It was easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but difficult to go from extravagance to frugality. It was very easy for a poor person to accept a good material life, but it was very difficult for a rich person to accept a poor life. This had been the case since ancient times.
In the workplace and the officialdom, one could only be promoted and could not be demoted. Otherwise, one would at least have to be transferred out of their original position. Otherwise, one could only leave on their own accord. In the workplace, as long as one was demoted, one would basically leave on their own accord. If they were transferred to another department that was further away, they might still be able to stay. As for the demotion of officials in ancient times, they were basically all transferred out. The demotion of officials in the capital meant that they were directly transferred to a province or county, or even a province or county that was very far away from the capital. They would not have any subordinate relationship with their original subordinates. Otherwise, if the original superior became a subordinate, and the subordinate became a superior, it would be too awkward. It would even take a long time for them to habitually change the way they addressed each other. Those who were promoted would naturally be proud of their success, while those who were demoted would be too aggrieved and depressed.
It was difficult to endure. Therefore, it was said that it was very humane to demote an official to a remote and barren land. If they were demoted to their original position, wouldn't that be called truly cruel? Everyone wanted face, especially those who were officials. They valued face the most. If they were promoted, they would be happy. Once they were demoted, many people would die of depression. Their lives would quickly come to an end. It could be seen that being demoted was a big blow.
Yang Guozhong and his son had advanced triumphantly. Naturally, they had not experienced the pain of being demoted, but this did not mean that it would not happen in the future. The struggle in the court was very cruel. If it was more serious, they would lose their lives. If it was the slightest, they would be demoted, and it would be difficult for them to raise their heads again for the rest of their lives. At the very least, it was extremely difficult to maintain their current glory. This was not an empty phrase, but a very real fact. Otherwise, there would not be so many officials who supported the Prince to seize the throne. Wasn't it to rely on the merits of supporting the Prince to obtain a higher status?
Yang Guozhong was clearly doing the opposite. With the Gui fei as his support, he could only distance himself from the Prince and tie his life to the Emperor. He used his absolute loyalty to the Emperor and fawned on the Gui fei to obtain the greatest benefits for himself, climbing up step by step.
Now, Yang Guozhong had climbed to the highest position that he had always dreamed of. Many of his family's descendants were also officials. Many of them were even related to the royal family through marriage. This could be considered the greatest glory. Their family's glory had risen to the peak.
Once a person had climbed to the highest position, when they could not go any higher, they would have the extravagant wish to stay at the top forever and never fall down. Not to mention having their entire family executed, even the decline of their clan would be hard to accept.
At this moment, Yang Xuan hoped that his father could repair his relationship with the Princes, especially the relationship with the Crown Prince. Even if it was not friendly, as long as it was reasonable, it would be fine. Continuing to be hostile would only cause resentment to accumulate. Once it accumulated to a certain extent, it would become a mortal enemy. If the Emperor suddenly died, what awaited his family would be destruction.
Even ordinary people understood this principle, let alone Yang Xuan, who had already climbed to a high position. How could he not understand this principle? Therefore, he had become much more low-key recently and did not dare to offend too many people. This was to avoid future revenge. At the same time, he was also observing the situation in the court and thinking about how to lay down a path of retreat for himself and his family. However, this was easier said than done. He could not even find a breakthrough.
Yang Guozhong was naturally in the same situation. It was not that he did not think about the future of himself and his family, but the Emperor was still fine. If he took the risk and made a move, it would be easy for the Emperor to find out. As such, there was no need to talk about the future. It was very likely that he would be unlucky soon. Laying out a path of retreat for himself was also a very dangerous thing. If he acted too early, he would be unlucky. If he acted too late, he would also be unlucky.
This was similar to when the Wokou pirates were at their wits' end in the future. Those traitorous officers who followed the Wokou pirates felt very conflicted. If they revolted too early, they might be wiped out by the Wokou pirates. If they revolted too late, they might not be able to make it in time. At the same time, choosing which side to side with was very important.
In short, at this point, their emotions were like ants on a hot pan. They did not know what choice they should make. If they made a wrong move, it could bring about their own destruction. The reason they were facing such a situation was because they had surrendered to the Wokou pirates in order to enjoy a better life and become their lackeys.
Yang Guozhong looked at his eldest son and muttered to himself for a long time. He then said, "My eldest son! Actually, the only person that Father has offended is the Crown Prince. As for the other princes, Father did not force them to do anything. As for the ministers in the court, it is unavoidable to offend some of them. Anyone in my position will inevitably offend others. "
After he finished speaking, he looked at his worried son.
Yang Xuan's face was filled with black lines. He said calmly, "Father, you make it sound so easy! The Crown Prince you offended is the person who will inherit the throne in the future. Isn't that serious? "
Yang Xuan could not understand his father's relaxed attitude.
Yang Guozhong smiled faintly and said, "I'm afraid it'll be very difficult for the current Crown Prince to inherit the throne. Of course, I can't be completely sure, so I'm a little worried too! It will depend on who can last longer, His Majesty or the Crown Prince. "
After he finished speaking, he continued to look at the wheat field in front of him, feeling the joy of the harvest.
Yang Xuan was stunned and felt that it was strange. He said, "Father, what do you mean? His Majesty is almost thirty years older than the Crown Prince. Could it be … "
Even though there were no outsiders around, Yang Xuan did not care to say the word "death". This was a taboo for the royal family. Even in an absolutely safe environment, he could not say it out loud. He did not want to become a habit and say it in his dreams. If that happened, it would be terrible.
Yang Guozhong nodded and said, "Imperial Physician Zhang once told me that the Crown Prince has been suffering from depression for the past few years. However, it is not serious for the time being. It should not be a problem for him to hold on for another ten years. His Majesty's body is also very healthy, even better than the Crown Prince's. Perhaps he can live for another twenty years. However, he is a little older after all, so it is hard to say! I hope that His Majesty can live a long life. That way, our Yang family will not have to worry about decline. "
At this time, Yang Guozhong was an old man in his forties or fifties. If the Emperor could live for another twenty years, he would be able to follow him. That way, in this life, he could be considered to have died of old age. For example, Li Linfu also died of old age.
When Yang Xuan heard this, he was indeed shocked. He did not expect that the Crown Prince, who was much younger than the Emperor, would be in worse health than the old Emperor. That way, the Crown Prince could really die earlier. That way, offending the Crown Prince would not be a big deal. For their Yang family, this was indeed great news.
However, even if the Emperor could live for another twenty years, it could only ensure that Yang Guozhong's life would be smooth sailing. He would not be so lucky. He was still very young and did not want to die in his forties. This meant that he would have to face the next Emperor. But at least, in the years that the Emperor was alive, he had nothing to worry about.
There was still plenty of time. As long as he calmly observed the situation, he could always find a suitable opportunity for his family. As long as he caught the next Emperor in time, he would not have to worry about his life.
Yang Xuan had already made up his mind. Since his father caught the current Emperor and became the highest official, then he would catch the next Emperor. He would follow his father's example so that he could live a carefree life. He had made up his mind. Whether his father agreed or not, he would find a way to become the right-hand man of the next Emperor.
Since the Crown Prince's vitality was so weak and he already had a deep grudge against his father, he naturally would not be his target. Prince Shou's wife had become the Emperor's favorite concubine, so she was naturally excluded. Prince Yong was too ugly. If he became the Emperor, it would affect the reputation of the Tang Empire. Obviously, that would not work. Prince Heng was a Taoist who studied Taoist magic arts and devoted himself to the mountains and rivers. He was very unconcerned about the state affairs, so he could not be the Emperor. Prince Ying, Li Zhi, had some talent, but he was too unrestrained and unfriendly to the Yang family. Obviously, he could not be the Emperor. There were also a few people who were very weak. Of course, they would not be considered.
"Father, how are the health of Prince Rong and Prince Qing?"
Yang Xuan asked.
Obviously, except for the Crown Prince, who was not in good health, Prince Rong and Prince Qing had the highest status. But Yang Xuan guessed that these two older men would not be in good health, but he was not sure.
Yang Guozhong grinned and said, "Prince Qing will be this year. Prince Rong will be in five years. They are not as good as the Crown Prince."
After saying that, he sighed. These princes were too weak. They were only in their forties or fifties, but they were already dying. They were far less alive than the Emperor.
Hearing this, Yang Xuan was naturally quite surprised. He frowned and said, "They are all so short-lived. Except for the three of them, what about the rest of the princes? Are there any who have shorter lifespans? "
Yang Guozhong said with a smile, "I'm not sure. I only know these three people. I'm not sure about the lifespans of the other princes. Why do you ask?"
After saying that, he looked at his son vigilantly. He was very worried that his son would make a mistake. Once he made a mistake, he would be doomed eternally.
"Father, don't worry. I know what I'm doing. I won't cause you any trouble. Without your permission, I won't contact any of the princes, so as not to cause you trouble."
Yang Xuan said.
However, these words were obviously not sincere. He was not an obedient child. He had long planned to find a suitable candidate among the remaining princes as soon as possible. Then, he would secretly get in touch with him to see if he had a good impression of him. Then, he could use his own power to help this prince obtain the position of Crown Prince.
Since the Crown Prince was already ill from depression, there was a high chance that he would not live to see the Emperor. King Qing and King Rong were also not far from the end of their lifespans. As such, the eldest prince who was still alive was the twelfth prince, King Yi, Li Gui. The thirteenth prince was too arrogant and unfriendly to the Yang family. He had already been eliminated. The sixteenth and eighteenth prince was not good either. The twentieth prince, King Yan, Li Bin, had many children and grandchildren. He was a very good candidate. Unfortunately, he was too kind. Yang Xuan was afraid that he would not fight for the throne and waste his efforts.
However, Yang Xuan was not in a hurry. He had plenty of time. The Emperor could hold on for at least ten years. This long period of time was enough for him to find and prepare. His ultimate goal was to obtain the highest official position like his father. For this goal, he had to ensure that the prince he supported was the next Emperor. He could not make a wrong judgment. Otherwise, what awaited him and his family was destruction.
The twelfth prince, the twentieth prince, and the princes behind them would have to choose one of them. He had to quickly deploy his trusted subordinates to observe and understand these princes. This was to prevent him from supporting them too late and not being able to become his trusted subordinates. This would affect his climb to the highest position like his father.
Seeing the light in his son's eyes, Yang Guozhong seemed to realize something. However, there were some things that he could not control. The younger generation had their own thoughts. Sometimes, he might not be able to stop them. If they really caused trouble, it would be more troublesome. However, it was enough for him to rely on the Emperor. His son, however, had to face the next heir of the Empire. If he did not plan for himself early, the future would be very miserable.
"Dalang, no matter what you do in the future, you must be very careful. Don't let anyone get hold of your weakness."
Yang Guozhong reminded him.
Yang Xuan nodded and said, "Father, don't worry. I will be very careful."
"Well, let's not talk about these unhappy things. The wheat has matured. Let's harvest all the grain tomorrow! One day should be enough. "
Yang Guozhong said without any doubt.
He came here today to admire the wheat field. After admiring it, he would harvest all the wheat the next day. Although there were thousands of acres of wheat, as long as there were enough machines in the wheat field, it could all be harvested in half a day. It would not take a day at all. Although there was still a shortage of harvesters, the Yang family was not an ordinary family. They had already had a sufficient number of harvesters. As long as they planted a few of the machines in each family, a few thousand acres of wheat would be nothing.
In fact, the harvest had already begun today. It was just that it was not their family's wheat field that was harvested, but the Korean lady's. Even their machines had been borrowed. Tomorrow, all the machines would come to harvest the thousands of acres of wheat field of their family. Then, they would continue to harvest the next family's wheat field until all the wheat fields were harvested. After that, these machines would not be idle. They would help harvest the wheat fields that lacked machines and collect a certain amount of harvesting fee. This would make them a lot of money.
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