Chapter 28: The Little Affairs of Chang'an

Li Longji, when assigning officials their posts, often does so after weighing many aspects, considering the other's achievements, closeness, ability and political balance, among other factors; everyone has a price, and he only deals with people as they are, giving a bone to whatever dog he raises.

In other words, the "price" Li Longji sets can only be called a "standard price," and there are many hidden pitfalls; only those of great wisdom, courage, virtue and ability can handle it.

Zheng Shuqing knows his own worth; he is merely an ordinary, average‑ability, average‑background, average‑luck official in the Tang bureaucracy. To climb higher, he must do extraordinary things and take unconventional routes.

In short, relying solely on oneself will not go far.

Zheng Shuqing went empty‑handed to Li Linfu's residence in Pingkang Lane, intending to petition him for a post. Since refusing the appointment of the Jingzhao Yin, Zheng Shuqing has understood that he is now on Li Longji's blacklist for appointments; without Li Linfu's help, he will likely be unable to stay in Chang'an and will be kicked back to his Xingyang hometown to die a lonely, low‑ranking official.

Without much delay, Zheng Shuqing, as an outer associate of Li Linfu's faction, quickly secured an audience.

Now Li Linfu is in the midst of staffing, and this level of factional patronage still falls within what Li Longji can tolerate; any high‑ranking official in the court, without allies, would find it hard to implement his edicts smoothly.

It's a very pragmatic issue: you can't expect the horse to run well without giving it grass. Factionalism in the court is necessary; otherwise even the emperor's routine administration cannot be handled, let alone Li Longji's frequent extra demands for grand achievements.

"The matters in Kui Prefecture have been handled well; if you have any questions, I can clarify them for you."

Seeing Zheng Shuqing's dark circles and lack of vigor, Li Linfu smiled warmly and said, very kindly and enthusiastically.

"Having missed the appointment, I ask the Left Chancellor for a little assistance."

Zheng Shuqing pulled a paper from his sleeve and handed it to Li Linfu, saying: "The rent, labor, and tax levies in Kui Prefecture are centrally managed by the prefectural office and have generated a surplus. The accounts are now tidy and even exceed previous figures. This surplus is beyond my use; I ask the Left Chancellor to allocate it appropriately as public office funds."

"Well handled, excellent."

Li Linfu took the paper, nodded slightly; it was a note issued by a large money house in Chang'an for five thousand guan, and the money need not be withdrawn, as merchants send the interest each month.

The sum is small, but absolutely legal!

The local government, through "reasonable operation," obtained fiscal surplus and disposed of it "economically" (not embezzlement), which is lawful and compliant, and such practices are common.

Li Linfu turned this money into public office funds, giving it to merchants for lending, which is also lawful and compliant.

The interest from this "extra" public office fund falls into Li Linfu's own pocket; this, too, is considered lawful and compliant, residing in a legal gray area that the bureaucracy tacitly accepts, leaving no grounds for accusation.

Chang'an's bureaucracy has always operated this way, and no one has objected; if it were improper, who would later try to help the government save money when handling state affairs?

As an official, I risked myself to help the office save money.

If the matter is handled well, I gain nothing; if it goes wrong, the superiors will blame me for "not following the rules," so I might as well just lie flat thereafter!

So even if I don't take the principal, at least I can keep some interest from the public office funds, right?

I must say, old Zheng handled this matter very authentically, aligning perfectly with Li Linfu's working style and habits.

Corruption, too, is operated within the system's fabric and does not violate the bureaucracy's unwritten rules.

"This scheme aims to bring down the Jiannan Military Governor, Wang Yu, who is a man of Pei Yaoqing. Now that Pei Yaoqing has been dismissed, Wang Yu is being prosecuted, and you have performed great merit in the interim."

But the sovereign still harbors a grudge, believing you intend to betray the throne, so he lets you amass wealth in Kui Prefecture, only to have you ruined and used thereafter.

I just didn't expect you could gather that money; it truly opened my eyes.

I deliberately did not disclose the full truth to you because the sovereign had already spoken on this matter, making it unspeakable. You won't resent me, will you?

Li Linfu asked with a smiling face.

Zheng Shuqing understood the implication, nodded slightly, and said: "Thank you, Left Chancellor, for looking after me in the court; otherwise a disaster of imprisonment would have been inevitable. I am truly grateful to tears; to show my sincerity, I have something to present to you."

Zheng Shuqing placed the "red koji" that Fang Chongyong had given him, along with the booklet on the methods of making red koji and brewing wine for Red Lotus Spring, on the table before Li Linfu.

"So this is Red Lotus Spring."

Li Linfu examined those rather unattractive red koji, and, thoughtful, remarked,

"A common man is innocent, but to possess a treasure is a crime; you present me with such a precious item—how can I conduct myself?"

Li Linfu, smiling, looked at Zheng Shuqing and asked,

"Answering the Left Chancellor, red koji wine will eventually reach ordinary households, though not overnight. Now that the Left Chancellor possesses the method of making koji, whether you brew it yourself or present it to the sovereign, it will be a cause for celebration; you may decide at your discretion."

Zheng Shuqing, without showing emotion, suggested,

Li Linfu lacks nothing; giving him any valuable item would be inappropriate. Only this method of making red koji wine, if accepted, causes no harm and brings great joy to all.

Zheng Shuqing understood clearly that success or failure hinged on this move.

"Now, the position suitable for you is Deputy Minister of Revenue."

Li Linfu tucked away the wine yeast and the brewing method, rubbed his hands, and said slowly,

"Please, Left Chancellor, indicate your wishes; I am willing to accept any arrangement."

Zheng Shuqing bowed deeply and performed a grand salute.

Li Linfu nodded slightly and said: "Very well. I estimate that Wei Jian harbors ambitions to become Chancellor. Traditionally, those who become Chancellor often have experience as Jingzhao Yin; if Wei Jian becomes Jingzhao Yin, no one in the court will contest your claim to the Deputy Minister of Revenue position.

When the time comes, I will petition the Son of Heaven to grant you the Deputy Minister of Revenue post; what do you think?"

"Wei Jian is adept at finance and is the brother‑in‑law of Prince of Loyalty (Li Heng); you cannot compete with him."

Hearing this, Zheng Shuqing instantly understood that his gift was indeed appropriate! Considering court maneuvering, among today's senior officials, those who can withstand a round with Li Linfu are exceedingly rare!

"Isn't Wei Jian impressive?"

"Then try the Jingzhao Yin position!"

"This is the fast track to becoming Prime Minister; will you go or not?"

"Wei Jian cannot refuse, because Li Heng stands behind him! His sister is Li Heng's princess, so it's simple: Wei Jian must charge ahead."

"Holding the Jingzhao Yin position can bring many conveniences to Li Heng."

"When he becomes Prime Minister, Li Heng's chances of being named Crown Prince increase considerably."

"Now everyone in the court can see that Li Ying's removal is only a matter of time; his wings have been almost entirely cut off by Li Longji."

"I must say, Li Linfu has a precise read on the court's direction. Wei Jian excels at finance and cannot be stopped from rising, so it's better to give him a hand, pushing him higher to prevent him from taking over the Ministry of Revenue and undermining my base."

"This is a grand chessboard; Zheng Shuqing appears in the right spot, filling the power vacuum left by Xiao Jiong's demotion. Thus Li Linfu can keep the game alive. Moreover, Zheng Shuqing is obedient and filial, making his ascent natural."

"In Chang'an's bureaucracy, a saying circulates:"

"If you mix with Zhang Jiuling, he will pull you up when appropriate; you need not do tasks for him, but if trouble arises, he will speak up for you when suitable."

"If you mix with Li Linfu, he will find ways to push you up, but you must do tasks for him; if trouble arises, he will not protect you."

"Give money to Gao Lishi, and he will take it without acting; if you don't give him money, he will surely ruin your major affairs."

Zheng Shuqing now can only say he has half‑completed his quest for an appointment; he still must go to Gao Lishi's side for a visit.

"By the way, how is Fang Youde's son?"

Li Linfu suddenly recalled this matter and asked.

"Left Prime Minister, this son has quick wit; in twenty years he may have prospects, but now he's not worth mentioning."

Zheng Shuqing said disdainfully.

"Indeed, I think the same."

"You go then; when you have time, consider how to manage the Sage's finances. These days the central expenditures are growing larger. When the time comes, I will only set the broad policy; the one who actually handles the affairs will still be you."

"If the Ministry of Revenue's task is botched, don't blame me for lacking leniency."

Li Linfu said calmly, his face already restored to tranquility, as if the earlier smiles had been pretended.

"Please, Left Prime Minister, rest assured! I will certainly do my utmost!"

Zheng Shuqing felt like slapping his chest so hard it would thunder.

……

Marriage is a major life event; although Fang Chongyong is not yet of age, his marriage has already been arranged, leaving him unusually uneasy and anxious.

Late at night, he invited Fang Laique's father, Fang Dafu, to a candlelit long talk, probing the Fang family's and Chang'an's situation.

"The betrothal is indeed genuine; this old servant knows it well. I only wish Wang Zhongsi were not reduced to this state, while Alang has become Youzhou Prefectural Observation Commissioner, just a step away from Military Governor."

Fang Dafu couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"So this marriage arrangement is real, then?"

Fang Chongyong frowned slightly; life often does not allow free choice.

His bastard father's alliance with Wang Zhongsi's family is not something he can decide; Wang Zhongsi will eventually rise again, and his father is already a senior official in Youzhou. Annulment would signify a political upheaval, the impact of which would far exceed Fang Chongyong's expectations.

"The divorce route is no longer possible; tomorrow let's go see the Wang family residence."

Fang Chongyong lamented.

He is still a child; why must he bear so many responsibilities!

"In Huaiyuan Lane, exit the lane gate and head northwest."

Fang Dafu said succinctly.

Fang Chongyong nodded; it seemed he must visit the Wang family. Managing Wang Zhongsi's external assignment to a border town and his achievements, without informing his own family, would be indefensible.

Because such "operations" sometimes backfire. They often fail to accomplish anything while causing more trouble.

"Alang once said you shouldn't stay in Chang'an, even never return to Chang'an. But…"

Fang Dafu couldn't help but speak with emotion.

These words greatly surprised Fang Chongyong, who asked bewildered, "Chang'an offers many opportunities; why shouldn't one be there?"

"Because Alang said Chang'an won't stay prosperous forever; perhaps one day disaster will strike. Here there are many people and many troubles; you were a bit stiff as a child, and Alang thinks you may not protect yourself. Fang Laique is also foolish; how can the two of you, as simpletons, face a looming catastrophe?"

Fang Dafu also couldn't understand why Fang Youde insisted on sending Fang Chongyong to Kuizhou to handle matters himself. Perhaps there is some scheme involved. In Fang Dafu's eyes, Fang Youde is omnipotent.

"Never mind; in Great Tang, if not in Chang'an, where else could one be?"

Fang Chongyong sighed, saying that coming to the Tang dynasty without being in Chang'an is like going to a grilled‑fish restaurant and not ordering grilled fish. He is not a person of austere desire who can endure solitude; even if he doesn't come to Chang'an now, he will eventually.

"By the way, the Wang family's residence should have been granted by the Sage, right?"

Fang Chongyong suddenly recalled that Xu Yuan and others said a residence like theirs starts at seven guan per month for a single room! Just the rent is that price; one can imagine how expensive buying a house in Chang'an is!

It is said that when Bai Juyi first started working in Chang'an, half his monthly salary went to rent; after thirty years of officialdom, gradually rising, he finally saved enough to buy a house.

All officials are like that; it shows how terrifying Chang'an's housing prices are.

Of course, Chang'an is vast; in terms of residential layout, it is "dense in the north, sparse in the south" and "wealthy in the west, prosperous in the east." The southern slums have poor security, gather all sorts of people, and are not yet fully populated.

"Indeed, although Wang Zhongsi is a distinguished General and his father also gave his life for the country, without the Sage's grant he could not afford a house in Chang'an."

Fang Dafu said with certainty that his daily grocery shopping gives him a very direct sense of Chang'an's prices. Li Longji would grant a residence precisely because Chang'an's housing prices have become shockingly high.

Ordinary officials truly cannot afford it.

However, a border‑town General must have a household in Chang'an (not necessarily all members), which is a rule. During the An Shi Rebellion, An Lushan's son was also in Chang'an and was unfortunately cut off by Li Longji.

Previously, Wang Zhongsi had been a Grand General and emerged from the court; it would be strange for him to lack a residence in Chang'an! Fang Chongyong thought and felt that the Wang family's life in Chang'an must be rather difficult.

Wang Zhongsi was demoted, his salary reduced greatly; how would the Wang family survive? Just thinking of it is not optimistic. Even someone like Zheng Shuqing, from a noble lineage, would have his family cramped into one courtyard, living conditions incomparable to his hometown.

After a silent night, the next day he feared the big‑mouth Fang Laique would speak recklessly, so he only took Ah Duan and headed to Huaiyuan Lane. Following the address given by Wang Zhongsi, he went to find the Wang family's residence.

Is the fiancée a cute little girl or a big chubby one?

It is said that Wang Zhongsi's wife was married by decree of Li Longji, hailing from the Li clan of Longxi's Gu Zang branch, a prestigious lineage; this little girl should be quite attractive.

With a feeling of anxiety and hope, he smoothly passed through Huaiyuan Lane's gate, and after finding the place, Fang Chongyong knocked.

"Who are you looking for?"

A dashing young man opened the door; his smile vanished as soon as he saw Fang Chongyong.

"I am the Wang family's son‑in‑law; I have matters to discuss with my mother‑in‑law."

Fang Chongyong bowed and said, neither obsequious nor arrogant.

"Since you're a son‑in‑law, how could you not know that the Wang family members have moved out? You aren't an impostor, are you?"

This handsome young man wore a look of puzzlement, eyeing Fang Chongyong with ill intent as the two stared each other down.