Chapter 303: Worry before the world worries, and be happy after the world is happy; the second son; distant relative of the Yang family

As everyone knows, Li Xuan will never show mercy to officials who exploit the people and corrupt officials.

It was because of Li Xuan's personal example and strict laws that local officials were restrained, allowing the Tianbao period to recover to a certain extent.

However, it is easy to change the country, but difficult to change one's nature.

As long as the disease cannot be cured, the harder Li Xuan suppresses it, the stronger the rebound will be.

Song Hun knew that he had let his father Song Jing down, and even though Li Xuan had stopped being corrupt since he became prime minister, he had always been friendly with Li Linfu.

And the desires in my heart have been aroused.

This also made Song Hun the first person to refute Li Xuan at this court meeting.

However, Li Xuan's words made Song Hun weak inside and unable to refute.

At this time, Li Xuan's old rival, Da Xixun, who was proficient in classics, stood up and wanted to confront Li Xuan again.

He ignored the essence and thought that as long as Li Xuan was not allowed to implement the new law, it would be a victory for the conservatives.

Li Linfu is old, and it is time for him to establish his reputation among the conservatives.

"Sage, evil desires are in the heart, which is human nature. It is said that Yao and Shun were holy dynasties, with simple folk customs and selfless leaders, but in the era of Yao and Shun, there were corrupt officials like Jinyun who gathered people and amassed wealth. Everyone knows that the Qin law was strict, but the Zhao family was destroyed in the second generation. Our Tang Dynasty is based on Confucianism, but Prime Minister Li's behavior is a matter of Legalism. Aren't the lessons of the past enough?"

"Shang Yang, the representative of the Legalists, actually believed that rituals and music, poetry and books, cultivating virtue and filial piety, honesty and integrity, benevolence and righteousness, and abstinence from war were six kinds of termites. Is it worth learning from such an absurd theory?"

"Taishigong said in "Biographies of Cruel Officials" that superior rulers value morality, and people respect the rules from the bottom of their hearts; inferior rulers use threats and punishments, and people are afraid and do not obey. When laws and regulations are enforced, thieves and robbers are more numerous, not only for the people, but also for the officials."

"In the past, the net of the world was very tight, but treacherous people emerged and reached the extreme. The upper and lower levels fled from each other, and the country was in a state of decline. When the Legalists were in power and the laws were the most stringent, the legal net of the world was layered one after another, and it was very tight, but treacherous and unruly people and corrupt officials still emerged one after another. I dare to conclude that once the performance evaluation law and the one-whip law are implemented, local officials will no longer think about governing the people and encouraging farming and sericulture, but will think about how to exploit loopholes in the law and how to evade responsibility. The laws have been supplemented for a thousand years in all dynasties, but they are not comprehensive. Even if another thousand years pass, it will still be the same. Not to mention that some local officials who are forced into a corner will falsify and lie about their achievements, and all the disasters will be imposed on the people..."

"I have given you all my good advice. Your Majesty, please clarify the key points."

After Da Xixun bowed to Li Longji, he launched into a long speech.

He no longer argued with Song Hun, but instead refuted Li Xuan as a Legalist.

In this era, the Legalists were criticized by people. Saying that you were a Legalist was equivalent to saying that you were a cruel official.

Confucius believed that morality could influence the law, but Shang Yang believed that morality could never interfere with the law, because morality was inherently hypocritical. The law should be cold and heartless, and the person who committed a crime should be put to death, even for a minor crime.

The law has been established, and it cannot be harmed by good words. This is the creed advocated by Shang Yang.

In addition, most of the representatives of the Legalists were mean and ruthless, and usually had a bad ending. However, this was also in line with the logical position of the Legalists. According to their concept, people were originally used by each other, so they were naturally abandoned ruthlessly after being used by the monarch.

"Prime Minister Li...what do you want to say?"

Li Longji was actually persuaded by Da Xixun. After hesitating for a while, he looked at Li Xuan.

After Da Xixun's concept was changed, he also believed that Li Xuan had Legalist tendencies.

"Minister Da Xi, please don't use such confusing words on me."

"Just as Minister Da Xi said about the definition of the six pests by the Legalists, I follow rituals and music, and am good at poetry and books. I am also filial, fraternal, benevolent, righteous, and honest. Although I became a prime minister because of my military achievements, I will never do anything that is not worthy of fighting."

"Since Minister Da Xi is always talking about respecting Confucianism, do you know that Confucianism is based on loyalty and forgiveness? Loyalty means treating others wholeheartedly, and forgiveness means extending one's own feelings to others. If you don't want it, don't steal it even if you are rewarded. Officials eat the salary of the emperor, share the worries of the emperor and set an example. Isn't it right?"

"In the past, Zhuge Liang enforced the law strictly, and Di Renjie punished all wrongdoers. Can they be considered Legalists?"

"Everything in the world belongs to your majesty. Only when your majesty gives it to you can you claim it. Fighting for it openly or secretly is treason. Even the common people know that if you kill someone, you must pay with your life, and if you owe someone money, you must pay it back. Don't you know that?"

"Don't even think of labeling me a Legalist. If someone sympathizes with corrupt officials, then that person must be a corrupt official. If someone protects the powerful, then that person must have an interest in the powerful."

Li Xuan said seriously.

Legalism believes neither in the way of heaven nor in the way of man. It only talks about tyranny. It treats people as pure tools. The law is purely interest-oriented, with harsh punishments, rewards for good and punishment for evil, and no consideration for morality.

Li Xuan certainly does not advocate Legalism. History has proven that pure Legalism is not suitable.

The desire for "fairness" and hatred of "privilege" among later generations have given the Legalists a group of admirers.

Little did people know that it was precisely because of the Confucian cloak of moderation that the cruelty of Legalism was glorified.

Many people inadvertently committed capital crimes. In terms of human nature, the cruelty of the Legalists is unacceptable to anyone.

The virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness, as well as loyalty, filial piety, integrity, shame, and courage advocated by Confucianism are more suitable for "obedience" and guide the desires of human nature.

Confucianism emphasizes personal responsibility rather than personal power.

This has never changed.

But what changes is people’s hearts. If people’s hearts change, priorities will be reversed and everything will collapse.

So Li Xuan wanted to laugh when he heard Da Xixun accusing him of being a Legalist.

"Prime Minister Li is good at making arguments, I am ashamed of myself. But even if you want to turn black into white, you have to follow the rules. Does Prime Minister Li imagine that there is no corrupt official in the world? Is this in line with reality?"

Da Xixun felt uneasy, and after Li Xuan finished speaking, he used the word "good at arguing" to mock Li Xuan.

People are usually lenient with themselves and strict with others, but Li Xuan was strict with himself and local officials.

No consideration of reality at all.

"I have never thought that there is not a single corrupt official in the world. A rush growing among hemp will become straight without support. White sand in dye will become black with it. What the court officials need to do is to reduce the majority of bad officials to a small number. If left alone, the atmosphere will become worse and worse. Only the implementation of the Performance Evaluation Law and the Single Whip Law can this phenomenon be curbed to a limited extent. The Analects of Confucius says that if a person is upright, he will act without being told; if a person is not upright, he will not obey even if he is told. As a local official, this is just the most basic principle."

Li Xuan reiterated that his main focus is to curb the spread of corruption. Moreover, punishing corruption is not a one-time thing, but a continuous process.

Even if the one-whip law and performance evaluation law are implemented, there will definitely be many corrupt officials who will take advantage of loopholes.

"Your Majesty, I find it difficult to accept Prime Minister Li's new law. I hope the Saint will give me your wise counsel."

Da Xixun has already stated that he hopes Li Longji can make a judgment.

He didn't want to argue with Li Xuan anymore.

"Minister Da Xi, you are against the Single Whip Law and the Performance Evaluation Law, but the reasons you gave are superficially high-sounding, but in reality they are disappointing. Who are you trying to speak for?"

Seeing that Li Longji was hesitant to speak, Li Xuan immediately questioned Da Xixun.

“I’m devoted to the country!”

Da Xixun naturally would not admit it.

"How can you say such things for your country? Don't you dare look me in the eyes."

Li Xuan glared at Da Xixun.

Da Xixun was about to look back, but the moment he saw Li Xuan's eyes, he immediately turned his head away.

He was interested in the matter and could not look directly at the majesty in Li Xuan's eyes.

This kind of guilty conscience was seen by Li Longji and all the civil and military officials in the court.

Li Longji finally determined that Da Xixun's debate was just for show.

The Conservative ministers all shook their heads.

Li Linfu sat there calmly.

"Do you have any other questions, gentlemen?"

Li Longji finally spoke up and asked the civil and military officials in the court.

"I agree with the new law. It is a strong strategy for the country."

Yang Guozhong came out of class and spoke to Li Longji immediately.

After all, it was announced yesterday that the Saint had already agreed to the new law, so he just happened to show off his presence.

"Li Xiang is extremely talented. I believe he can preside over the performance evaluation system and the single whip system, reform taxation, and discipline local officials."

Pei Kuan expressed his support for Li Xuan as agreed.

"Clap clap clap..."

Then Yang Shenjin, Yang Yan, Li Xian and other officials who supported Li Xuan all clapped their hands with their tablets.

Pei Kuan's support also attracted the approval of some neutral parties.

Of course, it is impossible for conservatives to agree with Li Xuan.

Such a decree looks like a knife hanging over the heads of local officials.

Now it depends on what the nominal chief prime minister Li Linfu thinks.

But Li Linfu remained silent.

"Your Majesty, I have always been committed to the country's strength and the people's prosperity. I work day and night and never slack off. Holding Zhuge Liang's sword, I will never forget to devote myself to the cause until my death. Wearing the prime minister's uniform, I feel a great sense of responsibility. I worry about the worries of the world before I enjoy the happiness of the world. This is my lifelong pursuit. Please agree to the new law, Your Majesty."

Li Xuan bowed to Li Longji again.

Now it doesn’t matter whether Li Linfu agrees or not.

With the support of most officials in the court, as long as Li Longji makes the final decision, it can be drafted to the counties.

The minority obeys the majority.

Li Linfu was also powerless.

"Li Xiang, can you please say the last sentence again?"

All the civil and military officials in the court were moved by Li Xuan's words, and Li Longji asked Li Xuan another question.

“Before you worry about the world, be happy after the world is happy!”

Li Xuan remained calm as he spoke word for word, his voice so powerful that it echoed in the hall.

All eyes were on Li Xuan, with different thoughts in mind.

"These are the words of a loyal and wise minister!"

Worry before everyone else in the world worries, and be happy after everyone else in the world is happy.

Li Longji and all the civil and military officials in the court felt that only a person with noble character could say such words.

Some officials who usually disliked Li Xuan were secretly admiring him in their hearts.

Even Li Linfu thought that Li Xuan was a man of both civil and military talents, and his moral character was unprecedented in ancient and modern times.

Not to mention the officials who already supported Li Xuan and his admirers. In their hearts, Li Xuan was a sage.

They must go all out to help Li Xuan complete the new law so that the people of the world can live and work in peace and contentment.

"Since the prime ministers and most of the ministers support the Performance Evaluation Law and the Single Whip Law, the court should prepare to implement them!"

"I appoint Li Xiang as the ambassador for demotion under the Single Whip Law and the ambassador for demotion under the Examination Performance Law. He is fully authorized to formulate new laws! The six ministries and the Secretariat must obey my orders."

"Right Prime Minister, what do you think?"

Li Longji continued to crown Li Xuan, and at the end, he also named Li Linfu.

Every word and action of Li Xuan is charming.

Li Xuan's praise for Li Longji is better than thousands of praises from the court and the public.

Therefore, Li Longji trusted Li Xuan in many things. This kind of favor was different from that of An Lushan.

"Your Majesty, I will fully cooperate with Prime Minister Li."

Li Linfu replied after leaving the class.

His eyes were shining at this moment.

He is different from Da Xixun, he sees deeper problems.

And I had a strong intuition that Li Xuan was digging his own grave.

A wise man will make mistakes in a thousand considerations, but a fool will gain something in a thousand considerations.

Li Linfu felt that Li Xuan was about to make a mistake.

He believed that it was the implementation of the new Changping law that made Li Xuan feel that things were going too smoothly.

He admitted that he was not as good as Li Xuan in many aspects, but his speculation on human nature was definitely better than Li Xuan's.

The Kaocheng Law and the Tiaobian Law were the contracts that broke off relations between Li Xuan and local officials.

Although Li Xuan had always clamored to kill as many corrupt officials as possible, in reality he only killed dozens of people, and more of them were dealt with, punished, and demoted.

He also understood Li Longji's desire for stability.

Once things become complicated, the first person to become impatient is definitely Li Longji.

As soon as Li Linfu spoke, some conservative ministers became very angry.

Even if things cannot be done, Li Linfu, as the leader of the conservatives, should at least express his stance.

The approval is so clear and concise.

Li Linfu naturally had his own ideas, he was never a real conservative leader, he was just a shield for those ministers.

After losing power, Li Linfu could no longer control senior ministers such as Da Xixun and Xiao Yinzhi.

What made Li Linfu most uncomfortable was that his trusted and beloved general Ji Wen betrayed him and threw himself into the arms of Yang Guozhong.

Li Linfu was once disheartened, everything went wrong, and both he and his heart were aging.

When the dust settled, Gao Lishi announced his retirement from court.

When leaving court, Li Linfu glanced at Li Xuan.

Li Xuan also happened to look at Li Linfu.

At this moment, Li Linfu's heart skipped a beat. He saw something intriguing in Li Xuan's eyes.

"Right Prime Minister, what are you holding on to? What will be left after you pass away?"

On the way to the lower hall of Zhongshumen, Li Xuan walked up to Li Linfu and said to him, "The polite words sounded very impolite."

"I want to defeat you once. I am the prime minister of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Linfu replied to Li Xuan neither quickly nor slowly.

"Liang Ji of the Later Han Dynasty also thought he was a famous prime minister, but how did the world evaluate him? We don't have the right to evaluate ourselves. Our merits and demerits will be judged by future generations."

Li Xuan said to Li Linfu with a smile.

"I was once so glorious that I don't need the evaluation of future generations!"

Li Linfu paused for a moment and then continued forward.

It can be seen that he may not have cared before, but he still cares when he gets old.

"My new law will surely succeed, but it's a pity that the right prime minister will not be able to see it."

Li Xuan said meaningfully.

Time is merciless. Li Linfu's eyes darkened when he thought that this might be his regret.

"But the Right Prime Minister is still likely to see it."

Li Xuan contradicted himself again and said, "How about drafting a document today to pass on the contents of the One Whip Law and the Examination and Evaluation Law to all counties and prefectures through the post stations so that local officials can be mentally prepared?"

"Li Xiang, are you serious?"

Li Linfu frowned and asked.

The sooner the local officials knew the contents of the Single Whip Law and the Performance Evaluation Law, the sooner they would make trouble, which would be disadvantageous to Li Xuan.

Under normal circumstances, all possible precautions should be taken before issuing orders to counties.

"After entering the Zhongshumen and going down the hall, the Zhongshu Province's scribe will draft the document, and the Right Prime Minister must sign it!"

Of course Li Xuan is serious.

Li Linfu is now at the mercy of Li Xuan and he must sign.

On that day, the clerk of the Secretariat drafted and signed it, the Ministry of Personnel reviewed and signed it, and Li Xuan also signed his name after reviewing it.

More than a thousand copies of the Single Whip Law and the Kaocheng Law were printed using movable type printing, stamped with the imperial seal, and sent by translators over a 400-li express route to all counties except the Anxi Protectorate.

Including Baihai, Qinghai and Jiuqu areas in Longyou.

The news spread like thunder.

The local officials were shocked by the news and felt like a thorn in their side.

Not to mention the "One Whip System" that came after the tax reform, even the "Performance Evaluation System" made many officials who entered the government through family connections feel like a mountain pressing down on their heads.

They believed that they would be killed by Li Xuan sooner or later.

Jiannan Road, Mianshui County.

"Li Xiang is in high position in the government, and he is unaware of the hardships of the local people. He promulgated the performance evaluation law, which is to exploit us! How is he different from the local tyrants?"

The Mianshui magistrate summoned the officials of the Mianshui County Government to the main hall, and after delivering the letter to his subordinates, he complained.

He entered the officialdom through the influence of his family, but knew that he lacked some talent, so he always served as a high-ranking county magistrate.

Usually, the local wealthy families would show some filial piety, and with many wives and concubines at home, they could enjoy wealth and glory.

In Mianshui County, where the mountains are high and the emperor is far away, he is like a local tyrant and he doesn't want to leave even if he is asked to.

He did not do anything overly extreme. Even if the Censor-in-Chief or the Ambassador for Interview and Demotion passed by Mianshui County, they would not be able to find any clues.

Isn't being an official meant for pleasure? The Mianshui magistrate did not think he had done anything wrong.

He believed that most county magistrates in the world were like him, and the remaining small number were corrupt officials who were blinded by greed and took human lives lightly.

"Alas! The performance evaluation law requires even a small county lieutenant like me. Prime Minister Li won't give me a way out! He issues orders from the position of prime minister, but he doesn't care about the voices of local officials."

Mianshui Wei sighed and spoke slowly.

"The new Changping soldier Baizong in Mianshui County was once a veteran soldier from Longyou. He is stubborn and ostensibly here to collect debts for the Changping New Law, but he always wants to focus on our mistakes."

Mianshui Cheng also complained.

Now everyone in the local area knows that the new recruits in Changping are not easy to deal with.

Their captains, without exception, were veteran soldiers from Helong who returned home in glory.

There were 130 new recruits in Mianshui County, but after the county troops were weakened, there were less than 70 left.

Since the new recruits from Changping were commanders of the battle-hardened frontier troops, even though they were all recruited from farmers, their combat effectiveness was quite good even if they were only trained once every few days.

The county magistrate cannot manage, he can only take precautions.

Moreover, the superior of the new recruits in the county's Changping rank is a Qianzong.

The Qianzong was stationed in the county seat and also had hundreds of soldiers. The Qianzong was once an officer in the army.

Normally, the county soldiers are all under the control of the prefect and the county magistrate, which makes them lawless.

The Changping recruits, who are now directly under the command of the Changping recruits commander, are gradually breaking up the county system.

"Prime Minister Li kills without blinking an eye. If we oppose today, tomorrow we will be charged with obstructing the new law. Our heads will be passed around the counties."

Mian Shuiling grabbed his hair, feeling caught in a dilemma.

If you follow the performance evaluation system and the single whip system, it will be difficult for you to enjoy a good life in the future.

Failure to comply will result in death.

"Mingzun, I have a plan that may be put into practice."

At this moment, the county chief's eyes lit up and he reported to the Mianshui magistrate.

The chief clerk of Mianshui County was not an official appointed by the imperial court, but belonged to the "Ninth Rank of the Outer Class" and received a salary from the county. He usually served as the military advisor to the county magistrate.

He came from a prominent family and hoped that he could pass the assessment and become a real official appointed by the court.

"Will your so-called strategy cost us our heads?"

Mianshui Ling asked in a deep voice.

If they made mistakes, they would be punished by the imperial court. No matter who came, the chief clerk would still be the chief clerk because of his "county name" background.

Therefore, the Mianshui Order must consider carefully to avoid being used as a gun.

"I promise that I can force Li Qilang to stop the new law."

The chief clerk naturally patted his chest.

"Tell me."

Mianshui ordered him to answer.

"Ming Zun, we can mobilize the people to borrow grain from the Changping granary until the granary is empty. As long as we contact other counties and the whole country does the same, the Changping New Law will be a failure. If the Changping New Law fails, the saint will definitely stop the Kaocheng Law and the Yitiaobian Law."

The chief clerk offered a strategy to the Mianshui magistrate.

“The problem is that people can’t borrow that much.”

Mian Shui Ling replied with a frown.

"We can ask the local big families for help and ask their clans and the tenants they control to borrow grain. We can borrow all the grain quickly."

The chief clerk smiled sinisterly.

"There is a time limit for borrowing grain. Aren't you going to pay it back? Otherwise, Li Qilang will send the imperial censor to slaughter you all!"

The Mianshui magistrate looked at the chief clerk and said.

"It will be a year later. How can the big families not be able to pay the interest? As long as there is a vacuum period of one year, the untouchables will not be able to borrow food. It would be best if disasters occur in some places, resulting in a lack of food relief. The new soldiers of Changping will be considered a failure." The chief clerk replied to the Mianshui Order.

The powerful families could have done this a long time ago, but the local officials would be able to find out at the first moment that it was the powerful families who were eating up the granary in Changping and would definitely stop them.

Now Li Xuan promulgated the Performance Evaluation Law and the Single Whip Law to discipline local officials.

It was the best time for the powerful to win over local officials and undermine the new Changping Law.

"The risk is huge. If a new recruit from Changping leaks the information, Li Qilang will know about it. He will definitely hold the county that took the lead accountable."

The Mianshui order had concerns.

"The law cannot punish everyone! Li Qilang can't possibly kill all the officials. We can quickly make dozens of counties do the same!"

"And there are other means!"

"If you don't want to give up your current wealth and honor, you can't just sit there and wait for death."

The chief clerk persuaded the Mianshui magistrate.

The conflict between the powerful families and Li Xuan has been going on for a long time.

Fortunately, after Li Xuan became prime minister, he did not massacre the county tyrants on a large scale, otherwise the tyrants would have surely risen up in rebellion.

You're going to die anyway, so why not give it a try?
This also led to closer ties between powerful families.

Because they want to have someone to rely on at critical moments.

Normally, each county is a county, and the powerful families within it usually have no contact with each other until they die.

Not so now.

"Mingzun, I think what Zhao Zhubu said makes sense. We cannot allow Li Qilang to deprive us of our wealth and honor."

Mianshui Cheng was moved. When he saw Mianshui Ling was hesitating, he stood up and tried to persuade him.

"Yes, Mingzun. Our move will surely attract a great response!"

The Mianshui Wei is also a bird of the same feather.

"Okay! Let's do it. Zhao Zhubu, go and summon the powerful families in Mianshui County and tell them that I will host a banquet for them tomorrow."

Mianshui Ling finally gritted his teeth and agreed.

It was precisely because Li Xuan promulgated the Kaocheng Law and the Tiaobian Law that the powerful families in Mianshui County tore a hole in the new Changping Law.

With the powerful families communicating with each other, dozens of counties responded in a short period of time.

They will send their clansmen and tenant farmers to borrow all the grain from the county granaries.

In the following year, during the lean period, people who really need food will not be able to borrow money.

The powerful families can use the same methods as before to complete land annexation.

Not only in Mianshui County of Jiannan Dao, other places also began to show off their magical powers.

Some powerful people wanted to force the court to punish Li Xuan by leaving the land barren.

They felt it was worth it if they could kill Li Xuan at the cost of a temporary loss.

Because if Li Xuan doesn't die, he will take their lives sooner or later.

Some powerful families set up businesses with interest rates lower than those of the new Changping Law.

Some powerful families colluded with merchants to influence the price of grain in counties.

But more powerful families colluded with local officials and imitated the "Mianshui model".

Perhaps even Mian Shui Ling himself could not have imagined that the Mian Shui model would spread throughout the world in a short period of time.

Many officials also jointly submitted a memorial.

They wanted to ask the emperor to punish Li Xuan by explaining the disasters brought about by the new Changping Law.

Although some local officials were willing to implement the Single Whip System and the Performance Evaluation System, some other local officials wanted to wait and see.

However, nearly half of the counties were dissatisfied with the new law.

For a time, there was an undercurrent.

Even roads in many counties and prefectures south of the Yangtze River were cut off.

More and more people are raising the banner of opposition to Li Xuan.

Officials from all over the country were united as never before and vowed to fight the troublemaking Li Xuan to the end.

Moreover, An Lushan, the Prince of Xiping, seized the opportunity to stir up trouble in Hebei...

……

The time goes back to early April, Chang'an, Tianshui Palace.

"Wow wow..."

"gave birth……"

"gave birth……"

"Congratulations, sir. Congratulations, sir. It's a son..."

Accompanied by a loud cry, the maid came out of the house to congratulate Li Xuan.

"How is Yueyao!"

Li Xuan asked about the condition of Jiang Yueyao, who gave birth to his second son.

"My husband, mother and child are safe. Madam Yueyao is just tired!" the maid replied to Li Xuan.

"it is good!"

Li Xuan felt relieved and clenched his fists.

"Yier has a younger brother now!"

Pei Lingxi on the side was also very happy.

They have a very good relationship and are as close as sisters.

Besides, there is no competition between Jiang Yueyao's son and her son.

It was a long, long time before my husband was granted the title.

She wants to grow old with her husband.

She also hoped that her Yi'er could be as great as his father, achieve success and become a high-ranking official.

"Yes! A son is fine too, but I also want a daughter."

Li Xuan said from the bottom of his heart.

"Shuang'er may give birth to a daughter for my husband."

Shuang'er, who was pregnant, said this to Li Xuan, but her words were not sincere.

She was due to give birth in two months. Born as a maid, she naturally hoped to have a son.

"Haha, if she is really a daughter, she would be the apple of my eye."

Li Xuan laughed.

Having sons is great, but having a daughter is also nice.

Sons should be educated strictly, and daughters should be pampered.

Among those present, only Changli looked dejected.

She and Shuang'er served Li Xuan together, but Shuang'er was already eight months pregnant and she was the only one who did not move.

She also wanted to give birth to a child for her husband.

"Yes, I will come to your place often in the future."

Li Xuan saw Changli's melancholy and whispered in her ear to comfort her.

She knew that some women simply had difficulty conceiving, not because of physical problems.

Among his wives, Changli was the one that made him most sad. With children, they would not have psychological pressure and would be happy in the future.

Changli blushed and lowered his head.

She felt that she had become greedy. Her previous wish was to be with her husband. Now that she had become her husband's woman, she actually wanted more.

Her husband has loved her very much. Perhaps it is fate that she has no children.

No matter what, she will serve her husband wholeheartedly in the future.

After a while, the room was cleaned up and the midwife allowed Li Xuan to enter.

"Lu Wuniang, mother and child are safe, all thanks to your efforts. This is a small thank you gift. I will trouble you again in two months!"

When Li Xuan saw the midwife Lu Wuniang, he took out a piece of gold and gave it to her to express his gratitude.

What's more, I hope that Lu Wu Niang can be careful and attentive when Shuang'er gives birth.

The infant mortality rate of this era made Li Xuan very scared. As a time traveler, he found it hard to accept that his children left him before they were even born.

So after he became prime minister, he always hoped to increase the survival rate of babies and reduce sadness in the world.

"Don't worry, sir. I will do it thoroughly and to perfection."

Lu Wuniang happily accepted the gold.

Although my husband is not extravagant, he is very generous.

Even if Li Xuan didn't give her a penny, she wouldn't dare to slack off in the slightest.

Li Xuan came to Jiang Yueyao's bed.

She did not fall into a coma like Pei Lingxi did after giving birth, but her eyes were open. She was pale, sweating profusely, and even her hair was stuck to her face.

The first time she saw Li Xuan, she was very excited and tears glistened in her eyes.

It was as if I had experienced the separation of life and death!
"Thank you for your hard work! Have a good rest!"

Li Xuan stroked Jiang Yueyao's hair and said to her.

"Ok!"

Jiang Yueyao nodded lightly, she finally gave birth to a son for her husband.

Only then did Li Xuan come to the couch next to him and look at his second son who had just stopped crying.

The newborn baby has a pink face that is delicate and full of vitality. His big eyes are like a lake, pure and flawless, and there is always a faint smile on his face.

When Li Xuan was by his side, every little movement he made touched Li Xuan's heart.

The experienced Pei Lingxi came to look after the baby.

Li Xuan had rough hands and feet, and the baby was fragile in the first few months after birth, so of course Li Xuan was not allowed to touch it.

After about half an hour, Pei Lingxi wrapped the baby in a swaddle, carefully supported the baby's head, and carried him to the bed, letting Jiang Yueyao see her son.

The baby was also smiling, and Jiang Yueyao also smiled in relief...

"Master!"

Just when the family was enjoying the birth of a new life, Pei Ying called out to Li Xuan from outside.

Pei Ying is Li Xuan's brother-in-law. No one in the mansion cares about him except Li Xuan and Pei Lingxi.

However, Pei Ying has always served as Li Xuan's personal guard, doing his duty and never bullying others by taking advantage of his power.

"Congratulations, sir, on having another child."

Pei Ying congratulated Li Xuan. Just now, Li Xuan asked Shen Ji to give each of the servants and guards in the mansion a piece of colorful satin as a reward. They all knew that their husband's new child was born and gave their sincere congratulations.

"My brother-in-law is ambitious and knows how to deal with people. He's good."

Li Xuan praised Pei Ying.

Normally, Pei Ying doesn't know how to do anything except practicing martial arts and sparring.

Father-in-law Pei Fan was very worried about this and asked Li Xuan more than once to discipline him.

But how dare he discipline his brother-in-law!

"That's not the case. Someone outside wants to see you, sir, and ask you to redress your grievances!"

Pei Fan reported to Li Xuan in a serious tone.

"Let him go to Jingzhao Yin! I am the prime minister. If he asks me about this kind of thing, how can I ask about other military and political matters?"

Li Xuan refused without hesitation. Pei Ying was a little immature.

He was not a special envoy inspecting the local area, so how could he go to the prime minister to appeal for justice?

"My Lord, the person seeking justice has a special case. He does not belong to Jingzhao. He is from Anye County in Shannan East Road. And he is related to you."

Pei Ying replied to Li Xuan.

It's not that he doesn't have any sense of propriety. If there wasn't a reason, he wouldn't have disturbed his brother-in-law when he had a baby.

"tell me the story?"

Li Xuan asked Pei Ying to explain.

Because his son was born, he rushed back from Zhongshumen Xiatang.

In fact, he also has to deal with government affairs.

"During the Battle of Dafeichuan, a cavalry captain from Longyou was killed in the battle, but his family did not receive the pension they deserved, and was beaten and disabled by the government office. It is said that there were several such cases in Anye County. They suspected that the pension was embezzled by officials in the county office."

"Moreover, the families of these martyrs were stopped in Anye and were not allowed to leave the county. A soldier from Longyou learned about this when he returned to Anye to visit his relatives. On his way back, he came to Chang'an to inform you of this matter!"

Pei Ying explained the whole story to Li Xuan.

"If there is such a thing, quickly call that Longyou soldier to the main hall."

Li Xuan instructed Pei Ying.

No wonder Pei Ying would disturb him at this time. It turned out that his old subordinates came to Tianshui Palace to seek justice for their comrades who died in battle.

This Li Xuan must be met.

Moreover, after hearing Pei Ying's report, Li Xuan felt a surge of anger in his heart.

"Lingxi, I have to go take care of something. You stay here and take good care of Yueyao."

Li Xuan said to Pei Lingxi apologetically.

"Husband, go quickly, we are here."

Pei Lingxi is considerate and knows that Li Xuan is busy with government affairs.

Li Xuan nodded and came to the main hall.

"Zhang Xiaojing, the infantry officer of Longyou Wuning Army, is here to meet General Li... I am here to meet you, my husband."

After Li Xuan entered the main hall, a man in a black round-necked robe bowed to Li Xuan with an excited look on his face.

Wuning Army was a reformed army from Zhenxi Army and was stationed in Jiuqu Wuning City.

In the Hexi and Longyou armies, Li Xuan was a god-like existence.

Although the war on the border has stopped, all the soldiers miss Li Xuan.

They yearned for those years when Li Xuan led them to gallop and defeat Tubo, forcing them to flee in panic.

Now Li Xuan also serves as the governor of Longyou and Hexi. Last year, he ordered the use of Longyou cotton to make cotton clothes for the soldiers.

Every year, Li Xuan would order a reward to Longyou and Hexi for the fat sheep that Tubo paid tribute to him.

Through these details, his influence continues.

"Officer Zhang, there's no need to be so polite."

Li Xuan signaled Zhang Xiaojing to stand up.

If Zhang Xiaojing had served in the army for a long time and was in the Wuning Army, he should have participated in major battles such as the Battle of Lishui, the Battle of Jiuqu, and the Battle of Dayechuan.

The escort officers in Longyou command 200 soldiers. The infantry escort officers need to maintain a square formation. Even if some of them are very skilled, they are far inferior to the cavalry in terms of achievements.

"I know you are very busy and I shouldn't bother you. But as a native of Anye County, I am very angry. The county magistrate is unjust. My comrade fell in the snow of Dafei River but he had no way to seek justice. His family asked for compensation but was chopped off a hand by a scoundrel. I am afraid that the governor is involved with the county magistrate, so I came to Chang'an to ask to see you..."

After Li Xuan asked Zhang Xiaojing to sit down, Zhang Xiaojing told Li Xuan what he had learned.

The man whose hand was chopped off was a fellow villager of Zhang Xiaojing.

His son joined the army seven years ago and gradually became the cavalry leader of the Baishui Army.

Unfortunately, he died in the cavalry battle in Dafeichuan!

In this case, let alone compensation, Li Xuan would approve a reward of five pieces of silk.

If the cavalryman killed an enemy before dying in battle, he might also get a share of gold, silver and jewelry.

Because in addition to the gold, silver and jewelry donated by the powerful people in Longyou, one tenth of the gold, silver and jewelry seized by the Tang army in the Battle of Dafeichuan did not have to be handed over to the court.

These gold, silver and jewelry were all awarded as rewards for military merit.

Soldiers who died in battle would have their household certificates sent back to their hometowns, along with compensation.

Usually they would go to the county government office, and then the county lieutenant would bring people to hand them over to the family.

At the same time, if there is an imperial decree from the Ministry of War, it must also be allocated from the government's permanent farmland and given to the families of those killed in battle.

The Tang Dynasty already had a complete pension system.

From ancient times to the present, rulers have known that only by providing compensation can soldiers have no worries and charge forward without fear of death.

When the family of the cavalry leader learned that their son had died in battle, they asked the county government for compensation.

But the county government drove them out. After that, they went to the government office many times to criticize the county magistrate and gathered the families of other soldiers who died in the battle to make trouble.

Then a few ruffians chopped off the hands of my father, the leader of the cavalry.

This shocked the other people in Anye County.

But this resentment has never been extinguished. Everyone in the surrounding area knows about this matter, but they dare not speak out.

There were no more soldiers from Anye County willing to join the army.

After Zhang Xiaojing came back, he learned about this situation and was indignant. After staying at home to honor his parents for a month, he left without saying a word and threatened to return to Longyou.

"Are there no new soldiers from Changping in Anye County? The commander of the new soldiers from Changping in all the counties should be the veterans from Helong."

After Li Xuan learned the whole story, he was furious and asked Zhang Xiaojing whether he knew about the new recruits in Changping.

He was familiar with the map of the Tang Dynasty. Anye County was actually not far from Chang'an. It was just on the edge of the southern part of the capital, but it happened to be divided into Shannan East Road.

When he was a general, what Li Xuan feared most was local officials embezzling the pensions that the soldiers had earned with their lives.

Good men shed blood on the battlefield, and their relatives shed tears in their hometown.

It is heartbreaking that such a disaster has occurred.

In fact, Li Xuan knew that such a thing would definitely happen because human greed is endless.

"It is said that the new chief of Changping soldiers fell into the river and drowned less than a month after taking office. Then the deputy chief took over the position of chief."

Zhang Xiaojing replied to Li Xuan.

"Who is An Yeling? Don't you want to live anymore?"

Li Xuan slammed the table and stood up.

With these premises, he doesn't believe this is a coincidence.

At the beginning, he summoned old soldiers from Helong, but there was only enough for one old soldier in each county.

If something unexpected happened to the veterans in this county, Li Xuan would not be able to recruit them again from Helong. The superiors could only promote the county.

Although Zhang Xiaojing's story was one-sided, it was easy to investigate and Li Xuan believed him.

Li Xuan felt like killing An Yeling.

"My lord, the magistrate of Anye County is Yang Rui, and he has been spreading the word that he is a relative of the imperial concubine..."

Zhang Xiaojing replied to Li Xuan.

"Yang Rui..."

Li Xuan frowned.

He is definitely not the son of Yang Yuhuan's uncle.

Li Xuan guessed that they should be descendants of Yang Lingben, that is, grandsons of Yang Youliang and cousins ​​of Yang Guozhong.

(End of this chapter)