In Yihai, the 25th year of Emperor Yongwu's reign, after the Hubu incident, the government and the public were silent and calm, waiting for the wind and rain. Taizong excused himself from the court because of illness and did not leave the court all day long.
——"Yong Shi·The Chronicles of Taizong"
In Yihai, the second year of Tongtai in the Southern Chu Dynasty, Zhe gradually recovered from his illness. Although the government and the public were at peace at that time, the seizure of the legitimate son was gaining momentum. Zhe was in charge of King Yong's affairs, and the only thing he needed to do was to endure.
——"History of Chu in the Southern Dynasties Biography of Jiang Suiyun"
The spring light is melting, the breeze is gentle, and the Hanyuan is already lined with green trees. Since last year's turmoil in the Ministry of Household Affairs, when Shangshu Liang Jinqian was suddenly murdered, the situation suddenly and inexplicably calmed down. Emperor Yong Li Yuan issued an edict to
All the officials of the Ministry of Household, big and small, resigned, demoted and were fined. After the Ministry of Households was purged, the new Minister of Households was Mihara Hande. He was an official who had been in the Ministry of Households for many years, but he did not take the imperial examination, and he had no
Background: He has been unsuccessful for many years. This time, after checking the accounts in the household department, he was the only one with the clearest accounts, so Li Yuan promoted him. Han De was an impartial person and only had one emperor in his heart. The prince did not dare to despise him.
, although the prince inserted many people's hands into it again, the household department was no longer as ready as before.
In May of last year, the news that a disciple of the Demon Sect appeared in Xianyang shocked the whole world. In the end, the adulterer was caught by the Fengyi Sect. He claimed that he was dissatisfied with the sect leader being expelled, so he went to the Central Plains to cause trouble. The Fengyi Sect killed him.
After that, he personally sent someone to deliver the ashes to the Northern Han Dynasty. Jing Wuji, the leader of the Demon Sect, was very cold and neither attacked nor apologized, so the matter was settled.
After that, Dayong's political situation suddenly became unprecedentedly quiet. The prince only managed the affairs step by step every day. In addition to not letting go of military affairs, King Yong only concentrated on studying in the palace on weekdays. He neither made friends with courtiers nor recruited wise men. The only
Li Yuan often sent some failed scholars and poor scholars to Youzhou to serve as officials. Li Yuan allowed Youzhou to choose officials on its own, so he did not interfere. These people were not outstanding talents, so the prince did not want to fall out with him.
Everyone is keeping a low profile and biding their time, so the situation in Dayong has become unprecedentedly peaceful and calm. However, anyone who cares knows that this is just the depression before the storm. The prince and King Yong are already in a never-ending situation.
Regardless of the ups and downs outside, a strange scene is unfolding in the Hanyuan. In the pavilion, King Yong is looking at the chessboard leisurely. Xiao Shunzi is sitting opposite, putting down the chess pieces with a calm expression, signaling to King Yong that it is time to play.
It was his turn, and outside the pavilion, a scholar in white was on the lawn, lying on all fours, pretending to be a horse, and on top of him, a little girl in red was shouting in a delicate voice, "Drive, drive,
Daddy, run away."
After resting peacefully for the past year, I have fully recovered. Although I still look weak and frail, I am radiant and no longer look like a pale person who may die at any time. However, after being a "horse" for a while, I am already full of energy.
Panting, she had no choice but to apologize: "Lanlan, daddy is dying. You don't want to tire daddy out because no one will read brother Jun's letter to you."
The soft blue eyes rolled around for a while, then she finally nodded, slid off my body, and said in a sweet voice, "Daddy, I want to see the princess."
I smiled and said, "Not today. If the princess goes to see the princess in a few days, can I ask her to take you there?"
Roulan pouted and said, "The princess said that Lanlan can visit her often?"
I smiled bitterly. This is not what we have the final say. Ever since the princess went to Wuchen Nunnery, her marriage to Wei Ying has been delayed. The emperor did not cancel the marriage, but he did not force the princess to consummate the marriage. He only suffered.
After marrying Wei Ying, I didn’t dare to take a wife, nor did I dare to ask for a wedding. Rumors about the princess and I had been circulating for a few days, but after all, the princess and I didn’t meet, so under the pressure of King Yong, there was no push from the prince.
, the rumors quickly disappeared. After all, no one wanted to force Princess Changle out who was not involved in the disputes in the palace, and they did not want to anger Li Yuan, so these rumors were quickly forgotten.
In fact, I think Emperor Yong may have heard some rumors, but since Changle and I have no personal relationship and have not met each other, he can't punish me because Changle may have feelings for me, so I have been living a happy life this year.
Yes, it’s just that I often think of Princess Changle, recalling the only two meetings scene by scene. Later, Princess Yong often visited the princess, and Roulan was often taken by the princess. This did not cause any trouble.
Who doesn’t know that Princess Yong regards Rou Lan as her own, and who doesn’t know that the crown prince Li Jun is in Youzhou and sends an envoy to Beijing every month to report to Prince Yong, and every time the envoy brings some little girl’s toys and a
After writing a letter, Roulan's appearance in Dayong's court has become a matter of course. Princess Changle likes Roulan, and everyone just thinks that she is empty, so she likes the little girl. Although some people also think of the possibility of "love the house and the bird", but who
She also didn't dare to bring this "unfounded" matter to the table. Moreover, in order to meet Roulan, Princess Changle lived in the palace for half a year. After all, it was a common thing for Princess Yong to visit the palace to meet the queen and the noble concubine. If she
They always go to Wuchen Nunnery to see the princess, which makes people worry whether the princess is too close to King Yong. Therefore, even Changsun Guifei loves Roulan very much, and sometimes she will keep Roulan in the palace for a few days.
Rou Lan also met Yong Emperor Li Yuan, and Li Yuan also liked this elf and naughty little girl. As a result, no one dared to talk too much.
Although I have not met the princess this year, and I have never even tried to ask her if she is really attracted to me, I can't help but send her new poems through Princess Yong. She has not responded, but often
Give Roulan some jade amulets and other rewards. I heard from Princess Yong that in the past year, the princess has looked very good. Not only does she often laugh, but she also looks cheerful in front of Emperor Yong and Concubine Changsun. Seeing her like this, they feel that there is no need to rush.
Forcing her to get married made her depressed and unhappy. If there was anything else that made her unhappy, it was probably Wei Ying's tenderness. Speaking of which, Wei Ying was sincere towards the princess. Although he was frustrated because of the princess's refusal to marry, he always
Sending some small gifts, or isolated books, or fine pens, inks, paper and inkstones to please the beautiful lady. This kind of long-lasting tenderness offensive made both the emperor and the imperial concubine Changsun very moved and harmonious. Although Princess Changle was not tempted, Wei Wei
Ying Ying is polite, never pushy, always polite, and the princess is a gentle person. She doesn't want to refuse with harsh words, so she can only be cold and distant. However, regarding the marriage between Wei Ying and the princess, the emperor and the eldest grandson's concubine
Everyone is happy to see the success, so Princess Changle inevitably "encounters" Wei Ying from time to time. A few days ago, I thought that since Wei Ying is pursuing her so much, I might as well be more indifferent. If the princess can match a good match, I can also let go of my worries.
Therefore, Roulan was not allowed to enter the palace for more than a month. Unexpectedly, Princess Yong quickly told me that during this period, the princess was in a bad mood and went to Wuchen Temple for a short stay. If I didn't understand this situation,
The princess's feelings, then I am probably the biggest idiot in the world, so I will no longer ban Roulan from entering the palace. Although the two of them have never met each other, it is strange that they can always feel the warmth in their hearts. Although they are so far away, but
But I feel no isolation.
Anyway, Roulan was finally allowed to go down. It’s funny to say that Roulan didn’t know how to read yet, so Prince Li Jun sent letters one after another. When the little girl held the letters in her hands, she didn’t recognize a single word. She was distressed.
When she asked me to teach her to read, I could only laugh. Even if I wanted to teach her to write and read, I would have to wait two years to understand this letter. So I had no choice but to read it to her. In fact, there was nothing in it.
, but I went somewhere today and saw something interesting. But this Li Jun is very good at talking. Every time Roulan heard about it, she would make a fuss about going to Youzhou. Fortunately, she would not make a noise for too long. Roulan
Although she was still young, she was already shy and would never let others see the content of the letter. She would only let me read it for her, so I could threaten her to let me go. I also decided to teach her how to read later, otherwise there would be no way for her to read.
What should I do if I have this trump card?
Seeing that I finally stood up and led Roulan towards the pavilion, Li Zhi smiled and said: "Suiyun, you're here, let's forget about this round."
I looked at the chessboard and saw that Li Zhi's chess pieces were all scattered. He said with a smile: "People say that those who are good at fighting are good at fighting. If it is a battlefield battle, the straight man will definitely lose. But if it is playing chess, His Highness can only accept the defeat."
.”
Xiao Shunzi put away the chessboard and chess pieces with an expressionless expression. He didn't mean to agree at all. He just looked at me mockingly. I couldn't help but touch my nose. To be honest, I played chess with him and now this kid can give me three pieces.
.
I sat down and picked up the teacup. Xiao Shunzi had already handed Roulan to the princess's maid and sent it back. I felt a little sore all over my body. After drinking a cup of hot tea, I felt refreshed and couldn't help but groan in comfort.
Li Zhi smiled and said: "Yesterday Qin Qing rebuked Pei Yun, the commander of the northern camp of the Forbidden Army, saying that his curtains were thin and unrepaired."
I smiled slightly and said: "This is Li Hanyou's idea, now Qin Qing only obeys his wife's orders."
The most prosperous people this year are probably Qin Qing and Li Hanyou. She married Qin Qing half a year ago. Not long after the marriage, Qin Qing was promoted to the commander-in-chief of the Forbidden Army. Although in fact, the commander-in-chief of the Forbidden Army has always been a false position. The Forbidden Army is actually
It is run by General Qin Yi of Fuyuan, but Qin Qing is the eldest son of Qin Yi, which is certainly different from others. Although Qin Yi still has not decentralized power, Qin Qing can still mobilize part of the imperial army. Now Qin Qing is Dayong
He is a well-known young general, and Jingjiang Princess Li Hanyou is already a princess and a disciple of Fengyi Sect. Although her marriage makes it impossible for her to be a disciple of Fengyi Sect, her status in Fengyi Sect is
The lofty status is still very obvious. Such a couple naturally attracts the attention of thousands of people. What is even more rare is that they are very loving and make the Yong Dynasty envious.
Li Zhi sneered: "Pei Yun officially married his concubine a few days ago, but his wife got a divorce letter. It's no wonder that Li Hanyou was furious. Mrs. Pei Xue Qiuxue is a disciple of Fengyi Sect. It is said that she has a romantic relationship with Li Hanyou."
Same sisters.”
I picked up the tea cup and said calmly: "This can only be blamed on that woman's stupidity. Pei Yun made it clear that he did not want to marry her. When he went to the Xue family to plead guilty that day, he made it very clear that he already had an affair and was pregnant. If
The Xue family is willing to break off the engagement and pay the price, but Miss Xue insists on marrying into the Pei family. That's fine. If this woman is willing to abide by her duties, Pei Yun is a kind person. As time goes by, he may not be able to accept her, but her methods are still
Before he got home, his methods were too aggressive, which made Pei Yun stay away from him. Now he even harmed his concubine and his newborn baby. If he hadn't discovered it in time, it would have cost two lives. If it hadn't been for the Fengyi Sect, Pei Yun would have killed him with his sword.
Kill her, but it is reasonable for Qin Qing to blame Pei Yun. In any case, this is indeed a thin curtain."
Li Zhi said: "As a result, the Fengyi Sect naturally refused to give up. Although they could not intervene directly due to human ethics, they accused Pei Yun of neglecting his wife and had already argued with Shaolin several times."
I smiled and said, "Although what they said is right, Shaolin simply acquiesces to Pei Yun's behavior. Pei Yun is their carefully selected disciple, and they absolutely do not want Pei Yun to have anything to do with Fengyi Sect.
"
Li Zhi nodded and said: "Having said that, Shaolin will not fall out with Fengyi Sect after all. Although Fengyi Sect cannot openly trouble Pei Yun, Li Hanyou can still embarrass Pei Yun through Qin Qing. What do you think we should do?
, Pei Yun is the nail you finally planted in the Forbidden Army, so you can’t give up casually.”
I shook my head and said: "Your Highness is overly praised. I just led the way. It was Your Highness's own ability that made Pei Yun loyal to His Highness. Since ancient times, good ministers have chosen their masters. If His Highness had not been benevolent, righteous and wise, how could Pei Yun be willing to serve?"
His Highness has to help this time, and he will definitely be able to make the Shaolin Temple truly His Highness. Although Shaolin intended to cooperate with His Highness to deal with Fengyi Sect in the past, due to the emperor and the prince, they could only do it secretly. This time Fengyi Sect is too arrogant, I'm afraid
It will anger Shaolin, and this is your highness’ opportunity.”
Li Zhi sighed: "Suiyun, I admire you very much. Your actions a year ago allowed the wise people in the government and the public to see clearly some of the crown prince's face. Now, even if they have not decided on me, they have all turned neutral. In the past,
Many people think that the prince is the crown prince and has no wrongdoing, so even if they think that the king is wise, they always stay away from him. Now, although I follow your instructions and do not recruit talents casually, I can feel that they are more willing to get close to Yong.
"Prince's Mansion, in just over a year, you have allowed me to turn the situation around, and I don't know how to thank you."
I said calmly: "This is also your Highness's willingness to accept my opinion. I asked Your Highness not to act and to keep a low profile. Your Highness happily accepted it. In the past year, Your Highness has not made any changes, so that the Crown Prince cannot attack His Highness on the grounds that His Highness has great achievements and shocked the Lord. He
All the difficulties faced by His Highness made people sympathize with His Highness more and more. However, when Shi Yu was appointed by His Highness to select officials in Youzhou, everyone thought that His Highness was doing it for the sake of the fiefdom. Now that His Highness has both civil and military personnel, he can start to display his great ambitions. I can
Guaranteed, the prince will lose his throne within this year."
Li Zhi said doubtfully: "Although the prince has lost some of his popularity, there is still no possibility of him being deposed. He has also been very cautious this year. How can you be sure that he can be deposed?"
I smiled mysteriously and said: "His Royal Highness has been working hard to insert people into the prince's influence over the years. In the past, because the prince was cautious and the power of Lu Jingzhong and Fengyi Sect, it was always difficult to do so. However, this year, the prince has been unable to do so because of the Ministry of Household Affairs.
The incident has lost the hearts of the people, and he has also lost the trust of his subordinates because of his murderous behavior. Lu Jingzhong and Fengyimen are also at odds with each other. Hasn’t His Highness already successfully penetrated into the backbone of the prince’s influence, although he has not yet
We have reached the core, but some of His Highness’s actions cannot be hidden from you. You really don’t know what His Highness is doing?”
Li Zhi smiled awkwardly and said: "I know a little about this. I heard that the prince fell in love with a brothel for some unknown reason. He hired famous prostitutes in Dayong several times to hide their beauty in a secret golden house. It was not until later that the emperor found out about it.
He has just restrained himself. Recently, he has stopped doing such romantic activities. Instead, he always goes to the harem to accompany his father, the emperor, and the empress, and is filial to them."
I smiled coldly and said, "That's because he changed his pastime and became obsessed with one of the emperor's concubines."
Li Zhi was startled and said: "How is this possible? This is incest. If the father knew about it, wouldn't he be held responsible, and it would be possible to deprive him of his throne?" At this point, Li Zhi paused.
After a long while, he said: "I'm afraid it's not that easy to depose the crown prince because of palace affairs. After all, the harem cannot interfere with the country."
I said meaningfully: "If His Highness the Crown Prince had some ability, the Emperor might not abolish his throne, but the Emperor has already lost trust in the Crown Prince. Now for the Emperor, I am afraid that the Crown Prince's greater role is to suppress His Highness you."
, if this thing happened, even if the emperor had no intention, he would probably severely punish the prince. Regardless of whether the emperor intended to abolish the prince's reserve position, his attitude must be expressed. In this way, the prince's heart will naturally be full of worries and hesitations, and the relationship between father and son will
I doubt that this is the result I want. His Highness the Crown Prince feels guilty. Even if he keeps his throne, he will probably worry day and night whether the emperor will settle accounts later. Then things will inevitably be messed up. In this way, the more he wants to make up for it.
, I am afraid that it will arouse the emperor's dissatisfaction even more. Not to mention that palace matters are not important. Since ancient times, the family relationship between the emperor and his son has never been strong, but it is not new for father and son to fight each other. When the time comes, I am afraid that the prince will be more suspicious of the emperor than his highness.
There needs to be more.”
Li Zhi said: "But Concubine Ji and others will definitely help in every possible way, but I'm afraid it will still be of no use."
I said calmly: "If they protect themselves wisely, I would be worried. The more they do, the more flaws they will have. Don't you want your highness to expose their true colors?"
Li Zhi fell into deep thought, with a hint of joy on his face, and said: "Sui Yun is such a good plan. If his evil is not revealed, how can I punish him without guilt?"