Chapter 61: The Carp Is Fit for Sashimi, Time to Return Home

"Eleventh Young Master, your plan is excellent, truly excellent!"

Han Chaozong had never expected that what he thought would be a long, drawn-out planning process was completed by Ye Chang in a single, effortless day. Even more surprising, by following this plan for the relocation, not only would the Jingzhao Prefecture not need to spend much money, but they might even profit.

After the new layout was drawn up, the number of shops that could be built along the newly excavated pond exceeded those currently being demolished by over forty. These plots and shops, all under official control, could be rented or sold, giving the prefecture a much looser hand financially. Though a gentleman does not speak of profit, for a court with ever-mounting expenses and stagnant income, this would ease a considerable burden!

Moreover, Han Chaozong was a man who valued practical action over empty reputation. Even when Li Bai's poetry became renowned across the land, and Li Bai wrote his famous letter to Han Jingzhou hoping for recognition and recommendation, Han Chaozong did little on his behalf. The reason was simple: he believed Li Bai, for all his eloquence, lacked the ability to achieve practical results.

"I do not deserve such praise. I merely made do with what was at hand. If there is any part requiring correction, I beg you to amend it," Ye Chang replied modestly.

"There is nothing to amend!" Han Chaozong laughed. "The Emperor just summoned me—I'm to go to court. I will recommend you to His Majesty myself!"

"Wait, Master Han, didn't we agree that once I handled this matter for you, I would return to my hometown?" Ye Chang panicked instantly. His plan was to use the complicated affairs of demolition and reconstruction to tie up Ji Wen, while he himself enjoyed a carefree return to Xiuwu. He had no intention to remain in the capital and accept any official post.

Even if he were to serve, now was not the time; he lacked the reputation to command respect.

"To recommend the worthy in service of the nation is my duty; to offer your talents for the country is yours. A scholar with great ability must shoulder great responsibility," Han Chaozong snorted. "I never said I would let you go after this matter was done!"

Once again, Ye Chang felt the compelling dominance radiating from this Tang official.

He was momentarily stunned, then realized that seeking Han Chaozong's help was like bargaining with a tiger. For this man, everything revolved around serving the imperial court—not allowing football was for the nation, studying diligently was for the nation, forbidding a return home was still for the nation…

All was for service to the great Tang.

Ye Chang grumbled inwardly, cursing himself for being so easily coaxed by Han Chaozong, forgetting his prior experiences with him!

This man had only one thought: loyalty to the dynasty, and for that, any action was justified.

But now was not the time for regret. Besides, if he truly were recommended for office, it would be better than being under Ji Wen's watchful eye.

"Go bathe and dress, prepare yourself. His Majesty may summon you," Han Chaozong said hurriedly, then left.

Mounting his horse, Han Chaozong rode swiftly to Xingqing Palace, pondering how best to recommend Ye Chang. But as he reached the main gate—Xingqing West Gate—he found the Prime Minister, Li Linfu, already waiting.

Li Linfu smiled faintly at Han Chaozong. Though their political views differed, Han Chaozong could not deny that Li Linfu's smile had a gentle, spring-like warmth.

After exchanging greetings, Li Linfu led the way, Han Chaozong following, into Xingqing Palace. As it was not a formal court assembly, Emperor Li Longji did not receive them in the Hall of Diligent Governance, but instead at the Agarwood Pavilion in the northeast corner of the Dragon Pool. As they approached, they heard the sound of laughter and applause. Han Chaozong's brows furrowed, while Li Linfu stroked his beard in silence.

Rounding flowering branches and willow trees, they saw on a small lawn outside the pavilion two teams of palace maids and eunuchs playing ball. However, it was not the traditional cuju, but the recently popular football—though an official match required a larger field, with fewer players, a small patch of grass sufficed for five- or seven-a-side games.

Emperor Li Longji was not participating, merely watching from the side and laughing heartily. Both Li Linfu and Han Chaozong noticed a young Daoist girl standing beside the Emperor, while another, Yang Yuhuan, dressed similarly, stood a little further away.

"Lady Twenty-Nine?" Li Linfu recognized the young Daoist and was somewhat curious. She had never been favored before—why was she here now?

Soon he guessed the connection between the football game and Lady Chong, and glanced at Han Chaozong, whose expression was cold and stern. Li Linfu made a subtle gesture.

The gesture advised Han Chaozong not to remonstrate, but Li Linfu knew that if he did not advise restraint, Han Chaozong would be even more likely to charge in, like a fighting cock roused by noise.

Li Longji had summoned Li Linfu to address some governmental matters. Recently neglectful of state affairs, the Emperor had delegated most responsibilities to Li Linfu. Since Han Chaozong was also present, he decided to handle accumulated state business all at once.

Li Linfu’s reports were orderly and clear. Though not highly learned—he once wrote “the joy of raising a wild boar” instead of “the joy of raising a son”—he was adept at handling administrative matters. In a short time, all issues were presented and resolved to Li Longji’s great satisfaction.

"Master Han, I summoned you today to inquire about the excavation of the pond in the Western Market," Li Longji said next.

During the Tang dynasty, the relationship between emperor and minister was not as severe as in later eras; thus, the Emperor addressed Han Chaozong respectfully as "Master Han." Han Chaozong had been ready to remonstrate, but upon hearing the Emperor deal with state affairs, he refrained from interrupting. When Li Linfu finished, and Han was about to speak, Li Longji turned to business.

All of Han Chaozong's words of remonstrance were stifled, much to his discomfort. Li Linfu smiled to himself: the Emperor’s political skill was not something Han Chaozong could match.

Han Chaozong described the Western Market plan and presented the diagrams. Li Longji examined the sketches and was especially pleased to hear that such a large project could not only be carried out at little cost, but might even bring profit to the province. He praised the plan repeatedly. When he learned that the project would also serve to promote the use of cement, he asked, "What is this cement?"

So Han Chaozong explained its origin. Li Longji understood: "Ah, so it is the invention of that young man named Ye Chang... Is it truly useful?"

Receiving Han Chaozong’s affirmative reply, Li Longji waved his hand with a smile: "Then proceed as you have advised."

"I wish to recommend Ye Chang to Your Majesty," Han Chaozong felt the time was right and began to introduce Ye Chang.

As he recounted Ye Chang’s many talents, Li Longji’s interest grew. He had, in fact, wished to learn more about Ye Chang. When Han Chaozong finished, the Emperor turned to Li Linfu: "As Prime Minister, have you heard of Ye Chang?"

With a smile, Li Linfu replied, "I have indeed. I even heard him compose poetry at Qinglong Temple on Leyi Plain; the line, 'The sunset is infinitely beautiful, but it is near dusk,' moved the guest of honor He to tears."

"He’s already submitted his resignation twice," Li Longji laughed and shook his head. "One poem dismissed an old minister—if he writes a few more, will I have anyone left at court?"

The Emperor said this without malice, but Li Linfu took note and continued, "I had heard of his poetic reputation and quick wit, but not of his abilities in urban planning and construction. However, I have also heard..."

Han Chaozong narrowed his eyes, knowing Li Linfu’s reputation for honeyed words hiding a dagger. The more Li Linfu praised Ye Chang, the more uneasy Han Chaozong became.

"It is not the first time I’ve heard of Master Ye’s poetry. Before coming to the capital, he met Lady Gongsun at Fengling Crossing, shared a meal of Yellow River carp, and composed the poem 'On Fengling Crossing.' I admire his concern for the people, and still remember the poem."

As Li Linfu recited the poem, Han Chaozong’s heart skipped a beat. He remembered it well; He Zhizhang had even shown him the wooden plaque once displayed by Jiao Sui.

"People come and go on the river, loving only the taste of carp. But look at that lone boat, tossed in the wind and waves."

Li Linfu recited the poem. At first, Li Longji smiled, but gradually his smile faded, and his brows furrowed.

"Loving only the taste of carp!"

Han Chaozong suddenly realized: Li Linfu’s honeyed words indeed hid a blade!

Because the imperial surname was Li, a homonym for "carp," Li Longji had, in the third and nineteenth years of the Kaiyuan era, twice forbidden the catching of carp; sellers could be flogged with sixty strokes. The ban was unpopular, and many officials ignored it, but before the Emperor, it had to be respected.

By reciting this poem, Li Linfu appeared to praise Ye Chang’s talent and compassion, but in truth, he was warning the Emperor that this young man ignored imperial edicts—a reckless, lawless character!

Han Chaozong protested, "Your Majesty, Ye Chang is young and may not yet know of the old prohibitions!"

At this, Li Linfu smiled.

Had Han Chaozong not brought it up, Li Longji might have let it pass. Now, he could not ignore it.

At this stage, Li Longji was both neglectful of affairs and fearful that his subordinates did not take him seriously, obeying in appearance but not in truth.

"Ye Chang is a rare talent. With another ten years of tempering, he could govern a region for Your Majesty; in twenty, he could be a pillar of the court. He should not be cast aside for a small mistake—"

"Master Han speaks truly," Li Longji smiled. "Such talent must be tempered."

With that, he clasped his hands behind his back and signaled them to follow, then turned to Lady Chong: "Twenty-Nine, go and keep Lady Taizhen company."

Lady Chong nodded, casting a longing look at Li Longji. Though young, she understood her imperial father was sending her away so that he could discuss matters unsuitable for her ears.

"Ye Chang truly needs tempering. From what Master Han has said, his talent is not in question, but it is his character that must be refined," Li Longji said, glancing at Han Chaozong.

Han Chaozong agreed; Ye Chang’s temperament was indeed a headache—great talent, but narrow capacity, not the makings of a famed statesman.

"Therefore, I intend to let Ye Chang return home," Li Longji’s next words nearly made Han Chaozong’s jaw drop.

"What?" Han Chaozong thought he had misheard. "Your Majesty, my hearing is not what it was; please say that again."

"Let him return home," Li Longji laughed.

It was like the story of Meng Haoran!

Long ago, Meng Haoran was recommended by Wang Wei and happened to meet Li Longji by chance. He recited his proudest poem, but upon reaching the line, "Untalented, I have been cast off by the wise ruler," the Emperor took offense: "You do not wish to serve, yet you claim I have cast you off—how can you slander me?" Thus, Meng Haoran was sent home and never served in office again. Han Chaozong himself once tried to recommend Meng Haoran, but Meng failed to show up.

Han Chaozong turned pale. He had promised Ye Chang he would keep him, to serve as a right-hand man in the prefecture!

Still unwilling to give up, he argued further for Ye Chang, but Li Longji shook his head. "Today, Ye Chang led Lady Twenty-Nine to the Western Market—Master Han, you surely did not know this."

Han Chaozong was speechless. Lady Twenty-Nine was but a child, and Ye Chang had spirited her off to the market—this was not just bold, it was downright audacious. Left unchecked, he might become another Helan Minzhi!

If so, Han Chaozong’s reputation for recognizing and recommending talent would be ruined.

Li Linfu understood this was simply an excuse for Li Longji to stop Han Chaozong pestering him. The imperial family was merciless, and Lady Twenty-Nine was not favored.

He felt triumphant: Ye Chang’s market plan and the introduction of cement both made him uneasy. If these achievements went to Han Chaozong, he might yet rise to the rank of prime minister. One Li Shizhi was already more than enough; if Han Chaozong advanced too, all Li Linfu’s efforts would be for naught.

Han Chaozong left Xingqing Palace in deep disappointment—with himself, with Li Longji, and with Ye Chang.

Ye Chang was under close watch by the prefecture’s officers, with no chance to slip away. He was certain that if he tried, Han Chaozong would send someone after him. Bored in the office, he racked his brains for a way out. For him, it was not difficult—passive resistance would be the simplest approach; a more moderate one was to make himself incompatible with his colleagues so they would press Han Chaozong to let him go. Of course, there were more sophisticated methods requiring wit.

He had already thought of four or five advanced schemes and seven or eight intermediate ones—no need to consider the low-level tactics. As he pondered which to use, Han Chaozong returned.

Despite everything, Han Chaozong seemed in good spirits and smiled at Ye Chang.

"Eleventh Young Master, I have recommended you to His Majesty. I did not expect your reputation to have already reached his ears, and he values your talent highly, so—"

Ye Chang frowned; he truly did not want to be noticed by Li Longji.

"So His Majesty feels you should temper your character before being put to great use, and thus is sending you home," Han Chaozong said.

"Ah?"