In front of the Chengtian Gate of Taiji Palace, Duan Zhixuan waited motionless for two hours. The heavy snow in the sky covered his head and shoulders with a thick layer of ice and snow.
If you weren’t paying attention, you might have thought it was a snowman!
The soldiers guarding the city gate had persuaded him several times to take shelter from the wind and snow under the city gate.
But Duan Zhixuan, who wanted to meet His Majesty Li Er, could not listen.
Last time, his son Duan Guan had an arm chopped off by Yang Fan's club.
Now his heir Duan Zan has had another leg chopped off.
If Duan Zhixuan's incident made Duan Zhixuan heartbroken, then Duan Zan's destruction now is like a knife in his heart.
If he doesn't regain his position today, then the Baoguo Duke's Mansion will become a being that everyone can bully.
Now Duan Zhixuan really regrets why he has to fight against Yang Fan's stick.
Now one son has been exiled three thousand miles away, and the other son has become disabled.
Duan Zhixuan no longer has any hope. His only purpose now is to let His Majesty Li Er deliver justice to him.
No matter how cold the weather was, it couldn't be more heartbreaking than the destruction of his family heritage.
He had made up his mind today that even if he lost his life and face, he would make Yang Fan pay the due price.
The guard guarding the gate was about to persuade him again, when he saw a group of people walking out of Chengtian Gate.
The leader was suddenly none other than Li Junxian, the leader of the Hundred Cavalry, the spy chief, followed by several guards and chamberlains.
The captain of the guard team was overjoyed and quickly took a few steps forward to softly report Duan Zhixuan's situation.
If Duan Zhixuan really has good intentions, it will be hard for these little shrimps to explain him.
Li Junxian nodded clearly, his coffin-like face not changing at all.
Looking up, Li Junxian couldn't help but be slightly stunned when he saw Duan Zhixuan with a pale and lonely face.
Never thought that General Duan, who was so majestic in the past, would be so helpless.
If Duan Zhixuan had followed His Majesty's footsteps, no matter how bad his life was, he would not have ended up like this.
But this general has been an official for many years, but he cannot see that all his honors and status were given to him by His Majesty.
Arriving in front of Duan Zhixuan, Li Junxian said loudly: "Your Majesty has issued an order to allow Duke Bao to enter the palace to see him."
"Thank you, General!" Duan Zhixuan patted the snow on his body and saluted with his hands.
Immediately, he looked at the spy leader with an uncertain expression.
The reason why his son Duan Guan was exiled three thousand miles was due to Li Junxian's contribution.
If Duan Zhixuan is still the Zuowei General, this leader of the Hundred Cavalry is several levels below him.
Nowadays, people have to bow their heads under the eaves!
Li Junxian sighed slightly, a phoenix with no hair is really worse than a chicken!
Who knows that this guy is not very discerning and wants to cause trouble for Yang Fan!
Don’t you see that those who want to cause trouble for Yang Fan will only end up humiliating themselves?
Poor people must be hateful!
So with a wave of his hand, he asked the chamberlain to lead Duan Zhixuan into the palace.
Li Junxian was about to turn around and follow, but out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of a group of people in the distance galloping through the wind and snow.
Take a closer look, who is it if it's not Yang Fan?
Li Junxian gave a wry smile. Needless to say, he knew that this brother came to see His Majesty, probably because of today's conflict.
Coming here in the limelight, doesn't this guy know that His Majesty is sulking? It's simply a shame.
However, after Li Junxian whispered a few words to the guards, he stopped.
As the chamberlain led Duan Zhixuan away, Yang Fan also arrived in front of Chengtian Gate.
Seeing Li Junxian already standing at the city gate, Yang Fan couldn't help but asked strangely: "Brother, why are you here guarding the city gate today?"
"Aren't we waiting for you, brother? Are you here to see His Majesty?" Li Junxian said with a smile, but he didn't expect that Yang Fan was still in the mood to joke.
A group of soldiers guarding the city gate burst out laughing when they saw Li Junxian. They were suddenly surprised?
No matter when and where, Li Junxian, the leader of the Hundred Cavalry, was always cold and majestic, always wearing a stinking coffin face.
Whether he is dealing with His Majesty the Emperor or all the civil and military officials, he is always serious about his words and smiles. When have you ever laughed like this?
Perhaps only this loyal and righteous man whose reputation spread all over the world can make him laugh!
The captain just now was a very discerning person. He took two steps forward and said with a smile: "General Li, Marquis Zhongyi, it will take some time to wait for your majesty's order. It's freezing here, so why not go to the side first?"
Would you like to take a short rest?"
Looking at the flying snow in the sky and feeling the whistling north, Yang Fan tightened his collar.
The weather is really not suitable for staying outside for too long. There is a resting place for the defenders next to each city gate.
Although it is simple, it is still better than standing in the open space and drinking from the northwest wind.
This team leader is very good at being a good person!
Yang Fan gave this guy a thumbs up in his heart. Of course, he couldn't just praise him verbally. He immediately took out a few pieces of silver from his arms and threw them to the captain: "Brothers, you have worked hard, take it to drink!"
The captain hurriedly took the broken silver and showed even more attentiveness: "Thank you, Lord Marquis, for the reward. Please come over here."
But my heart felt happy.
It is said that this Marquis is the most bastard dandy in Chang'an City. He only knows how to beat people violently. He is just bullshitting!
The reason why there is such behavior is that it is for those high-ranking officials and nobles.
The Zhongyi Marquis treated soldiers like them, but he had never seen them use their power to bully others.
He never shows off his abilities in front of ant-like soldiers like us.
Now we are still brothers with them. Which Lord can do that?
The captain's heart was filled with beauty.
Just a few words made the soldiers' eyes dazzle, and Li Junxian was in a state of admiration.
How many lords in Chang'an are so popular among the soldiers?
Yang Fan asked doubtfully as he walked: "Brother Li, does he have the ability to predict the future? How did you know I was coming today?"
Looking at Duan Zhixuan's back, Li Junxian pursed his lips and said, "No! The person who sued you has just entered."
Looking up into the distance, he could still see a familiar figure in the distance, and Yang Fan suddenly realized: "Oh, I had known that I would not eat, but I didn't expect that old guy to catch me one step ahead."
Li Junxian was really speechless. This brother was really big-hearted. He smiled bitterly and said, "Brother, do you still have the heart to eat? Oh, forget it..."
The two walked to the duty room. At this time, the captain asked someone to bring tea cups to Yang Fan and the others, and then said: "The Marquis and the general will take a rest for a while. I will go to collect the duty first. If there is any news from the palace, I will come over immediately to convey it.
, you can tell others not to come close and not to disturb you, Mr. Marquis."
Yang Fan thanked him with a smile.
He picked up the tea cup and took a sip. The scalding hot tea poured in and drove away most of the coldness on his body.
Although it was just inferior fried tea, it still made Yang Fan drink it with relish. After all, it was also produced by Junyangfang, and it was a product that could be used with confidence.
Li Junxian raised his eyes and glanced at Yang Fan, who was drinking tea from a tea cup, feeling even more appreciative.
He is unfazed by the overwhelming weight of Mount Tai. This brother is indeed extraordinary and his character is too strong. He is worthy of His Majesty's words about his talents as a prime minister and assistant.
Although Duan Zhixuan was removed from the post of General Zuowei, Duan Zhixuan was a general who emerged from the flames of war after all. Anyone who dares to despise this tiger with its teeth pulled out will surely learn a painful lesson.
Of course Li Junxian would not think that Yang Fan did not know the terror of Duke Duan Zhixuan, but he only thought that Yang Fan was well-informed.
This brother is really shocking!
Previously, he went to conquer Tibet and used a few thousand soldiers to destroy the 100,000 Tibetan army. No matter the process or the result, it was simply unbelievable!
Others may not know the power of the Tubo Wolf Cavalry, but Li Junxian, who collects intelligence, knows it very well!
Those Tubo cavalry are warriors selected from thousands of people. As the personal soldiers of Tubo Zampu, they are the most powerful unit among the Tubo cavalry!
To be defeated so completely, Yang Fan is worthy of being a warrior who has opened up new territories.
What shocked Li Junxian even more was that this brother easily solved the assassination case that left them with no clue about Baiqi.
I really don’t know what Yang Fan is not good at!
In shock, Li Junxian deeply regretted the decision His Majesty Li Er had just made.
If Yang Fan is allowed to develop in the army, he will definitely become a more dazzling general than Li Jing.
Taking a gentle sip of tea, Li Junxian breathed out slowly: "Brother, do you know the prime minister, Duke Yingying, Duke Wei, and Duke Zhao have been summoned to the palace by His Majesty first?"
Yang Fan felt quite flattered.
Li Ji has always been a person who is not very friendly and is only responsible to His Majesty Li Er. This kind of disclosure of the whereabouts of important officials in the imperial court is a big risk.
Based on my relationship with Li Junxian, there is absolutely no need for Li Junxian to adopt such an attitude.
Therefore, for Li Junxian to say these words, apart from the fact that he really valued himself very much in his heart, he must have some news that he wanted to convey in a subtle way.
So he asked casually: "It's freezing cold, but you still let the prime minister and others worry about my affairs. How shameful!"
Li Junxian paused, looked at Yang Fan and said, "Wei Guogong and the others did say a lot of good things for our brothers, but Your Majesty... alas!"
"Brother, you are absolutely stunning. Yunwen and Yunwu are rare heroes in the world."
"However, some things cannot be forced. They require timing, luck, and more importantly, a firm will."
"Therefore, brothers, don't be depressed because of His Majesty's gaffe. Only by continuous efforts can we achieve our goals!"
As Li Er's confidant, Li Junxian had never been so persuasive to a person.
But in Yang Fan's opinion, there is something in his words!
Although he was flattered, Yang Fan had to smile bitterly and said: "Brother, please stop playing riddles. Although I am young and ignorant and have a bad temper, I can still withstand blows. If you have anything to say, it doesn't matter."
Generally speaking, when a person gives persuasive advice, not only is it really good for himself, but it also means that he will encounter unfair treatment.
These words are both admonishment and worry...
Yang Fan has been a man for two generations and knows these routines very well. He has said this more than once.
Generally when these words are said, it means that someone is being treated unfairly in something.
Yang Fan had a bad feeling.
Li Junxian's coffin face broke into a smile. This time, there was not much admonishment, but mostly relief: "Haha, I know brother won't mind. Since you are so open-minded, brother, I can rest assured.
"
Then he continued: "His Majesty just called the Prime Minister and the others into the palace to discuss how to deal with the conflict between you and Duan Zan. Although you are not wrong, brother, your Majesty also wants to silence everyone, so..."
Speaking of this, Li Junxian raised his hand, picked up the tea cup in front of him, and took a slow sip of tea, as if he had given up.
Unexpectedly, Li Junxian, who was straightforward, also played this trick, so Yang Fan asked: "Brother, please don't be so secretive. If you have anything to say, just say it, so I can have some confidence, brother."
Putting down the tea cup gently, Li Junxian sighed softly and said softly: "Your Majesty refused the request that you were promised to take over the Left Guard Army on the grounds that you were aggressive and violent."
"In addition, this time, brother, you disabled Duan Zan, and Hou Junji is on trial again. Changsun Chong took advantage of it, and the entire right guard army will be led by Changsun Chong."
This information sounded like a thunder in Yang Fan's ears, shocking him completely.
Unexpectedly, I didn't catch anything, but instead got an advantage over Changsun Chong.
Immediately, Yang Fan became furious: "Isn't this reasonable? His eldest son, Sun Chong, can lead the Right Guards on his behalf, so am I, Yang Fan, worse than him?"
"When I led the governor to kill the Tibetan Wolf Cavalry, that kid was still hiding in the Chinese army's tent at Hou Junji and enjoying his fortune."
"When we went to count the enemy leaders, Changsun Chong was so scared that he pissed himself. Such a person can lead the right guard on his behalf. Why can't I lead the left guard on his behalf?"
"What's more, His Majesty once promised that once Duan Zhixuan steps down, he will let me lead the Left Guard Army on his behalf. Now His Majesty's words are not fulfilled. Haven't you heard of Jun Wu's joke?"
Looking at the furious Yang Fan in front of him, Li Junxian had a headache.
Didn’t you just say that you should deal with it peacefully?
But he could also understand Yang Fan's mood.
Anyone who doesn't deal with him can lead an army on his own, but the emperor's promise to him has not been fulfilled, and no one can bear it.
Li Junxian looked outside and said in a deep voice: "Everyone in the world is the king's land, and the shore of the land is the king's ministers. Brothers, be careful what you say."
"What's more, thunder, rain and dew are all your grace. We can't lie about your holy will. Whether you lead the left guard or not is your Majesty's final decision. It's not you or me who can decide."
In ancient times, the king's power was more effective than the words of parents, let alone a mere promise.
Even if it is the life of a minister, it is not a matter of His Majesty the Emperor taking anything he wants or asking for, just a word.
What the emperor says is an imperial edict!
If you accept it, you have to accept it; if you don’t accept it, you have to accept it!
In a word, the emperor can do whatever he wants and do whatever he wants. It is not the turn of others to point fingers and talk nonsense.
Of course Yang Fan also understood this truth. He was not really brainless, but he was just very angry in his heart.
Why did you make a mistake?
His Majesty Li Er only makes people work without giving corresponding rewards. His Majesty Li Er is really short of money.
Of course, Yang Fan was not worried about Zuo Weijun and refused to let go.
But he understands how power comes from the barrel of a gun.
Now that His Majesty Li Er has asked him to preside over the reform of the imperial examination, if there is no strong trump card to deter these aristocratic families.
It is very dangerous for you and your family!
It's such an evil feudal society. The emperor is like a Tyrannosaurus rex. He can do whatever he wants.
However, Yang Fan soon fell silent. If he thought about it carefully, even in later generations, this kind of unfairness would be commonplace!
In the final analysis, I still have too little background.
If he had enough strength, who would be afraid of the Lao Shizi family? Even Li Er could ignore them.
After all, the reason why Changsun Chong was able to lead the Right Guards on his behalf was because he had a good father.
It seems that I have to speed up the process of bringing my godmother, Empress Xiao, into the house.
This era is not about looking at faces, but about relying on foundation and fists.
"Your Majesty, don't you have any other compensation?" Yang Fan sat down angrily and asked unhappily.
Is this Li Er really a glutton who only eats but doesn't eat?
Although the background of the Zhongyi Hou Mansion is much worse than that of Zhao Guogong Mansion, its potential is high!
His Majesty Li Er won't just ignore it completely, right?
Li Junxian said calmly: "Your Majesty has not said anything yet."
Yang Fan became even more angry and said a little aggrievedly: "Although we do not avoid relatives when promoting talents, Changsun Chong is your Majesty's son-in-law, but so are we! Your Majesty's behavior is simply not the behavior of a famous king!"
"Brother, do you think His Majesty is stupid?" Li Junxian asked in return.
"Of course not!" Yang Fan said firmly.
Is His Majesty Li Er crazy?
Let’s look at this in stages.
If we only look at Li Er's later life, it would be true to say that he was dim-witted. After all, he was focused on pursuing immortality.
But in the first half of his life, His Majesty Li Er was still very wise and powerful. It is not an exaggeration to say that he was an emperor for eternity.
Overall, can he be ranked at the forefront among all emperors?
It stands to reason that His Majesty Li Er should not be unable to see the resistance to the reform of the imperial examination, so why did he reject his previous promise with such a poor reason?
The conflict between him and Duan Zan has nothing to do with Li Er's promise!
Seeing Yang Fan's gloomy look, Li Junxian looked serious and said sternly: "Brother, you are obsessed with fortune. Don't you know that good fortune and misfortune depend on it, and misfortune lies on what lies behind."
"Since I know His Majesty's holy name, I know that Your Majesty has his own considerations. In everything, there are gains and losses. This is an iron law in the world."
"The reason I'm telling you is just to prepare you mentally, not to deliberately contradict His Majesty. Your current behavior is very unlike that wise Marquis."
"In life, you must know how to assess the situation. Since it is destined to be an unchangeable fact, why bother to complain?"
"Besides, if you can't bear the slightest grievance, how can you take on big responsibilities in the future?"
Yang Fan opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a word to refute.
He had to admit that what Li Junxian said made sense.
It stands to reason that Yang Fan, who has lived in two lifetimes, would not be unable to understand this truth.
Throughout the ages, where can there be true fairness?
Probably since time travel, I have become accustomed to smooth sailing and have developed a proud and complacent character.
As long as there is an advantage, it should be yours, and you cannot bear any grievance.
Just like today's conflict, according to normal standards, I did go over the limit!
Yang Fan woke up with a start and stood up solemnly: "Thank you for your teaching, brother. I know what to do. I will definitely pay attention to it in the future."
From now on, you must pay attention to your emotions and mentality, otherwise you will definitely suffer a big loss in this era of supremacy of monarchy.
Li Junxian nodded happily and said with a smile: "Since you call me brother, as the saying goes, an elder brother is like a father, so it's only natural that you should give me a few pointers when your head gets hot."
After a pause, Li Junxian continued: "Brother, how should we deal with it later?"
Yang Fan has calmed down now, and after thinking for a while, he smiled and said, "Is this my younger brother planning to file a lawsuit?"
Li Junxian was stunned: "Sue a lawsuit? Sue who?"
Yang Fan smiled strangely: "Didn't Your Majesty make a mistake because I made a mistake? Well, the troublesome child will have milk to eat. I am also very wronged!"
Li Junxian was stunned for a long time: "Brother is so deceitful. It seems that I am worrying too much!"
The two looked at each other and burst out laughing.