Chapter 50: State Affairs Like Child's Play

Outside the gates of Xingqing Palace, Fang Youde watched the expression on Prince of Shou Li Chang's face constantly shifting under the torchlight.

Now desolate, now vicious, now indignant, now fearful.

From his face, Fang Youde seemed to see scene after scene of life's tragicomedies.

"It is late, and Chang'an is under curfew. Why does the Prince of Shou linger outside Xingqing Palace instead of leaving?"

Fang Youde looked at Li Chang and asked, as if with deeper meaning.

A flash of irritation crossed Prince of Shou Li Chang's face, and he explained with some awkwardness, forcing the words out: "My mother has passed away, and the Sage is overwhelmed with grief. As a prince, I am naturally concerned for the Sage's health, and so I linger here instead of leaving."

Honestly, this hypocritical excuse couldn't fool even a dog. Even a dog could smell the grief on him.

Fang Youde nodded slightly, expressionless, and paid no further attention to Prince of Shou Li Chang.

Before long, Chen Xuanli walked out of Xingqing Palace with a look of shame on his face. He cupped his hands and said quietly to Fang Youde: "The Sage is now… somewhat indisposed. But General Gao says the Sage will certainly see you tomorrow, and will not be sparing with rewards."

Chen Xuanli glanced thoughtfully at Prince of Shou Li Chang, neither speaking to him nor sending him away.

The woman currently in the Sage's bed was presumably the Princess of Shou.

Well, soon enough she would not be.

Chen Xuanli pondered this in his heart, and suddenly felt that being one of Li Longji's princes seemed rather pitiful too.

One served as Crown Prince for twenty years, only to be ordered to take his own life in the main hall of the Eastern City relay station.

Another had his wife taken to bed by his own father, yet still had to force a smile and pretend nothing had happened.

Even those fortunate enough to have escaped any such misfortune still had to be penned up like livestock in the Ten Princes' Residence, forbidden from developing their own power, forbidden from openly associating with court officials.

Li Longji himself had risen to power through conspiracy and coup, so his precautions against his many princes had reached an extreme unparalleled since the founding of the Great Tang.

"Brother Quanzhong, you see the Sage has already retired. Why not return home to rest first, and have your audience with the Sage tomorrow? What do you say? I have official duties to attend to and dare not be negligent…"

Chen Xuanli looked troubled as he spoke to Fang Youde.

He still had to patrol the city of Chang'an at night—duty called—and clearly had no time to continue cultivating closeness with Fang Youde.

"No need. The Khitan people at the Youzhou frontier are restless. Having suffered a great loss this time, they certainly will not let the matter rest. I had better return to Youzhou City first.

The prisoner-presenting procession will arrive in Chang'an in a day or two. You can handle the arrangements when the time comes—there is no need for me to be present."

Fang Youde's eyes were melancholy as he looked at the gates of Xingqing Palace, shook his head, and sighed.

"But your home is right at the back gate of Xingqing Palace. Are you truly going to pass by your own door without entering?"

Chen Xuanli asked in surprise, keeping his eyes on Fang Youde's face as he spoke, completely treating Prince of Shou Li Chang beside them as if he were invisible.

"Wherever the Sage needs me to be, that is my home. This place is nothing more than a residence. Whether I go or not, what difference does it make?"

Fang Youde shook his head, disappointment visible on his face, though it was unclear what he was disappointed about.

Though Chen Xuanli had known him for many years and the two had once shared hardship together, he had never been able to see through this man.

A person with selfish motives is actually easy to see through in others' eyes, because what he wants is plain to see at a glance.

But what Fang Youde wanted—apart from the Sage, it seemed no one truly knew.

"Then let me see you out of the city."

Chen Xuanli nodded, and Fang Youde did not refuse the offer. The two walked in front, while Zhao Kan, Bai Zhen Tuoluo, Cui Hao, and the others followed closely behind, none knowing what to say.

The group headed toward the Chunming Gate.

That the Military Commissioner of Youzhou had returned to the capital without orders was one thing; that he had sent Khitan prisoners back to Chang'an without the Ministry of War's approval was another; even the oddity of returning to Chang'an deep in the night to demand an audience with the Sage could be left unmentioned.

But why, having come to Chang'an, did he not even return home?

Chen Xuanli could not understand it, but Fang Youde was very disappointed this time—that conflicted look was written all over his face.

Cui Hao and his companions did not understand either what exactly Fang Youde was disappointed about. Having just taken command of Youzhou as Military Commissioner and already achieving such a war record—victories in both battles—could he really fear not being promoted and prospering in the future?

"In the end, I was still one step too late."

Fang Youde sighed with emotion, as if talking to himself.

"Brother Quanzhong, is there something else?"

Chen Xuanli noticed Fang Youde's downcast mood and asked in puzzlement.

"It is this: I had originally wanted to request a person from the Sage. Now that I cannot see the Sage in person, could you help me pass on the message?"

Fang Youde pleaded.

"I thought it was some great matter—just say what it is, passing a message for you is no problem at all."

Chen Xuanli patted his chest and guaranteed it.

"It is like this: I have heard that the Yan clan of the Capital Prefecture has two brothers, Yan Zhenqing and Yan Gaoqing, both of great learning, upright character, and extraordinary ability. The Youzhou Military Commissioner's office is sorely in need of talent right now. The Khitan and Xi people cross the border to raid from time to time, and I must lead troops on campaign, so I cannot manage Youzhou's civil affairs.

I wonder if the court could transfer the Yan brothers to Youzhou. After all, they would all be serving the court, so I imagine it should not be a great problem."

Fang Youde suggested with great modesty.

Hearing this, Chen Xuanli was taken aback, then sighed: "Such a trivial matter—the Sage surely would not mind. Even if you recommended your own servant for a minor post in Youzhou, the Sage would agree. Is that truly all? Would you not seek an official position for your descendants?"

"That is truly all. As for the rest, I have not thought that far ahead—I cannot attend to it."

Fang Youde said dismissively.

Hearing these words, Chen Xuanli and the three companions behind him—Cui Hao and the others—could not help but feel profound respect!

"Brother Quanzhong, you know, sometimes one must scheme for one's affairs—it is the foundation of one's standing.

But sometimes one must also scheme for oneself, and prepare a way out.

Over ten years ago, the Sage fell gravely ill and nearly passed away. Have you forgotten all that happened before and after? The heavens are unpredictable. While the Sage is here, he is the sky. If the Sage is no longer here, that sky will change.

When that time comes, how will you advance and retreat with ease?"

Chen Xuanli leaned in and whispered in Fang Youde's ear, his voice low.

"I take the state as my home. I cannot attend to the rest."

Fang Youde said calmly.

"You, oh you—always with that line. It constantly makes the Sage angry, yet he can never do anything about you. Hahahahaha."

Chen Xuanli laughed heartily; Fang Youde truly is a man who can get things done but knows nothing about being a person, yet he can earn the sincere admiration of those around him. Even if he dies someday, his backbone will remain upright.

That is also one of the reasons why he is willing to convey messages for Fang Youde.

What Fang Youde seeks is unquestionably official business; he never seeks personal gain. His rank and imperial favor were earned by his own fists, step by step. It can be said bluntly that, had Fang Youde once been a household slave of Princess Taiping, it would be hard to say what state the Great Tang would be in now.

Can you bring yourself to hate a person like this?

"By the way, your son entered Hongwen Hall, even taking the spot that was meant for Prince Zhong's eldest son; the Sage personally oversaw this. The Sage also heard that the other two sons of Prince Zhong seem to have grievances about this, and he expelled those two as well from Hongwen Hall."

Chen Xuanli said, suppressing a laugh.

Fang Youde was startled, then gave a helpless wry smile: "How could such a foolish boy have any virtue or ability to enter Hongwen Hall? The Sage cannot, because he favors me, abandon the nation's regulations!"

Then, General Chen, please say one more word to the Sage, that his son be removed from Hongwen Hall's enrollment. As an Imperial Censor, I am not going to let my son starve; what does he gain by going to Hongwen Hall and making a fool of himself?

If the Sage refuses, then I can only resign, return home to farm, and fulfill my loyalty.

Is there really a way to set a son up like this?

Chen Xuanli wore a strange expression, as if wanting to say something, but felt that, by Fang Youde's logic, this made sense.

"The Sage might not like that…"

Chen Xuanli whispered a reminder.

"We cannot afford to neglect it; the nation's statutes are the statutes of all under heaven, not a path for just me, Fang Youde."

The Sage bestows grace upon the princes, a boundless imperial favor beyond mention; but a favor of this kind given to me, I cannot accept.

If the Sage truly wishes to grant me a favor, perhaps he should reward the frontier troops of Youzhou, aid the widows and orphans, to steady the army's morale. Though this battle was won, the northern frontier remains far from optimistic; it requires long‑term management and cannot be neglected.

Hearing this, Chen Xuanli hurriedly seized Fang Youde, bowed deeply and said, "Brother Quan Zhong's virtuous younger brother is wholly devoted to the state; I will certainly convey the message. If the Sage objects, I will also advise him."

The three men behind them, including Cui Hao, once again updated their perception of Fang Youde.

His imperial favor is strong, he is upright, and cares for subordinates… they suddenly felt that this trip to Chang'an yielded no gain at all.

But will such imperial favor truly continue forever?

They also worried about Fang Youde's uprightness. Fang Youde might remain an excellent frontier official, but can the Son of Heaven, the Sage, stay ever clear‑minded, never become senile?

……

The next day, Li Longji personally placed the hoarse Yang Yuhuan—who had been shouting all night—onto an ornate ox‑cart. At that moment his face beamed with triumph, as if he had become ten years younger.

And Prince Shou, standing at the gate of Xingqing Palace, watched Li Longji clasp Yang Yuhuan's waist as he left, daring not utter a single complaint.

"Princess Wang played the qin all night yesterday; today she is a bit weary. You need not disturb her—just focus on mourning your mother."

Li Longji walked up to Prince Shou Li Chang, stroked his chin beard and smiled, saying,

"I will strictly follow the Sage's decree…"

Prince Shou Li Chang suppressed his inner anger, calmly crossed his hands and bowed, saying.

Li Longji nodded with satisfaction, then cleared his throat lightly to mask his embarrassment, and voiced the matter he had already plotted.

"It is as follows: Princess Shou is devoted to the Dao, indifferent to the mortal world, wishes to keep Princess Yuzhen company; I share that view.

From today, Princess Shou will become a female Daoist and temporarily reside in Princess Yuzhen's mansion. Hmm, I have already decided: General Wei Zhao, of the Right Guard, will train his third daughter, Wei Shi, renowned in Chang'an for her virtue. I will arrange for Wei Shi to be your new princess; this is settled, no further discussion needed."

Li Longji said with a pleased expression.

Yang Yuhuan has already been used by Prince Shou for several years; isn't that enough? What more does he want?

Now "trading the old for the new"—it seems there's no wrongdoing toward this unfilial son, right?

Li Longji felt no remorse toward Li Chang at all; given the officials' calls for execution against Consort Wu Hui, he intends to eliminate Consort Wu Hui and Prince Shou, then quietly bring Yang Yuhuan back into the palace—wouldn't that be perfectly logical?

Treating Li Chang so generously now is already a great show of face. Of course, these are merely his own thoughts.

"Thank the Sage's grace!"

Li Chang was overjoyed, quickly bowed and thanked.

"Hmm, very well, you may withdraw."

Li Longji nodded with satisfaction; Prince Shou Li Chang's understanding saved him some effort. Dealing with the aftermath is a disgrace, especially since Consort Wu Hui's remains are still warm; immediately marrying her son's widow and letting the news spread would have terrible repercussions.

Even if Li Longji's skin is as thick as a city wall, this game is still hard to endure.

I must admit, Gao Lishi's idea was excellent. Let Yang Yuhuan first become a female Daoist, then temporarily stay with Princess Yuzhen; then Li Longji could, under the pretext of visiting his younger sister, meet privately with Yang Yuhuan without attracting criticism.

Next, after Prince Shou Li Chang marries Miss Wei, and once the rumors have calmed, we will find a way to bring Yang…

This plan is simply perfect.

After seeing Yang Yuhuan's ox‑cart depart, Chen Xuanli cautiously approached, silent, bowed toward Li Long…

"But what important matter is there?"

Li Longji saw Chen Xuanli, slightly frowned, feeling a bit displeased.

After a night of activity with Yang Yuhuan in bed, he now only wants to have a good sleep.

"Your Majesty, General Fang entered Chang'an last night to present captives and is waiting outside Xingqing Palace. I heard the Sage has already retired for the night, so he returned to Youzhou; the main force of captives…"

"Quan Zhong is back? Where are the men?"

Li Longji was overjoyed, grabbed Chen Xuanli's arm and said,

"The men have already left; the situation in Youzhou is urgent. This time General Fang led a solitary force of five hundred, penetrated deep into enemy territory, dealt a great blow to the Khitans, and captured their chieftain. The northern frontier towns can now enjoy peace for several years."

Seizing the chance, Chen Xuanli said a kind word for Fang Youde.

"Alas, Quan Zhong really… wants nothing…"

Li Longji pretended to be displeased, saying, though in his heart he was…

"The Sage, it does not end there. General Fang does not…"

"Is there such a…"

Li Longji was startled, then sighed…

"Since Quan Zhong says so, we shall follow his words. By the way, did he say anything else?"

Li Longji pressed further.

Fang Jiedushi also requested that the Yan brothers, descendants of the Jingzhao Yan clan, Yan Zhenqing, be assigned to the Youzhou Jiedu Prefecture, saying the two are proficient in both scriptures and martial arts and are a national stronghold.

Chen Xuanli did not forget Fang Youde's instruction and reported the matter of transferring the Yan brothers to Li Longji.

"Is that all? Approved. He didn't say anything about getting a promotion for himself?"

Li Longji always felt that if he didn't grant some reward, people would look down on him.

"Did he say anything else?"

Fang Jiedushi also petitioned for merits for the Youzhou border garrison soldiers and provided relief for the wounded and dead.

"All approved. That's it?"

Li Longji had just swallowed whole, skin and bone, the long‑desired Yang Yuhuan, feeling in a good mood, and thought Fang Youde's proposal was too modest, unable to display the emperor's generosity and boundless imperial grace.

"Indeed that's all; Fang Jiedushi said the military situation in the Youzhou border garrison was unstable and could not be taken lightly."

Chen Xuanli whispered that he had already finished reporting the matters Fang Youde had entrusted.

After hearing this, Li Longji fell silent, seemingly pondering something.

"Pinglu Jiedushi Wu Zhiyi was impeached last year by court officials for idly occupying the post without managing the border town."

"Then let Fang Youde also serve as Pinglu Jiedushi; the two towns are adjacent, can support each other, and troops can be dispatched smoothly."

"Order Wu Zhiyi to be sent back to Chang'an for trial!"

"Fang Youde can strike the enemy five hundred li away and display the might of our Tang army, whereas Wu Zhiyi can only be overly cautious, passively taking blows all day. Such a stupid pig must have serious issues; after he returns to Chang'an, let the Censorate and Dali Temple examine him thoroughly."

Li Longji said thoughtfully.

Gao Lishi, who was listening to the drama nearby, was suddenly frightened and hurriedly grabbed Li Longji's sleeve, pleading:

"Your Majesty, that cannot be done; although Fang Jiedushi is loyal, he is not appointed as the Youzhou Jiedushi for life. After his transfer, would his successor also have to hold both the Youzhou and Pinglu Jiedushi simultaneously?"

"Your Majesty can simply reassign Wu Zhiyi back to Chang'an for reporting; the appointment for Pinglu Jiedushi can be discussed again."

"If this won't work, that won't work either; are you trying to make me harshly treat my meritorious officials?"

Li Longji, his face rebuffed, shouted angrily at Gao Lishi.

"Your Majesty, you may promote Fang Jiedushi's son, for example to a position such as Qian Niu Guard Zhonglang General. As for one person holding two Jiedushi posts, once such a precedent is set, endless trouble will follow."

Gao Lishi, holding Li Longji's sleeve, earnestly urged.