The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 396 What kind of person deserves the title of the most perfect person in the universe?

The three-day Ruxukou speech has concluded.

Li Yi's carriage then officially headed towards Jianye City.

As they approached the city gate, they suddenly saw the city brightly lit with lanterns and decorations.

It was even more lively than the Lantern Festival in Luoyang.

People, young and old, carrying colorful lanterns and chatting happily, walked towards the river.

Li Yi lifted the curtain to look out, and said in surprise:
"It's already late spring, why would there be a Lantern Festival?"

The attendants on either side looked at each other, none of them able to answer.

Just then, Chen Deng rode up and, hearing the Prime Minister's question, explained with a smile:
"...Your Excellency is unaware of this."

"The Wu Palace was burned down last year, and Jianye City was severely damaged. It has only been completed now."

"To celebrate the rebirth of the new city, the people have extended the Lantern Festival to today as a sign of their joy."

Li Yi's eyes flickered slightly, knowing that this must have been a special arrangement by Chen Deng to show that Jiangnan was peaceful.

He didn't point it out, but just smiled and said:

"That's wonderful! I never imagined we'd be able to celebrate the Lantern Festival twice a year. It's truly a blessing."

"Would you gentlemen like to come with me to see the lanterns?"

The officials all agreed, and Li Yi got out of the carriage and walked.

He led the officials into the crowd and headed towards the river.

When the common people saw a group of high-ranking officials and dignitaries suddenly appear, they all turned away and whispered among themselves.

Those who knew Chen Deng held him in even higher esteem.

As you walk to the riverbank, you see hundreds of river lanterns floating downstream, like a galaxy fallen to earth.

Suddenly, a group of people were seen lighting colorful lanterns and shouting loudly:

"Set it on fire! Set it on fire!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yi frowned, ordered the guards to summon the men, and asked them gently:

"Why do you refer to lighting lamps as setting fires? This is a very unlucky phrase."

Those men noticed that the person asking the question had an extraordinary air about him and was surrounded by a large group of officials.

Knowing he was an important person, he hurriedly knelt down and replied:
"My lord, you may not know this, but the name of the General Who Conquers the South contains the character 'Deng'."

"To avoid using the word 'lighting lamps,' we could only say 'setting fire.'"

Li Yi turned to look at Chen Deng, a half-smile playing on his lips.

Chen Deng hurriedly defended himself:

"Your Excellency is wise. The Emperor never issued an order to avoid using the taboo word. This must be a misunderstanding by the people."

Those men looked up and saw Chen Deng present, and were even more terrified, repeatedly kowtowing:

"General, please forgive us! It was not your order, but rather our own voluntary act of avoiding the taboo."

"The General treats the people like his own children, and his kindness is as heavy as a mountain. We voluntarily avoid using his name to show our respect."

Li Yi laughed upon hearing this and teased Chen Deng:
"Yuanlong, Yuanlong, this is truly a case of 'the magistrate is allowed to set fires, but the common people are not allowed to light lamps'!"

Chen Deng was taken aback and asked:

"What do you mean by that, Prime Minister?"

Li Yi waved his hand and laughed:

"...It was just a joke, Yuanlong, don't take it to heart."

He then glanced at the sky and said, "It's getting late, time to return to the palace."

Chen Deng breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said:
"Deng has already prepared a banquet at the Wu Palace to welcome the Prime Minister."

"The fish sashimi from Jiangnan is the most delicious. It's been many years since we brothers last met."

"It's a time to drink and chat, and reminisce about old times."

So the group returned to the Wu Palace.

Although the palace had been repaired, traces of fire were still visible.

The blend of old and new creates a unique atmosphere.

The banquet was held in a pavilion overlooking the water, with the Huai River visible through the window.

This is the Qinhuai River of later generations.

The river lanterns twinkle, reflecting the stars in the sky.

Chen Deng personally served Li Yi the dishes and said with a smile:

"This is a specialty fish dish from Jiangnan, made with the freshest perch."

"Thin as a cicada's wing, it melts in your mouth."

"Please have a taste, Your Excellency."

Li Yi took a bite and praised it:

"It's really delicious! Yuanlong is very thoughtful."

After several rounds of drinks, Chen Deng suddenly sighed:

"I remember when we fought together against Yuan Shu in Guangling, we shared joys and sorrows."

"Who would have thought I would have such an honor today?"

Li Yi raised his cup and said:
"Yes, twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye."

"Now that Yuanlong is guarding Jiangnan, he has made outstanding contributions, which is truly a blessing for the court."

The two drank together, seemingly very close, yet each had their own thoughts.

The banquet was filled with the sounds of string and wind instruments and the graceful singing and dancing, but it could not conceal the undercurrents of unrest.

Midway through the banquet, a servant suddenly came to report:

"Your Excellency, Jiang Wei requests an audience, saying he has important matters to report."

Li Yizhun met with him.

Jiang Wei entered and, seeing the grand banquet, hesitated for a moment.

He then stepped closer and whispered:

"Your Excellency, during my inspection of the city just now, I saw a crowd of people gathered at the government office."

"Suing the soldiers for forcibly occupying farmland."

"This matter..."

At this point, Jiang Wei paused, glancing at Chen Deng beside Li Yi.

Chen Deng's expression changed slightly, and he quickly interrupted:

"The authorities are aware of this matter and are investigating it."

"Your Excellency has come a long way and must be tired. Why trouble yourself with such trivial matters?"

Li Yi waved his hand and said seriously:

"...Yuanlong, there's no need for that."

"Since this involves a conflict between the military and civilians, it should not be taken lightly. Boyue, please explain in detail."

Jiang Wei then reported:
Several military officers, under the guise of training troops, forcibly seized farmland belonging to the local people.

This resulted in dozens of farming families being displaced.

Upon hearing this, Li Yi's expression gradually darkened:
“Yuanlong, with the Jiangnan region newly pacified, should be most wary of competing with the people for profit.”

"This matter must be thoroughly investigated."

Chen Deng was drenched in sweat and said repeatedly:

"I have failed in my duty, please forgive me, Your Excellency."

"Investigate this matter thoroughly immediately and show absolutely no leniency!"

The atmosphere at the banquet suddenly turned cold.

Li Yi, however, turned and smiled:
"Official business can be discussed tomorrow. Tonight, we brothers are gathered together, so let's not spoil the fun."

"Come on, let's continue drinking!"

"Let's get drunk tonight, and then sleep side by side in bed tonight."

Chen Deng laughed loudly:

"...Ziyu's words are exactly what I was thinking!"

"I still remember when we traveled together in Guangling, we slept in the same tent and talked all night long."

"Today's reunion is just right."

So the two of them went into the bedroom together and lay down on the same bed.

At first, they were chatting about the past, but soon they started snoring, as if they were drifting off to sleep.

Around midnight, Li Yi suddenly got up from his bed.

Chen Deng had actually been awake for a while, but he pretended to be asleep, squinting as he peered out.

Li Yi tiptoed out, and there was already someone waiting outside the hall—it was Jiang Wei.

"Prime Minister,"

Although Jiang Wei's voice was low, it was exceptionally clear in the still night.

"The imperial court has issued new instructions..."

"Shh!"

Li Yi hurriedly waved his hand to stop him, and looked back at the bedchamber.

Seeing no response, he whispered:
"This place is inconvenient, please come with me."

The sound of their footsteps faded into the distance.

Chen Deng immediately got up, walked barefoot and quietly hid behind a pillar to eavesdrop.

Jiang Wei's urgent voice came from afar:
"The imperial court hopes that Your Excellency will resolve the matter in Jiangnan swiftly and not delay any longer!"

Li Yi sighed deeply:
"Things must be planned slowly; how can we rush things?"

Jiang Wei then said:

"His Majesty has granted the Prime Minister the authority to act as an imperial envoy, and the 200,000 troops in Jiangnan are all at his command."

"All it takes is a single order from the Prime Minister..."

“Boyue!” Li Yi interrupted him.

“Yuanlong and I are sworn brothers, how could I possibly harm him?”

Jiang Wei said urgently:

"It is widely rumored that Chen Yuanlong is a powerful military commander with ambitions of becoming king."

"If we don't act now, the consequences will be dire!"

Li Yi said solemnly:
"I would never lay a hand on my own brothers!"

"Your Majesty is not Emperor Gaozu, how could you possibly follow the example of the Marquis of Huaiyin?"

"Regarding the matter in Jiangnan, I have a solution that satisfies both sides. You may leave now."

Jiang Wei seemed unwilling, but had no choice but to retreat meekly.

Chen Deng, who was listening in the dark, was sweating profusely. When he saw Li Yi return, he hurriedly slipped back to his bed and pretended to be asleep.

Soon,
Li Yi returned and called out softly twice:
"Yuan Long? Is Yuan Long awake?"

Chen Deng held his breath and pretended to be asleep, remaining completely still.

Li Yi seemed relieved and fell asleep immediately, soon snoring again.

at the same time,

Jiang Wei left the palace, where Li Zhi was already waiting in the shadows.

"How's it going?"

Li Zhi asked in a low voice.

Jiang Wei nodded:

“Chen Yuanlong must have heard us, so we deliberately raised our voices.”

“If he pretends to be asleep, he will surely hear it.”

Li Zhi smiled:

"...just what Father wanted."

"This play was performed perfectly."

Jiang Wei was deeply worried:

"Chen Deng has held power in Jiangnan for more than 20 years. How could he easily relinquish power because of a few words?"

"If we push them too far, it may cause unrest."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi frowned and sighed:

"My father always acted with moderation."

"But I don't understand what his brilliant plan is."

"It can both persuade Chen Deng to relinquish power and uphold brotherly affection."

Jiang Wei shook his head:

"...This matter is extremely difficult."

"Perhaps only the Prime Minister can achieve both."

After they finished speaking, they went their separate ways.

The night was deep, and Jianye City was silent as a mystery.

The next morning,

Li Yi woke up first, and seeing that Chen Deng was still "sound asleep," he did not wake him, but got up to wash and dress himself.

When Chen Deng "woke up," the two met and their expressions were normal.

It was as if nothing had happened last night.

During breakfast, Li Yi suddenly said:

"Yuanlong, are you free today? How about accompanying me for a trip to Zhongshan?"

Chen Deng was feeling uneasy, and upon hearing this, he quickly replied:

"Since the Prime Minister has given the order, I will naturally accompany him."

So the two of them traveled light and simply to Zhongshan.

Climbing the mountain and gazing into the distance, one can take in the full splendor of spring in Jiangnan.

Li Yi suddenly said:
"Yuanlong, do you remember when we defeated the pirate Xuezhou on the river in Guangling back then?"

Chen Deng sighed:

"...How could I not remember!"

"The prime minister at that time was truly a man of great talent and charisma, and was the envy of all."

Li Yi smiled:

"At that time, I thought that a general should not serve for fame and fortune, but to protect the common people."

"Now that Jiangnan is pacified, has Yuanlong ever thought about taking a break?"

Chen Deng's heart skipped a beat, realizing it was a test, and he cautiously replied:
"Having received such great favor from the imperial court, I will do my utmost to guard Jiangnan."

Li Yi gazed at the Yangtze River and slowly said:

The Yangtze River, stretching ten thousand miles, eventually flows into the sea.

"A general should also know when to advance and when to retreat."

At this point, the atmosphere suddenly became heavy.

Chen Deng gasped, sighing inwardly that what was bound to happen would eventually come.

No wonder Li Yi summoned him to Zhongshan early in the morning.

There were only the two of them at the moment, and no one else around.

Between the brothers, they can now speak frankly and openly in private.

"Brother, what do you mean by that?"

Chen Deng frowned and asked seriously.

Li Yi said in a very serious tone:

"In the past, Han Xin did not heed Kuai Tong's advice, which led to the disaster at Weiyang Palace."

"The physician Zhong did not follow Fan Li to the Five Lakes, and eventually died by falling on his sword."

"Aren't the achievements and fame of these two men truly remarkable?"

"It is simply because the advantages and disadvantages were not clear, and the opportunity was not seized early enough."

"Now that you have achieved great merit, your power and prestige are awe-inspiring to your lord."

"Why not sail away and disappear from sight, climb Mount Emei, and travel with Master Chisongzi?"

Chen Deng laughed and said:

"...You are mistaken."

"Now that our achievements are being made, we are thinking about making further progress."

"How can one simply follow this example of retiring and living in leisure?"
Li Yi looked at him and asked:
"Yuanlong, how old are you?"

"...wasted fifty-eight years."

As soon as he said this, Chen Deng himself was taken aback.

It turns out that, without realizing it, he's almost reached the age of sixty.

Time really flies...

“…Yuanlong, I’m telling the truth.”

"Although the current emperor is a benevolent and sage ruler, how can he allow the generals outside the capital to hold military power and act arrogantly for so many years?"

“You have been managing things in Jiangnan for over twenty years, and you should have handed over military power there long ago.”

"But His Majesty, mindful of your long service on the frontier, has not addressed the issues in Jiangnan."

"Now that you have accomplished all the work in Jiangnan, shouldn't you consider retiring?"

Chen Deng was taken aback by these words and didn't know how to respond for a moment.

He never expected that Li Yi would bring up the issue so bluntly.

A spring breeze blows, and the pines in the mountains rustle in the wind.

The two brothers who once fought side by side now looked at each other in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

The fate of Jiangnan seemed to hang on to this silent moment.

“…Ziyu, you are not me, so you do not know my difficulties.”

"I have poured all my heart and soul into Jiangnan."

"His students and former officials were spread throughout six prefectures and eighty-one counties."

"How can we easily give it up? How can we easily abandon it?"

Li Yi approached Chen Deng, looked into his clear, bright eyes, and said solemnly:

"Yuanlong, do you still remember that twenty years ago, I advised you to abandon your Xuzhou base and go to Guangling?"

"...I remember you said back then that going to Guangling would give me a wider world to explore."

"...Yes, young man, lift your head, and you will have a wider world to explore."

"Neither of us are children anymore, but—"

Changing the subject, Li Yi added:

"I still want to advise you to give up on Jiangnan."

"What? Could it be that this time I'll have an even wider world to explore?"

Chen Deng joked with a smile.

"good."

"...Ha, isn't that just a joke?"

"Now that I am old, how can I talk about exploring a wider world?"

A gentle breeze blew by, causing Li Yi's black hair to flutter.

He whispered something in Chen Deng's ear.

Chen Deng's body stiffened, and he suddenly looked at Li Yi.

Seeing that his expression was as calm as ever, and that he was not joking, I realized that he was telling the truth.

silence.

There was a long silence.

……

Chen Deng returned from Zhongshan, his mind in turmoil.

Li Yi's words hadn't quite brought him back to his senses.

As he hesitated, a servant came to report:

"...Patriarch, representatives of prominent families in Jiangnan, including the Shen, Gu, Yu, and He families, request an audience."

"They have been waiting outside the mansion for a long time."

Chen Deng straightened his clothes and said:
"please."

Soon,
A group of people in fine clothes filed in, followed by their attendants carrying more than ten heavy mahogany chests.

The leader was Shen Wu, the representative of the Shen family of Wu County, who bowed respectfully.

"General Wen has been receiving the Prime Minister recently and has been working extremely hard."

"I have prepared a small gift to express my respect."

Chen Deng glanced at the chests and saw that they were filled with gold, silver, pearls, jade, silk, and satin, all of considerable value.

He then said calmly:

"...I deeply appreciate your kindness."

"But my purpose in coming here today is probably not just to bring gifts, is it?"

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Shen Wu smiled and said:
"...General, you are wise."

"Firstly, congratulations to the General on recovering Jiangnan; his achievements will be remembered for generations to come."

"Secondly...hehe, I heard that Prime Minister Lee has come to Jiangnan."

Is this true?

Chen Deng nodded:

"It's true."

The Gu family representative interjected:
"The Prime Minister's visit must be for you, General!"

Chen Deng gave a wry smile:
"Deng will naturally understand."

The representative from the Yu family stepped forward and lowered his voice:

"The Prime Minister's visit likely has another purpose—"

"I have heard that the imperial court intends to implement the imperial examination system in Jiangnan, and it will be implemented nationwide next year."

"This naturally includes my newly established Jiangnan region."

Chen Deng's eyes flashed, already knowing the purpose of their visit, yet he still asked:
"Do any of you have objections to the new policies of the imperial court?"

The representative of the He family said indignantly:
"The recommendation system has been in place for four hundred years; it is an established law from our ancestors!"

"Prime Minister Li's desire to abolish this system is a violation of ancestral precepts."

"We, the gentry of Jiangnan, absolutely cannot comply!"

Chen Deng pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked:
"If the imperial examination is not adopted, the quota for filial piety and integrity will be allocated this year."

"Does anyone have a candidate in mind?"

Everyone was overjoyed upon hearing this and presented the list of names that had been prepared beforehand.

Chen Deng glanced through the list and saw that they were all scions of various powerful families, and he understood.

"This matter... will be carefully considered by the meeting."

Chen Deng placed the roster on the table, looking dazed. "Please go back now, everyone."

Everyone was taken aback, noticing that Chen Deng's expression was unusual today, unlike his usual decisiveness.

Not daring to be so tactless as to continue entangled, they had no choice but to reluctantly take their leave.

After everyone had left, the servant approached and said:
"Master, the sashimi is ready. Would you like to eat?"

Chen Deng waved his hand:

"Take this away, I have no appetite today."

The servants were all astonished upon hearing this.

Chen Deng loved Jiangnan-style sashimi the most and ate it every day.

It is truly rare that this is an exception today. Chen Deng sat alone by the window, gazing at the blooming spring flowers in the courtyard, but had no heart to appreciate them.

Suddenly he felt a warmth on his shoulder; it was his beloved daughter, Chen Yao, draping his coat over him.

"Father seems to have something on his mind?"

Chen Yao asked softly, "You've seemed uneasy since returning from Zhongshan."

Chen Deng sighed deeply and stroked the woman's hand:

"Yao'er, do you still remember when your father wanted to tell you about your affairs in the capital?"

Chen Yao nodded, her face showing sadness:
However, the Li family has politely declined the marriage proposal.

Chen Deng said in a deep voice:
"Now, regardless of whether we marry or not, I'm afraid we will all have to move to the capital."

Chen Yao was taken aback: "Us? What does Father mean...?"

"Yes, my whole family."

Chen Deng's gaze was far-reaching. "But the road ahead is uncertain, and we don't yet know how many obstacles there will be."

Chen Yao was intelligent and immediately understood the key point:
"If Father returns to the capital, then the military power in Jiangnan will be..."

"It is naturally handed over to others."

Without hesitation, Chen Deng said, "Today, the powerful families of Jiangnan have come here, ostensibly to oppose the imperial examination system, but in reality to test my stance."

"If I leave office, they will definitely turn around and fawn over the new coach."

Chen Deng suddenly said:

"Yao'er, what do you think of the imperial examination system?"

Chen Yao pondered for a moment and said:

"In my humble opinion, the imperial examination system, although it breaks with the old system, is still a viable option."

"However, it is not necessarily a bad thing for the country and its people to recruit talented people."

Chen Deng looked at his daughter in surprise:

"You think so too?"

“Father, you are wise,” Chen Yao said solemnly.

“The powerful clans of Jiangnan have deep roots and monopolize official careers, leaving talented but poor scholars with no way to advance.”

“If this continues, resentment will inevitably arise.”

“My daughter has recently been reading history and has come to realize that the fall of the Former Han Dynasty was not unrelated to the power of aristocratic clans.”

Chen Deng remained silent for a long time, then suddenly said:
"You may step back now, and allow your father to think quietly."

“…Here you go.”

Chen Yao bowed and retreated, glancing back at her father's retreating figure one last time.

I couldn't help but sigh.

……

Let me talk about two things.

Li Yi left Jianye and, with Jiang Wei, Li Zhi, and others, traveled lightly to Qu'a County.

When the carriage arrived outside Qu'a City, the county magistrate, who had already been informed, hurriedly came out to greet it.

"I was unaware of Your Excellency's arrival. I have failed to greet you properly. Forgive me!"

The county magistrate knelt by the roadside, sweat pouring down his face.

Li Yi said gently:
“…No need to be so polite.”

"I have come here to pay my respects to General Lu Boyan. Please show me the way."

The magistrate was astonished:

"Does the Prime Minister wish to see Lu Xun?"

"After the fall of Wu, he secluded himself at home and spent his days reading."

"This is the person I've been looking for."

Li Yi interrupted with a smile, "Lead the way."

At this moment, in the Lu residence, Lu Xun was quietly reading "The Art of War" in his study.

It is widely rumored that the famous Prime Minister Li loved reading this book the most and highly praised it.

Lu Xun has been studying it repeatedly recently.

His wife, Sun, rushed inside, her expression anxious:
"My lord, Prime Minister Li Yi has arrived in Qu'a and says he wishes to see you!"

Lu Xun's hand holding the book trembled slightly, and he sighed softly:
"There's no way to avoid it in the end..."

Mrs. Sun said worriedly:
"How does my husband plan to deal with this?"

Lu Xun put down his book and straightened his clothes:
"When you're under a low eave, how can you not bow your head?"

"He is the current prime minister, and I am just a commoner. How can I not see him?"

So he led his whole family, young and old, to open the main gate and straighten their clothes to greet them.

Upon seeing Li Yi's carriage arrive, Lu Xun bowed deeply and stepped forward, saying:
"This humble subject, Lu Xun, respectfully welcomes Your Excellency's arrival."

Li Yi hurriedly got out of the carriage, personally helped Lu Xun up, and affectionately addressed him by his courtesy name:

"...Boyan, there's no need for such formalities!"

"We should be old acquaintances."

"When we met years ago, Boyan was just a handsome young general. Now he is a renowned Grand Commander in Jiangnan."

Lu Xun lowered his head and said:

"I am ashamed! I was young and ignorant back then, and dared to be an enemy of the Prime Minister."

"This is truly overestimating my abilities; I am ashamed of myself."

Li Yi observed Lu Xun's humble demeanor and knew that he only sought to preserve his family and protect himself.

The once spirited young governor has been ravaged by time.

You must be feeling incredibly bitter and helpless.
As for Lu Xun, he had previously been dismissed from his post by Sun Quan.

He was in the eye of the storm, so he has kept a low profile during that time and even now.

They are not very willing to show their faces in public.

Only by preserving oneself can one preserve one's family and oneself.

Unexpectedly, the Han army still came knocking on their door.

Even more unexpectedly, it was Li Yi, a prominent figure in the Han Dynasty, who personally came to their door.

So he gently comforted her:
"...We each served our own masters in the past, Boyan, there's no need to worry about it."

"My purpose in this southern tour is to pacify and stabilize the Jiangnan region."

“The Lu family is a prominent family in Jiangnan, and Boyan is a talented man of our time, so it is only natural that we should come to pay our respects.”

Lu Xun repeatedly said he dared not:
"How dare a defeated general trouble the Prime Minister to come in person?"

Li Yi smiled and said:

"The fall of Wu was due to Sun Quan's tyranny; what does it have to do with the Commander-in-Chief?"

"Boyan is a genius in military strategy and understands how to govern the country. He is a rare talent of our time!"

Lu Xun hurriedly said:
"...You flatter me, Your Excellency."

"Please come into my humble abode for a chat."

Upon entering the mansion,

The furnishings were simple, with only shelves full of books revealing the owner's character.

Sun ordered a banquet to be prepared. Although it was not as luxurious as the Wu Palace, it was still exquisite and delicious.

Jiang Wei stood with his hand on his sword on Li Yi's left, while Li Zhi stood on his right.

His eyes were sharp and keen, never leaving Lu Xun's side.

After several rounds of drinks, Li Yi finally spoke:
How old is Boyan this year?

Lu Xun replied:

"I wasted thirty-eight years of my life."

Li Yi clapped his hands and laughed:

"Ah, in the prime of life!"

"How can one confine oneself to a study and waste time?"

"I wonder if Boyan has any intention of returning to public life?"

Lu Xun said sadly:

"What face does a general who has lost his country have to serve a new dynasty?"

"You are mistaken!"

Li Yi said solemnly, "A true man stands between heaven and earth, and should establish unparalleled achievements."

"How can we abandon our lofty ambitions because of a temporary setback?"

"Look at the current court, the Right Chancellor Xun Gongda is already quite old and has half retired from court."

"The Left Chancellor, Lu Zijing, fell ill last year and was unable to perform his duties."

"It is I who am..."

He paused slightly, then said, "I also feel that my energy is waning and I fear it will be difficult for me to remain in the position of prime minister for long."

As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.

Li Yi was clearly implying that the position of cabinet prime minister was vacant and awaiting approval!

As everyone knows, Prime Minister Li has always been good at making empty promises.

And everyone actually bought into his empty promises.

The main reason is that Li Yi's pancakes are really huge, and with such a good reputation, you really have a chance to try them.

Even if you don't get to eat it in the end, it will make you feel like you didn't try hard enough and let Li Yi down.

It was definitely not Li Yi who was trying to trick him.

Clearly, the promise Li Yi made earlier was a direct hint that Lu Xun had a chance to enter the upper echelons of the cabinet.

It's not impossible for him to become a successor to Lu Su and Xun You, or even to become prime minister in the future.

Hearing this from the side, Madam Sun was tempted and quickly advised:
“My husband! The Han dynasty has treated my Sun family well.”

"His Majesty is magnanimous, and the Prime Minister is benevolent; this is the time for my husband to repay his kindness!"

Lu Xun pondered for a long time before saying:

"With such great favor from Your Excellency, how could I dare to refuse?"

"only……"

Li Yi raised his cup and said:
"...Boyan, there's no need to worry."

"If you wish to leave the mountain, then come with me back to Luoyang. I will first serve as the Vice Minister of War and familiarize myself with the affairs of the court."

"How about we gradually transfer and promote them later?"

Lu Xun finally stood up and raised his cup in a toast:

"I will never forget the Prime Minister's kindness in recognizing my talent!"

"I am willing to accompany the Prime Minister to the capital and serve him faithfully!"

The two drank together and smiled at each other.

However, beneath their smiles, each harbored their own thoughts.

After the banquet, Li Yi took his leave.

Before leaving, he suddenly said to Lu Xun:

"Boyan, do you know why I insisted on asking you to come out of seclusion?"

Lu Xun said respectfully
"Please enlighten me, Your Excellency."

"To pacify Jiangnan, we need more than just military suppression; we also need cultural integration."

Li Yi said meaningfully, "The Lu family is the leader of the gentry in Jiangnan."

“If Boyan were to serve in the imperial court, the gentry of Jiangnan would surely follow suit.”

"This is the best strategy to stabilize Jiangnan."

Lu Xun understood immediately:
"I will do my utmost to promote the integration of the North and the South."

After leaving the Lu residence, Li Zhi couldn't help but ask:
"Does Father really intend to recommend Lu Xun for the cabinet?"

Li Yi smiled:

"Lu Boyan is a talent fit to be a prime minister; it would be a waste not to use him."

"Whether he can join the cabinet depends on his future performance."

Jiang Wei said worriedly:
"I fear that the gentry of Jiangnan will gain power as a result, and become too powerful to control."

Li Yi gazed at the horizon and said leisurely:

"Governing a country is like playing chess; sometimes you have to sacrifice pieces to gain an advantage."

"With Lu Boyan alone, we can bring peace to all the tribes in Jiangnan. Why not do it?"

To pacify Jiangnan, it is impossible to do without the help of the powerful clans of Jiangnan.

Because they controlled the most important means of production, as well as intellectuals.

Therefore, Li Yi's attitude towards aristocratic families was always one of suppression and reasonable utilization.

The saying goes: "Cooperation will survive if we seek it through struggle."

Cooperation sought through compromise will lead to its demise.

Li Yi's attitude towards aristocratic families was just like this—

Cooperation is achieved through struggle.

Instead of simply eliminating the opponent.

The functioning of society necessitates that someone control the means of production.

And those who control him are the powerful clans.

If he can maintain this position for generations, it will become a prestigious family.

the next morning,

The main hall of the Wu Palace was filled with dignitaries.

Li Yi was the leader, and Chen Deng was his assistant.

The generals who were attacking Wu were positioned on the left and right.

Officials from all over Jiangnan and former ministers of the Wu Kingdom of the previous dynasty stood solemnly according to their ranks.

The hall was completely silent, except for the crackling of the palace lanterns and candlelight.

This Wu Palace Conference was a summary meeting held after Li Yi's southern tour.

Li Yi looked around at everyone and slowly spoke:
"The pacification of Jiangnan is all thanks to the concerted efforts of everyone."

"Today's meeting is not only to summarize the Southern Tour, but also to clarify the future strategy."

Therefore, they began to evaluate the government affairs of Jiangnan one by one.

Rewarding merits and punishing demerits, analyzing each point meticulously.

All the generals and officials held their breath and focused intently. Although they found it tedious, they dared not slack off in the slightest.

After a lengthy concluding speech at the meeting.

Li Yi changed the subject:
"The matter in Jiangnan has been settled, but there is one matter that concerns the foundation of the nation and must be made clear to the public."

Everyone perked up and looked up.

Li Yi's gaze swept around the room, and he said solemnly:
"When the former Japanese prime minister established his cabinet, he set forth the following rules:"

"The term of office for the prime minister is limited to two terms."

"Now that my term of office has ended, it is time for me to step down and hand over the reins to a more capable person."

As soon as this statement came out, the whole palace was in an uproar.

Before anyone could react, Li Yi dropped another bombshell:
"After deliberation by the Cabinet, His Majesty has made the decision."

The next prime minister has been chosen—

His gaze swept across the entire room, finally settling on Chen Deng.

"General Chen Yuanlong will take over!"

The hall erupted in chaos.

The Hebei generals, including Zhang He, Xu Huang, and Zhang Liao, changed their expressions drastically and stepped forward.

"Your Excellency, please reconsider!" Zhang He urged. "The nation is in a time of great turmoil; how can we afford to be without Your Excellency to oversee things?"

Xu Huang even knelt down to plead his case:

"If the Prime Minister were to step down, it would be like a pillar collapsing from a great building, which would not be a blessing for the country!"

Zhang Liao also said:

"I implore Your Majesty to consider the well-being of the nation and rescind your decree!"

The generals in Hebei were all terrified, because once Li Yi withdrew...

The Hebei army will lose a powerful patron.

Why was the Hebei Army considered the best army among the Han armies?

That's because they have the Prime Minister's backing and receive the most resources.

If something goes wrong, the Prime Minister will take the blame.

Of course they can act with impunity.

But once Li Yi retires, the Hebei army will likely never again stand out among the Han armies and dominate the scene.

Other military officers, such as Zang Ba and Huo Jun, could only offer token advice upon seeing this.

"This is a matter of great importance; please reconsider, Your Excellency."

Meanwhile, the generals of Huainan and the former officials of Wu remained silent, all afraid of causing trouble, and adopted a wait-and-see attitude.

Jiang Wei and Li Zhi exchanged bewildered glances, both showing expressions of surprise and doubt.

This happened so suddenly that they were completely unaware of it.

Li Yi raised his hand to stop the commotion and calmly said:

"...This matter was not decided on a whim."

"Before the southern tour, I had discussed it in detail with His Majesty, and His Majesty had given his permission."

He turned to Chen Deng, "Yuanlong, have you remembered what I said yesterday?"

Chen Deng's expression was solemn. He rose and bowed deeply.
"...The position of Prime Minister carries great responsibility."

"I am of limited talent and learning, and I fear I will fail to live up to the high expectations of the Prime Minister and His Majesty."

Li Yi stepped down from the main seat and personally helped Chen Deng up:
"Both Your Majesty and I believe in Yuanlong's abilities."

"If any difficulties arise in the future, I will do my utmost to help you, and Your Majesty will also provide your full support."

After saying that, he looked around at everyone:

"This matter has greatly impacted you all. Let's rest for a while and think it over carefully."

After speaking, he turned and left, leaving behind a hall full of astonished civil and military officials.

As soon as Li Yi left, the Hebei faction generals immediately chased after him:
"Your Excellency, please wait!"

"This matter requires further consideration!"

Jiang Wei, Li Zhi, and other loyal followers also followed closely behind.

In a blink of an eye,
Inside the main hall, only the generals of the Huainan faction, former officials of the Wu Kingdom, and some observing officials remained, accompanying Chen Deng, who stood alone in front of the hall.

Standing alone in the hall, Chen Deng watched the Hebei generals file out, his expression shifting.

A former official of the Wu Kingdom sneered:

"The generals in Hebei are clearly dissatisfied, and the prime minister will likely find it difficult to continue his duties."

Chen Deng remained silent for a long time, then suddenly turned around and asked:
"Do you all know why Prime Minister Li chose this moment to announce this matter?"

The group exchanged puzzled glances.

Chen Deng slowly said:
"The Prime Minister had a deep conversation with me yesterday, saying that the south of the Yangtze River has just been pacified, but the divide between the north and the south has not yet been eliminated."

"If I, a man from Huainan, were to become prime minister, it would demonstrate to the world that the court does not distinguish between north and south, but only appoints people based on their talents."

Zhang Cheng suddenly realized:

"So, the Prime Minister has put a lot of thought into this?"

Chen Deng nodded:

"...However, this is also an enormous risk."

"If I cannot win over the people, it will only exacerbate the North-South divide."

He suddenly raised his voice, "Therefore, those who remain in this hall today are either comrades from Huainan or former officials of Wu."

"These are all forces that I, Chen Yuanlong, must rely on!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions softened slightly.

"Alright, everyone, please sit down."

"Today, I will also speak my mind with you."

Inside the main hall, Chen Deng stood alone for a long time.

Only then did the remaining officials in the hall slowly speak, letting out a long sigh:
"Prime Minister Li was able to voluntarily relinquish his position, while I, because of my greed for power in Jiangnan, have repeatedly caused trouble."

"It caused my brother a lot of trouble."

"Only today do I realize that my level of understanding is worlds apart from theirs."

"Prime Minister Li's level of understanding is far, far superior to mine."

"Li Ziyu is truly the most perfect person in the entire universe!"

Upon hearing this, all the ministers fell silent.

Li Yi's actions not only helped the court regain military power in Jiangnan, but also did not mistreat his brothers.

To ensure Chen Deng's smooth landing, and perhaps even further progress.

What else could this be but a perfect person?
I'm afraid that anyone in this situation would find it difficult to do better.

With such magnanimity and such strategy, he truly deserves to be called a perfect person.

The voice has not fallen,

Suddenly, Chen Jiao rushed into the hall, his face filled with anxiety:
"General! Please, let's speak in private!"

Chen Deng was slightly taken aback, and said:
"These are all people who have been with me for many years. You may as well say what you have to say here."

Chen Jiao had no choice but to speak up here, and said urgently:

"...The General has fallen into the trap!"

"Next year, the imperial court will implement the imperial examination system nationwide, which is extremely offensive to many people."

“Last year, it was only piloted in Hebei and Xuzhou, and it was met with strong opposition from powerful families.”

"In the newly settled Jiangnan region, the gentry are deeply entrenched, with many having been established for centuries."

"If this policy is implemented nationwide next year, the gentry of Jiangnan will surely rise up and attack it!"

Seeing that Chen Deng remained silent, he grew even more anxious:
"Prime Minister Li chose to step down at this time, clearly intending for the general to play the villain."

"He gained a reputation for retiring after achieving his goals, but he left a hot potato to the general."

"Once accepted, the annals of history will be as sharp as iron, and will surely criticize it severely!"

Chen Deng's expression was solemn as he paced back and forth slowly in the main hall.

All eyes were on the new prime minister, eager to see how he would decide.

Chen Deng looked around at everyone and said with a sigh:

"An individual's destiny depends on their own efforts, but it also requires following the trend of history."

"Deng Ben is unaware that I am a military general from Huainan."

"How did he manage to enter Luoyang and become prime minister?"

He paused, then his voice rose:
"Yesterday, Prime Minister Li had a deep conversation with me, saying that the cabinet has been decided and I will take over."

“I initially declined, saying that I was not talented enough and lacked knowledge to shoulder such a great responsibility.”

"However, the Prime Minister gave me a poem that goes: 'If it benefits the country, I will risk my life; how can I avoid it because of personal fortune or misfortune!'"

The hall fell silent.

Chen Deng's eyes were sharp as he continued:

"How could I not know the importance of the imperial examination system as Chen Jiao spoke of?"

"But since it is a matter of national importance, I will go even if it means facing millions of people."

Even if millions oppose me, I will still take on the responsibility!

"I accept the position of Prime Minister!"

……

(End of this chapter)