During the Wu Zetian regime, in order to launch a war against the Tang Dynasty and obtain a legitimate excuse, the Turkic Khan Mochu declared that if Empress Wu deposed the Li family, he would lead all his tribes to invade.
But Wu Zhou was mainly considering domestic opposition forces, and the threat from foreign races could not influence her plan (at that time, the Tang Empire was not weak enough to rely on foreigners to recognize her).
So the battle of Mochuo attacking Tang broke out for more than ten years. It was not until Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and other forces regained the Li Tang national weapon to support Zhengshuo through a coup, and the relationship between Tang and abruptly began to improve.
In the second year of Jingyun, the relationship between the two countries gradually became peaceful.
At that time, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang knew very well the essence of Mochu's attack on Tang, but he was relieved and favored by the Turks' recognition of Li Tang.
Therefore, Zhang Zhifu mentioned the past with a complimentary attitude in front of Mochu, and there was nothing wrong with it.
Mochuo pondered for a long time and said with some clarity: Is the Tang envoy's secret reference to Wu Zhou?I heard that there was a saying at this time in the Tang Dynasty, "Everyone knows the heart of Xue's family." Is the situation back twenty years ago...
Zhang Zhifu's face suddenly changed. He thought to himself that it was not unreasonable that Mochuo's family could spin on the grassland. He could also understand the problems of the Tang Dynasty from such a distance. After all, Xue Chongxun and Empress Wu were in power at this time, and it had not been made public. All edicts and rewards were still issued in the name of Li Tang.
Mochuo observed Zhang Zhifu's expression with great interest. He gradually felt that the purpose of Tang Envoy coming was becoming clearer and clearer.
Mochu's attitude also changed a little at this time. At first, he was enthusiastic and even flattered because he wanted others, but now he is much calmer.
Seeing that Zhang Zhifu was very cautious, he said before he even admitted it, and said: What does General Manager Zhang mean?The envoy of Tang said clearly that there are no outsiders here. Since you have come, you must have decided to discuss this matter with me. What else can you hesitate now?
After hearing this, Zhang Zhifu said seriously: Khan expected it was good.
Mochu nodded calmly, playing with the old stick in his hand. The stick was inlaid with a small skeleton, which was not as big as a human skull, and it was not known as a bone of an animal, and there were gems embedded around it.
Is General Manager Zhang thinking that we will use the same plan to re-use the Tang army again?But this winter is too cold, and you also see that we are unable to launch a large-scale war, unless we can get a large amount of food, grass, cattle and sheep assistance. Even if such weather is not suitable for marching... I am very surprised that if the Turkic Khanate declares war on the Tang Dynasty, General Manager Zhang will still have a way to give us something?Wouldn't Chang'an say he is acquiring the enemy?
Mochu said.
Zhang Zhifu said in a deep voice: There are not many soldiers, just a small group of elite soldiers need to sneak into the Tang territory. Xue and Princess Taiping are in Huaqing Palace all winter... As long as you kill them, the big thing can be settled!
Huaqing Palace?
Mochuo was stunned for a moment, looked at each other with his sons and brother-in-law, and frowned, General Manager Zhang asked us to send troops to Huaqing Palace?If I remember correctly, the palace is very close to Chang'an in the pass. Not to mention the distance is long, there are also Tang troops stationed in the middle. Where can we go and what will happen if we die?
Zhang Zhifu sneered: If the Turkic cavalry drove straight in one direction, it would naturally be impossible to make it work.But this matter was completely different when Khan and the Tang Dynasty joined forces. His father had agreed with the palace of Li and had contacted famous and powerful friends in Shuofang and other places. He was not a person who had a day or two, but was all trustworthy.With our help, Khan's people are not only guaranteed to supply but also pass the test smoothly. It is not impossible for them to touch the Huaqing Palace without realizing it.This matter is done by Khan, mainly because his father and others cannot find a team that will not leak the news at all.In fact, the number of people required is not too many. From the clans to the gentry officials, we are willing to risk quarrel and exterminate the clan. Why can't Khan take this risk?As long as you succeed, you are a great hero who helped Li Tang restore his country and uphold justice. Isn’t it a small matter that is worth mentioning to obtain food and supplies for the winter from the Tang Dynasty?
Mochuo looked around and said: I was a little moved by Tang Zhi's words. Even if I failed, it would be better for those who entered the tiger's den to die than to endure hunger and cold in the snow.
Zhang Zhifu said: When the Turkic light soldiers arrived at Huaqing Palace and completed their mission, if they could not return, they would surrender to the Tang army on the spot.Next we will try to protect those soldiers and make them eventually return safely.
Mochu asked: How many people are needed?How many Tang soldiers are there in Huaqing Palace to protect the emperor?
Zhang Zhifu said: We still don’t know the specific forces of the Huaqing Palace, and we need further exploration.However, the Yulin Army had only more than 10,000 cavalry in total. Princess Taiping went to the palace outside the city to enjoy himself and not fight, so it was impossible for him to bring too many people there. After Xue returned from Helong, she went to Huaqing Palace to see Princess Taiping, and she would definitely not lead the troops, otherwise she would be suspected of forcing the palace.In this way, the Huaqing Palace's troops are at most one or two thousand cavalry as conventional defense, after all, there is no threat inside the pass.One possible way for our people to discuss is to send a batch of Tang army armor and weapons to Khan, so that your people can pretend to be Tang army and then meet with our officials and generals to secretly seek big things!
Haha... Mochu patted his cane and laughed, "We only need to choose one or two thousand people to go over. I, the Turkic Khanate, control hundreds of thousands of strings. Even if those warriors are killed in battle, it will be no pity."
The people in the big tent felt a little strange when they heard this sentence, and suddenly felt Mochu's cruelty, and they treated their lives as if they were just a joke.
Zhang Zhifu asked: Did Khan agree?
why not?Mochuo looked at his son and Otler, and the father and son looked at each other and laughed as if they were in tune with each other.
When Zhang Zhifu saw their eyes, he thought for a while and emphasized: It is important, I hope Khan will take it with caution.
Mochu said: Later, we will drink blood wine according to the rules on the grassland, and then sign and write the name according to the rules of the Tang Dynasty.
Mochu acted very readily. Indeed, this incident was not an extra risk to them, and it was simply an opportunity.
Even if this matter is not done and is exposed in the middle, losing a little of the troops is not a big deal for Mochuo, and will it cause a sudden relationship tension and a war break out?
That's just right, Mochu can start a war with a legitimate statement and rob property everywhere...
To support the Tang Dynasty and to have the Tang Dynasty’s covenant in hand, it is a foregone conclusion.
Sure enough, he said with a silent smile: My Turkic Khanate has always regarded the Li Tang Dynasty as the main story. Although there are occasional wars, we are always ministers of the Tang Dynasty. Didn’t we still follow the imperial edict of the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty to attack Khitan a few years ago?It is unshirkable to uphold justice!
Zhang Zhifu naturally did not want to argue with him on such issues, and immediately said: Khan's righteousness will definitely not forget the Tang Dynasty royal family.
……
The Turkic Khan tent hit it off and the talk was very close; Zhang Renyuan, who was patrolling and defending the three-shoujiangcheng area, was also quietly contacting his confidants, and a conspiracy was unfolding quietly; and Li Yixun, the Size king of Lingzhou in Shuofang, acted no differently. That day, he cried bitterly in front of Zhang Renyuan, but he did not show his emotions due to this. In people's eyes, he was still a Prince Anle who was far away from the world.
At this time, a small official named Zhou Xian came back from Guanzhong. He was an insignificant person and went to the court to report the news.
Some time ago, the Turks sent envoys to borrow grain from the Tang Dynasty. Zhang Renyuan used the excuse of delaying the matter to ask about the court's opinions and sent a small official from the Qingshui Yamen from Lingzhou to report the news. Now he is back.
But Zhang Renyuan was not in Shuofang Town at this time, and Zhou Xian could not run around without permission, so he had to report the official documents to the government and wait.
It happened that King Size had a banquet at this time, and invited many local officials and gentry. Zhou Xian did not expect that he also received the invitation, and he felt quite flattered. How could an official of his level be qualified to be at the banquet of the Prince's Mansion?
When he thought that it was probably because he had just returned from Chang'an and was a little noble, the palace invited him.
As expected, there were almost no officials of Zhou Xian at the banquet. He knew several superiors in the yamen. Unfortunately, they were not very familiar with him, and some familiar people couldn't even call Zhou Xian's font.
Zhou Xian didn't care. He just wanted to mix in and enjoy the delicious food and wine and watch the singing girls dance.
It was cold outside in the middle of winter, and the weather was not very good. The activities of the nobles were nothing more than listening to music and dancing in the house, without much fun.
When everyone was having fun, a slave suddenly ran in anxiously, rushed straight to the top, and said something in Li Yixun's ear.
Li Yixun's face suddenly changed. The musicians and singers immediately survived when they saw the scene. The guests also became quieter and looked over, curious about what had happened.
Li Yixun said anxiously: Then hurry up and ask the doctor to come over and take a look!
Because the sound in the hall calmed down, everyone heard his words.
Everyone heard this and guessed that someone in the house might have suddenly fallen into an acute illness.
The slave said: The doctors in the mansion have all gone home tonight, so they can only send someone to pick them up immediately.
Is there no doctor in the mansion?Is it too late?Li Yixun asked anxiously.
The slave was timid and did not dare to make a guarantee. At this time, an official among the guests stood up and said: Prince, is there anyone in the house sick?
Zhou Xian also knew the speaker, and he was the boss in his yamen, so he was quite familiar with him.
Li Yixun said sadly: The sick person is the orphan wet nurse. He has been with him for more than 20 years, and the orphan has always regarded her as an elder.More than 20 years ago, my father and brother were unfortunate and close to the withering. The lonely wet nurse took care of her all year round...
The official hurriedly said: I seemed to see Judge Zhou among the guests just now. Can Judge Zhou be there?He knows some medical skills, so it is better to let him show him the emergency before the doctor arrives.
Zhou Xian stood up quickly when he heard this, and respectfully clasped his fists and said: "The Xiaguan is here, but the Xiaguan only understands medical skills and cannot be compared with the imperial doctors in the royal palace. He is only afraid that he is a little unsophisticated..."
Li Yixun said: Oh, what are you talking about now?You should hurry up and give first aid and ask the slave to call the doctor back immediately!
But Wu Zhou was mainly considering domestic opposition forces, and the threat from foreign races could not influence her plan (at that time, the Tang Empire was not weak enough to rely on foreigners to recognize her).
So the battle of Mochuo attacking Tang broke out for more than ten years. It was not until Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and other forces regained the Li Tang national weapon to support Zhengshuo through a coup, and the relationship between Tang and abruptly began to improve.
In the second year of Jingyun, the relationship between the two countries gradually became peaceful.
At that time, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang knew very well the essence of Mochu's attack on Tang, but he was relieved and favored by the Turks' recognition of Li Tang.
Therefore, Zhang Zhifu mentioned the past with a complimentary attitude in front of Mochu, and there was nothing wrong with it.
Mochuo pondered for a long time and said with some clarity: Is the Tang envoy's secret reference to Wu Zhou?I heard that there was a saying at this time in the Tang Dynasty, "Everyone knows the heart of Xue's family." Is the situation back twenty years ago...
Zhang Zhifu's face suddenly changed. He thought to himself that it was not unreasonable that Mochuo's family could spin on the grassland. He could also understand the problems of the Tang Dynasty from such a distance. After all, Xue Chongxun and Empress Wu were in power at this time, and it had not been made public. All edicts and rewards were still issued in the name of Li Tang.
Mochuo observed Zhang Zhifu's expression with great interest. He gradually felt that the purpose of Tang Envoy coming was becoming clearer and clearer.
Mochu's attitude also changed a little at this time. At first, he was enthusiastic and even flattered because he wanted others, but now he is much calmer.
Seeing that Zhang Zhifu was very cautious, he said before he even admitted it, and said: What does General Manager Zhang mean?The envoy of Tang said clearly that there are no outsiders here. Since you have come, you must have decided to discuss this matter with me. What else can you hesitate now?
After hearing this, Zhang Zhifu said seriously: Khan expected it was good.
Mochu nodded calmly, playing with the old stick in his hand. The stick was inlaid with a small skeleton, which was not as big as a human skull, and it was not known as a bone of an animal, and there were gems embedded around it.
Is General Manager Zhang thinking that we will use the same plan to re-use the Tang army again?But this winter is too cold, and you also see that we are unable to launch a large-scale war, unless we can get a large amount of food, grass, cattle and sheep assistance. Even if such weather is not suitable for marching... I am very surprised that if the Turkic Khanate declares war on the Tang Dynasty, General Manager Zhang will still have a way to give us something?Wouldn't Chang'an say he is acquiring the enemy?
Mochu said.
Zhang Zhifu said in a deep voice: There are not many soldiers, just a small group of elite soldiers need to sneak into the Tang territory. Xue and Princess Taiping are in Huaqing Palace all winter... As long as you kill them, the big thing can be settled!
Huaqing Palace?
Mochuo was stunned for a moment, looked at each other with his sons and brother-in-law, and frowned, General Manager Zhang asked us to send troops to Huaqing Palace?If I remember correctly, the palace is very close to Chang'an in the pass. Not to mention the distance is long, there are also Tang troops stationed in the middle. Where can we go and what will happen if we die?
Zhang Zhifu sneered: If the Turkic cavalry drove straight in one direction, it would naturally be impossible to make it work.But this matter was completely different when Khan and the Tang Dynasty joined forces. His father had agreed with the palace of Li and had contacted famous and powerful friends in Shuofang and other places. He was not a person who had a day or two, but was all trustworthy.With our help, Khan's people are not only guaranteed to supply but also pass the test smoothly. It is not impossible for them to touch the Huaqing Palace without realizing it.This matter is done by Khan, mainly because his father and others cannot find a team that will not leak the news at all.In fact, the number of people required is not too many. From the clans to the gentry officials, we are willing to risk quarrel and exterminate the clan. Why can't Khan take this risk?As long as you succeed, you are a great hero who helped Li Tang restore his country and uphold justice. Isn’t it a small matter that is worth mentioning to obtain food and supplies for the winter from the Tang Dynasty?
Mochuo looked around and said: I was a little moved by Tang Zhi's words. Even if I failed, it would be better for those who entered the tiger's den to die than to endure hunger and cold in the snow.
Zhang Zhifu said: When the Turkic light soldiers arrived at Huaqing Palace and completed their mission, if they could not return, they would surrender to the Tang army on the spot.Next we will try to protect those soldiers and make them eventually return safely.
Mochu asked: How many people are needed?How many Tang soldiers are there in Huaqing Palace to protect the emperor?
Zhang Zhifu said: We still don’t know the specific forces of the Huaqing Palace, and we need further exploration.However, the Yulin Army had only more than 10,000 cavalry in total. Princess Taiping went to the palace outside the city to enjoy himself and not fight, so it was impossible for him to bring too many people there. After Xue returned from Helong, she went to Huaqing Palace to see Princess Taiping, and she would definitely not lead the troops, otherwise she would be suspected of forcing the palace.In this way, the Huaqing Palace's troops are at most one or two thousand cavalry as conventional defense, after all, there is no threat inside the pass.One possible way for our people to discuss is to send a batch of Tang army armor and weapons to Khan, so that your people can pretend to be Tang army and then meet with our officials and generals to secretly seek big things!
Haha... Mochu patted his cane and laughed, "We only need to choose one or two thousand people to go over. I, the Turkic Khanate, control hundreds of thousands of strings. Even if those warriors are killed in battle, it will be no pity."
The people in the big tent felt a little strange when they heard this sentence, and suddenly felt Mochu's cruelty, and they treated their lives as if they were just a joke.
Zhang Zhifu asked: Did Khan agree?
why not?Mochuo looked at his son and Otler, and the father and son looked at each other and laughed as if they were in tune with each other.
When Zhang Zhifu saw their eyes, he thought for a while and emphasized: It is important, I hope Khan will take it with caution.
Mochu said: Later, we will drink blood wine according to the rules on the grassland, and then sign and write the name according to the rules of the Tang Dynasty.
Mochu acted very readily. Indeed, this incident was not an extra risk to them, and it was simply an opportunity.
Even if this matter is not done and is exposed in the middle, losing a little of the troops is not a big deal for Mochuo, and will it cause a sudden relationship tension and a war break out?
That's just right, Mochu can start a war with a legitimate statement and rob property everywhere...
To support the Tang Dynasty and to have the Tang Dynasty’s covenant in hand, it is a foregone conclusion.
Sure enough, he said with a silent smile: My Turkic Khanate has always regarded the Li Tang Dynasty as the main story. Although there are occasional wars, we are always ministers of the Tang Dynasty. Didn’t we still follow the imperial edict of the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty to attack Khitan a few years ago?It is unshirkable to uphold justice!
Zhang Zhifu naturally did not want to argue with him on such issues, and immediately said: Khan's righteousness will definitely not forget the Tang Dynasty royal family.
……
The Turkic Khan tent hit it off and the talk was very close; Zhang Renyuan, who was patrolling and defending the three-shoujiangcheng area, was also quietly contacting his confidants, and a conspiracy was unfolding quietly; and Li Yixun, the Size king of Lingzhou in Shuofang, acted no differently. That day, he cried bitterly in front of Zhang Renyuan, but he did not show his emotions due to this. In people's eyes, he was still a Prince Anle who was far away from the world.
At this time, a small official named Zhou Xian came back from Guanzhong. He was an insignificant person and went to the court to report the news.
Some time ago, the Turks sent envoys to borrow grain from the Tang Dynasty. Zhang Renyuan used the excuse of delaying the matter to ask about the court's opinions and sent a small official from the Qingshui Yamen from Lingzhou to report the news. Now he is back.
But Zhang Renyuan was not in Shuofang Town at this time, and Zhou Xian could not run around without permission, so he had to report the official documents to the government and wait.
It happened that King Size had a banquet at this time, and invited many local officials and gentry. Zhou Xian did not expect that he also received the invitation, and he felt quite flattered. How could an official of his level be qualified to be at the banquet of the Prince's Mansion?
When he thought that it was probably because he had just returned from Chang'an and was a little noble, the palace invited him.
As expected, there were almost no officials of Zhou Xian at the banquet. He knew several superiors in the yamen. Unfortunately, they were not very familiar with him, and some familiar people couldn't even call Zhou Xian's font.
Zhou Xian didn't care. He just wanted to mix in and enjoy the delicious food and wine and watch the singing girls dance.
It was cold outside in the middle of winter, and the weather was not very good. The activities of the nobles were nothing more than listening to music and dancing in the house, without much fun.
When everyone was having fun, a slave suddenly ran in anxiously, rushed straight to the top, and said something in Li Yixun's ear.
Li Yixun's face suddenly changed. The musicians and singers immediately survived when they saw the scene. The guests also became quieter and looked over, curious about what had happened.
Li Yixun said anxiously: Then hurry up and ask the doctor to come over and take a look!
Because the sound in the hall calmed down, everyone heard his words.
Everyone heard this and guessed that someone in the house might have suddenly fallen into an acute illness.
The slave said: The doctors in the mansion have all gone home tonight, so they can only send someone to pick them up immediately.
Is there no doctor in the mansion?Is it too late?Li Yixun asked anxiously.
The slave was timid and did not dare to make a guarantee. At this time, an official among the guests stood up and said: Prince, is there anyone in the house sick?
Zhou Xian also knew the speaker, and he was the boss in his yamen, so he was quite familiar with him.
Li Yixun said sadly: The sick person is the orphan wet nurse. He has been with him for more than 20 years, and the orphan has always regarded her as an elder.More than 20 years ago, my father and brother were unfortunate and close to the withering. The lonely wet nurse took care of her all year round...
The official hurriedly said: I seemed to see Judge Zhou among the guests just now. Can Judge Zhou be there?He knows some medical skills, so it is better to let him show him the emergency before the doctor arrives.
Zhou Xian stood up quickly when he heard this, and respectfully clasped his fists and said: "The Xiaguan is here, but the Xiaguan only understands medical skills and cannot be compared with the imperial doctors in the royal palace. He is only afraid that he is a little unsophisticated..."
Li Yixun said: Oh, what are you talking about now?You should hurry up and give first aid and ask the slave to call the doctor back immediately!