Chapter 519: Treading the Imperial Streets, Trampling the Bones of Dukes and Ministers (Part I)

Inside Xingqing Palace, a scene of desolation and ruin.

The palace's flora, left unpruned for ages, has grown chaotically, its appearance completely altered.

It looks not only unsightly but monster‑like, with tangled roots and a fierce, terrifying visage.

Except for the stone‑paved road, the wild grass elsewhere grows at least half a person tall! An average person can only see above the shoulders, and the short ones disappear entirely.

The huge lotus pond, however, is covered with water lilies, giving it a vibrant, lively appearance.

The whole Xingqing Palace seems as if thieves have visited; the jade ornaments that once hung from the eaves have been taken, and although the entrances to Qinzhengwubenlou and the Floral Calyx Radiance Building bear seals, the windows upstairs are all open.

Obviously, no one has lived here for a long time.

All the eunuchs, palace maids, and guards who once served Ji Ge have been transferred away, none remaining.

Seeing his old nest turned into this, Ji Ge stood before the Floral Calyx Radiance Building for a long time without speaking. Gao Lishi, more perceptive, suggested to Ji Ge: "Perhaps the saint should first move to the Purple Imperial Hall, and after the Xingqing Palace is cleared, return here to nurture the dragon body, it won't be too late."

No wonder Gao Lishi, who has been Ji Ge's personal eunuch for decades, knows exactly what Ji Ge is thinking at this moment.

If Ji Ge cannot speak, the words must come from him.

Sure enough, Ji Ge nodded like a stubborn donkey and said, "Very well, then let's go to the Purple Imperial Hall of Daming Palace."

He let out a long sigh, his heart filled with boundless melancholy, yet he could not articulate it.

Because of his grandmother Empress Wu Zetian, Ji Ge has always despised Daming Palace, refusing to set his own residence there, and usually avoids it whenever possible.

Although the living conditions at Daming Palace are excellent, childhood trauma makes any thing associated with Wu Zetian send a chill down Ji Ge's spine.

Thus he placed the Hanlin Academy and the Scholars' Institute in Daming Palace, while his own quarters remain in Xingqing Palace.

He treats Daming Palace as a mere "clock‑in" workplace.

Ask a pampered, lazy rich second‑generation heir, why would he willingly live in an office?

But now Xingqing Palace is ruined, needing repairs and someone to clean it anew, to restore the former complement of eunuchs, palace maids, and guards so that personnel can function properly, making it comfortable once inhabited.

Ji Ge does not want hardship, nor to spend the night in the ghost‑like Xingqing Palace, so he follows Gao Lishi's suggestion and moves to the Purple Imperial Hall of Daming Palace.

Just as he was about to step out of Xingqing Palace, Gao Xianzhi, sweating profusely, ran over, clasped his fists in salute, and said, "Saint, the Dan Feng Gate of Daming Palace is swamped with kneeling people! So dense they stretch beyond sight! I, your humble servant, do not know how to handle it; please decide."

Kneeling people everywhere?

Ji Ge asked in puzzlement, "What kind of people?"

Gao Xianzhi replied, "From their attire, they're all high‑ranking officials and nobles."

Heh, so it's that bunch of bird‑people!

A cold smile involuntarily appeared on Ji Ge's face.

These opportunistic Guanzhong power brokers truly follow the wind wherever it blows.

When Ji Ge left Chang'an for Hedong, they conspired behind the scenes and facilitated Li Chang's ascension in Chang'an.

Now Ji Ge has returned in force, and these people are again kneeling outside Dan Feng Gate (the main gate of Daming Palace) begging for mercy.

Their attitude epitomizes a shift from arrogance to servility, still laced with unabashed contempt!

If they must kneel, they should do so properly outside Chunming Gate in Chang'an before the army enters the city!

Kneeling after the army has entered the city conveys a very different message!

"The Tang has stood for a hundred and fifty years, yet the Guanzhong nobles' backbone remains so sturdy!"

Ji Ge uttered the remark with a hint of sarcasm.

The two bodyguards beside Gao Xianzhi nearly burst into laughter!

If kneeling before Dan Feng Gate counts as a sign of a sturdy backbone, then these eunuchs could be said to be as hard as iron…

It's hard to see, but the dog emperor is actually quite humorous.

After Ji Ge made a snide comment, his expression darkened quickly; he is extremely sensitive to political nuances.

What these damn dogs intend to convey, Ji Ge can smell even from several miles away!

Those Guanzhong magnates who sent representatives to kneel in repentance are, in fact, conveying a single message to Ji Ge:

Without us, the Tang nation would not exist! The Li family would not hold the throne!

We are now being submissive; just step down the stairs and we'll still treat you as emperor! Otherwise, while it's obvious we can't beat you openly, our covert tactics are countless!

"I will not go to Daming Palace; today I will reside in this Xingqing Palace!"

Lishi, you are to tidy up the study of Qinzhengwubenlou.

Even if Xingqing Palace isn't fully repaired today, at least a study can be tidied up, right?"

Ji Ge said something that left Gao Lishi utterly stunned.

"Saint, this …"

Gao Lishi looked around, felt this was not the place to speak, and immediately swallowed the words he intended to say.

What is this for?

Is this a showdown?

Gao Lishi's heart was filled with worry, for Ji Ge's temper had flared!

If they were to confront directly now, the Guanzhong aristocratic families certainly possess the power to turn against them.

Then, when everything collapses, who would witness it?

Gao Lishi set aside his worry, pretended nothing was amiss, and with a calm expression looked at Gao Xianzhi, saying, "General Gao, please find some swift soldiers to tidy Qinzhengwubenlou and also clear the weeds in Xingqing Palace. Otherwise the saint will live in squalor, and outsiders will mock him."

That's why everyone says Gao Lishi is capable; only he can properly attend to Ji Ge.

As long as it's Ji Ge's order, even if unreasonable or impulsive, Gao Lishi will find a way to fulfill it.

When Ji Ge sulked and refused to go to Daming Palace, Gao Lishi immediately issued orders to clean Xingqing Palace. It's not without reason that a Tang emperor trusts his eunuchs.

Gao Xianzhi hurriedly clasped his fists in salute and said, "Very well, I will arrange it at once."

After speaking, he left Xingqing Palace with his bodyguards, leaving behind a contingent of several hundred men to stay inside Xingqing Palace to protect Ji Ge.

When the imperial study was finally cleaned, it was already past noon.

Ji Ge plopped onto the soft couch in the study, then, exhausted, slumped sideways and didn't want to move at all.

He actually did nothing, just stood there waiting.

The dusting and tidying didn't require his effort, yet Ji Ge still felt very weary.

A nameless physical and mental fatigue, and an inescapable sense of loss.

This Xingtian Palace and this Qinzhengwubenlou are just like his current state.

It has lost its vigor, lost its vitality, and is covered in dust.

It looks as if it were dug up from a mound of earth.

Where is the grandeur and elegance that once stood side by side years ago?

"Your Majesty, do you really ignore those who are kneeling? They are not ordinary families; they have been kneeling at the palace gate for so long that outsiders would think the emperor is harsh and unkind."

Gao Lishi asked cautiously, the implication in his words was obvious.

He knew Ji Ge was exhausted and irritable now. Yet many things truly could not be left unsaid. The political situation in Chang'an is extremely sensitive and fragile; a single misstep could risk a collapse.

"Are they still kneeling there?"

Ji Ge opened his eyes, glanced at Gao Lishi, and asked in a very calm tone.

"Gao Xianzhi said they are indeed still kneeling. Without the emperor's order, those people dare not rise."

Gao Lishi answered truthfully.

Ji Ge nodded slightly, waved his hand and said, "Issue an edict to send them each back to their homes. They are not children; kneeling outside Danfeng Gate is unbecoming!"

Hearing this, Gao Lishi let out a sigh of relief.

He was actually very worried that Ji Ge might act rashly; the Tang Dynasty is in a turbulent season and can no longer afford more turmoil.

Gao Lishi had just turned around when Ji Ge instructed, "By the way, summon Gao Xianzhi to the Imperial Study; I have matters to discuss with him. Also, call Miao Jinqing over."

"I will go at once, Your Majesty, please wait a moment."

Gao Lishi, suspecting nothing, slipped out of the Imperial Study.

After he left, Ji Ge slowly closed his eyes, clenched his fists, and his anger surged within.

What does "grossly abusing others" mean? This is exactly that.

We kneel and beg for mercy; you must pardon us. If you do not, we will remain kneeling forever.

Then push out a few scapegoats and have them cut down.

That would conclude the matter.

As for us, we'll keep drinking, keep singing, and keep entertaining women!

We are the foundation of the Tang Dynasty, while you are merely a flow‑like emperor, and besides you're an old, undying dog‑emperor!

The abacus beads of the Guanzhong aristocratic families have almost all struck Ji Ge's face.

He was furious, yet had to put on a conciliatory façade.

"You all say I have doomed the Tang Dynasty, but isn't it actually you low‑life scoundrels who are ruining it?"

Ji Ge muttered with his eyes closed.

He had already made up his mind.

"Although I was born before you, I can also outlive you."

Ji Ge suddenly opened his eyes, and a chilling, ferocious grin spread across his face.

……

Gao Lishi summoned Gao Xianzhi and Miao Jinqing, while Li Guangbi came to report back.

The three arrived at the study in Qinzhengwubenlou.

Ji Ge reclined on the couch for a short rest; after Gao Lishi woke him, he saw Li Guangbi was also present and did not let him leave.

He sat upright, glanced at the sky outside the window; it should be around the hour of Shen (about five p. m.).

Ji Ge turned to Miao Jinqing and asked, "Miao Jinqing, I want to know who supported the Crown Prince when he disregarded protocol and proclaimed himself emperor. You need not mention Yan Zhenqing, Fang Youde, etc.; tell me about the others."

His murky eyes stared fixedly at Miao Jinqing, his tone already extremely severe.

There was no room for any bargaining.

This made Miao Jinqing, who had been trying to feign ignorance, involuntarily flinch.

"Minister Miao, the emperor is very concerned about this matter; I hope you can answer properly."

Gao Lishi bestowed the title "Minister" on Miao Jinqing; this was no longer a hint but an outright declaration!

Answer correctly and you'll be rewarded; answer wrongly or stay silent and you'll be killed on the spot.

"Your servant knows a few things. Please wait, Your Majesty; I will now write down those people's names."

Miao Jinqing tried to keep a steady, unafraid expression and replied calmly.

"Miao Jinqing, loyal and devoted to the state, you are a model for all officials."

Ji Ge replied lightly, unsure whether he was speaking plainly or mocking Miao Jinqing's 'ability to be a person.'

In no time, Miao Jinqing finished, writing dozens of officials' names in one breath, then handed the paper to Gao Lishi.

Gao Lishi passed the paper to Ji Ge, who, after reading it, sneered, "Miao Jinqing, you're quite amusing. You say these dozens of people backed the Crown Prince's ascension, and the Crown Prince could become emperor. The Tang Dynasty's divine artifacts change hands so easily; isn't that a bit too simple?"

No need to dissect his words; just his tone alone is already chilling, on the brink of erupting fury.

Miao Jinqing hurriedly explained, "Your Majesty, these people were officials closely tied to the former Crown Prince. As for who supported them behind the scenes, I dare not confirm; it's merely hearsay."

He did not tell a falsehood, yet he dared not speak the truth.

The Guanzhong aristocrats' reach extends far, with white‑gloved hands handling official business in the court and black‑gloved ones conducting covert activities among the people.

Many officials, especially low‑rank ones, have countless ties to these families.

Even petty thieves and bandits must bribe these aristocrats; otherwise they cannot even fence the stolen goods.

Do they truly believe that a few officials supporting Li Chang would secure his rise to power?

How could that be possible? We're not three‑year‑old children!

Ji Ge obviously wouldn't think that way either!

"I don't need such a detailed list; it's enough if Miao Aiqing writes down the people or families you suspect," the emperor said.

Ji Ge couldn't help but let out two cold laughs, and gave Miao Jinqing a reminder.

There's nothing new under the sun; whoever supports Li Chang, whoever protects themselves, whoever informs Ji Ge—these things can't be hidden from the watchful.

Miao Jinqing does know; he just "doesn't dare to speak."

But Ji Ge doesn't care whether he dares to speak; the bold must speak, and the timid must speak even more!

"Then I, the humble minister, will write from memory; if it's inaccurate, the sage need not blame me."

Miao Jinqing said while, lacking any backbone, writing many names on the paper. He could no longer worry about the consequences; future retribution is a matter for later, but if he doesn't write now, he'll die immediately!

The dead fellow Taoist— I, the humble Taoist, will not die!

At this moment the study's atmosphere was very solemn, with only the faint sound of a brush rubbing on paper.

Gao Lishi glanced at Ji Ge, then at Miao Jinqing, lowered his eyelids as if he had something to say, but said nothing.

Li Guangbi and Gao Xianzhi exchanged a glance simultaneously, then averted their eyes, awaiting Ji Ge's command.

They vaguely guessed that the grand banquet they'd been waiting for nearly a year was about to be served.

Inside the room the five people's thoughts differed; some were happy, some were sorrowful.

In no time, Miao Jinqing densely filled the paper with names; one sheet wasn't enough, so he wrote onto most of a second sheet before finally completing it.

Ji Ge didn't look at them at all, and directly told Li Guangbi and Gao Xianzhi: "Each of you take a sheet, find a Chang'an local to lead the way, and, following the list, track down the targets and raid their homes!"

"As you command!"

Li Guangbi and Gao Xianzhi stepped forward, looking at the two sheets before Miao Jinqing, feeling they were not paper but two piles of gold!

Finally, today has arrived!

Just as he was about to seize the sheet brimming with names, Gao Xianzhi suddenly remembered the incident when Fang Chongyong had beaten him, and quickly gestured to Li Guangbi, saying, "General Li, your forces are larger, you should bear more. This sheet has many names; General Li, take this one."

Li Guangbi looked at Gao Xianzhi with some surprise, then nodded without further comment. He casually folded the name‑filled sheet and tucked it close to his chest.

At that moment he even felt the paper heating up, his chest burning hot!

"Generals, go raid the homes; the spoils you acquire shall count as my reward to the three armies' soldiers for their valiant fighting."

Ji Ge, a bit weary, waved his hand, signaling the two to withdraw.

Li Guangbi and Gao Xianzhi saluted and withdrew, Miao Jinqing also saluted and withdrew, but was stopped by Ji Ge.

"Miao Aiqing, don't leave yet; I still have some questions for you."

Ji Ge pointed at the cushion where Miao Jinqing had been sitting, indicating he should sit down before speaking.