In the middle of winter, roads are blocked by heavy snow, and thousands of miles of mountains and rivers in the north turn into a snowfield.
The cold wind is so strong that it can scratch people's faces.
However, Feng Changqing rushed to Fan Yang. He brought dozens of knights with him. When he arrived at the gate of Fan Yang, his armor was already covered with thick ice.
He raised his head and glanced around Fan Yangcheng's defense, a look of vigilance flashing in his eyes.
In the city gate, Xue Bai came out with a few followers. He was not wearing armor, but was wearing a big cloak, looking casual and calm.
Feng Changqing came here this time because Xue Bai wrote a letter saying that he planned to resign and return to Beijing, and asked him to explain some affairs after leaving.
However, his generals reminded him that he might fall into a trap when he came to Fanyang. They believed that King Yong would die if he returned to the capital and would raise his troops to rebel, so he set up the Hongmen Banquet.
Feng Changqing believed this, so he gathered dozens of his most elite confidants, mentally preparing to suppress the rebellion for the imperial court.
When he arrived at Fanyang, Xue Bai treated him warmly and ordered someone to bring him ginger soup that was boiled by the city gate.
"It's really hard for you to come here in such weather. Please hurry up and get rid of the cold."
"They are all doing things for the imperial court, as a minister should."
Feng Changqing took the hot bowl, but did not drink it immediately. Instead, he held it to warm his cold hands.
Xue Bai seemed not to notice this small detail and continued to order people to distribute the ginger soup to the soldiers brought by Feng Changqing.
"Give me a bowl too." Finally, he stretched out his hand to ask for a bowl and gulped it down.
When Feng Changqing saw this, he smiled bitterly in his heart, thinking that he was too nervous. Even if Xue Bai wanted to poison him, how much could this small bowl of ginger soup contain?
He then raised his head and drank a bowl of soup. A warmth immediately arose in his stomach, dispelling the cold, as if the hair follicles all over his body were stretched.
"It would be better if there was wine." He thought to himself.
But even if Xue Bai gave him wine, he might not dare to drink it.
Everyone walked into the city and entered the government office lobby. Feng Changqing's guards followed them all the way. Xue Bai seemed to have not seen him and started talking about business in front of them.
"Most of the things in Hebei have just started, and some have not even started yet. I am very reluctant to let me step down at this time."
After Feng Changqing heard this, he guessed that Xue Bai wanted to impress him with words first and persuade him to join in the rebellion.
Unfortunately, I made the wrong calculation.
He had made up his mind, and no matter how much Xue Bai tried to persuade him, he could not waver in the slightest. His loyalty to the court was stronger than a rock.
But Xue Bai did not continue to complain about the court, but changed the topic and said: "But fortunately, the plans for various affairs have been made, and officials have been appointed. There is no need for me to keep an eye on Fan Yang. Only border defense and military affairs
Regarding the affairs of the village, Fengjie Commander needs to pay more attention."
He actually started talking about what he needed Feng Changqing to do after he left.
Feng Changqing didn't pay attention at first, always wondering how Xue Bai was going to get rid of him, but it didn't seem like there were swordsmen around the lobby. Gradually, his attention finally turned to what Xue Bai was telling him.
In practice.
After discussing the matter, Xue Bai personally sent Feng Changqing to the post house.
"I know that Fengjie Commander is always frugal and doesn't like extravagance, so I won't have a banquet."
He actually said that if there is no banquet, there will be no banquet. They had a simple meal in the government office, and Xue Bai asked him to rest early because he would continue to discuss official matters tomorrow.
At night, the post house.
Feng Changqing carefully checked the yard to make sure that no one was waiting, then returned to the house and took off his armor.
He quickly lay down on the couch and placed his saber within easy reach of the bedside.
Just when I closed my eyes, suddenly, there was a "pop" sound from the courtyard, like a tile falling to the ground and breaking.
Feng Changqing quickly picked up the saber and stood up, pushed open the door, and first leaned against the door frame to peek out, fearing that there was an arrow coming from behind.
After waiting for a while, his guards also rushed out of the house.
He then strode out and looked up. There was snow piled on the roof ridge. Under the moonlight, a black cat walking on the roof was frightened and disappeared.
Feng Changqing's guards were still worried and quickly rushed out to search.
After searching carefully, they came back and reported: "Jie Shuai, there is no one."
It seems that Xue Bai really didn't arrange anyone to assassinate him.
Feng Changqing raised his head and looked at the moonlight, wondering in his heart, wondering if Xue Bai could really relinquish military power and return to Chang'an? That would be just for the sake of others, and for me.
Can't figure it out.
After a night of vigilance, I didn't sleep well. When I woke up the next day, Xue Bai had sent someone to ask Feng Changqing to continue the discussion.
After Feng Changqing hesitated, he put on his armor and went.
In addition to being heavy and harsh, iron armor is stuffy to wear in the summer, cold to wear in the winter, and hot when sitting next to the stove and being roasted by the fire.
When discussing matters, he felt cold and hot. It was just like this when he was in the army, but in this lobby, when others watched Xue Bai talking calmly, and then looked at the firelight reflected on Feng Changqing's breastplate, there was always an inexplicable feeling.
He felt so incongruous that he wanted to peel off his armor.
The specific implementation plan was decided, and Xue Bai introduced various officials to Feng Changqing.
He first attracted Yan Gaoqing, Yuan Luqian and others.
"This is my father-in-law. He is also responsible for the military affairs in Hebei Province. Others say that I let people marry me, but I know my father-in-law's talents, so I have no choice but to avoid relatives."
Everyone laughed, and amidst laughter, Xue Bai introduced Feng Changqing to Yan Gaoqing, telling him that if he had any trouble in matters, he could go to Feng Changqing to resolve it.
Feng Changqing and Yan Gaoqing quickly became close friends. Their behavior and upright character were indeed similar. But on the other hand, Feng Changqing also wondered whether Xue Bai wanted Yan Gaoqing to be a lobbyist and persuade others.
He rebelled with Xue Bai.
But after getting along for a few days, when all matters were discussed, Xue Bai was ready to leave for Chang'an, but Yan Gaoqing didn't say anything to persuade him.
After the farewell practice, a banquet was finally held.
Before going to the banquet, the armor was placed on the desk. Feng Changqing looked at it with thoughtful eyes, hesitating whether to wear the armor to the banquet.
Then some soldiers analyzed the matter for him.
"I'm afraid King Yong did this on purpose. He wants Commander Ji to relax his vigilance. The killing move will come tonight."
Feng Changqing thinks it makes sense.
But there was another voice in his heart telling him that in the past few days, King Yong had been honest with him, but he had always been vigilant, fearing that others would laugh at him if he lost his temper as a general.
Rarely, Feng Changqing put on an old coat and went to practice for Xue Bai with only a few guards.
He knew it was dangerous, but he still believed in his own judgment.
It was a night of drinking, and Xue Bai felt tipsy after drinking two glasses. This was quite refreshing for him, but facing Feng Changqing who had returned from the Western Regions, this little wine was not enough to rinse his mouth.
Facing the urge to drink, Xue Bai waved his hand and said: "I can't drink anymore. I have to get up early tomorrow and ride on horseback."
Feng Changqing said: "It's as if I have never drunk and ridden a horse."
Xue Bai's cheeks were slightly flushed, and he said through drunkenness: "If there is poison in the wine, it doesn't matter if I drink a little. If you drink more, you will be poisoned."
In one sentence, several of Feng Changqing's guards changed their expressions.
Feng Changqing laughed loudly, with a hint of self-deprecation in his smile.
"Prince Yong is laughing at my carefree attitude these days. It's so disrespectful."
"It's human nature."
As Xue Bai spoke, he moved his body and leaned against the pillar, showing a rare dejection. He sighed drunkenly: "Those who know me say that I am worried; those who don't know me say that I am worried."
Feng Changqing could actually feel Xue Bai's efforts in working for the Tang Dynasty. This time he also misunderstood that he was trying to tamper with others, and he realized how deeply the world misunderstood him.
"When King Yong returned to Chang'an this time, did he worry about his wealth and life?"
"It doesn't matter." Xue Bai waved his hand calmly and said, "As long as the world can be stable."
These words were spoken very naturally and there was no trace of performance.
At least Feng Changqing didn't notice anything. He sighed in his heart and raised his head to drink a bowl of wine.
Xue Bai turned to look at him and said, "Don't worry, I still remember what I promised you."
After getting drunk, nothing really happened.
Before dawn, Xue Bai set off south.
The team heading south consisted of only a few dozen people. After bidding farewell to many officials in Fan Yang, they walked into the wind and snow.
Feng Changqing stopped and looked into the distance, feeling a little emotional. He thought that a major hidden danger in the country had finally passed.
King Yong decentralized power. From now on, the emperor should work hard to revive the Tang Dynasty.
It would be better not to reuse eunuchs again...
~~
Diao Bing turned around, glanced into the wind and snow, and said, "Mr. Lang, Fanyang City can no longer be seen."
"Let the team move slowly, don't be in a hurry."
"yes."
Diao Bing glanced at the team again, still a little confused, and couldn't help but ask: "There is someone, Mr. Lang must have forgotten to bring him, right?"
"Um."
"Mr. Li Bi, he is still staying in Fan Yang, but the officials nearby cannot ask him for advice. Why doesn't Mr. Lang take him with him?"
Xue Bai said: "It's okay. After some time, I can ask him for advice again."
He rode the horse leisurely, and after a while, he left the team and went to Yizhou for a private visit incognito.
~~
The first lunar month of the first year of Shangyuan has passed, but in previous years it was still the twelfth lunar month.
People everywhere seem not to be very interested in the imperial court changing the year. Now they are just starting to prepare for the New Year and they are still preparing Lantern Festival lanterns according to the old calendar.
The government did not allow them to do this, saying that they were ignoring the power of the saint and destroying many lanterns.
Especially in Chang'an City, government offices at all levels have received official documents and strictly control this matter.
Today's Wannian County Magistrate obtained this position by bribing Dou Wenyang. How dare he not dedicate himself to such a major event? He showed his iron fist and sent a large number of officials to ensure that Chang'an City cannot be visited during the Shangyuan Festival in the old calendar.
to a lantern.
After receiving the order, the officials rushed to the people's homes. They not only trampled on the lanterns, but also took away the people's candlesticks and bacon.
Some people complained to Jingzhao Mansion, and then the matter reached the ears of Wei Jiansu, the servant.
Wei Jiansu then went to see the saint to explain the matter, but was stopped by Dou Wenyang, who advised him not to meddle in other people's business.
"Changing the year is a major event that demonstrates His Majesty's achievements and the revival of the Tang Dynasty. Does Wei Gong dare to obstruct this matter?"
Dou Wenyang stated that the problem is very serious, and it is indeed the case.
The imperial court ignored it, and the servants became even more unscrupulous. After that, they robbed property and even insulted the women of the people, but Dou Wenyang suppressed them all.
The chaos in the streets of Chang'an did not reach the ears of the emperor, but it quickly spread to all states and counties in the world. Some imitated and even more lamented.
No one thought that after deposing King Yong, the saint would rely so heavily on the eunuchs and act unscrupulously.
The public's resistance to changing the New Year's Day has become stronger.
"Since ancient times, only sage kings can correct Shuo. But what achievements does a sage have? All his current achievements are due to King Yong."
Public opinions like this continue to ferment, but Li Cong in the palace city has never heard of it.
He was still immersed in the joy of taking power for the first time.
After hearing that Xue Bai had resigned and moved to Beijing, many officials in the court who were close to Xue Bai also changed their minds and did not dare to offend the emperor again.
Without the constraints of Xue Bai and other officials, the changes are still very obvious. It can be described as a world of difference.
Dou Wenyang could transfer disobedient officials, so no one could stop him from collecting money for the emperor. The food and clothing expenses of Li Cong's family immediately changed.
Due to the war and Xue Bai's promotion of frugality, the palace expenses had been reduced. Li Cong always felt that there was a shortage of this and that. He was a majestic emperor, but he couldn't even afford the money to reward his concubines.
Now that the servants were ordered to save money on purchases, Dou Wenyang worked hard, especially such a major matter related to the saint's food and clothing. After receiving the order, he immediately paid attention to it.
As usual, Duzhi was responsible for purchasing things needed in the palace, but Dou Wenyang changed it to eunuchs.
He sent hundreds of eunuchs to the east and west markets to purchase goods, which were called palace markets.
But he didn't give any documents or certificates. After all, the eunuchs only needed to go to that station and say a few words in a high-pitched voice, and they still needed more certificates?
Whenever these eunuchs see what they need, they only pay a small amount of money or take it away directly, and ask them, "How dare you not give the saint what he needs?!"
In this way, in just a few days, Dou Wenyang spent a small amount of money to purchase a large number of exquisite things for the palace city.
Li Cong was surprised and confused, and asked why the price of Duzhi Envoy Bao was so different from that in the palace market.
Dou Wenyang responded naturally: "Du Zhi falsely reported the purchase price and put all the money into his own treasury. Those foreign ministers don't know how to plan carefully for the saint. How can we, the slaves who serve the saint personally, be loyal?"
Li Cong didn't know the price of goods and was very angry when he heard this. He deeply hated those officials who dared to deceive him, so he relied more and more on Dou Wenyang.
Occasionally, he would think of the moment when Dou Wenyang put the red official robe on the seven-year-old child, but no one has shortcomings. It is those who ask for something and are the most loyal.
As a result, the palace market became more and more arrogant. Because they often took things without paying, the people called them "Bai Wang". Sometimes they were lazy and asked the owner of the goods to deliver them to the palace, but it was not easy for the owner to enter the palace.
, I need to say hello, so I collect an extra "portal money" from the owner of the goods.
Since there is a gate fee for delivery, the eunuch who goes to the market to purchase in person will have to charge an extra "foot price."
Chang'an City was filled with resentment among the people.
Li Cong in the palace was completely unaware. He saw officials from various counties and counties paying tribute one after another, and his internal funds became more and more abundant. He looked like he was prosperous and prosperous. He felt that he had made more achievements than all the emperors of the Tang Dynasty.
He did not forget Xue Bai, thinking that he would be at ease after Xue Bai arrived in Chang'an and imprisoned him.
Dou Wenyang has a large number of informants in Hebei, and will send Xue Bai's itinerary to Chang'an every few days.
Knowing that Xue Bai really did not bring any soldiers and was heading south every day, he felt much more at ease. He could just wait for the people to arrive and then he could sit back and relax.
~~
Gangneung.
In the Governor's Mansion, Li Lin once again convened the staff to discuss matters. It was already full of talented people, and he and Yang Xu were no longer the only ones.
Xue Yu, Li Taiqing, Wei Zichun, Liu Julin, and Cai Jian were all counselors recruited by Li Lin.
Like Li Cong, Li Lin also sent many spies to spy on Xue Bai's whereabouts.
Knowing that Xue Bai was heading south, Li Lin took action.
"Others believe that he has withdrawn the military power, but I don't believe it!"
Since he had already made an agreement with Xue Bai, he naturally knew that Xue Bai would never be easily subdued.
And once Xue Bai takes the throne, he has no confidence that he can compete with Xue Bai again.
"He must have taken the opportunity to personally lead an elite force into Guanzhong. After capturing Tongguan or occupying Chang'an, Fan Yang will raise a large army!"
Wei Zichun immediately stood up and said: "Should King Yong report to the court..."
"What's the use?"
Yang Xu didn't wait for him to finish, and scolded him directly, saying: "The saint falsely believed in the eunuchs, the court was smoky, and the people in the city were miserable. How could he stop Xue Ni? This situation is just like the previous emperor who indulged An Lushan."
"What should I do?"
"Do we have to wait until Xue Bai raises his army and cause trouble to the Tang Dynasty again?"
When Yang Xu said this, his face became solemn, he straightened his clothes and bowed to Li Lin solemnly.
"Please King Yong raise the troops from the south, defeat Xue Ni, eliminate the traitors, and purge the country."
They have analyzed it carefully. After experiencing the Anshi Rebellion, Henan, Hebei and Guanzhong were in decline, and Dou Wenyang's rise to power caused public resentment to boil.
The south was unspoiled and was the richest. Li Lin shouldered the expectations of the Supreme Emperor and was known as the King of the Qing Dynasty. It was not difficult to defeat Li Cong and raise an army.
The worst option is to go down the Yangtze River, occupy the east of the Yangtze River, and separate one side from another.
The wealth and future of the staff had long been tied to Li Lin. At this moment, they turned to look at the swordsmen and axemen behind them. There was no way out and they all prostrated themselves.
"Please King Yong raise his troops and flank King Qing!"
"good!"
Now that everyone was united, Li Lin responded generously and said proudly: "As a descendant of the Li family, how can I bear to see the traitors plotting against the ancestral country and the powerful eunuchs using their power to harm the people and become an army?"
He has had this ambition for more than a day or two. He has been recruiting troops secretly for a long time. What he has to do now is to give money, promise generous rewards, and bribe the generals to join him in raising troops to clear the emperor's side.
On the other hand, he sent people to Jianghuai to contact Li Zhi, Li Min and other clans to win their support.
I believe that out of fear of powerful officials and traitors like Xue Bai, disgust for traitors like Dou Wenyang, and loyalty to the Supreme Emperor, these clans will definitely support him.
~~
Almost all counties in the world are paying attention to Xue Bai's trip. Except for Li Cong who is confident that he can conquer Xue Bai, most people think that Xue Bai's trip south is probably a deception, but in fact he is ready to raise troops to rebel.
Li Zhi, the pacification envoy of Shandong Province, was also very concerned about this matter.
He had had contact with Xue Bai before. Although he didn't like Xue Bai personally, to be fair, Xue Bai was quite dedicated to state affairs, so he initially thought that Xue Bai would not raise an army.
But as the news came back one by one, he found that Xue Bai's journey was very slow. He would stay in each state and county for a few days, and even review unjust cases and deal with officials. It didn't look like he was returning to Beijing, but like he was patrolling the place.
How can such a person delegate power?
Then, he met the envoy sent by Li Lin.
The visitor's name was Wei Zichun. He had an elegant appearance, but his eyes were always flashing with excitement and enthusiasm, and his words unconsciously showed that he was ready to become a high official at any time.
Just when Li Zhi was wondering what this man was doing, Wei Zichun actually took out a secret edict from the Supreme Emperor.
The Supreme Emperor stated in the edict that he lived in seclusion in the palace and was bullied by Dou Wenyang. He wanted to live in Xingqing Palace but was ridiculed and humiliated.
It sounds incredible that the father of the majestic emperor is angry with a slave, but if you think about it carefully, how could a slave dare to act like this if he didn't get the emperor's instructions?
Thinking of this, Li Zhi felt that there might be some subtleties between the Supreme Emperor and the Saint.
Looking further down, sure enough, in the secret edict, the Supreme Emperor praised Yong Wang Li Lin highly, calling him "the most virtuous among the scholars", and ordered Li Lin to get rid of Dou Wenyang.
"hiss."
After reading the secret edict, Li Zhi took a deep breath.
When Wei Zichun saw this, he said: "King Yong has received this letter a long time ago. He has written several times to ask the saint not to rely too much on traitors. However, the road was cut off and the government was controlled by Dou Wenyang. According to the secret edict of the Supreme Emperor, King Yong should have
I raised an army to clear the emperor's side, but I cared about the righteousness of brothers and the love between monarch and minister, and always tolerated it. But now the country is in greater crisis..."
"Li Qian?"
"That's right." Wei Zichun nodded, "He was granted the title of prince in the name of the deceased grandson. However, his identity is unknown and he is plotting to usurp. It is not an exaggeration to call him 'Xue Ni'. King Wu, please take a look at this."
Li Zhi looked around and saw a letter in front of him.
When unfolded, the handwriting on the letter paper is straight and smooth, with full ink. It is a beautiful hand in regular script, and it really looks like Xue Bai's handwriting.
In the letter, Xue Bai tried his best to encourage Li Lin to rebel with him, and agreed that whoever enters Guanzhong first would be the emperor and share the country.
"this?!"
Li Zhi looked at it and his eyes widened in shock. He couldn't believe that there were so many conspiracies hidden in the calm situation.
"What does King Yong want?"
"Don't worry." Wei Zichun quickly comforted Li Zhi and said: "King Yong will never collude with Xue Ni, but..."
"Just what?"
"Even the saints were supported by Xue Ni with one hand. Now that Xue Ni has raised his troops to go south, looking at the methods of today's saints, he is afraid that he will hand over the ancestral country to outsiders."
Hearing this, Li Zhi was already confused. He probably already knew that Li Lin's intention was to raise troops to clear the emperor's side.
However, he could no longer distinguish between right and wrong. He couldn't help but ask: "What does King Yong want me to do?"
Wei Zichun's eyes flickered, and he assessed Li Zhi's attitude. He did not immediately recruit Li Zhi to join him in the rebellion, but said: "King Yong sent some righteous men here to eliminate traitors for the country."
"Assassinate Xue Bai?"
"yes."
Li Zhi did not object to this matter and believed that assassinating Xue Bai was the easiest way to solve the crisis in the country.
He planned to resolve this crisis first, and then join forces with King Yong to ask the saint to get rid of Dou Wenyang. In this way, the country might be able to regain stability.
"Okay, I will fully cooperate with you on this matter."
Wei Zichun was overjoyed. As long as Xue Bai died, no matter whether Li Zhi supported King Yong or not, it would be impossible to prevent King Yong from raising an army to seize the throne.
…
Xue Bai was traveling very slowly, as if he was reluctant to go south. He would stay in various counties for a few days. After passing Xiangzhou, he suddenly turned to Huazhou.
It was as if he knew that Li Zhi was going to cooperate with Li Lin in assassinating him, so he sent it here specially.
Li Zhi and Wei Zichun were both a little panicked, but they quickly reacted and immediately arranged for envoys to greet Xue Bai.