Chapter 48: What Is It That You Seek? (A Humble Request for Votes)

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Imperial Palace, Hall of Diligent Governance.
The Empress Dowager sat facing Emperor Zhao Xu, with Sima Guang and Lü Huiqing seated a few feet away below them.
They stared silently at the memorial sent by Li Chang’an.
Earlier, Empress Dowager Cao had remarked that life is nothing but wealth, fame, and power; how could a mere twenty-something youth not be managed?
Zhao Xu was too young to grasp the deeper meaning.
He always felt that young people did not care much for power—it was nothing but scheming and quarrels every day.
If it were up to him, he would choose pleasure and wealth.
With endless riches, he would buy a grand ship, sail down the canal straight to Yangzhou to see that place famed in books for its beauties.
Finally, the Empress Dowager spoke.
"Jifu, you are younger. Tell us, how should we handle this mischievous Li Chang’an?"
Zhao Xu looked up at Lü Huiqing, who seemed calm, at least without disgust. He disliked old men like Wang Anshi, Ouyang Xiu, and Sima Guang, who always wore the expression of a father scolding a son when he asked questions.
Did they have no other joy in life? Was it all just dull sage words, as if no one could speak without a saint’s blessing?
“I respectfully report, Your Majesty, this young man aims very high. As for fame, he discards it like worn-out shoes, having offered it to Su Shi, Qian Weiming, and Sima Kang; as for profit, the money he earns is all invested in schools; as for pleasure, rumors say his cousin is a national beauty, yet he would rather leave home than listen to his maternal grandfather’s arrangements. Given all this, I believe this young man only seeks power.”
Empress Dowager Cao perked up, analyzing Lü Huiqing’s meaning carefully.
Power—a man in his twenties, why would he want power?
To be a judge, a county magistrate, or a general? Surely he would not want to leapfrog the entire official path and push into the court before even entering the bureaucracy.
Lü Huiqing said decisively, “Throughout history, great sages and capable men undertake extraordinary things. I believe his aim is to become prime minister and reform the government.”
This made Zhao Xu laugh.
He had met Li Chang’an twice—always pretending to be a learned gentleman, but he seemed hardly prime minister material.
Empress Dowager Cao shot him a glare, and Zhao Xu quickly covered his face with his sleeve.
“Prime minister? He’s so young! Junshi, what do you think? You’ve had some contact with him.”
At Cao’s question, Sima Junshi rose to bow, then sat down with a slight bow.

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“Respectfully to the Empress Dowager, I have met him three times. This man is shrewd with profit, and in dealings often prioritizes gain—he has the temperament of a merchant. Yet from his actions, it is clear he seeks more than gold and silver; we might consider his origins to understand.”
“Oh?” Lü Huiqing showed interest.
He had worked with Ouyang Xiu, with Li Chang’an involved, all for the sake of the eighty million guan national debt.
Li Chang’an wanted neither money, nor pleasure, nor fame—was it not for power?
Sima Guang continued, “His father, Li Yuan, was a descendant of Li Cunxiao from the late Tang dynasty. Originally in the horse trade, his family was killed by steppe horse bandits. He drifted to the capital, was taken in by the Zhang family as a son-in-law, and ran rice shipments on the canal to the capital garrison. During the Qingli years, he settled in Yangzhou and fathered Li Chang’an. Later, after a legal dispute with the transport authorities while escorting a shipment north, he died in prison. His mother Zhang was weak and lenient, which fostered a prodigal nature in the boy. Later she returned north with him to seek guidance from his paternal relatives...
“Throughout history, those who lose their fathers young and live with others often harbor great ambition and ruthlessness. Though his maternal grandfather valued wealth, he does not cherish money; strict discipline breeds resistance and disdain for authority; a weak mother’s upbringing means he is not lustful; lacking siblings, he is unusually prodigal and fond of socializing.
“Li Chang’an’s true affection is for people!”
This was a novel conclusion—someone who cared neither for wealth, pleasure, fame, nor profit, but for the company of others.
That was simple—just give him the role of a wandering poet like Liu Yong or Qin Guan, let him be free and sociable as he wished.
If so, that would be fine. But his knowledge was neither Confucian nor Taoist—where had he learned it?
A prodigal who barely studied and spent days roaming the streets and riding horses—how did he grow his talents?
Zhao Xu roughly guessed the loneliness of youth. He understood it best—family pressure, teachers watching, eunuchs overseeing, no freedom at all.
What does it mean to love people? It’s nonsense. You old men don’t understand young people’s pain.
After much discussion, they decided the third imperial decree must still be drafted.
No honor as imperial tutor, no privilege as royal son-in-law, and since the youth had no lack of money—just give him some power to try.
If he wishes to oversee reforms and suggest changes, then appoint him as Academician of the Council of State, authorizing and ordering him to submit a reform proposal every ten days.
Empress Dowager Cao expressed this, Lü Huiqing took up the brush, Zhao Xu affixed the seal, and Chief Censor Sima Guang agreed.
Thus, a formal edict was completed.
They summoned the eunuch to announce the decree, instructing him to proceed with full ceremonial honors, beating drums and clearing the streets, making a grand spectacle.
They liked bustle—so they would make it thoroughly lively.
The eunuch departed, Lü Huiqing and Sima Guang took their leave to return to the offices, leaving only Zhao Xu and his grandmother.
“Xu’er, if Li Chang’an can be controlled, keep him close for use; if he is unruly, kill him early.”
Zhao Xu was startled. How had a peaceful discussion suddenly turned to killing a potential prime minister?
“I am dull-witted. Please instruct me, grandmother!”
“Our wisdom is not even equal to Sima Junshi’s; if such a man cannot see through Li Chang’an, and he becomes prime minister, it will be another Fan Zhongyan.”

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Meanwhile, Li Chang’an was calmly continuing the first edition compilation meeting.
It seemed his move had been right—the young and senior prime ministers were both tense. Without a strong measure, these two would not distinguish who was the bigger threat.
After the meeting, he entered his study and wrote a brief letter.
“It is said that five people share one hundred beans. The rule is that those who take the most and the least are beheaded. If numbers are tied and rankings overlap, the most and least are still executed based on order. Assuming all are intelligent and cannot communicate, what is the best strategy to survive?”
He sent the letter with strict instructions to deliver it to Wang Bang within three days; solving it would prove his cleverness.
Just as the messenger left, Guanghe rushed in anxiously, bursting into tears with snot and tears streaming.
“Master, your great-grandfather and grandfather have been arrested by the authorities. Hurry home and see!”
Frowning, Li Chang’an examined him carefully—had Guanghe betrayed him and staged this act?
The old man was also playing along to lure him home—how many Zhang family crises had there been? Was he a storyteller reincarnated?
Fine, play your part all you want—I’m not going back.
Seeing his indifference, Guanghe grew desperate and produced a token—a golden bracelet Li Chang’an had bought for his mother.
“Master, this time it’s real. If you don’t believe me, go verify with Old Master Su. I swear I wouldn’t lie!”
Li Chang’an made a fierce face. “If there’s a single falsehood...”
Guanghe responded earnestly, “You can deduct my wages!”