The storm is coming

"Your Majesty."

Li Qingyun, wearing a purple dragon robe and a gold and jade belt, walked slowly into the hall with a warm smile, bowed, and then turned and nodded slightly to Su Yuanbai who was sitting on his left.

"The Imperial Master is here too. I have met him before."

…………

Su Yuanbai looked straight ahead and continued to sip his tea leisurely, as if he had not heard anything.

Li Qingyun was not embarrassed and still had a decent smile on his face.

"Lord Li, please take a seat. Qiu Ling, serve tea."

Ji Mingxiu couldn't bear it any longer. It was clearly just the beginning of autumn, but the Qinzheng Hall was extremely cold today.

"yes."

Li Qingyun smiled slightly and sat down at the right seat, tapping the table lightly with his fingertips.

Qiu Ling entered the hall carrying the tea tray and silently poured tea with his head lowered.

Li Qingyun took the cup of green tea, glanced at Qiu Ling's sleeves, and smiled humbly, "Thank you, Eunuch Qiu."

Qiu Ling calmly gathered his sleeves, lowered his eyes and replied calmly, "Master Li, you are too kind."

Li Qingyun lowered his head to hide the darkness that flashed across his eyes, and when he raised his head again, he still had that elegant smile on his face.

He picked up the tea, took a sip and sighed.

"When the late emperor was alive, he often told me that the Imperial Master lived in seclusion and rarely went out. It was as difficult as ascending to heaven to see him. I never thought that I would be able to see him today. It is truly a blessing for me."

"It is my honor that the Imperial Master can come to the Diligent Administration Palace." Ji Mingxiu stroked the corner of his clothes. "Lord Li, what is the matter with you coming here today?"

"To be honest, Your Majesty, I do have some matters concerning the Northern Frontier that require Your Majesty's decision."

Li Qingyun gently put down the teacup, looked at Ji Mingxiu with a smile, then looked at Su Yuanbai, but said no more.

"This……"

Ji Mingxiu was startled, clutching his sleeves nervously, glanced at Su Yuanbai, and then looked away.

Never mind. I’m not the only one who’s embarrassed. No one in the hall can escape.

Thus, the huge Qinzheng Hall fell into a strange silence again.

"His Majesty."

After a moment, Su Yuanbai put down the teacup, stood up, and nodded slightly.

"Since Your Majesty has made a plan, I will return to Chaoyue Palace first."

"Ahem..." Ji Mingxiu stood up quickly, hiding the joy on his face, "Then I will see the Imperial Master off."

"No need." Su Yuanbai held up the Hanyan umbrella, and the corner of his plain brocade robe swayed charmingly, like a red plum blossom reflecting the snow. "I think the Left Prime Minister and His Majesty have important matters to discuss, so I won't disturb them."

…………

After Su Yuanbai left the hall, Li Qingyun put down the teacup he had been holding in his hand and said with a smile.

"The Imperial Master is a true character."

"The Imperial Master...has always been like this. Zuo Cheng does not need to worry about it." Ji Mingxiu smiled awkwardly, then put away his smile and asked with a serious expression.

"What Zuo Cheng said about the northern border..."

"Your Majesty." Li Qingyun tapped the table lightly, "Regarding the selection of the deputy general of the Northern Frontier, I would like to recommend someone."

"Oh?" Ji Mingxiu remained expressionless, but his eyes lit up with joy. "Who can win the favor of Zuo Cheng?"

"Former Lieutenant General of Yunfeng Pass - Qu Chuan."

Qu Chuan?

Ji Ming Xiuzhen couldn't remember there was such a person in the court.

"Qu Chuan was promoted to lieutenant general by General Gu. He resigned from his post and returned home three years ago because his mother was old."

As if he guessed that Ji Mingxiu was not very clear about this, Li Qingyun continued to analyze the pros and cons.

"Although Qu Chuan's official position is not high, as a direct descendant of General Gu, he has a high prestige in the army and will certainly assist the Marshal with patience. Moreover, he has been stationed at Yunfeng Pass for many years and has fought against the Xiongnu many times, so he is also familiar with the northern border."

"It's perfect for him to be the deputy general."

"Indeed." Ji Mingxiu fell into deep thought. He had thought that Zuo Cheng would recommend the military officers under his command, but if it was true as Zuo Cheng said, this Qu Chuan was an out-and-out direct subordinate of General Gu.

Ji Mingxiu didn't believe that Zuo Cheng would be so kind.

But at this point, it doesn't matter who gets a piece of the pie. It's better than pushing some random people to the northern border.

"Then let's do as Zuo Cheng said." Ji Mingxiu made the decision on the matter and prepared to let Qiu Ling prepare pen and paper to draft the imperial edict.

"Your Majesty, please don't be anxious." Li Qingyun stopped Ji Mingxiu and said slowly, "I think this matter should not be made public."

"Qu Chuan is a man of integrity. He had made many enemies before he was dismissed. Now everyone in the court is eyeing the position of deputy general. This matter is of great importance. Regardless of whether we advance or retreat, it is not appropriate to publicly appoint Qu Chuan as a lieutenant general."

"Advance or retreat?" Ji Mingxiu pondered the two words carefully and asked, "Zuo Cheng wants to..."

"Your Majesty is wise." Li Qingyun smiled and nodded slightly. "In my opinion, Your Majesty can first send someone to convey your will with a token, and then... catch them off guard."

Ji Mingxiu felt a chill down his spine; he was indeed an old fox.

"What Li Aiqing said is very true."

Ji Mingxiu took off the dragon-shaped jade pendant he was wearing and gave it to Qiu Ling, instructing him to do it personally.

"Since this matter has been settled, I will take my leave."

Li Qingyun stood up, bowed, and retreated to the front of the palace gate. Suddenly, as if he remembered something, he stood still and turned around to speak.

"Your Majesty, I heard that General Gu was absent from the morning court today without asking for your permission?"

"...Yes." Ji Mingxiu rubbed the corner of his clothes awkwardly.

"Your Majesty is kind and benevolent." Li Qingyun smiled, "General Gu is also as heroic as his father."

Li Qingyun left the hall and walked slowly out of the palace gate, his tall figure gradually disappearing into the distance.

The autumn wind blows, and the morning leaves fall everywhere. No one cares about me.

"My lord, it's all done."

Outside the palace gate, the guards came forward, lifted the curtain for Li Qingyun, and handed him a rosewood box.

Li Qingyun opened it and found it was the dragon-shaped jade pendant that Ji Mingxiu had taken out in the main hall.

"Yes." Li Qingyun stroked the jade pendant, took out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to the guard, "Tell Qu Chuan that he who understands current affairs is a hero. His mother is over 70 years old and can't stand the hardship."

"yes."

The carriage moved slowly along the bluestone road. Behind the palace walls were thick clouds and light smoke, and the shadows of the trees were dim.