The revitalization of the Tang Dynasty began with the Ganlu Incident.

It must be said that Empress Dowager Guo, having lived through four reigns and coming from a top-tier family like the Guo clan, possessed exceptional political acumen.

After sorting out the ins and outs of the matter, she immediately noticed the mindset of Liu Hongyi and the others.

While the fact that the Shence Army was controlled by eunuchs would gradually erode imperial power, it was the best method that previous emperors had figured out after many attempts.

Originally, this gradual encroachment, though progressing, was not fast.

Now that this incident has occurred, it has undoubtedly disrupted the tacit balance between the two sides.

In this situation, if they didn't want to follow in the footsteps of Emperor Jingzong and be preemptively attacked by the eunuchs around them, they could only try to rebuild trust between the two sides.

"Grandmother, rest assured, I understand this. I will do my best to appease Liu Hongyi and the others."

Li Ang sighed inwardly at Empress Dowager Guo, but on the surface he said nothing more, only responding respectfully.

But this response clearly did not satisfy the former.

Empress Dowager Guo quickened her pace as she fiddled with the white jade prayer beads, and after a moment's thought, she spoke.

"It's probably not enough for you to appease them. How about this, I'll send people over in the next couple of days to reward and comfort them, which will also help calm their minds."

"Thank you, Grandmother."

Although Guo Shi has not been involved in affairs for many years, she has been in the palace for many years and her status is high enough.

At least within the harem, Emperor Li Ang's influence might not be comparable to hers.

"Alright, let's talk about Li Xun..."

Guo Shi lightly twirled the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand, her gaze towards Li Ang now carrying a hint of scrutiny.

"Although this person helped you get rid of Wang Shoucheng and others, he dared to put you, the emperor, in danger this time, which shows that he has no loyalty, only ambition."

"What are your plans regarding him?"

From the tone of these words, it is clear that Empress Dowager Guo was extremely dissatisfied with Li Xun's behavior.

Li Ang already had a plan in mind, but in order not to deviate too much from the original owner's past ways of doing things, he still showed some hesitation.

"Grandmother, Li Xun did something wrong this time, but he is, after all, the prime minister. His execution of Qiu Shiliang can be considered a great achievement."

"If we directly demote him, people might think that my grandson is a mean and ungrateful person..."

As soon as she finished speaking, Empress Dowager Guo, whose expression had softened slightly, frowned again.

"Foolish!"

"Throughout the court, who doesn't know that Li Xun is a treacherous villain? Now that he's caused this mess, even if the high-ranking officials don't say it openly, they all know it perfectly well."

"If you were to reward Li Xun and others generously for this so-called merit of eliminating eunuchs, the court officials would only think that you are bad at judging people, that you favor treacherous officials, and that you only do cunning things, which would chill the hearts of the court and the people."

"Only by dismissing Li Xun's faction will the court and the public feel that you are rectifying the situation and pulling back from the brink, and the hearts of the officials who are uneasy because of this turmoil will be calmed down."

"Can't you understand this principle?"

Empress Dowager Guo's tone was unusually stern.

Li Ang hesitated for a moment, then said...

"But there should be an explanation for Qiu Shiliang's death..."

Empress Dowager Guo shook her head: "This matter should not have been done in the first place. Although there is no need to regret it after it was done, it is not something to be proud of."

"For a true protector like Chen Junshang, it is only natural to give him some benefits and promotions to show our favor."

"But apart from these people, it is not appropriate to reward or punish others. If you really feel it is inappropriate, wait until the matter has passed and then find another reason to reward them."

"At this juncture, we should try our best to quell the turmoil and get the government back on track, understand?"

This was exactly what Li Ang was thinking.

Therefore, he did not argue and quickly bowed.

"My grandson has learned his lesson."

Seeing this, Empress Dowager Guo nodded.

The grandfather and grandson sat and talked for a while, after which Li Ang got up to take his leave.

After his figure disappeared at the palace gate, Empress Dowager Guo put down the white jade prayer beads in her hand, leaned gently against the couch, and showed a look of exhaustion.

Seeing this, Liang Chengmin quickly stepped forward and had two palace maids massage Empress Dowager Guo's back from both sides.

He handed over a cup of tea, hesitated for a moment, and then asked.

"Empress Dowager, why didn't you mention to His Majesty the matter of having the Imperial Son-in-Law return to the capital?"

Empress Dowager Guo had one son and one daughter.

His son was Li Ang's father, Emperor Muzong of Tang, Li Heng.

His daughter was granted the title of Princess Qiyang. In the eighth year of the Yuanhe era, after reaching the age of marriage, she was married to Du Cong, the grandson of Chancellor Du You, under the personal supervision of Emperor Xianzong of Tang.

Although the sons-in-law of emperors in the Tang Dynasty also had some impact on one's official career, it was not as severe as in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

In addition, Du Cong came from a prominent family and was quite capable, so in the third year of the Taihe era, he was transferred out of the capital to serve as the prefect of Lizhou.

Logically speaking, given Princess Qiyang's status, she should have her own princess residence in the capital. However, she and Du Cong were deeply in love, so she simply accompanied her husband to his new post.

Over the years, Du Cong's official position has been continuously promoted. Last year, he was transferred to the position of Military Governor of Zhongwu Army and was given the additional title of Minister of War.

However, Princess Qiyang's health deteriorated due to years of travel...

As the head steward of Xingqing Palace, Liang Chengmin naturally knew of Empress Dowager Guo's affection for Princess Qiyang, which made him even more puzzled.

In his view, judging from the emperor's attitude just now, the emperor would certainly not refuse such a small request if the Empress Dowager were willing to make it.

However, to this question, Empress Dowager Guo only sighed, looked in the direction Li Ang had left outside the hall, and shook her head.

"Now is not the time. Besides, Du Cong is an official appointed by the imperial court. Even if we were to transfer him back to the capital, it shouldn't be up to me to make the suggestion."

"However, you are right. It's not a good idea for Qiyang to be constantly on the go all these years. Send some more people to deliver some of the precious medicinal herbs from the palace so that she can take good care of herself."

"Also, let Qiyang set off back to the capital as soon as possible. Don't delay any longer. The weather is still relatively warm now, so the journey won't be too difficult. If we delay for another two months, the roads will become much worse."

Liang Chengmin bowed and clasped his hands: "Your Majesty, rest assured, this old servant will give the order immediately. However, the princess has always been concerned about her husband. This old servant is worried that since her husband is still in Chenzhou, the princess may not be willing to return."

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Guo fell silent for a moment, frowned in thought, then fiddled with the prayer beads in her hand and said.

"Tell Qiyang to set off first. As for Du Cong... the court will surely issue a transfer order for him to return to the capital to take up his post before or after the new year."

Liang Chengmin then bowed and agreed, and hurriedly went to make the arrangements.

The Xingqing Hall returned to tranquility, with wisps of purple smoke rising from the incense burner and the morning sunlight streaming through the windows.

Empress Dowager Guo took one last look at the spot where the sunlight was streaming in, and soon looked away.

With her eyes slightly closed, she once again began to twirl the white jade prayer beads in her hand, continuing to silently recite scriptures, just as she had done every day for the past ten years…