Late Tang Dynasty: Descendants of the Imperial Clan

Chapter 84 A Feigned Rivalry Between Master and Disciple: Zheng Gong's Scheme, the Emperor and His Ministers Each Harbor Their Own Thoughts, Testing the Emperor

Tian Lingzi was still filled with doubt and surprise when Li Xuan put down the book in his hand, straightened his clothes, and said, "Since Minister Zheng has come in person, we must not neglect him. Let him in."

The official outside the tent announced the names again, and the tent flap was lifted, allowing Zheng Tian to enter first.

Today he wore a slightly worn purple robe with a jade belt around his waist. His gray hair was neatly combed, and although his face was thin, he was in good spirits.

Upon entering the tent, he bowed and said, "Your subject Zheng Tian respectfully welcomes Your Majesty."

The three people behind him followed closely, bowed in unison, and echoed loudly.

Li Xuan raised his hand and said, "Minister Zheng, rise. You have come from afar and must be tired from your journey. I originally thought that since you were in Chang'an, I didn't need to come to welcome me in person, but I didn't expect you to go through all this trouble to come to Baoji."

Zheng Tian rose and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty's return to the capital has been eagerly awaited by all the subjects of the land. Although I am old, how could I not come to welcome you in person? Moreover, Fengxiang is a place Your Majesty must pass through to enter the pass. As the military governor, it would be improper for me to send only a lowly official as a messenger. It would also make me uneasy."

A low-ranking official?

Who is the lower-ranking official? Li Cenji?

Tian Lingzi did not let Zheng Tian's words and actions go unnoticed. Although slightly surprised, he could only attribute it to Zheng Tian's self-deprecation on behalf of his disciple.

Li Xuan nodded, but his gaze passed over Zheng Tian and landed on the three people behind him. He said, "Minister Zheng, I just heard from the announcer that you brought the magistrate, assistant magistrate, and lieutenant of Baoji County with you. Where is Li Cenji? Isn't he the acting governor of Fengxiang? I was thinking that this time when I pass through the area, I can meet this tiger general who beheaded Shang Rang and forced Huang Chao to surrender."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Tian's smile faded slightly, and he cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty inquired about Li Liuhou, and I was just about to report back. He should have come to greet Your Majesty, but—he is currently unable to leave."

Li Xuan raised an eyebrow: "Unable to get away? My carriage has arrived in his territory, and he's so busy he can't get away? Minister Zheng, please explain in detail."

Zheng Tian sighed softly, seemingly with a hint of helplessness, and slowly said, "Your Majesty may not know, but since Li Cenji returned to Fengxiang, he has devoted himself entirely to government affairs. He has always been like this, intolerant of any wrongdoing. Back when I was in Chang'an, he dared to contradict me to my face over matters of military discipline, let alone now that he is in charge of a town. The first thing he did after taking office was to rectify officialdom, implement the resettlement of displaced people, the surveying of land, the allocation of wasteland, and the rental of oxen and farming tools—every single matter had to pass through his hands. However, over the years, many officials in the counties of Fengxiang have been corrupt, and Li Cenji's investigations have implicated most of the officials in Fengxiang."

Upon hearing this, Li Xuan's eyes lit up with interest: "Oh? He actually took most of the officials hostage?"

"It's more than just taking."

Zheng Tian shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of resentment or helplessness that was hard to decipher. "He not only takes bribes, but he takes them ruthlessly. Those guilty officials, he neither kills nor releases them, but instead makes them continue to work in the yamen while still in shackles and chains. He says it's to atone for their crimes through service." But those guilty officials, shackled and resentful, dare not make decisions when faced with important matters. Every single case has to be reported to Li Cenji. He's busy from morning till night, reviewing documents and judging cases, so busy he barely gets enough sleep. I rushed from Chang'an to Fengxiang intending to advise him not to go too far, lest he incite public anger. But when I arrived in Yong County, I saw that he wasn't even listening to me."

Li Xuan listened intently and couldn't help but ask, "Working in shackles? That's a novel method. I've never heard of such a way to govern officials. Minister Zheng, has Li Cenji's actions delayed the administration of Fengxiang?"

Zheng Tian said, "There was no delay. Although he was busy, he managed everything very well. The refugees were settled, the land was distributed, and the oxen were loaned out. It's just that I really feel that he's been a bit too hasty in his actions."

Li Xuan laughed and said, "Is Minister Zheng speaking up for those corrupt officials?"

Zheng Tian quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I dare not. How could I dare to speak up for corrupt officials? It is only in my opinion that governing a country is like cooking a small fish; one cannot be too hasty. Li Cenji's drastic measures may bring temporary satisfaction, but the consequences may follow. I have written to him several times to advise him that while cracking down on corruption is the right thing to do, if it is done too much or too hastily, it may easily cause trouble. However, he is determined to do so, and my letters have all been ignored. I rushed back to Fengxiang this time, firstly to welcome Your Majesty, and secondly to personally persuade him to stop and not go too far. However,..."

He suddenly sighed, "Now that he has put his methods into practice and won over the hearts of the troops, those officers and soldiers only recognize his order as the acting governor. The words of this old man are becoming less and less effective."

When Zheng Tian said these words, his tone was tinged with helplessness and a hint of resentment, as if an elder were scolding an overly stubborn junior.

Tian Lingzi stood by the side of the imperial tent, hands behind his back, his face expressionless, but his slender eyes never left Zheng Tian's face.

He listened intently to Zheng Tian's words, not missing a single one, but his heart was already churning with unsettling emotions.

Is Zheng Tian complaining about Li Cenji? Or is he covering for Li Cenji?

He single-handedly promoted Li Cenji from an unknown military officer to the military governor of Fengxiang and Longyou, and then pushed his disciple to the throne of merit for "beheading Shang Rang and forcing Huang Chao to commit suicide". This favor can not be underestimated.

However, after Li Cenji returned to Fengxiang, instead of continuing with Zheng Tian's old team, he ruthlessly purged the old officials and won over the army.

Zheng Tian worked so hard to elevate him to the position of acting regent, but instead, he turned around and attacked his mentor's old team. Isn't this like raising a tiger only to have it become a future threat, or a treacherous wolf turning on its master?

Furthermore, Zheng Tian's earlier remark, "It's becoming increasingly useless," is quite intriguing.

If the two were truly of one mind and one heart, why would things have come to this?

It seems that Li Cenji is by no means a docile person; he is probably secretly gathering strength to rival Zheng Tian.

A military governor who loses the hearts of his troops is like a tiger without claws; no matter how high his official position, it is nothing but an empty shell.

As Tian Lingzi thought about this, the slight doubt in her heart was gradually suppressed and replaced by an indescribable joy.

Li Cenji is indeed an ambitious person.

If he is truly the kind of obedient student who is grateful and only obeys his master's orders, then Tian Lingzi will have to put in some effort to deal with him.

But if he has already developed a rift with Zheng Tian—

That would make him a pawn that can be won over.

As Tian Lingzi was pondering his next move, Li Xuan had already turned his gaze away from Zheng Tian and onto the three officials behind him.

The three men had been waiting with their heads bowed since they entered the tent, only their black gauze hats trembling slightly beneath their robes.

Li Xuan pointed at them and said to Zheng Tian, ​​"Minister Zheng, you just said that Li Cenji made convicted officials wear shackles while performing their duties. Are the magistrate, assistant magistrate, and county commandant of Baoji County perhaps rare examples of incorruptible officials in Fengxiang? How come they aren't wearing shackles?"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Tian's face showed a very subtle hint of embarrassment, and he immediately cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is wise. These three—are not without fault."

Li Xuanqi asked, "So they weren't without fault? Does that mean they were also corrupt officials who performed their duties while in shackles? But I haven't seen any shackles on them."

Zheng Tian pondered for a moment, then glanced back at the three men. All three had their heads down, their bodies trembling slightly, but they dared not speak.

Zheng Tian had no choice but to turn around, cup his hands, and say, "Your Majesty, these three were indeed wearing shackles and chains while handling affairs in the county office. However, today Your Majesty's carriage is passing through the area, and Li Liuhou was afraid that they would lose their composure in front of the Emperor, so he specially allowed them to temporarily remove their shackles, change into new clothes, and come to pay their respects to Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Li Xuan's face showed curiosity, and he leaned forward slightly: "Really? I'd like to see for myself."

Upon hearing this, the three officials of Baoji County—the magistrate, the assistant magistrate, and the lieutenant—all trembled, exchanged bewildered glances, and dared not move.

Zheng Tian turned to the three men and said, "Why don't you quickly show His Majesty your wrists and feet? If His Majesty wants to see them, then do as he says."

The three men then cautiously lifted their wide robes and sleeves, and pulled up the hems of their official robes to reveal their wrists and ankles.

Sure enough, there were marks on their wrists and ankles from being rubbed by shackles and cangues.

The wounds were a mix of old and new, some already scabbed over, others still tinged with dark red, and the exposed, torn flesh was a shocking sight.

The magistrate was older, and there were two deep marks on his wrists, like ropes embedded in his flesh. Dark purple blood was pooled under his skin and could be seen from a distance.

Li Xuan leaned closer to take a look, then waved his hand, signaling the three men to lower their sleeves, and said, "Alright, alright, since you are guilty officials, I have nothing to say to you. You may leave."

The three men, as if granted a pardon, kowtowed repeatedly, not daring to raise their heads, and then withdrew from the imperial tent.

After the curtain fell again, Li turned to Zheng Tian and said, "This Li Cenji has some ingenious methods. I have never seen any minister come up with such a way to deal with corrupt officials, so that official duties are not neglected and criminals are not allowed to go unpunished. He has some of the style of Zhang Tang's handling of prisons and Zhao Guanghan's use of hooks and shovels in the past."

He paused, then added, "But Zheng Qing just said he's determined not to listen to advice. Is it really true that even you, his teacher, can't control him?"

Just as Zheng Tian was about to reply, he suddenly heard an official outside the tent announce loudly: "Wang Duo, the Acting Grand Tutor, Vice Minister of the Chancellery, and Co-Chancellor of the Secretariat and Chancellery, requests an audience with Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, Li Xuan waved his hand and said, "Summon him."

Upon hearing the sound, Zheng Tian stopped talking and turned to look in the direction of the tent curtain.

A moment later, the curtain was lifted, and an elderly man dressed in a purple robe with a gold fish pouch at his waist calmly entered.

This man was about sixty years old, with a lean face and calm eyes. He was Wang Duo, one of the prime ministers of the court.

After entering the tent, he first bowed deeply to Li Xuan, and then nodded to Zheng Tian in greeting.

Their eyes met, and everything was understood without a word.

It turns out that Wang Duo and Zheng Tian were old friends for many years. Although they had some differences in their political views due to the matter of recruiting Huang Chao, it did not prevent them from supporting each other in the court.

During Zheng Tian's reorganization of the military and government in Fengxiang, many messages were able to travel from Chang'an to Yong County thanks to Wang Duo's secret communications.

Tian Lingzi observed coldly, but her mind was perfectly clear: Wang Duo's visit was clearly to support Zheng Tian.

However, Tian Lingzi was not in a hurry to make a move against Zheng Tian at this moment; he had other plans in mind.

He planned to find out one thing first: whether Li Cenji and Zheng Tian had really fallen out, or were they just putting on an act for him.

If the two truly develop a rift, then Li Cenji would be a pawn that can be won over.

He Tian Lingzi is different from Zheng Tian. Zheng Tian is Li Cenji's teacher and naturally has an advantage over Li Cenji. If Li Cenji has ambition, he will naturally not be willing to be subordinate to others.

However, if Tian Lingzi were to join forces with Li Cenji, they would be equal allies, each taking what they need, with no clear distinction between superior and subordinate.

The idea lingered in Tian Lingzi's mind, and the more she thought about it, the more feasible it seemed, yet she maintained a harmless and respectful expression on her face.

When Li Xuan saw Wang Duo enter, he offered him a seat.

After expressing his gratitude, Wang Duo reported to the emperor on matters such as the arrangements for the camp, the distribution of provisions along the way, and the living arrangements for the officials.

He spoke clearly and logically, and everything he did was handled properly. Li Xuan simply nodded and did not ask any further questions.

After Wang Duo finished speaking, Li Xuan suddenly mentioned Li Cenji's method of dealing with corrupt officials, saying, "Minister Wang, I find this method quite interesting. I'd like to stay in Baoji for a couple more days to see firsthand how those convicted officials work while wearing shackles. What do you think?"

Wang Duo was slightly taken aback, then bowed and said, "Since Your Majesty has this intention, I will naturally do my best to arrange it. There are still various affairs in Baoji County, which I can order to be prepared. Your Majesty only needs to rest in the camp for one more day, and once everything is arranged, you can go and take a look."

Seeing that the emperor did not seem to intend to make trouble for Zheng Tian, ​​he did not cause any further trouble. After exchanging a few more casual words, he took his leave.

Seeing that Wang Duo had left, Zheng Tian also got up to take his leave.

Li Xuan waved to Lan, telling him to go and rest, and Zheng Tian bowed and left the imperial tent.

The tent fell silent for a moment, leaving only Li Xuan and Tian Lingzi.

Li Xuan picked up his teacup again, took a sip, and suddenly said to Tian Lingzi, "Father, do you think that Li Cenji is interesting? Putting officials in shackles to carry out their duties—this is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing. This method is smarter than directly imprisoning corrupt officials. It saves them from their duties and makes them suffer humiliation day and night, which is worse than beheading."

Tian Lingzi had been waiting for this question, and upon hearing it, he quickly stepped forward, sweating profusely, and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I would also like to speak frankly: Li Cenji's method is indeed novel, but doesn't Your Majesty suspect there's more to this than meets the eye?"

Li Xuan raised an eyebrow: "What Wen Fu?"

Tian Lingzi said unhurriedly, "Your Majesty just heard it too. Zheng Tian said that as soon as Li Cenji arrived in Fengxiang, he launched a massive anti-corruption campaign, wiping out all of Li Cenji's old guard. Now, those military officers only obey Li Cenji's orders, and Zheng Tian's words are no longer effective. Your Majesty, think about it: if the two were truly of one mind, why would things have come to this? Li Cenji's actions are clearly aimed at uprooting Zheng Tian's foundation in Fengxiang and replacing it with his own people. This is my younger brother trying to turn against his master."

Li Xuan frowned and said, "He dares to do that?"

Such a thing would have been condemned by the whole world a hundred years ago. Forget about getting promoted, he might not even be able to keep his current official position.

But now—

The world is in chaos, with warlords ruling their own territories, and those with the strongest armies and the most powerful horses are respected.

It is commonplace for apprentices to betray their masters and subordinates to betray their benefactors.

If Li Cenjilan truly harbors disloyal intentions and commands the troops of Fengxiang, even Zheng Tian might be powerless against him.

Tian Lingzi quickly changed his tune, still employing a strategy of retreat, adopting a posture of "I dare not make a rash judgment": "I dare not make a judgment. But in my opinion, if Li Cenji were truly a grateful and law-abiding person, Zheng Xiangcheng, as the military governor, would not have acted so arbitrarily, having traveled a thousand miles from Chang'an back to Fengxiang. Moreover, he completely wiped out Zheng Xiangcheng's old staff in one spring, replacing them with a new batch of people, and then won over the hearts of the generals to his own side—if such actions are not motivated by ambition, I do not believe it."

Li Xuan remained silent for a moment, gazing at the gold thread embroidery on the top of the imperial tent, and slowly said, "Then what does Father think I should do?"

Tian Lingzi took a half step forward and lowered his voice, saying, "I believe that instead of speculating here about whether their masters are at odds, we should take this opportunity to privately summon Li Cenji for an audience."

Li Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "But Zheng Tian just said that Li Cenji is busy with government affairs and cannot get away. If I suddenly summon him, wouldn't it seem abrupt?"

""

Tian Lingzi smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, just send someone to convey your decree, asking Li Cenjilan whether he is busy with state affairs and whether he is willing to come to see the Emperor. If he comes, it means that his so-called 'busy with state affairs' is just an excuse; in reality, Zheng Tian doesn't want him to expose his evil intentions before the Emperor, nor does he want him to be favored by His Majesty and receive favors. If he doesn't come, then His Majesty will know what's going on."

It's just a matter of sending an envoy; it won't cost the court a penny. Why not do it?

After listening, Li Xuan remained silent for a moment before finally nodding slowly: "Very well. I want to see what kind of person Li Cenji is, the one who beheaded Shang Rang and forced Huang Chao to commit suicide."

He turned and summoned a personal eunuch, ordering, "Convey my decree to Yong County and inquire of Li Cenji: if he is not busy with official duties, he should come to the Baoji camp to see me."

The eunuch accepted the order, bowed, and withdrew from the imperial tent.

Tian Lingzi watched the curtain fall, secretly amused, but Du Shang still maintained a respectful and docile demeanor.

He stood beside Li Xuan, sweating profusely, and said, "Your Majesty is wise; this plan is excellent."

As the words fell, a gust of wind rustled outside the tent, causing the tent flaps to flutter slightly and the lamplight to flicker.

Meanwhile, Li Cenji had been dealing with official documents in the military governor's mansion all morning. He was reviewing several memorials about the resettlement of displaced people when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the hall.

The guard lifted the curtain and entered, clasping his hands in greeting, "Your Excellency, a palace attendant has arrived outside, claiming to be acting on the Emperor's orders to convey important matters to you."

Li Cenji paused in his ink brush, then looked up and asked, "Eunuch? Has the Emperor issued an imperial edict?"

The guard replied, "That's right. The man is already waiting outside the door, with only two attendants and no entourage."

Li Cenji put down his pen, straightened his clothes, and said, "Please come in."

Before long, a fair-skinned, beardless middle-aged eunuch entered from outside the curtain. He was dressed in a blue robe and had a token hanging from his waist. After entering the hall, he glanced around before bowing and saying, "Lieutenant Li, I have come to deliver a message on His Majesty's orders."

Li Cenji stood up and bowed to Lan: "Angel, please speak."

The eunuch cleared his throat and said, "His Majesty asked Li Liuhou: Is he too busy with his duties in Fengxiang? If he has some free time, would you be willing to come to the Baoji camp for a meeting? His Majesty has long heard of Li Liuhou's bravery and wishes to meet him in person."

Upon hearing this, Li Cenji's heart sank slightly.

He remained impassive, only bowing slightly and saying, "You've worked hard, Your Excellency. I understand. Please stay in Yong County for a few days while I pack my things, and I'll head to Baoji tomorrow."

Seeing that he agreed readily, the eunuch showed a hint of satisfaction on his face. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he went out to rest.

Li Cenji stood alone in the hall, his brows slightly furrowed, and took two steps with Lan Du.

Before leaving, Zheng Tian had already clearly analyzed the advantages and disadvantages.

His mentor personally went to Baoji to welcome the emperor, precisely to shield him from this ordeal and prevent him from meeting the emperor and Tian Lingzi in a direct confrontation.

But now, the Emperor's edict has reached Yong County. This leads to two possibilities:

First, Zheng Tian failed to protect him before the Emperor, who still wanted to see him—this was the worst possible scenario. If even Zheng Tian couldn't stop him, it meant Tian Lingzi had gained the upper hand over the Emperor's poison, and his journey would be fraught with danger. But if he didn't go, it would mean breaking with the court. If Fengxiang were as militarily strong as the three towns of Hebei, Li Cenji would naturally not hesitate to disobey orders, and might even dare to directly use the Emperor to command the other lords. However, it was clear that Fengxiang wasn't strong enough; in fact, among all the towns in the land, Fengxiang and Longyou were only second-tier in strength. In terms of military power, they couldn't compare to the major towns of Hebei and Hedong. In terms of wealth, they couldn't compare to the Jianghuai region.

Secondly, Zheng Tian felt that the poison was no longer a danger, so he tacitly agreed to the emperor summoning him—this explanation is plausible and is the most ideal outcome.

There is another possibility that Li Cenji is unwilling to think about, but has to guard against: Zheng Tian has been detained by the emperor.

The thought crossed Li Cenji's mind for a moment, but he quickly suppressed it.

Zheng was a great contributor to the recovery of the two capitals, a fact known throughout the land.

Li Xuan and Tian Lingzi were not of the same historical standing as Wan Haogou and Qin Hui, and besides, the officials were also in the camp, and Zheng Tian had many friends in the court.

Even so, Li Cenji did not dare to let his guard down completely.

He pondered for a moment, and then he had already made up his mind.

He immediately summoned his personal guards and ordered, "Go and fetch Li Changfu."

Before long, Li Changfu strode into the hall.

He spent more than half a year recuperating in Fengxiang, and now he has recovered to almost 80% of his original size, walking with a brisk and powerful gait.

He entered the hall and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "You summoned me, Your Excellency? Is there any business to attend to?"

Li Cenji glanced at him and said, "The Emperor has summoned me from Baoji, and I must go. You will come with me, along with several dozen guards, each with two horses. We will depart tomorrow morning."

Upon hearing this, Li Changfu's eyes lit up, and he grinned, "Going to Baoji to see the Emperor? That's an incredible opportunity! I've never seen what the Emperor looks like in my entire life! I've heard he's young, even a few years younger than the Regent. I wonder if he's some kind of superhuman!"

Li Cenji did not respond to his words, but simply instructed, "Go and make preparations. Remember, travel light and keep a low profile."

Li Changfu broke out in a cold sweat, turned around and strode away, his steps lighter than usual.

Li Cenji watched his departing figure, his gaze slightly somber.

He naturally knew why Li Changfu held him in such high esteem:

How many ordinary warriors can actually see the Heavenly Hair?

Li Changfu only saw this as an honorable task, unaware that he had been used as a pawn by Li Cenji.

Why did Li Cenji bring Li Changfu instead of the older men like Xu Tai and Chen An?

The reason is simple.

Xu Tai, Chen An, Zhou Ping and others were his right-hand men and confidants.

If these people go to Baoji with him, and he is detained, there will be no trusted confidants in the Fengxiang army to take charge of the overall situation.

At that time, only Li Changyan and Wang Lu would be able to command troops.

Li Cenji doesn't trust Wang Lu, that old fox. He's only good at protecting himself and will only shrink back when things get tough; he can't be relied on.

Li Changyan was different.

This man, Lan, commanded the left flank of Fengxiang's army, and his five or six thousand elite soldiers suffered few losses. He also enjoyed considerable prestige within the army.

But Li Changyan—Li Cenji remembered clearly that in the original history, this person later betrayed Zheng Tian and seized the position of military governor of Fengxiang.

Although he didn't know if history would repeat itself, Li Cenji dared not gamble.

He could only defeat Li Changfu in the third battle.

Li Changyan had no sons, only two daughters and his younger brother Li Changfu.

Although Li Changfu was married, he had no children.

The continuation of the Li family line rests entirely on Li Changfu.

As long as Li Changfu is in his orchid garden, Li Changyan will not dare to act rashly.

If the imperial court really dares to detain him, Li Changyan might have to show his teeth in order to save his younger brother.

Li Cenji mentally reviewed all the details, making sure nothing was overlooked, before getting up, straightening his robes, and walking out of the hall.

Before dawn the next day, Li Cenji and Li Changfu, along with dozens of soldiers, each on two horses, left the west gate of Yong County and galloped towards Baoji along the official road on the south bank of the Wei River.

Horse hooves flew, raising a trail of yellow dust.

Li Changfu rode alongside Li Cenji, his face beaming with pride. He kept glancing around and muttering to himself, "Regent, do you think the Emperor will reward us? I heard that the court just finished discussing rewards for our achievements at the Battle of Longwei Slope. Regent executed Shang Rang and forced Huang Chao to his death. With such great merit, the Emperor will surely be pleased. He might even give Regent a shameful ride!"

Li Cenji did not answer, but simply nodded slightly.

Seeing that he wasn't very enthusiastic, Li Changfu continued, "The Ghost General didn't do anything particularly great. He just followed the Governor into battle once and got slashed a few times. But if the Governor has any meat left, the Ghost General would be happy to have a sip of soup with him. The Ghost General doesn't ask for any high-ranking official position or generous salary. He would be content to be the Governor's personal guard."

He spoke with great enthusiasm, unaware that he had been taken hostage by Li Cenji.

Li Cenji glanced at him sideways and saw his beaming and unguarded appearance. He sighed inwardly but said nothing.

The group rode at full speed, traveling swiftly along the Wei River valley.

Li Cenji did not stop along the way.

I only saw a few newly built houses in the countryside, which suggests that the local people have gradually returned to their hometowns and resumed their businesses after the chaos and turmoil. Smoke was rising from the chimneys, and new homes had been built in the fields.

He glanced at it briefly, then looked away and urged his horse onward.

From Yongxian to Baoji, it's only six kilometers and ten li.

One person, two horses, switching between them without stopping, and by the afternoon the outline of Baoji city was already in sight.

Li Cenji had the authority to enter the city and inquire whether Zheng Tian was in the city.

An official in the city said, "Zheng Cheng left the city this morning to go to the imperial camp to see the emperor. If the magistrate wishes to find Zheng Cheng, he will have to wait until evening, at which time Zheng Cheng will return on his own."

Hearing that Zheng Tian had not been detained, Li Cenji felt relieved and left the city directly.

He reined in his horse outside the city, summoned two of his most trusted guards, and whispered, "You two don't need to come with me into the camp. Find an inn in the city to stay in. If I don't come out within two days, or if there are any rumors that I've been detained, you two immediately return to Yong County to report to Li Changyan. Tell him that the court intends to promote me to an official position, but the soldiers in the town are reluctant to let me go. Please ask the Emperor and the other military commanders to consider my great contribution in suppressing Huang Chao's rebellion in Fengxiang and allow me to return to Fengxiang to continue my post. If Li Changyan asks whose idea it was, just say that I personally instructed him before I left. You only need to relay the message, and he will naturally understand what it means and know what to do."

Upon hearing these words, the two guards' expressions changed drastically. They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with shock.

They had initially thought Li Liuhou was going to receive a reward, but it seemed more like he was heading into a dragon's den. One of them lowered his voice and asked, "Liuhou, the Emperor has summoned you, could it be that you—"

"No need to ask any more questions."

Li Cenji interrupted him, "Just do as I say. If I return, all is settled; if I don't, then do as I say."

The two soldiers bowed in agreement and rode their horses into the city.

The military camp was set up on an open area three miles east of Baoji City, with tents stretching as far as the eye could see and banners like clouds.

Soldiers guarded the area outside the camp, their armor gleaming and their swords flashing like a forest.

Before Li Cenji even approached the camp gate, a captain stepped forward to stop him, demanding, "Who goes there? State your name!"

Li Cenji dismounted and bowed to the orchid, saying, "Li Cenji, the acting governor of Fengxiang and Longyou, has come to pay homage to the Emperor by imperial decree."

Upon hearing the name "Li Cenji," the captain's expression changed slightly. He looked Li Cenji up and down before turning and going back into the camp to report.

Before long, someone came out and led him into the camp.

"Please remove the seal from your sword after this."

The eunuch who was leading the way said something in a huff.

Li Cenji didn't say much. He unfastened the sword from his waist, handed it to the soldier beside him, and said, "My attendants are waiting outside."

The eunuch then said no more and led him and Li Changfu into the camp.

After winding and turning, passing several tents, we finally stopped in front of an open space enclosed by a fence.

On the open ground, dust billowed as several riders galloped back and forth, chasing after a small polo ball.

Several small poison flags were planted in the center of the field, and a circle of brightly armored generals, guards, eunuchs and officials stood outside the fence, with people cheering and applauding from time to time.

A high platform was erected directly east of the fence, with a canopy and a throne on it, which was the place where the emperor watched the game.

The soldier leading the way gestured towards the polo field and whispered, "Please wait a moment. His Majesty is playing polo. Please wait here. He will summon you after he finishes this game."

Li Cenji nodded slightly, and then stood with Li Changfu on an open space outside the fence, no longer sweating.

The two men came from outside and stood there awaiting orders. One was as calm as still water, while the other looked around curiously, attracting the attention of many people around them.

When Wei Zhaodu, the Vice Minister of War, saw the two, Shen Lan beckoned to the back of the court and summoned a court official, whispering a few words in his ear.

The official accepted the order and left.

The polo match is in full swing on the field.

Li Xuan rode a white steed, wearing a brocade robe with arrows, and wielded a staff with the power of a tiger, chasing after a small polo ball all over the field.

Beside him were four or five strong soldiers from the Shence Army, each riding like the wind, but none of them dared to truly compete with the emperor. Whenever the ball came under the emperor's staff, they would rein in their horses and make way, allowing the emperor to easily knock the ball into the goal.

A cheer erupted outside the fence. Li Xuan, his body glowing with a poisonous red light, reined in his horse and laughed heartily, appearing extremely pleased with himself.

Li Cenji watched for a while, then, finding nothing amiss, turned his gaze away and looked at the familiar figure on the side of the court.

Tian Lingzi stood inside the court fence, just a few steps from the throne, watching the emperor play with a smile.

Today he was wearing a crimson round-necked robe with a jade belt around his waist. Although he was not wearing armor, he exuded an air of authority without being angry.

He seemed to notice Li Cenji's gaze, and slowly turned his head. His slender eyes swept over Li Cenji, then curved into a meaningful smile.

He took two steps toward Li Cenji, nodded slightly against the railing, and said in a low voice, just loud enough for Li Cenji to hear, "Li Liuhou, it's been a long time."

Li Cenji smiled and said, "Tian Cheng. Back when I was in the Shence Army, I had seen Tian Cheng's demeanor from afar. At that time, I was just a minor captain and didn't even have the right to speak to him. I never expected to be able to get close to Tian Cheng's poison here today. It is truly my good fortune."

Hearing him recount the past, Tian Lingzi's poisoned staff twitched slightly. He chuckled, "Li Liuhou has a good memory of the past. Back then, I never even noticed you. Had I known you would end up like this, I should have kept you in the Shence Army, so that someone else wouldn't have gotten the better deal. I often tell His Majesty, 'Talented people emerge in every generation,' and Li Liuhou is the first among them."

Li Cenji repeatedly said he dared not accept such praise, only saying, "Lord Tian is too kind. This humble general merely managed to achieve a minor merit by sheer luck."

Tian Lingzi laughed and said, "Li Liuhou knows how to talk. I knew you were a promising person from the beginning, and I was right."

He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over Li Cenji, and then said, "His Majesty always says he wants to see what kind of fierce generals who beheaded Shang Rang and forced Huang Chao to surrender are like. When you see His Majesty later, just relax and speak freely, don't be reserved. I will put in a good word for you before His Majesty."

Li Cenji's mind raced, unsure whether he was trying to curry favor with his mother or to trap her. So he smiled and replied, "Thank you for your kind words, Lord Tian. I am a crude and uncouth warrior, unfamiliar with the rules of the court. If I have done anything improper, I hope you will forgive me."

Tian Lingzi smiled and waved her hand, about to say something more, when a cheer suddenly came from the direction of the stadium.

He turned around and saw that Li Xuan had already ridden back to the throne, dismounted, tossed the moon staff to his attendant, and was wiping his face with a handkerchief.

Tian Lingzi said no more, nodded to Li Cenji, and turned to walk quickly toward the throne.

Li Cenji stood outside the fence, watching his back. His smile remained unchanged, but in his heart, he secretly went over every word the man had said.

Li Changfu leaned closer and whispered, "Your Excellency, is that man Tian Lingzi? The Ghost General has heard he's incredibly powerful, even the Prime Minister treats him with deference. His hostility towards you just now, could it be that he's trying to win you over?"

Li Cenji said calmly, "Whether it's true or not, let's wait and see. You can't speak too definitively about someone like that, and you can't completely trust them."

Li Changfu nodded as if he understood, and then asked no more questions.

Li Xuan was already seated on the throne. He took a sip of the warm tea served by the servants and looked over the ball field, his gaze landing on the two people outside the fence.

He put down his teacup, pointed with his finger, and asked Tian Lingzi beside him, "Who are those two people? Why are they standing there?"

Tian Lingzi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the taller and stronger of the two is Li Cenji, the military governor of Fengxiang and Longyou. He came from Yong County on Your Majesty's orders."

Upon hearing this, Li Xuan's gaze lingered on Li Cenji for a moment, but he didn't show any particular reaction. He simply said, "I just finished a battle, and I'm covered in soot. Let them wait while I change my clothes."

After saying that, he stood up and walked towards the imperial tent, without even glancing at Li Cenji.

Li Cenji and Li Changfu waited outside the stadium for about 15 minutes before a palace attendant came to deliver a message, saying that His Majesty was already seated in the imperial tent and requested that Li, the Imperial Secretary, enter the tent for an audience.

After Li Cenji entered the tent, he found that several people were already sitting inside. They were all court officials dressed in purple or scarlet robes, some holding documents and others holding tablets, clearly waiting to report on government affairs.

Li Xuan had already taken his seat in the main seat. He took the handkerchief handed to him by the eunuch, wiped his face, took a sip of tea, and then looked around at everyone in the tent, saying, "Is everyone here? Then let's begin. Who wants to go first?"

Officials on the left and right stepped forward one by one to report on matters, which were nothing more than the allocation of supplies along the way, the arrangements for welcoming the emperor in various prefectures and counties, and the progress of the repair of a certain post road.

After listening for a few minutes, Li Xuan became impatient and simply waved his hand, saying, "These trivial matters are for you to decide by Minister Wang (Wang Duo). There's no need to bother me with everything."

The officials exchanged venomous glances, but dared not say a word, and could only bow and retreat.

Only Li Cenji and Li Changfu remained standing, their heads bowed.

Li Xuan sized him up again, then suddenly said, "You must be Li Cenji? I was playing ball just now, and you were watching from the sidelines. What do you think of my ball skills?"

Li Cenji was taken aback, not expecting the emperor's first question to be about this.

He hesitated for a moment, then said truthfully, "Your Majesty rides your horse with incredible speed and wields your staff with divine assistance, but it seems that the sparring partners around Your Majesty are not very willing to compete with you."

He phrased it euphemistically, but how could Li Xuan not understand the meaning behind it?

His expression darkened slightly, and he said with displeasure, "You are indeed an honest man, speaking without any tact. I ask you, when you beheaded Shang Rang at Longwei Slope, how exactly did you kill him? I heard Zheng Tian report that you led a hundred cavalrymen in a charge, advancing and retreating three times, and killing Shang Rang with a single spear thrust. I find this hard to believe. Tell me today, what really happened?"

Hearing his tone, Li Cenji knew that he already had a prejudice in his heart, and whatever he said would be wrong.

He didn't elaborate further, only saying, "I was merely lucky. Shang Rang's troops had already been thrown into chaos by the ambush of the two military commanders, Cheng and Qiu. I just happened to run into his banner and took advantage of the chaos to kill him. There are many heroes in the world who are braver than me; I am nothing special."

Hearing his nonchalant attitude, Li Xuan felt even more helpless and said, "I have long wanted to see your strength. Since you say it was just luck, then let me see for myself just how capable you really are. Someone, go and fetch the stone weight."

Upon hearing this, Tian Lingzi, eager to curry favor, quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the stone lock is heavy, and Li Liuhou has come from afar and has not yet rested. Why not let him rest for a while, and then we can continue tomorrow—?"

Li Xuan waved Lan impatiently and said, "I just want to see if he can lift it, not ask him to run while carrying it. Go get it."

Seeing that the emperor was determined to do so, Tian Lingzi did not try to persuade him further. He simply waved his hand towards the outside of the tent, and an attendant took the order and left.

Before long, two strong men carried a stone lock into the tent. The stone lock weighed about fifty or sixty pounds. When it was placed on the open ground inside the tent, it made a dull thud.

Li Xuan pointed to the stone lock and said, "Lift it up and let me see it."