Chapter 253: Name, Awarded the Jade Lin Medal

Li Xuan and Li Longji chatted for more than two hours.

Many civil and military officials below were watching the jade table inadvertently. They saw Li Longji sometimes approaching Li Xuan, sometimes raising his glass to Li Xuan, sometimes nodding, sometimes clapping, sometimes being cautious, sometimes laughing, and sometimes clapping his hands...

Although his emotions were constantly changing, the civil and military officials could see that Li Longji was happy and had a very pleasant conversation with Li Xuan.

Li Xuan, on the other hand, spoke eloquently and gracefully. Apart from bowing and drinking, he did not behave impolitely in any other way.

It was as if Jiu Ling’s demeanor had reappeared.

Those who know Li Xuan know that Li Xuan would never confront a saint or say anything that is not in line with the saint's wishes.

These are the points where Li Xuan was criticized a lot. Some people said that Li Xuan was as "fawning" as Li Linfu.

Some people also know that Li Xuan "seeks fortunes in music" and is a true wise man.

It seemed like a simple welcome banquet and a conversation, but it increased Li Xuan's chances of becoming prime minister.

In the past, ministers always felt that Li Xuan’s age was a flaw.

When the mission was accomplished, many people found themselves subconsciously ignoring Li Xuan's age.

Li Linfu was preoccupied throughout the entire banquet.

When he was drinking with Li Xuan's subordinates Nan Jiyun, Geshu Han and others, these people were just playing around and exchanging a few pleasantries.

The generals of the four towns all knew that Li Xuan and Li Linfu did not get along. Now that Li Xuan was the governor of the four towns, it was neither reasonable nor moral for him to get too close to Li Linfu.

Li Linfu knew that it would be difficult to stop Li Xuan from becoming prime minister. It all depended on when Li Longji would issue the edict and in what form.

His real enemy is coming. When Li Xuan was at the border, he always made things difficult for him.

Once he becomes prime minister, he will definitely find ways to squeeze him out.

He could no longer control the government as he had done before the third year of Tianbao.

The general trend was slipping away from him, and he felt powerless when playing political games.

Another person who was extremely worried was Pei Kuan.

Since the first year of Tianbao, the chief official of the Secretariat was changed to the Right Prime Minister, and the chief official of the Ministry of Personnel was changed to the Left Prime Minister.

Li Longji no longer had the thought of becoming the third prime minister. It seemed that in Li Longji's mind, it was enough for the right prime minister and the left prime minister to discuss state affairs.

Although Pei Kuan was an upright person, he had not been the prime minister for long.

In the corner of the second floor of Hua'e Xianghui Tower, Chidai Zhudan, the Zhangzhung King, the Tuyuhun King and others had their calves numb from sitting.

They just hoped that the party would end soon, as it was already afternoon.

Everyone had their own thoughts, and the banquet finally came to an end.

When leaving the table, Li Xuan was still sitting with Li Longji.

If Li Xuan had not just returned from Longyou, he would have invited Li Xuan to Xingqing Palace to play.

After the chief ceremonial officer announced the end of the banquet, all the ministers and envoys performed the ceremony and Li Longji left from behind the scenes.

Chidai Zhudan finally felt relieved. Under the "escort" of the imperial guards, they went to the courtyard prepared for them.

Many ministers came up and saluted Li Xuan.

Perhaps they are about to witness history.

When Li Xuan was returning the gift, he was already thinking about the identities and backgrounds of these ministers.

What kind of people can follow him in the future and share the same political ideas?

A down-and-out aristocratic family and a commoner who studied hard to become a Jinshi.

Like Zhang Jiuling, there are many people who have no money but rely on themselves to pass the imperial examinations or have ambitions.

The powerful and wealthy who entered the officialdom through family connections gain status too easily and often indulge in a life of luxury.

They were immersed in joy and could not extricate themselves.

Li Xuan nodded to Nan Jiyun, Li Guangbi, Geshu Han and others and asked them to leave first.

The court has arranged accommodation for them, and after returning they only need to wait for the court session tomorrow.

When leaving Hua'e Xianghui Tower, the person accompanying Li Xuan was not Li Linfu and Pei Kuan, but Li Xuan's acquaintance husband Meng Lingcha.

After his position was replaced by Gao Xianzhi, he was on standby in Chang'an as the General of Huaihua. Although he still served as the Deputy Protector of Anxi, he could no longer manage the military and political affairs of Anxi.

"King Tianshui swept across Tibet and captured the Tibetan king, but I could only stay in the court..."

Fu Menglingcha smiled bitterly.

The last time he parted with Li Xuan, he entered Anxi in great glory, but he did not expect to leave in such a lonely way.

He was stationed in Hexi and knew how powerful Tubo was.

However, Li Xuan first attacked the Uighurs and then fought against Tubo, almost destroying the Tubo nation.

As a general, he knew the difficulties of what Li Xuan was doing, so he admired Li Xuan very much.

"General Fu Meng still has such a high position. If the country needs him, General Fu Meng can still serve as a commander!"

Li Xuan comforted her husband Meng Lingcha with words.

He also sympathized with his husband Meng Lingcha.

After entering Anxi, Fu Mengling discovered the talent of Gao Xianzhi.

He thought highly of Gao Xianzhi and promoted him all the way from the envoy of Khotan, the garrison commander of Yanqi, to the deputy protector of Anxi, and then to the military commander of Anxi, making him the de facto number two figure in Anxi.

It can be said that without Fu Meng Lingcha's recommendation, Gao Xianzhi would not have been known to Li Longji.

Fu Menglingcha was a long-established general who killed the Turkic leader Mohedagan and became a powerful figure.

In comparison, Gao Xianzhi is relatively unknown.

Gao Xianzhi was also recommended by Fu Menglingcha to pacify Xiaobolü.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible for Li Longji to pass the imperial edict to the deputy commander-in-chief, bypassing the commander-in-chief who had made no mistakes.

However, after Gao Xianzhi conquered Xiaobolü, he did not inform Fu Menglingcha, but instead sent someone to report the victory to Chang'an first.

After returning, Fu Menglingcha was furious and pointed at Gao Xianzhi's nose and scolded him for being ruthless and ruthless, while questioning him. But Gao Xianzhi, out of guilt, did not dare to refute and could only apologize.

When the military supervisor Bian Lingcheng learned the news, he immediately reported Fu Menglingcha to Li Longji, saying that Gao Xianzhi had made great contributions, but Fu Menglingcha, as the commander-in-chief, did not treat him well. If Gao Xianzhi died of grief, who would work for the court?
Bian Lingcheng has always been known for his greed and vindictiveness.

After hearing Bian Lingcheng's secret report, Li Longji immediately dismissed his husband Meng Lingcha and transferred him back to Chang'an, and appointed Gao Xianzhi as the Minister of Rites and the Jiedushi of the Four Towns of Anxi.

Li Xuan could put himself in their shoes and think, if his subordinates An Sishun and Gao Xiuyan dared to report to the emperor without going through him, it would depend on whether Li Xuan would punish them or not.

Because this represents the majesty of a commander in the army.

"By the King of Tianshui's good words!"

Fu Menglingcha bowed. He had been a soldier for half his life and was a Hu people, so he was out of place in the court.

"General Fu Meng is often in the Western Regions. I am quite interested in the Western Regions. I will bother General Fu Meng in the future to learn about some things in the Western Regions."

Li Xuan told her husband Meng Lingcha her main purpose.

Fu Menglingcha had served in the army in Anxi for more than 20 years and had two years of experience as the governor of Anxi, so he knew Anxi very well.

Li Xuan wanted to learn about the military affairs of the Western Regions and the relations among the many ethnic groups in the Western Regions from Fu Menglingcha.

In governing the Western Regions, the most important thing to deal with is the conflicts between the various ethnic groups in the Western Regions, and the conflicts between the Han people and the Hu people.

Li Xuan asked in person, and Fu Meng Lingcha would naturally not refuse.

Being able to talk with Li Xuan can increase his status in the court.

The two men chatted and left Xingqing Palace, exchanging greetings.

There is already a team of Jinwu Guards here to protect Li Xuan from assassins.

Even though Li Xuan has strong military power, there are always people who are willing to take risks and kill him.

In the words of the world's powerful people, Li Xuan's death will bring peace to the world.

Even those powerful families who did not dominate the village disliked Li Xuan.

Because they also annexed land, but their means were legal. They thought Li Xuan broke the rules and were afraid that Li Xuan would go crazy and kill them all.

When Li Xuan was about to mount his horse and leave, Lin Zhaoyin trotted out to inform Li Xuan: "The Saint has granted the Prince of Tianshui a house in Daozhengfang as the Prince of Tianshui's mansion. It will contain dozens of slaves, twenty good horses, five carriages, and all other equipment. This is the title deed, please accept it first."

"Thank you, Attendant Lin."

Li Xuan took the house deed.

Li Longji did not tell him such a small matter just now.

Dao Zheng Fang is just to the south of Xingqing Palace, across the street from Xingqing Palace.

As a prince, it is inevitable that he has a mansion in Chang'an.

Even if he doesn't live in the mansion often, he still needs a palace to symbolize his status.

Li Xuan did not go to his palace, but went directly back to Pingkangfang.

Li Qian greeted Li Xuan at the door as usual.

Li Xuan came to pay his respects, but Li Qian refused to accept because Li Xuan's current status was extraordinary.

After entering the Duke of Song's Mansion, Li Shizhi held Li Xuan's hand tightly. With just a few words of greeting, they knew each other's mood.

Because of his talented son, Li Shizhi was the object of envy of all the nobles and dignitaries.

The Tang Dynasty's greatest enemy, Tubo, surrendered, and Qilang became successful.

Li Shizhi hoped that Li Xuan would stay in Chang'an.

In his mind, the position of prime minister is the ultimate goal of a minister.

Li Linfu had been the prime minister for more than ten years, which made Li Shizhi realize that a person could stay in the position for a long time. Li Xuan's fifth brother Li Lang had already married, but unfortunately Li Xuan was busy with the war and could not congratulate him.

Li Shizhi asked Li Lang to bring his wife, Mrs. Du, to meet Li Xuan.

At the same time, Li Shizhi hinted to Li Xuan that Qilang was the only one who had not yet married in the family.

After achieving success, getting married is the top priority.

During this period, the number of matchmakers for Li Xuan was almost breaking down the door. The position of the Princess of a County was a position that a young hero like Li Xuan, who was both civil and military, would surely rise to prominence if his family had connections.

The noble women of the Tang Dynasty were unrestrained, so one had to be careful when choosing a wife, and her family must not be too arrogant.

Li Xuan prefers Pei Lingxi, whom he has met three times.

She seems to be in Chang'an, we can invite her to our home.

Li Xuan promised Li Shizhi that she would get married as soon as possible and find the person she loved.

As a person who wants to do great things, it is very important to have offspring.

Li Shizhi was very happy to hear Li Xuan's words.

Li Shizhi hoped to have children to take care of him and a house full of grandchildren.

Li Yuying also wanted Li Xuan to talk about "Journey to the West", continuing from the last time.

But Li Xuan forgot where it was.

Never mind, I won’t talk about it anymore…

At night, Li Xuan and Li Shizhi had another long talk.

But this time we won’t talk about state affairs, but only about the past.

Li Shizhi knew that Li Xuan had his own ideas, so he just needed to take good care of himself and silently support Li Xuan without disrupting Li Xuan's thinking.

"Qi Lang has just come of age, but he still doesn't have a courtesy name. The coming of age ceremony doesn't have many rules. I wonder if Qi Lang chose his courtesy name himself or not?"

The father and son drank tea until late at night, and Li Shizhi mentioned the matter of the courtesy name to Li Xuan.

"Thank you, father, for giving the child a courtesy name."

In this era, many scholars and nobles had courtesy names, but many of them did not use them to pass on their names.

Li Xuan's status was too high, so his courtesy name might not be used.

Because no matter whether it is a scholar or an official, they would not call him by his courtesy name, but by his official title or noble title.

This would make it difficult for his courtesy name to spread.

You can choose any name, but you can’t choose any courtesy name, so Li Xuan didn’t want to spend much time on it.

If he becomes prime minister in the future, I would not dare to address him by his name.

"Last winter, there were rumors in Chang'an that were unfavorable to Qilang, and most of them were about Qilang's name 'Xuan'. Xuan is top-grade jade, and Qilang is too sharp. As a father, I think it would be better to give Qilang a name with the opposite meaning."

"Pu means a stone that has not yet become jade, and it also means simplicity. How about calling it Zi Pu?"

Li Shizhi said to Li Xuan.

"Everything depends on father."

Li Xuan felt that it didn't matter, any courtesy name was fine.

After deciding on the courtesy name, Li Shizhi would spread it when talking to his old friends.

It was almost midnight, and Li Xuan sent Li Shizhi back to his room to rest.

Li Xuan did not go to bed immediately, but wrote calligraphy under the candlelight. He fell asleep only after he felt sleepy.

……

The next day, Xingqing Palace.

"You followed the King of Tianshui to annihilate Tubo, and you have enhanced the country's prestige. For all the military merits, I personally award you the Hero Medal, and I hope you will continue to perform your duties and serve the country..."

An Sishun, Gao Xianzhi, Cheng Gui, Li Guangbi, Wang Nande, Geshuhan, Li Zhushi, Nan Jiyun.

The eight generals stood in the Xingqing Hall and were awarded heroic medals by Li Longji himself.

The medal is made of pure gold and is carved with a lifelike tiger.

It implies that every general is a tiger general and a hero.

Under the gaze of the ministers, they were covered in glory.

"I thank your majesty..."

After Li Longji hung the hero badges on their arms, the eight generals bowed together.

"Please stand up!"

Li Longji was very satisfied, thinking that these generals would swear allegiance to him until death.

At this time, Gao Lishi took out the imperial edict and announced the rewards for the eight generals on the stage.

"Appoint An Sishun as the general of the Right Thousand Oxen Guard, grant him the title of Senior Guardian, and grant him the title of the male of Weiyuan County. His other official positions remain unchanged... He will be awarded 100 taels of gold, 1,000 pieces of silk, and 10 gold items..."

"Nan Jiyun was promoted to General of the Right Guard, granted the title of Senior Guardian, and granted the title of Male of Huating County. His other official positions remain unchanged... He was awarded 100 taels of gold, 500 pieces of silk, and 20 pieces of lacquerware..."

……

After the imperial edict was read, Nan Jiyun, Geshu Han and eight others expressed their gratitude again.

Among them, Nan Jiyun was originally a general, but he was changed to the general of the Right Guard.

Including Nan Jiyun, a total of four people were named generals, and the other four were all generals of the imperial guards.

All the generals were granted titles, although only the lowest baron, but at that time, it was already considered wealthy and noble.

"King Tianshui led the army and wiped out the 330,000-strong Tibetan army at a very small cost, capturing the Tibetan king and his subordinate kings. This feat is rare in ancient times. The Jade Unicorn Medal is prepared for King Tianshui..."

Li Longji took out a jade medal from the brocade box held by the eunuch.

The medal was carved by the palace's best jade craftsman. The Qilin looks vivid and seems about to leap out.

Unlike other medals, the other side of the Hero Medal and the Jade Lin Medal is engraved with the recipient's main official title, lordship, and name.

Li Xuan, Prince of Tianshui, was the governor of the four towns of Hexi, Longyou, Hedong and Shuofang.

There are small words next to it: Granted on August 3, the third year of Tianbao.

It is obvious that these small words were carved after the date was determined.

Li Longji personally hung the Jade Unicorn Medal on Li Xuan's arm.

The finest jade embodies the most powerful aura, and not only military generals but also civil officials are extremely envious of it.

Some ministers whispered that if the Jade Kirin Medal was valued based on Li Xuan's achievements, no one would be able to receive it in the future.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Li Xuan thanked Li Longji.

The medal system he proposed won him the highest medal.

As long as this medal system is not ruined by Li Longji, it will definitely boost the morale of the border troops.

However, under the prevailing trend of "the emperor despises titles while the people covet noble favors", Li Longji would probably award more Jade Lin Medals in the future for the sake of face and vanity.

After the medals were awarded, everyone returned to their seats.

Start daily morning worship.

After reporting the affairs of the Secretariat to the left and right prime ministers, Li Longji specifically asked Li Xuan about the development plans for the five counties of Qinghai, Baihai, Jiuqu, Taoyang and Jishi.

"Your Majesty, we have newly opened up five counties, covering an area of ​​several thousand miles. However, apart from the army, most of the people in the five counties are Hu people. Only by relocating Han people and reclaiming wasteland can we achieve a long-term solution..."

"I suggest that refugees and people without or with little land from Henan, Hebei and other counties be relocated to the five counties to cultivate the land. In less than ten years, Qinghai, Jiuqu and the five counties will be like the four counties of Hexi opened up during the Han Dynasty, forever rooted in China. This will be an immeasurable achievement..."

"But when relocating the people, they must be well prepared, with food and tents, and it is best to migrate in the spring."

"In order to attract people to leave their homes, the court promised that every household would get a certain amount of land after arriving in Longyou, and each neighbor would share one ox for farming, and each household would get two ewes. The court would distribute farm tools and basic living utensils. There must be clear and specific requirements for mobilizing the border troops, cutting trees, and excavating bricks and stones, etc."

"A migration of thousands of miles can lead to tragedy if we are not careful, so it should be considered a national event!"

Li Xuan came out of the class and reported to Li Longji.

Relocating the people to Helong was the most important thing he had to do when he entered the court.

Even in prosperous times, there will still be many refugees in the world.

Due to natural disasters and man-made calamities, they had no land or houses. Some were absorbed by the powerful, while others continued to eat grass roots and gnaw tree bark and wander around.

Li Longji also knew the tragedy of land annexation. In the 24th year of Kaiyuan, he issued an edict entitled "Letting Fugitives Return and Surrender": "The people are unemployed, with no one registered in the household register. They endure humiliation and move to other places. They serve as servants and receive salaries, living in misery."

Let local officials allow the people to move to other places and live in misery.

However, the imperial edict did not stop the land annexation, but made it more intense.

At the same time, because Li Longji was greedy for pleasure in the late Kaiyuan period, many things were concealed by local officials, who believed that the number of refugees had decreased.

No matter which dynasty, there will always be a large number of refugees and beggars on the streets. This cannot be eliminated.

As soon as Li Xuan finished speaking, there was an uproar in the court.

Li Xuan's words were actually very fair and just, but they made many ministers dissatisfied.

Because they are vested interests.

If Li Xuan gets them and their relatives' tenants away, who will farm the land for them?

If they are lazy and don't know the difference between the five grains, how can they expect their descendants to farm?
No matter how good the land is, if no one cultivates it, it will return to being a wasteland in the future.

Judging from Li Xuan's attitude, he might have to relocate hundreds of thousands of people.

(End of this chapter)