Before the time of application arrived, Zhang Liangdi had been sent to Qinglu. Without much etiquette, she was still a concubine after all.
Li Heng's thoughts were obviously more on the guests.
He could have skipped the wedding banquet, but this opportunity to contact the courtiers was too rare.
For example, on the night of Shangyuan in Tianbao's fifth year, the reason why he went to see Wei Jian was precisely because it was a rare opportunity, but it was a pity that someone noticed it.
From the corner of his eye, Xue Bai had already stood up.
After a while, Li Heng put down his wine glass and said, "I'll go change first."
"Your Highness, please."
Li Heng turned to the backyard. Li Jingzhong was already waiting aside and whispered: "Your Highness, we have arranged the time for a stick of incense."
"lead the way."
He came to the ceremonial court several times, twice to arrange weddings, once for him to marry Crown Princess Wei Shi, and once for his eldest son Li Chu to marry the princess.
After so many years, today he suddenly thought of Webster. From this, he suddenly regretted that he had not listened to Li Jingzhong and sent Du to the Buddhist shrine in Jinyuan to become a nun, which left a lot of trouble.
Taking two deep breaths in front of a veranda room to calm down, Li Heng pushed the door open and entered with a gentle smile on his face.
"Xue Bai, I finally found the opportunity to explain to you face to face today."
Xue Bai turned around and saw Li Heng's sincere face, but what he recalled in his mind was yesterday's conversation with Du Jin.
…
"You shouldn't go to this wedding banquet. Ge Nu will definitely accuse you of being an accomplice of the prince again."
"Actually, it's not dangerous at all. Everything is just three."
"You can talk to me about this calmly. You don't mind that I was once the crown prince Liangdi... Actually, you don't care about me that much, right?"
"Because it's all over."
"You don't ask me what I think?"
"What do you think?"
"I want you to know that I only have Xue Bai in my mind, and I wish I could be with you. What about you? Even if it's just pretending, would you like to show that you care more about me because of my jealousy occasionally?"
"Okay, I will kill Li Heng from now on."
"Then I'll take it as you doing it for me."
…
Xue Bai came back to his senses, smiled, and asked: "I wonder what your Highness wants to explain?"
"I only heard about Li Jingzhong's unauthorized burying of you alive later." Li Heng said sincerely, "It's a pity that it was too late."
"Okay, His Highness's words are enough." Xue Bai said, "I will keep it in mind."
"I'm glad you're fine, otherwise it would be a big sin." Li Heng said, "How should I compensate you? Oh, I know that no amount of compensation can make up for it, I can only apologize."
"Can anything be done?" Xue Bai asked.
Li Heng was stunned, hesitated for a moment, and nodded.
Xue Bai said: "His Highness's statement is enough. I don't need His Highness to compensate me. I can fight for what I want."
"I really appreciate you." Li Heng said, "Especially the two tax laws coincide with me."
Xue Bai said nothing and waited for the next sentence.
He knew that Li Heng didn't have much time, and he was willing to listen to Li Heng's views on the two tax laws...if he could finish.
"Since the Warring States Period, national taxes have been based mainly on people. Only these two tax laws, which change the focus on land and household assets, can alleviate the poverty of the poor and increase the benefits of the country." Li Heng said: "I never thought that you are so young. Years old, I already have such insights."
"Your Highness has given you too much praise. After all, a good law is only good if it is implemented well. If it is not implemented well, it is a bad law that harms the country and the people."
Li Heng frowned slightly, showing some hesitation.
He didn't have time to beat around the bush with Xue Bai and said, "Is there an expert behind you?"
"Can not remember."
Li Heng took two steps with his hands behind his back and suddenly said: "I can vindicate Xue Xiu."
Xue Bai still didn't react much, as if he didn't understand.
Li Heng said: "I know that you are Xue Xiu's son. I was also saddened by the case of the three common people. My second brother and I are similar in age and have a deep relationship, so I also have a close friendship with your grandfather. Not long ago, I learned that my old friend's son was still alive. I am happy to be alive, but I dare not say anything. I am afraid that I will not be able to protect you, but will harm you..."
He acted very sincerely, and after speaking, he even put his hands on Xue Bai's shoulders.
"Although you are a concubine, your brother is weak and sick. In the future, I am afraid that the title of Duke of Hedong will fall on your shoulders. Can you bear it?"
Xue Bai said: "I don't understand what His Highness is saying."
"You understand." Li Heng said: "Yang Wei, Pei Kuan and others are now joining forces to fight for power. It is you who are planning behind the scenes. If it is beneficial to the country, I am happy to see it happen. However, if the timing is not right, it will only harm you. This matter should be taken seriously." Take it easy, otherwise it will be too late if you offend my father. Let Mr. Han come to see me, and I will make the best arrangements for you, practice good laws, and appoint talented people."
"I don't understand what His Highness is saying." Xue Bai said.
Li Heng sighed slightly, but he was also quite graceful. He didn't say anything else and said with a smile: "Then maybe I got it wrong. Anyway, it would be nice if I could explain the misunderstanding in the past clearly..."
If Xue Bai was really an inexperienced young man, he might have been convinced by Li Heng; or he might have offended Li Longji without knowing why.
If Li Longji was angry, it would only be because he was in charge of the East Palace. Therefore, Li Heng deliberately came to deal with Xue Bai, angering the saint and preventing Yang Hao from fighting for power. Otherwise, once Yang Zheng becomes the prime minister, he will continue to depose the prince, and then he will cooperate with Yang Guifei, Li Ying Yudang and others to support Prince Qing.
By doing this, it looks like Li Heng will be in danger too. But in fact, he was safe in the cases of Wei Jian, Liu Ji, and Li Shi.
Because no matter who the prince is, there are ministers who speculate. Apart from these ministers, Li Longji does not have to face the trouble of deposing the prince, nor does he need to worry about the threat of the East Palace. Even if he knew Li Heng was dishonest, would it be okay if he could be replaced by another prince? The important thing is to keep the East Palace weak and let him enjoy himself in peace.
It was because Li Heng was aware of Li Longji's thoughts that he dared to test him again and again.
Xue Bai, who proposed the Salt Dispute Law closely, made people think that Dong Gong was doing something for the country. When Li Longji became angry, it was not difficult for Li Heng to distance himself from the relationship. He could just blame Li Ying's remaining party and Qing Wang Li Cong.
"Look, Li Cong, who seems to be honest, is even worse."
Time and time again, Li Heng seems to be losing strength, and more people will think that the saint is wrong and look forward to the East Palace.
If we say that Li Linfu only used one move to eliminate dissidents by "conquering the East Palace", Li Heng also used only one move to confuse officials and accumulate strength.
All along, they have never been able to completely defeat each other. He intersects and constructs one, he divides one, and then intersects and divides again. They kept looking for dishonest officials, always maintaining a strange balance.
Only saints are always aloof.
But no one thought that the center would become weaker and weaker in this balance, until this balance was broken.
~~
Coming out of the ceremony hall, Yuan Jie pulled Xue Bai over and whispered: "I met King Guangping today."
"Isn't he grounded?"
"The saint allowed him to come to the ceremonial court today."
Speaking of this, Yuan Jie pondered and said: "The king of Guangping is filial, gentle and courteous, elegant and polite, and has a vast and profound mind. Is he worthy of serving?"
Xue Bai turned his head and glanced at him. He didn't answer, but said, "Brother Zimei, what do you think?"
Du Fu drunkenly stroked his belly and said, "I was only focused on eating and drinking and didn't hear what King Guangping said."
Huangfu Ran then smiled and made his attitude clear.
Xue Bai said at this time: "Brother Cishan is extremely smart, how can you not know the truth? Now is the time to get involved in the reserve position? Who are the people who have been persecuted by Brother Nu over the years? You said that King Guangping was 'benevolent, filial, gentle and courteous', he Why do I hurt you like this?"
Yuan Jie smiled bitterly and asked: "I heard someone murmuring that you and the prince disappeared at the same time for a stick of incense."
"Someone muttered?"
Xue Bai nodded, but didn't respond.
He has made all the arrangements that he should do, and presumably Li Linfu and Li Heng have also completed their responses. All that is left is to wait.
There was already a curfew at night, but since it was a wedding banquet in the East Palace, Jinwu Guards sent them home with a written ultimatum.
When Xue Bai returned to his home in Changshoufang, he saw candles burning in the window of the guest room.
He pushed the door open and went in. Sure enough, it was Du Wulang, sitting on the edge of the couch and sighing.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know how to say it." Du Wulang looked very distressed, scratched his head, and finally said: "I was hugged by Madam Daxi again... This time, I failed to respect myself."
"Did you touch her?"
"No. But when she touched me, I was so excited...I..."
"Grown up?"
Du Wulang was stunned and asked: "Have I grown up?"
"Well, these experiences will help you grow."
Xue Bai was talking nonsense, mainly because he didn't laugh at Du Wulang and let him dare to face this.
"But I..."
"It's normal. For a young man like you to face someone like Da Xi Yingying, it's already amazing."
"Really? Why do you know so much?"
"This is what I want to tell you." Xue Bai muttered: "I just know a lot. "Horse Theory" was not written by Mr. Han Yu. It suddenly came into my mind and I asked the teacher to write it with his left hand."
"Ah?" Du Wulang didn't react.
Xue Bai added: "The method of salt discussion is not what Mr. Han Yu thought of. There is no Han Yu in the world yet."
"I don't even understand what you're saying."
"Anyway, if anyone asks, just tell the truth. You have never met Han Yu."
~~
When he woke up the next day, Xue Bai was still as usual, playing Ba Duan Jin under the eaves smoothly, sweating all over, and washing up with Qing Lan.
I went to Yan's Mansion and handed in my essays and received some advice. When I came back, I picked up my pen and practiced calligraphy in the courtyard.
He has recently been writing a scroll of monkey stories every day. He first re-transcribed the scroll that Yan Yan had corrected and prepared to return it to Yang Yuyao. After that, lay out a new scroll and write the following.
Today I wrote about a monkey making a bet with Tathagata Buddha whether he could escape from the palm of the Buddha.
The brush was dipped in ink on the inkstone and he wrote a regular script on the scroll, which already showed a majestic appearance.
At some point, Du Wulang also came over, tilting his head and looking there, mumbling something.
"My grandson somersaulted to the horizon and saw five sky pillars, leaving a mark on them. Do you dare to come with me to see them?"
"What a peeing monkey, have you ever left my hand? You might as well look down."
Xue Bai turned the tip of his pen and wrote a few more words in an orderly manner. Only then did he pick up the word "see" at the end. Suddenly he heard a burst of shouting from the outer courtyard.
"Where is Xue Bai?!"
Du Wulang turned around and saw a group of mighty officers and soldiers striding towards them. He suddenly felt that the scene looked very familiar.
If I remember correctly, this is probably the third time now, right?
"Are you Xue Bai?!"
"Exactly."
"take away!"
Seeing the leading general wave his hand, he sent someone to take Xue Bai away. Du Wulang stared at the opening and closing mouth and couldn't help but said: "Pretending to make false predictions, constructing the East Palace, and criticizing Cheng Yu?"
"Haha, you understand very well. But I might as well tell you that we, Nailong Wujun, are not well-known in Beiya Prison because there are only a few people who can get out of it."
Xue Bai said calmly: "Just follow the general."
Du Wulang still wanted to talk, but seeing him so calm, he felt relieved.
This is not the first time he has been in prison, and he does feel that he has grown up every time.
Da Xi Yingying and another thin figure came to mind again, which made him very distressed.
But someone came over and said, "I didn't find Du Yu in Shengpingfang."
"Is Du Yu here?!"
"芊, I am Du Li. General, look at it again, it should be the word 芊, 芊written by 芊..."
~~
"Right Prime Minister! It's done..."
In the evening, Luo Xishi hurriedly ran through the courtyard of Youxiang's Mansion, entered Yanyue Hall, prostrated and said: "Wang Zhongcheng asked me to report to Youxiang that the saint ordered Long Wujun to interrogate Xue Bai!"
This matter did not surprise Li Linfu. He just twirled his beard and said slowly: "Speak carefully."
"Zhong Cheng heard that the saint seemed to have intentionally approved the plan of Yang Wei and others, making him concurrently serve as the envoy of salt and iron. Fortunately, Princess Xianyi requested to enter the palace today. After the saint saw Princess Xianyi, he immediately ordered Long Wujun to take it. Got Xue Bai."
"Did you take it? Didn't you send an imperial edict to the palace?"
"Yes!"
"Where's the East Palace?"
"There is no movement in the East Palace yet. I must be pretending to be confused before the matter is investigated."
Li Linfu pondered, deducing various possibilities.
If a saint investigates for himself, he will know that the Salt Law is a conspiracy, from Xue Pingzhao to Han Yu, to Li Ying and Yudang.
In this way, preventing Yang Wei from fighting for power is the first step; getting rid of Pei Kuan is the second step; the key is, can the prince be deposed?
There is no other evidence. The only connection between the East Palace and this matter is the secret meeting with Xue Bai at the wedding banquet, which is very similar to the secret meeting with Wei Jian at the Shangyuan Festival in the fifth year of Tianbao...
Thinking of this, Li Linfu was suddenly stunned for a moment, and a possibility came to his mind.
Did Li Heng do it on purpose?
This wedding banquet is just like the Lantern Festival. This time Li Heng did not support Yang Wei's appointment as prime minister. Did he really support Wei Jian's appointment as prime minister at that time?
It seems that the only way to get rid of Pei Kuan, Xue Bai and others is to break this vicious cycle.
~~
Li Heng heard Li Jingzhong whisper in his ear and nodded.
"A lot of people are going to die again," he sighed.
There's no way around it.
They all told Pei Kuan not to act rashly, but he still listened to Xue Bai's instigation for the sake of his position.
Let Saint and Suo Douji kill some more people so that they can feel at ease, and that's all they can do for the time being.
~~
Beiya prison.
This place sounds very scary, but the environment is much better than that of Dali Temple Prison.
Xue Bai even had a cup of tea to drink.
Sitting opposite him was General Longwu Chen Xuanli.
Chen Xuanli was tall, strong, and majestic, which made people frightened just by looking at him, but at this moment, he had a playful smile on his face.
"The saint asked me to ask clearly first, so as not to have to listen to your sophistry in person."
Xue Bai said: "I told the truth to General Chen, and I guarantee it is all true. I have never visited the East Palace. The prince invited Zhang Liangdi, and I don't know why he invited me, but since I accepted the invitation, I had no choice but to go."
Chen Xuanli sat there like a wall and said nothing.
Only the clerk was writing down Xue Bai's confession.
"In the middle of the banquet, I went to the toilet and was taken to a veranda. The prince apologized for burying me alive..."
"Wait a minute."
Chen Xuanli suddenly raised his hand and asked: "The prince has buried you alive?"
"yes."
"The saint asked before, why didn't you say anything about this?"
"I was worried that the saint would not like the prince, and the country would be in turmoil. At that time, I said, 'The East Palace refuses to help me, and I have no choice.' I thought it would be better to do less than to do more. I didn't expect that I would get into trouble again today..."
Xue Bai always told the truth to Li Longji, but the timing of scoring.
Because telling the truth requires more power.
When he has no power, if he dares to let people know that he is Xue Pingzhao, he will die; if he has power, he can not only be Xue Pingzhao, but also inherit the title of Hedong County Duke.
And Li Longji is an emperor who acts very much according to his personal preferences. Xue Bai's recent actions have made him dare to tell more truths.
Chen Xuanli asked again: "Tell us about Han Yu?"
"Han Yu? The general also knows about Han Yu?"
"who is he?"
"It's not who he is, but a pen name." Xue Bai asked back: "General, does he know what a pen name is? It was a pen name signed by me and my teacher when we wrote articles, calligraphy and paintings together."
"There is no such person as Han Yu?"
"As long as the teacher holds the pen with his left hand, it is easy to know whether this is true or false." Xue Bai asked again: "But I don't know why the general paid attention to Han Yu? We only signed two paintings and calligraphy and hung them in our restaurant."
Chen Xuanli was stunned for a moment after hearing this, and had a hunch that the case might be very simple.
