Chapter 027: Conspiracy

Li Longji knew that Yang Guozhong had always been at odds with An Lushan, but he had to admit that what Yang Guozhong said made sense. If this matter were true, An Lushan was indeed somewhat insane.

As the saying goes, there is no familial affection in the imperial household.

Li Longji felt this deeply—how had he obtained the throne?

Had it been passed down by the previous emperor?

Absurd.

He had seized it, hadn't he? In the sixth month of the first year of the Tanglong era, on the gengzi day, at the hour of shen, he, Li Longji, had joined forces with Princess Taiping to launch the "Tanglong Coup," slaughtering Empress Wei's faction.

In the first year of the Xiantian era (712 AD), Li Dan, under his coercion, had no choice but to abdicate the throne to him. Thus, Li Longji ascended the throne at the Taiji Palace in Chang'an.

Afterward, he also ordered the death of Princess Taiping, who had initially allied with him, thereby securing the supreme ruling power of the state.

Who was Li Dan? He was Li Longji's biological father.

Who was Princess Taiping? She was Li Longji's aunt, his paternal aunt.

However, to stabilize imperial power, Li Longji had no choice but to order the death of his own aunt. This shows just how thin familial bonds are in the imperial family.

But even the decisive and ruthless Li Longji only ordered the death of his aunt after she had rebelled.

And An Lushan? For the sake of a woman, he unhesitatingly allowed his woman to kill his own son. This is too heartless—even a fierce beast does not eat its own cub.

Such a person is utterly insane and unworthy of being called a son of man.

Li Longji was secretly alarmed. If An Lushan was truly such an ungrateful and heartless man, would he ever hold Li Longji's kindness in regard? After all, a cold and ruthless man like him, who could even kill his own son, would hardly care about Li Longji's favor.

If that were the case, then An Lushan's actions over the years had all been an act before him.

The thought that there was such an ungrateful and ruthless tiger by his side, and moreover a military governor of three provinces, gave the somewhat muddled Li Longji a start.

Had he been too lenient with An Lushan all these years?

So Li Longji decided to teach An Lushan a lesson.

He ordered a decree to be drafted, severely reprimanding An Lushan, fining him three years' salary, and ordering him to kill that woman.

When Yang Guozhong saw the content of the decree, he felt the punishment was too light, so he quickly submitted a memorial, hoping Li Longji would increase the penalty, ideally stripping An Lushan of one of his military governor positions.

Li Longji hesitated upon hearing this.

Just then, Gao Lishi, who usually refrained from interfering in such matters, spoke up to support Yang Guozhong.

“Your Majesty, this old servant believes that Chancellor Yang's words are reasonable.”

Yang Guozhong was utterly astonished as he looked at Gao Lishi.

He had never imagined that Gao Lishi, who usually looked upon him with disfavor, would actually support him on this matter.

What was going on today? Was the sun rising in the west?

Even Li Longji was somewhat surprised. Gao Lishi had always been loyal to him and rarely interfered in state affairs. What was happening today that he suddenly spoke up to support Yang Guozhong?

So he asked, “Why do you think that?”

Gao Lishi recounted in detail the events of the Banquet of Ultimate Bliss, how he had received An Lushan, and how An Lushan had refused to kneel before the imperial decree.

Yang Guozhong's heart leaped with joy upon hearing this.

An Lushan, An Lushan, you are walking right into your own death.

“Your Majesty, An Lushan’s actions show that he does not hold you in the slightest regard. It is clear that this man has long since disregarded imperial authority. Your Majesty has shown him boundless favor over the years, yet he behaves so arrogantly and tyrannically—he clearly has no respect for you at all.”

“Moreover, An Lushan concurrently holds the military governorship of Pinglu, Fanyang, and Hedong, commanding formidable forces, many of whom are battle-hardened barbarian soldiers. If he rebels, the consequences would be unimaginable. Your Majesty must take precautions.”

Li Longji’s face darkened completely after hearing this.

He believed that Gao Lishi would not deceive him on such an important matter. An Lushan’s refusal to kneel before the imperial edict indeed displeased him and unsettled him.

And Yang Guozhong’s words struck a chord deep within him.

In the past, he had trusted An Lushan implicitly, paying no heed to rumors.

But now that this trust had been shaken, he suddenly realized that An Lushan’s power seemed far too great.

Seeing Li Longji’s expression, Yang Guozhong knew his resolve was wavering. Seizing the moment, he said, “Your Majesty, it is actually very simple to test whether An Lushan harbors rebellious intent. If Your Majesty issues an order for An Lushan to relinquish his post as military governor of Hedong, the truth will be revealed.”

“If An Lushan complies, it will prove his loyalty to Your Majesty. Later, Your Majesty can find a pretext to return the post to him.”

“If An Lushan refuses to obey the decree or deliberately delays, then he surely harbors rebellious intent. At that point, I implore Your Majesty to be cautious.”

Li Longji remained silent, hesitant to make a decision.

Yang Guozhong could not understand why Li Longji still would not decide, so he could not help but say, “Your Majesty, this matter should be settled sooner rather than later. I beg you to make a prompt decision.”

Only then did Li Longji speak: “Your words are reasonable, but I fear that if I issue such an order, it might thoroughly enrage An Lushan and force him to rebel.”

No one is willing to give up the power they hold.

Li Longji was unwilling, Yang Guozhong was unwilling, and so in their eyes, An Lushan naturally would be unwilling as well.

Power is a poison; even those poisoned to the brink of death savor it with pleasure.

After hearing Li Longji’s words, Yang Guozhong understood his thinking. In his view, if this move could force An Lushan to rebel, it would still be a good strategy.

At the very least, An Lushan would be doomed.

In Yang Guozhong’s eyes, even if An Lushan held three military governorships, he was no match for the Great Tang.

For An Lushan to raise an army in rebellion was undoubtedly a path to death.

If Wang Bo knew of Yang Guozhong’s thoughts, he might have laughed heartily three times.

Indeed, a mere An Lushan was naturally no match for the Great Tang.

If Li Longji were still the Li Longji who had just ascended the throne, and the chancellor were not Yang Guozhong but Li Linfu, then An Lushan’s rebellion would surely be a dead end.

But the problem was that Li Longji was no longer the Li Longji of old, and Yang Guozhong was not Li Linfu.

In history, after An Lushan rebelled, the people of Taiyuan and the Eastern Surrender City reported the rebellion, yet Li Longji still believed it was a fabrication by those who detested An Lushan and did not believe it.

Only after many days, when reports of the rebellion kept pouring in, did Li Longji believe that An Lushan had indeed rebelled.

Thereupon, Li Longji ordered the two great generals Gao Xianzhi and Feng Changqing to block An Lushan.

With their abilities, stopping An Lushan would be no trouble at all.

In fact, it would be more than enough.