Chapter 40: Three-Way Meeting

Early the next morning, soft sunlight, like golden threads, filtered through the gaps of the lush foliage, casting speckled light upon the exquisite courtyards of the imperial palace.

A gentle breeze caressed every inch of the ground, carrying the faint, intoxicating fragrance of blooming flowers from the imperial garden, refreshing the mind and spirit.

Li Chengqian was dressed in a bright yellow casual robe, his waist bound by a jade belt embroidered with a golden dragon, the gems inlaid upon it sparkling brilliantly in the sunlight.

With nimble movements, he practiced Tai Chi in the garden. Each of his motions flowed like moving clouds and flowing water, radiating an aura of sovereign majesty amidst utmost composure, his focused expression so absolute that nothing in the world could disturb him.

Before long, Fang Xuanling and Grand Tutor Qi arrived almost simultaneously, one right after the other.

Fang Xuanling had a slender figure and a lean face that exuded an air of scholarly elegance, a gleam of profound wisdom shining within his deep eyes.

He wore a dark court robe, the delicate embroidery upon it signifying his status and position.

With every step he took, the hem of his robe fluttered slightly, carrying a certain ethereal charm reminiscent of an immortal sage.

Grand Tutor Qi, on the other hand, was somewhat stout with a round face, wearing a magnificent tall crown whose ornaments gleamed brightly in the sunlight.

His sumptuous garments were colorful and vibrant, fully displaying his noble status. A pair of shrewd and capable eyes always shone within his gaze, and a subtle, knowing smile often hung at the corners of his mouth.

The two of them bumped into each other at the carved archway of the imperial garden and could not help pausing in surprise.

Fang Xuanling halted, his expression gentle and laden with his habitual modesty. With a courteous wave of his hand and a warm smile on his face, he spoke first: "Grand Tutor Qi, good morning. What a coincidence, are you also here to see His Majesty?"

His voice was deep and mellow, echoing through the air like the melodious chime of an ancient bell.

Grand Tutor Qi nodded slightly. His gaze lingered on Fang Xuanling for a moment before he replied, "Is Prime Minister Fang also here on business?"

His words were concise yet polite. Fang Xuanling smiled and said, "It seems we truly share an affinity. Let us seek an audience with His Majesty together."

Walking one after the other, the two men followed the winding pebble path deeper into the garden.

The grass and flowers on either side of the path were meticulously trimmed, and colorful blossoms competed in full bloom, as if welcoming these two pillars of the imperial court.

Seeing them approach, the young eunuch Chunxi was about to go inside to announce them when Li Chengqian spotted them from afar. With a sharp yet gentle gaze, he raised a hand and said softly, "Chunxi, withdraw. There is no need for announcements, I see them already."

Chunxi was dressed in a grayish-blue eunuch's uniform and wore a small black cap. Hearing the emperor's instructions, he hurriedly and respectfully replied, "As you command, Your Majesty."

His voice was thin and sharp, tinged with a hint of nervousness. Li Chengqian waved his hand again and said, "Very well, all of you withdraw."

One by one, the young eunuchs bowed and backed away in an orderly fashion, their footsteps light and utterly silent.

As soon as Fang Xuanling and Grand Tutor Qi reached Li Chengqian, they bowed respectfully.

Lifting the sleeve of his court robe, Fang Xuanling made a slight obeisance and called out loudly, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Grand Tutor Qi similarly executed a solemn bow, his movements meticulous and fully reflecting his deep reverence for the emperor.

Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "Enough, dispense with the formalities, and sit."

Once the two of them had risen and walked over to sit on the stone stools nearby, Li Chengqian looked them over carefully, a questioning look in his eyes as he asked, "The two of you arranged to see me early in the morning—is there some major matter at hand?"

Fang Xuanling responded, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this old minister did not come here together with Grand Tutor Qi. It is simply that we happened to meet at the entrance of the imperial garden. I imagine Grand Tutor Qi must also have important matters to report."

As he spoke, he leaned forward slightly, his gaze remaining fixed on Li Chengqian.

Grand Tutor Qi raised his hands in a salute toward Li Chengqian, a vibrant green jade thumb ring on his hand catching the sunlight vividly.

"Your Majesty, I have no grave matters here. Yesterday, I returned from Xianyang, and the betrothal gifts for Your Majesty have already been prepared by my hand. Every single gift has been meticulously chosen—from fine silks and satins to gold and jade jewels, all are of the utmost quality. However, I wonder if we should pick an auspicious date to send them to Minister Su's household?"

Li Chengqian lowered his head, frowning slightly. He tapped his fingers gently against the stone table and, after a moment of thought, said, "We certainly must choose a propitious day to send them."

Pausing briefly, he continued, "Grand Tutor Qi, handle this as you see fit. Once the delivery is complete, there is no need to report back to me; just inform Prime Minister Fang. Prime Minister Fang, after Grand Tutor Qi delivers the betrothal gifts, you shall choose the date for the grand wedding."

Li Chengqian's gaze grew profound, filled with a hint of yearning as he went on, "As for the expenses, make the ceremony lavish."

"After all, this is my wedding, a matter concerning the dignity of the royal house, and it will also give the common people greater confidence in the court."

"Just arrange it according to the standard of ten million cash, and use the occasion to bestow blessings upon the people of Chang'an."

"The common people have suffered bitter days for long enough; I hope this marriage can bring them some joy and allow them to feel the benevolence of the royal family."

Hearing Li Chengqian speak thus, Fang Xuanling was somewhat moved. A trace of emotion welled up in his eyes, and he could not help but exclaim, "Your Majesty is truly benevolent."

Li Chengqian looked toward Fang Xuanling and asked, "Prime Minister Fang, what important matter brings you to see me?"

Fang Xuanling nodded, his expression turning solemn. Sitting up straight, he said, "Your Majesty, this old minister has indeed come to discuss a matter of great importance with you."

"The matter regarding General Li Jing's expedition must be finalized as soon as possible. After all, Tubo is distant, its terrain complex, and there are countless logistical preparations to be made, not to mention calculating the costs."

"Regarding the expenses for sending General Li Jing on this expedition, Your Majesty, should we consider reducing them?"

"If the expenditures are on par with the campaign against Xueyantuo, won't the costs be overly exorbitant?"

"This old minister fears that Your Majesty's private treasury might not be able to sustain such a massive drain. At present, the national treasury holds twenty million cash; it can shoulder a portion of the pressure for Your Majesty."

Fang Xuanling spoke earnestly, his eyes full of worry, his brows furrowed slightly as his hands involuntarily clenched.

Li Chengqian frowned deeply, his expression solemn. After careful consideration, he ultimately refuted Fang Xuanling's suggestion.

"Prime Minister Fang, compared to Xueyantuo, Tubo is only stronger, not weaker. Their cavalry is fierce and battle-hardened, and their terrain holds a distinct advantage. We must not take this expedition lightly."

"It is one thing not to increase military funds, but why on earth would we reduce them? If I recall correctly, there are still eighty thousand infantrymen stationed in the Longyou region. Those soldiers have all been through countless battles; though their equipment may not be the finest, their morale is high and their movements seasoned."

"Added to that are three thousand light cavalry, whose horses are robust and whose riders possess superb horsemanship—quite enough to give battle to Tubo."

"Furthermore, we shall transfer thirty thousand Shenwu troops from Chang'an. These Shenwu troops are my elite forces, well-trained and strictly disciplined."

"From Guannei Circuit, we will mobilize another one hundred thousand infantry. Though these foot soldiers come from various places, they have all been rigorously selected."

"In this manner, we will assemble a force capable of victory."

"As for the military funds, let us raise it to seventy million cash. If that is insufficient, we will add more."

"Prime Minister Fang, have the Ministry of Revenue draft a proposal first, calculating all expenditure categories on the more generous side."

"If grain is insufficient, dispatch men to purchase military provisions to ensure the soldiers have ample rations."

"Bear this in mind: do not skimp on anything, and execute everything according to the highest specifications. The war with Tubo concerns the honor of our Great Tang and allows for no failure."

Hearing Li Chengqian's solemn and weighty instructions, Fang Xuanling nodded firmly, a renewed passion rekindling in his eyes.

"This old minister will immediately have the Ministry of War draw up a campaign strategy and direct the Ministry of Revenue to formulate the budget for military expenditures."

Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "There is no need to trouble the Ministry of War with that."

"They do not yet possess the capability to devise a battle plan for Li Jing."

"Li Jing has fought countless battles, is well-versed in the military arts, and is the God of War of our Great Tang."

"Let him fight however he sees fit; no one is permitted to interfere or point fingers. As long as victory is secured, anything goes."

At that moment, the sunlight bathed them in its glow, casting their resolute figures in sharp relief, as if adding a solemn touch to this discussion concerning the destiny of the Great Tang, while heralding the magnificent and sweeping journey upon which the empire was about to embark.