Chapter Sixteen: The First Morning Court Assembly

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There were also strict regulations regarding who was permitted to attend court. The "Six Codes of the Tang" records: "All civil and military officials in the capital holding posts of the ninth rank and above must attend morning court on the first and fifteenth days of each month; those of the fifth rank and above, as well as attending officials, assistant clerks, supervisory censors, and scholars of the Grand Academy, must attend court daily." In other words, all officials stationed in the capital were required to attend morning court on the first and fifteenth of every month. Those of the fifth rank and above, along with the aforementioned positions, were to attend daily; if the number of officials exceeded the hall’s capacity, they would line up outside according to rank.

For local officials wishing to attend court, only those of the fifth rank and above were eligible, and only when summoned by the emperor or upon entering the capital for official reporting.

Officials of the Tang dynasty enjoyed two days of rest every ten days, during which morning court attendance was not required.

As the high, drawn-out call of the palace attendant echoed: "Court is in session!"

The civil and military officials, who had long awaited this moment, strode spiritedly into the Hall of Han Yuan.

Gao Buyi spoke quietly to Crown Prince Li Heng: "Come up here; from now on, you will attend morning court with me and sit at my side to observe state affairs."

"Your son obeys."

Next came the audience segment. There was a fixed order for these presentations: first, the officials of the Court of Reception reported on those who had entered the capital to present their credentials and express gratitude, as well as those preparing to depart and seeking leave. The emperor would decide whom to receive; those not granted an audience would simply kneel and offer thanks outside the hall.

Then the Ministry of War would report on border matters. Once those were addressed, it was the turn of ministers Li Linfu, Li Shizhi, Pei An, and others.

As current affairs were somewhat uncertain, Li Linfu, the Right Chancellor and foremost civil official, said little, merely embellishing the state of peace and prosperity with elegant rhetoric.

Then came Li Shizhi, the Left Chancellor and chief among the military ministers: "Your Majesty, the borders are tranquil. I suggest reducing the number of border troops and establishing a system of rotation between the central imperial guards and local garrisons, to prevent regional commanders from amassing excessive power and acting arbitrarily. I propose a five-year rotation, and present here the plan drafted with the Ministry of War for your review."

The palace attendant handed Li Shizhi’s proposal to Gao Buyi, who glanced at it and nodded, "Approved!" He had already reviewed it previously and saw no need for further examination.

Upon hearing Gao Buyi’s approval, the court stirred, for no one had heard of this plan before; yet none dared question the emperor openly.

Next, Pei An stepped forward and presented his prepared proposals for streamlining government institutions, recruiting talented individuals, and restoring the people's livelihoods. Gao Buyi responded as before, "Approved!"

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Then the heads of each ministry reported their work plans for the new year.

At this moment, Wang Gong, Minister of Revenue, spoke: "Your Majesty, during the period of rest, for reasons unknown to us, the tax rate was reduced. We are dull of understanding and beg your instruction." He was one of Li Linfu's trusted aides; whenever Li Linfu could not speak directly, Wang Gong would do so.

Gao Buyi pursed his lips and replied, "After years of war, the people have suffered enough. Now that the borders are quiet, it is time to nurture the nation. I have decided to reduce taxes to the level of the early Kaiyuan era. The revenue will suffice for our expenses."

"But Your Majesty, if so, the treasury's reserves will diminish. How are we to cope with future wars or natural disasters?"

"How dare you, Wang Gong! Are you questioning the emperor’s wise decision?" Yang Guozhong, the Grand Censor, rebuked him loudly.

"Why, Grand Censor? If we officials do not fully understand a decree, are we not permitted to seek clarification from His Majesty? Or do you wish to usurp his authority?"

With a thud, Yang Guozhong knelt immediately; his words had been dangerously pointed, implying he wished to take the emperor’s place.

"Your Majesty, please discern my loyalty, for I have no such intention," Yang Guozhong pleaded, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

"Wang Gong is not wrong; unclear decrees must be questioned thoroughly lest a fundamental error bring disaster in execution. Rise, both of you. As for coping with disasters and war, let us implement the policy for a time and refine it as we proceed. Pei An, you are to lead the Ministry of Revenue in this matter. Besides the main tax, all miscellaneous levies are hereby suspended. Localities must not impose extra taxes; violators, regardless of outcome, shall face death without pardon."

"We obey."

Li Linfu, observing, felt his eyelid twitch; the Ministry of Revenue had always been under his control, and the miscellaneous taxes were a direct source for Emperor Xuanzong’s personal use. Now, with their cancellation, he wondered how the old man would respond. In any case, the hot potato had been handed to Pei An—let him deal with it. Li Linfu had no intention of opposing openly or committing the folly of defying the emperor in court.

At this point, Song Hun, another Grand Censor and Li Linfu’s confidant, stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the rotation of troops has long been customary. Sudden change may destabilize the border forces; I propose this matter be deliberated further." Whenever Li Linfu disagreed with a decree, Song Hun would oppose it in his official capacity; should the emperor grow angry, Li Linfu would step in to rescue him.

This was Li Linfu’s strategy—through years of tacit cooperation with his trusted aides, he had kept power firmly within his grasp.

"How dare you! To oppose a settled matter—is that a challenge to me?" Gao Buyi feigned anger.

"I dare not."

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"Your Majesty, Lord Song harbors no such intent. He merely acts for the sake of state affairs; I beg your mercy," Li Linfu spoke up. Gao Buyi smirked inwardly—this was the agreed-upon show before court, a performance. How best to break their act?

"Step back!" Gao Buyi declared. "The matter is settled. Of all the regional garrisons, Fanyang holds the most troops and greatest importance. The rotation will begin there: dispatch fifty thousand Divine Strategy troops beyond the pass, and recall fifty thousand Fanyang soldiers within. Any other matters?"

Though Gao Buyi’s words startled the officials, none dared provoke him, especially after his recent display of anger.

Seeing no one spoke further, Gao Buyi prepared to depart. At that moment, Shangguan Peihui handed him a cup of tea and whispered, "Your Majesty, the palace censor must report on officials’ conduct during court before dismissal."

Gao Buyi took the cup, drank, and indeed, the censor stepped forward, saluted, and reported on the officials’ demeanor at court. Only then was the session formally concluded.

Exiting the hall, it was already near two o’clock in the afternoon.

Gao Buyi, aching from the long session, stretched and sighed, "Being emperor is no easy task!"

A gentle laugh followed: "Your Majesty, shall I prepare your sedan? Upon your return, I will massage your back."

"No leisure for that. Let’s eat quickly; afterward, I must meet with Chancellors Li Shizhi and Pei An. The plans were drafted hastily and require detailed review with the Secretariat—there’s no time to waste."

"Speaking of which, I just remembered something. Hui’er, summon Lishi to see me."

"Yes!"