In the hall of deliberation, the candlelight flickered, casting mottled shadows. Lin Yi sat at the table, toying with a jade cup in hand, but his gaze seemed to penetrate through layers of curtains, staring directly at the hidden turmoil in the court.
"Brother Yi, how have you been lately?" Li Bai approached with light steps, breaking the solemn atmosphere.
Lin Yi looked up, smiling slightly: "Tai Bai brother, you've come at just the right time. I was just thinking of discussing something with you."
"Oh? What's troubling Brother Yi so much?" Li Bai sat down and poured two cups of clear tea.
Lin Yi set down the jade cup and said seriously, "There are hidden currents in the court. Although I have just arrived, I can already sense the unease in the air."
"You are right," Li Bai nodded. "This court is like the martial world. The martial world has blades and swords, while the court has political intrigue. Brother Yi, you must be careful in your dealings."
"I must be careful." Lin Yi sighed, "But my concern is not just for myself. If the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty is disrupted by the power struggle in the court, it will be our fault."
Li Bai fell silent for a moment and then said in a deep voice, "Brother Yi, do you know who poses the greatest threat in the court?"
Lin Yi furrowed his brow, "I have heard some rumors, but I dare not make any hasty conclusions."
"That would be Prime Minister Yang Guozhong," Li Bai said slowly, "He wields immense power, controlling many of the court's ministers. What's even more frightening is that he has the support of Consort Yu."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yi's heart skipped a beat. "Consort Yu? How... how can this be good?"
"Brother Yi, you need not worry too much," Li Bai reassured, "Although Consort Yu is favored, the Emperor is not a weak ruler. As long as we act with caution and do not fall into Yang Guozhong's manipulation, we can ensure the stability of the Tang Dynasty."
Two people exchanged a smile, as if they had found a common goal. However, the undercurrents in the court did not subside because of this. One day, Lin Yi was summoned to the palace to participate in an important discussion. Inside the council chamber, the atmosphere was tense. Yang Guozhong sat in the seat of honor, his eyes flashing with cunning. He scanned the crowd and slowly spoke, "Gentlemen, with frequent border conflicts and an empty treasury, I believe that taxes should be increased to replenish the treasury."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was an immediate flurry of discussion in the hall. Some agreed, while others opposed. Lin Yi was moved and stood up, saying, "Your Excellency's words are mistaken. Increasing taxes will only lead to the people's resentment and bring no benefit to the country." Upon hearing this, Yang Guozhong frowned and asked, "Lord An, what do you mean by this? Do you have a better suggestion?" Lin Yi took a deep breath and slowly replied, "I believe that we should reduce the palace's expenses and unnecessary extravagance. At the same time, we should strengthen border defense and minimize the losses caused by war."
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell silent. Yang Guozhong's eyes flashed with displeasure, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "Lord An, your words are reasonable. But reducing the palace expenses, how easy is that?"
Lin Yi smiled slightly and replied, "Prime Minister, the palace expenses are indeed substantial, but there are areas where they can be reduced. As long as everyone works together, we can surely save some expenditure for the national treasury."
Seeing Lin Yi's firm words, Yang Guozhong couldn't help but feel apprehensive. He knew that although Lin Yi was new to the court, he was exceptionally talented and highly regarded by the emperor. If he didn't take precautions, Lin Yi might become a formidable opponent in the future.
So, Yang Guozhong began secretly sending people to monitor Lin Yi's every move. At the same time, he also began colluding with other ministers, attempting to push Lin Yi out of the court. However, Lin Yi did not back down. He knew deeply that the court was full of power struggles and intrigues. Only by maintaining a clear mind and firm beliefs could he stand firm in this turbulent environment. One day, Lin Yi encountered a mysterious figure in the palace. The person claimed to be a friend of a loyalist in the court, coming to deliver a message to Lin Yi.
"Lord An, there are people in the court who wish to harm you," the person said in a low voice. "You need to be careful and not fall into Yang Guozhong's schemes."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yi felt a sense of unease. After thanking the person, he returned to his residence and pondered for a long time. He knew that the power struggles in the court were becoming increasingly intense. He had to be more careful in order to protect his position and reputation.
As a result, Lin Yi began to work harder to build strong friendships with the ministers in the court. At the same time, he also started to secretly investigate Yang Guozhong's wrongdoings, hoping to find evidence to bring him down.
Above this turbulent court, Lin Yi is like a small boat swaying in the wind and waves. However, he always maintains a firm belief and a clear mind, forging ahead courageously. He knows that only by doing so can he establish himself in this court full of power struggles and scheming.
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