The purple moon shines brightly thousands of miles away, the golden armor is cold, and the garrison is cold. I dream of Chang'an.
When I look back at home, the sky is vast, and even the remaining stars are missing. There are several sobs in the corner of the painting, and the snow is thick.
——"Dingxifan Zisai Yue Ming Qianli" Niuqiao [Tang Dynasty]
…
Bai Fu sat in the carriage and looked at it carefully. The carriage was wide and tall, and luxuriously decorated. There were two spacious seats side by side in the carriage, and there was a raised footstool under his feet. Whether he was stretching his legs or resting his feet, he was comfortable.
The carriage is divided into two compartments, the inner and the outer. There is a small couch in the inner compartment. The couch can be retracted and is more than enough for one person to curl up. The couch has thick brocade quilts and thick pillows. There is a secret box under the couch. The interior contains changing robes, the four treasures of the study, tea, wine and pastries.
Two gentle and well-behaved maids were kneeling in the inner compartment, holding a silk handkerchief basin.
The leading maid whispered: "It's still a long way from here to the palace. The young master can take a nap to recuperate his energy. We will help him pack up."
Bai Fu followed the maid's instructions and closed his eyes to rest. The two maids gently served Bai Fu, rinsing his mouth, wiping his face, tying his hair with a crown, incense and changing his clothes.
After cleaning up, Bai Fu was mostly awake from the alcohol and felt refreshed.
Following the bumpy rhythm of the carriage, Bai Fu had a lot of thoughts and thought to himself: "In terms of wealth, businessmen such as Sun Dashan are probably far better than officials such as Li Ruoyou. But in terms of ostentation and enjoyment, how can the ordinary wealthy gentry compare to the relatives of the emperor?
, a wealthy and distinguished family.
However, the patriarchs of wealthy families such as Taifu and Changsun seem to be at a higher level. Their food and clothing are simple and elegant, quiet and simple. This is the style of the Wei and Jin Dynasties, returning to nature."
When he arrived at the palace gate, Bai Fu got out of the car, looking in high spirits and showing no signs of fatigue after drinking.
Bai Fu bowed and thanked the eunuch who passed the order.
The eunuch who delivered the order did not say much, smiled at Bai Fu, nodded, and quickly led Bai Fu into the palace.
…
The emperor's destiny is given by heaven, and the emperor's majesty is infinitely magnified by the palace's magnificent layout and luxurious furnishings. The mysterious atmosphere of strict hierarchy permeates the entire palace.
When we arrived at the Linde Hall, Suzong was reviewing memorials. Under the candlelight, we could see that Suzong's temples were gray and he looked much older than during the military parade at Danfeng Gate.
Seeing Bai Fu's arrival, Suzong looked warm, put down the memorial in his hand, and asked Bai Fu to come forward and answer.
Bai Fu bowed deeply, followed the eunuch's instructions, and knelt down on the collapse.
Being so close to the king and alone, Bai Fu was still a little scared. He couldn't help but straighten his body and listen to the holy teachings.
Suzong's eyes were as bright as a torch and he observed Bai Fu carefully. He was very satisfied with Bai Fu's reserved expression. This was the reaction a minister should have - even if this minister had achieved unparalleled military exploits.
Looking at the commander in front of him who had put down the rebellions of Bohai, Silla and the Three Barbarians of Japan, Suzong became more and more appreciative as he watched. He deeply felt that the evaluation of Bai Fu by Qing Wang Li Cong was true: with Guo Ziyi and Bai Fu as generals, the country can be protected.
The territory of the Tang Dynasty is in good condition, and there is no longer any worry of war; if Bai Fu is taken back as his consort, the Li and Tang dynasties will be prosperous and prosperous.
Suzong received the letter of credence from the Uighurs today: Due to the invasion of the Uighur royal court by Heishui Mohe and other coalition forces, the Uighur army returned north to the royal court. When returning north, Dengli Khan personally presented a petition to express his views on the relationship between the Uighurs and the Tang Dynasty due to Qingluan.
I deeply apologize for the misunderstanding caused by the princess. Uighur is willing to re-establish an alliance with the Tang Dynasty and become a barrier between each other's countries.
Su Zong thought: "Bai Fuzhen is my blessed general! With him assisting me, why should I fear him?!"
Since the two princesses returned to Chang'an, Princess Ningguo has been constantly advising Suzong, hoping to betroth Princess Qingluan to Bai Fu as soon as possible. Princess Qingluan's desire to marry is beyond words.
Suzong originally wanted to issue an edict today and grant the marriage a free marriage.
When discussing with Empress Zhang, Empress Zhang tactfully remonstrated: "Your Majesty, everyone knows that Dengli Khan is so ambitious that he forced Qingluan to marry.
Dengli Khan suffered the disadvantage of being mute. If it weren't for the tight situation in the royal court of Huihe, which forced him to return north, how could he have let it go?
At this moment, betrothing Qingluan to General Bai Fu was undoubtedly a public humiliation of Khan Dengli.
Shi Siming's rebellion has not yet been settled, so it would be unwise to offend Huihe at this time.
I think that since Princess Qingluan is still young, it is not too late to wait another year and a half. When the rebellion is put down and the country is stable, it will not be too late to marry General Baifu.
I am afraid that my concubine’s foolish words may be inappropriate, so I ask Your Majesty to take a closer look!”
Suzong thought for a moment and agreed. The Shi Siming Rebellion was not over yet, so he could not openly offend Uighur.
Moreover, there is still a big thing that needs to be done by Bai Fu at the moment, which can be regarded as the ultimate test. After this thing is done, it will be announced to the world that the princess will be solemnly married to Bai Fu, which is the best reward.
Thinking of this, Suzong decided to adopt Empress Zhang's advice and the marriage can wait until later.
…
Suzong looked cheerful and said to Bai Fu: "I am very pleased that you single-handedly rescued Qingluan regardless of your personal safety.
Bai Fu hurriedly saluted and replied: "This is all thanks to your majesty's favor. The size of my work is not worth mentioning."
Suzong sighed: "There are not many generals like you in the Tang Dynasty who are not proud of themselves."
Bai Fu's heart was frightened and he didn't dare to answer the question.
Suzong said with emotion: "I will always remember your kindness to Luan'er when you saved Qingluan during the New Year's Eve lantern festival.
Because of this, you were demoted from the military examination by the Supreme Emperor, and I also remember the injustice you suffered."
Seeing the slight change in Bai Fu's expression, Suzong changed his subject and his tone turned cold, saying: "Back then, even though I was the crown prince, my life was not easy.
The Supreme Emperor is too suspicious of me, and your rescue of Qingluan almost made me guilty of raising a dead man privately and plotting evil."
Li Linfu made many accusations to frame the prince. Bai Fu later heard Taifu Xu talk about it.
Thinking about the tragic fate of Li Linfu, An Lushan, Yang Guozhong and other powerful officials who were at the height of their power, Bai Fu couldn't help but sigh.
Suzong paused for a moment and suddenly asked: "I heard from Luan'er that she took you to meet her mother?"
"Yes." Bai Fu nodded in response.
Suzong sighed: "Back then, as the crown prince, I couldn't even keep the crown princess. I watched Luan'er's mother be demoted to a commoner and become a nun."
Suzong said: "I have been a prince for decades, and I spend every day cautiously.
Since he ascended the throne, there has been even more unrest. After finally wiping out the traitor An Lushan, the traitor Shi Siming unexpectedly rebelled again.
From west to east, from south to north, the Tubo, Qiang, Dangxiang, Uighur, Bohai, Silla, Japanese and other foreign barbarians are eyeing us, eager to destroy the Tang Dynasty.
Internal and external troubles, and wars raging all over the place, have prevented me from sleeping peacefully for a whole day..."
Bai Fu deeply felt that it was not easy to succeed the emperor, so he straightened his spine and said loudly: "The general is willing to share your Majesty's worries and conquer the four directions for the Holy One. He will go through fire and water without hesitation!"
Suzong stood up, walked a few steps in the palace, suddenly stopped, looked at Bai Fu, and said word by word: "Right now, the most dangerous enemy is not foreign barbarians, but internal troubles!
The disasters of the Tang Dynasty were caused by Xiao Qiang. In Chang'an City, there are people who don't see my kindness and are disobedient and want to harm me!
Before fighting against the outside world, you must first make peace at home. If the internal troubles are not eliminated, I will have trouble sleeping and eating. This is the real reason why I summoned you back to Beijing with twelve gold medals."
As soon as these words came out, Bai Fu finally understood why Suzong was anxious to summon him.
Bai Fu knelt down with a thud and said: "I am a humble minister but I am willing to help Your Majesty cut off the traitors, kill all the traitors, and restore our great Tang Dynasty!"
Suzong walked to Bai Fu, lifted Bai Fu up, and said with a smile: "Fu'er, because of Luan'er, I have never treated you as an outsider. You have never let me down!"
After saying that, Suzong pressed the button on the table and took out a short knife studded with precious gems from the hidden compartment.
Suzong gave this sword to Bai Fu and solemnly told him: "This sword is called 'Thousand Ox Sword' and it is my sword.
With this sword, as if I were here in person, I can kill the emperor's relatives, the king's stomach, and the corrupt officials, treacherous and evil gentry.
I promise you that if you are below the third rank, you will kill them first and then report them!"
"I accept the order to thank you, and I will definitely live up to your Majesty's kindness!" Bai Fu knelt down again and knelt down to thank him.