Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 435 Li Wu and Wei Yang
Shengyefang was located to the west of Xingqing Palace and was one of the noble neighborhoods in Chang'an. Prince Ning and Prince Xue both resided there.

Zhang Shuo originally had a bestowed residence in Shengye Ward, but this residence was not enough to accommodate so many clansmen, so he built another residence in Yongle Ward. As for the idle residence in Shengye Ward, it was given to Zhang Ji when his son Zhang Ji married the princess, and together with the nearby official garden, it became the present-day residence of Princess Ningqin.

This mansion is located in the east of the ward, next to the Ning Prince's residence. Water was drawn from the Dragon Pool of Xingqing Palace and passed through the mansion, so there were also mountain and pond buildings in the mansion, making the environment very pleasant.

Such a residence layout was uncommon in Chang'an, especially among the noble residences in the wards and courtyards near the imperial palace. Therefore, Zhang Ji took pride in it and did not like to live back in his mansion in Yongle Ward, but only enjoyed attending banquets at the Princess's residence.

However, the princess's residence was not as lively as usual today. White silk and mourning clothes were hung inside and outside the mansion, creating a solemn and sorrowful atmosphere. Early in the morning, Zhang Dai and others arrived at the princess's residence to participate in the funeral arrangements. Regardless of their own feelings, they had to maintain a solemn and grief-stricken state of mind, with their brows furrowed, heads bowed, and lips bitten in silence.

Despite having mentally prepared themselves, they were still somewhat dumbfounded when they entered the house and saw Zhang Ji, that lovable rascal, walking out with tears in his eyes and leaning on a cane. Those who didn't know better would have thought he was mourning his mother-in-law, but those who didn't would have thought his own mother had died.

Although it was called a funeral, there wasn't much for Zhang Dai and the others to do; they simply accompanied Zhang Ji to the preliminary encoffining ceremony. So, after arriving at the princess's residence and changing into plain robes, they accompanied Zhang Ji out.

Although Zhang Ji was so grief-stricken that he needed the support of his attendants, he still glared at his illegitimate son, Alan, before leaving and ordered, "You are not allowed to come along. Go home!"

The child, now developing self-esteem, burst into tears upon hearing his father's disdain, as if his father had died.

Consort Yang was originally accompanying the emperor at Xingqing Palace, but after falling ill, she was transferred back to Daming Palace for treatment. Recently, her illness worsened and she passed away in the side hall of Daming Palace. Her son, Prince Zhong, then petitioned to have his mother buried in his royal residence.

Therefore, after leaving the princess's residence, Zhang Dai and his party went straight to the residence of the Ten Princes on the southeast side of the Daming Palace.

The Ten Princes' Residences are not yet called such a name, because although many residences have been built, only a few princes have actually settled down and moved in; the others remain vacant.

Zhang Dai had little interaction with princes, and this was his first time visiting the Li family's pig farm, which would later become famous. He had some expectations for the place, but he was greatly disappointed after entering.

This place was originally an attached garden within a city wall, which was renovated and transformed into a series of palaces. The layout of these royal residences is largely the same, with a high outer wall surrounding them. Inside, the buildings are arranged outwards from the center of several grand halls, appearing very orderly and impressive at first glance, but after a while, they seem rigid.

At this time, there were many people coming and going at the Prince Zhong's residence. In addition to the servants from the palace and the Prince's mansion, there were also officials from the Ministry of Rites who came to assist in the funeral, as well as imperial relatives who were related to the Prince Zhong's family.

Consort Yang was born into the Hongnong Yang clan, the same clan as Empress Wu Zetian. Her father, Yang Zhiqing, was Wu Zetian's cousin. Her elder sister was the wife of Li Chongjun, the son of Emperor Zhongzong and Crown Prince Jiemin. Her younger sister was the wife of Wu Sheng, the son of Princess Taiping and Wu Youji.

Along with her, another concubine of the current emperor, Consort Shu, Yang Zhenyi, was her cousin. Furthermore, Yang Hui, who historically followed Consort Wu Hui's instructions and participated in framing the three princes, also came from this family. Even Consort Wu Hui's mother was a member of the Hongnong Yang clan.

When later generations discussed the political changes from the Wu Zhou to the Kaiyuan era, there was an academic concept called the "Li Wu Wei Yang" political group, which refers to an interest group that held power in the country during this period.

This academic concept is merely a summary and analysis to facilitate understanding of the complex political landscape; it cannot encompass all of reality, but it does indeed illustrate certain points.

Yang Guifei's family background meant that her son, Prince Zhong, was more likely to gain favor with this group, while the current crown prince was an exception.

Of course, with the occurrence of the coup d'état, Princess Taiping's power, representing the alliance of Li and Wu, was disintegrated, and "Li, Wu, Wei, and Yang" no longer had the ability to influence the political situation. The current emperor even directly appointed the son born to a prostitute as the crown prince, and things have gone smoothly for many years.

There are many angles from which to observe the development of things. While the situation at the beginning of the era was firmly in the hands of the current sage, for people like Li Wu, Wei Yang, and Yang, this process can also be described as a difficult and tortuous one, a process of "correcting the wrongs" and ultimately achieving victory.

If the Guanzhong military aristocracy was a congenital ailment of the Tang Dynasty, then the so-called Li, Wu, Wei, and Yang were a more potent virus extracted from them, clinging to the vast empire like a malignant tumor, stealing nutrients and wielding power.

Zhang Dai can now be considered a peripheral member of this group. He is the grandson of the Wu family and has a good relationship with Consort Wu Hui.

But even Consort Wu Hui was merely a peripheral figure. Although she enjoyed the Emperor's favor, she lived alone in the deep palace and lacked a wide-ranging network of connections. As a result, she relied heavily on her distant nephew, Zhang Dai. Without allies, what kind of group could she be considered?
In short, Prince Zhong's maternal clan was arguably the most numerous and powerful among all the princes. While this might not have been readily apparent before, it was fully demonstrated during the funeral of Consort Yang. When Zhang Dai and his entourage arrived at Prince Zhong's residence, there were already many guests who had come to offer their condolences, and even more continued to arrive afterward.

The procession of carriages and horses completely filled the streets outside the Prince Zhong's residence. There were over a hundred men and women from the Hongnong Yang clan alone, most of whom held official positions. Seven or eight of them were officials of county rank or higher, and another twenty or thirty were dressed in scarlet and purple robes. This spectacle was no less grand than a small court assembly!
"The Yang family is truly powerful!"

Seeing the grand display of the Yang family from Hongnong coming to offer condolences, Zhang Yang couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.

Zhang Ji, who was still weeping in front, couldn't help but stop crying and turn around after hearing this, saying, "What is this? The Crown Princess Jiemin passed away recently. The Yang family's relatives and friends filled the streets to help with the funeral arrangements, so we had to move the coffin to the funeral palace in the south of the city to ensure a proper burial."

Now that it is mid-year, all the Yangs have returned to their posts. At present, those who have come to offer condolences are only those in the capital. Also, Zheng Gong Yang Dian is seriously ill at home, and his relatives have not yet arrived..."

Princess Yang, the wife of Crown Prince Jiemin, passed away in the capital in the second month of the year. At that time, the imperial examinations and selections were still ongoing, and many officials from outside the capital were also stranded in the capital, so the funeral ceremony was naturally even more grand.

Before long, relatives of the Prince Zhong's wife also arrived at the residence. The Wei clan of Jingzhao was also a heavyweight; although the Prince Zhong's brother-in-law, Wei Jian, had not yet returned to the capital after completing his term of office, his relatives and elder brothers were still numerous. When these people came to the residence to offer condolences, the entire residence became even more crowded.

Consort Yang had a son, Prince Zhong, and a daughter, Princess Ningqin, so the Zhang family was naturally one of the most prominent relatives. Although the family members were sent to support Zhang Ji, they still paled in comparison to the top-tier wealthy families like the Yang family of Hongnong and the Wei family of Jingzhao.

“Father is truly lacking in judgment. Although he and Xu Sanqi have a deep personal friendship, this matter concerning the Noble Consort is a national mourning. What difference would it make if he came first to maintain appearances and then went later?”

Seeing the other families so numerous and powerful, making his own family seem almost invisible in comparison, Zhang Ji naturally felt extremely embarrassed. He couldn't help but mutter a few complaints to his father, Zhang Shuo. Then he waved to Zhang Dai behind him and said, "A-Liu, come to the front and stand beside me. There are many officials coming and going today. If anyone comes to greet you, you must greet them for me."

This guy usually acts all high and mighty, always trying to show off in front of Zhang Dai. But when it comes to a real occasion like this, he feels that his own brother is not up to par and wants Zhang Dai to step forward and support him.

Zhang Dai also wanted to get to know these members of the Wei and Yang families, as well as their respective positions in the court, so he stepped forward and stood beside Zhang Ji, observing the guests who had come inside to offer condolences.

He had not stood there long when a middle-aged man in his thirties came forward, first paying his respects to Zhang Ji, and then looking at Zhang Dai, he said softly, "Young Master Zhang is truly dignified and distinguished, and his reputation is well-known. No wonder you were recommended to the Censorate by the officials before you even reached adulthood. Although I am older, I am also honored to be a newcomer. We should get along well as colleagues in the future!"

"This gentleman is Yang Wang, son of Minister Yang, the Loyal Duke of Hedong. He was newly appointed as an Inspector last year after the mourning period ended. He is your colleague."

Zhang Ji began to explain from the side.

Zhang Dai thought for a moment before remembering that this was the son of the late Duke of Hedong, Yang Zhiyi, whose uncle, Yang Zhirou, had served as prime minister during the Wu Zhou period. However, Yang Wang's career seemed to be mediocre; he looked about the same as his father, only managing to become a censor like himself.

Having a good family background doesn't necessarily guarantee a high position; it just means a smoother career path compared to the average person. However, if one is unlucky or lacks ability, one can still drift aimlessly and fail to get promoted.

However, to be fair, officials like the Censorate were extraordinary. For example, Du Xian became a Supervising Censor in the fourth year of the Kaiyuan era and was appointed Prime Minister in the fourteenth year of the Kaiyuan era. Yuwen Rong took even less time, becoming a Supervising Censor in the ninth year of the Kaiyuan era and being appointed Prime Minister in the seventeenth year of the Kaiyuan era.

At this rate of promotion, it wouldn't be too early for Zhang Dai to become a censor in the seventeenth year of the Kaiyuan era and then a prime minister in the twenty-third or twenty-fourth year.

Of course, Zhang Dai also understood that this was just wishful thinking. Before serving as a censor, others had already gained ample experience at the grassroots level, while he had been promoted by leaps and bounds, making it difficult for him to become prime minister in his twenties. Thinking about it this way was just to amuse himself.

He had just exchanged a few words with Yang Wang when he heard a report from outside that Consort Hui and others from the Forbidden City had come to offer condolences. So he hurriedly went out of the house to greet them.

(End of this chapter)