Chapter 119: The Yang Family’s Revolt

These past two days, Li Longji had been exceptionally diligent in his duties. Although it was a day off, he still arrived at the imperial study early in the morning. The importance of the Longyou campaign made him pay closer attention to court affairs than ever before. By the time he reached the Dadao Hall, Li Linfu had already been waiting for a long time.
“Your servant Li Linfu pays his respects to Your Majesty!”
“There’s no need for such formalities, Prime Minister!” Li Longji waved his hand gently and smiled. “I truly feel guilty for summoning you on a day off.”
“Your Majesty is busy with state affairs; how could your servant stand by?”
“As expected of my old prime minister—you truly understand my feelings!”
Li Longji sat down and flipped through the memorials on the desk, frowning slightly. He then asked Gao Lishi, “General, where is the map of Longyou that I saw yesterday?”
Gao Lishi was also startled. He had been distracted by matters related to the crown prince these past days and hadn’t paid enough attention to Li Longji’s affairs, so he didn’t know who had taken the map.
“Your Majesty, let this old servant go and check right away!”
He quickly left the study and sternly asked several eunuchs on duty, “Who cleaned Your Majesty’s desk yesterday?”
“Was it me?” asked a young eunuch timidly.
“Did you take Your Majesty’s map?”
“Reporting to Master Gao, the map is on the bookshelf. I thought Your Majesty no longer needed it.”
“Hmph! How dare you be so presumptuous!”
Gao Lishi snapped, “Bring him here! Beat him eighty times!”
Immediately, several guards rushed over and dragged the young eunuch away. The eunuch trembled in fear, begging, “Master Gao, spare my life! Please!”
Gao Lishi glanced at the other eunuchs and said, “From now on, nothing on Your Majesty’s desk shall be moved. Do you hear that? Anyone who dares to violate this rule will be executed on the spot!”
“Yes!”
The eunuchs were terrified. Gao Lishi then pointed at one of the younger eunuchs and said, “Yu Chaonan, you’ll be in charge of checking the imperial study these days. If there are any more mistakes, you’ll be the first to face punishment.”
“Your servant obeys!”
Only then did Gao Lishi return to the study. He found the map of Longyou on the bookshelf, unrolled it on the desk, and said in a low voice, “Your Majesty, the eunuch who took the map has been beaten eighty times. Please calm down.”
This minor incident had spoiled Li Longji’s mood. With a huff, he said to Li Linfu, “Prime Minister, today I want to discuss the Longyou campaign with you. This time, I intend to capture Chiling in one go, drive the Tubo forces back south of the Dafei River, and restore the situation to what it was before the 28th year of the Kaiyuan era. What do you think?”
“When does Your Majesty plan to start the war?”

“So I must ask the Prime Minister about the state of the imperial treasury. With war breaking out, there will be significant expenses for soldiers’ rations, compensation funds, and more. Last year, droughts struck Hedong and Henan, and grain production in Guanzhong also declined. I’m very concerned whether the country’s resources can handle this burden.”
“Your Majesty, although grain production has declined in those three regions, there have been good harvests in Jiangnan, Jianghuai, and Bashu. Rice prices have not risen sharply. There are still 3.4 million dan of grain stored in the imperial granaries, 2 million guan in the left treasury, and 800,000 bolts of silk. These should be sufficient to support this campaign.”
Hearing that there were ample funds in the treasury, Li Longji’s mood improved greatly. He let out a long sigh and smiled, saying, “Since I ascended the throne, I have been engaged in a protracted struggle with Tubo in Longyou. Decades have passed. Now that Anxi and Xiaobolue have achieved great victories, it has laid a good foundation for the war in Longyou. I am confident that we can win this campaign.”
At this point, Li Longji added with emotion, “Longyou has always been a major concern for me. It was precisely because of the unrest in Longyou that the nine Zhao Wu states were invaded by the Arabs and sought my help. Yet I was unable to send troops, weakening our control over Lingxi. If we win this battle and secure a strategic advantage, I intend to rebuild the Suiye military garrison to strengthen our control over Lingxi.”
“Your Majesty is far-sighted, and I fully agree.”
Li Linfu also smiled and said, “If we win the war in Longyou, I also suggest strengthening the military forces in Jiannan. With Tubo suffering setbacks on both the western and eastern fronts, their breakthrough will surely come from the south. Therefore, strengthening the defenses in Jiannan and preventing Nanzhao from growing too powerful is equally important next.”
Li Longji stood up, took a few steps, and said, “The Prime Minister has reminded me. I just received news that Nanzhao King Piluoge is seriously ill, and the two princes are fiercely competing for the throne. I believe that whichever prince wins will first pay homage to our Tang Dynasty. Thus, I intend to send a minister familiar with the situation in Jiannan to Nanzhao—to check on Piluoge’s condition and urge the successor to come to Chang’an as soon as possible.”
“Your Majesty, I recommend Guo Xuyi, the military governor of Jiannan, as the envoy to Nanzhao.”
“Hmm! Let me think about this further.”
After saying that, Li Longji picked up another memorial from his desk and smiled, “The Ministry of War has just submitted a report. All the military commanders sent to train in Jianghuai have arrived in the capital, waiting for my inspection. I want to see the troops in Jianghuai as soon as possible. Let’s hold it the day after tomorrow, with officials of rank three and above in attendance. What does the Prime Minister think?”
“I have no objections!”
“Good. Then the inspection will still take place at the Right Military Guard training ground. The Prime Minister should arrange it. I also want to hold a council meeting regarding the war in Longyou at the same time.”
……

Pei Kuan returned early at the summons of Li Longji, while Li Qingan arrived at the military camp in the afternoon. As soon as he reached the entrance of Yishan Fang, a group of people came towards him—over fifty burly knights with swords guarding a carriage. The carriage was adorned with gold and silver, exquisitely decorated, with a peach-yellow triangular flag on top bearing the character “Yang.” Li Qingan steered his horse aside, but the carriage stopped. The curtain was pulled back, revealing Yang Huahua’s charming and beautiful smile. “Seventh Brother, I’ve been looking for you!” Li Qingan felt relieved upon seeing her and stepped forward, bowing with a smile. “It’s been a long time. Third Sister looks even more beautiful than before.” “Smooth-talking guy, do you still remember me?” Yang Huahua complained, yet her eyes sparkled with an uncontrollable smile, curving into crescents. Li Qingan replied, “I can forget anyone, but not Third Sister. I still haven’t repaid you for the bow you gave me last time!” Recalling the scene at the birthday banquet, Yang Huahua’s beautiful eyes filled with tenderness as she glanced at him and said, “Come onto my carriage; I have something important to tell you.” Immediately, a guard opened the door. After hesitating for a moment, Li Qingan dismounted and entered the carriage. The interior was like a small room, spacious and bright. Besides Yang Huahua, there was also her personal maid in the front seat. Yang Huahua was dressed exceptionally beautifully today—her hair styled in elegant clouds, adorned with a phoenix-shaped gold hairpin featuring a diamond necklace that shone brilliantly. Her face was painted red, with delicate makeup, and a floral ornament on her forehead. She wore a chest-exposing dress made of sheer silk, revealing her fair skin and delicate figure. The silk dress was as light as mist and as thin as cicada wings, faintly showing her graceful form. Seeing Li Qingan enter, Yang Huahua quickly brought over a goose-down cushion and placed it beside her, smiling coquettishly, “Seventh Brother, sit here!” Li Qingan sat down and took in the carriage—its walls decorated with colorful Shu brocade, thick Persian carpets underfoot, all utensils made of gold inlaid with precious gems. Even the toilet at the back was carved from a single piece of Lantian jade, making the interior extremely luxurious and opulent. Li Qingan couldn’t help but shake his head inwardly—this was too extravagant. Yang Huahua, perceptive as ever, smiled gently and asked, “What, do you find it too luxurious?” “Hehe! I’ve never seen a carriage from such a wealthy family before. Today, I truly get a glimpse of luxury.”

“A noble family’s carriage?” Yang Huahua sneered coldly. “Not to mention ordinary noble families, even the prime minister’s carriage can’t compare to mine. Even the Empress’s imperial carriage is inferior to mine.”
Li Qing’an was stunned. He asked in confusion, “But doesn’t Third Sister fear being envied?”
Yang Huahua laughed heartily. “Envy? I’d actually welcome it!”
Her smile gradually faded as she gazed out the window. After a long while, she sighed and said, “My husband died early, and life was hard. We barely had enough money to get by. Back then, I swore that if I ever became wealthy, I would live a carefree life, doing as I pleased, never compromising myself. If I liked a man, I’d take him into my household; if not, I’d kick him out, regardless of what others said. Now that my wish has come true, I’ll enjoy this wealth for as long as I can. Who knows what will happen tomorrow?”
She turned to glance at Li Qing’an again, gently took his hand, and smiled seductively. “Seventh Brother, I’m truly happy that you’re willing to ride in my carriage.”
Hearing her say “kick him out if I don’t like him,” Li Qing’an felt slightly displeased. He patted her hand and said with a smile, “Third Sister, you said you had important news for me. What is it?”
“Hmm! There is indeed an important matter.”
Yang Huahua looked into his eyes and asked, “Tell me the truth. Was it you who caused my second brother’s carriage to overturn the day before yesterday?”
Li Qing’an shrugged. “Why do you think it was me? Have you found any evidence against me?”
Yang Huahua shook her head. “Although there’s no direct evidence, my two sisters and several cousins all believe it was you. My second brother was seriously injured this time. He can’t swallow this insult and insists on going to the Empress to accuse you. Only if you tell me the truth can I help you.”
Li Qing’an gently pulled his hand back and smiled faintly. “I’m truly sorry. Since there’s no evidence saying it was me, why do you insist I admit it? Third Sister, I really don’t understand. The Pei family’s horse got scared and hit your second brother’s carriage. How is that someone’s sabotage? Even if someone did something, the city gates were crowded with people at the time. Why target me alone? Third Sister, your Yang family is really absurd!”
Yang Huahua stared at him in silence for a while before saying, “Seventh Brother, I’m doing this for your own good. I hope you can understand.”
“I understand that Third Sister is doing this for my good, and I’m grateful. But being forced to admit something false is unacceptable. I’m sorry, but I can’t agree to it.”
With that, Li Qing’an called out, “Stop the carriage! I want to get off.”

Yang Huahua was startled. “Qilang, wh-where are you going?”
“I’m going home, of course. Where else could I go?”
Yang Huahua bit her lip and said softly, “Qilang, I’d like to treat you to a meal tonight. Come to my residence, will you?”
Li Qing’an shook his head apologetically. “Third sister, the military camp outside the city was attacked with arrows last night, injuring one of my comrades. I’m back to pick up some things and must return immediately. Next time! I will definitely come to your residence next time.”
“What about tomorrow? Is tomorrow okay?”
“The Ministry of War will assess our training tomorrow, and I’ll be at the camp all day. Third sister, I’m truly sorry. Once this is over, even if you don’t invite me, I’ll still show up uninvited.”
“Then kiss me before you go!” Yang Huahua stared at him with blazing eyes.
Li Qing’an smiled, wrapped his arms around her shoulders, and gave her a light kiss on the face. Unexpectedly, Yang Huahua grabbed his neck and pressed her red lips firmly against his. Her soft, fragrant lips made Li Qing’an’s mind go fuzzy. Unconsciously, he wrapped his arms around her waist and began to caress her breasts and hips, kissing her back and sucking on her delicate tongue. Yang Huahua, eyes dreamy, moaned softly, “Qilang, come to my residence.”
But Li Qing’an released her and took a deep breath. “Third sister, I really must return to the camp right away. I’m sorry!”
Yang Huahua’s face darkened, and she slapped him. “You ungrateful wretch! Get lost!”
That slap erased any remaining goodwill Li Qing’an had for her. His face turned pale. Before the carriage stopped, he kicked open the door and jumped out.
Yang Huahua felt remorseful and quickly called, “Qilang, wait!”
Li Qing’an mounted his horse, whipped it hard, and rushed toward the city gates without looking back.
“Qilang!”
Yang Huahua called out again, staring blankly at his retreating figure, feeling an indescribable sense of loss.
…
Outside the Yingzhou Gate of Xingqing Palace, Yang Qi paced anxiously with his hands behind his back. Although he was a cousin of the imperial concubine, he couldn’t enter the harem casually; he needed her summons. He had already submitted a complaint accusing Li Qing’an of attacking him with an arrow. Now he was waiting for the imperial concubine’s reply. He had been waiting for nearly half an hour with no news from inside, leaving him increasingly anxious.
Among the five Yang brothers in the capital, he was the eldest and responsible for upholding the Yang family’s authority. With the second brother seriously injured, if he failed to seek justice, his prestige within the Yang family would plummet.

Just as he was growing anxious, a palace maid hurried out. Yang Qi recognized her as Xue Ying, the personal maid of the Imperial Concubine. Overjoyed, he stepped forward quickly and asked, “Does the Concubine want to see me?”
Xue Ying shook her head and said, “The Concubine asked me to deliver a message to you.”
“What?” Yang Qi was stunned.
“The Concubine said that without evidence, one should not falsely accuse high officials. She told you to be careful and control your own words and actions, as well as those of your family.”
Yang Qi was speechless. He stamped his foot and shouted, “Has the Concubine read what I wrote?”
“Of course she has. Otherwise, how could she reply to you?”
“This…”
Yang Qi’s head spun. Suddenly, he asked again, “What about the Emperor? Is he with the Concubine?”
“The Emperor is in the imperial study in the Datong Hall; he is not with the Concubine.”
With that, Xue Ying turned and left.
Yang Qi stood there frozen for a long time. Suddenly, he gritted his teeth and said, “No! This matter cannot be left unresolved.”
He turned around and rushed toward the Datong Hall.
…
Li Longji had finished his day’s duties and was about to return to the harem when a guard came to report that Yang Qi, the head of the Ministry of Agriculture, had urgent matters to discuss.
Li Longji sat down again and smiled, “Let him in!”
A moment later, Yang Qi rushed in, knelt down immediately, and wept, “I beg Your Majesty to intervene on my behalf.”
“Minister Yang, what happened? Why are you so upset?”
“Your Majesty, the other day, my younger brother and I were ambushed while leaving the city. My brother was seriously injured…”
Yang Qi briefly recounted what had happened the day before yesterday, emphasizing how they had always been courteous, but had been targeted out of envy. Finally, he hesitantly mentioned Li Qingan’s name.
“Someone witnessed it—he was the one who shot an arrow, causing the horse to go wild. Your Majesty, Li Qingan is bold and reckless for attacking a royal family member. I implore You Majesty to punish him severely.”
At that moment, Gao Lishi beside him interjected with a smile, “If someone really saw it, why didn’t Minister Yang come to report it to Your Majesty the day before yesterday? Why wait until today?”
With that casual remark, Gao Lishi reminded Li Longji that even if someone had witnessed it, it might not be true. Li Longji understood. Under normal circumstances, he might have shown leniency toward the Yang family and taken some action. But now, as he prepared to launch the campaign in Longyou and needed to boost the morale of the troops, how could he punish Li Qingan based on unproven accusations?

He glanced at Gao Lishi out of the corner of his eye and said, “I am aware of this matter. Since the head of the Guanglu Temple has been injured, let him recover at home. I will grant him extra rewards. I am quite tired today; I will investigate this matter properly another day.”
…
Yang Qi left, and Li Longji did not rush back to the palace. Instead, he sat at his desk, pressing his temples as he fell into deep thought in silence. Gao Lishi did not disturb him, standing aside with his hands hanging limply. As a eunuch who had served Li Longji for decades, Gao Lishi truly understood the emperor’s thoughts.
After waiting for a while, seeing that Li Longji hesitated to speak, Gao Lishi whispered, “Your Majesty, how about summoning Yang Zhao?”
Li Longji sighed and said, “Very well! Summon Yang Zhao to see me.”
Gao Lishi hurried out, and Li Longji felt a severe headache. He had occasionally heard about the Yang family’s arrogance in Chang’an. Usually, he would not pay much attention to such things. Using the Yang family to curb the arrogance of other powerful families was not a bad idea, but he had a bottom line—so long as it was not crossed, he would not interfere no matter how domineering the Yang family became.
But today, Yang Qi’s complaint made Li Longji suddenly realize a problem: could Yang Zhao join the Five Yang Group? If he did and they became the Six Yangs, it would be a fatal blow to Li Longji’s career, and Yang Zhao would also fail to live up to his high expectations.
After a while, an eunuch led Yang Zhao in in a hurry. Yang Zhao knelt down and bowed deeply, saying, “Your servant Yang Zhao pays his respects to Your Majesty!”
Over the past few months, Li Longji had been quite satisfied with Yang Zhao—low-key, restrained, humble, and diligent in his duties, often leaving the palace late at night. It seemed that his experience as a county magistrate had been very beneficial to him.
“Minister Yang, I have called you here today to ask you something.”
“Please speak, Your Majesty. I will answer everything you ask.”
“It is this: I heard that the head of the Guanglu Temple was injured at Mingde Gate the day before yesterday. As brothers, you must be better aware of the details. Tell me, is this matter related to Li Qingan?”
“Your Majesty, I believe it has nothing to do with Li Qingan.”
Yang Zhao’s words surprised not only Gao Lishi but also Li Longji greatly.
“Oh? How can you say that?”
“Your Majesty, I am telling the truth. Although Li Qingan is an excellent archer, we cannot assume he did this just because of his skill. I have advised my two elder brothers to respect the concubine’s reputation and not act arrogantly outside, but they never listened to me. Now that my second brother has been injured, they insist it was Li Qingan’s doing—without any evidence. I am deeply regretful.”

Li Longji remained silent for a long time before suddenly smiling and saying, “Yang Aiqing, I plan to send you to Jiannan to serve as an official. Would you be willing to share this burden with me?”
“I am willing to share this burden with Your Majesty!”
“Good! Then I will promote you to the position of Chief Clerk of the Jiannan Military Governorship and Governor of Yaozhou.”