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The others looked at Li Jian Cheng with admiration. They had thought about this matter, but none dared to speak up.
Yuwen Huaji suddenly slammed the table and stood up, "Li Jian Cheng, you have some nerve! Do you know what status the prince holds? How can you..."
"Jian Cheng, continue," Yang Guang interrupted Yuwen Huaji, unable to let him go on any further; it would be embarrassing to proceed if he did.
Li Jian Cheng didn’t even glance at Yuwen Huaji. The others treated it as if someone had just passed gas; Yuwen Huaji sulked and sat back down.
"Uncle, those who achieve great things do not sweat the small stuff. Consort Chen is favored, but the Chen Family, like Ruping, may very well have thoughts of relying on the prince. As long as the prince shows a bit of goodwill, Consort Chen will surely reciprocate."
Yang Guang turned to Yang Yue and said, "Consort Chen is not someone you should speak about. As for Jian Cheng, you will go to Changcheng County Public Residence."
"Understood."
At that moment, Xiao Jing from the Crown Prince's Inner Chamber hurried in to report, "Just now, Minister of Justice Liu Shu and Grand Secretary Yuan Ke spoke favorably of Gao Shan and the deposed crown prince in front of His Majesty. His Majesty did not react with anger as before."
This was another important political signal. The hall fell into silence again. Li Jian Cheng observed Yang Guang's pale face and guessed he was probably cursing Yang Jian to pass away soon.
Yang Guang quickly adjusted his mindset. "You two should go now. The Eastern Palace treasury is at your disposal. You must persuade Chen; if she remains unmoved, use her brother Chen Shubao's life to convince her."
Li Jian Cheng and Yang Yue nodded in agreement and headed straight for the treasury. Yang Yue took Golden Snake and Golden Camel along with silk brocade from Jiangnan, while Li Jian Cheng had people move the aged fine wine that Yang Yong had stored away.
Then they split up to carry out their tasks. As a eunuch, Yang Yue had no fear of gossip when meeting with the consorts, while Li Jian Cheng had received visits from nearly every notable family over the past few months; visiting Changcheng County Public Residence was no different.
Although it was somewhat abrupt, Chen Shubao was not particularly particular about such matters. Moreover, he was already tipsy from drinking and gladly opened his doors to welcome Li Jian Cheng into his residence.
Chen Shubao had a handsome appearance; nearing fifty, his skin remained fair and tender, though he had gained some weight. A hint of melancholy lingered in his brows, yet he seemed quite satisfied with his comfortable life.
"I have long awaited you, Li Langjun. Why have you not graced my door?"
Chen Shubao stumbled over, reeking of wine. His intentions were clear; he simply admired Li Jiancheng's poetic talent. The boldness and freshness of his verses were something he had pursued all his life.
Li Jiancheng steadied him with a smile. "Without fine wine, how can I join Chen Gong in poetry and song?"
"Haha, you know me well! Please, come in! I have instructed someone to turn your poems into songs and dances for you to enjoy."
I am Emperor Taizong; Li Du will not blame me!
Inside the Chen Residence, a banquet was underway, filled with scholars and poets. Upon Li Jiancheng's arrival, they all rushed to greet him. While there may be no first among scholars, competition existed within the same ranks, and Li Langjun was renowned for more than just his verses.
After singing "Raise a Cup to Invite the Bright Moon," they moved on to "Ask the Sky with Wine," dancing as if clouds adorned their garments and flowers reflected their beauty. They sang of drinking deeply and living wildly, while Chen Shubao swayed and drank heartily amidst the poetry and music.
Eventually, exhausted and panting, he commanded someone to sing "Jade Tree Flowing Light," which brought a fleeting look of sorrow to his face.
By then, two jars of the fine wine brought by Li Jiancheng had been emptied. As dusk approached, many scholars began to take their leave. However, Li Jiancheng stayed behind, and Chen Shubao insisted on keeping him company.
Once everyone had departed, Chen Shubao finally spoke. "What brings you here today? Please speak plainly."
"I wish to ask for your assistance on behalf of His Highness the Crown Prince."
"Ha ha, someone like me has no right to help His Highness the Crown Prince," Chen Shubao said with a laugh, slowly catching his breath. "I will send someone to persuade her, but she has held a grudge against me for not helping her escape from the Imperial Garden all these years, so she may not be willing to listen."
Everyone was doing their best, but of course, they could not force fate.
Li Jian Cheng said, "Lord Chen will surely enjoy wealth and honor. May Jian Cheng wish the Crown Prince peace and longevity."
Chen Shubao thanked him and then held onto Li Jian Cheng, who was about to take his leave. "As for the matter of the Lord, I have done my best. I hope you can leave me with a beautiful line to pass the long night."
Li Jian Cheng could only helplessly recite a line from Li Houzhu's "Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon." After hearing it, Chen Shubao recited it as if a river of spring water flowed eastward, stumbling away.
Southern Tang is still Tang; Yu'er will not blame me!
...
Consort Chen agreed to help, though it was unclear whether it was out of respect for the Golden Snake and Golden Camel or due to her kinship with Chen Shubao. In any case, she consented.
The influence of a whisper in the ear proved significant. Grand Secretary Yuan Ke was demoted, and Liu Shu received a few reprimands.
However, Yang Su's loss of power could not be reversed. After some time building momentum and contacting former students from Gao Shan who had been demoted, Liu Shu finally could no longer hold back and aimed his sword directly at Yang Guang.
Beizhou Chancellor Pei Su submitted a memorial stating that "Gao Shan possesses exceptional talents; they have served the state well but have been unjustly discarded. I hope Your Majesty will recognize their great contributions and overlook their minor faults."
The deposed Crown Prince and the disgraced Shu Wang have long been guilty. I hope Your Majesty will show the kindness of Sovereign Father and consider the nature of heaven; each should be granted a small state to observe their actions. If they can improve gradually, it would be beneficial; if they do not repent, demotion is not too late.
"Now that the path of renewal is forever closed, and the heart of remorse cannot be seen, how tragic it is!"
Under Liu Shu's powerful explanation, the Emperor did not punish those who pleaded for Crown Prince Shu Wang as he had originally intended. Instead, he sighed, "Pei Su cares for my family's affairs; this is indeed sincere."
Although he did not grant amnesty to Yang Yong, Yang Xiu, and Gao Shan as suggested, this mild attitude rekindled hope in many, prompting them to submit petitions in agreement.
The Emperor's later years were marked by suspicion and capriciousness, leaving many gritting their teeth in frustration but feeling powerless.
Fortunately, Changsun Sheng found a moment of respite for them. He reported, "Last night I ascended the city tower and saw red mist in the northern sands, stretching over a hundred miles, hanging down like rain. The military texts say this is called 'blood rain,' and when such signs appear, a nation is destined to perish. If we wish to destroy the Turkic people, now is the time!"
While the Emperor hesitated, Li Jian Cheng and Yang Xuangan united with relatives and old friends to finally push this matter forward. To lead the great army against the Turkic people was an endeavor that could not be separated from the undefeated commander, Left Minister Yang Su.
This was something Liu Shu and others could do nothing about; currently, only Gao Shan and Yang Su held such qualifications and prestige. However, how could the Emperor dare to entrust military power to Gao Shan, whom he had deposed?
Thus, Yang Su rose again. Taking advantage of this momentum, he ruthlessly suppressed Liu Shu and others, seizing the opportunity to execute several who had been demoted from the capital, causing them significant harm.
But he also had to set out for battle immediately. This time Li Jian Cheng did not accompany him; instead, he sought permission from Yang Guang to assist Yang Yue and others in preparing provisions for the army.
The tasks were somewhat tedious, but fortunately, the Sui Dynasty's treasury was abundant, making it manageable. Li Jian Cheng personally engaged in learning and familiarizing himself with each aspect.
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