Chapter 144: The One Hundred and Thirty-Seventh — Chu Suiliang's Hint

The Liu family finally reunited in the capital. Liu Chengyu’s reminders to Liu Buwen were mostly about the upcoming examinations.

Liu Chengyu said, “You, having such a rare chance to be selected for officialdom under heaven, didn’t even tell the family. We thought you were just wasting time here in the capital!”

The elder’s words carried an unspoken meaning. Liu Buwen was so startled that the teacup in his hand trembled, spilling some water. He didn’t know how to explain these strange thoughts to his father.

“Father always worries too much. Nothing has been finalized yet—it’s not as if the outcome is certain.”

Though Liu Chengyu was not yet moved to tears, seeing his previously ailing son now vigorous—juggling exams and tea-making—relieved a heavy stone from his heart, even if he didn’t say it aloud.

Meanwhile, Chu Suiliang and Luo Gan moved to a private room to converse quietly.

Chu Suiliang said, “I have come here not only to offer congratulations but also to ask you a few questions.”

Facing a learned man like Chu Suiliang, one must speak deliberately. Luo Gan was quite accustomed to this.

“Master Chu, please speak freely. I will do what I can.”

Chu Suiliang continued, “The current laws are undergoing reform. We are restoring ancient texts to correct history and improve the legal code. Yet voices are not unified—both conservatives and reformists are loudly asserting their views.”

At this moment, Luo Gan opened the system to search for information. He pondered the reformers and conservatives Chu Suiliang mentioned, but no specific names appeared. His impression was that Emperor Taizong of Tang, the Heavenly Khan renowned for his merit, was undoubtedly a pioneer of reform and territorial expansion, so the laws must be progressing forward.

“Times move forward. Now, with so much to be rebuilt, I have traveled from a small place like Anping County and seen the vast Tang realm's promising future. But someone must rally the people and lead development. Only development is the true principle!”

Quoting a famous leader’s inspiring words with fashionable flair, he made Chu Suiliang sitting opposite beam with delight.

“I did not expect you to feel the same way. But within the court, conservatives believe the realm is not yet stable. Recklessly implementing new policies risks disastrous consequences.”

Luo Gan was curious. Though he had never been part of officialdom, he understood the trend of progress and wanted to know who were the opponents of reform, so he could avoid them in the future.

“I am curious—who exactly advocates reform, and who resists it?”

Chu Suiliang stroked his beard, pondering before revealing the information.

“In Shandong, officials loyal to His Majesty mostly rose from the grassroots, deeply understanding the people’s hardships, and strongly support reform. Some ministers who have long served the emperor, like Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, share their views. Those opposing reform are mainly the old scholar-officials who fear significant changes might bring unrest.”

Luo Gan was startled. He suddenly realized that his patron, the Duke of Song, stood on the opposite side of history. He had vaguely heard that Fang Xuanling and others had set traps for Xiao Yu. From this perspective, if he continued to side with Xiao Yu, his opponents would be the reformist vanguard led by Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui—representing the unstoppable tide of the era.

In this light, Luo Gan understood why Li Shimin favored reform. Whether ministers sought glory or the emperor used their voices to push reforms, all were catalysts for toppling the Duke of Song.

The teacups before them emptied, and Liu Buwen came over to refresh the tea.

“Master Chu, please try this tea.”

Chu Suiliang added some garlic to the tea to enrich its flavor. Meanwhile, Luo Gan had Yanshan bring a bowl of okra soup, prepared with spring water from Zhongnan Mountain near Chang’an and seasoned carefully with coarse salt.

“Excellent tea! It’s rare to savor such carefully crafted tea unless you come from a distinguished family.”

Liu Buwen proudly explained, “This spring water comes from the southern mountains. It was roasted for two days. Though it has not yet reached my ideal state, it is definitely more refined than ordinary tea leaves.”

The aroma filled the air as the three conversed for a long time, completely losing track of time.

Elsewhere on the street, other shops grew resentful of the bustling business at the Tang General Store.

Long Ye, the burly blacksmith, blocked the entrance to his small shop. Even Huang Changjun, the flirtatious tavern keeper nearby, was stirred.

Long Ye growled, “Shopkeeper Huang, didn’t we say this street belongs to us? When did it become the domain of these outsiders?”

Huang Changjun cast a lazy gaze at Long Ye and snorted coldly.

“Hmph, I’ve never seen anyone act recklessly in our neighborhood before. Oh, how the world’s morals decline.”

Long Ye cracked his knuckles and slammed his palm on the table.

Huang Changjun said, “Calm down, Long Ye. Didn’t many small shopkeepers come here to try their luck before? It’s nothing serious.”

Long Ye retorted, “Ungrateful fools. The ones buried in the southern mountains don’t lack one more like that.”

Huang Changjun raised his cup and clinked glasses with Long Ye. They conspired to cause trouble for the Tang General Store.

After Chu Suiliang left the General Store, Luo Gan’s smile faded. He swiftly began selecting a group of people suitable for intelligence work, assigning one named Yu.

Luo Gan said, “Your first task is to investigate the Zhang family’s poultry farm. The head of the household is rumored to be secretly consorting outside. Track his movements, where he goes for work, what he does, and with whom he associates.”

The man took the order and left. Luo Gan felt uneasy; these new recruits were not yet fully trustworthy. He decided to assign simple tasks first to train them and observe their loyalty. After all, intelligence work demands unwavering loyalty to ensure information accuracy.

At the same time, Luo Gan summoned Yanshan.

“Yanshan, your brewing skills are commendable, but now there is a critical task only you can handle.”

Yanshan instantly focused. When Luo Gan spoke this way, the matter was always important and required him alone.

“The director of the Hongwen Academy, Chu Suiliang, has come. Officially, he inquires about conservatives and reformists, but surely there’s more beneath the surface. I need you to infiltrate the Hongwen Academy and uncover the truth about the so-called Eighteen Scholars, their internal relations, so we can prepare our next move.”

Yanshan was at a loss about how to proceed.

“I roughly understand, but why? What concern does the Hongwen Academy have with our small General Store? Why would the famous Chu Suiliang ask us to handle this?”

Luo Gan replied, “He likely lacks convenient resources himself but remains vigilant. Since we stand with the Duke of Song, any problem could quickly backfire and implicate him.”

Feigning surprise, Yanshan asked, “If that’s the case, why not refuse?”

Luo Gan answered, “We cannot refuse. This matter concerns our future strategy, including the Duke of Song.”