Chapter 511: Taking sides
Lord Cao returned to his mansion and did not rashly go to see Zhao Yushu.
Time was running out and he had not had the chance to discuss a foolproof plan with Du Wu.
According to the previous negotiations between the local forces in Yizhou, they must at least maintain the status and power of their own families. In other words, even if they choose sides, they must stand on the side that is sure to win.
The best scenario would be to see how much extra cake you can eat, such as what Yan Hui promised at that time, to join forces with Tubo to move eastward and swallow up Jiangnan.
As for being completely neutral and sitting on the mountain watching the fight between tigers, that is a joke. No one will let you be neutral. If you must be neutral, then we will support someone who is willing to take sides to replace you. Whether it is Tubo, Chang'an, Dongdu, or even the Liao people, except for the Red Lotus Sect, everyone can fight for their lives to take over Jiannan Road.
You must take sides, and you must do so before the war begins, and you must also eliminate those who don't want to stand on the same side with you in advance.
Lao Cao and Lao Du, the brothers-in-law, are under a lot of pressure.
"Let the two children get closer to Li Kui, but not too close. The most important thing is that before we make all the arrangements, we can't let Li Kui and the angel meet."
Duke Cao listened to the reports from his staff and scholars and temporarily came up with a response plan.
"Yes, this is the only way at the moment. I will arrange it right away."
The scholar bowed and withdrew, and went to arrange how to control this unofficial figure from Chang'an.
Zhao Yushu was being pestered by two young masters to ask for advice on martial arts and entertainment. Both of them were children of officials, and their lives were not as easy as ordinary people. Although they were rich, they had never been to Chang'an. They were full of longing and yearning for Chang'an, the center of the world.
"When the situation is settled, you two can come to Chang'an and enjoy yourself. I will make all the arrangements so that you can enjoy yourself."
"Of course, of course. I will bother you more when the time comes. But now we are in Yizhou, so it is natural for us to host and invite you to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Tianfu."
"Haha, fine. I'll be rude to you."
The three of them were about to leave when the scholar came over and said, "I'm afraid I have to interrupt your fun. Master Du, Lord Du has sent a letter asking you to return home immediately. I'm sorry, Mr. Li, but you may have to wait for fun."
"It's okay. Family matters are more important. Brother Du, we have a long way to go."
"Brother, go back. I'll take Brother Li out for a walk first."
"Master, Mr. Li has come from a long way and must be very tired. It would be better to arrange a place for him to stay and take a shower and rest first."
Cao Xiaonian suddenly realized: "Sir, you are absolutely right. I was wrong. Brother Li, please take a rest first. We will talk about it in the evening."
Cao Xiaonian was no fool. When he saw his master sending both of them away one after another, he knew that his master had other ideas about this visitor from Chang'an, so he took advantage of the situation.
Zhao Yushu knew it well and did not refuse. If he forced to leave now, it would arouse suspicion. But at the same time, he vaguely guessed that Jiannan Jiedushi Du Wu should have known about his arrival and something happened to him that made him feel troubled. Otherwise, if he was a mere fifth-level cultivator and was discovered, he would not have caused the other party to settle down so carefully.
Is he doubting his own identity, or is he afraid of his own identity?
Zhao Yushu temporarily moved into a wing room in Cao's mansion. It was only afternoon now, and he had to find a way to go out in the evening. Fu Yun and the old brothers from Pishan were still waiting for him.
There is no way to do anything else.
Zhao Yushu turned around Kunwu and said, it’s okay, he has plenty of ways.
"Sir Li, you have come from afar. I will host a banquet tonight to welcome you. The Sifang Pavilion (the official guesthouse of the Tang Dynasty) has been cleaned. If you are not used to it, several officials in the city have offered their houses to you."
"Lord Du is thoughtful. Sifang Pavilion is very good."
"Haha, I'll do as Lord Li says. I'm sorry, I don't even know Lord Li's name."
"Li Qi."
Du Wu smacked his lips over the name and couldn't help asking him if he knew Li Kui. Both of these Li family members were very young. This world was indeed ruled by the new generation.
General Sun and General Xue looked at each other, not understanding why Du Wu would suddenly ask such a slightly rude question on the road. When they opened the imperial edict and the flag at the Sifang Pavilion, everything would be clearly written on them. Why was he in a hurry to ask for a name now? Could someone be impersonating him?
Although both of them were military generals, they were more shrewd than ordinary civil officials. They immediately sensed something wrong, exchanged glances, and secretly increased their vigilance.
The Chang'an Angels entered the city with great fanfare and pomp, so naturally no one could hide it. Almost all the forces knew about it at the first moment.
The King of Shu hurriedly changed into his robes, very angry.
"The angel from Chang'an has arrived, why did they notify Du Wu directly? Why didn't they notify me first? Also, why did they find out only after they arrived in Yizhou? Are those scouts stupid enough to come here from such a long distance?"
The old eunuch still smiled calmly, "Don't be upset, Your Highness. Last year, the Emperor went to Jiangnan and did the same thing. The dragon boat was not shown until it entered Jiangning. Haha, don't blame the little guys. Besides, the angel came for official business, so it is reasonable for him to be summoned to the government office to be crowned as a king. Your Highness, calm down and don't lose your composure in front of the angel."
"Hmph, angels, let them jump around for a few more days, let's go!"
Looking at the King of Shu who got into the sedan chair angrily, the old eunuch pulled up a meaningful smile.
Just a few days left.
Zhao Yushu, who had taken a good bath and had a good sleep in Cao's mansion, did not know at this time that the high-level officials in Yizhou were in chaos. The sudden arrival of the angel made the local tyrants a little unsteady. Although there was a plan in place, the sudden appearance of Zhao Yushu, the Li Kui, made the plan a little more variable.
If some people in Chang'an are not satisfied with the person sitting on the dragon throne, can you make some slight changes to your previous decision?
Unfortunately, there is no time to communicate properly now. The most urgent task is to stabilize these two members of the Li family first, and then free up hands to communicate privately. Moreover, we must make sure that the two sides do not meet, otherwise some things in secret will be forced to be brought to the surface. At least with the temperament of the person on the dragon throne, after knowing that other people from the Li family have come to Yizhou, he will definitely force the Yizhou leaders to express their position immediately.
Li Qi read out two imperial edicts in the government office. One was to Du Wu, the governor of Jiannan, praising him for his good governance and rewarding him with a lot of things. He also rewarded his children with a lot of honorary positions. Finally, he hinted to him that Tibet and the Tang Dynasty had been fighting each other for years, so he should not get too close to Tibet.
The second imperial edict was addressed to the King of Shu. Normally, this edict should have been read out at the King of Shu's mansion, but the Emperor explicitly requested the King of Shu to go to the government office to hear it. In other words, this imperial edict was written for everyone to hear.
The meaning of the imperial edict is very simple. All members of the Li family are brothers and no matter what happens, they are all Li family members. The purpose of enfeoffment of kings in various places is to make the Li family united and guard the country left by their ancestors and never let outsiders take advantage of them.
After the imperial edict was concluded, the King of Shu and Du Wu, who were kneeling on the ground, looked at each other subconsciously, with a flash of hostility in their eyes.