997 Poet Saint Du Fu (1/2)

Chapter 997 – Poet Saint Du Fu

The next morning, An Qingxu received an emergency letter from Luoyang.

Fanyang had fallen, and Luoyang was asking for help. An Qingxu did not even think about it. After greeting Di Chen, he immediately led his troops to Luoyang. Di Chen was helpless and could only pull back the troops.

Staying any longer in Chang An would mean that all his troops would fall.

Along with the rebel army leaving, the Chang An defending troops heaved a sigh of relief. Some soldiers could not hold on anymore and fell to the ground, as this battle was simply too exhilarating.

To Chang An, the most dangerous moment had passed.

Pushing back the rebels meant that Ouyang Shuo's prestige here had reached a new peak. The officials' annoyance toward Ouyang Shuo for his actions had been relieved, and the civilians in the city were filled with gratitude toward Ouyang Shuo.

As for those nobles and officials whose private troops were taken away, their attitudes changed. Now, they sought credit from the emperor. They described how their soldiers were so courageous and protected the safety of Chang An.

The various generals of the troops also entered the palace to pledge their allegiance to the emperor.

In comparison, Ouyang Shuo seemed to be ignored. It seems like be it Li Longji or Li Xiang, they were both terrified of this player.

The Imperial Court had already spread the word that they hoped for the player forces to move out of the city.

The danger in Chang An City had just ended, and the previous emperor Li Longji did not like his current position. He did not want to leave Taiji Palace.

How could his current position compare to being an emperor?

In history, Li Longji had a long period of power struggle with Li Xiang when he returned from Shu Lands, much less in the current situation.

As the previous emperor, Li Longji had a massive foundation in the dynasty, and there were many people who wished to follow him. As such, he naturally still wanted to control the dynasty and not become someone with no power.

The love for power of ancient emperors was something that normal people could not understand.

Take the Qing Dynasty Ganlong Emperor as an example. He once said that even if he had a long life, he did not dare to break his grandfather's record of ruling for 61 years. If he managed to reach 60 years of ruling, he would give up his position.

He also spent huge amounts of resources to build a palace for himself for retirement – the Ningshou Palace.

When he was 85 and had ruled for 60 years, he gave up the throne as expected. However, he did not move to Ningshou Palace.

He still stayed in Yangxin Hall, and he accepted the visits from the officials and controlled country matters. He still retained power over the nation.

The poor Jiaqing became a fake emperor until Ganlong died. After that, he finally took over power. Until the Ganlong Emperor's death, he did not even spend a single day in Ningshou Palace, such an irony.

Ganlong had did it beautifully. He had given up his spot voluntarily. On the other hand, this did not mean that Li Longji had all the more reason to interfere in dynasty matters.

Hence, the moment the rebels left, hidden currents moved in the Chang An Imperial Court.

The new versus the old slowly started their battle.

Ouyang Shuo did not bother about such matters. Taking the time when the two emperors were fighting, he rushed to a street on the west of Chang An to visit someone.

He was visiting the famous Poet Saint Du Fu.

Du Fu had a really close relationship with the An Lushan Rebellion, and many of his poems came out during this period. Like the 'Three officials and three partings,' which describe the chaotic situation.

For example:

The Pressgang at Stone Moat Village

I seek for shelter at nightfall.

What is the pressgang coming for?

My old host climbs over the wall;

My old hostess answers the door.

How angry is the sergeant's shout!

How bitter is the woman's cry!

I hear what she tries to speak out.

”I'd three sons guarding the town high.

One wrote a letter telling me

That his brothers were killed in war.

He'll keep alive if he can be;

The dead have passed and are no more.

In the house there is no man left,

Except my grandson in the breast

Of his mother, of all bereft;

She can't come out, in tatters dressed.

Though I'm a woman weak and old,

I beg to go tonight with you,

That I may serve in the stronghold

And cook morning meals as my due.”

With night her voices fade away;

I seem to hear still sob and sigh.

At dawn again I go my way

And only bid my host goodbye.

During the Battle Map, although the players changed the direction of the battle, the people that were hurt were still civilians. Outside of Chang An City, the tens of thousands of civilian bodies formed the best description.

Naturally, Ouyang Shuo visited Du Fu because he wanted him to come to Great Xia.

Du Fu was born from the Datu tribe in the north. When he was young, he once did not have to worry about food and clothes. When he became a middle-aged man, his family faltered, and his life got worse.

Although the civil servants and officials of the Imperial Court had their own thoughts and felt complicated about Ouyang Shuo, amongst the civilians, Ouyang Shuo was a true hero.

Furthermore, Ouyang Shuo used his position as Xia King and his appointment as commander to personally recruit Du Fu. As such, why would he not agree? There were not many people in ancient times that could reject a request from royalty.

Name: Du Fu (Saint Rank)