After everyone retreated, the Manna Hall fell into silence again, and even the sound of candles burning in the hall could be heard.
The charcoal fire in the bronze cauldron was burning brightly, and the heat drove away the cold. The whole hall was as warm as spring, mixed with bursts of sandalwood, making people feel drowsy.
Seeing Yang Fan, who was about to fall asleep with his head drooped, His Majesty Li Er became extremely angry.
This bastard really regards his own nectar palace as his bed?
But he also knew that if he didn't speak, this bastard might really start snoring.
He picked up the tea on the table, took a sip, and said, "Are you satisfied, you little bastard?"
"What can we do if we are not satisfied?" Yang Fan slowly raised his head and said while holding his tongue.
His Majesty Li Er laughed angrily, stood up suddenly, pointed with his hand, and cursed: "You are so obedient when you get an advantage, do you really think I don't know your little thoughts?"
Even though he was two or three meters away, Li Er's spit almost splashed into Yang Fan's face, which showed his unhappiness.
"I don't dare!" Yang Fan shuddered.
Only then did I remember that we are now in a dictatorial feudal society, and when the emperor is angry, there is a real possibility of blood flowing down the river.
I am a soul from later generations, and I behave with the casualness and spontaneity of later generations.
If it really touches Li Er's tiger whiskers, the Tyrannosaurus rex may really go crazy.
His Majesty Li Er raised the corner of his mouth, revealing a smile without any smile, which made Yang Fan feel frightened:
"Don't dare? Haha, I think you are very brave. Not only did you trap me in, but a heroic and wise man like Duan Zhixuan was also manipulated by you?"
Li Er's sinister words made Yang Fan's back suddenly soaked with cold sweat, and his whole body shivered.
Swallowing involuntarily, Yang Fan smiled brightly and said: "Wei Chen is really stupid. I don't know what your Majesty means by this. Besides, how can Wei Chen dare to plot against you?"
His Majesty Li Er sneered again: "Haha, you clearly had the right, but you deliberately destroyed Duan Zan. Didn't you just want to use Duan Zhixuan's help to find the person behind the scenes?"
"Secondly, you complained when you entered the palace. Why did you beat the Dengwen drum? Don't you just want to embarrass me and vent my anger for not fulfilling the promise I made to you?"
"Weichen never dared to think that." Yang Fan's heart skipped a beat and he quickly denied it.
Deliberately asking Emperor Chuhao to be labeled as emperor, even a few heads are not enough to be chopped off, although there are some such thoughts in my heart...
Then he was full of doubts: "Since you know that you destroyed Duan Zan on purpose, why did you deal with Duan Zan and Duan Zhixuan like this? But you didn't hold yourself accountable for doing it on purpose?"
There was no need for Yang Fan to ask questions, but His Majesty Li Er sighed slightly and continued in a serious tone: "Do you think I can't see that Duan Zan dared to come to your door to trouble you because someone instigated him?"
"I can tell you clearly that the people behind the scenes are the Aristocratic Family."
"You acted so recklessly today, but you just fell into their plan. The family just wanted to get you into a fight and have no time to look around."
"Besides, do you think that Duan Zhixuan's ability to transform from a humble servant to a prince of the country was just based on his personal relationship with me?"
"Even if I remove him from the post of general, do you know how many generals he has promoted in the army over the years?"
"I seem to be the lord of a country and rich all over the world, but in fact I don't know that I have an aristocratic family, and the powerful family is secretly stumbling upon me."
"The reason why I can compete with these aristocratic families and clans is because of the nobles who work with me to conquer the world."
"For this matter, if I punish the Duan family, it will definitely give the nobles the illusion that I am a ruthless person, and some nobles will turn to the noble family. Do you know the serious relationship between this?"
The more Yang Fan listened, the more chilled his heart became. Unexpectedly, the self-righteous little clever fell into the opponent's trap.
It seemed that I was so used to it that I didn't think about it carefully.
Originally, Yang Fan could have thought of this based on his knowledge.
This is somewhat similar to the party struggle in the West in later generations, which is to seize the mistakes of the ruling party and attack them severely.
Secretly, he deliberately bribes the other party's people for his own use. In fact, the routine is the same.
Thinking of this, Yang Fan fell silent!
Personally speaking, what Yang Fan did was indeed right, but it made His Majesty Li Er very embarrassed.
As an emperor, he cannot only consider one side, he needs to control the overall situation.
In fact, His Majesty Li Er did not find it very satisfactory to be the emperor because the family's power was too great.
His Majesty Li Er himself belongs to a wealthy family, and of course he is well aware of the harm that aristocratic families and wealthy families can have on society.
But he couldn't use aristocratic families to govern the government, after all, these people controlled knowledge and wealth.
This is also the reason why His Majesty Li Er attaches so much importance to the reform of the imperial examination, in order to break the aristocratic family's monopoly on knowledge.
Although it is now a prosperous era, there are turbulent waves inside. If you don't pay attention to the prosperous era, it will burst like a bubble.
The legacy of the previous dynasty, the Guanzhong family, the Jiangnan Chinese, five surnames and seven clans...
Each of these forces seems to be at the feet of His Majesty Li Er, but in fact they all have ulterior motives.
If the emperor could protect their interests, these forces would certainly be able to turn a blind eye.
But His Majesty Li Er wants to seize food from the tiger's mouth, and even wants them to withdraw from the stage of history. Even if His Majesty Li Er is the emperor, these people will pull Li Er down from the throne!
At most, they can just replace it with an emperor who suits their interests. Anyway, this is what all dynasties have done.
It is absolutely no exaggeration to say that His Majesty Li Er's current situation is on pins and needles.
Just like the previous emperor Yang Guang, why did Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty have to go on an expedition to Goguryeo, ignoring the suffering of the people and insisting on his own way?
Doesn't he know how difficult it is to conquer Goguryeo?
He knows better than anyone else!
But what he knew better was that only by conquering Goryeo could the power of the aristocratic families and clans be weakened.
Only by relying on unparalleled achievements can all different voices be firmly suppressed.
In fact, Li Shimin and Yang Guang have many similarities.
They are all committed to weakening the power of aristocratic families and clans.
Although the power of today's aristocratic families and clans is weaker than that of the previous dynasty, they can still influence the situation of the dynasty.
Is His Majesty Li Er afraid of people like the Aristocratic Family?
The answer is of course no!
Li Er dared to force his father to give up the throne, and dared to kill his brothers and brothers. What else in the world did he not dare to do?
He just didn't want to see the people lose their lives, and he didn't want the prosperous age he had worked so hard to build to be swallowed up by war.
After all, it's not that Li Er doesn't dare to raise the butcher's knife to face the aristocratic family, it's that he doesn't want to!
In this era, no one can understand His Majesty Li Er's mentality better than Yang Fan.
Because all of His Majesty Li Er's actions have been recorded in historical materials and analyzed and interpreted by countless experts and scholars.
Although Yang Fan is not a student of history, he has heard some opinions and analysis.
Thanks to this, he was able to accurately understand His Majesty Li Er's character and master his way of doing things.
No matter what Yang Fan did, he always retreated before touching His Majesty Li Er's bottom line and was able to deal with it calmly.
Seeing that Yang Fan was deep in thought, His Majesty Li Er seemed to feel very pleased and continued:
"In the court, not everything can be solved with swords and guns. Many things are more terrifying than real swords and guns."
"Although I don't say that I am an emperor through the ages because of my virtues and martial arts, I still think that I have done some practical things for the people with conscientiousness."
"It's just that these aristocratic families are so annoying, because the aristocratic families only care about their own interests, and most of them are selfish people!"
"Although these people keep talking about passing down poems and books from family to family, how can they ever take the ancient sages' service to the country and the people seriously in the things they do?"
"Of course, I also know that it is impossible to completely eliminate the family. I just hate those unscrupulous families!"
Having said this, His Majesty Li Er was a little decadent, a little emotional, and even a little excited.
Yang Fan didn't dare to interrupt, so he had to listen obediently and be a qualified listener.
In fact, I still admire Li Er a little.
No matter how bad Li Er's moral character is, this guy's vision and willingness to serve the people can be ranked at the forefront among all emperors in history.
Seeing Yang Fan listening and being taught without saying a word, His Majesty Li Er nodded happily:
"Yang Fan, I am very optimistic about you! Not only do you have broad knowledge at such a young age, you are also brave enough to take on tasks. You are the only young talent I have seen in my life."
"You may seem to be indifferent in your behavior, but I can see that you actually have a beautiful heart."
"Underneath his casual and spontaneous behavior, he has precise control of the situation. This is rare and I am very pleased!"
Yang Fan was speechless!
This guy Li Er is obviously giving himself ecstasy soup.
Do you really think you are a teenager?
Just a few nice words, and then he screams and works for you?
Ahem... Although we are indeed teenagers, we have decades of experience!
What's more, if you look at the problem from the shoulders of giants, how can you be fooled so easily?
His Majesty Li Er was a little depressed when he saw Yang Fan's expression of "Let a lotus flower bloom in your mouth, but I will stand still".
Why does this kid not have the vigor of a young man at all?
Shouldn't we scream and beat our chests and promise to die for the country and the people?
They all say that this guy is a donkey and will go backwards if he is not led away, and that is indeed the case.
He is very clever at a young age, and he is really a guy who doesn't let go of eagles when he sees rabbits.
Yang Fan rolled his eyes and thought it was fun to listen to it!
Although he doesn't know how to engage in politics, he is not stupid. He rushes forward with useless things like a chicken blood, and it is thankless. Who will do it?
But he was wondering in his heart, His Majesty Li Er was not completely unaware that he had deliberately tricked him into it, so why didn't he look angry?
These words can be regarded as chicken soup for the soul, and he obviously intends to fight for him himself.
As expected, His Majesty Li Er clicked his tongue and said: "You, no matter what you do in the future, remember one thing: don't be reckless and think twice before you act."
"Even if you are plotting against others, you must make your calculations obvious so that even if others lose, they will be convinced of their defeat!"
"People spend all day making secret plans. If things go on like this, people will become narrow-minded, insidious and stingy. How can this become a big deal?"
"Okay, sit down and have a cup of tea first. I have something to say."
The old eunuch Wang Huangui who was standing aside quickly added a chair to the side of the desk and at the same time refilled a cup of tea for Yang Fan.
Yang Fan held back his words and groaned inwardly. Don't you think it's too late for him to show trust and courtesy to himself when he wants to get down to business?
If you really treat yourself like a child and give me a slap in the face, do you still want to thank the Lord for your kindness?
However, Yang Fan had been howling for a long time just now, and after listening to His Majesty Li Er's chicken soup for the soul, he was indeed a little thirsty.
So he sat down, drank a cup of tea with a few slurps, and then filled it by himself.
Li Er did not scold Yang Fan for his casual behavior. Instead, he waited until Yang Fan had had a few drinks before asking:
"Are you a little resentful that I pushed you to the front desk to preside over the reform of the imperial examination, and are you resentful that I didn't fulfill my promise?"
In the past, Yang Fan would of course have said yes without hesitation.
But after Li Junxian's advice, he knew that the matter was a foregone conclusion, so he no longer had any thoughts of fooling around.
Although I was still a little aggrieved, I still said calmly: "The reform of the imperial examination was proposed by Wei Chen. Your Majesty's decision to preside over it is a sign of your trust and cultivation of Wei Chen."
"As for the promise of leading the left guard army, I am young and undisciplined, and really not suitable for development in the army."
His Majesty Li Er was slightly stunned, as if he was surprised that Yang Fan was so humble and low-key.
According to common sense, shouldn't this guy be unyielding and strive for rewards?
Could it be that this kid has been impressed by the chicken soup for the soul he just had?
If it were so easy, this bastard wouldn't be so annoying.
I stared at Yang Fan blankly for a while, feeling something was wrong.
This kid looks too calm, which is completely unlike his style.
After pondering for a long time, His Majesty Li Er asked: "Have you heard anything about me not allowing you to lead the left army on your behalf?"
"Yes." Yang Fan did not deny it, but looked indifferent.
His Majesty Li Er asked tentatively: "You must be very unhappy, right?"
As he said this, he was always paying attention to Yang Fan's expression. Why did he always feel that this boy was behaving a little differently from usual.
"I dare not." Yang Fan did not show the slightest hint of dissatisfaction.
The whole person was as calm as if he was talking about other people's matters and had nothing to do with him.
Just when His Majesty Li Er felt strange, he heard Yang Fan continue to say: "The king is the guide for the minister. If the king tells the minister to die, the minister has to die. What's more, it is just a promise from your majesty. You can do whatever you want. You are too worried.
Already."
Hearing this, His Majesty Li Er was almost swallowed to death. Do you think this kid has changed his gender?
It turns out that I still have a lot of anger in my heart, and it seems that the anger is not small.
Even if you want your ministers to die and your ministers have to die, you have to move out. How wronged must you be?
His Majesty Li Er is indeed depressed.
Who told you to die?
I just want you to focus entirely on the reform of the imperial examination.
What's more, even though I made a mistake, I will still compensate you, so why do you have so much resentment?
Staring at Yang Fan angrily, His Majesty Li Er said fiercely: "I made the decision not to let you lead the Left Guards on my behalf after repeated deliberation."
"Of course I know that I made the mistake first, but now you are presiding over the reform of the imperial examination, which is the cornerstone of the country. You must not make any mistakes or mistakes. You must devote yourself to it."
"You know, although it looks calm on the outside, there are actually many resistances inside. If you are distracted..."
Before he finished speaking, Yang Fan stood up, interrupted His Majesty Li Er somewhat rudely, bowed and said: "Your Majesty is the king of a country, why do you need to explain this to your ministers?"
"Every minister will obey His Majesty's decision absolutely and will not complain at all."
"It's just that Wei Chen was assassinated this time and his injuries have not yet healed. In addition, Duan Zan came to provoke him, which made Wei Chen more injured."
"Wei Chen feels that his body is severely deficient and he needs to take a good rest. Therefore, we sincerely ask Your Majesty to allow Wei Chen to resign from all official positions. After his body recovers, he will be loyal to Your Majesty and do his best for the court."
His Majesty Li Er was dumbfounded!
This is not Yang Fan’s style at all!
As soon as I thought about it, I immediately knew that this kid was using a method of retreating to advance.
Humph, are you playing this trick with me?
These are all leftovers from my early years of playing. If I still try to do something in front of me, I am simply courting death.
To be honest, His Majesty Li Er was still a little annoyed at first.
After all, he is the emperor.
You can do whatever you want, and you, a brat, will object in that round?
Even if your kid is dissatisfied, you can only endure it. Now you just give up. What's the big deal?
Are you expressing your dissatisfaction with me?
Even though he was unhappy, His Majesty Li Er really couldn't express his anger.
After all, he broke the contract first, so it’s no wonder that this bold brat has complaints.
His Majesty Li Er's behavior is indeed very domineering.
We will never show mercy to disobedient ministers or those who resist, and we will take action when necessary.
But His Majesty Li Er is also a very principled person, because he is very reasonable.
It is indeed unfair to Yang Fan to go back on his word, so His Majesty Li Er cannot adopt the attitude of punishing anyone who disobeys.
And he also knew that Yang Fan was as stubborn as a bull. If his stubbornness got the better of him, he wouldn't care whether he was the emperor or not.
It’s hard to believe that this kid really just left his job and went home and stopped doing anything!
If this is the case, wouldn't the civil and military officials of the entire dynasty have to spread the rumors that I am dishonest in my words and deliberately mistreat my merits?
For His Majesty Li Er who cherishes his reputation very much, this is a consequence he is absolutely unwilling to bear.
It's not about getting angry, nor is it about appeasing him. After all, this matter has already been discussed with several important officials in the court.
For a moment, His Majesty Li Er was in a rare dilemma!
Staring at Yang Fan who was leisurely drinking tea in front of him, he felt that that face was really disgusting.
I really want to kick this bastard away to relieve my anger.
However, this guy was the only one in the civil and military dynasty who dared to talk to me like this, so I really felt a little strange!
So, His Majesty Li Er took a long breath and said in a deep voice: "I have already made a decision not to let you lead the Left Guard Army on my behalf, and informed several important officials in the court. It cannot be changed. I said
How should I compensate you?"
This is tantamount to saying, boy, you have nothing to say, my words have been spread out and cannot be changed. If you have any other conditions, just put forward any other conditions. After you make them, you can do things honestly.
Yang Fan was overjoyed. Children who cry can be fed by milk. This is an unchanging principle.
We will neither accept our fate with resignation nor resist loudly. We will resort to retreat in order to advance. It is simple and practical, as long as we show our dissatisfaction appropriately.
You see, isn’t this beneficial?
If you don't take advantage of it, you will be struck by lightning.
Although he was proud of himself, he did not dare to show it on his face: "Thunder, rain, and dew are all your kindness, and anything your Majesty gives you is an honor for me."
His Majesty Li Er narrowed his eyes slightly, holding back the anger in his heart, and said with a half-smile, "Are you telling the truth?"
Well?
of course not!
Yang Fan smiled mischievously and thought that with an old fox like His Majesty Li Er, it would be better not to use too many tricks.
His Majesty Li Er felt that it didn't matter if it was a little miserable. After all, he was the victim.
But if you really offend the emperor, you won't be able to live with him for a long time.
This guy turned his face, which is something that even his relatives would not recognize.
So he sorted out his thoughts and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, this imperial examination has carried out many reforms, which have touched the interests of the powerful families, and will inevitably be blocked by them."
"Weak ministers have a shallow background, so these people will have no scruples. If Duan Zan dares to come to provoke him this time, he is obviously suspected of being obstructed."
"As the imperial examination is getting closer and closer, there will definitely be many such things. In order to ensure the smooth progress of the preparations for the imperial examination and the imperial examination, Weichen boldly asks your majesty to allocate a large camp from the left guard army to let Su Dingfang,
Wang Xiaojie takes the lead in order to cooperate with Wei Chen in carrying out his work."
His Majesty Li Er was slightly startled: "Who is Wang Xiaojie?"
Su Dingfang was a disciple of Wei Guogong Li Jing. I remember Yang Fan said in the memorial that Su Dingfang contributed a lot to the pacification of Tibet.
Letting such a man with military exploits serve as the general of a large battalion can convince the public.
But who is that Wang Xiaojie?
Even if he is the deputy general of a large battalion of the Left Guard Army, he is still a fifth-grade official. How can he be allowed to serve in a white body?
Yang Fan had no fear and explained calmly: "This Wang Cunjie was originally the commander of the guards of Weichen. During the Battle of Tubo, he led a group of guards to rescue His Highness the King of Wu from the tens of thousands of troops and killed Ludong.
Praise father and son."
"This person is indispensable for being able to deal with the remnants of Tibet so quickly. In my opinion, Wang Xiaojie has quite a military talent and is more suitable for development in the army, so I boldly ask your Majesty to give him a chance to serve the imperial court."
"Oh, I heard Ke'er say this, but I didn't expect a guard to be so capable." After hearing this, His Majesty Li Er showed a clear look and waved his hand: "In that case, I'm sure.
You should report this person’s military exploits truthfully, and after the political meeting, the decree will be announced as soon as possible.”
Yang Fan was immediately overjoyed and quickly stood up: "Thank you for your grace!"
Seeing Yang Fan's snobbish look, Li Er laughed angrily, glared, and asked in surprise: "Are you satisfied now?"
Yang Fan chuckled and did not refute.
Wouldn't it be too stubborn to carry it on again?
Li Er took a sip of tea angrily and asked: "Now that we've finished talking about the business, what do you think we should do about marrying Princess Gaoyang?"
Yang Fan was stunned.
In all the decades in my past and present lives, I have never really gotten married.
Weddings in ancient times were extremely complicated, let alone marrying a princess.
"Father, Gao Yang is here to see you!"
Just when Yang Fan was hesitating and at a loss, a voice like Huang Peng came.