Chapter 147 An Lushan worships Yang Yuhuan as his mother

The court meetings first dealt with daily affairs and local issues, followed by important meetings between the prime minister and the emperor.

After everything was done, Li Longji took the initiative to mention the matter of the Tibetan envoys: "The Tibetan tribute has arrived in Chang'an for three days. They want to let their cattle and horses go, stop fighting, and hold a meeting in Qinghai. What do you think?"

"Your Majesty, we should agree to Tubo's request for peace and demonstrate the magnanimity of our Celestial Empire in the presence of envoys from various countries!"

A minister stood up and spoke to Li Longji with confidence.

"Clap clap clap!"

As soon as these words were spoken, many ministers expressed their agreement with their tablets and palms.

This has nothing to do with the debate within the prime minister's party, but rather that many ministers believe from the bottom of their hearts that doing so will benefit the country.

The soldiers went into the armory and the horses were released into the southern mountains.

Now that the Turks have been destroyed and Tibet is seeking peace, it is a time of great prosperity.

Li Linfu took a tacit attitude.

He used to hope that Li Xuan would die in a charge or in the chaos of war.

I no longer have such an idea. Li Xuan is too good at fighting and I cannot give him any more opportunities to make meritorious contributions.

Li Xuan held too many concurrent posts, all of which were important. He was afraid that when the opportunity came, Li Xuan would become a prime minister through military merit.

He didn't believe it before, but now seeing how much Li Longji favored Li Xuan, such a "ridiculous" thing might really happen.

In his opinion, it was "absurd" for Li Xuan to become prime minister at this age.

"What does the Prime Minister think?"

Li Longji's expression remained unchanged, and he asked Li Linfu and Wei Jian.

"You ministers have a point."

Li Linfu replied ambiguously that he had figured out the emperor's intention, but he did not want Li Xuan to threaten him with further military achievements.

He has watched battle reports time and time again, and it is not an exaggeration to call Li Xuan the God of War.

How could there be a war where the enemy's casualties are always ten to one?
But Li Xuan can do it!

"I also agree that after we have reconciled with Tubo, we can continue to engage in trade. Tubo will use cattle and sheep to buy silk and tea from our Tang Dynasty, thus strengthening the country."

Wei Jian also expressed his opinion.

It was not that he was responding to Li Linfu, but that he was trying to please the ministers.

"Start your Majesty!"

"Although our army has won battle after battle on the border, the Tibetans have occupied Shibao City, and the Tang Dynasty has always been facing the Tibetans' offensive, so that the fertile land of Hehuang, thousands of miles away, cannot be cultivated. And the Jiuqu land originally belonged to the Tang Dynasty, but it was the Tibetans who bribed the treacherous officials and made me lose Jiuqu. I do not oppose peace talks, I suggest that the Tibetans return Shibao City and Jiuqu to the Tang Dynasty, so that we can see the sincerity of the Tibetans!"

"If Tubo disagrees, this must be a delaying tactic. As soon as our Tang Dynasty relocated the people to Heyuan, they sent cavalry to plunder and massacre. Who can take responsibility? Once we have Shibao City and Jiuqu, our Tang Dynasty will not be afraid of Tubo going back on its word and can protect the safety of the country and the people!"

Seeing Li Longji frowning, Li Xuan stood up and walked to the desk and spoke to Li Longji and the ministers.

"General Li is a far-sighted general who has been at the frontier for a long time. He sees things more clearly!"

Li Longji clapped his hands in delight, and the two of them sang the same tune, telling the ministers implicitly that if they were not generals, they should not point fingers at others.

As the victorious party, it is very reasonable to take the strategic towns of Shibao City and Hequ area.

The ministers were speechless. Having said that, would Tubo give the Jiuqu Land and Shibao City?
Whoever controls Shibao City will have the initiative on the Tang-Tu border. What's more, the rich Jiuqu area has been built with cities by Tubo and has become one of Tubo's most important areas.

But Li Xuan's words were reasonable and well-founded. The ministers looked at each other in confusion, and those who agreed to peace did not know how to refute him.

Does that mean giving up Stone Castle?

Or give Jiuqu to Tubo?

With famous generals like Li Xuan guarding the border, the Tang Dynasty has an absolute advantage!
Anyone who dared to abandon one of them would be skinned alive by Li Longji.

"It seems that all the ministers have no objection. The Secretary of the Central Secretariat will inform the Tibetan Zhonglun Mojie Sangdongzebu of this matter and agree to the conditions of the Tang Dynasty. If the Tibetan army and civilians withdraw from Shibao City and Jiuqu, the Tang Dynasty will agree to hold the Qinghai Alliance with the Tibetans."

Li Longji gave instructions to the Secretary of the Central Secretariat.

He did not mention the consequences of refusal, but the ministers all knew the consequences of refusal.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on Li Xuan who was sitting in front of the case.

In the past, when people said he was Huo Qubing, the ministers would have scoffed at it, but now people think it is still too conservative.

An Lushan saw Li Xuan standing in the center of the hall like a pine tree, being stared at by the ministers, and he felt extremely jealous.

Although both were favored by the emperor, Li Xuan's prestige among the emperor and the people was far superior to his.

"I must find a way to make the Saint favor me more!"

An Lushan was thinking about something in his mind, when suddenly his eyes lit up and he thought of a great idea.

After this incident, Li Longji saw Li Xuan still standing in front of the desk and asked, "General Li, is there anything else?"

The other ministers were also curious about what Li Xuan wanted to report.

But Li Xuan's next words made all the ministers terrified.

Even those at the very back of the hall, the usually silent officials who had entered the government through family connections all perked up.

"Your Majesty, in a few days, it will be the anniversary of the death of the former crown prince. I believe that although the former crown prince made a big mistake, he must have come to his senses and repented in his grave. I have a suggestion, please approve it, Your Majesty!"

Li Xuan's voice was low and magnetic, and then he bowed solemnly to Li Longji.

The ministers were obviously stunned by this scene and were speechless.

Everyone knows that Prince Ying has become a taboo in the court, and even if there are matters concerning him, the ministers will deliberately avoid them.

During the Kaiyuan period, there was a number one scholar named Li Ju. He had a bright future. However, when Prince Guang Li Ju was executed along with Li Ying, number one scholar Li Ju was demoted to a scribe, where he has remained until now.

A smile appeared on Li Linfu's lips. He had been searching for something everywhere but finally found it without any effort. After all, he was young. He was courting death!
He was already imagining that Li Longji would be furious and dismiss Li Xuan from his post.

"General Li, please speak!"

Li Longji was not angry. His face was serious and he raised his hand slightly.

This surprised Li Linfu and all the civil and military officials.

"I suggest building a Sizi Terrace outside the palace to commemorate the Crown Prince, the former Prince Guang, and the former Prince E. This will show that Your Majesty has forgiven them and is a kind father!"

Li Xuan replied to Li Longji.

"Approved! General Li will be appointed as the Supervisor of Sizitai, and Li Jian will be the Deputy Supervisor of Sizitai. This must be completed within half a year!"

As soon as Li Xuan finished speaking, Li Longji immediately agreed.

Sometimes, it is impossible to stop the world from talking nonsense, but the common people who do not know the truth will think that Li Longji is broad-minded and has great benevolence, and that his son’s rebellion was forgiven within a few years.

This is also the reason why Li Longji agreed to Li Xuan’s proposal to build the Sizi Terrace.

Also, because of Li Xuan, Li Longji's knot in his heart was suddenly untied.

He was a mature politician and knew that building the Sizitai would bring huge benefits to him both before and after his death.

"The minister obeys the order!"

"The minister obeys the order!"

Li Xuan and Li Xiu, who had just been promoted to the position of Chief of Works, received the order together.

It is obvious that Li Xuan's position as the Supervisor of Sizitai was a temporary position, in order to highlight Li Xuan's importance to the construction of Sizitai.

The real work was done by the production supervisor. If it was done well, Li Xuan would be praised as well. If it was not done well, Li Xuan would not be scolded.

Because Li Xuan must have been at the frontier at that time.

The Supervisor of Sizitai is a temporary post which will be removed after the completion of Sizitai.

"Retreat!"

Only when the chief ceremonial officer's voice sounded did the ministers react.

Li Xuan could even discuss such confidential matters with Li Longji. The emperor's trust in Li Xuan was almost the same as that in Gao Lishi.

The ministers looked at Li Xuan and felt that Li Xuan was extremely shrewd and did not seem like a teenager.

Li Linfu felt like he had a thorn in his back.

Even though he had honey in his mouth and a sword in his belly, even though he had a trap set in place, he was helpless in the face of Li Xuan.

"Since I can't bring you down for now, I will first eliminate all your followers. I will definitely spread the fire to Li Shizhi and make you feel the heat."

Li Linfu thought secretly in his heart.

When the court was dismissed, Wei Jian wanted to take the opportunity to say something to Li Xuan, but Li Xuan evaded the question by saying that the emperor had issued an edict.

Li Longji did summon him and An Lushan to a side hall and asked Gao Lishi to accompany them so that the two could get to know each other.

Li Xuan was very familiar with this scene.

In history, Geshu Han, who captured Shibao City, was arranged in this way by Li Longji.

At that time, An Lushan also wanted to get to know Geshu Han, so he said: "My mother is a Turkic, and my father is a Hu; your father is a Turkic, and your mother is a Hu. Our blood is so close, and we should get closer in the future."

But Geshu Han, perhaps because he had read too much of the Spring and Autumn Annals and wanted to show off some allusions, replied: "As the proverb says, 'a fox howling towards its den is a bad omen', which means forgetting one's roots. Since you have been loved by me, I dare not disobey you."

The "reverse" allusion of "the fox dies on the first hill" is used, which means tracing back to the same source, missing home and not forgetting the roots.

But An Lushan obviously didn't understand, thinking that Geshu Han was mocking him as a mixed Hu, and he cursed Geshu Han: "How dare you, a Turk."

This almost led to Geshu Han having a real fight with An Lushan, but fortunately Gao Lishi stopped him.

"The sage meant for the two generals to exchange ideas on military tactics and work together for the country."

After entering the palace, the wine and food were served, and Gao Lishi said, "We understand, Mr. Gao, please take a seat first!"

Li Xuan invited Gao Lishi to take a seat.

An Lushan was a little slow and felt angry.

In Gao Lishi's eyes, a great talent like Li Xuan must be more polite than a Hu boy like An Lushan.

After the three of them sat down, Gao Lishi told them to chat casually and just pretend he didn't exist.

Just as An Lushan was about to speak, Li Xuan poured wine for Gao Lishi and toasted him before stopping.

Gao Lishi valued Li Xuan and drank with him.

This made An Lushan very alert. Li Xuan was not only good at both military and literary affairs, but his ability to flatter others seemed to be better than his.

He had to finalize that matter.

"General Li, I am in the northeast of the country, and you are in the northwest. We are both serving the saint to protect the border and the people. It is said that General Li can defeat ten enemies with one man at a time, and the number of prisoners he kills is more than ten times that of the enemy. I wonder what is General Li's secret?"

After getting to the point, An Lushan asked Li Xuan.

Although he was not convinced that Li Xuan was superior to him, An Lushan was very wary of Li Xuan's abilities.

As a general who had experienced dozens of battles, he understood the difficulty of killing more than ten times the number of prisoners.

But Li Xuan had done this every time in the battles of defending Feng'an City, the battle on the west slope of Helan Mountain, the raid to capture the two Khans, the battle of Jishi Army, the battle of Lishui, and the raid on Qinghai!

As long as Li Xuan is alive, will he ever have a chance to shine?

"I am just a warrior. I can break in on horseback before the two armies meet. As long as I kill the enemy's commander, I can win. It is said that General An is very brave in battle, so I might as well give it a try."

Li Xuan said to An Lushan with a smile.

Even if he told An Lushan how to deploy his troops and use the tactics of speed, it would be useless because he and An Lushan did not have the same style.

“I’ll definitely try it if I get a chance.”

An Lushan's mouth twitched. He used to charge into battle frequently. But now that he was so rich, he no longer used to grab a spear.

Moreover, even at his most courageous, he did not dare to charge into a team of dozens of people alone, let alone an army of thousands.

"General An, the Xi King and the Khitan King have both surrendered to the Tang Dynasty and have just married two Tang princesses. From now on, General An just needs to control his men and not take the initiative to cause trouble. I believe that he will be able to stay quiet for a while."

Li Xuan spoke to An Lushan with a hint of meaning.

This made An Lushan's heart skip a beat. Li Xuan's eyes seemed to see through his heart. He was planning to force the Xi and Khitan to rebel after returning and use them to gain military merits.

But Li Xuan's words made An Lushan feel uneasy.

He couldn't help but feel nervous. If that happened, would Li Xuan impeach him?
"No, no, since they have submitted to the Tang Dynasty, Marshal Bian will appease them and let them feel the great grace of the Saint."

An Lushan stretched out his two fat hands and waved them around Li Xuan. At the same time, he shook his head like a rattle, which was very funny.

If An Lushan were alive in later generations, he would definitely be a comedy star.

From his funny actions, people can see his simplicity and friendliness.

If Li Xuan was not a time traveler, he would also think that An Lushan had simple intentions.

No wonder Li Longji didn't believe An Sishun even though he said many times that An Lushan was going to rebel.

No wonder Li Longji would tie up anyone who accused An Lushan of rebellion and take him to Yuyang to be punished by An Lushan.

This kind of action, expression, and tone of voice disguised for more than ten years will indeed paralyze a person.

For example, An Lushan’s memorial to Li Longji last year: There are bugs eating the seedlings in the yard. I burn incense and pray. If I am disloyal to my lord, let the bugs eat my heart; if I am loyal to my lord, let the bugs die.

Not long after, another memorial arrived, saying that a divine bird had flown in and eaten all the insects.

It’s not that Li Longji believed such a ridiculous statement.

An Lushan used this childish story to show his loyalty to Li Longji. In the eyes of the Han scholars who had been influenced by sages for a long time, An Lushan's way of currying favor was too straightforward and almost rigid, like a barbarian among barbarians.

But An Lushan actually brought to the extreme the simplicity that Li Longji imagined a "barbarian" should have, and made Li Longji feel that An Lushan was uncivilized and simple-minded, unlike the civilized Han scholars who had learned to disguise and lie.

Through a series of disguises and concealment, even a cunning man like Li Linfu was deceived by An Lushan for more than ten years.

After Li Linfu died, Li Longji actually dug up Li Linfu's grave because An Lushan accused Li Linfu of treason.

It can be seen that he had been deeply poisoned by "Lushan".

"I was just joking after drinking, don't take it seriously!"

Li Xuan drank a glass of wine as if it was a joke.

Gao Lishi next to him frowned slightly. He also felt that there was nothing wrong with An Lushan, but An Lushan's background and behavior had caused criticism from both the court and the public.

He just didn't advise Li Longji to take An Lushan too seriously. He said that a royal family member like Qilang who was humble, polite, and talented in both civil and military affairs was the backbone of the country.

Li Xuan and An Lushan talked about some meaningless topics, but after An Lushan's thoughts were exposed by Li Xuan, he felt very insecure and did not dare to discuss too deep issues. He only talked about how to deploy troops when encountering the enemy.

Li Xuan smiled and nodded, but An Lushan always felt that Li Xuan's smile was meaningful and made him shudder.

After the two finished their "communication", Gao Lishi told them to go to the Chenxiang Pavilion together, where the saint had a vision.

"Meet the saint!"

In front of the Chenxiang Pavilion, Li Xuan and An Lushan bowed together.

"No need for the gift! The colorful parrot Qilang gave me is smarter than the girl in the snow coat. It learned the poem Yuhuan recited yesterday in no time."

Li Longji first told Li Xuan that he liked the gift Li Xuan gave him very much.

You can see Yang Yuhuan and her sister playing with two parrots next to the Chenxiang Pavilion.

"Lushan, your belly has gotten bigger. What's in it?"

Li Longji looked at An Lushan and joked, pointing at his belly.

"There is nothing in my heart except a red and sincere heart!"

An Lushan was always ready to flatter. While he was speaking, he even deliberately stuck out his belly and patted it a few times.

If a Han Chinese did this, he would definitely be considered hypocritical and rude.

But An Lushan's behavior made Li Longji very happy.

"Lushan, na Lushan..."

Li Longji couldn't stop laughing, but he couldn't do anything about An Lushan.

At this time, Yang Yuhuan, with the colorful parrot and Snow-Clad Lady, walked towards them together with Yang Yuyao and others.

"Qilang, you colorful parrot..."

Yang Yuhuan opened her red lips, and before she could finish her words to Li Xuan, she saw An Lushan striding forward.

"Pfft!"

He knelt on his knees and kowtowed several times.

This confused Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan.

This is not the way to perform a greeting!
But Li Xuan's face turned dark. Would Fatty An worship Yang Yuhuan as his godmother at this time?

Historically, it should have been more than a year after Yang Yuhuan became a royal concubine.

Could it be that because of me, An Lushan became enlightened earlier?
"I dreamt of my late mother last night and missed her so much. It was as if she was no longer alive without her care. I thought again and again that only a beautiful and noble person like you could be my mother. I hope to acknowledge you as my mother. Please grant my approval, Saint."

As An Lushan spoke, tears came to his eyes. He moved his knees and kowtowed several times to Li Longji, which was equivalent to acknowledging Li Longji as his father.

"General, please get up! This is not going to work!"

Yang Yuhuan was very shy. An Lushan was almost twice her age, and she felt embarrassed to be recognized as her godmother in public.

"If my wife doesn't recognize me, I will kneel down forever. Because apart from my wife, no one else in the world can be my mother."

As An Lushan spoke, he moved his knees and kowtowed to Yang Yuhuan again.

Yang Yuhuan quickly dodged.

But An Lushan made a toad-like movement and prostrated himself.

Sometimes he would turn over, and wherever Yang Yuhuan went, his "flexible" body would roll there!

"Yuhuan, Lushan truly recognizes you as his mother, so there's nothing wrong with accepting you!"

Li Longji laughed even more happily, and while laughing he persuaded Yang Yuhuan to accept An Lushan's gift.

"Yes, Yuhuan. Accept this son! Look how filial he is!"

Yang Yuyao was smiling coquettishly and cheering around Yang Yuhuan.

The eldest sister and the eighth sister were also amused by An Lushan's sincerity.

"My child meets his mother!"

When Yang Yuhuan was at a loss, An Lushan tacitly agreed to her request and kowtowed three times more loudly.

"Get up!"

Yang Yuhuan had no choice but to ask An Lushan to stand up.

At this moment, An Lushan completed the transformation from "Lushan" to "Lu'er".

Li Xuan witnessed An Lushan’s clown-like “performance”, but no longer felt that he was a clown.

Perhaps, this is what is called an "extraordinary person".

(End of this chapter)