Chapter 302: Yang Yuhuan's Cherry Buns, An Lushan's Enthronement, Butterfly Love Flower, and the Last Decree
Late spring in Qujiang is like a painting with fading colors, the flowers are losing their red, and the green is lush and the red is thin.

The willow bank remains the same as before, with the breeze blowing gently, the willow branches swaying, and the fallen flowers drifting on the water.

Li Xuan arrived at the willow bank of Qujiang River in advance. Looking at Qujiang River, which looked like a beauty in her twilight years, he recalled his encounters with He Zhizhang and Li Bai here.

Things have changed, He Zhizhang has long passed away, and Li Bai is now in Sui Yang "raising his cup to invite the bright moon, and his shadow and I become three people".

He wrote poems to Li Xuan many times, and Li Xuan also wrote poems in return.

Li Bai knew that he could not return to Chang'an, and never asked Li Xuan to help him plead with Li Longji.

Everyone in the court and the public understood that Li Bai was driven out of Chang'an by Li Longji.

"Giving gold and releasing him" is just a beautifying statement about Li Bai's leaving the palace. It is the world's recognition and compensation for Li Bai's talent.

At the same time, Li Longji used this to express his leniency towards Li Bai, reflecting the emperor's kindness and mercy.

Li Longji could have demoted Li Bai to a county official, but he didn't.

After Li Xuan wandered on the willow bank for about a quarter of an hour, Li Longji's carriage arrived at Qujiang from the alley.

For this trip, Li Longji specially summoned his children and grandchildren to follow him. This was his last time to visit Qujiang in late spring.

Of course, Yang Zhao and the "Five Yangs" also followed suit. They were now like Li Longji's family and were invited to every banquet.

On the surface, the Five Yangs were getting along well with Li Xuan, but in fact, after more than a year of suppression by Li Xuan, their dissatisfaction reached the extreme.

Even Yang Zhao was controlled by Lady Guoguo and stayed away from Li Xuan.

At this time, Yang Zhao had changed his name to "Yang Guozhong".

Last year, he thought that the "golden knife" on the prophecy matched his name "Zhao", which was an ominous sign.

So he asked Li Longji to give him a name to show his loyalty.

Since changing his name to Yang Guozhong, Li Longji liked Yang Guozhong more and more.

"I pay my respects to the Saint, and to my lady!"

Li Xuan arrived at the alley of Qujiang and bowed to Li Longji.

"Shichiro, no need to be polite!"

Li Longji asked Li Xuan to stand up.

He looks strong, but actually his temples are gray.

Perhaps it is because he is immersed in a gentle and comfortable life and is happy every day that his spirit and energy are far beyond that of his peers.

"It is late spring, the weather is refreshing, I summon Qilang to come and travel with me to enjoy the last spring scenery of Qujiang!"

Li Longji stroked his beard and said to Li Xuan.

The country was peaceful and prosperous with singing and dancing and the court was full of flowers and brocade. He believed that this was the result of Li Xuan's governance.

"May the saint and the lady enjoy themselves to the fullest."

Li Xuan extended his blessings to Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan.

"Ha ha……"

After a loud laugh, Li Longji told his children and grandchildren to have fun and feast freely in Qujiang.

Together with Yang Yuhuan, he took the Yang sisters to visit Furong Garden.

Li Longji always invited Li Xuan to accompany him to visit the scenery.

In this situation, Yang Guozhong and the Five Yangs also had to take a step back.

Li Xuan could feel the sharp gaze staring directly at his back.

But he didn't feel like a thorn in his side at all.

Yang Yuhuan seemed nonchalant, but in fact this was her best moment.

Among these flowers, Yang Yuhuan is graceful and charming, like a weeping willow in the evening breeze.

She is also the most charming scene in Qujiang. Although she said a few words from time to time, she did not deliberately look at Li Xuan, but just paid attention.

After touring for about an hour, Li Longji was tired.

He went up to Ziyun Tower with Li Xuan and Yang Yuhuan, where fine wine and snacks had been prepared in advance.

Here, on the corridor outside the building, Li Longji asked Li Xuan to sit with him, and they leaned on the railing to look at the lake and flowers of Qujiang.

"Sanlang, I'm going to make some cherry cakes. Please wait here..."

Yang Yuhuan did not sit down, but bowed to Li Longji and said.

"Yuhuan, go!"

After Li Longji replied to Yang Yuhuan, he said to Li Xuan: "Qi Lang is so lucky. The cherry buns made by Yuhuan are the best in the world."

"This is a great reward from the saint."

Li Xuan replied with a smile.

Rongrong is a kind of noodle dessert with stuffing, which needs to be fried in oil. The stuffing is mainly meat, usually lamb liver Rongrong, crab roe Rongrong, etc., which are mainly meat stuffing, in the shape of a roll, with openings on both sides.

Li Xuan has been in the Tang Dynasty for so long, but has never seen fruit dumplings.

"Looking at Qu Jiang's many descendants, I can be considered to have enjoyed the happiness of family life. Qi Lang is a filial son. Who do you think is the most filial among my sons? After I am a hundred years old, I will serve Yu Huan well!"

Li Longji stood on the corridor and pointed at his children and grandchildren who were playing as a family below.

They are either old or young, and most of them have already started their own families and careers.

He even has great-grandchildren.

Sometimes, Li Longji was sober and knew that life was only a hundred years long. The Qin Emperor and Han Emperor's obsession with pursuing immortality was bound to be in vain. He had to consider Yang Yuhuan's future.

"A saint with great fortune will surely live forever."

Li Xuan found it difficult to answer Li Longji's questions.

Because this sentence involves a lot of implications. If he said that Prince Shou was the most filial, would Li Longji still depose Li Heng and make Prince Shou the crown prince?
"Shichiro, don't say that to me again. You must have heard much more than I have."

Li Longji forced Li Xuan to answer.

"Forgive me for speaking frankly, but none of the other kings are as respectful and filial as the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is filial and obedient, and all the civil and military officials in the court have seen it."

Li Xuan had no choice but to answer this way.

Li Longji's words might also be a test for him. But Li Xuan already had his own plan, and Crown Prince Li Heng was his only answer.

"I think so too. Grand Tutor Zhang once said that the prince is very handsome and has an extraordinary appearance. He is as elegant as our ancestor. This is a blessing for the country."

Li Longji nodded with a smile.

He recently heard that Li Xuan and Li Heng had a conflict, but now it seems that it was just a rumor.

Li Longji believed in his heart that Li Heng was a filial son, so he ignored the fact that Li Xuan once saved him, causing Li Heng to miss the throne, which triggered a series of grief and indignation.

At least on the surface, Li Heng's filial piety was well-known in the court and the country.

Since becoming the crown prince, Li Heng has acted prudently and carefully, even taking the smallest details in life into consideration.

In the second year of Tianbao, the Shangshi Bureau, which was responsible for meals in the palace, prepared a table of cooked food, including a roasted leg of lamb. Li Heng happened to be summoned at that time, so he asked Crown Prince Li Heng to cut it and eat it.

After Li Heng cut the leg of lamb as ordered, his hands were covered with oil stains, so he wiped his hands with the bread beside him. Seeing this action, Li Longji was very unhappy. He thought that Li Heng had not yet ascended the throne, but was so wasteful. How could he govern the world?
But I endured it without having an attack.

Li Heng pretended not to notice Li Longji's anger, and after slowly wiping his hands, he slowly picked up the oil-stained cake and ate it. This was beyond Li Longji's expectation, and he couldn't help but smile, saying to Li Heng: "Good fortune should be cherished like this."

Li Longji's attitude was also the reason why Li Linfu could not kill Li Heng.

"With a pioneering ruler like a saint, even a ruler who maintains the status quo can enjoy eternal prosperity. A saint can live out his days without worries."

Li Xuan raised his cup and drank it all, wishing Li Longji the best.

"That makes sense! Today I want to ask Qilang something. Lushan has been in the Northeast for a long time, has made great contributions to the frontier defense, and is also the godson of Yuhuan and me. I think he should be made a prince and awarded the Jade Lin Medal. What do you think, Qilang?"

Li Longji asked Li Xuan this question.

Li Xuan is a prince and the only one in the world to be awarded the Jade Unicorn Medal.

At this time, Li Longji wanted to confer the title of Prince on An Lushan and grant him the Jade Lin Medal.

He did not do this on a whim, but believed that An Lushan had made great contributions in guarding the border and deserved this title.

"It is the saint's business to confer a title on a king, and the prime minister cannot interfere. I also think that General An has made great contributions."

Li Xuan said this against his conscience.

At this time, once Li Longji made a decision, no one could change his mind.

What's more, if An Lushan was crowned king, his ambition would be further expanded, which is what Li Xuan wanted to see.

But it will definitely cause huge controversy among the government and the opposition.

An Lushan was no longer just a king of a different surname; he was a Hu person.

According to the Tang Dynasty nobles, the offspring of An Lushan, a Sogdian and a Turk, were called "mixed Hu".

Who would accept a mixed Hu being crowned king, with Li Xuan as an example?

Li Xuan knew that in history, during the ninth year of Tianbao, An Lushan, because of various flatteries, continuously sent treasures from Fan Yang and Hebei to Chang'an, which made Li Longji set a precedent for An Lushan and confer the title of "King of a Different Surname". This was the general trend.

"good!"

Li Longji praised him highly. With Li Xuan's consent, he could issue the edict without any psychological pressure and confer the title of Prince on his adopted son.

He had already thought of a title for An Lushan: "Prince of Xiping".

"Qilang, last night Gao Xianzhi sent a victory report, saying that the Kingdom of Qishi was defeated. And the Shi Kingdom in the former Zhaowu land had no etiquette to be a vassal, and requested to attack the Shi Kingdom again."

Li Longji said to Li Xuan again.

He believed that it was sufficient to discuss military and political affairs with Li Xuan and there was no need to go to the Secretariat to discuss them.

Last year, Tokharistan (now northern Afghanistan) applied to the Tang Dynasty for Anxi troops to attack the Kingdom of Qishi.

Li Longji allowed Gao Xianzhi to send troops.

Although Tocharia was divided, it was the strongest force west of the Pamir Mountains. Under normal circumstances, it would be difficult for the Tang army to reach there.

But Chitral (now Chitral, Pakistan) was a tiny country located west of the Pamir Mountains.

Gao Xianzhi conquered the Kingdom of Qishi in one fell swoop, becoming the second famous Tang general to cross the Pamir Mountains after Su Dingfang, and exerting the power of the Tang Dynasty to the west of the Pamir Mountains.

However, Su Dingfang's expedition resulted in the surrender of the entire Western Regions.

It depends on what Gao Xianzhi will do in this life.

At this time, the Black Arabs had not yet risen. Although they still controlled the old territory of Zhaowu, their influence on dozens of countries in the Tocharian region west of the Pamir Mountains had weakened.

These countries and tribes usually side with whoever is powerful and can influence them.

"If it is really uncivilized, I agree to attack the Shi Kingdom. I am afraid that the border generals will be greedy for merit and ruin the good situation of the Tang Dynasty in the Western Regions."

Li Xuan said ambiguously.

What he meant was that he believed what Gao Xianzhi said, "There is no etiquette for foreign countries," rather than that the Shi Kingdom took the initiative to provoke.

Shi State (now Tashkent, Uzbekistan) was one of the Nine Zhaowu Clans and was established by the Sogdians.

At the same time, Shiguo is also the country closest to Pamir Mountains. Taking over Shiguo will open the door to the former land of Zhaowu.

But the bad thing was that if the Shi Kingdom had not surrendered to the Arabs and had not insulted the Tang Dynasty, if Gao Xianzhi had rashly attacked it, the Tang Dynasty's reputation in the Western Regions would have plummeted.

Moreover, Li Xuan knew that there were more Gao Xianzhi in history...

"You are a small country that does not humble itself, you have little power but do not fear the strong, you are rude and insult your big neighbor, you deserve to perish! Directly order Gao Xianzhi to send troops to Qishi and make sure to capture the Qishi king alive. I will execute several kings of the Western Regions to deter the Arabs."

Li Longji's words were full of hostility.

In the past, when the Tang Dynasty captured foreign monarchs, Li Longji would often show leniency and even give them honorary titles such as generals or generals, allowing them to live out the rest of their lives in Chang'an.

Even the little King of Bolor, who made Li Longji grit his teeth, was only imprisoned after being escorted back to Chang'an.

Now he wants to kill the monarch of another country, which shows the change in Li Longji's mentality.

"Saint...wise..."

Li Xuan just nodded solemnly.

"This spring, there was a severe drought in Guanzhong. The new Changping Law was put to good use, making it difficult for the big clans to annex. What reward does Qilang need?"

Li Longji's addiction came back and he wanted to reward Li Xuan again.

Over the past year, Li Longji rewarded Li Xuan five times, each time with gold, silver and jade articles. Li Xuan donated part of them to Jishengtang.

"The new law has not yet been stabilized, the Salesian Church has not been established, and there are many omissions in the marriage. The saint's grace is deep, and I dare not ask for rewards anymore."

"But I have discovered that after a long period of peace, local officials have become lax and complacent, thinking that they can be superior to others without any merit or fault. Local corruption still exists, and even if it can be deterred for a while now, it will be difficult to change it in the future."

"I have come up with a strategy that I hope will permanently put an end to this phenomenon... Please review it, Your Majesty..."

While Li Xuan was speaking, he took out a document and handed it to Li Longji.

Li Longji took the document handed over by Li Xuan without hesitation.

After he read it from beginning to end, his brows frowned slightly.

The first article is the "Performance Evaluation Law".

Li Xuan's arguments are clear and well-organized, and he explains the laziness of officials and the uncontrollable corruption that occurred after the Tang Dynasty had enjoyed peace for a long time.

There were even situations where the imperial power did not reach the countryside, the court's decrees could not be enforced, and the will of the sages could not be conveyed.

In view of the actual situation, Li Xuan hopes to implement the performance evaluation system.

First, registration: The six ministries of the imperial court and the Censorate and other government offices will register the matters to be handled according to the distance and urgency of the region, complete them within a time limit, and examine them on a monthly basis.

Second, monthly inspection: The six ministries and the Censorate will conduct monthly inspections based on the items registered in the account books. Each completed item will be registered, and those that are not completed must be reported truthfully and the cause and effect must be stated, otherwise they will be punished.

Third, supervision by the Zhongshu Menxiatang: the prime ministers verified the audit work of the six ministries based on the records in the account books to ensure the fairness and effectiveness of the assessment.

The ultimate goal of the performance evaluation system is to rectify the administration of officials, change the frivolous atmosphere, improve the efficiency of officials' work, and benefit the people.

By setting up detailed assessment standards, the performance evaluation system can urge officials to perform their duties, reduce corruption, and improve the administrative efficiency of local governments. Li Xuan hopes to form a complete official assessment mechanism.

This is forcing officials to take action.

Li Xuan’s second article was to change the rent and labor service system into the One Whip System.

The land tax, corvée and other miscellaneous levies of each county were combined into one, and silk money was collected together and paid on a per-acre basis, thus simplifying the tax system and facilitating tax collection.

Most importantly, it is difficult for local officials to cheat and increase fiscal revenue.

This will cut off the lifeline of local officials.

The Single Whip System was helpful in reducing the burden on the people and freeing them from some of the constraints of labor.

It also reduces the people's dependence on the big families and powerful people.

These two laws are very ideal in the Tang Dynasty. If they are implemented, the country will surely reach a new level.

But Li Xuan knew that the Tang Dynasty was different from the later Ming Dynasty, and both laws had to be escorted by the army and suppressed at any time.

Otherwise, the vested interests will definitely do something desperate.

They could tolerate Li Xuan's new Changping Law because it harmed the interests of the big families and powerful people.

Without the support of local authorities, they can only endure.

However, the Performance Evaluation System and the Single Whip System harmed the interests of officials.

When local big families and officials were offended together.

There will inevitably be unrest.

"The law is too harsh and I'm afraid the local authorities cannot bear it."

Li Longji said slowly to Li Xuan.

Compared with this, the decrees of Yao Chong and Song Jing are nothing.

"I have always emphasized the governance of officials. However, the methods of governing officials are still the traditional assessment and examination. Although this can catch some unqualified people, there are still many black sheep hiding deeper. In the long run, officials will find ways to escape and become more and more corrupt. Now I am holding a hammer, standing on the map of the Tang Dynasty and looking down. I have been on high alert. The local officials already know where I dropped the hammer and are playing hide-and-seek with me..."

"The fact that they passed the examination of the Ministry of Personnel does not mean that they are capable; the fact that they were innocent under the supervision of the Censorate does not mean that they are innocent; they deceived their superiors and subordinates, pretending to obey but secretly disobeying. The local people are unaware of their greed and direct their resentment towards the court, while they make a lot of money and use the people's blood and sweat to benefit their descendants. This is the birth of the powerful..."

"I think the same as the sage, the two laws are difficult to implement. But I am willing to overcome all difficulties and dare to be the first. The rectification of officialdom will surely be as smooth as the new Changping Law."

"It is better to remove the firewood from under the pot than to add more water to stop the boiling. I am holding a hammer, which is to add more water to stop the boiling. Once the Single Whip Law and the Performance Evaluation Law are completed, it will be like removing the firewood from under the pot. My rule over the country will surely be as solid as a rock..."

Li Xuan used reason and emotion to deceive Li Longji in a vivid way.

He understood Li Longji, and he just needed to plant the seeds in Li Longji's heart and draw a blueprint to make Li Longji believe that the Single Whip System and the Performance Evaluation System could be realized.

Even if the civil and military officials of the court opposed it, it would be of no use.

"Qi Lang has a point!"

Li Longji believed Li Xuan's lies, mainly because of the success of the new Changping Law and the reputation brought by Ciyutang and Jishengtang.

This made Li Longji fully believe in Li Xuan's abilities.

You can try!

Anyway, it was all pushed by Li Xuan, so someone will take the blame for the failure.

"Then tomorrow morning at the court, I will propose the Performance Evaluation Law and the Single Whip Law and explain them to the ministers. The civil and military officials will certainly oppose it, but I will debate with them."

Li Xuan tried to speak to Li Longji.

It implies that Li Longji will have an early court session tomorrow.

"Yes! I will attend the morning court tomorrow."

Li Longji nodded and said.

He wanted to see how Li Xuan would win the support of civil and military officials.

"Cherry cakes are here..."

At this moment, Yang Yuhuan walked out of the door holding a crystal plate.

There were exactly ten cherry cakes stacked on the crystal plate.

As soon as it came up, the fresh fragrance covered up the other snacks on the jade table.

Li Xuan had never eaten cherry steamed buns before. She saw that unlike the fried steamed buns she had in her mind, the cherry steamed buns made by Yang Yuhuan seemed to be steamed.

"Qi Lang, try it..."

After Yang Yuhuan sat down, she first handed a cherry bun to Li Longji, then picked up a cherry bun with her bare hands and handed it to Li Xuan.

"Thank you for the meal, madam..."

Li Xuan bowed slightly to Yang Yuhuan and took the cherry cake.

At this time, Li Longji had already started eating, and looked intoxicated.

Under Yang Yuhuan's charming and upright gaze, Li Xuan also took a bite of the cherry cake. The thin pancake was wrapped with cherry flesh, which was sweet, tender and refreshing.

Li Xuan thought it was pretty good and she would try making it when she got back and let Jiang Yueyao, Pei Lingxi and the others have a taste.

"Qi Lang, what do you think of this cherry bun compared to other buns?"

Yang Yuhuan cared a lot about Li Xuan's feelings.

"My lady, this is the most delicious snack I have ever eaten." Li Xuan replied.

"Shichiro is still good at talking."

Yang Yuhuan smiled slightly and was very happy.

This is a fruit-based steamed bun that she specially invented based on the original steamed bun.

Different from greasy meat dumplings.

Li Xuan said it was delicious, which gave Yang Yuhuan a sense of accomplishment.

Then, Li Xuan ate three more, and then stopped. The maid brought a golden basin and a silk towel, and asked Li Xuan to wash his hands.

"Because of Qilang's "Shui Tiao Ge Tou", many people in Chang'an have written lyrics recently. But none of them are as flavorful as Qilang's lyrics. Can Qilang use his imagination to write another lyric about the late spring season?"

After calming down and drinking a few glasses of wine, Li Longji asked Li Xuan.

"When it comes to late spring, the most popular song is "Die Lian Hua", a famous song from the Jiaofang. I revised the rhythm and composed a new song a few days ago, but it has not been published yet. I wonder if the Saint and the Lady would like to read it?"

Li Xuan pondered for a moment and said to Li Longji.

In order to maintain his reputation as a great talent, Li Xuan wrote several poems on his own this year and plagiarized several poems that fit the scene, but he never plagiarized a single word.

"Dielianhua! Someone, come, put up some ink..."

Li Longji became more interested and was eager to let Li Xuan show off.

Yang Yuhuan's eyes were also bright and full of anticipation.

Gao Lishi immediately took out writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone from Ziyun Tower.

After a while, the palace maid ground the ink.

Li Xuan took a long breath and wrote "Dielianhua Chunjing" on paper.

The flowers have faded and the green apricots are small. When the swallows fly, the green water surrounds the houses. The willow fluff on the branches is blown away. There is no place in the world without fragrant grass.

Swing in the wall and outside the wall.Pedestrians outside the wall, beautiful women in the wall laugh.The laughter gradually fell silent.Passionate but annoyed ruthlessly.

Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan read word by word nearby.

The lyrics are fresh and excellent in conception. It is true that only Li Xuan could write such lyrics.

Especially the part about "inside the wall" and "outside the wall", poetry is most taboo to overlap, but these three sentences read in an orderly manner and are difficult to appreciate.

But this sentence reminded him of the scene when Yang Yuhuan was still the Princess of Shou, when he loved her but couldn't get her, and finally he tried every possible means to win her over.

Whether it is "There are beautiful flowers everywhere in the world" or "The affectionate one is annoyed by the heartless one", it seems to be describing the scene of late spring.

But Li Longji always felt that there was a certain emotion in it.

But Li Xuan was at the peak of his career and shouldn't have such emotions.

Could it be that he was overthinking, or was Li Xuan simply regretting the late spring?

Yang Yuhuan next to her had different thoughts. Her heart beat faster for a moment because she was too sensitive.

In fact, it took several years before scholars from both the government and the public could interpret this poem in a way that they considered “perfect” and pass it on to future generations.

"Qi Lang's talent is comparable to that of Wang Wei and Li Bai! Have you composed any music for him?"

Li Longji only thought that Li Xuan's implication was directed at those who opposed the new law.

Many people also think so during this period.

After figuring it out, Li Longji couldn't put this poem down after reading it again.

"I am a humble official, and have not yet completed the song."

Li Xuan replied.

Poetry is appreciated through the author's environment.

In the Tang Dynasty, only Li Xuan could create such unique lyrics, so people's associations would naturally be different.

But "being affectionate but being annoyed by the heartless" already contains too much.

"I will compose the music for this poem myself and send it to the Jiaofang, is that okay?"

Li Longji's artistic cells are heating up.

"It is my honor."

Li Xuan didn't dare to ask Li Longji for copyright fees, so he just gave him a compliment.

"Yuhuan, what do you think of "Dielianhua"? " Li Longji asked Yang Yuhuan when he saw that she didn't say anything.

"Qi Lang's words are always surprising."

Yang Yuhuan concealed her emotions and replied to Li Longji. Because of panic, she did not dare to look at Li Xuan again.

It’s a pity that Li Xuan didn’t know, otherwise he would have been speechless.

The outing ended after noon.

Li Longji and the melancholy Yang Yuhuan returned to Xingqing Palace through the alley.

The children and grandchildren also returned to their respective homes.

"Yang Zhongcheng."

Yang Zhao and Lady Guoguo were snuggling together, and when he was about to leave and get on the carriage, Li Xuan stopped him.

Moreover, Li Xuan called him in front of the Yang sisters.

"What do you want, sir?"

After taking a look at the angry Lady Guo, Yang Guozhong had no choice but to bite the bullet and greet Li Xuan.

"Come to my house when the sun sets. We have something to discuss."

Li Xuan said lightly.

"Your humble servant is feeling a little unwell!"

Yang Guozhong said hesitantly.

Logically speaking, he had already gained the upper hand at this point, but he still felt guilty when he saw Li Xuan.

Just now, Li Xuan was able to enjoy herself with Li Longji in Ziyun Tower, while he could only watch from below with envy.

It seems that Li Xuan's power is becoming more and more stable, and people like Li Linfu are no longer a threat.

But his identity is "Yang". Yang Guozhong knew that Li Xuan was preventing the Yang family from making money, but none of the Five Yangs were easy to deal with.

They had to stop building their private residence halfway through. However, Li Xuan was able to please Yang Yuhuan, and the Five Yangs could not overthrow Li Xuan, so they could only hate him in their hearts.

Yang Guozhong was an opportunist. He weighed the pros and cons and felt that Yang's identity was more important to him.

Now he doesn't want to get too close to Li Xuan, but he can't offend Li Xuan even more.

"It's nothing. I will promulgate two new laws at the court meeting tomorrow. The Saint has already agreed. I hope Yang Zhongcheng will support it tomorrow!"

Li Xuan revealed some news to Yang Guozhong.

"Don't worry, sir. I will be the first minister to strike the hu tablet for you."

Yang Guozhong promised solemnly.

He grasped the key words, and the saint agreed!
No matter how outrageous the new law Li Xuan proposes tomorrow, he will cheer for Li Xuan to win the favor of the saint.

"Okay! Health is the capital of revolution, Yang Zhongcheng, please take care of your health!"

Li Xuan patted Yang Guozhong on the shoulder and expressed his concern.

"Thank you sir!"

Yang Guozhong looked so grateful that he burst into tears.

The two were competing to see who had better acting skills.

After Li Xuan returned to the Tianshui Palace by carriage, he immediately sent his personal guards and servants to invite the reformist officials to a gathering in the palace.

The sun sets.

Hundreds of ministers in Beijing who were closest to Li Xuan gathered again under the pear tree in the back garden.

Including Zhao Fengzhang, Yang Shenjin, Yang Yan, Han Chaozong, Yan Zhenqing, Li Xian, Pei Zunqing, Yan Gaoqing, Wei Jiansu, Du Jing, Lu Sigong, Shangguan Qing, Du Fu, Lü Zhen, Zhang Hao, Cui Hao, Li Qian, Li Jiqing, Li Qi and so on.

There were also many ministers appointed by Li Xuan in the local government and the Imperial Censorate, as well as talented prime ministers like Liu Yan and Yang Wan.

Before he knew it, Li Xuan had a strong army and a powerful force.

Among them, Du Fu had been promoted by Li Xuan to the position of Imperial Censor.

This kind of low-ranking but powerful official position is what countless officials want to hold.

Li Xuan wanted to let the world know that Du Fu was his confidant.

Under the pear blossoms falling in the wind, Li Xuan explained the Kaocheng Law and the Yitiaobian Law to Zhao Fengzhang, Li Xian and others.

Before a new law can be implemented, his supporters must be convinced first.

A tough official like Zhao Fengzhang applauded Li Xuan's performance evaluation system and the Single Whip System.

He was in charge of the Ministry of Personnel and understood that many local officials were cunning and passive in their work.

He is a man who upholds a strong law policy.

There were also some officials who supported Li Xuan and followed him blindly. They took Li Xuan's words as the gospel and believed that everything Li Xuan said was right.

Both the Single Whip System and the Performance Evaluation System were aimed at rectifying the administration of officials, punishing corruption, and increasing financial resources for the country.

Why can't good laws be implemented?

Among Li Xuan's supporters, there are many shrewd and intelligent people.

They were very clear-headed and felt that Li Xuan was too hasty and that it would not be a good idea to give too strong a drug at this time.

The new Changping method seems to be successful, but in fact we still have to wait a few more years to verify the results.

He has already offended the powerful and wealthy families in the world.

Now we have to offend officials all over the world, which is not a wise move.

"Your Excellency! It is a bit too hasty to implement the performance evaluation system and the single whip system now. I think that once these laws are implemented, local officials will panic and may ruin the good situation that you have worked so hard to build."

Li Xian, the current Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, stood up and spoke to Li Xuan.

He was considering it from the perspective of Li Xuan being a "good prime minister".

Li Xian, who usually believes in Buddhism, spoke in a very intense tone.

Because it was predicted that once these two methods were used, it would be disadvantageous to Li Xuan.

"Minister Li is right. The situation at the local level is very complicated. Even if the inspectors go to the counties, what they see and hear is only the tip of the iceberg. Please think twice."

Lu Sigong, the current Minister of Works, also said this to Li Xuan.

Although he had punished some people when he came back from the local area, he was well aware that the local forces were huge, especially in those places where the emperor was far away. What the censors and the envoys saw might not be true.

"Sir, these two laws almost lock up local officials. Not only corrupt officials, but also honest officials will be violent because of the harshness of the performance evaluation law. If you want to implement it, just try to implement the single whip law first."

Pei Zunqing, a doctor in the Ministry of Personnel, also came out to persuade Li Xuan.

At the same time, Zhang Hao, Yan Zhenqing, Du Fu and others also thought that there were some inappropriate aspects.

Li Xuan was very pleased that so many people pointed out the mistakes.

Over the past few years, the situation he has painstakingly created has been paving the way for his future.

As time went by, he became less emotional.

When all the officials looked at Li Xuan, he was silent for a moment, then said: "People in all counties and prefectures know that Chang'an is prosperous, but when they look up, they see the sun, but not Chang'an."

"I also know that it is not the right time to enact new laws. But how many years can a prime minister stay in power? Besides me, will the next prime minister implement my new laws? I think they will not."

"In that case, why don't I take advantage of my time as prime minister to outline the new law and try to implement it?"

"Even if there were tens of thousands of people, I would still go. Back then, I led the Feng'an Army and was surrounded by 50,000 Turkic cavalry on a hill. We were besieged day and night, but the Turks never defeated me. Who could have expected such a victory?"

"You all think I can wait, but I don't think I can. If things get out of control, I will just be demoted to the frontier, ride on a warhorse again, and pick up a lance. If I could start over again, I would definitely do the same thing, not ashamed of the heavens above, and not ashamed of the people below."

"I once said that natural disasters are not to be feared, ancestors are not to be followed, and people's words are not to be pitied. I am pursuing morality. I am very small, but I dare to raise my fist to the sky."

"Compared to the common people, what are the prime minister, the prince of Tianshui, and the minister of the Ministry of Personnel?"

In addition to expressing his concern for the people of the world, Li Xuan's words also showed that he could not always be the prime minister.

The officials present could easily guess that Li Xuan was referring to the crown prince who ascended the throne a hundred years after Li Longji.

After thinking about this, they began to understand why Li Xuan was so eager to promulgate the new law.

Because Li Xuan was afraid that there would be no chance in the future!
After hearing this, even Li Xian stopped talking.

But he felt something was wrong.

A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall. He always thought that Li Xuan was taking steady steps, but now he has put himself in a disadvantageous position.

He believed that with Li Xuan's wisdom, there would be a better strategy.

Therefore, Li Xian also fell into confusion.

Only Li Xuan's father-in-law Pei Fan was in tears.

Why are you in such a hurry to do this? I should have listened to him and taught Li Heng a lesson with the Yuchang sword.

Li Xuan's actions confused both those who understood and those who didn't.

"Please support me so that these two methods can be implemented smoothly."

Li Xuan finally spoke to everyone emotionally.

"There are so many people who want to become officials. I think after killing a chicken to scare the monkeys, the performance evaluation system and the one-whip system will be a piece of cake..."

Yang Yan, who officially became the Minister of Dali Temple, unconditionally supported Li Xuan.

"I support you, sir. After the law is implemented, the world will prosper. I am willing to sacrifice my life in exchange for the law."

Zhao Fengzhang naturally supported Li Xuan.

“There are difficulties in everything we do, they just vary in size.”

Yang Shenjin agreed with the Single Whip System and the Performance Evaluation System.

Next, Wei Jiansu also agreed.

"I will follow Prime Minister Li to clear up the world..."

With the support of these third-rank ministers, there were even more ministers who unconditionally supported Li Xuan.

They see the difficulties, but they are more willing to believe that Li Xuan can lead them to overcome them.

Li Xian, Lu Sigong, Pei Zunqing and others were also infected by the sentiment. They looked at the pear blossoms falling on Li Xuan's shoulders and felt hopeful.

Perhaps the Single Whip System and the Performance Evaluation System will be as successful as the New Changping System!

No matter what, Li Xuan will give his full support at the court meeting.

It was sunset when the reformist officials left Li Xuan's mansion.

Li Xuan ignored the curfew and drove to Pei Kuan's residence.

After telling Pei Kuan about the Single Whip System and the Performance Evaluation System, he had the same concerns as Li Xian.

Li Xuan guaranteed to Pei Kuan that he only needed Pei Kuan's support, and Li Xuan would take care of everything else, even if it meant being dismissed from his position as prime minister.

Pei Kuan finally agreed!
For example, the performance evaluation system evaluates officials and benefits the people.

Li Xuan certainly did not need to actually implement it, but he must let the people of the world know that this was done by Li Xuan, who was known as the "little husband".

In the spring of this year, Li Xuan resigned as the commander of the new soldiers in Changping on the grounds of being too busy with his duties, and recommended Liao Zhengrong to take over.

In addition to the court documents, the new soldiers of the Changping Army were also able to spread the news to the countryside.

The next day, the court meeting was held in Xingqing Hall.

Five days later, Li Longji finally notified all civil and military officials to attend court.

Due to some important matters, Li Longji was not as lazy as before during this court meeting.

At this moment, Li Linfu, who was sitting at the top of the civil service, looked very old. Although he was wearing an official hat, one could see that he had white hair on his temples.

Anyone could see that Li Linfu was in his twilight years.

Since he turned sixty, he has been suffering from Li Xuan's attacks.

I also had a serious illness last year.

The disease came like a mountain falling, and went away like a thread being pulled out. That's how I am now.

Li Xuan also lamented that Li Linfu could have lived for another two years, but now it seems that he may not live to the age recorded in history.

Li Linfu was already disheartened at this time, and Li Xuan was as steady as an old dog, leaving him no chance to deal with Li Xuan.

And in a trance, he seemed to often dream about the end of his life.

On the surface, Li Linfu presided over the court meetings, but in fact many daily government affairs and local affairs were decided by Li Xuan.

After the balance has tilted, even the conservatives are too lazy to refute what Li Xuan is doing.

"Your Majesty, the local officials are perfunctory and corrupt... In terms of taxation, the rent and labor service are in disorder and no longer suitable for the court. A new tax law should be promulgated... I am thinking of rectifying the atmosphere through the performance evaluation system, and the single whip system is the new tax law. I hope Your Majesty will agree..."

After finishing his daily affairs, Li Xuan, as per the usual practice, presented yesterday's documents to Li Longji again.

After Gao Lishi took the document, Li Longji pretended to read it, and then Gao Lishi read it to the civil and military officials in the court.

When the civil and military officials learned that Li Xuan was going to promulgate new laws, they listened attentively.

But after learning the content of the new law, his expression became even more exciting...

Li Xuan is finding various ways to punish local officials.

Although it benefits the country and the people, it is the scholars, not the people, who make up the world.

Li Linfu's skinny body suddenly trembled, and his cloudy eyes became clear.

"The One Whip Law intends to combine the land tax, corvée and other miscellaneous taxes of various counties into one, collect silk money and pay it according to the acreage. The Performance Evaluation Law can urge officials to perform their duties conscientiously. What do you think of this?"

After Gao Lishi finished reading, Li Longji asked the civil and military officials.

"Your Majesty, officials are now slow to act and government affairs are piling up. The performance evaluation system can clarify responsibilities and urge officials to complete their tasks on time, which will benefit both the country and the people. Tax reform under the Single Whip System is also imperative. Getting rid of excessive taxes will not only reduce corruption, but will also benefit the country."

At Li Xuan's suggestion, Minister of Rites Wei Jiansu stepped forward to express his support and gave his reasons.

An official of the third rank, his words carry a lot of weight.

"You said the same thing as I did."

Li Longji agreed with Wei Jiansu's words.

"Your Majesty, I am concerned about this. Whether it is the performance evaluation system or the one-whip system, I am afraid that the implementation is too strict, which may cause officials to rush to complete their tasks and ignore the people in the counties, causing disasters."

Song Hun, the Minister of the Central Secretariat, stepped out and bowed.

This decree will harm too many interests. Song Hun is Li Linfu's confidant. He rarely stands up, but now he has to defend himself.

He still used the same old rhetoric. It was clearly a policy that was beneficial to the people, but he used "human rights" to question it.

Li Longji did not respond to Song Hun's words, obviously wanting Li Xuan to speak.

"If General Song were here, he would agree to the new law without hesitation, because General Song has a clear conscience."

Li Xuan answered Song Hun's question irrelevantly.

Song Hun's father was Song Jing, who was known together with Yao Chong.

Li Xuan knew that Song Hun had amassed a huge fortune and was a corrupt official in history.

But now he has restrained himself a lot, and Li Xuan couldn't find any evidence to accuse him.

"If my father were still alive, he would definitely not agree."

Song Hun felt a little unnatural, but he spoke calmly.

"Minister Song said before that the Single Whip Law and the Performance Evaluation Law would make officials eager for quick results. But when the new Changping Law was promulgated, many civil and military officials also said so. Now that the new Changping Law is running well, those county governors and county magistrates who obstructed the new law have been executed, and the officials who obstructed the Single Whip Law and the Performance Evaluation Law will also be executed!"

Li Xuan mentioned Song Jing just now to take the initiative, and now he questioned him in a serious and stern voice.

(End of this chapter)