On the 19th day of the sixth lunar month, Emperor Gaozu issued an edict and the king was allowed to return home. However, he was exempted from the power of governing, and the king was frightened and uneasy.
——"Yong Shi·Biography of King Ru"
Li Yuan's edict was so quick that everyone was naturally surprised, but they all thought that he had already made plans. Who knew that the edict was drafted overnight? After King Yong and others left that day, Li Yuan
Yuan was troubled in his heart. In the past, if he had difficult matters and could not make a decision, he would often discuss them with his important ministers, but things are different today. Wei Guan has always been neutral, so he will not say anything. Qin Yi and Cheng Shu are both soldiers.
, They are usually reluctant to interfere in government affairs. Zheng Xia, alas, Zheng Xia is an upright person and always upholds justice in everything. Unfortunately, he is seriously injured and cannot be the counselor. After much deliberation, only Concubine Ji can discuss it, but Li
Li Yuan refused to go to her. If in the past, Li Yuan wanted the prince to succeed to the throne, Concubine Ji's advice would be useful. But now he is very disappointed with the prince, but the attitude of Fengyi Sect is very clear. The master of Fengyi Sect
It is said that she has arrived in Chang'an in person. Although she did not come to see him, just looking at her actions, he knew that she was still the prince's. In this way, Ji Guifei's attitude was determined. At this moment, Li Yuan only hoped that there would be no one left.
People with selfish thoughts can discuss this matter with themselves. After thinking about it, Li Yuan was very troubled. He remembered that everyone in the harem was involved in the government, but the only one who had no desires or desires was the imperial concubine Changsun, so why not go to her place to spend some time?
Time, look at the sky, he didn't ask anyone to notify him first, and walked towards Changchun Palace where Concubine Changsun lived.
Entering the Changchun Palace, the eunuch in charge of the Changchun Palace came to see him quickly and said that the empress and the princess were relaxing in the garden of the palace. Li Yuan walked towards the garden, and before he entered the garden gate, he heard a burst of light laughter, and he couldn't help but feel in his heart
The depression subsided a little, and when I walked in, I saw Concubine Changsun sitting in the pavilion. Princess Changle was wearing Hu clothes and was playing Cuju with two palace maids in the open space with Roulan. Although Roulan was young, she was very flexible.
, running around chasing the ball, and with everyone giving in, she actually played well. Just looking at her innocence made people feel relieved.
At this time the eunuch shouted: "Your Majesty has arrived."
After everyone heard this, they hurriedly came over to see the driver. Li Yuan smiled and said, "I'm here to take a look. You don't have to be polite." After saying that, he stepped forward and picked up Roulan, who had a blushing face, and asked, "Little Roulan plays well."
Well, why are you free to enter the palace today? Why do you have to be personally invited by your Aunt Changle before you enter the palace?"
Roulan suddenly flashed her big eyes and said angrily: "Your Majesty, Grandpa, Lanlan also wants to come see the princess and the emperor, but they all said that if Lanlan always comes to see the princess, some people will be angry with the princess, Lan
Lan doesn’t dare to come.”
Li Yuan couldn't help but feel angry. He naturally knew what Roulan meant. Some people were worried that Princess Changle was too close to Prince Yong's Mansion, but the change in his expression shocked Princess Changle. She hurriedly came over and said: "Father, Roulan
Don't be surprised if you are ignorant."
Li Yuan sighed and waved his hand to dismiss the serving maids and eunuchs. Princess Changle quickly asked Lu'e to carry Roulan down as well. Leng Chuan also knew that they had private matters to discuss, so he also retreated far away. Li Yuan said lightly: "Changle
, It’s really hard on you, it’s just that your brothers are ineffective, but they still involve you.”
Princess Changle quickly smiled and said: "Father, it's just the Second Emperor and the others who are overly worried. In fact, no one is angry with me for this." Concubine Changsun also said: "Yes, Your Majesty, Zhen'er is your most beloved daughter. Who dares to embarrass her?"
Li Yuan sighed and said: "Well, I am very disappointed with the prince, but how can this matter of abolishing the establishment be decided so easily? Now the ministers in the court either want to keep the prince, so that they can claim credit in front of the prince, or they want to support him. It is very difficult for me to establish King Yong as the crown prince."
A trace of worry flashed in the eyes of Concubine Changsun. Although she had never participated in military affairs, she also knew the current situation. According to her true feelings, no matter who succeeded her, she would not have much to do with her. Although because of Princess Yong's Gao family, Because of this, she can't help but have a good impression of King Yong, but it's not enough to make her King Yong. Now the emperor is talking about this to her. If she says something that she shouldn't say, I'm afraid that if she says it today, others will know about it tomorrow. , From now on, it will be difficult for her to be at peace. Therefore, she can only say in a vague way: "Your Majesty, there is no need to worry. It is natural that these ministers have different thoughts. You still have to make your own decision on the matter of establishing the heir."
Although Li Yuan felt a little vague after hearing this, he also felt comfortable and couldn't help but said: "Having said that, I am also in a dilemma. Although the prince is not good, he has been the crown prince for many years. Although King Yong is good, he is too ambitious. Da, I deeply feel that it is not easy to establish a country, and I am very worried that he will destroy our family, mountain, country and country in his eagerness for quick success."
Concubine Changsun hesitated to speak. Although she was very pleased that Li Yuan trusted her so much, the concubine's involvement in politics would, after all, bring endless troubles.
Li Yuan also knew that she was in trouble. He originally didn't expect Concubine Changsun to give him any advice. He just wanted to complain, so he didn't ask too many questions. He just told her what was bothering him, just to feel happy. While Zhi was talking, he saw Princess Changle thinking deeply and asked curiously: "Changle, do you have any opinion?"
Princess Changle hesitated for a moment and then said: "Father, although I don't understand military affairs, I feel that no matter what my father's intention is, the situation should be calmed down. No matter what you decide, you can take your time in the future." The arrangements are now hanging in the air, which not only worries the prince, but also worries the two emperors, and even the ministers of civil and military affairs are uneasy and worried that they have read the wrong direction of the wind."
Li Yuan's heart moved and he thought, what Changle said makes sense. If I delay making a decision, the prince is certainly worried that his throne will not be guaranteed and has resentment in his heart. Even King Yong can't help but have expectations. In the end, if it is not what he wants, both parties will Even if they are not satisfied, if he temporarily appeases them now, and then slowly makes arrangements after making up his mind, wouldn't it be the best of both worlds? Thinking of this, he stood up happily and said: "Chang Le is right, okay, I If you want to draft an edict, you can do whatever you want." After saying that, Li Yuan immediately returned to the Imperial Study Room and issued the edict. He did not allow the officials to persuade him and issued the imperial edict vigorously and resolutely.
Everyone was happy with this decree. The prince was certainly overjoyed. When he thanked his father, he burst into tears and almost promised Li Yuan that he would change his mind. King Qi was also very happy. In the past two years, he was almost Detained in the capital, he usually only plays hawks and dogs. He has long wanted to return to the border to fight a few battles. Now that he has the opportunity, he is naturally very happy, so with almost an edict, the King of Qi even told the prince He hurried out of the capital without saying a word, which naturally made the prince itch with hatred.
In addition, it stands to reason that King Yong, who had a good chance of deposing the prince and ascending to the position of prince, should have failed in his hopes and could not help but be troubled. In fact, King Yong has been showing a graceful demeanor in the past few days.
He was the one who went to congratulate the prince. Of course, the reason was to congratulate the prince on his recovery. Then he personally sent King Qi to the border to visit Zheng Shizhong's injury. He was very busy every day. Although his face was calm, but from his perspective
There was no trace of joy on his face, so everyone guessed that he was indeed a little dissatisfied and angry, but they all praised King Yong for his magnanimity and broad-mindedness. Little did they know that if Li Zhi hadn't been pretending outside, he might have been overjoyed.
.
After receiving Li Yuan's imperial edict, Li Zhi was originally depressed, feeling that his father was too partial to the prince. Unexpectedly, when he entered Hanyuan, Jiang Zhe congratulated him. Li Zhi said in annoyance: "Sui Yun, now it is clear that my father's will is true."
Partiality, why are you celebrating?"
Jiang Zhe said with a smile: "Your Highness is a fan of the authorities. Now the emperor is very disappointed with the prince. If the emperor secretly admonishes the prince, it means that the emperor still has expectations for the prince. But as far as I know, the emperor has nothing
Reprimand, as the saying goes, deep love leads to deep love. Now the emperor actually does not blame the prince at all. This is because the emperor no longer wants to waste any time. In my opinion, now his highness is only one step away from the throne.
"
Li Zhi said distressedly: "Even if it is just one step away, it is still a world away. Now that Fengyi Sect Master has entered the capital, the prince's power has greatly increased. It is possible to assassinate us immediately. Besides, with her supervision, the prince must be cautious about his words and deeds. This time
If the father has not deposed the prince, then there is still room for it. If it is delayed, I am afraid it will be detrimental to me. Besides, deposing the prince requires a conviction. If the prince does not make mistakes, then even if the father wants to depose him, it will be impossible."
I smiled and said, "I'm afraid the prince doesn't think so now. Although the emperor released the prince this time, he was not allowed to manage politics in the East Palace. There are already signs of alienation. The prince may be suspicious now and doubts that the emperor will treat him."
Take action, in order to protect yourself, I am afraid that the prince will fall deeper and deeper. Now His Highness only needs to spread rumors that the emperor will not depose the prince this time, but because of the power behind the prince, and then we will accuse the prince and his party of crimes.
When we launch an attack, we do not attack the prince. We only say that those people have owed the favor of the emperor and the prince. With the prestige of His Highness, they must be easily captured. If we do this, it will not harm the prince's own safety on the surface, so the prince will not think that it is.
We did it deliberately, but we would think that we were following the emperor's secret order. Therefore, His Highness recently found an opportunity to have a few secret conversations with the Emperor. Don't let others know the truth. This will make the Crown Prince even more suspicious that the Emperor has made up his mind to make His Highness the crown prince. That's why.
The strategy of arranging His Highness to cut off the wings of the Crown Prince is to frighten the enemy. As long as the Crown Prince is frightened and suspicious, he will act blindly and make mistakes. Then the Crown Prince will be deposed naturally."
Li Zhi was convinced after hearing this and said: "Sui Yun can be said to have seen through people's hearts. Yes, who would have thought that our purpose of cutting off the prince's wings in such a big way was not to attack the prince's power."
I stood up and said: "Your Highness, now we have reached the most critical moment. Your Highness should order Mr. Ziyou to return to Chang'an to take charge of the overall situation. Although I have some strategies, there are many things that only Mr. Shi can handle properly. Mr. Shi is complementary.
Well, it would be a pity if he doesn't come back."
Li Zhi said with emotion: "Sui Yun is right. Now we really need Ziyou to come back. Now that the situation in Youzhou has been very stable, and Ziyou has recruited a large number of available talents, he has no greater role in Youzhou.
It's better to come back, Ziyou is careful and cautious in doing things, and the king really needs him to take charge of the overall situation at this time." After saying that, he secretly thought that Jiang Zhe is really broad-minded. After Ziyou comes back, although he will still rely on him for advice,
But he could not help but trust Shi Yu more. After all, Shi Yu was the prime minister in his mind and the head of the civil service, but he had no fear at all.
He doesn't know that I don't care about power and wealth. Besides, I'm not in good health. Many details are arranged by Guan Xiu, Dong Zhi and Gou Lian. Even if Shi Yu comes back, it won't have any impact on me. Besides, Shi Yu
Coming back has another very important benefit for me.
After the discussion was completed, I sent His Highness King Yong out. Before he had gone far, Li Zhi saw a young man wearing a guard uniform walking over. He had a handsome appearance and an indifferent temperament. Li Zhi felt that this man was extraordinary at first sight, but it was strange.
Yes, Li Zhi felt that he had seen this man before, but he could not remember that he had ever seen such a young guard with such a unique temperament.
I noticed it as soon as his steps slowed down, but I didn't say anything. His Highness King Yong had met Xia Jinyi several times before, and this time he just wanted to test whether Xia Jinyi's disguise was successful. Speaking of disguise, I was also mentioned in the unofficial history.
The legend is deceptive, saying that someone can change their appearance so that even acquaintances cannot recognize it, but this is impossible. First of all, there are many limitations to the change of appearance. The appearance of a natural person, no matter whether ugly or handsome, can always give people something.
If the harmonious feeling is changed arbitrarily, it will easily make people feel a little abrupt. Moreover, if you want to disguise yourself, your own characteristics are also very important. If you have something special about your appearance and body, it will be difficult to hide the appearance even if you disguise yourself.
It has been successful, and there have been changes in behavior, behavior and speech. Many people can recognize their relatives and friends just by looking at their backs and hearing their voices, so it is really difficult to make it difficult for acquaintances to recognize them.
.
But this time, I believe in my own methods. Although I only know some of the previous experience of Yi Rong and have not tried it myself, Xia Jinyi does have some methods for Yi Rong. I just need to guide him on how to do it.
After careful study, I first asked him to make some small changes in his appearance, just changing the style of combing his hair and slightly changing the corners of his eyebrows and eyes. In line with his changed temperament, it was easy to make him look like he had changed.
Then I spent some time teaching him to change some movements, and change the rhythm and tone when speaking. He learned quickly, and now he is really doing well. King Yong did not recognize him immediately. In addition,
"Xia Jinyi" has already died due to the emperor's anger, so as long as he lives in seclusion for a while, no one will recognize him. After a year or two, no one will pursue this matter again.
Seeing King Yong's hesitant expression, I smiled and said, "Has your Highness met a stranger? His name is Dong Que, and he is my new bodyguard. Although he is not from the military, Your Highness can rest assured that this person is loyal."
King Yong suddenly said: "It turns out he is your new guard. No wonder I, although I think he looks familiar, can't remember his name."
Xia Jinyi, now Dong Que, stepped forward to greet King Yong. He was meticulous in etiquette, but his expression was very indifferent. Li Zhi didn't pay attention, and just smiled and said: "It's rare for Suiyun to accept a subordinate, he must be a talent. You have to make progress, and also
It’s worthy of Jiang Sima’s attention.”
Dong Que said respectfully: "I respectfully respect His Highness's teachings."
Watching King Yong leave, I smiled and said: "Now you can rest assured. You can be safe and sound if you stay in King Yong's Mansion. Xia, no, Dong Que, you know that person very well. You said he wants to do the most right now."
What to do?"
Dong Que looked indifferent, but he was very respectful and said: "That man has an unbearable temperament. He can hold it back for ten days and a half, but he definitely can't hold it back for a month. What he likes most now is having sex with a married woman.
Tong, only in this way can he satisfy his desire to seek excitement. In fact, although Chun concubine is beautiful, she may not be much more than the concubines in his house. It’s just that a wife is not as good as a concubine, a concubine is not as good as a maid, a maid is not as good as stealing, and stealing is not as good as being unable to steal, so he
That’s why I’m so addicted.”
I thought about it carefully and said with a slightly weird smile: "You have been in the palace for a long time, and you don't know who has the most beautiful wives and concubines among the officials in the East Palace and the prince's confidants?"
Dong Que's expression changed, and he thought for a while and said: "Huo, the wife of Hanlin scholar Shao Yan, was extremely beautiful. The prince had seen her in a Buddhist temple half a year ago and was very attracted to her. However, it didn't take long for him to meet Chun Bin. Shao Yan was born in recent years.
The new man who came to seek refuge with the prince is quite talented, and the prince also values him very highly."
I asked in detail: "How is Mr. Huo's character?"
Dong Que said without hesitation: "The prince once sent me to investigate. The Huo family is from a well-known family. She is a lady. Her husband and wife are harmonious and very loving."
I sighed softly and said, "It's a pity, it won't be convenient for me to take action."
Dong Que frowned slightly and said, "Why pity a woman who is not an important person."
I smiled lightly and said, "I never force someone easily. Even if I want someone to die, I want him to die willingly."
At this time, Xiao Shunzi's figure appeared, and he said with a strange expression: "Young Master, I wonder if God is helping you. Just now, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has received the holy order to depose the officials of the East Palace, and Shao Yan, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, was promoted to the East Palace.
Attendant." He said and handed me a list of newly appointed East Palace officials. Sure enough, I saw Shaoyan's name and couldn't help but smile: "This is really a coincidence. I asked His Highness to hand over a secret document.
To Your Majesty, he said that the officials of the East Palace had to deal with the Crown Prince's misconduct and should be replaced. The original intention was to arrange a few more of his own people in the East Palace. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince's backstage was really tough, and he arranged to have his cronies put in. But it didn't work.
Do you know if this Shaoyan was chosen by the prince himself?"
Xiao Shunzi smiled slightly and said: "Young master really hit the mark. This is the list the prince gave to Concubine Ji last night. I asked someone to copy a copy." I took the piece of tissue paper with some names on it and bowed to the first one.
The one who is in the position is Shao Yan.
I couldn't help but sigh: "It's your own fault and you won't survive. Before I even took action, he couldn't help himself."
Dong Que said coldly: "He may not have this intention now, but he must have subconsciously kept Shao Yan by his side after seeing him."
I glanced at Dong Que and said with a smile: "As the Duke of the East Palace is not an ordinary official position, according to etiquette and law, the Huo family has already been granted a title and is going to have an audience with the Crown Princess. You said, the Crown Prince only needs to meet the Huo family a few times by chance.
This time, can he bear it?"
Dong Que was silent for a while and then said: "No."