The heavy snow that had lasted for many days finally stopped, the sky was still gloomy, and the cold wind in Chang'an City was raging and bone-chilling, and it felt like a knife cutting on the face.
Yang Fan, who had just left court and originally wanted to return home quickly, was temporarily detained by the chamberlain.
Passing through the corridor and passing through the courtyard, the Ganlu Hall appears in front of you. Even on a gray winter day, it is quite a scene.
The Ganlu Hall is surrounded by a marble corridor with beautiful pillars and railings on the outside.
The walls and corners of the hall are decorated with gilded dragons and pictures of various birds and beasts.
There are rockeries in the front and back corridors, the roof of the hall is paved with yellow glazed tiles, inlaid with yellow colored edges, and the main ridge is decorated with colorful glazed dragon beads.
The interior of the hall is painted with colorful decorations, including a throne and a screen. There are incense burners, incense pavilions, and candlesticks on both sides. The entire style does not reflect extreme luxury, but a simple and elegant charm.
Yang Fan looked around and followed the steps of the waiter, looking leisurely and contented.
Apparently His Majesty Li Er had already said hello, and the two of them arrived at the meeting hall of Ganlu Hall smoothly.
Completely different from the howling cold wind outside, the meeting hall of Ganlu Hall was as warm as spring.
After the chamberlain led Yang Fan to the meeting hall, he retreated consciously.
Yang Fan slowly raised his head, and Dingqing saw that His Majesty Li Er was not the only one in the meeting hall.
In addition to His Majesty Li Er sitting at the head, there are also Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji, Li Jing, and Li Ji sitting at the bottom, with two middle-aged men standing next to them.
These two middle-aged men were not simple, because they were the later famous prime ministers Ma Zhou and Cen Wenwen.
At this time, Cen Wenwen and Ma Zhou were just assistant ministers of Zhongshu, specializing in recording important meetings and handling confidential documents.
In fact, they are equivalent to the types of secretaries and assistants in later generations.
However, it is obvious that the current level of the two of them is not enough. They can only be regarded as younger brothers in front of big bosses like Li Jing, and are not even qualified to sit.
On the other hand, Li Jing and others had teacups with rising mist in front of them. Apparently, His Majesty Li Er used his own Longjing tea to show these important ministers humanistic care.
Since there were no chamberlains or maids, it was obvious that Ma Zhou and Cen Wenwen also acted as waiters.
Yang Fan walked a few steps quickly, came to His Majesty Li Er and saluted: "Your Majesty, what are your instructions for summoning the ministers?"
"You did a good job today. We'll talk about it later. Let's have a sip of hot tea for now!" Li Shimin smiled slightly and pointed to a table next to Li Ji.
Judging from Li Shimin's expression, it is obvious that His Majesty the Emperor is in a good mood.
It’s no wonder that since he became emperor, His Majesty Li Er defeated the collective attempt of officials from aristocratic families to force the palace for the first time. How could he not be happy?
Thinking of all the officials from the aristocratic families kneeling down and bowing their heads in the Taiji Hall, His Majesty Li Er was very excited. The stick in front of him was a great contributor.
Seeing that Yang Fan actually received such courtesy from His Majesty Li Er, Ma Zhou and Cen Wenwen were filled with envy.
To be able to be on an equal footing with several top figures in the court at such a young age is indeed a unique blessing.
People are so irritating!
Ma Zhou and Cen Wenwen looked at each other, and secretly smiled bitterly in their hearts, but it was not jealousy. Instead, they burst out with unprecedented light.
Because once a capable person has a pursuit, he will not sigh and feel sorry for himself, but will realize his ambition with hard work and ability.
For a moment, their eyes looked at Yang Fan more firmly, perhaps regarding Yang Fan as the target of their pursuit.
Of course, Yang Fan didn't know that one seat aroused the ambitions of two future prime ministers.
After drinking two cups of hot tea, Yang Fan's body gradually warmed up.
At this time, His Majesty Li Er put down his teacup and asked casually: "Why did the Taiji Palace ask for mercy from them?"
Of course, Yang Fan knew that Li Shimin was talking about Cui Yongping and the others. He quickly glanced at Changsun Wuji and said perfunctorily: "Wei Chen is a person who respects the old and loves the young. Of course, he can't bear the pain of Cui Shilang suffering from a broken leg at such an old age." .”
"Why are you talking nonsense, kid? To be honest, no one will leak what happened today!" Li Shimin said angrily.
This kid obviously has scruples. Of course, Yang Fan's little action just looking at Changsun Wuji couldn't hide His Majesty Li Er's sharp eyes.
His Majesty Li Er's good mood suddenly turned into a dark cloud. He really wished he could kill this reckless boy.
It's really unreasonable to have no formality all day long, and no time to calm down. Doesn't this obviously bring hatred to yourself?
Didn't you see that your uncle was already blowing his beard and staring?
Changsun Wuji was indeed very angry!
Yang Fan is obviously targeting him. Why do so many people not trust him?
He is not a person who likes to gossip when it comes to big things.
On the contrary, Fang Xuanling, who didn't know the reason, quickly offered help: "Ahem, Your Majesty, facing so many officials from aristocratic families, even veterans dare not face them directly. It is also an expedient measure for Marquis Zhongyi to submit to those officials from aristocratic families. …”
Li Shimin glared at Fang Xuanling fiercely, feeling speechless.
If Yang Fan was really afraid of the aristocratic family, he wouldn't have taunted the aristocratic family officials in a strange manner in the Tai Chi Hall.
Besides, you are a prime minister, so you have to find a good reason if you want to favor or show favoritism, right?
However, it's all Yang Fan's fault. How long ago, he actually led the honest and upright Fang Xuanling into trouble? It's really abominable.
At this time, Fang Xuanling was extremely embarrassed. She really had no talent for favoritism and could only smile helplessly.
"Food and fodder!" Seeing that His Majesty Li Er was blaming himself for everything, Yang Fan was immediately depressed, but he still hurriedly uttered these two words.
Li Shimin's eyes lit up and he figured it out instantly.
Yes, we still have to rely on the Cui family of Qinghe and other aristocratic families to raise food and grass!
If Cui Yongping's leg was really broken, Ms. Cui would be shocked and certainly would not dare to plan Yang Fan's glass business again.
Let him go, and the effect will be completely different.
These aristocratic families usually considered themselves to be superior to others, and at this time they must have thought that Yang Fan was interceding for Cui Yongping and the others because he did not dare to offend them to death.
In this case, with the greedy and domineering character of the family, they will definitely rob without any scruples.
Of course, the family fell into the trap set by Yang Fan.
Although Li Shimin figured it out, Fang Xuanling and others were confused and asked in confusion: "What kind of food?"
When Li Shimin slowly revealed the possibility of Tibetan rebellion, the entire meeting hall fell into silence.
After a long while, Changsun Wuji slowly raised his head and asked: "Your Majesty, who said that Tibet might rebel? What is the basis for it?"
"It was suggested to His Majesty by someone, just to take precautions before it happens. Duke Zhao may have some advice!" Yang Fan glanced sideways at Changsun Wuji and admitted straightforwardly.
Changsun Wuji snorted coldly, stood up righteously, clasped his fists and said: "Your Majesty, Tubo is our friendly neighbor of the Tang Dynasty. It has always respected the culture of the Tang Dynasty, and even sent envoys to marry me, the princess of the Tang Dynasty. How can there be any rebellious intentions? It is obvious that Marquis Zhongyi is telling lies and deliberately sabotaging the diplomatic relations between the two countries. His sinister intentions are obvious. Your Majesty, please punish him."
Looking at Changsun Wuji who looked like a clown, Yang Fan didn't even bother to move his lips or tongue.
Since Li Shimin summoned him, he obviously had his own mind.
Even if Changsun Wuji was in a high position, he could not influence His Majesty Li Er's decision with just a few words.
As expected, Li Shimin's face darkened and he reprimanded: "I called you here because you are my right-hand man. I didn't ask you to come here to quarrel, nor to punish anyone! I just want you to analyze and analyze Tubo." Is there any possibility of attacking the Tang Dynasty? If Tubo raises troops to rebel, how should we respond?"
Being scolded by Li Shimin in front of several important officials in the court made Changsun Wuji blush, smile brightly, and sit back in embarrassment.
Fang Xuanling and others were not surprised. Although Zhao Guogong belonged to a generation of talents, he also liked to play with power.
Therefore, although everyone was an official in the same court, they could not pee in the same pot, and no one interceded for him.
After pondering for a while, Li Jing collected his thoughts and said: "Your Majesty, I think it is really possible for Tibet to send troops to invade the Tang Dynasty."
"What's the explanation? General, please clarify?" Li Shimin asked impatiently.
Li Shimin still valued the opinions of this famous Tang general.
After all, in terms of military ability, there was no one like him in the Tang Dynasty.