The Flourishing Tang Dynasty: Beginning with Marrying Yang Yuhuan

Chapter 261 Thorn Removal
The next day.

Du Youlin spent all his remaining wealth on a grand banquet in his simple courtyard, and then asked Du Erniang to meet Li Heng.

Originally, with Du Erniang's current status, if she wanted to see Li Heng, she would need to report through various levels, but Li Heng opened a "green channel" for her, allowing her to go all the way to the lobby of Li Heng's mansion.

Li Ying had someone serve tea to Du Erniang and said with a smile, "This is your first time in my residence since you came to Qixi."

Du Erniang said, "Your Highness is busy with official duties, I dare not disturb you."

Li Heng asked, "From what you said, you are here to talk to me about something?"

"Your Highness is straightforward, I dare not hide anything." Du Erniang stood up and bowed to Li Heng, "Li Jingzhong and his men followed the Du family all the way to Qixi. Several members of the Du family's side branches accepted Li Jingzhong's gifts. I came here to report this to Your Highness."

Li Ying held the teacup and said calmly, "It is reasonable for the prince to feel guilty towards the Du family and give some money to help the Du family."

Seeing that Li Heng was testing her, Du Erniang said bluntly, "My father has invited all the members of the Du family to the mansion today. As long as Your Highness nods, we will hand over all the relevant people."

Li Ying heard this and hesitated for a moment before saying, "How can I arrest someone without any reason?"

Du Erniang said, "The Du family is exiled to Qixi. Your Highness has the final say on the future of all the people. It is within your authority to make them do hard labor or send them into exile."

Li Heng saw that Du Erniang had thought of all the ways and methods for him, so he couldn't help but smile and said, "You are right. I can send all the people in the Du family to where I want you to go, but I didn't do that. Do you know why?"

Du Erniang said: "Your Highness is kindhearted and considerate of the Du family. I am deeply grateful. I cannot repay you in this life, but I will repay you in the next life by tying the knot."

Li Ying said: "I am not as selfless as you say. There are many people in the world who need help. Why should I choose to help you? Tell me your true thoughts."

Du Erniang was startled, and said cautiously: "The Wei Jian case and the Du family case implicated a wide range of people. Many people were exiled. Many people were also exiled to Qixi because the Du family was exiled to Qixi..."

When Du Erniang said this, Li Heng coughed, and Du Erniang was so scared that she shut up immediately.

Li Ying said, "You say what you want."

"Yes." Du Erniang responded, hesitated for a moment, and chose to speak frankly: "Although the Du family has nothing, it is at the center of the conflict, so many people regard the Du family as the wind direction."

"You are right." Li Heng nodded. "Among those who were banished to Qixi, some are useful people, while others are black sheep. I want to use the useful people to benefit the people, but after all, they were all the prince's people before. I am not sure whether they will be attached to the prince and deliberately hinder me."

Du Erniang thought for a moment and said, "Xue Song, the grandson of the Duke of Pingyang, has gone to An Lushan to seek a job."

The Duke of Pingyang was Xue Rengui.

Xue Rengui's grandson Xue Song, unable to get ahead in the court, chose to work under An Lushan, and later participated in An Lushan's rebellion.

Li Ying smiled and said, "Do you think I'm too cautious when employing people?"

"Your Highness has misunderstood." Du Erniang hastened to explain, "If Your Highness had been too cautious in employing people, Qixi would not have the current situation of political stability and harmony. I understand that Your Highness wants to employ virtuous people who are dedicated to the public. The Du family is willing to act as a liaison and allow Your Highness to conduct an investigation."

Li Ying said, "Excuse me for being blunt. Although your grandfather is well-educated, the principles of the ancient sages are not very useful in doing things. I only trust you in the Du family."

Du Erniang knew that Li Heng was talking about official business, but when she heard Li Heng say "I only believe her", she still felt inexplicably touched.

She recalled the night of the assassination when Li Ying slapped her in the face, and she couldn't help but reach out to touch her face.

Seeing that Du Erniang was silent and making strange movements, Li Heng asked in confusion, "Why, you don't want to get involved in these things anymore?"

Deep down, Du Erniang really didn't want to get involved in these matters anymore, but this was a good opportunity for the Du family to rise.

Of course, she did not rule out the possibility that Li Heng would cheat her along the way, but she was willing to take a chance.

She bet that Li Heng would not cheat her.

Du Erniang was stunned for a moment, and said, "After all, I am a girl, so it is inconvenient for me to directly participate, but I am willing to take control of all matters, big or small."

"That's good." Li Heng nodded, "Wait a minute, I'll let my son go with you."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Du Erniang bowed to Li Heng and retreated.

As soon as Du Erniang went out, Yang Yuhuan came in with a bowl of ginseng soup.

Yang Yuhuan handed the ginseng soup to Li Heng and said, "I heard you cough, my dear. Is your health okay?"

"It's okay." Li Heng shook his head, drank a mouthful of soup, and said, "Do you think Du Erniang can be trusted?"

Yang Yuhuan said: "She was able to become a concubine not just because of her beauty. When her husband talked about interests with her, she knew what was important."

Li Heng said, "When Li Ying was deposed, most of Zhang Jiuling's people went to Anxi. Now that the crown prince is weak, some of the people involved in the Wei Jian and Du Youlin cases have followed him."

Yang Yuhuan said, "Zhang Jiuling is an upright person, and most of his disciples are upright, like Wang Wei who is loyal to the people, and sister Mu Jin who is devoted to His Highness. However, Wei Jian is talented but not moral, and Du Youlin is a scholar with a strong temper. People who associate with them are not trustworthy."

"Yes." Li Heng nodded, "That's exactly why we need to filter out the contradictions of the Du family. We'll go to the Du family later. Will you come with me?"

"I will follow your orders, my Lord." Yang Yuhuan said with a smile.

Li Ying said: "Then let's go and take a look together."

"Okay." Yang Yuhuan nodded.

……

Du Fu.

After three rounds of drinking, Du Youlin said to the Du family, "Qixi is a border town of the Tang Dynasty. Although we are exiled here, it does not mean that we have no chance to make achievements. On the contrary, there are many wars in the border town. As long as everyone joins the army to serve the country, they will surely strengthen the Du family."

These people from the Du family rose to prominence following Du Youlin, and had been spoiled for a long time. How could they endure the hardships of life as a border soldier, where they were ready to lose their heads at any time?

Therefore, after hearing what Du Youlin said, there was a lot of discussion, and most people said that they would rather farm for the rest of their lives than serve in the army.

But things are different now. They are no longer the dignitaries in Chang'an, but exiles. When they arrive in Qixi, their fate is no longer in their own hands.

Du Youlin completely ignored the discussions and dissatisfaction of the crowd and said directly: "Those whose names I call, you all go and join the army."

After saying that, he began to call out names. All the people he called out were those who had received money from Li Jingzhong.

Soon, the roll call was completed.

Those whose names were called probably knew in their minds why they were chosen, and they also knew that this kind of enlistment was different from ordinary enlistments.

Therefore, some people are ready to escape after dinner.

But at this time, Li Heng arrived.

As soon as Li Heng arrived, everyone present, whether willing or not, stood up and saluted Li Heng and Yang Yuhuan.

Du Youlin hurried forward and said to Li Heng respectfully, "Your Highness, all the children of the Du family are willing to make amends for their crimes and are eager to join the army. I have selected the best and strongest men among them. Here is the list."

As he spoke, he handed the list to Li Heng. "This is a good thing." Li Heng took the list and handed it to Zhang Guangsheng, "According to the list, take them all back to the army."

"Yes." Zhang Guangsheng took the order and immediately arranged for the soldiers to take all the people on the list out.

After waiting for everyone to be taken away, Du Youlin invited Li Heng and Yang Yuhuan to the main seat and expressed his gratitude.

Li Ying took Yang Yuhuan to sit on the side and said with a smile: "Mr. Du is the host, so you should sit in the main seat. Someone will come to visit you later."

Du Youlin was startled, not understanding what Li Heng meant. He glanced at Du Erniang who was following behind Li Heng. Seeing Du Erniang nod, he also nodded and said, "Yes, that is true."

After saying that, he sat down in the main seat angrily.

Du Erniang stepped forward and poured tea for Li Heng and Yang Yuhuan, saying, "Your Highness, Princess, the tea is simple, please don't despise it."

Li Heng smiled and said, "I have been on the march and fighting for many years, so I am used to simple meals."

Yang Yuhuan said, "I asked someone to bring some new tea from Jiannan. I will have someone send some to your house tomorrow."

Du Erniang said, "The Du family has already benefited greatly from the kindness of His Highness and the Princess. How dare we trouble the Princess with such a small matter?"

Yang Yuhuan smiled and said, "Second Madam, there's no need to be so polite. You have only been in Qixi for a short time since you came from Chang'an, and you are not used to many places yet. If there is anything you need help with, please feel free to ask."

Yang Yuhuan was chatting with Du Erniang in a proper manner. After a while, the housekeeper of the Du Mansion ran in and said, "Ah Lang, the new governor of Xizhou, Fang Guan, and the new magistrate of Shanshan, Diwu Qi, are here to see you."

Fang Guan had just been promoted to the position of Jieshi Zhong and was granted the title of Baron of Zhangnan County. He was responsible for building a palace for Li Longji. However, before the palace was completed, he was implicated by Wei Jian and "sent" to Xizhou as a governor.

Historically, Li Longji asked Fang Guan to transform the Hot Spring Palace into the Huaqing Palace and build official offices around it.

Many people would think of Yang Yuhuan when they mention Huaqing Palace, but now that Yang Yuhuan is with Li Ying, Li Longji still has as many palaces to build.

Diwu Qi had previously followed Wei Jian, and was also implicated by Wei Jian and demoted to be a county magistrate in Shanshan.

These two people can be considered as Li Heng's "close friends".

Du Youlin knew that with his current status, he might not be able to meet the Governor of Xizhou and the Magistrate of Shanshan County even if he wanted to. These two people said they were here to visit him, but in fact they were chasing after Li Heng. He was just the go-between.

He now finally understood what Li Ying meant by someone visiting him.

Du Youlin quickly stood up, bowed to Li Heng and Yang Yuhuan, and went to greet them.

Yang Yuhuan looked at Du Youlin's back and reached out to hold Li Heng's hand.

Li Ying felt the warmth coming from Yang Yuhuan's smooth palm and turned to look at Yang Yuhuan.

The two smiled at each other, then Yang Yuhuan got up and went to the inner room with Du Erniang.

After a while, Du Youlin invited Fang Guan and Diwu Qi in.

When the two men saw Li Heng, they pretended to be very surprised and hurried over to pay their respects.

Li Ying did not stand up, but responded politely and asked the two to sit down.

After the two of them sat down, Li Ying said, "You two are nostalgic. When you arrived in Qixi, you came to visit Mr. Du."

Fang Guan looked embarrassed and said, "Mr. Du and I were both officials of the Eastern Palace in the past. We are close friends, so we came to visit you."

After listening to Fang Guan's words, Diwu Qi added: "I know Your Highness is here, so I came to visit Your Highness specially."

Li Ying didn't expect Diwu Qi to be so honest. He was stunned for a moment and asked bluntly, "Have you all met Li Jingzhong?"

Fang Guan said: "No."

Diwu Qi said: "I have seen it."

The two of them had different speaking styles, and it was obvious that they had not reconciled their lines on the way here, or in other words, they just didn't get along.

Li Ying then asked, "What did Li Jingzhong say to you?"

This time Fang Guan didn't dare to speak and looked at Diwu Qi.

Diwu Qi said truthfully: "He asked me to help take care of the Du family."

Li Ying asked, "How are you going to take care of her?"

Diwu Qi said, "The Du family was exiled here by the imperial court. Your Highness should decide how to deal with them. I am just a small county magistrate and cannot help much."

Li Yan looked at Fang Guan.

Fang Guan said: "Of course I will follow your Highness's arrangements."

Du Youlin, who was standing by, felt a little embarrassed when he saw Li Heng, Fang Guan and Diwu Qi talking about him without any hesitation in front of him.

But Li Heng ignored all this and asked Fang Guan, "I heard that Governor Fang is not only proficient in classics, history, and literature, but also has a good understanding of Huang-Lao philosophy and Buddhist culture."

Fang Guan smiled confidently upon hearing this, and said, "The words of proficiency are just false praise from others. I only know a little bit."

Li Heng smiled and said, "I will ask Governor Fang for advice when I have time."

Fang Guan said, "How dare I?"

Li Heng chatted with Dang Guan again, then turned to Diwu Qi and asked him about financial matters. Diwu Qi did not shy away from explaining the current pros and cons of the court's finances.

Li Ying and Diwu Qi chatted for a while, and then Yang Yuhuan came out of the room.

Li Heng did not stay long and left with Yang Yuhuan.

On the way, Li Yan asked, "Have you seen all the wives and concubines that Fang Guan and Diwu Qi brought with them?"

"Fang Guan brought two concubines with him. They are extravagantly dressed, outgoing, and fond of empty talk. Diwu Qi brought his family with him. His wife is introverted, but well-educated and sensible." Yang Yuhuan responded to Li Ying's words first, and finally concluded: "Fang Guan only brought his concubines to Qixi, so he probably didn't intend to stay there for a long time. Diwu Qi brought his family with him, probably because he wanted to stay there for a long time."

Li Yan said: "Fang Guan is a smooth person, he is proud of his talent, and he likes to talk nonsense. He can keep up appearances, but he will definitely do bad things if he does practical things. He thinks that he came to Qixi just to be implicated temporarily, and his pearl is covered in dust, so he has no plan to stay for long. As for Diwu Qi, he is upright and dares to speak out. He also knows that his personality is easy to offend people, so he thinks that it will be difficult for him to return after he arrives in Qixi."

Yang Yuhuan nodded, smiled and said, "It's only been a brief encounter, but you have seen through them both. I admire your ability to judge people."

Getting to know a person through a short period of interaction is definitely extremely one-sided. The reason why Li Ying gave his evaluation so quickly is because these two people are both very famous in history.

Fang Guan became the prime minister during Li Heng's reign, and Diwu Qi was an expert in financial management during Li Heng's reign.

Li Heng was just verifying it today. After listening to Yang Yuhuan's words, he smiled and said, "You should say I am arbitrary."

"If you are wrong, you are arbitrary. If you are right, you can make decisions. My dear, you will never be wrong." Yang Yuhuan first praised Li Heng, and then said, "But if you trace it back to the root, these two people are another thorn that the saint deliberately planted in Qixi."

(End of this chapter)