Yamafu Military Affairs

Chapter 223 Chang'an Snow

After the Lantern Festival, it is the 27th day of the first lunar month.

The square city of Chang'an was divided into two cities and 108 wards by 25 criss-crossing streets.

This huge city is centered on Zhuque Street. The east and west of the city are governed by two counties respectively, Wannian County in the east and Chang'an County in the west, which means "Chang'an lasts forever".

The Right Prime Minister's Mansion was located in Pingkangfang, which belonged to the west and was under the jurisdiction of Chang'an County.

In the minds of the people in Chang'an, Pingkangfang was roughly equivalent to a place for entertainment and recreation, but in reality, brothels and taverns were mostly concentrated in the three winding alleys in the north of the block, known as the "Three Alleys of Beili", which occupied no more than one sixteenth of the entire block.

However, the residence of Li Linfu, the right prime minister of the time, occupied nearly a quarter of the entire district.

The entire southeast direction defined by the Pingkangfang Cross Street is occupied by the Right Prime Minister's Mansion except for a Bodhi Temple.

"Boom."

At noon, the sun rose and the morning drums in Chang'an sounded. A steam carriage made of expensive materials drove up from the end of the street and stopped accurately in front of the gate of the Right Prime Minister's Mansion. The nimble driver respectfully opened the door and helped Alang down.

Ji Wen, a doctor in the Ministry of Revenue wearing high-soled black boots, took out his mechanical pocket watch and checked the time. After making sure it was neither too early nor too late, he straightened his round-necked robe and fur coat and walked towards the side door.

There were several carriages parked in front of the mansion, and a dozen servants were waiting on the side. It was obvious that an official was visiting the right prime minister.

Ji Wen had a trace of anxiety on his face. He straightened his back and rushed to the side door and asked the doorman, "Is the Right Prime Minister here?"

As he spoke, he scattered a few Kaiyuan Tongbao coins from his hands.

The doorman nodded happily and said, "Dr. Ji is polite. The Right Prime Minister is preparing for a small court meeting. It's not too late now."

"Hey, it's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early, and it's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive late."

Ji Wen nodded and watched the doorman push the brass button. A beautiful maid in a Hu robe came up from the mansion.

"Come with me, Alang is waiting for you in Yanyue Hall."

"Thank you for your hard work, girl."

Seeing that the maidservant was not very polite, Ji Wen was used to it and was not surprised. He raised his hand to cross his arms to salute Li Linfu who was not in front of him, and then quickly caught up with the attendant of the right prime minister.

Ji Wen was able to be promoted from a minor official in a green robe to a senior official in a red robe because he knew the mind of the right prime minister. The attendants in front of him were Li Linfu's eyes and ears and confidants, so naturally he would not dare to neglect them.

The two of them walked quickly and saw a man wearing a scarlet official robe, an official-style hat on his head, and a jade belt around his waist walking towards them. There was also a maid leading the way in front of him.

Ji Wen had been in the officialdom for a long time, and although he had made many enemies, he had some friendship with the man in front of him, so he stepped forward and saluted with his arms crossed, grinning: "Uncle of the State, you are out of the house now, but you had a good chat with the Right Prime Minister last night and missed the time?"

Yang Guozhong was walking with his head down, feeling a little annoyed. When he looked up, he saw Ji Wen, the cruel official from the past. He nodded in disgust and was about to leave.

Seeing that his old friend was getting rich and successful and didn't want to pay attention to him, Ji Wen quietly blocked his way and asked, "Just now I saw that the prince looked unhappy. Are you worried about something? Although Ji Wen is not talented, he still has some quick wits and is willing to share the prince's worries."

Yang Guozhong didn't want to say anything, but Ji Wen had already blocked his way and his tone was very familiar.

"Don't I know the true colors of your chicken tongue? This is about the Zhaowu Hu Kingdom, how can you be so confused? Get lost!"

Yang Guozhong and Ji Wen were not shy and immediately pushed Ji Wen aside.

As for why he called Jiwen "Chicken Tongue", it was because Jiwen's bad breath often contained cloves, and female cloves are also known as chicken tongue.

Seeing that he was easily pushed away, Ji Wen had no intention of resisting, nor could he resist.

Yang Guozhong was born into a branch of the Hongnong Yang family. His mother was the sister of Zhang Yizhi, a handsome man in the Wu Zhou Dynasty. The whole family was famous for their looks. He was also born with a handsome appearance, tall stature, and great courage.

He was nearly fifty years old and dressed similarly to Ji Wen, but his temperament was completely different.

After Yang Guozhong took a few steps, Ji Wen's eyes flashed with viciousness, and he suddenly reminded him softly: "The Heavenly Cavalry returned to the court last night. The Saint ordered a banquet tonight. Has the uncle prepared the gift?"

"Hmm? Shenwu? Night Banquet?"

Yang Guozhong stopped, thought for a moment, turned around and took Ji Wen to walk towards Yanyue Hall.

From the side corridor, pass through two ceremonial gates, turn around the winding path, pass two moon gates and two small bridges, and in front of you is a pavilion built around the lake. The construction is gorgeous, the workmanship is exquisite, and it is shaped like a crescent moon. The plaque has beautiful calligraphy with the three words "Yanyue Hall" inscribed on it.

Because the house was too big, Ji Wen was sweating slightly while walking along the way, but Yang Guozhong looked normal and did not look tired at all.

The maidservant took the whisk and swept away the dust on the two men's red official robes, and asked them to take off their shoes and go in.

It was warm as spring in the Yanyue Hall. The incense was lighter than that in the front hall, but the smell was more pleasant.

The sage no longer held early morning court, and all state affairs were entrusted to Li Linfu. Therefore, every morning and evening, officials would flock to the Right Prime Minister's Mansion to wait for an audience, just like a small court meeting.

Today, only the Right Prime Minister's confidants met in the hall to discuss.

When the two men walked into the hall, Li Linfu had not arrived yet, but there were already several people in the hall.

"Why are you interested in coming here with Doctor Ji today, uncle?"

"We got some news today, so we came together to listen to the teachings of the Right Prime Minister."

Everyone greeted him, and Yang Guozhong replied casually. He glanced around the hall and saw that Ji Wen had approached Luo Xishi, a doctor in the Ministry of Justice, and was talking to him in a low voice.

Luo Xishi, as a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Justice, naturally wore a scarlet official robe. Although he was only about forty years old, his aura was majestic and fierce, enough to stop a child from crying at night.

He and Ji Wen were equally famous. In their early years, they were known as "Luo Qian and Ji Wang". Luo Qian was the censor, responsible for impeachment and prosecution; Ji Wang was the lawyer, responsible for arrest and interrogation. The two cooperated with each other and had a tacit understanding.

"The Sky Riders are back, and it is said that they have reaped a rich harvest."

Ji Wen whispered: "However, Qin Huai seems to have caught hold of our actions and is not going to let go easily."

Luo Xishi's heart skipped a beat, and he whispered, "It has been a rule since ancient times to eat empty salaries and drink the blood of soldiers. We have never owed the Tianqi troops any money, so the Qin family should not compete with us for a Silla man."

"It would be best if that were the case."

Ji Wen looked at the delicate positions of the people in the hall and had a bad feeling in his heart.

On the right, Yang Guozhong was sitting at the top, and several generals from the Sixteen Guards who were familiar with him were standing behind him, chatting casually about strong liquor and beautiful maids.

On the left side, there were many people standing, including the Imperial Censor, people from the six ministries, and Hu generals.
It seems peaceful, but in fact it is clearly divided.

Call ~
There was finally movement behind the screen, and Li Linfu arrived.

Li Linfu was wearing a purple official robe and a cloak. His face looked stern and majestic, with eyebrows standing straight up like swords, some beard on his cheeks, and a beard like a hedgehog's hair. His pupils were short apart, and he had a combative spirit.

He was 68 years old at the time and was born into the royal family of Li Tang. His great-grandfather was Li Yuan's cousin, Li Shuliang, Prince of Changping.

Four maids in Hu robes were guarding the powerful old man, and the golden light in their eyes was extremely indifferent.

"I've met the right prime minister."

After everyone saluted with their arms crossed, they waited quietly for the old man to speak.

"The war with the Zhaowu Hu Kingdom has been settled. The Right Guard and the Jinwu Guard will return to the capital soon. What I mean is that the six ministries should come up with a set of rules within ten days."

Li Linfu's voice was very soft, but his words carried great weight.

"The Western Barbarians have repeatedly invaded our borders, but without the blessing of the Saint, they deserve this disastrous defeat!"

Zeng Kai, the deputy minister of the Ministry of War, first praised the saint's majesty, then stepped out to greet him, and cautiously asked, "Does the Right Prime Minister mean that we should spend more time and effort on reporting military achievements?" "Gao Xianzhi's achievements are great, so there is no need to add unnecessary details."

Li Linfu's eyes sparkled, and he said, "Clean up the mess that shouldn't have happened. If I am embarrassed by that little brat tonight and lose face in front of the saint, I will make sure you die miserably."

Then he clapped his hands, and a eunuch came out from behind the screen and read out a royal decree in front of everyone.

"The emperor has ordered that the Right Prime Minister Li Linfu come to the palace to attend the banquet tonight, and Yang Guozhong, the Deputy Minister of Finance, will accompany him!"

After the chief eunuch was sent away by the maid, everyone who was kneeling on the ground stood up, with a myriad of thoughts in their minds.

"Right Prime Minister, what do you think of this banquet?"

Yang Guozhong asked the question even though he knew the answer, but he looked very nervous.

"After all, this isn't a Hongmen Banquet. Can I still eat you?"

Li Linfu stabbed Yang Guozhong and looked up at the officials below: "Tianruisi, what do you think?"

"Report to the Right Prime Minister." Ji Wen was well prepared, and rushed to the center of the hall, saying, "The expenditure of the Tianrui Division has been rising steadily in recent days, and the amount has more than doubled compared to last year."

"The huge hole will be filled by the national treasury. I only care whether you can use the six ministries to insert someone into it for me."

"Please listen to my explanation, Right Prime Minister." Ji Wen said hurriedly, "Tianrui Division is very strict in recruiting people. The eligible students from Chang'an and Wannian have already been screened several times. If we want to find a suitable craftsman, we can only ask one person."

"Who?"

"An Lushan, the Prince of Dongping!"

Seeing that Li Linfu seemed to be considering, Ji Wen hurriedly struck while the iron was hot and started talking.

"The Prince of Dongping is also the governor of Pinglu and Fanyang. The population under his jurisdiction is dense, and most of them are Han Chinese. I noticed this, so I sent people to Pinglu and Fanyang to investigate. I believe that there will be news back soon. If the Prince of Dongping helps in person, the efficiency will be greatly improved."

Ji Wen's words seem to be reasonable and coherent, but in fact they do not stand up to scrutiny.

Although Pinglu and Fanyang towns are densely populated, their literacy rates and levels of enlightenment are far lower than those in Hedong and Hexi. Even with the dense population, it is difficult to find a few craftsmen who can catch the eyes of Tianrui Judicial Department.

However, as someone who had a close personal relationship with An Lushan, Ji Wen naturally had his own plans in mind.

"The Prince of Dongping is honest and kind, and his loyalty is evident. The Right Prime Minister might as well give Doctor Ji a chance and let him serve as a bridge builder."

Yang Guozhong spoke at the right time and helped Jishewen.

"Forget it, let it be. It's my fault that I raise only trash."

Li Linfu deliberately sighed and changed the topic.

As an old and experienced man, and as a top official who has held power for decades, he certainly knows that he cannot panic at this moment, but time is pressing and he can't help but be anxious.

He is sixty-eight this year, and the Saint is also over sixty. How many days can his favor last? Moreover, in order to ascend to the throne, he flattered Concubine Wu Hui and helped Prince Shou to become the crown prince. He framed the former crown prince and personally brewed the three concubines' case, causing the Saint to kill three sons in one day.

With his past bad deeds, if Crown Prince Li Heng is allowed to ascend the throne one day, his entire family will be executed in no time!

In order to maintain the prosperity and wealth of the Li family and prevent them from being liquidated after his death, the best way is to have a force that is powerful enough to shake the situation in the court.

Although Li Linfu has many followers, old friends, disciples and students, it goes without saying which is more deadly, the pen or the gun.

The gap between civil and military became even more insurmountable after the appearance of the talisman armor made by Tianruisi.

Take the Shenwu Tianqi for example. With sixty-two [Flying Cavalry Guards] and Kuilong horses, no matter how many soldiers are blocking their way, as long as there are not enough talisman knights to stop them, they can reach any place in Chang'an City within half an hour and twist off the target's head and bring it back.

The only thing that can fight against Rune Armor is Rune Armor.

Thinking about some rumors, Li Linfu glanced at the four maids beside him imperceptibly.

After discussing many matters, big and small, Li Linfu waved his hand, signaling the officials not to say more: "Guozhong stays, the rest of you can go, let's stop here today."

After the officials left, Li Linfu turned around and continued to burn incense to Laozi's portrait, whispering, "May the great ancestor Emperor Xuanyuan bless you."

"Why are you worried about this, Right Prime Minister?"

Yang Guozhong was very tactful. When he saw Li Linfu was about to go out, he immediately put a cloak on him.

"Let's talk somewhere else. You can come with me."

There was still a light snowfall in the sky, and the silver covered the layers of wooden brackets, the double-eaved hip roofs, and the owl beasts standing on the ridge with their mouths raised.

The wind blew the bells hanging under the eaves, making clear sounds.

The two of them left Yanyue Hall and walked to the top of the pavilion, where they played military chess in the warm heat and cold wind and snow.

The maid read out the reports from the front line of the Western Regions. Li Linfu looked at the scattered Western barbarians killed on the sand table and sighed: "They came with such a strong force, but they escaped quickly. These Western barbarians are really timid and rebellious people."

"According to the court report, the mobile armored troops of the Western Barbarians were defeated by the Heavenly Cavalry in one blow. If this is true, the Right Prime Minister should show some favor to Qin Huai, promise him great benefits, and win him over."

Yang Guozhong stroked his beard, looked at the sand table showing the brutal battle, and an idea suddenly came to his mind.

Li Linfu took a sip of hot tea and said calmly, "Then tell me, what would the Shenwu Tianqi lack after they just wiped out the Zhaowu Nine Clans?"

"Gold and silver are incalculable, and it is difficult to grant a lordship. I remember Qin Huai's first wife died early. How about a beauty trap?"

"I shouldn't have expected a rogue to come up with any clever ideas."

Li Linfu relaxed his brows, but his words were blunt: "The Shenwu Tianqi has a special physique, and Qin Huai is one of the best. Without the saint's arranged marriage, this plan will be difficult to implement."

"I see!"

Yang Guozhong suddenly realized what was going on and could not help but admire him. He exclaimed, "The Right Prime Minister is so meticulous! He can think so carefully!"

"It's just a small matter."

Li Linfu didn't take it seriously.

"Is it a small matter?"

Yang Guozhong was full of praise and said sincerely: "I will never be able to learn all the skills of the Right Prime Minister in my lifetime!"

"That's enough. You know more about Tianrui's blood than I do."

Li Linfu glared at Yang Guozhong and almost revealed all his secrets.

"This plan is difficult to accomplish, but if you have the will, there's no harm in trying."

"Here!"

There was no room for excuses in front of the Right Prime Minister, so Yang Guozhong immediately responded:

"Right Prime Minister, rest assured, even if I have to search all over the world for noble ladies, Guozhong will do his best!

Chang'an, Chang'an, my old friend Chang'an. Dear readers, have a healthy Dragon Boat Festival.

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(End of this chapter)