In late October, it snowed lightly in Chang'an, and the grass and trees were covered with frost.
Yanshoufang, Wang Zhongsi's residence.
Wang Yunxiu, who is already married, came back today and arranged for servants to clean the courtyard in preparation for Wang Zhongsi's return to the capital later to report his merits.
The reason why she has been anxious recently is because Yang Wei deliberately asked Yuan Zai to scare her, "Pei Mian's case may implicate General Wang, so he must quickly defect to Yang's party to save his life."
The news of the capture of Shibao City made her feel a little relieved. She hoped that things were true as Li Jingzhong said, and that Bianzhen used the Hu people's tactics just to motivate the Hu generals and supervise the war.
Since the war is going well, everything will be fine.
Suddenly, there was the sound of horse hooves.
Wang Yunxiu could tell that there were dozens of riders, and they were riding fast through the alleys, which was not something ordinary people could do.
The heavy door, which had not been opened for a long time, was slowly pushed open, raising dust.
The sound of horses neighing and footsteps came. Wang Yunxiu turned around and saw the dusty figure. She was so surprised that she cried in her voice.
"Grandma!"
She quickly ran to Wang Zhongsi, clasped her fists, performed a military salute, suppressed her tears and said, "Why are you back?"
She is worthy of being the daughter of a general, her movements are neat and there is nothing like a little girl.
"The saint summoned me urgently, so he rushed back all night."
Wang Zhongsi's face was solemn, his eyes were black, and he was still wearing armor. The blood on his armor was completely dried together with the dust on the road. It is conceivable that he was still in Shibao City when he received the imperial edict, and rushed back from Longxi before he could change his armor.
Most people didn't know he was going back to Beijing.
Chang'an City is still preparing for the next month when Gao Xianzhi, Feng Changqing and other Anxi generals will report their merits and offer prisoners. At that time, King Bolu and Princess Tubo will be detained and sacrificed in the palace. What kind of national prestige is that?
In comparison, the battle to conquer Stone Castle City, which had high hopes, was delayed due to delays and did not create much of a ripple.
"Grandpa has gone to see the saint?" Wang Yunxiu asked.
"No." Wang Zhongsi strode into the hospital and settled his horse himself. "The saint sympathized with me for the long journey and allowed me to rest for two days."
Wang Yunxiu felt uneasy again. She opened her mouth several times but stopped talking.
The soldiers who accompanied them back to the capital began to move their things. There was no other luggage, including fodder for the horses, a more detailed record of battle achievements, and the ashes of each soldier from Jingzhao Prefecture.
If the posthumous affairs of these war dead were not settled, the court would have to collect rent from their families in the future. Therefore, Wang Zhongsi attached great importance to this matter and personally counted them again. There were no ashes but also relics.
"Go and do it tomorrow. Be sure to watch the government officials cancel their registrations with your own eyes... The armor will be removed and returned to the Ministry of War. You can return home first. I haven't seen my wife and children for a long time."
"Here!"
Tian Shenyu took off his armor and found that the wound was open again. The blood was stuck to the inner clothes, and there was a pain when he pulled it open.
"You still gritted your teeth, are you afraid of pain now?" Tian Shengong stepped forward, lightly slapped his brother, and helped to remove his armor.
"There are only a few people here, and they still have to send their armor to the Ministry of War?"
"I heard that an old soldier from the frontier army committed a murder a while ago. Something like this happened under the emperor's feet. It's right to be more careful."
Tian Shenyu said disdainfully: "Under Zahu's command, military discipline is naturally not as strict as ours."
"Shut up, trouble will come from your mouth." Tian Shengong seemed to know more about the inside story, with a thoughtful look in his eyes.
The two brothers limped and helped each other out of the prince's house. Tian Shenyu looked up at the sky and whispered: "Brother, is there still time before the curfew? Go visit your husband and let him know that we are back?"
"Do you have to tell me?" Tian Shengong scolded, turning his head and looking back, "Go back and see your mother-in-law. I should know that I will let you know."
~~
Wang Yunxiu helped Wang Zhongsi sit down in the lobby. Looking at her, she saw that this tall and powerful grandpa had many wrinkles on his face, as if carved by a knife, and his beard was also gray.
"Do you know that something happened in Chang'an?"
Wang Zhongsi said: "Tianbao has been in existence for six years, and things are relatively small."
Come to think of it, Huangfu Weiming was convicted at the beginning of the fifth year, but he held on from the beginning to the end of the year, capturing Shibao City with as few casualties as possible. He had no regrets... I thought he would have no regrets.
"Yuan Zai has heard some news and is afraid that Brother Nu will do harm to Grandpa." Wang Yunxiu whispered.
Wang Zhongsi closed his eyes and rested his mind, as if falling asleep.
After listening to his daughter finish talking about the affairs of Chang'an City, he thought for a while and asked first: "Yang Zhang has been given the title of 'Tong Zhongshu Menxia Ping Zhang Shi'? What are his political achievements?"
"Should Yuan Lang come and talk to Grandpa?"
"well."
Wang Zhongsi didn't seem to like his son-in-law very much, and as soon as Yuan Zai came, he would definitely persuade him to switch to Yang Wei.
He thought for a while and asked: "Since you have been to Shaoyang Courtyard, do you know what His Highness thinks of Yang Hao's worship as prime minister?"
Shaoyang means east. Since the prince cannot live in the East Palace, those who respect the prince often use "Shaoyang Courtyard" to refer to the prince's residence.
Wang Zhongsi asked a question that was very important to him. Should Yang Dang cooperate with Dong Gong to deal with the crisis, or did he just want to win over him alone.
Wang Yunxiu really knew about this issue and responded: "His Royal Highness hopes that Yang Wei can support the East Palace, but Yang Wei is unwilling to express his position. Yuan Lang said that the uncle wants to entertain my grandpa alone."
Wang Zhongsi waved his hand and did not answer. He had received a letter from his daughter before, but had never expressed his stance.
Not long after, Yuan Zai hurried over, wearing light green official robes.
In just six months, he had become a high-ranking official from the sixth rank down. He was no longer the poor boy who had nothing and was despised by his father-in-law's family.
However, Wang Zhongsi's attitude towards him was still a little indifferent.
"No need to be polite, first tell me that you are talking to me as the son-in-law of the Wang family or as a confidant of Yang Wei?"
Yuan Zai said: "Don't blame me, father-in-law. There are no absolutes in world affairs. My son-in-law is naturally the son-in-law of the Wang family, and it does not prevent him from cooperating with Prime Minister Yang in handling state affairs. My father-in-law may have some prejudice against Prime Minister Yang, but in fact, since Prime Minister Yang took power, he has achieved two political achievements. The first is to promote the study of salt to alleviate the disadvantages of mediocrity. The second is to popularize bamboo paper to solve the shortage of paper in the world. Although it is a small thing, it benefits the people all over the world..."
Wang Zhongsi couldn't bear to listen. He raised his hand to interrupt Yuan Zai's eloquence and asked, "What do you want me to do?"
Yuan Zai was silent for a while, a little disappointed.
What he expected was that he would talk about the good things of Yang Zhi and the weakness of the prince, and warmly invite Wang Zhongsi to a banquet at his villa in Qujiangchi. Both the guest and the host would enjoy the banquet, and the terms would be discussed later. This is completely different from saying it now.
But Wang Zhongsi had obviously made up his mind and did not want to accept this kind of coaxing and corruption.
"If you don't want to say it, that's okay." Wang Zhongsi said, "I'm tired. You and Twelve Niangs can go back."
"My father-in-law, please listen to my son-in-law."
Yuan Zai walked to the door first, waved to the boy to guard it, and then walked around and continued talking.
"In the fifth year of Tianbao, Huangfu Weiming returned to the capital to report on his duties, and secretly brought dozens of dead soldiers with him until he was convicted and demoted. These dead soldiers have been being cultivated by the East Palace..."
After hearing this, Wang Zhongsi's eyes were filled with anger and his fists were clenched.
"My father-in-law, don't be upset. What my son-in-law said is true." Yuan Zai walked closer and said, "Li Jingzhong once ordered the dead men to kill Xue Bai. The case of Yang Shenjin was committed by Pei Mian, a confidant of the East Palace." Conceived to cover up the dead soldiers. Doesn’t my father-in-law know this?”
Wang Zhongsi looked ugly, shook his head and said, "I won't believe you."
But Wang Yunxiu had already believed it, and for a moment a chill ran down her spine. She understood that Li Jingzhong was deceiving her when he said she was unfounded, and that this matter was far more serious than she expected.
"In the Wei Jian case and the Huangfu Weiming case, Ge Nu did not wrongfully accuse Dong Gong. The prince had ulterior motives. The saint had a clear mind about this. However, the impact of the three common people cases has not disappeared. The saint was generous and did not want to abolish the crown prince. He gave the prince opportunities one after another, hoping The prince repented and was able to blame himself for the world. But what did the prince do? He once again ordered the dead men to kill Pei Mian and silence him!"
Yuan Zai suddenly became excited, pointed to the sky, and asked: "Don't you understand, father-in-law? Where does the suspicion against you come from? The prince covets the artifact, and the emperor cannot rest on his laurels, so I will be merciful and give you another chance to express your stance. The country My uncle pays homage to the prime minister and is appointed at this critical moment in order to eliminate this disaster. How to eliminate it? My father-in-law, you should give the saint a reassurance."
While speaking, although he was the son-in-law, he dared to look directly into Wang Zhongsi's eyes.
"My father-in-law has not participated in these plots in the East Palace, nor will he cooperate with the prince to usurp the throne. Now that things have happened, he must show his determination to be loyal to the emperor and the country!"
Wang Zhongsi looked at Yuan Zai calmly, with no shame in his eyes.
Afterwards, Yuan Zai was gradually suffocated by his majesty.
"Who asked you to frame the crown prince like this?"
"No son-in-law." Yuan Zai said: "Uncle Guo is not a slave. Uncle Guo has seen through this matter and is still committed to maintaining the stability of the country..."
"He's trying to win over Bian Zhen, and you're trying to get an official position. I can't tell that."
"No!"
But when Wang Zhongsi's eyes suddenly showed murderous intent, Yuan Zai still felt guilty, and he immediately shrank his neck.
"No!"
Yuan Zai shouted again seriously, looked at Wang Yunxiu, and said in a sincere tone: "My son-in-law is only willing to preserve the Wang family. It comes from the bottom of his heart, and heaven and earth can learn from it. Everything he said is true."
"Master, just listen to Yuan Lang's advice." Wang Yunxiu urged: "Yuan Lang, what should I do?"
"Please ask my father-in-law to report the matter of the East Palace raising dead soldiers..."
"Snapped!"
Wang Zhongsi gave Yuan Zai a slap in the face and scolded: "Why don't you just say it and let me hand in a certificate of surrender to Yang Hao."
"Sister-in-law..."
Yuan Zai lowered his head, his tone became calmer, and he said slowly: "My father-in-law can discuss it with my uncle. If I don't want the society to be turbulent, I can also accuse Li Jingzhong of doing everything. As long as one Li Jingzhong is killed, my uncle will take action." The guarantor.”
At the end of his speech, his tone turned out to be very beguiling.
Wang Zhongsi said: "Yang Zhao can write a letter himself to kill Li Jingzhong."
"No."
After Yuan Zai received a slap, he seemed to become more business-like and said: "It must be the father-in-law who personally writes the letter to kill Li Jingzhong. The uncle does not take an eunuch in his eyes and only wants the attitude of the father-in-law."
The hall was quiet for a long time.
Wang Yunxiu looked at Yuan Zai for a while, then looked at Wang Zhongsi.
"Grandpa, my daughter feels..."
"You go back."
~~
Now Yuan Zai does not have a mansion in Chang'an, but rents a small courtyard with two entrances in Yanfufang.
When the couple returned to the small house from the huge royal residence, they saw a big hole in the old and disrepaired roof.
Yuan Zai stopped in front of the door, raised his head, and couldn't help but be lost in thought.
"It's okay." Wang Yunxiu comforted her softly: "I will repair it tomorrow."
"Yun Niang." Yuan Zai took her hand and said, "There is no need to repair it. I wanted to tell you later... Actually, Uncle Guo said he would give us a house in Anrenfang."
"So generous?"
Wang Yunxiu understood it as soon as he thought about it and asked: "He hopes that grandpa will switch to his sect, and he wants you to make sure this is done?"
"This is also the only way to protect the father-in-law."
"Why didn't you tell me when the matter was so serious?" Wang Yunxiu pulled back her hand, a little displeased, "You even coaxed me into saying that the court is not here for my grandpa."
"I'm afraid you're worried." Yuan Zai said in a gentle tone, "What would you do if you knew it in advance? If it is leaked in the letter, it will make people prepare in advance, and you and I will also be in danger."
"What's the danger? Who can do anything to us?"
Yuan Zai didn't answer. He bolted the courtyard door vigilantly, took Wang Yunxiu back to the house, and said in a low voice, "I didn't tell lies to my father-in-law. It's true that the East Palace raised dead men, and it's true that I killed Xue Lang."
Wang Yunxiu's heart froze, and after thinking about it again, she suddenly understood why Li Jingzhong was mysterious and refused to let the prince see him.
"I heard that the sage ordered the prince to investigate Pei Mian's case, but is it true?"
"Yes." Yuan Zai lowered his voice and said, "You shouldn't go to the prince, it's too dangerous. You and I just need to persuade my father-in-law."
These roles have been assigned by the core members of the Yang Party. Although the Wang family should be disappointed in the East Palace, Yuan Zai, the husband, could not trick Wang Yunxiu into going to the East Palace to plead for mercy, so Xue Bai came to do it.
Wang Yunxiu was simple-minded, but not completely stupid. When he thought about it, he asked: "These things are secret and you have never been involved in them. The uncle is not a powerful official, how can you know such details? Xue Bai is deeply involved in it. No wonder the prince before , the right ministers all want to kill him, was it he who gave you the idea?"
"Yes, he told me the secrets of the East Palace. I persuaded Uncle Guo to help." Yuan Zai said: "Xue Bai revealed the truth and pointed out a way to save his life. Uncle Guo agreed, and my father-in-law took action after expressing his stance. This is the end of benevolence and righteousness. Do you understand?"
"Do I have to express my opinion before they are willing to help?"
"It's the same sentence. They can help, but they can't help in vain; the father-in-law also has to save himself and draw a clear line with the East Palace, otherwise the gang won't be able to help."
Yuan Zai said and sighed: "I am the son-in-law of the Wang family, and I will not hesitate to die for this matter. They are different, they are outsiders. My father-in-law is unwilling to express his position, so what can we do to outsiders?"
Only then did Wang Yunxiu fully understand why Xue Bai had such an attitude of staying out of the matter.
Thinking again about Dong Gong's ulterior motives and Grandpa's foolish loyalty, the balance in her heart finally tilted completely towards Yang Dang's side.
"Yuanlang, let's persuade Grandpa together."
~~
Wang Zhongsi was clearly tired, but he still had an uneasy sleep that night. Xu hadn't returned to Chang'an for a long time and was not used to the soft bed in the mansion.
The next day, after much thought, he actually sent someone to invite Xue Bai to meet him at his residence.
There is fine snow falling outside the window, and it can be expected that there will be a heavy snowstorm in late winter.
The fine snow fell slowly, and after a long time, Xue Bai came braving the snowflakes, showing more and more the temperament of a noble prince.
"We haven't seen him for several months. Xue Lang is taller and stronger."
Wang Zhongsi stood up with a faint smile on his face, as if looking at a nephew.
His attitude towards Xue Bai is indeed better than that towards Yuan Zai. After all, the requirements for an outsider who helps out are different from those for his son-in-law.
"Congratulations to General Wang for capturing Shibao City." Xue Bai saluted and asked, "I wonder if the giant stone cannon and the stone fat fireball can help?"
"Yes, yes." Wang Zhongsi's eyes flashed with memories, "For the Tibetan army, this battle was like hell. The huge stone cannon threw fireballs outside their range, and the fireballs were fierce when they hit them. If they were extinguished with water, , the city wall is cracked. If the fire is allowed to burn fiercely, it can still crack the city wall at night... The Tibetan army repairs while fighting, but after all, it cannot mend the cracked city wall. Be careful every night, haha, let the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty find the opportunity to enter the city. The ones leading one of the death squads are the Tian brothers you recommended, they are good men!"
Xue Bai was not too surprised and seemed to already know the situation of this battle.
"I wonder how many casualties there are?"
Wang Zhongsi did not answer in detail, only said: "There were nearly 10,000 casualties."
Xue Bai nodded. He couldn't tell whether he was disappointed or pleased, and he wasn't sure how much effect the boulder cannon had.
Wang Zhongsi stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder, saying: "I have kept my promise and written the name you told me on the registration book. I believe the results will be out soon."
"Thank you, General Wang."
"I invite you to come today. I have something to ask you." Wang Zhongsi asked, "Do you know about the Pei Mian case?"
"It seems that Brother Gongfu has told General Wang." Xue Bai knew that Wang Zhongsi could guess that he was planning for Yang Su behind the scenes, so he didn't hide much and said, "I did tell some secrets."
Wang Zhongsi listened patiently, as if he wanted to see if Xue Bai could use different words to persuade him than Yuan Zai, but Xue Bai did not persuade him at all.
"Does Xue Lang have evidence to prove that everything came from His Highness's instructions?"
"No."
Xue Bai did not intend to let Lao Liang and Jiang Hai testify, and once he presented any evidence, Li Heng would bite him back.
Speaking of which, he is just an outsider, so there is no need to take it too seriously. It is enough to just look on with a cold eye. Yuan Zai is the son-in-law, so he can persuade him earnestly, but he won't.
"Do you dare to say that you didn't slander His Highness out of selfish motives?"
"I only told what I know, for peace of mind."
Xue Bai was not suppressed by Wang Zhongsi's momentum like Yuan Zai. Instead, he showed some impatience and said: "If it's selfish, I'm busy with the imperial examination and becoming an official, so I shouldn't get involved in this matter. If the general doesn't believe it, forget it. .”
Wang Zhongsi originally had a lot to say, but when he saw his indifferent reaction, he realized that things might not be as complicated as expected.
Yang Dang was not deliberately trying to alienate him, it was more like he casually reached out to give him a hand, but he didn't force him. In this way, the credibility of Xue Bai's words is slightly higher.
"I've caused trouble for once." Wang Zhongsi asked, "Can you be a peacemaker..."
"No need."
Xue Bai immediately stood up and said: "General, don't worry, even if the general rejects my uncle's kindness, my uncle will not report the East Palace. I risked my life by saying one more thing, but it was just because I had an encounter with the general. How to choose is the general's private matter, and it's not mine." Nothing to do, farewell."
He was resolute and did not give Wang Zhongsi and Xini a chance. If you don’t draw a clear line with Donggong, there’s no need to talk about anything.
After leaving the king's house, he remembered that he had promised Wang Zhongsi to give him a poem when he returned from victory, but he had forgotten it today.
If you forget, just forget it. At this moment, the other party is not in the mood to talk about poetry and songs.
As for the future? I have tried my best to do what I have to do. If there is really no chance, just don’t give it away.
(End of chapter)
