Chapter Twelve: Discussion (II)

The court of the Tang Dynasty was like a pool of spring water that appeared calm but actually teemed with hidden currents, while the high-ranking officials were the koi fish raised by the emperor. These koi competed among themselves, seeking their master’s favor and food, and despite disliking one another, they maintained a basic balance.

But if a loach suddenly appeared in the pool, this balance would be instantly disrupted. Their usual rivals and enemies would unite to drive this intruder out of their territory.

To these powerful nobles, Li Kuo was undoubtedly that loach.

Why had this young man received such an honor? Hadn’t his grandfather already been convicted and executed? Could a former criminal still wear a purple robe?

It was not hard to understand why these koi, sensing a clear threat, set aside their past prejudices and united against him.

As Cui Qian, the deputy minister of war, finished reading out the imperial edict granting titles to the eleven generals of Longyou, someone immediately stepped forward.

It was Zheng Yun, the deputy minister of revenue. Holding his tablet, he stepped out of the ranks and said, “Your Majesty, I believe the honor granted to Lieutenant Li Kuo is inappropriate.”

Li Longji frowned. Though slightly displeased, he replied calmly, “Minister Zheng, if you see something amiss, please explain.”

Although merely a deputy minister of revenue, Zheng Yun represented the interests of the entire Zheng family of Xingyang. Li Longji had to take his words seriously.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Zheng Yun said with a slight bow. “Lieutenant Li is skilled in both civil and military affairs. He assisted General Gao in leading 30,000 warriors in a surprise attack on Jiuqu—his efforts were indeed remarkable.”

He paused briefly, then sighed. “But Lieutenant Li is only seventeen years old yet has already reached the rank of Guoyi Lieutenant. His rapid promotion is astonishing. Granting him the title of Mingwei General might go against military tradition and fail to gain acceptance.”

“Minister Zheng is right,” Wei Bin, the deputy secretary, interjected. “There has never been a precedent of advancing three ranks in one go. General Li was originally a Guoyi Lieutenant, a rank below the fifth tier. Promoting him to Mingwei General would mean skipping four ranks at once. Your Majesty, please reconsider!”

“Minister Zheng’s words are true. What worries me even more is the matter of appointing him as the actual commander of the Shule troops. Lieutenant Li was originally under Marshal Geshu Han—why should he be transferred to the Anxi Protectorate? Military regulations are strict. If all generals acted like Lieutenant Li, what would be the need for approvals from the Ministry of War?”

Zheng Yun and Wei Bin echoed each other, clearly having discussed this in advance.

Li Longji glanced at Li Linfu, who remained calm at his seat, and inwardly sneered at his cunning.

“The words of your two lords make sense, but I believe that since ancient times, heroes have emerged from among the young. Although Lieutenant Li is not yet of full age, his achievements are truly remarkable. As for the military traditions and rules, what’s the harm in breaking them? The reason why the army of the Great Tang is invincible, and why its soldiers are willing to risk their lives, is precisely because of the rule that rewards merit and punishes faults. Lieutenant Li has set an excellent example for young men, and I think it would be appropriate to appoint him as General Mingwei.”

Li Longji insisted on promoting Li Kuo for two reasons: first, to set an example for the people of the realm, so that young talents would see hope and strive to serve the court; second, because the young man was a hermit who was utterly loyal to him, and he intended to train him as a covert agent within the army. After all, although hermit groups were hidden, few of their members held high positions. Although Li Kuo had a weak foundation, his youth gave him an advantage, and with some guidance, he might become a trusted ally.

Zheng Yun felt uneasy. Since the emperor had spoken so clearly, what could he say?

“Your Majesty’s words are most apt. Your Majesty has far-reaching vision, beyond my ability to match.”

Zheng Yun subtly flattered him, saying, “General Li is indeed a young talent, reminding me of the ancient general Huo, who led his troops across Hexi and swept through the barbarian lands.” (Note 1)

Sighing slightly, Zheng Yun added, “However, although Lieutenant Li’s actions at Jiuqu greatly enhanced the prestige of the Great Tang, his methods were rather ruthless, which might damage our reputation as a nation of benevolence.”

Hearing this, Li Kuo’s heart sank. As expected, he knew Li Linfu would seize on this point!

Taking a deep breath, the young man gradually calmed himself down. Hold on, hold on—it wasn’t the end yet!

Li Longji’s expression immediately darkened. As the emperor revered by all nations, he naturally desired the Great Tang to be known for its virtue. He had heard somewhat about the flooding at Jiuqu. Although he thought the young man’s methods were too harsh, he wasn’t disgusted. After all, the battlefield allowed no room for hesitation or weakness—showing mercy to the enemy meant being irresponsible toward one’s own comrades.

But since Zheng Yun had brought this matter to light, he found himself in a dilemma. If he supported the young man’s actions, it would indirectly deny the Tang army its reputation as a force of benevolence. But if he admitted the young man’s brutality, he would have to revoke his rewards.

How could Zheng Yun be so insensitive!

Just as he was frustrated, Yang Zhao, the Censor-in-Chief, stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I believe what Lord Zheng said is incorrect.”

“Oh? What are your thoughts, Lord Yang? Please share them.”

Li Longji was overjoyed. This Yang Zhao truly knew how to handle matters, always stepping in to save him when he was in trouble.
“Your servant will obey the order!”
Yang Zhao glanced at Zheng Yun beside him and snorted coldly, “Military strategy says that a kind person should not command troops. As the saying goes, ‘If one is too lenient to lead, too affectionate to command, and too chaotic to govern, they are like an arrogant child and unfit for use.’ When two armies face off, how can one harbor a woman’s heart at a time when soldiers are risking their lives? Lieutenant Li is tasked with assisting General Gao in besieging Jiuku City under the command of General Ge Shu Han. But Jiuku City’s walls are tall and sturdy—how can they be taken down in just one day? If we don’t quickly call back the troops stationed at Chiling, how can Shibao City be captured? Without capturing Shibao City, the Battle of Hehuang will never be won. Lord Zheng, as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, don’t you know how high the price of rice in the capital has risen? If this battle drags on any longer, it won’t be the Tibetans in Jiuku City who die—it will be the people of our Tang Dynasty who starve to death!”
“This… this…”
Zheng Yun never expected Yang Zhao to suddenly attack him and was left speechless for a moment.
But Yang Zhao wasn’t done with Zheng Yun and continued, “Floods surrounding Jiuku City may seem cruel, but it’s an excellent strategy. By using the terrain advantage and letting the rapid currents flood the city, we can drive the Tibetans out. This plan will save our Tang Dynasty so much trouble. Lord Zheng, living in luxury every day, naturally doesn’t understand the hardships of the soldiers on the front lines. Which of our soldiers in Longyou doesn’t want to end the war soon so they can return home to care for their parents and enjoy family life? Lord Zheng only sees the suffering of the Tibetan civilians but ignores the safety of our Tang men. Could it be that you’ve accepted bribes from the Tibetans and intend to defect?”
“You, you, Yang Zhao, you’re spreading slander…”
Terrified, Zheng Yun retorted immediately.
“Enough, Minister Zheng. Don’t take it to heart. Yang is straightforward; don’t be offended.”
Seeing Yang Zhao’s relentless words, Li Longji had no choice but to step in to restore order, though he was secretly delighted by Zheng Yun’s embarrassment.
“Your servant will obey the order.”
Zheng Yun glared at Yang Zhao and snorted.
This Yang Zhao was really strange—why would he protect some unknown minor officer for no reason? Moreover, how did a street ruffian know so much about military strategy? Zheng Yun was puzzled for a while before suddenly realizing something. Could it be that the two of them had known each other for a long time, or that Li Kuo was actually a proxy cultivated by the Yang family in the military?
At that thought, Zheng Yun felt a headache coming on. Truth be told, this possibility wasn’t negligible. The Yang family now had extensive connections in the court, and the only thing they lacked was military support. So, if Li Kuo was indeed a trusted subordinate cultivated by Yang Zhao?

“My Great Tang has never lacked brave men, but it certainly doesn’t need cold-blooded killers!”
Wei Bin snorted coldly and stepped forward.
“Lieutenant Li may seem decisive in his actions, but he never considered the consequences. By breaching the dam to release the floodwaters, you may gain short-term advantage, but do you realize it will give our Tang army a reputation for brutality and bloodthirst? In the future, if wars break out at the borders again, which barbarian tribes will dare to surrender? They will surely fight to the death, until their cities are destroyed and they are all killed. How much unnecessary cost will our Tang men have to bear then? Have you thought about that?”
Yang Zhao was about to retort when Li Kuo grabbed his arm.
“Your Majesty, I wish to change clothes in front of the palace. Please forgive me for my disrespect in your presence!”
Li Kuo bowed to Emperor Li Longji and said firmly.
“Oh?”
Emperor Li Longji was slightly puzzled, not understanding what the young man was up to.
“I grant it.”
Though doubtful, he still issued the order, believing the young man would not disappoint him.
“I thank Your Majesty for his grace.”
Li Kuo nodded slightly, untied the belt around his waist, and removed his outer robe. Soon, he was left in a plain undergarment.
Lifting his white shirt slightly, the seventeen scars on his body came into view, terrifying like flesh-colored earthworms.
“Eep!”
These pampered princes and high-ranking officials had never seen such a grim sight; they gasped in shock and whispered among themselves.
“Though I am not talented, I too have fought for Your Majesty, expanding our territory. These seventeenknife wounds on my arms and back are the best proof. I know that since the Kaiyuan era, countless comrades have had their heads cut off by the Tubo people and used to build pagodas and temples. I also know that since the war between Tang and Tubo began, countless Tang people have been captured by the Tubo and turned into their slaves!”
Turning his head, Li Kuo stared fearlessly at Wei Bin and said slowly, “Your eloquent speech is truly moving, Your Majesty. I earnestly request that you grant Wei the permission to join the army in Longyou. I want to see how Wei can use his eloquence to help Your Majesty reclaim the lost lands of Hehuang!”
Like a graceful swan or a blazing flame, at that moment the young man stood upright, shining brightly like a summer flower.