Chapter 56: Choices (8)

“So, you want to frame Li Linfu by accusing him of colluding with the Arabs?”
Li Kuo had already understood Yang Xuan’s intentions and asked in a deep voice.
“It can’t be put that way. After all, we have their confessions, and that old scoundrel can’t deny it.”
With Li Kuo exposing his filthy thoughts, Yang Xuan smiled brightly. “That old scoundrel took risks for his family’s interests, and the use of violence is already very convincing. Coupled with those two’s confessions, even if the Emperor doesn’t believe everything, he will surely become suspicious.”
In Yang Xuan’s view, to bring down a powerful official like Li Linfu, the first step was to make the Emperor suspicious of him. Only then could his supporters waver. Otherwise, trying to confront such a tightly knit group of interests alone was like a moth flying into a flame.
“What will you do to those two?”
Li Kuo shook his head. He had realized that Yang Xuan’s plan to make them confess was not genuine. They probably spoke up more out of concern for their own safety. After all, if they could save their lives by framing others, few would stick to some abstract notions of righteousness and morality.
“Them? Heh, I’ll take their families into the Yang family as slaves.”
Yang Xuan snorted lightly and continued, “As for them, for being accomplices to traitors and selling out their country as subjects of the Tang Dynasty, I’ll ask the Emperor to execute them according to the law.”
What! Li Kuo’s mind buzzed. He couldn’t believe his ears! Those two had confessed according to Yang Xuan’s instructions. He thought Yang Xuan would at least intercede to spare their lives, but instead, he heard such absurd words.
“You say you want to ask the Emperor to execute them, but they clearly did as you said…”
“General Li! Whether they did as I said or not, they indeed hoarded large amounts of iron and weapons! If this gets out, Li Linfu might not suffer any consequences, but they, as scapegoats, will have their entire families executed—no one left behind! I’m doing this to help them!”
Yang Xuan was displeased with the young man’s attitude and raised his voice sharply. He really didn’t understand why his grandfather would favor such a stubborn general. Generals with his experience and rank were common in the Tang army. If his grandfather really wanted to support someone, he shouldn’t choose such an obstinate kid to cause trouble!
“You’re helping them?”
Li Kuo sat down and shook his head. “That Huangfu Chendong seems quite upset about you forcing him to confess. Can you guarantee he won’t renege?”

Yang Xuan snorted coldly upon hearing this and said, “You don’t need to worry about that. I have a hundred ways to make him shut up.” After a brief pause, he added, “You still need to pay close attention to Miss Shen—after all, that’s the key to bringing down Li Linfu. As for this confession, it will be most devastating only if delivered at the right time.” “I’ll take care of my own matters. There’s no need for Lord Yang to worry. Goodbye!” After going through this whole ordeal, Li Kuo felt disheartened and got up to head outside. At that moment, he even began to doubt whether partnering with the Yang family was the right decision. Whether it was Shen Er or the two managers of Huiyuan Goods Store, they were all innocent people, yet he had indirectly sacrificed them in order to bring down Li Linfu. Was this not a form of betrayal? “General Li! Remember what Yang said: the officialdom of the Tang Dynasty is like a dining table. If you don’t want to be eaten, you must eat others! The more people you eat, the safer you are. No matter how strong you are, you still need to watch out for those around you—after all, the powerful in the court don’t need knives to kill!” After returning from Yang Xuan’s residence, Li Kuo locked himself in his room, forcing himself to forget what Yang Xuan had said. But no matter how hard he tried, those cold, cruel, yet true words kept tormenting his fragile mind. “Actually, it’s not that bad. Look at the powerful families in my Tang Dynasty—which one doesn’t have its own businesses and assets? With hundreds or even thousands of people in such a large family, what do they eat and drink?” “If you don’t want to be eaten, you must eat others! The more people you eat, the safer you are.” “I’ll ask the emperor to execute them according to the law… I’m doing this to help them!” These were the rules for dealing with power in such families—existing since ancient times and still valid today. If you don’t want to be eaten, you must learn to eat others! “Young master, here’s the letter that just arrived.” Shen Liniang walked softly into the study and handed the young man a paper tube. It must have been sent by Shen Er using a homing pigeon, likely containing some important information he needed to know. Li Kuo had always felt guilty toward Shen Er. When the Lady of Guo State mentioned planning to use Shen Er to get close to Li Linfu, the young man immediately objected. Although the Lady of Guo State insisted that Shen Er had a deep grudge against that villain and was willing to do it, the young man still thought such an approach was unworthy of a man. But now, it seemed there was no better way to bring down Li Linfu. “Oh, it’s Liniang.” Taking the paper tube, he removed the rolled-up letter and unrolled it. Lines of small text came into view.

“In ten days, Li Linfu’s birthday will be celebrated, and he will host a banquet to invite all the officials.”
Just a few words, yet they sent a shock through Li Kuo’s heart.
Li Linfu was having a birthday party…
After pondering for a long time, the young man slapped his thigh and said, “Is she trying to remind me that the time has come?”
Yes, this was the opportunity they had been waiting for—the perfect chance to bring down Li Linfu!
Seeing the young man so excited, Shen Liniang asked doubtfully, “Young master, what happened?”
Li Kuo waved his hand and said, “Nothing. Prime Minister Li’s birthday is in ten days, and I was wondering whether to go and offer my congratulations.”
This matter had already harmed too many innocent people, and Li Kuo didn’t want such a kind girl like Shen Liniang to get involved. Whenever it came to matters related to Li Linfu, he would avoid them if possible.
“Oh.”
Shen Liniang, too, was kind-hearted. Seeing that Li Kuo didn’t want to talk about it, she stopped asking.
“By the way, Liniang. Could you send someone to call Yan Ji and Wu Ji? Tell them I want to have dinner with them tonight!”
Li Kuo thought he should discuss this matter with the two of them as well, so he used this opportunity to break the awkward silence.
“The two young gentlemen and the young master truly have a deep brotherly bond. Honestly, Liniang is even a bit jealous.”
Shen Liniang covered her lips and giggled, “I’ll send someone right away. I won’t let anything delay your important plans!”