Chapter 567

Luoyang, Luoyang…

In the bedroom, Li Lin felt the letter in his hand as heavy as a thousand jin.

Wei Zichun was now standing at the door waiting for his decision, while Li Lin didn't know what to do.

He knew that Li Wan's situation was also terrible now; even if Fang Chongyong had defected, Li Wan still couldn't change his fate as a puppet.

How the ending will turn out is hard to say. With the powerful army under Fang Chongyong, it would be easy to bind the Wei clan to his war chariot through marriage alliances and the like.

But in any case, at that time Li Wan would be a bit more at ease than himself. If Fang Chongyong truly intended to merge forces with Wei Jian and his group.

Having lost Bianzhou, Li Lin had to retreat back to Qizhou, and his final fate was to wait for death there.

Li Lin didn't want to die; he thought it was better to eke out each day.

It reminded him of the recent incident where he clashed with Fang Chongyong over his former daughter‑in‑law, the Yuwen family, and he instantly felt how utterly foolish he had been.

Thanks to Gao Shang's vigorous opposition, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable! He needed to go to Kaifeng County to "ice‑break" the old grudge with Fang Chongyong.

"Looks like even pinching one's nose, we have to ease the relationship a bit."

Li Lin let out a light sigh and muttered to himself.

For a prince like him, there are many paths in the world, but few ways to stay alive.

Lately Li Lin vaguely sensed that the strategic and tactical level required to vie for the world was extremely high, already beyond the level he could perceive.

Huangfu Weiming must have been formidable; in one battle his main forces vanished, and he perished in defeat. The risk of leading troops into war is absurdly huge.

A Jiedushi who seems imposing may be wiped out in a single battle.

Because of this, those rebel princes, or those planning rebellion, have to rely even more on commanders who wield troops like gods, and the sharp‑witted Qiu Ba.

Thus, sword‑bearers gradually lose control over their own swords!

"If I could be invincible like Emperor Taizong, I would be a divine sword myself, and naturally wouldn't be controlled by a divine sword."

Li Lin let out a long sigh, muttering to himself; he still realized the biggest problem he faced now and where the ultimate way out lay.

No matter how much he argued, if a ruler cannot lead troops himself, how could he restrain his arrogant soldiers and fierce generals?

Li Lin realized he had been too naive before; he shouldn't have taken this path, nor even left the central pass.

But now it's too late to say anything.

Just as Li Lin was sighing alone in the bedroom, his eldest son Li Tang requested an audience.

Li Tang was strong and martial, fond of employing troops; although he lacked command experience, he seemed to have a hint of a famous general.

He was burly; perhaps in the future he could ride the battlefield like Emperor Taizong, at least his "hardware" was ready.

Of course, Li Lin had once placed high hopes on Li Tang, but later found his troops were unfit for war, and Li Tang's abilities couldn't be displayed, so he abandoned the fantasy.

Now that Li Tang sought an audience, Li Lin didn't know what to say. He hurriedly slipped the recruitment letter Wei Jian had written to Fang Chongyong into his sleeve, pretending nothing had happened.

"Father, I request to return to Qizhou to train troops there."

Li Tang clasped his fists and bowed to Li Lin.

Li Lin's eldest son was unaware of Wei Jian's recruitment letter to Fang Chongyong, so this must have been triggered by his younger sister‑in‑law being abducted, which provoked his older brother.

"Are you coming because of a family disgrace?"

Li Lin asked weakly, pondering whether to show Wei Jian's letter to Li Tang.

"Father, even if that incident didn't happen, can't you see it?"

Li Tang asked anxiously.

His younger brother being forced to divorce was somewhat provocative to Li Tang, but it wasn't the main reason he came to demand military authority.

After all, the abducted one wasn't his principal wife.

"Fine, if you wish to go to Qizhou, that's fine."

Li Lin let out a light sigh, took a golden fish talisman from his chest, and handed it to Li Tang.

As for the letter in his sleeve, he no longer intended to bring it out.

"Go then, train your troops well in Qizhou, and don't act rashly."

He seemed a bit disinterested as he waved his hand.

Wei Jian's letter made Li Lin realize his own shortcomings.

Those who truly "take the table" often employ tactics like using force to counter force, linking vertical and horizontal alliances, internal‑external coordination, and subduing enemies without fighting; such methods are common and widely used.

He also discovered his own weak point: in a collapsing world, deceit and betrayal are the norm; a royal lineage is merely a ticket to the game and doesn't guarantee the loyalty of his subordinates.

How to steer complex human hearts became a major dilemma before him.

Since Li Tang wants to stir things up, let him. After being hammered by Fang Chongyong, Li Lin had chosen non‑action governance.

"Thank you, Father, for your approval! I will set out for Qizhou today!"

Li Qi was extremely excited, clasped his hands and bowed to Li Lin, then took the fish tally and left immediately without the slightest hesitation, as if he could not wait any longer to go to Qi Province to lead troops.

Watching his retreating back, Li Lin didn't know what to say. After a long while, he finally chuckled and shook his head.

Afterwards, Li Lin summoned Wei Zichun to the study. As soon as they met, he said to Wei Zichun, "Let's set off for Kaifeng County right now; I want to have a good talk with Fang Qing."

"Your Highness, the ruffians are arrogant; you must endure a bit more."

Wei Zichun said worriedly, still somewhat concerned about Li Lin.

How to put it? He felt that Li Lin truly could not match Fang Chongyong; the more impulsive Li Lin became, the worse he would feel.

If it's truly impossible, better to do nothing; the less one does, the fewer mistakes one makes.

"Don't worry, I have figured it out. Affairs should not be delayed; let's set off now."

Li Lin patted Wei Zichun's shoulder and said, "This time I have truly figured it out."

Before becoming emperor, first think about how to survive.

……

"Take a dou of Xinfeng wine, then a basin of Huaiyang-style drunken chicken, and a plate of steamed sea bass."

"Serve the dishes faster!"

In a private room on the second floor of the Apricot Blossom Hall, Li Bai shouted at the shop clerk.

These are his two favorite dishes and the one wine he likes most. When he lived in Chang'an before, Li Bai often ate them, but usually couldn't afford to come to the Apricot Blossom Hall.

This time Prince Yong provided ample travel expenses and even gave him a military horse to ride, so Li Bai's purse is now fat, and dining well at a restaurant is no problem at all.

"Sir, we don't have any of what you asked for in the shop," the clerk said.

The Apricot Blossom Hall clerk replied helplessly.

"How could it be missing? I am Li Taibai!"

Li Bai stroked the little beard on his chin and said with a dissatisfied expression.

If this happened elsewhere, the shop owner might even come to apologize to him.

But this is Chang'an, especially the Apricot Blossom Hall, where many poets and scholars have visited and left numerous verses.

What about Li Bai? Are you supposed to provide a poet?

The clerk teased Li Bai, saying:

"Mr. Taibai, even if you called yourself 'Tahei', our shop still can't make those dishes. Chang'an is currently grain‑short, and regional specialties have basically been cut off.

The few fine wines left are monopolized by the houses of the powerful.

These are the only dishes we can currently offer."

He finished by pointing to a wooden board on the wall, which listed a dozen or so dish names, all simple home‑style fare.

Although the clerk was courteous, his words revealed an "eat if you like, leave if you don't" attitude, which greatly displeased Li Bai.

He had hoped this time he could "write a poem to get a free meal," but in the end he got the "nothing you want is available" response!

This is utterly unreasonable!

Li Bai was completely disheartened.

"I won't eat!"

He got up in anger and left.

The Apricot Blossom Hall clerk politely escorted Li Bai out, then returned to idly wipe the tables.

"The people of Chang'an are barely getting enough to eat; even Li Taibai must restrain himself when he comes," the clerk muttered.

The plump manager walked over, gazing at Li Bai's departing silhouette and sighed.

Yan Zhenqing had someone tally that this month Chang'an City is short of at least one hundred thousand shi of grain, and the powerful families refuse to open their granaries. The grain shortage has already caused a severe downturn across all trades.

Apricot Blossom Hall still has a dozen dishes to serve, but many restaurants have already closed. Grain prices have been driven up, yet dish prices cannot rise to the point of being unaffordable; the high officials usually have their own chefs, leaving many obscure eateries unable to

Since Huangfu Weiming's defeat, the grain transport to Chang'an was basically cut off by Li Baochen. The drawbacks of Chang'an as the capital also began to gradually appear.

Since Huangfu Weiming's defeat, the canal transport to Chang'an has been essentially cut off by Li Baochen. The drawbacks of Chang'an as the capital have begun to surface.

Li Bai cannot change this reality, nor can Yan Zhenqing, let alone the manager and clerk of the Apricot Blossom Hall.

Bored, Li Bai wandered along Zhuque Street; a begging child clutched his thigh, and Li Bai kindly gave him a Kaiyuan Tongbao coin. Unexpectedly, more than a dozen similarly dressed beggars burst out from a nearby alley gate and surrounded him tightly.

Li Bai had to exert great effort to shake them off.

Just as the disheveled Li Bai was about to head to Yan Zhenqing's residence in Dunhua Fang for a free meal, a young man in a brocade robe blocked his way.

"I am Grand Minister of Rites Li Yu, son of Emperor Li Xian; I have met Mr. Taibai," he said.

Li Yu spoke politely, but immediately disclosed his status, clearly not intending a peer‑to‑peer friendship but a formal business matter.

Li Bai, seeing this, performed a hand‑crossed salute to Li Yu and then asked, "So you are Li Zhengqing, what brings you here?"

He and Li Yu were completely unfamiliar; to be precise, today was their first meeting.

"My elder brother invites Mr. Taibai to the residence for a gathering; the house has already prepared a feast, please honor us with your presence,"

Upon hearing this, Li Bai seemed to understand what was happening.

Yan Zhenqing is indeed a prime minister, but he does not dominate the court single‑handedly, and he is certainly under close surveillance.

Li Bai is a poet renowned throughout the world, his fame makes secrecy difficult.

Rang Emperor is Brother Ji's elder brother; he originally passed the throne to Ji, and his descendants are, at least now, living quite carefree. When the Rang Emperor's family learned that Li Bai was coming to contact Yan Zhenqing, they sent someone to follow him all the way.

For the powerful families, such a tactic is commonplace and poses no difficulty.

Just as there was nowhere to eat, the bold Li Bai laughed heartily, "Very well, then I shall gladly accept the invitation."

He followed Li Yu to the southeast corner of Shengye Fang, arriving at the Rang Emperor's residence.

The vermilion gate, with its familiar blue bricks and black tiles, and the corner towers on all sides still exuded grandeur.

Passing through the "four-section" large residence, arriving at the mansion's main hall, one sees that everyone of the imperial family has already gathered, seemingly waiting for Li Bai to take his seat.

Passing through the "Four Entries" courtyard, they entered the main hall, where the Rang Emperor's family had all gathered, apparently waiting for Li Bai to take his seat.

Musicians were already playing drums, and the serving dancer was only

pouring wine for the seated guests, not dancing gracefully in the hall.

It was clear they were all waiting for Li Bai to be seated.

"Brother, I have invited Mr. Taibai,"

Li Yu performed a hand‑crossed salute to Li Lin, who sat on the main seat.

"Ah, it's Mr. Taibai, please sit, please sit,"

The Tang dynasty was a transitional period between individual dining and communal dining; the dining table was very flexible. One could dine communally, i. e., everyone sitting at the same table; or semi-communally, i. e., sitting at the same table but with dishes served separately to each person.

The Tang dynasty was a transitional period between individual and communal dining, making banquet tables very flexible. One could have a communal meal, with everyone sharing a single table, or a semi‑communal setup, where diners share a table but dishes are portioned and served individually.

Of course, for formal ceremonial meals, a strict individual seating arrangement was observed—no sitting together, no eating together.

For example, this very moment is like that.

Soon, one delicate court dish after another began to be placed before Li Bai. Each

plate was a tiny portion, yet the varieties were numerous.

【121】 Li Bai's eyes were dazzled.

【122】 "Mr. Taibai, does Prince Yong know about the matter of the former emperor being killed by the current emperor?"

Just as Li Bai was inspecting the dishes, pondering which one to eat first, Li Lin, seated on the main seat, asked leisurely.

Hmm?

Li Bai subconsciously placed his chopsticks on the plate.

Can such a question be asked so casually?

Li Bai was a little stunned, but the dancing girls, the musicians, and the serving attendants in the hall all seemed as if they hadn't heard at all.

They continued to do whatever they were supposed to do.

"His Highness Prince Yong is furious, constantly thinking of avenging the late emperor to fulfill his filial duty."

Li Bai replied perfunctorily.

Li Lin's hatred toward Ji Ge, not to say a raging fury, was also deeply buried in their heart.

Li Lin's young son Li Yi was suspected by Prince Yong of being born to Ji Ge and Consort Hou Mo Chen. This has also been a major reason why, in recent years, Li Lin has neglected the principal consort and has had no further offspring.

However, regarding the inner truth, Consort Hou Mo Chen could not defend herself, and Li Lin could not publicly accuse, because he lacked solid evidence.

One can't just say the wife is beautiful, the father has a precedent of playing with his daughter‑in‑law, and then claim the child she bore is the father's seed, can one?

It's just that this root has already been driven in and can never be pulled out.

How can Consort Hou Mo Chen prove she had no illicit affair with Ji Ge?

The more one describes such matters, the darker they become.

With such a vexing issue, if Li Lin still wishes to fulfill filial duty toward Ji Ge, it can only be a grand display of filial piety, nothing else.

Li Bai naturally knew Li Lin's family affairs, and his words even made himself blush.

However, Li Lin seemed completely oblivious to this thread; he sighed deeply and said, "The Son of Heaven lacks virtue, causing beacon fires to rise everywhere. Our Tang truly needs someone like Prince Yong to restore order."

"Restore order"—those words have a certain charm.

What kind of chaos is the chaos, and what is the righteousness of the righteousness?

Lacking political wisdom, Li Bai didn't know what to say and only focused on eating the dishes.

Li Lin didn't expect Li Bai to ignore him completely; it was as if he were winking at a blind man. He couldn't say anything further, so he ordered the drums to continue and the dancing girls to begin their performance.

Although the wine and dishes were fine, everyone ate with a sense of emptiness.

When the banquet ended, Li Lin approached Li Bai, bowed, and said, "Sir Taibai, please meet me in the study; I have an urgent matter to discuss."