Chapter 4 Huashan Gold Mine
"Everyone knows that Li Linfu has a 'honey mouth but a sword in his belly'. If you believe Li Linfu's lies today, the Saint will lose all trust in you tomorrow. No matter how much you do like Lu Huaishen and Yuan Qianyao, you will never be able to regain your position in the Saint's heart."

After hearing what Li Shizhi said, Li Xuan spoke loudly.

He knew that Li Shizhi in history, because of his lack of scheming and cunning, always fell into Li Linfu's trap.

The Huashan Gold Mine Incident was the heaviest blow to Li Shizhi's career as prime minister.

From then on, Li Longji ordered Li Shizhi to discuss matters with Li Linfu and not to act on his own.

It can be said that he had become alienated from Li Shizhi.

Lu Huaishen, the Prime Minister of the Kaiyuan period, was honest, upright and conscientious, but he was still ridiculed as the "prime minister who ate with others."

When Yuan Qianyao and Yao Chong were both prime ministers, they were upright and selfless, but Li Longji never took Yuan Qianyao's words seriously. Although they were both prime ministers, all the credits were attributed to Yao Chong, and all the faults were attributed to Yuan Qianyao.

It was not until after Yao Chong's death that Yuan Qianyao was appointed prime minister again, and Li Longji realized that Yuan Qianyao was a talent.

"Go back to the front hall! Dalang, Silang, you come too."

At this time, Li Shizhi also felt something was wrong. He dropped his stick and turned his head away first.

Last year, Yan Tingzhi and Lu Xuan both had the potential to become prime ministers.

However, Li Linfu persuaded him to go to Luoyang, the eastern capital, to retire.

Li Shizhi often had disagreements with Li Linfu in the "Political Affairs Hall", and the two often had unpleasant experiences.

He had heard about Li Linfu's "standing on the horse with a stick".

Li Linfu is not a good person!
Seeing that Li Shizhi was calm, Li Xuan followed his brothers to the front hall.

"What do you think Li Linfu wants to do?"

After Li Shizhi returned to his seat, he asked Li Qian and Li Jiqing.

"Today, the saint bestows rewards at will, and the national treasury is not as prosperous as it was during the Kaiyuan period. If there is a gold mine in Huashan, mining it will enrich the country. Li Linfu should not give such a great contribution to his father." Li Qian could not guess Li Linfu's purpose, but he was still suspicious.

"Li Linfu is strong-willed, greedy, and scheming. People at the time compared him to Li Yifu, who was a 'smiling but dagger-hiding' man during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. But in my opinion, Li Yifu is far inferior to Li Linfu! Father, please think twice before you act."

Although Li Jiqing passed the imperial examination at the age of 20, he had not been involved in many aspects and was not aware of Li Linfu's conspiracy. He could only remind Li Shizhi.

"Could it be that there is no gold mine in Huashan, and Li Linfu is fooling me and wants to see me make a fool of myself in the court?"

Li Shizhi thought about it and murmured.

Li Xuan was speechless. Are all his family members so naive?

Why don't you think about other aspects?
"Father, the saint was born in the year of Yiyou. You matches the five elements of gold, and gold refers to the west, which is the 'Western Peak'. Huashan has always been the place where the saint's royal aura resides. So, does it matter whether Huashan has gold mines?"

Li Xuan could only wake Li Shizhi up.

Since the middle and late Kaiyuan period, Li Longji had been fascinated by Taoism and believed in the idea of ​​longevity. He firmly believed that Huashan was his patron saint.

This year, the sage Laozi was posthumously honored as "The Great Saint Ancestor Xuanyuan Emperor".

Whoever touches Li Longji's royal lifeline will be made to pay the price by Li Longji.

"This bastard who beats Du Nongzhang! This shameless old thief, he deceived me like this."

After Li Shizhi suddenly realized what was going on, he slammed the table in anger and cursed Li Linfu.

He was not a Taoist and had not thought of this.

If Li Xuan had not reminded him, his status in Li Longji's heart would have plummeted tomorrow.

While Li Qian and Li Jiqing lamented Li Linfu's insidiousness, they also praised Li Xuan.

They had always thought that this brother was frivolous, aggressive, and admired chivalrous spirit, but they had never expected that he had such insights.

"Father, you are the prime minister. As the ancient saying goes: Only talents and reputations cannot be delegated to others!" Li Xuan saw that Li Shizhi suddenly realized and advised him.

Objects that represent power and titles that indicate status cannot be given to others casually.

He hoped that Li Shizhi would be firm in his status as prime minister and would not allow others to infringe upon his position.

"Qi Lang is right! I want to work with Li Linfu as his assistant to help the Tang Dynasty prosper. But this old man has been targeting me, making me walk on thin ice. From now on, I will not compromise with him again."

Li Shizhi changed his previous behavior. While praising Li Xuan's meticulousness, he became angry in his heart.

He knew how strong Li Linfu was, so he tolerated Li Linfu again and again. Now it seems that everything was just his own wishful thinking.

If this continues, Zhang Jiuling will be his end.

Moreover, Zhang Jiuling was a "literary leader", and Li Linfu did not dare to harm him blatantly. Once he lost power, his status as a member of the royal family would not be enough for Li Linfu, who was also a member of the royal family, to worry about.

At this moment, Li Shizhi decided to challenge Li Linfu to a duel, and even if he was dismissed from his position as prime minister, he would break his arm.

He had been to the battlefield, commanding thousands of troops to fight against the Khitan tribes, and he had the courage to perish together with his enemies.

"At the court meeting tomorrow, father will use this to counterattack Li Linfu." Li Xuan said thoughtfully.

Li Xuan remembered that historical records showed that Li Shizhi fell into Li Linfu's trap many times, but the only thing clearly recorded was the gold mine incident, and then the fatal blow of the "Luo Qianji Network".

Li Xuan had previously thought that the gold mine incident had already happened.

Now, as long as he can stabilize the Huashan gold mine and guide Li Shizhi to get involved in the major case of the Ministry of War, even if he can't turn defeat into victory, at least he can buy him some time.

"Li Linfu will not admit it." Li Shizhi shook his head slightly. He could understand what Li Xuan meant.

But he knew that Li Linfu was treacherous and cunning, and would definitely turn the tables. If there was an argument, Li Longji would most likely listen to Li Linfu.

"I have learned about a real gold mine. Father can take this opportunity to tell the saint about that gold mine." Li Xuan understood that it would not be easy for Li Shizhi to deal with Li Linfu.

The emperor's trust in Li Linfu at this time was just like his favor for the Yang family and An Lushan in the middle and late Tianbao period.

As a result, Li Linfu openly plotted against the crown prince, causing him to lose all his power, frequently lose his confidants, and lose his two wives one after another.

In the late Kaiyuan period, Li Linfu had joined forces with Consort Wu Huifei to kill the former crown prince Li Ying, and the princes Li Yao and Li Ju.

Li Xuan could foresee the course of history and knew that toppling Li Linfu would not happen overnight but that his prestige would need to be deprived step by step.

"Are you serious, Qilang?"

When Li Shizhi heard what Li Xuan said, he immediately stood up.

If it was before, Li Shizhi would definitely not believe it. But at this time, Li Xuan had already proved his wisdom to Li Shizhi.

"How could I lie to my father about such an important matter?" Li Xuan said this, and after thinking for a while, he said, "In Luonan County, Shangluo County, someone picked up a large amount of gold grains in the riverbed of Longsha River."

Li Xuan had been to the Longsha River Gold Mine in his previous life. It was said that the gold reserves exceeded 100 tons and it was known as the largest gold mine in Yongzhou.

Li Xuan knew of only a few gold mines, and Longsha River Gold Mine was the only one that could be easily mined. Moreover, it was not far southwest of Chang'an, making it easy to verify.

The other gold mines that Li Xuan knew about were located deep in the mountains. Not only were they difficult to mine, but their exact locations were also unknown.

These days, Li Xuan compared maps and books and confirmed that the Longsha River in Luonan County was the gold mine river in later generations.

The source of Longsha River is a mountain. Since gold particles can be washed down from the mountain, it proves that the gold mine is not far from the river. As long as you explore carefully, you will definitely find clues of the gold mine.

"I have never heard of gold grains in Luonan. If a large amount of gold grains are found in the river, there must be gold mines in the nearby mountains! How did Qilang know about this?"

To be on the safe side, Li Shizhi asked Li Xuan for confirmation.

This is no joke. If the gold mine is not found in Luonan after the letter is submitted, the emperor will surely be angry.

"I know some rangers in Luonan who show off their gold grains. They are shallow-minded and do not know the truth. I certainly will not joke about the fate of my father and our family."

Li Xuan made a solemn promise to Li Shizhi.

"Okay, I will make Li Linfu look bad tomorrow when we go to court."

Li Shizhi believed what Li Xuan said.

Li Qian and Li Jiqing also praised Li Xuan highly.

Their family is still very harmonious and there is no intrigue.

"Qilang has grown up. Your father will arrange for you to go to the Northern Yamen for two years. When you come of age, you can enter the official career."

Li Shizhi was suddenly very happy to find that Li Xuan was so ambitious and he planned a career path for Li Xuan in his mind.

For royal family members like them, their titles will be lowered lower and lower.

As long as a generation does not make any achievements, it is very likely that they will become "commoners" and have the title of royal family in vain.

For example, the royal family of Li Yuan and his brothers had become commoners. Even Li Shimin's descendants had to bow down for a few grains of rice.

Seeing Li Xuan's elegance today, Li Shizhi hopes that his son will become a successful person and continue the reputation of their lineage.

"Father, I don't want to go to the Northern Court, I want to join the army in the northwest!"

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Li Xuan expressed his thoughts to Li Shizhi.

During the Tianbao period, the imperial guards were divided into the Northern Yamen and the Southern Yamen. The two Yamen kept each other in check, making it easier for the emperor to control them.

Among them, the Twelve Guards of the Southern Yamen guarded Chang'an and were called "Suwei".

The Four Guards of the Northern Yamen guard the imperial palace and are the emperor's personal guards.

However, due to the carefree times, the army was neglected in training and its military preparations were relaxed. Now, when the Southern Imperial Guards are not on duty, they take off their armor and start side jobs. Soldiers either become street vendors or serve as guards for nobles.

Some even engage in craft work.

I have already decided in my heart that there will be no war.

Li Xuan remembered that during the Anshi Rebellion, the 120,000 Southern Courtyard Imperial Guards were defeated in one blow, leading to the fall of Chang'an.

The Northern Yamen was also in a very bad state. Li Longji was addicted to pleasure and indulged in sensual pleasures, and no longer supervised the training of the imperial guards or inspected the soldiers.

The Left and Right Yulin Army, the Left and Right Longwu Army, and the 40,000 imperial guards were passed down from father to son, with good and bad mixed together. It became a place for the children of the nobility to gild themselves.

When An Lushan broke through Tongguan and Li Longji fled south, the four armies of the Northern Yamen staged a mutiny.

Therefore, it was impossible for Li Xuan to join the Imperial Guard and waste his time.

During the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, the only troops capable of fighting were the more than 400,000 border troops in the west and north.

Due to frequent foreign wars, the border troops became brave and good at fighting.

In addition, the emperor was militaristic and favored military generals. The children of Han noble families, military families, knights-errant, good family children, Hu nobles, and Hu warriors all joined the frontier army, trying to strive for the "merit of general".

The Hu people were particularly keen to serve the Tang Dynasty, because Li Longji broke the precedent of "Hu people were not allowed to serve as generals" since the establishment of the Tang Dynasty.

Let the Hu people know that if they serve the Tang Dynasty, they can be respected as "generals" and become military governors!
(End of this chapter)