In the Hanbing Palace, a mother and son, who had been dependent on each other for many years and had not seen each other for a long time, hugged each other and cried. The accompanying maids and eunuchs could not help but be moved to tears.
Concubine Yang Shu, the daughter of Yang Guang, the last emperor of the Sui Dynasty, had never interfered with any political affairs since she married Li Shimin. Once upon a time, this woman who was extremely young and beautiful, and who performed Yongrong and splendor to the extreme, was favored more than the Empress Changsun who was still alive at that time.
Today, the Tang Dynasty values bloodline and family status the most. Although Concubine Yang Shu is only the legitimate daughter of the former Sui royal family, in the eyes of the officials of the Tang Dynasty, her bloodline is undoubtedly quite noble. As the saying goes, "Mother is more valuable than son, and son is more valuable than mother." It is precisely because of such a noble mother that Li Ke attracted much attention when he was born. Because he has the blood of two dynasties, he is extremely noble and no one can compare with him. and!
There were rumors in the harem that Emperor Li Shimin intended to make Concubine Yang Shu his queen, but the idea quickly died due to opposition from ministers. As for who objected and what the reasons were, it is not clear to the outside world. Concubine Yang Shu never asked. But there is a theory that spreads like wildfire, that is, a group of veterans of the "former Qin Prince's Mansion" headed by Changsun Wuji raised objections on the grounds of "blood from the previous dynasty" and "the restoration of the former Sui Dynasty", which made Li Shimin unable to Parry.
In fact, this statement is quite ridiculous. Everyone knows that no matter whether it is according to the traditional customs of ancient China or the customs of the royal family of any dynasty, the bloodline is from the father, and there is absolutely no such thing as "from the mother". Changsun Wuji and others used the pre-Sui ancestry of Concubine Yang Shu as an excuse, which was actually an excuse to hide their lies. It is nothing more than fear that Li Ke, who has outstanding civil and military talents, noble birth, and high popularity, would rise up due to his mother's influence and participate in the fight for the heir.
After the short-lived turmoil of the Queen's establishment a few years ago, Concubine Yang Shu became even more low-key and conservative. She stayed in the harem all day long, not only did she not ask about the affairs of the court, she even ignored the affairs of the harem. Even if she is alone in bed every day, she will not compete with the backward young concubines for favor and love.
In addition to Li Ke, Concubine Yang Shu also had another son, King Li Min of Shu. She often restrained him very strictly, because Li Min was a typical second-generation ancestor who was ignorant, had no ambitions, and only knew how to eat, drink and have fun. On the contrary, no matter how Li Ke struggled outside the palace and showed his sharpness, she ignored him and allowed him to be free.
Just like, she never gave birth to a son Li Ke.
Is there any mother in the world who doesn't love her son? No one except Yang Feishu can understand the pain involved.
After having a heart-to-heart talk, Li Ke told Concubine Yang Shu about taking the concubine. Concubine Yang Shu was naturally happy to hear that her son wanted to take a concubine, but she also raised questions, which were exactly the same as Quan Wanji's concerns. Li Ke started to understand the language, and Concubine Yang was relieved. It was just that Li Ke had to abide by his father's approval.
Li Ke then told Concubine Yang Shu what Li Shimin had said - "You have passed my test. However, you still need the consent of your mother, concubine and the Qin family!"
After hearing this, Concubine Yang Shu felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head. Her enthusiasm and joy suddenly cooled down, and her expression also added a hint of worry.
"What's the matter, mother and concubine?" Li Ke asked curiously, "My father has agreed, so what worries does mother and concubine have?"
"Ke'er, after so many years, you still don't understand your father?" Concubine Yang Shu said with a worried look on her face, "Your father said this just because he couldn't refuse you in person and hurt your face. With his temperament , if he agrees, he will promise the marriage on the spot and order someone to take care of it, because he knows that I, the mother-in-law, will definitely not have any objection, and the Qin family will definitely not refuse. It was a subtle push in the name of me and the Qin family. The implication was that this matter needed to be slowed down and it was not appropriate to handle it at this time, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble. "
"It seems that my father also has various concerns..." After hearing his mother's words, Li Ke fell into deep thought. After a moment, he said, "Mother, concubine, I understand. My father probably asked me to return to the capital and be transferred to Lanzhou to supervise the army. It has caused quite a stir in the court. If the emperor marries the daughter of the Qin family, it will be like adding fuel to the fire. The most important thing for his father is the stability of the court. , the prince’s marriage is just a trivial matter.”
"Ke'er, after my mother heard that His Majesty was going to transfer you back to Beijing to Lanzhou, she couldn't sleep for several nights and was terrified." Concubine Yang Shu frowned and whispered, "Do you know why this is?"
"Your Majesty has made your mother and concubine worried..." Li Ke came forward quite remorsefully, took Yang Shufei's arm and said emotionally, "Your Majesty knows that my mother and concubine have lived a miserable life in the harem in the past few years. Everything is... The emperor is unfilial, because I have been too arrogant and unruly in the past, which made outsiders suspicious and jealous of our mother and son. The reason why the emperor was willing to sacrifice his life to go to Goryeo was because he wanted his mother to live a peaceful life outside. I miss my mother and concubine very much; my return has caused countless disturbances... Your Majesty, I am helpless!"
"Hey!..." Hearing Ke's heartfelt sentimental words, Concubine Yang Shu closed her eyes and shook her head and sighed, saying quietly, "Maybe this is the fate of our mother and son. It is easier for the country to change the old and the new for the mother's sake. The former Sui princess is lucky to be alive and give birth to you two brothers. She is very content with being a mother and has no other extravagant thoughts. But... the tree is quiet but the wind is not stopping! In the harem, countless eyes are on our mother and son. Ke'er, please listen to my mother's advice. Don't go to the Qin family to propose marriage now, let alone arrange the marriage immediately after leaving the Hanbing Palace. Go to Lanzhou and don’t stop for a moment.”
"Mother and concubine..." Li Ke looked at his mother blankly and said sadly, "The emperor has not seen his father and mother and concubine for a long time. He just wants to stay in Chang'an for a day or two more and see his biological parents more. Is this wrong?"
"It's wrong..." Concubine Yang Shu turned around, choking up in her words, "You have to fulfill your filial piety, but others don't think so. They will think that King Wu has been honored and returned to Beijing in glory, and he is about to turn over. He Your ambition is about to be realized. They will think that in the name of the Battle of Lanzhou, it is a good time for you to recruit help. Do you know how many people in the government and the public are eyeing the Battle of Lanzhou? , this is a great opportunity to get promoted and make a fortune, even if it is a small job as a pawn under you, King Wu, you will definitely be successful in the future based on merit. Therefore, even if you don't try to trap others, there will be many people. I’m trying to curry favor with you, so my Ke’er... you’d better leave Beijing as soon as possible!”
"Mother!..." Li Ke screamed sadly and fell to his knees, hugging his mother's knees and sobbing, "Your Ke'er has never thought about trapping anyone! I miss my parents and my homeland. I love my Shuang'er so much! I finally returned to Chang'an and want to marry the woman I love deeply so that my parents can share my joy and happiness. Is this wrong? "
"My mother-in-law will secretly handle the matter for you after you leave the capital." Concubine Yang Shu was already in tears. She still turned her back to Li Ke and murmured, "Marriage matters are determined by the orders of the parents and the words of the matchmaker. The Qin family The head of the family, Duke Yi, is newly deceased, and children should be filial. It is not appropriate to talk about marriage now. Besides, an eldest brother is like a father. Neither Qin Tong, the eldest son of the Qin family, nor Qin Mubai, Shuang'er's biological brother, are in Chang'an. They are far away. In Lanzhou, this marriage also requires the approval of Qin Tong and Qin Mubai, so I will ask a matchmaker for you in Chang'an; when you go to Lanzhou, you will have to propose to Qin Tong and Qin Mubai in person. That's it. When you finish the war and return to Chang'an... when will you arrange the wedding?"
Li Ke was speechless, he just hugged Concubine Yang's knees tightly, closed his eyes and shed tears. I thought to myself: Now I finally understand the meaning of what my father said... If I want my mother-in-law and the Qin family to agree, the implication is that we must follow these customary marriage rules. To put it bluntly, you want me to go to Lanzhou first and then discuss the marriage!
"Go, Ke'er... state affairs are the most important thing." Concubine Yang Shu raised her head, lowered her hands and gently stroked her son's cheek. Two lines of clear tears trickled down her white jade face, and dripped onto Li Ke's cheek. On the forehead.
Li Ke slowly let go of his mother's knees, took two steps back, kowtowed three times on the ground respectfully and stood up, "Mother, please take care of yourself, the emperor... is gone!"
After that, he turned around and left.
Yang Shufei slumped down, covering her face and crying bitterly without daring to speak out.
"Son... do you know how much I miss you, mother? You... go and come back quickly. Stay safe and take care!"
After leaving the Hanbing Palace, Li Ke, with red eyes, looked up at the sky and took a deep breath. Inadvertently, he suddenly thought of Qi King Li You who had rebelled and executed him.
In the beginning, the biggest reason why Li You rebelled was his own evil intentions and his uncle's instigation. However, what happened to his mother, Concubine Yin De, and his sister, Princess Gaoyang, as well as the feud between the Yin family and the Li family, were they not a major inducement
Li Ke was very impressed by what Li You said after being arrested and before being taken to the capital - "I hope that in the next life, I will not be born in an emperor's family!"
"Hey!..." After a long sigh, Li Ke closed his eyes and shook his head, bowed several times in the direction of Hanbing Hall and Wude Hall, and said to himself, "Father, mother, concubine, the emperor returned home but... Don't stay longer than fulfill your filial piety, and leave now... Please take care of yourself!"
Half an hour later, Li Ke and his party of dozens of riders left Chang'an from Chunming Gate in the east of Chang'an, got on their horses and ran to the northwest. They ran for more than ten miles and then stopped at the Weishui River.
Li Ke stood on his horse and looked back. The majestic Kyoto Chang'an and the winding Zhongnan Mountain were as picturesque as a poem.
"Your Highness, why did you suddenly decide to leave Beijing immediately? Is the war in Lanzhou very urgent?" Quan Wanji asked.
Li Ke did not answer immediately, but narrowed his eyes and looked at Chang'an in confusion for a long time, and then said: "The war in Chang'an is far more serious and dangerous than that in Lanzhou. I can't afford to offend him, so I have to hide."
"Hey! As expected..." Quan Wanji shook his head helplessly and said, "Your Highness, you are destined to be so wandering. Let's go to Lanzhou! Even if the arrows and rocks at the border are attacked by swords and swords, it is still worse than This seemingly peaceful Chang'an is much safer!"
"Let's go!!" Li Ke shouted loudly, reined in his horse and turned around, shouted sharply, whipped down, and galloped forward.
Quan Wanji sighed deeply and followed suit with everyone.
At this time, Shanzhou.
After Qin Mubai led the soldiers and horses of Yumen Pass to arrive here, one hundred thousand troops suffered from hunger and cold and traveled thousands of miles, which weakened their vitality, so they had to spend some time to recuperate.
Li Daozong was stationed on the Dafeichuan side, and Qin Mubai sent a messenger to communicate with him. He learned that there was peace and order there, and he could rest assured that he could train troops and horses in the rear to prepare for the war. At the same time, we must also wait for the 150,000 reinforcements and supplies sent by the imperial court.
Back in the city of Shanzhou, Qin Mubai finally held his precious daughter Xiaolouer, whom he missed day and night, in his arms, and the family was happy. Originally, when Chen Yan followed Qin Mubai to Yumen Pass, she entrusted Xiaolouer to Li Daozong. When Li Daozong hurriedly raised troops and went to Dafeichuan, he had no choice but to hand over the little baby to Tantai Shuangshuang, who was recovering from his injuries in Shanzhou.
Tantai Shuangshuang, who once wandered around the world as a cold-blooded killer, took good care of his benefactor's daughter, Xiao Lou'er, without daring to neglect her in the slightest. Over time, the two formed a deep relationship, like mother and daughter. Seeing that Qin Mubai and Chen Yan were about to take Xiao Lou'er away when they came back, Tantai both shed tears with great reluctance.
Chen Yan saw it in her eyes and realized it in her heart, and said to Shuang Shuang in private: "Shuang'er, since you like Xiao Lou'er so much and Xiao Lou'er is so attached to you, you can be her adoptive mother!"
"Really? Will the young marshal agree?" Both of them were happy but also worried, and said, "We sisters come from humble backgrounds, and it is a great gift from the young marshal to be able to be reincarnated as officials and generals. Furthermore, His Majesty the Emperor will give us The sisters are given to Princess Gaoyang to serve her, so we are just the young commander's retainers. How dare we, as slaves,... climb the dragon and follow the phoenix?"
"In terms of family background and background, am I not the same as you?" Chen Yan smiled slightly, a bit mysteriously, and said, "I can be Xiaolou'er's biological mother, how can you two sisters do the same? Not a foster mother?”
"This!..." Upon hearing this, Shuang'er's heart suddenly jumped.
"Why, are you talking about the central issue?" Chen Yan smiled and said, "To put it bluntly, since he is a retainer, there is nothing wrong with turning into a concubine. Anyway, Mu Bai is a romantic person, so instead of letting him play with women outside, Why don’t you help the sisters around you first?”
"Ah..." Upon hearing this, Shuang'er immediately blushed to the root of his neck and did not dare to say anything.
At this time, Tantai Dandan was also beside her. Qiaoqian smiled and said: "Listening to what Sister Yan said, it is obvious that the young marshal was flirting with women outside this time. I saw that the little wild horse princess from Huihe was very clingy to the young marshal. Huh, could it be her?"
Chen Yan smiled but did not answer, and just said: "Let's not ask or take care of this kind of thing. Men like Mu Bai cannot be controlled, because not everyone is Princess Gaoyang."
"I don't understand..." The two sisters shook their heads in confusion.
"Mubai is a very genuine man. When it comes to women, he is carefree but has a conscience; he is lustful but not extravagant. It is not realistic for him to only guard one woman for the rest of his life; but it is also unrealistic to say that he is greedy and unscrupulous. Absolutely not." Chen Yan said, "It's not surprising that many women like a man like him, but since you like such a man willingly, you have to accept everything about him instead of choosing and wishing for him. Change for yourself. As for Princess Gaoyang... she is the only one who often scolds Qin Mubai and often restrains him from flirting with women. That's because this is Princess Gaoyang's temperament and Mubai is used to it; and they have experienced joys and sorrows together. Fenglang has only come to this day, and the relationship between the two is not only a relationship between a man and a woman, but also an unbreakable family relationship. If it were other women who dared to make things difficult and criticize Mu Bai, he would definitely feel extremely bored and frustrated. constrain and thus alienate the other party.”
"Oh, we understand! It turns out that this is Sister Yan's way of being a woman and the art of controlling men!" The two sisters suddenly realized and laughed, "No wonder the young commander respects and attaches himself to Sister Yan the most! - In other words, Sister Yan is more like the mistress of the Qin family than Princess Gaoyang and Wu Meiniang!"
"Don't talk nonsense. I didn't do it deliberately. I just let it happen due to my temperament. At the same time, I also learned some from Mu Bai." Chen Yan smiled lightly and said, "Mu Bai He once said that whether a man wants to conquer a country or a woman wants to conquer a man, the only way to win is to fight without fighting. When I said this, I thought of King Wu, who should be coming to Lanzhou soon. After such a big twist and turn, Mu Bai and he finally got back on the same boat!"