Chapter 282: The Troubles of the Yang Family

Yang Guozhong had the habit of staying up late. He was a man with an extreme desire for power. Especially after taking control of the position of Minister of Personnel, he also seized the powers that originally belonged to the Deputy Minister. He had to review personally all reports on the evaluation and performance of officials at all levels. Meanwhile, he held nearly forty positions, intervening in every matter, large or small. If he couldn’t finish his official duties during the day, he would take them home and continue working there—something generally not allowed. Some powerful officials, like Wang Gong, who couldn’t bring work home, bought a house next to the residence of the governor of Jingzhao to circumvent this rule.

But Yang Guozhong paid no such attention. He simply brought work home and continued working there. Many court officials had to go to his residence to report on their work. By blending official and personal affairs, he even faced accusations from the Censorate. Yet Emperor Li Longji’s reply was just two words: “Diligent in duty.” This was equivalent to approving Yang Guozhong’s practice of bringing court affairs home, allowing him to become even more unrestrained. Some major decisions, such as finalizing the list of newly appointed officials through the Ministry of Personnel’s examinations, were made by Yang Guozhong at home.

That night, Yang Guozhong didn’t have many tasks. He finished his official work early. The next day would be a court meeting where many important matters would be announced—such as rewards for the Anxi Army, rewards for Li Cong for governing Anxi and Gao Xianzhi for pacifying Nanzhao, and even the possibility of Wang Gong becoming prime minister—all of which troubled Yang Guozhong.

Especially Wang Gong becoming prime minister. According to palace rumors, Wang Gong was likely to be appointed Minister of Justice, which would undoubtedly make him Yang Guozhong’s main political rival. These days, Yang Guozhong had been troubled by this. Li Linfu’s health was worsening. He had thought that once Li Linfu died, he, Yang Guozhong, would have complete control over the Tang Dynasty. Unexpectedly, Wang Gong succeeded Li Linfu’s faction of prime ministers, becoming a counterweight to him. Yang Guozhong was furious but helpless—this was Emperor Li Longji’s decision, meant to give him an opponent.

He couldn’t touch Wang Gong, but he could target others, such as Li Qing’an, who was also a major rival and had ruined his plans a few days ago, leaving him in a humiliating position. The next day was the day Li Qing’an would receive his title. How could he let Li Qing’an get away so easily?

In his study, Linghu Fei, the vice minister of the Ministry of War, placed on Yang Guozhong’s desk the plans for promoting and rewarding the troops in Anxi. In fact, this was a record of merits prepared by the military commander of Anxi, with Li Qing’an suggesting the promotions. After being reviewed by the Ministry of War, they were finally approved by Li Longji. Yang Guozhong had no say in military affairs; in reality, the Ministry of War could not even interfere with promotions of border troops. They only conducted a nominal review, offering their opinions—such as suggesting that someone who had committed crimes should not be promoted to a high position—but they had no real authority. After submitting their opinions, they handed them over to the right chancellor. The right chancellor could reject lower-ranking officers, but for officers above the rank of lieutenant general, only Li Longji could veto them.

“Four deputy military governors, 34 generals, 415 lieutenants general, 1,200 colonels, and over 300 civilian officers such as chief secretaries, judicial officers, and military advisors. There are countless more officers of lower ranks like military commanders and guards.”

Yang Guozhong’s eyes widened. Li Qing’an wanted to promote so many people? Was this some kind of scheme to flood the military with officials?

Linghu Fei sighed and said, “To be honest, I also think Li Qing’an’s promotions are a bit excessive. He’s trying to win people’s hearts, but there’s nothing we can do. The Ministry of War no longer has control over the border troops. We can only create official records for them. I’m just showing this to the minister, hoping he won’t raise any objections tomorrow.”

“Why?” Yang Guozhong asked, clearly displeased.

“Because the emperor has already approved this plan. In fact, Li Qing’an directly presented the promotion plans to the emperor, who then passed them on to us. Prime Minister Chen said the emperor has agreed, so if the minister objects tomorrow, it would not only be an overreach of authority but also lack sufficient reason. These people all have clear records of their merits.”

“Then what’s the point of showing me these?”

“I just want the minister to understand one thing: Li Qing’an is currently very favored by the emperor. It’s better not to antagonize him for now.”

“Favored?” A mocking smile appeared on Yang Guozhong’s lips. “His fiancée is almost entering the palace. I wonder if that counts as favor too?”

Linghu Fei was stunned. Li Qing’an’s fiancée entering the palace? He had never heard of this. He quickly asked, “What exactly happened?”

“I heard about it from people in the palace. Do you remember the birthday banquet for the imperial concubine last time? Li Qing’an’s fiancée was publicly appointed as a county lady.”

Linghu Fei nodded. “I remember. She was breathtakingly beautiful, no less than the imperial concubine herself.”

“It was during that time that the Emperor took a liking to her as well. This time, when Dugu Haoran returned to the capital, I heard that the Emperor hinted to him today to break off his engagement with Li Qing’an.”
Linghu Fei’s expression turned serious as he asked, “And then? Does the Minister have any updates? Has Dugu Haoran broken off the engagement?”
Yang Guozhong shook his head and said, “I don’t know yet. I’m not very interested.”
A mocking look appeared on his face as he added, “It would be best if the engagement is broken off successfully, so that Li Qing’an suffers this great humiliation. Then, if he rebels in anger, wouldn’t that prove that I, Yang Guozhong, have seen through this man all along?”
Just as Linghu Fei was about to speak, Yang Guozhong’s son, Yang Xuan,’s voice came from outside, “Father, Eunuch Yu has news—very urgent!”
Yang Guozhong was startled and quickly said, “Bring it in!”
Yang Xuan rushed into the study and handed a note to Yang Guozhong. Upon reading it, he was shocked. He hurriedly said to Linghu Fei, “The Emperor wants to favor Concubine Mei again.”
Linghu Fei was also surprised. The Emperor hadn’t paid attention to Concubine Mei for many years—why suddenly think of her? Something must have happened.
“Minister Yang, what exactly happened? Does the note say anything?”
Yang Guozhong glanced at the note again and said anxiously, “Eunuch Yu said the Emperor is enraged at the Imperial Concubine, so he remembered Concubine Mei.”
At that moment, Yang Guozhong slapped his forehead and suddenly said, “I understand! It must be the Imperial Concubine who helped Li Qing’an, causing the Emperor’s anger. How could she be so foolish?”
No sooner had he finished speaking than a voice came from the outer courtyard, “The Emperor orders Minister Yang to enter the palace immediately!”
Yang Guozhong panicked and shouted repeatedly, “Lord Linghu, what should we do? The Emperor must be planning to depose the Imperial Concubine! Our Yang family is doomed! Done!”
“Minister Yang, calm down.”
Linghu Fei took his outer robe and put it on, saying, “Let’s go together! I’ll explain everything to you on the way. Things aren’t as you think.”
Yang Guozhong quickly changed into another set of clothes, got into the carriage, and headed for Xingqing Palace.
Inside the carriage, Linghu Fei slowly said, “Minister, actually, it’s not that scary if the Emperor favors Concubine Mei. It would be terrifying if Dugu Mingyue really entered the palace. Do you understand?”
Yang Guozhong had calmed down a bit. He nodded and said, “Although I’m glad for Li Qing’an’s misfortune, I also know that Dugu Mingyue is young and beautiful, giving her an advantage over the Imperial Concubine. She would be a strong competitor to her. That’s why I don’t want Dugu Mingyue to enter the palace either.”

“It’s not that simple. In fact, Concubine Mei isn’t scary at all. She has no backing or influential family connections. Her regaining favor won’t affect the Yang family. But if Du Gu Mingyue enters the palace, the consequences will be severe. Given Du Gu family’s influence and their relationship with the royal family, I dare say they will soon replace the Yang family as the favorites in Chang’an, while the Yang family will decline rapidly. That’s why the Imperial Concubine is doing everything in her power to stop this—it’s a very wise move. Minister, despite your personal grudge with Li Qing’an, you must stand by him in this matter and absolutely prevent Du Gu Mingyue from entering the palace.”

Yang Guozhong sighed slightly. “You’re right, Lord. Our Yang family was originally just commoners. We’ve come this far thanks entirely to the Imperial Concubine. If she loses her favor, it will be the end of our family, and my political career as well. I’m fully aware of that!”

He gave a bitter smile and then said to Linghu Fei, “Yesterday, the Empress sent someone with a message for me, asking me to find a way to send Du Gu Mingyue to Anxi with Li Qing’an. I didn’t understand what she meant at first, but now I do. It turns out Du Gu Mingyue is related to the rise and fall of our Yang family. I never expected Li Qing’an to owe me a favor.”

“Then, Minister, do you have any ideas?”

“I do have a few ideas, but I need to talk to Li Qing’an in person.”

Yang Guozhong felt somewhat pleased. His wife had been nagging him every night about his brother-in-law, and now he could seize this opportunity.

……

As soon as Yang Guozhong arrived at Xingqing Palace, Concubine Mei had already entered. Inside a small sedan chair, Concubine Mei, Jiang Caiping, silently watched the scenery outside. She had arrived at the palace of the Imperial Concubine Yang. The palace lanterns flickered, casting light on her beautiful face. Though she was already over thirty, her eyes still sparkled like those of a graceful woman.

It was Jiang Caiping’s first time at Xingqing Palace. Over the past ten-odd years, she had spent her time in Daming Palace and Taiji Palace. Daming Palace held memories of her literary talent, her joys, and sorrows, while Taiji Palace brought only loneliness. She regarded plum blossoms as her daughters, cranes as her children, and pines and cypresses as her close friends. She remained calm and unperturbed, living like this for eight years. She thought she would end her life in such solitude, but unexpectedly, the Emperor remembered her again. Yes, there were too many people he should remember—Wu Xianyi, Zheng Cairen, Lu Meiren, Gao Jieyu, Liu Jieyu—these women who had devoted themselves to him, all forgotten by him. He only favored the daughters of the Yang family. How unjust he was to them!

“Imperial Concubine Mei, we’ve arrived!”

The sedan chair was lowered, and Yu Chaoyen lifted the curtain. Two palace maids helped Jiang Caiping out. Jiang Caiping glanced around—everything was deserted, with no palace servants in sight.
“Where is the Emperor?”
“Your Majesty, this is the Datong Hall. The Emperor is waiting for you inside.”
Yu Chaoyen smiled slyly, holding up the lantern. “Please follow me, Your Majesty!”
Jiang Caiping’s heart was like ice. Normally, they should have stopped the sedan chair at the hall steps, but now they wanted her to climb such high steps. Wearing a long skirt that dragged on the ground, how could she walk? This eunuch was deliberately making things difficult for her!
Jiang Caiping said nothing. She refused help and picked up her skirt, slowly climbing the dozen-or-so steps. Just as she began to ascend, Yang Yuhuan was silently watching her arrival from a pavilion across the Datong Hall. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes. Flowers bloom and wither, spring turns to autumn—life is full of changes. How could she know what tomorrow would bring?
She sighed softly. “Let’s go.”
Yang Yuhuan turned and left, her lonely figure gradually disappearing into the darkness.
……
“I pay my respects to Your Majesty!”
In a side chamber of the Datong Hall, Jiang Caiping knelt before Li Longji. “Long live Your Majesty, forever and ever!”
“Rise quickly!”
A husband and wife share a bond for a hundred days. Looking at the once-beloved Mei Fei, Li Longji’s eyes reddened. He quickly helped Jiang Caiping up and examined her. Her beauty remained unchanged, as fresh and elegant as a plum blossom. Li Longji recalled those past days and sighed loudly, “My beloved, it’s been seven or eight years since we last saw each other, right?”
Tears also welled up in Jiang Caiping’s eyes. Was this really the Li Sanlang of old? The once-elegant and handsome man had become so aged. She trembled and said, “Your Majesty, it’s been eight years, three months, and five days. That noon, you were going to meet the Prince of Bohai, so you told me to wait for you in the evening. But since then, it’s been eight years. During these eight years, I’ve waited day and night, only to see my husband again at last.”
Hearing that she still remembered even the exact dates and details, Li Longji felt both moved and guilty. He quickly wiped the tears from her face and comforted her, “I know. It’s my fault. I will surely compensate you generously.”
Jiang Caiping shook her head and said softly, “Just because you glanced at me once, I long for you day and night. I don’t want any compensation. I only wish to brew a cup of tea for you again.”
“Very well! I will come often to drink your tea. I give my word—I will keep it.”

At that moment, Yu Chaoen whispered at the door of the hall, “Your Majesty, Minister Yang has arrived.”
“I know!”
Li Longji stretched out his voice in displeasure. How dare this servant, Yu Chaoen, interrupt his pleasure? He then spoke softly to Jiang Caiping, “I still have some court affairs to handle. My dear, go rest in the back hall first. We will have a long talk by candlelight tonight.”
“I dare not disturb Your Majesty’s state affairs. I take my leave!”
Jiang Caiping followed the maids to the back hall. Only then did Li Longji glare fiercely at Yu Chaoen and say, “Send him to my study!”
A moment later, Yang Guozhong hurried into the study. Seeing that Li Longji was already seated, he quickly knelt down and kowtowed. “Your servant, Yang Guozhong, pays his respects to Your Majesty!”
“Get up.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Yang Guozhong stood up and stood aside with his hands hanging down. He already knew that Jiang Caiping had entered the palace, but he did not dare mention it at all. Instead, he said with a smile, “Your Majesty summoned me to the palace for tomorrow’s court meeting, right?”
“That’s right. As the Minister of Personnel, I want to discuss with you the rewards for tomorrow.”
“Are they for Li Qing’an?” Yang Guozhong asked cautiously.
Li Longji nodded. “Not only Li Qing’an, but also Gao Xianzhi and Ge Shuhan. Gao Xianzhi pacified Nanzhao, but I only rewarded the Jiannan Army and did not reward Gao Xianzhi himself. The same goes for Ge Shuhan—he merited a reward for capturing Shudun City of Tubo, and I will also reward him tomorrow.”
Saying this, Li Longji took out a thick petition from the table. It was a copy of the list submitted by Li Qing’an requesting rewards for the Anxi Army. The original had already been sent to the Ministry of War. He opened the petition and said, “Li Qing’an is asking for rewards for the meritorious soldiers of the Anxi Army. Although the number is a bit high, I still decide to agree to his request. I will announce it at tomorrow’s morning court meeting. Do not try to obstruct me, understand?”
Yang Guozhong had already been informed by Linghu Fei about this matter, so he knew what to expect. He bowed and said, “Your servant dares not overstep his authority!”
“Mm!”
Yang Guozhong’s words satisfied Li Longji. Knowing when to advance and when to retreat was a sign of political maturity. He closed the petition and said, “Two years ago, I conferred the title of Prince of Dongping on An Lushan, which caused a lot of criticism. I was under pressure as well. Of course, I can’t revoke his title as prince, so I’m considering adding two more princes of different surnames. What do you think? Among these three people, how should I allocate these two positions?”

Yang Guozhong tried to figure out Li Longji’s intentions. Logically, the matter of conferring the title of prince should not require his consultation—Li Longji could decide it on his own. Surely he had already made up his mind, but now he seemed to have changed his mind and came to consult him, meaning he must want to revoke Li Qing’an’s title as prince and have Yang Guozhong oppose it. That was definitely the case. Since he hadn’t been able to get Du Gu Mingyue that night, he was filled with anger and frustration.

Thinking of this, Yang Guozhong shook his head and said, “In my opinion, to be conferred the title of prince, one must not only have military achievements but also sufficient experience. Although Li Qing’an has outstanding military achievements, his experience is somewhat lacking. Therefore, I believe Ge Shu Han and Gao Xianzhi are more suitable for this title. Li Qing’an can be considered in a few years.”

Yang Guozhong thought his guess was correct and felt quite proud. Although he couldn’t change the rewards for the Anxi Army, making Li Qing’an unhappy still brought him satisfaction.

Unexpectedly, Li Longji shook his head and said, “What I intend is to choose one between Gao Xianzhi and Ge Shu Han; there’s no need to debate Li Qing’an.”

Yang Guozhong was stunned. He had misinterpreted the emperor’s intentions. Li Longji still wanted to confer the title on Li Qing’an. An awkward expression appeared on his face as he forced a laugh and said, “If that’s the case, I think Ge Shu Han has made greater contributions and is worthy of being a prince.”

Li Longji still shook his head. “Actually, I plan to confer the title on Gao Xianzhi and delay Ge Shu Han’s appointment. I’ve called you here so that you can reassure Ge Shu Han before tomorrow’s morning court session. As long as he wins this year’s battles on both the eastern and western fronts, I will definitely confer upon him the title of Prince of Xiping. Remember, you must reassure him in advance to prevent him from feeling dissatisfied.”

Only then did Yang Guozhong understand Li Longji’s intention—to have him go and comfort Ge Shu Han. He quickly bowed and said, “I will go see Ge Shu Han first thing tomorrow morning!”

“Very well!”

Li Longji, preoccupied with Concubine Mei, prepared to leave. At that moment, Yang Guozhong smiled and said, “I have another suggestion to ensure Ge Shu Han has sufficient funds and supplies for his battles on both fronts.”

This was indeed something Li Longji was very concerned about. His biggest worry in launching battles on two fronts was a shortage of funds and supplies. The funding issue could be addressed through currency circulation, but the key was food. He estimated that at least one million and fifty dan of grain were needed for these battles. However, in the past two years, the tax revenue from Guanzhong, Hedong, and Henan regions had been decreasing. He knew this was due to severe land consolidation, resulting in annual deficits and increasing reliance on grain from Jianghuai. Last year, suppressing the Nanzhao rebellion had almost depleted the imperial granaries. He was worried about where to find more grain. That’s when Yang Guozhong offered his suggestion.

He perked up and quickly asked, “Go ahead, what’s your plan?”

Seeing Li Longji’s attention, Yang Guozhong said proudly, “I also serve as the Transport Commissioner, and I have been considering ways to increase the amount of rice transported from Jianghuai. I believe there are two solutions to boost the grain transport volume.”
“Go on!”
“First, we can expand the grain transport routes. Currently, only three million dan of grain are transported each year, mainly due to limitations in transport capacity. I propose adding a new route along the Yangtze River, transporting grain from the Yangtze to the Han River and then north to Hanzhong, before transporting it by land to Chang’an. I believe this could increase the grain volume by at least two million dan per year. Second, better supervision is needed. I think the local officials in Jianghuai are ineffective—they always complain about difficulties, but I believe these are excuses. Therefore, I suggest assigning princes to oversee the region and urge local officials to transport grain!”