Chapter 415: Princess of Huo State (Part 1)
While Li Heng was conducting investigations both openly and secretly in Chang’an, Li Yu was also holding a meeting in the imperial study, discussing with several key ministers the case of Lady Huo occupying land. The situation had pushed Li Yu into a corner. Someone in the army had spread word that the court was short of funds and unable to pay soldiers’ salaries, causing unrest in more than a dozen battalions.
Under pressure, Li Yu was forced to distribute grain among his hundred-thousand troops to temporarily stabilize morale. But where could he get the money? At least one million guan was needed, yet he only had fifty thousand. As a result, he had no choice but to shamefacedly ask Li Qing’an for a loan. However, news from Anxi reported that Li Qing’an agreed to lend the money but on condition that Meng Yun and Luo Zhengyi’s heads be handed over. How could that be possible? Meng Yun and Luo Zhengyi were now his top generals, each commanding large forces—how could their heads be given to Li Qing’an? With no other options, Li Yu turned his attention back to the case of Princess Huo State.
But after Princess Huo State voluntarily returned the land and arrested those responsible for the crime, his key ministers began to disagree about how to handle her case. Wang Gong was among those who opposed it. From the start, he had been reluctant to take action against the Princess of Huo State. His reason was simple: Li Yu was already isolated. If he forced action against her, it would undoubtedly offend the entire royal family, putting him at odds with them and further isolating him.
Wang Gong knew that to persuade Li Yu, he needed to find a solution. He stood up and said with a smile, “Your Majesty, after much consideration, I believe we can find a way to raise funds.”
Li Yu had called together his key ministers on this day off from court to discuss the next steps regarding Lady Huo State’s case. Unexpectedly, Wang Gong claimed to have a way to get money. Of course, this was also something he was extremely concerned about. He immediately said with a smile, “Prime Minister Wang, please go on!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Wang Gong smiled and said, “These past few days, I’ve been investigating in the eastern and western markets. I’ve found that although the court lacks funds, the common people are wealthy. Many wealthy merchants have accumulated wealth over centuries and are quite powerful. They’re also willing to spend money on certain things.”
“Prime Minister Wang, you’re not suggesting selling official positions, are you?” Li Yan interjected coldly.
Li Yan was a highly respected minister who had always disapproved of Wang Gong. He despised Wang Gong’s history as a harsh ruler. If it weren’t for Li Yu’s sake, he would never have tolerated being in the same room as Wang Gong.
Wang Gong, having his plans exposed, grew annoyed and said, “Please, Minister Li, don’t interrupt me.”
Li Yu waved his hand and smiled, “Please, Prime Minister Wang. Minister Li, you may share your thoughts.”
Wang Gong glared fiercely at Li Yan before continuing, “I’m talking about selling official positions, not just appointed officials. One can sell honorary titles, military honors, or noble titles—especially noble titles. Many wealthy merchants are willing to pay a high price for them. They would rather not receive land or salaries; they just want these titles because they can change their humble status and be passed down to their descendants. I think since this doesn’t affect government affairs nor add any burden, and it’s merely a nominal title, why not do it?”
As soon as Wang Gong finished speaking, Pei Min interrupted him, “Prime Minister Wang plans to grant noble titles to merchants because they have money. But what about those soldiers who fight bravely for the country? The little honor they’ve earned with their lives can be bought by merchants with money—how can they bear that?”
Li Yan also spoke up, “Vice Minister Pei is right. A gentleman knows what to do and what not to do. Money can’t buy everything. There are things that can’t be sold no matter how much money one has. Otherwise, what’s being sold isn’t just noble titles but also the spirit of our Tang Dynasty.”
“You! Hmph!”
Wang Gong was left speechless by their arguments. He sat down angrily, while Li Yu looked embarrassed. In fact, he was somewhat tempted too. Selling noble titles sounded good—as long as he could get money, he didn’t care about such trivial matters. But the righteousness advocated by Li and Pei left him without words.
At that moment, Li Yan said, “Actually, I’ve also thought about this. I once served as the governor of Jingzhao and am well aware of the people’s conditions. I know some ways to raise funds. Getting five hundred thousand strings of coins shouldn’t be a problem.”
Li Yu was overjoyed. If he could obtain five hundred thousand strings of coins, it would solve his urgent problems—at least he could cover half of the military expenses.
“Minister Li, please go on!”
Li Yan stood up and said, “Your Majesty, although the court lacks money, it does possess many properties and shops in the markets. These all belong to the court and can be sold partially. Especially the shops in the Western Market—each one is worth ten thousand strings of coins. Usually, the court charges a meager rent, but it could be increased significantly. If Your Majesty thinks the rent is too low, we can start by selling fifty shops. The reason I oppose selling more is that not every merchant has that much cash on hand. Scarcity makes things valuable. If too many shops are sold, their value will drop. So, it’s better to limit sales to fifty. Some wealthy merchants will surely be willing to pay. I believe five hundred thousand strings of coins is achievable.”
Pei Min also smiled and said, “I also suggest borrowing money from the money-changing houses temporarily. Li Linfu did that back then and only repaid it after two years. Your Majesty could borrow five hundred thousand strings of coins first to pay some officials’ salaries. I know many low-ranking officials are living in hardship. Your Majesty should consider their situation.”
Li Yan and Pei Min’s two suggestions caught Li Yu’s attention. After days of frustration, he finally saw a way forward, and his heart lightened. Smiling, he said, “Well said. I think it’s excellent.”
Wang Gong, seeing the emperor approve of them and reject him, was extremely dissatisfied. He said coldly, “Since we now have money, there’s no need to make enemies among the imperial family! As for the case of Princess of Huo, I suggest we close it here.”
“I firmly object!”
Li Yan stood up and retorted, “Handling Princess of Huo’s case isn’t just for money’s sake—it’s also to curb land annexation in our Tang Dynasty and force those noble families to return the excess land they’ve occupied. If we can’t solve the land issue, what will happen to our finances next year? And the year after that? Your Majesty, with all due respect, land annexation in our Tang Dynasty is worsening by the day. The consequences are so severe that we’re on the verge of destruction. If we don’t take decisive action now, the people won’t be able to survive, and chaos will ensue in the Tang Dynasty. In fact, our empire can no longer bear the burden of land annexation any longer.”
Wang Gong countered, “Do you really think it’s that easy to make them give up their land? If ordinary people can cause chaos, why can’t the noble families? In fact, they might cause even more chaos. Haven’t we seen such situations in history? I think at most we should make them pay a little land tax, but we must avoid further unrest. Your Majesty is currently weak and shouldn’t make too many enemies.”
Pei Min also couldn’t hold back and said, “I agree with Minister Li’s opinion. This is the first time the emperor has confronted land annexation. If we just let it go, it will surely disappoint many who have placed their hopes in the emperor. Your Majesty, since you’ve already taken action, you must push through to the end. Even if we fail, it will show everyone your determination to address this issue. I advocate continuing to investigate Princess of Huo’s case.”
Li Yan declared resolutely, “Your Majesty, I am willing to take charge of investigating Princess of Huo’s case. Please grant me authority. I will bear any consequences!”
Li Yu was overwhelmed by their arguments. He waved his hand and said, “Let me think more about Princess of Huo’s case. I will make a decision.”
After a pause, he added, “However, selling shops in the Western Market and borrowing money are feasible. I’ll leave these two tasks to Deputy Pei to handle entirely. He must raise funds for me as soon as possible—the army is about to cause trouble.”
Several high-ranking officials left, leaving Li Yu in turmoil. He slowly walked to the window and stared blankly at the lush locust trees outside. It had been nearly a year since he ascended the throne, yet the events of that time had left him exhausted. Countless people accused him of being weak and incompetent, claiming he failed to lead the Tang Dynasty out of its troubles and instead pushed it deeper into decline. Filled with confusion and resentment, Li Yu couldn’t understand why no one saw the cause and effect—what exactly had led to the Tang Dynasty’s dire situation? It was his grandfather’s forty years of allowing nobles to seize land and neglecting oversight of frontier generals, which ultimately forced the use of regional princes to strengthen control over local areas. This had resulted in a cutoff of financial resources and loss of control over the regions. Decades, even centuries of accumulated problems had suddenly erupted, and now he, Li Yu, was expected to solve them in a short time—how could that possibly be done?
Li Yu felt immense resentment and anger—angry that his grandfather was still interfering in politics. His grandfather only wanted imperial power, ignoring the fact that the empire was on the verge of collapse. Meanwhile, Li Mi had sat by the wall throughout the meeting, remaining silent the whole time. He observed the subtle dynamics at play, noticing the discord among Wang Gong and Li and Pei, as well as personal animosities and ideological conflicts. This added to his concerns. These three high-ranking officials were the pillars upon which Li Yu relied for governance. If problems arose among them, Li Yu’s throne would likely be further threatened.
Li Mi didn’t rush to inform Li Yu of this situation. He sat quietly, watching Li Yu’s thin silhouette, understanding the pressure the young emperor was under. Now, he wasn’t just dealing with the stability of the throne but also the safety of the entire Tang Dynasty. Whether those seemingly frail shoulders could bear such a heavy burden filled Li Mi with worry as well.
“Sir, regarding the case of Princess Huo, should I proceed?” Li Yu finally spoke.
He slowly turned around, looking at his mentor with confusion in his eyes. “Wang Gong is right, and Li Yan also makes sense. I’m completely lost. I earnestly ask for your guidance.”
Li Mi organized his thoughts. He had been pondering this question all along, and now he had an answer. It was time for Li Yu to make a choice.
“Your Majesty, I’ll ask just one question: Do you prefer your family or your country?”
Li Bi’s words were like a bolt of lightning in the darkness, illuminating Li Yu’s mind before vanishing in an instant. He understood a little, but was once again overwhelmed by confusion. He stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and gazed at Li Bi with almost devout eyes. “This is a turning point in my life. Please speak plainly, Master—anything I can bear.”
“Yes! There are some things I must say directly.”
At that moment, Li Bi also made up his mind. If he did not speak openly now, it would ultimately harm Li Yu and destroy the entire Tang Dynasty.
“Your Majesty, Wang Gong’s meaning is clear: yielding on the case of Princess Huo will preserve your throne. That is your family. Li Yan’s stance is equally clear—he insists on thoroughly investigating Princess Huo’s case to safeguard the Tang Dynasty. That is your country. It is up to you to decide—family or country?”
“Can’t we have both?”
Li Bi shook his head. “By giving up on Princess Huo’s case, you can only protect your family, but the Tang Dynasty will surely fall into turmoil. As Li Yan said, the Tang Empire can no longer bear the burden of land consolidation. If you insist on dealing severely with Princess Huo and use it as a starting point to thoroughly investigate the land in Guanzhong, although there will be a brief storm, there will surely be clear skies after it. It is up to you to choose which path to take.”
Li Yu understood Li Bi’s words. He slowly walked back to the window. The sky, once bright with sunlight, now appeared dark before his eyes. A deep pain flashed in his eyes. He knew that the storm meant the end of his throne, even his life. Did he really have to face this choice…
After what seemed like a long time, he finally spoke, his voice tinged with sadness. “Actually, sometimes I wonder what would happen to the Tang Dynasty if Li Qingan were in my place. He would at least do better than me. He has an army and wealth, and more courage than I do. He strictly prohibited land consolidation in Anxi—with such determination and harshness that I feel inferior to him. He led troops on campaigns to expand the Tang Dynasty’s territory, achieving as much as Emperor Taizong. I once privately told the Empress that if the day came when I had to give up my throne, I would rather hand it over to Li Qingan. At least he could restore the glory of the Tang Dynasty and lead it to prosperity, something I cannot do. This is the conflict between family and country. For the sake of family, I would never give him the throne, because he would kill me and exterminate my descendants. But for the sake of the country, he is the only emperor I recognize who can restore it. Master, I am torn!”
“But Your Majesty, often times one has no choice!”
“I know! I do…” Li Yu’s voice gradually faded, eventually becoming silent.
Li Bi was also filled with conflict. He was deeply worried about Li Yu’s fate. He had realized that no matter how firm Li Yu’s stance was in the case of Lady Huo, the imperial clan would no longer tolerate him. Li Longji’s awakening from his coma was the clearest sign—he was the supreme leader of the clan. Although Li Yu was his chosen heir, there was one crucial prerequisite: Li Yu could only ascend the throne after Li Longji’s death. Otherwise, Li Longji would never allow it. That’s why, upon waking and hearing that Li Yu had already taken the throne, he became so enraged. The situation was now clear—Li Longji intended to restore his rule, and he would surely gather the imperial clan to overthrow Li Yu. It was for this reason that Li Bi supported Li Yu’s firm stance in the case of Lady Huo, aiming to intimidate the royal clan and give Li Yu a chance of survival.
Li Bi saw the situation very clearly. Though he claimed not to hide anything from Li Yu, he still dared not tell him the truth in this matter. He knew that if he did, Li Yu would hesitate, unwilling to harm his own kin. This was indeed Li Yu’s greatest weakness—his lack of cruelty.
At that moment, Li Yu slowly turned his head. His eyes shone with an unprecedented determination. His resolve was set—he decided to take action against Lady Huo for the long-term stability of the Tang dynasty.
“Sir, I’ve made up my mind!”
……
The princess of the Huo family lived in a large mansion in Chongren Fang. She was the daughter of Emperor Ruizong of Tang, Li Dan, and thus the sister of Li Longji. In her early years, she married Pei Xujи, the Deputy Minister of Food and Rites. However, Pei Xujи accused her of practicing esoteric arts secretly and of having close relations with Prince Qi, Li Fan, which angered Li Longji. In the eighth year of the Kaiyuan era, she was exiled to Lingnan, and the princess was forced to divorce her husband. After the divorce, she never remarried and lived in obscurity for over thirty years before being drawn into the royal power struggles at the age of sixty.
Upon closer examination, the issue of land seizure indeed had nothing to do with the Princess of Huo. In her later years, the Princess of Huo devoted herself to Buddhism, immersing herself in Buddhist teachings daily and paying little attention to household affairs. The problem lay with her adopted daughter, Pei Huainiang. The Princess of Huo was of weak health and had no children. After being forced to divorce her husband, she adopted Pei Huainiang, the daughter of her sister, the Princess of Xue, and entrusted her with all household matters. Due to being forced to divorce her husband and choosing to remain chaste, she won the favor of Emperor Li Longji, who bestowed generous rewards upon her, making her family extremely wealthy. Aside from expenses related to Buddhism, all other wealth was managed by Pei Huainiang.
From a modern perspective, Pei Huainiang would undoubtedly be considered a skilled investor, as she invested large sums of money in real estate such as land and houses, reaping substantial profits. From another angle, however, her investment in land was a form of land consolidation that undermined the foundation of the Tang Dynasty’s rule by displacing many self-cultivating farmers and establishing manors. By the mid-Tang period, the Li family, having accumulated wealth over a century, had the means to engage in land consolidation. Coupled with weak government oversight, land acquisition became a trend among the imperial family, and Pei Huainiang was no exception. After more than a decade of consolidation, along with the rewards from Emperor Li Longji, she had acquired tens of thousands of acres of fertile land, including 3,000 acres alone in the Guanzhong region.
Nevertheless, her landholdings ranked only mid-tier among the imperial family, with many surpassing her. Yet Pei Huainiang made a fatal mistake. One of her subordinates informed her that Weinan County had suffered from an locust plague the previous year, causing land prices to drop. Since Pei Huainiang owned a large manor in Weinan County, she ordered her subordinate to forcibly purchase hundreds of acres of surrounding land. Unbeknownst to him, this land included Li Qingan’s manor. Because Li Qingan kept a low profile regarding his manor and rarely visited the area, his subordinate did not realize this and proceeded with the purchase. As a result, the manager of Li Qingan’s manor, along with other small and medium-sized landowners and hundreds of tenants from Li Qingan’s manor, went to the capital to file a complaint, causing a huge trouble for the Princess of Huo.
Early in the morning, before dawn, a large group of imperial guards suddenly appeared in Chongren Fang. Fully armed and fierce, they quickly surrounded the Princess of Huo’s residence. The soldiers held torches, casting bright light as if it were day. Changsun Quanxu, clad in full armor, waved his spear and ordered, “Break in!” Several strong men rushed up the stairs and swung their hammers at the door. With a loud “Boom!”, the door shook violently. A few servants opened the door, only to see the army outside and tremble with fear.
“What… do you want?”
“By the Emperor’s order, the Princess of Huo State is summoned to receive the decree!” At that moment, a woman in her thirties stepped forward quickly. She was Pei Huainiang, the adopted daughter of the Princess of Huo State. In the light of the fire, seeing so many soldiers surrounding the mansion, she angrily said, “This is the princess’s residence. How dare you be so rude?” Changsun Quanxu restrained his anger and repeated, “By the Emperor’s order, the Princess of Huo State is summoned to receive the decree!” Huainiang replied coldly, “My mother is not here. If there’s anything, speak to me!” “Very well!” Changsun Quanxu swiftly unrolled the imperial decree and declared loudly, “The Princess of Huo State has occupied fertile land, kept private troops, and violated the laws of the Tang Dynasty. Her crimes are unforgivable. The Yulin Army is ordered to search her residence. All ill-gotten gains shall be confiscated, and her private troops must be disbanded. So it is decreed!” Pei Huainiang immediately started cursing, “Which law have I violated? It’s obvious you’re taking advantage of my mother’s vulnerability to rob us. Why don’t you search the King of Shu’s or the King of Wu’s homes instead?” Changsun Quanxu pointed at her with his spear and ordered, “Arrest her! Act now!” The soldiers rushed forward, pinned Pei Huainiang and several of her family members to the ground, and tied them up with ropes. A large group of soldiers stormed into the mansion, searching everywhere. Chaos reigned within the Princess of Huo State’s residence… By dawn, the search of her mansion was nearing its end. Boxes piled up like mountains, containing countless amounts of gold, silver, jewels, and coins. Even a rough estimate by the military officials showed the value to be at least two million guan. There were also land deeds for tens of thousands of hectares, or one million mu, stored in over a dozen large boxes and carried out by the soldiers. These were the proofs of the Princess of Huo State’s crimes. According to the law, a princess was only allowed to own 100 hectares of permanent farmland, yet she possessed hundreds of times that amount. Emperor Li Longji had issued three decrees prohibiting the imperial family from seizing land, threatening severe punishment otherwise. Though these decrees had little effect, they now served as a basis for Li Yu to deal with the Princess of Huo State. Li Yu had already figured out where the Princess of Huo State’s fertile lands in Guanzhong were. At the same time as the Yulin Army carried out the search, troops stationed outside Chang’an set out. They went to various counties in Guanzhong to search for the princess’s farmlands as well. Three thousand hectares of land, along with decades’ worth of grain reserves, amounting to at least one million bushels of grain. In the morning, Li Yu’s surprise attack on the Princess of Huo State’s mansion caused a sensation in Chang’an. Soon after, Li Yu issued three more decrees, appointing Li Yan, the Minister of Punishments, as the chief investigator and Pei Min, the Deputy Minister of Revenue, as his assistant, to thoroughly investigate the land in Guanzhong. Any members of the imperial family who occupied excessive land were ordered to hand it over within three days, and they would be spared punishment. Otherwise, they would face the same fate as the Princess of Huo State.
A violent storm swept over Chang’an, with dark clouds looming over the city. The Tang emperor, who had been on the throne for a year, was not so much showing his potential as being forced by harsh realities down a path with no return.