Du Ruhui left the palace and went straight back to the Du Residence. It was still early, just past nine in the morning. There was still some time before noon.
It was extremely rare for Du Ruhui to return home so early. When the Jeong Clan learned of Du Ruhui's return, they went to the study to see him and asked, "Husband, what's going on today? Why are you back so early?"
Du Ruhui whispered, "It's nothing. I just had nothing to do, so I came back early."
The Jeong Clan said, "Husband, you can't fool me. Something must have happened for you to come back early. You're the Prime Minister of the court, so how can nothing happen to you? Tell me, is it related to Erlang? Earlier, Hou Junji led an army to the Western Regions, and Gao Shilian went to the Western Regions to take up the post of Jiedushi of the Anxi Protectorate. Although I'm a woman, I know that they're all targeting Erlang. "
Du Ruhui couldn't help but sigh. "I really can't hide it from Madam. The news from the Western Regions says that Erlang defeated Hou Junji's army and captured him alive. Now, the Imperial Court has decided to send an army to suppress Erlang. I left early, so I don't know the specifics. My guess is that His Majesty is personally leading the army. "
"Ah!"
The Jeong Clan immediately became worried.
The Jeong Clan anxiously paced back and forth. "Husband, what do we do now?! You have to know that if the Emperor personally leads the troops into battle, how can our Erlang resist? You're Erlang's father, so you have to think of a way. "
Du Ruhui consoled, "Madam, you have to believe in Erlang. He's been in the Western Regions for so many years, so he's made enough preparations. If he wasn't prepared at all, he wouldn't have declared war on the Imperial Court. "
After a pause, Du Ruhui continued, "We can't help Erlang right now, but what we can help Erlang with is not being nosy. Otherwise, if we make a move, we'll disrupt Erlang's rhythm. We'll stay in the residence and ignore everything else. Starting today, we'll close our doors and decline all visitors. "
The Jeong Clan nodded in agreement.
Although the Jeong Clan was usually quite fierce, they always listened to Du Ruhui when it came to important matters.
Du Ruhui continued, "In addition, during this period of time, there might be rumors in the city about Erlang. Some people might say that Erlang betrayed us. You should pay attention in the manor. Once there was anyone who talked nonsense, they would be beaten to death. We can't control what the people outside say. Our manor will never allow it. "
The Jeong Clan member said, "Don't worry, my husband. I understand."
At this moment, the Jeong Clan had a solemn expression on their faces. Although Du Qi's matter had caused the Du Family's situation to become a little difficult, Du Ruhui and the Jeong Clan did not complain at all. Instead, they felt proud.
Because Du Qi was their son.
Because Du Qi was the most outstanding.
"Reporting!"
At this moment, an attendant entered and bowed, "Patriarch, Zhang Jingping requests an audience."
"Please!"
Du Ruhui ordered.
In the early years, Zhang Jingping was the vice commander of the delinquents, assisting Du Qi in handling matters. After Du Qi resigned, Zhang Jingping also resigned and was no longer the vice commander of the delinquents. Instead, he received a noble title and returned to his original position, which was just a dragon head in Chang 'an.
He managed many wanderers.
His days were leisurely and carefree.
Not long after, Zhang Jingping entered and bowed, "Zhang Jingping pays respect to Prime Minister Du."
Du Ruhui waved his hand and said, "Sit!"
Zhang Jingping thanked him and sat down. At this moment, only Du Ruhui and Zhang Jingping were in the study, because the Jeong Clan had already left when they learned of Zhang Jingping's arrival.
Zhang Jingping got straight to the point. "Prime Minister Du, I came because I heard that Hou Junji is leading soldiers to the Western Regions and that Gao Shilian is the Regional Envoy of the Western Regions, intending to make the Pacifying Western King a figurehead. Today, I received another piece of news that Ping Xiwang had captured Hou Junji and obtained a complete victory. "
"In this matter, I believe that Ping Xiwang must have been involved in a major incident. Even the Emperor might personally lead an army. Now that Ping Xiwang is in trouble, I hope that I can do something to help. "
"Without Ping Xiwang, there would not be today's Zhang Jingping. I plan to go to the Western Regions and serve under Ping Xiwang. "
Zhang Jingping's expression was solemn as he continued, "Because of Ping Xiwang, even if Prime Minister Du has a prominent position in the court, you are still the Prime Minister. The problem is that because Ping Xiwang captured Hou Junji, you can no longer gain the trust of the Emperor. "
"What I mean is, in order to prevent Ping Xiwang from being restrained, you should take your family and follow me out of Chang 'an. Even if there are many spies of the Emperor in Chang 'an, as long as Prime Minister Du is willing to leave Chang' an, I can arrange it. "
Zhang Jingping said, "In short, ensure that Prime Minister Du's family leaves Chang 'an safely."
Du Ruhui immediately laughed and said, "That brat Erlang, what virtue or ability did he have to deserve your loyalty? Speaking of which, Erlang only helped a little. If you, Zhang Jingping, have the ability, that's your business. "
Zhang Jingping said, "Prime Minister Du, I do have some ability among the wanderers and can stir up storms. But from start to finish, I am a wanderer. Because of Ping Xiwang, I can be respected by people and no longer have to be criticized behind my back. On the contrary, countless people are deeply grateful to me. All of this was bestowed by Ping Xiwang. Without Ping Xiwang, I would not have all this. "
After a pause, Zhang Jingping continued, "A gentleman will die for his bosom friend. Ping Xiwang helped me so much. So when Ping Xiwang is in trouble, I will naturally do my part. "
Du Ruhui said, "Erlang, you're lucky!"
Zhang Jingping smiled and did not say anything more. He continued, "Prime Minister Du, just say it, are you willing to leave Chang 'an? As long as you are willing to leave Chang 'an, I will immediately arrange it and guarantee that you will leave without anyone knowing. "
"No!"
Du Ruhui refused, "I will stay in Chang 'an. If Supreme Dragon Head Zhang wants to go to the Western Regions, then go to the Western Regions. "
Zhang Jingping suddenly frowned. With a puzzled look, he said, "Prime Minister Du, you really don't want to go to the Western Regions? You must know that after going to the Western Regions, Ping Xiwang will not be constrained. Now that you stay in Chang 'an, you will be constrained everywhere. Not only you won't be able to obtain the Emperor's trust, Ping Xiwang will also be constrained. "
Du Ruhui said, "I am an official of the Tang dynasty, how can I go to the Western Regions? If I go, that will be the biggest joke in the world. A Prime Minister of a country quietly fleeing, this is definitely inappropriate. You don't need to persuade me. His Majesty trusts me and uses me, I will serve His Majesty. "
After a pause, Du Ruhui continued, "When you go to the Western Regions and see Erlang, tell him that he doesn't need to worry about our safety. The Emperor is here, he can't possibly do anything to us. "
Zhang Jingping did not say anything else. He asked some questions about Du Qi and then left directly.
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