"My lord, please see Your Highness the Princess."
"Great Protector, you are my husband's brother, so the whole family should not show any outward courtesy."
In the evening, Li Jiangyao arrived at the Prince Consort's Mansion. Li Xi was not surprised by his visit again.
Shen Lie and Li Jiangyao had a fatal friendship, and almost everyone in the court knew about it. If they wanted to find out the reason for Shen Lie's crime, it would be abnormal for him not to come to him.
Moreover, Li Xi already knew everything about what happened in the court this morning through the palace's spies, so it was only natural that Li Jiangyao came to question him with the power of victory.
However, Li Xi was not too panicked.
She has her three advantages, and even the commander-in-chief of the Xinjiang Army, who has swept across the Turks and defeated all the unrivaled enemies in the world, may not be able to do anything about it.
Firstly, Li Xi is the daughter of the late emperor and a member of the royal family, and his status is firmly superior to Li Jiangyao; secondly, Li Xi is Murong Xue's wife, and as a brother, Li Jiangyao will be too polite if he doesn't grasp the rules. Thirdly, Li Xi is the sister of the King of Huaiyang. In order to save his brother, it is only right to accuse the culprit behind the scenes.
To put it mildly, Li Xi was acting recklessly and messing around on the spot, while Li Jiangyao had no choice but to retreat obediently.
Having made up his mind, Li Xi seemed very calm and began to chat with Li Jiangyao about his daily life. Sometimes he asked Xiahou Ninghan, and sometimes he asked Xijiang Guimo. In short, he just chatted calmly and waited for Li Jiangyao to get anxious.
Unexpectedly, Li Jiangyao was more relaxed than her. He introduced the raisins of Shanshan Kingdom and the Hu Xuanwu of Qiuci Kingdom for half an hour, as if he really came to connect with Princess Fenyang.
Li Xi felt very strange and even began to suspect that he had guessed the wrong person.
However, just as she gradually relaxed her vigilance, Li Jiangyao suddenly asked a very special question: "Princess, do you believe in Buddhism?"
Li Xi's heart trembled, and he shook his head warily: "I don't really believe it. You know, the Li family believes in Taoism more."
When Li Jiangyao heard that the other party came up and carried out the "Li Family" first, he knew that his surprise attack had scared Li Xi, so he smiled slightly and continued: "Then I made a mistake. I thought Jing Huini She is really the princess’s friend, it seems she is lying to me.”
Hearing this, Li Xi felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave. He was stunned for a moment and didn't know how to answer the question.
In one afternoon, the Intelligence Department found out from Xiangji Temple that a nun named Jinghui had had personal contact with Li Xi. But it is a pity that Jinghui has left Xiangji Temple at this time, and there is no trace of her.
Li Jiangyao thought over and over again and decided to start with this mysterious nun and deceive Princess Fenyang first.
Now just looking at the other party's reaction, it is not difficult to judge that this is the right path.
Li Jiangyao smiled casually and continued: "Speaking of which, my men were too rude and frightened them into talking nonsense. They probably did so to save their lives."
This nonsensical statement immediately aroused Li Xi's various thoughts: What? Did Nun Jinghui fall into the hands of Li Jiangyao? And are they being tortured to extract confessions? Since she has said she is my friend, she will surely reveal more information soon.
Jinghui is different from others. She controls many of her secrets through the mysterious master behind her. Once she cannot withstand the torture of the Suppressing Army and confesses, no matter how tough she is, she will be played to death by Li Jiangyao!
Thinking of this, Li Xi took a deep breath and smiled sweetly: "I vaguely remembered what the Protector said. Are you talking about the little nun in Xiangji Temple? She went to offer incense a few days ago. We had a chance encounter back then. What? Did she break any law? "
Li Jiangyao secretly observed Li Xi's expression and said in a relaxed tone: "Things that break the law are handled by the Ministry of Punishment, and it is not our turn for the Xinjiang Army to intervene. I am only responsible for countering the rebellion!"
He deliberately emphasized the word "counterinsurgency", which suddenly attracted Li Xi's attention.
Counterinsurgency? Could it be that... Jinghui is a rebel?
There are only two rebel armies in the world, either Huaiyang or Xuanjia. Judging from the way that nun Jinghui speaks and behaves, it is absolutely impossible to be the old subordinate of his eldest brother Li Kuang, and the person Li Jiangyao is currently dealing with with all his strength happens to be Li Kuang, the pseudo-jin king of Jiangnan.
So, Jinghui was sent by Li Zhang or Lao Jianhua to take advantage of him?
Li Xi couldn't help but secretly complain: The relationship with the Huaiyang rebels has not been cleared up, and now I am inexplicably connected with the Jiangnan rebels. What is my destiny? Isn’t it possible without losing your head?
How could Princess Fenyang's worries and tangles escape Li Jiangyao's eyes? He knew how to control the situation and didn't want to push too hard, which would be counterproductive. So he stood up suddenly and said: "It's getting late, so I won't bother you anymore. There is a final sentence. I wonder if the princess can listen to what I say from the bottom of my heart."
Li Xi was stunned for a moment, then responded: "It's okay to speak frankly, Protector, I am all ears."
Li Jiangyao smiled, stared into Li Xi's eyes and said, "It doesn't really matter what the princess has experienced before. What matters is that you are now married to Murong Xue. For Jiang Yao, Mrs. Murong must also be properly Protective. Therefore, as long as the princess is willing to put aside her grudges and be honest with you, I will have my own way to protect you. But if the princess still thinks that we are not trustworthy and is even hostile to us, then things will be simple. "
Speaking of this, Li Jiangyao's eyes suddenly flashed with cold light, and he said word by word: "What will be the final fate of those who were enemies of the Zhenjiang Army? Princess, please think about it carefully."
After saying that, he bowed his hands and turned around to leave, leaving only the bewildered Li Xi standing there alone.
-
The next day coincides with the morning break that occurs every ten days. Officials do not need to go to court early, but only need to go to the official office before Chen time. Li Jiangyao enjoyed his leisure time and practiced a set of sword skills in the yard. He was about to take a shower and have breakfast when he suddenly heard the news from the housekeeper of Hu Mansion that Princess Fenyang came to visit the Protector.
The dignified royal lady took the initiative to ask for an audience. Li Jiangyao suddenly felt secretly happy, knowing that the conversation last night had an effect. Li Xi thought about it all night, and now he finally relaxed and prepared to cooperate obediently.
Sure enough, as soon as Li Jiangyao saw Princess Fenyang in the living room of Hu Mansion, Li Xi immediately ordered all the servants to avoid her, and then solemnly gave her a Wanfu gift and said: "Brother, please save me."
Daduhu was changed to brother. This change in title also reflected Li Xi's mentality at this time.
Li Jiangyao raised his hand to support her and said softly: "Princess, don't be anxious. If there is any big matter, Jiang Yao will help you share it. Please sit down and speak slowly."
Li Xi nodded obediently, sat down on the chair next to him, and said: "Brother is a great hero of the Holy Tang Dynasty. His achievements are unparalleled in the world, and his conduct is extremely righteous. Li Xi has lived in the deep palace for a long time, and he has already been like a thunderbolt. What is happening now, only Only with an elder brother can he be qualified to help. This is not only for Li Xi, but also for my husband Murong Xue."
The other party was so flattering and complimentary as soon as he came up, which made Li Jiangyao even more sure that something was definitely wrong with the seventh princess. He smiled faintly and said in a gentle tone: "I want to help the princess, but the princess has to tell the truth first."
Li Xi hesitated for a moment, as if he had made a lot of determination, and said softly: "Brother, can you promise me that I won't tell anyone about this matter, especially Murong Xue."
She paused briefly and said with a choked voice: "I really want to be a long-term couple with him. If the matter is exposed, Murong Xue will definitely not tolerate me based on his character and temper."
Li Jiangyao nodded in understanding: "If the princess is willing to fully explain Shen Lie's matter, I can promise you that we will make up a reasonable explanation together afterwards to cover up your fault as much as possible."
After Princess Fenyang got Li Jiangyao's promise, she was immediately relieved and told the whole story, including her previous private correspondence with Li Kuang, without reservation.
Li Jiangyao listened very carefully, but he didn't feel particularly surprised. After Li Xi finished telling the whole story, he smiled and said, "Princess, princess, you are really confused. In order to make up for a mistake, you went to cause a bigger disaster."
Li Xi's pretty face turned red and she responded in embarrassment: "Brother is teaching you that I am too confused and want to save my royal brother too much."
Li Jiangyao waved his hand: "Your imperial brother covets the throne and has already staked all his wealth and life on it. It is definitely not something you can save, and I don't care if you do. In other words, even if Shen Lie is framed behind his back, If you instigate him, the emperor will definitely not pardon his crime in the end. Don’t forget those innocent soldiers and civilians who died because of King Huaiyang, and the Queen Liu Yanru who was defiled and killed."
Li Xi was stunned for a moment, with regret in his eyes, and nodded silently.
Li Jiangyao sighed softly and continued: "I already understand your problem, and it is not difficult to solve it. Correspondence with King Huaiyang can be said to be brother and sister. This is human nature, even if the emperor is displeased, I won’t blame you. He has to take into account the dignity of the royal family and the late emperor’s affection. Plus, with Murong Xue’s relationship, everything will definitely be fine.”
Li Xi nodded slightly: "Brother's analysis made me suddenly understand. Alas, Li Xi was too confused before, and he was in panic all day long. Now I have made a big mistake, what should Shen Changshi do?"
Li Jiangyao thought for a while and analyzed: "There are two ways. One is simple and straightforward, but it will be very detrimental to you."
Li Xibingxue was smart and understood immediately: "What my brother means is that I confess everything to the emperor and admit that I was coerced by the traitor and framed by false accusations. In this way, Shen Changshi will naturally be freed from suspicion."
"That's why I said it's not good for you." Li Jiangyao said: "If you take the initiative to confess, Murong Xue will know everything about it. No one can guarantee what he will do to you after that. Another point is that what you admitted is just It is a false accusation against Shen Lie, but it cannot completely prove that Shen Lie himself has no problems. This logic is an iron law in deciding the case and cannot be circumvented."
Li Xi nodded slightly: "I understand. The fact that I framed Shen Changshi can only prove that I was at fault in this matter, but it cannot be used to prove his innocence. Unless... we find out the real mastermind behind the scenes, right? "
