Chapter Sixty-Four: Discourse on the World (Part Two)

Kong Sheng knew all too well that once certain things were spoken aloud, there would be no turning back. Yet the words weighed on his heart like a fishbone lodged in his throat—he had no choice but to voice them. For the sake of Yang Xueruo’s devotion, he was willing to take this risk. He resolved to confront Yang Qi face to face, to lay everything bare in a frank and lengthy conversation. If he could sway Yang Qi’s intentions, it would be ideal; if not, he would have to leave the outcome to fate.

He had done all he could. But as the saying goes, if the sky wishes to rain and a mother wishes to remarry, let them be. He could only let things take their course.

“Governor, today there are only the two of us here. There are some matters to be spoken of openly. May I ask, do you know why An Lushan chose to rebel?” Kong Sheng spoke softly.

So, it begins. Yang Qi’s brow arched, but he merely waved his hand with practiced composure. “The traitor An was born rebellious—everyone in the world knows he possesses a seditious nature. As for his uprising, in my view, the reason is hardly complicated.”

“It comes down to the suppression by Li Linfu and the coercion by Yang Guozhong. All in court are aware that An Lushan feared the cunning and ruthlessness of Li Linfu. He once confided to his inner circle: ‘I, An Lushan, have braved life and death; I fear neither heaven nor earth, not even the emperor, only Prime Minister Li.’ Yet, once Li Linfu died, An lost his restrainer. Yang Guozhong, in his folly and arrogance, was nothing like Li Linfu, who balanced favor and threat. He only knew how to oppress and threaten, and in the end, he drove An Lushan to revolt.”

“In truth, I believe An Lushan’s rebellion was premature. Had he prepared for two more years, he would not now be riding the tiger with no way to dismount. Furthermore, he is but a petty barbarian, short-sighted and lacking grand ambition. After taking Chang’an and Luoyang, he rushed to proclaim himself emperor instead of pressing the advantage. Had he marched on Shu or split his forces to seize Lingwu, would not the world have lain within his grasp?!”

These thoughts, usually buried deep in Yang Qi’s heart, would be considered treason if overheard by outsiders. His words now were so frank, so undisguised in their ambition, that Kong Sheng’s heart grew heavier still.

He drew a sharp breath. At this moment, he and Yang Qi were well and truly “honest” with one another. Since Yang Qi dared to speak so openly, he must already be contemplating murder. Kong Sheng knew he was playing with fire, dancing on a tightrope—one misstep and he would shatter into dust.

Kong Sheng fell silent for a while. Deliberately avoiding the latter part of Yang Qi’s words, he responded only to the first: “Governor, all that you mentioned is merely the surface. I do not agree.”

Yang Qi sneered, “Let’s hear your reasoning.”

“In my view, there are three true causes for An Lushan’s rebellion. First, insatiable greed and the quest for power. The man loved wealth as his very life; with a powerful army in hand, looting came easily and profitably. Second, the corruption of the court. After the Kaiyuan era, the Tang dynasty lost its political clarity and the unity of sovereign and ministers, leaving only growing decay and the manipulation of power by favored courtiers. With Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong as successive prime ministers, the court was thrown into utter chaos—circumstances ripe for exploitation. Third, the country’s vulnerability. At the time, the main forces of the imperial army were stationed on the frontier, leaving Chang’an and Luoyang poorly defended. An Lushan rose from Hedong, swept through with irresistible force, and seized the capital in one fell swoop, shaking the empire to its core.”

When Kong Sheng finished, Yang Qi’s lips curled. “There’s little difference between our views. But Kong Sheng, do you not know that criticizing the court is a capital crime?”

“As I said before, there are no outsiders here. I am willing to speak to you openly, Governor. If you consider me arrogant and reckless, then I submit myself to your judgment.” Kong Sheng replied with calm composure, bowing respectfully.

Yang Qi glanced at him and waved his hand. “Continue.”

“Though the traitor’s forces are strong and he controls half the Central Plains, I believe he will be defeated within three to five years at most. A mere barbarian will never amount to anything.” Kong Sheng bowed. “Do you agree, Governor?”

“I am not so certain. Besides, An Lushan is hardly the only warlord in the land with ambitions. Even if the court quells his rebellion, another will surely rise. The empire has already fallen into chaos.”

“There is no doubt that ambition is not unique to An Lushan, and the Tang’s decline is now irreversible. The rise of regional warlords is deeply entrenched—a reversal is unlikely. All the governors are watching and waiting. If the court fails to suppress the rebellion swiftly, the spark of insurrection will ignite the whole realm.”

Kong Sheng smiled, his tone growing solemn and steady. “Yet the fate of the world is governed by destiny. Any who act rashly will become the target of all. One must wait for the right moment and plan thoroughly before undertaking great deeds. For now, we must see whether the rebels can take Taiyuan. If they do, Lingwu will be in peril. Even with ministers like Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi, the court would be powerless to restore order. At that point, ambitious men everywhere would seize their chance, and chaos would reign for several years, decades even. Then it would be a contest to see whom Heaven favors.”

“Do you agree, Governor?”

Throughout, Kong Sheng never mentioned Yang Qi’s ambitions directly, but every word was laced with implication. His meaning could not have been clearer.

Yang Qi’s heart was struck; he listened, his spirit lifted and eyes ablaze. “Indeed.”

“But if the rebels fail to take Taiyuan, Li Guangbi’s forces will attack, coordinating with Guo Ziyi from the east. The recapture of the heartland will be within reach. Once the rebellion is quashed, even if the empire is left scarred, the window for seizing power will close. Any rash move will only end in ruin.”

At these words, Yang Qi’s expression darkened. In truth, even without Kong Sheng’s warning, he understood this well enough. Yet his ambitions had grown over many years, and he was unwilling to let chaos pass him by without making his move.

Noticing Yang Qi’s shifting expression, Kong Sheng realized his heartfelt counsel and sober analysis of the realm’s situation would have little real effect.

Kong Sheng sighed inwardly and, after a moment’s hesitation, pressed on: “Governor, you have only one daughter and no sons to inherit your legacy. Even if you forge this land of Jiangnan into an impregnable stronghold, you would only be preparing another’s wedding attire. Why go to such lengths?”

With that, he sat back down and closed his eyes, saying no more.

His words struck Yang Qi’s most vulnerable spot like a needle, causing him intense pain and shame. Though he knew Kong Sheng spoke truth, he was enraged, his face turning ashen and his shoulders trembling. He raised his hand, ready to curse Kong Sheng or even order his execution on the spot, yet he could not bring himself to do it.

Yang Qi had always avoided this painful truth, protecting the wound with utmost care. Now, with Kong Sheng’s words piercing straight through, the hidden blood began to flow.

Yang Qi raged in silence, his visage contorted and fearsome. Though Kong Sheng kept his eyes closed, he could well imagine Yang Qi’s reaction.

In troubled times, only severe measures suffice; dire ailments require potent medicine. Without such medicine, how could Yang Qi’s overheated mind be cooled and sobered? Kong Sheng had judged Yang Qi’s nature well—deeply scheming, bold, and capable, yet suspicious, fickle, even indecisive.

Though his words had exposed Yang Qi’s ambition and wounded his pride, and though he had angered him, Yang Qi’s many concerns made it difficult for him to act against Kong Sheng immediately. After all, Kong Sheng’s reputation was too great, and an imperial envoy was soon to arrive. For now, Yang Qi dared not make a move.