The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 48

Knowing beforehand that the large number of recommendations would likely lead to rejection, they still proceeded anyway. While this pleased the soldiers and officials at all levels, it displeased the palace. In the long run, this might not be a good thing.

"Hearing you say that, I also feel that this is very inappropriate. It's tantamount to sowing discord between the subordinate officials and the imperial court, giving the impression of threatening the court. Such a strategy is a wrong path." Xu Tian nodded.

He then advised, "This Zheng Zhu is indeed very cunning. Having him by Li Jiedu's side is certainly not a good thing. Now, Brother Zheng, you can only protect yourself wisely. It's best to say as little as possible and not to stand out."

“I understand this principle, of course. However, seeing it but being unable to speak about it is also worrying and anxiety-inducing. Because of this matter, the relationship between Li Jiedu and Pei Du and Han Yu has become completely antagonistic, which is ultimately not a good thing.” Zheng Xie indicated that he understood.

Then he added, "Among my colleagues is one named Huangfu Ti. You've met him before; he was the one standing next to Sima Huang at the beginning of the year. Do you remember him?"

Xu Tian recalled that there were three people with Huang Sima at the time: one was the county magistrate, another was called Huangfu Counselor, and the last one was the one who wrote the article describing the method of making Kongming lanterns.

"I remember someone calling him Advisor Huangfu, is that him?"

"Indeed, this man has always been quite talented in literature and has a great reputation outside. At the end of last year, when Li Jiedu came to Dingxiang City, he specially recruited this man from elsewhere to be his advisor, and he has won the Jiedu's deep trust."

We usually address him respectfully as "Advisor," though he doesn't actually hold any official position. Although he's a bit straightforward and aloof, easily offending people with his bluntness, he's at least guileless in his dealings with others, so we usually get along well.

Zheng Xie first gave an introduction, and then said: "He used to study literature under Han Yu, and this time he has been greatly implicated because of it."

Given his upright nature, he naturally wouldn't follow the crowd in speaking ill of Han Yu, thus incurring the wrath of many and being constantly harassed and ridiculed behind his back.

Furthermore, Zheng Zhu had repeatedly verbally attacked him in front of the military governor. Recently, Governor Li had stopped concerning himself with his affairs and had sidelined him. Given this situation, it was uncertain how long he could remain in this position.

"Sigh, this is an undeserved disaster. He's really unlucky," Xu Tian said sympathetically.

It seems that being an official is not easy. There are a lot of messy things in the officialdom, with many conflicts of interest, conspiracies and schemes, and choosing sides is also very important.

"Enough, these things only cause trouble and upset me, let's not talk about them anymore." Zheng Xie drank a cup of wine and ate a few bites of food.

"Those involved are often confused, while bystanders see things clearly; it's always been this way, so let's not dwell on it. But we must be more cautious in the future. Oh, by the way, Brother Zheng, how's the matter of the Hundred Family Surnames going? It's been almost a month; has the court responded yet?" Xu Tian asked.

"This is not an important matter, and Chang'an is not close, so news will not arrive quickly. Logically speaking, we should have a response by the middle of next month at the latest, and I will naturally inform you then."

After seeing Zheng Xie off, Xu Tian went to Du's restaurant, thinking that he would probably be quite busy for a while and wouldn't have much time to come over.

"It's been a while since I've seen you. I felt a bit bad for not being able to help with the iron furnace last time. I heard that you got help from people in the government and the iron furnace was finally completed, which is a good thing after all," said Uncle Du.

“I know Erlang has done his best, and I don’t mind at all. I still want to thank him no matter what. I’ve been busy for a while, but I finally have time to visit you, Uncle Du, today.”