Chapter 80 Yang Guifei (10) An Lushan
There was a rain of sweet osmanthus flowers in the courtyard. The sweet osmanthus trees that Ling had transplanted overnight were now in full bloom.
Lin Jiaojiao sat on the stone bench in the courtyard, holding the newly composed "Osmanthus Rain Song" in her hand. Just as her fingertips touched the strings, she heard the sound of horse hooves coming from outside the courtyard. It was Ling who came back, much earlier than usual, with a layer of frost between his brows.
She stood up and went to meet him, handing him a handkerchief. "What's wrong? Did something happen in the court?"
Ling took the handkerchief, wiped his hands, and sat on the stone bench, tapping his knuckles lightly on the table. "It's not the imperial court, it's the frontier. There's a general named An Lushan who recently came to the capital under the pretext of 'reporting on defense matters,' bringing with him over thirty personal soldiers. While he didn't dare to surround the Eastern Palace, he's been gathering information throughout the capital and even visiting the residences of Li Linfu's former subordinates. He's got some serious plans."
Lin Jiaojiao was stunned for a moment. "An Lushan? I think I've heard of this name before. Isn't he just a small general guarding the border? How dare he wander around the capital?"
"It's precisely because he's so inconspicuous right now that we need to be more vigilant." Ling picked up the sheet music of "Osmanthus Rain Song" on the table, his fingertips tracing the notes, his eyes sharp. "Zhao Heng investigated and found that he obtained his position as a frontier general by bribing Li Linfu's former subordinates. This time he came to the capital, firstly to seek an official position in the capital, and secondly to gauge the direction of the situation in Chang'an. After all, it's only been two years since His Majesty killed his three sons. The court officials are all afraid of him, and everyone wants a reliable backer at this time."
The mention of "killing three sons" made Lin Jiaojiao's heart sink. Two years ago, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang had sentenced Crown Prince Li Ying, Prince of E Li Yao, and Prince of Guang Li Ju to death on the same day for "conspiracy to rebel," without even giving them a chance to defend themselves. The capital was still in a state of panic. She grasped Ling's hand, "So, how do you plan to deal with this? Are you going to just send him back?"
"No need to rush him." Ling shook his head. "He's not powerful yet, so he can't cause any trouble. I've arranged a small banquet in the East Palace and invited him over tonight. I'm not being snubbed, but I'm not being too close either. I want him to know that I treat all border commanders equally, but I won't give him any special treatment either. Also, Zhao Heng has people keeping an eye on his personal guards to prevent them from spreading rumors in the capital and causing panic."
As he was speaking, the captain of the guards hurried over, handing him a secret letter. "Your Highness, there's news from the palace. His Majesty is hosting another banquet at Huaqing Pool this afternoon, and he's also asked the Ministry of Revenue to allocate 100,000 taels, saying it's for making clothes for his new favorite. The imperial physician says His Majesty has been feeling dizzy lately, yet he continues to drink and revel every day. Gao Lishi has tried to dissuade him several times, but His Majesty always rebuked him."
Ling opened the secret letter, glanced at it, and a hint of coldness appeared on his lips. "He's been extravagant and refuses to listen to advice. The same ruthlessness he used to kill his three sons two years ago is now being used for pleasure. It's a good opportunity to let the court officials see what good will come of following such an emperor. Go and quietly tell a few of the old officials about His Majesty's allocation of brocade, especially those who supported the former crown prince."
The captain of the guards agreed and left. Lin Jiaojiao looked at Ling and asked, "Are you trying to make the old ministers more afraid of His Majesty and support you?"
"Yes and no." Ling looked at the falling osmanthus flowers in the courtyard. "They support me, not because I'm so good, but because Your Majesty has disappointed them so much. The killing of the three sons frightened them, and the extravagant spending chilled their hearts. Now, as long as I can stabilize the court and prevent them from being implicated, they will naturally stand by me."
In the evening, Ling went to the East Palace with two confidants.
Lin Jiaojiao sat in the west wing, her fingertips stroking the strings of the zither, but she had no intention of playing "Guiyuyin" - she kept thinking of the old incident of "killing three sons" and was afraid that Ling would also be hurt by Emperor Xuanzong's suspicion. She walked to the window, looked in the direction of Chang'an, and prayed silently in her heart: He must come back safely.
However, the atmosphere in the side hall of the East Palace was very subtle at this time.
An Lushan sat at the bottom, teacup in hand, his eyes constantly surveying the furnishings in the hall. His tone was flattering, "Your Highness, I heard from the frontier that Your Highness has recently taken charge of the government and has managed Chang'an in perfect order, which is truly a blessing for the people. I didn't bring any valuables with me this time to the capital, but I brought some furs from the frontier. I hope Your Highness will accept them."
Ling put down his teacup, his expression calm. "General An, you are so thoughtful. Life on the frontier is tough, and the soldiers being able to guard the border safely is their greatest contribution to the court. As for rewards, when you return, I will have the Ministry of Revenue allocate some food and fodder to the frontier. It's much more practical than furs."
An Lushan's eyes lit up, and just as he was about to say something, Zhao Heng hurried in and whispered a few words in Ling's ear. Ling nodded and said to An Lushan, "General An, there's news from the palace that His Majesty wants to see you. Please come with me into the palace."
An Lushan was stunned for a moment, obviously not expecting that Emperor Xuanzong of Tang would suddenly summon him. He quickly got up and followed Ling to Xingqing Palace. He was both nervous and expectant. If he could be appreciated by the emperor, maybe he could stay in the capital.
The bedroom of Xingqing Palace was brightly lit by candlelight, but there was an atmosphere of luxury.
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was reclining on a soft couch, surrounded by several beauties, holding a wine glass in his hand. When he saw Ling and An Lushan come in, he simply waved his hand: "Mao'er is here? Is this An Lushan?"
An Lushan quickly knelt and saluted: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you! May your Majesty be in good health!"
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang glanced at him with a hint of impatience in his tone: "Is everything going on in the border area? If not, go back early and don't hang around in the capital and disturb my interest." After that, he waved his hand and asked Gao Lishi to take him away.
An Lushan stood there in a daze, the flattery on his face froze instantly, and he could only retreat unwillingly.
Ling stood aside, watching Emperor Xuanzong of Tang's drunken appearance, without a single ripple in his heart. An emperor like this no longer deserved anyone's respect.
After Gao Lishi saw An Lushan off, he walked over to Ling and whispered, "Your Highness, the Minister of Revenue just came to ask for an audience. He said that the treasury is running low on silver. The 100,000 taels Your Majesty requested are simply too small to allocate. I'd like to ask Your Highness to go and persuade Your Majesty."
"No need to persuade me." Ling shook his head. "Have the Ministry of Revenue allocate 50,000 first. The rest can be delayed until next year. Also, tell the Minister of Revenue to calculate this year's disaster relief grain funds and send them to the East Palace tomorrow. I want to review them personally."
Gao Lishi nodded and said, "I obey your order. Your Highness, you should go back as soon as possible. Your Majesty, I will be watching you here."
It was already very late at night when Ling left Xingqing Palace.
The streets were quiet, with only the patrolling Yulin soldiers walking by with lanterns. When they saw his carriage, they bowed and saluted.
Ling opened the curtains and looked at the familiar streets, knowing clearly in his heart that the Chang'an today was no longer the Chang'an of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.
When he returned to the villa, Lin Jiaojiao was still waiting for him at the door, holding a thick cloak in her hand. Ling jumped out of the car and pulled her into his arms: "Why aren't you asleep yet? It's so late, be careful not to catch a cold."
"I was worried about you and wanted to wait for you to come back." Lin Jiaojiao leaned into his arms, "How is An Lushan doing? Did His Majesty give you any trouble?"
"You didn't give me a hard time, but you did give An Lushan a cold shoulder." Ling said with a smile, "Your Majesty's mind is full of beauties right now, and he has no time to care about the border generals. An Lushan has been defeated and will probably return to the border in disgrace tomorrow. Besides, the Minister of Revenue has begun to lean towards us, so the government will become more and more smooth from now on."
Lin Jiaojiao breathed a sigh of relief and pulled Ling into the house. "I left some hot soup for you, drink it and warm yourself up. Oh, by the way, you didn't hear 'Osmanthus Rain Song' today, can I play it for you now?"
"Okay." Ling sat at the table, watching Lin Jiaojiao walk to the piano and pluck the strings with her fingertips.
The melody of "Osmanthus Rain Song" flows slowly, gentle and peaceful, accompanied by the fragrance of osmanthus flowers outside the window, which gradually relaxes Ling's tense nerves.
The next morning at court, Ling sat in the main seat of the East Palace and accepted the worship of the court officials.
The Minister of Revenue handed over the calculation sheet for disaster relief grain. Ling carefully reviewed it and approved it on the spot: "Disaster relief is a major matter. We must deliver grain to the people. Anyone who dares to withhold it will be punished by military law!"
The Minister of War handed over the border defense report, and Ling said, "Have the Yulin Army send a team to patrol the border. First, to assist General An in guarding the border, and second, to observe the actual situation on the border. If there are any problems, report them in a timely manner."
The court officials nodded one after another, their eyes no longer showing the hesitation of the past, but showing a bit more determination. They all understood that following the prince was much more stable than following the moody and extravagant emperor.
Especially the old ministers who had experienced the "killing of three sons", there was even a hint of gratitude in their eyes when they looked at Ling.
After the morning court session ended, Ling had just returned to the East Palace when he received news that An Lushan had left Chang'an and returned to the border.
He looked at the report on the table, a smile on his face: "If you want to find a backer, don't you see who you are looking for?"
In the evening, Ling rushed back to the villa. Lin Jiaojiao was planting osmanthus seeds in the courtyard. Seeing him come back, she smiled and said, "I asked the captain of the guards today, and he said that the old officials in the capital are very supportive of you. Is that true?"
Ling walked over, squatted beside her, and helped her straighten the flower seed. "It's true. They are afraid of His Majesty and also afraid of another 'killing three sons' incident. So they want me to stabilize the court. After a while, when His Majesty's health deteriorates, they will take the initiative to persuade me to ascend the throne."
Lin Jiaojiao felt warm in her heart and leaned on his shoulder: "From now on, can we always enjoy the sweet-scented osmanthus flowers and listen to the music here?"
"I will." Ling held her hand. "When I ascend the throne, I will designate this place as my temporary palace. Every autumn, we will come here to stay for a while, away from the disputes of the court, and live a peaceful life."
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