The revitalization of the Tang Dynasty began with the Ganlu Incident.

Chapter 111: Those who rise to prominence through this should fear that they will perish through it

Under the corridor of the Imperial Study, Li Deyu looked up at Wang Ya with clear eyes.

Admittedly, what the other party said is not without merit. From the perspective of national interests, investigating military personnel is a good thing, and he should support it.

But reason is reason, and reality is reality.

Li Deyu certainly didn't want factional strife, but once it started, he couldn't simply avoid it.

Niu Dang's investigation into military personnel was clearly a move to challenge him.

Indeed, this time the other side used a clever trick, doing something beneficial to the court, but what about the future?

The two sides have been at odds for many years, not only because of personal grudges, but also because of huge differences in their attitudes on many political matters, making a struggle almost inevitable.

If he backs down this time, there could be endless trouble in the future...

Wang Ya remained silent for a while. He had long known that Li Deyu was a man of firm resolve, but hearing him say this now, the Minister of Works still couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

Fortunately, he hadn't expected these grand principles to convince Li Deyu anyway.

Ultimately, interests are intertwined in the imperial court, and no one will easily concede unless there is a real threat to their interests.

Wang Ya composed himself slightly, looked up at Li Deyu, and said, "A few days ago, Niu Sengru and I chatted casually, and he said that it was you who advised the Emperor on his return to the capital this time. I wonder if this is true?"

Upon hearing this, Li Deyu was slightly taken aback, and his expression became somewhat unnatural.

The news is certainly true, but it's absolutely impossible for Li Deyu to admit it.

After all, he and Niu Sengru had been at odds for many years, and it would be somewhat embarrassing for him to admit that he was the one who summoned Niu Sengru back to the capital.

However, Wang Ya clearly did not need his answer and continued on his own: "When Li Xun was dismissed, the Emperor intended to recall the ministers who had been ousted from the capital. You were the first to return. Soon after, the Emperor issued an edict and appointed you as prime minister, entrusting you with important responsibilities."

"I had a question at the time: the reason why the Emperor demoted you from the capital was certainly because Li Xun slandered you, but more importantly, it was because you and Li Zongmin and others were at odds, which had affected the normal operation of the court."

"Now that the Emperor has appointed you as Prime Minister, yet recalled Niu Sengru, isn't he worried that the situation of the two factions fighting each other back then will reappear?"

As Wang Ya spoke, Li Deyu's expression grew increasingly grim, as if his most secret thoughts had been exposed, his face turning pale and then flushed.

But Wang Ya clearly didn't intend to give him face and said directly.

"Therefore, it's not that the Emperor isn't worried about the resurgence of factional strife, but rather that you, Li Deyu, must have assured the Emperor that you would not allow the court to fall into the quagmire of factional strife again. In fact, to demonstrate your determination and sincerity, you personally recommended Niu Sengru, with whom you had a long-standing grudge, to the Emperor. Only then did the Emperor lower his guard against you and decide to appoint you as Prime Minister..."

"Sikong..."

At this moment, a cold sweat had already seeped out from Li Deyu's back. As Wang Ya uttered his last words, he could no longer remain seated. He couldn't help but suddenly look up, clench his fists, and shout.

Seeing the veins bulging on Li Deyu's forehead, Wang Ya knew that if he continued talking, the other party might turn hostile.

So he shook his head and said, "I just want to remind you again that since you became prime minister with such determination, you should do it regardless of whether your intentions were genuine or not. Otherwise, what brings you prosperity will also bring you ruin. You are a smart man, and you should understand such a simple principle."

After saying that, Wang Ya picked up the water beside him, rinsed his mouth, carefully dried it with a handkerchief, and then quickly stood up and headed towards the palace.

As for Li Deyu, he remained seated in the same spot, his expression complex.

"Sikong..."

Just as Wang Ya reached the entrance of the Political Affairs Hall, Li Deyu suddenly spoke, his voice low and deep.

"You've always been reluctant to get involved in party struggles, but this time you're willing to throw yourself into it. Aren't you afraid of ruining your lifelong reputation?"

The tone of his words carried a hint of coldness, sending chills down one's spine, but Wang Ya remained completely calm.

He turned around, stared intently at Li Deyu opposite him, and said.

"When you reach my position one day, you will know that there are some things that must be done. As for the so-called reputation... Wenrao, you are a pillar of society. You should know which path you should take. My reputation will not be completely ruined. I hope you can also preserve your reputation."

Compared to Li Deyu's gloomy tone, Wang Ya's words were very easygoing, more like an elder instructing a younger person.

This made Li Deyu's expression even more unpleasant.

But Wang Ya clearly had no interest in continuing the conversation and turned to head into the palace.

Li Deyu sat there, took a deep breath, and slowly calmed himself down. After hesitating for a moment, he quickly caught up with them.

"Greetings, Master Sikong..."

"Master Sikong, greetings..."

So, after a short while, when Li Deyu arrived outside Yanying Hall, he saw that quite a few people had already arrived.

He first stepped forward and greeted Wang Ya, as if the previous conflict had never happened. Then, he walked aside and began to look at the people who had been summoned.

Since it was an audience with the Emperor, the prime minister was definitely indispensable.

At this moment, the three prime ministers of the Council of State, Jia Su and Wang Ya, were standing together as always, talking in hushed tones.

Besides them, Liu Hongyi and Yang Qinyi also arrived early.

However, the two of them clearly had no interest in chatting with others. After greeting Wang Ya, they stood aside, tucked their sleeves into their hands, closed their eyes to rest, and acted as if they wanted to avoid being disturbed.

Next, we see people who, under normal circumstances, shouldn't be in Yeon Young-soo's presence.

Linghu Chu, as the one who submitted the memorial, was naturally present, but to Li Deyu's surprise, Niu Sengru and Yang Sifu were also among those summoned.

The three of them were all key members of the Niu Party, so naturally they stood together and whispered among themselves.

But that wasn't the end of it. A moment later, Zheng Tan, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and Li Shi, the Director of the Treasury, also arrived late and appeared before everyone.

"Lord Li..."

After greeting Wang Ya, Zheng Qin quickly moved closer to Li Deyu, while Li Shi stayed where he was, talking to Wang Ya.

"Zheng Pu She..." Upon seeing Zheng Tan's figure, Li Deyu's dark face finally broke into a smile.

With Zheng Tan as an ally, at least he has someone he can trust in the palace today.

The two stood there, and soon began to whisper to each other.

A moment later, a palace attendant hurriedly entered the hall, bowed to the crowd, and said...

"Gentlemen, His Majesty has instructed you to enter the hall for a meeting."

Then the crowd separated and lined up according to their official ranks, following the eunuchs into the palace.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects."

Li Ang was already seated on the throne. He gestured to the crowd, indicating that they should dispense with formalities, and then offered them seats.

"What are we discussing today? As mentioned in the morning court, I just had several copies made of Minister Linghu's memorial. Please take a look at them first, and then share your thoughts in turn..."