Tang Dynasty Swordsman

Page 78

Before Li Ji could speak, Yan Zhuang asked, "Second Brother, do you foresee that the barbarian bandits will invade again this autumn?"

Li Ji nodded: "If there are no major setbacks, it's likely to be seven or eight out of ten."

"Then, is His Highness Prince Qi in Longyou able to defend himself?"

Li Ji remained silent—in fact, silence was the best expression of his opinion.

Cui Guangyuan sighed, "In the end, we are outnumbered and weak... It's a pity that the Ministry of War requested the return of the Longyou army temporarily stationed in Shaanxi the other day, but the Emperor refused..."

Li Ji cursed Li Heng inwardly, but said aloud, "With Minister Guo still in Luoyang, how could the capital possibly be in danger? What use are those western troops stationed in Shanxian?"

Yan Zhuang smiled and said, "I'm afraid that Minister Guo's time to defend Luoyang is also running out."

"What do you mean by that, Eleventh Brother?"

"Do you know that Yu Chaoen led the Shence Army into Wei and has already passed Weinan?"

Li Ji nodded: "I have heard of that."

The fact that Yu Chaoen led the Shence Army into the capital has been the main topic of conversation in the Left and Right Heroic Army Offices in recent days. This is because the Heroic Army was originally the most powerful force in the Imperial Guards, but with the return of the Shence Army, the Heroic Army would surely have to give way. It is said that the Shence Army entering the capital numbered four thousand, twice the size of the Left and Right Heroic Army. Furthermore, Yu Chaoen, as the Left General of the Imperial Guards, in charge of the Inner Palace Affairs Bureau, and concurrently the Military Commissioner for Inspection and Pacification, far surpasses Dou Wenchang and Huo Xianming in terms of favor, rank, and power.

Dou and Huo, the two eunuchs, were quite anxious about this, but it was clear that even Li Fuguo couldn't bring down Yu Chaoen, so what good ideas could they possibly have? Li Ji was naturally also very uncomfortable about this, but being of low rank and position, he had no way to do anything, so he immediately pricked up his ears to hear what Yan Zhuang had to say.

Yan Zhuang continued, "Someone must take responsibility for the defeat at Xiangzhou..." Li Ji thought to himself, "There's someone here who should take responsibility, but he's still doing well as the Junior Guardian of the Crown Prince."

“If Yu Chaoen returns to court, he will surely slander Minister Guo, and Minister Guo will likely have no choice but to abdicate,” Yan Zhuang said, then suddenly leaned forward slightly and looked at Li Ji. “Furthermore, with the Shence Army entering the Imperial Guard, the Yingwu Army will be unable to control the Forbidden City. Doesn’t Your Highness have any worries about this?”

Li Ji instinctively feigned ignorance, saying, "The Yingwu Army is merely protecting the Emperor and guarding the Forbidden City. How can you say they control it? And why should I have any worries or fears?"

Yan Zhuang pointed at him and said, "Second Brother, this kind of talk is boring. I have a plan that can make the Yingwu Army and the Shence Army fight each other. If you are interested, I will offer it to you; if you do not want to hear it, I don't care."

Li Ji thought for a moment, then asked in return, "May I ask, Eleventh Brother, what is your purpose in summoning me today?"

Yan Zhuang smiled and said, "Nothing much, I just want to ask you in person what exactly the Emperor said when he summoned Erlang to the imperial carriage the other day when he moved the palace."

Li Ji thought to himself, "Could I just casually mention those things to anyone? If it weren't for the eunuchs and palace servants from Xingqing Palace nearby that day—who knows if one of them has good ears or might be someone else's spy—I wouldn't have been able to give Li Shi a rough report that night. Otherwise, I would have had to keep it from even Li Shi!" He narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Yan Zhuang: "Eleventh Prince is a man of wisdom. So, what do you think the Emperor Emeritus would say to me?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Zhuang exchanged a brief glance with Cui Guangyuan, then turned to Li Ji and said in a low voice, "How could I possibly guess what the Emperor was saying? But I imagine it's nothing more than some kind of 'karmic retribution'..."

Chapter Four: Personal Interests and Public Duties

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When Yan Zhuang uttered the words "retribution," even Li Ji, who was quite shrewd, couldn't help but be slightly startled, and the muscles on his face immediately stiffened.

Yan and Cui both stared intently at his expression, and nodded in agreement. Yan Zhuang said, "I suppose so..." He paused, then said in a low voice, "Second Brother, we can see many things clearly from the outer court. Do you think you can't see them from the inner court? The Emperor's words, once spoken by him, enter your ears. Even if someone else overheard them, they wouldn't dare to spread them. But we've been pondering his thoughts for a long time. How could we not know them? You heard them with your own ears; surely you have no thoughts about them?"

Li Ji immediately retorted, "So what if I have ideas? What ideas does Eleventh Brother want from me? What benefit would this matter bring to Eleventh Brother?"

Yan Zhuang sighed deeply, leaned back slightly, and said slowly, "I know, I know. I once aided and abetted evil, which is why Erlang doesn't trust me. But times have changed. Back then, there was indeed an opportunity, which is why I assisted the An family. Now it seems... it was all in vain. Would I still act as a spy for the An family? Or would I, like Zhou Zhi, place my hopes on Shi Siming? Those barbarian thieves are ultimately beyond saving!"

"The Tang family's fate is not yet over. I abandoned my sinking ship and returned. Would I really put another hole in this old ship, the only one I can rely on? If the infighting in the inner court, as the Emperor Emeritus said, leads to some kind of karmic retribution, then I, with my past transgressions, will most likely be the first to suffer. Can't I use my wisdom and strategy to save the collapsing empire and leave myself a way out?"

At this point, he turned his attention to Cui Guangyuan. Cui Guangyuan understood and slowly said, "My Cui family of Boling was once among the five noble families and seven prominent clans, and we were once filled with officials in the court, but now we have fallen into ruin..." He gritted his teeth as he spoke, "Back then, we shouldn't have tried to curry favor with the Yang family of Hongnong!"

The Yang family was once extremely powerful because of Yang Guifei. All of Yang Guifei's sisters married into prestigious families: the eldest, Lady of Han, married the Cui family of Boling; the second, Lady of Guo, married the Pei family of Wenxi; and the third, Lady of Qin, married the Liu family of Hedong. However, with the downfall of the Yang family, all their in-laws were implicated. Emperor Li Heng's dislike of the Cui family was well-known in the court and among the people, and Emperor Li Yu was even more cold and indifferent to his principal wife, Lady Cui, refusing to visit her even when she was seriously ill and dying.

Therefore, Cui Guangyuan's anxiety was entirely understandable—"Now, among the Cui family of Boling, only my son Yisun (Cui Youfu) and I can still serve in the court..."

Previously, the Cui family of Boling had produced many prime ministers, such as Cui Dunli during the reign of Emperor Gaozong, Cui Xuanwei and Cui Shi during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong, and Cui Riyong during the reign of Emperor Ruizong. In addition, officials of the fifth rank and above were scattered throughout the court. However, after the return to the capital, first Cui Huan was dismissed from his post as prime minister (excluding Cui Yuan, who was from the Qinghe Cui clan), then Cui Guangyuan failed to obtain the position of prime minister and was instead sent to a military governorship, and then only given the honorary title of Junior Guardian of the Crown Prince. The Cui family of Boling gradually declined. Now, perhaps only Cui Youfu, the Assistant Minister of Personnel, remains a hope.

Cui Guangyuan stopped mid-sentence, believing that Li Ji would understand his intentions.

Now, the Cui family of Boling has placed its bets on Li Shi, and Li Shi has also revealed that Cui Youfu served in the Prince Cheng's palace before Li Yu was made crown prince. So it is clear that the Cui family's hope for a revival lies in keeping the succession system of Li Heng-Li Yu-Li Shi unchanged. As far as the palace is concerned, maintaining the status quo is most advantageous for them.

Li Ji listened to their conversation, remaining silent for a long time, deep in thought. Clearly, the two were drawing up their positions and making their stances clear. Yan Zhuang, for self-preservation, wanted to gamble on Li Yu and his son—because Empress Zhang was extremely powerful, and he couldn't possibly get involved. Furthermore, Empress Zhang's eldest son, Li Zhao, had died last year, and her second son, Li Dong, was still young; Yan Zhuang couldn't place his hopes on such an unsettled child. Cui Guangyuan, on the other hand, was already bound to Li Shi for the sake of the entire Boling Cui clan.

However, despite their intelligence, the two were helpless in the face of potential changes in the inner court. Yan Zhuang, as a surrendered official, was bound by many taboos, while Cui Guangyuan had been sidelined and was probably less influential than his cousin Cui Youfu. Therefore, they thought of befriending Li Ji to gather information about the inner court.

Especially since Li Ji is also a confidant of Li Shi, and it has recently been heard that Li Fuguo is no longer planning to deal with him. So, through Li Ji, could we try to gradually steer the situation in the inner court in a direction that is favorable to ourselves? After all, Li Ji is not a foolish person—if so, we dare not use him as a pawn, because once it is leaked, there will be endless troubles—there is a possibility of a deal or even cooperation between the two sides.

Of course, Li Ji only listened to three-tenths of what the two men said. If they claimed that Yan Zhuang was wholeheartedly trying to maintain political stability—at least within the inner court—and that Cui Guangyuan was not seeking to become prime minister for his own family but only protecting his clan, Li Ji would never believe it, even if he beat them to death. Moreover, although Li Ji understood that the situation within the inner court directly affected the outer court, the fact that they, as court officials, did not think about fulfilling their duties and serving the emperor wholeheartedly, but instead focused on currying favor with the successor, revealed their despicable character.

But since the two had already gone this far, Li Ji temporarily suppressed the several probing questions he had prepared. He picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and slowly said, "How can we possibly interfere in the affairs of the Emperor's family? Besides, Prince Ding is still young; he will be more than ten years old when he comes of age..."

The implication is that if Li Heng were to issue an edict to change the heir apparent, he shouldn't expect Li Heng to stage a military coup for Li Yu—it's not entirely impossible, but he currently has neither the intention nor the power to do so. Furthermore, Consort Zhang's son, Prince Ding, Li Tong, is still very young. Li Heng's desire to depose the eldest son and install the younger one would likely face strong opposition from the court officials; the crisis would probably only arise when Li Tong is older.

Yan Zhuang smiled and reminded him, "Didn't the Emperor Emeritus say, 'What goes around comes around'? I'm afraid the same thing will happen again during the Jinglong era."

In the fourth year of the Jinglong era, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, Li Xian, died suddenly, supposedly poisoned by Empress Wei and Princess Anle. Whether this was true or not, no one knows, but Empress Wei immediately forged an imperial edict, deposed Emperor Taizong Li Dan (later Emperor Ruizong of Tang), and enthroned Prince Wen, Li Chongmao, as emperor, changing the era name to Tanglong, thus triggering the "Tanglong Coup".

Yan Zhuang said this because he was worried that Empress Zhang might follow Empress Wei's example and not necessarily commit regicide, but she might forge an imperial edict to depose Li Yu from his position as crown prince.

Li Ji said, “The country has its own system, how can it be done recklessly by one or two people? If a rebellion breaks out, the inner court and the outer court, civil and military officials alike, will jointly suppress it!” He first stated his position, and then asked, “Does Yu Chaoen have any disloyal intentions?” Are you worried that he will lead the Shence Army into Wei, but then side with Empress Zhang?

Cui Guangyuan said, "Human hearts are unpredictable. After all, Yu Chaoen and the Crown Prince have a long-standing feud..."

Li Ji thought to himself that Li Fuguo and Li Yu had fought before, but now they had made peace. However, he was not at ease with Yu Chaoen. If Yu Chaoen was in league with Empress Zhang, the four thousand Shence Army would be far more than the two thousand Yingwu Army could handle.

"Then Shiyilang just said that he has a plan to counter Yu Chaoen. Please tell me."

Yan Zhuang smiled slightly, thinking to himself that the fish had finally taken the bait. He then leaned forward again and lowered his voice, saying, "Dou Wenchang and Huo Xianming are both too inexperienced. How can they possibly stand against Yu Chaoen? The Yingwu Army is currently without generals, so we should select loyal and honest men to serve as generals."

"Which general is on Eleven Lang's mind?"

Yan Zhuang slowly shook his head and said, "How can an outside general command the valiant army?" Li Heng wouldn't trust a legitimate general; he only trusts eunuchs, wouldn't he?

"Then only Li Fuguo can subdue Yu Chaoen."

Yan Zhuang shook his head again: "The Emperor will absolutely not allow Li Fuguo to actually command the Imperial Guards."

Upon hearing this, Li Ji nodded slightly. It seemed that Yan Zhuang also understood clearly that Li Fuguo was merely a tool used by Li Heng to control the outer court, and his own power was limited. So how could Li Heng allow someone, even his most trusted eunuch, to not only control the outer court officials but also to control the intelligence agency and thus hold military power? Even if he didn't strip Li Fuguo of his title of "Military Commander," it would only give Li Fuguo some influence over the outer army, but he would never be allowed to interfere in the affairs of the Imperial Guard.

If Li Heng were willing to let Li Fuguo lead the Imperial Guards, why would he hand over the Yingwu Army to Dou Wenchang and Huo Xianming, who were not under Li Fuguo's command? And why would he specifically summon Yu Chaoen to lead the Shence Army to guard the capital?

"Then who should be chosen is someone we hope Eleventh Brother will tell us."

Yan Zhuang then revealed his trump card: "No one can control Yu Chaoen now, but we can slightly hinder him and divide his power. I am not very familiar with the eunuchs and my knowledge is limited—one is Cheng Yuanzhen, and the other is Sun Changkai."

Li Ji thought to himself, "What a coincidence! Sun Changkai is my neighbor."

In fact, neither of the two eunuchs Yan Zhuang mentioned were currently powerful figures in the palace, but they both maintained a certain distance from Li Fuguo—if they were clearly Li Fuguo's cronies, they would have no chance of taking command of the Yingwu Army. Among them, through the information revealed by Li Shi, Li Ji knew that Cheng Yuanzhen seemed to be part of Li Yu and his son's faction, and Sun Changkai… might be too! Therefore, Yan Zhuang recommended these two.

He certainly didn't want Li Ji to offer advice to Li Shi, or even to go through other channels to recommend the two eunuchs. He wanted Li Ji to pass on a message to Dou Wenchang and Huo Xianming. He figured the two eunuchs, Dou and Huo, must be terrified by Yu Chaoen's return of favor and desperately need a powerful patron, or at least someone influential to protect them. As things stood, Li Ji was probably the only one who could reach the two eunuchs and deliver their message.

Li Ji tapped the table lightly with his finger, thinking to himself, "This must be the theme of your banquet today: minimizing the potential impact of Yu Chaoen's entry into the Imperial Guard and maintaining stability within the inner court... or at least a balance." After a moment's thought, he bowed to Yan Zhuang, saying, "I've learned much. But is there anything else you two need my help with?"

Yan and Cui exchanged a glance, and then Yan Zhuang slowly said, "The Ministry of Agriculture is a heavy responsibility, and we have no other hope. We came to you because it is indeed for the sake of the country—although it is also related to personal motives—as of now, I have no desire to move, and you certainly cannot help."

Cui Guangyuan also said, "Li Fuguo has promised me that I will be appointed as a military governor again..." Li Ji thought to himself, "Oh, you've latched onto that old eunuch again? Was it Li Shi who pulled the strings?" "If there is any emergency within the clan while I am away from the capital, I hope you will lend a helping hand, Second Brother."

In truth, the Cui family of Boling, a powerful clan for centuries, even in its current decline, still had many officials in green and blue robes, and even more disciples and former subordinates. How could they possibly need Li Ji's help? There was still Cui Youfu there. Cui Guangyuan was merely saying this casually, trying to strengthen their relationship, mainly to show: I already have a suitable place to go, I don't need you.

Li Ji said that since that was the case, he would take his leave first—if he stayed any longer, the street-silencing drum would sound, and he wouldn't be able to get home.

Cui Guangyuan laughed and said, "Why is Erlang in such a hurry? He can sleep at the Lü family's house... Could it be that you look down on Miss Susu?"

Li Ji politely declined—indeed, he didn't like round faces and preferred to go home and cuddle with Qingluan—Yan and Cui didn't insist he stay and escorted him to the courtyard. Servants brought his mount and presented him with two maces—each carrying one, they were somewhat out of breath—Li Ji couldn't help but glance around, wondering where Cui Qi had gone; he hadn't even come to see him off…

After Li Ji left, Yan and Cui returned to the house and ordered more lamps and wine to be added, resuming the banquet. Cui Guangyuan asked Yan Zhuang, "What do you think of this boy?"

Yan Zhuang nodded: "He is indeed a talented man. If properly nurtured, he will surely become a great asset." He paused, then changed the subject, asking Cui Guangyuan: "The situation in the capital is changing rapidly, and it's a very interesting time. Why do you insist on taking up a post outside the capital?"

Cui Guangyuan sighed, "I'm old now, and all my ambitions have vanished. Please forgive me for not being able to accompany you here under this precarious wall... Today I've introduced Li Ji to you. If anything happens in the future, you can summon him. I'll just stay in Jingzhou and observe your remarkable skills from afar."

Yan Zhuang reminded him, "You are a good official if you govern a region, but as for commanding troops... I really don't think you're a good fit. Haven't we learned our lesson from the defeat in Weizhou?"

Cui Guangyuan smiled slightly: "The situation has changed. In the past, civil officials were civil officials and military officials were military officials. Since the Kaiyuan and Tianbao eras, border generals have mostly been appointed by non-Civilians. In the future, civil and military officials will inevitably be mixed. Those who have never been generals will probably not be able to become prime ministers. Even if they do enter the Council of State, it will not last long."

Yan Zhuang curled his lip and said, "How can that be? You're just trying to find another way because the right path is blocked."

Cui Guangyuan shook his head: "I have truly given up on the idea of ​​becoming prime minister. I only hope that Yifu can enter the Hall of State Affairs in the future, so that my Boling Cui family can have another prime minister..." He paused here, looking at Yan Zhuang: "I was just thinking, Yifu has a daughter who is not yet married, should we try to match her with Li Ji?"

Yan Zhuang asked, "The Cui of Boling and the Li of Zhao County are indeed a good match, but... is it really necessary?"

Cui Guangyuan said, “If our Tang dynasty has an orderly succession, then Li Ji will surely become a general in a region in the future. At that time, his grandson will be a prime minister in the court, and his son-in-law will be a general in the field, and the family will be able to live in peace and prosperity.”

"Cui Youfu is ultimately the second son, while you are the third son of Boling. Why do you need to focus all your attention on him? Do you think that Guangdi, your son, your nephew, and the others have no hope of becoming pillars of the court?"

Cui Guangyuan smiled bitterly, "If Qianling were still alive, perhaps there would be some chance. As for the sons of Neng, Ju, and Kang... well, let's wait for the grandchildren. The reason I supported Yisun is that I hope he can repay my grandson in the future..."

“But if your plan is as you see it,” Yan Zhuang couldn’t help but laugh, “is it possible for an old man and his son-in-law to both be serving in the court at the same time in the future?”

Cui Guangyuan remained silent upon hearing this, pondering without uttering a word.

"Moreover, you only thought of the prime minister and the general, but you did not know that in the future, there will be another type of person who will be highly valued. Only with three powerful figures can your family remain as stable as a rock."

"you are right?"

"We should also make friends with people like Liu Shi'an and Yuan Gongfu as soon as possible."

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Chapter Five, Divine Strategy Enters the Guard

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The day before Yu Chaoen led the Shence Army back to Chang'an, an imperial edict was issued to establish the "Military Inspection and Pacification Commissioner" (abbreviated as "Military Inspection Commissioner") in the Yingwu Army. In reality, the Commissioner was a military supervisor with more power than the generals and supreme generals, let alone Dou Wenchang and Huo Xianming, who were merely the chief secretaries.

This was naturally Li Ji's suggestion to the eunuchs Dou and Huo, based on Yan Zhuang's advice. As for how the two of them would operate, he didn't care—nor could he. Not to mention that he was just a minor official of the eighth rank, this newly built windbreak wall had to be built with eunuchs, and only the palace attendants could devise plans for the appointment of eunuchs.

However, after much negotiation, the final choice for the Martial Army's Military Inspection Commissioner was not Cheng Yuanzhen or Sun Changkai, whom Yan Zhuang had hoped for, but a dark horse—Wang Jiahe, the former fifth-rank Inner Attendant.

Wang Jiahe was also an old acquaintance of Li Heng when he was the Crown Prince. He had followed Li Heng from Chang'an to Lingwu and thus gained his favor. However, unlike Cheng Yuanzhen and Sun Changkai, Wang Jiahe also enjoyed reading military books and discussing military strategies. He often read frontline military reports to Li Heng, and his words were often insightful—of course, they were all just theoretical discussions.

Therefore, Li Heng sent him to take charge of the Yingwu Army, also to maintain balance within the Imperial Guards—because it is said that after Yu Chaoen returned to the capital, he would no longer supervise the external troops, but would still hold the title of Military Inspection Commissioner, only leading the Shence Army.

After receiving the imperial edict, Wang Jiahe swaggered to the Yingwu Army headquarters and summoned his officials. From Dou Wenchang and Huo Xianming down, all the civil and military officials were present and paid their respects. Li Ji glanced at Wang Jiahe and saw that he was not very old, only in his early thirties, with a rather square face and an extremely serious expression.

Wang Jiahe exchanged a few polite words and then ordered his subordinates to register one by one—of course, he was familiar with the eunuchs Dou and Huo, so there was no need for them to register. The first to register was Ma Sui, and Wang Jiahe nodded: "You must be Ma Xunmei?" His tone seemed a little sarcastic, but judging from his expression and the words he used, there was no malice in it.

“The minor official Ma Sui.”

"The Emperor often mentions the Emperor's name to me, placing high hopes on him. He even said that many of the generals on the front lines are unsuitable and that Ma Xunmei should be sent to the Imperial Censorate of Siming. It's a pity that you are still inexperienced. Just work hard and persevere for a few years until you get promoted. Then you will have the opportunity to lead troops into battle, make merits, and be promoted."

“This junior official must be diligent in his duties and live up to the expectations of the emperor and the trust placed in him by the army.”

Next, Li Ji, Wang Jiahe nodded as before: "You are Li Erlang, the one who defends the borders of Longyou?"

“Li Ji, a minor official.”

"It's a pity that you didn't continue to fight bandits and make meritorious contributions in Guanzhong, but instead came to the capital to sit idly. However, the safety of the sage is of utmost importance to the world. If the sage is safe, the world is safe. You must remember this."

"I will naturally keep in mind your words of military discipline."

After counting everyone's heads, Wang Jiahe said, "I often have to serve His Majesty in His Majesty's presence, so I can't come to the yamen every day. But when I do come, I have to check the accounts and inspect the military uniforms. You all should be careful and not let me find any mistakes..." Then he raised his eyebrows and said, "I am a man of iron heart, but I am loyal to His Majesty. Among my colleagues, I may not care about saving face!"

As he was about to leave, Dou Wenchang mustered his courage and asked, "Junrong, I've heard that the Shence Army will be entering the capital tomorrow or the day after to assist in guarding the Forbidden City. What is the division of authority between us and the Yingwu Army?"

Wang Jiahe raised an eyebrow: "Don't worry, the Yingwu Army was personally promoted by the Emperor, so naturally he trusts them the most. Besides, those barbarians from Shanzhou don't know etiquette. What if they offend the inner court and the palace ladies? I'm afraid even Yu Chaoen wouldn't be able to cover it up. I have already informed the Emperor that the Yingwu Army will continue to guard the inner court, and we can give the middle and outer courts to the Shence Army."

Dou Wenchang and Huo Xianming were overjoyed upon hearing this. Huo Xianming seized the opportunity to say, "However, our Yingwu Army is short-staffed, and we hope that our military appearance will be satisfactory before His Majesty..."

Wang Jiahe frowned slightly and shook his head, saying, "Let's leave it at that for now. The Sage has no intention of increasing the size of the Heroic Army—I will devise a plan gradually, and you should not rush me."

Wang Jiahe's attitude greatly excited the two eunuchs, Dou and Huo. Although it was impossible to increase the number of troops and expand the Yingwu Army to a number comparable to the Shence Army for the time being, at least they could still protect the inner court and be closer to the emperor. Moreover, Wang Jiahe had clearly ignited a burning ambition and wanted to compete with Yu Chaoen. With him in the lead, the pressure on the two eunuchs, Dou and Huo, would be greatly reduced.

Li Ji was somewhat disappointed by this. In fact, even if the Yingwu Army expanded, in his opinion, it would definitely not be able to defeat the Shence Army. After all, since the creation of the "Palace Archery", these guys had been living in luxury by the emperor's side, their killing intent had been extinguished, and they had gradually become lazy; while the Shence Army, although it had not fought any major battles in recent years, had been trained in Shanxian County under the supervision of Wei Boyu, and its organizational ability and combat experience would be more abundant.

Li Ji certainly didn't want internal strife or trouble in the palace, but with the changing times, especially as Li Tong grew older, it seemed unavoidable. If trouble did arise, it would be best to have a proper showdown with the Shence Army, a decisive battle where the victor would reign supreme. If it were just a power struggle between Wang Jiahe and Yu Chaoen, he wouldn't be able to exert any real influence; it would be like putting his life in someone else's hands. He could only hope that Yu Chaoen wouldn't defy public opinion and side with Empress Zhang… even if he remained neutral, things would be much easier.

Sure enough, the next day, Yu Chaoen led four thousand Shence Army soldiers into Chang'an City and immediately set up the Shence Army headquarters inside the Yanzheng Gate of the Daming Palace—directly opposite the Yingwu Army headquarters to the east and west. The Shence Army then took over the defense of the inner and outer courts. Apart from a few main gates and main halls where the Imperial Guards served as decoys, all that could be seen were Shence soldiers with red headbands and turbans.

Li Ji felt a prickling sensation on his back. The Yingwu Army headquarters was located in the outer court, and given his status, even if the Yingwu Army was actually guarding the inner court, he couldn't easily enter. Therefore, as soon as he left the headquarters, he would be surrounded by the Shence Army…

In fact, he was acquainted with many of the generals in the Shence Army. Even if he wasn't familiar with them, he could still talk to them if he mentioned Wei Boyu, Chen Fu, Yi Tiechui, etc. But the problem was that the Shence Army was now in the hands of Yu Chaoen, and that guy's grudge against him was even deeper than that against Li Fuguo!

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Now, Yu Chaoen had just returned to Chang'an when he handed over all his troops to Liu Xixian, the commander of the Imperial Guard, and hurriedly went to the palace to pay his respects to Emperor Li Heng.

As soon as he entered Chongming Gate, he saw a group of eunuchs in red robes surrounding an old man in purple robes, their hands clasped in front of their stomachs, smiling and waiting for him. Yu Chaoen hurried forward and bowed deeply, saying, "Fifth Brother."

The old man was none other than Li Fuguo. He immediately took two steps forward and grabbed Yu Chaoen's arms with both hands: "You've finally come back—I have to manage both the palace and the court these days, I'm so busy that my hair is turning white every day, I've been longing for you to come back and share the responsibilities."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Fuguo suggested leading Yu Chaoen to see Li Heng. Yu Chaoen asked, "Where is the Emperor?" Li Fuguo replied, "In the Hall of Longevity... Lately, His Majesty's health has been poor; he frequently suffers from headaches and runny noses. Even so, he insisted on going to the Western Palace to pay homage to the Retired Emperor. We had great difficulty persuading him to stop."

As he spoke, he glanced sideways at Yu Chaoen, who understood and quickly said, "His Majesty is unwell. If he were to see the Retired Emperor, it would only cause the old man worry. What's the point of that..." He looked at Li Fuguo and asked in a low voice, "How is the Empress?"

"The Empress seems quite at ease, often reciting memorials and requesting imperial decrees from her bedside. She also said that she fears we might be troubled, and that official business can be sent directly to Qingning Palace..."

"This is against the rules..."

Li Fuguo smiled and said, "If it were during the reign of Emperor Gaozong or the Jinglong era of Emperor Zhongzong, it would have been the same system..." He then glanced at Yu Chaoen and said, "After you have met the Emperor, the Empress will probably summon you as well. Be careful."