Chapter 317: Opening Heaven

"I, Yang Qixuan, humbly petition the Sage to have the portraits of the four men—Military Governor of Xuanwu Army Fang Youde, Right Prime Minister Li Linfu, former Prime Minister Zhang Jiuling, and former Lǒngyòu Military Governor Guo Zhiun—added to the Lingyan Pavilion!"

"Please grant your benevolent approval, Sage!"

In the Purple Hall of the Daming Palace, the Censor Yang Qixuan stepped forward and loudly petitioned. He placed his official hat on the ground and knelt, refusing to rise.

If the great Ji Ge does not approve, he will kneel here until the ends of the world!

No civil or military official in the court stepped forward to agree, nor did anyone oppose, because this is merely a procedural step; everything has been prearranged, even the portraits of the four have already been hung in the Lingyan Pavilion.

At this moment, even Li Linfu's political rival, Left Prime Minister Li Shizhi, stood calmly in the hall without speaking.

This is a "good thing"; frankly, it benefits everyone. It means the unwritten rule that after the Zhenguan era officials could not enter the Lingyan Pavilion has been broken, and henceforth anyone who merits merit can have their portrait placed there for posterity.

If he is not in this batch, will the next batch include him?

Li Shizhi harbors a slight personal wish, so he will not step forward to undermine Ji Ge's plans, nor could he possibly insult Li Linfu or Fang Youde.

If even he does not step forward, no one else will.

Ji Ge sat on the Dragon Throne, smiling without speaking.

He had spent a great deal of effort on this matter beforehand.

Among other things, he procured a "Jade Tablet of Auspiciousness" from elsewhere to prove that the Great Tang is a "nation of heavenly brilliance and earthly treasure," and that this flourishing era rivals Emperor Taizong's Zhenguan governance.

Even the four newly added individuals were carefully considered by Ji Ge, not chosen at random.

The former Prime Minister Zhang Jiuling is a representative of the "Literary School" and, having studied under Zhang Shuo, possesses considerable connections within that faction.

The former Lǒngyòu Military Governor Guo Zhiun was the key figure in recapturing Lǒngyòu and reversing the strategic balance between the Great Tang and Tufan, and he cemented the authority of the northwestern "Border Garrison School."

Without Guo Zhiun, there would be no current Tang advantage over Tufan in Lǒngyòu, nor the various border garrison deployments.

These two are regarded as outstanding figures of the Tang central administration during the Kaiyuan era.

So why not select heavyweights like Yao Chong and Zhang Shuo?

Because their early lives were rooted in the "former dynasty," bearing deep Wu Zhou imprints. Bringing them in would make later generations think Ji Ge is "reaping the shade of trees planted by predecessors."

This time Ji Ge's aim is to showcase his own achievements, not to glorify his grandmother Empress Wu Zetian.

Therefore he naturally cannot add people like Yao Chong and Zhang Shuo.

Fang Youde is an old retainer from the Longqian period with distinguished military merit; Li Linfu is of the Li Tang royal clan and has reliably served as Right Prime Minister for many years.

If the two deceased were added to "continue the past," then the portraits of these two living men entering the Lingyan Pavilion serve to "inaugurate the future," demonstrating to the world that the Son of Heaven thirsts for talent, cherishes old ties, and can grant both high office and lasting fame—so why not pledge swift loyalty to me?

In such a meticulously plotted court session, who with eyes open would dare oppose?

These four individuals almost encompass every power faction of the Tang central administration, making them the greatest common denominator Ji Ge crafted to balance all sides.

"Since all esteemed ministers have no objections, then…"

Before Ji Ge finished speaking, a young official stepped forward and shouted at him, "Sage! I believe Zhang Jiuling has no great achievements for the state and does not deserve to be listed alongside other Lingyan Pavilion meritorious officials; please rescind the decree!"

Having spoken, he placed his official hat on the ground, knelt, assuming the same posture as Yang Qixuan!

Nima, there really are idiots!

The entire court in the Purple Hall was shocked; Li Linfu, who stood at the front, was most anxious… because this man was a pawn he had painstakingly placed within the Censorate, a poet with a reputation, a well‑known lackey!

How could he run out without any notice?

"I remember you; you are Du Fu, right?

Your poem 'Climbing to the Summit—seeing all mountains as small'—I greatly admire it."

Ji Ge smiled, his expression gentle and composed.

He actually also found adding Zhang Jiuling uncomfortable, because Zhang had repeatedly embarrassed him in the past.

Yet omitting Zhang Jiuling was not an option.

Ji Ge is the emperor, not a thug! As Son of Heaven, he must have a political framework belonging to the throne; with a framework come corresponding rules, and one cannot act arbitrarily.

The emperor needs people to help him amass wealth and others to sing his praises. Thus Zhang Jiuling, as the "model project" of a literary official entering the cabinet, must be upheld firmly and cannot be toppled.

As for why Du Fu caused a commotion, it was, of course, to promote his benefactor, the "gracious minister" Li Linfu!

Without Li Linfu's exceptional promotion, Du Fu could not have passed the imperial examination the year after his leg was broken; moreover, Li Linfu's covert assistance enabled him to become a Jinshi, then, before the official selection date, a scribe, and subsequently rise a rank each year until he became an Attendant Censor.

Without Li Linfu's continual patronage, how could Du Fu have appeared in the Purple Hall? If he does not speak for Li Linfu, would he then speak for the already deceased Zhang Jiuling?

Du Fu's administrative ability is mediocre and his emotional intelligence low, yet why does Li Linfu value him?

Actually the reason is simple, just as Ji Ge promoted Zhang Jiuling. For Li Linfu, Du Fu is a "low‑tier" Zhang Jiuling. Such a "pure‑stream figure" serves as a henchman entering the Censorate at the right moment.

It could even be said that he is being used to his fullest.

Yet before this, Li Linfu never instructed Du Fu to cause trouble! By stirring up this, he greatly amuses himself, a thoughtless slap in the face of the emperor!

"Sage, Du Fu has behaved improperly before the hall; I recommend expelling him from the Purple Hall."

Li Linfu stepped forward, crossed his arms in a salute to Ji Ge, and a flash of irritation crossed his brows.

Ji Ge waved his hand and said to Li Linfu, "Right Prime Minister, no need to speak further; Censor Du, please continue."

"Sage, among the four newly entered into the Lingyan Pavilion, three are truly deserving; only Zhang Jiuling is unfit. He is a remonstrant minister yet lacks great achievements; if he enters the Pavilion, it would disgrace our predecessors."

"I, the humble minister, will die remonstrating! Zhang Jiuling must not enter the Lingyan Pavilion!"

Du Fu knelt on the ground and said.

Will this reckless move offend some court officials?

Certainly; Zhang Jiuling has many former students and officials, and the Zhang Shuo lineage is prolific across the realm. For example, Zhang Jiuling's friend Yan Tingzhi's son Yan Wu serves as a regional inspector in Shu.

However, as an outer member of Li Linfu's faction, Du Fu must demonstrate loyalty to the Right Prime Minister to ascend into the inner circle!

Impeaching a "deceased" is the least risky approach; even if it fails, his reputation remains intact.

This is far wiser than blindly flattering Li Linfu!

Zhang Jiuling is unfit, but Li Linfu is suitable, which is essentially indirect flattery toward Li Linfu. It also conveniently flatters Fang Youde, whose son Fang Chongyong greatly assisted during the imperial examinations.

Before today's court session, Du Fu had already thought it through; this sacrifice is necessary to achieve his political ambitions.

To strive, how could there be no sacrifice!

From a political faction standpoint, Du Fu is indeed offending people now, even offending the emperor.

But in terms of court ethics, his stance is very clear, and his political reputation is outstanding.

Besides that, Du Fu harbors an impulse of "literati looking down on each other." Simply put, Zhang Jiuling, who is equally outstanding in poetry and prose, is the future example that Du Fu will hit the ceiling with on the court!

Du Fu thinks so.

Zhang Jiuling is the Du Fu after soaring to fame, while Du Fu is the Zhang Jiuling who has not yet made a name.

For Du Fu, stepping on Zhang Jiuling is not merely "routine business," but climbing the ranks by trampling the other's reputation! In both public and private matters, he desires to stir things up at this critical juncture.

Having Du Fu as a remonstrant in Lingyan Pavilion is enough; there's no need for any Zhang Jiuling, and he doesn't want to be called "the second Zhang Jiuling" in the future.

"If Zhang Jiuling is unfit, then who do you think is more suitable, my dear minister?"

Ji Ge squinted and asked, seeming noncommittal.

Actually, according to the "selection criteria," many veteran ministers from the Kaiyuan era are suitable. It's just that too many were unsuitable to join in the first batch, and Ji Ge this time is also approaching it with a "testing the waters" attitude.

In Zizhen Hall, the entire court of civil and military officials, no one can figure out what Ji Ge is thinking now.

"I, the humble minister, do not know; I only know that Zhang Jiuling is unsuitable."

Du Fu forced himself to speak.

After the surge of hot blood, now he feels bone‑chilling cold, terrified to the extreme, unable to continue speaking.

"Zhang Jiuling repeatedly dared to speak bluntly and remonstrate; he is a dissenting minister.

Although he has already passed away, I still miss him greatly.

I cannot chill the heart of a dissenting minister; you are also a dissenting minister, so rise, I will not blame you."

Ji Ge is in an especially good mood today, raising the tablet high and then gently lowering it.

For Ji Ge, Zhang Jiuling is fine in every way except that he hasn't accomplished any concrete deeds; he's the type of person who "focuses on the void, not the reality." Relying solely on him cannot sustain the situation; without his peripheral drumming, something is missing.

You might say such a person is important, but after Zhang Jiuling reaches the core, he still hasn't done any concrete work, and he even joins factional struggles, forming a party with Yan Tingzhi and others, which looks rather unsavory.

But if you claim Zhang Jiuling is unimportant, he often offers advice and proposals, presenting some practical plans, and he's not just idling in the court.

Such a minister cannot be lacking; whether Ji Ge likes or dislikes him, a model like this must be established to inspire future generations.

This is politics!

Du Fu hasn't figured it out, but Ji Ge has already grasped it thoroughly, knowing the rules of political operation like the back of his hand, as if directing with his arm!

Seeing Du Fu spared, Li Linfu silently breathed a sigh of relief, resenting Du Fu's recklessness, while speculating about Ji Ge's motives; for a moment he became distracted.

"Yang Qixuan, I appoint you as Vice Minister of Rites, specifically responsible for this matter. Ministers, if official business is not busy, then we may dismiss the court."

Ji Ge said, sounding slightly weary.

"If there is a matter, present it; if not, retire from court!"

Gao Lishi shouted.

After a moment, the ministers in Zizhen Hall together said:

"Respectfully escort the sage!"

Ji Ge rose slowly, leaving Zizhen Hall accompanied by the eunuchs.

Standing inconspicuously, Fang Youde couldn't help but glance at the nervous Du Fu, then sighed softly; no one responded, and he walked straight out of Zizhen Hall.

After leaving Daming Palace, Fang Youde walked along the broad Zhuque Avenue, noticing many small vendors setting up stalls along the alley walls. The Jinwu Guard did not arrest these "violators"; instead, they drew white‑chalk lines along the walls, marking a narrow area on the ground where merchants could set up stalls, charging them periodically.

Fang Youde, in a daze, seemed to have returned to the late Tang of his past life. The bustling city market had lost the city's orderly layout, but gained much of earthly liveliness.

"Indeed, this truly is an age of prosperity now."

Fang Youde placed his hand behind his back, approached a stall selling hu biscuits, took out a Chang'an jiaozi worth "one guan" from his pocket, and handed it to the seller to buy the biscuits.

"Two lamb‑filled hu biscuits, hot, just out of the oven."

Fang Youde said calmly.

"Sir official, do you have copper coins? A hundred‑wen jiaozi would also do!"

The man in front, with dark skin and a forehead full of wrinkles, looked under forty but was probably much younger, asked with a troubled expression.

He dared to speak because Fang Youde is a reasonable official.

This is easy to judge, because those who don't reason never pull out money to buy things; the lower classes have their own survival wisdom.

"I'll buy a few more, no need for change."

Fang Youde waved his hand and said.

"Ten‑wen each; could you not buy a hundred?"

The vendor, surprised, asked, even if you buy a hundred, Fang Youde still couldn't handle it.

"I'll just buy two; the rest is just me asking you about something."

Fang Youde took the hu biscuits handed over by the vendor and whispered.

Seeing a windfall in his hands, the middle‑aged vendor calmly took the jiaozi, examined it repeatedly, then slipped it into his bosom and secured it.

He leaned in a bit, a mysterious smile appearing on his face, and said, "Hehe, sir official, ask away; I know everything and say everything. Having roamed Chang'an for years, I know many of these household matters."

After speaking, he gave Fang Youde a look that said, "Only men understand."

Seeing the other party cooperate, Fang Youde couldn't help but nod slightly.

"Now all of Chang'an is debating the jiaozi; what do you think of it?"

Fang Youde asked softly, pretending to haggle with the vendor.

"Sir official, the jiaozi is convenient, but… not easy to exchange for cloth. To exchange for cloth, you must book in advance at the yamen, queue, and each person has a monthly limit; exceeding it you cannot exchange."

The vendor said with difficulty.

Fang Youde nodded slightly without speaking; after all, in his past life, the Great Tang had already faced a cataclysm, yet jiaozi were not widespread. How these things operate and what ultimate impact they will have, this man of humble origin did not understand.

"However, sir official, if you have a Hexi jiaozi, perhaps you could exchange it with me for a Hexi jiaozi. Though Hexi is far, this jiaozi can be exchanged at will, circulating freely in the market."

The vendor licked his lips, took out the one‑guan jiaozi from his pocket, and eagerly handed it before Fang Youde.

If it were another official, even Li Linfu, he might not be able to produce Hexi paper notes on the spot. But Fang Youde is such a person that his household could be said to have plenty of Hexi notes. The smallest denomination is ten guan.

Fang Youde pulled a ten‑guan Hexi note from his bosom, handed it to the vendor selling hu‑bing, and said, "You can go exchange it for money."

Today I've met a benefactor!

The dark‑skinned merchant was overjoyed, took the ten‑guan Hexi note, walked around and returned, giving Fang Youde a ten‑guan Chang'an note.

He didn't even take the money for the hu‑bing!

Fang Youde, with a strange expression, looked at him and asked, "Weren't you just saying you'd give a one‑guan coin as payment for the hu‑bing? Why not take it?"

"These Hexi notes can be exchanged at any time, saving the queuing process; this clever advantage, Sir Official, you obviously can't appreciate. Hahaha, consider this hu‑bing a treat from me!"

The hu‑bing vendor laughed heartily.

"Hexi is 1,800 li from Chang'an; how can one exchange money? How could it possibly be convenient?"

Fang Youde asked in bewilderment, "I'm not a fool; money doesn't just fall from the wind! Even if it's 1,800 li away, if it can be exchanged, must we really travel 1,800 li?"

The vendor was about to roll his eyes in contempt, but then recalled the other's status, steadied himself, and explained:

"Sir Official, you as a distinguished person tend to forget things."

The Military Governor has a Presentation Office in Chang'an.

The court has a policy: these Hexi notes can be exchanged for cloth at the Hexi Military Governor's Presentation Office, without needing to travel to Hexi.

At the Hexi Presentation Office, exchanges are available anytime on a first‑come, first‑served basis; if none are available, wait two days—they have excellent reputation. If delayed, just wait for the next batch; the office always has cloth to exchange for Hexi notes. They simply refuse Chang'an notes.

Seeing that Fang Youde was easy to talk to, the vendor also gave him a lot of solid information.

Can Hexi notes be exchanged for cloth at the Presentation Office in Chang'an?

The answer is not only can they, but the court has a specific policy.

Hexi notes are exchanged for "Hexi cloth," which is cloth transported from the Hexi Military Governor's Office—or put simply, cloth awarded by the court to the Hexi Military Governor, intended for Hexi but not yet delivered there.

To save transport costs, the court simply handed these silks to the Presentation Office for disposition.

Originally the cloth was meant for Hexi; now that the Hexi Presentation Office has received it, it supports Hexi note exchanges locally in Chang'an.

That… seems plausible, and it also saves the freight cost of shuttling cloth back and forth.

But Fang Youde always feels something is off here, yet he can't quite articulate why.

In short, Hexi notes can now be exchanged in Chang'an without obstacle; their reputation is excellent, and there is no problem.

When exchanging, no queuing, no appointment, and no ID required. Whether you're a Hu merchant or a Han civilian, you can exchange freely.

Of course, for larger amounts, a ten‑day advance reservation is needed.

This can be understood as the Hexi Military Governor taking the court‑awarded cloth to Chang'an to support independent exchange of Hexi notes, then using the freely circulating Hexi notes to acquire enterprises. Finally, the output of those enterprises sustains the circulation of the notes, forming an economic closed loop.

Anyway, the court has relaxed regulation on this. After all, it effectively loosens central finances; in other words, the central authority also saves the freight cost of reallocating cloth.

Money‑making or cost‑saving schemes are no issue for Brother Ji; one could say nothing is forbidden.

After leaving the hu‑bing stall, Fang Youde took a bite of the hu‑bing in his hand; the aroma of fermented soy and lamb surged to his brain, making him want another bite.

Delicious yet cheap food is always among the people. Laborers always use their ingenuity to make the limited ingredients they have as tasty as possible.

Fang Youde felt a flood of emotions in his heart.

But when he calmed down and recalled the vendor's words, he felt that the present Great Tang seemed to have taken a different path from his previous life.

Another road of no return… an unknown, never‑experienced-before road of no return.

Although he doesn't know where it leads, the end must be a mortal purgatory!

This gave Fang Youde an inexplicable dread.

Because the lessons from his previous life are now of little use. Few enemies are visible on the surface, while those lurking beneath are all unknown.

The opponents, subordinates, or friends he will face—who is "loyal" and who is "treacherous"—no longer have clear answers.

Facing different situations and different people leads to different choices.

Often, whether one is a Buddha or a demon hinges on a single thought; who dares claim someone is born evil?

Human hearts are hidden beneath the belly; henceforth truth lies in others' minds, and one can only judge by listening to words and observing actions.

Fang Youde's "prophet" advantage has essentially vanished.

Today, he has formally entered the Lingyan Pavilion, achieving the great deeds a minister can attain. To the world, Fang Youde has already succeeded in this life and can now lie back, idle, and enjoy his old age.

Only he knows that matters will not be so simple.

No one enjoys good fortune for a hundred days, nor do flowers stay red for a hundred days; what is destined will surely come!

Just as deep‑seated hatred does not vanish into thin air. Either you kill the enemy, are killed, or both happen simultaneously; otherwise the hatred remains, passed down through generations.

Until people wash it away with blood.

Thinking of this, Fang Youde suddenly found the hu‑bing in his mouth lost its flavor, leaving only a faint gamey smell.

…

"Du Zimei, how should I, your humble self, speak well of you?"

In the study of Li Linfu's residence in Pingkang Lane, the Great Tang Right Prime Minister, shaking his head and sighing, reprimanded Du Fu.

"Please, Right Prime Minister, forgive my offense; I was merely hot‑headed…"

Du Fu said shamefully. When he attended court, he indeed had personal motives, but overall he was still acting on Li Linfu's behalf.

Indeed, Li Linfu's character was truly poor, his official reputation unimpressive, and he entered officialdom through family connections without taking the imperial examinations.

But while others could criticize Li Linfu, even write essays or poems to scold him, Du Fu could not.

Because his examination path followed Li Linfu's, and not the usual route; Li Linfu directly intervened, "pointing him out," enabling Du Fu to become a jinshi.

This favor of being recognized, Du Fu could not repay in a lifetime; otherwise he would be condemned by mainstream societal trends!

It remains the same: when one is a destitute scholar, he may freely write poems railing against social injustice, verses about rotten wine and meat behind aristocratic doors, or frozen corpses on the road!

When treading the heavenly streets over the bones of nobles, one can even secretly clap in approval!

However, once he enters the upper circles of the ruling class, he can no longer uphold that stance.

Du Fu now is like this: because of Li Linfu's promotion he became a jinshi, his official career has been smooth, so he must serve Li Linfu front and back. His demeanor may be elegant, but he must never act slyly against him!

"The Chancellor knows you're one of us, but sigh, this Censorate job really isn't suitable for you.

How about this: there's a vacant Sima position in Xiangzhou; you can be transferred to Xiangzhou to serve as Sima.

The Chancellor will promptly promote you to Cishi of Xiangzhou."

Li Linfu sighed and said.

Finding someone who can write poetry and sway public opinion among scholars is indeed not easy for him; that's a limitation of the circle. The candidate Li Linfu has in mind must be trustworthy and capable of producing "impactful" poetry and prose. At present, aside from Du Fu, he has no one else.

Sending Du Fu from the Censorate's Assistant Censor to Xiangzhou (Yecheng) as Sima—does this count as a promotion or a demotion?

On the surface it appears that because Du Fu "offended by speaking frankly", he is being elevated from a sixth‑rank Assistant Censor to a fourth‑rank Sima of a superior prefecture, but in reality he is being kicked out of Chang'an's core official circle, left to fend for himself in the provinces.

A classic case of overt praise with covert disparagement.

Of course, without Li Linfu's promotion, Du Fu would probably still be drifting in the lower echelons of the bureaucracy, scraping by. One can only say that having a powerful patron is truly beneficial; even a demotion is covered by someone.

"Thanks to the Right Prime Minister for nurturing me; I am deeply grateful,"

Du Fu bowed respectfully to Li Linfu and said.

He knows that his impulsiveness has cost him; he has left the fast lane of promotion and entered a slower track of building seniority, with fortunes unknown.

"Go then; tomorrow go to the Censorate to complete the handover, and in a few days report for your new post."

Li Linfu said in a somewhat cold tone.

These officials who come from literary backgrounds, unaware of the times, are a common flaw!

Du Fu knows exactly what his own selfish motives are; he simply chooses not to expose them.

After bidding farewell to Li Linfu, Du Fu walked out of the Li family's residence.

A heavy rain is about to fall; at this moment a gale erupts, blowing the various street stalls into chaos, chickens and dogs scattering, and everywhere crowds hurriedly run home to avoid the rain in an orderly fashion.

"Today's gale is truly noisy,"

Du Fu couldn't help but sigh, turned his head to glance at the Right Prime Minister's residence, and felt a melancholy sigh rise within him.

(End of chapter)