Chapter 223: run away

In his own study, Zheng Shuqing, who had already taken the post of Vice Censor-in-Chief, was reading a court document — a memorial of impeachment submitted by Palace Censor Yan Zhenqing against An Lushan, the Military Commissioner of Pinglu.

As for the specific contents, they were all the same old talk. Things like border provocations, things like the cruel execution of Khitan chieftains, things like privately expanding the army, increasing the scale of retainer forces drawn from those born near the city walls, and matters of that sort.

In truth, Li Longji did not care about these things at all, nor did he take them very seriously. In Zheng Shuqing's view, Yan Zhenqing was simply picking a fight over nothing!

The Khitans were beasts.

The mainstream thought of Tang society held that there was no need to be polite to these barbarians who were not treated as human beings within Tang society, nor did any constraints of benevolence, righteousness, and morality exist where they were concerned.

From the Tang nobility down to even commoners, all beneath Li Longji held similar views.

Even if some Khitan tribes had submitted to the Tang, it was the same — for example, the Li clan of Liucheng. Li Guangbi, a trusted subordinate under Wang Zhongsi's command, was a Khitan, from the Li clan of Liucheng. Yet they still could not enter the core circle of Tang politics, and could not be treated as equals.

In the Tang military world, even if the channels of advancement were not closed, not everyone was equal.

It was like saying: a tamed dog is an animal, an untamed wolf is also an animal; the two have a formal difference, yet no fundamental difference. The Tang court's central authorities were very satisfied with the iron-blooded policies An Lushan carried out in the border garrisons — at least most people, most of the time, were quite satisfied, including Brother Ji.

An Lushan killed Khitans in the border garrisons; Brother Ji had not seen it with his own eyes, and did not know whether it was truly that brutal.

But An Lushan sent Khitan prisoners of war into Guanzhong by the thousands, and these people did hard, exhausting labor in Guanzhong, creating value for the court, while Brother Ji did not have to pay a single coin — it was truly as satisfying as could be.

Brother Ji saw all of this with his eyes and kept it in his heart. This action of An Lushan's greatly won Brother Ji's favor.

Therefore, regarding the contents of Yan Zhenqing's memorial, Zheng Shuqing, as a superior in the same department, had nothing to say. As for Yan Zhenqing's dissatisfaction and private complaints, at least the Censorate would not say anything, much less stand up for him.

Not even a splash could be raised.

Knock knock knock!

The door of the study was knocked upon.

"Who is it, it's already this late."

Zheng Shuqing set down the memorial in his hand and asked with displeasure.

"Master, Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue Zheng Ping requests an audience."

The voice of his personal maidservant came from outside the door.

"Very well, bring him in."

Zheng Shuqing said in a calm tone.

Zheng Ping was of the same clan as him, though the relationship was rather distant — they could only be considered distant relatives. But this person had a special identity, namely:

Zheng Ping was Li Linfu's son-in-law!

As a great aristocratic house, the Zheng clan of Xingyang naturally placed its bets everywhere, so having someone serve as Li Linfu's son-in-law was nothing unusual. Of course, Zheng Ping lacked Zheng Shuqing's ability as an official; his appointment as Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue was purely thanks to Li Linfu's patronage.

In officialdom, those who could serve as partisans were best connected by kinship or some tie of association. Kinship was a bond that strengthened relationships of interest; how to leverage this relationship depended entirely on the individual.

Zheng Shuqing understood this well, but it did not mean he thought highly of Zheng Ping. It was just like how Fang Chongyong's official rank was not high, yet Zheng Shuqing thought very highly of Fang Chongyong, even treating him like a lord to be served — it was the same principle.

Before long, Zheng Ping was brought in, and his wretched appearance gave Zheng Shuqing a pang of gloom.

Zheng Ping was young, at least a dozen or so years younger than Zheng Shuqing, yet his temples were already streaked with white, and he looked even older than Li Linfu!

It seemed this gentleman's days at the Ministry of Revenue were not so comfortable.

When virtue does not match the position, disaster inevitably follows. Lacking the ability to serve as an official of the Six Ministries, yet holding the high post of Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue, a difficult life was inevitable.

Zheng Shuqing, who knew Li Linfu's character intimately, understood this clearly — to become Li Linfu's son-in-law without ability, one would certainly have to keep one's tail between one's legs.

For the Right Chancellor of the Great Tang, anyone was a mere tool, pushable out to die when necessary. Li Linfu spared no effort when promoting people, but he would never offend Li Longji to protect someone, and would never sacrifice his own imperial favor to protect someone.

This was a cold-blooded political animal, without a trace of human warmth.

"I am not your superior, so Vice Director Zheng, for what matter do you visit at this late hour?"

Zheng Shuqing rubbed his hands together and looked at Zheng Ping with a half-smile as he asked.

Beyond the fifth degree of mourning, one was no longer a relative; even if they were of the same clan, Zheng Shuqing could not claim any bond of friendship with Zheng Ping.

He spoke straight to the point.

"Censor Zheng, the Right Chancellor instructs you: there is a matter — during tomorrow's court assembly, Censor Zheng must assess the situation and not stand in the way."

Zheng Ping respectfully bowed with crossed hands toward Zheng Shuqing and spoke.

"Assess the situation?"

Zheng Shuqing chewed over the words Zheng Ping had just spoken, frowning slightly.

By all rights, Li Shizhi had only just taken the chancellorship, and was not yet enough of a threat to Li Linfu's position. Even if Li Linfu dealt with Li Shizhi, Li Longji would simply find another replacement, who might be even harder to handle than Li Shizhi.

Li Linfu could not possibly eliminate every chancellor who came along, could he?

Moreover, Zheng Shuqing felt that the fact Li Linfu did not come in person, nor summon him to Pingkuang Ward for discussion, but instead sent his son-in-law to relay the message... there must be something very strange afoot!

"What exactly did the Right Chancellor say? What is this about? You still need to tell me the Right Chancellor's meaning."

Zheng Shuqing asked in a low voice.

Decades of experience in officialdom had made him sense that the current atmosphere within the court was very subtle.

"The Sage wishes to have his portrait from when he was still Prince of Bohai enter the Lingyan Pavilion, and in the future also have portraits of some meritorious officials from the Kaiyuan era sent into the Lingyan Pavilion.

Regarding this matter, the Right Chancellor hopes Censor Zheng will not intervene to stop it. The Sage's thunderous wrath is no laughing matter."

Zheng Ping said very respectfully — he was just a messenger, after all.

"What?"

Zheng Shuqing was taken aback, thinking he had misheard.

Zheng Ping had no choice but to repeat the matter of the Lingyan Pavilion once more.

After hearing Zheng Ping's explanation, Zheng Shuqing fell silent.

Li Linfu came from the imperial clan; his understanding of the significance of the Lingyan Pavilion was not yet that profound.

This was purely because of the issue of identity — Li Linfu could not empathize from personal experience.

But Zheng Shuqing, who came from the Five Surnames and Seven Houses, had his own unique understanding of what "Lingyan Pavilion" meant. Zheng Shuqing's understanding was, in fact, also the understanding of some great aristocratic families of the Tang.

The political landscape of Sui and Tang originated from Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei moving south and establishing the capital at Luoyang, thereby forming in the north a situation of joint governance between Han aristocratic families and Xianbei aristocratic families. This situation lasted roughly twenty years; from the Revolt of the Six Garrisons through the late Three Kingdoms period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties and then to the founding of the Great Sui, a new situation formed in which Xianbei nobles and Guanlong aristocratic families merged together to suppress the great clans of Guandong.

It was not until after Taizong's Xuanwu Gate Incident that the Tang ruling class began the process from "suppressing the great families" to "integrating the great families" and then to "alliance with the great families."

The five surnames and seven families were mostly economic "fat sheep," a loose alliance participating in governance, and a dwarf presence in the military; since the end of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Guandong forces have been based on the militia, maintaining military deterrence and politically marrying and cooperating with these aristocratic clans—a complex game of both suppressing and allying.

They guard each other, compete with each other, yet remain closely linked.

Lingyan Pavilion was essentially a "political chastity arch" erected by Emperor Taizong. During Emperor Gaozong's reign, the portraits of meritorious officials inside were revised many times; several times they tried to insert their own people, but ultimately held back, only altering the existing portraits.

So why did Emperor Gaozong and later Empress Wu want to change the portraits of the Lingyan Pavilion officials?

Because among the old Lingyan officials, some plotted rebellion, some had their achievements later deemed undervalued, and some shifted political stances. Thus some portraits needed embellishment, others defamation—everything must keep pace with the times!

Emperor Taizong and the Lingyan officials formed the core ruling class during the Zhenguan era! Their descendants rank at the very top of the political spectrum; aristocratic families, including those of the five surnames and seven families, come after them!

Now, Li Longji proposes to place himself in the Lingyan Pavilion—not to demean himself and stand equal with ministers, but to "demonstrate" the political correctness of his accession!

In other words, it reverses the Wu Zhou era's eastward shift of the political center, the waning or betrayal of Guandong's interests, restoring order and returning to the Zhenguan political configuration!

After all, at the end of the Wu Zhou, the Tang Empire's governance was indeed chaotic, and Li Longji's rise, to some extent, restored the Zhenguan ruling‑class order! After decades of development in the Kaiyuan era, by the Tianbao years, Ji Ge felt it was time to strengthen the governing order.

His many years of deeds require a clear statement, akin to a "final verdict."

In Fang Chongyong's popular past phrase, it would be called "repairing and strengthening the state's superstructure"!

Zheng Shuqing can foresee that this is only a beginning, far from its end.

Li Longji aims to create a ruling group centered on himself, with the Kaiyuan‑era "new Lingyan Pavilion" officials as the outer ring, to cement his absolute rule.

Thus no prince could replace Li Longji; even a successful coup would see the usurper driven from the throne!

Li Linfu thought this mattered little; after all, he was a collateral branch of the Li Tang royal clan.

But Zheng Shuqing differed; his choices must be extremely cautious, lest a slight misstep lead to irreversible disaster.

If Zheng Shuqing approves this, he must at least ensure that a Zheng appears in the "new Lingyan Pavilion," even himself! Then he would leave the five surnames and seven families circle and enter the core of imperial rule.

That would be a case of losing the east side but gaining the mulberry field.

Otherwise, politically it would be a pure loss, offering no benefit, better to resign and retreat to the mountains.

Status determines stance; no matter how Zheng Shuqing, with a guilty conscience, grovels before Ji Ge, there is no room for compromise on this matter.

If Zheng Shuqing cannot join the emperor's meritorious circle, he must remain within the aristocratic circle of the five surnames and seven families, mingling among the civil officials. Even if idle, he cannot rashly step forward and betray his own political group.

Perhaps understanding his difficulty, Li Linfu did not send Zheng Shuqing directly to discuss the matter at the Pingkang Lane residence, but had his son‑in‑law deliver a message.

"Go back and tell the Right Prime Minister, say that I have been informed,"

Zheng Shuqing gave a slight nod, saying nothing, his reply vague.

"Very well, I take my leave."

Zheng Ping, cautiously crossing his hands, bowed and slowly exited the study.

After he left, Zheng Shuqing rose, paced the study, his mind in turmoil, anxious yet without any viable solution, and no one to consult.

Lingyan Pavilion houses twenty‑five portraits; it has long been Emperor Taizong's Zhenguan Arch.

If Li Longji builds a new "memorial hall" and adds the Kaiyuan‑period officials' portraits, creating a "Kaiyuan Arch," he can ensure no one says a word!

But now Ji Ge is trying to "hit a wall" with Lingyan Pavilion, positioning himself shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Emperor Taizong—a highly taboo act.

What does an old man seek?

A question sprang to Zheng Shuqing's mind.

Young noble boys are lecherous; they naturally want as many beautiful women as possible, their youthful bodies able to indulge as they wish.

Zheng Shuqing is a veteran; in his youth he was also very lecherous. Yet since taking office, his desires dwindled, and after becoming Deputy Imperial Censor, he is almost indifferent to women.

Women compared to power—what are they?

When an emperor ages, beauties no longer easily stir his emotions.

Money and the like are as good as dirt.

For a man past his seventies, aside from the universal yearning for immortality, perhaps "reputation" becomes his sole pursuit and obsession.

Zheng Shuqing suddenly realized that Li Longji would never abandon the Lingyan Pavilion affair.

No matter how many officials are dismissed, this Tang Emperor will see it through!

Li Longji has enjoyed everything he ought to in his life. As his body ages, his interests dwindle.

What could be more alluring than a name etched in history?

In the Tang era, being comparable to Emperor Taizong was the highest imperial honor.

Now Ji Ge thinks: just as Emperor Taizong produced the Zhenguan Lingyan Pavilion roster, Ji Ge wants to create his own Kaiyuan‑Tianbao Lingyan Pavilion roster!

Yet others may pretend not to see, but what is the Censorate for?

It exists to be professional hecklers!

The Minister of Revenue may stay silent on such matters; if the Deputy Imperial Censor also pretends not to see, he will be mercilessly flogged by the historians and gain a notorious reputation.

Thinking this, Zheng Shuqing already reached a decision.

……

Early the next morning, in the Zichen Hall of the Daming Palace, many court officials gathered, all invited by Li Longji to attend a "minor court meeting."

The Left Prime Minister, Right Prime Minister, Ministers of the Six Ministries and Vice Ministers, Imperial Censor-in-Chief and Deputy Imperial Censor, and other high officials all arrived.

Before Gao Lishi announced the meeting's start, Deputy Imperial Censor Zheng Shuqing stepped forward and placed his official hat on the ground.

He knelt, voice trembling with tears, and said: "Your Majesty, I suffer from a heart ailment and can no longer serve as Deputy Imperial Censor. I humbly request your permission to return to my hometown in Xingyang to recuperate, lest I hinder Your Majesty's great affairs and betray the state."

Zheng Shuqing remained kneeling, not rising, softly sobbing, his body trembling as if truly unwell.

The so‑called "heart ailment" is not a cardiac disease but a mental disorder, caused by chronic over‑exertion of the mind and extreme tension, leading to nervous exhaustion or abnormal hyperactivity, sometimes causing sudden fainting at work.

In ancient times this was simply termed a "heart ailment."

It's akin to a driver who pretends to be hit, claiming a headache and demanding a hospital check.

You say he's ill, yet examinations reveal nothing.

You say he's healthy, and he still cries out that his headache is unbearable.

Whether he's ill or not depends entirely on how the person describes it.

As long as one wants an official position, illness is no illness; if one does not want an official post, claiming to be sick is merely an excuse.

Li Longji, seated on the dragon throne, was slightly startled, then stepped forward and helped Zheng Shuqing, who was kneeling on the ground with tears streaming down his face, to his feet.

"Since you are ill, return to your hometown and recuperate properly. After you go back to Xingyang, you will serve as the County Magistrate of Xingyang. Let the court issue an edict, and you may hand over all administrative affairs to the deputy magistrate, so you can rest at home and recover."

Li Longji gently supported Zheng Shuqing's arm and spoke warmly, a picture of harmonious ruler and minister, and the air was filled with an indescribable warmth.

"Thank you for the saint's grace."

Zheng Shuqing wiped the tears from his face with his sleeve cuff, bowed deeply to Li Longji, then flicked his sleeve and turned to leave, leaving only the hat of the Deputy Censor-in-Chief inside the Purple Palace Hall.

Zheng Shuqing dared neither betray his political faction nor bear the responsibility of opposing Li Longji's addition of merit to the Lingyan Pavilion.

His only choice was one word: retire!

No one could be provoked; Zheng Shuqing simply resigned his central post and retired back to his hometown to become a county magistrate!

After Zheng Shuqing left, the Purple Palace Hall fell into an awkward silence. The court session had not yet begun, yet the Deputy Censor-in-Chief had already departed, giving many a foreboding sense that something serious was afoot. Considering Zheng Shuqing's usual style of governance, one could already anticipate what might happen next.

"Your Majesty, I have a petition."

Yang Qixuan, son‑in‑law of Li Linfu and Remonstrant Grand Master, stepped forward, crossed his hands, bowed, and saluted Li Longji on the dragon throne.

"Qixuan."

Gao Lishi shouted.

(End of Chapter)