It was February 26, the 16th year of Zhenguan. It was sunny and the sky was cloudless. Although it was early spring, the sun was very bright and had a hint of early summer. The thick court clothes looked a little stuffy when worn on my body.
, Coupled with the waiting, some sweat dripped from Li Zhen's forehead, and he kept muttering in his heart, without him, Li Zhen entered the palace early this morning.
They had been handed over for a long time, but they never heard the call from their old man. However, Li Chengqian and Li Tai, who arrived later, all entered the palace, but Li Zhen was alone waiting outside the Ganlu Palace.
How not to make Li Zhen doubtful? Thinking of Li Tailin's proud smile when he entered the palace and Li Chengqian's unconcealed hatred made Li Zhen's head grow bigger. What's more, Li Zhen had planned to rush after meeting the saint.
I went to see Pei Yan and had to wait for nearly an hour. It was inevitable to be upset. But the problem was that this was the palace. Even if Li Zhen was upset, there was no room for arrogance. She could only stand there honestly.
Besides, there is actually no other way.
"His Royal Highness King Xuanyue has an audience!" Just as Li Zhen was waiting impatiently, the new eunuch Hu Youde hurriedly walked out of the door of Ganlu Hall and announced in a drawl. Although there was no expression on his face, there was a trace of light in his eyes.
Well-disguised hostility.
Damn, this damn old castrated dog! Li Zhen is a smart person, and what he is best at is observing colors. Although the hostility in Hu Youde's eyes flashed quickly, it could not be hidden from Li Zhen's eyes. Although he had known this old man for a long time,
The eunuch was Li Tai's man, but he still felt angry. However, he was too lazy to argue with the eunuch. He just made up his mind and planned to find an opportunity to get rid of this person and save some unnecessary trouble.
, but well, after scolding and thinking, Li Zhen just calculated it secretly in her heart, but she would never bring it to her face. She smiled and cupped her hands and said: "Thank you, father-in-law, Xiao Wang this time
During my trip to Qizhou, I prepared some local specialties, and I will send some to various places in the palace when I return. I also ask my father-in-law not to dislike them."
Li Zhen is famous for his generosity, and what he dares to give out will naturally be good. Everyone in the palace knows this. When he heard that Li Zhen was going to give him a gift, Hu Youde's eyes first flashed with joy, but then
His face quickly dimmed, and he said with no expression on his face: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I cannot accept it as an old slave. The Holy One has announced that Your Highness will please."
When Li Zhen proposed to give a gift, he just wanted to test the old eunuch's heart. Seeing that this person would not accept this trick, he immediately knew that it would be very difficult to bribe this person. After getting rid of him, his heart suddenly became more happy.
After a while, he didn't bring it to his face. He laughed, said nothing more, and strode into the Manna Hall.
Ha, damn, are these two brothers playing cockfights? It’s interesting! As soon as Li Zhen walked into the Manna Hall, she saw Li Chengqian. The two brothers Li Tai glared at each other, and they immediately secretly laughed, but they didn’t dare to look more.
, hurriedly walked a few steps, rushed forward, knelt down in front of Li Shimin, whose face was as heavy as water, kowtowed several times respectfully and said: "My son, I bow to my father."
"No need." Li Shimin let Li Zhen finish kowtowing, and then said a word without saltiness, without even raising his hand.
Huh? ***, there’s a problem! What drama is the old man singing in? When Li Zhen heard that the old man’s expression was not right, her heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t have time to think too much, so she kowtowed again and said
"Thank you, father." Then he stood up and stood there respectfully, as if he was obeying the old man's orders.
"Zhen'er, this trip to Qizhou has been hard. I have read all your stories. I will give you my instructions when you come back." Li Shimin said lightly, and without waiting for Li Zhen to open his mouth to thank him, he suddenly brought up the topic.
Turning around, he asked: "The situation in Qizhou is now in a state of corruption. What do you think?"
Oops, holy shit, are you going to get to the point so directly? When Li Zhen heard that the old man didn't even bother to ask about the specific things in Qizhou, he asked about things in Qizhou, and he couldn't help but tremble in his heart.
, and then thinking about the expressions of the two brothers, the boss and the fourth next to me, I immediately guessed that it must be the boss. The fourth was also arguing over who should be in charge, although I was a little worried.
, but after all, he already had a case before he came, but he was not too panicked. He bowed and replied loudly: "To inform my father, I believe that the fifth brother is responsible for the rebellion in Qizhou. This major treason case is not
What a minister should do is to attack it with a large army to thank the world. My son and minister are not talented. I am willing to lead an army to be the vanguard of my father and the emperor and swear to destroy this beast!"
"Father, I think what my eighth brother said is true. At this time of crisis, only good generals like my eighth brother can be chosen to lead the army. I am willing to protect my eighth brother as a commander, and I will definitely be able to defeat Qizhou."
Chaos, I hope my father will give me permission!" As soon as Li Zhen finished speaking, Li Tai couldn't wait to stand up and report loudly, with impassioned words, which was a bit more excited than Li Zhen, the real master.
"Father, I know that I think that my eighth brother is a talented general, but after all, his injury has not healed. If there is a mistake in the battle formation, it will be a big sin. I think this is inappropriate, so it is better to choose him as a general.
, I thought that Mr. Hou had gathered his experience to know the troops, and he was a veteran general in the court, so it would be a safe strategy to use him as the commander-in-chief." As soon as Li Taigang finished speaking, Li Chengqian immediately stood up and objected without showing any signs of weakness.
"Father, I think what the prince brother said is inappropriate. It is said that talented people come from every generation. If our country in the Tang Dynasty wants to last for thousands of years, it should have successors. If everything is done by veterans, then
Wouldn't it be a waste of time?" Li Tai retorted without giving up.
"Father, this matter is of great importance. How can we take it lightly? I believe that this matter is not only related to the face of our Tian family, but also related to the peace of our Tang Dynasty. It should be led by an experienced and prudent general. My eighth brother's injury has not healed yet.
Even if you act in a biased manner, if you are not careful, you will miss something important." Li Chengqian was so anxious that he openly belittled Li Zhen, regardless of the fact that Li Zhen was listening nearby.
Damn it! Damn it, this bastard, the Fourth Brother, actually set up a trap and waited for me. Damn it, you damn bitch, you are so cruel! Li Zhenduo is a shrewd person. After hearing what these two brothers said,
He immediately guessed what was going on - Li Tai's move was nothing more than a strategy to drive away the tiger and devour the wolf. The purpose of taking out Li Zhen was actually to make Li Zhen stand on the opposite side of Li Chengqian and force Li Zhen to take action.
It was just about dealing with Li Chengqian, not to mention that Li Zhen knew it clearly in her heart, but there was really nothing she could do against Li Tai.
With such confirmation, wouldn't it be like Li Zhen and Li Tai had reached a private agreement to deal with Li Chengqian together? How could Li Chengqian not hold a grudge with such a big heart? If this happens, I'm afraid there will be more of this. Li Chengqian
Although Zhen was not afraid, the annoyance of being tricked was unavoidable. Unfortunately, she was in front of the emperor at this moment, and there was no room for Li Zhen to do anything. She could only stand there silently, saying nothing.
I listened to Li Chengqian and Li Tai arguing endlessly.
Looking at Li Chengqian, the two brothers Li Tai started arguing again. Even though Li Shimin was a good-natured person, he showed a hint of impatience at this time and waved his hand to stop the two brothers' endless nonsense. Look.
Li Zhen glanced at her and said, "Zhen'er, is your injury getting better?"
Li Zhen was not injured at all. Where did the injury come from? It was just a trick to deceive outsiders. Li Zhen didn't know if she could hide this from her old man. But since it was the old man who asked about this matter, she would naturally not
There is no intention, there are just two things - first, if you are not injured, you can fight; second, if you are not injured, you have to be injured, and it is not your turn to fight. Which one is more important?
, but it takes a lot of thinking, but at this moment, Li Zhen really doesn’t want to fight in that bad battle. The best choice is to stay in the capital to pick peaches, but the old man has already asked, so you have to think about it.
You just have to answer, otherwise I'm afraid you'll get into trouble. At this moment, Li Zhen couldn't allow him to think too much. He hurriedly bowed and said, "Thank you very much for your care, my father. Your injury is no longer serious, although it has not been fully recovered."
, but it does not hinder the action. I am willing to lead the army to share the worries of my father."
Upon hearing what Li Zhen said, Li Chengqian immediately became anxious, fearing that Li Shimin would hand over the seal of commander to Li Zhen, so he hurriedly stood up and said: "Father, the eighth brother's injury has not healed and he still needs to be nursed back to health. If he is young, he will
It is not good to leave the root of the disease. My eighth brother is determined to serve the country, but he is not in a hurry. The future is long, and it will be better if the water flows slowly. Please give me advice, father."
Although Li Tai did not really want to promote Li Zhen to the position of commander, he would not miss this good opportunity to push Li Zhen to oppose the prince. When he saw Li Chengqian making a fuss about Li Zhen's injury, he immediately said: "
My father clearly knows that when my eighth brother returned, he led his troops to defeat the assassin's attack, which shows that although he was injured, it was not serious and he is capable of leading the army. I am willing to recommend my eighth brother as a commander."
Seeing that they were about to fight again, Li Shimin suddenly became impatient, waved his hand, stopped the conversation between the prince and the fourth child, looked at Li Zhen meaningfully, and said lightly: "How can Zhen'er be like this?"
My heart is very relieved. Since the injury has not healed, but I am not in a hurry to serve the country, I will stay in Beijing as counselor of the military aircraft."
Ha, the old man understands our feelings. When Li Zhen heard this, he hurriedly bowed and replied: "Thank you for your kindness. I will work hard to share my father's worries."
"Well, that's very good." Li Shimin showed a smile of appreciation on his face, nodded and said: "In my opinion, who should be in charge of the Qizhou battle?"
Hey, just as Mo Li expected, the old man actually asked this question, it’s interesting! Li Zhen was really convinced of Mo Li’s ability, and was very proud of being able to get Mo Li into her hands.
Very, but it was not brought to his face. Instead, he showed a solemn expression and said after a while: "Father, the changes in Qizhou are all caused by the personal greed of the fifth brother, not by the officials and people of the whole state.
They are all on the contrary. Generally speaking, they are mostly under coercion. It is not good to blindly use force without distinguishing the good from the bad. On the one hand, it will damage the foundation of the imperial court, and on the other hand, it will also harm the peace of the world. I think this battle should be used to divide the enemy's power.
As the master, he sent troops to attack as a auxiliary. The soldiers are noble and the matter can be settled. If it is delayed for a long time, there may be changes. I think that the British Duke Li Ji is a cautious, mature and prudent person, and he is well versed in the art of war and strategy. He is the right person for this position.
There are no two candidates. I have a humble ear and I hope my father will make a clear decision."
Li Chengqian and Li Tai didn't expect that Li Zhen would push Li Ji out. They were a little anxious for a while, but they couldn't find a reason to refute. When they were thinking hard about countermeasures, the old man didn't give any more advice.
The two of them left the chance to speak, smiled, nodded and said, "That's right."
Well, as soon as the old man said these words, Li Chengqian and Li Tai were all dumbfounded. When they were about to talk again, the old man had already stood up, waved his hand and said: "I'm tired, you all should stand down." The old man said with a golden mouth.
Come on, even if you guys still wanted to say something, there was nothing you could say at this point. They had to kowtow and retire. Just when the three brothers were about to leave, the old man seemed to suddenly remember something and spoke.
Said: "Zhen'er stays."
What? What on earth does the old man want to do? It's so mysterious, it must be up to no good. Damn, aren't you planning to put me on the fire? Li Zhen looked at the prince and the fourth child with no trace of emotion in their eyes.
I was hiding the light of jealousy, and my heart couldn't help but beat a drum, but I couldn't explain it, so I had to respectfully respond "Yes." and stood aside.
"Zhen'er, how is the people's governance in Qizhou?" After the prince and others had retreated, Li Shimin was silent for a while and then suddenly asked.
Huh? The old man was so mysterious just to ask about such a trivial matter? Li Zhen was stunned for a moment and couldn't figure out what kind of play the old man was singing, but he didn't dare to think too much and just bowed and answered.
: "Returning to my father, the people of Qizhou are simple, live and work in peace and contentment, and the governance of the people is excellent. This is all the result of the sixth brother."
"Huh?" The old man's face darkened, showing an unhappy look. He snorted coldly and stared at Li Zhen with his eyes. Although he didn't ask, the huge momentum made Li Zhen extremely uncomfortable.
.
Damn it, what did the old man mean when he asked about the civil affairs of Qizhou? Do you suspect that I and Lao Liu are colluding? No? Li Zhen has rarely been so coerced by the old man in these years, and she can't help but feel straight in her heart.
Playing drums, but it is impossible to get Li Zhen to change his words. Otherwise, it is not that Li Zhen has any promise to Lao Liu, nor does it mean that Li Zhen has the intention to save Lao Liu, but that this matter is a fact, and Li Zhen does not believe it.
The old man had countless things in his mind. Instead of just talking nonsense and being exposed by the old man, it would be better to tell the truth. At this time, he was oppressed by the old man and felt uncomfortable, but Li Zhen still said respectfully: "Father, the sixth brother has acted improperly.
There are some actions that disturb the people, and there are also some serious reductions in the number of personal guards, but in terms of governance, they have never done anything wrong to the people, nor have they preyed on the people. These are all facts, and they have been stated clearly in the documents.
It’s true, I really don’t dare to deceive my father.”
"That's it, please step back. I will give you my orders later." After a while of silence, Li Shimin seemed to be impatient and waved his hand, signaling Li Zhen to step back.
"My son, please retire." Li Zhen was full of herself, but when she saw that the old man had already issued an order to expel guests, she did not dare to stay any longer, so she knelt down, kowtowed respectfully, and left the Manna Hall without mentioning it.
"Bago." Li Zhen was walking on the palace road with his head full of thoughts when he suddenly heard a greeting. He quickly turned his head and saw Li Zhizheng, the ninth elder, standing respectfully by the road, offering his hands in greeting very politely.
Oh, mother, this bastard Lao Jiu has been hiding from me for so long, and this is the first time he comes to visit me. Mother, there is a high probability that nothing good will happen. When Li Zhen saw Li Zhi, she immediately felt guilty.
Gu, no one else. Ever since Li Zhen went to Shuozhou, Lao Jiu, who had been following him around all day, has disappeared. He doesn’t talk about it on weekdays anymore. Even during the holidays, he doesn’t come to the door. At most
Just send a servant to give some worthless gifts and that's it. According to the analysis of the two great counselors, the strange thing here is all the old man's idea. They don't want Li Zhi to get involved in the fight for the heir.
Li Zhen was just making a fuss about Li Zhi's identity as his legitimate son, and now Li Zhi shows up unexpectedly. If it's nothing important, that's a damn thing.
"Oh, it's the ninth brother. What's going on? Are you coming to the palace today to see your father?" Although Li Zhen was mumbling in her heart, she still smiled kindly on her face and asked warmly.
"Bago, I am going to Qizhou for a period of time on the order of my father. Since Bago has just come back from Qizhou, I would like to ask Bago for advice on one and two. I also ask Bago to give me some advice." Li Zhi said politely again.
Gongshou Road.
What? The old man sent Lao Jiu to Qizhou? Damn, what are you doing? Does the old man intend to let Lao Jiu go? Impossible! If that is the case, then it is not official business. Could it be related to Xue Wanche’s 10,000 elite soldiers?
? Damn it, why haven’t I heard any news about this matter? Damn it! When Li Zhen heard what Li Zhi said, she was immediately a little surprised. Fortunately, Li Zhen was deep in the city, but she didn’t show it. She just smiled and said:
"What the ninth brother said, you and I don't need to be so polite. Since the ninth brother wants to know about Qizhou, the elder brother should tell the whole story. Oh, it's almost noon today, or go back with the elder brother.
It’s been a long time since we, brothers, have been together for dinner, so how about we talk while we eat?”
Li Zhen has always treated Li Zhi well, always giving and asking, and rarely refutes Li Zhi's face. Li Zhi has always known this. Seeing Li Zhen being so polite at this time, he couldn't help showing a look of gratitude in his eyes.
But in the end, he still didn't accept Li Zhen's invitation and said apologetically: "Brother Bage is kind and I understand it. It's just that my father has something important to do with me, but I can't delay it. How about we meet at Ju Kecheng another day?"
Huh? This kid has been talking for a long time. He wants to know about Qizhou, but he refuses to have more contact with me. What kind of trick is he playing? Li Zhen was full of doubts, but she didn't want to ask more, so she could only smile.
He said: "Forget it, Ninth Brother is busy first. Later, my brother will write down the situation in Qizhou and send someone to deliver it to Ninth Brother."
"Thank you, Bage. I will go to see my father and say goodbye now." Li Zhi glanced at Li Zhen apologetically, bowed respectfully, turned around and went away. Li Zhen looked at Li Zhi's face in confusion.
From behind, he shook his head with a wry smile, and left the palace and headed straight to the inn outside the city... dd