Chapter 255 Li Linfu's Second Spring

"King Tianshui, what do you want to do?"

After the court session, Li Linfu immediately found Li Xuan and said in a deep voice.

Whether it was relocating the people from Henan and Hebei, or prohibiting men and women from getting married under the age of eighteen, it affected the interests of the nobles and ministers.

It's like a big net, catching big fish.

Li Xuan's rejection of the decree that had been in effect for more than ten years made Li Linfu furious.

"All the civil and military officials, the right prime minister and the right minister all agree. Is there any need to ask more questions about something that the saint has nodded to?"

Li Xuan spoke slowly, meaning that you all agreed, so why are you still questioning him after the court session?
"You are using your power to pressure others, and the ministers are unwilling to accept it."

Li Linfu got so excited that he said this.

Because in the past this was the word used by civil and military officials to satirize him.

"When the Right Prime Minister was on his horse, how many people were convinced? How many people are at ease when you sit in Yanyue Hall? The situation was yours before, but now it's mine? I am like Dong Zhongshu and Sang Hongyang, doing things that are useful to the country. I have a clear conscience. Do you dare to put your palm on your chest like me?"

Li Xuan was not afraid of the chief prime minister Li Linfu at all. He spoke sharply and patted his heart with his hand while speaking.

At this time, Li Linfu had lost his previous power.

It has been six years since Tianbao, and Li Longji will not entrust state affairs to Li Linfu as he did in history.

"you……"

Li Linfu was furious. He stretched out his hand and was about to put it on his chest, but when he saw Li Xuan's upright aura, he unconsciously put his hand down.

"The powerful families are like tigers. If they start making trouble, the world will be in chaos. Prince Tianshui has talent, but he doesn't know how to govern a country. It is said that young people need more experience. It is still old people like us who need to govern a country."

Li Linfu implied that Li Xuan did not know how to govern the country and would bring disaster to the country.

"How dare they call themselves tigers? They are nothing but sheep in tiger skin. Old people are not necessarily wise. Didn't the Right Prime Minister use old age and illness as an excuse to keep Yan Tingzhi, Lu Xuan, Wu Jing and others away from Chang'an? They are all wise ministers with a good reputation. What is the purpose of driving them away?" Li Xuan retorted to Li Linfu.

"King Tianshui, you will regret doing this!"

Li Linfu said something harsh and left.

Originally, he wanted to make peace with Li Xuan, ignore Li Xuan, and live in peace with him.

But Li Xuan took the initiative to cause trouble and went too far.

His achievements over the past decade were denied by Li Xuan in just one sentence. Although the sage did not say anything, Li Linfu could not swallow this.

Having been prime minister for more than ten years, he is not made of clay.

"Li Shuai, I will wait until after the Qianqiu Festival, then leave Chang'an and return to the frontier."

After leaving the Xingqing Palace, Nan Jiyun, Li Guangbi and others said to Li Xuan.

"In that case, follow me to the Duke of Song's mansion today and enjoy a drink. No need to ask anything else."

Li Xuan invited them to his house together.

The four towns currently have no border commanders, so they must go back as soon as possible.

Of course Li Xuan would not go back with them, and Li Longji would not allow it.

He also served as the Ambassador of Migration, the Ambassador of the Charity Church, and the Ambassador of Matchmaking.

It was obvious that he began to turn to the court.

All his previous diplomatic posts, including the Longyou Herdsmen Envoy, the Hexi Changxing Transport Envoy, the Sanshoujiangcheng Silk and Horse Trade Ambassador, and the Yellow River Transport Ambassador, were all frontier posts.

The group returned to the Duke of Song's Mansion.

Since they were drinking, Li Shizhi, one of the Eight Immortals of Drinking, was naturally indispensable. He personally accompanied the generals on the border and drank heartily.

……

Not long after Li Linfu returned to the Right Prime Minister's Mansion, a servant came to tell Li Linfu that ministers headed by Minister of Revenue Pei Dunfu, Minister of Works Chen Xilie, Vice Minister of Rites Li Yan, Vice Minister of Punishments Xiao Yinzhi, Vice Minister of Rites Da Xixun, and dozens of ministers in scarlet robes had come to pay a visit to Li Linfu.

Among them are scholars, literati and poets.

Li Linfu was very surprised by this.

Some ministers were not on the same side as him and some even had conflicts with him.

When he lost power, these people also kept their distance from him.

I was afraid of being too closely involved with him and tainting myself.

In fact, even when Li Linfu was in control of the government, there were still some neutrals in the court. These people were usually cautious and careful, and they were mainly concerned with protecting themselves. They watched Li Linfu control the government and remained indifferent.

There was also a group of civil servants, led by literati and poets, who would write poems and fu to secretly satirize Li Linfu.

This group of people is not easy to mess with. In the past, they were headed by Zhang Jiuling and He Zhizhang, and now they are headed by Wang Wei, Xi Yu and others, with poets such as Wei Shu, Sun Ti, Lu Xiang, Cui Hao, Cui Guofu, Chu Guangxi and Tao Han as the core.

They are famous, have many friends, support each other, and have a lot of support.

To poke them is like to poke a hornet's nest.

However, those hot-tempered ministers and real political enemies had long been dealt with by Li Linfu.

Unfortunately, Li Linfu's minions were also almost completely wiped out by Li Xuan.

Now many ministers came to see Li Linfu, and he went from being frightened to being surprised.

With his keen sense of smell, he sensed an opportunity.

An opportunity for a dramatic transformation.

So he immediately invited the ministers into the main hall.

"Right Prime Minister, the King of Tianshui wants to reform the law! How can we seek change in a prosperous era? I think the King of Tianshui will not stop here, he will definitely issue new laws!"

After the ministers gathered together, Chen Xilie took the lead and spoke to Li Linfu.

"You all kept silent in the court, why are you talking to me today?"

Li Linfu said with a stern face.

"The power of the Tianshui King in the court is too great. Alas! We are powerless to refute him."

Li Yan sighed. If possible, he would not want to be in cahoots with Li Linfu.

But this matter is of great importance, and Li Linfu is Li Xuan's mortal enemy. They want to change the situation through Li Linfu.

Pei Kuan was an upright person who was not greedy for money or lustful. Even Li Longji wrote a poem to praise Pei Kuan, saying that his "virtue is as vast as the clouds of Mount Tai, and his heart is as clear as the water of Jin."

Neither of Li Xuan's strategies affected Pei Kuan's interests.

Moreover, Pei Kuan had a very good relationship with Li Shizhi, and Li Xuan's contribution to his becoming prime minister was also due to his contribution.

It is impossible to stop Li Xuan from plotting a change,
"He's not the prime minister, so why can't anyone in the court stop him?"

Li Linfu also sighed appropriately.

This is the effect he wants.

Li Xuan became prime minister and was unstoppable.

Li Linfu felt that he should change his previous autocratic and arbitrary behavior, win over the ministers, and become a loyal minister to resist Li Xuan's chaotic rule. Li Xuan was the treacherous minister.

Because Li Linfu realized that Li Xuan was going to make something big.

He had to stop inexperienced young people like Li Xuan from carrying out reforms.

He wants to reshape himself!
After Li Linfu finished speaking, the ministers looked embarrassed.

Li Xuan was not the prime minister, but he acted like a prime minister in the court and made decisions on state affairs.

They knew that in addition to Li Xuan's strength, the most important reason was the favor of the saint.

"Right Prime Minister, you can go to the palace and report to the Saint in private, and tell him the severity of the situation. Please stop relocating the people and abolish the position of the marriage censor..."

Minister of Revenue Pei Dunfu stepped forward and spoke.

He was transferred from the Yin of Henan to the Minister of Revenue. Originally, he and Pei Kuan were relatives and had a good relationship.

But after Pei Dunfu's subordinates committed a crime, Pei Kuan showed no mercy and made Pei Dunfu bribe Yang Yuyao with 500 gold coins to falsely accuse Pei Kuan.

Pei Kuan was appointed prime minister at this time, but unlike in history, Li Longji only scolded Pei Kuan.

Pei Dunfu and Li Xuan were acquaintances. He didn't want to go against Li Xuan, but Li Xuan infringed on his interests, so he had no choice but to fight back.

"Your Majesty, be serious! We all agreed in the court that the Saint's order has now spread throughout Chang'an. If you withdraw the order, where will the Saint's face be?"

Li Linfu said sternly.

Those two decrees are already a done deal and cannot be changed in a short time.

Li Linfu looked at the ministers around him and made some decisions in his mind.

Among the six ministers.

The current position of Minister of Personnel has been vacant for several years since he was dismissed.

The Minister of Rites was Xi Yu, the Minister of War was Huangfu Weiming, and the Minister of Punishments was Pei Kuan, who held the same positions concurrently.

Xi Yu was an old man who never used cursive writing even in letters to his children, which showed how cautious he was.

Because of Wei Jian and the prince, Huangfu Weiming would not enter Li Linfu's house even if Li Xuan humiliated him.

Not to mention Pei Kuan. Although Li Linfu made things difficult for Pei Kuan, Pei Kuan showed his talents since he became prime minister and handled government affairs in an orderly manner.

After Li Linfu was unable to control the three offices, Pei Kuan did not give Li Linfu face in many matters.

Therefore, the officials that Li Linfu needed to win over were still those of the fourth and fifth ranks.

"Right Prime Minister, you cannot continue to act recklessly like this. If the prosperous times are destroyed, we, the ministers, will be the sinners."

Said Da Xixun, the Minister of Rites.

Other ministers echoed this.
"The only solution now is to wait for King Tianshui to make a mistake in his decision. We will seize the opportunity to impeach King Tianshui and force the Saint to cancel the order."

After thinking for a while, Li Linfu said to the ministers.

"Right Prime Minister... what you said is very true. However, you are the head of all officials, and you have to take the lead to prevent inexperienced young people from ruining state affairs. How can governing a country and fighting a war be mixed up?"

Chen Xilie took the lead in agreeing with Li Linfu's words, and the implication was very obvious.

"We listen to the right prime minister."

The other ministers looked at each other and spoke one by one.

"Good! I made many mistakes in my past administration, and I apologize to you now. As I grow old, I only want the country to prosper, and I must stop anything that harms the country."

Li Linfu suddenly stood up and bowed to the ministers.

"How dare I! We all know that the Right Prime Minister serves the country and the people."

The ministers and officials hastened to return the gift, but except for Li Linfu's confidants, no one believed in Li Linfu, who was "sweet-mouthed but treacherous."

They came together only because Li Linfu and Li Xuan were mortal enemies, and they wanted to use Li Linfu to undermine Li Xuan's policies.

They were not afraid of Li Xuan's revenge because they were the majority in the court and the majority in the states and counties.

When everyone from top to bottom agrees with something, a trend will be formed.

Even if this trend violates morality and conscience, it will not make the vested interests feel guilty. When turbidity becomes the norm, innocence is also a sin.

Some people hate being aboveboard because they think there are no such people in the world. Even if they see aboveboard people, or people who have sacrificed their lives heroically for their country, they will turn a blind eye to them because they cannot do this.

If we want to correct this trend, we must have a dramatic change!
The meeting of court officials at Li Linfu's residence was of great significance.

Li Linfu, who was originally thought to have lost power, and the ministers who were scattered like a group, united in an unexpected way.

Forming the nominal "conservatives", Li Linfu went from being a powerful official who played power games to the leader of the conservatives.

As long as there are common interests, enemies can become friends.

……

The next two days in Chang'an City will be very busy.

Because Li Longji's birthday is coming soon.

The Qianqiu Festival began during the reign of Li Longji in the 17th year of Kaiyuan, and it has been nearly 20 years now. The people have become accustomed to it.

Civil and military officials, as well as prefects of various counties, all tried their best to find rare treasures in order to send them to Chang'an.

If his treasures can make Li Longji happy, he will have hope of promotion.

An Lushan ran back from Fan Yang with valuable gifts for his "godfather's" birthday.

Ordinary prefects could not leave without permission and could only appoint officials to Chang'an.

Therefore, outside the city of Chang'an, there were nine lanes of carriages and horses, and people in green robes, coming and going in an endless stream.

Originally it was supposed to be a passage for merchants, but now those who were with them were officials wearing green and blue robes.

Some rode horses, while others simply drove carriages.

This made the scholars in linen clothes as white as snow who were rushing to take the exam feel very uncomfortable.

Most of the scholars who went to Beijing to take the imperial examinations were passionate young men full of ambitions, but what they saw was this scene.

It also had a great impact on Du Fu, which made him develop the political idea of ​​"making the king as good as Yao and Shun, and making the customs more pure and honest."

These ten seemingly simple words actually represent an extremely great ambition.

Du Fu wanted to assist the king and make him a wise monarch like Yao and Shun, and thus realize the honest and simple national customs.

The extravagance and lust of the Tang Dynasty's dignitaries would soon collide with Du Fu's ideals.

……

The autumn wind is clear and the moon is bright.

Under the peach tree in the back garden of Duke Song, Li Xuan talked with An Sishun alone.

"General An, you are a waste of talent to be the deputy envoy. I am going to recommend you as the governor of Shuofang. You should be ready!"

Li Xuan suddenly said this when he was chatting with An Sishun.

"Li Shuai, you are the ambassador. How dare I offend you?"

An Sishun said flattered.

"As you have seen in the court, my ambition is no longer to serve in the frontier. I will soon be relieved of my duties as Jiedushi, Zhidushi, Yingtianshi, Fangfangshi, and Yafanshi. You should do your best! There is a lot to be done for you."

Li Xuan comforted An Sishun.

"I will never forget your kindness, Marshal Li. Under my rule, I will definitely follow your orders and send troops to fight against the tyrants when necessary."

An Sishun was very excited and quickly thanked Li Xuan.

Jiedushi was the "general".

When the Hu people joined the army, what they pursued throughout their lives was the position of general.

His father, An Bozhu, had been in the army all his life and was still on horseback at the age of seventy, but he was only the military commander of Hexi.

He had fought for most of his life and served in many armies. It was Li Xuan who promoted him to be the military commander, then the deputy commander, and then the general, and conferred him a title. And now the promise.

This made An Sishun very grateful!

"Remember what I said before. I will drink from the golden cup with you, but I will not spare you the sword. My laws are very strict. When the censor arrives in Shuofang, I will not show you leniency just because you were once my subordinate."

Li Xuan said to An Sishun solemnly.

How many years he could serve as a Jiedushi depended on his ability. Not everyone could be like An Lushan and stay in office for more than ten years.

"I understand! I dare not forget your military rules."

It is normal for the new coach to deny the old coach.

However, Li Xuan's reputation, even if he left an army, the residual influence he left behind was enough to shock people.

As An Sishun, who had participated in almost all the battles with Li Xuan, he understood that everything Li Xuan said was not aimless.

Li Xuan patted An Sishun's hand and asked him to go back to the hall to drink.

He called Gao Xiuyan out again and said similar words.

He planned to recommend Gao Xiuyan as the governor of Hedong.

Cheng Gui and Li Guangbi are not qualified enough.

As Gao Xiuyan had followed Li Xuan in many major battles and had served in the army for more than 30 years, he had such qualifications.

Gao Xiuyan was a Han Chinese. After serving as Jiedushi for a few years, he would most likely be transferred back to the imperial court. Perhaps, as in history, he would become a Shangshu.

When Gao Xiuyan learned that Li Xuan was going to recommend him, he was grateful to Li Xuan and vowed to follow Li Xuan's lead and obey Li Xuan's orders.

Li Xuan believes him...

Then Li Xuan talked with other generals one by one on the pretext of personal matters.

When mentioning Geshu Han and Wang Nandi, he just told them to be prepared.

In fact, they didn't think they could achieve the position of Jiedushi.

Because they are just the envoys.

There is still a long way to go before becoming a Jiedushi.

"When the country is at peace, the generals only need to comfort the people, not to exhaust China's strength for fame and glory! I once said this to Governor Wang, and Governor Wang did it. Do you think I did it, General Li?"

Li Xuan asked Li Guangbi.

"Stopping war is the best way to achieve military success. As far as the country is concerned, Marshal Li has done it."

Li Guangbi answered to Li Xuan.

Because Li Xuan's purpose in every battle is to achieve the greatest victory with the least sacrifice.

After defeating Tubo, the national strength was not damaged but became even stronger.

Foreign countries rushed to present gifts to the Tang Dynasty.

All this is due to Li Shuai's bravery and overall planning.

"But peace in the world is not what the generals want to see."

Li Xuan turned to Li Guangbi.

Ever since the Jiedushi came onto the historical stage, the border generals of the Tang Dynasty could be said to have been causing trouble everywhere.

The military can appoint marquises and generals, so who cares about the sacrifices of thousands of soldiers for the success of one general?

"Marshal Bian has too much power. Marshal Li can reduce his power to prevent those with ulterior motives from emerging."

Li Guangbi understood what Li Xuan meant and gave Li Xuan some advice.

"I will try, but the country is full of triumphal sounds. It will be difficult for the saint to agree."

He was just trying to please Li Guangbi and it was impossible for him to really reduce the power of the Jiedushi.

The Jiedushi had great power, which was not only reflected in the military authority, but also in the fact that he also served as the Yingtianshi, Zhidushi, and even the Fangfangshi.

They have money, food, and the power to recruit soldiers.

Make the soldiers like the followers of a Jiedushi.

After hearing what Li Guangbi said, Li Xuan secretly sighed in his heart. Li Guangbi was loyal to the court.

It might not be easy to persuade Li Guangbi to stand on his side at the critical moment.

Li Xuan could only talk to Li Guangbi about other things.

He promised to recommend Li Guangbi as deputy envoy of Hedong Jiedushi.

Although Li Guangbi was grateful in his heart, he did not do what Gao Xiuyan did and swore to be loyal to him until death.

……

"Nanba, go back to your hometown to pick up your family after the Qianqiu Festival. You don't have to go back with them. I have already told the saint."

When it was finally Nan Jiyun's turn, Li Xuan did not ask about military matters, but only talked about family matters.

Nan Jiyun has been promoted to the commander of the Shen Ce Army guarding Baihai and the general of the Right Wuwei Army.

If nothing unexpected happens, this position will accompany him for a long time. He will have to watch the Baihai freeze over and over again and watch the snow-capped mountains melt.

Nan Jiyun's family is in Chenliu. As a military envoy, Nan Jiyun can bring his family to Helong.

Even if you don't enter the land of Baihai, you can stay in Fushi City.

Nan Jiyun had to go to Fuqi City to report on his work twice a year.

"Nan Ba ​​will never forget Li Shuai's kindness."

Li Xuan directly asked him to go pick up his family, and it was as if a warm feeling flowed into Nan Jiyun's heart.

Today, Nan Jiyun has returned home in glory. Although he has mailed a lot of money back home, he is still worried about his wife and children.

With Li Xuan's guarantee, he could go to Chenliu with peace of mind.

"It's bitterly cold in Baihai, so take care of yourself! As Tubo recuperates, it's inevitable that he'll have other thoughts, and these are what you need to pay attention to."

Li Xuan patted Nan Jiyun on the shoulder.

"I understand! Marshal Li cares about the people, and we, the young generals guarding the border, only need to do our duty. Tubo and Huihe have already surrendered, and the country will surely become more prosperous under Marshal Li's assistance."

Although Nan Jiyun wanted to fight alongside Li Shuai again, he knew that his small ambition was insignificant compared to Li Shuai's great ambition.

Li Shuai is able to build up a country with his literary talent and to keep the country safe with his military force. Throughout history, no one can compare to Li Shuai.

Nan Jiyun understands that the living standards of the people in the country are far worse than those in Kaiyuan period, and hopes that General Li can eliminate the ills and restore the glory of the Tang Dynasty.

"Go back and keep drinking!"

Li Xuan smiled and pulled Nan Jiyun back into the house.

It was not until late at night, when the drunken generals were finally taken to the guest rooms by servants to rest.

(End of this chapter)