Chapter 85: Sustained Effort

As the New Year approached, the festive atmosphere in Chang’an grew stronger. The sound of firecrackers could be heard everywhere. These were not the modern firecrackers but rather short bamboo sections thrown into fire to produce explosive noises, believed to drive away ghosts and evil spirits. Families began to replace window paper, clean their homes, paste peach charms, make New Year cakes, hang wind chickens, and cure cured meat. Entire Chang’an was immersed in the joy of the New Year.

That morning, a group of troops came from outside the Jinguang Gate of Chang’an. It was also an army of about a hundred men, all clad in bright armor and tall and strong. The commander in charge was in his forties, with a thin face and three strands of long beard beneath his chin. Despite wearing armor, he had a scholarly air about him. He was Wang Zhongsi, the military governor of Longyou and Hexi.

Wang Zhongsi was later honored as the military god of the Tang Dynasty. He led his troops for twenty years, achieving victory in every battle, and made outstanding contributions to maintaining peace during the prosperous Tang Dynasty’s Kaiyuan era.

Last year, his military career reached its peak as he concurrently served as the military governor of Shuofang, Hedong, Longyou, and Hexi. Nearly half of the Tang Dynasty’s border forces were under his control, earning him great prestige within the army. However, his excessive military power began to cause Li Longji concern.

At the beginning of the year, he was removed from his positions as governor of Shuofang and Hedong. In July, Li Longji ordered him to capture Shibao City, but he declined. Li Longji then sent General Dong Yanguang to attack Shibao City, who suffered a crushing defeat. Dong Yanguang shifted the blame onto Wang Zhongsi. In a fit of anger, Li Longji summoned Wang Zhongsi to the capital.

Following Wang Zhongsi was his advisor Du Yanbin. Unlike Wang’s calmness, Du was deeply worried. He had advised Wang time and again not to resist the emperor’s orders, but Wang insisted that “Shibao City was a difficult place defended by the entire Tibetan army. A forced attack by the Tang army would result in tens of thousands of casualties without guaranteeing victory—it was not worth it. It was better to plan carefully and wait for the right opportunity.”

Du Yanbin ultimately failed to persuade Wang. What worried him even more was news that Dong Yanguang had sent a secret letter to the emperor a few days earlier. The contents of that letter likely meant bad news for Wang.

“General, perhaps we should immediately go and apologize to the emperor; maybe there will be a chance,” Du Yanbin urged him in a low voice.

Wang Zhongsi shook his head. “If he really intends to get rid of me, what good is apologizing?”

As soon as he finished speaking, a large group of troops arrived ahead—hundreds of imperial cavalry. At the front were two men: one a civil official and the other an eunuch. The eunuch rushed forward and demanded sternly, “Are you Wang Zhongsi, the military governor of Longyou?”

Wang Zhongsì bowed and said, “It is I!”
The eunuch sneered, raised the imperial edict in his hand, and said, “This is the emperor’s decree. Wang Zhongsì, receive it.”
Wang Zhongsì hurriedly dismounted, knelt on the ground, and said, “Your servant Wang Zhongsì receives the emperor’s decree.”
The eunuch quickly unrolled the edict and proclaimed loudly, “Wang Zhongsì, the military governor of Longyou and Hexi, has received great imperial favor yet failed to repay his lord. He has gathered troops to strengthen his own power and is suspected of rebellion. He is hereby taken to the Dali Temple prison for joint trial by the three ministries. So be it!”
The eunuch folded up the edict, waved his hand to his attendants, and ordered, “Seize him!”
A group of Imperial Guards rushed forward, holding Wang Zhongsì down. His personal guards were shocked and rushed to rescue him. Wang Zhongsì turned around and shouted, “Do not be presumptuous!”
His guards stopped immediately, not daring to act rashly. At that moment, the civil official dismounted and bowed to Wang Zhongsì, saying, “Lord Wang, I am Ji Wen, the deputy head of the Dali Temple. I regret to ask you to come with me.”
Wang Zhongsì felt deep sorrow. He sighed and said, “I hope Deputy Ji will enforce the law impartially and give me justice.”
Ji Wen, however, sneered and said, “Justice lies in the emperor’s heart.”
…
Within just one morning, the news of Wang Zhongsì’s arrest in the streets of Chang’an spread throughout the city. That general who once commanded half of the Tang Dynasty’s border forces had ended up arrested, causing many to sigh with regret. Yet some saw it as inevitable—Wang Zhongsì’s excessive military power had already aroused the emperor’s suspicion. Opinions were divided, and rumors spread throughout Chang’an.
These two days happened to be the Kitchen God Festival followed by a ten-day holiday, during which the court was closed for two days. Gao Lishi also had half a day off and did not go to Xingqing Palace to serve the emperor.
As usual, Gao Lishi went to the polo field to watch the players practice. But today he was a bit distracted. He had already heard the news of Wang Zhongsì’s arrest. Although he knew Wang Zhongsì was in trouble, he had underestimated the emperor’s determination. Clearly, the emperor no longer wanted to hear Wang Zhongsì’s explanations.
Gao Lishi sighed softly. Wang Zhongsì’s fate was sealed; no one could save him. What mattered most was the crown prince—how deeply he would be involved in this case was what concerned Gao Lishi.
At that moment, cheers came from the polo field—the practice match was over, and Team A, led by Li Qing’an, had defeated Team B by a large margin.
The polo players rushed forward to ask for rewards. Gao Lishi smiled and said to his steward, “Since I’m in a good mood today, give each of them a hundred strings of coins as a reward.”
“Thank you, sir!”
The polo players were overjoyed and thanked him before going to collect the money. Then Gao Lishi said to Li Qing’an, “Seventh Young Master, please wait a moment!”

“Is there something wrong, Lord Gao?”
“Come with me for a walk in the back garden!”
Li Qing’an nodded. Since he had taken on the role of inspector for the Nine Gates, he had little time to practice polo. Today, he had specifically set aside half a day to practice with Gao Lishi’s polo team.
Gao Lishi’s back garden was quite large, featuring a natural lake covered with a thick layer of ice. The surface of the lake was smooth and shiny. A few servants were repairing the paths by the lake. When they saw Gao Lishi approaching, they all stood up to greet him.
Gao Lishi waved his hand smilingly, telling them to continue with their work. After turning a corner, Gao Lishi slowly said, “Qilang, have you heard about what happened this morning?”
“I’ve been at Lord Gao’s residence all morning. I don’t know what happened.”
Gao Lishi sighed and said, “This morning, Wang Zhongsi was imprisoned.”
Li Qing’an was stunned. Wasn’t Wang Zhongsi the governor of Hexi and Longyou? How could he have been captured? An idea struck him, and he asked, “Was he captured in Longyou or in Chang’an?”
Gao Lishi glanced at him and said, “He was returning to the capital to report on his duties. As soon as he entered the city this morning, he received an imperial edict. Qilang, what do you think of this?”
Li Qing’an lowered his head in thought. He only knew from history that Wang Zhongsi was captured because of his close relationship with the crown prince, but he wasn’t very familiar with the details. He never expected such a thing to happen right before his eyes.
“Lord Gao, if you have any task for me, please go ahead and tell me.”
Gao Lishi looked at him approvingly and smiled, “You’re very smart. You guessed my intention right away. I want you to do something for me.”
“Please tell me, Lord Gao!”
Gao Lishi walked a few steps with his hands behind his back before slowly saying, “Take a message to Prime Minister Li for me. Tell him that steady progress ensures long-term success.”
……
At Xingqing Palace, Li Linfu stood outside the Datong Hall, waiting to be summoned by Emperor Li Longji. He had also learned the news of Wang Zhongsi’s arrest this morning, brought to him urgently by Ji Wen’s family. Soon, more news came one after another: Wang Zhongsi had been captured by the Imperial Guards inside Jinguang Gate and imprisoned in the Dali Temple prison.
This happened very suddenly. Li Linfu had no prior knowledge of it, and the imperial edict wasn’t issued through the Central Secretariat but by the Hanlin Academicians. Yet he knew well that no matter how the emperor arranged Wang Zhongsi’s arrest, the final trial would still have to be handled by him, Li Linfu.
“The emperor orders Prime Minister Li to come forward!”
A eunuch’s voice came from the high steps. Li Linfu quickly adjusted his hat, picked up his robe, and began climbing the steps.

Li Longji moved to Xingqing Palace three days ago. It was his residence when he was first a prince. After several major renovations, it had become the third largest palace complex, on par with Daming Palace and Taiji Palace. After making Yang Yuhuan his imperial concubine, he often brought her here to stay for a while, but this time he was moving in permanently.

Li Longji’s imperial study was located in Datong Hall, a small meeting palace that couldn’t host grand court sessions but could be used to gather high-ranking officials to discuss military and state affairs.

Li Longji had just finished listening to the report from the eunuch in charge. Wang Zhongsi had already been taken to the prison of the Dali Temple, awaiting trial by the Three Judicial Agencies. The so-called Three Judicial Agencies trial involved joint review of major cases by the Ministry of Punishments, the Censorate, and the Dali Temple. Depending on the ranks of the officials involved, it was divided into the Grand Three Judicial Agencies and the Minor Three Judicial Agencies.

In fact, eliminating Wang Zhongsi was part of Li Longji’s overall plan. His goal was simple: to get rid of all the frontier generals who supported the crown prince. First came Huangfu Weiming, the governor of Longyou. In the fifth year of the Tianbao era, after the Wei Jian incident, Huangfu Weiming was accused of colluding with Wei Jian, allowing Li Longji to successfully remove him from power.

The next target was Wang Zhongsi. Having grown up in the palace, he had a very close relationship with Crown Prince Heng. If the crown prince attempted to seize the throne, Wang Zhongsi would undoubtedly be his pawn. How could Li Longji allow him to hold military power for so long?

However, Wang Zhongsi had served as the governor of Hedong and Shuofang for a long time, with deep roots in the military. To successfully remove him from Shuofang and Hedong, Li Longji took a risky move by appointing him governor of the four regions of Shuofang, Hedong, Hexi, and Longyou, giving him command over over 200,000 elite troops of the Tang Dynasty.

Once Wang Zhongsi’s focus shifted to Longyou, Li Longji naturally dismissed him from his positions as governor of Shuofang and Hedong. The next step was to put him in prison. Li Longji needed a plausible and honorable reason, and Wang Zhongsi’s refusal to attack Shibao City provided him with the perfect excuse.

“Your Majesty, Prime Minister Li is waiting outside.”

Li Longji waved his hand. “Summon him for an audience!”

Li Linfu was a dog he had raised—now it was time to use that dog.

A moment later, Li Linfu strode into the imperial study, bowed deeply, and said, “Your servant Li Linfu pays his respects to Your Majesty.”

“Prime Minister, no need for formalities!”

Li Longji waved his hand gently and smiled. “Today is supposed to be a day of rest. I’m sorry for summoning you due to an urgent matter.”

“Your Majesty, there are no days off for a prime minister.”

“Well said!”

With a slight smile, Li Longji took out one of the memorials from the pile and said, “You must be aware of Minister Xi’s request to retire!”

Li Linfu nodded. It was quite coincidental—just as Lu Jingrong, the Minister of Works, had died, Xi Yu, the Minister of Rites, also fell seriously ill. Yesterday, he formally submitted his resignation from both positions.
“Your Majesty, I visited Minister Xi yesterday. He is indeed very ill and unfit to hold any court position. I beg Your Majesty to grant him permission to retire.”
Li Longji flipped through the memorial and casually threw it on the imperial desk. Indifferently, he said, “I’ve already approved it. But now that the position of Minister of Rites is vacant, Prime Minister, please consider for me—who should fill this role?”
Li Linfu remained silent inwardly. In fact, both the positions of Minister of Works and Minister of Rites were vacant, yet the emperor only mentioned the Minister of Rites, indicating that he had already decided on someone for the Minister of Works position. Who could it be? Yang Shenjin—no one else but him.
A sigh escaped Li Linfu’s lips. It seemed the emperor was determined to create an enemy for him.
“Your Majesty, Xiao Song, the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince and Duke of Xu, is highly respected and highly talented. I recommend him for the position of Minister of Rites.”
Li Longji shook his head. “Xiao Song has a poor reputation. I will never use him. Prime Minister, please suggest someone else.”
Li Linfu pondered for a moment before forcing a smile. “I can’t think of a suitable candidate right away. Please allow me some time to consider.”
“Very well! This isn’t urgent. We can decide after the New Year.”
With that, Li Longji took out another memorial and placed it on the desk, saying nonchalantly, “Dong Yanguang, the General of the Left Guard, has accused Wang Zhongsi of amassing troops to challenge authority. Wang Zhongsi is now in the Judicial Bureau awaiting trial. I’ll leave this case to you.”
“Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will handle this case carefully!”
……
After leaving Xingqing Palace, Li Linfu felt heavy-hearted. On one hand, the emperor continued to rely on him, but on the other hand, he was also wary of him. By promoting Yang Shenjin, the emperor was sending a message to all court officials that betraying Li Linfu would also bring severe consequences. This tactic of both rewarding and punishing officials truly filled him with fear.
Li Linfu sighed secretly, his thoughts turning once again to Wang Zhongsi. He clearly understood why the emperor wanted to deal with Wang Zhongsi. Could the crown prince escape this time?
The carriage entered Pingkang Fang and stopped in front of his residence after a short while. Seeing a horse tied to the post at the entrance, he frowned and asked, “Who has come?”
The gatekeeper rushed down and reported, “Master, it’s Lieutenant General Li Qingan. He says he has urgent matters to discuss with you.”
‘Li Qingan?’ Li Linfu was puzzled. What urgent matters could he have? Could it be…
“Where is he now?”
“Reporting to you, master, he’s waiting in the guest room.”

“Bring him to my study right away.”
Li Linfu got out of the carriage and strode quickly toward the mansion. He hadn’t seen Gao Lishi at the emperor’s court today. If he was guessing correctly, Li Qing’an must have brought news about Gao Lishi.
Soon, Li Qing’an was led into Li Linfu’s study. It was warm inside, filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. Li Linfu had changed into loose Buddhist robes and was sitting behind his desk reading.
“Your servant pays his respects to the Prime Minister!”
Li Linfu put down his book and smiled kindly. “Qilang, it’s been a long time since we last met. What have you been up to lately?”
“Reporting to the Prime Minister, your servant has been on inspections recently.”
“I know. I mean, what do you do in your free time?”
“Your servant has been looking for a house recently.”
“Oh! Have you found one?”
Li Qing’an shook his head and smiled. “I saw a house in Xuanyang Fang yesterday. It seemed a bit old, and the market next door was very noisy. I didn’t like it.”
Li Linfu smiled slightly. “I happen to have several houses available. Since they’re unused anyway, pick one you like and live there as long as you want.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Prime Minister. But your servant still prefers to buy his own house so that he can start a family and build a career in the future.”
Li Linfu smiled and didn’t insist further. He changed the subject and asked, “The servants said you have important matters to discuss. What is it?”
“Reporting to the Prime Minister, I came from Lord Gao’s residence.”
“Wait a moment!”
Li Linfu waved his hand to stop him. He pulled a rope, and a guard entered. “Please convey the Prime Minister’s orders!”
“I have important matters to attend to. No one is allowed to disturb me!”
After the guard left, Li Linfu glanced at Li Qing’an with slight displeasure.
“Go on! What message did General Gao ask you to deliver?”
“Lord Gao asked me to pass a message to the Prime Minister.”
“What message?”
“Lord Gao said, ‘A slow stream lasts the longest.’”
Li Linfu walked slowly around the room with his hands behind his back. He understood what Gao Lishi meant—once the cunning rabbit is dead, the hounds are sacrificed. He, Li Linfu, was just one of the emperor’s hounds. If all the emperor’s obstacles were removed, it would be his turn to be sacrificed. But if he didn’t get rid of the crown prince, once the crown prince ascended the throne, wouldn’t he also face death?
It was a dilemma! It was a complicated situation. How could he break through it? Li Linfu sighed. In fact, the key still lay with Li Longji—whether he truly had the heart to eliminate the crown prince.

Li Linfu walked over to the window and gazed at his vast mansion outside. It was filled with his wives, concubines, children, and descendants. He was nearly seventy years old, with little time left. He had to leave something for his descendants during his lifetime, at least something that would allow them to continue their line.

He couldn’t help but recall his eldest son’s advice: “Father is indeed decisive in making decisions, but you go too far, never leaving yourself a backdoor, which has earned you enemies all over the world.”

But could there really be any mercy in power struggles? Li Linfu smiled bitterly. He turned to Li Qing’an and said, “Tell General Gao Da that I will consider his advice carefully.”

“As you command!” Li Qing’an replied, but didn’t take his leave. Li Linfu glanced at him and asked, “Do you have anything else?”

“The Prime Minister told me to do one thing last time, but it’s been almost a month now, and he still hasn’t told me what it is.”

Li Linfu chuckled. Good, he hadn’t forgotten his words. He sat down and said, “In fact, you’re already doing it.”

Li Qing’an was stunned. “Does the Prime Minister mean the Nine Gates Inspector?”

“That’s right. I’m referring to the Nine Gates Inspector, but this is just the beginning.”

“Please make it clear, Prime Minister.”

Li Linfu looked at him deeply and then lowered his voice. “These past days, keep a close eye on one person for me.”

“Who?”

“Prince Qing, Li Cong!”

“Prince Qing, Li Cong…” Li Qing’an repeated it silently in his mind before bowing and saying, “I understand. I will personally take care of this task.”

Satisfied with his eager agreement, Li Linfu stepped forward, patted Li Qing’an on the shoulder, and said with a smile, “Seventh Brother, I know you’ve lost both parents. How about this? On New Year’s Eve, come to my residence as if it were your own home.”