Taiji Palace Wude Hall, the main hall.
All civil and military officials lined up and filed in. Everyone was looking at the scene with their eyes, nose, and nose, and their minds were not squinting. The atmosphere at the scene was paradoxical and depressing.
Everyone knows that today's meeting will be a watershed in the history of the Tang Dynasty, and will be a watershed for many people's life, death, honor and disgrace. There are no swords or weapons in sight at the moment, but cold spears and hidden arrows are everywhere.
Prince Li Chengqian and King Li Tai of Wei walked in front of two rows of courtiers. They glanced at each other from the corners of their eyes in a very tacit understanding, and then quickly separated.
Who succeeds and who loses; who is king and who is bandit, only today.
In contrast, Li Tai, who was neither shy nor forced into a desperate situation, seemed more relaxed and at ease. Today, even if the emperor announces that he is not the supervisor of the country, it does not mean that he is completely finished. Because according to his title, it was not his turn to supervise the country. In other words, his starting point is low and he can afford to lose. No matter he wins or loses in this battle, Li Tai is destined not to suffer any big losses. However, Li Tai is 60% sure that he should be the winner today. Li Yuanchang's misdeeds were exposed, and it was inevitable that the prince would be implicated. Due to emotions and reasons, at this time, he, the prince, was like a clay Buddha. He could not save himself when crossing the river, let alone become a supervisor of the country.
The emperor is ill and the prince is about to fall. Looking around the world, who else can be qualified for the position of superintendent of the country except him, King Wei
Li Tai holds the pearl of wisdom in his hands and is full of expectations.
But Li Chengqian is different. If he was not the one to preside over today's meeting, it would mean that he, the prince, had come to an end. He has reached a desperate situation and can no longer afford to lose. At this moment, he still had the last trace of fantasy in his heart. He did not believe that his father would dethrone him as the prince at this special time and in such an irresponsible way.
Even for the sake of the empress, the eldest grandson of her late mother, now that the father is ill, we should always give him, the eldest son, a last chance to express himself and save his own destiny.
Li Chengqian could not imagine that besides blood inheritance and family ties, he could have nothing else to rely on.
Every time he stepped onto the stone steps of Longwei Road in Wude Hall, Li Chengqian's heart hit hard and his breathing became tense and rapid. He felt as if everyone was staring at him, and their gazes were like sharp arrows that could pierce through him.
Li Chengqian was dripping with cold sweat, like a glow on his back.
All the civil and military personnel walked into the main hall of Wude Hall silently. In the past, these people had participated in countless court gatherings, and they had never been as uneasy as they were today. In the past, after they entered the court and stood around, the eunuch in charge of the ceremony shouted loudly that the emperor had arrived, and then the emperor Li Shimin, who was in his prime, walked into the golden hall and sat on the gilded dragon chair, with a sound like a bell. All the ministers are at peace.
Today, all the civil and military officials stood with their hands bowed for a long time. Not to mention the emperor, not even the eunuch who was responsible for the ceremony showed up.
Many people began to look around and whisper. At the same time, some people discovered that in addition to Chu Suiliang, the minister of Zhongshu who always accompanied the emperor and took notes on his daily life, he did not show up. There was also another important person who should have appeared and should have appeared. absent.
Uncle Zhao Guogong, Situ, Shangshu Zuopushe, and eldest grandson Wuji.
Why did he, as the most trusted and relied-upon minister of the emperor and the most powerful prime minister of the Tang Dynasty, not attend such an extraordinary and important court meeting
In everyone's mind, the mystery is even greater.
After a long time, there was still silence in Wude Hall. Occasionally, one or two unbearable coughs could be heard, and one could hear that they were trying their best to suppress them. Some people find it difficult to breathe due to tension and depression.
Suddenly there was a voice: "His Royal Highness the King of Jin has arrived, Situ, the eldest grandson of Zuopu She, has arrived, and Chu Suiliang, the minister of Zhongshu, has arrived!"
Everyone trembled as if in a dream, shuddered in unison, and looked at Longting Jinluan in surprise.
The eldest grandson Wuji, E Guanbo, held his head high, his chest high, his beard and hair flowing, and he led the young boy Li Zhi, who was wearing a purple deer dragon robe. He was followed by Chu Suiliang, who was holding a jade seal, and walked to the dragon chair step by step. .
"ah!!!"
Everyone couldn't bear the surprise and let out a chorus of exclamations.
Li Zhi, who was still young and had never seen much of the world after being raised in a deep palace for many years, was startled by these exclamations and stopped in his tracks. Changsun Wuji looked back, frowned deeply, and used some hidden force on his hand to drag. Li Zhi almost staggered, and walked to the dragon chair in a hurry, with his butt facing the seat.
All the civil and military personnel in the audience opened their eyes uniformly and stared straight at the three people in the Jinluan Hall. Li Chengqian was even more exaggerated. His body was shaking and his lips were a little blue. He couldn't help but murmured: "Uncle, ninth brother... why, why is this like this?"
Li Tai also glanced at the stage in shock, his inner shock and indignation almost unbearable. However, when he saw the prince's gaffe and panic, he immediately changed his expression and hurriedly stood up with his hands bowed, as if the person standing in the Golden Palace today was his father, no different from before.
"Your Majesty has spoken." Chu Suiliang's voice sounded almost emotionless, awakening the petrified crowd present from their astonishment. He said, "My order is that Changsun Wuji will assist the prince Jin in governing the country and supervise the country's directors."
Li Chengqian's body swayed and he almost fell down.
The young Li Zhi was frightened when he saw the expression on the prince's brother who was standing closest. He hurriedly ran down the court and came to Li Chengqian's side, holding his sleeve: "Brother Prince, you should be in charge of supervising the country's directors! The ninth brother is still young and does not understand state affairs."
"Huh..." There was an exclamation in the court.
"Li Zhi actually gave him the position of supervising the country as if he were a childhood toy and gave it to his elder brother!" Many people couldn't help but be surprised!
"No, no, I don't want it. If your father orders you to supervise the country, you will supervise the country." Li Chengqian almost collapsed, and even his brain seemed to have lost the ability to think, and he said dullly. He didn't even feel what he said.
"His Royal Highness Prince Jin, please come back." Changsun Wuji, who had been silent since entering the palace, spoke.
Li Zhi was startled for a moment, then looked back at Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang, and then looked up at the eldest brother, who was gray and trembling. He held Li Chengqian's sleeve tightly in his hand and refused to let go.
Li Chengqian's temples were already covered with cold sweat. He lowered his head and looked at his ninth brother Li Zhi, who was half a head shorter than him. He gritted his teeth cruelly, grabbed his hand, and threw it away: "Tell you to go back! As the prince of the prison country, how can you take down the golden luan lightly?" How decent.”
"Brother..." Li Zhi was thrown back a few steps by Li Chengqian and stood numbly on the spot, his eyes wet.
This "big brother" was called sincerely and quite sad. All the civil and military officials in the hall could not help but tremble in their hearts and sighed several times.
"Brother, the prince, I don't want to supervise the country. I..."
"Shut up! Stop talking!" Li Chengqian suddenly yelled, "Go back, I told you to go back!"
Li Zhi's tears welled up from his eyes. He bit his lip, nodded, and walked back to the dragon chair in the Golden Palace as if he was lost. Then, almost being held down by Changsun Wuji, his rather thin body sat on the cold dragon chair that was not at all proportional to his body.
After sitting on the dragon chair, Li Zhi pressed his hands on the dragon's armrests and looked left and right at his eldest brother, the prince, and his fourth brother, King Wei, with expressions of confusion, fear and sadness. Looking at the situation, not only did he not have the majesty and honor of a supervisory director, but he was as sad as if he was mourning.
From the beginning to the end, Li Tai looked like an outsider, with lowered eyebrows and a solemn expression. No emotion could be seen on his face, just like a Bodhisattva in the temple with a body of clay and a heart of wood.
"Recently, there have been many things happening in the court. His Majesty is ill, and Prime Minister Fang Xuanling is ill, and both of them are unable to take charge of the affairs." Changsun Wuji's voice seemed plain, talking calmly and calmly, and he was able to control the tone and language of the scene. speed. He said: "Changsun Wuji was ordered by the emperor to assist His Highness the King of Jin in supervising the affairs of the country. However, if there are any big or small matters, His Highness the King of Jin can issue orders on behalf of the Emperor. Matters in the court, big or small, cannot be left unattended for a day. Next, I invite His Highness the King of Jin. Announcement of two important things.”
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a neat "swishing sound", which was actually caused by the friction of the collar on the neck - everyone looked at the young prince, Jin Wang Li Zhi, who had just appeared on the stage in shock.
Li Zhi was obviously a little nervous. He took the booklet handed over by Chu Suiliang and said with a trembling voice: "There have been several important memorials recently, but my father is ill and unable to give instructions. Now, I give orders and give instructions on behalf of the emperor." as follows!"
"The first one is about the case of the concubine Qin Mubai who broke into Yeting at night and messed up the harem. After it was found out, Qin Mubai was framed. Now there is an important witness Fang Yizhi who accuses his brother Fang Yiai of being pregnant. Personal hatred brought together a group of people to frame Qin Mubai's confession. After investigation, the evidence was found to be true. Therefore, the king announced Qin Mubai's innocence in public at the court meeting, reinstated his official position, and set a different date for his wedding to Princess Gaoyang... "
"Slow!!" A sudden shout interrupted Li Zhi's mechanical "reading". Li Zhi was startled and almost dropped the book in his hand to the ground.
Everyone looked sideways in surprise and saw that the person who made this rebuke was actually the prince.
Li Chengqian seemed to be carrying a huge boulder on his back. He slowly moved out of the courtroom step by step and walked to the middle. He raised his hand to the top of his head and said in a deep voice: "The Ninth Brother of the Supervisor of the Kingdom, I want to ask, Qin Mu From the time of the incident to the present, the Bai case has never been made public, and the case has never been opened for torture by Yushitai, Zongzheng Temple or Dali Temple. How can it be called "the evidence is proven after investigation"? Such a matter of human life is at stake, and it is even more important. The honor and dignity of the late emperor and my royal family, Ninth Brother, you made a hasty decision and pardoned him? Is it because Qin Mubai is your mentor, and you are so unreasonable and unconventional? If you don’t comply with the law, how can you convince the public?”
Everyone was in an uproar.
Li Zhi looked at Prince Li Chengqian with wide eyes and horror, and murmured: "Brother Prince, why are you doing this? Qin Mubai has never offended you in the slightest. He was clearly framed."
"Shut up!" Li Chengqian scolded angrily, "How can one have the power to make decisions in court? Where does this place the law of the country? Ninth brother, since you are already the supervisor of the country, don't act emotionally!"
"Brother Prince..."
Li Zhi wanted to continue talking, but was interrupted by Changsun Wuji raising his hand. Changsun Wuji stood next to Li Zhi, cupped his hand to Li Chengqian, and said calmly: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's doubts are justified. However, Qin Mubai's case is too sensitive, related to the royal family's family affairs and the dignity of the late emperor. Therefore, there was no public trial. Is His Royal Highness the purpose of openly shouting and provoking in the court to publicize the family scandal? "
"Changsun Situ, since you have edited the law, you should know that the law is strict and merciless. Now that the case has been reported, it should be tried impartially. Nowadays, everyone knows that the harem case happened, but there is no fair trial and case. How can we convince the public by hastily announcing the denial of the crime? So, what does the Tang Dynasty need to do with the law? How can we deal with matters impartially in the future if our ninth brother, the Supervisor of the State, issued such a vague pardon? Glancing behind him from the corner of his eyes, he cupped his hands and said loudly: "This case still needs to be strictly examined by the Prime Minister of the Cabinet, together with Zongzheng Temple, Yushitai, and Dali Temple, before he can be convicted. Otherwise, everyone will be dissatisfied!"
This is like a piece of paper that kicks off the war against cigarettes.
At that moment, many princeling courtiers who supported the prince stood up and agreed with the prince's proposal.
Li Zhi was silent as he looked at the group of people standing in the court with their hands folded and determined to fight to the death. At this moment, he was not afraid anymore. The eldest brother, the crown prince, who was just looking at him sadly, couldn't help but let out a long and leisurely sigh that was inappropriate for his age.
"Brother Prince, you know the facts of the case better than anyone else. No one is forcing you to do this, so why are you seeking death?"
At such a young age, Li Zhi never stops talking without surprising words!
Li Chengqian suddenly raised his head in shock and looked at the golden throne above his head.
Li Zhi, full of sadness and disappointment, and even a look of helpless despair; Chu Suiliang, his face was expressionless even when the emperor roared at him, and he was still as silent as water at this moment; Changsun Wuji, his eyes were slightly narrowed, and his eyes were like knives Like fire, it mourns its misfortune and is angry but does not fight.
"Prince! If you insist, today, we will call several people involved in this case to the court and confront them face to face, so that you can be convinced! However, by publicizing the royal internal affairs and family scandals in this way, you are also Sons and grandsons of the Li family, I see how unbearable you are!" Changsun Wuji burst into rage, raised his hand and pointed angrily at Prince Li Chengqian, and then shouted, "Come here, sisters Xuanfang Yizhi, Su Lianqing, and Tantai!"
"Xuan - Fang Yizhi, Su Lianqing, sisters Tantai!" The eunuch of the ceremony announced loudly, spreading from level to level in the palace.
Li Chengqian became desperate when he heard the names of Su Lianqing and Tantai sisters.
The final struggle and effort can basically be said to be a waste. Not only was he violent and destructive, but he also pushed himself into opposition to the Li family royal family. Now, I am afraid that even if the emperor steps out, he will not be able to spare him, a fool who is determined to expose his family's scandal.
"Where is Li Yuanchang, King of Han?" Changsun Wuji asked at the court.
An official named by the Secretary came out to report that the King of Han was ill and could not leave the court.
Changsun Wuji sneered and said: "You are clearly a thief with a guilty conscience and fled out of fear of crime! Your Highness, at this point, I advise you to tell the truth and not to be dragged down by bad people, otherwise, no one can save you!"
Just as he was talking, Fang Yizhi, Su Lianqing and Tantai sisters had already arrived at the entrance of the main hall of Wude Hall.
Li Chengqian was almost petrified and sweating profusely. He turned around and glanced at these people stupidly, and suddenly shouted hysterically: "Don't force me! Don't force me!!!"
Everyone was shocked—Prince, what does this mean
Changsun Wuji narrowed his eyes, his eyes were exposed, and he shouted: "Li Chengqian, what do you want to do!"
"Don't push me, don't push me!!" Li Chengqian gasped in cold sweat and moved around in confusion and panic.
"No one is forcing you. Everything is up to you." Suddenly, a sound like a bell sounded on the side of the entrance door of the court.
Everyone turned around in surprise and saw the King of Jiangxia, Li Daozong!
Li Daozong cut his hands behind his back and walked into the court hall proudly under everyone's gaze. A pair of eyes stared at Li Chengqian like a tiger's eye, until he almost squatted down.
"Prince, from the beginning to the end, everyone has been giving you a chance, and has been trying to retain you and help you." Li Daozong slowly brought his hands clasped behind his back in front of him, and Li Chengqian was stunned.
"This... this is my father's, the Emperor's Sword, how can it be in your hands!" Li Chengqian exclaimed, "You dare to kill me? Do you dare to kill me? I am the prince! Do you dare to kill Gu?!"
"No one dares to kill you, and no one wants to kill you. Cheng Qian, you have locked yourself in a prison of imagination, lies, stupidity and depravity. No one can save you." After Li Daozong said this, he suddenly raised his head Sword, shouted, "The Emperor's Sword is here, as if I were personally involved!"
"Long live, long live, long live my emperor!" Everyone in the court knelt down, except for Li Chengqian who was almost collapsed.
"His Royal Highness the King of Jin, eldest grandson Situ. Today's second prison pardon order, please leave it to me to read it!" Li Daozong said.
"Thank you, Uncle Emperor." Li Zhi took the folded book and raised it above his head respectfully. Li Daozong was not polite. He walked up to the Jinluan Longting with a sword in hand, unfolded the folded book and said loudly: "The second pardon issued by the Prince of the Supervisory State granted the Emperor the Emperor's Sword and Qin Mubai. The points were directed by Baiqi, Jinwuwei and Qianniu." Guards, prison guards, and all the royal guards protect the imperial city, punish evil and eradicate evil!"
…
At this moment, Qin Mubai was escorted by a team of hundreds of cavalry and walked into the Xuanwu Gate of Taiji Palace. He passed through the Chengxiang Hall, Yanjia Hall, and Ganlu Hall in sequence. After passing the Rihua Gate, he could see the tall and towering Wude Hall.
Around the Wude Hall, there are many soldiers and armors, swords and swords shining brightly. In the short distance of several hundred steps from Rihua Gate to Wude Hall, no less than three thousand soldiers and armor were deployed, with three steps, one post, five steps and one pavilion, solemn and solemn.
The rain is pouring down, the sky and the earth are gloomy, the wind is blowing, and there is a lot of water underground. Qin Mubai and this group of hundreds of cavalry were walking along the road. They were soaked to the skin and there was no dry place left.
"Third brother, we are almost here. As a brother, I am going to offend you." Qin Tong stopped, looked at Qin Mubai with thick eyebrows, and said, "Tie them up first! This is the rule after all. In a moment, life or death, You will always have a big brother with you.”
"Brother, just do it without saying anything." Qin Mubai smiled slightly and put the back of his hands behind his back. Qin Tong sighed, tied up Qin Mubai with a rope, and headed towards Longwei Road of Wude Hall.
There were hundreds of armored men along the way, all looking sideways at Qin Mubai.
Looking up at the lofty Wude Hall and the seemingly endless Longweidao stairs, Qin Mubai took a deep breath, straightened his chest, raised his head, and stepped out.
Just as he stepped on the Dragon's Tail Road for the first time, suddenly a loud shout came from above his head: "Xuan--the Hundred Cavalry Envoy of the Inspection School, the Chief of the Lanzhou Governor's Office, and the Consort Qin Mubai, enter the palace!"
When Qin Tong heard this, he almost jumped up in surprise. He immediately cut off the rope on Qin Mubai's body with a knife, and shouted: "Third brother! Third brother, did you hear that! The announcement was made by Bai Qi Shi, Lanzhou Governor Shi and the Prince Consort are not prisoners! Third brother, you’re okay, you’re okay!”
"Hahaha! Brother, I'm not guilty! I'm not guilty!" The two brothers hugged each other tightly, and Qin Tong cried with joy.
At this time, a stalwart figure appeared at the end of Longwei Road. He stood with hands cut and spoke loudly in the wind and rain. His voice was as loud as a bell: "Qin Mubai, you are so bold. You have been announced to the court, but you have been so late in entering." ! —Come on, catch him!”
"King of Jiangxia!" Qin Mubai shouted in surprise and let go of Qin Tong. Several Baiqi actually came forward to take Qin Mubai, but Qin Mubai kicked them away one by one.
Qin Mubai quickly ran up Longwei Road, and stood in front of Li Daozong out of breath. He smiled at him and said, "Your Majesty!"
"Smelly boy!" Li Daozong slapped Qin Mubai's shoulder hard, then held up the sword with both hands and presented it to Qin Mubai, saying: "The Emperor's Sword, and the imperial guards in the Imperial City are all yours for the time being. Taiji Palace is connected to the East Palace. There may be changes in Tongxun Gate, Changle Gate, etc. Go ahead and do what you want to do.”
"Thank you, my emperor! Thank you, my lord!" Qin Mubai took the sword, wiped the rain off his face, pulled out the sword with a clang, and shouted sharply -
"Where is Baiqi!"
"Listen to the order!" Qin Tong, who was close at hand, and the hundreds of cavalry soldiers clasped their fists and knelt on the ground in the rain, thundering loudly.
"Where are the Jinwu Guards, Qianniu Guards, and Prison Guards?"
"The last general obeys the order." All the generals in the court ran out and knelt down to Qin Mubai, who was standing with his sword raised.
"Listen to my order and mobilize all the soldiers and horses of the Royal Forest Army to defend the imperial city. The left and right prison guards block the palace gates and government offices under martial law, the left Qianniu Guard guards the Wude Palace, the right Qianniu Guards are dedicated to protecting His Majesty's safety, and the Jinwu Guards guard If there are rebels attacking Tongxun Gate and Changle Gate, they will be killed without mercy!"
"Promise!" The generals obeyed the order.
"Hundred Cavalry." Qin Mubai took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "All the horses and horses were dispatched together, half led by Qin Tong to guard the harem; the other half followed the general, entered the East Palace, and captured the traitor Li Yuanchang! If there is any obstruction Those who resist, escape and act disobediently will be killed without mercy!”
"promise!"
"Except Li Yuanchang." Qin Mubai sheathed his sword and said coldly, "Catch the ones alive for me."
[There is another chapter to be updated today, but it will be a little later. For those who can’t wait, watch it tomorrow. Remember, red tickets are coming! ]