Chapter 374: The Perpetual Mystery Without a True Answer

Who on earth could be so ruthless and insane as to send assassins after Li Linfu?

This is neither a "crime of passion" nor an "inevitable" accident.

Rather, it is a meticulously planned scheme that lets the perpetrators walk away unscathed afterward—truly a plot hatched with long‑standing, calculated intent.

Who could have such audacity? Who would dare such boldness?

Ji Ge asked Gao Lishi who might kill Li Linfu, and the latter gave an answer that shocked him immensely yet made perfect sense:

So many people have motives to kill Li Linfu that those who want his life are countless; they'd have to line up and take turns claiming him!

Then Gao Lishi offered his view:

First, Li Linfu began his career as chief of the thousand‑cattle office and rose through the ranks—Prince's Assistant, Prince's Counselor, Director of the Imperial Academy, Deputy Censor‑in‑Chief, Minister of Punishments, Minister of Personnel, Minister of the Yellow Gate—ultimately becoming Right Chancellor.

Along the way, he offended countless people, some of whom were ruined—directly or indirectly—by his machinations.

Among them, could there not be one or two slip through the net, capable of avenging themselves against him?

Second, when he sought to reclaim the issuance rights of the Hexi cash coins, Li Linfu offended every powerful local magnate in Hexi, even taking a son‑in‑law as a hostage.

More recently, after abolishing the Chang'an cash coins and issuing the new "Guanzhong cash coins," the exchange rate for old versus new currency was set far too low, causing a massive loss for many aristocrats and the great merchants attached to them. Numerous households saw their liquid assets wiped out, and some even were driven to death by debt.

Among those, there are so many with both the means and motive to stab Li Linfu that their hands would never be able to count them all.

Finally, there is a faction of ambitious schemers who plan to elevate a prince and profit from the chaos; after killing Li Linfu they could set the next move, muddy the waters, and then fish in the mire.

Their ambitions are great and they are the most dangerous. They lurk in the shadows, leaving no trace for us to detect.

In short, when everything seemed ordinary, Li Linfu's death made Ji Ge realize that this Right Chancellor, whose power tipped the Tang, had, witting or not, offended a staggering number of people!

Thus, probing motives is essentially like searching for a needle in the ocean.

"My servant is gone; who will help me control the court?"

Ji Ge couldn't help but sigh deeply, speaking as if to himself.

Many people are like that: while they're present, everything seems taken for granted; only after they're gone do you feel their indispensability.

Now Ji Ge feels exactly that way about Li Linfu.

Regretful and helpless, but not sad.

"The Left Chancellor Li Shizhi could become Right Chancellor; promoting another Left Chancellor would suffice.

The Tang has only one Son of Heaven, but the number of people capable of becoming chancellor is countless; what could the Sage worry about?"

Gao Lishi replied leisurely, his suggestion steady and unhurried.

Hearing Gao Lishi say that, Ji Ge felt a little reassured. Indeed, as the other said, the Tang only needs an unchanged emperor; everything else can change, and the absence of any one person matters little.

The Tang's realm stretches thousands of miles; is it still afraid of a lack of talent?

"Then I ask you, who can be Left Chancellor?"

Ji Ge asked calmly, without a flicker of emotion.

Because of his lazy governance, routine affairs are delegated to Gao Lishi and Li Linfu. Gao Lishi handles most personnel appointments, while Li Linfu oversees the day‑to‑day operations.

Ji Ge now asking Gao Lishi for advice is, in a sense, an exercise of 'knowing people and appointing them wisely.'

"Your Sage, the Minister of War Wei Jiansu is gentle by nature and entered officialdom during the Kaiyuan era; he can be described as seasoned and prudent.

Li Shizhi is coarse and rigid; pairing him with a gentle Left Chancellor who does not contest him makes a perfect match."

Gao Lishi cautioned carefully, saying that even he must be doubly careful when recommending candidates for key posts.

Because serving a ruler is like keeping a tiger; even if the tiger seems gentle day‑to‑day, it can devour you in an instant.

Gao Lishi has been by Ji Ge's side for decades and has come to read the emperor's thoughts and temper perfectly.

Indeed, Ji Ge gave a noncommittal nod, then asked, "Minister of Punishments Fang Guan, what do you think of him?"

Ji Ge was not being led by Gao Lishi's nose; he had his own ideas.

When one grows old, one often recalls who once spoke most sweetly. Ji Ge remembered that during the Tai Shan Fengshan ceremony, Fang Guan—now Minister of Punishments—had composed a 'Fengshan Treatise' for him, with flowery diction and beautiful prose.

The flattery was masterful! It gave the emperor great face.

Moreover, Wei Jiansu is in the same faction as Li Shizhi, and both remain in the Ministry of War. Making Wei Jiansu chancellor would turn the court into Li Shizhi's one‑voice chamber.

Ji Ge's perspective on the issue is still more comprehensive than Gao Lishi's. Having a Left and Right Chancellor that cannot check each other is a torment for an already aged, waning emperor.

He no longer has the energy to outwit those old foxes.

"Sage, I have heard that Fang Guan is all talk; his writings are good, but he lacks real talent or learning.

Would appointing him Left Chancellor be inappropriate?

Should we summon him for an audience so the Sage can assess him in person?"

Gao Lishi asked, his tone a little hesitant.

"Very well, then have Fang Guan come see me."

Ji Ge replied offhand.

At this moment, seated on the Dragon Throne, he felt uneasy all over and began to miss the hot springs of Huaqing Palace.

Actually, whether it's Wei Jiansu or Fang Guan, Ji Ge didn't care at all.

As long as they're not the kind of useless bunglers who can't handle anything, a bit of mediocrity is fine. The central political framework of the Tang is already mature; chancellors change generation after generation like a relay, and procedures are followed for every task, so nothing stalls.

To put it bluntly, even a dog in the Right Chancellor's seat, as long as it can stamp and sign, will keep the Tang's central administration running, and no major events will arise in the short term.

Gao Lishi took the order and left.

After he departed, Ji Ge fell into contemplation and suddenly recalled something.

When the Lingyan Pavilion was reopened, four people were added: Guo Zhi‑yun from early Kaiyuan, Zhang Jiuling from late Kaiyuan, and still in court Li Linfu and Fang Youde.

Now, of those four, three are dead, leaving only Fang Youde as a lone surviving sprout.

He originally had many ideas, but thinking of Fang Youde's lofty prestige in the army made Ji Ge's stomach churn.

He knows well that Fang Youde's loyalty is not only to him as emperor, but to the Tang itself.

Ji Ge does not doubt Fang Youde's character, but worries that he might someday "remove the old and usher in the new," elevate a prince, and "continue the past while opening the future."

Then let's just not.

Ji Ge let out a long sigh; Li Linfu's sudden assassination made him feel as if a leg had been crippled, so now his steps are laborious.

His mind tangled with chaotic thoughts, and he didn't know how long had passed before Gao Lishi returned, stayed in the Imperial Study for a while, and only then did Ji Ge notice.

"Did you bring the person?"

Ji Ge asked softly.

Gao Lishi replied obediently: "Your Majesty, Fang Guan is just outside the door; I will bring him in now."

"Hmm, go ahead."

Ji Ge nodded, looking listless.

If he didn't have to see what kind of person the new Left Prime Minister candidate was, he would now just want to return to Huaqing Palace to rest. He doesn't know why, but Ji Ge now feels the air in Chang'an is all foul, suffocating.

Soon, a middle‑aged man in a purple robe, looking about forty and slightly thin, was brought into the Imperial Study.

Ji Ge looked up and couldn't help but feel a jolt in his heart!

It's… so alike! It's practically a replica of Zhang Jiuling!

Aside from the slight differences in appearance and build, the confident demeanor and the scholar's unique spiritual temperament were almost as if carved from the same mold as Zhang Jiuling.

Putting aside real talent and learning, just from his looks he indeed bears the bearing of a prime minister.

And a slick bureaucrat like Zheng Shuqing is obviously not prime‑minister material; his aura compared with Fang Guan is worlds apart.

"Fang, my dear minister, I wish to test you. The recent assassination of the Right Prime Minister was a great loss to the court. Yet the state must keep running; it cannot be without a prime minister.

I intend to have Li Shizhi assume the Right Prime Minister role, which will vacate the Left Prime Minister post—no need to mention that.

If I now appoint you as the new Left Prime Minister, how will you fulfill your duties?"

Ji Ge asked with a smile.

"Replying, Your Majesty, I will follow established precedent; I shall cooperate with the Right Prime Minister in handling affairs, adhering to the old system. Whether great or minor matters, I will record them in detail and submit them to Your Majesty for thorough review."

Fang Guan performed a respectful bow and said.

Hearing this, Ji Ge nodded in satisfaction.

Fang Guan is indeed very perceptive.

What Ji Ge most wishes to avoid now is the endless rivalry between the Left and Right Prime Ministers, which stalls the administration.

But he also worries that all state affairs would be dictated by a single prime minister, with no checks.

Thus Fang Guan's reply is rather clever: I will earnestly serve as your deputy, yet I will also deliver brief reports to you daily.

It neither hinders major matters nor lets Li Shizhi's every move escape Ji Ge's control.

"What do you think of the current Jiaozi policy, and is there anything that needs improvement?"

Ji Ge posed another crucial question.

"The present regional Jiaozi scheme is untenable. I believe the nation should adopt a unified standard, using a single type of Jiaozi.

Just as in ancient times the tracks were standardized and the script unified, regional divisions are only temporary; shared usage is the inevitable trend."

Whether Fang Guan can read minds or simply thought the same, he managed to voice what Ji Ge had long been dissatisfied with.

It truly struck a sore spot.

Ji Ge had long thought there should be no "regional Jiaozi"; the whole country should be one board, one standard.

Using a single Jiaozi would save countless hassles! Regional Jiaozi creates endless trouble; this is like pulling down one's pants and farting—what nonsense!

Hearing Fang Guan's words, Ji Ge felt he had found a kindred spirit.

"Good! Well said!

Then I now appoint you as Palace Attendant; you must serve me well and attend to state affairs!"

Ji Ge said with a smile; his words were like heavenly music, causing the previously composed Fang Guan to immediately kneel, kowtow, and thank him!

Then he performed a deep bow and worshipped!

Seeing his minister so obedient, Ji Ge felt deeply satisfied, gave Fang Guan hearty encouragement, and only then let him depart.

After Fang Guan left, Gao Lishi, looking worried, asked: "Your Majesty, I think Fang Guan likes empty talk, merely picking words you enjoy hearing; he's not very solid and cannot be entrusted with great responsibilities. I heard that when he was young serving locally, his governance caused some disturbances."

"Enough, this matter is settled; I have my own stance."

Ji Ge waved his hand impatiently, clearly not wanting to waste more words with Gao Lishi on this topic.

It's merely a Left Prime Minister; replacing him is a matter of a single sentence.

Now appoint him, then immediately dismiss him—does the emperor care about face?

Ji Ge's perspective on the issue differs greatly from Gao Lishi's.

Seeing Ji Ge completely ignore his advice, Gao Lishi, being perceptive, fell silent.

"Return to Huaqing Palace; attend Li Linfu's funeral on my behalf, and make it a splendid affair."

Ji Ge seemed rather disinterested, his spirits waning, even a bit angry.

Gao Lishi felt that if Ji Ge did not attend Li Linfu's funeral, many would draw unfavorable conclusions and perhaps engage in opportunistic attacks, the kind where a collapsing wall invites everyone to push.

He wanted to speak, but feeling he had already said many unpleasant things today, he obediently fell silent, led Ji Ge to the imperial carriage, and prepared to set off for Huaqing Palace.

Li Linfu is dead, but his followers are still alive.

With Li Shizhi as Right Prime Minister, won't he suppress Li Linfu's faction?

Already worried, Gao Lishi suddenly felt a chilling dread!

Could it be that the emperor, knowing exactly what would happen, deliberately chose not to attend the funeral? He is signaling to some that Li Linfu's era is over, and you need not tiptoe around it!

No matter how great Li Linfu's contributions, status, or reputation were in life, after his death he is merely a corpse, possessing nothing.

Given that, the dead should promptly vacate their positions, not hinder the living from conducting affairs or block their paths to promotion and wealth!

Perhaps Ji Ge thinks that once a person dies, they have no utilitarian value, no need for any lofty posture, after all the dead cannot see.

When a person leaves, the tea cools; as soon as they depart, the tea is already ice‑cold.

Gao Lishi felt a pang of gloom; since ancient times, imperial families have been heartless—an emperor treats even his own son this way, let alone a mere prime minister.

No matter how capable a prime minister is, he is still an outsider. If he is so cold to his own family, how could he be any better to outsiders?

Today's Li Linfu—how could one know he won't become tomorrow's Gao Lishi?

At this moment, Gao Lishi, who had been leading the way for Ji Ge ahead, felt boundless sorrow from Li Linfu's fate.

…

Outside Zhezhi City, before Fang Chongyong a host of tiny‑state kings and nobles knelt on the ground, and for a moment he could not tell who was who.

They looked like huge watermelons in a field, each wearing differently colored but similarly styled hats, riding horses—a rather comical sight.

Fang Chongyong at that moment felt the lofty superiority of the powerful.

Besides the native nobles of the Stone Kingdom, kings and dignitaries from Kang Kingdom, Shi Kingdom, Cao Kingdom and other realms had all gathered here.

Under the bright glint of the Tang army's horizontal swords, they trembled.

Fang Chongyong had just arrived with his troops when they already surrendered, needing no further persuasion from this Jiedushi.

Everywhere here are opportunistic 'heroes'; the watermelon rule—size matters—is their survival principle. Yesterday they could seek refuge with Great Food; today they can likewise turn to the Great Tang.

It's as if their faces are written all over with 'loyalty'!

Kang Kingdom's special envoy Kang Subo, whom they had met once before, just lifted a wooden box over his head, knelt before Fang Chongyong, and trembling said, "Ambassador Fang, this is the head of Great Food Governor Abu Muslin, presented to you now. We hope you will not trouble us for having previously stood on the side of the Great Food people; those matters were forced upon us."

The head of Abu Muslin?

Fang Chongyong thought he was hearing an auditory hallucination.

In his plan, he still needed to press deep into Mulü City, endure countless life‑and‑death trials, ride a thousand miles in a rapid assault, fight in blood‑soaked battles, and only then could he slay Abu Muslin.

Unexpectedly, that Great Food warlord was intercepted and killed by Kang Kingdom troops on the very road back to Mulü City!

It is hard to imagine that the small‑state nobles of the Western Regions, now kneeling on the ground, could have such audacity!

When Great Food troops were present, the armies of those Western Region states had no standing at all—almost like slaves, commanded at will by Abu Muslin.

Even they themselves, many have indeed been publicly humiliated by Great Food troops, leaving them with no dignity.

Who would have thought that once the Great Food main force was annihilated, these armies would instantly turn into starving wolves and strike back.

The Tang army hadn't even reached the Stone Kingdom, and they had already defected! Their speed in switching sides is truly unmatched!

The illustrious Great Food Governor Hu Luoshan was slain so disgracefully, surrounded and killed by Kang Kingdom troops.

That's still better than dying on the battlefield after a bloody clash with the Tang army, where at least a whole body could be left behind and a name recorded in history.

A true man returns wrapped in horsehide—a soldier's fate, nothing more to say; Abu Muslin's death at the hands of the Tang army is also a fitting end.

Yet this governor was slaughtered by rats in the shadows—that is the ultimate disgrace!

Fang Chongyong felt Abu Muslin's death was unworthy and silently warned himself about these seemingly harmless small‑state dignitaries before him.

He took the wooden box, opened it casually, and saw the severed head of a middle‑aged man; apart from confirming the owner was a Great Food person, he could discern nothing else.

"Identify it."

Fang Chongyong handed the wooden box to Che Guangqian, saying so calmly that no excitement could be read on his face.

Che Guangqian repeatedly compared the head with the portrait in her arms, confirming it was indeed Abu Muslin. She leaned forward and whispered, "Jiedushi, confirmed without error."

"This generous gift, along with your sincerity, I, the ambassador, have already received.

However, I still have an account to settle with you, tallying each line item one by one.

This isn't the place for discussion; first enter Zhezhi City, then we'll talk in detail inside the royal palace."

Fang Chongyong drew his Swift‑Wind Illusion Blade, pointed toward Zhezhi City, and declared, his dominance on full display!

(End of chapter)