Chapter 100: Farewell, Cheng Yaojin

Guardian General of the Nation.

This position was uniquely special. Though only titled as a General of the Middle, its authority surpassed even that of the Grand General. In times of emergency, the holder could mobilize all military forces without the need for a tiger tally.

From the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties through the later feudal regimes, this position had appeared only once in thousands of years—during Emperor Wu of Han’s reign, when he implemented the policy of “abolishing the Hundred Schools and elevating Confucianism alone.” At that time, the post was held by the illustrious and formidable Wei Qing.

It was precisely because of Wei Qing’s overwhelming strength and unmatched ability that Emperor Wu’s reign transitioned smoothly. The other schools of thought gradually faded without much resistance. Yet, as Li Kong knew, the death toll from that purge exceeded hundreds of thousands, accounting for nearly a tenth of the Han population.

Judging by Li Shimin’s expression, Li Kong understood that this time, the emperor was resolute. However, the role of Guardian General of the Nation was truly no easy task. The scholarly clans wielded formidable pen power. Emperor Wu reigned for fifty-four years, and the policy of abolishing the Hundred Schools lasted nearly four decades before settling.

But Li Shimin’s reign was only twenty-three years, meaning he had just nineteen years left. Could Li Kong, even with his advanced foresight, fully eradicate the influence of these aristocratic clans in such a short time?

As for future emperors, whether it was the gradually maturing Li Chengqian or the potential heir Li Zhi, neither seemed particularly forceful in dealing with the noble families. Li Kong could not pin his hopes on successors yet unborn.

“What’s the matter? Has Li Yunfeng become timid?” Li Shimin squinted his eyes, seeing Li Kong’s hesitation.

Li Kong trembled but replied, “It’s not that, Your Majesty. I need to plan carefully. Though I already have a rough outline in mind. If the emperor has no further commands, I shall take my leave and strive to complete the memorial soon, then proceed with the plan.”

“Give me a definite timeline!”

“In two days.”

“Very well, you may go.”

Half an hour later, Li Kong left the Taiji Palace. This matter was too grave; he never expected Li Shimin to entrust such a crucial mission to him. By his original guess, this task should have been assigned to Li Jing or, at worst, Li Xiaogong or Hou Junji. He was too young.

But tragically, he had encountered an emperor who played by no conventional rules. What could he do? He felt despair as well.

He didn’t even entertain thoughts of seeing Chang Le.

---

“Young master, shall we return to the mansion now?” Outside the Taiji Palace, Laifu hurried to Li Kong, handing him a fur coat and speaking quietly.

The weather had turned deep autumn, and evening was drawing near. Li Kong accepted the coat and wrapped it around himself, warming his hands with a breath before feeling somewhat relieved.

“First, we go to Duke Lu’s residence!”

“Yes!” Laifu responded and cracked the whip, urging the horses toward the home of Cheng Yaojin.

---

Cheng Yaojin was vexed. He had visited several households but found little support. Only Qin Qiong openly declared allegiance to Li Shimin. Li Jing and Yuchi Jingde wavered; their wives were not daughters of noble families, so they preferred to stay out of the matter.

As for others, Cheng Yaojin no longer cared to recall their stances. Most were civil officials, and Cheng’s relations with them were far from warm. To reassure Li Shimin, he had alienated nearly ninety percent of the founding merit holders.

“Am I truly fighting this battle alone?” Cheng sighed deeply, flicked his sleeves, and strode toward his mansion. The cold wind whipped his cloak, and his beard fluttered behind his cheek, giving him the grim air of a living death god.

“Uncle Cheng, please wait!” Just as Cheng’s spirits sank, a steady voice reached him.

Turning, he saw Li Kong leaping down from the carriage, rushing toward him.

Cheng’s feelings toward Li Kong were complex. He had admired and envied that Li Ji had such an outstanding son, and he had even praised Li Kong before Li Shimin. But now, this youthful lad intended to uproot the entire aristocracy.

“Uncle Cheng, are you troubled over the noble families’ affairs?” Li Kong approached, warming his hands and smiling.

“You’ve truly given me a difficult problem this time. Tell me, what’s your purpose in coming here? If it’s to put me in a bind, you needn’t bother speaking!”

“No, nephew isn’t here for that. This time, I’ve come to ask you to recommend the leaders of the Cui family—preferably those from Qinghe and Boling—to be summoned.”

“What do you mean?”

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“Nothing much. This time, the Wang family has truly crossed the line. Uncle Cheng, imagine if this were your matter, how would you handle it?” Li Kong said no more, silently stepping back from Cheng.

Cheng was a cunning old fox. Though Li Kong did not state his meaning outright, Cheng quickly grasped the implication. A sly smile curled his lips. “I can’t promise you anything. After all, the Five Surnames and Seven Families are closely linked. Your little scheme might not get their consent.”

“Heh. Nothing is non-negotiable before life itself, especially when vast fortunes are at stake. I believe the Cui family will make the wisest choice. Of course, this requires your help, Uncle Cheng. Otherwise, I must apologize in advance!”

At this, Li Kong’s aura shifted.

Cheng’s face darkened, narrowing his eyes. “Are you threatening me?”

“Nephew only wishes to spare you trouble. Oh, I forgot to mention—I’ve just been appointed Guardian General of the Nation!”

At these words, Cheng’s expression turned icy, a cold murderous glint flashing briefly in his gaze before vanishing, replaced by a profound sense of helplessness flooding his being.

Noticing Cheng’s change, Li Kong’s heart tightened but he shook his head in resignation. “Uncle Cheng should understand that the emperor’s tolerance for the noble families has limits. Even without me, with the way they act now, they will be dealt with sooner or later. I am but a blade in His Majesty’s hand. I hope you won’t do anything you’ll regret.”

Cheng knew this well, but knowledge did not stop him from feigning ignorance, hoping it was all a nightmare, that with time the future emperor might compromise.

Looking at Li Kong’s resolute yet helpless face, Cheng drew a sharp breath. “I will handle this, but you must give me time!”

“I can give you only two days.”

“That’s enough.”

They parted ways, both knowing a vast, irreparable chasm had formed between them—one that would never be bridged.