Li Xuan's poem "Chrysanthemum" has a profound meaning. After experiencing the cold, it will eventually wither.

We can extend our imagination and it is Li Xuan, Du Fu, and Wang Wei.

Du Fu and Wang Wei were deeply moved and inspired to write a poem about chrysanthemums. They each recited a poem about chrysanthemums and read it to each other with great interest.

They stayed for a long time, crossed the courtyard full of chrysanthemums, and headed towards the sunset.

"Zimei, Yang Guozhong has cut off your path to officialdom. I can only make you my subordinate. Are you willing to go to the Western Regions?"

After a unique wandering, Li Xuan returned to the tavern near the post station to drink, and asked Du Fu.

He knew that Du Fu's style of poetry had changed greatly after he stopped being an official, but it was considered not to be the mainstream of that era.

For example, the Drunken Song written by Du Fu not long ago.

The spring wine is brewing in the quiet night, and the flowers on the eaves fall in the drizzle in front of the lamp.

I feel that there are ghosts and gods when I sing, but I don’t know that I will starve to death and fill the ditch.

At the end, the writing style changes and he even says, "What does Confucianism have to do with me? Confucius and Robber Zhi are both dust."

It is very meaningful that Du Fu, a typical Confucian who "follows Confucianism and serves as an official", mentioned the sage Confucius together with the great thief Dao Zhi.

It is obviously a mockery of Confucianism, but in fact it is a satire of current politics and even Li Longji, in order to express his feelings about the safety of the country and his indignation at his own experience.

"The prince has many talented people under his command. Du Fu is incompetent and has a wife and children to take care of at home. He can no longer serve General Li."

Du Fu politely declined Li Xuan's invitation.

In the past, he wanted to help the world and bring peace to the people, and was full of political ambitions to "make the king as good as Yao and Shun, and make the customs more refined." But after serving as an official for several years, his state of mind changed greatly.

Starting from Li Linfu's "There are no talented people left in the wild", everything he saw and knew shattered his illusions about politics.

He witnessed the Kaiyuan prosperous era with his own eyes, but ten years after the Tianbao era, it turned into the lament of the common people.

Why would the saints indulge the Five Yangs? Who can understand the suffering of the common people?

The vow of "I will stand on the top of the mountain and look down on all the other mountains" is gradually fading away.

However, his "benevolent prime minister" Li Xuan, who was devoted to the country and the people, was dismissed from his post and demoted.

All these have tempered Du Fu's enthusiasm for politics, to the point that he is now disheartened.

If the country is in trouble, he will definitely help without hesitation. But now Du Fu is not so interested.

Du Fu had some small plots of land at home, where he planted some fruit trees and medicinal herbs, and he thought he could support his family.

"Being a general in the Western Regions is not my wish. I will definitely come back..."

Li Xuan shook his head slightly and said sadly.

He didn't finish his sentence.

I just don’t know how Du Fu and Wang Wei will look at him when he comes back.

What he hoped most was that Du Fu would never write "Three Officials and Three Farewells" again in his life.

He will definitely do it.

"It is not only my wish that the prince returns to Chang'an, but also the hope of the people of the world."

Du Fu thought that Li Xuan was going to return to the position of prime minister.

He has already seen the undercurrents beneath the prosperous era. Only if Prince Tianshui reorganizes the government can the Tang Dynasty return to its prosperity during the Kaiyuan period.

"Mojie, do you have any thoughts? Go west again."

Li Xuan asked Wang Wei again.

At this time, Wang Wei still held the position of Langzhong of the Ministry of Literature, but he only held the title and spent most of his time at home claiming to be sick.

Because of his status as a leader in the literary world, Yang Guozhong did not want to bother with Wang Wei.

"Although I yearn for the scenery of the Western Regions, it is even more impossible for me to leave Chang'an."

Wang Wei replied to Li Xuan.

His state of mind had changed and he felt it would be difficult for him to get involved in politics again.

I don't have any hope for my future.

Wang Wei was self-aware and knew that the sage was using his status as "a great literary master" to pretend that the times were prosperous and the situation was peaceful.

"What a shame! Today we agreed to meet on Bailuyuan. I don't know when we will go out for a drink next time. I hope there will be a next time!"

Li Xuan knew it was impossible and just asked casually.

"The prince is an unparalleled talent. He is a prime minister who can benefit the whole world. He is a great general unprecedented in ancient and modern times. Our poems are not enough to describe the prince. It is our honor to be treated with courtesy by the prince. As long as the prince returns to Chang'an, we will meet at any time."

Wang Wei also misunderstood Li Xuan's meaning.

In terms of status, he was a far cry from Du Fu. Li Xuan interacted with them as a fellow literati and a friend.

Over the past ten years, Li Xuan's status continued to rise, but Wang Wei never felt alienated. He sent her poems from thousands of miles away, expressing his deep affection for her.

Li Xuan just smiled, and they drank together tonight and talked about the past and present.

From the power of Kaiyuan, to the Fengshan Ceremony at Mount Tai, to the crises lurking around Tianbao.

Starting from Yao Chong, we talked about the prime ministers, Zhang Jiuling, Li Linfu, and Yang Guozhong.

From ancient history to poetry and songs.

There is nothing in the major events of ancient and modern times that remains unchanged.

At the end, maybe because I was drunk, I choked up and couldn't speak...

After two days at Bailuyuan, Li Xuan, Du Fu and Wang Wei returned to Chang'an together.

Not long after, Li Mi arrived in Chang'an from Songshan. After he arrived at the Tianshui Palace, Li Xuan welcomed him in.

Under the dim candlelight, the two of them talked for a long time.

No one knew what they talked about. When they left the next day, there was no farewell ceremony. The two looked at each other and understood each other tacitly.

Li Mi went to his Mount Zhongnan again.

Time flies, and soon it is late October.

The next day, Li Longji prepared to set off for Huaqing Palace for his "hibernation".

This winter, the court hall of Huaqing Palace will be covered with dust.

Li Xuan also plans to set off back to Qiuci tomorrow.

Generals Che Shensai, Li Siye and others had already ridden back to the Western Regions ten days ago to train their troops.

Li Xuan will be traveling with his family later, so he will be much slower.

The people of Chang'an were very sad when they knew that Li Xuan was leaving, and the ambitious people often sighed and lamented...

The day before going to Huaqing Palace, Li Longji, as per custom, summoned officials of the fifth rank and above to hold a grand banquet.

Next time we drink, we will go to Huaqing Palace.

At the banquet, Li Xuan once again discussed with officials such as Li Xian, Pei Zunqing, and Wei Jiansu.

There were no major national policies, no new laws, and no current dangers. It was just some irrelevant and polite conversation.

Not long after greeting the ministers, Li Longji summoned Li Xuan to the throne.

"Qi Lang will go west to make achievements tomorrow. I give you this cup of wine. I hope Qi Lang can have a successful start next year."

Li Longji personally poured a glass of wine for Li Xuan and handed the glass to Li Xuan.

He takes the coming war very seriously!

"I thank the Saint."

Li Xuan picked up the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp.

"Qilang, don't worry about not being awarded the title of Lord in the future. Who says that the Tang Dynasty can't have a marquis like the Han Dynasty?"

Li Longji looked at Li Xuan after he finished drinking the wine and spoke slowly.

The title of Marquis Wanhu that Li Longji mentioned naturally refers to the actual title.

The titles of nobility in the Tang Dynasty, including the prince, were all nominal titles. They had symbolic meaning but no actual significance.

Generally, princes and princesses would be given a certain number of real seals, but not more than one thousand households.

At present, Li Xuan’s actual fiefdom has reached 3,000 households.

Li Longji wanted to use the title of "Marquis Ten Thousand Households" to motivate Li Xuan.

It should be noted that Prince Li Xuan’s nominal fiefdom was only 5,000 households.

In the future, if a prince is given a nominal fief of 5,000 households, he must actually be given a fief of 10,000 households.

That's more princely than a prince.

Perhaps Li Longji would not consider the consequences at that time, and Li Xuan would not wait for that moment to come.

He could only express his gratitude excitedly and look loyal to reassure Li Longji.

"Your Majesty, before I leave Chang'an, I have something to ask of you."

Li Xuan said this to Li Longji when he was drinking happily.

"Qi Lang, just say whatever you want!"

Li Longji asked Li Xuan to speak frankly.

"Your Majesty, I believe that Longbiao Wei Wang Changling has rare talents, and I have decided to appoint him as the judge of Anxi Jiedushi. Please grant me your approval."

Li Xuan knew that Wang Changling was killed by Lu Qiuxiao when the Anshi Rebellion just started.

There was no law in troubled times, and the power of local county magistrates increased greatly. The reason why Lu Qiuxiao killed Wang Changling was simply because he was jealous of Wang Changling's poetic talent and fame.

Li Xuan did not want this tragedy to happen again and prepared to transfer Wang Changling away.

According to history, Wang Changling had completed most of his creations at this time.

But Li Xuan had reason to believe that if Wang Changling could live his life as it came, he would definitely create more classic poems.

"It's all little things."

Upon hearing this, Li Longji asked the waiter to summon Yang Guozhong to the throne.

Wang Changling's poems are very famous, and Li Longji has heard of them many times.

He thought that Li Xuan, who was also a poet, had a mutual admiration for Wang Changling.

"Guozhong! After the banquet, summon Wang Changling back to Chang'an, and then appoint him as a judge in Anxi. Confer a fourth-rank official title on Wang Changling to show off his status."

After Yang Guozhong came forward, Li Longji gave him instructions.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Yang Guozhong glanced at Li Xuan and knew that it was Li Xuan's idea to recall Wang Changling.

To Yang Guozhong, Wang Changling was unimportant, as long as he didn't cause trouble in Chang'an.

There was singing and dancing at the banquet, but the ministers had both joy and sorrow.

The Five Yangs, who had a hostile relationship with Li Xuan, were very happy and they danced at the banquet.

Because Li Xuan, the plague god, will also leave Chang'an tomorrow.

They were celebrating Li Xuan's departure and hoped he would never come back.

By then, Chang'an will be their world again!
The ministers who had hope in their hearts sighed, the Tianshui King would leave after all. Do they still have a chance?

Like a few years ago, the pear trees in the back garden of Tianshui Palace were filled with ministers, ambitiously discussing new laws.

There is no going back.

Yang Yuhuan sat quietly. It was rare for her to drink so much. After a while, her face turned red and she looked very beautiful. She was destined to be drunk for a long time tonight.

Maybe it will be another three years before I see Li Xuan again.

For her, three years were too long and every day was torture, but she still had to put on a smile.

Yang Yuhuan, who was slightly drunk, actually felt a sense of fear when she saw Li Xuan and Li Longji chatting and laughing.

She thought of a nightmare she had a few days ago, in which she and Li Xuan were separated and would never see each other again.

She called out from the depths, but all she got in response was her echo.

This scared her.

Before getting drunk, she took a deep look at Li Xuan, who was chatting and laughing with Li Longji, as if imprinting his latest heroic face in her heart.

The imperial concubine was not good at drinking, and various emotions and thoughts made her drink a few more glasses of wine.

"Why did Yuhuan drink so much wine today? Send Yuhuan back to the palace!"

Seeing that Yang Yuhuan was about to get drunk, Li Longji immediately gave instructions to the female official.

He was talking with Li Xuan and didn't notice that Yang Yuhuan was drinking too much.

When Li Xuan saw Yang Yuhuan with her charming face and dreamy eyes, ripples began to form in his heart.

Even until Yang Yuhuan was helped behind the scenes by the palace maids, she still couldn't calm down.

Fortunately, after Yang Yuhuan left, Li Longji felt that his interest in the banquet had been reduced by half.

About half an hour later, the banquet was announced to be over.

The civil and military officials respectfully sent Li Longji off. The next day, the weather was gloomy and the north wind was howling.

Outside the city of Chang'an, the sage visited Huaqing Palace.

The Five Yangs once again displayed their elegance. Each of them had hundreds of servants, wearing clothes of various colors, blending in with the imperial guards, but they were more eye-catching than the imperial guards.

They led the way, announcing the emperor's arrival and the Yang family's nobility.

Among them was Li Xuan who celebrated his parting ways with them.

Li Longji and the civil and military officials who followed him headed east.

And Li Xuan headed west.

The two parties went their separate ways and waited to meet again next time.

Li Shizhi, Li Yuying and Li Xuan's brothers came to see Li Xuan off.

On the Xianyang Plain, in the north wind, Li Xuan held Li Zhenzhen in his arms and bid farewell to Li Shizhi.

Pei Lingxi held back her tears, stroked Li Yi's face, and told him to listen to his grandfather and that his mother would come back to visit him.

As Li Xuan's eldest son, he should be responsible and it is most appropriate for him to stay in Chang'an.

Even though Pei Lingxi was reluctant, she still had to consider her husband.

Although Li Yi was very young, he was much stronger than his peers. When he learned that his mother and grandfather were going to a faraway place, he just shed tears but did not cry or make a fuss.

He naively believed that his mother would come back to see him soon, and his grandfather was very kind to him.

"Father, I entrust Yi'er to you."

Before leaving, Li Xuan held Li Shizhi's hand and said.

At this moment, he was the only one who knew what this separation meant.

It is impossible to say that there is no danger at all for Li Shizhi, Li Yi, and his brothers and sisters.

At this point, Li Xuan had no choice!

"Qilang, rest assured. Your father will educate Yi'er well. If your Yi'er learns both civil and military skills, he will be a capable official in the future."

Li Shizhi replied to Li Xuan.

He liked Li Xuan's several clever children very much. Due to Li Xuan's remarkable achievements, it was inevitable that Li Shizhi, who had many grandchildren, would favor him.

"Does father still remember Li Mi?"

Li Xuan also had something to explain to Li Shizhi.

"Is it that skinny young Taoist priest? His Taoism is very grand, and his commentary on the Tao Te Ching is beyond my reach."

How could Li Shizhi not remember Li Mi?

Li Mi left a deep impression on him. It was because of Li Mi that he decided to resign from his position as prime minister in his prime to make way for his seventh son.

And Li Xuan did not disappoint him, and the achievements he achieved are unprecedented in history.

"Li Mi has always been traveling between Songshan, Huashan, and Zhongnanshan, but he will live in seclusion in Zhongnanshan for the next few years. If you have anything to ask, you can go and ask him."

"If one day Li Mi comes to see father, you should listen to his advice. Li Mi is my confidant, and I trust him as much as Luo Xing."

Li Xuan said solemnly to Li Shizhi.

That night, Li Xuan had already discussed many things with Li Mi.

At the critical moment, Li Mi knew what to do.

"Oh! Are you going to deal with Yang Guozhong and Yang? With the Imperial Concubine here, it may be difficult to accomplish!"

Li Shizhi realized this and whispered to Li Xuan.

"Who would have thought that Wu Zetian would abdicate under the pressure of Zhang Jianzhi? Nothing is difficult for one who sets his mind to it."

"Don't worry, father!"

Li Xuan sighed secretly, but still did not tell Li Shizhi the truth.

Just say it vaguely.

"I, as a father, believe in the wisdom of Qilang and Li Mi."

Li Shizhi knew that Qilang was cunning and that he could not measure it, so he might be able to bring down Yang.

It was indeed difficult for him to guess Li Xuan's cunningness.

Zhou Gong was afraid of rumors, and Wang Mang remained courteous.

"Zhenzhen, tell grandpa to take care!"

Li Xuan touched Li Zhenzhen's face in his arms and asked her to see Li Shizhi again.

"Aunt, Grandpa said we will come back to see you soon."

Li Zhenzhen said to Li Shizhi.

She didn't understand the concept of thousands of miles, and it was conceivable that she would cry along the way.

"Zhenzhen, grandpa will miss you too!"

Li Shizhi laughed loudly. Seeing the wind getting stronger, Li Zhenzhen's face turned red. Then he immediately said to Li Xuan, "Qi Lang, quickly put Zhenzhen in the carriage."

Li Xuan gave Li Zhenzhen to Shuang'er and asked her to take Li Zhenzhen into the cold-resistant carriage first.

Afterwards, Li Xuan said goodbye to his brothers Li Qian, Li Jiqing and others one by one.

When it came to Li Yuying, Li Xuan said a few more words, wishing her success in her medical studies and that one day she could save lives like Li Tengkong.

Pei Lingxi and Li Yi finished their affectionate moment, and it was time for Li Xuan to set off.

Before leaving, Li Xuan saw Li Yi looking at Pei Lingxi reluctantly as she got into the car, so he half-knelt on the ground and wiped away Li Yi's tears.

Without saying a word, he gave the order: "Set off!"

Thirty personal guards led the charge and went ahead.

One carriage after another started moving.

"Father, I'm leaving!"

Li Xuan bowed to Li Shi again and mounted the Fire Cloud Horse.

Guarding the side of the carriage.

Li Shizhi turned away with tears in his eyes. He always felt that Li Xuan had a different temperament this time.

Li Yuying reminded Li Xuan that the car frame was about to move away, and Li Shizhi slowly turned around.

He picked up Li Yi and carried him until there was no trace of Li Xuan's carriage or horses left on the Xianyang Plain.

In addition to the one hundred personal guards who came with Li Xuan to Qiuci this time, there were also dozens of slaves from the Tianshui Palace, several doctors, and gold, silver and jewelry from the Tianshui Palace, so there were more than twenty vehicles in total.

Of course, there is another person that Li Xuan hates, Yuan Siyi.

Li Xuan did not expect that Li Longji would make him the new military supervisor of Anxi Beiting.

When Li Xuan was saying goodbye to Li Shizhi, Yuan Siyi complained about the strong wind and refused to get out of the carriage.

But Li Xuan is not afraid of Yuan Siyi.

If anyone dares to point fingers at him, he will be dealt with on the road.

Since the guards each had four horses and carried tents, they could set up camp and rest when they encountered heavy snow.

The two thousand craftsmen and doctors assigned by Li Longji to Anxi have received orders. They should bring their families and follow the Hexi Changxing transport team to Qiuci.

In addition, Li Xuan had already ordered Zhang Wenyan, deputy ambassador of the Longyou herdsmen, to quickly mobilize 20,000 war horses and 20,000 old horses from various herdsmen to arrive at Qiuci City.

He also ordered Zhang Wenyan that anyone who wanted to apply for more than 100 war horses from the Longyou Pastoral Bureau must report to him.

Li Xuan was not worried about An Lushan, but wanted to control the Longyou Mujian more closely.

Different from the Longyou pastoral supervisors in history, Li Xuan conquered Tubo and made it pay tribute of horses, cattle and sheep every year. He also set up a large number of pastoral supervisors in Qinghai, Baihai, Jiuqu, Jishi and other places.

Together with the pastoral supervisors in the Hexi Corridor, Baitinghai, Jincheng, Ningsai, Anxiang, and Longxi, the horse administration of the Tang Dynasty was much stronger than that of the Gaozong period.

The herdsmen had over a million horses of all sizes, and had crossbred even better war horses. All these achievements in horse breeding were attributed to Li Xuan, allowing him to continue serving as the ambassador of the Longyou herdsmen.

When Li Longji learned that Li Xuan wanted to continue the Western Expedition, he also gave Li Xuan authority, allowing Li Xuan to lead more war horses to the Western Regions without reporting to the pastoral supervisor.

……

Time is like running water, gone forever.

As Li Xuan was on his way to the Western Regions, time entered the thirteenth year of Tianbao.

In the spring of that year, Li Longji spent the cold winter in Huaqing Palace and returned to Chang'an to spend the spring.

In late spring, on March 3rd, the five Yangs made an appointment to go to Qujiang to enjoy the spring.

Wherever they went, the Jinwu Guards led the way, and Qujiang, which was originally a place for people to have fun together, immediately became Yang's private place.

They ordered the Jinwu Guards to drive away other people who came to enjoy the spring and isolate them with the Jinwu Guards.

In their view, these untouchables can only watch them having fun from outside.

Du Fu's favorite place was Qujiang, and he was one of the people isolated from it.

He and many others were behind the Jinwu Guards, watching the extravagant lifestyle of the Yang sisters and were inspired.

The immortal "The Beautiful Lady" was born during the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

This is a scene of a beautiful lady with fair skin and wearing gold and silver jewelry enjoying spring outing.

The purple camel's peak emerges from the green cauldron, and white scales are spread out on the crystal plate.

The rhinoceros chopsticks have been used for a long time without being put down, and the phoenix knife is cutting the empty silk.

The imperial carriage flies without stirring up dust, and the imperial kitchen sends the eight delicacies in succession.

Du Fu's record poems are very vivid.

The mouth-watering delicacies from land and sea were placed on crystal plates.

But several ladies were slow to pick up food with chopsticks made of rhino horns because they had no appetite.

The delicacy remained untouched, while the imperial chef on the other side was still chopping it with Dai Luanling's golden knife.

Li Longji learned in Xingqing Palace that his aunts had poor appetite during their spring outing, and immediately asked the imperial kitchen to prepare imperial meals.

The eunuchs rode their horses at a rapid speed, not daring to raise dust; the imperial kitchens sent in an endless stream of seafood and mountain delicacies.

Du Fu used his pen to vividly record the luxury of the outing of Lady Guo and others.

These few short lines of words are more impactful than Zhang Xuan's "Lady of Guo State Going Out for Spring".

Willow catkins and snow-like falling cover the white apples, and the bluebird flies away with a red scarf in its beak.

He is in great demand and has great power, so be careful not to get close to him or he will get angry.

When the ladies' banquet was halfway through, a luxurious carriage stopped, crimson embroidered silk was spread out, and Yang Guozhong made a stunning appearance stepping on the precious silk.

The snow-like poplar catkins fell and covered the duckweed, and a bluebird flew over and picked up the red handkerchief on the ground.

The Yang family is very arrogant and powerful. Do not get close to them to avoid the Prime Minister's anger and scolding.

Du Fu used the allusion of Empress Dowager Hu of the Northern Wei Dynasty having an affair with Yang Hua.

Empress Dowager Hu of the Northern Wei Dynasty once forced Yang Baihua to have an affair. Yang Baihua was afraid of disaster, so he surrendered to Daliang in the south and changed his name to Yang Hua. Empress Dowager Hu missed him and wrote "Song of Yang Baihua".

This clearly shows that Lady Guoguo had an affair with her cousin Yang Guozhong.

Moreover, when you think about it carefully, "Poplar catkins and falling snow covering the white apples" is also quite romantic.

Therefore, Du Fu advised people not to get close to him, as they would ruin Lord Yang Guozhong's good deeds and put his life in danger.

Lady Guoguo was promiscuous and unrestrained. She traveled in the same carriage with Yang Guozhong, whether they were celebrating the third day of the lunar calendar or waiting for the fifth drum, she would dress up in her beautiful attire and fill the streets with candles as bright as day, and she never avoided suspicion.

It's almost an open secret.

But people only discussed it in private, and no one dared to make such things public like Du Fu did.

If Yang Guozhong knew that Du Fu wrote "The Beautiful Lady", he would kill Du Fu even if he knew that Du Fu and Li Xuan had a good relationship.

However, "The Beautiful Lady" is just a microcosm of the Five Yangs' extravagance and debauchery.

Du Fu saw that Yang Guozhong was "popular", but did not see the anxiety in Yang Guozhong's eyes.

The reason was that in the first month of this year, he again reported to the emperor that An Lushan was plotting a rebellion.

But Li Longji just didn't believe it.

So Yang Guozhong gritted his teeth and reported to Li Longji: "I dare to guarantee that if the saint summons An Lushan, he will not dare to come to Chang'an to meet him."

He released smoke bombs in Chang'an, giving An Lushan the illusion that he would never be able to leave once he arrived.

Yang Guozhong also felt that An Lushan would not dare to come to Chang'an again, so he could send an envoy to execute An Lushan.

Li Longji, who was suspicious, ordered An Lushan to go to Chang'an to report on military affairs.

What Yang Guozhong didn't expect was that An Lushan wrote back to Li Longji, saying that he would arrive in Chang'an to meet him in March.

I heard that we have passed Tongguan now.

Yang Guozhong knew that An Lushan was capable of bewitching the people. Once he arrived in Chang'an, he would complain to Li Longji and turn the tables on him.

(End of this chapter)