Chapter 144 Yang Zhao's Ambition, Summoned by Li Longji

South of Chang'an City, in front of Qixia Gate.

"We have finally arrived in Chang'an. I, Yang Zhao, will definitely be able to stand out and become truly rich!"

A man in a wide robe looked at the gate where people were bustling with people, his eyes burning.

He looked to be in his thirties, tall, with a white face and a long beard. Behind him was a convoy guarded by servants.

But he now needs to queue up and undergo identity check and cargo inspection by the Jinwu Guards.

"Alas! How long do we have to wait? If I had known, I would not have passed through Qixia Gate."

After waiting for only half an hour, it was still far from his turn. Yang Zhao complained in frustration, thinking that he had chosen the wrong door.

"Brother, this is your first time escorting goods to Chang'an! Kaiyuan Gate, Jinguang Gate, and Yanping Gate in the east of the city are close to the West Market and are the most congested. The west of the city is close to the Forbidden City, and Chunming Gate does not allow goods to be transported. Tonghua Gate and Yanxing Gate are close to the East Market and are more strictly checked. Mingde Gate on our left is connected to Tianjie. Do you think it is easy to pass through there? Be patient and wait. In more than an hour, we will definitely pass through."

A businessman standing in front of Yang Zhao saw that Yang Zhao was quite elegant and responded to him.

"It would be great if I could enter Chang'an without being searched or having to queue!"

Yang Zhao sighed.

He came to Chang'an with two purposes. One was to bring gifts from Jiannan Jiedushi Zhangchou Jianqiong and visit Yang Yuhuan's three sisters, hoping to say something good about Zhangchou Jianqiong in front of the saint.

The second was that he wanted to use his previous relationship with Yang Yuhuan's third sister, Yang Yuyao, to get a position in Chang'an.

When Yang Zhao was young, he was idle and addicted to gambling. At the age of 30, he joined the Jiannan Shogunate and was responsible for military farming. Later, because of his outstanding abilities, he was recommended as the Xindu County Lieutenant.

But once you get into gambling, not to mention the salary of a county lieutenant, even the salary of a prime minister is not enough to gamble, unless others flatter you and always let you win.

What's more, Yang Zhao also loved fine wine, so after his term of office was over, he became even poorer and had to rely on the wealthy family Xian Yu Zhongtong.

Zhang Chou Jianqiong, the governor of Jiannan, had a very bad relationship with Li Linfu, and originally wanted to send Xianyu Zhongtong to Chang'an to build up Yang Yuhuan's relationship so that he could get along better in the local area.

But Xianyu Zhongtong thought that his subordinate Yang Zhao had some relationship with Yang Yuhuan, so he recommended Yang Zhao to Zhang Chou Jianqiong.

When Zhang Chou Jianqiong saw the handsome and eloquent Yang Zhao, he immediately recommended Yang Zhao as the shogunate's magistrate.

Yang Zhao also patted his chest and agreed to this matter.

The "local specialties" that Yang Zhao brought from Jiannan this time were worth millions of dollars, all of which were to be given to Yang Yuhuan's sisters.

In fact, Yang Zhao and Yang Yuhuan were only distantly related. They had only one great-grandfather and were both descendants of Yang Lingben.

He could not be compared with Yang Jian and Yang Qi, the sons of Yang Yuhuan's uncle Yang Xuangui.

Not to mention that the three Yang sisters are Yang Yuhuan’s biological sisters.

"Haha...even princes and nobles need family records to enter Chang'an. What kind of identity do you need to have if you want to enter the city without being searched?"

The businessman next to him laughed out loud after hearing what Yang Zhao said.

As soon as he finished laughing, the captain at the gate ordered all passing carriages and horses to pull over.

All pedestrians are required to enter the city through other gates, or wait half an hour before passing through the Qixia Gate.

At the same time, teams of Dragon Guard cavalry wearing black armor marched out of the city.

In front of them were a hundred cavalrymen serving as the imperial guards, led by eunuchs.

Another team of Jinwu Guard infantrymen came out to separate the carriages and horses.

At this time, passers-by can still leave.

However, the merchants’ carriages and horses could not be diverted, so they could only wait here for the Qixia Gate to be reopened.

There were six or seven hundred majestic Dragon Guards and Yulin Guards of Honor. Yang Zhao was overwhelmed with emotion when he saw them, and at the same time he was curious about the reason.

"Man, there are so many cavalrymen. What happened?"

Yang Zhao asked the businessman just now.

"Looking at their armor, they should be the Dragon Guards who protect the saint. It doesn't look like the saint is traveling. They should be welcoming a minister into the city."

The merchant had a keen eye and could tell the name of the Imperial Guard at a glance.

"Is there any local minister who can make the saint send out the imperial guards to welcome him?"

Yang Zhao was even more shocked.

Even though he was a country bumpkin who had lived in Shu for a long time, he knew that the personal guards of the current saint were not the Qianniu Guards, nor the Jinwu Guards, but the Yulin Guards and the Longwu Guards.

The once famous Qianniu Beishen had long been replaced by Yulin Lang.

How honorable it is for a minister to be welcomed by the Dragon Guards and the Yulin Guard of Honor!
"Of course there are. Legend has it that last year General Li entered the city from Mingde Gate, and the entire Tianjie was under martial law. General Li wore a jade belt and a golden robe, looking handsome and dashing. He rode a silver-white Ferghana horse and walked slowly along Tianjie all the way to the Imperial City. The people of Chang'an waited all night, and the streets were empty to watch General Li enter the city."

When the merchant spoke, he was looking forward to that scene, but unfortunately he was in Yangzhou at that time and failed to witness such a great hero.

"I have also heard of the reputation of General Li who captured the two Khans."

Yang Zhao served in the Jiannan Army, and the main task of the Jiannan Army was to defend Xichuan against Tubo.

Last year, Li Xuan defeated Tubo so badly that even the soldiers stationed on the border of Xichuan retreated inward.

Not long ago, he even said that he wanted to seek peace with the Tang Dynasty and that his envoys were on the way.

They destroyed a garrison on the border of Xichuan to prove that they would not talk about the war.

At this time, dozens of riders were walking quickly towards them from a distance.

But among these dozens of horses, there were only more than ten people, and the other horses only carried a small amount of luggage, so they seemed to be spare horses.

This group of people are Li Xuan who just returned from a long journey.

At the post station near Chang'an, the postman reported the news to Chang'an.

Li Longji had just learned of Li Xuan's return not long ago, and immediately ordered Chen Xuanli and Gao Lishi to arrange guards to welcome him.

Li Xuan saw the Longwu Guards and Yulin Guards standing in front of the gate and stopped his horse.

The general of the Imperial Guard came forward with a staff and said, "According to the order of the Saint, you are to be taken to the Xingqing Palace for a bath. The Saint will receive you at the Chenxiang Pavilion at 6:00 PM!"

"According to the order!"

After Li Xuan dismounted and bowed, he prepared to go to Xingqing Palace, surrounded by the guards of honor of the Yulin Guards and the Longwu Guards.

His personal guards were brought back to the Duke of Song's Mansion by Luo Xing.

They entered through the Qixia Gate openly and performed their etiquette without any inspection.

"This is General Li!"

Although Li Xuan was wearing a round-necked robe, the people around him still recognized him.

Isn’t the handsome white horse under your crotch the white horse given by the saint as a reward?
Looking at the imperial guards guarding him all around, General Li is the only one in the world who can receive such great love.

"General Li is now the marshal of Helong. He has forced Tubo to ask for peace from the Tang Dynasty. When he rides on his horse and draws his bow, the Tubo are terrified. He kills generals and pulls down flags in the midst of thousands of troops as if he were in an empty land."

"Kill the generals, capture the marshals, truly a god of war!"

"It is said that General Li was able to lead a lone army deep into the Tibetan border for us, the common people. There is only one such man in history, and he attracted many chivalrous men from Wuling to enter Helong."

"Only in the prosperous Tang Dynasty could a hero like King Li be born!"

"General Wang is not as heroic as General Li. General Li's story is so inspiring! Moreover, General Li can sing about the grandeur of the frontier on horseback, and compose poems about plum, orchid, and bamboo when he gets off the horse. Look at the inscription on the stone tablet in Qujiang: 'Only the peony is the true national beauty, and the capital is moved when the flowers bloom'. In this world, only General Li is the leader!"

……

Countless people were shocked to have the chance to meet Li Xuan, and some did not hide their admiration and respect for Li Xuan.

"It is the most precious thing, nothing can be more precious than this!"

Yang Zhao stared at it blankly, his eyes lost in thought.

Such a glorious scene made him itch. He felt that even if he became the prime minister, it would be no more than this.

He clenched his fists. This trip to Chang'an was not going back to Shu. Chang'an was a man's stage. Think about it. Li Xuan was only 18 years old and was famous all over the world. He was in his thirties and still unknown.

He swore in his heart that he must become rich and powerful in Chang'an and hold a high position among the officials!

When Li Xuan passed through the Qixia Gate, the county lieutenant in charge of guarding the gate began to monitor the entry and exit of pedestrians and goods in Chang'an City again.

Ordinary pedestrians can enter and exit easily with a pass, but merchants carrying goods must be strictly monitored.

If any soldiers and crossbows enter Chang'an City, the captain guarding the gate will have his head chopped off.

……

After Li Xuan entered Xingqing Palace, he first bathed, washed, and changed his clothes in a side hall.

After changing into formal clothes, Li Xuan, looking refreshed, went to Chenxiang Pavilion under the guidance of palace maids and eunuchs.

Of course, Li Xuan did not go to meet Li Longji empty-handed.

A palace maid held up a birdcage with a parrot in seven colors.

The top of its head is light yellow, the neck from the head to the back is dark yellow, from the beak to the neck is dark yellow, the two wings to the back are green, the abdomen is light purple, the tail is blue, and there is a touch of white on the forehead.

Such a parrot with seven colors is very rare. On the way back, he saw a Hu merchant in Jincheng carrying it, so he bought it for a large sum of money.

Hu Shang had heard of Li Xuan's reputation and learned that it was Li Xuan who wanted to buy it. He wanted to give it to him as a gift, but Li Xuan still gave him ten gold coins.

Because Li Xuan found that this parrot was very smart. Generally, it would repeat a sentence immediately after being taught a few times, and would also call out at the appropriate time, which was very pleasing.

Parrots mostly come from Longxi, so they were also called "Longke" in the Tang Dynasty. It is a homonym of "yingwu", which means heroic beauty and thriving prosperity. From the north to the south, from the emperor to the common people, it is very popular to domesticate parrots. Parrots also became an important tribute to the Tang Dynasty by neighboring countries.

Li Longji already had the idea of ​​"ruling from a high position and doing nothing" and was addicted to having fun. Li Xuan would cater to his interests and make Li Longji trust him more.

"Shichiro!"

When they were still some distance away from the Chenxiang Pavilion, Gao Lishi arrived and called Li Xuan.

"Gao Weng!"

The palace maids and eunuchs came to pay their respects, and Li Xuan stepped forward and bowed.

"I haven't seen you for nearly a year. Qilang has become more mature and stable."

Gao Lishi saw that Li Xuan was almost as tall as him and nodded slightly.

What Li Xuan did during this period won the sage's heart.

He followed the saint and heard the saint's praises every day.

As a result, Li Shizhi was also deeply favored.

Li Shizhi would be invited to every banquet, even if it was a small one.

"Mr. Gao is still full of energy and spirit!"

Li Xuan praised Gao Lishi as he walked.

"I'm old. I've been exhausted recently because of the printing business. There are more white hairs under my hat."

Although Gao Lishi said this, there was a smile on his face.

He promoted movable type printing and woodblock printing, and scholars were more respectful to him. He also heard some rumors in the market.

One must always leave something behind in life.

If there had been no printing, a hundred years later, when people mentioned him, they would at most refer to him as a eunuch like Cao Teng.

It is different now. Students study with printed books, so they will naturally have a good impression of it.

Although he was quite tired, Gao Lishi felt satisfied.

Gao Lishi was appointed by Li Longji as the Printing Commissioner of the Two Capitals, responsible for promoting the printing in Tokyo and Xijing first, and then testing it in other places.

He attached great importance to this achievement and would not allow anyone to destroy it. He had punished more than a dozen printing officials who were corrupt, abused their power, and neglected their duties.

All the houses were shocked!
“If Mr. Gao has enough craftsmen, he can open a printing house in Guzang City, Wuwei, so that poor scholars in Hexi can also read the books of sages and appreciate Mr. Gao’s kindness and the saint’s benevolent rule.”

Li Xuan took the opportunity to ask Gao Lishi.

If Guzang City could develop a printing house before Yangzhou, Suzhou and other places, it would add to its cultural heritage.

Li Xuan knew that Gao Lishi was training a large number of woodblock craftsmen.

This kind of craftsmanship requires both acquired efforts and innate talent, which Li Xuan can't do.

"How could I refuse Qilang's small request? I will dispatch fifty woodblock and movable type craftsmen to Guzang to set up a printing house, but the money for setting up the printing house will be paid by you, Hexi."

Gao Lishi gave Li Xuan a lot of face. Although the layout of Chang'an and Luoyang had not been completed, it would not have much impact to assign fifty craftsmen to them.

"Thank you, Mr. Gao. We in Hexi will naturally take care of that!"

Li Xuan thanked Gao Lishi.

"I'm here to remind Qilang that Madam Yuhuan's three sisters have come to Chang'an and are now accompanying Madam Yuhuan to appreciate the flowers in Chenxiang Pavilion. They have a very good relationship with Madam Yuhuan and are very favored by the Saint. He has also granted them mansions in Chang'an City. Qilang, don't offend them!"

Gao Lishi reminded Li Xuan.

He could see that Madam Yuhuan's three sisters were all very attractive, especially the third sister, who was beautiful, wore no makeup, and was full of charm. Even the saint would take a second look at her.

"Don't worry, Mr. Gao. I always know my limits."

Li Xuan knew that Yang Yuhuan missed her sisters, so Li Longji specially brought her three sisters into the palace.

They are the eldest sister, Lady Hanguo, the third sister, Lady Guoguo, and the eighth sister, Lady Qinguo, who are all famous in history.

The ranking is their ranking within their clan.

They and Yang Yuhuan's cousins ​​Yang Jian and Yang Qi would soon be called the "Five Yangs", a name that was naturally a satire on them.

Because in the future officialdom, they will have the final say, and as long as the officials accept bribes, they will help them get the official positions they want.

Gao Lishi nodded, feeling confident in Li Xuan's demeanor and believing that nothing would go wrong.

When Li Xuan arrived in front of the Chenxiang Pavilion, he saw Li Longji in casual clothes, watching the flowers beside the Dragon Pond with a group of women.

It looked like he was saying some profound truth, causing the women around him to whisper and applaud continuously.

"Your Majesty, General Li has arrived!"

Gao Lishi took a step forward and spoke to Li Longji.

"Oh! Shichiro is here."

Li Longji was in a better mood, and said to the women around him: "Don't you want to see the famous General Li? I will introduce him to you."

These women were Yang Yuhuan’s eldest sister, third sister and eighth sister.

The girls were delighted after hearing this. They fanned themselves and poked their heads out, only to see a tall and handsome man.

In particular, the third sister Yang Yuyao's eyes were shining, just like how she imagined General Li should be.

When people think of General Li, the first thing that comes to mind is his heroic character, rather than the image of a burly, strong and broad-shouldered military commander.

Poetry and prose give people a lot of imagination.

Li Xuan came forward and bowed to Li Longji: "I pay my respects to the Saint."

Then he bowed to Yang Yuhuan: "Greetings, my lady!"

At this time, Yang Yuhuan had not yet been named a noble concubine, which was not until September in history.

"Shichiro, no need to be polite!"

Li Longji raised his hand to signal Li Xuan to stand up, and introduced to Li Xuan with a smile: "This is Yuhuan's eldest sister, this is Yuhuan's third sister, and this is Yuhuan's eighth sister. Qilang should get closer to them in the future!"

"Meet the three ladies!"

Li Xuan bowed slightly to Yang Yuhuan's sisters.

He knew that Li Longji said this because he did not treat him as an outsider.

Historically, Li Longji allowed An Lushan and Yang Yuhuan's sister and cousin to address each other as brothers and sisters.

"General Li, I have heard your stories since I was in Shu. Seeing you today, I can see that you are indeed extraordinary."

Yang Yuyao was the most uninhibited. She took a few steps closer to Li Xuan and flirted with him while talking.

The weather was getting warmer now, so she dressed very boldly, and her chest was as white as cream.

Although Yang Yuyao is already in her early thirties, she is naturally beautiful and knows how to dress up, and this is when she is at her most charming.

"It's all just empty reputation. It's all thanks to the saint's power and virtue that I can achieve this!"

Li Xuan smiled slightly, deliberately changed the subject, and bowed to Li Longji: "When I was in Longxi, I saw a seven-colored parrot, which is rare in the world. I watched it for several nights and finally caught it. This seven-colored parrot is very smart. It can learn my poems immediately. Now I dedicate this to the saint, and wish the saint a long life and wish our Tang Dynasty a prosperous and splendid country!"

He had to stay away from the dissolute Yang Yuyao because she might really ask Li Xuan to go out for a "night of drinking".

After two lifetimes as a human being, he is still a virgin and cannot be toyed with by a woman like this.

After Li Xuan finished speaking, he took a cage from the palace maid behind him and gently lifted the silk cloth covering the cage.

He saw that the colorful parrot seemed to be asleep and shook the cage gently.

The colorful parrot suddenly jumped up and called out in an ethereal and pleasant voice: "Long live the saint, and may the Tang Dynasty prosper and flourish."

Then, the colorful parrot jumped around in the cage, repeating these two sentences over and over again.

"Hahaha... beautiful! handsome! smart!"

Li Longji was so amused that he couldn't stop grinning.

"Sanlang, there are really seven colors, this is as beautiful as the Snow Girl!"

Yang Yuhuan's attention was immediately attracted. She came to the cage and stared at the colorful parrot with a gleam in her eyes.

She glanced at Li Xuan and took the small cage.

The Yang sisters also gathered around, chattering and praising the colorful parrot.

It was also the first time for them to see such a colorful parrot.

Not long ago, a parrot was presented as tribute from Lingnan. The parrot could imitate human speech very quickly. Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan liked it very much. Because its feathers were as white as snow, they called it "Snow-clad Woman". The eunuchs and female officials who served it called it "Snow-clad Lady".

Li Longji ordered his attendants to teach her poems. After several times, Xue Yi Niang could recite them, which was very endearing.

Whenever Li Longji played chess with Yang Yuhuan, if the situation was unfavorable to Xuanzong, Gao Lishi was afraid that Xuanzong would lose the game, so he called out "Snow-clad Lady". Snow-clad Lady would then fly into the chessboard, spread her wings and flap, destroying the chess game and helping Li Longji to cheat.

"Mrs. Snowy will have a companion in the future!"

Seeing Yang Yuhuan constantly praising him, Li Longji said with a smile.

(End of this chapter)