Chapter 45: Grudges (1)

Resentment, confusion, helplessness.
Perhaps no single word could accurately describe Li Kuo’s state of mind at that moment. Gao Xiuyan’s shamelessness, Li Linfu’s cunning, and Li Heng’s cowardice and lack of gratitude—these men at the pinnacle of the Tang Dynasty’s power all shared, to varying degrees, a vicious and selfish nature, a trait that seemed perfectly adapted to the political landscape of the Tang Dynasty.
“Thick-skinned” meant shameless; “dark-hearted” meant as cunning as charcoal. These two terms were used by them with such skill and precision.
In other words, they rose to power by trampling on others’ bones. And those who became victims of their oppression were often unaware of it, some even considering it inevitable and even desirable. The game of power seemed to have always been like this.
For these rulers, what they pursued relentlessly was supreme power—the pleasure of standing atop the tower and looking down on everyone else. Their only standard for judging things was profit; they saw themselves merely as pawns. Use them if useful, discard them if not.
This was true of Gao Xiuyan, Li Linfu, and even the Crown Prince.
Since returning to Chang’an, Li Kuo had been pondering this question. If this was the established rule for climbing the ranks in the Tang Dynasty’s bureaucracy, would he still be as eager to enter government service to serve the world as he once was? If he stopped striving upward, would he be trampled underfoot by those hungry for power? If he eventually became part of this power structure, would he gradually be corrupted into a vicious and selfish parasite?
If so, was such a career still worth clinging to?
In the past, the young man would have given up without hesitation, preferring to be a farmer tilling the land. But now, after experiencing a series of betrayals and schemes, he was determined to persevere and climb to the top. It wasn’t out of attachment to power, but a desire to change the rules.
Because unless he reached the top, countless insignificant pawns like himself would be abandoned over and over again; unless he reached the top, such vicious and corrupt practices would continue; unless he reached the top, he would never have a chance to change these rules.
During his few days in Jingzhao Prefecture, the young man appeared quite calm. Since this was a trap carefully laid by Li Linfu and Gao Xiuyan, panic and fear were useless. Wang Qiang, the governor of Jingzhao, was a close confidant of Li Linfu. Though there had been frequent conflicts over the years, their ties remained very close.

The power structure of the Tang Dynasty was like an intricately rooted old tree, with high officials and courtiers forming alliances to gain broader connections and more options. If one branch died, others would quickly take its place. Thus, since Li Linfu was now at the height of his power, Wang Chuan had no reason to defy his will. Falling into Li Linfu’s camp, any sign of weakness would not only be useless but also laughable. To the young man’s surprise, Wang Chuan not only did not take the opportunity to punish him but also treated him with great courtesy. Apart from two face-to-face conversations, he had been staying temporarily in the Jingzhao residence, without even undergoing a regular trial. Wang Chuan’s behavior was as murky as muddy water, making it impossible for the young man to figure out his intentions. Eventually, he simply went with the flow and found it quite comfortable. Today, as he was engrossed in reading in the small courtyard, a servant from the residence called him to Wang Chuan’s study for a talk. The young man frowned slightly—could it be that Wang Chuan wanted to hold a trial now? Following the servant through several arched gates to Wang Chuan’s study, he heard familiar laughter before even entering. Was there someone in the room? With some suspicion, he stepped inside and saw Wang Chuan chatting cheerfully with an old man. It was none other than General Gao Lishi. So that’s how it is… Seeing Li Kuo arrive, Wang Chuan smiled and said, “Qilang, come here quickly. Elder Gao has come specially to see you.” Without hesitation, Li Kuo stepped forward and bowed to Gao Lishi, saying, “I pay my respects to Elder Gao!” “Good, good. Sit down and let’s talk.” Gao Lishi winked at Li Kuo, signaling him to relax and not be too formal. Wang Chuan smiled brightly and said, “Elder Gao, I’ve always said that Qilang is no ordinary person. In just a short time, he has already reached the high position of Military Commissioner of Shule. He is the youngest Military Commissioner since the Tang Dynasty was established—his future is boundless.” Gao Lishi also praised him, saying, “Even the emperor often praises Qilang’s talent. By the way, the imperial concubine has also been asking constantly these days for her teacher.” He cast a teasing glance at Wang Chuan, as if he wasn’t really speaking to him but merely expressing his own opinion. Though angry inwardly, Wang Chuan had to force a smile and say, “With the emperor and the empress’s favor, Qilang will surely rise quickly.” Listening to the two of them exchanging words without mentioning his “secret meetings with the crown prince,” Li Kuo frowned slightly. “Qilang, you’ve been at Lord Wang’s residence for quite some time—surely you don’t want to leave?”

Seeming to see through the young man’s thoughts, Gao Lishi patted his thigh and asked jokingly. Since he already had the emperor’s orders, he wasn’t afraid of Wang Xuan interfering. This kid was truly lucky to have so many people backing him!
“What are you saying, Lord Gao? If it weren’t for Lord Wang’s hospitality and insistence on keeping me, I would probably still be idling at home. By the way, I’ve got some free time these days. I’ve long heard that Lord Gao is an excellent archer, and I’d really like to compete with you in archery.”
Li Kuo naturally understood the implication in Gao Lishi’s words and followed up on the topic.
“Good boy! I like young people like you!”
Gao Lishi shook his head smilingly in praise.
As the two of them engaged in this back-and-forth, Wang Xuan was left aside, feeling quite awkward.
“Since Seventh Brother wants to compete with Lord Gao in archery, I won’t keep you any longer.”
Wang Xuan paused for a moment before saying, “If you have time in the future, feel free to visit my residence.”
Wang Xuan narrowed his eyes, like a fox eyeing its prey.
“I’ve troubled Lord Wang these past few days. Please forgive me. By the way, Lord Wang must remember to convey my regards to the Prime Minister.”
Li Kuo smiled and replied solemnly.
Wang Xuan was momentarily stunned before saying, “Of course, definitely.”
Gao Lishi waved his hand. “If that’s the case, Seventh Brother and I won’t disturb Lord Wang’s duties any longer. Goodbye!”
After saying that, Gao Lishi nodded at Li Kuo, signaling the young man to follow him.
“Have a good journey, Lord Gao!”
Wang Xuan watched the two leave the mansion, let out a cold snort, and angrily crumpled the letter in his hand.