Chapter 59: Shocking Turn!

"Teacher, this is the Red Lotus Spring that was once famous throughout Chang'an."

In He Zhizhang's study at his residence in Xuanping Fang, Fang Chongyong handed a jar of newly brewed "Red Lotus Spring" to He Zhizhang. It is a home‑brewed wine; Fang Chongyong does not know how Fang Dafu's skill measures up, but there is no doubt it cannot match that of a professional winery.

The threshold for brewing red‑fermented wine is very low; in his past life in the rural areas of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian, many places had a tradition of home‑brewing red‑fermented wine after the autumn harvest, requiring no complex equipment—essentially, as long as one had a yard to prepare the red yeast, one could start.

"No need for formalities, no need at all."

He Zhizhang smiled warmly, accepted the wine, and immediately led Fang Chongyong to sit at the desk.

"Write a few characters and see."

"Very well, teacher."

Fang Chongyong gave a slight nod, sat upright at the desk, skillfully ground the ink and spread a large sheet of paper.

In his previous life he had practiced calligraphy, even took a dedicated elective in college, and after entering the workforce he attended a so‑called "calligraphy training class."

Honestly, he was quite confident about it. Back when he was in Kuizhou, his writing had never been criticized by Old Zheng.

Fang Chongyong immediately lifted his brush and wrote two lines on the paper:

Where there is will, the task is accomplished; break the cauldrons and sink the boats; the one‑hundred‑two Qin passes finally belong to Chu.

Heaven does not betray the diligent; lie on firewood and taste gall; three thousand Yue soldiers can swallow Wu.

After finishing, he handed the paper with both hands to He Zhizhang for inspection.

"These two lines are written excellently... but these characters, I don't know which mediocre teacher taught them; they are full of clumsy craftsmanship, beyond remedy, sigh."

He Zhizhang sighed with some regret.

Fang Chongyong was at a loss for words; he couldn't even recall the name of the calligraphy lecture instructor.

"You just learn to write under my tutelage, until I deem you satisfactory; beyond that, no further discussion is needed."

He Zhizhang gave a decisive verdict, sentencing Fang Chongyong to "death."

"Teacher, won't you teach me some poetry or prose?"

Fang Chongyong stared speechlessly at He Zhizhang and asked. This old man was so listless, calling himself a teacher was nothing but a sham!

What use is learning calligraphy?

That cost me eighty Tang brocades in tuition!

That's it?

Fang Chongyong cursed He Zhizhang in his heart as an ungrateful, shameless old man, yet he dared not let any emotion show on his face.

"If you can't even write characters properly, what article could you compose? I am about to drink; you stay here and write. I'll return tonight to see; once you've finished practicing, you may leave on your own."

He Zhizhang brushed off casually, and after speaking, hoisted a knock‑off Red Lotus Spring and left, his destination unknown.

"Sigh, when you pay with money, don't expect anyone to be overly attentive."

After He Zhizhang left, Fang Chongyong let out a light sigh. Many things cannot be controlled at will.

The social stratum He Zhizhang belongs to and the stratum Fang Youde belongs to are, in essence, naturally separated.

Although a world without money is absolutely untenable, certain limitations do exist. Old He handles matters with money, so a token gesture suffices; you shouldn't expect him to pour out his wealth.

If in the future you're allowed to raise a grand banner, you'll be considered magnanimous.

Zheng Shuqing's guess proved accurate, yet Fang Chongyong hadn't expected He Zhizhang to be so straightforward, unwilling even to engage in face‑saving tactics.

"Just practice calligraphy, sigh!"

Fang Chongyong saw a copybook that He Zhizhang had placed on the desk and understood his meaning: copy it, kid, don't be lazy.

……

"I will be dispatched to Hanjiacang in Luoyang tomorrow for official duties; today I come to bid farewell to the Right Prime Minister."

In a small study of Li Linfu's residence in Pingkang Fang, Zheng Shuqing was seeing Li Linfu off, preparing to leave Chang'an.

Even though he was already Minister of Revenue and Transport Commissioner, Zheng Shuqing still managed to observe all proper courtesies toward Li Linfu; even Fang Chongyong had to admit that Old Zheng was a flexible and adaptable man.

He has not forgotten how he attained this office despite his high rank.

"Hey, why be so courteous, bringing so many gifts to my door?"

Li Linfu smiled warmly as he received the list of gifts Zheng Shuqing handed over, clearly in good spirits.

"I am responsible this time for transporting the Hexi grain supplies and will rely on the Right Prime Minister's support. Once I depart, without your strong backing in court, I cannot accomplish anything. Please advise me on the proper course of action."

Zheng Shuqing humbly requested.

"The Hexi grain stores are ample; there will be no shortage in the short term. The transport issue is merely a worry about a protracted war. After you reach Hanjiacang, simply inventory the grain; there is no need to rush the transport."

Li Linfu waved his hand, clearly appreciating Zheng Shuqing's 'knows nothing' demeanor.

Such a person truly knows how to obey!

If you put someone who knows everything in charge, they'd act on their own ideas and clash with you—that would be a disaster.

"If you find Hanjiacang short of grain, do not report to the court; first amend the documents and inform the Prime Minister."

Li Linfu said calmly.

"The Right Prime Minister says..."

Zheng Shuqing was startled, pretended to understand, and asked.

"We'll discuss it later; just follow your usual methods, and avoid unnecessary complications."

Li Linfu gave a slight smile, causing Zheng Shuqing's hair to stand on end.

Old Zheng, of course, did not know Li Linfu's calculations; the newly appointed Tang Right Prime Minister was vigorously eliminating political rivals and gathering a large group of capable officials.

Using Hanjiacang in Luoyang as a pretext, this wave could cut away a large number of officials from rival factions, like harvesting wheat.

Hanjiacang's grain shortage is inevitable; after years of frantic shipments to Chang'an, the depot is likely more than half empty. Otherwise, Li Linfu wouldn't contemplate imposing an additional household tax on Hebei.

Recently, Military Governor of Youzhou Fang Youde submitted a memorial stating that the Youzhou border towns were unstable, that part of Hebei's grain supplies needed to be retained for military use, and that he intended to manage Liaodong for the court, expanding the frontier.

Li Longji was delighted and ordered that, aside from the six Hebei prefectures along the Yongji Canal which must send grain to Luoyang, all other Hebei prefectures and counties should fully ensure grain supplies for the Youzhou frontier towns.

Furthermore, Fang Youde pleaded on behalf of Wu Zhiyi, stating that Wu is knowledgeable in military affairs, seasoned and prudent, and hopes the court will not arbitrarily replace a military governor before his term ends.

One can imagine that under these circumstances, Wu Zhiyi has likely already become Fang Youde's lackey. A joint operation by two frontier towns on the Youzhou border seems to be brewing.

Initially, the grain stockpiling in the Luoyang area was handled by Pei Yaoqing. Now they can use the emptiness of the Hanjiacang Granary as a pretext to purge Pei Yaoqing's remnants.

Do these people bear any responsibility?

By the usual standards, they have no responsibility, because they have been diligently transporting grain; the Hanjiacang Granary was once full, only the supplies were moved to Chang'an.

But for Li Longji, what matters is not the process but the outcome. He now needs the Hanjiacang Granary to have supplies, and those people cannot meet that, which is the original sin!

The Emperor is capricious and often unreasonable. Those carrying out tasks below must never harbor the illusion of being infallible.

Li Linfu fully understands this.

"Yang Yuhuan's ascent—what do you think of this?"

Seeing Zheng Shuqing silent, seemingly deep in thought, Li Linfu asked casually.

"Huh? I, the subordinate, am unaware of such matters, but Prince Shou certainly cannot become Crown Prince; that's natural."

Zheng Shuqing said hesitantly.

Li Linfu nodded without taking a stance; even a fool could see this. Li Longji seized Yang Yuhuan, then installed Prince Shou as Crown Prince—doesn't that simply add to his own trouble?

"The Sage recently created the Floral and Avian Envoy, appointing Lei Haiqing to the post, then sent him from Chang'an across the realm to seek beautiful women and bring them back to Chang'an for the Sage's amusement. Do you think this relates to Yang Yuhuan?"

Li Linfu posed another question that Zheng Shuqing didn't know how to answer.

"The Sage wants so many beauties… can he manage it?"

Zheng Shuqing asked, puzzled.

Li Linfu laughed at his words, waved his hand and said, "Such matters are not for you to worry about. I think this might be the Sage's covert plan to secure the Chen Cang, and Yang Yuhuan becoming the noble consort… it seems inevitable."

He couldn't help but sigh.

In the spring of this year, Li Longji killed three sons in a single day; at that time, Prince Shou Li Chang was full of vigor, seemingly the next Crown Prince.

What was the outcome?

Mother Wu Huifei died under mysterious illness, and Princess Consort Yang Yuhuan was forcibly taken by her father Li Longji—how tragic.

Life's great ups and downs are truly lamentable.

"Then, does the Right Prime Minister intend to recommend a new Crown Prince to the Sage?"

Zheng Shuqing asked quietly, puzzled.

This question stumped Li Linfu.

The Crown Prince is the nation's foundation; others may not inquire who the Crown Prince is, nor worry about whether to appoint one. But Li Linfu, as the Right Prime Minister, cannot.

Initially, Zhang Jiuling stood by Crown Prince Li Ying not because he thought Li Ying particularly wise or mighty, but because as Right Prime Minister he must be responsible for the state.

According to Confucian view, the Crown Prince is the nation's root, so Zhang Jiuling must oversee.

But now the question falls to Li Linfu—what should he do?

"If a recommendation is needed, which prince would you suggest?"

Li Linfu asked, feigning ease.

"The Sage has no legitimate heir, while the Loyal Prince (Li Heng) is older and will inevitably become Crown Prince. Yet who to recommend is a decision for the Right Prime Minister; I, the subordinate, dare not speak rashly."

Zheng Shuqing said cautiously.

Li Linfu's eyes brightened, and he nodded approvingly, "Your words are not empty; since returning from Kuizhou you have handled affairs well. Now I ask you, if you were to manage this, whom would you recommend?"

"How would I know!"

Zheng Shuqing, on the verge of tears, quickly bowed deeply and said anxiously, "I truly do not know; it is not intentional to deceive the Right Prime Minister. I could not speak nonsense and jeopardize the Right Prime Minister's great matter!"

"Understood. This must remain confidential, never spoken to outsiders."

Li Linfu nodded slightly, saying that he also felt Zheng Shuqing was not cut out for power struggles.

In his mind, everyone guesses who will become Crown Prince; Zheng Shuqing's guess matters little. Yet thinking privately is one thing, recommending to Li Longji is another!

"Right Prime Minister, rest assured, my mouth is tight." Zheng Shuqing pledged solemnly.

"Go then; when you reach Luoyang, observe more and speak less."

Li Linfu waved his hand broadly, signaling Zheng Shuqing to leave quickly.

After the latter left the residence, Li Linfu finally fell into contemplation.

The Crown Prince is the nation's foundation, not implying that the next emperor must necessarily be the Crown Prince.

Take the Tang for example; hardly any Crown Prince has ever peacefully succeeded to the throne.

Either they fall in battle midway, or they anxiously wait for the Emperor's death.

That does not mean appointing a Crown Prince is unimportant.

With a Crown Prince in place, many princes will not openly form factions for power struggles, and the state's politics can enter a stable period, avoiding great upheavals.

Without a Crown Prince, all ministers, whether in the inner court or frontier towns, will naturally seek a patron, since everyone knows each prince has a chance to become emperor.

As long as one secures a dragon‑following merit, it can guarantee the family's prosperity for decades!

In that case, the state's political situation cannot even achieve theoretical stability.

Therefore, whether for public or private reasons, Li Linfu must recommend a Crown Prince to Li Longji; this is set in stone.

The only question is whom to recommend!

Even Zheng Shuqing and his ilk now see Loyal Prince Li Heng as highly likely to become the next Crown Prince; will Li Linfu still recommend Li Heng to Li Longji?

The answer is no.

The Tang Right Prime Minister and the Crown Prince wearing the same trousers signals to Li Longji: you'd better abdicate quickly, the state no longer needs you.

Is that acceptable?

Of course not; this is precisely Li Longji's greatest worry, and as he ages, he becomes increasingly sensitive to such issues.

Once Li Heng becomes Crown Prince, Right Prime Minister Li Linfu will have to fight him to the death! That is what Li Longji earnestly hopes for.

Li Linfu tapped his knuckles on the back of his hand, pondering a strategy.

Yang Yuhuan was seized and treated like a forbidden delicacy, confined in the palace city. Li Longji wanted outsiders to know of this, yet he did not want them to discuss it.

This subtle contradictory mindset left Li Linfu repeatedly weighing his options.

It seems we still need to tell the Sage and recommend Prince Shou as crown prince.

Li Linfu could not help but sigh.

Such a recommendation is superfluous and makes one look foolish.

Everyone knows the daughter-in-law has already gone to the father-in-law's bed; how could this wronged son possibly become crown prince?

But after speaking with Zheng Shuqing today, Li Linfu further confirmed his idea.

What outsiders do not wish to see might be exactly what Li Longji hopes for.

The purpose of the Right Minister's existence is to relieve the Sage's worries.

……

At night, Fang Chongyong was sleeping soundly when he suddenly heard the sound of a fight in the courtyard!

He hurriedly got up from bed and hid under the desk. Soon the fighting sounds faded, and a familiar child's voice came from outside the door.

"Young master, get up quickly! There's a thief in the house! My father has already caught him."

Fang Chongyong crawled out from under the table, cautiously opened the door a crack, and saw Fang Laique holding a torch while Fang Dafu pressed a young man firmly to the ground.

"Even the rear gate of Xingqing Palace has someone daring to steal—what an outrage!"

Fang Chongyong looked at the man pinned to the ground, utterly bewildered.

"Young master, be careful—this man is hungry. If he weren't, I might not be able to beat him."

Fang Dafu still gripped a kitchen knife in one hand, too afraid to let go.

"Take him to the main hall; questioning him will reveal the truth."

Fang Chongyong gave a hum.

He just wanted to see—he had provoked no one, yet someone had come to rob his house; what on earth did this person intend to do?