xymnovel Chapter 37: National Scholar
Chapter 37: National Scholar
Wen Tingyun would never have said these words under normal circumstances.
But as the saying goes, alcohol emboldens people, and drunk people are always more outspoken than usual.
So much so that when a certain Shence lieutenant, who was still serving by his side, heard that he was also among those being scolded, his face twitched violently.
"Feiqing, be careful what you say..."
Duan Chengshi hadn't expected Wen Tingyun to be so outspoken. He stood up to try and stop him again, but Wen Tingyun had already stood up first.
He was holding a wine jug in one hand, taking sips every now and then, with one foot on a stool, his face flushed.
"His Majesty has been trying to eliminate eunuchs for ten years, and what has been the result? The eunuchs haven't been eliminated; instead, a bunch of scoundrels have been promoted to power!"
"That Li Xun is a treacherous and wicked man who has usurped the position of prime minister. Instead of thinking about how to govern the country, he only thinks about accumulating wealth and accepting bribes, and promoting his cronies."
"Go and see the people coming and going in front of the Prime Minister's mansion. How many of them are just street thugs who have entered officialdom by flattery and sycophancy, while people like Brother Shangyin, who have the country in their hearts, can only sink into despair and fail the imperial examinations time and time again?"
"If things continue like this, what future does my Great Tang Dynasty have?"
Wen Tingyun had clearly been holding back for a long time, and now, fueled by alcohol, he blurted it all out.
It must be said that although his passionate words were impulsive, they were also quite satisfying. Duan Chengshi and Li Shangyin, who were standing nearby, were also somewhat moved by his words and couldn't help but drink the wine in their cups in one gulp.
However, among the crowd, Duan Chengshi was the oldest and held an official position, so his perspective differed from the others. He sighed and shook his head.
"That's not quite right. Since Emperor Xianzong, the eunuchs in the palace have become increasingly powerful and have shown signs of manipulating imperial power. Your Majesty is determined to make progress, so naturally you must prioritize eliminating the eunuchs."
"Although Li Xun, Zheng Zhu and others are wicked and villainous, they are skilled in political maneuvering. They were able to eliminate Wang Shoucheng first and then Qiu Shiliang, so they are quite capable."
"Such a person is at most fit to be a court attendant; to promote him to prime minister is far too much of an honor..."
After he finished speaking, Li Shangyin, who was standing to the side, nodded in approval and said...
"Brother Duan is right. The prime minister is responsible for the weight of the nation. Only a prudent and steady minister can be competent for the job. Li Xun is such a villain. He holds the position of prime minister but only knows how to fight for power. He has no regard for the country and the people. He is a real scourge to the court."
Wen Tingyun sat down somewhat dejectedly, but couldn't help but snort coldly, saying, "What's right about it? Is the state of the court really solely Li Xun's fault? The ruler is the source. If His Majesty hadn't been so determined to promote his cronies and treat ministers like servants, dismissing anyone who didn't obey him, how could a sycophantic villain like Li Xun have risen to power?"
These words were so bold that Duan Chengshi, who was standing to the side, was half-awake from his drunken stupor, and his voice became stern.
"Fei Qing, you're talking nonsense! How dare we presume to comment on His Majesty?"
As he spoke, he turned to Li Ang beside him and said, "Second Brother, please don't be offended. Fei Qing was just in a bad mood and talked nonsense while drunk. Although we met by chance today, both Fei Qing and I consider you a true friend. I hope you will..."
The worry in his words was evident.
Seeing this, Li Ang smiled and said, "Brother Duan, you are too kind. Fei Qing's words show his trust in me, and how could I possibly betray my friend?"
"Besides, I think Fei Qing is not wrong either. Our current emperor has been on the throne for ten years. Calling him a foolish ruler is a bit of an exaggeration, but it is not wrong to say that he is ambitious but incompetent and appoints people on a nepotistic basis."
Duan Chengshi's other half of his drunkenness was immediately jolted awake.
He never expected that this member of the imperial family he had met by chance would be even more outspoken than Wen Tingyun.
"Erlang, you...you...how could you be so disrespectful to the Emperor! If this gets out, it will bring us great disaster!"
Duan Chengshi's tone already carried a hint of fear.
However, Li Ang simply picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, saying...
"What terrible disaster could he possibly cause? Everyone makes mistakes. If His Majesty were truly a saint, what use would he have for remonstrating officials?"
"Well said!" Wen Tingyun, clutching his wine jug, was tipsy but instead felt emboldened. Hearing this, he clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Your words deserve a toast, Second Brother! To have met you today is truly the greatest fortune of my life!"
After saying that, he poured himself a glass of wine and drank it down.
Seeing this, Li Ang also raised his cup in response, saying, "You flatter me, Fei Qing. Actually, there are some things I've been holding back for a long time. Now that I've met some like-minded people today, I just have to say them."
"Erlang, you..." Duan Chengshi raised his hand, seemingly wanting to stop him, but Li Shangyin, who was standing to the side, laughed and said, "Erlang, you also consider us true friends. The most important thing in a gentleman's friendship is loyalty. Brother Duan's repeated obstruction has hurt the feelings of a friend."
Duan Chengshi sighed helplessly, then drank another cup. With a look of utter despair, he waved his hand and said, "You lot, you lot, what a bunch of arrogant fools! Fine, since you have such audacity, I'll just keep you company!"
"Well said!" Wen Tingyun clapped his hands and laughed again, saying, "This is the young master of the Duan family I've just met! Come, let's have another big drink!"
Now even Li Ang could see that this great poet Wen was truly a drunkard.
Shaking his head, Li Ang's expression became more serious as he said, "In my opinion, whether it's eunuchs or ministers, there are both loyal and treacherous ones."
"Take the matter of eliminating eunuchs, for example. It seems that wicked people like Wang Shoucheng should be eliminated as soon as possible. However, the current emperor has been on the throne for ten years and has devoted all his energy to eliminating eunuchs, neglecting the affairs of the state and the court. This is truly putting the cart before the horse!"
"As a ruler, one should be close to virtuous ministers and keep away from wicked people, prioritize the people and the country, and ensure peace and happiness for all people. This is the proper course of action."
"If the people of the world are suffering from famine and hardship, and the regional warlords are constantly waging war, what good will it do even if His Majesty kills all the powerful eunuchs in the palace?"
"If one does not take the people's hearts as one's own, and does not take the suffering of the masses as one's own suffering, then the Mandate of Heaven will be lost. It is a pity that His Majesty has never understood such a simple truth; it is truly lamentable!"
These words were spoken not only to the three people present, but also to Liu Hongyi and the others behind him.
As expected, after hearing these words, Liu Hongyi and the others who were bowing their heads to serve him had their initial displeasure dissipate, replaced by a sense of admiration.
As for Wen Tingyun and the others opposite, upon hearing this, they couldn't help but slam their fists on the table, saying, "Second Master is right! This is truly the way to govern a country, the words of a national hero! I toast you!"
Seeing the great poet Wen raise his glass again, Li Ang was speechless.
This guy is really addicted to drinking.
Helplessly, they raised their cups and sang in unison again, when Li Shangyin, who was standing to the side, suddenly spoke up.
"Since Erlang is a member of the imperial clan, is he within or outside the five degrees of mourning for His Majesty?"
Upon hearing this, Li Ang was slightly taken aback, and a hint of confusion appeared in his eyes.
Seeing this, Li Shangyin quickly explained, "Second Brother, please don't misunderstand. I didn't mean anything by it. I just think that with your knowledge and insight, it would be a great blessing for the country if you could enter the court and assist in governing."
"According to the imperial court, members of the imperial clan within five degrees of kinship could be granted official positions through the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs, while those outside five degrees of kinship had to pass the imperial examinations to enter officialdom."
"Although I am not talented, I have come to the capital at the invitation of my esteemed teacher, Lord Linghu. If you are willing, I can introduce you to Lord Linghu and help you enter officialdom!"