slightly and said, “Since the Eastern Palace fell vacant, various princes have been eyeing it. Among them, Prince Qing, Prince Di, Prince Rong, Prince Yi, Prince Ying, Prince Yong, and Prince Shou stand out the most, each showing their own capabilities. As the Emperor has yet to decide on a successor for the Eastern Palace, all these princes are growing weary. Last year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Prince Yi and Prince Shou complained while drinking, and they were reported to the Emperor. The Emperor ordered them to be beaten; it seems they have little hope now. Later, only five princes—Qing, Di, Rong, Yong, and Ying—seemed likely to take over the Eastern Palace. But Prince Qing, suspected of framing the former crown prince, probably has no chance anymore…”

“Wait!”

Li Qing’an interrupted him, surprised. “You say it was Prince Qing who framed the Crown Prince?”

“That’s indeed the case. This matter also involves the Lady of Guo State.”

Seeing Li Qiu’s strange expression, Li Qing’an guessed he might also be involved and stopped asking further. Instead, he changed the topic: “Since the prince has been exonerated, why isn’t he among them?”

Li Qiu sighed. “The key is that the prince is very low-key. Almost everyone in the court of Chang’an has forgotten about him, so no one includes him.”

“That won’t do!”

Li Qing’an shook his head. “If the prince wants to return to the Eastern Palace, he can’t be too low-key. He must gain the recognition of the court officials. With their support and rising support from the public, he can naturally return to the Eastern Palace. Otherwise, if his reputation is taken by other princes, the Emperor won’t want to revive an old issue.”

“The General speaks well. That’s exactly what I think. But it’s really difficult right now. On the fifth day of the first lunar month, the prince held a banquet at his residence as a test. He invited fifty people, but only five showed up. On the other hand, on the same day, Prince Di invited two hundred people, and over three hundred showed up, including several prime ministers. Everyone seems to favor Prince Di!”

Li Qing’an smiled and turned to ask Li Mi, “What do you think, sir?”

Li Mi had remained silent. When Li Qing’an asked him, he set down his teacup and smiled slightly. “The General is right. The struggle for the throne is like warfare—morale is the most important factor. Right now, Prince Liang has no morale at all, lacking favorable timing, location, and support. The former supporters of the Eastern Palace have been wiped out. Although many have been reinstated, they’ve all pledged loyalty to the new ruler. Without soldiers or generals, they’re extremely weak. To win this struggle, they must use a surprise tactic.”

Speaking of a surprise tactic, Li Qing’an suddenly thought of Yan Zhuang. It was a pity he hadn’t brought him along this time. With him around, any scheme would be possible. But Li Mi was also a formidable figure in history. Let’s see what strategies he has.

“Sir, might you give some hints? Where is this surprise tactic?”

“The surprise tactic is the envoy himself!”

Li Bi stroked his beard and smiled, saying, “The governor has achieved a great victory in Hezhong. Returning now, he will surely become a prominent figure in the court. I suggest that the governor openly visit Prince Liang to make his stance clear. This way, it might attract some of the old supporters of the Eastern Palace faction.”
“That’s absolutely unacceptable!”
Li Qiu quickly objected, “If the great general openly visits Prince Liang, it might displease the emperor, which would be detrimental to him!”
Li Bi shook his head. “Times change! It would indeed be inappropriate to visit back when the Eastern Palace was first dismissed, but now that the truth about the Eastern Palace’s deception has come to light and the Eastern Palace is innocent, if the governor makes his stance clear now, it will only show that he is a loyal subject. The emperor should understand this. Even if he’s slightly displeased, it won’t affect the overall situation. But for Prince Liang, it’s a different matter—it could make him regain prominence. The pros and cons, the governor can weigh them himself.”
Li Qing’an smiled gladly. “Your advice suits my wishes perfectly!”
He then said to Li Qiu, “Please convey a message to Prince Liang on my behalf—tell him I have an entry ceremony in the city tomorrow, and he must attend!”
…
After Li Qiu left, Li Bi smiled at Li Qing’an and asked, “Does the governor understand my deeper meaning?”
Li Qing’an nodded and smiled. “Actually, sir, you’re trying to dispel the emperor’s suspicions, right?”
“That’s exactly right. Although bringing large quantities of gifts to the emperor can win his favor, it’s not enough. That’s why I advise the general to be more assertive upon returning to the capital—such as taking revenge for past grudges to relieve his resentment!”
Li Qing’an wasn’t quite sure what he meant and quickly asked, “Please explain further!”
Li Bi smiled slightly. “After Emperor Gaozu of Han executed Han Xin, Xiao He seized land from the common people on a large scale, ruining his own reputation. When Emperor Qin Shi Huang attacked Chu, Wang Jian led 600,000 troops out of Guanzhong but sent people back to the court five times to demand good farmland. All these are ways to protect oneself. So, I advise the great general to be domineering upon returning to the capital—it’s in the same vein. Only then will the emperor’s suspicions vanish. If the governor behaves respectfully and seeks fame falsely, that’s when real danger arises.”
Li Qing’an laughed heartily and bowed deeply to Li Bi. “I’ve remembered your words. There’s no need to be meek; being bold and firm is exactly my nature.”