Chapter 115: The Struggle for the Minister of Personnel (Part II)

Yang Wu was a veteran official who had served through three reigns without ever being assigned away from the capital. He had always held posts within the court, and due to his sociable nature, few among the civil and military officials were unfamiliar with him. He entered service in the third year of Wude, beginning as a junior officer in the Ministry of Rites in District One. By the late Zhenguan era, he had risen to the position of Vice Minister of Works. Unfortunately, his career stalled there; for a full twelve years, he had not advanced even a step, despite the fact that the Minister of Works post had changed hands numerous times during that period. His stagnant fortune was considered an anomaly in the court. Now, unexpectedly, he was being publicly recommended by Liu Yizhi, a key figure in the Later Party faction, which greatly astonished the courtiers. This was not without reason: Yang Wu’s allegiance to Prince Lu, Li Xian, was an open secret, while the departing Liu Xiangdao was a trusted aide of the Crown Prince. The fact that a member of the Later Party was recommending Yang Wu added a layer of intrigue that left the courtiers baffled.

“By all that’s holy, that cunning woman is ruthless indeed,” some whispered among the crowd. She had tossed out a tempting bone, provoking the Crown Prince and the sixth prince into a fierce showdown. If those two were to clash openly in the court, the spectacle would be immense. While others remained unsure of Liu Yizhi’s true intentions, Li Xian understood perfectly. Though slightly surprised, he was not overly concerned, having already given Li Xian a heads-up beforehand. To be safe, amidst the ministers’ chaotic debates, Li Xian discreetly signaled to his brother.

The Ministry of Personnel was the highest-ranking among the Six Ministries, responsible for appointments and ranks. Securing the post of Minister of Personnel meant potentially controlling the entire political landscape of the court or, at the very least, being able to place one's own faction members with ease. Such advantages were enough to make anyone covet the position. Naturally, Li Xian was tempted. In fact, the moment Liu Yizhi stepped forward with his recommendation, Li Xian was itching to rush forward and second the motion. However, recalling a rather unamusing joke Li Xian had told earlier, his fervent enthusiasm cooled instantly. When Li Xian gave the subtle signal, he had already regained his composure and gave no other indication except a quiet nod to show he understood the message.

“Your Majesty, I respectfully report that while Liu Yizhi’s recommendation is reasonable, the choice of candidate is mistaken. Vice Minister Yang is indeed experienced and steady, with seniority to match. However, having long served only in the Ministry of Works and lacking experience in other ministries, his training is insufficient. He cannot shoulder the great responsibility of Minister of Personnel. Vice Minister Zhao Renben, on the other hand, is known for his broad-mindedness and loyalty. His reputation for integrity is well established, and he is a veteran of three reigns. He is well-versed in both ministry affairs and local governance. Appointing him Minister of Personnel would fulfill the hopes of all. I humbly ask Her Majesty to consider this carefully.”

The Li brothers managed to maintain their composure, but Crown Prince Li Hong was visibly unsettled. Having just been reprimanded by Empress Wu earlier, he knew it was not the time to intervene openly. Helpless, he frantically sent subtle signals to Yan Liben, urging him to oppose Liu Yizhi’s proposal. Forced by circumstances, Yan Liben summoned his resolve and stepped forward to challenge Liu Yizhi.

“Where is Yang Wu?”

Empress Wu did not comment on Yan Liben’s petition but feigned deep contemplation, waiting a long while. She was surprised when no official from Prince Lu’s faction rose to debate with Yan Liben. Casting a questioning glance at the Li brothers, she suddenly called Yang Wu’s name.

“I am present,” Yang Wu promptly stepped forward from the ranks, bowed respectfully, and replied.

“Vice Minister Yang, if I recall correctly, you entered service in the third year of Wude, did you not?” Empress Wu asked gently, signaling for Yang Wu to rise and making the tone conversational.

“In reply to Your Majesty, that is indeed so,” Yang Wu answered. Having held office for many years, his ambition remained strong. His allegiance to Prince Lu was precisely to leverage that power for advancement. Now, with a golden opportunity falling from the sky, he could hardly contain his excitement, secretly hoping Empress Wu would quickly approve Liu Yizhi’s recommendation. Yet, recalling Li Xian’s instructions from the previous day, his heart sank. He dared not and could not disobey Li Xian’s orders. Otherwise, even if he became Minister of Personnel now, his tenure would be short-lived—there was no way the Crown Prince would relinquish his claim to that post. Without Li Xian’s support, Yang Wu alone could not hold out for long. In the end, he might lose not only the Ministry of Personnel but even his current post as Vice Minister of Works. It would be a case of losing more than he gained. This internal conflict showed in his trembling voice as he responded to Empress Wu.

“Vice Minister Yang, there is no need to be nervous. You are a seasoned official. Does Your Excellency have anything to say about Liu Yizhi’s recommendation?” Empress Wu, seeing Yang Wu’s nervousness, thought he was trembling with excitement and smiled warmly as she pressed further.

At her words, the pupils of all ministers in the hall constricted. Their eyes filled with surprise and shock because Empress Wu’s suggestion was unmistakable: she was encouraging Yang Wu to self-recommend for the post. Such favor was rare and difficult to resist. If Yang Wu climbed up by this ladder, the court would surely be thrown into turmoil. Every knowledgeable observer was deeply worried.

“Your Majesty, I, I…” Yang Wu clearly felt the tense atmosphere and trembled all over, his mouth twitching as he stammered. After a long hesitation, he bit his lip and said, “Though I am fit to serve as Minister of Personnel, compared to Vice Minister Zhao, I fall short. I believe Vice Minister Zhao is the best candidate for the post.”

“Boom!”

Upon Yang Wu’s words, the hall erupted into uproar. Ministers whispered and debated fiercely, turning the chamber into a chaotic mess.

Empress Wu had not expected such a reply. For the first time since the court session began, her expression darkened. She shot a fierce glare at Yang Wu, then fixed her murderous gaze on the Li brothers, whose hearts quickened in response. Li Xian was somewhat prepared, having long been accustomed to Empress Wu’s ruthlessness, so he remained calm despite his surprise. Li Xian’s face paled instantly, clearly shaken by her unmasked wrath.

“That old witch,” Li Xian thought bitterly. “She plays dirty, but I’m not forbidden from fighting back. Bring whatever tricks you have!” Facing Empress Wu’s furious glare, Li Xian was initially startled but then felt a surge of satisfaction, silently scorning her in his heart with an unyielding gaze that said, ‘This is none of your concern.’

“Your Majesty, Vice Minister Yang’s words are most sincere. I move to nominate Zhao Renben as Minister of Personnel. I earnestly ask Your Majesty to decide wisely!” Having been offered a ladder, Yan Liben, a seasoned veteran, did not hesitate to climb it, pressing Empress Wu for an immediate decision.

“Your Majesty is wise. I second the motion,”

“I also second it,”

“We humbly request Her Majesty’s ruling,”

…

Seeing Empress Wu at a loss, the Crown Prince’s faction, whose morale had flagged earlier, regained vigor. They all boldly supported Yan Liben’s proposal, and the court’s deliberations began to spiral out of control.

“Mother, in my opinion, Vice Minister Zhao’s promotion to Minister of Personnel is the wish of all. It would be best to settle it now,” Li Hong said, energized by the favorable tide. He rose, bowed to Empress Wu, and spoke calmly.

Though Empress Wu was a master of political maneuvering, the overwhelming pressure from the ministers left her struggling. She wanted to veto the proposal but could not go against the majority. Not yet having full control, she lacked the boldness to act unilaterally. Yet to accept such a result grudgingly was unbearable. For a long while, she remained sullen and silent, unable to decide.

“Your Majesty, the Minister of Personnel is a crucial post. If entrusted to the wrong person, the court’s order will collapse. We must be extremely cautious and not rush. This matter is too important and requires careful consideration. Since there is dispute, it would be best to leave it to the Emperor’s final judgment,” Xu Jingzong stepped forward, offering a fair and balanced suggestion to help Empress Wu save face.

“Indeed, Minister Xu’s words are reasonable. We shall discuss this further,” Empress Wu took the cue and, feigning deliberation, announced the matter would be postponed. She then rose and withdrew to the rear chamber.

“Court dismissed!”

Gao Hesheng, attending nearby, called out hurriedly as Empress Wu left. He led the eunuchs and palace maids in following her to the rear chamber.

With Empress Wu’s departure, the fierce confrontation abruptly ended. The ministers wisely chose not to linger and dispersed in small groups. However, Crown Prince Li Hong did not follow the usual practice of moving immediately to the rear chamber after dismissal. Instead, he rose and approached the Li brothers with a meaningful smile.

“Sixth brother, Seventh brother, recently I acquired some fine grape wine from the Western Regions. I dare not enjoy it alone. Would you two honorable brothers accompany me for a proper drink?”

“Since you invite us, your brothers would not dare refuse!”

Li Xian, quick-witted, already guessed the purpose behind Li Hong’s invitation and did not decline. He replied with a refined phrase, then burst into hearty laughter. Li Xian and Li Hong exchanged knowing glances and laughed along, their brotherly camaraderie drawing the varying gazes of the other courtiers…