xymnovel Chapter 59: They're all shrewd old foxes
Chapter 59: They're all shrewd old foxes
As a key official in the court and a core member of the Li faction, Zheng Tan was well aware that Li Deyu's description of the faction was exactly the current situation.
The real source of factional strife has never been these people, but rather the group of petty individuals led by Niu Sengru.
They colluded and secretly joined forces to exclude and suppress loyal ministers like themselves, which is why they had no choice but to unite to resist.
But before this, the sage could not see this point. He only thought that the two parties were fighting over their feelings and had to fight to the death. So in the end, he dismissed all the people in both parties.
From this perspective, it can be said that all of these members of the Li faction were implicated by the Niu faction...
"Brother Zheng naturally knows who the members of the Niu faction are..."
Unlike his previous gentle demeanor, Li Deyu's eyes flashed with a cold light as he spoke.
"As the saying goes, it's hard to change one's nature and habits. Now that Niu Sengru has risen to power, their previous collusion and attacks on court officials will inevitably reappear."
"Even if we were to speak of these matters, the Sage would suspect that it is a struggle between two parties. But with the Commander in hand, news will naturally reach the Sage's ears without us having to say anything."
"Then the sage will know who the loyal ministers are and who the treacherous ones are!"
"I see..." Zheng Qin walked around the room a few more times before he could calm himself down. After a moment of thought, he said again.
"So, the establishment of this commander is indeed more beneficial than harmful to us. That's why you deliberately brought up your relationship with Yang Qinyi in front of the Sage earlier?"
Sensing Zheng Qin's questioning gaze, Li Deyu nodded slightly and said.
"After the incident with Qiu Shiliang, the emperor must have realized the harm of only seeking to eliminate eunuchs. Therefore, he established the Eastern Depot. In addition to investigation and espionage, he probably also intended to share power and check the power of the four nobles."
"The eunuchs in the palace have developed to such a point that their power cannot be eliminated overnight. For the sake of the country, people like Yang Shushi, who still have respect for the royal family, can be used to exchange information."
"However, this matter is not in accordance with the rules, so we must be careful and not overstep the boundaries. Today, in front of the Sage, I am telling him that I have had dealings with Yang Shushi, which is to show my openness."
"From now on, as long as we all keep to our proper place, the sage will turn a blind eye, but it's a different story with Niu Sengru and the others..."
Zheng Qin's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands.
"Indeed, when it comes to currying favor with eunuchs and bribing officials, the Niu faction is the real expert. After you enter the court, they will become even more unscrupulous when they see that you have dealings with Yang Shushi."
"Once they discover the true duties of the two commanders, the flaws they reveal will be enough for the sage to see their true colors."
"Wenrao, your move was truly brilliant!"
A smile flashed across Li Deyu's face, but at that moment, he suddenly remembered the words the sage had said to him when he left.
So, his smile quickly faded, and he said instead, "This matter cannot be rushed. Since the Emperor has summoned me back to the capital, I should focus my energy on state affairs, so that the Emperor can see that we are different from those petty people like Li Xun who rely on flattery to get things done."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Qin nodded: "That's exactly right!"
…………
On the other side, the carriage moved forward smoothly, crunching over the fluffy snow on the ground with a soft creak.
Li Ang leaned back on the soft couch, holding a hand warmer in his hands, his mind also replaying the performance he had just witnessed.
Although the time spent together was short, it was clear from this glimpse that Li Deyu was an extremely capable person.
Moreover, based on his understanding of the late Tang Dynasty, he was the most outstanding among those who could be called famous ministers during this period.
But at the same time, Li Ang also realized something else.
That is, from the moment they met, Li Deyu seemed to have been intentionally cultivating an image of "loyalty and integrity".
From his initial candor about his relationship with Yang Qinyi, to his later "outspoken" descriptions of the Niu and Li factions.
Throughout the entire process, Li Deyu presented himself as a loyal and upright official who showed no pretense in front of the emperor.
But is this really the case?
At least Li Ang doesn't think so.
Admittedly, judging from many records of the late Tang Dynasty, the reputation of the Niu Party was much worse than that of the Li Party, but Li Deyu's own measures during the Kaicheng era were not entirely as upright as he claimed.
Regardless of how he explains his thoughts, it is certain that during the late Tang Dynasty, the two parties alternated in power, ousted members of each other's parties, and used official positions and titles in the court as bargaining chips in their struggle.
Based on the series of events that took place tonight, Li Ang is more inclined to believe that Li Deyu's packaging was a political response that was half-true and half-false, based on a precise assessment of the situation.
He knew that he would be given an important position upon returning to the capital, so he must have considered in advance how he should face the emperor again.
After all, in feudal times, especially for those in positions of high-ranking officials, gaining the emperor's trust was a decisive factor in their career and the success of their rule.
Furthermore, Li Ang's sudden arrival exposed his heartfelt conversation with Zheng Qin to the emperor prematurely and directly.
Due to a combination of factors, Li Deyu had no choice but to adopt a more sharp and extreme stance to demonstrate his loyalty to Emperor Li Ang.
This is both to resolve the current crisis and to lay the foundation for his future rule...
Therefore, Li Ang's final words were both a reminder and a warning to Li Deyu.
Let him understand that his little schemes are not without flaws.
Whether this warning will ultimately lead him to further study political maneuvering and make his methods more covert and sophisticated, or whether it will lead him to the right path and truly practice his image of "loyalty and integrity," remains to be seen.
At least for Li Ang at present, Li Deyu's performance in the audience with Li Deyu was a test.
Since that's the case, there's no need to wait any longer to resolve the aftermath of Li Xun's case...
As thoughts raced through his mind, Li Ang pondered his next move when the carriage suddenly stopped, followed by a commotion outside.
"What happened?"
The commotion wasn't close, but it was clear that it was a plea for help. Li Ang snapped out of his daze, lifted the curtain, and asked the person outside.
"Reporting to everyone, there are people ahead driving away those who have broken the law. We are traveling incognito, and this old servant thinks it is not appropriate to reveal our identities, so we will wait here for a while."
"violate a ban?"
Li Ang was taken aback at first, but then he realized that there was actually a curfew in the Tang Dynasty.
Logically speaking, anyone appearing on the street at this time should be arrested or subjected to caning.
But... would someone making such a pitiful sound just from being driven away?
Hearing the pleading cries from afar, Li Ang felt a growing unease. Without much hesitation, he quickly gave the order.
"Let's go take a look!"