〖Twenty-five years of Dayong Wude, in June, the emperor lost his virtue and ordered Taizong to sacrifice in Chang'an.
- "Yong Shi · Taizong Chronicle"〗
King Yong Li Zhi's heart was surging, how could he not know that the master of Fengyi was showing his favor to him, and it was the last time he had a showdown with him, although he knew very well that if he had the support of the master of Fengyi, his position would be guaranteed. But after thinking about it, he couldn't be willing to be an emperor. If he compromised this time, he would have to let the Fengyi Sect infiltrate his own power. At that time, it would be difficult for him to inspire reforms. If the Fengyi Sect Master proposed to accept him His daughter is a disciple, he can naturally refuse in person, but the master Fengyi wants to accept Rou Lan as a disciple. Although the master Fengyi is already their primary enemy, it cannot be denied that Fan Huiyao is still one of the three One of the masters, and probably in the chief position, it is an honor for such a person to accept Rou Lan as an apprentice. If he categorically refuses, what will Jiang Zhe think? Thinking of this, he raised his eyes and looked at Jiang Zhe. .
My heart is turning upside down, let Rou Lan worship her as a teacher, and I can't even think about it. Both Rou Lan's biological parents and I hope that she will live a happy life. Jun, grow old, and even I am not going to let Rou Lan marry into a rich family, lest those three wives and four concubines, arrogant rich children delay her, why let her learn what kind of sword, let Xiao Shunzi teach her in the future Rou Lan is enough to defend herself. Of course, if she really likes to practice martial arts, I will recognize her, but she will never be allowed to worship the female tyrant. I categorically refuse, will King Yong be dissatisfied
King Yong and I looked at each other with worry, but it was rare that we did not reach a consensus. I smiled bitterly in my heart. Sect Master Fengyi really made an extraordinary move. A simple sentence made us go out of step, and the monarch and his ministers were separated from each other.
At this moment, Xiao Shunzi's voice suddenly remembered beside me: "No..." The words were interrupted before I finished speaking. I looked up, Feng Yi's eyes contained a faint mockery, and the corner of his eyes He even saw that Xiao Shunzi was sweating profusely and looked angry and embarrassed. I knew in my heart that Xiao Shunzi must have been isolated by the sect master of Fengyi, but I always knew that Xiao Shunzi was really above me when it came to observing words and adapting to changes. When my intelligence opened, I had already figured out the difficulty of King Yong. , then raised his voice: "The sect master loves, Zhe Ben should thank the little girl for her gratitude, but the little girl has been lonely since childhood, our father and daughter are dependent on each other, and we really can't bear to separate, not to mention the little girl's temperament is stubborn and can't bear to learn swordsmanship, Zhe only wishes her a safe life. Kang Tai, don't want her to excel."
Sure enough, as soon as I finished speaking, I heard the voice of King Yong sending a sigh of relief.
Sect Master Fengyi's eyes flashed a faint sullenness, and said, "I see Jiang Sima's poems as unique. I never imagined that a person is so pedantic. I don't like seeing women stand out, do they?"
I respectfully said: "The sect master has misunderstood, Zhe has no intention of this, he is just a person who is superior to others, and he must spend a hundred times more effort than others. Zhe only wants his children to be mediocre in aptitude, and does not seek to be prominent in the princes, but only to be proud of himself. Don’t seek to be outstanding in the world, but only to cultivate and study the family. When the country is in trouble, you should try your best to save it. When the country is safe, you should be the obedient people of the community.”
The sect master of Fengyi flashed ridicule in his eyes, and said: "If everyone is like this, who else can help the society, Jiang Sima is too self-sufficient."
I smiled slightly and said: "The so-called times make heroes, there are countless people in the world with big ambitions and ambitions, but if there are no ordinary people, who can control the world, if everyone wants to be heroes, then the world is in chaos, I Although it is unfortunate that I am in troubled times and have no choice but to fall into a deep depression, I will never agree that my children will work as hard as I do."
Sect Master Fengyi was silent for a moment, then said, "Tao is different and not conspiracy. Your Highness King Yong, I don't know what you mean?"
Everyone knew what she meant, King Yong smiled lightly, and said, "Little Wang also thinks that Rou Lan is not suitable for learning martial arts, if the sect master can see His Royal Highness, please greet Xiao Wang on behalf of Xiao Wang, and say Xiao Wang I will definitely protect you from the book, and I also ask His Royal Highness to calm down and rest well."
Sect Master Fengyi sighed slightly, we were all confused, but she felt that her sigh was full of compassion and regret. But Li Zhi and I were unmoved. Upon seeing this, Sect Master Fengyi said coldly, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince is your eldest brother, and now he is trapped in a rut, I don't know whether His Highness is going to fall into the pit or just wait and see. its change?"
When she asked, King Yong smiled bitterly in his heart. Although he and the prince were already in a state of immortality, how could this matter be spoken out in public? No matter what, the prince is his king and his The eldest brother, in private, you can naturally regard the prince as the mortal enemy, but in front of so many people, if you say it yourself, I am afraid that it will spread to the father's ears soon, that is, there is no one in the palace. , Fengyi's sect master will not keep secrets, but if he says he is watching the changes, then no matter what, he can't launch his attack on the prince with great fanfare this time. When he was in a dilemma, the head of Fengyi smiled faintly again and said, "The prince fell in love with His Majesty because of the Ministry of Household case and the Jinxiu Alliance case. I don't know what His Highness King Yong thinks. This matter must be clear to His Highness King Yong. very."
Li Zhi raised his eyebrows. Although he didn't know much about these two matters, he knew very well who had instigated them. He didn't expect these things to remain secret, but if Fengyi's sect master spoke without evidence, it would be no wonder. He was rude. He said indifferently: "Who in the world doesn't know about these two things, it's just because of obscenity, I don't dare to say it explicitly."
Sect Master Fengyi smiled coldly, with a hint of sarcasm in her laughter, and she slowly said: "If there is evidence, this seat naturally has nothing to do with it, but Your Highness should understand that if this matter spreads, only I'm afraid there will be evidence."
When Li Zhi frowned, he naturally knew that if Li Yuan became suspicious, he would investigate carefully. Although no actual evidence could be found, some circumstantial evidence could still be obtained, which would be a great disadvantage to him, but he bowed his head like this. , He was not reconciled, the anger in his heart became more and more fierce, and his eyes were like sharp swords, looking at Fengyi Sect Master.
At this time, I said confidently: "Don't worry, the sect master, my highness is just unwilling to show merit. In fact, His Royal Highness has already prepared to make a memorial, for many years of brotherhood, for many years of the righteousness of the monarch and minister, His Royal Highness is a believer. If you are not benevolent and righteous, you will definitely not go to war on your own accord.”
Fengyi Sect Master listened to Jiang Zhe's words, but he didn't care, and said with a smile, "Then I will thank the Prince Yong on behalf of the Crown Prince. If there is a chance, we will meet again." After speaking, her eyes fell into the distance, where there was a monk in plain clothes at some point, she greeted her with her eyes, but she didn't see how to act, and her figure was like a Like a light smoke, it disappeared in a blink of an eye. At this time, our people present were really relieved.
Li Zhi said with a wry smile, "This king suddenly feels that the pressure has doubled, and the head of Fengyi's sect has gone out in person. This time there is no hope."
I said lightly, "Don't worry, Your Highness, this time, I didn't want to achieve my goal immediately." Then I looked at Xiao Shunzi and asked with concern, "Are you alright?"
Xiao Shunzi looked a little embarrassed and said, "I'm not her opponent?"
I heard this and smiled and said, "What nonsense are you talking about, how old are you, and how are you compared to other masters at the master level, besides, Master Cizhen said that you have a bright future, so is it so sad that you miss it?"
Xiao Shunzi's face softened a lot, and he remained silent. I saw that he had returned to normal, so I felt relieved. At this time, Master Cizhen had disappeared, and the strange man was the strange man. Li Zhi glanced at me with a smile, and said, "Okay, Suiyun, don't hide it any longer. Tell me if you have any plans."
I was about to answer when Chang En, the manager in the distance, hurried over and said, "His Royal Highness, the will of the palace is passed down."
This time we didn't care about talking, we first surrounded King Yong to the front hall, and the red-clothed messenger held the decree in yellow silk and said loudly: "I ordered King Yong to hold the Chang'an accompany sacrifice on behalf of the crown prince, and I respect this."
King Yong felt ecstatic in his heart, but he didn't show any expression. He stepped forward to accept the decree, and after thanking him, he asked, "Excuse me, the imperial envoy, can this king enter the palace to express his gratitude."
The eunuch said sharply: "Your Majesty has already set off to drive Huangling in advance, and ordered His Highness to discuss the ceremony with Wei Xiang and Zheng Shizhong, but as far as our family knows, although the time is a bit rushed, fasting is still unavoidable, Your Majesty has ordered Let His Highness go to the Zhai Palace immediately, the servant thinks, Zheng Shizhong will be there soon."
Before he finished speaking, someone had already reported: "His Royal Highness, Zheng Shizhong is here by order, please follow him into the palace to fast."
Li Zhi said in a deep voice, "Please wait a moment for Zheng Shizhong. After this king has changed his clothes, he will enter the palace with him." After sending off the imperial envoy who passed the decree, Li Zhi said worriedly: "Suiyun, do you think there will be a fraud."
My eyes flashed: "His Royal Highness, although it is reasonable to say that there is no problem, but when Your Highness enters the palace alone, the ministers and others can't rest assured, Xiao Shunzi's martial arts are not bad, let him accompany His Royal Highness into the palace, if you want to come to Zheng Shizhong, won't you say anything? "
Xiao Shunzi's face turned sideways and he blurted out, "Young Master, your safety..."
I put the folding fan in my hand, and said lightly, "Your Highness, please send orders. Until His Highness returns to the mansion, all matters in the mansion will be presided over by Zhe."
Li Zhi immediately said: "The gold medal is in your hands, that is, this king will come in person, whoever dares to disobey your order, you can kill him immediately, Xiao Shunzi, this time this king will take credit for you, don't worry, Master Cizhen is here. The mansion will definitely protect Suiyun's safety."
Xiao Shunzi glanced at me and said, "Li Shun obeys the order, please rest assured, Your Highness and Young Master, even if the Sect Master Fengyi personally takes action, Xiao Shunzi will sacrifice his life to protect His Highness."
Seeing everyone's serious faces, I chuckled lightly: "Everyone don't have to worry so much, this is why we are not acting rebellious, just to prevent someone from jumping over the wall, and since Sect Master Fengyi is here, he will not let go at this time. Shi Wei, after all, this Dayong still has the emperor and clan."
Everyone was a little relieved. When King Yong went to the front to see Zheng Shizhong, Zheng Xia really did not express any surprise at Xiao Shunzi's entourage. It was natural for King Yong to be so cautious. Instructing etiquette, King Yong was not allowed to relax for a moment. He was busy here, but it made the hearts of the prince's line burn with anxiety. Everyone knows that the Prince and Prince Yong are mortal enemies, one is changing and the other is growing. At the beginning of last year, the Prince on behalf of the sage made a sacrifice to the Taimiao Temple. Since then, Prince Yong has died down and is even busy consolidating his power in Youzhou. Now Prince Yong has replaced the Prince. Accompanying sacrifices, then the symbolism is self-evident. The people of the Prince's family are naturally talking a lot, and the backbone among them is unwilling to let go.
However, Li Yuan is a generational hegemon after all, and there will be no thought of this problem there. This time he leaves Beijing, and he will hand over the forbidden army in Beijing to Qin Qing. Li Hanyou is a member of the prince's line. Naturally, King Yong will not let the prince kill the prince. Although Qing was young and reckless, General Qin was unequivocal, leaving his trusted lieutenant Qin Yong to supervise Qin Qing. In this way, the prince would not want to take the opportunity to harm King Yong. Besides, Wei Xiang and Zheng Shizhong were the leaders of the civil servants. With them in charge, it is naturally foolproof. For the sake of safety, Zheng Shizhong personally managed the Zhai Palace where King Yong was fasting, and the Jin'an Palace where the prince was under house arrest was proposed by Wei Guan to send his son Wei Ying to look after him. The good son-in-law is also neutral. With him guarding the prince, there is no need to worry about someone harming the prince, and there is no need to worry about the prince and the outside world. And Zheng Xia's iron face is known to everyone. In this way, it is equivalent to the prince and the prince. King Yong was both placed under house arrest, but King Qi was more free, and he accompanied him to Qiaoshan to worship, so he didn't have to fall into this political storm.
In this case, the arrangement of the two parties is very important. It can neither disturb the civil servants and generals who guard Chang'an left by Emperor Yong, but also need to maintain the situation and not let their lord overthrow the top. Therefore, the Prince's Mansion and the Yongwang Mansion jointly demand Chang'an. Wei Guan could only agree to the martial law, and after that, Qin Qing quickly detained the suspected unidentified persons, drove out of Chang'an, and the Yongwang Mansion did not show weakness. , Guan Xiu was in charge of the internal affairs of Prince Yong's Mansion, Gou Lian was in charge of coordinating with Wei Guan and others, while Dong Zhi brought Jing Chi back to the guards stationed outside Chang'an City to prepare for the battle, while Sima Xiong took the accommodation of Prince Yong's Mansion with him. Wei is always at his command. And Jiang Zhejiang Suiyun, who was in command of all this, never left Hanyuan, while Master Cizhen never left his side. Although Pei Yun lost the absolute control of the Northern Camp of the Imperial Army, he still controlled most of the power. With him in charge, Xiahou Yuanfeng could not mobilize this part of the forbidden army at will, and could only call the inner guards as much as possible. In this way, the forces of the two sides were intertwined, and no one dared to make a move first, not to mention that everyone knew that the master of Fengyi had already arrived in Chang'an.
However, in the midst of the storm, there is one person who is leisurely and comfortable, and that is me. Although I stay in the cold garden every day, I am careful not to go out, but I don't do anything major. I read the information every day and file it. Various contingency measures are also left to them to plan, and I am only responsible for issuing a few orders. Strange to say, this can be said to be irresponsible, but it has effectively calmed the people's hearts. It seems that I gave them a good impression on weekdays, and they unconsciously believed me.
Actually, there is no need to worry. For me, the only goal this time is to see the power of the prince. I know very well that this is not a once and for all opportunity. If Emperor Yong was really disappointed with the prince, it would have been abandoned long ago. Instead of imprisoning him, Emperor Yong wanted to test King Yong this time. If we wanted to get rid of the crown prince this time, Emperor Yong would definitely think that His Highness had a vicious heart. Emperor Yong felt that we were too pretentious, so I was so tight on the outside and loose on the inside, which not only deterred the prince's forces and prevented them from taking advantage of the opportunity to change, but also allowed Emperor Yong to understand that His Highness had no intention of rebelling. Besides, the crown prince's position was already in jeopardy. If we add fuel to the fire, we are afraid that it will lead to Emperor Yong’s sympathy and pity. As long as we are impartial, we will see how Fengyi’s door jumps up and down for Prince Zhang’s purpose. No kindness can be overwhelming for a lifetime. This time, Fengyi’s door master can rely on With the kindness of the past, I persuaded Emperor Yong to restore the honor of the crown prince. Then next time, let's say that the crown prince has lost his heart. Although he is powerful, he is already a paper tiger, so my goal this time is to pass it safely. Next step , you can start planning the real plan to win the succession.
But when I was leisurely and contented, I got an unexpected news. It was only a small matter, but it made me feel a little regretful. Today, the Crown Princess arranged the funeral of her trusted maid, Xiuchun, and the embroidery Chun committed suicide by hanging, and is said to have been pregnant for several months before his death. This news makes me very sorry. Originally, I didn't care about Xia Jinyi's private affairs, but this woman actually died of love. I didn't kill Boren. Boren died because of me. With a sigh, I decided to send a message to Xia Jinyi and let him He knew that there was a woman who loved him so much, but it was a pity for the unborn child.
At the same time, in the Danai Zhai Palace, Li Zhi was chanting the scriptures attentively, and Xiao Shunzi, who was sitting in the corner of the room silently practicing the exercises, opened his eyes with a hint of admiration in his eyes, although he followed Jiang Zhe to King Yong. , but he has always been hostile to King Yong. One reason is that King Yong wanted to kill Jiang Zhe that day, and the other reason is that Jiang Zhe was not only nearly assassinated to death in order to serve King Yong, And he had to force the sick body to plan for him. So even though he was very grateful for King Yong's love for Jiang Zhe, Xiao Shunzi was still reluctant to pay attention to King Yong. But today, Xiao Shunzi really admired this prince.
Xiao Shunzi is not an idiot, he knows his ability and status, and he is willing to be Jiang Zhe's servant, but this does not mean that he does not understand his own worth, ask himself, if he is King Yong, he will definitely be unable to help recruit such a person. A master, even if he does not expect his full allegiance, getting his favor is worth the money. He also thought that this time he was alone in the Zhai Palace with King Yong, and King Yong might use some means to recruit him, but beyond his expectations, from beginning to end , King Yong was just focused on studying etiquette, burying his head in chanting, although he was polite to himself, he didn't mean to buy it in the slightest. Xiao Shunzi has been in Yongwang's mansion for many years, and has seen more than once the methods of Yongwang's treatment of others. In all fairness, if Yongwang used him, it would be difficult for him to take it as normal, but Yongwang did not say anything extra to him.
Xiao Shunzi understood that it was not that King Yong looked down on him, but that in King Yong's heart, he was a person who abides by loyalty. This kind of respect made Xiao Shunzi really accept King Yong as Jiang Zhe's lord.
For Li Zhi, it is not that he has not thought about buying Xiao Shunzi. After all, such a martial arts master is worth staying by his side. However, King Yong is not someone who wants to hold the world's heroes in his hands. In his opinion, Xiao Shunzi is loyal to Jiang Zhe, as long as you catch Jiang Zhe yourself, you don't have to worry about Xiao Shunzi's problem. Besides, how could he humiliate such a magnanimous person with bribes? At this time, Li Zhi never imagined that Xiao Shunzi would finally eliminate his hostility towards him because of this.