Chapter 37: The game of power has only just begun! (Seeking flowers, seeking votes)

"Go to the post station to settle down first, then go call Yu Huatian."

After giving the order, Qin Mu lowered the carriage curtain.

"This servant obeys!"

Wei Zhongxian responded respectfully and withdrew.

On the other side.

After Fang Xuanling returned to his mansion in a hurry, he closed his doors to guests, claiming illness, and would not see anyone, no matter who it was.

He planned to get through this month first, and once everything was calm, he would tell Li Er everything.

Fang Xuanling believed that His Majesty would surely understand his hidden difficulties.

Night fell.

The bustling and noisy Chang'an finally welcomed a moment of tranquility.

The clear Wei River reflected the lights of ten thousand homes, like a beautiful painting.

In a private room at the post station.

Qin Mu stood by the window with his hands behind his back, looking at the magnificent Chang'an.

"It is worthy of being the number one city in the world, but this city will be mine sooner or later."

"Subordinate Yu Huatian pays respects to Your Majesty!"

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared behind Qin Mu, kneeling respectfully on one knee.

"Hmm, get up. How is the situation in Chang'an recently?"

Qin Mu turned slowly and asked softly.

"Your Majesty, according to reports from my secret agents, recently, various Western Region countries such as Gao Chang, the Arabian Empire, and Tuyuhun have all dispatched special envoys to Chang'an, with the goal of learning the Great Tang's advanced technology."

"Besides this, the various countries also intend to marry Great Tang princesses and form marital alliances with the Great Tang."

Yu Huatian recounted the situation in Chang'an to Qin Mu one by one.

"Interesting. It looks like Chang'an will soon become lively."

"How is that old thief Zhangsun Wuji doing recently?"

Qin Mu turned back, his gaze fixed on Yu Huatian.

Yu Huatian felt a jolt in his heart and straightened his posture.

He knew the hatred between Qin Mu and Zhangsun Wuji and dared not be the slightest bit negligent, detailing Zhangsun Wuji's recent situation to Qin Mu.

Ever since that eternal masterpiece was claimed by Zhangsun Chong, the entire Zhangsun family could be said to be riding high.

Zhangsun Wuji had become the most sought-after powerful official in the court and was even designated by Li Er as the foremost meritorious official, his prominence unmatched for a time.

His son, Zhangsun Chong, who only knew how to indulge in pleasure, never dreamed that such a huge pie would fall from the sky, making him the most dazzling figure among the new young nobles of Chang'an.

From then on.

Zhangsun Chong became even more unscrupulous in his indulgence, seeking flowers and asking for willows all day long, and even many women in the capital were eager to throw themselves at him.

The former playboy transformed into a romantic talent; not only did he not receive the slightest criticism, but he was also emulated by a crowd of young masters in Chang'an.

What was even more shocking was that the current Emperor, Li Er, had recently issued an imperial decree betrothing Princess Changle to Zhangsun Chong!

Princess Changle was the youngest daughter most cherished by Li Er and Empress Zhangsun Wugou, regarded as the apple of their eye.

Betrothing her to Zhangsun Chong showed the weight the Zhangsun family held in Li Er's heart.

Zhangsun Chong's future was naturally limitless!

"Heh, it seems Zhangsun Wuji and his son are living quite comfortably."

Qin Mu sneered, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

Thinking back to how he had once been full of passion, only to end up being forced to flee the Great Tang.

Looking back now, it was truly ridiculous.

Just wait!

Li Er, Zhangsun Wuji, and Zhangsun Chong—your good days are about to come to an end.

"Your Majesty, should this subordinate eliminate Zhangsun Wuji?"

Yu Huatian felt the killing intent on Qin Mu and took the initiative to ask.

As a loyal subordinate, clearing away all obstacles for his master was what he should do.

"No need!"

"The game of cat and mouse has only just begun. If I kill him now, wouldn't the fun be greatly reduced?"

"Besides, killing him would affect later plans; there is no need to be so impatient."

Qin Mu shook his head slowly.

Zhangsun Wuji was merely a clown.

Li Er, who stood behind him, was the true target to be dealt with!

"This subordinate understands."

Yu Huatian nodded slightly in understanding.

The Imperial Palace, Ganlu Hall.

"Your Majesty, Minister Fang has returned."

Li Junxian strode in front of Li Er and bowed slightly.

"Oh? Has he finally returned?"

Li Er stopped the brush he was using to review memorials, his expression quite joyful.

"This Xuanling, he really worried me to death. It was just a diplomatic mission to Tibet; why would it be delayed for so many days?"

"Quick! Quickly have him come to the Ganlu Hall; I still have some things I need to ask him about."

Li Er rubbed his hands and stood up, seemingly unable to wait.

Although the Tibetan civil war had ended, what were the specific details? What was the background of that mysterious army that could rival Songtsen Gampo? What was the current situation inside Tibet? These were the things he was most concerned about at the moment.

"Your Majesty, Minister Fang seems to have fallen ill and is currently resting in his mansion. He specifically sent someone to apologize to Your Majesty, saying he cannot come to see Your Majesty in person."

Li Junxian continued.