Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 907 Not a single good person

At the third watch of the night, the morning bell shattered the dawn in Chang'an, and officials, following the faint morning light, filed in through the Zhuque Gate. Inside the Taiji Hall, the gilded bronze pillars reflected the rising sun, their light shimmering and flickering.

Li Zhi stood beneath the steps, dressed in the attire of a crown prince, which accentuated his tall and handsome figure. At this moment, he held no memorial tablet, but rather several scrolls of documents, his clear eyes meeting the gaze of the emperor on the throne.

"Your subject has a memorial to present."

"Granted." Third Sister nodded.

"Thanks to Your Majesty's divine might and the soldiers' valiant efforts, the situation in Hedong has been resolved. Luzhou has been pacified, and the ringleaders Liu Ren and Gao Wenhuan have been brought to justice. Those who were coerced into following us are being investigated and dealt with." Li Zhi got straight to the point, his tone calm: "However, what I saw and felt during my inspection of Hedong this time was not limited to the suppression of the rebellion."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials who were listening intently, lingering particularly on the faces of several high-ranking ministers from the Guanzhong Plain.

"The root of the rebellion lies in the damage to old interests and the obstruction of the implementation of new policies. Since the fall of Luzhou, I have swiftly investigated Hedong, and most of the obstruction and resistance from the past, whether overt or covert, have quietly disappeared. The Wang family of Taiyuan voluntarily returned 3,000 mu of military farmland that they had seized, and the Liu family of Hedong donated money and grain to help with the military supplies, saying that they were 'sharing the hardships of the times'. The vacant positions reported by the various military commands were filled by themselves within ten days, with nearly 50% being filled. The generals in the army, whether from Guanzhong, Shandong, or from humble backgrounds, all submitted memorials requesting training and willing to follow the new regulations, without any objection."

His tone was not smug, but rather thoughtful: "This cleverness is not entirely of my own volition, but rather a consequence of the prevailing trend, with a knife hanging over our necks. However, this approach can only be used temporarily, not relied upon for long. I believe we should seize this opportunity to quickly implement the detailed rules of the new policies, clearly announcing the troop numbers, pay standards, and training regulations to the entire country, posting them publicly in every camp, prefecture, county, and even village. We can also emulate the Wei Kingdom by sending scholars to the countryside. This will ensure that the people understand the laws and regulations, and that everyone knows the rules and boundaries, leaving no room for petty corruption. At the same time, the Inspectorate should immediately dispatch its officers to each region to exercise its power of supervision and inspection. Anyone found to be in violation, regardless of who is involved, should be severely punished. This will solidify the results and deter future wrongdoing."

A hush fell over the hall. Li Zhi's words were clear and concise, hitting the nail on the head. This report was not only a summary of the suppression of the rebellion in Hedong, but also a keen insight into the current political situation. He pointed out the temporary "obedience" of the aristocratic families and the military, and proposed a strategy to transform this forced "obedience" into long-term stability.

Changsun Wuji stroked his beard, remaining silent with a complex expression. He naturally understood Li Zhi's unspoken message: he wanted to use the momentum of the suppression of the rebellion to quickly and decisively implement the new policies, thus dispelling the hopes of those who were still observing or even harboring wishful thinking.

Several officials who were close to the Guanlong Group moved their lips, but ultimately remained silent. After all, the lesson of Luzhou was still fresh, and Gao Wenhuan's body was still warm; to jump out and question the Crown Prince at this moment would be unwise.

Third Sister listened quietly, her fingertip lightly tapping the armrest of the dragon throne.

"The Crown Prince's suggestion is very much in line with my wishes. The implementation of the new policies cannot be delayed. The Council of State Affairs, together with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue, shall draft the detailed rules of the new policies within ten days and issue them to the whole country. The personnel of the Inspectorate must leave the capital within three days and go to their respective circuits. Court adjourned."

The Emperor's will is final, and there is no turning back.

The bell tolled melodiously as the court adjourned, and the officials left the Taiji Hall one by one. Many people looked at Li Zhi with completely different eyes than when he first arrived. Before, they saw the Crown Prince as nothing more than a child, but after this series of events, even though they knew that the Crown Prince had the support of his parents, he was indeed no ordinary person, so they naturally had more awe in their eyes.

Li Zhi breathed a slight sigh of relief. Just as he stepped out of the palace gate, a figure dressed in fiery red riding attire and with his hair styled in double buns came up to greet him excitedly. It was none other than Dugu Jiaye.

"Brother!" Her voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley, attracting the attention of the surrounding officials: "The court session is over? Perfect! I've prepared a banquet at Qin Garden today, you can't miss it! I've already called Sister Xiaowu and Brother Jianzhi, and also Brother Chengqian and Second Brother Shang, not one can be missing!"

Looking at his sister's bright smile, Li Zhi felt the tension in the hall ease somewhat, and said with a helpless smile, "What are you up to now?"

“You’ll see when we get there!” Dugu Jiaye grabbed his arm and pulled him outside without saying another word: “Hurry up, hurry up, we’ve been waiting for you!”

Qin Garden is the courtyard of the Dugu family, who are incredibly wealthy, the richest family in the world. Naturally, the courtyard is decorated with winding streams and pavilions. At this moment, in early summer, exotic flowers are in full bloom, and bees and butterflies are fluttering around, creating a scene of unparalleled wealth and elegance.

Inside the waterside pavilion, the air was already filled with the fragrance of fine clothes and the sounds of laughter and conversation.

Dugu Jiaye invited almost every prominent young lady and noblewoman in Chang'an. They sat or stood, some leaning on railings watching the fish, others whispering among themselves, each with exquisite makeup and gorgeous attire, striving to display their family's style and personal demeanor on this occasion.

However, when Li Zhi, Xiao Wu, Zhang Jianzhi, Tuoba Shang, and especially Li Chengqian's group appeared at the entrance of the waterside pavilion, the originally harmonious atmosphere instantly turned into a murderous intent. However, this murderous intent was not directed at these people, but at each other. The saying "those who travel together are enemies" was vividly demonstrated at this moment.

Li Chengqian did not dress up deliberately today, but wore an ordinary brocade robe and a glass and jade belt to tie his waist, which made his face look like jade and his eyes like bright stars.

He walked with composure, his gentle demeanor carrying a hint of aloofness that made him seem unapproachable. The moment he appeared, he was like the bright moon in the sky, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

Several young women standing nearby almost instinctively held their breath, their cheeks flushed, their eyes glued to him. Some of the bolder ones couldn't help but exchange excited glances with their companions, low gasps and suppressed exclamations rising from the crowd. Had it not been for etiquette, they probably would have screamed already.

Dugu Jiaye took in everything, a sly smile playing on her lips. She greeted him warmly, her voice just loud enough for everyone around to hear: "Brother Chengqian, you've finally arrived! If you hadn't come, all my sisters and nieces in the garden would have been waiting anxiously!"

These words were like boiling oil poured into cold water, instantly creating a huge ripple. Many mature ladies frowned slightly, feeling that Kasyapa's words were too frivolous and lacked propriety. As for the young ladies, many of them lowered their heads in embarrassment, and some even couldn't help but steal glances at Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian remained expressionless, only smiling gently as he said to Dugu Jiaye, "How could I not come to the banquet hosted by my sister?"

As he spoke, his gaze calmly swept over everyone present, and he nodded slightly in greeting, displaying impeccable manners without overstepping any boundaries.

Tuoba Shangke didn't have many reservations. He sat down casually at the table, grabbed a grape from the table and threw it into his mouth. His eyes looked around with great interest until he saw Cui Yan nodding and smiling at him in the crowd. Only then did he walk up to greet him.

"So, Miss Cui, you've come today too?" He casually draped his arm over Cui Yan's shoulder. "Have you missed your brother these past few days?"

Cui Yan glared at him reproachfully: "I'm afraid you've forgotten about me now that you have Chengxin." "That's not true," Tuoba Shang waved his hand: "I've sent Chengxin to become a monk."

Cui Yan was taken aback upon hearing this: "Huh? A monk?"

"Yes, I discussed it with Brother Chengqian and we felt that Chengxin and Monk Bianji got along better. They are both good-looking, so why not have them accompany each other on the road and play billiards together so they won't be lonely."

“Playing billiards…” Cui Yan was stunned for a moment, then understood. Her cheeks flushed, and she pushed Tuoba Shang with all her might, but the force was like a gentle breeze in front of Tuoba Shang.

"You're so mean."

When Dugu Jiaye arranged the seating, it seemed casual, but in fact she did it carefully. She deliberately placed the Pei family, known for their talent and aloofness, and the Cui family, known for their prominent family background and arrogant nature, in adjacent seats. She also arranged the seats of several young ladies from similar backgrounds who loved to compete with each other very close together.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere seemed harmonious, but the drinks were already getting out of hand.

First, Cui Lin noticed a jade bracelet with excellent translucency on Pei Wan's wrist, which seemed to be newly acquired. She then raised her voice and laughed, "Sister Wan'er, this bracelet is quite unique, but the color is a bit too bright green. It's not as good as white jade to complement your temperament."

Although Pei Wan was gentle, she was not timid. Upon hearing this, she raised her eyes and said calmly, "Sister Lin has good taste. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think this emerald green is full of vitality and is perfect for the early summer season. As for your rouge-red dress, it is beautiful, but the pattern seems to be an old style that was popular in the capital last year?"

Cui Lin's face stiffened. She was indeed wearing a dress from last year, but she'd worn it again because she liked the color, not expecting Pei Wan to point it out in public. She forced a smile and said, "Sister, you have a good memory. It's just clothes; as long as they fit and are comfortable, that's enough. Why chase after the latest styles?"

A young lady named Liu, who was on good terms with the Cui family, immediately chimed in: "Sister Lin is right. In my opinion, a woman's virtue is fundamental. If she only focuses on her clothing, she is falling short."

Another young lady from the Zhao family, who was close to Pei Wan, couldn't stand it any longer and chuckled, "Sister Liu, you are mistaken. Neat and proper attire is also a matter of etiquette. Besides, I have heard that His Highness the Crown Prince recently praised women for knowing some practical matters, and not just being limited to needlework."

Upon hearing this, several young ladies at the table who had put in effort in riding, archery, and mathematics immediately straightened their backs, their gazes glancing subtly in Li Zhi's direction.

Another lady smiled and said to Dugu Jiaye, "Young lady Jiaye, I've heard that you are an excellent horseman and an even more skilled polo player. May I ask which master you studied under?"

Dugu Jiaye replied with a smile, "Madam is too kind. I was just playing around. My father said that it's good for a girl to have a bit of spirit, so that she won't just cry when she's bullied."

As she spoke, she glanced meaningfully at Cui Lin. Cui Lin had once shed tears in public because of a carriage accident, and although it had been a long time, her expression immediately turned even more unpleasant when Jia Ye subtly brought it up now.

Inside the waterside pavilion, a fierce debate ensued, with words flying back and forth.

While seemingly discussing clothing, talent, and character, every word actually concerns the family's reputation, personal honor, and even probing and taking sides regarding future trends.

The ladies maintained smiles on the surface, but their eyes exchanged glances, revealing a series of subtle maneuvers. The young women racked their brains, trying to maintain their own image while simultaneously trying to outdo their opponents.

Tuoba Shang watched with great interest, and if Li Chengqian hadn't stopped him with a look, he would have slammed his fist on the table and cheered. He leaned close to Li Zhi's ear and whispered, "Look at this, it's even more interesting than watching wrestling! Your sister is a fucking genius!"

Li Zhi shook his head helplessly. At this moment, Xiao Wu was quietly serving the dishes, seemingly detached from the situation, but a hint of understanding flashed in his eyes. Zhang Jianzhi, on the other hand, kept his head down and ate his food silently, feeling that the atmosphere of this banquet was more mentally taxing than dealing with complicated official documents. They couldn't speak up either, after all, they were officials under the Crown Prince, and speaking out easily would be seen as acting on the Crown Prince's orders.

Li Chengqian remained seated, his face calm, occasionally exchanging a few words with those beside him, gentle and refined, seemingly unaware of the silent tension around him. However, the more detached he appeared, the more mysterious and intriguing he became in the eyes of the young ladies and wives.

Dugu Jiaye moved among them, smiling charmingly, sometimes adding fuel to the fire, sometimes calming a dispute, perfectly controlling the emotions of the entire scene. Her gaze swept across the room, finally meeting Li Chengqian's eyes across the distance, both of them exchanging a knowing smile.

"His Majesty is here!"

"Xia Lin, Xia Daosheng has arrived!"

"Great fortune has arrived for Dugu!"

Suddenly, a series of dishes were announced outside, stunning everyone present. Not to mention the others, even that scoundrel Tuoba Shang hurriedly got up and went to the door to wait respectfully. The others also got up to greet him.

"Please, everyone, take a seat. Since this is a family banquet, let's not stand on ceremony." Her Majesty the Empress entered first. Having removed her crown, she appeared gentle and elegant. She raised her hand and gestured, "Please sit down."

At this moment, Prince Dugu Dayun followed closely behind and entered. Jia Ye's relationship with her was so-so, but he seemed extremely happy when he saw Xia Lin behind him: "Father..."

But before she could say "father," she quickly changed the subject, saying, "Father, Mother, Marshal Xia..."

Tuoba Shang, who was standing next to him, couldn't help but laugh, when Xia Lin flicked him on the head...

(End of this chapter)