Chapter 136: A Gift
Imperial Commissioner Liu even suspected a conspiracy, believing Prince Yu deliberately used him to deal with the Li King. He wasn’t unaware that Prince Yu had arranged for assassins within his imperial commissioner group.
But with the imperial princes fighting amongst themselves, what could a minor official like him do?
Yet, you are so openly using this official, it’s as if you want me dead! If I were to be accidentally killed by the Li King today, who would be able to vindicate me!
Imperial Commissioner Liu decided that upon returning to Chang’an, he would secretly retaliate against Prince Yu.
At this moment, facing the fake Li King’s sarcastic remarks, he dared not look at the real Li King’s face. Even with no one else present, this act had to continue:
“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. I never expected Your Highness to be in such dire straits at the border. This subordinate will certainly report to His Majesty.”
Jin Sui just wanted to get rid of this person quickly. After all, the polo match was too grand, and there were many ‘illegal’ transactions in the trade zone. If he saw them, it would become another talking point.
She directly said, “Whether you report to His Majesty or not is up to you, Lord. This King is already accustomed to it. What does it matter if it’s difficult? It is this King’s duty to guard the border for Great Xia.”
At this, the imperial commissioner couldn’t help but look at Gu Changxiao, thinking, this fake Li King really knows how to say the right things.
“The medicine to cure the plague, this King had already prepared to offer to the Imperial Court. It’s just that, as you can see, Yandi is difficult. This King is ostracized by the gentry, and it’s extremely hard to even send a memorial back to Chang’an.”
“Furthermore, Yandi has many bandits and horse thieves. If such good medicine were to be sent directly to Chang’an, it might not even make it. Since Lord Liu has brought many people, this King feels at ease with you taking it.”
Imperial Commissioner Liu was overjoyed. He never expected the Prince to be so magnanimous in matters of great importance! He didn’t cause him any trouble at all and directly gave him the good medicine.
He quickly said, “Your Highness, rest assured. This subordinate will definitely deliver this medicine safely to Luocheng. The prescription will be taken back to the Imperial Academy of Medicine for the Imperial Physicians to research. I will also inform His Majesty that the gentry of Yandi are too arrogant and Your Highness is in a difficult situation.”
But when the prescription was handed to him, and he showed it to the accompanying imperial physician, both of them turned pale and green: “If Your Highness didn’t want to give it, why trouble this subordinate? This is hardly medicine! This is clearly swill!”
Jin Sui really didn’t want to waste any more words with them and said to Gu Changxiao:
“You explain it yourself! Oh, right, Cheng Yu has already prepared the New Year’s Gift for Chang’an. Have our people accompany Imperial Commissioner Liu’s convoy back to Chang’an.”
“I’m going to check on the polo match. The border city is chaotic. Lord Imperial Commissioner, take your things and leave quickly. I won’t be keeping you overnight.”
Jin Sui finished speaking without pausing and left as if fleeing. Imperial Commissioner Liu was about to complain to Gu Changxiao about this impolite fake Li King toying with them.
Upon seeing Gu Changxiao’s gaze, he felt a chill down his spine and dared not say a word.
Gu Changxiao led them to the infirmary and showed them the medicine the injured soldiers were using. It was precisely the ‘swill’ they had spoken of.
He then took them to the place where penicillin was being produced. From the initial cultivation of mold from fruit peels to the final step of filtering it into medicine, he showed them the production process and repeated everything Jin Sui had told him that day.
At this point, Imperial Commissioner Liu and the imperial physician finally believed that such good medicine truly existed!
Gu Changxiao then gave Imperial Commissioner Liu the memorial he and Jin Sui had discussed and written, the one that ‘cried poverty.’ The entire text described how difficult the borderlands were and how much the common people suffered.
He offered the good medicine prescription, not seeking any reward from his Father Emperor, but only hoping to secure some benefits for the borderlands. The Tartars could attack at any time, so he pleaded with the Emperor to grant him the authority to conscript soldiers. He requested the right to settle refugees in the borderlands, the power to collect grain tax and levy corvée labor, and the freedom to open trade.
The so-called trade authority meant that the Li King could issue commercial permits, such as salt permits and wine permits, which were regulated by the Imperial Court, in the border city.
Another was the ability to mint money! That’s right, Great Xia permitted feudal kings to mint their own currency! While copper coins were not allowed, gold and silver ingots could be minted by themselves.
Jin Sui had long been dissatisfied with the scattered silver and broken silver in the market, and the strange shapes of traded gold. Once she obtained the authority to mint money, she would definitely create beautiful and convenient silver and gold coins.
In reality, these powers were originally held by imperial princes in their fiefdoms. Even if they overstepped a little, as long as they didn’t rebel, the higher authorities wouldn’t investigate them.
However, the borderlands were too special, being ostracized by all sixteen prefectures of Yandi. He needed the imperial edict from the Emperor to grant him special privileges. Only then could he legitimately contend with the gentry and not fear them slandering the Li King in Chang’an for acting recklessly at the border.
Jin Sui felt that among the things requested from the Imperial Court, the trade authority would be the most readily granted. They would surely assume that the borderlands were too poor to even feed and clothe themselves, so what could he do with trade rights?
However, since he asked for it, the Imperial Court would grant it, considering it a reward for offering good medicine, thus avoiding the perception that the Imperial Court was too harsh on the Li King.
The reason for listing so many requested privileges was to create a diversion.
Jin Sui had also considered requesting maritime trade rights. Gu Changxiao stated directly that it was not yet time, and not only would the Imperial Court refuse, but they would also scold the Li King. This was because the maritime ban was a national policy, and no one dared to breach it.
Jin Sui asked, “That’s what you say, but I’ve long noticed overseas goods circulating in the market. For example, the carpets and tapestries that Yan Jiu uses are not products of Great Xia.”
Gu Changxiao’s gaze sharpened, and he sighed lightly, shaking his head. “The Imperial Court’s maritime ban only restricts civilian merchants. Many powerful people secretly maintain private vessels for smuggling. With the Yan Clan’s strength, they can naturally afford a few sea vessels.”
“The powerful collude with each other and offer heavy gifts to the Father Emperor. This maritime ban has actually been breached long ago. It’s just that they would never allow me to get involved.”
Jin Sui said angrily, “What double standards! Shameless! You wait. Once our border city has money, we’ll build our own sea vessels and raise sea merchants. What can the Imperial Court do?”
Gu Changxiao particularly enjoyed hearing Daoist Ji speak like this, because it meant he wouldn’t leave, and he would always be in the border city, working with him to create the future of the border city.
Then, he continued, Imperial Commissioner Liu took the medicine and saw the memorial submitted by the Li King, as well as the New Year’s Gift to be taken to Chang’an. He no longer doubted it. Since the Li King dared to submit a memorial and send a New Year’s Gift, it meant the medicine couldn’t be fake! Otherwise, it would be a crime of deceiving the Emperor!
It was true that the Li King had just committed another great crime and was banished to this borderland, but he believed the Li King wouldn’t be so eager to court death.
Imperial Commissioner Liu glanced at the New Year’s Gift from the Li King and couldn’t help but remind him, “Although the gift is small, the sentiment is heavy. This is too light.”
Gu Changxiao mimicked Jin Sui’s tone, “There’s nothing we can do, our border city is poor!”
His words left Imperial Commissioner Liu speechless.
Besides the matter of the good medicine, Gu Changxiao also reminded Imperial Commissioner Liu of something Jin Sui had repeatedly emphasized:
“Wei Qingquan, the Assistant Secretary Wei, was recently transferred from the border city to Chang’an. If Lord Liu encounters him in Chang’an, please convey this King’s regards.”
Imperial Commissioner Liu was immediately moved. The Prince cared so much even for a minor official like an eighth-rank Assistant Secretary under his command!
Amusingly, Li Heng had been deathly afraid to come to the border city to get involved in this matter. Upon hearing that Zheng Yun had died, he personally brought his men to ask if there was anything he could help with.
Our Li King, still very generous, kept half of Li Heng’s men to ‘maintain order at the polo match.’ Well, that’s what they said, but in reality, they were kept for manual labor.
Li Heng momentarily forgot the previous rumors that anyone passing through the border city, be they man or dog, would be captured and forced to work.
The other half of his men were sent to escort Imperial Commissioner Liu out of Yandi. Because there was too much good medicine, Imperial Commissioner Liu was timid. Especially after Jin Sui’s scare, saying that Zheng Yun not only raised bandits in Yandi but had actually scattered them throughout the sixteen prefectures of Yandi.
He was so frightened that he feared retaliation from Zheng Yun’s men. After all, Zheng Yun, before his death, had not cursed the real and fake Li King, but cursed Imperial Commissioner Liu for designing his entrapment in the border city.
And so, Imperial Commissioner Liu stayed in the border city for half a day, leaving with several carts of good medicine and the New Year’s Gift for Chang’an.
Li Heng enthusiastically escorted him out of Yanzhou territory. He had prepared a very generous gift for Imperial Commissioner Liu, hoping to ask him to put in a good word in Chang’an so that he could be transferred out of Yandi sooner.
To his surprise, Imperial Commissioner Liu adamantly refused to accept it. Not only did he refuse, but he also asked Li Heng to take the gold and silver that Zheng Yun had previously given him to the Li King.
Li Heng was a bit surprised. After all, officials in Chang’an, especially esteemed imperial commissioners, had no reason to be so timid and fear the Li King so much.
You don’t want me to get on this pirate ship and not be able to get off. The Li King didn’t even make you do hard labor in the border city!
Imperial Commissioner Liu said sincerely, “Lord Li, you didn’t witness the scene of the Prince beheading Zheng Yun. If you had, you would understand why this official did not accept this gold and silver.”
Imperial Commissioner Liu was deeply moved, both by the fake Li King’s boldness and fearlessness, and by the real Li King’s magnanimity and broad-mindedness.
For some reason, he suddenly felt that even though the Li King had been driven to the borderlands and his influence in Chang’an had been uprooted by Prince Yu, given enough time, the Li King would still be capable of competing with Prince Yu for the throne!
This was based on the fact that the Li King, arriving alone at the border city, had brought about earth-shattering changes in the entire border city in such a short period.
In Chang’an, Prince Yu was still complaining to the Emperor about the Li King’s arrogance in forcibly taking civilian women and demanding the Li King be punished. He worried that the Li King would marry the Yan Clan Daughter, gain the Yan family’s support, and establish a firm foothold in the border city.
Compared to the two, Prince Yu’s actions were truly petty. The Li King’s vision was far greater than Prince Yu’s!
Therefore, even without deliberately trying to curry favor with the Li King, just to apologize for his previous disrespect and to salvage his image in the Li King’s heart, Imperial Commissioner Liu had to leave this gold and silver behind.
Moreover, he didn’t dare to take the items Zheng Yun had given him back to Chang’an!
When Li Heng turned back and brought a cart full of gold, silver, and jewels to the border city, he was met with unprecedented warmth from the Li King: “Oh my, it’s enough that you came in person, why did you bring so many things!”
Li Heng: … Your Highness, your attitude has changed too quickly!
Moreover, the tone was exactly like a peasant woman facing relatives visiting, with insincere pleasantries that gave him goosebumps.
Li Heng quickly said, “These were left by Lord Liu, who said they were Zheng Yun’s ill-gotten gains.”
Jin Sui picked up a golden Buddha statue: “Do not speak falsely before the Buddha! Where are they dirty? Lord Liu is truly thoughtful, knowing that our border city construction needs supplies, he left so many treasures.”
“Unlike some people who promised to build roads, and after several months, there’s still no sign of progress.”
Li Heng’s temples throbbed. He quickly said, “The road is already under construction. If Your Highness doesn’t believe me, you can send someone to check in Yanzhou City.”
Jin Sui smiled, “Lord Li said it himself, how could I not believe you? It’s just started construction, what’s there to see? I’ll see it when it reaches the south gate of the border city!”
Li Heng: … We agreed to each build half, didn’t we? Did Your Highness forget?
But he dared not ask now! Because of Zheng Yun’s matter, although he hadn’t sided with Imperial Commissioner Liu and Zheng Yun, he hadn’t helped the Prince either.
Although the Prince hadn’t questioned him or punished him openly, this road was clearly his punishment!
He could only grit his teeth and accept, “This subordinate will definitely complete this main road and present it for Your Highness’s inspection.”
Jin Sui smiled, her eyes curving, “With Prefect Li here, this King is much more relaxed! Don’t look so grim. Go watch the polo match, it’s quite lively.”
Li Heng put on a smile that was uglier than crying. He took one last look at the chest of gold and jewels, bowed with tears in his eyes, and left.
After leaving the Li King’s residence, his tears almost fell. When he arrived at the stadium, he found that they were playing cuju, not polo.
Because his expression was too grim, a team ran over to apologize: “Please forgive us, Lord, we lost.”
Li Heng saw that it was the Yan Prefecture Army. This team was not composed of gentry youths, but represented the Yan Prefecture Army in the competition.
Losing was losing. Polo was originally a game for young masters. He had allowed the Yan Prefecture Army to participate to save face for the Li King and add to the excitement.
But he still asked, “Who did you lose to?”
The team leader pointed to the side sheepishly, “We lost to the Tuntian Camp team.”
Li Heng almost slipped, “The Tuntian Camp team has never played polo before. Their horsemanship was only trained after the Prince arrived. How could you lose to them?”
It was too embarrassing! If they had lost to a team of gentry youths, he wouldn’t have been so angry. This was losing Li Heng’s face!
Upon hearing that the Yan Prefecture Army and the Tuntian Camp were playing the first match of the preliminary round, and that the Tuntian Camp, who were busy farming and gardening all day, had brilliantly defeated the well-trained Yan Prefecture Army.
Li Heng felt he had no face to see anyone and said angrily:
“The Yan Prefecture Army lost all face in the battle against the Tartars. Now, they can’t even beat farmers in a polo match. This is like rubbing your face on the ground!”
The team leader’s face turned red. “We can still play in the losers’ bracket.”
Li Heng said angrily, “Are you not ashamed enough yet! Forget it, forgetting is even more shameful. Do as you please, this official is leaving!”
Li Heng had originally wanted to cheer for the Yan Prefecture Army, but now he ran off without even showing his face, afraid of being seen by the sharp-tongued Yan Shiyi and the like, who would surely mock him severely.
The team leader also felt wronged! It wasn’t that they were bad, but that their opponents were too strong!
This Li King had actually taught military strategy to the team, practically using the Thirty-Six Stratagems to play polo. Tactics like ‘Feint to the East, Attack to the West’ and ‘Besiege Wei to Rescue Zhao’ were played with great skill.
Conventional polo strategies were no match at all! Many teams adjusted their strategies after seeing this match, which is why it was temporarily changed to a cuju match.
Meanwhile, Yan Shi’er Niang had already taken more than a dozen maidservants and was busy counting the people buying 《Thirty-Six Stratagems》. Previously, everyone had laughed at the Li King for selling a book for a hundred taels, thinking he was crazy for money.
And now, after witnessing this spectacular polo match, or rather, from the Yan Prefecture Army’s perspective, seeing the Yan Prefecture Army being dominated by farmers the entire time.
They finally understood the importance of that book, 《Thirty-Six Stratagems》. Upon hearing that the Li King had authorized Yan Shi’er Niang to sell the book, they rushed to buy it from her.
Only Yan Shiyi was particularly proud:
“My Eldest Brother truly has foresight! After reading the Thirty-Six Stratagems countless times, he gave me some training suggestions when I was preparing the polo team. They were very useful, guaranteeing that I would defeat you!”
Hei Hu reminded her in a deep voice from the side, “You can’t beat our Black Feather Camp team! I will defeat you!”
Jin An quickly reached out to cover Hei Hu’s mouth, “Don’t say it. Young Master Shrinking Bird is helping our Prince Brother promote the book!”
Hei Hu nodded repeatedly and cupped his hands towards Yan Shiyi, “Thank you, Young Master Shrinking Bird, for the promotion. How about I treat you to a hot pot?”
