Chapter 35: Trusted Aides (III)
Sometimes, news spreads among the people through word of mouth just as quickly as the imperial edicts. No sooner had the Emperor seen the report on the drought in Hedong than ordinary people in Chang’an began spreading the news, turning it into a hot topic in teahouses and taverns. Although droughts had occurred in past dynasties, one that happened right before their eyes was truly shocking. For these people who had lived in Chang’an for generations, the sight of corpses lying everywhere was hard to imagine.
Though their own lives were merely about filling their stomachs and maintaining a semblance of dignity, living under the prosperity of the Kaiyuan era and near the Emperor’s palace allowed them to enjoy some of the best provisions, making them far happier than those struggling in remote areas. Thus, the descriptions told by their companions became intriguing tales, full of novelty and curiosity. When a merchant or two from Hedong appeared in a teahouse, the people of Chang’an would crowd around them, asking all sorts of strange and amusing questions.
Questions like whether the grain distributed by the government could be eaten freely, or whether a drop of water from a well would leave a mark on the cracked land in Longtou—they talked, chatted, and laughed…
The drought in Hedong seemed too distant for them; far enough that they could sit leisurely in teahouses, filling their large bowls with food. Compared to the drought, they were more concerned about who would be assigned to relieve the disaster and distribute grain. After all, that was the only topic they could relate to. Handling such relief efforts was a lucrative position that brought fame and profit, so without proper connections, it was almost impossible to get such a task.
Whenever an envoy was sent from the capital to various regions, whether they wanted it or not, the people of Chang’an would find new “relatives” for them—such as the Deputy Minister of Revenue being the brother of the Prince Qing’s concubine, or the Minister of Stables being the godbrother of the Imperial Concubine. In short, unless one had some connection to the royal family, they wouldn’t give up.
As the saying goes, “A young man without romance is a waste of his youth; true romance lies in the palace…”
So when the news spread that Yang Zhao had been appointed as the envoy to Hedong, all 108 districts erupted in excitement. Whether in teahouses and taverns in the Eastern or Western Markets, or in the brothels of Pingkang, people were talking about Lord Yang, the Censor-in-Chief, and his romantic exploits.
Rumors abound—that Lord Yang, though a distant cousin of the Imperial Concubine, has developed secret feelings for her, and that he has secretly pledged his life to the Crown Princess. The common people believe these tales wholeheartedly. In the court, having connections is essential; without them, how can one clear one’s name in this muddled official world? Those who live close to the emperor understand this principle better than anyone else.
Hedong is the birthplace of the dynasty, and a drought there would harm the imperial fortune. How could the court ignore such a matter? Even Lord Yang has been sent there. Being highly strategic, Lord Yang’s actions mean the people of Hedong will likely receive even less rice again.
Of course, Yang Zhao, the Censor-in-Chief and Governor of Hedong, doesn’t see it that way. Early that morning, good news arrived—his third sister had just entered the family mansion when an imperial messenger came in with an edict. After reading it, Yang Zhao secretly rejoiced. The position of Governor of Hedong, a lucrative post he had struggled so hard to obtain, was granted to him simply because of his sister’s smile. It seemed he would need to have his sister visit the palace more often. As the saying goes, “When brothers unite, their strength is unbreakable.” Though not brothers, his sister was even more useful than brothers. In Yang Zhao’s view, a woman’s smile is the best weapon for conquering anything.
The edict ordered departure within three days, which was rather hasty. After giving instructions to the household manager, Yang Zhao headed straight to the residence of Li Kuo, the commander of the Shule troops. If it weren’t for the plaque bearing the Li family name hanging above the door, Yang Zhao might have thought he was on the wrong street, at some criminal’s home. Li Kuo’s newly purchased mansion was indeed impressive, but its renovation was shoddy. There were no stone beasts at the entrance to ward off evil, nor was the plaque gilded—how could this be the residence of a high-ranking officer?
Sighing, Yang Zhao entered the mansion. After taking a few steps, he became even more convinced of his decision. Aside from an elderly gatekeeper, hardly any servants were visible in the large mansion. Although Li Kuo insisted he had hired several maids to serve his elderly mother, Yang Zhao resolved to give the young man some male servants to enhance his status.
“What? Lord Yang, you’re going to Hedong to relieve the victims of the disaster? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
Li Kuo stared at Yang Zhao in disbelief after hearing his words.
“What’s there to be surprised about? The emperor signed the edict last night, and the Ministry just approved it—I only heard the news now.”
Yang Zhao shrugged, ignoring the young man’s exaggerated reaction.
“How long will you be away in Hedong?”
Frowning slightly, the young man looked at Yang Zhao with unease.
“It’s hard to say. Providing relief to the disaster victims naturally depends on the severity of the disaster. As an envoy, I represent the emperor—we must not lose face for anyone, especially not the emperor. If the grain is distributed and the victims are helped, it might take just a month or two. But if the disaster is severe, it might be fortunate if I can return by the end of the year.”
Yang Zhao couldn’t give a definite answer and merely uttered some meaningless, vague words.
“Lord Yang, what’s the matter with you? You…”
The young man waved his hand in frustration and sighed.
Yang Zhao naturally understood what he was thinking and quickly said, “You can’t rush that matter—it can’t be rushed. Haven’t you already made contact with the manager of the Gao family? Stabilize the situation with him first. I’ll make a decision once I return to Chang’an.”
Seeing no reaction from the young man, Yang Zhao smiled brightly and said, “Actually, I wasn’t aware of this matter beforehand. Today is the end of a ten-day period. I was sound asleep at home when my butler came to tell me that an official from the palace had arrived. I hurriedly changed into my official robes and went to the front hall, where I received the emperor’s orders.”
“If that’s really the case?”
Li Kuo looked at Yang Zhao skeptically and asked.
“How could it be false? I, Yang Zhao, always keep my word. Since I promised to help you overthrow Li Linfu, I will definitely do it. But since it’s an imperial order, I can only discuss it further once I return.”
“Sigh, it seems there’s no other choice.”
Li Kuo shook his head and smiled bitterly.
“I came here just to remind you—no matter how Gao Xiuyan or Li Linfu provoke you, don’t fall for their tricks. Wait patiently for me to return. Remember, remember well.”
Yang Zhao stared intently at the young man and gave him careful instructions.