Chapter 42: The Powerful Eunuch Gao Li Shi

After dinner, Li Linfu’s entourage set off again, heading toward Gao Li Shi’s residence. Li Qingan urged his horse forward and whispered outside Li Linfu’s carriage, “Does the Prime Minister want to see me?”

Li Linfu laughed from inside the carriage, “I’d like to discuss the recent battle against the Small Buluhui. You all fought exceptionally well. I heard the emperor was so pleased he barely slept all night, praising Gao Xianzhi for living up to expectations and saying that all the meritorious generals, including you, will receive generous rewards. Your contributions rank second.”

“Thank you for your favor, Prime Minister.”

“Lieutenant Li, there’s no need to be modest. This is your due for your military achievements—you truly deserve it.”

The conversation shifted, and Li Linfu asked casually, “I heard Gao Xianzhi and Fu Menglingcha are at odds. Have you heard anything about this?”

“Reporting to the Prime Minister, I hold a low rank and dare not speak rashly about matters among the higher-ups.”

“That’s fine. Just talk to me casually. I want to hear the views of lower-ranking officers.”

“Since the Prime Minister commands it, how dare I disobey? I’m but a humble lieutenant, and since I’m favored by General Gao, I fear my extreme words might mislead you.”

Li Linfu fell silent for a moment before smiling slightly and saying, “Very good. You handled it appropriately. No wonder Gao Xianzhi sent you to deliver the message.”

No further sound came from inside the carriage. Li Linfu seemed to have fallen asleep and paid no more attention to him. The entourage continued on its way and soon entered the gates of Yishan Fang. Gao Li Shi’s residence was located there, right next to the Daming Palace. If anything happened in the palace, Gao Li Shi could enter immediately.

Gao Li Shi’s original surname was Feng. Born into poverty, he entered the palace during the reign of Wu Zetian and won her favor. Yet he had the foresight to recognize Li Longji, then the Prince of Linzi, and became his confidant. Though an eunuch, he possessed extraordinary political insight and a decisive personality. “Skilled in horseback riding and archery, hitting targets on the first shot—his troops admired him greatly,” truly embodying the qualities of a great general. After Li Longji ascended the throne, Gao Li Shi seized power not through flattery alone, but by providing crucial political support and heartfelt care at critical moments. In the Tang Dynasty, he was the second-most powerful figure after Li Longji, even forcing Li Linfu to act according to his wishes. Today, Li Linfu came to discuss matters related to Lu Jingrong.

When the Prime Minister’s carriage arrived, messengers rushed inside from a distance of a hundred steps to deliver the news. Though Gao Li Shi held immense power, he still had to respect Li Linfu’s status. Upon hearing the news, he hurriedly came out of his residence.

Gao Lishi was in his sixties, of medium height with a slightly taller build. Though well past sixty, he remained very strong. As soon as Li Linfu and the carriage stopped, he stepped forward with a smile and said, “It’s cold and windy tonight. For the Prime Minister to come in person truly brings honor to my humble abode!”
Li Linfu also got out of the carriage, bowed, and smiled, saying, “I was worried all the way that Lord Gao hadn’t returned from the palace. To think he has indeed come back—seems fate favors me.”
“The Prime Minister speaks too highly. No matter how busy things are in the palace, I must return to my residence. Come! Please follow me inside.”
Gao Lishi affectionately took Li Linfu’s arm and led him up the steps. The red gates of Gao Lishi’s residence creaked open. Such treatment was reserved for only the emperor and his concubines in the whole world—only Li Linfu could enjoy it.
A hint of pride flashed in Li Linfu’s eyes. He was satisfied with Gao Lishi’s regard for him. Gao Lishi was like the emperor’s shadow—when the shadow was upright, the body was upright too. From this detail, it was clear that the emperor’s attitude toward him hadn’t changed significantly.
Gao Lishi glanced at Li Linfu. He knew why Li Linfu had come. Lu Jingrong was critically ill and had resigned from his position as Minister of Works. Today, the emperor had also issued an order to remove him from his position in the Secretariat. This meant there was one more prime ministerial position available in the Tang Dynasty. It would be strange if Li Linfu hadn’t come to him to inquire about it.
But whether Li Linfu wanted to take on the role himself or recommend someone else, Gao Lishi wasn’t sure yet. He quietly led Li Linfu into his study.
The two sat down according to their roles as host and guest. A maid brought them tea and then left. Gao Lishi picked up his teacup and said with a smile, “I wonder what brings the Prime Minister here today?”
Li Linfu replied with a smile, “Nothing serious. I heard that Lord Gao has also formed a polo team, preparing to compete in next year’s polo tournament. They’re said to be among the best players. I’ve long admired them, so I came to take a look.”
Gao Lishi narrowed his eyes and smiled, “So the Prime Minister is interested in this too? Well, I do have a polo team, but their skills are still far from perfect. I’m afraid they’ll disappoint you.”
“I earnestly request that Lord Gao let me see them!”
“Very well! Please follow me to the western courtyard.”
Gao Lishi stood up and led Li Linfu to the western courtyard. Polo was the national sport of the Tang Dynasty. Not only did various provinces have polo teams, but many nobles also had their own private teams. As the second most powerful man in the country, Gao Lishi possessed immense wealth. Given his passion for polo, it was only natural that he had his own team as well, year after year. Why had Li Linfu only heard about it now?
Gao Lishi knew full well that watching polo was just an excuse from Li Linfu.

Gao Lishi’s residence covered a vast area. The western courtyard contained a small polo field. Even before entering the field, one could hear loud shouts and the rhythmic sound of horse hooves.
“The match is about to start. These kids are really trying hard. They finished twelfth the year before last. This time, I’ve set a goal for them to make it into the top ten. Look, they’re training hard!”
At that moment, Li Linfu turned around and waved at Li Qing’an, who was following behind. “Lieutenant Li, come here.”
Li Qing’an was taken aback and slowly walked over. Gao Lishi was also a bit stunned. What did Li Linfu want to do? Introduce a minor military officer?
Li Linfu chuckled and said, “Uncle Gao, this Lieutenant Li comes from Anxi. He’s an excellent polo player. He’ll represent our Anxi Protectorate in this competition. Let me introduce him to you first.”
Li Qing’an immediately saluted militarily and said, “Your humble servant greets Uncle Gao!”
To most people, it would seem normal for Li Linfu, the governor of Anxi, to introduce a skilled polo player from Anxi to Gao Lishi, who loved polo. But Gao Lishi was extremely shrewd. He immediately sensed there was more to it.
He glanced at Li Qing’an and smiled slightly. “Lieutenant Li, your military robes still look fresh. Did you come straight from Xiaobuli?”
Li Qing’an had heard of Gao Lishi’s fame since childhood. He had also watched a Peking Opera titled “The Drunken Concubine,” in which Gao Lishi was portrayed as a clown with white paint on his nose—stupid and arrogant—leaving a deep impression on him. But the Gao Lishi he saw today was a cunning politician, sharp and astute, without the slightest trace of arrogance.
Li Qing’an quickly bowed and replied, “Uncle Gao is absolutely right. Your humble servant indeed came straight from Xiaobuli.”
Li Linfu interjected with a smile, “Uncle Gao might not know, but this Lieutenant Li is none other than Li Qing’an, the second on Xiaobuli’s list of heroes.”
“Oh! So you’re the Li Qing’an who captured Anuyue City and destroyed the Tibetan bridge. What a brave warrior!”
Gao Lishi patted his shoulder approvingly and said with a smile, “Do you know what rank the emperor has granted you?”
“Your humble servant does not know.”
Gao Lishi glanced at Li Linfu and chuckled, “Since the prime minister won’t say, then I won’t either.”