Chapter 29: Sending Off the Soul (7)

Outside Xuanyang Fang in the Eastern City, there was already noise early in the morning.
The subject of the argument was the gatekeeper of Minister Cao Luo’s residence and a sword-wielding hero.
The position of Minister of Rites was neither particularly high nor low. As the gatekeeper of Lord Cao’s estate, Cao Zhongge felt it necessary to teach this wildman what manners were.
Not to mention his tattered clothes and unpleasant smell, his arrogant and disrespectful attitude alone was enough for Cao Zhongge to refuse to let him in. If anyone wanted to enter his master’s residence, they had to either present an introduction or offer money. But this man stood there with empty hands, claiming to be Lord Cao’s nephew.
Good heavens! Look at his shabby appearance compared to Lord Cao, who was dressed in gold and silver. If Lord Cao really had such a nephew, then heaven must be blind! Wasn’t this like a toad trying to eat swan meat?
Cao Zhongge glanced at the hero disdainfully and waved his hand, saying, “Go away! I’m busy today and have no time to play around with you!”
The hero before him was Yan Xu. He and Yao Siyuan had rushed all the way to Chang’an via the Hedong Road, taking over half a month. As soon as they settled in an inn in the southern part of the city, Yan Xu set out alone, armed with his sword, to Minister Cao Luo’s residence.
It had been many years since he last returned to Chang’an. Vaguely recalling, he had left Chang’an because he couldn’t stand its gloomy and decadent atmosphere and wanted to live more freely. Though Chang’an was splendid and prosperous, it always gave him a sense of decay, which was unbearable!
There were also snobbish gatekeepers like this—people with no real status who bullied the honest. Everywhere in the city, there were such despicable and shameless individuals. What was there left for him to stay for in Chang’an?
Yet now he had to return here to report the news of An Lushan’s rebellion to the emperor. And with his connections, the only high-ranking official he could reach out to was this Minister of Rites.
“I’ll say it again—I’m Lord Cao’s nephew. I have important matters to discuss with him. If you’re sensible, you’d better not stop me.”
Yan Xu’s gaze was icy. If looks could kill, Cao Zhongge would already be dead.
Seeing the hero’s audacity, Cao Zhongge’s anger flared up. Pointing at Yan Xu’s nose, he snapped, “Where did you come from, you rude scoundrel? Open your eyes! This is the residence of a minister, not your filthy den! Take advantage of the fact that I’m in a good mood, but get lost! If you keep being stubborn, I’ll send my dogs after you.”

Yan Xu flew into a rage. He stepped forward in one stride, grabbed Cao Zhongge’s arm, and sneered, “What did you say? Who did you tell to get lost? Say it again!”
Cao Zhongge’s arm was twisted into a knot by Yan Xu, causing him to scream in pain.
“Please spare my life, young master! I was just talking nonsense earlier—please don’t take it to heart. Ah!”
Yan Xu twisted his arm harder, forcing Cao Zhongge to scream in agony.
“Please spare me! I was foolish for a moment. Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it right away.”
Sweat beads the size of soybeans rolled down Cao Zhongge’s temples, his face pale.
“Hmph! If you dare do this again, I’ll break your arm right away!”
Yan Xu pushed Cao Zhongge backward with force and dismissed him with a disdainful clap. Having spent years in the martial world, he despised the weak-willed the most. If Cao Zhongge had shown more backbone, perhaps he would have shown him some mercy. But he kept begging for mercy, showing not a hint of courage.
Cao Zhongge was suddenly pushed by Yan Xu and fell to the ground. But at that moment, he couldn’t care less. Rubbing his twisted arm, he pleaded, “Thank you, young master, for sparing my life!”
“Stop talking nonsense. Take me to the mansion!”
With a rustling sound, Yan Xu’s sword tip pressed against Cao Zhongge’s throat.
Cao Zhongge had never seen such a scene in his life. Terrified beyond measure, he cried out, “Please, take your sword away first…”
Compared to other noble families, Cao Luo’s mansion wasn’t very large. The three-story house barely sufficed to accommodate his family of over seventy people. If it weren’t for the palace the emperor had granted him across from Xingqing Palace, the high-ranking official wouldn’t even have a place to rest.
Like most civil officials in the Tang Dynasty, Cao Luo was neither a capable nor a sycophantic official. His principle in serving as an official was to avoid mistakes rather than seek glory. Logically, given his family background, he shouldn’t have been able to reach such a high position. After all, compared to powerful clans like the Cui family of Qinghe and the Wei family of Jingzhao, the Cao family of Chenliu seemed like an undeveloped child.
But Cao Luo had a secret strategy: he never formed factions. Whether it was Zhang Jiuling, Li Linfu, or even the currently powerful Yang Guozhong, none of them could gain his true support or force him to follow them wholeheartedly.
At first glance, this strategy seemed unappealing, but it was actually the wisest choice. After all, the Tang Dynasty belonged to the emperor—the land and everything else were his. In the end, all honors and favor from the court came from the emperor.

Since His Majesty can so easily bestow these things upon you, he can just as easily take them back. It was precisely this that Cao Luo saw, which is why he remained loyal solely to the emperor. For this reason, the current emperor favors him greatly. It doesn’t matter if one lacks talent or virtue—how many in the Tang court truly possess such qualities? What the emperor truly needs are loyal people, for only those who are loyal can he trust and employ. Taking a sip of the clear tea, Cao Luo frowned. The tea tasted slightly bitter—could it be the newly picked young leaves this year? “Master, there’s someone outside saying to be your nephew and wants to see you!” The voice of the gatekeeper, Cao Zhongge, suddenly rang out, much to Cao Luo’s displeasure as he had just managed to reach his weekly day off. “What nephew? There are so many pretending to be my nephews—have you ever met one who’s real?” “Master, this man keeps insisting on seeing you. Why not meet him? If not, we can always send him away later.” Cao Zhongge’s voice sounded pitiful, making Cao Luo both angry and amused. “Alright, bring him in to see me.” “Yes, yes, I’ll go right away.” Overjoyed, Cao Zhongge disappeared in no time…… “Xu Zi, it’s been six years since we last saw each other—let me take a good look at you!” In the study, Cao Luo laughed heartily, asking Xu Yu endless questions without pause. Having spent years wandering the jianghu, Xu Yu was used to a life of hardships, and he was suddenly overwhelmed by Cao Luo’s concern. “Uncle Cao, it’s all my fault. I should have returned to see you sooner.” Though Xu Yu had a cold heart, it warmed when faced with genuine concern. “Ah, good boy. It’s good that you’re back.” Cao Luo stroked his beard slowly and said, “Back then, when you insisted on wandering the jianghu, everyone else criticized you, but I believed in you. A true man should eat heartily, drink freely, and live life to the fullest! Look, now Xu Yu has grown into a man.” “Uncle, I…” Xu Yu, who was usually cold toward others, blushed deeply, unsure what to say. Cao Luo, perceptive as ever, noticed Xu Yu’s discomfort and cleared his throat. “Now that you’re back, you won’t leave again, right? How about I find you a position? I can’t promise much, but among the six ranks below the sixth grade in the six ministries, pick any position you like, and I’ll make sure to get it for you!” “Uncle, I have no interest in an official career…”

“Oh, that makes sense. You’ve never been interested in studying or practicing calligraphy since childhood; otherwise, you wouldn’t have become a swordsman. How about trying military service? Although there are no major wars these days and the world is at peace, advancing through the military is still faster than a civil career. With your family background, I believe you can soon fill a position as a colonel.”
Cao Luo clearly cared a lot about this old friend’s son. Seeing that he had no interest in a career in government, he immediately suggested another option.
“Uncle, I also have no interest in joining the army. In fact, I’ve returned to Chang’an this time to discuss an important matter with you.”
Seeing that Cao Luo wanted to recommend him for military service, Yan Xu quickly stepped in to protest.
“Oh, that’s fine. What is it you want to discuss with me?”
Cao Luo seemed somewhat disappointed, but he still forced a smile and asked calmly.
“I’ve returned from Youyan and learned a huge secret—An Lushan is planning to rebel!”
Yan Xu adjusted his emotions, took a deep breath, and spoke slowly, clearly.
Boom!
Cao Luo’s mind was shocked, leaving him stunned. An Lushan—the highly favored military governor who commanded three garrisons and 200,000 troops? He was planning to rebel!
“W-what did you just say? An Lushan is rebelling?”
Cao Luo stammered, his teeth trembling. He couldn’t understand why someone like An Lushan, who enjoyed endless glory as a prince, would risk his life doing such a foolish thing!
“Yes. He’s already preparing his troops. I believe he’ll raise his banner and march south soon!”
Yan Xu nodded firmly, his expression resolute.