Chapter 431: Dense Layout

As night fell, the last rays of sunlight were swallowed by dark clouds, and darkness completely enveloped Chang’an. Li Heng stayed at Linghu Fei’s residence for less than half an hour before leaving. As soon as Li Heng departed, Linghu Fei immediately changed into other clothes and rode a carriage to Yang Guozhong’s mansion.

Although Yang Guozhong had been demoted to the position of magistrate in Yuzhou, he had not taken up the post yet. In fact, he never intended to go to Yuzhou at all. He refused to accept Li Yu’s decision—how could he leave Chang’an in such a chaotic situation?

Unlike Zhang Yun, who enjoyed fishing and reading, Yang Guozhong only loved women and gambling—these were his lifelong passions. His wife kept an eye on him, preventing him from being too reckless, but she paid little attention to his gambling habits. Thus, his hobbies centered around gambling. Even as prime minister, he would secretly gamble a bit to maintain his image.

Now that he was no longer prime minister, he still had to pay attention to his image if he wanted to make a comeback in the future. With nothing to do at home, Yang Guozhong, unable to contain his urge, went to a gambling house he had invested in, which was not far from his mansion. He painted his face yellow, grew a thick beard, and darkened his eyebrows to disguise himself as a barbarian, mixing in with the other gamblers in the hall.

That day, Yang Guozhong was especially excited. He encountered a skilled opponent who won three games in a row, costing him 1,500 silver coins. Losing money wasn’t the issue; it was the thrill he hadn’t felt in ages.

Yang Guozhong took out four gold chips—similar to the weights used in casinos later on. A gold chip was worth 500 silver coins. He slammed the chips on the table and shouted, “2,000 silver coins! Dare you bet?”

His opponent was a tall, thin man in his thirties, said to be a wealthy merchant from Yangzhou with excellent skills in playing Chupu. He also won three games in a row and, caught up in the excitement, immediately pulled out four gold chips and slammed them on the table. “I’ll bet with you!”

They played Chupu, using peach wood carved into diamonds, one side painted black and the other white. The black side depicted a cow, and the white side a chicken. A set consisted of five pieces, and the winner was determined by the patterns after they were tossed—usually, black was better than white, with the worst outcome being all five pieces white.

Chupu could be played in groups or in a duel between two people. All the gamblers in the hall gathered around to watch the showdown between these two masters. No one could have imagined that this barbarian with a yellow face and thick beard was actually the former right prime minister of the Tang Dynasty.

The winner throws first. The tall, thin man slowly explored the gambling pieces to get a feel for them. Suddenly, he shouted and threw them. With a “thud,” the pieces landed—four black and one white. Everyone around was amazed; he had thrown a “pheasant color,” the second-highest score. Yet the tall, thin man looked very disappointed. He had gotten “lu color” in every previous round, and now he only had “pheasant color,” putting him at a serious disadvantage.

Yang Guozhong was very pleased. Although he had lost three rounds in a row, his sense of timing was getting better. He was confident he could throw “lu color” in the next round. Yang Guozhong picked up the pieces, fiddled with them in his hands until he found the perfect moment to throw. Sure enough, all five sides were black. The hall erupted in applause—“lu color,” the highest score of all.

Yang Guozhong laughed triumphantly. Just then, one of his trusted guards rushed over and whispered something in his ear. He nodded and then said to the tall, thin man, “My surname is Yang. Let’s continue gambling tomorrow afternoon. Will you join me?”

The tall, thin man wiped his sweat and said, “Sure! I’ll gamble with you.”

Yang Guozhong bowed slightly and then turned to leave. As he stepped out of the gambling house, eight large lanterns at the entrance illuminated everything like daylight. He immediately spotted Linghu Fei’s carriage. Linghu Fei waved at him. Surprised, Yang Guozhong stepped forward and asked, “Can you recognize me?”

Linghu Fei smiled slightly and said, “Your guard said that the man with thick eyebrows and a big beard must be the prime minister. How could I not recognize you?”

“I see!” Yang Guozhong chuckled. “That’s why I wondered how you could recognize me.”

Linghu Fei stopped smiling and said, “I have important matters to discuss with you.”

Yang Guozhong nodded. “Let’s go to my residence and talk.”

He got into Linghu Fei’s carriage and headed toward his residence not far away.

……

Back at his residence, Yang Guozhong first removed his makeup before leading Linghu Fei into the study. They sat down. Yang Guozhong took a sip of tea to calm down from the excitement of gambling and asked, “Are there any developments on Li Longji’s side?”

Yang Guozhong had been dismissed as prime minister by Li Yu, but Li Longji seemed indifferent, as if it had nothing to do with him. Yang Guozhong understood that after Li Mao withdrew his troops, Li Longji no longer paid any attention to him. The claim that Li Mao was the heir apparent was just to deceive him. Li Longji’s focus was entirely on the Jiannan army. After he was dismissed, Zhang Yun kept rushing to Xingqing Palace, but Li Longji no longer summoned him.

Li Longji’s heartlessness made Yang Guozhong lose hope in him, so he stopped using honorifics and called him by his name directly.

Linghu Fei smiled and said, “The retired emperor Li Hen just came to see me.”

Yang Guozhong sneered disdainfully and said, “What could he want from you? Can he possibly represent his son?”

“No!” Linghu Fei leaned in and whispered a few words in Yang Guozhong’s ear. Yang Guozhong was stunned and took some time before saying, “Is what you say true?” Linghu Fei nodded slowly. Yang Guozhong became confused—Li Heng had always had a very poor relationship with him; after so many years of conflict, how could he suddenly set aside their differences and reconcile? Moreover, Li Heng seemed to have such great ambitions, which were not apparent in his usual behavior. Linghu Fei sneered and said, “My lord, don’t be surprised. If he wants to achieve great things, how could he lack such breadth of mind? In the world of power, there are no kinship or enmity—even his own sons won’t be spared. As for this minor grudge between us, it’s really nothing.” Yang Guozhong pondered for a moment before asking, “So what do you suggest?” “In my opinion, my lord might as well cooperate with him. I think this man is quite sensible and could be a valuable asset. In fact, my lord has no other choice—Li Mao can’t be relied on, Li Longji is unapproachable, and Li Yu won’t tolerate us. Since Li Heng has come to us, it means we have value, so we might as well help him.” Yang Guozhong still hesitated. He was no longer the naive young man of old; after years of political struggles, he understood power struggles well. He knew Li Heng wanted to use him now, but what about later? Once he was used, how would Li Heng treat him? Their enmity was deep—how could Li Heng let him go easily? But Linghu Fei was right—there are no eternal friends or enemies in power struggles, only interests. Seeing Yang Guozhong still hesitant, Linghu Fei urged him further, “My lord, don’t worry. If he comes to power, I’m sure he’ll treat you even better. He has to show this gesture—he needs to let everyone know that he, Li Heng, has the breadth of mind to forgive former enemies.” Under Linghu Fei’s repeated persuasion, Yang Guozhong finally agreed. He indeed had no other choice. Whether Li Heng would spare him was uncertain, but the King of Shu would definitely not. If Li Heng came to power, the first person he would kill would be Yang Guozhong. Now, he either had to go to Yuzhou as a military officer or take a gamble. After some thought, he asked, “What does he have to back him up?” Yang Guozhong was still worried about Li Heng’s strength. Linghu Fei smiled and said, “He hasn’t told me, but I’ve guessed it. If I’m not wrong, Geshu Han is on his side.”

Yang Guozhong slapped his forehead in realization. No wonder no one could figure out Ge Shuhan’s intentions—it was actually Li Heng. He nodded and smiled, saying, “I see. Alright! Since it’s a gamble, I’ll go all in. Let me throw another set of Lu Cai.”
……
Li Heng went straight to Linghu Fei without any preliminary investigation because the situation was urgent. Li Qing’an would arrive in Chang’an soon, and if he didn’t act now, he would lose his chance. Likewise, Linghu Fei understood that time was running out. At his persuasion, Yang Guozhong arrived at Tongyi Fang in Chang’an that very night.
Since Li Yu ascended the throne, Chang’an had officially abolished the curfew. Except for the city gates, thegate gates were not closed at night, allowing the people to move freely. However, after the incident involving Princess Huo, Li Yu reinstated the curfew to prevent the imperial family members from colluding at night. But these past two days, due to Li Qing’an’s decisive victory over An Lushan, the curfew had been relaxed somewhat.
Yang Guozhong’s carriage rushed forward and stopped in front of a large mansion in Tongyi Fang. This used to be the residence of Li Shouli, the younger cousin of Li Longji, the Prince of You. After Li Shouli died in the 28th year of the Kaiyuan era, the mansion passed to his eldest son, Li Chenghong.
Li Chenghong was titled King of Guangwu. He not only inherited his father’s tens of millions in assets but also hundreds of concubines, as well as his father’s lifestyle of indulgence and debauchery. Yet during this sudden land reform, he suffered a heavy blow. His 10,000 mu of fertile land in Guanzhong was mercilessly confiscated, along with the grain he had accumulated over nearly five years. Before he could sell it, the troops sent by Li Yu took it all away, leaving him unaware of the exact amount lost.
Moreover, Li Chenghong was forced to pay Li Yu one million guan as compensation for resettling the tenant farmers. In reality, this money served as a fee to avoid having his family’s property seized. If he hadn’t paid it, he would have been charged with at least a dozen serious crimes. In particular, the act of arming his servants with prohibited weapons alone was enough to result in the confiscation of his property and his exile. Among all the unfortunate members of the imperial family, he suffered the most severe losses.
Li Chenghong was in his fifties. His grandfather was Li Xian, the sixth legitimate son of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, also the second son of Wu Zetian. His father was the eldest legitimate son, and he himself was also the eldest legitimate son. In other words, Li Chenghong had pure royal bloodline and was one of the most legitimate members of the Li family. As a result, he held high prestige among the Li clan. In the alliance of the imperial family members who opposed Li Yu, he was the main leader.

When Yang Guozhong arrived, Li Chenghong was discussing with several key members of the imperial family how to deal with Li Yu. Li Chenghong and Yang Guozhong had a very good relationship; it was Yang Guozhong who suggested that he become the head of the Imperial Clan Affairs Office the year before last. After Li Yu ascended the throne, Li Chenghong was dissatisfied and resigned to stay at home. Hearing that Yang Guozhong had arrived, he went out to greet him personally. He stepped forward and affectionately punched Yang Guozhong on the shoulder, saying, “Prime Minister Yang, it’s been two years since you last visited me!” “Your Highness is wrong! It should be one year and three months. You resigned last year, and didn’t I come to persuade you?” The two exchanged glances and burst into laughter. “Come! Come! Since you’re here, have a drink with me. I’ve prepared food and wine. If you get drunk, stay at my residence tonight. I’ll have the most beautiful Luo Ji accompany you.” Yang Guozhong stroked his beard and chuckled. He had long had his eye on that beautiful Luo Ji, and tonight was perfect. “Very well, then I’ll follow your invitation.” The two walked up the steps hand in hand, where they happened to meet Li Chenghong’s brother, Li Chengning. Unlike his elder brother, Li Chengning was tall and strong, skilled in martial arts, brave in battle, and generous. He earned the reputation of “Little Meng Chang” among the heroes of Chang’an. While his elder brother kept many concubines, Li Chengning raised many warriors. To some extent, Li Chenghong’s setbacks were related to his brother. Li Chengning had trained five hundred warriors in his elder brother’s estate. Armed with spears and crossbows and wearing light armor, they were in serious violation of the Tang Dynasty’s weapons regulations. Strictly speaking, it could even be considered rebellion. He had trained them for several years without any problems, but after the Princess Huo incident, he was reported. Since the warriors were hidden in his elder brother’s estate, Li Chenghong was implicated and forced to pay a fine of one million guan to avoid punishment. Yang Guozhong had come today to find Li Chengning as well. He quickly pulled Li Chengning aside and said with a smile, “What a coincidence! Let’s all go drink together.” Seeing his brother hesitating, Li Chenghong gave him a subtle signal and said with a smile, “Let’s go together!” The three went to Li Chenghong’s study and sat down. A few concubines quickly prepared a table of food and wine. Li Chenghong wanted three concubines to accompany them during the drink, but although Yang Guozhong would have loved that, he had important matters to attend to that night. So he said with a smile, “Let’s talk after we finish drinking. There are some things I can’t reveal.” Li Chenghong and his brother exchanged glances and understood immediately that Yang Guozhong never came uninvited. Realizing this, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat tense, no longer as relaxed as before.

Li Chenghong poured a cup of wine for Yang Guozhong and said with a smile, “Although my younger brother has been demoted from prime minister, I’m still used to calling you that. I know you must have important business to discuss when you come to my residence. Just speak plainly—after all these years of friendship, there’s nothing to hide.”

Yang Guozhong downed the wine in one gulp and said, “I’m here to warn you that Li Qing’an has already been appointed as the Right Prime Minister and will soon arrive in the capital to take up the position. His arrival will mark the beginning of your nightmare.”

“Prime Minister Yang, that’s an exaggeration!” Li Chengning interjected.

Li Chenghong waved his hand at his brother, refilled Yang Guozhong’s cup, and said solemnly, “Please continue, Prime Minister. Why would Li Qing’an’s arrival be the start of our nightmare?”

Yang Guozhong shook his head. “It seems you’re not concerned about what’s happening in Anxi. What has Li Qing’an done there?” He drained the wine in his cup and stared at it, saying, “In Anxi, Li Qing’an imposed restrictions on land and slaves, using methods far more brutal than Li Yu’s. Those who violated the orders were given a warning and a deadline to comply; those who didn’t were beaten to death. According to the information I’ve gathered, in the year before last, a total of 151 wealthy families in Anxi were killed for violating the land and slave regulations twice. Four hundred and forty-six families fled Anxi, only to have their lands and homes confiscated. Such a man is about to become the Right Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty. Aren’t you afraid?”

Li Chenghong and his brother had heard some rumors, but not as detailed as Yang Guozhong’s. They were stunned and unable to speak for a long time.

Yang Guozhong glanced at them and continued, “The reason Li Yu agreed to let Li Qing’an become the Right Prime Minister is certainly not because he defeated An Lushan. Instead, the two share a common goal: to exploit you as easy prey. Li Qing’an will surely bring his army from Anxi to Guanzhong. In fact, we don’t need to wait long—he already has tens of thousands of troops at his disposal. If I’m not mistaken, within three to five days, his army will enter Chang’an. Where can you run to then?”

Fear appeared in Li Chenghong’s eyes. At that moment, Li Chengning could no longer hold back and slammed his fist on the table, shouting, “Time is running out! We must eliminate Li Yu as soon as possible and support the former emperor to return to the throne.”

Li Chenghong rebuked him in a low voice, “Younger brother, don’t talk nonsense!”

Yang Guozhong stroked his beard and smiled. “Actually, this time the Third Prince is right!”

Li Chenghong was astonished. “Prime Minister, do you really intend to kill Li Yu?”

“It’s not that I want to kill him; I don’t have the ability. I’m now the Sima of Yuzhou and will take up my post in a few days. It’s just that I can’t swallow this insult, so I’m here to warn you—your time is running out.”
Li Chenghong lowered his head and pondered for a long time before saying, “Even if we wanted to kill Li Yu, we don’t have the chance!”
“No! There is one chance.”
Yang Guozhong narrowed his eyes and smiled darkly, “Isn’t Li Yu going to the imperial estate the day after tomorrow?”
……