Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 489 A disagreement leads to a hasty departure.
Zhang Dai knew that realizing his ideas would be an enormous undertaking. For example, establishing a smooth and stable logistics infrastructure for the Grand Canal was currently only barely possible. As for the other objective conditions, each one would be difficult to achieve as well.

Moreover, he lacked a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of all social strata in the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, when making these ideas, he was not without fantasies detached from the historical context, and the extent to which they could be realized still needs to be carefully and objectively evaluated.

Therefore, he did not reveal all his ideas to Pei Yaoqing. During these exchanges, Pei Yaoqing affirmed his thoughts and ideas, but also offered a lot of guidance.

When Pei Yaoqing relayed these ideas again, they were no longer just Zhang Dai's unrealistic fantasies, but were supplemented with various details based on reality, greatly enhancing their logic and feasibility.

Therefore, Yuwen Rong couldn't help but praise them, and even had to admit in his heart that these ideas and approaches were in some ways more ambitious and promising than his own financial management strategies.

Most of the guests in the hall were subordinates whom Yuwen Rong admired and promoted. They had all participated in Yuwen Rong's financial management to varying degrees. After hearing these ideas, they couldn't help but join the discussion and express their own opinions.

Zhang Dai never minded others understanding his thinking. Truly transformative changes that have a profound impact on the world cannot be accomplished by a flash of inspiration or by one or two people working secretly. They require the participation and collaboration of many people, the mobilization of substantial social resources, and the redistribution and application of these resources in new ways to generate positive effects.

Even if we take a step back, once his ideas become known to the public, and one day the relationship between him and the thousands of boatmen on the Bian Canal is uncovered, people will no longer only suspect that he is currying favor with the masses and keeping assassins, but can also explain that it is to put his economic reform ideas into practice.

As long as an idea for social reform exists, there will be more possibilities for the world's progress. The true art of slaying dragons lies in making people believe and be willing to follow, not in two or three people secretly plotting behind closed doors whether to poison or rip out the crotch.

While everyone else was talking animatedly, Yuwen Rong's son, Yuwen Kuan, gradually became gloomy.

He wasn't very interested in Zhang Dai's so-called ideas that benefited the country and the people. The only thing he clearly heard was that Zhang Dai opposed the government's use of its own capital for lending and profiteering, and even proposed an alternative plan, which won the appreciation and praise of a group of people of the time, including his father!
Yuwen Kuan originally harbored no hostility towards Zhang Dai, only a slight envy and jealousy, but it was far from the point of wanting to eliminate him. Even though Li Linfu repeatedly urged him to deal with Zhang Dai, he always insisted on not personally launching an attack, preferring to play a supporting role and reap the benefits.

However, while he was thinking of peaceful coexistence, he never expected that Zhang Dai would be plotting to ruin his most profitable business! His capital for lending money in Bianzhou was to rely on official funds to lend money and collect huge profits. If Zhang Dai stopped this business, he would naturally lose a source of income!
Like Yuwen Kuan, Li Linfu also looked extremely grim. Zhang Dai's proposal that the government should no longer operate public offices had also disrupted some of his plans.

He had previously planned to profit immensely from the investigation of the money-catching official and the recovery of stolen goods. But if Zhang Dai persuaded Yuwen Rong to abandon his insistence on restoring the government's capital, would the stolen goods still be recovered? And how would he repay the enormous debts he was burdened with?
"Zhang Dai's remarks were always original and thought-provoking, exceeding the common sense yet making sense!"

Yuwen Rong had long admired Zhang Dai, and after listening to his discussion with Pei Yaoqing, he praised him and extended an olive branch again: "I have been planning to open up the salt trade to China and France recently, and some things have been scheduled. Now we are short of someone to go to Yanzhou to inspect the salt affairs."

This plan originated with you, and many of the nine clans in Henan were once recruited by your grandfather, Zhang Yan. Would you be willing to inspect Yanzhou? If you are willing and successfully complete the inspection, I will certainly promote you to a high position upon your return, no longer subject to seniority restrictions!

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall looked at Zhang Dai with envy.

Being a court official who inspects local areas is a coveted position. Not only are his travel expenses covered by public funds, but he also receives gifts and tributes from the local people. The county and prefectural leaders must treat him with utmost respect when welcoming and seeing him off. Not to mention, he receives rewards for his political achievements upon returning to the capital. In particular, Yuwen Rong's appreciative attitude towards Zhang Dai is the envy of many.

However, Zhang Dai felt little joy upon hearing this. Firstly, the two sides belonged to different factions, and the cost of switching sides would be too high. Secondly, the position of Salt Commissioner within the Pass was already held by the Military Governor of Shuofang, namely Prince Xin'an, Li Yi, who had just won a battle and was riding high on his success.

Zhang Dai is now going to Yanzhou to inspect salt affairs and find fault with Prince Xin'an so that the salt affairs can be taken back to the court. Isn't that like kicking a tiger's butt?

Upon hearing this, he quickly stood up and said apologetically, "I am truly flattered by your high regard, Lord Yuwen. However, I have yet to accomplish anything in the matters entrusted to me by Physician Pei, and I dare not ask for more credit. Therefore, I can only express my sincere gratitude..."

"What nonsense are you spouting, you madman! I kindly offered you a promising future, and you dare to refuse it? Who gave you the audacity?"

Before Zhang Dai could finish speaking, Yuwen Kuan, who already harbored resentment towards him, slammed his fist on the table and stood up, pointing at Zhang Dai and shouting angrily, "The Pei family is too busy to even look after themselves in court. If they think they can look down on the Prime Minister just because of their power, they're dreaming! Your grandfather's dereliction of duty was deserved, not something I framed! If you still hold onto this old grudge, refuse to serve the country, and don't think of repaying the favor, you're only making things difficult for yourself, and retribution will come your way!" Seeing Yuwen Kuan suddenly erupt in anger and hurl insults at Zhang Dai, Li Linfu secretly cheered. At the same time, he couldn't help but feel secretly relieved. He had tried to persuade Yuwen Kuan many times without success, but this kid Zhang Dai had managed to ruin their relationship with just one visit. This kid's ability to offend people was so skillful; how could he not fail!

Yuwen Rong was about to reprimand his son, but then he thought about how Zhang Dai had rejected his attempts to win him over several times. Although he admired the boy, he couldn't help but feel resentful and felt that he should teach the boy a lesson.

Most of the people in the hall were Yuwen Rong's disciples and subordinates. Seeing that Yuwen Rong remained silent and allowed Yuwen Kuan to rant and rave about Zhang Dai, they naturally dared not provoke him and simply sat silently with their heads down. A few others were eager to get up and join Yuwen Kuan in criticizing Zhang Dai for his lack of respect.

However, before these people could put their words into action, someone in the room stood up and said loudly: "The positions in our dynasty are established to await the virtuous. From the prime minister to the clerk, as long as one has talent and merit, one can hold the position without shame! What kind of madman dares to spout such nonsense, treat it as his own private property, and dares to arbitrarily bestow titles?"

Zhang Dai is a man of considerable talent and commendable deeds. He is dedicated to his duties and deeply considers national affairs. His thoughts are beneficial and his actions are meritorious. To whom should he repay him, and what retribution should he receive? I am old and inexperienced. I ask you, Yuwen Dalang, what profound human truth guides you to make such a statement!

The one who stood up to question Zhang Dai and defend him was none other than his newly acquainted friend, Pei Yaoqing, despite their age difference.

Seeing Pei Yaoqing stand up for Zhang Dai, Yuwen Rong, who already knew his son's remarks were inappropriate, could no longer sit still. He quickly stood up and shouted at his son, "My good friends have come to visit today. How can you be allowed to shout and make such a fuss in the hall! Quickly apologize and ask Minister Pei for forgiveness!"

"Father, I..."

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Kuan was naturally indignant. In his view, Pei Yaoqing was merely a lowly scholar from another state who had entered the court through his father's recommendation, yet he dared to make a scene in his own hall; it was clearly Pei Yaoqing who was being disrespectful!

"Today I have come to pay my respects to Lord Yuwen, and I should sincerely accept his teachings. However, I am a heavy drinker and have become quite drunk. My words and actions have been impolite, and I am ashamed to stay any longer and continue to make a fool of myself in front of others. Therefore, I would like to take my leave for now and visit you again another day!"

Pei Yaoqing didn't wait for Yuwen Kuan to bow his head and apologize. He walked out of his seat and turned to Zhang Dai, asking, "Would Zhang Liulang like to come along?"

What else could Zhang Dai say? The old gentleman he had only known for half a day was so supportive of him; to hesitate even for a second would be disrespectful. So he quickly bowed slightly to Yuwen Rong, and then, to the astonishment of all the guests, he and Pei Yaoqing headed for the door.

"Quickly, go quickly! Go and politely see Vice Minister Pei out, and tell him that I will visit him another day to apologize!"

Upon seeing this scene, Yuwen Rong was naturally furious, but he knew that it was not advisable to continue to be angry and tear apart his relationship with Pei Yaoqing. He immediately raised his hand and ordered his son.

Although he was flamboyant and prone to temper tantrums, he was not entirely irrational. Pei Yaoqing was not his protégé or subordinate; in terms of seniority, he was even more senior and a political ally whom he had carefully chosen. If their relationship were to sour over such a trivial matter, it would have a very negative impact on the implementation of his subsequent policies.

Seeing his father's face turn unusually pale, Yuwen Kuan, though still somewhat unwilling, dared not insist on his own way and hurriedly ran out of the hall to chase after him.

Li Linfu, who was also at the table, was dumbfounded when he saw this scene. He wondered to himself what kind of magic Zhang Dai possessed.
Not to mention that Yuwen Rong, who was already on the opposing side, greatly admired him and repeatedly expressed his intention to promote and recruit him, even Pei Yaoqing, who had just returned to the court to take up his post, was willing to turn against the prime minister and was so enthusiastic in protecting this guy after only a short period of contact with him!

After this incident, Yuwen Rong lost his appetite for continuing the banquet. He sat back down in his seat with a look of annoyance and waved his hand, ordering, "Everyone, go and rest. Don't delay the officials going to the province tomorrow morning!"

(End of this chapter)