Chapter 55: Impeachment
In the pavilion, a honeycomb coal stove boiled a kettle of water. The eunuch Zhong Gui picked up a small jar, used a bamboo tong to pick out some tea leaves, and placed them into a purple clay teapot.
When the boiling water was poured into the teapot, a rich aroma of tea filled the air.
Zhong Gui carefully poured the tea into porcelain cups and then presented them to Li Chengdao and the Taoist.
“Please, Master Taoist.”
Li Chengdao took a cup and drank by himself, while the Taoist also tasted the tea.
“A slight bitterness at first, but a sweet aftertaste. A refreshing and invigorating brew—no wonder scholars chase after it,” the Taoist exclaimed in admiration.
This Taoist was of great renown: he was Xuanjizi, the head of Cangxuan Mountain. Cangxuan Mountain was the Taoist stronghold of Southern Liang, and the previous leader was Cangsongzi—the very man who prophesied the phrase that shook the world and brought ruin upon the Dragon Family Army: “The dragon rises in the wild, and the world will unite.”
After prophesying those words, Cangsongzi’s body rapidly weakened, and he soon passed away.
His successor was his chief disciple, Xuanjizi. While Cangsongzi had always kept a cautious distance from the Southern Liang court, Xuanjizi was actively engaged in the world, offering counsel to Li Chengdao.
“Eastern Zhou produced a Long Cheng’en—a eunuch—who, in just a year, became Minister of Works and Finance. I’ve heard that he orchestrated the battle at Linjiang city from behind the scenes.”
“Long Cheng’en... Long Cheng’en... Long Chen!”
Li Chengdao muttered to himself, suddenly feeling that this Long Cheng’en was in fact Long Chen.
“Master Taoist, do you think Long Cheng’en is Long Chen?”
Xuanjizi poured himself another cup of tea, shook his head, and said, “Absolutely not. I’ve already sent people to investigate in Eastern Zhou. Long Cheng’en has connections to Long Ye. He exhumed the Dragon Family’s remains and gave them a proper burial, even made offerings.”
“But he is definitely not Long Chen,” Xuanjizi declared with certainty.
“Why are you so sure?” Li Chengdao had sent Zhong Gui to look into Long Chen’s whereabouts, always suspecting Long Cheng’en was Long Chen, but never certain.
“It’s simple. I heard Long Cheng’en lives in the Autumn Harmony Palace, right beside Princess Di Luoxi. He moves freely in and out of the palace, often bathing with the princesses, and even served Emperor Shitian.”
“The Empress has no need for men; all the world knows this. If Long Cheng’en were Long Chen, wouldn’t that bring chaos to the palace?”
“Moreover, the Empress bears a deep grudge against the Dragon Family. If Long Chen entered Eastern Zhou, he would be crushed to pieces.”
Xuanjizi sipped his tea, his tone serene, as if detached from worldly affairs.
Li Chengdao frowned, “Long Chen was purified—he became a eunuch. It’s not unusual for him to blend into the imperial harem.”
Xuanjizi chuckled, “No one knows a minister better than his ruler. Long Chen’s nature is fiery—would he willingly accept castration to become a eunuch?”
“Or say, if Long Chen were forced into becoming a eunuch, would he serve Eastern Zhou?”
Li Chengdao nodded, “Indeed, Long Chen’s temperament is the fiercest. He once defied me in court. If he were made a eunuch, he would surely fight the Empress to the death.”
“That’s strange, then. Someone with ties to the Dragon Family and such talent—why can’t I fathom who it is?”
Xuanjizi shook his head, “I’ve investigated as well, but all I found was that Long Cheng’en once served in the Dragon Family Army, nothing more.”
“In fact, I suspect even that is false. Long Cheng’en’s identity is a mystery.”
Both ultimately dismissed the possibility of Long Cheng’en being Long Chen. The reason was simple: Long Chen would never accept becoming a eunuch, and if he weren’t one, the Empress would never allow him in the palace.
“Your Majesty, Long Cheng’en is doing business with both the World Society and the Dragon Gang. Their attitude now leans toward Eastern Zhou.”
Xuanjizi spoke slowly.
The World Society and the Dragon Gang wield great influence, capable of swaying the fate of the realm. Everyone was vying for their favor.
“This Long Cheng’en is troublesome. Last time, we tried to capture him alive, but it seems it would be better if he were dead.”
Li Chengdao poured himself another cup of tea and savored it.
“Shangguan Wei’s new recruits are nearly ready.”
Xuanjizi set down his cup.
Li Chengdao nodded, “Let him go himself. The city he lost, let him reclaim it with his own hands.”
Zhong Gui received the imperial command and immediately went to the Shangguan family to deliver the decree.
Not long after Zhong Gui left, another eunuch entered, bowed his head, and reported, “Your Majesty, a Taoist claiming to be from Fire Island, holding the late emperor’s token, requests an audience at the palace gate.”
Li Chengdao’s brow furrowed; he had never heard of any Taoist from Fire Island, let alone one holding the late emperor’s token.
Xuanjizi’s expression changed slightly; he rose and performed a Taoist salute, “I take my leave.”
...
The Palace of Great Brightness.
The Empress sat upon the Phoenix Throne, while the civil and military officials stood below.
“Since Long Cheng’en took charge of the Ministry of Finance, though it’s been a short time, the treasury’s deficit has already been reduced by four million taels. Excellent work.”
The Empress held the ministry’s accounting book and spoke slowly.
The ministers below were all well-informed, having heard that Long Chen was doing business with the World Society and the Dragon Gang, bringing in significant revenue for the Ministry.
Though many were critical of Long Chen’s status as a eunuch, his accomplishments were undeniably outstanding.
Previously, the World Society had threatened Eastern Zhou, claiming this year’s business would be poor, aiming to weaken the state.
Yet the World Society later actively sought collaboration with Long Chen, allowing the court to take the initiative for the first time; previously, they had always pleaded for the Society’s help.
Such a huge deficit in the Ministry of Finance—replenishing four million taels so quickly, without increasing taxes on the people—was remarkable.
“This is merely my duty, Your Majesty. I dare not claim credit.”
Long Chen stepped forward and bowed.
The Empress smiled, “No need for modesty. The Ministry has never seen such profits; this is all thanks to you.”
Long Chen smiled, while the other ministers showed varied expressions. Some acknowledged his achievement, but more were jealous.
At this moment, Bai Qiulian, Minister of War, stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I wish to impeach Long Cheng’en.”
The Empress’s smile vanished; she asked coldly, “Impeach Long Cheng’en? Why?”
Bai Qiulian replied, “I accuse Long Cheng’en of aiding the enemy.”
Aiding the enemy was tantamount to treason—a grave offense. The ministers stirred uneasily.
“Aiding the enemy? What has Long Cheng’en done?”
“I hear he’s connected to the Dragon Family Army. Seems he’s a spy.”
“What? Linked to the Dragon Family Army? Impossible!”
“Quiet! Let’s hear what Minister Bai has to say.”
The Empress’s expression was icy. “Aiding the enemy? How so?”
Bai Qiulian said, “Long Cheng’en’s invented tea is sold to the barbarians, as is honeycomb coal. I’ve heard tea cured their bleeding sickness, and honeycomb coal keeps them warm. These are acts of aiding the enemy.”
The Empress and the ministers were left baffled; how could this be considered aiding the enemy?
Long Chen laughed, “Minister Bai’s words are amusing. The goods were sold by the World Society; what does it have to do with me?”
“Even if I invented them, tea does help digestion and benefits the barbarians, but tell me—would they perish if they didn’t drink tea?”
“As for honeycomb coal, if I don’t provide it, they can burn cow dung. They won’t freeze to death.”
“Your grounds for impeachment are truly flimsy.”
Bai Qiulian retorted angrily, “Arguing! The barbarians clearly benefitted!”
Di Luoxi frowned and stepped forward in defense, “Minister Bai, even if we don’t give them these things, they wouldn’t die.”
“The goods weren’t given away for free; they brought in silver. What’s aiding the enemy? You’re just worried about Long Cheng’en taking your position in the Ministry of Finance!”
After Di Luoxi spoke, the ministers lowered their heads, snickering.
Everyone knew Bai Qiulian wanted her daughter to marry Jing Heng, but Jing Heng wished to wed Di Luoxi.
Long Chen occupying the post of Minister of Finance meant Jing Heng had no position, so Bai Qiulian was anxious.
“Her daughter isn’t married yet, and the mother-in-law is already impatient,” a minister whispered mockingly.
“Your Highness, that’s not what I meant!”
Bai Qiulian was both embarrassed and angry, feeling her dignity slipping away.
The Empress said coldly, “Enough. Let’s not speak of this. Shangguan Wei of Southern Liang has completed training his new troops and stationed them at Caishi City. They plan to retake Linjiang City.”
“A major battle with Southern Liang is imminent. Let’s discuss—what are your thoughts?”