Tang Dynasty Swordsman.

Li Ji nodded and said, "Yes—we have been separated for a long time, and I wanted to stay up all night to talk with my brother, so I slept in the study."

“That’s fine,” Li Yu smiled. “You won’t need to prepare a room for Mr. Changyuan anymore.” He then turned to Li Bi and said, “I have already prepared a quiet room for you next to the Penglai Palace. Please move in so that you can receive my teachings from me day and night.”

Li Bi was taken aback upon hearing this and hurriedly waved his hand, saying, "I am a man from the mountains and fields; how could I possibly reside in the palace?"

Li Yu laughed and said, "When you were in Ding'an, didn't you also live in the Forbidden City? Does that mean you would accept what the late emperor bestowed upon you, but not what I bestow upon you?"

Before Li Bi could take his leave again, he asked Li Ji, "Would the Imperial Guard like to come and stay in the palace?"

Li Ji's mouth twitched, and he was about to speak when Li Shi smiled and came to his rescue: "Today is different from the past. Has the Sage forgotten that Li Ji is already married and has a concubine? If he goes to the palace to accompany Master Changyuan, does he expect his wife and concubine to be left alone in their empty rooms?"

Li Yu laughed heartily: "Then it's settled. After the banquet, Mr. Changyuan will return to the Daming Palace with me, and Changwei will go back to his home to be with his wives and concubines." He then looked at Li Bi: "Since you are fond of cultivating Taoism, you should accompany the Penglai Palace to the Taiye Pond, as if I have invited a celestial being from heaven to descend to earth!"

----------

After the banquet, the officials took their leave. Among them, Yuan Zai, the Minister of Revenue and concurrently the Chancellor, lived near the residence of Wang Jin, the Vice Minister of Justice, and so they rode side by side. After walking for a while, seeing that there were only his own servants and no other people around, Wang Jin lowered his voice and asked Yuan Zai, "Prime Minister Yuan, do you think His Majesty intends to appoint Li Changyuan as Prime Minister?"

Yuan Zai smiled wryly: "How dare we, as ministers, presume to know the Emperor's intentions? But does Minister Xia hope that Li Changyuan will become Prime Minister, or does he not?"

Wang Jin, courtesy name Xiaqing, was a renowned calligrapher of his time and the younger brother of Wang Wei, the "Poet-Buddha." After the recapture of Chang'an, Wang Wei, having previously served under a false regime, should have been severely punished. Wang Jin petitioned to have his own official position revoked to atone for his brother's sins, thus gaining widespread fame and acclaim among scholars. Emperor Suzong, moved by his brotherly virtue, not only spared his post but also promoted him to Vice Minister of Justice.

Wang Jin had long aspired to the position of Prime Minister, believing his family's ranking to be relatively high. He figured any senior official in the Council of State Affairs who resigned would likely still be on their way back to court, with Liu Yan, soon to be reinstated as Vice Minister of Revenue, being the most likely candidate. If a second senior official resigned, it would be Wang Jin's turn. However, Li Bi suddenly returned from Hengshan, and seeing the Emperor's high regard for him, even hosting a banquet for him with all the officials, Wang Jin wondered if Li Bi would try to cut in line. Wouldn't that make his chance of becoming Prime Minister seem even more distant?

This led to a probing question about Yuan Zai. Yuan Zai understood the question but refused to give a direct answer.

Wang Jin then said, “Li Changyuan was a teacher and friend of the late emperor. He was originally just a Hanlin scholar and a court attendant in the Eastern Palace, and he has already resigned. When he met the emperor, the late emperor put a purple robe on him and appointed him as the chief secretary of the Marshal’s Office. Now that he has returned to court, it seems that the emperor still wants to give him an important position. Therefore, it is only reasonable for him to be given a third-rank title and enter the Hall of State Affairs.”

Yuan Zai shook his head: "Didn't you see that the Emperor built a quiet room in the palace to welcome Mr. Changyuan to live there? If he were a court official, how could he receive such an honor?" It's one thing for a mountain man to live there, but during the reign of Emperor Gaozong there was Ye Fashan, during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong there was Zhang Guo, and during the reign of Emperor Suzong there was Shen Taizhi, who was beheaded not long ago; all of them had lived in the palace. But let alone a prime minister, what kind of court official could enter the palace and live next door to the emperor?

Wang Jin hurriedly said, "The late emperor was able to wear a purple robe in the past, how could we know that the current emperor... Moreover, he has been living in the palace for a long time, and the emperor consults him on political affairs day and night. I am afraid that, like Li Fuguo in the past, the power of the Council of State Affairs will definitely shift inward - Prime Minister Yuan must not fail to worry!"

Yuan Zai glanced at Wang Jin and couldn't help but frown slightly.

His thoughts differed somewhat from Wang Jin's. While he also didn't want Li Bi to enter the Council of State Affairs and diminish his family's power, given his earlier appointment as prime minister and the influence of his faction throughout the court, he wasn't certain he couldn't suppress the recluse. However, allowing Li Bi to reside permanently in the palace, where he could exert influence on the emperor at any time, and without being able to constantly monitor him, would be far too disadvantageous.

No, we have to find a way to expel Li Bi from the palace and reassign him to a court official position. Moreover, by then, whether or not he becomes prime minister won't be a decision solely made by the emperor; the opinions of all officials, especially the prime minister, must be considered. Yuan Zai has just helped Li Shi overthrow Li Fuguo, and is therefore quite confident in his own political acumen. If he can bring Li Bi into the system, he's not worried about dealing with him; but if Li Bi remains outside the system, then he'll be in a difficult position.

So, while secretly making plans, he smiled at Wang Jin and said, "Mr. Changyuan is truly a man of great talent. If the sage consults him on matters of state, he will surely be able to make up for our shortcomings. Isn't that wonderful?" Before Wang Jin could say anything more, he spurred his mount and rode ahead.

Sure enough, the next afternoon, Li Yu summoned Yuan Zai and asked him directly, "I wish to appoint Mr. Changyuan as the Vice Minister of the Chancellery and concurrently as the Chancellor. What do you think, Prime Minister Yuan?"

Yuan Zai first danced with delight, praising Li Bi's talent and saying he was qualified to be prime minister. But then he changed the subject: "If Mr. Changyuan were to become prime minister, he would have to move to live outside the palace. Would the Emperor be willing to do that?"

Li Yu said "Oh," and indeed hesitated.

Yuan Zai then said, "Why don't we appoint you as our 'Inner Minister'?"

The term "Inner Minister" was a common name for a Hanlin Academician. This position originated in the Northern and Southern Dynasties. After the Tang Dynasty, the Hanlin Academy was established within the imperial palace, and later the Academy of Academicians was added. Outstanding scholars were selected to serve as Hanlin Academicians, serving directly in the inner court—equivalent to senior advisors and secretaries to the emperor. Because of their close proximity to the emperor, they frequently stayed overnight in the palace, drafting various important edicts. Furthermore, if they were given the title "Zhi Zhigao" (知詰), it was equivalent to a Zhongshu Sheren (中书舍人), thus wielding considerable power, hence the title "Inner Minister."

The Hanlin Academy within the Daming Palace was located west of the Linde Hall. To its south was the Academy of Academicians, and further south was the Right Silver Terrace Gate, followed by the Inner Palace Secretariat. This is why Li Fuguo often sat at the Right Silver Terrace Gate, controlling the Hanlin Academy and the Academy of Academicians with his left hand to manage the court affairs, and controlling the Inner Palace Secretariat with his right hand to suppress the palace.

Yuan Zai suggested, "Your Majesty, why don't you appoint Li Bi as a Hanlin Academician? That way, he can work in the palace, and even if you want to see him at night, you can keep him on duty overnight. It's only a few steps from Linde Hall." Li Yu was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Prime Minister Yuan's words are exactly what I wanted."

Yuan Zai's move was a strategic retreat. On the surface, he invited Li Mi to serve as a Hanlin Academician to strengthen the inner court and weaken the power of the outer court, headed by the Council of State Affairs. But in reality—did the ministers of the Council of State Affairs really enjoy it, living in the palace as a hermit and whispering in the emperor's ear all day? On the contrary, Li Mi's appointment as Hanlin Academician and his drafting of imperial edicts on white hemp paper, nominally "inner edicts," were less effective than the "outer edicts" drafted by the Secretariat Drafters and written on yellow hemp paper.

More importantly, this would allow Li Mi to be placed within the system. Although the Hanlin Academician held a special position, he was still one of the officials, and the prime minister had a certain degree of control over him.

As for the next step, it is to erase the unique aura surrounding Li Bi and make him just another ordinary person.

Yuan Zai then seized the opportunity to speak, saying, "In the past, Mr. Changyuan assisted the late emperor for just over a year before resigning and retreating to the deep mountains. Does Your Majesty think that your relationship with Mr. Changyuan is comparable to that of the late emperor? If Mr. Changyuan were to retire again, it would be a great loss to our dynasty."

Li Yu frowned and asked, "I am also concerned about this matter. Does Prime Minister Yuan have any plans to keep Mr. Changyuan in court for a long time?"

Yuan Zai reported, "I have a plan to keep Master Changyuan—the key is to completely eradicate his hermit mentality and desire for seclusion, and make him a minister of the state, obeying only Your Majesty's orders..."

----------

Li Fuguo had already committed suicide, and Li Mi had returned to Chang'an from Hengshan. Li Ji then seized the opportunity to hint to Li Shi: Shouldn't you move me to a different place? You've always been in the capital, commanding the Northern Army, but you've never had the chance to fight on the front lines.

I have no desire to become someone like Chen Xuanli, as Emperor Xuanzong wished!

Li Shi wrote a note to Li Ji, telling him to remain calm and not be impatient. He said that Master Changyuan had just returned to the capital, and he heard that the Emperor was in the palace, spending all his time with Master Changyuan, consulting him on the way to govern the country. No one could get involved these past few days. He suggested that when Master Changyuan had some free time, he would ask Master Changyuan to assist in devising a plan to quell Shi Chaoyi's rebellion. Once the plan for a full-scale counterattack was finalized, a suitable place could be found to settle Changwei, and a suitable army could be assigned to him.

Li Ji accepted this reason—after all, he had already waited so long, what did it matter if he waited another month or two? Especially since Qingluan had probably conceived at the end of last year and was due to give birth in September or October of this year. It was already mid-August, and the army would be sent to the east to attack by the end of next month at the latest. Perhaps he wouldn't be able to give birth in time for the child... If the little one was born first, and then he could leave the capital, that would be the best outcome.

Returning home from the government office that day, Li Ji inquired about Qingluan's condition. Cui Cuo replied, "The imperial physician has already examined her; she'll give birth within the next month or two." Li Ji blurted out, "Couldn't it be sooner?" Then, realizing his mistake, he quickly waved his hand, "Never mind, I didn't say that..."

Cui Cuo glanced at him, her face displeased, and said in a low voice, "I have heard that a woman's childbirth is on a fixed schedule. If it is three to five days early or late, it will be fine. But if it is too early or too late, it will harm her body, and even the baby may not be saved. Is this what you want, sir?"

Li Ji repeatedly said, "You misunderstood, I didn't say anything..."

Cui Cuo sighed softly, "I know what you mean, my lord. You fear that with the expedition imminent, you won't be able to see the baby's birth in time. Don't worry, I'll stay in the capital and take good care of Lady Zou..." However, as soon as the words left her mouth, she realized it wasn't appropriate—such a heavy responsibility couldn't be taken entirely upon herself, so she added, "If it's destined, it will surely be alright; if it's not, even if my lord stays by my side, it won't make a difference..."

He quickly changed the subject: "By the way, the Su family mansion next door has already been sold."

Li Ji blinked, somewhat bewildered: "Who has such power to persuade Su Qing?"

His residence in Pingkang Ward, where he currently resides, was originally a villa belonging to the Cui family. In Chang'an, it was considered a second-class mansion in a prime location. There were only four such mansions on the entire street, all of which were ornately decorated and tall, belonging to prominent figures in the court. The largest of these was the Su residence to the west, as it originally belonged to Princess Changning.

Princess Changning was the daughter of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Empress Wei, and the younger sister of the famous Princess Anle. During the "Tanglong Coup," Empress Wei and Princess Anle were both executed, and Princess Changning was also implicated. Her husband, Yang Shenjiao, was demoted to the position of Prefect of Jiangzhou, and the princess accompanied him. She was forced to sell this residence and her villa in Luoyang, which is said to have yielded two billion coins.

A few years later, Yang Shenjiao passed away, and Li Longji arranged for Princess Changning to remarry Su Xing, the son of the former prime minister Su Liangsi. Upon returning to Chang'an, the princess's first act was to use her power to force the purchase of the residence in Pingkang Ward. Su Xing had no children, and after both he and the princess passed away, the residence was passed on to his nephew, Su Zhen.

Su Zhen married Princess Zhenyang, daughter of Emperor Xuanzong—who was also Li Yu's aunt—and fled to Lingwu with Emperor Suzong, thus becoming a meritorious official in supporting the ascension of the emperor. For this, he was given an important position. After the pacification of the two capitals, he was granted the title of Duke of Qiyang County and appointed Governor of Henan. However, after the defeat at Xiangzhou, Su Zhen voluntarily abandoned Luoyang and fled to Xiangdeng, which led to his demotion to Chief Secretary of the Prince of Ji, and later to Governor of Jiangzhou.

Just as Su Zhen was being transferred from the capital to a post outside the capital, Cui Guangyuan sent someone to discuss with him the possibility of buying Princess Changning's former residence and connecting it with his own villa. However, Su Zhen firmly refused, saying, "Although I am old, I will eventually return to the capital."

—It's not like I'm never coming back to Chang'an again. If I sell the mansion to you, where will I live when I return to the capital?

Subsequently, many prominent figures attempted to purchase the residence through various channels, but Su Zhen politely declined them all. This pursuit only ceased last year when Su Zhen returned to the capital to serve as Vice Minister of Revenue.

Currently, the new emperor has summoned Liu Yan back to court to serve as Vice Minister of Revenue, while Su Zhen has been reassigned as Minister of Ceremonies, remaining important ministers of the state. It is impossible for anyone to be so powerful as to force him to hand over the princess's old residence—unless the old eunuch Li Fuguo still holds power...

Chapter 43, The Mandate Received from Penglai

Li Ji was puzzled when he heard that the Su family's house was being sold separately, so he asked Cui Cuo, "Have you found out which family bought the house next door to the west?"

Cui Cuo smiled slightly and replied, "Such matters naturally cannot be hidden from me—this morning, Su Qing's family moved out and relocated to Guangfu Lane. I ordered someone to inquire about the origin of the new residence in Guangfu Lane, and it is said to be imperial property. Therefore, it is obvious who the princess's old residence has fallen into."

Upon hearing this, Li Ji frowned: "You mean..."

Since the new Su residence in Guangfu Ward was originally royal property, it means it was a bestowed residence. Even if it was a bestowed residence, Su Zhen could have easily continued to live in the princess's former residence in Pingkang Ward—after all, it was closer to the capital—and used the bestowed residence as a separate residence. The fact that he moved there in such a hurry can only be explained by one thing: the princess's former residence had been exchanged for the royal family.

So what exactly did the royal family intend to do with this mansion? Whom did they plan to house? Li Ji could only think of two possibilities: one, Li Shi planned to move from Bai Sun's residence to become his neighbor; two…

The first possibility isn't very likely. Since Li Yu had already ascended the throne and Li Shi had been enfeoffed as Prince of Lu, according to custom, he should have moved to the Sixteen Princes' Residence, and it's unlikely he would reside in a separate ward. Even if Li Yu didn't want to confine his children and grandchildren like his grandfather and father, he had a large group of newly enfeoffed sons, including Prince Zheng Li Miao, Prince Bin Li Yu, Prince Han Li Jiong, and so on; it's impossible that only Li Shi would move. Furthermore, if all the princes intended to move out of the Hundred Grandsons' Residence, it would certainly be a large-scale undertaking, and Li Ji, being in court, wouldn't be completely unaware of this.

"The sage intends to take this house to settle his elder brother..."

Cui Cuo nodded and said, "That makes sense—in this way, my lord and brother can see each other day and night again."

Li Ji never expected that his trip to the Southern Palace's Hall of Diligent Governance would lead to the emperor abducting Li Mi, meaning he would be "once inside the deep palace, never to see spring again," and would never see him again. Therefore, upon hearing that Li Mi might be released from the palace and even become his neighbor, he should have been overjoyed, but—

"This must be because someone in the court has slandered my brother!"

Back in Ding'an, Li Yu and I were originally residing within the palace walls. However, after Li Bi officially received his official position as Chief Secretary of the Marshal's Office, he voluntarily left the palace and moved to the Marshal's Office, which was in accordance with etiquette and regulations. As for now, Li Yu certainly values ​​Li Bi more than just keeping him by his side as an advisor or even a Taoist priest. But since you've already brought him into the palace, you shouldn't have kicked him out after only two or three days. You should have kept him for at least ten days to half a month.

This must be because someone was worried that if Li Bi stayed by the emperor's side for too long, he would become an unknown prime minister and it would be detrimental to their own side, so they played some trick on Li Yu.

Cui Cuo, however, said, "Young master, your worries are perhaps too many..."

Once the house is bought, it needs to be renovated before it can be given to someone else. The emperor can't just kick Li Bi out of the palace so quickly.

Li Ji nodded: "That's true..." Then he added: "But I will not have peace of mind for a day if my brother does not become prime minister."

A few days later, on the first day of the ninth month, an imperial edict suddenly arrived, summoning Li Ji to the Penglai Palace. Li Ji went as ordered, only to find that in addition to Li Yu and Li Bi, Li Shi was also present—he knew that they were going to discuss military matters.

However, Li Yu's first words were: "Changwei, are you acquainted with Lai Zhen?"

Li Ji replied, "I've met him a few times in Shanzhou, but we're not close."

Li Yu sighed softly and said, "Lai Tian's actions have greatly disappointed me..."

Lai Zhen succeeded Cui Guangyuan as the military governor, observer, and administrator of ten prefectures in Shannan East Circuit, tasked with quelling the rebellion of Zhang Weijin and others. He later defeated the invading rebel army of Shi Siming twice, in Lushan and Ruzhou, capturing many enemy soldiers. However, in the third year of the Shangyuan era, Emperor Suzong summoned him to court, but he resolutely refused to return, even inciting his officers and soldiers to jointly submit a memorial urging him to stay…

This clearly shows a desire for separatism. Li Ji had mentioned this to Li Shi and Li Bi, and felt that this unhealthy trend was worth being wary of and must be stopped.

Emperor Suzong was weak and helpless that day, and could only order Li Qijun to govern the four prefectures of Shang, Jin, Jun, and Fang, and reappoint Lai Zhen as the prefect of Dengzhou and the military governor of the six prefectures of Shannan East Circuit—merely reducing his power. Later, Wang Zhongsheng, the military governor of Huaixi, was besieged by the rebel army. Because Wang Zhongsheng had submitted a memorial saying that Lai Zhen was hoarding troops and was not fit to remain in office, Lai Zhen harbored resentment and delayed in coming to his rescue, which led to Wang Zhongsheng being captured by the rebel army.

Pei Fen, the military commander of Huaixi, secretly submitted a memorial, saying, "Lai Zhen is strong and difficult to control. We request that we seize him by force; a single battle will suffice." Emperor Suzong agreed and immediately promoted Lai Zhen to Acting Minister of Revenue, concurrently serving as Grand Censor, Prefect of Anzhou, and Military Governor and Inspector of the sixteen prefectures of Huaixi and Henan. Ostensibly, he was given important responsibilities, but in reality, he wanted to drive Lai Zhen out of the firmly established Shannan East Circuit. At the same time, he secretly appointed Pei Fen as the Defense Commissioner of Xiangyang, Dengzhou, and other prefectures, ordering him to attack Lai Zhen.

After receiving his appointment, Lai Zhen, not being foolish, again urged his soldiers to submit a memorial requesting his retention, explaining to the court that "there is no grain in Huaixi, and we must wait until the autumn harvest before we can set off." He intended to delay for now. By this time, it was already April. Emperor Suzong had passed away, and Li Yu had ascended the throne. Not wanting to cause turmoil at this critical juncture, he issued an edict agreeing to allow Lai Zhen to remain in his post in Shannan East Circuit.

However, Li Fuguo was in power, and that old eunuch was still clinging to the despicable strategies he had employed when Emperor Suzong was still alive. He secretly ordered Pei Fen to attack Lai Zhen. In June, Pei Fen led an army of 5,000 men, sailing down the Han River from Junzhou, to attack Lai Zhen. However, he was utterly defeated by Lai Zhen on the north bank of the Gu River, who captured Pei Fen and sent him to the capital.

By this time, Li Fuguo had already fallen from power. Li Yu questioned Pei Fen in person and searched the archived documents. Only then did he understand the cause and effect. He was furious and exiled Pei Fen to Feizhou.

After Li Mi returned to the capital, Li Yu discussed the matter with him. Li Mi also felt that while Lai Zhen's decision to send troops to resist Pei Fen was reasonable—because he had an imperial edict from Li Yu allowing him to remain in office—his ambition to hold military power was also obvious, and he could no longer be left outside the capital. Soon, Li Shi was to be ordered to lead an army to attack Shi Siming. If chaos broke out in Shannan East Circuit at this time, cutting off the army's retreat and even invading the capital region, the consequences would be unimaginable.

What if an imperial edict is issued to summon Lai Zhen back to court? If he still refuses and continues to delay, what should be done then?

Li Ji was quick-witted and immediately understood when Li Yu mentioned Lai Zhen. He then asked, "Does Your Majesty want me to persuade Lai Zhen to return to court?"

Before Li Yu could speak, Li Shi interjected, "Indeed, Changwei is not only the bravest in the army, but also has a sharp tongue. He will surely be able to persuade Lai Zhen to return to the court. At that time, he can take command of the troops in Shannan and join forces with me to retake the Eastern Capital."

Li Ji couldn't help but glance at Li Shi, thinking to himself, "This 'sharp-tongued' assessment is probably because I recently killed Li Fuguo... I wonder if you've honestly explained it to Li Yu."

He had previously hinted to Li Shi that he wanted to go to Shannan East Circuit—serving in your command or as a vanguard would be too boring; it would be better to lead your own army—but his original intention was to go to Shangzhou to be Li Qijun's deputy, so he could fight alongside his good friends Nan Jiyun and Lei Wanchun. But now Li Shi said, "I can give you all the troops of the ten prefectures of Shannan East Circuit, but on the condition that you take them from Lai Zhen yourself."

That's a really big carrot hanging there!

He couldn't help but hesitate...

Li Fuguo was already in trouble and it would be difficult for him to rise again, so I was able to find an opportunity to persuade him to commit suicide so that he would not be beheaded in the future and could leave some property for his children and grandchildren. As for Lai Zhen, he was in the midst of his success with a strong army in Shannan East Road and had made outstanding contributions. The court could not simply wipe him out. How could I persuade him to return to court?

Should they make a move? Lai Zhen is not a scholar like Helan Jinming or Xu Shuji. Even if he has practiced archery and horsemanship for a few days, it's just for show. He comes from a family of generals and is a veteran of the battlefield. If it were a one-on-one fight, Li Ji is confident that he can capture Lai Zhen alive. But surrounded by soldiers, thinking that he can win in a few moves is pure fantasy.

While he was hesitating, Li Bi seemed to know what he was thinking and immediately warned him: "Changwei, you must not rely on your courage, but use your wisdom."

Li Ji smiled wryly and said, "How should I use my wisdom? I humbly request your guidance, elder brother."

Li Bi first bowed to Li Yu, then said to Li Ji, "There are three crucial points regarding Lai Zhen's return to court." He then raised a finger: "First, Pei Bian's previous military action was secretly orchestrated by Li Fuguo. Now that Li Fuguo is dead, it can be denounced as a forged edict, and all the blame can be placed on Li Fuguo's head..."

Upon hearing this, Li Yu slowly stood up and said, "It's a bit stuffy inside the hall. Shall we go for a walk outside?" He then turned to Li Bi and said, "Teacher, you can instruct the guards here."

Li Ji thought to himself, "It seems the emperor still has some goodwill towards Li Fuguo. He can't bear to hear Li Bi speak ill of the old eunuch to his face. I guess Li Shi wouldn't dare mention the matter of Li Fuguo's death to his father at all."

After he and his son left the hall, Li Bi lowered his voice and continued, "Since the end of the Tianbao era, the state has always ordered eunuchs to supervise the various armies. The armies hate the eunuchs very much, so they attribute all the blame to Li Fuguo, who will surely be able to resolve Lai Zhen's inner conflict."

These words were spoken very bluntly, almost to the point of being rude. If it weren't for Li Ji, Li Bi would never have uttered them.

"I understand now, but what is the second point?"

"The rebellions of An and Shi were not committed by hereditary officials of the court, making it difficult for them to uphold loyalty and righteousness. Lai Zhen is different. His father, Lai Yao, rose from the ranks of the army and once fought against the Ten Tribes of Sulu, earning a reputation in the western frontier. Lai Zhen accompanied his father on campaigns from a young age. Therefore, even if he were to temporarily wield an army, his loyalty to the court would not easily change..."

Li Ji thought to himself, "That's not necessarily true. Who says that a family of generals can't produce traitors?" Not wanting to contradict Li Bi directly, he hurriedly asked about the third point.