After Ma Zhou left the Li Clan, he went straight back to the inn where he was staying. The sky was gradually darkening. After all, it was already late when Ma Zhou went to meet Li Xian. He had spent some time at the Li Residence and some time on his way back to his residence. By now, it was already very close to evening.
Ma Zhou tidied up and waited quietly. To Ma Zhou, waiting wasn't long. He was reading a book and didn't realize time had passed. When there was a knock on the door, an attendant came in and reported that the carriage to welcome Ma Zhou had arrived.
Ma Zhou got up and left the inn. He boarded the carriage and headed towards the Imperial City.
After entering the Imperial City, Ma Zhou went straight to the main hall. Today, Ma Zhou was the main character of the banquet. Therefore, he was sitting on the left side. It had nothing to do with his official position. It was only because Ma Zhou was Du Qi's envoy.
Just this matter alone made Ma Zhou able to sit at the front. After Ma Zhou sat down, his gaze landed on the person opposite him. It was Zhangsun Wuji. When Ma Zhou was in Chang 'an, he had met Zhangsun Wuji. He knew Zhangsun Wuji, but Zhangsun Wuji didn't know him back then.
Ma Zhou saw Zhangsun Wuji staring at him with a hostile gaze, but Ma Zhou just smiled indifferently.
To Ma Zhou, he didn't care at all.
No matter how angry Zhangsun Wuji was, he had to let his son rush to the Western Region as a hostage.
Ma Zhou glanced at the main hall.
Now, there were officials entering one after another. They were all the mainstays of the Tang dynasty. They were all famous people in the imperial court. If it was in the past, when Ma Zhou saw the officials in the main hall, no matter what rank they were, even his father-in-law Li Xian, who was a lower class Rank 5 official, was extremely far away from Ma Zhou. They were all people that Ma Zhou had to look up to.
Today was different. No matter what rank they were, other than the Emperor, Ma Zhou wasn't afraid of anyone. He sat there calmly and waited for Li Shimin's arrival.
At the end of the right side of the main hall, Li Xian sat down.
After all, Li Xian was just an insignificant official in the Ministry of Rites. The Ministry of Rites wasn't a government office that was rich. Therefore, Li Xian was at the back. Coincidentally, he saw Ma Zhou at Li Xian's seat. In fact, the moment Li Xian saw Ma Zhou, his mind went blank.
What was going on?
How did Ma Zhou get to the front?
In the afternoon, when Li Xian and Ma Zhou had a conflict, Li Xian looked down on Ma Zhou. However, at that moment, Ma Zhou was running at the very front.
Li Xian came to attend today's banquet because the Minister of the Ministry of Rites informed him. In fact, Li Xian didn't know the details and didn't ask. Therefore, Li Xian was confused.
When Li Xian was about to ask, a person beside him said, "Brother Li, I think the person at the front is your son-in-law Ma Zhou! When I was in your house that day and we were chatting, Ma Zhou came to visit. But at that time, Ma Zhou was quite down and out and didn't have an official position. Although today he was dressed in gorgeous clothes and looked different. But I heard that His Majesty held a banquet to welcome Ma Zhou. Especially Ma Zhou, I don't know why, but he is the envoy of Ping Xi Wang Du Qi. "
This person was called Zhu You.
They knew each other in the Ministry of Rites. Like Li Xian, he was a doctor of the Ministry of Rites.
Zhu You's words were filled with deep envy. With a smile on his face, he said, "Brother Li, I know you look down on Ma Zhou and think that he's not worthy of marrying your daughter. But look at Ma Zhou now, he's not simple at all. Having a son-in-law like him will be of great help to you. "
Li Xian's cheeks twitched slightly.
At this moment, Li Xian was extremely embarrassed because he had scolded Ma Zhou and thought that Ma Zhou would never be able to make a name for himself in this lifetime. Now that he saw Ma Zhou, Ma Zhou had changed greatly.
Li Xian didn't say anything because he felt embarrassed.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
At this moment, a voice suddenly came from the entrance of the main hall. Accompanied by Tang Zhen's voice, Li Shimin stepped in wearing a dragon robe. Today, Li Shimin had a dignified bearing and was very dignified.
When Li Shimin entered, he glanced at Li Xian who was at the back. In a short time, Li Shimin already knew about Ma Zhou's background. Since there was going to be a banquet to welcome Ma Zhou, Li Shimin naturally had to arrange for people to inquire about Ma Zhou's situation.
From Ma Zhou's birthplace to Ma Zhou's life, as well as Ma Zhou's departure with Wang Ji, Li Shimin was already clear about all the news. Under this premise, Li Shimin could operate better.
Li Shimin entered the main seat and sat down. The civil and military officials of the court bowed to Li Shimin in unison.
Ma Zhou only bowed slightly. Now that he represented Du Qi, he naturally couldn't lose face.
Li Shimin let everyone take their seats. With a smile on his face, he said seriously, "Tonight, We will host a banquet to welcome Ma Zhou. Ma Zhou is the envoy of Ping Xi Wang, Du Qi. He specially came to deliver Du Qi's letter of credence. Du Qi established the country in the Western Region as Xia, and called himself King Xia. He also respects the Tang dynasty as his sovereign state. "
This news had actually spread long ago.
Many people knew about it.
The officials of the court didn't find it surprising.
Li Shimin continued, "Ma Zhou's talent is outstanding and very good. Come, let's toast to Ma Zhou. "
As he spoke, Li Shimin raised his cup to toast Ma Zhou.
The rest followed suit.
Everyone toasted Ma Zhou, but when Li Xian raised his cup, he felt sour in his heart. He had worked in the Ministry of Rites all his life. Relying on his cautiousness, he finally became the director of the Ministry of Rites, a Secondary Grade Five official. This had exhausted Li Xian's ability. Even so, Li Xian had never been received by Li Shimin alone, let alone enjoy Ma Zhou's treatment. Li Shimin hosted a banquet to welcome Ma Zhou alone.
At this moment, Li Xian was regretting.
When he met Ma Zhou in the afternoon, he looked down on Ma Zhou. But the Ma Zhou in front of him was so dazzling and shining. Such a Ma Zhou really made Li Xian regret in his heart.
Ma Zhou raised his cup and drank a cup of wine, saying, "Your Majesty hosted a banquet to welcome Ma Zhou. Ma Zhou is very grateful. But Your Majesty said that my talent is outstanding, which is a little flattering to Ma Zhou. Compared to Emperor Xia, my insignificant talent is not worth mentioning. "
"Back then, Emperor Xia followed Your Majesty at a young age and helped Your Majesty to quell the rebels in the world, which made Your Majesty have no worries. Compared to Emperor Xia, Ma Zhou is really ashamed! "
When these words came out, many people's expressions changed.
Especially Zhangsun Wuji, who was even more furious. Because after the war in the West Region, his son had to go to the West Region and fell into Du Qi's hands as a hostage. The situation was not good.
Zhangsun Wuji snorted and said, "Heroes are created by circumstances. Saying that he is smart is just so-so."
When Du Qi was mentioned, Zhangsun Wuji could not hold it in anymore. When Zhangsun Wuji said these words, he looked at Du Ruhui who was opposite him. Du Ruhui also attended the banquet tonight. Logically speaking, Du Ruhui should have resigned, but Li Shimin did not allow it. Moreover, Du Ruhui was invited to this banquet.
But Du Ruhui only cared about drinking. After a cup of wine, he was like an old monk in meditation.
There was no change.
It was as if the surrounding environment had nothing to do with Du Ruhui.
Ma Zhou noticed Du Ruhui. He was thinking about how to settle Du Ruhui's matter. If he let Du Ruhui go to the West Region, Du Ruhui would definitely not be willing. But if he let Du Ruhui stay in Chang 'an, he could see that Du Ruhui was not successful. Or rather, it was not that Du Ruhui was not successful. It was just that Du Ruhui was stuck in the middle and was in a difficult position.
On one side was his son, and on the other side was the Emperor.
Ma Zhou pondered in his heart. When he returned to the West Region, he had to report this matter to Du Qi.
Ma Zhou's thoughts turned and he had already stood up. His gaze fell on Zhangsun Wuji. In terms of status, Ma Zhou could not compare with Zhangsun Wuji. But when it came to Du Qi, Ma Zhou was not afraid of Zhangsun Wuji. Especially in front of the nobles of the Tang dynasty. Ma Zhou wanted to use this opportunity to spread Du Qi's name.
Let people know about Du Qi.
Let people be fearful of Du Qi.
This was Ma Zhou's responsibility as an envoy.
Ma Zhou smiled and said, "You are wrong, Duke of Qi."
Duke of Qi was Zhangsun Wuji's title. Now, Zhangsun Wuji no longer had any official position. He was just a scattered official. Hence, Ma Zhou addressed him as Duke of Qi.
Zhangsun Wuji thought that he could not win against Du Qi with just his words. But Ma Zhou, who was born in a humble family, was nothing to be afraid of. Hence, Zhangsun Wuji said, "Ma Zhou, why do you say so?"
Ma Zhou opened his mouth and said, "Duke of Qi, you said that the times create heroes. Let me elaborate on it."
"When Emperor Xia was doing business in Chang 'an, was there anyone who specialized in tea, cooking restaurants, or Xinhua Wenxuan bookstore and newspaper?"
"No!"
"Emperor Xia is a pioneer. From nothing, he blazed a path through thorns and thistles."
Ma Zhou spoke with assurance and continued, "Let's talk about the west region. Li Daen was resisting the Tujue in the north. He fought with the Tujue several times but was suppressed by Xieli Khan. The situation was not stable. Li Daen even asked for help from the imperial court, hoping that the imperial court could resist the Tujue. In fact, the imperial court had no choice but to send Emperor Xia as an envoy to the Tujue. "
"After Emperor Xia went as an envoy to the Tujue, he set up an ambush at Yanmen Pass. With the help of Li Daen's military strength, he annihilated almost one hundred thousand Tujue troops, causing great damage to the Tujue's vitality."
"Before Emperor Xia, was there anyone who could plan this?"
"Without Emperor Xia, could others have done it?"
Ma Zhou's eyes were sharp and his words were reasonable. Even if Zhangsun Wuji heard it, he frowned. This was because the things that Ma Zhou listed were irrefutable.
Du Ruhui sat like an old monk in meditation. However, his eyes were slightly open and there was a smile on his face. This was because the things that Ma Zhou mentioned were all his son's achievements.
He was proud of Du Qi.
As Du Qi's father, he was proud of him.
Many officials in the imperial court had different thoughts when they heard Ma Zhou's words. Li Xian's feelings were undoubtedly the most complicated. This was because when Ma Zhou and Li You returned home, the Ma Zhou at that time appeared to be dull and simple. He did not show any signs of being at ease.
The Ma Zhou in front of him was calm and composed. His words were neither servile nor overbearing. He was in high spirits and made people admire him. Ma Zhou did not care about what others thought. He only cared about his own thoughts.
Ma Zhou shook his sleeves and said, "One more thing. This is what I heard from the people around Emperor Xia."
"In the war against Liu Heita in Hebei, Luo Shixin and Li Daoxuan died in battle. There were even many generals who died on the battlefield. "
"It was a huge loss."
"Unfortunately, the hidden crown prince, Li Jiancheng, was aggressive. He framed and restrained His Majesty. As a result, His Majesty was helpless and was in a difficult situation. He sent a letter to Emperor Xia to invite him to Hebei. "
"Because of Emperor Xia's plan, Mingshui County was easily broken and Liu Heita's army was annihilated. At that time, Duke of Qi and the rest were there. Why couldn't they resolve the situation? "
Ma Zhou stared at Zhangsun Wuji and said, "Regardless of the reason why Duke of Qi and the rest were sent away, you could have secretly sent a letter to His Majesty. However, you could not resolve the situation. It was only after Emperor Xia went that the situation was reversed."
"Let's not talk about the distant matters. Let's talk about the recent matters."
"The Western Turks were tyrannical. They had seventy thousand men. However, they were completely annihilated in front of Emperor Xia."
"Is this a hero created by the times?"
"It's not a hero created by the times. It's Emperor Xia's great talent, wisdom and courage that allowed him to rise step by step. That's why he could achieve victory so easily."
Ma Zhou said seriously, "On the other hand, Duke of Qi, you followed His Majesty. Even though you gave advice to His Majesty, Duke of Qi, how many plans did His Majesty have? But Duke of Qi has planned so many things. You are a hero created by the times. If His Majesty was not a great talent and wise leader, Zhangsun Wuji would not have been able to achieve such a feat. If that was the case, then you, Zhangsun Wuji, wouldn't have been able to achieve what you have today. For a person like Emperor Xia, no matter the time and place, he would be like an awl in a bag. He would immediately appear. "
Zhangsun Wuji's cheeks twitched. He felt that his face was slapped. He had seen Du Qi's mouth. It was extremely powerful. Ma Zhou in front of him had Du Qi's style.
Zhangsun Wuji said, "No matter what, Du Qi established his own country and did not obey His Majesty's orders. Such people were all ambitious wolves. If not, he would not have started a war with the imperial court. "
"Hahaha …"
Upon hearing this, Ma Zhou could not help but laugh.
His laughter was filled with disdain.
After a while, Ma Zhou stopped laughing. He stared at Zhangsun Wuji and said, "The western region was originally a land without a master. Emperor Xia used great perseverance and methods to expand the territory. Moreover, His Majesty had promised that as long as Emperor Xia could take over the area, it would be Emperor Xia's country. "
"Even now, Emperor Xia established his own country and submitted to His Majesty that it would still be a vassal state of the Tang dynasty. He would still recognize the Tang dynasty as his sovereign state. This shows the sincerity of Emperor Xia."
"On the other hand, Duke of Qi, you were jealous of Emperor Xia's wealth. You were jealous of Emperor Xia's wealth. Now, you are targeting Emperor Xia. Because there are people like you who sow discord in the imperial court, His Majesty and Emperor Xia had conflicts. "
"If it wasn't for you, Zhangsun Wuji, things would not have turned out this way. If a country is not a country, the country's fortune will be damaged. Originally, the Tang dynasty was at the peak of its power. Now that it is at war with Emperor Xia, it has caused the Tang dynasty to suffer great losses. "
Ma Zhou said, "All of this is because of you, Zhangsun Wuji. You, Zhangsun Wuji, are a treacherous official."
After Zhangsun Wuji heard it, he was so angry that his lungs were about to explode. When he was in the West Region, he was so angered by Du Qi that he vomited blood. Although he had returned to Chang 'an, his body had not fully recovered. Especially during this period of time, he was not feeling well.
Now that he heard Ma Zhou's words, he was furious. Even though Zhangsun Wuji had good self-restraint, he was also quite shrewd. However, at this moment, Zhangsun Wuji was originally depressed because of Zhangsun Chong. Now that he was provoked by Ma Zhou, his emotions were stirred up.
His Qi and blood surged and there was a sweet taste in his throat.
"Puff!"
A mouthful of blood was spat out from Zhangsun Wuji's mouth. His eyes rolled and he fell to the ground.
He had already fainted.
After being provoked by Ma Zhou, the depression in his heart was triggered and he fainted.
After Li Shimin saw it, he was shocked. He also felt that Zhangsun Wuji was too weak now. It was just a few words, but he vomited blood and fainted. It was really embarrassing.
Li Shimin immediately called for the imperial physician and asked him to bring Zhangsun Wuji away for treatment.
At Zhangsun Wuji's place, the scene was still quiet. When they looked at Ma Zhou, there was a hint of respect in their eyes. Because Ma Zhou just used his mouth to make Zhangsun Wuji vomit blood and faint. It was really impressive.
When Li Xian saw this scene, he was even more regretful.
Impressive!
Ma Zhou was impressive!
In the past, Li Xian did not see any signs of Ma Zhou being impressive at all. Li Xian was even more depressed. He sat at the back and drowned his sorrows in wine, venting the depression in his heart. Not to mention the thoughts of the officials, when Li Shimin saw Ma Zhou refuting Zhangsun Wuji until he vomited blood, he liked Ma Zhou even more. Because Ma Zhou was a talent.
Such a person should work for him.
Li Shimin said, "Ma Zhou, you are indeed Du Qi's envoy. Your mouth is really impressive. But Ma Zhou, I still say the same thing. A person like you needs a big platform. The big Tang dynasty is the place for you to show your talent. In a barbarian place like the West Region, your talent is wasted. "
He did it on purpose.
He wanted everyone to know that he valued Ma Zhou.
The news would naturally spread to the West Region.
Ma Zhou smiled and said calmly, "Your Majesty, when I had an audience with you in the afternoon, I had already rejected you. Your Majesty is a promising person and has the aura of a saint. But to me, Emperor Xia is the real wise person. Not only because Emperor Xia is wise and powerful, but also because I am indebted to Emperor Xia. "
After a pause, Ma Zhou said, "I have said before that without Emperor Xia, I would not be where I am now. Your Majesty would also not value me. So the root of all this is Emperor Xia. In the end, it is Emperor Xia who has a good eye for people. "
His words were all praises for Du Qi.
After Li Shimin heard it, his cheeks twitched and he was slightly unhappy. But Li Shimin would not reveal such emotions. He smiled and continued, "Fine, fine. A forced melon is not sweet. But I have heard that Ma Zhou's father-in-law, Li Xian, also works in the court as the director of the Ministry of Rites. Li Xian is a cautious and responsible person. He is very good. Such a person should not be buried. Li Xian is promoted to the assistant director of the Ministry of Rites. "
The assistant director of the Ministry of Rites, Grade Four, was the second-in-command of the Ministry of Rites. He assisted the Minister of Rites in handling government affairs. If there was a vacancy in the Minister of Rites, the assistant director of the Ministry of Rites would preside over the affairs of the Ministry of Rites.
Li Shimin's arrangement was purely because of Ma Zhou that he promoted Li Xian. Because he knew this, Li Xian's heart was filled with mixed feelings.
He had always looked down on Ma Zhou. In the end, because of Ma Zhou, he was promoted and had the status he had today. Li Xian immediately stood up and bowed to Li Shimin to thank him. He then sat back down.
Ma Zhou did not even look at Li Xian. He smiled and said, "Your Majesty, promoting officials is your matter. It has nothing to do with me. Moreover, Your Majesty, please know that although I have a relationship with Li Xian, in fact, Li Xian has already cut off his relationship with my wife. Not only that, Li Xian does not recognize me as his son-in-law. Your Majesty, it is useless to start with Li Xian. "
Ma Zhou did not have to say these words.
It would help Li Xian.
The problem was that if he did not say these words, the news would spread to the Western Region and to Du Qi's ears. It would easily lead to misunderstandings. Ma Zhou did not like this. He said it directly because it was the truth.
At this moment, Li Xian's face was bitter.
Deep in his heart, there was an impulse to ask Li Shimin to resign from the position of assistant minister of the Ministry of Rites and say that he was not suitable for the position. But he did not want to say it, because to be a fourth-rank assistant minister of the Ministry of Rites was an opportunity that he had not had in decades.
Li Xian could only sit in the hall like a candle.
Li Shimin naturally knew about the relationship between Ma Zhou and Li Xian, but he did not care. No matter what happened between Li Xian and Ma Zhou, Li Xian was Ma Zhou's father-in-law after all. This was something that could not be cut off.
His commendation of Li Xian was also related to Ma Zhou. Li Shimin smiled and said, "The reason why I promoted Li Xian is that he is capable and reliable. That is all. I have no other intentions. "
"Come, drink, drink."
Li Shimin picked up the wine bottle and drank again.
Ma Zhou also picked up the wine bottle and drank.
However, Ma Zhou's alcohol tolerance was not particularly good. After three rounds of wine and five dishes, even when the courtiers came to toast him, Ma Zhou refused and did not drink in big gulps. He just drank symbolically as a sign of respect.
Li Shimin set up a banquet to welcome Ma Zhou, and even wanted to get Ma Zhou drunk so that he could laugh at Ma Zhou. But Ma Zhou was so restrained that Li Shimin could not do anything about it. He simply did not bother to persuade him to drink, and the banquet ended just like that.
The courtiers left.
Ma Zhou also walked out of the main hall. After Ma Zhou left the main hall, he increased his speed. He wanted to return to the post house where he was staying and pack up. He would leave for the Western Region tomorrow morning. After all, the mission of the diplomatic mission was completed.
Li Xian left the palace and followed him.
"Ma Zhou, wait a moment."
Li Xian chased after him quickly with a smile on his face. He got his official position because Ma Zhou treated him well. And most importantly, when Li Xian came out of the palace, an eunuch handed him a note. The content of the note was very simple. It asked him to build a good relationship with Ma Zhou and persuade Ma Zhou to return to the Tang dynasty.
This was obviously the emperor's arrangement.
Li Xian did not even have the courage to refuse, even if his relationship with Ma Zhou was very strained. But at this point, Li Xian could only put down his pride and face and take the initiative to go forward.
When Ma Zhou saw Li Xian, he knew in his heart that this was Li Shimin's trick. He wanted to use Li Xian to win him over. Or, even if he could not win him over, he wanted to cause a rift between him and Du Qi, or at least make Du Qi suspect him.
Or even make Du Qi not put him in an important position.
This was Ma Zhou's judgment.
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