Tang Dynasty Swordsman

Page 74

Li Shi glanced at Li Ji, thinking to himself, "You're quite loyal to Uncle Qi... No, I have to correct your misconceptions step by step." He then asked, "Now that the barbarian bandits have retreated and Longyou is temporarily at peace, does Changwei still have any concerns?"

Li Ji smiled bitterly and said, "It's only temporary peace. I predict that the barbarian bandits will mostly return this autumn... If Shi Siming also leads his troops to Henan, and both the eastern and western fronts are under attack at the same time, the country will be in grave danger!" He then asked Li Shi, "I heard that the government troops have been routed to Henan, abandoning all their grain and supplies. Most of them have scattered back to their local towns. What about the troops in Longyou?"

Li Shi curled his lip and said, "Longyou is full of strong troops, how can we allow them to return to their posts?"

Those who scattered and retreated to their respective towns were mainly troops from Hedong, Henan, and Jianghuai. Even Li Guangbi, implicated in the chaos, couldn't stay any longer and led his troops back to Taiyuan. However, the western troops from Longyou and Hexi couldn't return. They couldn't possibly rush through the heart of the capital region, or even bypass Chang'an, to return to their own towns—Li Heng would be terrified!

According to Li Shi, tens of thousands of Western Army soldiers were retreating towards Shanxian County. The court ordered the Shence Army to block the passage and reorganize them on the spot to protect Zhongjing.

Li Ji frowned and said, “The armies of Longyou, Hexi, and even Anxi and Beiting are thousands of miles from home. After years of campaigning, even if they were once elite, they are probably no longer of use. Forcing them to stay will only cause trouble. Besides, if Luoyang is not lost, how can Chang'an be threatened? Even the Shence Army will not need to be stationed in Shaanxi…”

Li Shi shook his head slightly, somewhat unconvinced.

Li Ji continued, "What the two capitals lack most right now is food. Rather than wasting food on these western soldiers, it would be better to let them return to their towns and eat in their hometowns. We can call them back when needed in the future."

Li Shi sneered slightly, "Is the Chief Guard so concerned about the Prince of Qi, while disregarding the Sage and us?"

Upon hearing this, Li Ji was enraged and immediately retorted, "What are you saying, Your Highness? My advice is purely for the sake of the country, and I have not considered whether it is the Prince of Qi or the Crown Prince! Only if the country exists can the Crown Prince, the Prince of Qi, and even Your Highness enjoy wealth and honor; if the country falls, who can survive alone?!"

He paused, forcibly suppressing his anger, and softened his tone, saying, "These western soldiers, if released back to their garrisons, can still defend against the barbarian bandits and remain fierce tigers; but if they are left between the two capitals, I fear they will have no will to fight against the rebels and will be nothing more than a bunch of ants! It's like using good steel on the back of a blade instead of the blade, turning soft iron into a blade, how can it cut anyone?"

Just now, Li Ji suddenly raised his eyebrows and glared, raising his voice so loudly that even Li Shi was startled. In any other situation, Li Shi might have been startled and immediately become angry, or at the very least, stormed off; but considering that this was Li Ji's house, late at night, and no one else around, and that I had come with the intention of talking with a friend, I had to act more magnanimous…

Therefore, he replied in a deep voice, "That makes sense. If given the opportunity, I will certainly offer my advice to the sage."

Li Ji added earnestly, “Your Highness, the Prince of Qi’s presence in Longyou is truly a safeguard for the nation’s rear—it should be known that the route from Longyou to Fengxiang, and even to Chang’an, is closer than the route from Xiangzhou to Chang’an. Moreover, if the barbarian rebels were to break through Longyou and invade Longshang, even if the Emperor Emeritus were to hunt in the west to Shu again, or the Emperor were to hunt in the north to Lingwu again, it would be impossible…”

Upon hearing this, Li Shi felt a chill run down his spine, and sweat broke out on his back.

"...King Qi is fighting alone in Longyou. Gao Sheng and his ilk are truly incompetent, and the finances rely solely on Yang Gongnan, while there is no one to strategize for the military. Now that all the armies have returned to their garrisons, why not send one or two capable generals to assist King Qi?" At this point, Li Ji leaned slightly closer and deliberately lowered his voice to ask, "Is there anyone the Crown Prince has his eye on?"

Li Ji understood that although the brothers Li Yu and Li Tan feigned discord, they were actually on the same side, but they were also wary of each other. At least, based on Li Shi's actions, the Crown Prince's faction actually suspected Li Tan, and his observation was probably correct. That's why I requested reinforcements and additional generals for Longyou, which is why the little fellow was not very happy.

If I change my stance and pretend to be considering Li Yu's interests by requesting that the Crown Prince's cronies be placed around Li Tan, wouldn't the resistance be less?

Honestly, I don't care if you're part of the Crown Prince's faction, the Prince of Qi's faction, or even Li Fuguo's or Empress Zhang's faction, as long as you can resist the invasion of the barbarians, benefit the country, and protect the people, that's enough. Speaking of which, with the country in such a state, can't you, grandparents and grandchildren, fathers and sons, brothers, uncles and nephews, show a little more trust and sincere cooperation?

Oh, actually I wouldn't advise Li Shi to trust his grandfather... How could that bastard emperor be trusted?!

"What Changwei said makes sense. Let me plan carefully." Clearly, Li Shi's expression and tone were much more sincere this time.

After discussing the western affairs, the topic shifted to the eastern front. Li Ji gritted his teeth and said, "The government troops have just been defeated, and the rebels have not been driven far away. Instead of pacifying the people, the officials of Luoyang abandoned the city and fled. Their crimes are unforgivable—one or two should be executed to uphold the law!"

Li Shi shook his head and said, "It's difficult, it's difficult."

He understood that Li Ji was referring to Cui Yuan, the garrison commander of Tokyo, and Su Zhen, the governor of Henan—it would be pointless to execute a couple of minor officials in order to uphold the law and deter mediocrity—but Cui Yuan had Li Fuguo backing him up, and Su Zhen was the consort of Princess Zhenyang, so how could Li Heng possibly issue an edict to execute them? Most likely, they would be demoted a few ranks or relegated to idle positions.

Upon hearing this, Li Ji couldn't help but sigh softly—indeed, the Tang Dynasty was beyond saving. He then said, "The past is past, so let's select capable officials to serve as governors of Henan and stabilize the people's hearts. As for the garrison commander of Dongjing, I suggest that Doctor Zhang entrust all the Henan troops to Minister Guo, and stop issuing orders from multiple sources—and more importantly, let's not let Yu Chaoen remain in the army!"

Li Shi smiled bitterly, "Yu Chaoen has already rushed back to Chang'an... However, someone must take responsibility for this great defeat. I'm afraid the Emperor will not punish Yu Chaoen, so there is only one option..."

Li Ji understood that those responsible for the defeat would have to be removed from the top down. If the first person to be held accountable was the supervising officer Yu Chaoen, then the only other person who could be blamed was Guo Ziyi, the second-highest in the army. "Is Your Highness able to help?"

Li Shi said, "I'll do my best, but don't think I can actually offer any advice to the emperor..." Li Ji understood. In the end, those who offered advice on related matters were mostly officials from outside the court, and they had to be tactful, trying their best to appear completely unrelated to Li Yu and his son. Politics is such a hypocritical and sordid thing!

"If it is truly impossible to save Minister Guo, who do you think would be the best person to replace him?"

"Either Doctor Zhang or Minister Li, in short, entrust all authority to one person—and the other defeated generals should also be punished."

Li Shi said, "Lu Jiong was defeated first, so naturally he couldn't escape..."

Li Ji said, "Wasn't Cui Guangyuan the first to be defeated? And then there's Xu Shuji, who is very selfish and cannot be given important responsibilities. It would be best to take this opportunity to strip him of his military power, otherwise he will surely become a scourge in the future!"

The two talked until late into the night before Li Shi finally took his leave. Li Ji then rested in his study, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Although he hadn't held out much hope for the war in Hebei, he was still very upset when he heard the news of the defeat—how could they have lost? Hundreds of thousands of troops, routed in a single battle?

This shows that war cannot last long. The larger the army, the easier it is for the siege to end in a single day – whether it is due to insufficient supplies, complacency of the generals, or demoralization of the troops. We must take this as a warning.

But now he was caught in the middle, unable to manage either the eastern or western fronts, and could only sit idly by in the palace... Li Ji tried to comfort himself, thinking that the affairs of the world could not be accomplished by one person alone, and that worrying was useless if he couldn't exert his strength. He might as well get a good night's sleep, recharge his energy, and keep this body useful so that he could serve the country again in the future... and help those people who had suffered because of the Li family.

But he couldn't help getting up again and writing a long letter to Li Bi, who was far away in Hengshan. He laid out the recent situation and his own worries, asking Li Bi for advice—which he figured would be useless, since even if his brother was good at divination, he wouldn't receive a reply until autumn at the earliest—and also subtly advising Li Bi: Why don't you put aside your illusory ambition to cultivate immortality and come out of seclusion again for the sake of the country and the people?

Back when I discussed state affairs and the war with Li Mi, I always felt I could exert some influence on him, and then pass that influence on to the court and the army—of course, that was probably just an illusion—but now, through Li Shi, I feel nothing like that. What I'm saying tonight will probably just be idle chatter between friends, at most a venting of frustrations. When will that damned emperor die? Hurry up and put Li Yu on the throne, and Li Shi as crown prince; maybe then I can still put some effort into it!

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The next day, when he arrived at the Zuo Yingwu Army Headquarters, he saw that Dou Wenchang had already arrived and was looking happy.

Upon inquiry, Li Ji learned that Dou and Huo had indeed been summoned by Li Heng the previous day and questioned about the eastern front, with the questioning lasting until night. The two eunuchs gave their answers based on what Li Ji and Ma Sui had taught them, and Li Heng's worries immediately dissipated. Although he did not award them any prizes, he did commend the two men well—which is why Dou Wenchang is beaming with pride today.

Li Ji thought to himself, "These people are all only thinking about their own families. Doesn't anyone really care about the country? After suffering such a huge defeat at the front, how can you still laugh?" Frustrated, he returned to the side hall of his office, dealt with a few matters casually, and then, unable to stay still any longer, he simply stepped out of the hall and into the courtyard. He took off his double maces from his waist and swung them around for a while, both to loosen his muscles and to calm his mind.

To be honest, he had never learned to use a mace, and it was estimated that there weren't many people in this world who truly knew how to use one. He simply used the maces as double swords, abandoning all the slashing and cutting techniques and replacing them with chopping and smashing. The maces swung open, the wind whistling, and although they were merely swinging in the air, their momentum was truly astonishing, like two silver dragons soaring up and down. The guards were all dazzled, and even many minor officials squeezed out of the hall to watch.

Li Ji waved his hand for a long time, and occasionally glanced at the corner of his eye, as if he saw a purple robe flash by at the courtyard gate—who was that? Among the Left and Right Heroic Army, the highest rank was only the sixth-rank chief clerk. Who was qualified to wear a purple robe?

He immediately put away his double maces, let out a long breath, and then asked the guard, "I just saw a man in purple robes pass by outside the courtyard. I wonder which important figure he was?"

The guards all looked completely bewildered—we were so focused on watching you wield your mace, nobody was paying attention to what was happening outside the courtyard. Li Ji thought to himself, "With your attitude, you dare to guard the Forbidden City? I'll have to give you a good talking-to when I have the chance!"

However, a clerk who was observing was more astute. After Li Ji's questioning of the guards yielded no results, he immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands, and reported, "Why would a high-ranking official from the court come to my Yingwu Army headquarters without a reason? Since the military advisor has seen something, it must be Fifth Uncle..."

Li Ji's eyes widened: "What 'Five Fathers'?!"

The clerk hurriedly bowed and apologized: "Yes, yes, how could I be qualified to address 'Five Fathers'... I mean, most of those who pass by my military office are Lord Li."

Chapter 50, Who is the Fifth Father?

If the minor official had mentioned "Lord Li" first, Li Ji would probably have been confused—there are so many people in the world with the surname Li, even I am surnamed Li… But if he mentioned "Five Fathers" first, then who else could it be? Naturally, it would be Li Fuguo, who held immense power in the court.

In the early Tang Dynasty, all eunuchs belonged to the Inner Palace Attendants Bureau, with the highest rank being only fourth-grade eunuchs. They could only wear red robes, and their total number was no more than a dozen. Later, the number of eunuchs increased, and during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (Li Longji), many favored eunuchs were granted the rank of general of the third grade or above—for example, Gao Lishi reached the rank of first-grade General of the Cavalry—thus, there were many high-ranking officials in the palace.

Li Heng returned to Chang'an less than a year ago, and not only were the number of imperial guards insufficient, but even the number of eunuchs was gradually increasing. Of course, many eunuchs had returned from Shu with Li Longji, but Li Heng was unwilling to use them and sent them all to serve the retired emperor in the Southern Palace. At present, there was only one eunuch who could wear a purple robe, and that was Li Fuguo, who was in charge of the Palace Stables, the Five Workshops, the Palace Gardens, the Agricultural Farms, the Grafting Planting, and the General Supervisor, and also in charge of the Longyou Pastures, the Capital Minting Bureau, and the Changchun Palace. He was also the Director of the Imperial Household Department and the Palace Stables, and was granted the title of Duke of Cheng.

That's why the minor official said that no matter whether the officials of the outer court go to the Hanyuan Hall for the grand court ceremony or to the Xuanzheng Hall to meet the emperor, there's no reason for them to come here. The only one who can wear a purple robe and run around the palace is probably Li Gongfuguo.

Upon hearing this, Li Ji's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly smiled and felt relieved.

Even if it really is Li Fuguo, so what? I was transferred to the Forbidden City through proper channels, ordered by the Ministry of War. That old eunuch wields immense power in the court, how could he not find out? Does he think that if he didn't glance at the Yingwu Army headquarters today, he wouldn't know I'm right here, ready to seek revenge?

If he launches a sneak attack, I will be on my guard and at worst seek help from Li Shi; but if he only shows half his face and gives me a glimpse, will that frighten me? Why worry unnecessarily?

So he hung up his double maces again and went back to his office to work. But before he knew it, after lunch, a eunuch came and called out by name, saying, "My fifth father summons Li Ji."

Li Ji sneered, "Who are you? How would I know who your fifth father is? And how dare you point out my name?!" He ordered his men to throw him out!

In the end, this little eunuch was still dressed in plain clothes and had no official rank, while Li Ji was an official. So when commoners meet an official, how can they call him by his name directly? You are not a eunuch sent by the emperor to deliver an imperial edict.

Of course, Li Ji was merely expressing his "I'm not afraid of Li Fuguo" attitude. If he really wanted to drive away this little eunuch, only he himself could do it. The minor officials around him, even the guards in front of the hall, trembled at the mention of "Five Fathers," and who would dare to arrest him? Li Ji thought to himself, "If you listened to me, you'd even dare to throw out the emperor… no, the imperial envoy sent to deliver the edict. That's when this army would truly be useful. What good are the Left and Right Heroic Armies, all that bare-chested, burly, and highly skilled martial arts? They're just empty shells."

The minor official had probably never been reprimanded like that before, and was stunned for a moment. But he quickly recovered, raised an eyebrow, and jumped up, cursing, "A mere registrar, a nobody, how dare you! Your fifth father summoned you, and you actually..."

Li Ji interrupted him: "Although it is within the palace, it is also the headquarters of the Yingwu Army, which is considered part of the army. Therefore, any shouting in the army is punishable by death according to the law!" He stood up abruptly, casually took an iron mace from his waist, took two big steps closer, and swung it down on the head.

The eunuch was so frightened that his soul almost left his body. He knelt down with a thud and cried out, "Spare me!" People like him were good at reading people's expressions; otherwise, they wouldn't have survived long in the palace. In his eyes, the rough man in the green robe was determined to kill him and would probably beat him into a pulp with his mace!

In truth, Li Ji had no murderous intent. He wouldn't go so far as to beat someone to death over a verbal altercation—even a eunuch he always disliked was still a life. It was just that his many experiences on the battlefield had naturally imbued him with a sense of urgency. How much worldly experience could a lowly eunuch from the inner palace possibly have? How could he possibly distinguish between murderous intent and mere urgency?

With a whoosh, Li Ji brushed the iron mace past the eunuch's ear, then swiftly reached out with his left hand, grabbing his arm and lifting up the mangled flesh. Turning to his subordinates, he asked, "Do you know who these so-called 'Five Fathers' are?"

A junior official, understanding the implication, immediately replied tremblingly, "It must refer to the Duke of Cheng..."

Li Ji sneered: "So it's Li Fuguo, yet he talks about being the fifth father—I only know that Li Fuguo is the fifth father of Li Sheren (Li Kui). Does this little brat even want to be brothers with Li Sheren?" He puffed out his chest: "Fine, since I respect Li Fuguo's age, then I will go and meet him."

As he spoke, he held a mace in one hand and carried the barely audible eunuch in the other, heading down the steps. But after only two steps, he couldn't help but glance at the ground—damn, no wonder his socks were a little wet, this guy had peed…

You know, I didn't bring any spare socks, and wearing boots barefoot isn't comfortable... Besides, when I see Li Fuguo later, I'll definitely have to take off my boots before entering the hall. If he accuses me of being rude for this, I won't even have a chance to refute him. Oh well, thankfully it wasn't much, I'll just have to bear with it for now...

He instructed those around him: "This filthy scoundrel... clean him up properly, lest there be a stain on the ground when I return."

The minor officials bowed repeatedly, but in their hearts they were all thinking: You actually plan to come back alive? Aren't you being a bit too ambitious?

Li Ji, still holding the young eunuch—the mace was now hanging up again, as he couldn't keep it in his hand as he walked through the Forbidden City—left the Yingwu Military Headquarters and headed east. When they reached the vicinity of Jianfu Gate, he became somewhat confused, so he tightened his grip and squeezed the young eunuch: "Where is Li Fuguo?"

The young eunuch, having recovered somewhat, hurriedly pointed and said, "He's sitting in the Right Golden Guard's quarters..."

Li Ji let go of her hand and shoved her forward: "Aren't you going to lead the way? Or do I have to whip you with my mace?"

The Left and Right Jinwu Guards' quarters are located inside the Danfeng Gate, the main gate of the Daming Palace, and stand on the east and west sides respectively. This was originally the residence of the Jinwu Guards, who were responsible for patrolling the outer court. It was also the place where officials waited before the grand court assembly, or where officials awaited punishment.

Li Fuguo waited for Li Ji at the Right Jinwu Guard. Li Ji thought to himself, "Thank goodness, the old man didn't deliberately set a trap for me..." Li Fuguo was accustomed to handling affairs at the Right Yintai Gate of the Inner Court, while Li Ji's activities were limited to the Outer Court unless summoned by imperial decree; he couldn't even enter the Inner Court. If Li Fuguo had sent a minor eunuch to order Li Ji to follow him directly into the Inner Court, and Li Ji had foolishly gone, he would have been arrested on the spot, perhaps even beheaded.

Li Ji, relying on his superior martial arts skills and the support he had, was not afraid of Li Fuguo's forceful actions. However, if he committed an unforgivable crime first, Li Fuguo could then justifiably kill him, and even Li Yu and his son would probably have no excuse to save him.

They soon arrived at the Right Jinwu Guard's quarters, located west of Danfeng Gate. Li Ji ordered the eunuch to go in and announce their arrival, while he waited outside. The eunuch scrambled inside, and then they could vaguely hear sobbing... followed by a "slap," presumably from being slapped.

Li Ji thought to himself, "I can't believe it. That old eunuch is quite good at slapping people. That slap was so crisp..." Of course, it's also possible that Li Fuguo gave the order and had other young eunuchs do it.

Li Ji wasn't worried about the young eunuch complaining about him to Li Fuguo. The old eunuch wasn't exactly a bitter enemy, but they had a deep-seated grudge. What difference would it make if he added a feather to a heavy burden? Especially from Li Fuguo's perspective: "I sent you to summon Li Ji, so just complete the task meticulously. Why humiliate yourself? If you can really control Li Ji, that's fine—but you can't. I'd have to kill you first. The little guy is too dangerous—going on my orders and suffering humiliation? How can I be proud of that?"

You shameless bastard, I'd be merciful if I didn't kill you on the spot. Did you expect me to comfort you and avenge you?!

So Li Ji wasn't worried. He simply stood with his hands behind his back, waiting outside the door while listening intently to what was happening inside. A short while later, someone called out, "Fifth...Lord Li commands that Li Ji, the Left Military Advisor and Registrar of the Heroic Army, come in for an audience." It was clearly not the voice of the young eunuch from before.

Li Ji took off his double maces and handed them to the guard at the door. The guard took them with both hands, but stumbled and almost fell face-first to the ground—these things were incredibly heavy. Li Ji smiled at him: "Be careful, if you damage them, you might not be able to afford to pay for them." Then he lifted his robe, kicked off his boots, and stepped into the hall.

The main hall wasn't spacious, and Li Ji saw Li Fuguo as soon as he entered. The old eunuch wore a black gauze soft-cornered turban, a dark purple silk robe with large floral patterns, and a gold and jade belt. His attire was no different from that of officials from the outer court—but there was one difference: most officials from the outer court who could wear purple robes, apart from a few princes and grandsons, were over forty years old and certainly had long beards; the only one in the Tang Dynasty who wore purple without a beard was the one standing before him.

—There is no Gao Lishi. I heard that the old fellow was framed by Li Fuguo and has been demoted and exiled to Qianzhong Road.

Li Fuguo still had that ugly face, old and wrinkled. He sat upright behind the table, his face ashen and expressionless. In addition, he held a string of prayer beads in his left hand, gently twisting them with his thumb.

Li Ji crossed his hands in a gesture of respect, but before he could speak, Li Fuguo glared at him and exclaimed, "Li Ji, you've done something truly remarkable!"

Li Ji thought to himself, "What does this mean? What did you do wrong to me?" He met Li Ji's gaze without fear and said, "What do you mean by this, Lord Li? This humble official does not understand what you are referring to."

Their eyes met, a swift exchange of light that seemed to flash across their gazes. Several eunuchs in red and green robes were also present in the hall, all holding their breath, not daring to move. After a long while, Li Fuguo slowly shifted his gaze, then let out a long breath and said, "I just passed by the Yingwu Military Headquarters and saw Li Ji wielding your maces quite well. I wonder who your teacher is?"

In truth, Li Ji's heart had been pounding the whole time, fearing that Li Fuguo had found some fault with him, even the slightest one. "If you want to find fault, you can always find a reason," he thought. Fortunately, the room wasn't large, and the two were only about two zhang apart. Li Ji thought to himself, "I can leap over and take you down with me. Let's see who's more panicked!" But hearing Li Fuguo's softened tone, he felt a sense of relief, yet he still had to reply politely:

“I’m telling you, Mr. Li, this is just a rural skill, there’s no tradition of it.”

"Would you like to learn?"

Upon hearing this, Li Ji couldn't help but show a surprised expression—what do you mean, old man? Did you call me here just to inquire about my mace technique, whether I have a successor, and whether I want one? "I'm afraid there's no one in the Imperial Guard who can teach me."

Li Ji had previously studied swordsmanship and short staff techniques, and felt he had a certain affinity with mace fighting. Therefore, he could wield the double maces quickly. While battlefield weapons lacked the elaborate techniques of folk martial arts, they were still quite skill-based. He believed that with his double maces, dozens of ordinary soldiers couldn't get close, but against a true master, he might be at a loss—in that case, it would be better to abandon the maces and return to his familiar broadsword. Therefore, he had inquired within the Imperial Guards: who had practiced this weapon and could perhaps teach him a thing or two?

The problem is that this mace is not a standard military weapon, and very few people know how to use it. Specifically, it seems that no one in the Imperial Guards can use it... Li Ji felt that there must be someone among the real soldiers who could use it. When can I go back to Longyou? I'll go ask Guo Xin and Li Yuanzhong.

Therefore, he replied to Li Fuguo, "Among the Imperial Guards, I'm afraid there is no one who can teach me." Li Fuguo smiled sinisterly, "Do you know who in my Tang Dynasty is famous throughout the world for their mace skills?"

"That would naturally be Duke Qin Shubao of Hu State."

Li Fuguo said, "That's right—the Qin family of Licheng has passed down the art of mace for generations. Don't you want to learn it?"

Although Li Ji was even more puzzled, he still clasped his hands and asked, "Please enlighten me, Master Li."

Li Fuguo, holding his prayer beads, slowly said, "The youngest son of Duke Hu is Shandao, who is the Inspector General of the Left Jinwu Guard. Shandao's son is Jun, who is the Prefect of Jizhou. Jun's second son is Qia, who is the Military Advisor of Yuzhang. Qia's son is Huan—who has just come to join me. Would it be acceptable to have him join the Left Yingwu Army?"

Li Ji secretly calculated on his fingers. Oh, Qin Huan is Qin Shubao's great-grandson... It seems Li Fuguo wants to put this guy in the Left Heroic Army. I wonder if it's purely to do him a favor, or if he wants to infiltrate the Imperial Guard. However, whatever his purpose, with Li Fuguo's current power, would he need to ask a lowly official like me for help to arrange someone? Even if he did need to ask for favors, he could just go directly to Dou Wenchang.

What does this mean? Does he really want to find me a mace master? Is he really that kind?

While secretly calculating, he feigned gratitude, saying, "Since you are the descendant of a famous minister and have the recommendation of Lord Li, how can you not join the Left Heroic Army? If Qin Huan can truly teach me the mace technique, I will have to thank Lord Li even more."

"No need for thanks. It's all for the sake of the Emperor and the affairs of the state..." As he said this, Li Fuguo glanced around, and the eunuchs standing there understood. They immediately bowed deeply and lined up to retreat to the foot of the hall.

Li Ji thought to himself, "Here it comes, the real show is about to begin." Li Fuguo dismissed everyone else, intending to have a private talk with him, most likely trying to win him over. In his heart, he naturally didn't want to follow this old bastard, but he might as well play along for a while.

After the officials had left, Li Fuguo beckoned to Li Ji, saying, "Li Ji, come closer and let's talk."

Li Ji hesitated for a moment, then Li Fuguo said with a sinister smile, "There are only the two of us here. Do you think that the mighty Li Erlang, who has defeated the barbarians, would be afraid of an old man like me?"

Li Ji thought to himself, "Oh no, I've been careless and the old man has overwhelmed me in terms of momentum..."

Chapter 51, Seeking the Position of Prime Minister

Li Ji stepped forward a few paces and stood five feet away from Li Fuguo, across the table. Li Fuguo said again, "Sit down, I'm not used to looking up at people."

Li Ji sat down as instructed, staring at Li Fuguo, waiting for his reply. After a moment's thought, Li Fuguo finally spoke, asking, "There's a saying I don't quite understand, and I'd like to ask you about it—what does it mean that 'it's easy to deal with an overbearing servant, but difficult to manage an arrogant servant; however, if the mistress doesn't like him, would a servant dare to act recklessly?'"

Li Ji's heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself, "These words came from my mouth and entered Li Shi's ears. There couldn't possibly be a third person who heard them at the time... It seems that the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace and the Fengjie Prince's Mansion are already full of holes like sieves."

Deny it outright? Pretend to be confused? That's pointless; it would only make Li Fuguo look down on him. So he answered directly, "This is His Highness the Crown Prince's plan. If the Crown Prince wants to establish a dynasty, he should first get rid of the treacherous minister and then control the powerful eunuchs."

Li Fuguo curled his lip: "Do you think that by getting rid of Cui Yuan and me, His Highness the Crown Prince can establish himself as regent? Does he have that ability?"

Li Ji remained silent.

Li Fuguo smiled sinisterly again: "To tell you the truth, as long as I am here, there is a Crown Prince. If it weren't for me, the Eastern Palace would probably have changed hands long ago!"

Li Ji thought for a moment. He realized that he couldn't let Li Fuguo take the initiative in the conversation. He had to find a roundabout way to launch a counterattack. "How can a subject like me interfere in the affairs of an emperor?"

Li Fuguo retorted, "I am merely a servant of the Li family. What right do you have to call me a subject?"