Chapter 156 Li Xuan Enters Li Linfu's Dream, Yan Zhenqing
After the Wei Jian case, everyone thought that the emperor would trust Li Linfu more and let Li Linfu nominate a new candidate for prime minister.

After all, Pei Kuan and Wei Jian are on the same front.

Unexpectedly, the situation changed suddenly, and the final result was that Pei Kuan was appointed prime minister and stood on the stage of history.

If Li Linfu played power games in private, Li Longji would turn a blind eye and let it go.

But Li Linfu was already suspected of manipulating the prime minister, which touched Li Longji's bottom line.

In addition, Pei Kuan and Li Xuan jointly reported Wang Bo, which made Li Longji realize Pei Kuan's "pragmatic" style.

Li Longji has always been very fond of Pei Kuan, otherwise he would not have written "His virtue is as vast as the clouds of Mount Tai, and his heart is as clear as the water of Jin."

Pei Kuan presented evidence that Wang Yu "influenced military morale" and "oppressed the people", which made the final decision in Li Longji's mind.

The Left Prime Minister was the chief official of the Menxia Province and a fixed prime minister position that could not be vacant for a long time.

After much deliberation, Li Longji decided that Pei Kuan was more suitable than Chen Xilie.

This incident allowed the government and the public to see Li Xuan's methods.

Dare to directly attack Li Linfu's authority and prevent Li Linfu from monopolizing power.

The downfall of Wang Yu also made Li Xuan gain praise from the court and the public, especially the common people.

Because Wang Yu's harm to the people was not only by collecting rent and labor service from soldiers who died in battle, but also by increasing the burden on the people under the pretext of "shipping costs."

As Wang Yu was demoted, these "freight fees" would naturally be cancelled by the new officials.

It was something that would have been difficult to spread to the military, but because of such a commotion, it would inevitably spread to the military.

This may not seem to interfere with the interests of active military personnel, but there is a state of mind called "the sorrow of the fox and the rabbit."

It is no exaggeration to say that Li Xuan's memorial had an impact on military morale, because once this kind of mentality arose, some soldiers would inevitably become afraid of death.

For Li Shizhi, what Li Xuan did did not surprise him.

From the gold mine incident; the Xiao Jiong case; the scheme against Yang Yan, the purge of the Dali Temple; the major case in the Ministry of Personnel; to this case, all were planned by Li Xuan.

They had always believed that Li Linfu would recommend Chen Xilie as prime minister, but now this outcome has been abruptly changed.

Li Shizhi felt sincerely happy because Li Xuan had new support in the court.

Pei Kuan completely got rid of the suspicion of being a member of the prince's party.

He knew that without Li Xuan, it would be difficult to become a prime minister, so he would definitely favor Li Xuan on some important events.

Li Linfu could not monopolize power, and the probability of him attacking Li Xuan was even lower.

At the same time, Li Shizhi informed their in-laws and cousins ​​that they should be cautious and not make mistakes. If they had made mistakes, they should correct them; if not, they should encourage themselves.

Li Shizhi made it clear that if he really committed a crime, he would kill his relatives for the sake of justice. If he was wronged, he would seek justice.

As for Li Linfu's mentality, he naturally became more and more angry. After leaving the court, he had no appetite and could not sleep all night.

On the second day, although Li Linfu looked exhausted, he still insisted on attending the court meeting.

He saw the newly appointed prime minister Pei Kuan discussing politics in the court with good reasoning. The scene seemed familiar, and in a trance, he mistook Pei Kuan for his old rival Zhang Jiuling.

We also saw Li Longji taking the initiative to ask Li Xuan about trivial matters, and seeing Li Xuan talking eloquently, the ministers clapped their hands in applause.

There was also that fat body that came out to compliment Li Xuan, but he could no longer hear what he was saying.

Apart from daily government affairs, Li Linfu did not say a word about local affairs because he had not sorted them out.

Seeing that Li Linfu looked unwell, Li Longji reminded him to have a good rest when he retired from court.

In Li Longji's heart, Li Linfu was still very useful.

After leaving Xingqing Palace, several of his sons who had been accompanying the court helped Li Linfu into their carriage.

"He will replace me in the future..."

In the carriage, Li Linfu kept repeating this sentence.

He thought his dream was about to come true.

The tall, white-faced, bearded man kept sticking to him and he couldn't push him away, until he woke up.

As early as last year, he had already determined that this person was Pei Kuan.

Now that Pei Kuan has become the Left Prime Minister, Li Linfu believes that Pei Kuan will get the position of Right Prime Minister sooner or later.

This is a sign that the dream is coming true!
Seeing that Li Linfu showed signs of going crazy, Li Xiu was shocked. He returned to his house and immediately took Li Linfu to Jiayou Temple, asking Li Tengkong to fast and pray for Li Linfu.

In fact, Li Linfu was not crazy, he just wanted to be quiet.

In the Jiayou Temple in the Right Prime Minister's Mansion, the peaches are almost ripe.

Sitting under the peach tree, Li Linfu stared at the peaches in a trance.

"Wan'er, do you think the dream is true or false?"

Li Linfu was troubled by his dream and asked Li Tengkong about it.

"Tengkong" is her Taoist name, and Li Wan'er is her real name.

Li Linfu followed Li Longji in believing in Taoism, but he did not really believe in it.

He had never been as obsessed with Taoism as Li Longji, and he even rarely met with the so-called "immortals".

"My grandfather is the prime minister, do you still believe in dreams?"

Li Tengkong did not say it explicitly, but Li Linfu was extremely domineering and always regarded himself as the number one person under the saint, and would not tolerate any provocation from anyone.

Therefore, in terms of will, Li Linfu should have denied the dream.

One should not fall into wild talk because of a dream.

"But I am afraid! I am afraid of losing my power, and I am afraid that our family will not even have the chance to be slaves in the future. I have read history books, and people like me never had a good ending..."

There were only Li Linfu and Li Tengkong in the temple, so Li Linfu showed a painful and choking expression.

How can he be a stupid person if he could serve as prime minister for more than ten years?

Compared with Li Longji, he absolutely did not believe in the so-called immortality. He had seen too many elders wither away like plants and trees.

Even the former emperors Qin Shi Huang, Han Wudi and Taizong were unable to achieve immortality.

"Why did Father do this?"

Li Tengkong asked Li Linfu again.

"Although my father is from the royal family, Wan'er knows how humble he was back then. When I was young, I was just a palace guard. When Yuan Jie asked for a palace official for me, the prime minister Yuan Qianyao said, 'A palace official needs talent and reputation, how can a slave like me be a palace official?' That kind of humility is still unforgettable to my father. At that time, I vowed to climb to the position of prime minister, no matter what means. Because if I am not a prime minister, I will always be humble. When I was prime minister, I had no choice but to become a mortal enemy of the prince. The court and the public also gave me a reputation of 'treachery', but if I didn't flatter the superiors, I would never be able to sit firmly in the position of prime minister. I know that the court and the public mocked me for 'beating Du Nongzhang', 'sweet mouth and sharp heart', and called me 'a knife with a meat waist', but when I wanted to be Fang Xuanling and Yao Chong, I had already lost the opportunity. I know that my old rival Zhang Jiuling is destined to be remembered in history; even those who were banished by me, even a small county magistrate like Du Jin, will leave a good name."

Li Linfu was too depressed during this period, so he had a spiritual exchange with Li Tengkong, a Taoist believer.

As he climbed the ladder to become the prime minister and consolidated his position, how could he have thought about what he would do after becoming the prime minister?
Because of the issue of taking sides and becoming the mortal enemy of the crown prince, and the revenge for the murder of his mother, can he beg for forgiveness from Li Heng?
He must fight for his own destiny and the destiny of his descendants.

Even now, he still carries out this idea.

"Father, if this is the case, you should believe in Buddhism. According to the Diamond Sutra, all phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows, like dew and lightning!"

Li Tengkong sighed slightly. His father was still obsessed with power and couldn't extricate himself.

No matter what, my father is still the chief prime minister and has tremendous power.

He is just not satisfied with such power and wants to act arbitrarily.

"The saints believe in Taoism, how can your father believe in Buddhism? Wan'er hasn't told your father whether the dream is true or false!"

Li Linfu rubbed his sleepy eyes. He felt that the dream was becoming more and more real.

Sometimes, he himself was not aware that he was influenced by Taoism. He would expel a slave based on his facial features. Before he went out, if his horse was frightened and neighed, he would think it was unlucky and stop traveling.

"People who practice cultivation value detachment from reality. Just like Zhuangzi dreaming of being a butterfly, he believed that the Tao follows nature and that everything in the world is part of himself. I believe that dreams are a kind of obsession. The deeper the obsession, the more real the dream. I don't know what Grandpa dreamed about. But I think Grandpa probably didn't take the dream seriously at first, but suddenly thought of something and was skeptical. When the dream and reality had some correspondence, he believed it to be true."

Li Tengkong answered very objectively.

It was obvious that she didn't believe in dreams, which was an obsession of her father's.

"Wan'er, I once dreamed of a tall man with a white face and a lot of beard..."

Li Linfu frowned, so he told Li Tengkong about the dream that bothered him, and finally asked: "Is he Pei Kuan?"

"Tengkong has already reminded Grandpa that there are too many tall, white-faced and bearded people in Chang'an. It could be Pei Zuoxiang, it could be another Shangshu, it could be General Li in the future, it could be an unknown local official, or it could be a scholar in the market of Chang'an who is preparing for the imperial examination..."

Seeing that Li Linfu still didn't understand, Li Tengkong told Li Linfu more directly.

"Oh! How could I forget about this guy Li Xuan? He is young now, tall, and has a fair face. When he grows a beard in the future, he will definitely be the man of my dreams."

After Li Tengkong’s “reminder”, Li Xuan’s hateful face popped up in his mind.

Recalling the figures in the dream again, the slightly old Pei Kuan was no longer there, and he was replaced by Li Xuan, only with a beard.

Seeing that Li Linfu was still obsessed, Li Tengkong said nothing more and went to the temple to pray for Li Linfu.

Her original intention was to tell Li Linfu that the person in the dream would be the one who would take over his position in the future. Whoever replaced him would be the one, and that day would come sooner or later, so there was no need to be obsessed with it.

How can dreams be taken seriously?

It’s fine to treat him as Li Qilang now. Li Qilang is young, and at least he is not like Pei Zuoxiang, who makes his father feel that the dream is getting closer.

In front of the statue of Laozi, Li Tengkong prayed in his heart that his father would live the rest of his life in peace, and that the Tang Dynasty would have good weather and good harvests.

Li Linfu was too tired, and thinking that his dream was solved, he lay down on the couch under the peach tree to rest.

Yanyue Hall, how can it be so cozy? It’s a pity that no peach blossoms have fallen...

……

Five days later, An Lushan submitted a petition to leave Chang'an and return to Fan Yang to guard the border.

That day, at the steps of Xingqing Palace, An Lushan asked Li Xuan: "General Li, I am going back to Fanyang. When will you return to Huangshui?"

"I have wanted to go back for a long time, but the saint wants me to stay for a few more days."

Li Xuan replied to An Lushan.

It is already the beginning of May and the weather is gradually getting hotter. Even if Tubo knew that he was in Chang'an, it would be difficult for them to take the initiative to attack.

Tubo had a system of "Thousand Households", and each Thousand Households had its own thoughts, otherwise Tubo would not have used the four Thousand Households of the Imperial Guards to suppress the Four Rus.

Tubo was also a country with frequent internal strife. During the Chidai Zhudan period alone, Tubo experienced several rebellions.

Therefore, Tubo formed a small alliance every year and a big alliance every three years. They killed monkeys, dogs and horses, swore a solemn oath and worked together.

Even if Tubo attacked the Tang Dynasty, Li Xuan could get back as soon as possible through the post station.

"Your Excellency General Lee."

An Lushan said enviously.

In fact, he was extremely afraid of Li Xuan. The death of one and the exile of the other, who were close confidants of the chief prime minister, made An Lushan think that Li Xuan had some ulterior motives.

He felt that Li Xuan was as sinister and cunning as Li Linfu.

He saw the favor Li Xuan had received, so he was very respectful in front of Li Xuan and did not dare to offend him.

"I will not tolerate any injustice. No matter who breaks the law, I will punish them severely. If anyone in my army is greedy and reckless, I will report him to the saint for punishment!"

Li Xuan said something inexplicably to An Lushan again.

An Lushan was bound to rebel! There was no such thing as being forced to do so.

Because he offended the prince.

An Lushan was different from Li Linfu. Although they were both enemies of the prince, Li Linfu chose to overthrow the prince.

An Lushan knew that after Li Longji's death, the prince would kill him, so he began to plot a rebellion.

It depends on when he is ready.

Li Xuan just didn't want to be as presumptuous as An Lushan was before his rebellion and exploit the local people.

"I am just like General Li, a man who knows how to reward and punish, and is loyal."

An Lushan smiled but his heart was not smiling. He had always wondered how Li Xuan could have guessed that he wanted to provoke the Xi and Khitan who had already surrendered in order to gain military merit on the frontier.

Could it be that there is someone like Li Xuan among his staff?
No, I must investigate thoroughly when I get back!
An Lushan complimented Li Xuan a few more times against his conscience, then said goodbye and left.

Li Xuan had just returned to his mansion when a servant informed him that Li Ju, the secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, came to see him.

Li Ju was an official of Li Shizhi's when he was prime minister. He also taught Li Xuan calligraphy, so that Li Xuan's writing now has the style of Chu Suiliang.

"Meet General Li..."

After Li Ju entered the mansion, he saw Li Xuan coming through the ceremonial gate to greet him, so he bowed to Li Xuan.

Next to him was a man in his thirties wearing a round-necked robe. He looked handsome and graceful, and had an elegant air.

This person also bowed slightly to Li Xuan.

"Why should you be so polite, teacher?"

Li Xuan helped Li Ju up.

Be a teacher for one day, and be a father for life.

Li Ju had taught him calligraphy for a period of time, and now he became awkward in performing formalities.

"Qilang, this is Yan Zhenqing, the Liquan Wei, a descendant of the great scholar Yan Zhitui, who passed the imperial examination in the 22nd year of the Kaiyuan reign..."

Li Ju introduced the man next to him to Li Xuan.

I had originally agreed to visit Yan Zhenqing with Li Xuan.

In just two years, Li Xuan had transformed himself into a high-ranking official and a great hero in the world. Especially in Chang'an, everyone knew him, including women and children.

Li Xuan was capable of extraordinary things and was serious in learning calligraphy. Li Ju felt that Li Xuan would become a great man, but he did not expect it to happen so quickly.

The glorious military achievements inspire heroic spirit.

No one was dissatisfied with Li Xuan's status.

"Lieutenant Yan, I'm sorry for not coming to meet you in person. I've heard your name mentioned by the teacher a long time ago, but unfortunately I was too busy to visit you in person!"

Li Xuan bowed to Yan Zhenqing.

At this time, Yan Zhenqing's fame was very ordinary, not only in official circles, but also in calligraphy.

Even though his calligraphy has reached the pinnacle, the true Yan style is a great realm that carries on the past and opens up new horizons.

"I don't deserve this gift. When General Li wrote 'The rain on the streets is as soft as butter', I admired his talent. I am here to visit my relatives in Chang'an and I am sorry to bother you."

Although Yan Zhenqing had integrity, he also understood the distinction between high and low.

Yan Zhenqing was deeply moved by the fact that Li Xuan could say such words.

Liquan is just next to Xianyang to the west of Chang'an. Poems and essays from Chang'an can be quickly spread to Liquan. He was amazed when he saw the talent of this young man.

Li Xuan's supreme military achievements made him seem even more unparalleled.

He is also a poet, but he feels that his poems are far inferior to Li Xuan's.

"You two, please take a rest in the front hall."

Li Xuan smiled and invited Yan Zhenqing and Li Ju to the main hall of the Duke of Song's Mansion.

After entering the house, he asked the maid to serve tea.

Yan Zhenqing took out a wide scroll from his back and presented it to Li Xuan: "This is a poem I wrote for General Li. Please have a look at it."

Li Xuan bowed, took the scroll and slowly opened it.

The poem is titled "Presented to General Li" and is a five-character ancient poem with a total of 160 words, describing Li Xuan's capture of the Khan, breaking through the enemy's lines, conquering the grasslands, his archery skills, and beheading generals in front of thousands of troops.

The poem is of average quality, praising Li Xuan's martial arts, but what impressed Li Xuan was Yan Zhenqing's calligraphy.

The powerful regular script that can be seen through the back of the paper is broad and magnificent, giving Li Xuan a sense of grandeur.

As expected of Yan Zhenqing, he could write such characters at only thirty-something years old.

“Great calligraphy…Great poem!”

Li Xuan praised repeatedly.

This handwriting is so beautiful, with a striking personal style. It seems that one can see a person's character from the words. When will he be able to practice such beautiful handwriting!

wrong!

When scholars came into his family and presented him with frontier poems, they would usually be invited to join his court.

Does Yan Zhenqing also want to go to the frontier?
Li Xuan knew that although Yan Zhenqing was only a small county lieutenant now, he was highly respected by the people in Liquan and would soon become a Censor-in-Chief.

Although the rank of the Censor-in-Chief was not high, only the eighth rank, this official was of low position but had great power. When he was inspecting local places, the prefects and military governors had to greet him with a smile.

"To General Li, my poems are just mediocre. Your "Song of the Frontier" and "Song of Helong" are masterpieces of frontier poems. I still have a lot to learn from you!"

Yan Zhenqing said to Li Xuan.

He is not showing off his skills in front of an expert, offering poetry is the custom during a visit.

"Don't be too modest. County Magistrate Yan's calligraphy is far beyond my reach."

Li Xuan was still staring at Yan Zhenqing's calligraphy.

"When I was in Liquan, I saw that every household was arbitrarily levied taxes and labor service. As a county lieutenant, I could do nothing about it. Fortunately, General Li impeached Wang Yu and stopped this trend. Now the people praise you, saying that you are a god at solving cases and have eliminated treacherous people like Luo Xishi and Wang Yu."

Yan Zhenqing admired Li Xuan very much for this.

Although it was rumored that Li Xuan had done something to "fawn on his superiors", from beginning to end, Li Xuan never used his power to bully others, nor was he known to be boastful.

On the contrary, he was able to deal with the powerful and eradicate corrupt officials and cruel officials from all over the world.

While hunting in Xianyang Plain, Li Xuan was able to persuade the sage to exempt the people in the nearby villages from taxes.

Such actions must be taken by wise ministers.

"There is no such thing as a god who can solve a case. The only thing is whether the case is fair."

Li Xuan has always believed that the so-called "unsolved cases" of this era are the oppression of ordinary people by princes, nobles, dignitaries, officials, and powerful people.

The people simply have nowhere to appeal. If Li Xuan goes to the counties to review unjust cases and unsolved cases, he will definitely be able to find evidence.

For example, Luo Xishi’s frame-up of Pei Huang was full of loopholes.

If it weren't for Li Xuan, Li Linfu would have covered up the case, and even if Pei Kuan risked his life, he would not have been able to overturn the verdict. Perhaps the ending would have been even more tragic than in history.

(End of this chapter)