The Flourishing Tang Dynasty: Beginning with Marrying Yang Yuhuan

Chapter 194: The Crown Prince Gains Power
Li Linfu also agreed with Li Longji's arrangement because he was also very afraid of Li Heng's power.

Li Longji considered the threat posed by Li Heng from the perspective of military layout, while Li Linfu was more inclined towards politics and economy.

Li Linfu was valued by Li Longji for his financial management ability and was mainly responsible for the economy of the Tang Dynasty, but now several people who are very good at economics have emerged.

For example, Yang Shenjin and Wang Yu.

These two people are now highly appreciated by Xuanzong, and the key is that they are also supporters of Li Heng becoming the crown prince.

In addition to the economic aspect, there were also many pro-Li Heng forces in politics, such as Li Shizhi and Pei Kuan, who had a good relationship with Li Shizhi.

Li Linfu accepted the order, and Li Longji asked again: "How has Wu Chengen performed in the past two years?"

Last year, Wu Cheng'en was convicted of corruption and bribery and was dealt with impartially by Pei Kuan, the governor of Fanyang. When Li Longji suddenly mentioned this person, Li Linfu was completely confused about what Li Longji was thinking.

Li Linfu couldn't guess Li Longji's thoughts, so he adhered to the principle that the enemy of my enemy is my friend and chose to speak well of Wu Chengen, saying: "He has changed his ways and has made many military achievements under General Pei."

"This is all Pei Kuan's credit." Li Longji changed the subject and directly praised Pei Kuan, "If it weren't for Pei Kuan's strict admonition to Wu Chengen, I'm afraid Wu Chengen would have made many more mistakes. Since Wu Chengen knows his mistakes and can correct them, let him be the governor of Xindu. What do you think, Right Prime Minister?"

"Your Majesty is wise. I second your opinion." Li Linfu had just spoken for Wu Chengen, so naturally he could not have any objection.

Li Longji said: "Since Wu Chengen has been promoted, Pei Kuan should also further develop his talents. I want Pei Kuan to return to the court and serve as the Minister of Revenue."

Pei Kuan is currently the governor of Fanyang. If he is transferred back to the court, he will be a frontier general. This is contrary to Li Linfu's advocacy. However, Li Longji just praised Pei Kuan through Wu Chengen, so Li Linfu couldn't accuse him of anything. He could only say, "Your Majesty, Fanyang is extremely important. If Pei Kuan is transferred back to the court, I'm afraid we won't be able to find a better person to take over for a while."

"Really?" Li Longji asked, staring at Li Linfu.

"This..." Li Linfu was stunned for a moment when he saw Li Longji's firm attitude, and said, "An Lushan is quite strategic and seems to be able to take the position."

"Yes." Li Longji nodded, "Then we will follow the right prime minister's suggestion and transfer Pei Kuan to the court to serve as the Minister of Revenue, and An Lushan will concurrently serve as the Jiedushi of Fanyang."

"Yes." Li Linfu accepted the order. He felt very unhappy, but he did not show it on his face.

"Also, Shiliulang handled several major cases in Jiannan. He not only rectified the local administration, but also delivered a large amount of money to the court. I specially ordered a reward for him and awarded him 50,000 pieces of silk." Li Longji added.

"Yes."

The ministers received the order and acted separately, but their feelings were very different.

……

Li Linfu's residence, Yuetang.

Li Linfu was deep in thought when Ji Wen said, "Right Prime Minister, it seems that the Saint is determined to pass the throne to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is now inferior to Li Ying in terms of the number of troops in the Eastern Palace Guards, but his power inside and outside the palace is far greater."

"Yes." Luo Xishi echoed, "Now the court has Li Shizhi, Wei Jian, Yang Shenjin, the Zhang family and others supporting the prince. Outside, there are Wang Zhongsi, Li Lin, and even the princes of Hexi and Longyou have infiltrated. Their power layout inside and outside is very strict."

Ji Wen sighed and continued, "The Crown Prince has learned from Li Ying's lesson. On the one hand, he keeps a low profile and does not control the Eastern Palace Guards. On the other hand, he pretends to be kind and righteous to win over the hearts of people inside and outside the palace."

The two men were discussing Li Heng enthusiastically, but Li Linfu seemed to be lost in thought and did not seem to be listening. Seeing Li Linfu's expression, Ji Wen called out, "Right Prime Minister, Right Prime Minister."

Li Linfu came back to his senses and asked, "What happened?"

"Your humble servant said that the prince..."

Ji Wen wanted to get back to the topic, but Li Linfu interrupted, "How many years have I been prime minister?"

Ji Wen said: "It has been more than seven years since the 24th year of Kaiyuan."

"Seven years, seven years..." Li Linfu muttered to himself, while calculating in his mind.

According to Li Longji's previous speed of changing prime ministers, he should have been replaced now.

Li Linfu could clearly feel that Li Longji promoted Pei Kuan and made use of officials in charge of the economy such as Yang Shenjin and Wei Jian in order to find talents who could replace him.

Therefore, he felt that the problem he was facing now, in addition to fighting the crown prince, was more importantly to develop himself and continue to be irreplaceable.

Li Linfu thought for a while and said, "I thought Niu Xianke was the last person to enter the court as a frontier general, but I didn't expect Pei Kuan to appear in the north. You can't eat hot tofu in a hurry. Things have to be done step by step. I currently have a three-step plan."

Ji Wen asked, "Which three steps?"

"The first step is to continue to find ways to increase the court's revenue. The second step is to increase tributes to the concubines and eunuchs in the palace. The third step is to collect evidence of the crimes of those people you just mentioned." Li Linfu said slowly.

"The Right Prime Minister is wise." Luo Xishi flattered, "Everyone makes mistakes. For example, Wei Jian lived an extravagant life and made a lot of money by reforming the canal. We can impeach him for corruption and bribery."

Li Linfu looked at Luo Xishi with an uncertain expression and said, "You have also made a lot of money, and there are people who use this to impeach you. Aren't you safe and sound?"

Luo Xishi said: "I have the protection of the Right Prime Minister."

"Wei Jian also has the crown prince's blessing." Li Linfu stood up. "Blessing is only one of the reasons. The key is that he can make money for the court. The saint knows these things. As long as they can make money for the court, they can take 10% or 20% for themselves, and the saint will not pursue it."

Li Longji has always been tolerant of corruption. Even Yao Chong, a wise minister praised by the world, was allowed to "invite guests and accept gifts."

Bribery played a significant role in An Lushan's rise to power.

The biggest leader of corruption and bribery among officials was Li Linfu.

Ever since Li Linfu began to amass wealth, extravagance has become prevalent throughout the Tang Dynasty, and corruption and bribery have become the norm.

Li Linfu was to blame for the formation of this trend, but Li Longji could not escape the blame either.

It was because Li Longji himself was greedy for pleasure that the entire ruling class followed suit and became extremely extravagant.

However, Li Longji and Li Linfu can only take half the blame; the other half lies with the defects of the feudal system itself.

Li Linfu was well aware of these things, but he couldn't stop them even if he wanted to. Not only could he not stop them, he had to go along with them.

Because if he didn't take the money, how could he help Li Longji make money and form a huge interest group to monopolize power?

Of course, Li Linfu had no intention of combating corruption and bribery.

Ji Wen thought for a moment and understood what Li Linfu meant. He said, "In this case, what should we do?"

Li Linfu said: "You are not the Prince of Shou, and you cannot seize such a good opportunity. Therefore, unless it is absolutely necessary, do not use these trivial charges. Even if you assassinate him, it is better than using this charge. The best strategy is to find a crime that can make the saint care!"

"What crime is of concern to the Saint?" Luo Xishi thought for a moment and said, "I understand a little bit."

Li Linfu said, "Just do it if you understand."

"Yes." Luo Xishi and Ji Wen took the order and retreated.

Li Linfu watched the two people leave, his eyes looking into the distance, and murmured: "I underestimated Prince Yong before. He does have some ability. What was the name of the man who collected money for him? I think his name was Yang Zhao."

(End of this chapter)