Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 221 Sparrow, You've Changed

After giving Lady Zixia a good lesson, Wang Shouyi made a hasty escape, heading straight for the border area between Chang'an and Luoyang.

This is the current headquarters of the On Yip Department.

Actually, he was going there all along, but before leaving, he rushed over to give Lady Zixia a good beating and vent his pent-up resentment.

Just as Lady Zixia had predicted, Wang Shouyi was very happy to see her fight with Wang Xi, because both of them were very self-righteous and looked down on others. No matter which side suffered a setback, he could go and ridicule the other.

Compared to Wang Shouyi, Li Linfu was much more diligent. After receiving his orders, he went to Anye Bureau to meet Huangfu Shangde not long afterward.

"Your humble servant Li Linfu greets the Duke of Qi."

"Master Li, there's no need for such formalities."

Wang Shouyi asked, "Master Li has been at Anye Bureau for a few days now. Is he adjusting well?"

"I am deeply grateful for the promotion I received from Duke Qi. It is my honor to be able to come to Anye Bureau, but..."

Having said that, Li Linfu glanced at Huangfu Shangde.

Huangfu Shangde laughed and said, "Brother Wang, Master Li has only been here a short time and has already made some suggestions. I don't know how to make a decision, so I'll have to ask you to do it!"

"Is that so?" Wang Shouyi asked Li Linfu, "If you have any suggestions, please speak frankly."

Li Linfu then said, "I believe that this is an excellent opportunity for Anye Bureau. If we can seize it, we can make this reform even smoother."

Wang Shouyi asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Li Linfu said, "The matter concerning the Left General of the Golden Guard has only just passed, and it also involves the former Grand Chancellor, which shows His Majesty's determination for this reform."

This incident will surely cause widespread panic among the people, especially those who are terrified of the land expansion envoy. However, this may also cause some people to hesitate to act against the law.

Under such circumstances, if the land expansion commissioner is allowed to take the lead, even greater and more numerous conflicts will likely erupt behind him, which would be detrimental to the current reform efforts.

Since its establishment, the On Yip Department has been deeply loved by the people. Unlike the Land Expansion Commissioner, who actively conducts investigations, the On Yip Department passively accepts them.

It is conceivable that if the On Yip Department takes the lead, it will be tantamount to giving those who are hesitant to act rashly a chance to reform themselves.

Judging from His Majesty's intentions, it seems that His Majesty does not want to cause constant disputes, nor does he want to settle scores for past actions. As long as they hand over the land and hidden households, then the past can be forgiven.

Therefore, I believe that at this juncture, we should change our strategy. The An Ye Bureau should shoulder the heavy responsibility, while the Expansion Commissioner should specifically deal with those who are stubborn and unyielding. By combining both kindness and severity, the reforms will surely proceed smoothly.

This analysis is truly insightful; it's hard to believe that Li Linfu has only been here for a few days.

Regardless of how Li Linfu is evaluated in history, no one has denied his abilities. Among purely treacherous officials, his abilities are definitely among the best. Whether he was asked to do good or bad things, he could do them perfectly.

This is actually very difficult.

In the political arena, having power doesn't guarantee that things will be done well.

Some people talk a good game, but if you actually let them do it, no matter how much power you give them, they won't do it well.

A typical example of this is Yang Guozhong, who is a complete waste of time and energy.

Li Linfu was an ambitious man. He came to the Anye Bureau with the intention of making a name for himself. Therefore, he had done his homework before coming and keenly realized that the present was a very good opportunity. So after arriving, he immediately learned about the current situation of the Anye Bureau.

They felt this was simply a perfect state.

In comparison, Wang Shouyi was more focused on stability, which was actually related to the two men's current state of mind.

Li Linfu was eager to rise to power, while Wang Shouyi was already a Duke, and he did not have such a strong desire for power.

However, after hearing Li Linfu's suggestion, Wang Shouyi was somewhat tempted, but also a little apprehensive.

Previously, the Anye Bureau had always been in the background, assisting Yuwen Rong, and hadn't done much. But according to Li Linfu's suggestion, the Anye Bureau should be at the forefront.

If problems arise, then one must take responsibility.

If this had happened last year, Wang Shouyi would definitely not have agreed. This was a situation he was trying his best to avoid, because for him, as long as he could maintain his position, he would win and get some credit. But now the situation is a bit different, because his biggest ally in the court, Zhang Jiazhen, has left.

This actually caused him a lot of harm.

He also wanted to consolidate his network of relationships, which meant he needed more power to fill the void left by Zhang Jiazhen's departure.

After some thought, Wang Shouyi still said with some concern: "Although Master Li's suggestion is good, the real person in charge of this reform is the Land Expansion Commissioner. We are only here to assist him. If we follow Master Li's suggestion, would it be considered overstepping our bounds and might cause dissatisfaction among the Land Expansion Commissioner?"

Li Linfu immediately said, "I have also considered the concerns of the Duke of Qi. Therefore, before that, we must discuss it with the Envoy of Expansion. If he does not agree, it will not work. However, I am confident that I can persuade the Envoy of Expansion."

Wang Shouyi responded with an "Oh," and asked, "What ingenious method does Master Li have?"

Li Linfu said, "Just as Duke Qi said, everyone knows that the expansion commissioner is the one who is in charge of this reform. If it succeeds, the first meritorious person will definitely be the expansion commissioner."

The current situation is probably not what the Envoy of Land Expansion wanted to see. Otherwise, he would not have appointed his subordinate as the Agricultural Encouragement Judge. This shows that he also wants to resolve the issue with gentle means. Therefore, I believe that the Envoy of Land Expansion is also worried that those people will hesitate to act against him.

In all matters, courtesy must be given before force. The Anye Bureau is the example of courtesy. By having the Anye Bureau take the lead, if anyone still doesn't know what's good for them, the Expansion Commissioner can then take action. I believe that others will not be too afraid, after all, they have been given the opportunity.

Moreover, with the Anye Bureau involved, there's still room for maneuver. After all, according to the imperial court's intentions, they aren't necessarily forced to hand over all the land, but only the illegally acquired land.

Because he had always been in contact with Wu Xin, he was aware of Yuwen Rong's current situation.

In fact, when it comes to things like land annexation, if you want to get to the bottom of things, then the bottom line is the emperor, because the emperor and these high-ranking officials and nobles are on the same level, and the emperor is the biggest landowner.

Li Longji is now very shrewd. In the past ten years, he has truly set an example by handing over all the gold, silver and jade artifacts in the harem to the national treasury and advocating frugality, basically not holding any banquets.

Only in this way could he have the confidence to do this; otherwise, it would inevitably fail. You, the emperor, amass wealth and take care of the Li family, and then ask us to give up our land and serve the country. Do you think we are fools?

Even so, Li Longji knew that this matter could not be overdone. Judging from his decrees, it could be said that if he himself had made 100% of his efforts in the past ten years, then you only needed to do 70%.

This is a very fair ratio.

If we calculate the income, they also use this ratio.

In short, Li Longji did not want to settle scores with these powerful nobles and officials. He only asked them to hand over some land, and that would be the end of it. But if they refused to hand over any land at all, then they should not blame him for being ruthless.

Wang Shouyi nodded slightly, then looked at Huangfu Shangde.

Huangfu Shangde nodded and said, "I think what Master Li said makes sense. Our Anye Bureau can't be too passive."

In fact, Zhang Jiayou's embezzlement also served as a warning to Huangfu Shangde. They were already in the thick of things, and if they hesitated and looked back on everything, they would put themselves in a passive position.

Because many officials in the court were impeaching them at the time, it wasn't that just because An Ye Shu kept a low profile, people would let them off the hook.

Obviously not.

A certain level of authority is still needed for people to be wary of you.

Wang Shouyi shared the same sentiment. The reason he stayed in Chang'an for some time was to appease his close allies. So he said to Li Linfu, "Alright, then I'll trouble you, Master Li, to make a trip to Luoyang. If the Envoy of Land Expansion also thinks it's feasible, then let's do it that way."

Li Linfu cupped his hands and said, "Please rest assured, Duke Qi, I will certainly not fail in my mission."

Changan.

The sudden emergence of face masks sparked a beauty trend in Chang'an. Initially, people were amazed by the immediate effects, but as the controversy surrounding "100,000 Whys" led to face masks becoming even more unique.

Because there was an extra "why" in the middle.

Actually, skincare products existed in the Tang Dynasty, but like medicine today, they were based on experience and could only be said to be effective, without being able to explain why they were effective.

Since Qingyun Temple claims that its face masks are based on the Taoist philosophy of the changes in all things, there must be a reason behind this, which makes the face masks even more popular. This leads to a very real problem: the beauty retreat held every seven days simply cannot meet the needs of modern women.

Qingyun Temple can't accommodate so many people.

Jing Si then sought out Wang Xi to discuss the matter.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi smiled and said, "Sister Jingsi, I invited you here to help me solve these problems, not to ask me how to solve them."

After a moment's thought, he said, "My idea is to prioritize the ladies who came to the temple first, and at the same time add fifty more people. Also, add a one-day beauty retreat."

Wang Xi laughed and said, "Look! Sister Jing Si handled it quite well."

Jing Si quickly replied, "Young Master, you flatter me."

Wang Xi added, "We might need to add a beauty gathering for relatives and friends, that is, our Wuming Academy's relatives and friends. I will give you a list then, and you can filter out all these people and put them together. I am the kind of person who prioritizes family over relationships."

Jing Si's eyes flickered a few times, and she nodded slightly, saying, "Jing Si understands."

Wang Xi said, "Also, doing this will inevitably cause some complaints. Just tell them that we didn't know the face mask would be so popular. We will be cooperating with more Taoist temples this year, and then more people will be able to experience the face mask."

Jing Si laughed and said, "It seems that Young Master has already thought of a solution. I was just showing off my limited skills before Lu Ban."

Wang Xi chuckled and said, "We're still in the adjustment period. Once we trust each other, Sister Jing Si can handle things herself."

Jing Si nodded slightly.

Just then, someone outside the door announced, "Young Master Wang, someone from the palace has arrived."

"understood."

Wang Xi nodded and then said to Jing Si, "Sister Jing Si, I'm leaving this matter entirely to you."

Jing Si smiled and said, "Young master, please rest assured, Jing Si will do her best."

Wang Xi chuckled and said, "There's no need for that. Sister Jing Si needs to take care of her health. Don't overwork yourself, or I'll feel sorry for you."

Jing Si smiled and nodded.

After leaving Qingyun Temple, Wang Xi went directly to the Empress's palace, where he saw Li Longji and Empress Wang sitting in the main seat.

Wang Xi immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Nephew greets Uncle and Aunt."

But all he got in response was silence.

Wang Xi glanced furtively at Li Longji, then at Empress Wang, and feigned unease, asking, "Uncle, Aunt, has your nephew done something wrong?"

Li Longji said, "What? Your uncle has already summoned you here, and you still don't know where you went wrong?"

Wang Xi shook his head.

Li Longji said, "Que'er, you've changed."

"what?"

Wang Xi asked curiously, "How has my nephew changed?"

Empress Wang pursed her lips and remained silent.

Li Longji said, "You used to be very filial to your aunt. You would always give her the best things first. But you haven't even given her a face mask to try yet."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi immediately looked at Li Longji with a resentful expression.

Li Longji quickly said, "Why are you looking at your uncle like that? It wasn't your uncle who told you to do this."

Wang Xi said, "That's right."

Li Longji said urgently, "Don't talk nonsense, boy. When did your uncle ever tell you to do that?"

I've seen people frame others, but I've never seen anyone frame the emperor.

Wang Xi said, "Didn't my uncle ask me to tell good Taoist stories?"

Li Longji asked, "What does this have to do with this matter?"

Wang Xi said, "If everyone can apply a face mask at home, who would go to the Taoist temple? And if they don't go to the Taoist temple, how can they understand Taoism and listen to their nephew explain the stories of Taoism?"

A couple of days ago, my mother asked me about it, but for my uncle's sake, I gave up the opportunity to flatter her and instead encouraged her to go to the Taoist temple for a face mask; my mother is a Buddhist after all.

Li Longji was speechless for a moment.

Wang Xi added, "Actually, I have always been thinking about my uncle and aunt. I can arrange for someone to set up a special beauty day for them."

Empress Wang immediately said, "Nonsense! Aunt is the Empress, how can she leave the palace so easily?"

Li Longji suddenly said, "It's alright, it's alright. Qingyun Temple is actually a royal Taoist temple. Doesn't the Empress often go to Taoist temples and monasteries to pray for blessings? At that time, the Empress can lead the other concubines to Qingyun Temple to nourish their beauty."

Empress Wang replied, "That was for His Majesty and for the well-being of the people. Now it is for my own beauty. If we make a big fuss and waste money, it will probably draw criticism from the ministers. We must not do that."

Li Longji was speechless for a moment, then secretly glanced at Wang Xi.

Wang Xi understood immediately and said, "Aunt, you can't say that. This beauty treatment is just a side thing. The main thing is to support Taoist thought, which is related to His Majesty's grand ambitions. How can you not support it, Aunt?"

Li Longji immediately said, feeling wronged, "Gaining the support of your Empress Aunt is not so easy."

Empress Wang hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, that's not what I meant. I was just worried about what others would say."

Wang Xi added, "Your Majesty, you may not know this, but the wives of those prime ministers and censors go to Qingyun Temple every day."

Li Longji immediately said, "Listen to this, listen to this! Their wives can go to the beauty salon, but my wife can't? This is truly outrageous!"

The two of them worked together seamlessly, and Empress Wang was completely under their control. She nodded and said, "Alright, alright, I'll go, okay?"

Wang Xi immediately replied, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will handle this properly and will not spend a single penny of the palace's money. This is my way of showing my filial piety to you."

Empress Wang laughed and said, "That would be too much."

“What’s wrong with that?” Wang Xi said, “If the Empress Aunt can go, that would be the best publicity. If we’re talking business, I’ll have to give Aunt money. It’s worth it no matter how much.”

Empress Wang laughed and said, "Your mouth is getting more and more eloquent."

Li Longji coughed, "If I were to go too."

Wang Xi said, "Uncle, this is for women's beauty, so you can't do much to promote it."

Li Longji paused for a moment, then glanced at Wang Xi with a sullen expression. "Alright, then I'll go and watch the opera. I heard that your '100,000 Whys' has caused quite a stir. I'm also a bit confused. Que'er, quickly explain it to your uncle."

"no problem."

Wang Xi patted his chest and immediately explained the underlying principles to Li Longji.

Li Longji's talent was beyond doubt. After Wang Xi's explanation, he quickly understood the reasoning, but he also asked a key question that had troubled Chinese science: "What's the use of this?"

P.S.: Starting tomorrow, updates will resume at two per day.

(End of this chapter)