Chapter 109: Factions
Translator: NullTranslationGroup
Since the beginning of April, the peach blossoms have gradually fallen.
Early in the morning, Yan's Residence remains peaceful as ever.
Yan Yan woke up early, holding Yong'er's hand as they went to the main hall. She had heard that her older brother had been released from prison again and would bring over the stories he had written these past few days.
Unexpectedly, Yan Zhenqing was already sitting there today.
"Your painting." Yan Zhenqing pointed to a scroll on the desk.
Yan Yan stepped forward to take it, unrolled it for a glance, and saw that it depicted Xue Bai.
Because she was the one who actually painted the characters in the last "Bone Tile Picture," the North Camp had sent someone to verify this, asking her to paint another picture as proof.
It was Yan Zhenqing who said his daughter was too frail, not implicating her further, so only the Palace knew that the young lady of the Yan family was also involved. Of course, such details were not important.
"Don't mess around like this again in the future."
Yan Yan agreed, and upon hearing some movement, she turned around to see Xue Bai walking in.
With her back to her father, she made a face at Xue Bai, implying "You've caused trouble again."
Xue Bai pretended not to see it, walked into the hall, and bowed to Yan Zhenqing.
"San Niang, take the documents and have a look. Your father has something to discuss with your older brother."
Yan Yan was delighted, took the scrolls from Xue Bai's hand, and left, humming in dissatisfaction that he had ignored her earlier.
"Did you stay up all night playing dominoes with the Emperor again the night before last?"
"Yes, I returned home at dawn yesterday and have been resting all day."
"There's a post here for you to look at."
Xue Bai went over, picked it up, and saw it was an invitation from Yang Xian, wanting to host a banquet for Yan Zhenqing.
Since Yan Zhenqing had boldly written "Wang Mang was humble before he usurped the throne" at the banquet, his position in the court had become somewhat untenable.
"It's my fault for involving you, teacher." Xue Bai said, "I am ashamed."
"It's not your fault." Yan Zhenqing sighed, "I was the one who was narrow-minded, signing off with the name "Han Yu." It's all my own doing. Yesterday, the Emperor issued an edict."
This was a big deal, and although Xue Bai had already heard about it, he still listened quietly.
"The Emperor has appointed Yang Xian as Silver-Robe Guanglu Doctor, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and salt and iron commissioner; Pei Kuan as Minister of Revenue, Hebei Caifan Shi, and Duzhi Bu; Zhangchou Jianqiong as Minister of Personnel... You've done it, today Yang Xian's faction is in full swing."
"I was merely the go-between in this matter. How much influence Imperial Uncle has is still uncertain, it's just that someone can now restrain Genu."
"I don't oppose you. Just a reminder, with sudden high positions, one must have the corresponding talent and character."
"Teacher's words are like gold and jade, I will keep them in mind and will also persuade Imperial Uncle with them."
Yan Zhenqing nodded and said, "Please decline this invitation on my behalf."
"Okay." Xue Bai asked, "Teacher, are you going to be promoted soon?"
"Brat." Yan Zhenqing didn't expect him to have such a keen intuition, shook his head, and said, "There's still some time."
Although it was unclear why Yan Zhenqing's promotion had to wait, it didn't stop Xue Bai from seeking official positions for his political faction.
Qujiang, Yang Xian's private residence.
The carriage slowly drove into the courtyard, Du Youlin and the Five Sons of the Spring Examination lifted the curtain and stepped out.
Pei Kuan had just arrived, being helped down from the carriage by Pei Xu, and upon seeing Xue Bai, a smile appeared on his face.
After exchanging pleasantries, he repeatedly instructed Pei Xu, "Nowadays, who in Chang'an City doesn't know Mr. Xue's name, you should seek his advice more."
Yang Xian personally came to the front yard to greet them, laughing heartily as he invited everyone into the hall.
Nowadays, many people want to curry favor with him, but the ones he truly trusts are just these few.
Once everyone was inside, Xue Bai spoke directly.
"Imperial Uncle, between us, there's no need for pretense. The Hebei Salt Monopoly first looks at Jiechi, with Pu Prefecture being the key. I want Yuan Jie to be appointed as Jie County Lieutenant, Huangfu Ran as Yuxiang County Lieutenant, and Du Fu as the secretary for the salt and iron commissioner of Pu Prefecture."
Yang Xian actually didn't understand these mundane affairs, so he turned to look at Pei Kuan.
Pei Kuan stroked his beard, pondered, and then nodded, "Agreed."
"Zhangchou Jianqiong, the Minister of Personnel, is one of ours." Yang Xian said, "I will speak to him."
Pei Kuan said, "You go to the Ministry of Personnel's selection, pass the examination, and then wait for the official appointment."
Yuan Jie, Du Fu, and Huangfu Ran exchanged glances, surprised that they could obtain positions that others had been waiting for years to get, and quickly expressed their gratitude.
Yang Xian stroked his beard and smiled, praising them a few times, considering these talented individuals as the foundation for his future rise to the position of Prime Minister.
But in fact, he still didn't quite understand how the Salt Monopoly should be managed.
Most of the time, it was Pei Xu and Xue Bai discussing, and the idea was simple: set up salt officials in various salt-producing areas in Hebei, buy salt from salt households, and then sell it to merchants.
The Pei Family had a good understanding of these matters, which greatly increased Yang Xian's confidence.
After a long time, they finally finished discussing these miscellaneous affairs and talked about how to compete for power next.
"To make Genu resign as Prime Minister, we must let the Emperor know that we are far superior to Genu in governing the country. I predict that Genu must have embezzled taxes..."
Pei Kuan's meaning was simple: since it's about who can collect taxes more satisfactorily for the Emperor, relying on honest tax collection can't compare to Li Linfu, and we should trip Li Linfu instead.
Yang Xian immediately understood and said, "Investigate Genu! The Imperial Censorate has my people."
"If you want to investigate Genu, investigate Wang Kui."
At this point, Pei Kuan looked at Du Youlin and said, "I want to plan for you, first to be reinstated as Vice Revenue Minister, and then seek a higher rank, is that okay?"
Pei Kuan laughed heartily, patted Du Youlin's shoulder, and sighed, "What a pity, we didn't become in-laws, I'm too old to manage young girls..."
Originally, it was just the Lu family who introduced the two families' children to each other, Du Youlin already felt he was reaching high, and didn't mind.
Du Wu Lang was even happier, constantly glancing at Xue Bai, as if he had something to say.
Pei Kuan lightly dismissed the Du Family, his gaze intentionally or unintentionally falling on Xue Bai, his tone becoming more affectionate.
"I heard your father has gone out to avoid debts? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Xue Bai said, "I don't know where he went, I've been searching for many days but can't find him."
"I'll have someone help look for him, so you and your father can reunite sooner."
"Then thank you, Lord Pei."
Yang Xian saw through Pei Kuan's intentions at a glance, thinking to himself, is my sister's lover going to become Pei Kuan's son-in-law?
Although Xue Bai had not yet entered officialdom, his talent and reputation were already remarkable in everyone's eyes.
Now with a backer, his future was clearly visible.
On the way back, turning into Zhuque Street, Xue Bai got off the carriage to ride a horse, and Du Wu Lang insisted on visiting his home.
The two rode side by side, chatting casually, quite relaxed.
"Today, when Lord Pei mentioned marriage, it reminded me of something."
"My cousin's sister is desperate to marry you, causing quite a stir at home, breaking many things."
"She would break things?"
"Ah." Du Wu Lang said, "I also want to marry my sister to you... what about you?"
The last two words were extremely soft, as if swallowed by himself.
And just then, a large group of people entered Zhuque Street, with people and horses in chaos, Xue Bai turned to look, not hearing Du Wu Lang's whisper.
"Is there a Military Governor returning to the capital to report?"
Xue Bai stopped his horse to look, murmuring, "The Longyou General?"
"Hey, you should mind your own business." Du Wu Lang quickly grabbed his reins, "I've already told you, don't cause any more trouble, let's focus on preparing for the exams, next year we'll be Jinshi."
Xue Bai had already figured out who was returning to the capital, let him pull the horse, and turned back to Changshou Quarter.
Liu Xiangjun was sitting in the front yard with a few daughters doing embroidery, looked up to see them returning, and quickly greeted them with concern. Xue Bai still responded with a smile, polite but somewhat distant, while Du Wu Lang was very enthusiastic, helped her sit down, and chatted with her.
"Auntie, don't worry, Xue Bai and I are now in the Emperor's favor, who can easily move us?"
"That's good, every time I hear you've been imprisoned, my heart is always anxious."
Du Wu Lang patiently comforted her.
Occasionally, his gaze fell on Xue San Niang sitting quietly doing embroidery, embroidering a picture of playing with a cat, and he guessed if it was because he took her to Du Residence to see cats.
These small thoughts between them always made him concerned... Daxie Yingying was indeed a bit too stimulating for him.
"Today, I went with Xue Bai to see Lord Pei." Du Wu Lang said hesitantly, "Oh. And one more thing, the Pei Family's young lady didn't take a liking to me."
"Not bad, I managed not to let her like me."
At this, Xue San Niang was indeed amused.
Du Wu Lang wanted to say more, but Liu Xiangjun had already looked up towards the door, and when he turned around, he was startled.
"Sha... why is the young lady here?"
Xue's Residence's west backyard is a separate and quiet place.
Qing Lan is very good at managing the household, not only keeping the courtyard tidy but also diligently changing Xue Bai's clothes every time he comes.
"Young master seems to have grown taller again."
The girl tiptoed to compare, just meeting Xue Bai's eyes, immediately shy.
Then she thought, what's there to be shy about? We've even been in a vat together.
"Du's uncle is going to be reinstated, and there will be a family banquet. We'll attend together, stay at Du Residence for a night, and go for an outing the next day."
"Really?" Qing Lan's eyes lit up, "Should I prepare a gift?"
Xue Bai's expenses are all managed by her, it could be said to be the duty of a head maid, or the housekeeping rights of a mistress, she has always been very dedicated.
"I've thought of a way that might allow you to make a great contribution, to change your status from low to respectable, and I need your cooperation."
"What?" Qing Lan was stunned.
For more than ten years, she hadn't thought about changing her status, and was instead a bit panicked.
"But, but nowadays many people evade taxes to sell themselves, servants/slaves don't need to change their status to be respectable."
"That's Dingnan evading taxes, you're different. Who likes to be of low social status, and have their descendants be of low social status too."
"But I'm afraid, if I get involved in a major case, and my identity gets out, it will cause trouble for the young master."
"Don't be afraid, we have to face it eventually."
Qing Lan's face turned red, increasingly so, lowered her eyelids, and whispered, "Young master, do you want Qing Lan to be your concubine?"
"After you change your status, you can have your own..."
"Young master." Qing Lan looked up, her eyes bright, "Can you, kiss..."
Someone kicked the door open, and the two turned to see Jiao Nu standing at the door, with the Xue family chasing after her.
"Good bandits, hiding in the house playing with maids in broad daylight."
"What's it to you?" Qing Lan, shy in front of Xue Bai, was not afraid of Jiao Nu, and said with hands on her hips, "I'm the young master's maid, who are you? Why do you come to our house and meddle in our business?"
Jiao Nu swept her gaze, seeing Qing Lan's face flushed, much more tender, wearing brocade, with a silver bracelet on her hand... couldn't help but feel annoyed.
She lived a simple life in the Taoist temple, while a maid from a small household lived like a young lady?
"Wild maid, if you keep being arrogant, I'll tear your mouth." Jiao Nu scolded, "And you, Seventeen Lady told me to tell you, Master Qixuan has returned from his travels."
Qing Lan immediately shut up, hid behind Xue Bai, not wanting to argue with Jiao Nu.
Xue Bai said, "I don't know Master Qixuan..."
Jiao Nu was very arrogant, crossed her arms, tilted her head, and turned to leave.
After walking a few steps, she was still angry, turned back and pointed, scolding, "Bandits, Seventeen Lady specially went home to plead for you, was ridiculed, and you, after coming out for a few days, didn't even say thank you, hiding at home playing with maids."
Du Wu Lang watched from the side, quite shocked, and then seemed to understand something.
"No wonder Xue Bai said a man should respect himself, otherwise he will attract all kinds of troubles."
In the alley at the southwest corner of Fuxing Quarter, a young man led a horse, looking towards the Yu Zhen Temple in front, just as the side door was opened.
A handsome, elegant middle-aged man led a horse out.
The two who met by chance looked at each other, Wang Wei raised his hand and asked, "Shall we drink together?"
"That's exactly what I wish."
Passing through the alley, neither spoke, until they sat down in the restaurant's private room, Wang Wei then said, "Recently, I've heard a lot about you."
"Mr. Mojie must be laughing at me."
He had promised Wu Kangcheng that he would save him from prison... At that time, he planned to frame Ji Wen, Xue Bai told Li Linfu that he would bribe Wu Kangcheng and use him as a spy. But unexpectedly, it was the Eastern Palace that silenced him.
The Longyou Death Squad, the Four Garrison Military Governors, this is what the Eastern Palace cared about most.
"Meeting a scout at Xiao Pass, the Military Governor is at Yanran." Wang Wei murmured, "The Military Governor is gone, and the scouts are gone too."
"I'm not blaming you." Wang Wei waved his hand, "With or without you, the court's infighting will always kill people. Today, drinking together, I still want to advise you."
Wang Wei was about to speak, but then thought about his own situation, how could he advise others not to cling to power.
Their eyes met, and Xue Bai already understood Wang Wei's meaning.
He raised his cup and toasted Wang Wei.
"Mr. Mojie's intention, I understand. But we are different, you were born into the prestigious Taiyuan Wang Clan, with extraordinary talent and unparalleled brilliance. Your father held a fourth-rank position, if you wanted to establish a career, you could choose from hereditary privilege, recommendation, or Imperial Examinations. The reason you competed for the Top Scholar was because such talent should be the Top Scholar. From the beginning, you had already reached a height that countless people strive for their entire lives."
Wang Wei smiled bitterly, finished his cup.
Xue Bai said, "I'm different, I've narrowly escaped death several times, clinging to the powerful, rolling in the mud, doing dirty deeds that you would disdain, all just to get the opportunities you were born with."
"I've learned." Wang Wei said, "I've always known that my life has been too smooth."
He knew that Xue Bai was not justifying himself, but rather inspiring him, couldn't help but smile bitterly again, and drank.
The two had a tacit understanding, and no longer talked about these things.
After all, they were both here today to find the Taoist nun.
"Mr. Mojie, you are in charge of the Ministry of War's armory, right?" Xue Bai asked, "Managing the armory?"
"A nominal position, without real power. You don't need to count on me."
"Mr. Mojie doesn't want to advance?"
Wang Wei was surprised, then his expression became more serene and indifferent, even the previous melancholy dissipated, and he asked back, "Do you know what people call me?"
Xue Bai hesitated for a moment, then answered, "The Poet Buddha?"
Only then did he realize how absurd today was, usually persuading others to strive for advancement was one thing, but to actually persuade the Poet Buddha...
Loading content...