Jing'an Division.
Seeing the Right Valiant Guard, the Dragon Martial Army, and the Golden Guard storm in, the Brigade Vanguard silently made way. The soldiers rushed into the Jing'an Division, ransacking the place and taking away all the files. Even most of the Jing'an Division's clerks were taken away. It was said that the Dali Temple would make room to relocate these files and clerks, essentially rebuilding a new Jing'an Division there.
Most of these clerks were actually recruited later. Last time, after the Six Ministries withdrew their personnel, the Jing'an Division had to recruit some people on its own. This time, the Jing'an Division was gone, and these people still had to support their families, so they naturally went to the new departments. There's not much to say; it's all for a living.
Li Linfu was no fool. He wouldn't bother rebuilding something from scratch when there was something readily available. He simply emptied out the entire Jing'an Division and moved it all to his own territory.
Lu Xuan and the others silently watched as the entire Jing'an Division became an empty shell, their faces seemingly devoid of any particular expression. They simply watched the soldiers busily working with cold indifference.
After most of the day, all the soldiers finally left. Only a very few clerks from the Crown Prince's residence remained in the entire Jing'an Division. As the Crown Prince's men, they naturally couldn't leave with him. However, among these people, there was one special individual.
The man's name was Xu Bin. He was originally a clerk in the Ministry of Works. After the Jing'an Division was established, he was transferred here. Last time, when a large number of clerks from the Six Ministries were recalled, he was one of the very few who did not leave. This time, he stayed as well.
"Your name is Xu Bin. You're the one with a photographic memory who can memorize all the files in the Jing'an Division?"
Lu Xuan knew this person; he was a very important character in the original novel. Moreover, it was he who recommended Zhang Xiaojing to Li Bi, thus leading to the subsequent story. Putting aside everything else, in this era without computers, having a photographic memory is itself a remarkable talent.
"Your Excellency, the Ministry of Works has already removed me from the list of officials, and I have nowhere else to go."
"It seems you have no choice but to continue working for the Crown Prince."
"Thank you, sir."
The Jing'an Division was gone, and all the files were taken with them. However, they only took the originals. In fact, after taking over the Jing'an Division, Li Bi and Lu Xuan had already had all the files organized and copies prepared.
"After you've tidied up this place, everyone can go home and wait for their turn to be drafted. During this time, your monthly wages will continue to be paid as usual."
"Thank you, sir." They were willing to receive wages without doing any work. So they quickly packed up their things and dispersed in twos and threes.
Lu Xuan then returned to the house to see Li Bi.
"How's it going? Is everything arranged?" Li Bi asked anxiously. Li Linfu started his work a little earlier than expected, and he was a bit worried.
"Don't worry, everyone has been arranged."
"Then I'm relieved. There's no turning back now."
“Sometimes, having a way out only weakens our resolve. You must remind the Crown Prince about this. Make sure he doesn't cause any problems at the last minute.”
“I understand. The Crown Prince is good in every way, except that he is a bit too soft-hearted. But he has improved a lot in the past year.”
"His weak character stems from his life experiences and the power of the emperor in his early years. The crown prince dared not show any strength, and over time, he became genuinely weak. But in the past year, the crown prince has seen hope, and naturally he will recover somewhat. However, all of this is superficial; unless he sits on that throne, some things are difficult to change."
In the original novel, after the events of "The Longest Day in Chang'an," the Jing'an Division naturally became the scapegoat. Although they saved the capital at the last moment, they were immediately abolished afterward. Lu Xuan naturally wouldn't allow this to happen. So, after using the Jing'an Division's power to arrange everything, he conveniently handed over the division to Lu Xuan.
To paraphrase a commentator from a modern sporting event: Now, the pressure is on Li Linfu.
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Chapter Seventy-Six Firecrackers and Firecrackers
In late December, Chang'an was once again adorned with lanterns and decorations in preparation for Lunar New Year's Eve and the Lantern Festival. Rehearsals began for various floats and song and dance performances, all vying for a spot at the Hua'e Xianghui Tower on the Lantern Festival. A single word of praise from the emperor would bring fame throughout Chang'an.
At Lu Xuan's house, Xu Hezi was also busy with chores. She was becoming increasingly relaxed at home, starting to act like the lady of the house. She directed the servants in decorating the house. Meanwhile, she was secretly rehearsing a dance with the four beauties bestowed upon her by the Crown Prince, saying they would perform for Lu Xuan on New Year's Eve. Lu Xuan agreed, even showing a little anticipation.
Wool degreasing is something that can't be perfected in a short time. Improving the spindle mechanism also requires time; these are all long-term plans that need time and gradual accumulation. Currently, Lu Xuan is focusing his energy on the tasks at hand.
The ants have already infiltrated Chang'an and hidden themselves there. Ninety battle-hardened veterans are concealed deep within the Tang Dynasty, unknown to anyone. Add to that a hundred or so Turkic wolf guards. This force is enough to turn Chang'an upside down.
"The recipe for the Western Regions' Powerful Fire Oil is not perfect. It can only be prepared on the spot. Moreover, it needs to be heated, so we must go deep into the Hua'e Xianghui Tower to carry it out."
"No problem, I've already taken care of the connections for you. The person in charge of the lanterns for the Lantern Festival is Mao Shun. He's one of ours now. The Ants will disguise themselves as his apprentices and enter in batches."
At that time, a huge frame will be built around the entire building using bamboo tubes. When the Sage appears, the lights will be lit, illuminating the entire city of Chang'an. Some of those bamboo frames are redundant, and their interiors have been hollowed out. You can then pour oil into them, making the entire building easily destroyed.”
Long Bo stood by the window, gazing at the tall Hua'e Xianghui Tower in the distance.
"Just for that moment, how much public wealth will this building cost, and how many people will be ruined or even have their families destroyed?"
"So, when that day comes, just burn it without worry! Turn that empty prosperity into ashes."
Long Bo left satisfied. After he left, Zhang Xiaojing came out from the inner room.
"Does Your Excellency believe in Long Bo?"
"Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter. I gave them the opportunity to do what they wanted. They will naturally do their best to do it."
"Sir, he might..."
"It's impossible. How many people do you think he's killed over the years for revenge, for forming Ants, and for this plan? How many of them were officials and how many were civilians? Whether from a moral or legal standpoint, he absolutely cannot survive. He himself knows this very well. From the moment he formed Ants, he was already prepared to die. You know, what he did was no different from treason. Of course, so are we."
“I understand. Also, I’ve found out what you asked me to investigate. That Taoist priest is now in my hands. That case can be closed now.”
"Tell me it's not what I think."
"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint the adults. Those children have been turned into elixirs."
The room was silent for a moment.
"Very good, very good, very good." Lu Xuan said "very good" three times in a row, and the murderous intent in his tone was almost tangible.
“I originally planned to let him live a few more days, but now it seems he’s doomed. Give those Turks some more equipment to ensure their fighting strength. Also, the date is set; the day after tomorrow is the blind date. How are your preparations going?” Lu Xuan’s sudden change in demeanor immediately made Zhang Xiaojing’s expression change.
Lu Xuan originally thought that men and women in ancient times couldn't meet before marriage. However, he discovered in the Tang Dynasty that the social atmosphere was actually very open, and it wasn't unusual for men and women to meet. There were even formal matchmaking events. Those complicated and cumbersome rules only appeared in later generations.
The tough guy Zhang Xiaojing instantly softened when this was mentioned.
"You're not an adult, can we discuss this matter further?"
"Still want to think it over? Do you know that you're over thirty and still can't find a wife? This is seriously affecting the recruitment of new members for the Bad Guys. If even the leader of the Bad Guys can't find a wife, what family's son would dare to join the Bad Guys? Let me tell you, your marriage is no longer just a personal matter; it has risen to the organizational level. This is an order given to you from above. Are you trying to disobey orders?"