Seeing Hu Jinghui Again

Chang'an, the capital. Linde Hall, Imperial Palace.

After reading Di Renjie's urgent memorial sent from Youzhou by six-hundred-li express, Wu Zetian said, "So that was what happened. It is simply unimaginable. Di Huaiying has truly had it hard."

Zhang Jianzhi asked from below, "Your Majesty, shall we grant Lord Di's request?"

Wu Zetian said, "Grant it. This is an excellent opportunity to make peace with the Göktürks. It will not only eliminate the adverse consequences of the envoy's murder, but also make Jieli deeply grateful and allow our Great Zhou to seize the initiative. Di Huaiying has handled this matter perfectly. Draft an edict at once. Appoint Di Huaiying Grand Commander of the Hebei Circuit Expeditionary Army, and General Wang Huaizhen Deputy Grand Commander. Mobilize the local militia to assist Jieli in reclaiming the Göktürks."

Zhang Jianzhi cupped his hands and replied, "Your Majesty is wise. I shall go draft the edict at once."

With that, he withdrew.

Youzhou. Seeing Tianbao Silver Bank suddenly become busy, Li Xiao instructed the guards to keep a close watch before returning to the Governor's Residence to report to Di Renjie.

Whether Di Renjie would strike first or allow Li Qingxia to expose herself as Jin Mulan was now for Di Renjie to decide.

That evening, Di Renjie had only just returned to the Governor's Residence when a guard reported that a Qianniu Guard bearing an imperial edict had arrived.

Di Renjie hurried to the main hall to receive the edict. Upon seeing Di Renjie, the Qianniu Guard raised the imperial edict and said, "A secret edict from His Majesty. My lord, please receive it."

Di Renjie quickly bowed and accepted it with both hands. As soon as he opened it, delight appeared on his face.

After having the Qianniu Guard retire to