Chapter 270: Li Xuan, leader of the reformists, Li Linfu, leader of the conservatives
Another day.

Snowflakes were still floating in Chang'an City. The snow fell in varying degrees for a long time.

Corresponding to the 1808 squares of the 108 constellations, whether it was the sacred and majestic Taiji Palace, Xingqing Palace, Taiming Palace, or the wealthy families, or the ordinary thatched houses, they were all covered with thick snow.

The ice froze Suzaku Street, covering up the noise of the past.

Although everything seems quiet, Chang'an is actually not peaceful.

The news of Li Xuan's appointment as prime minister and Li Xuan's reforms fermented in Chang'an overnight.

Those civil and military ministers sent people to convey the details of the court, including the two poems "Pity the Peasants" written by Li Xuan, to Chang'an City.

Trying to arouse more dissatisfaction among powerful people towards Li Xuan.

Amid the falling snow, a downtrodden-looking man with slightly disheveled hair walked through the lonely alleys of Yongyangfang.

There were many footprints, some deep and some shallow, on the road under the snow.

The man followed the footprints and slowly moved forward.

Yongyangfang is a block located in the southwest corner of Chang'an City, close to the outer city.

This place is comparable to the "suburbs" of Chang'an, a pure common people's neighborhood where there is not a single powerful person.

The layout of Chang'an is "rich in the east and rich in the west" and "empty in the south and solid in the north".

The residences of the powerful must be around Taiji Palace and Xingqing Palace.

Even if we are in the same city, it is like heaven and earth.

"Deng Deng..."

The man came to a small tavern in a deep alley. After stopping, he rubbed his hands and knocked on the door gently.

"Squeak... Please come in, sir..."

The door of the tavern was opened, and a warm feeling came over him. The man nodded slightly and entered the tavern.

"Du Er is here..."

There were a dozen or so scholars sitting around the stove in this small tavern. After the man entered, someone shouted.

This is Du Fu, who failed the imperial examination.

Du Fu was disheartened by failing the imperial examination in this way, and was indignant at Li Linfu's political manipulation.

"Doctor, bring me a pot of wine..."

After Du Fu bowed to everyone present, he slowly spoke to the doctor in charge of the store.

Most of the people who stay in this tavern are failed scholars who live in poverty.

After failing the imperial examination, they rented a house in Chang'an's Pingminfang, hoping to take the exam again next year, thus saving the time of traveling back and forth.

But the literati had to deal with food, clothing, housing, transportation, etc., and even the gentry were often short of money.

Like Du Fu, the Jingzhao Du family.

But after his father passed away, he lost his source of income.

Du Fu's grandfather was Du Shenyan, and his father was a minister of the imperial court and Sima of Yanzhou.

According to the custom, Du Fu could enter the government through family ties, because his elder brother died young, so he was the eldest son in the family.

However, Du Fu gave the opportunity to enter the officialdom through family connections to his younger brother Du Ying.

He fulfilled his duties as an elder brother and was very caring towards his four younger brothers and sisters.

So when the literati heard that Du Fu gave up his official position through family connections in favor of his younger brother, they all respected him very much.

In the Tang Dynasty, life in general did not conflict with drinking.

Because wine is a necessity for everyone in the Tang Dynasty, from the king to the common people, even more so than tea.

I can't afford good wine, and I can't buy famous wine, but it is still very easy to drink unfiltered wine.

"What are you guys discussing?"

After Du Fu sat down, he asked the clerks around him.

They often went to this tavern in a remote alley and were very familiar with it.

"The Prince of Tianshui was appointed Minister of Personnel in Huaqing Palace, and was in charge of editing books and national history. Although he is not the chief prime minister, he also has the power of a great prime minister..."

A scholar said to Du Fu.

They all knew that the King of Tianshui would personally go to the literati area to meet Du Fu at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

The so-called "presenting scrolls" to kings and nobles is nothing compared to this kind of treatment.

I can only sigh that it’s all about time and fate!

"This is good news! Congratulations to King Tianshui."

Du Fu was sincerely happy.

When Li Xuan became prime minister, there was someone who could check and balance the treacherous minister Li Linfu.

He had vowed to Li Xuan that after passing the imperial examination, he would assist Li Xuan and fulfill his ambitions.

Now I don’t have the confidence to look for Li Xuan again.

"Prime Minister Li promulgated the new Changping Law... and two poems were also heard from Huaqing Palace."

A well-informed scholar said again.

"Why the poem?"

Du Fu asked hurriedly.

He had a strong interest in Li Xuan's poems. In terms of poetry alone, he felt that Li Xuan's talent was no less than that of Li Bai.

The genre of "Song of Water Melody" set a precedent.

Not to mention poems about the moon, even among poems about autumn, there is no one comparable to it.

"Mercy for the peasants..."

The scholar took out a piece of paper, slowly spread it out under the candlelight, and read aloud the two poems.

“These two poems are not as good as the previous masterpieces!”

A scholar sighed.

He felt that this poem lacked the spirit of the prosperous Tang Dynasty and did not have the exuberance of the Tang Dynasty.

The artistry expressed in the poetry of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty is positive and uplifting.

Such as the majestic and powerful words "Dark clouds press down on the city, as if it is about to collapse; armor shines in the sun, as golden scales appear."

Such as the heroic and unrestrained expression of "I want to lead the light cavalry to chase, but the heavy snow covers the bows and swords."

For example, the imagery of “Four hundred and eighty temples in the Southern Dynasties, and many pavilions in the mist and rain” is exquisite.

Such as the freshness and elegance of "The rain on the street is as soft as butter, and the grass looks green at a distance but is not there when you get close."

For example, the hidden meaning of "I know that the flying flowers cover the sun and the moon, and I don't know that there is clear frost in the world" is profound.

However, in the eyes of many people, the two poems "Mercy to the Peasants" are not very artistic.

“Who knows that every grain of rice on the plate is the product of hard work?”

However, at this time Du Fu just recited it to himself, deeply lost in thought.

He felt that these two poems were very special, as if they touched him deeply in his heart.

That kind of soul vibration creates resonance.

These two poems are by no means bad. What they express is not art, but an idea.

Although the language is simple and plain, it is extremely profound.

This is not empty preaching, nor is it a groundless groan.

Du Fu could understand the profound aphorism in the poem, and could also see that Li Xuan's sighs contained infinite resentment and sincere emotions.

Li Xiangneng focused his pen on the common people who were like ants, affirmed their hard work, saw their hardships, and satirized the princes and nobles.

This shocked Du Fu even more than the much-praised "Water Melody".

Du Fu, with complicated thoughts in his mind, suddenly had some inspiration and seemed to have some different ideas.

Although Du Fu was unable to experience it deeply, the seeds had already been planted in his heart.

What fame and honor was he seeking? Even if he could be a clerk or a clerk under Prime Minister Li, he would be willing to do so.

"What do you think of the new Changping Law? We are all poor scholars, so we don't have to worry about it."

When Du Fu was thinking about "Song of Pity the Peasants", scholars and literati asked him for advice on the new Changping system.

"Just from the content of the new law, this is a great plan that benefits the country and the people. Prime Minister Li has good intentions. If it can be completed, the prosperity of Tianbao will surely surpass Kaiyuan."

A scholar replied.

"The implementation of the new Changping Law may be a good thing for poor people like us! Have you noticed that the main purpose of the new Changping Law is to curb land annexation, and secondly to free the people from hunger and cold and make the country rich. This will definitely be resisted by the powerful families and some officials who are involved with the powerful families. Prime Minister Li is in need of people, and if we go to pay a visit to him, there may be more opportunities for advancement."

Another scholar said.

"I agree with Brother Liu. This is a blessing for our generation and the country."

It was difficult for lower-class scholars to have opportunities for promotion, especially during the imperial examinations. If one was not from an aristocratic family, the probability of passing the examination was extremely low.

Therefore, the literati would try every possible means to become subordinates of border generals or even military envoys.

Or they would seek refuge with local governors or governors, or even become an official outside the government, and take every step carefully. In prosperous times, all scholars wanted to be officials, but it was too difficult to stand out.

"Du Er, don't you think so?"

Someone asked Du Fu for his opinion.

"It is difficult to implement the new law, but Li Xiang is determined to change it for the country and the people. If there is an opportunity, I will definitely help."

Du Fu answered to the scholars.

Just like what he wrote in his poem, "I will climb to the top of the mountain and look down on all the other mountains." How could he give up just because of the difficulties?
Anyone who prevents the implementation of such a wonderful method is a selfish national parasite.

"We think so too. Regardless of whether or not we can be favored by Prime Minister Li, let's raise our glasses and drink!"

The literati nodded together and drank the wine from their glasses.

The next conversation naturally revolved around the new law.

No matter when, there is always a shortage of people discussing the pros and cons of current affairs.

Unlike the remote Yongyangfang, wealthy scholars gathered in a brothel in Pingkangfang, Chang'an.

In the company of prostitutes, poetry should have been discussed.

But this time it was a debate.

"Nowadays, the country's land annexation is hard to stop. Li Xianggong's method is like a long-awaited rain. It can not only protect the common people from the exploitation of usury, but also increase the wealth of the country. Why can't we do it?"

A scholar dressed in brocade stood up and spoke loudly. He was refuting a scholar who said that the new Changping Law was not good.

It can be seen that he was a man of insight and agreed with the implementation of the new Changping Law.

"The implementation of the new law must be practical. The foundation of the country is the local clans, not the common people. Since ancient times, only by taking into account the interests of the clans can the country last long. Li Xiang is a member of the noble family and the royal family, but he always thinks about dealing with his own people. Sooner or later, he will be deserted by his relatives and friends."

A fat scholar hugged the prostitute and spoke to the scholars around him without restraint.

It can be seen that he strongly opposed the implementation of the new Changping law.

"This is ridiculous! The ancients said: The people are the most important, the country is second, and the emperor is the least important. The foundation of the country is the people. The food of the Tang Dynasty is cultivated by the people, and most of the Han soldiers in the border army are ordinary people. The powerful families who annex land are the ones who destroy the foundation of the Tang Dynasty. If we don't reform and strengthen ourselves, we will end up like the two Han dynasties in a hundred years at most."

Another scholar said, his words were even bolder, obviously supporting Li Xuan's implementation of the new Changping law.

"From the marriage age of men and women to the new Changping Law, there is no trace to follow in history. If it is implemented rashly, it will surely anger the gods and resent the people. The laws of our ancestors cannot be changed. Tomorrow I will go to the Ministry of Personnel under Huaqing Palace and persuade Prime Minister Li to withdraw his order. Otherwise, I..."

A scholar who opposed Li Xuan said indignantly that if Li Xuan did not agree, he would be killed in the Ministry of Personnel.

"Mr. Li is devoted to the country. Those who oppose him are just conservative and afraid that the reform will affect their interests."

Some scholars also made sarcastic remarks, saying that these scholars' families were all involved in land annexation, eating the flesh of the people and drinking the blood of the farmers.

The two sides quarreled fiercely.

The prostitutes couldn't get a word in either!

The wind and rain are like darkness, and the cockcrow is endless. Now that I see a gentleman, Yunhu is not happy.

This is a true portrayal of many people with lofty ideals.

Some of them are descendants of high-ranking officials, and some are from wealthy aristocratic families, but they all have a heart to "clear the world".

This is what people often call an "idealist".

They believed that Li Xuan was the loud crowing of a rooster in the dark sky with wind and snow.

How could I not be happy to see a gentleman like Li Xuan in such a difficult environment?
No one is perfect. Even if Li Xuan does not infringe on their interests, they will still dislike Li Xuan.

Those whose interests were offended by Li Xuan were jumping up and down to oppose Li Xuan.

They hope someone can stand up and hinder Li Xuan's reforms.

He even cursed Li Xuan maliciously in his heart, wishing that Li Xuan would have a bad end like Shang Yang and Li Kui.

Of course, there are also some rational scholars who believe that Li Xuan’s original intention of reform was good, but the actual effect remains to be seen and no conclusion can be drawn too early.

There were also those who directly opposed Li Xuan not for personal gain, but because they were truly worried that after the reform, people would become panic-stricken and that this would violate the laws of their ancestors.

Many of them used harsh words and bluntly said that Li Xuan was causing chaos in his administration!

Similar debates and discussions were common in Chang'an's teahouses and taverns.

There are also endless disputes in many wealthy mansions.

Most of the poor literati and down-and-out scholars supported Li Xuan.

Among the gentry and wealthy families, there were many who criticized Li Xuan. Some of them were very harsh in their words, claiming that they would block Li Xuan's Ministry of Personnel and kneel at the foot of the mountain of Huaqing Palace to ask to see the saint.

The civil and military officials who were staying in residences near Huaqing Palace were still in shock over what happened in the court yesterday.

Taking advantage of the fact that the court was closed today, many officials went to Li Linfu's residence.

There were more people coming this time, even Li Xuan's assistant minister Li Pengnian came.

In addition, Yang Jian, the Minister of Defense of the Yang family, rarely visited Li Linfu's residence.

Because the Yang family had been swallowing up farms and orchards in the Jingzhao area on a large scale.

They also knew that they could not persuade Li Xuan, so they hid it from Yang Yuhuan and tried to hinder Li Xuan's new laws.

"The laws of our ancestors cannot be changed. Li Qilang is trying to lead our Tang Dynasty astray by doing this!"

Da Xixun said to Li Linfu sadly: "The left prime minister is weak and relies on Li Qilang. Now the court only has a strong supporter like the right prime minister to rely on."

He didn't even call Li Xuan by his honorific title.

Although Li Qilang's words were not offensive, after Li Xuan became prime minister, he should be addressed as "Prime Minister Li" even in private gatherings.

"The building is about to collapse, and one tree cannot support it! I want to uphold justice in the world, but Li Qilang is too strong. You have also seen that Li Qilang is pressing us step by step in the court, forcing people like us to compromise."

Li Linfu looked at the crowded room full of civil and military officials, all of whom were of the fifth rank and above, and he couldn't help but cover his face and speak.

Even when he was at his most powerful, many officials were unwilling to submit in their hearts, and it was difficult for him to gather so many officials at home.

"This new Changping Law is said to benefit the people, but in reality, the government forces people to lend money and compete with them for profits, which is harmful to the people and disrupts local order. Li Qilang said in the court that we are short-sighted, but I think he is short-sighted."

Xiao Yinzhi, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice, said to Li Linfu: "We hope that the right prime minister can uphold justice. We are all willing to lend a helping hand."

"Minister Xiao is absolutely right. I have been an official for decades and have never seen such a radical change. This will destroy the foundation of our Tang Dynasty. We are willing to fully support the right prime minister and persuade the saint to see the true nature of the new Changping Law."

Minister of Works Chen Xilie said to Li Linfu.

He had the potential to become a prime minister and had high prestige, and when he finished speaking, more people agreed with him.

"I am afraid that Li Qilang will not give up and will deceive the Sage and introduce other new laws, which will make the world even more chaotic. As for the Changping New Law, it is a done deal. Li Qilang is already drafting the laws and regulations. We all have confidants in the counties and prefectures, so let them keep an eye on the Changping New Law. If there are any loopholes, we will jointly petition the Sage to stop the Changping New Law and minimize the losses to the country."

After saying this, Li Linfu insulted Li Xuan again: "Fan Kuai is doing what Xiao He did, and everyone in the world should be laughing at him!"

"That's right! We, the loyal subjects, should not be afraid of Li Qilang's power and should dare to express our ambitions!"

Li Pengnian waved his arms while speaking, having forgotten that Li Xuan was his immediate superior and could easily bully him.

"In fact, Li Qilang has his merits. But even though he has great ambitions, he lacks experience. He is not like the Right Prime Minister, who is an old horse in the stable, but still has ambitions to run a thousand miles. A martyr is still ambitious in his old age!"

Another Minister of Rites, Li Yan, praised Li Linfu against his conscience.

These people had no choice but to rely on Li Linfu and use Li Linfu's ability to stop Li Xuan's new laws and even force Li Xuan to dismiss his position as prime minister.

Before, Li Linfu was in power, but they refused to go along with the corrupt officials and maintained their reputation as a "clean stream".

Li Linfu also turned a blind eye and gave them some feed as long as they remembered to "stand on the horses".

Now, on the first day of Li Xuan’s appointment as prime minister, he will cut their flesh.

This is unbearable!
"Mountains, rivers, and lakes cannot prevent us from being in the same boat. From now on, my heart will be as pure as the world outside."

"Let's encourage each other!"

Li Linfu stood up and spoke to the civil and military ministers to express his feelings.

"We fully support the Right Prime Minister!"

When some ministers were speaking, they couldn't help but complain in their hearts. If it weren't for the fact that the "no talented people left in the wild" incident had happened not long ago, they would have believed what Li Linfu said.

After coming out of Li Linfu's mansion, the civil and military officials finally felt more confident.

Although they call themselves "Conservatives", in reality, less than one-third of them are truly Conservatives, and the rest are just pursuing their own interests.

Those interested parties coerced the Conservative officials into nominating the scheming Li Linfu as the leader of the Conservative Party.

This was the most restless day in Chang'an since the death of Crown Prince Li Ying.

It was so intense just in Chang'an. When the news spread to other places, there would be even greater discussion.

On that day, many officials came to visit Li Xuan. He built a fire in front of the hall, watched the snow outside, and carefully explained to them the benefits of the new Changping Law. He said that the purpose of establishing the new Changping Law was to serve the country and the people without any selfish motives.

Li Xuan kept this in mind and tried his best to perfect the new Changping law.

He needs to learn lessons from history.

We must not change our orders every day.

We must be lenient to the people who cannot pay their taxes and grain. In history, local officials would directly confiscate the land of the people who could not pay their grain. These were the origins of disasters.

"Everyone, we have the same voice and the same aspiration. We will definitely accomplish this important mission. History belongs to us!"

Li Xuan spoke to Xi Yu, Wang Wei, Li Xian, Yang Shenjin, Yang Yan, Xiao Yingshi, Li Daosui, Chu Guangxi, Cui Hao, Wu Jing, Wei Shu, Xiao Hua, Yang Zhao and other civil and military ministers in the front hall.

Establish yourself as a transformational leader.

In fact, the composition of Li Xuan’s supporters is very complex.

(End of this chapter)