Chapter 26: Zi Chen’s Decision

“Right Prime Minister, why did the Emperor suddenly summon us?” Chen Xilie, the vice minister, asked cautiously as he followed Li Linfu.
Chen Xilie was Li Linfu’s top choice for left prime minister. His merit lay not in his strength—far from it—that was the least important factor. What mattered was his willingness to follow Li Linfu’s lead, to mirror his thoughts and actions. Ever since entering the East Upper Pavilion, he had stayed closely by Li Linfu’s side, and it was precisely this attitude that Li Linfu appreciated.
“I don’t know either. The Emperor suddenly summoned us all; it’s probably some major military or state affair.”
“I understand. I will support the Prime Minister.”
Li Linfu smiled slightly and strode into the Zi Chen Hall.
The Zi Chen Hall was the third-largest hall in the Daming Palace and served as the main administrative hall. Most of the Emperor’s daily meetings took place here, which is why it was also known as the Emperor’s private hall. At that moment, several prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty entered one after another through the entrance of the East Upper Pavilion.
The prime minister of the Tang Dynasty was not a single person but a group. Those who earned the title of “Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi” could enter the Council Hall to discuss state affairs and thus become prime ministers. Among them, the head of the Zhongshu Bureau served as the Right Prime Minister, the highest-ranking prime minister. The prime ministers attending today’s meeting were Right Prime Minister Li Linfu, Minister of War Xiao Song, Minister of Rites Xi Yu, Minister of Works Lu Jingrong, and Vice Minister Chen Xilie. There was another person, Minister of Revenue Zhang Yun, but he had gone to Henan on an inspection and was not in the capital.
Everyone took their seats and whispered among themselves, waiting for the Emperor’s arrival.
“The Emperor has arrived!” a guard shouted, and everyone immediately stood up.
Groups of palace maids and eunuchs entered through the side door beside the main seat, lining up on either side of the jade steps. Moments later, Emperor Li Longji of the Tang Dynasty entered swiftly, surrounded by dozens of guards. It had been forty-five years since he ascended the throne during the Kaiyuan era. Through a century of development, the Tang Dynasty reached its peak under Li Longji’s rule. Though proud of his achievements, Li Longji was also tired. With little time left in his life, his attention gradually shifted away from the tedious court affairs, and he indulged in songs and dances with his concubines.
However, Li Longji was not completely indifferent to state affairs. He left minor matters to the prime ministers and eunuchs, but major military and state decisions still required his final approval.

And he, Li Longji, was never confused by the power struggles among the high-ranking officials of the Tang Dynasty. In the 25th year of the Kaiyuan era, he killed Crown Prince Ying and dismissed Zhang Jiuling, eliminating a major threat to his throne. Yet he also saw that Li Linfu intended to make his 18th son, Mao, the new crown prince. How could he allow the crown prince to collude with the prime minister? Despite having made a promise before Concubine Hui’s death, he without hesitation appointed his third son, Li Hen, as crown prince, truly playing everyone. This made Li Linfu fear him deeply, which was exactly what he wanted.

Li Longji was tall and imposing, standing with his hands behind his back like a tall pine tree, exuding extraordinary heroism. He had been famous for his bravery and good looks since his youth. Though now over sixty, time had not brought aging to him but instead added a mature charm and dignity.

Today was not a grand sacrificial ceremony, so he did not wear his ceremonial robes but came in plain clothes.

“Your subjects pay their respects to EmperorEmperor, wishing you a long life! Long life! Ever-lasting life!”

“My dear ministers, you may rise. Please sit.”

“Thank you, EmperorEmperor!”

Everyone returned to their seats. Li Longji cleared his throat slightly and then said, “Today, I have summoned you all here at short notice to decide on sending troops from our Tang Dynasty against the Lesser Bulugur.”

By using the word “decide,” Li Longji indicated that he had already thought it through. He glanced at Li Linfu and said, “Right Prime Minister, please explain.”

The reason he had allowed Li Linfu to be prime minister for ten years was not only because Li Linfu was good at reading his thoughts but also because he possessed extraordinary talent—talent not in composing poems but in handling government affairs. The countless complicated matters of the Tang Empire almost all came to the prime minister’s desk, yet Li Linfu managed them all in an orderly manner, with careful and strict rules. This pleased Li Longji, who no longer wanted to get involved in trivial matters.

Even in matters of military strategy, Li Linfu had a thorough understanding. Unlike Zhang Jiuling, who liked to oppose and challenge his opinions, Li Linfu would start from his own perspective and bring up more detailed issues he might have overlooked, making his plans more complete and mature. It was this approach of being perceptive without being obstructive that led Li Longji to decide to keep Li Linfu as prime minister for a long time.

Although he had not given prior notice today, he knew Li Linfu would surely give him a satisfactory answer.

Li Linfu stood up, bowed, and said, “Your Majesty, the major threat to Xiaobolue has existed since the early years of the Kaiyuan era. Tubo’s control over Xiaobolue not only undermines the Tang Dynasty’s interests in Turfan and blocks the Silk Road but also sees Tubo stationing heavy troops there, like a sword pressed against Anxi’s heart, posing a serious threat to its security. As the Grand Protector of Anxi, I firmly support Your Majesty’s decision to send troops against Xiaobolue.”

Li Longji nodded. Li Linfu had spoken well, but not thoroughly enough. Their remarks today were to be recorded and circulated among the ministers; without sufficient persuasion, his wisdom in making decisions would not be evident. He needed more compelling arguments.

“The Right Chancellor is right. Tubo’s control over Xiaobolue not only threatens Anxi but also sows discord between the Tuyuheshi and the Tang Dynasty, causing us to lose our barrier against the Arab expansion. It is truly a cancer in the Tang Dynasty’s Western Regions. Half a year ago, Gao Xianzhi submitted two memorials requesting troops to attack Xiaobolue. I hesitated, as the Tang army had already suffered three defeats there. Another defeat could severely dampen morale. Yet after much consideration, I still decided to send troops against Xiaobolue. Today, I would like to ask all my ministers if anyone has any objections?”

Silence filled the hall. Xi Yu and Lu Jingrong were too old and nearing death to keep up with the emperor’s grand strategies. Xiao Song was not familiar with the situation in the Western Regions and could not offer his opinion. Chen Xilie followed Li Linfu’s lead blindly. Since Li Linfu prevented him from speaking, he remained silent. All eyes turned to Li Linfu, awaiting his opinion.

Li Linfu understood immediately. He stood up again and said passionately, “It takes a thousand days to train troops, but only a moment to use them. Why should Your Majesty worry? The Anxi army has been preparing for years, waiting for this day. In Shule alone, seven military camps have been established, with tens of thousands of horses raised—enough troops and provisions. This is the advantage of timing. After being severely defeated by the Tang Dynasty in the 18th year of Kaiyuan, the Tuyuheshi no longer have the strength to invade Anxi. The Tang army can focus on advancing south to conquer Xiaobolue without worries. This is the advantage of geography. Moreover, the Anxi army is full of talented generals. Fu Menglingcha remains sharp, Gao Xianzhi is a skilled commander, and they have many brave generals—better than before. This is the advantage of unity. With favorable timing, geography, and unity, why worry about failing this battle? Your Majesty, make the decision!”

Li Linfu’s words finally convinced Li Longji. “Good! Pass my order: Appoint Gao Xianzhi as the Military Governor of the Four Garrison Commands to lead the Anxi army on an expedition against Xiaobolue.”

In just one sentence, Li Linfu suddenly sensed an underlying message—the emperor hadn’t mentioned Fu Menglingcha at all.

……