Chapter 47: The Expanded Meeting of the Left Prime Minister's Faction!

“Yulang, what are you doing?”
“Playing!”

Just as Li Zhao had always entered the Duke of Qi’s mansion without needing to announce himself, Cui Zongzhi also came here unhindered, walking straight into the study. He saw the two playing a game of military chess, and his eyes instantly lit up.

This young Duke of Qi was especially fascinated by curious and novel things, particularly those related to games.

Li Zhao was well prepared. He took down a sandalwood box from the bookshelf, which contained a brand-new set of military chess and a rulebook that clearly explained the various ways to play.

Cui Zongzhi accepted it without hesitation, very pleased. “Yulang, your intellect truly surpasses all! You have invented such an interesting game, not allowing the likes of Emperor Yao or the Sage of War to monopolize the glory!” (The former invented Go, the latter invented Xiangqi.)

“Don’t flatter me so much. What brings you here from the Ministry of Revenue instead of being busy with official duties?”

Since his promotion to an official in the Ministry of Revenue, Cui Zongzhi had become very busy, handling income and expenditures, accounting—the daily grind had kept him away from Li Zhao for months.

Now, with the treasury depleted, officials in the Ministry of Revenue were at the forefront of the crisis, working tirelessly. Yet Cui Zongzhi came at this moment—there must be a reason for such an unexpected visit!

“Heh heh, the weather is fine today, so I invited a few friends for a drink. Such a good occasion, of course, I couldn’t forget you, Yulang. It’s also a chance to introduce you to some new acquaintances!”

“Oh? What kind of friends?”

“Friends of extraordinary character, who deeply care for the nation and its people!”

Though brief, Cui Zongzhi’s words carried two clear implications: first, the guests today were not ordinary; most were high-ranking court officials.

Second, this gathering was no mere drinking party; it was a pretext to discuss matters of state, likely connected to the current financial crisis.

Should I go to such a gathering?

Truth be told, Li Zhao was reluctant. This financial crisis was unprecedented—a disaster of nature compounded by human error—and beneath it lay fierce political struggles within the highest echelons of the Tang dynasty.

Political strife was merciless. Once entangled, escaping unscathed was difficult, and death was a possible consequence.

But Cui Zongzhi was a close friend, personally inviting him. He couldn’t exactly refuse… Well then, a true man would go to great lengths for a friend. What was a little risk compared to that?

“I’ve been quite bored lately. Since there’s such a gathering, how could I not attend? It’s a perfect opportunity to make new friends, haha!”

He let the White Rat continue playing chess with Wu Moyun, made a few preparations, then took White Bun and Cui Zongzhi out, boarding a carriage from the Duke of Qi’s mansion, and set off with a flourish…

They departed from the western part of Chang’an—Yanping Gate—and after traveling over twenty miles, they reached the vicinity of the Feng River. Continuing a little further, a vast bamboo grove appeared ahead.

Within the grove was a humble farmhouse, with four thatched cottages, a small pavilion, a well, a stone mill, an ox shed, and a vegetable garden—a scene full of pastoral charm.

The wooden gate was made of white planks, flanked by a couplet posted on either side.

The first line read: “The pot holds the universe; one must know the skillful artful hand; laughing freely over the humble craft of butchery.”

The second line read: “In this world, there is no you or me; I only wish to drink together and forget who claims the prize of the hunt!”

From this couplet, it was clear the owner was a man who loved wine above all else, yet was a refined gentleman intoxicated in body but sober in mind, with a soul steeped in history and culture.

“Senior Jiao, your junior Cui Zongzhi comes with friends to pay respects!”

“Haha, so it is the Prince Consort! This old man is deeply honored!”

Amidst hearty laughter, two figures emerged from the cottage. The first was a slightly stout old man with graying hair. Though dressed in simple homespun clothes, he exuded an air of elegance that forbade any disdain.

Behind him followed a child in red, about seven or eight years old, handsome and very cute.

The wooden door opened, and both sides greeted each other with respectful bows. The old man’s gaze settled on Li Zhao, appraising him from head to toe. “I am Jiao Sui, a commoner. This is my young apprentice Xuanji. May I inquire your honorable name, young sir?”

“To meet Senior Jiao is an honor. I am Li Zhao.”

“Oh? Could you be the famed Li Yulang? The one who composed a poem in seven steps during the imperial exam, solved a major case within two days, and dominated the Qujiang banquet?”

“Such humble fame is hardly worth mentioning. Please forgive my presumption, Senior Jiao.”

“Modest and composed, with a subtle spirit. Good, good, it has been long since I have met such an intriguing young man. Please, come in!”

“Thank you, Senior.”

Li Zhao replied politely, outwardly calm but with thunder rolling inside his heart. Good gracious, his luck was extraordinary—to have encountered such a legendary figure.

Anyone with a modicum of historical knowledge knew that during the Kaiyuan and Tianbao eras of the Tang dynasty, there were eight renowned drinkers called the “Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup.” Cui Zongzhi was one of them, and so was Jiao Sui.

Among the eight, Jiao Sui had the lowest social rank, a mere commoner, and thus was listed last. However, he was famed for his unparalleled drinking capacity.

Li Bai could compose a hundred poems after drinking a jar, sleeping in the taverns of Chang’an.

Jiao Sui could drink five jars and still speak eloquently and at length, astonishing all at the banquet.

Such a feat surpassed even the Poet Immortal Li Bai!

Of course, Jiao Sui’s place among the Eight Immortals was not only due to his drinking and eloquence but also because of his profound knowledge: astronomy above, geography below, and an understanding of human relations—truly a rare genius.

It was said the current emperor, Li Longji, often invited Jiao Sui to the palace for long conversations on governance and national stability, even wishing to appoint him to a significant official post.

Strangely, Jiao Sui always declined, preferring to remain a commoner, living quietly by the Feng River, finding joy in farming, fishing, and reading.

As a side note, it was still the 29th year of Kaiyuan; the Eight Immortals had yet to gather in Chang’an, and the famous “Song of the Eight Immortals” had yet to be written. Its author, the Sage of Poetry Du Fu, was still in Luoyang, repeatedly failing the provincial exams.

Soon, they all settled in the pavilion. The child in red prepared tea, but before it was ready, a group arrived at the courtyard…

At the forefront was the Left Prime Minister Li Shizhi, his eyes dark-rimmed, spirit flagging, wearing a worried expression.

The others were dressed plainly, but their demeanor revealed them as no ordinary men.

Li Zhao did not recognize them, but Cui Zongzhi stepped forward to introduce them one by one:

Minister of Revenue Yang Bo, a renowned financial expert and father of one of Chang’an’s four outstanding talents, Yang Yan.

Vice Minister of Rites He Zhizhang (one of the Eight Immortals).

Left Vice Minister of Personnel Su Jin (one of the Eight Immortals).

Left Vice Minister of Works Wei Jiansu.

Junior Minister of the Imperial Household Yao Yi, second son of the famous Chancellor Yao Chong.

Censorate Official Song Hun, fourth son of Chancellor Song Jing, whose father had been a bitter rival of Li Linfu.

…

At the current court, the civil and military officials were divided into two major factions: the Right Prime Minister Party led by Li Linfu, and the Left Prime Minister Party led by Li Shizhi. The two viewed each other as mortal enemies, constantly engaged in bitter rivalry.

Those present at today’s gathering were all core members of the Left Prime Minister Party.

Among the attendees, Li Zhao was the youngest in both office and age. He immediately bowed to Li Shizhi and the others: “Your humble servant pays respects to the Left Prime Minister and all esteemed officials.”

“Haha, today is a private gathering. Here, we value friendship, not rank. Yulang and I share royal lineage; if you do not mind, just call me Senior!”

“Yulang pays respects to Senior and wishes you good health!”

“Good, good, haha.”

After a few pleasantries, everyone took their seats in the pavilion, an affair of great ceremony.

Excluding attendants, there were ten people present. As the current Left Prime Minister and a close royal relative, Li Shizhi naturally took the seat of honor.

Jiao Sui, despite his lack of rank, was famed for his wisdom and served as the strategist of the Left faction, thus took the second seat. The others were arranged according to rank and age.

Li Zhao, with the lowest rank and youngest age, was naturally seated last, which he accepted without objection.

However, just as he was about to sit down, Cui Zongzhi took the last seat ahead of him. Left with no choice, Li Zhao sat second to last… This surprised the others greatly!

Cui Zongzhi held the Duke of Qi title, was an official in the Ministry of Personnel, and was the emperor’s favored Prince Consort. With such status and talent, he could easily have taken the third or fourth seat.

Now, voluntarily yielding to Li Zhao, what did it mean?

It meant that in Cui Zongzhi’s heart, Li Zhao’s talent far surpassed his own. Otherwise, the proud young Duke of Qi would never have humbly taken a lower seat.

This realization changed the expressions of those present; none dared to underestimate this young man anymore. Yet true acceptance would depend on Li Zhao’s future performance.

Next, servants prepared fish and lamb, readying a feast. The child in red brought out several jars of green bamboo wine personally brewed by Jiao Sui, pouring cups for all…

“Everyone, it is rare to gather like this. Let us raise our glasses and drink heartily, not wasting this fine moment, haha!”

“The Left Prime Minister speaks wisely. To drinking!”

Among the ten present, five were legendary drinkers; the others also had strong tolerance. Ordinarily, they would have indulged in a hearty drinking session.

Yet the opposite happened. All sipped lightly, none truly letting loose… The gathering was too important. The matters at hand concerned the fate of the realm, requiring clear minds. No one dared to truly become intoxicated.

Only Li Zhao was the exception. Due to his special constitution, he could drink endlessly without losing sobriety. Thus, he enjoyed cup after cup. Though this bamboo wine was less potent than strong distilled spirits, it had a refreshing aroma and taste, very pleasant to drink!

As expected, the conversation started with poetry and romantic topics as a prelude, then quickly shifted to the most urgent matter—the financial crisis!