Chapter 9: The Golden Age (9)

Yang Huahua was fiddling with a jade bracelet when she saw Li Kuo enter the inner room. She covered her mouth and smiled, saying, “Brother Kuo has arrived. Please sit down. Hui, you too—why don’t you take care of our guest?”
Li Kuo smiled gently. “It’s no problem. Younger brother Hui treats me like a real brother. I’m actually a bit embarrassed.”
Yang Huahua sat up straight, picked up a teacup, and blew away the tea leaves on the surface. “If only he had half of Brother Kuo’s talent, I’d be satisfied.”
“Mother, you’re biased!”
Although already married, Pei Hui still had a childlike nature and suddenly “took offense” at his own mother.
“See? I told you so.”
Yang Huahua sighed. “He’s almost a father yet still acts so childishly.”
She was at a loss as to what to do with her son.
“Younger brother Hui has a kind nature and treats people sincerely,” Li Kuo said, trying to highlight Pei Hui’s strengths. “Though he may not be outstanding in achieving fame and status, he’s good enough at maintaining what he has. Madam, you shouldn’t be too demanding.”
“I know all that, but… sigh!” Yang Huahua waved her hand helplessly. “Enough. I called you here today to discuss an important matter.”
Li Kuo clasped his fists and said, “I’m eager to hear it.”
“Brother Kuo must be aware that the emperor plans to reward the meritorious soldiers from Longyou at a court ceremony in the Daming Palace soon,” Yang Huahua said indifferently, without any emotion. “With Brother Kuo’s achievements, it’s not impossible for him to be appointed as a governor. But matters in the political world can be both complicated and simple. Ultimately, it all comes down to interests.”
She stared intently into the young man’s eyes and paused briefly. “Once interests are involved, disputes arise naturally. With all these family disputes, what do you think the emperor can do?”
Li Kuo shook his head and smiled bitterly. “Madam, if you have something to say, just say it directly. There’s no need to be so vague.”
“Hehe, hehehe. Brother Kuo is truly straightforward.”
Yang Huahua’s voice, like silver bells, was incredibly charming, making Li Kuo’s heart tremble.
“Very well, then I’ll be direct. I hope you’ll join the Yang family.”

Yang Huahua saw the young man eager to speak and immediately reached out with her bare hand to his lips. “Let me explain to you in detail the severity of the situation. Though you are currently at the height of your power and hold high ranks, you are still envied by that old scoundrel Li Linfu—something you must be well aware of. With Li Linfu’s influence, not to mention a mere minor military officer like you, even a provincial governor could be suppressed with just a few words. If he speaks a few words in the emperor’s presence, I dare not say what else might happen, but your title will surely be taken away by someone else.”

“Madam, I am not someone who values fame and wealth. As for this title…”

Hearing this, Li Kuo could no longer hold back and voiced his thoughts.

“Hypocritical! Outdated!”

Yang Huahua mercilessly shattered Li Kuo’s illusions, her brows furrowed as she said coldly, “How many people can truly let go of fame and wealth? Not to mention all the military achievements you’ve made—these titles are rightfully yours. Even if we assume you could let them go, could your soldiers do the same?”

Yang Huahua paused briefly before continuing, “The Battle of Longyou wasn’t the work of one person. No matter how skillfully a commander leads, without the sacrifice of his soldiers, how can they capture cities and fortresses? Though I am a woman, I see this much clearer than any of you men. Even if you, Brother Kuo, are indifferent to fame and wealth and wish to be a sage, those old soldiers who have fought alongside you through thick and thin probably don’t think that way.”

“In other words, after following you through countless battles, if you suddenly say you don’t want any rewards, what will your soldiers think?”

Most of these soldiers from the Copper Military Camp were Li Kuo’s direct subordinates—their fortunes were tied together. Naturally, they believed the higher Li Kuo’s rank, the better for them. After all, their promotions were linked to his success.

Seeing Li Kuo’s embarrassed expression, Pei Hui stepped forward and took Yang Huahua’s arm. “Mother, don’t push him too hard. Seventh Brother…”

“Let go! If I don’t wake this fool up today, he’ll end up suffering in the end!”

But Yang Huahua wasn’t ready to stop there. She raised her eyebrows and said, “Even if you don’t think about yourself, you must think about them. Don’t they fight alongside you risking their lives just to gain titles and benefits for their families? What’s wrong with striving for fame through one’s own efforts? If it belongs to us, we must fight for it—to survive!”

Yang Huahua clenched her fists, speaking rapidly.

At these words, Li Kuo fell silent instantly.

The spacious room was dead silent; Li Kuo could even hear his own heartbeat.

After a long while, Li Kuo finally broke the silence.
“Your words are truly enlightening; I admire you greatly!”
After the Lady of Guo State’s analysis, Li Kuo indeed realized he had thought too simply before. Perhaps the battle with Li Linfu had just begun, and perhaps only one of them could survive.
“So now you need a strong external ally, or someone to back you up.”
Yang Huahua sighed softly and lowered her voice. “Although the Yang family cannot directly confront Li Linfu, we are still a notable family in Chang’an. I know you’re ambitious and don’t want to rely on others. But given the current circumstances, it’s hard to gain any advantage with just your own strength.”
Though Yang Huahua had a good impression of Li Kuo, as a member of her family, it was only natural for her to plan for her own clan—something understandable.
Pei Hui also said, “Yes, Brother Kuo. Even if you have other plans in mind, it might be better to ally with Uncle Zhao for now to get through this difficult time.”
Li Kuo remained silent for a moment before smiling broadly. “So you’ve come to persuade me. It seems I can’t refuse now.”
Upon hearing this, Yang Huahua immediately beamed with joy. “I knew you were sensible. Don’t worry; with my useless cousin as a guarantor, that old scoundrel Li Linfu won’t dare do anything to you.”
After a pause, as if suddenly remembering something, Yang Huahua added quickly, “By the way, my fourth sister sent word to tell you not to rush to leave the palace after the reward ceremony. She wants to make you her master.”
“Huh?”
The young man was shocked, his face full of surprise.
The Imperial Concubine wanted to make him her master? Why?
“Look at you—so amusing.”
Yang Huahua giggled. “My fourth sister heard you’re excellent at archery and wants to learn from you. I wonder if Brother Kuo is interested.”
“My archery skills are passable, but the palace guards are all well-rounded in both civil and military affairs. How could I dare step into their role? Besides, outsiders are usually prohibited from entering the palace. I…”
“What an idiot!”
Before the young man could finish, Yang Huahua cut in playfully, “Aren’t the rules made by people? Not to mention the emperor highly praises you and has granted you a pass to enter the palace. With just the concubine’s word, no one will dare stop you from moving around freely.”
“As for those guards…”
Yang Huahua’s tone suddenly turned cold as she snorted. “If they were truly skilled, why would they either side with the ‘rightful ruler’ or have their heads cut off during every palace coup?”