Chapter 108: Friends from afar arrive

After dealing with the matters in Duliangshan and Runzhou, Li Qing’an submitted another memorial to the imperial court in his capacity as an imperial censor, accusing the governor of Sizhou of colluding with the bandits from Duliangshan. In the memorial, he highly praised Cui Ping and recommended him to serve as the acting governor of Sizhou.

Subsequently, the training camp returned to Yangzhou with abundant spoils of war and great joy. Two days later, the troops returned to the Jiangdu military camp. Without even taking time to drink tea, they rushed to the prefecture office.

In the official office, Li Qing’an handed a list of the Du family’s assets to Governor Lu Huan. “This is the Du family’s property I seized from Duliangshan. Aside from a small portion that sank into the river, everything else is here. I haven’t taken a single penny for myself. Also, I’ve brought Du Boyuan’s head for Governor Lu to accept as well.”

Saying this, Li Qing’an sighed. “As for Du Boyun, it’s a pity he committed suicide. I wasn’t able to find out where Du Boseng is.”

Lu Huan stared blankly for a while before slowly realizing what had happened. He quickly stood up and bowed to Li Qing’an. “General Li has achieved great merits. I will surely report this to the imperial court in a timely manner so that General Li can be properly honored.”

“No need for honors. When I was training troops in Xuyi County, I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing!” Li Qing’an waved his hand and smiled. “As for these assets, since they were earned by the Du family at the expense of the people of Yangzhou, they should be returned to them. Building bridges, roads, and schools all require money. I hope Governor Lu will use this money wisely.”

Although Lu Huan knew that most of this money still had to be sent to the imperial court, he greatly admired Li Qing’an’s concern for the people. He nodded and said, “General Li’s love for the people—Lu will do his best to fulfill this wish.”

He glanced at the list and asked, “Then, General Li, do you have no idea where Du Boseng is?”

That morning, the crown prince had secretly sent someone to instruct him to gather evidence of Prince Qing’s smuggling or to eliminate Liu Changyun and seize the position of Transport Commissioner for Jianghuai. He already had Du Boseng’s confession, but what was crucial were Du Boseng himself and related evidence such as account books. Therefore, finding Du Boseng was extremely important.

Li Qing’an took a sip of tea and shook his head. “I wish I had an answer. Unfortunately, Du Boyun committed suicide, and none of his subordinates know where Du Boseng is. But there are rumors that he might be hiding in the Suzhou area, waiting for an opportunity to go abroad.”

A look of disappointment appeared on Lu Huan’s face. He forced a smile and said, “It doesn’t matter. I still urge General Li to assist us in capturing this notorious salt smuggler as soon as possible.”

“Of course. I will do my utmost to help.”

At that moment, a court official at the door whispered, “Governor, that Li Bai is drunk again. At the tavern in Xunyang, the owner asked us to bring him back.”
Lu Huan frowned. “How did he get drunk again? Sigh! Never mind. Let him come back when he wakes up.”
Li Qing’an smiled and said, “It seems that Li Taibai has caused quite a few troubles for you.”
“Sigh! Not many troubles, but each one is headache-inducing. When he first came to me, he was drunk almost every day until he drank up all my saved wine. Perhaps feeling embarrassed, he wanted to leave. I gave him a hundred strings of coins as travel funds and hired a cart to transport them. But as soon as he reached Jiangyang County next door, he met a poetry friend. The two spent their days together in taverns, and in less than half a month, the hundred strings of coins were gone. The tavern owner sent him back. The next day, he woke up and apologized to me. I gave him another twenty strings of coins, urging him not to spend it recklessly. He promised repeatedly, but when he reached the city gate, seeing a pitiful beggar, he gave the twenty strings of coins to that person and returned empty-handed. I really don’t know what to do anymore.”
After saying this, Lu Huan shook his head repeatedly, sighing.
Li Qing’an thought for a moment and then smiled. “Perhaps he’s feeling frustrated, thinking he has no place to realize his ambitions. Governor Lu, why not find him some work?”
“I did. I offered him the position of a literary officer, but he said it’s a minor role that requires fawning over others, and he refused. There was nothing I could do.”
At this point, Lu Huan suddenly laughed and said, “That’s right. I see General Li doesn’t have any aides either. How about letting Li Taibai be your aide to handle the paperwork for the training camp? I think he’ll agree.”
Li Qing’an was shocked. The great poet as his aide? How could that work? He waved his hands repeatedly and said, “Governor Lu, you don’t know. I’m just a lieutenant general. How can I afford an aide? Besides, there are already two clerks in the training camp, sent by the Grand Commandery.”
“Hehe! That doesn’t matter. Even a seventh-rank county magistrate has aides. General Li is a third-rank founding marquis and also in charge of training troops. How can he not have aides? Moreover, you military officers need literary aides even more. Li Taibai has great ambitions and is surely capable. General Li, please don’t refuse.”
Before Li Qing’an could refuse again, Lu Huan immediately called, “Someone!”
A court official entered at his call. Lu Huan ordered, “Take Li Taibai’s luggage to the training camp.”
“Well…” Seeing that the situation was irreversible, Li Qing’an reluctantly agreed. “Alright! As long as Brother Taibai is willing, I have no objection.”

He went to the prefecture office to deliver the Du family’s money and goods, only to receive a staff member—none other than the famous poet Li Bai, renowned for a thousand years. Li Qingan felt a sense of pride; future generations might write about Li Bai’s life, mentioning, “In the seventh year of Tianbao, Li Bai served as a staff member under Anxi Zhonglangjiang Li Qingan.”

When he left the prefecture office, it was already afternoon, and the sunlight carried a hint of fatigue—it was time for lunch. Just as he was about to mount his horse, someone suddenly called out behind him, “Li Qingan, Seventh Brother!”

It was the voice of a young woman, very familiar. Li Qingan froze for a moment, then turned to see a woman with an odd makeup style on the steps—her lips painted black, her face adorned with bright peach blossoms, as she waved at him excitedly.

Li Qingan immediately recognized her. That distinctive makeup belonged to Dugu Mingzhu. How… how had she come here?

He felt as if he were in a dream. This was Yangzhou, thousands of miles away from Chang’an. Li Qingan dismounted, and Dugu Mingzhu rushed down the steps like a little bird, throwing herself into his arms. “Seventh Brother, I thought I’d never see you again!” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Li Qingan noticed several officials nearby staring at Mingzhu in surprise. He found it amusing—her unconventional style always caught everyone’s attention.

“What do you mean you won’t see me? Did I come to Yangzhou to never return?”

Mingzhu shyly stopped crying and smiled. “That’s not what I meant. I’ve been here for seven or eight days. I thought you were out, so I waited every day, growing impatient.”

“Oh! I was training,” Li Qingan said. Noticing a thin scar on her snow-white neck, he smiled and asked, “Mingzhu, why did you come to Yangzhou? Did you come to see me?”

“No! No!” Mingzhu shook her head frantically. “I came to see my father. Have you forgotten? I told you—he’s an official in Yangzhou.”

“Your father? Who is your father…?”

Li Qingan couldn’t recall hearing of any official surnamed Dugu since arriving in Yangzhou. Who could this be?

“My father is Dugu Haoran, the chief secretary of Yangzhou.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she glanced sideways and immediately waved behind Li Qingan, smiling. “Father!”

Li Qingan turned and saw a middle-aged official standing behind him—fair-skinned, with three strands of long beard hanging over his chest, smiling at him.

Mingzhu jumped up and grabbed the official’s arm, saying with a smile, “This is Li Qingan.”

This middle-aged man was Du Gu Hao Ran, Ming Zhu’s father. He had originally served as a court official in the Eastern Palace, and two years ago he was promoted to the position of governor of Yangzhou. Du Gu Hao Ran had one son and three daughters. His eldest daughter, Ming Yang, was unfortunately killed by the Khitans after a marriage alliance failed. His second daughter was Ming Yue, and the youngest was Ming Zhu—his favorite among the three daughters.

Du Gu Hao Ran smiled and tapped his daughter’s head lightly. “Silly girl, how could I not know General Li?”

Li Qing An quickly stepped forward and bowed. “Li Qing An greets Uncle Du Gu!”

Du Gu Hao Ran was deeply grateful to Li Qing An for saving his two daughters and promptly replied, “When General Li came to Yangzhou, I happened to be in the countryside promoting agriculture. It’s only today that I’ve met you. I really don’t know how to express my gratitude.”

“It’s no big deal. You needn’t worry, Governor. In fact, I really like Ming Zhu too. How could I let her suffer such misfortune?”

“Anyway, I must invite General Li for a drink of wine.”

After a moment of thought, Du Gu Hao Ran said, “I have to head to Jiangyang County tonight. How about tomorrow night? General Li, you must come.”

“Sure! I will definitely be there.”

Du Gu Hao Ran stroked his beard and smiled slightly before saying to his daughter, “Talk to General Li! Father has some matters to attend to.”

He nodded at Li Qing An and quickly entered the government office. As soon as her father left, Ming Zhu grabbed Li Qing An’s hand and said playfully, “Dad will treat you to dinner tomorrow. So please treat me to dinner tonight!”

“No problem!” Li Qing An smiled. “Where would you like to eat?”

“I don’t know either. How about we just walk around and see?”

Unlike the North Market of Jiangdu, which was almost entirely filled with goods from government stores, the South Market was a hub of private shops. The people on the streets were also diverse. Tang Dynasty overseas trade was very active, and restrictions on prohibited goods were much less strict than those in land-based trade. Goods like pig iron, weapons, gold, and silver were hardly restricted, so merchants from various countries came in large numbers, especially those from Yangzhou and Guangzhou. On the streets of Jiangdu, foreign merchants were even more numerous than in Chang’an—there were people from Lin Yi with dark skin, wearing loose linen clothes and straw sandals; Japanese people who were short in stature, serious in expression, and filled with reverence; people from Silla leading groups of Korean female slaves through the streets; even people from Persia wearing loose white robes, as well as strong and robust Khitans.

In the South Market, foreign shops were also everywhere—furs and horses from the north; spices, pearls, and ivory from Southeast Asia; gems and silverware from the western regions; lacquerware and pearls from Japan; medicinal herbs and paper from Silla. The sounds of vendors calling out their goods filled the air, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere everywhere.

It was also the first time Li Qing’an had seen the prosperity of Jiangdu. He walked alongside Du Gu Mingzhu, leading the horse, admiring the exotic sights rarely seen even in Chang’an while keeping a watchful eye around. Although the assassination attempt on his first arrival in Yangzhou had gone unpunished, it didn’t mean the assassin would give up on him. His two bodyguards followed behind, vigilantly observing their surroundings.

Mingzhu looked around, searching for a tavern she liked, her small hand tightly gripping Li Qing’an’s arm. “Qilang, let’s go to this one!” She spotted a delicate and elegant tavern and immediately took a liking to it. She pulled Li Qing’an along and rushed toward it. Li Qing’an glanced up and saw that the tavern had three stories, was entirely red, with a flag flying high—“Xunyang Tavern.” Suddenly remembering something, he smiled and said, “Good! Let’s eat at this tavern.”

A waiter came out to greet them, smiling and saying, “Please come upstairs, guests.”

Upon reaching the third floor, they heard someone reciting loudly, “The living are passersby; the dead are those who have returned. Heaven and earth are but inns; let us grieve together over the dust of eternity.”

Li Bai had sobered up but picked up another pot of wine, drinking while reciting, “Throughout history, sages have all been lonely; only those who drink leave their names. Writing poems by the north window—ten thousand words are not worth a cup of water.”

Li Qing’an stepped forward quickly and said with a smile, “Brother Taibai, it’s been a long time.”

Li Bai glanced at him sideways and suddenly laughed loudly, “So it’s General Li! Great, let’s gamble with wine again!”

Li Qing’an smiled and said to the waiter, “Bring me the best wine!”

The waiter quickly fetched a jar of fine wine from the corner. Li Qing’an took it, broke the seal, and poured two full bowls. He raised the bowls and drank them in one gulp, then set them down heavily. “Your turn. Drink!”

Mingzhu quietly pulled at Li Qing’an’s sleeve and whispered, “Qilang, he’s already drunk too much. He can’t drink any more.”

“I know.”

Li Qing’an looked at Li Bai with a smile. “So? Do you want to gamble with me today or come back in a few days?”

Li Bai stared blankly at the bowl, then suddenly raised it and drank deeply. After finishing the bowl, he slammed it down. “Good! Fine wine—so satisfying!”

He staggered toward the stairs, but after a few steps, he collapsed to the ground, snoring loudly.

The waiter panicked and pushed him, saying, “Guest, you haven’t paid for the wine yet! You can’t sleep now.”

“Let him sleep!” Li Qing’an took out a name card and handed it to the waiter. “Hire a carriage to take him to the training camp outside the north gate. I’ll pay for his wine.”

Li Qing’an saw Li Bai off. He and Du Gu Mingzhu found a cozy room by the window, sat down, and ordered a table of dishes and drinks. He poured a glass of wine for Mingzhu and said with a smile, “Be honest with me. Did you sneak out on your own?”
Mingzhu’s face turned red. “Not entirely. Father didn’t come home for the New Year, and Mother missed him very much. I said I’d take a letter home for Father, and then I came here.”
“What about your sister? Has she gone out to write poems with Prince Guangping and the others?”
“Ugh! Don’t even mention it. She’s angry with him! They’ve invited her twice, and she’s refused both times. Grandfather is also arranging a marriage for her.”
Li Qing’an picked up his wine glass and said calmly, “Has anyone suitable been found yet?”
“It seems she’s not in the mood for that. Grandfather invited the third-place winner from this year’s exams to dine at home, but she refused to even see him, which angered Grandfather greatly.”
“What about you? What do you think of that third-place winner?”
Mingzhu pouted. “He’s stiff and proper, always talking in lofty terms. I really don’t like him at all.”
“Hehe! Isn’t that exactly the kind of person your sister likes?”
“Who said that? You have no idea what’s in my sister’s mind.”
Du Gu Mingzhu took a sip of wine, her pretty face flushing red. Suddenly, she became shy and said, “Grandfather says he’ll arrange a marriage for me next year.”
“That’s great! It means you’ve grown up and can get married.”
Li Qing’an drained his glass and smiled at her. “But I still feel like you’re just a child.”
“Nonsense!” Mingzhu bit her lip and lowered her head, whispering, “I’m not a child at all. I’m fully grown up. My mother married my father at the age of fifteen.”
Li Qing’an poured her another glass of wine and teased her, “If you’re so eager to get married, do you have a favorite suitor?”
“Qi Lang, you…” Mingzhu’s face turned red with embarrassment. She raised her glass and snapped, “If you dare tease me anymore, I’ll splash wine on you!”
“Okay! Okay! Okay! I won’t say anything more.”
Li Qing’an quickly picked up his glass and said with a smile, “Let’s drink to being reunited in a foreign land!”
“That’s much better.” Mingzhu had traveled thousands of miles just to see Li Qing’an. Today, her wish had come true, and she was overjoyed. She raised her glass and drained it in one gulp.
“Qi Lang, do you know? A lot of things have happened in the capital. Also, do you like my latest ‘Human Face and Peach Blossom’ makeup?”
“I really like it. It’s very trendy and pleasing to the eye.”
“Mingzhu, tell me about Chang’an. First, there was the polo match. I heard the Anxi team won in the end. Is that true?”

“Of course it’s true. We won 7 to 3 and defeated the Shuofang Horse Team to claim the championship. Your Anxi Team even invited me to their celebration banquet. By the way! I also met your Ru Shi Ru Hua and Xiao Lian.”
Dugu Mingzhu chattered like a little magpie, speaking fluently and vividly about the latest happenings in Chang’an. Li Qing’an lay comfortably on the soft cushions, drinking wine while listening to her pleasant voice, feeling a warm sense of joy as if meeting an old friend in a foreign land.
“Hehe! How are they?”
“They miss you very much. I like Ru Hua the most. I even taught her how to apply makeup. You’ll be surprised when you get back.”
“What about Ru Shi? Don’t you like her?”
“Of course I like her! It’s just that I think her personality is a bit like my sister’s.”
“How is that possible? Your sister is always cold and keeps people at a distance.”
“That’s because you don’t understand her. She’s actually very gentle. Qi Lang, please take her out for a trip when you return to the capital! She’ll definitely agree.”
Li Qing’an smiled, took another drink, and asked, “Are there any other interesting things?”
Dugu Mingzhu thought for a moment. “Oh! The concubine’s three sisters have all been made duchesses. The eldest became the Duchess of Qin, the second the Duchess of Han, and the third, Yang Huahua, became the Duchess of Guo. Also, the two Yang brothers, Yang Xian and Yang Qi, have both become high-ranking officials. They’re known in the capital as the ‘Five Yangs’—they’re extremely domineering and arrogant. Qi Lang, are you listening to me?”
Li Qing’an was a bit distracted. He didn’t expect Yang Huahua to be made a duchess so quickly. Would Gao Lishi still remember his previous mistake? This could be troublesome.
“Qi Lang, what’s wrong?”
Li Qing’an snapped back to reality, shook his head, and smiled. “Nothing. Go on.”
Dugu Mingzhu bit her lip and asked softly, “Qi Lang, I feel like you have a prejudice against my sister. Are you still angry about their last blind date?”
“You’re overthinking it. I don’t have any prejudice against her. It’s just that we’re not on the same page—there are many things we can’t agree on. Mingzhu, in a couple of years, when you grow up a bit more, you’ll understand what I mean.”
Dugu Mingzhu pouted, slightly unhappy. “In a couple of years, my sister will get married. What’s the use of understanding then?”
Li Qing’an smiled and changed the subject. “Are Ru Shi Ru Hua learning the zither? I mean, are there any famous teachers guiding them?”
Dugu Mingzhu thought for a moment. “I think so. Last time I invited them to my house, Xiao Lian said they went to learn the zither, taught by a lady surnamed Jiang.”
“Oh, and there’s one more important thing—related to you.”

“What’s the matter?”
“I heard from Xiao Lian that that Lady of Guo State came to see you several times. She said you went to Yangzhou and was very upset, claiming you were deliberately avoiding her. Qi Lang, you can’t have any relationship with her, can you?”
“I have no relationship with her at all.”
“I guess so. How could she be good enough for you?”
Dugu Mingzhu felt relieved. She stretched lazily and picked up her wine cup again, smiling and saying, “It’s rare that my grandfather isn’t here, so I can drink to my heart’s content. Ah! It’s so nice in Yangzhou; I don’t even want to go back to Chang’an.”
Just as she brought the cup to her lips, Li Qing’an snatched it away.
“Just because your grandfather isn’t here doesn’t mean you can indulge in drinking and eating. I’ll send you back now.”