Chapter 145: The Clash Between Imperial Authority and Ministerial Power

"Delicately adorned like a tree of jade, countless green silk ribbons hang down. I know not who tailored these fine leaves; the February spring breeze is like a pair of scissors." — He Zhizhang.

The spring breeze of February trimmed the willow branches and shaped the slender waists of maidens, but this time, it went even further and trimmed the money pouches of countless commoners in Chang'an. Massive amounts of pierced coins and white-metal coins flooded the markets of Chang'an like a sudden spring gale. Prices soared sky-high, drawing endless cries of hardship from the people.

Through the flow of funds and goods, the three major magnates of Chang'an quickly discovered that the party transporting massive quantities of debased coinage to Chang'an for exorbitant profits was the "Trade All-Under-Heaven" merchant association from Jiangnan, whose backer was none other than the wealthy Jiangnan merchant Qi Dagui.

"Trade All-Under-Heaven! Look at the name of their association; it is infinitely more imposing and grandiose than something like the Four Seas Merchant Association," Lu Lele said with a wry smile inside the Wang family's reception hall, letting out a sigh of emotion.

"Three years ago, it was merely an inconspicuous merchant association in Jiangnan. Later on, that Qi Dagui presented his two daughters to Yang Guozhong, and this Jiangnan association was renamed the Trade All-Under-Heaven Merchant Association. Bah!" Guo Wanjin spat disdainfully, clearly looking down upon the wealthy Jiangnan merchant Qi Dagui.

"With such powerful backers, their association's name is naturally more intimidating than ours, and their actions are bound to be unbridled. Yet they dare to embark on such a short-lived path to sudden wealth," Yang Chongyi said, burning with anger yet feeling utterly helpless.

"Before the Trade All-Under-Heaven Merchant Association began using debased coins in Chang'an, debased currency had already appeared within the household of the Princess of Qin. I believe this matter is far from simple. A mere wealthy Jiangnan merchant like Qi Dagui surely lacks the audacity and the means to pull this off on such a scale. Behind the Trade All-Under-Heaven Merchant Association, there is likely the shadow of that almighty Imperial Censor, Lord Yang." Lu Lele stated his judgment with a grave expression.

"Tell me then, why would Imperial Censor Lord Yang resort to such actions?" Wang Yuanbao asked, a faint smile resting on his chubby face as he looked at his beloved son-in-law.

"Chen Xilie, the Left Chancellor of the Great Tang, is weak-willed, and all state affairs are determined by the Right Chancellor, Lord Li Linfu. His Majesty the Sage Emperor is dissatisfied with this and intends to replace him. Currently, there are only two candidates capable of replacing Chen Xilie as Left Chancellor: one is Lord Wang, the Minister of Revenue and Mayor of Jingzhao who holds dozens of concurrent posts; the second is Censor-in-Chief Yang Guozhong.

"However, Lord Wang excels in internal administration and financial management, keeping the imperial treasury of the Great Tang well-organized and abundantly wealthy. In this regard, Yang Guozhong cannot compare to him by a long shot. Presently, our Great Tang suffers consecutive defeats in foreign conflicts, and the imperial treasury is strained. Seeing an opportunity, Yang Guozhong devised this method to amass vast wealth and relieve the strained treasury, demonstrating his financial acumen to His Majesty the Sage Emperor and adding weight to his bid for the Chancellor's seat."

Knowing that his foxy father-in-law was testing him, Lu Lele felt no need for false modesty and spoke fluently and directly.

"Killing the hen to get the eggs, draining the pond to catch the fish—what kind of skill is that!" Guo Wanjin sneered, uttering a pair of idioms for once.

"Whether it is killing the hen for eggs or draining the pond, countless glittering copper coins placed right before the Sage Emperor's eyes—that is his true skill. Whatever the ultimate outcome of this affair may be, it will still be decided by a single word from His Majesty the Sage Emperor. As for us, we should simply sit back and watch how the situation unfolds." Wang Yuanbao saw through the matter clearly and remained remarkably calm.

"Father-in-law! Who in Chang'an does not know that Lord Wang has always followed the lead of Chancellor Li Linfu in the imperial court? His Majesty's original intention was for someone in the Left Chancellor's seat to dilute Chancellor Li's authority, not to let Lord Wang secure the position and allow Chancellor Li to manipulate the court single-handedly. In this matter, I fear His Majesty the Sage Emperor will likely lean toward favoring Yang Guozhong." Lu Lele cast a worried look at his elder father-in-law, terrified that the latter might have overlooked something crucial and led them into error.

"Heh!" Wang Yuanbao smiled indifferently. "You underestimate us old fellows too much. If you can think of this, could we possibly fail to do so? Our decision to sit back and watch is to see what moves Chancellor Li Linfu will make. Consider the Chancellors of our Great Tang; others in that position rarely lasted more than two or three years before slinking away in disgrace. Yet this Lord Li Linfu has sat securely as Chancellor for nineteen years, standing tall and unshaken. How could he possibly be so simple?

"Young man! In life and in affairs, you must learn to remain calm amidst turmoil and observe developments quietly; only then will you avoid missteps."

Having received another lecture from the old fox, Lu Lele had to swallow his pride and accept it. These old fellows who had accumulated wealth to the absolute pinnacle were none of them simple characters. He was still too young; he had much to learn and a long road ahead.

"Brother Lu! That wicked Jiangnan merchant Qi Dagui is staying in a private estate at the foot of Mount Zhongnan. The beggar disciples I sent to scout out the place vanished without a trace the moment they got close, leaving not even their bones behind. Damn it, has that place turned into a dragon's pool and a tiger's den? No, I want to go and investigate personally to see just how my beggar disciples disappeared."

In Lu Lele's study, Guo Wanjin spoke with burning indignation. In his fury, he struck the corner of Lu Lele's desk with a single palm strike, shattering it.

"Oh!" Lu Lele looked at Guo Wanjin with a mocking smile. "Your Subduing Dragon Palms are certainly growing more formidable. Yet no matter how high your martial arts are, can you withstand the volley of military crossbows? Have you forgotten so quickly how Chen Pipi, the wicked beggar of the East City, met his end?"

"What should we do then?" Guo Wanjin felt a chill in his heart upon hearing this, looking at Lu Lele with lingering reluctance.

"At this point, this matter is no longer something you people of the pugilist world can meddle in. Withdraw all your men immediately and return to whatever you were supposed to be doing. Wait—wait for the situation to shift."

Lu Lele gazed in the direction of Pingkang Ward, thinking to himself that with the markets of Chang'an in complete chaos, his esteemed martial uncle could not possibly remain unaware and should soon take some action.

"All debased coins currently circulating in the markets of Chang'an must be taken to government offices for exchange within a time limit of one month. Those who fail to submit them to government offices for exchange shall be charged with a crime." A decree issued by the Chancellor appeared overnight across the streets and alleys of Chang'an, causing an uproar throughout the city.

Five lead-alloyed white coins could be exchanged for one good coin at the government office. Twelve pierced copper coins could be exchanged for ten good coins. Merchants and commoners alike boiled with fury, cursing in unison.

The Chancellor's Mansion remained unmoved, directly dispatching the Jinwu Guards of the Southern衙 (Southern Imperial Guard Headquarters), who surrounded the private estate where the wealthy Jiangnan merchant Qi Dagui resided at the foot of Mount Zhongnan.

In the imperial study of Huaqing Palace, His Majesty Emperor Xuanzong stroked the fur of a snow-white imperial cat with one hand, his eyes half-closed as he conceived a new zither melody. Imperial Consort Yang Yuhuan, clad in garments of rainbows and feathers, danced gracefully, displaying her beauty to the supreme sovereign above.

"Humph!" Xuanzong gave a cold internal snort. "I merely wished to send troops to teach that petty southern state of Nanzhao a lesson and display the might and military prestige of my Great Tang. Yet you, Li Linfu, and you, Lord Wang, dared to present me with the excuse of an empty imperial treasury, leaving me utterly helpless.

"Didn't Lord Wang reduce the annual tribute of the Daming Palace? Did you truly believe that would choke my throat? This single garment of rainbows and feathers worn by the Consort is worth millions of copper coins. With a wave of my hand, I spent it as lightly as nothing. I am the Son of Heaven; how could mere silver and copper constrain me? Ha, ha, ha ha!"

At this thought, Xuanzong felt immensely triumphant and laughed soundlessly.

"Your Majesty the Sage Emperor! Your Majesty the Sage Emperor! Something terrible has happened! That treacherous Chancellor Li Linfu has acted with unbridled audacity, issuing a decree to ban debased currency in the city of Chang'an without waiting for Your Majesty's ruling. It has driven the entire populace of Chang'an to curse the imperial court to their faces. Now, he has even dispatched the Southern Imperial Guard Jinwu Guards to surround the residence of the wealthy Jiangnan merchant Qi Dagui—who rendered such great service—intending to arrest and convict him. Look at this; does he still hold Your Majesty the Sage Emperor in his eyes?"

Crying out in agitation, Yang Guozhong rushed into the imperial study and prostrated himself before Xuanzong, kowtowing repeatedly.

"How dare you, Li Linfu! Do you truly take me, the Son of Heaven, for a mere decoration? Someone come, deploy the Yulin Guards to me! Let me see who dares to take away my meritorious subject Qi Dagui!"

Xuanzong slammed the imperial desk and stood up in a fit of rage.

At the Xuanwu Gate, the garrison grounds of the Northern Imperial Guard's Left and Right Yingwu Armies, Lu Lele sat inside his large tent, letting out continuous sighs of emotion.

"Martial Uncle, oh Martial Uncle, your style of action remains as swift and decisive as ever. Yet was it worth it to have the ignorant populace of the entire city curse you into the dirt? Now that you have completely fallen out with Yang Guozhong, life in the imperial court is bound to become lively. Still, your nephew must admire your boldness."

"Brother Lu! Brother Lu! The entire Left and Right Yingwu Armies are mobilizing and preparing for deployment; it looks like we are about to conduct maneuvers!" Cheng Changmu rushed into the tent in a flurry.

Lu Lele was greatly startled and sprang to his feet, sensing instinctively that some major and ominous event was about to unfold. He immediately ordered the officers and men of the logistics and baggage supply battalion to make all necessary preparations.

"Your Majesty the Sage Emperor! The units under the Southern Imperial Guard are on full alert. The Northern Imperial Guard's Left and Right Yingwu Armies, as well as the Left and Right Shenyong Armies, are also mobilizing and preparing for deployment. Should the Yulin Guards still be dispatched as well?"

Inside the imperial study, Gao Lishi's eerie, ambiguous voice caused Xuanzong's body to tremble slightly. With a pale complexion, he slammed his hand fiercely onto the imperial desk, only to sink back into his imperial chair and wave his hand powerlessly.

"Order the Yulin Guards not to act rashly. That Qi Dagui is guilty as charged; let the Chancellor take him back to be tried and punished."

Lu Lele spent the entire day in a state of high tension at the Xuanwu Gate encampment. Finally, instructions arrived: everything remained as before, and the troops were to return to their quarters.

That night, Li Lisan appeared directly in the military camp and brought him to Li Linfu's study.

At this moment, Li Linfu's demeanor was listless, and he appeared to have aged significantly, a sight that caused a pang of sorrow in Lu Lele's heart, leaving him hesitant to speak.

"Today after morning court, my son Li Xiu knelt before me and wept. 'My lord has resided in the chancellorship for long, making countless enemies, so that your path forward is filled with thorns. Once disaster strikes, your fate will be hard to predict.' Yet up to this day, I can only take not a single step backward."

Li Linfu let out a long sigh, his expression somewhat desolate.

"Martial Uncle! There was an unusual movement among the imperial guards today—what major event actually occurred?" Unable to restrain himself, Lu Lele finally asked.

"This matter of minting white coins shakes the very foundations of our Great Tang. Such an affair can never be condoned. Regarding that wealthy Jiangnan merchant Qi Dagui's minting of white coins, Your Majesty the Sage Emperor actually intended to deploy the Yulin Guards to protect him, forcing me to bare my blade. Yet the moment this blade is drawn, it is destined that I shall have no good end in the future. Imperial authority is bestowed by Heaven; as long as you do not intend to rebel, struggling against it will ultimately end in failure."

Li Linfu's expression grew gloomy and somewhat disheartened.

"His Majesty actually intended to deploy the Yulin Guards to protect a wicked Jiangnan merchant arrested for crimes?" Lu Lele's jaw dropped in astonishment.

"Who do you think was the mastermind behind the flood of debased currency in Chang'an? Was it that wicked Jiangnan merchant Qi Dagui? You are wrong. The one who ordered Qi Dagui to mint white coins, exchange them at a rate of one for five, and transport them to Chang'an for exorbitant profits was none other than His Majesty the Sage Emperor of our Great Tang!

"We, the ministers of the court, used the excuse of an insufficient imperial treasury to thwart His Majesty's intention to launch another military campaign against Nanzhao. Furthermore, Lord Wang cut off the Daming Palace's annual tribute of eight billion copper coins. Who could have known that our Sage Emperor, through Yang Guozhong, would command Qi Dagui to mint debased coins, and then order the responsible offices to use grain, silk, and tens of billions in treasury funds to purchase these debased coins, transporting them into Chang'an? With debased currency flooding the markets, he reaped exorbitant profits for himself.

"When I issued a decree to ban the flood of debased currency in Chang'an and ordered the Jinwu Guards to arrest Qi Dagui for trial, I severed His Majesty the Sage Emperor's source of wealth. How could he not fly into a rage?"

Li Linfu shook his head continuously, looking utterly helpless.

Lu Lele's chin nearly dropped to the floor in shock; regarding such a Sage Emperor, he had nothing left to say. Staring blankly at Li Linfu, he asked in a very dry tone, "And then?"

"When I bared my blade, His Majesty the Sage Emperor ultimately backed down, and the matter became a subject of heated debate in the imperial court. Minister of Revenue Lord Wang stepped forward and stated with a blank expression:

"'The copper coins manufactured by our Great Tang consist of eighty-four percent copper, fourteen percent white wax, and two percent lead and tin. This tiny rule of coin-making represents the founding foundation of our Great Tang. To privately mint debased currency is to destroy the credibility of the Great Tang state, and it must never be condoned.'

"His Majesty the Sage Emperor had no choice but to agree to our prohibition of debased currency, confiscate the property of the wicked merchant Qi Dagui, and exile him to Lingnan. However, the pierced coins will continue to be used as before.

"This time, in the banning of debased currency, both sides took a step back. Though our side appeared to have won a minor victory, we exposed our strength, and thus we have actually lost."

Li Linfu gazed up at the pitch-black night sky, exhausted in body and mind.