Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
After a couple of cups of tea, everyone stood up to take their leave, and they all greeted Li Jian Cheng in turn before departing. Yang Guang accompanied them to the front gate.
Li Jian Cheng followed behind Yang Guang and took the opportunity to bow respectfully. "Uncle."
Yang Guang smiled and patted his shoulder. "I've read the letter that was delivered this morning. Yang Yue specifically went to see the Empress, and it seems this matter is generally settled. You've worked hard."
"Serving Uncle is no trouble at all."
The two returned to the Main Hall and took their seats. Yang Guang said, "I heard that during yesterday's banquet, Yang Su intended to embarrass you. I've heard about it."
Li Jian Cheng stood up and replied, "It's a trivial matter, nothing worth mentioning, Uncle. His Majesty is increasingly trusting of the Duke of Yue now; it's essential to win him over at this time and not lose sight of the bigger picture over minor issues."
Although Yang Guang did not show it on his face, he was quite pleased internally. This child had a sense of propriety and understood what was important.
"The reason I called you here is that I've received news that someone is accusing your father of negligence during his tenure, claiming he was derelict in his duties. The Emperor intends to summon him back."
Li Jian Cheng was somewhat surprised, not because he was shocked that his father had been negligent—he already knew that—but rather because he was astonished that someone would dare offend the Li Family over such a trivial matter. No matter how negligent Li Yan was in governance, he still had retainers and subordinates to assist him, so it wouldn't affect significant matters or the people's livelihood.
Moreover, such a minor issue could hardly shake the Duke Tang's Residence in any way; it seemed unnecessary.
Yang Guang continued, "It's not a big deal, I've instructed someone..."
"Uncle, this is good news! Coincidentally, I also hope my father can return to the capital."
"You're still young, nephew; your maternal family can still influence some matters. However, other relatives may be difficult to persuade. Although the Duke of Bao is coming to the capital, I expect he will soon return to Jiangdu for garrison duty. My father is the head of the Li Family and holds a duke's title; he is indeed most suitable to remain in the capital to assist you."
Yang Guang nodded with pleasure. "That works as well; after all, it's just a position of Prefect—there's no need to take it too seriously."
Li Jian Cheng felt as if he understood something but did not dwell on it. Everyone had their own agendas; calling each other 'nephew' and 'Uncle' was merely a formality for this period.
Before Li Jian Cheng took his leave, Yang Guang instructed him on one matter and then handed him several keys. These keys belonged to several residences near West Market, which contained a considerable amount of wealth for him to use as needed for his tasks.
After leaving Jin Wangfu, Li Jian Cheng returned home directly. After discussing with his mother from the Dou Family, he went to rest, while the Dou Family sent someone to Xuandu Temple to offer a hundred taels of incense money and invited the recently famous Bashu Diviner, Wang Fuxian, to come to their residence the next day to pray for Li Family's Second Young Master and assess his fate.
For the next half month, Li Jian Cheng went about his duties at the court as usual. Occasionally, he would invite Dou Dan Yuan Shibi and others for banquets or stroll through the markets, getting to know many sons of officials.
Li Jian Cheng was generous with his spending. After all, Dou Dan and Yang Jishan were not the legitimate eldest sons of their families. Although they had enough monthly allowances and were not lacking in food or clothing, it was still insufficient for daily indulgences in the extravagant taverns of the Capital City.
During this time, Wang Fuxian's reputation in the capital soared, making it difficult for ordinary noble families to secure an audience with him.
On this particular day during the morning court session, Li Jian Cheng finally met the Duke of Bao, Yuwen Shu, who had come to the capital for an audience. He was tall and robust with a sincere appearance. Observing his demeanor during discussions revealed him to be a straightforward martial general.
After the court session ended, Li Jian Cheng instructed a servant to deliver a message to Duke of Yue's Residence before heading directly to Jin Wangfu. This time, although he faced no obstacles, he noticed that guards with waist blades stood at attention in front of the gate and on both sides of the Main Hall.
Led into the hall by the steward, he saw Yang Guang seated high while Yuwen Shu was engaged in animated conversation with several officials dressed as scholars who were nodding in agreement.
"The Crown Prince has long been out of favor, causing his virtues to go unheard across the land. The King is known for his benevolence and filial piety; his talents are unmatched. Having led troops on numerous occasions and achieved great merit, it is truly the King who is loved by both sovereign and inner palace alike; all eyes across the seas are upon him!"
"Indeed! In private discussions among court officials, when we mention the Crown Prince, we can only sigh in silence; yet when we speak of Prince Jin, praise flows freely."
"The Crown Prince lacks virtue and does not resemble our Sovereign Father; how can he claim dominion over all? We have agreed among close friends to take turns admonishing the Crown Prince for his faults. Over time, Your Majesty will surely grow weary of him."
Upon seeing Li Jian Cheng arrive, Yang Guang—who had remained silent until now—spoke up: "Jian Cheng, have you made arrangements?"
Li Jian Cheng bowed slightly and replied: "Tomorrow at You time, Cloud Crane Tower."
Cloud Crane Tower is one of the finest restaurants in Western Market and is owned by the Li Family.
Yang Guang nodded and said to Yuwen Shu: "Let’s proceed as discussed during our consultation. I can help Yang Su secure the position of Left Deputy Minister of Rites; in due course, he may even be promoted to Minister of Rites. As for Yang Yue, he can be elevated to first rank tomorrow and serve as an inner official."
Yuwen Shu bowed in acknowledgment before continuing their discussion about subsequent arrangements, particularly concerning the Crown Prince and Gao Shan.
Li Jian Cheng did not speak up; he had already done what needed to be done. His contributions would not go unnoticed in this endeavor. Whether there were more or fewer points afterward mattered little; given his age and qualifications, it was unlikely he would rise much higher.
If he were to be promoted to a virtual title, even if he reached the same level as Yang Xuangan, it would be of no use.
The next day, after his shift, Li Jian Cheng declined the invitation to the banquet at Cangxia Tower and went straight to his own Cloud Crane Tower. Before long, Yuwen Shu arrived with his eldest son, Yuwen Huaji.
Yuwen Huaji was a few years older than Yang Xuangan and currently held the position of Chief Minister of the Prince's Residence at the fourth rank. He was tall and thin, with sparse facial hair, a hooked nose, and narrow eyes. Despite this, he feigned nonchalance, holding his head high with an air of arrogance.
However, this man had always been the laughingstock of Chang'an. He was neither accomplished in literature nor in martial arts; he couldn't even enjoy leisure activities as well as others. He would fall off his horse while riding and shoot arrows crookedly. Once, he and his brother had been beaten to their knees by Yang Xuangan, begging for mercy.
Li Jian Cheng approached to greet them, but for some reason, Yuwen Shu clearly did not think much of him and showed no intention of speaking. Yuwen Huaji remembered that Li Jian Cheng was part of Yang Xuangan's group and huffed dismissively, turning his head away.
Li Jian Cheng had no objections, but Yuwen Shu seemed displeased with his son's behavior. He slapped Yuwen Huaji on the head; if it weren't for the servant who had been prepared and stepped forward to support him, Yuwen Huaji would have tumbled down the stairs.
Suppressing a laugh, Li Jian Cheng said, "Duke of Bao, please take a seat; I will go welcome Yang Shaoqing."
Soon after, Yang Yue arrived. After exchanging polite greetings, they went upstairs to take their seats. Li Jian Cheng and Yuwen Huaji stood at the door but could still faintly hear the conversation inside.
After some simple pleasantries, they got straight to the point. Although the Yang Family had already decided to align themselves with Prince Jin, they still needed to maintain some decorum; otherwise, how could they expect to receive benefits?
And without any tangible benefits, since Yang Su had already reached this stage, why should he strive for Prince Jin's favor? Regardless of who ascended to the throne as emperor, they would inevitably need to rely on him and his family's students and subordinates.
Comment 0 Comment Count