Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 512 Both mad and impetuous, unfit for a ruler

After returning to the front hall, Zhang Dai waited for a while before being led into the house by Gao's servants, where he met Gao Lishi.

Gao Lishi's expression was no longer as cold as before, but it also carried a complex meaning. After Zhang Dai entered the hall, he asked, "How did you offend Madam Wu of Minister Pei's family?"

"This, this, I really don't know why the Duke of Bohai said that. When I visited him the other day, Aunt Wu treated me with a smile."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai exclaimed in surprise, then frowned deeply, pretending to ponder deeply. After a while, he shook his head and said, "This humble one truly cannot fathom what has offended me, or if I was careless and unaware of my rudeness. May I ask, does the Duke of Bohai have any guidance?"

"You really don't know? Today, Madam Wu came to visit and lamented that a commoner's wife is ultimately no more noble than an imperial concubine in the palace. This shrewd young man doesn't know who to serve and has been looked down upon."

Gao Lishi sized up Zhang Dai as he spoke in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai's expression darkened further. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke again: "Who I am, the Duke of Bohai should know. However, since Aunt Wu has spoken so displeasingly, it must be because my words and actions were inappropriate. The only thing I can think of after racking my brains is that I visited her before the Thousand Autumn Festival, and my response was indeed somewhat inappropriate."

Because my neighbor's house in the same neighborhood has been completed, I informed my aunt that we would soon be neighbors and I could visit her frequently. My aunt then gave me some good advice, advising me not to let my temper cause me to hold grudges against people like our neighbor, Li Linfu. I did argue a few times because of my temper, mainly because Li Linfu harbors wickedness and his behavior is truly unbearable. How could my aunt, a woman living at home, possibly know his ugly nature?
Afterwards, my aunt praised the Xiao and Yuwen families for their constant stream of visitors, criticizing Pei Lang for his lack of social skills, which led to his neglected household. Knowing her well, I offered a few words in her defense. As for the criticism of favoring the inner court while neglecting the common people, I dare to speculate that it might be because Prince Shou was the only one favored during the Thousand Autumns Festival, and I failed to help Pei Lang cultivate relationships with the elite.

After hearing these words, Gao Lishi's eyes flickered slightly. After scrutinizing Zhang Dai for a moment, he spoke again: "I certainly don't believe you are snobbish and cold-hearted. But with your intelligence and prudence, as long as you respond and comfort with sincerity, you can avoid these misunderstandings."

Lady Wu comes from a distinguished family and enjoys lively social gatherings, but dislikes a quiet and solitary household. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Pei is not adept at cultivating relationships, so Lady Wu is often unhappy. Since you know that your beloved mother has such thoughts, you should offer your assistance. Do not let temporary setbacks deter you from your support.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai readily agreed. Although he knew that Wu Zetian's dislike for him had other reasons, he had to admit that Gao Lishi's words did make some sense. Pei Guangting and his wife were not only different in age, but also had very different personalities. This was probably one of the reasons why Wu Zetian's marriage was unhappy and why she still had an entangled relationship with Li Linfu.

But how should this matter be put? Although it is said that even an upright official finds it difficult to settle family disputes, Zhang Dai felt that Pei Guangting had treated Wu Shi quite well, as he had stood by her side through thick and thin and never abandoned her when facing the crisis of being purged.

People like Dou Huaizhen would simply face a brutal confrontation, risking their lives to plead guilty, thus eliminating any issues of personality clashes.

"When I saw Aunt Wu in the front hall, I thought that what she said today was about important current affairs, but I didn't expect it to be just some humble words from a young man. If that's all, why bother the Duke of Bohai? Just convey a message, and as a subordinate of the Duke of Pei and a junior fellow disciple, how dare I not come forward to receive instruction?"

After finishing his conversation with Gao Lishi, Zhang Dai casually added a few words of tea-related wit.

Upon hearing this, Gao Lishi secretly agreed with it.

Although he had once lived in Wu Sansi's house and had a master-servant relationship with Wu, things were different now. If Wu really had something important to ask him for help, he would do his best to provide assistance out of consideration for their past relationship.

But now, just because she feels dissatisfied with a relative or younger person, Wu comes over to nag and complain. Could it be that deep down she still regards him as a servant, wanting him to help solve all the disputes and needs in her life?
Gao Lishi naturally wouldn't voice these thoughts, but instead looked at Zhang Dai and asked, "According to you, what current affairs or important matters require you to come to my residence to tell me?"

"There is a matter of current affairs that involves many high-ranking officials in the court. Although I do not know if the Duke of Bohai is interested, I will speak of it boldly today since I have come to your residence."

Zhang Dai immediately recounted how Pei Guangting and the Prince of Xin'an had communicated through him: "I was recently invited to visit the Prince of Xin'an's residence, only to hear the Prince lament the illnesses and suffering of his people. I felt indebted to the Prince for his glorious return, and felt I should promptly convey my own feelings and requests to you, sir. However, after informing Minister Pei, I discovered there was more to the story..."

He did not delve into the conflict between Prince Xin'an and Yuwen Rong over the ownership of the salt fields in Yanzhou, but focused on Yuwen Rong's desire to control the Ministry of Rites in order to more easily promote the registration of temples and monasteries.

At this point, Zhang Dai couldn't help but sigh inwardly. People inevitably have to make various choices between reality and ideals, and when these two conflict, various changes are unavoidable.

Some people manage to stay true to their goals and ideals throughout a winding and arduous journey, while others inevitably drift further and further away from their original aspirations due to repeated compromises and changes. Zhang Dai originally did not want to get too deeply involved in the power struggles between the prime ministers. Although he sided with Pei Guangting, he still hoped that Yuwen Rong could achieve something that would bring about beneficial changes to the world.

But now Yuwen Rong's son is turning his attention to him, planning to join forces with Li Linfu and the various Hu chieftains to launch a financial attack on him. He can't just let this happen without taking any action. The best way to deal with these people is to directly strike at their patron, Yuwen Rong.

Therefore, Zhang Dai now wants to try to bring together all those who are hostile to Yuwen Rong and can actually strike at him. Gao Lishi himself is a Buddhist and also serves as the merit envoy in Chang'an.

Yuwen Rong's recent harassment of temples and monasteries will inevitably cause them dissatisfaction, as it not only harms their faith but also genuinely damages their interests.

As expected, after listening to Zhang Dai's account, Gao Lishi said in a deep voice, "Yuwen Rong was once quite renowned, but unexpectedly, he became extremely arrogant after gaining power, causing much trouble without achieving anything. Prince Xin'an is both a virtuous prince of the imperial clan and a meritorious official of the state; what's wrong with him holding the position of Grand Minister of Rites? This man has long been arrogant and disdainful of others, and now he won't tolerate a famous prince. Is he perhaps the only loyal minister among all the civil and military officials? He is both arrogant and impetuous; is he worthy of being a prime minister?"

At this point, he looked at Zhang Dai and said, "You are right to tell me this. This fellow has been doing many bad things for the monks lately. I have wanted to warn him for a long time, but I haven't figured out how to start because I respect his position."

The matter here is not yet settled, yet they have already incurred the wrath of a famous prince. They are truly arrogant and unreasonable to the extreme! Now it seems there's no need for me to admonish them further; their interactions and negotiations with officials in the outer court will be more convenient.”

Following Gao Lishi's accusations, Zhang Dai also spoke up, saying, "Lord Yuwen is indeed arrogant and has lost the support of the people. Even his followers are arrogant and difficult to control. You, with your high positions and great power, are still not immune to his harassment. We lowly subordinates suffer even more injustices!"

Upon hearing this, Gao Lishi also became curious and immediately asked, "Then let me hear what you have done to persecute you?"

After some preamble, having finally steered the conversation to this point, Zhang Dai didn't delay any longer and immediately began, "The problem lies with the 'flying money' scheme in Bianzhou, and the reason is still that villain Li Linfu. Going back to the beginning, it was when a young man from the Eastern Capital wrote a letter into a copper box, and was forced by Li Linfu..."

He traced their feud back to the fourteenth year of the Kaiyuan era, when Gao Lishi witnessed Zhang Dai and Li Linfu's feud and their refusal to submit even at the cost of their lives, which naturally gave him a strong sense of empathy.

"This Li Linfu is incorrigible and has repeatedly tried to harm others. Now he has set his sights on flying money, colluding with the sons of Minister Yuwen and a group of Hu chieftains in the capital to plot harassment..."

Zhang Dai was unsure whether Wu had spoken well of Li Linfu to Gao Lishi, but even if she had, she probably only mentioned it briefly and dared not be too explicit.

Therefore, Zhang Dai seized the opportunity to make negative portrayals of Li Linfu in front of Gao Lishi, so that Gao Lishi would form a preconceived notion. Even if Wu Zetian intensified her efforts to spread rumors, it would have little effect.

As expected, Gao Lishi's face darkened upon hearing this, and he slammed his fist on the table, angrily saying, "These mad thieves are truly despicable! Don't they know that the 'Flying Money Returns' are for the inner palace's use? How can the Eastern Capital's money exchange shops operate like this? Such an obvious run on deposits and they didn't even take precautions! Zongzhi, don't worry, I will immediately send a letter to reprimand them and forbid these scoundrels from depositing any more money into the exchange."

"That's not necessary. Taking money is the core business of the money exchange. Those in charge in Dongdu want to expand the inner palace's resources or to curry favor with Duke Bohai, so accepting such payments is perfectly understandable. I'm here to report to Duke Bohai not to suggest that it be completely banned, but these matters might be a bit complicated to handle. I hope Duke Bohai will be understanding. I will do my best to handle things properly, minimizing the impact and ensuring that it doesn't harm the future development of the business!"

Zhang Dai quickly added that, procedurally speaking, this matter was not the responsibility of the Dongdu store, but rather that the Bianzhou store did not have enough funds.

He didn't need Gao Lishi's direct assistance. As long as he wasn't influenced by others to betray him, he could calmly deal with these people. If Gao Lishi got involved, he would actually lose some say in the subsequent handling.

"This business has benefited from your wisdom, so of course I trust your skills. Go ahead and resolve these minor disturbances; there will be no questions asked!"

Upon hearing Zhang Dai's words, Gao Lishi also spoke up. Even if Zhang Dai asked for his help, he would not refuse, but since the young man was confident in resolving the matter, he was happy to save himself the trouble.

(End of this chapter)