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墨書 Inktalez
This is not a result of intelligence but rather a consequence of family background. Li Mi's current situation is strikingly similar to that of Li Jian Cheng; he is a direct descendant of Li Bi, one of the Eight Pillars of State from the Western Wei, inheriting the family title. However, he currently holds no official position at all, even falling short compared to Li Jian Cheng, let alone Yang Xuangan, who has already attained the rank of a third-grade general and serves as the Governor of Yingzhou.
Moreover, the rank of an official is secondary; what is more significant is the influence of their families. Even without any official title, Yang Xuangan can still look down upon the court. The prominence of the Yang Family in this dynasty is only slightly inferior to that of the Gao Family.
Now, Li Jian Cheng must give them another push to help them reach the pinnacle of ministerial power.
Today is a day off, and Duke of Yue, Yang Su, is naturally at home. This banquet is said to be a celebration among various lords, but in reality, it is a victory feast for the Yang Family.
In this recent war against the Turkic people, Yang Su's capabilities overshadow those of Duke of Qi Gao Shan. This success could not have been achieved without the desperate efforts of his students and subordinates. The Yang Family has reaped great rewards and must share some to appease everyone while also showcasing their growing popularity.
The three took their seats in the side hall of the front courtyard. After a brief conversation, Yang Xuangan was called away. As the eldest son of the Yang Family, many distinguished guests required his presence for reception. Fortunately, Yang Xuangan was adept at handling such situations with ease.
Once Yang Xuangan left, Li Jian Cheng and Li Mi engaged in casual conversation. Although both belonged to the Li family, they had no direct familial ties. Their great-grandfather, Li Bi, was not from the Wuchuan People; he had achieved great merit during the Battle of Sha Yuan and thus became one of the Eight Pillars of State from the Western Wei.
However, they could not be considered part of Guanlong Core, which led to Li Mi's family declining much faster than that of Li Jian Cheng. To this day, they have nearly hit rock bottom, with only their title and family wealth remaining.
Li Jian Cheng noticed that Li Mi seemed uncomfortable following Yang Xuangan around, and Yang Xuangan did not regard Li Mi as particularly important either. Of course, Yang Xuangan treated all his peers equally as companions or juniors; it was not specifically directed at Li Mi.
If he were truly a friend and ally to rely on, with the current power of the Yang Family and Li Mi's noble background, it would be easy for him to enter government service after two years of experience and become a low-ranking prefect in a provincial government.
Li Jian Cheng had no intention of overly involving himself in court affairs to change the prevailing situation; he viewed Li Mi as merely a young man full of frustration who could only talk big for now.
However, in the future, he could become Duke Wei of Wagang who would hunt for power across the land. After rebelling against Tang and being killed later on, one could deduce much from his experiences. He possesses remarkable talent; when serving as a strategist for others, he can devise excellent plans and accommodate many talents. Yet when he decides to rule himself, he becomes grand yet narrow-minded, making it difficult for capable ministers to thrive under him.
Such a person is naturally someone he wishes to recruit; he would make an excellent strategist. However, he does not yet have that qualification—Li Yan would be in the same boat; both are fallen nobility—why should they align themselves with him?
But who knows what will happen in the future? Therefore, it is acceptable to speak some favorable words now and save discussions about ruler and minister for later.
Li Jian Cheng stood up to pour tea for him and said, "I feel an instant connection with you, Brother. It is truly rare to find someone with your talents. Why do you remain idle at home instead of serving in the military and showcasing your skills?"
"If there is any way I can assist you, please do not hesitate to ask."
Li Mi smiled wryly and thanked him. He could tell that there was sincerity in his words, but the Duke Tang's Residence was not particularly prominent at the moment. Even if they helped him, it would only be for a low-ranking position, which wouldn't significantly aid his future career.
Li Mi replied politely, "Jian Cheng, my younger brother, I have no intention of entering officialdom yet. I still wish to travel and broaden my horizons. If one day I decide to seek a position, I will certainly come to request your assistance."
Li Jian Cheng grasped his hand and said, "I understand that it is not easy for you, but in the future, with Prince Jin..."
Li Jian Cheng stopped mid-sentence, but for someone as clever as Li Mi, it was already enough.
No wonder Li Jian Cheng was bold at such a young age; it turned out that the Li Family had already placed their bets. Indeed, he had heard that the Queen was very fond of this person and treated him like family, granting him official positions without hesitation and showering him with gold and silver rewards. It seemed likely that he would also recommend Prince Jin.
Li Mi felt a twinge of envy in his heart. He naturally wanted to place his bets as well and seek a share of the glory. Unfortunately, he had no connections or means; Prince Jin was currently in the spotlight, and who wouldn't want to serve him? Without recommendations, self-recommendation would only lead to ridicule.
Thus, Li Mi's attitude became much friendlier as the two engaged in lively conversation over tea instead of wine.
Their conversation was interrupted when Yang Xuangan led in a group of nobles. After exchanging reluctant glances, they each went to greet their acquaintances.
As the evening approached, the long-awaited banquet finally began. The crowd surrounded Yang Xuangan as they made their way toward the Main Hall. The closer they got, the more they could smell an exotic fragrance wafting through the air. Upon reaching the Main Hall, they discovered that the outer walls had been painted bright red with spices and pigments.
It was truly dazzling; the Duke of Yue's Residence was indeed wealthy.
Stepping onto the bluestone platform and holding onto the railing as they entered the Main Hall, they found it spacious inside but noticeably dimmer than outside. Fortunately, there was no South Wall in the Main Hall—only a tall screen blocking their view. Once the servants moved it aside, light flooded in, brightening up the Main Hall.
If there were walls on all sides, then even if the room were filled with lights and candles, it would still feel lacking, not to mention that at night, one would miss the beauty of moon-gazing and stargazing.
It is said that the Main Hall of the Duke of Qi's Residence has no walls at all, resembling a large pavilion, open and unrestrained to the utmost.
The Main Hall is merely used for banquets and receiving guests; no one lives there, so there is no fear of lacking walls for protection.
Li Jian Cheng entered with the crowd, accompanied by Yang Jishan, who had hurriedly changed into his robes, and Dou Dan Yuan Shibi and others who had just arrived. They chatted and laughed as they walked in, their feet stepping on the thick Xuan City Red Carpet. Before they could express their admiration, they saw a screen framed in Rosewood placed in the center of the hall against the northern wall.
The embroidered tapestry on the screen depicted a great river, filled with ships of all sizes, surrounding an enormous Five-Tooth Warship (five stories high, over a hundred feet tall, with six masts placed in front and back, standing fifty feet tall, capable of carrying eight hundred soldiers).
Upon closer inspection, one could faintly see bright flags and armor on the ships, while on the Five-Tooth Warship stood a proud general clad in armor at the bow, his appearance strong and imposing.
In front of the screen was a large Rosewood couch where Duke of Yue, Yang Su, sat upright, stroking his beard and smiling as he watched them enter.
The figure embroidered on the screen was none other than Yang Su himself, depicting his achievements in the south during the conquest of Chen. This was his most celebrated battle in life; it is said that when people from Chen Kingdom saw Yang Su crossing the river with such majesty, they were filled with dread and spread rumors that "Duke Qinghe is indeed the god of the Yangtze River."
Yang Su was undoubtedly a handsome man with a distinguished beard and an air of heroism. At first glance, he did not resemble a military general but rather looked like a renowned scholar from Jiangnan. However, the screen behind him told everyone of his remarkable martial prowess.
In front of Yang Su's sofa were two rows of small seating arrangements on either side, each equipped with cushions and small tables clearly prepared for esteemed guests. Following that were several long tables located on both the east and west sides of the sofa.
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