Chapter 602: Chapter 78: Fanning the Flames, Time for Schemes
Although Gao Xianzhi’s character is equally greedy,
he really possessed true skills.
In contrast, what about Yang Guozhong?
In the original history, whether in official records or in popular legends, his life was primarily described as "misleading the country."
His political career was filled with autocracy, bribery, and intensifying conflicts, almost without any substantial achievements recognized.
How could Gu Yi look up to such a person?
Now it was merely a simple matter of using him, without even requiring Gu Yi to personally direct Gu Xuan to take action; just releasing some information would suffice.
Given Yang Guozhong’s relationship with An Lushan,
he would certainly push everything forward to prevent An Lushan from growing too powerful.
This is also human nature.
The role of the Imperial Censorate became fully apparent at such times, although Li Longji had decreed to abolish the last remaining power in Gu Hao’s hands.
But the Gu Clan still controlled the Imperial Censorate.
Without a thorough overhaul within the Imperial Censorate, doing small things was not considered difficult.
There was no need to make a big fuss, just enough to keep Yang Guozhong vigilant, that was enough.
If too aggressive, it might instead backfire.
At that point, forcing An Lushan to rebel prematurely could be disastrous.
This is one of the main reasons why Gu Yi did not directly target An Lushan.
An Lushan was not a fool.
On the contrary, whether in the original history or in current developments,
An Lushan was someone who crawled from the very bottom to his current position, such people were shrewd, directly targeting him would most likely force him to take immediate action.
If the Gu Clan was not fully prepared, the impact would indeed be uncontrollable.
And then—
Gu Yi turned his attention to some well-known generals currently outside, including Crown Prince Li Heng.
He did not reveal too much to the outside generals.
He hadn’t even actively contacted them yet.
He merely made preparations in advance, so that when the time came they could have the opportunity to block An Lushan from various aspects.
As for Crown Prince Li Heng,
Gu Yi’s idea was even more straightforward.
—Completely abandon Li Longji!
If it weren’t for Li Shimin’s will and Li Longji’s current actions, Gu Yi might not have chosen to let the Gu Clan take this step.
But now things were different.
Li Shimin’s status in the entire Great Tang was unparalleled.
This provided the Gu Clan with the most orthodox reason.
As for Li Longji, although his criticism was not particularly severe yet, if the world was indeed thrown into chaos, it would be a completely different story!
Time swiftly passed by.
Without surprising Gu Yi’s judgment, once there appeared some rumors about An Lushan in Luoyang again,
the most alert was Yang Guozhong.
He immediately urged Li Longji, as usual, to accuse An Lushan of conspiracy.
But Li Longji still did not take it to heart.
Subsequently, Yang Guozhong naturally thought of resorting to secondary measures, focusing on the prominently appearing Gao Xianzhi and Feng Changqing.
Of course, this was under Gu Yi’s direction.
Yang Guozhong was well aware of the capabilities of these two individuals, and immediately suggested to Li Longji, while Consort Yang put whispers in Li Longji’s ear.
Under such circumstances, at the end of February in the 14th year of the Tianbao era, Gao Xianzhi and Feng Changqing finally left Luoyang.
On this day, history once again altered. ...
...
Julu, inside Yunshao Pavilion.
As the most renowned elegant pavilion in the current world, at this moment, Yunshao Pavilion was bustling with voices, yet a refined atmosphere lingered within.
The interior décor was extremely elegant.
Various famous calligraphy and paintings were hung on the plaster walls, and ancient vessels were placed on the display racks, all showcasing the host’s taste and the guests’ status.
Students from across the nation gathered here, tapping rhythmically and singing, reciting newly acquired verses, occasionally clapping in laughter, sometimes frowning in contemplation.
Accompanied by bursts of zither music, the "prosperous" scene was vividly depicted.
However, in a secluded corner by the window facing the water, there sat two elderly men quite isolated from the surrounding lively scene.
Both had frost-colored hair.
One, with a reddish face, leaned against the railing, his robe slightly open, revealing a somewhat unrestrained demeanor, already intoxicated.
The other, though his drunkenness was a bit subdued, also had a face suffused with rosy glow, yet there was an indescribable melancholy lingering in his brows, making his figure look more emaciated under the wide robe.
Though amidst the hustle, the two seemed to inhabit a world of their own.
Strikingly different from the atmosphere around them.
Occasionally, curious and uncertain glances were stealthily cast in this direction, leaving the observers astonished and whispering amongst themselves:
"Gentlemen, look, who is drinking with Master Li?"
"To be able to drink with Master Li, he must also be an extraordinary person."
"I wonder how the poetry spirit of the exiled immortal is today? Is there a new poem to be presented?"
"..."
Exclamations of surprise resounded occasionally, and many people were extremely curious about this.
Feeling the gazes from around, Du Fu perhaps felt a bit uncomfortable, inadvertently thinking of asking Li Bai to leave.
Although today was the first time he met Li Bai,
he had long read countless works of this "exiled immortal," having been spiritually connected for a long time, and now, after receiving help from the Gu Clan to leave Chang’an, and arriving at this literary hub,
naturally, he wanted to have a good chat.
Li Bai was indifferent to this, nodding and picking up the wine pot on the table, he walked towards the front with Du Fu and headed out of the pavilion.
"Master Li, do you have any elegant compositions today?"
Surrounding literati with courage occasionally raised questions.
Li Bai paid no attention to this.
Composing poetry for him was an act of spontaneity, and having already composed several poems about Yunshao Pavilion, he would naturally not be affected by any influence.
