Chapter 282 An Lushan is furious
All the civil and military officials were shocked to hear that Li Xuan was going to pay two thousand taels of gold out of his own pocket.

They all know that the gold comes from legitimate sources!

The saint had rewarded Li Xuan with gold many times, definitely more than two thousand taels.

There are countless other silk, money, gold, jade, silver, lacquerware, etc.

What surprised all the officials was that Li Xuan could actually use two thousand gold coins in Jishengtang with a wave of his hand.

The civil and military officials who were close to Li Xuan were full of admiration for his noble character.

How could ordinary officials think of these things?
The emergence of Jishengtang is more reasonable in their minds.

This is a great policy order that will benefit all living beings!

Even the neutral officials were moved by Li Xuan's character.

Apart from anything else, my husband is truly dedicated to the country and the people, he is a role model for the world!

The conservatives led by Li Linfu remained silent, as they had already lost the game.

Li Xuan always comes up with this kind of "great plan for the people" and stands above morality.

He took the initiative to take out two thousand taels of gold. How should they refute it?
"Prime Minister Li's gold was all earned through military merit. How can he donate it? In this prosperous era, it is easy for the court to support Jishengtang. I approve the establishment of Jishengtang, but the gold is not necessary."

After much deliberation, Li Longji decided to agree to start the Jishengtang plan.

He didn't ask Li Xuan to give out gold!

Li Longji actually didn't like this kind of thing that required long-term investment but had little chance of seeing results.

Ten years is not a short time. He is old now. How many decades are there in a person’s life?

Moreover, ten years later, who knows how many years it will take to lay out the counties and prefectures?
It could be twenty years, or even longer.

Li Longji was destined not to see it.

Once a Jishengtang is established in a prefecture or county, the money spent will be incalculable.

But Li Xuan spoke very beautifully.

Remind Li Longji that the saint has established woodblock printing so that more poor people can have knowledge; and has established the Charity House so that ordinary people can have someone to rely on.

Li Longji might not have lived to see the establishment of Ciyutang in counties, but he felt that he had promoted it with all his might, and that was his achievement.

Like many other kings such as Emperor Wen of Han, their reputation after death far exceeded their fame while alive.

For example, Yao and Shun were definitely not sage kings when they were alive.

Li Longji believed that spending such a large sum of money was in accordance with his plans after his death.

"To save the people, ten years in Chang'an, twenty years in the prefectures and counties. Your Majesty is wise now, and you can make this great plan for the world. I believe that this day of the year will be recorded in history; this moment will be the sublimation of China. Our country of etiquette and civilization will surely be as brilliant as the peony flowers in Luoyang. This is my long-cherished wish!"

"All that I have been given was from Your Majesty; all that I have been clothed and fed by the people. I only regret that what good is the gold left at home? I have been greatly loved, and my salary is far from enough to be spent. In the past, Yang Zhen, one of the Three Dukes of the Han Dynasty, did not take a penny, and the Prime Minister Huang Ba was incorruptible. This is what prime ministers of our generation should learn. The country is changing, breaking through, and becoming stronger. I am offering two thousand taels of gold to lighten the burden on the country, but it is just a small contribution. Please approve, Your Majesty..."

Li Xuan bowed to Li Longji and spoke with great emotion.

Many civil and military officials shed tears because of Li Xuan's words.

Lee Sang-deok is so thick!
"Your Majesty has previously awarded me a golden pot. I now offer it to Jishengtang for use..."

Xi Yu staggered out and bowed to Li Longji.

At this time, Xi Yu was extremely skinny, with sunken eye sockets, and he looked completely drained of energy, as if he was about to die.

It is precisely because of his frail age and old age that Xi Yu feels a sense of identification with Jishengtang.

He hoped that Jishengtang could be completed quickly.

Too bad he couldn't see it.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to donate 100 taels of gold to support Jishengtang..."

Prime Minister Pei Kuan spoke.

He served as a military governor and Li Longji rewarded him with gold.

Li Linfu's face changed slightly when he saw this situation. As the chief prime minister, how could he not set an example?
So he had no choice but to bite the bullet and go out to pay his respects to Li Longji, saying, "I am willing to donate 500 gold coins to build the righteousness of Jishengtang."

He was reluctant to give out more of his wealth.

As soon as Li Linfu started speaking, it showed that he supported the preparation of Jishengtang.

This will boost Li Xuan's reputation!
Immediately afterwards, several other ministers also bowed to Li Longji and prepared to offer some of their wealth.

As for those below the third rank, they are not qualified to steal the limelight from the prime minister and ministers in the court.

"I am very pleased with your words. Prime Minister Li will lead the Jishengtang envoy, and Sanyuan County Magistrate Chen Cangqi will be transferred back to Chang'an to serve as the judge of Jishengtang, the chief priest, and the imperial physician. According to Prime Minister Li's request, Jishengtang will be established outside the city of Chang'an..."

Seeing this, Li Longji didn't know what to say. He could only sigh that Li Xuan was a man of unparalleled virtue, and that even Zhang Jiuling did not have such demeanor in the past.

He planned to let Li Xuan take full charge of the affairs of Jishengtang.

Chen Cangqi was recommended by Li Xuan, and Chen Cangqi will be responsible for recruiting other famous doctors to teach in the future.

At that time, we will select those who are suitable for practicing medicine and train them carefully.

This court session ended with the establishment of Jishengtang.

Gao Lishi announced his retirement from court!
Li Xuan did not discuss the plan in his mind for the time being.

As soon as the court meeting was over, before the ministers close to Li Xuan came over, Yang Zhao ran to Li Xuan and complimented him, "Your Excellency is kind and righteous. Once Jisheng Hall is completed, there will be no more suffering and disease in the world."

"It's not easy and requires a lot of planning."

Li Xuan responded to Yang Zhao.

Although Yang Zhao was given many additional official positions, he was looked down upon by the neutrals, conservatives, and reformists in the court.

Fortunately, Yang Zhao had the support of the Yang family, and all officials believed that Li Xuan valued Yang Zhao.

"My husband, this bastard An Lushan didn't return to Chang'an before your wedding, but came to Chang'an on the first day after your wedding. This shows that he looks down on you."

Yang Zhao moved closer to Li Xuan and told Li Xuan about this matter.

At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, under Li Xuan's planning, Yang Zhao hated An Lushan to the core.

He was a petty-minded person who always believed in revenge. He thought that An Lushan insulted and scolded him at the banquet, and he would not let An Lushan go if he had the chance.

In Yang Zhao's view, now is the opportunity to make Li Xuan jealous of An Lushan.

When Li Xuan got married, the emperor and the imperial concubine were present.

Even Li Linfu, who had a big feud with Li Xuan, came, but An Lushan rushed back after Li Xuan got married.

Who do you look down on?
"Is there such a thing? Does this bastard really think he is favored by the saint and the lady?"

Li Xuan said in a deep voice, looking very unhappy.

"That barbarian went to pay a visit to Li Linfu yesterday. When I was serving the Saint, I heard that barbarian was around the Saint and his wife, intentionally or unintentionally saying bad things about you, sir..."

After hearing Li Xuan's words, Yang Zhao was overjoyed.

He was just trying to say it, after all, Li Xuan was famous for his ability to keep his composure.

He didn't expect Li Xuan to be angry about this. He just added fuel to the fire.

"Is there really such a thing?"

Li Xuan frowned, as if he was about to get angry.

"It is absolutely true. I dare not lie. Zahu is a frontier general. He returns to the capital several times a year and presents precious treasures and rare items every time. Even the jade on the lotus pond in Huaqing Palace was sent by a convoy sent by Zahu. Zahu wants to overshadow you in front of the saint."

Yang Zhao became more and more excited, and finally said bluntly: "In the court today, everyone knows that you are not the chief minister in name, but you are the chief minister in reality. You should teach Zahu a lesson and let him know who is the 'first' prime minister."

He emphasized the word "first", implying that Li Xuan was the one who deserved the title.

"What good plan does Yang Duzhi have?"

Li Xuan called Yang Zhao aside and asked him.

"I am a clumsy official, and I only have some inferior methods."

Yang Zhao smiled awkwardly. He felt that Li Xuan would not accept his opinion.

An Lushan appears to be honest and loyal, but he is actually very shrewd.

Yang Zhao had been looking for An Lushan's faults and was preparing to sue the saint.

But I can’t find it!

"Yang Duzhi, you can say whatever you want. The barbarians don't know etiquette. No matter what, we need to teach them a lesson."

Li Xuan told Yang Zhao not to worry.

He knew that Yang Zhao was harboring evil thoughts in his mind!

Yang Zhao looked around and saw the civil and military officials heading out of Xingqing Gate, which was far away from him, so he mustered up the courage to whisper to Li Xuan...
"To deal with this kind of mixed barbarians, extraordinary measures should be taken. Yang Duzhi can do it. If Yang Duzhi clashes with An Lushan, I will fully support Yang Duzhi."

Li Xuan spoke to Yang Zhao, his words tactful and pertinent.

"I will definitely not let you down, sir."

Yang Zhao was overjoyed.

It seems that Li Xuan is not a selfless person, but such a Li Xuan makes Yang Zhao even more afraid.

This means that Li Xuan will use unconventional means to deal with an enemy.

Li Xuan patted Yang Zhao on the shoulder and then went to the lower hall of Zhongshumen.

"Li Xiang... Li Xiang..."

An Lushan suddenly appeared and called out to Li Xuan, with a simple and happy look on his face, and stretched out his hand to greet him.

But Li Xuan turned a deaf ear and went straight to the lower hall of Zhongshu Gate behind Xingqing Palace.

An Lushan's hands froze and his expression became unnatural.

He was trying to get close to Li Xuan, but he didn't expect Li Xuan to be so disrespectful.

Is Li Xuan angry because I didn't attend his wedding?
An Lushan is not a fool.

As a border commander with an army of over 100,000 soldiers under his command, would he specially run back from the border just for the prime minister's wedding?
He could only return to Beijing under the pretext of paying homage to the saint and reporting to him.

In fact, An Lushan could have returned before Li Xuan got married, but he deliberately waited at the Puzhou Ferry for two days to confirm that Li Xuan's marriage was completed before going to Chang'an.

During this period, An Lushan also had his own thoughts. At this time, An Lushan was being treated neither well nor badly. Isn't it said that Li Xuan was humble and kind? Isn't it said that a prime minister can hold a boat in his stomach?
Li Xuan used to be a frontier commander. If you put yourself in his shoes, you should understand his difficulties!

Seeing Li Xuan's figure getting farther and farther away, An Lushan could only leave in hatred.

Because some court officials saw this scene.

Soon, word would spread in Chang'an that Li Xuan did not take An Lushan seriously.

When Yang Zhao saw this, he felt more relieved. He was sure that Li Xuan hated An Lushan, and he could take revenge on An Lushan openly.

Two days later, in the afternoon, An Lushan had just returned from Xingqing Palace. He was full of worries and was preparing to return to his residence.

He tried his best to please Li Longji and obtained an iron certificate of immunity from death.

He knew that the iron ticket of immunity from death could not save his life at a critical moment, and to him, it was just an insignificant honor.

An Lushan always wanted to make Yang Yuhuan happy, but he felt that Yang Yuhuan was absent-minded and did not express her favor for him.

The main reason was Li Xuan’s refusal today, which inevitably made An Lushan think too much.

"Stop, stop..."

Suddenly, An Lushan's carriage was stopped.

The dozens of personal guards he brought with him were now on high alert.

Unfortunately, in Chang'an, the general's personal guards were not allowed to wear armor and could only carry swords.

"What's stopping?"

An Lushan, who was furious at this time, lifted the curtain of the car and scolded.

When he saw the person blocking his way, he was stunned.

Because it was Yang Zhao who blocked his way.

Yang Zhao also served as the Imperial Censor. He not only led the law enforcement soldiers of the Censorate, but also a team of Jinwu Guards blocking the front.

"Yang Duzhi, what's the matter with stopping my carriage?"

An Lushan asked Yang Zhao in a deep voice.

He was still unaware of Yang Zhao's hatred for him.

"General An, how do you manage your subordinates? Someone reported that your personal guards robbed the gold and jewelry of the merchants in Chang'an."

Yang Zhao stood straight, looking very proud.

He was no longer a small soldier and no longer needed to bow and nod when he saw An Lushan.

"How can this be possible?"

An Lushan was immediately furious.

His guards are not fools, so why would they commit robbery in Chang'an?
"The evidence is irrefutable! There is no doubt about it. Come, bring all of General An's personal guards to the Censorate for interrogation."

Yang Zhao didn't give any explanation. He waved his hand and ordered his men to capture all of An Lushan's personal guards.

"Yang Zhao, you dare!"

An Lushan jumped off the carriage and called out Yang Zhao's name.

This flatterer who only relies on the Yang sisters actually dared to stroke his tiger's whiskers. Is he so bold as to eat the heart of a bear or a leopard?

"Chang'an is an important place. I respect you as a frontier commander and hope you will cooperate with the investigation. Otherwise, it would be treason."

As Yang Zhao spoke, he put the accusation on An Lushan.

The soldiers stepped forward and were about to arrest An Lushan's personal guards.

The guard looked left and right, hesitating with the knife in his hand.

Are we just going to sit there and wait for death?
"Who dares?"

An Lushan was furious.

He is the saint's favorite, and even Yang Zhao, a small follower, dares to give him orders.

How could he save face by taking his personal guards away in public?
He didn't believe that his personal guards would rob in Chang'an.

"According to Prime Minister Li's order, arrest the thief. Jinwu Guards, listen up and pin down An Lushan. Arrest all his personal guards. Anyone who dares to resist will be killed without mercy!"

Yang Zhao took out the document issued by the Zhongshu Menxiatang and issued an order to the Jinwu Guards who were responsible for arresting the thieves.

"on!"

The leader of the Jinwu Guards doesn’t care about so many things.

In Chang'an, in terms of influence, An Lushan was not even a finger as powerful as Li Xuan.

It was because of Li Xuan's documents that the Jinwu Guard was willing to listen to Yang Zhao's instructions.

"Don't resist!"

An Lushan knew that his personal guards were all Hu people, who did not understand Chinese and were vicious.

He quickly shouted in Turkish, and all the guards stopped resisting.

The Jinwu Guards were at least wearing armor, and hundreds of them rushed forward. An Lushan's guards, armed only with swords, could not defeat the enemy with a small force.

An Lushan also knew that he could not fight with the imperial guards, otherwise he would not be able to wash himself clean even if he jumped into the Yellow River.

The personal guards had their weapons taken off by the Jinwu Guards.

An Lushan's fat body was pressed against the edge of the carriage.

"How dare you, a bastard, allow soldiers to rob in Chang'an. This is so lawless that I will report you to the Saint."

Yang Zhao came to An Lushan and cursed him.

In the end, he still resisted the urge to kick An Lushan on the butt.

After all, his official position is too low now, and he cannot turn reasonable things into rude things.

After saying this, Yang Zhao took all of An Lushan's personal guards away.

Then he ordered the Jinwu Guards to release An Lushan.

An Lushan did not stand up. He climbed on the carriage and clenched his fists, thinking of Yang Zhao's smug look.

"Yang Zhao, sooner or later I will tear you into pieces."

An Lushan gritted his teeth in hatred.

And Li Xuan, he swore silently in his heart.

Just now he heard that it was Li Xuan who gave Yang Zhao the power to mobilize the Jinwu Guard.

It must be Li Xuan who instructed Yang Zhao to do this, otherwise Yang Zhao would never dare to do so.

He couldn't understand. Was she going to take revenge on him just because he didn't attend Li Xuan's wedding?
This is too narrow-minded!

"Go back to Xingqing Palace!" An Lushan immediately asked the driver to turn around.

He felt that the matter was not simple and he needed to cry out to a saint.

Inside Xingqing Palace.

Li Longji was surprised to see An Lushan crying loudly.

Yang Zhao didn't dare to cause trouble for An Lushan without any reason.

After asking his attendants, Li Longji learned that Li Xuan was still in the Zhongshumenxiatang behind the Xingqing Palace, and immediately ordered Li Xuan to be summoned to the Chenxiang Pavilion.

"Qi Lang just got married not long ago, and it's already dusk, but he's still in the hall of Zhongshumen. He's really a prime minister!"

After Li Xuan paid his respects, Li Longji praised Li Xuan sincerely.

"This is my duty, and I dare not slack off! If I do not complete my official duties, I will not be ashamed of the Saint's trust, even if I have to work day and night."

Li Xuan already knew why Li Longji summoned him.

"You still have to take care of yourself!"

After greeting, Li Longji changed the subject and asked Li Xuan: "Lushan's personal guards were arrested by the Censorate. Was it Qilang's order?"

"Your Majesty, this is my order. I heard from Yang Duzhi that a merchant reported to the Censorate that General An allowed his guards to rob their treasures."

"I think General An would never do such a thing. It must be the personal guards who acted on their own initiative. So I ordered Yang Duzhi to bring people to arrest General An's personal guards for interrogation. I specifically ordered Yang Duzhi not to embarrass General An and just investigate the personal guards."

Li Xuan replied to Li Longji.

He specifically emphasized that he was only asking about An Lushan's personal guards and it had nothing to do with An Lushan's affairs.

"An Lushan's personal guards were treated well. Could there be any misunderstanding when they took the risk to steal gold, silver and jewelry?" Li Longji said to Li Xuan, intending to plead for An Lushan.

"Your Majesty, it is said that the stolen items are worth tens of gold. We need to search to see if those items are on General An's personal guards. If not, the merchant will be punished for false accusation." Li Xuan replied to Li Longji.

He hinted that he didn't care much about such trivial matters, and just let Yang Zhao ask the questions.

Li Longji nodded, thinking that what Li Xuan said made sense.

He did not force Li Xuan to release An Lushan's personal guards directly.

After Li Xuan left, Li Longji let An Lushan out, comforted him to go home, and told him not to think too much.

An Lushan kept wiping away tears as he left, as if he was a loyal minister who was framed.

The next day, after the court session, Yang Zhao reported to Li Longji: "Your Majesty, we have found the stolen gold and silver from General An's personal guards."

"Have they admitted it yet?"

Li Longji asked Yang Zhao, feeling slightly angry. Yesterday he thought it was a misunderstanding!
"Your Majesty, the two guards in charge did not admit it. They only said that all the gold, silver and jewelry were picked up from the ground, not robbed on the road."

Yang Zhao replied to Li Longji: "But the merchant recognized that they were two of the guards and blocked them in a deep alley. They threatened them to hand over all their gold, silver and jewelry, and then left."

This was a trap set by Yang Zhao. When An Lushan's two personal guards were leaving the house, he took advantage of people's weaknesses and lured them into picking up the gold, silver and jewelry that were deliberately thrown on the ground.

It was just intentional to implicate dozens of personal guards at once.

To wipe out An Lushan's face...

(End of this chapter)