Tang Dynasty Swordsman.

Li Ji thought to himself, "These people are all only thinking about their own families. Doesn't anyone really care about the country? After suffering such a huge defeat at the front, how can you still laugh?" Frustrated, he returned to the side hall of his office, dealt with a few matters casually, and then, unable to stay still any longer, he simply stepped out of the hall and into the courtyard. He took off his double maces from his waist and swung them around for a while, both to loosen his muscles and to calm his mind.

To be honest, he had never learned to use a mace, and it was estimated that there weren't many people in this world who truly knew how to use one. He simply used the maces as double swords, abandoning all the slashing and cutting techniques and replacing them with chopping and smashing. The maces swung open, the wind whistling, and although they were merely swinging in the air, their momentum was truly astonishing, like two silver dragons soaring up and down. The guards were all dazzled, and even many minor officials squeezed out of the hall to watch.

Li Ji waved his hand for a long time, and occasionally glanced at the corner of his eye, as if he saw a purple robe flash by at the courtyard gate—who was that? Among the Left and Right Heroic Army, the highest rank was only the sixth-rank chief clerk. Who was qualified to wear a purple robe?

He immediately put away his double maces, let out a long breath, and then asked the guard, "I just saw a man in purple robes pass by outside the courtyard. I wonder which important figure he was?"

The guards all looked completely bewildered—we were so focused on watching you wield your mace, nobody was paying attention to what was happening outside the courtyard. Li Ji thought to himself, "With your attitude, you dare to guard the Forbidden City? I'll have to give you a good talking-to when I have the chance!"

However, a clerk who was observing was more astute. After Li Ji's questioning of the guards yielded no results, he immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands, and reported, "Why would a high-ranking official from the court come to my Yingwu Army headquarters without a reason? Since the military advisor has seen something, it must be Fifth Uncle..."

Li Ji's eyes widened: "What 'Five Fathers'?!"

The clerk hurriedly bowed and apologized: "Yes, yes, how could I be qualified to address 'Five Fathers'... I mean, most of those who pass by my military office are Lord Li."

Chapter 50, Who is the Fifth Father?

If the minor official had mentioned "Lord Li" first, Li Ji would probably have been confused—there are so many people in the world with the surname Li, even I am surnamed Li… But if he mentioned "Five Fathers" first, then who else could it be? Naturally, it would be Li Fuguo, who held immense power in the court.

In the early Tang Dynasty, all eunuchs belonged to the Inner Palace Attendants Bureau, with the highest rank being only fourth-grade eunuchs. They could only wear red robes, and their total number was no more than a dozen. Later, the number of eunuchs increased, and during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (Li Longji), many favored eunuchs were granted the rank of general of the third grade or above—for example, Gao Lishi reached the rank of first-grade General of the Cavalry—thus, there were many high-ranking officials in the palace.

Li Heng returned to Chang'an less than a year ago, and not only were the number of imperial guards insufficient, but even the number of eunuchs was gradually increasing. Of course, many eunuchs had returned from Shu with Li Longji, but Li Heng was unwilling to use them and sent them all to serve the retired emperor in the Southern Palace. At present, there was only one eunuch who could wear a purple robe, and that was Li Fuguo, who was in charge of the Palace Stables, the Five Workshops, the Palace Gardens, the Agricultural Farms, the Grafting Planting, and the General Supervisor, and also in charge of the Longyou Pastures, the Capital Minting Bureau, and the Changchun Palace. He was also the Director of the Imperial Household Department and the Palace Stables, and was granted the title of Duke of Cheng.

That's why the minor official said that no matter whether the officials of the outer court go to the Hanyuan Hall for the grand court ceremony or to the Xuanzheng Hall to meet the emperor, there's no reason for them to come here. The only one who can wear a purple robe and run around the palace is probably Li Gongfuguo.

Upon hearing this, Li Ji's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly smiled and felt relieved.

Even if it really is Li Fuguo, so what? I was transferred to the Forbidden City through proper channels, ordered by the Ministry of War. That old eunuch wields immense power in the court, how could he not find out? Does he think that if he didn't glance at the Yingwu Army headquarters today, he wouldn't know I'm right here, ready to seek revenge?

If he launches a sneak attack, I will be on my guard and at worst seek help from Li Shi; but if he only shows half his face and gives me a glimpse, will that frighten me? Why worry unnecessarily?

So he hung up his double maces again and went back to his office to work. But before he knew it, after lunch, a eunuch came and called out by name, saying, "My fifth father summons Li Ji."

Li Ji sneered, "Who are you? How would I know who your fifth father is? And how dare you point out my name?!" He ordered his men to throw him out!

In the end, this little eunuch was still dressed in plain clothes and had no official rank, while Li Ji was an official. So when commoners meet an official, how can they call him by his name directly? You are not a eunuch sent by the emperor to deliver an imperial edict.

Of course, Li Ji was merely expressing his "I'm not afraid of Li Fuguo" attitude. If he really wanted to drive away this little eunuch, only he himself could do it. The minor officials around him, even the guards in front of the hall, trembled at the mention of "Five Fathers," and who would dare to arrest him? Li Ji thought to himself, "If you listened to me, you'd even dare to throw out the emperor… no, the imperial envoy sent to deliver the edict. That's when this army would truly be useful. What good are the Left and Right Heroic Armies, all that bare-chested, burly, and highly skilled martial arts? They're just empty shells."

The minor official had probably never been reprimanded like that before, and was stunned for a moment. But he quickly recovered, raised an eyebrow, and jumped up, cursing, "A mere registrar, a nobody, how dare you! Your fifth father summoned you, and you actually..."

Li Ji interrupted him: "Although it is within the palace, it is also the headquarters of the Yingwu Army, which is considered part of the army. Therefore, any shouting in the army is punishable by death according to the law!" He stood up abruptly, casually took an iron mace from his waist, took two big steps closer, and swung it down on the head.

The eunuch was so frightened that his soul almost left his body. He knelt down with a thud and cried out, "Spare me!" People like him were good at reading people's expressions; otherwise, they wouldn't have survived long in the palace. In his eyes, the rough man in the green robe was determined to kill him and would probably beat him into a pulp with his mace!

In truth, Li Ji had no murderous intent. He wouldn't go so far as to beat someone to death over a verbal altercation—even a eunuch he always disliked was still a life. It was just that his many experiences on the battlefield had naturally imbued him with a sense of urgency. How much worldly experience could a lowly eunuch from the inner palace possibly have? How could he possibly distinguish between murderous intent and mere urgency?

With a whoosh, Li Ji brushed the iron mace past the eunuch's ear, then swiftly reached out with his left hand, grabbing his arm and lifting up the mangled flesh. Turning to his subordinates, he asked, "Do you know who these so-called 'Five Fathers' are?"

A junior official, understanding the implication, immediately replied tremblingly, "It must refer to the Duke of Cheng..."

Li Ji sneered: "So it's Li Fuguo, yet he talks about being the fifth father—I only know that Li Fuguo is the fifth father of Li Sheren (Li Kui). Does this little brat even want to be brothers with Li Sheren?" He puffed out his chest: "Fine, since I respect Li Fuguo's age, then I will go and meet him."

As he spoke, he held a mace in one hand and carried the barely audible eunuch in the other, heading down the steps. But after only two steps, he couldn't help but glance at the ground—damn, no wonder his socks were a little wet, this guy had peed…

You know, I didn't bring any spare socks, and wearing boots barefoot isn't comfortable... Besides, when I see Li Fuguo later, I'll definitely have to take off my boots before entering the hall. If he accuses me of being rude for this, I won't even have a chance to refute him. Oh well, thankfully it wasn't much, I'll just have to bear with it for now...

He instructed those around him: "This filthy scoundrel... clean him up properly, lest there be a stain on the ground when I return."

The minor officials bowed repeatedly, but in their hearts they were all thinking: You actually plan to come back alive? Aren't you being a bit too ambitious?

Li Ji, still holding the young eunuch—the mace was now hanging up again, as he couldn't keep it in his hand as he walked through the Forbidden City—left the Yingwu Military Headquarters and headed east. When they reached the vicinity of Jianfu Gate, he became somewhat confused, so he tightened his grip and squeezed the young eunuch: "Where is Li Fuguo?"

The young eunuch, having recovered somewhat, hurriedly pointed and said, "He's sitting in the Right Golden Guard's quarters..."

Li Ji let go of her hand and shoved her forward: "Aren't you going to lead the way? Or do I have to whip you with my mace?"

The Left and Right Jinwu Guards' quarters are located inside the Danfeng Gate, the main gate of the Daming Palace, and stand on the east and west sides respectively. This was originally the residence of the Jinwu Guards, who were responsible for patrolling the outer court. It was also the place where officials waited before the grand court assembly, or where officials awaited punishment.

Li Fuguo waited for Li Ji at the Right Jinwu Guard. Li Ji thought to himself, "Thank goodness, the old man didn't deliberately set a trap for me..." Li Fuguo was accustomed to handling affairs at the Right Yintai Gate of the Inner Court, while Li Ji's activities were limited to the Outer Court unless summoned by imperial decree; he couldn't even enter the Inner Court. If Li Fuguo had sent a minor eunuch to order Li Ji to follow him directly into the Inner Court, and Li Ji had foolishly gone, he would have been arrested on the spot, perhaps even beheaded.

Li Ji, relying on his superior martial arts skills and the support he had, was not afraid of Li Fuguo's forceful actions. However, if he committed an unforgivable crime first, Li Fuguo could then justifiably kill him, and even Li Yu and his son would probably have no excuse to save him.

They soon arrived at the Right Jinwu Guard's quarters, located west of Danfeng Gate. Li Ji ordered the eunuch to go in and announce their arrival, while he waited outside. The eunuch scrambled inside, and then they could vaguely hear sobbing... followed by a "slap," presumably from being slapped.

Li Ji thought to himself, "I can't believe it. That old eunuch is quite good at slapping people. That slap was so crisp..." Of course, it's also possible that Li Fuguo gave the order and had other young eunuchs do it.

Li Ji wasn't worried about the young eunuch complaining about him to Li Fuguo. The old eunuch wasn't exactly a bitter enemy, but they had a deep-seated grudge. What difference would it make if he added a feather to a heavy burden? Especially from Li Fuguo's perspective: "I sent you to summon Li Ji, so just complete the task meticulously. Why humiliate yourself? If you can really control Li Ji, that's fine—but you can't. I'd have to kill you first. The little guy is too dangerous—going on my orders and suffering humiliation? How can I be proud of that?"

You shameless bastard, I'd be merciful if I didn't kill you on the spot. Did you expect me to comfort you and avenge you?!

So Li Ji wasn't worried. He simply stood with his hands behind his back, waiting outside the door while listening intently to what was happening inside. A short while later, someone called out, "Fifth...Lord Li commands that Li Ji, the Left Military Advisor and Registrar of the Heroic Army, come in for an audience." It was clearly not the voice of the young eunuch from before.

Li Ji took off his double maces and handed them to the guard at the door. The guard took them with both hands, but stumbled and almost fell face-first to the ground—these things were incredibly heavy. Li Ji smiled at him: "Be careful, if you damage them, you might not be able to afford to pay for them." Then he lifted his robe, kicked off his boots, and stepped into the hall.

The main hall wasn't spacious, and Li Ji saw Li Fuguo as soon as he entered. The old eunuch wore a black gauze soft-cornered turban, a dark purple silk robe with large floral patterns, and a gold and jade belt. His attire was no different from that of officials from the outer court—but there was one difference: most officials from the outer court who could wear purple robes, apart from a few princes and grandsons, were over forty years old and certainly had long beards; the only one in the Tang Dynasty who wore purple without a beard was the one standing before him.

—There is no Gao Lishi. I heard that the old fellow was framed by Li Fuguo and has been demoted and exiled to Qianzhong Road.

Li Fuguo still had that ugly face, old and wrinkled. He sat upright behind the table, his face ashen and expressionless. In addition, he held a string of prayer beads in his left hand, gently twisting them with his thumb.

Li Ji crossed his hands in a gesture of respect, but before he could speak, Li Fuguo glared at him and exclaimed, "Li Ji, you've done something truly remarkable!"

Li Ji thought to himself, "What does this mean? What did you do wrong to me?" He met Li Ji's gaze without fear and said, "What do you mean by this, Lord Li? This humble official does not understand what you are referring to."

Their eyes met, a swift exchange of light that seemed to flash across their gazes. Several eunuchs in red and green robes were also present in the hall, all holding their breath, not daring to move. After a long while, Li Fuguo slowly shifted his gaze, then let out a long breath and said, "I just passed by the Yingwu Military Headquarters and saw Li Ji wielding your maces quite well. I wonder who your teacher is?"

In truth, Li Ji's heart had been pounding the whole time, fearing that Li Fuguo had found some fault with him, even the slightest one. "If you want to find fault, you can always find a reason," he thought. Fortunately, the room wasn't large, and the two were only about two zhang apart. Li Ji thought to himself, "I can leap over and take you down with me. Let's see who's more panicked!" But hearing Li Fuguo's softened tone, he felt a sense of relief, yet he still had to reply politely:

“I’m telling you, Mr. Li, this is just a rural skill, there’s no tradition of it.”

"Would you like to learn?"

Upon hearing this, Li Ji couldn't help but show a surprised expression—what do you mean, old man? Did you call me here just to inquire about my mace technique, whether I have a successor, and whether I want one? "I'm afraid there's no one in the Imperial Guard who can teach me."

Li Ji had previously studied swordsmanship and short staff techniques, and felt he had a certain affinity with mace fighting. Therefore, he could wield the double maces quickly. While battlefield weapons lacked the elaborate techniques of folk martial arts, they were still quite skill-based. He believed that with his double maces, dozens of ordinary soldiers couldn't get close, but against a true master, he might be at a loss—in that case, it would be better to abandon the maces and return to his familiar broadsword. Therefore, he had inquired within the Imperial Guards: who had practiced this weapon and could perhaps teach him a thing or two?

The problem is that this mace is not a standard military weapon, and very few people know how to use it. Specifically, it seems that no one in the Imperial Guards can use it... Li Ji felt that there must be someone among the real soldiers who could use it. When can I go back to Longyou? I'll go ask Guo Xin and Li Yuanzhong.

Therefore, he replied to Li Fuguo, "Among the Imperial Guards, I'm afraid there is no one who can teach me." Li Fuguo smiled sinisterly, "Do you know who in my Tang Dynasty is famous throughout the world for their mace skills?"

"That would naturally be Duke Qin Shubao of Hu State."

Li Fuguo said, "That's right—the Qin family of Licheng has passed down the art of mace for generations. Don't you want to learn it?"

Although Li Ji was even more puzzled, he still clasped his hands and asked, "Please enlighten me, Master Li."

Li Fuguo, holding his prayer beads, slowly said, "The youngest son of Duke Hu is Shandao, who is the Inspector General of the Left Jinwu Guard. Shandao's son is Jun, who is the Prefect of Jizhou. Jun's second son is Qia, who is the Military Advisor of Yuzhang. Qia's son is Huan—who has just come to join me. Would it be acceptable to have him join the Left Yingwu Army?"

Li Ji secretly calculated on his fingers. Oh, Qin Huan is Qin Shubao's great-grandson... It seems Li Fuguo wants to put this guy in the Left Heroic Army. I wonder if it's purely to do him a favor, or if he wants to infiltrate the Imperial Guard. However, whatever his purpose, with Li Fuguo's current power, would he need to ask a lowly official like me for help to arrange someone? Even if he did need to ask for favors, he could just go directly to Dou Wenchang.

What does this mean? Does he really want to find me a mace master? Is he really that kind?

While secretly calculating, he feigned gratitude, saying, "Since you are the descendant of a famous minister and have the recommendation of Lord Li, how can you not join the Left Heroic Army? If Qin Huan can truly teach me the mace technique, I will have to thank Lord Li even more."

"No need for thanks. It's all for the sake of the Emperor and the affairs of the state..." As he said this, Li Fuguo glanced around, and the eunuchs standing there understood. They immediately bowed deeply and lined up to retreat to the foot of the hall.

Li Ji thought to himself, "Here it comes, the real show is about to begin." Li Fuguo dismissed everyone else, intending to have a private talk with him, most likely trying to win him over. In his heart, he naturally didn't want to follow this old bastard, but he might as well play along for a while.

After the officials had left, Li Fuguo beckoned to Li Ji, saying, "Li Ji, come closer and let's talk."

Li Ji hesitated for a moment, then Li Fuguo said with a sinister smile, "There are only the two of us here. Do you think that the mighty Li Erlang, who has defeated the barbarians, would be afraid of an old man like me?"

Li Ji thought to himself, "Oh no, I've been careless and the old man has overwhelmed me in terms of momentum..."

Chapter 51, Seeking the Position of Prime Minister

Li Ji stepped forward a few paces and stood five feet away from Li Fuguo, across the table. Li Fuguo said again, "Sit down, I'm not used to looking up at people."

Li Ji sat down as instructed, staring at Li Fuguo, waiting for his reply. After a moment's thought, Li Fuguo finally spoke, asking, "There's a saying I don't quite understand, and I'd like to ask you about it—what does it mean that 'it's easy to deal with an overbearing servant, but difficult to manage an arrogant servant; however, if the mistress doesn't like him, would a servant dare to act recklessly?'"

Li Ji's heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself, "These words came from my mouth and entered Li Shi's ears. There couldn't possibly be a third person who heard them at the time... It seems that the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace and the Fengjie Prince's Mansion are already full of holes like sieves."

Deny it outright? Pretend to be confused? That's pointless; it would only make Li Fuguo look down on him. So he answered directly, "This is His Highness the Crown Prince's plan. If the Crown Prince wants to establish a dynasty, he should first get rid of the treacherous minister and then control the powerful eunuchs."

Li Fuguo curled his lip: "Do you think that by getting rid of Cui Yuan and me, His Highness the Crown Prince can establish himself as regent? Does he have that ability?"

Li Ji remained silent.

Li Fuguo smiled sinisterly again: "To tell you the truth, as long as I am here, there is a Crown Prince. If it weren't for me, the Eastern Palace would probably have changed hands long ago!"

Li Ji thought for a moment. He realized that he couldn't let Li Fuguo take the initiative in the conversation. He had to find a roundabout way to launch a counterattack. "How can a subject like me interfere in the affairs of an emperor?"

Li Fuguo retorted, "I am merely a servant of the Li family. What right do you have to call me a subject?"

"Then, Lord Li, ask yourself honestly, when you wanted to get rid of Prince Qi, was it purely because the succession was difficult, or were there also personal motives involved?"

Regarding Li Tan's near-fatal attempt to seize the throne, Li Ji and Li Bi had discussed it privately several times. The supposed plot was merely a pretext—frankly, even to this day, even if Li Tan truly harbored such intentions, he hadn't revealed them at all. The key was that Li Tan had repeatedly advised Li Heng to eliminate the abuses of eunuchs and the empress's interference in politics. So, Li Fuguo, don't play games with me; was your desire to kill Li Tan truly driven by personal motives?

Li Fuguo seemed taken aback by Li Ji's question, and shook his head, saying, "So what if it's selfish? Who isn't selfish? You're still young and can't see through the Prince of Qi's character, yet you still went to Longyou to support him. Let me ask you, if the Prince of Qi truly intended to seize the throne, would you regret saving his life back then?"

Li Ji answered without hesitation: "The guilty must be punished, and the innocent need not be questioned. If we only consider one's intentions, has Lord Li never once violated the law?"

Li Fuguo said impatiently, "What if one day he not only has the intention, but also puts it into practice? Will you regret it?"

"If the King of Qi has truly committed treacherous acts, it is acceptable to expel him or depose him, but I cannot bear to see father and son kill each other!"

Upon hearing this, Li Fuguo couldn't help but curl his lip: "In the history of imperial family affairs, it has always been common for fathers and sons, brothers to kill each other. Are you not too young? You are not familiar with the cunning in the palace and the court. You are not fit to shoulder heavy responsibilities. I can only leave you to the Prince of Fengjie to await the future."

Through these few words of conversation, Li Ji finally understood Li Fuguo's intentions.

It seems that through Li Yu's "humility and deference," coupled with Empress Zhang's increasingly domineering attitude, Li Fuguo gradually moved closer to the Crown Prince, believing that his hopes for continued wealth and authority could be pinned on the Crown Prince. In that case, Li Fuguo and Li Ji were essentially on the same side, and they needed to find an opportunity to mend their past grievances and temporarily join forces.

Of course, in terms of taste, Li Fuguo was like a god, while Li Ji was like a drudge. Li Fuguo had no reason to extend an olive branch to Li Ji—it would be a mercy for him not to plot to kill that little brat. But Li Ji had indeed rendered a great service in rescuing Consort Shen, and he held a certain position in Li Shi's heart. Moreover, behind Li Ji stood the unpredictable Li Bi…

As things stand, once Li Yu ascends the throne, the position of Crown Prince will most likely fall into the hands of Li Shi. Li Fuguo cannot possibly only consider one generation and ignore the next. Moreover, Li Yu is currently in a state of imprisonment, and it seems that Li Shi is his only contact and representative outside the palace. It is estimated that it was because of Li Shi's persuasion that Li Fuguo was willing to set aside his pride and take the initiative to curry favor with Li Ji.

In fact, Li Shi had already hinted at this matter to Li Ji several times. The problem was, given Li Ji's status, even if he wanted to curry favor with Li Fuguo—which was of course impossible, as Li Shi knew Li Ji's personality was quite stubborn—he couldn't find a way to get an audience. Therefore, the only option was for Li Fuguo to issue the summons. Besides, that old man was both gentle and firm, and having been a servant his whole life, he didn't care about his own reputation at all.

Today, Li Fuguo passed by the Yingwu Army Headquarters and intended to take the opportunity to summon Li Ji to see him. However, when he looked out from the gate, he saw Li Ji wielding double maces... The old man had been held hostage by Li Ji before, and was inevitably traumatized. Seeing this, he dared not enter and quickly turned and left.

After finishing his official business, he sat in the Right Jinwu Guard's quarters and summoned Li Ji—"When you enter the hall, you should at least put down your weapon. Even though you could kill me with your bare hands like it's nothing, at least I'd feel more at ease, wouldn't I?"

Li Fuguo summoned Li Ji, and upon meeting him, he immediately shouted, "You've done quite a feat!"—clearly intending to deflate Li Ji's arrogance. Unfortunately, although the young man looked puzzled, he remained completely composed, leaving Li Fuguo at a loss. Since intimidation failed, he resorted to a less desirable tactic: offering a seemingly kind gesture—"I'll find you a master who wields the mace; are you happy now?"

With Li Fuguo's intelligence and after making inquiries from various sources, he had long realized that Li Ji was rough on the outside but shrewd on the inside, and was not just a reckless man. At the same time, he believed that Li Ji was tough on the outside but soft on the inside, and was a man of character. If he were to extend an olive branch, Li Ji would probably be too embarrassed to beat up the smiling man.

Looking back, why did Li Ji risk his life to save Li Tan? It was because Li Tan had been bringing him food and drink for several days. That Li Tan was truly shrewd; he actually tried to use this method to win over Li Ji and then curry favor with Li Bi. His intentions were unfathomable!

Therefore, Li Fuguo felt that as long as he offered benefits, even if they faced each other face to face, Li Ji would no longer glare at him. They could then have a heart-to-heart talk. When dealing with people who value relationships, heart-to-heart talk is the best way to win them over. As for whether the heart-to-heart talk is genuine or not, let's not worry about that.

To be honest, we two not only ended up on the same path because of the Crown Prince, but we also didn't have any deep-seated hatred for each other before. I wanted to kill Li Tan, but I didn't succeed, so why do you hate me? As for you making me lose face in front of the Emperor… if I didn't lose face every few days, would I have maintained the Emperor's favor until today? Actually, Yu Chaoen lost face even more than me, and I was quite happy to see it…

Later, I tricked you into going to Luoyang and arranged for someone to poison you along the way. As a result, you had some people drowned in the river and others taken away... But because of this, you rescued Consort Shen and clung tightly to Li Shi's powerful leg. In a way, I did you a favor!