Chapter 38 A Chorus of Springs Joined the Autumn Stillness

　　Li Linfu summoned An Lushan and Wang Hong to the Secretariat for a powwow—both men serving as Censors-in-Chief. Wang Hong, spotting Li Linfu, turned into a one-man bowing machine, all waist-bends and clasped hands. He handed over the documents, then backed off three steps like a nervous footman before daring to turn and shuffle out. An Lushan, puffed up with Xuanzong’s favour, didn’t bother with such niceties—his manners towards Li Linfu were about as respectful as a bull’s to a gatepost.　　It was the dead of winter, and Chang’an’s air bit dry and cold. Li Linfu, swathed in a marten fur, rubbed his hands and smiled at An Lushan. “General An, step into the Secretariat hall for a hot cuppa before we chat. This year’s north wind’s got a sharper edge than last. You’re looking a bit thin-clad—our northern bulwark, the realm’s backbone. Can’t have you catching a chill.” With that, he slipped off his fur and draped it over An Lushan’s hefty shoulders.　　An Lushan didn’t even pretend to demur, accepting the fur with a broad grin. “Brother, you’re too kind—well, I won’t say no then,” he chuckled.　　Li Linfu cradled his tea bowl, his voice mild. “General An, don’t tell me you thought Chang’an’s weather balmy compared to Fanyang and left your furs behind. I’m not as sturdy as you—mind, that marten coat looks a touch snug on your frame. Didn’t you bring that white fox fur the Khitan chief gifted you last year?”　　An Lushan froze, thinking, “How the devil does Li Linfu know that? The Khitan chief slipped in secretly, and handed me that fox fur with no one else about—not a soul. It was spring then, too—I’ve never even worn it.”　　Still reeling, he took the tea Li Linfu offered. As the bowl neared his lips, Li Linfu smiled again. “General, your loyalty’s the talk of the town! With the Tang’s finest under your thumb, and now these thousands of ‘Yeluohe’—stout lads, that Hu tongue fo