Chapter Thirty-One: Treason

If Li Linfu entered the ranks of chancellors in the twenty-second year of the Kaiyuan era, when he was appointed Minister of Rites and granted the title of Grand Secretary, wielding power for nearly twenty years, then in the final days of his brilliant career, there was another figure whose influence matched and perhaps even surpassed his own. This was not Yang Guozhong, who would later bring calamity to the nation, but Wang Hong.

At the time, Wang Hong held the positions of Vice Minister of Revenue, Gentleman of Silver and Blue, Chief Imperial Censor, Prefect of Jingzhao, Palace Supervisor, Idle Stable Director, Inspector of Livestock in Longyou, and was in charge of the census, labor, markets, grain storage, workshops, gardens, and the propagation of Long Spring Palace’s flora in the capital and surrounding regions. In addition to these, there were over twenty more official duties assigned to him. Never before had one man assumed so many practical responsibilities; he was truly unrivaled in history.

Thus, the emperor established a centralized office at his residence, called the "Commissioner's Court"—a privilege even Li Linfu had never enjoyed. The reason for the emperor’s favor was simple: Wang Hong could generate extra income for the palace beyond the regular treasury, creating what was known as the "internal treasury," satisfying the emperor’s ever more extravagant desires.

Who would dare tamper with the emperor’s purse? Only those courting death. No one would have imagined that Wang Hong, whose power was so great that even Li Linfu and the ambitious Yang Guozhong dared not challenge him, would become entangled in a plot of treason.

It began with a letter of accusation in early April—not against Wang Hong himself, but against a man named Xing Cai, whose co-conspirator was Wang Hong’s brother, Wang Han, a mid-level official in the Ministry of Revenue. Li Linfu remembered clearly the emperor’s reaction when the matter was brought before him.

"His Majesty spoke kindly and showed Wang Hong the secret letter, commanding him to personally investigate the case. Wang Hong then ordered Jia Ji-lin, the constable of Chang'an, to arrest Xing Cai at his residence in the Golden City Ward. Xing Cai, harboring ill intent, broke out with dozens of followers, but the Imperial Eunuch Gao led four hundred cavalry of the Flying Dragon Guards and subdued them on the spot. Afterward, Yang Guozhong accused Wang Hong of involvement in the rebellion. Though Wang Hong’s father protested, the emperor was unconvinced, and ultimately, Wang Hong was ordered to apologize before the court—which he refused."

"Today, the edict is issued: Wang Hong is granted death by his own hand, his brother Wang Han is beaten to death, their family’s assets are confiscated, and the rest are exiled to the southern frontier," Li Xiu recited the news he had just received. His urgency was not due to fear of personal implication.

Li Linfu had anticipated this outcome. The emperor may have wished to spare Wang Hong, but in his terror, Wang Hong dared not confess his involvement—a natural human response. Yang Guozhong exploited this, turning a minor move into a fatal blow.

With no alternative, the emperor ordered Yang Guozhong and the Left Chancellor Chen Xilie to jointly investigate. This brought to light many prior incidents, including the murders of Wei Hui and Ren Haichuan—undeniable evidence. Yet Wang Hong was only granted suicide, showing how much favor he had previously enjoyed.

Was the matter settled? Of course not. Seeing his son’s joyful expression, Li Linfu understood his thoughts. When Wang Hong was at his zenith, his son Wang Zhun was a tyrant in Chang’an, bullying even Li Xiu, the son of a powerful chancellor. Li Linfu dared not appeal to the emperor, for at that time Wang Hong would not be blamed for such trivialities; offending him could mean total ruin.

Li Linfu could bear it with composure, but Li Xiu, deeply humiliated, could not. Now that retribution had come, how could he not rejoice?

But his son did not understand that Li Linfu’s restraint had deeper reasons.

Once conflict erupted between them, the only beneficiary would be Yang Guozhong, who had coveted Wang Hong’s positions for a long time.

"Do you know where Yang Guozhong was when you received the news at home?" Li Linfu asked.

"No, Father, please enlighten me," Li Xiu replied, seeing his father’s expression and immediately realizing something was amiss.

"He was before the emperor, together with Chen Xilie, accusing me of being involved—perhaps even Wang Hong’s ally!"

Li Xiu was stunned, his previous pride vanished, and he murmured, "His Majesty wouldn’t believe that."

"The emperor’s mind is difficult to fathom these days. Here is a poem he wrote today—read it and see what it means." Li Linfu gave up his seat and walked to the study. Li Xiu approached and saw that the poem his father had written was indeed this one:

"Lu and Wei’s ties are deep, affection for kin and sages grows stronger. On leisurely days under the imperial crown, I pass through scenic places. Nobles host grand feasts, elegant songs are played on the terrace. I revisit the joy of goodness, confirming the protection of rivers and mountains."

Li Xiu looked at his father in confusion; it was clearly an old composition.

"This was written in the twenty-fifth year of Kaiyuan, when His Majesty visited Prince Ning’s mansion," Li Linfu sighed softly. "Now, it has been ten years since Prince Ning’s passing."

"Today, His Majesty was at Xingqing Palace, atop the Flower Terrace, with no music or singing—only loneliness and desolation. Seeing another case of treason, what must he be thinking?"

Even Li Xiu, for all his simplicity, sensed the meaning: Wang Hong’s fate might well be Li Linfu’s tomorrow.

"What should we do?" His face turned pale.

"Without evidence, Yang Guozhong cannot pin anything on me—not yet. Wait; it should come soon." Li Linfu’s words were chilling, reminding Li Xiu of the years gone by.

Before he could grasp what his father was waiting for, the voice of the old steward came from outside.

"Master, Minister Wei of the Military Affairs has sent someone, saying there is urgent news to convey."

In the eleventh year of Tianbao, the Ministry of War became the "Military Affairs Department." Wei Jiansu served as Vice Minister, overseeing affairs. Li Linfu acknowledged, turning to his son.

"Go to the southern office and find Gao Xianzhi. Wait outside Xingqing Palace with him; I will meet this new favorite and see what spectacular accusation this street urchin has concocted."

Li Linfu strode from the study with calm dignity, leaving Li Xiu staring in stunned silence for a long while.

Gao Xianzhi, Grand Commander, Special Envoy, and Right General of the Imperial Guard, was not at the office today, having taken leave to return to his mansion in Chongren Ward near the palace. As he was about to enter, he was told an old friend awaited him in Pingkang Ward across the street. Hurrying over, he coincidentally met Li Xiu, who had come looking for him.

"Are you seeking my father? He just went into the palace."

Li Xiu thought Gao was visiting his house, but when Gao explained the situation, Li Xiu immediately dragged him back.

"This matter is urgent; come wait by the palace gates with me, in case the emperor summons us."

Gao Xianzhi was pulled along without even time for a question. At this hour, what could the emperor want with him?