Chapter 14: Discourse (IV)

Since the establishment of the state under Xia Qi, the imperial court in the Central Plains had developed a culture of following leadership examples. This trend became even more pronounced before the Wei and Jin dynasties and during the Sui dynasty, and of course, the Tang dynasty was no exception.

With the emperor and the right chancellor personally vouching that Captain Li’s actions in controlling the floods were justified, why should anyone take the risk of clashing with them by insisting on principles of righteousness? Everyone understood what righteousness meant—it was nothing more than the frameworks set by the court to restrict the people. If it existed, so be it; if not, so be it. The more one studied, the clearer these things became. When water is too clear, there are no fish. Why expose what is already obvious?

“Your Majesty, I agree!”

Cui Yuan, the acting right vice minister and censor-in-chief, had always obeyed Li Linfu’s orders. Seizing this opportunity, he loudly agreed as well.

“What Chancellor Li said is true. I also agree!”

“I agree!”

“I…”

The high-ranking officials of the Three Dukes and Three Teachers, the vice ministers of the Six Ministries, and the heads of the Nine Temples and Five Supervisory Agencies all suddenly changed their tone, praising Captain Li’s heroic deeds. Their eagerness seemed such that they might even petition together to grant him the title of prince.

Li Kuo could only smile bitterly. Li Linfu’s power was already so great that it seemed half of the Tang dynasty’s territory was under his control.

Looking at Yang Zhao beside him, the young man couldn’t help but sigh. Although Yang Zhao had risen to the position of censor-in-chief and the Yang family’s influence in Chang’an was at its peak, it was clear they couldn’t rival Li Linfu, whose supporters were everywhere in the court. Whether in terms of political acumen or personal courage, Yang Zhao, who came from humble origins, was clearly not on the same level as Li Linfu. Though Li Kuo admired Yang Zhao’s integrity, sometimes political struggles couldn’t be resolved by mere loyalty.

Sitting behind the imperial desk, Li Longji nodded satisfactorily. Though he was puzzled by the sudden change in attitude among the officials, the unified voice pleased him greatly. Li Kuo was a trusted subordinate he wanted to promote and nurture. If he faced too much resistance, it would be embarrassing for him.

“Hmm, then let’s settle this matter this way.”

Li Longji glanced around the hall and nodded at Cui Qian. “Minister Cui, please continue.”

Cui Qian nodded. “As you command.”

After about the length of a incense stick, Minister Cui finally finished reading out the imperial edict regarding rewards. Without Captain Li Kuo as the focus of debate, the imperial decrees sounded rather dull. If not for being in the Hanyuan Hall, many of the older officials might have fallen asleep.

The valiant soldiers from Longyou knelt on one knee once again to express their gratitude for the emperor’s grace. Li Longji waved his hand and delivered some words of encouragement, mostly the usual official rhetoric such as “I expect you to serve loyally at the borders and repay the court’s trust, never letting me down.” The ministers cheered “Long live the emperor!” repeatedly, with their voices echoing throughout the hall, creating a scene of harmony.

Lacking the necessary tension to liven things up, even Li Longji felt somewhat disinterested and bored.

“Disperse the court!”

The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty waved his arm, ending the grand assembly.

“We bid farewell to His Majesty! Long live the emperor, forever and ever!”

“Lieutenant Li, wait, wait a moment!”

After leaving the main hall, Gao Xiuyan was the first to greet him: “Lieutenant Li—no, I mean Military Commander Li. Congratulations!”

Gao Xiuyan clasped his hands together and spoke lightly.

“General Gao is truly interesting.”

Li Kuo didn’t want to engage with him and walked toward the exit, saying, “I wonder if General Gao’s deputy in Longyou can hold his position.”

“There’s no need for Military Commander Li to worry about that,” Gao Xiuyan sneered. “He’d better think about how to handle himself in Shule.”

By then, Yang Zhao had rushed over from behind, pushed Gao Xiuyan aside, and said to Li Kuo, “Why waste words on him? Let’s go!”

“You!”

Gao Xiuyan waved his arm and grunted in annoyance.

A thug from the streets dared to speak to him like that—clearly he was growing impatient! Everyone feared the Yang family, but he simply refused to believe it!

Gao Xiuyan’s gaze grew dark, and he clenched his right fist tightly.

Just a few steps outside the hall with Yang Zhao, Li Kuo encountered Gao Delun, a eunuch who had long served the emperor. Gao Delun was the adopted son of General Gao Lishi and often served at the emperor’s side. The fact that he was guiding the two of them into the palace showed how favored they were by the emperor.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the three of them walked along the bluestone path on the right toward the inner palace.

After about five hundred steps, they arrived at the Xuanzheng Gate.

At the foot of the towering city walls, a sense of grandeur and vastness enveloped them. The endless gray-black walls proved their status as the most revered place in the Tang Dynasty with their sheer size and majesty. The archway on the north side was over twenty zhang high, with three wide gateways large enough for four carriages to pass side by side. On either side were horizontal palace walls, creating wide passages between them.

Official institutions such as the Secretariat, the Chancellery, the Hongwen Academy, the Historical Archives, and the Censorate were located on either side of the Xuanzheng Hall. From time to time, officials who had left court would walk in groups toward their offices to begin handling government affairs for the day.

All three gateways were bustling with activity. People of various statuses in the palace moved about according to their roles, each living their lives as assigned. The towering city walls reflected the endless prosperity of the prosperous Chang’an.

After the court session, as the sun rose high, its dazzling golden light shone on the gilded glazed tiles of the gate towers. Countless rays of light spread everywhere, leaving one in awe of the luxury of this imperial palace.

Although Li Kuo had entered Xingqing Palace during a polo match before, he had never set foot in Daming Palace, known as the greatest palace of the Tang Dynasty.

Daming Palace—what a magnificent place!

With its vast golden structures and an inherent sense of grandeur and history, Daming Palace stood proudly on the north side of Longshouyuan. This was the heart of Chang’an, the heart of the Tang Dynasty!

As Gao Delun passed through the “inspection point” (Note 1) and entered the gateway over fifty meters wide, Li Kuo and his group officially entered the inner court.

Upon entering, the first thing Li Kuo saw was a broad avenue paved with bluestone, over a hundred meters wide. On both sides were only the duty-bound guards, palace attendants, and maids—no other strangers were present. Though less bustling, there was no sense of desolation. After walking about two hundred steps, they arrived at the majestic Zichen Gate.

Gao Delun showed his identification badge to the commanding guard. After verifying it briefly, the guard smiled and ordered the gate to be opened, allowing the group to enter. As the head of the palace guards, he naturally knew Gao Delun’s importance before the emperor. Yet he dared not slack off and had to follow all procedures carefully before allowing anyone in. After all, entering Zichen Gate meant entering the inner palace. Without the emperor’s order, not even someone as respected as the crown prince could enter the inner palace without permission. (Note 2) “Young Master Li, I’m not saying this to offend you, but the emperor hasn’t shown such favor to younger generations in recent years.”

Gao Delun spoke slowly as they walked.

“You became a military commander before even reaching adulthood and have also won the emperor’s favor. Truly, your future is bright!”
“You flatter me, Lord Gao. I merely strive to serve the court and don’t deserve such high praise.”
“Ah, young master Li, remember my words—in the end, isn’t the Tang Dynasty still under the emperor’s rule? Whether it’s serving the court or seeking personal gain, as long as it pleases the emperor, isn’t that what makes one a loyal minister and capable general? Sir Yang, do you think what I say makes sense?”

Yang Zhao said with a smile, “Eunuch Gao is absolutely right. As subjects, our most important duty is to share the emperor’s burdens. Whether it’s leading troops to drive away barbarians, defending the borders, or maneuvering in the court to present our own views, we must always remain loyal to the emperor.”
“Hmm, I knew Lord Yang was a sensible man.”
Gao Delun’s eyes narrowed into crescents as he praised him repeatedly.
“I can’t say much about other matters, but there are a few things I need to mention. The young master is still young and has little experience in the world. I’m worried he might be taken advantage of by villains.”
Gao Delun kept talking nonstop. Just after praising Yang Zhao, he immediately began teaching Li Kuo the tricks of serving the emperor and getting along with other court officials.
“Firstly, as a general, one must avoid becoming too powerful by amassing troops. If the emperor trusts you so much as to give you military power and you fail to reassure him, you won’t be able to hold your position.”
Gao Delun moved quickly, talking without pause.
“Secondly, as a general, one must avoid forming cliques for personal gain. We, as border generals, are there to protect the emperor’s territory. How can we ignore his grace and engage in such selfish behavior?”
Seeing Li Kuo’s expression darken, Gao Delun laughed and said, “Young master, I’m not referring to you. Don’t take it personally.”
“Thirdly, as a general, one must avoid getting involved in romantic affairs. As the old saying goes, a true man should aspire to great things—how can he be tied down by personal emotions? Romantic feelings are extremely harmful. I know this well—women, tsk tsk, they’re so annoying.”
Li Kuo suppressed his laughter to avoid laughing out loud. He really didn’t understand why this eunuch kept talking so much and repeatedly imparting his experience in the court to him.
“Oh, look, we’ve already arrived at the Zichen Hall. Please wait a moment while I go in to report to the emperor.”
Gao Delun smirked slightly, waved his hand to disperse the dust, and strode up the stone steps of the grand hall adorned with dragons and phoenixes.