In order to welcome Xue Bai, Yang Yuyao had prepared some items in her boudoir.
The incense burner contained musk mixed with ylang-ylang pollen, and the candlesticks contained red wedding candles...but they were not actually used.
Only the soft and smooth silk quilt in the pear tent was in a mess and soaked with sweat.
Xue Bai comforted Yang Yuyao considerately, and she cried and fell asleep in his arms. When she woke up the next day, she finally understood his late return and her resentment subsided a little.
"My young man has grown into a man."
Xue Bai just woke up and was still a little confused. He felt moved after hearing the words, touched her hair and said, "I will protect you from now on."
Yang Yuyao didn't want his protection. She smiled, kept his thoughts in mind, and said angrily: "Is it comfortable to go back to Chang'an? You want to stay in a small county town and not come back."
The bed under him was like clouds, and the beauty in his arms was like jade. Xue Bai was certainly comfortable, but with worries hidden in his heart, he still couldn't enjoy it in peace.
"Has brother's funeral been completed?"
"After the funeral, all the spiritual tablets were sent to Da Ci'en Temple." Yang Yuyao sighed, "There are only a few people in the family, and the funeral ceremony is simple."
When she brought up this topic, she mentioned that Yang Guozhong often mentioned in front of their sisters, "If Xue Bai returns early, my brother will not die."
"My cousin probably has a complaint against you. If you feel empty, you can explain it to him clearly and get rid of the grudge. He is now very trusted by the saint."
Xue Bai had actually found out some of Yang Guozhong's recent actions, but he did not slander Yang Yuyao in front of him and said: "It should be..."
While talking, Mingzhu knocked on the door and pushed it open.
"I didn't dare to disturb you last night, but the imperial concubine gave me an oral instruction and invited Yaoniang and Xue Lang to the Huaxe Building for a banquet. She said it was a family banquet, so there is no need to be too formal."
"It seems that Saint and Yuhuan still miss you. Have you brought them gifts?"
Xue Bai was an official, and he was supposed to be well-rounded. This time he came back from the local area, but he was not interested in the royal banquet. He had not prepared any gifts. In his luggage, he only had some small local products given by the villagers of Yanshi.
~~
"Zheng——"
It was a mother-of-pearl and red sandalwood five-string pipa. After Li Longji took it, he played it casually, making a crisp and mellow sound like jade beads running on a disk.
He couldn't help but praise it, turned to look at Yang Guozhong, and said with a smile, "Where did Aiqing get this treasure?"
"I specially ordered the craftsmen to make it. It took two years to finally make this pipa. It is said that 'it is made of gold scraps of red sandalwood, and the sound of the pipa can be heard in the clouds', so I used the whole body of red sandalwood as the material; folk pipa Four strings are usually used, but the saint is the Supreme Being of Ninety-Five and has superb skills, so he specially made five strings; these thirteen small six-petal flowers have petals inlaid with tortoiseshell and the stamens are filled with amber..."
Yang Guozhong stood up and introduced his gifts in a eloquent manner. Every sentence showed his loyalty and carefulness, which made Li Longji very happy.
He couldn't help but feel a little proud, and glanced sideways at Xue Bai to observe his reaction.
Xue Bai was sitting behind the small table with a solemn look on his face. He didn't know what he was thinking, as if he wasn't listening to Yang Guozhong at all.
It wasn't until a young eunuch called him that he came back to his senses.
"Xue Lang? Xue Lang? It's your turn."
Xue Bai quickly came back to his senses and looked at Li Longji who was looking up. As for Yang Yuhuan next to him, he didn't dare to look at him seriously today.
"You kid, are you tired after a trip? You have no energy at all." Li Longji held the wine glass and said with a smile: "Yang Qing gave me a pipa, and you came to compose a song. You brought me the lunch box." That’s it.”
Xue Bai stood up and responded: "Back to the sage, I am not tired. I just feel ashamed of my brother. I am in deep mourning. I really am not in the mood to compose a song. Please forgive me, sage."
By the time he came back, more than half a month had passed since Yang Zheng's death. Li Longji had already come out of his mourning and returned to singing and dancing, but Xue Bai's mood was out of sync, which was quite disappointing.
"The sage loves me so much that he makes me sworn sworn sworn friends. I am frightened and grateful. I regard my uncle as my real brother and my concubine as my real sister." Xue Bai added, "My brother has passed away now, but I have not even seen him for the last time..."
Li Longji sighed and looked sideways, only to see Yang Yuhuan wiping the corners of his eyes with a handkerchief, finally feeling a little sad. Living to this age, he is actually quite afraid of birth, old age, illness and death.
He originally thought that the sworn sworn relationship between the Yang family and Xue Bai was a joke. After all, everything was said behind the scenes. The third sister-in-law and Xue Bai were hanging out in the name of siblings. It was said that they went too far. He didn't expect that they actually met today. There is a deep brotherhood between them.
"Sit down, Taizhen finally feels better, but you made her cry again."
"I am guilty."
Li Linfu watched calmly, sizing up Yang Guozhong and Xue Bai, thinking that it was a matter of judgment between giving gifts and not giving gifts.
Although Xue Bai did not make the saint happy, he moved Yang Guifei. The sad and solemn look on his face showed that he missed his old feelings. In comparison, Yang Guozhong was a bit arrogant. When things really happened, everyone knew who was more reliable.
In addition, Xue Bai seemed to have a vague intention to avoid suspicion with Concubine Yang. There was no trace of this matter. Only after some speculation about it could we have a trace of it.
Li Linfu looked sideways at the eunuchs behind Gao Lishi, and saw Wu Huaishi looking between Xue Bai and Yang Guifei. Then he thought again, was it because Xue Bai had offended Wu Huaishi that he was framed like this? Otherwise, how would Xue Bai dare to seek death?
He has framed countless political opponents, but he has never dared to accuse anyone of such a crime.
After that, Li Linfu thought of another thing. Chen Xilie transferred Xue Bai back to Chang'an without permission. If the imperial concubine hadn't given instructions behind this, how could he dare?
…
At the same time, Xue Bai also felt the slightly hostile looks from Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong, but he didn't take it to heart.
Li Linfu was in a state of despair, and he would not make any more enemies before dealing with Wang Fei.
As for Yang Guozhong, he obviously has competitive intentions.
Yang Guozhong was promoted quickly, relied on the saints, held many positions, and almost controlled Yang's party; but Xue Bai did not follow this path at all. He was a scholar, started his career as a school secretary, and accumulated political achievements step by step as a county captain. Although his position as a lieutenant in Chang'an County was small, he attracted the attention of scholars all over the world.
This is the most upright official career, and the accumulated reputation is far more important than official rank. Official rank can be demoted at the drop of a hat, but who can demote the reputation of a famous minister?
Xue Baijin has come to this point, why should he compete with a lucky minister? Giving gifts to a sycophant? I lost my status for no reason...
~~
Outside Xingqing Palace.
Diao Bing raised his head and looked at the brightly lit Calyx Xianghui Tower, feeling as if he was in a dream.
This was the first time he came to Chang'an in his life, and he was amazed by everything he saw. The majestic city walls, the straight and broad streets, the dazzling markets... Before he could recover from the shock, he was actually taken outside the palace. .
"Ageng, pinch me again."
"Since yesterday, I pinched you more than ten times. Brother, I am not afraid that I will pinch you to make it swollen."
Diao Bing was unable to have a normal conversation. He sometimes looked at the Beiya Imperial Guards who were patrolling back and forth in full armor, and sometimes looked at the pedestrians wearing brocade in the distance, and felt that they lived a completely different life from him.
A small example is that the streets in Chang'an City are all paved with stone slabs. Even if it rains, mud will not easily stain your shoes. Diao Bing has never thought of this convenience before. He was someone who had to take off his straw sandals and stuff them into his arms on rainy days. He didn't know how blessed God was to be born in Chang'an.
Xue Bai brought him from the ravine to Chang'an, which brought him indescribable feelings. There is probably no one in this life who can stir up his heart again.
What's rare is that Diao Bing is wearing a brand new military robe and a pair of boots today. He can't embarrass Lang Jun.
"The villain asks to see the saint!"
Ahead, several people suddenly ran in panic and rushed straight to Tongyang Gate.
The imperial guards guarding the palace gate immediately stepped forward with their halberds, blocked these people, and shouted: "Back off! Who dares to break into the palace gate without permission?!"
"General, I want to complain to the saint! My husband is the nephew of the saint, and he was arrested by the Chang'an County government for no reason..."
"Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!"
The Imperial Guardsman yelled, shouted for the third time, and pushed the servants to the ground with a strong push. They fell to the ground and rolled all over the ground. One of them rolled to the feet of the Diao brothers.
Diao Bing quickly took two steps back to avoid being pulled by his clothes.
At the same time, he frowned, thinking that this matter had something to do with the Chang'an County Government, but it did not involve his husband, the newly appointed Chang'an County Lieutenant.
The servant at his feet fell to the ground and did not dare to get up, but shouted loudly: "My husband is the nephew of a saint, and he was taken away by Chang'an County for no reason..."
After a while, a carriage and horse came over.
"Princess Yongmu and her consort have arrived, asking to see the saint!"
At this time, many eunuchs had actually been alarmed and rushed outside the palace gate. It seemed that the matter had become a big deal.
The Diao brothers were just the guards accompanying Xue Bai to the banquet, and were quickly pushed aside. Diao Geng was curious. Taking advantage of his height, he stood on tiptoes and watched.
"Give me a moment and let me see it too."
A majestic Longwu Army general squeezed in from behind, stood beside them, and asked, "What happened?"
"It seems that the saint's nephew has been taken."
"Really? Let me see."
When Diao Bing arrived in Chang'an for the first time, he actually didn't know anything. Unexpectedly, the General Long Wujun next to him spoke very familiarly.
"So that's it. That's the Prince Consort Wang Yao. He's the one in the red robe standing at the front. He's married to Princess Yongmu, the eldest daughter of the emperor. Wang Yao's life experience is not ordinary. He is a descendant of the Langya Wang family after the prime minister of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. , their family has always been the consort from Jin and Chen to now. His mother is Princess Ding'an, do you know who Princess Ding'an is?"
"I don't know." Diao Bing shook his head. He was confused after hearing this.
"Princess Ding'an is the daughter of Emperor Zhongzong and has married three husbands in her life."
But this General Long Wujun likes to talk about these messy things, and he talks enthusiastically and his eyes are bright.
"Princess Ding'an first married Wang Tongjiao and gave birth to Wang Yao. However, in the second year of Shenlong, Wang Tongjiao planned to ambush archers and shoot Wu Sansi during the funeral of Empress Wu, and was beheaded for treason."
"rebellion?"
"Yes. Princess Ding'an then married one of Queen Wei's brothers, Wei Zhuo, and gave birth to Wei Hui. Later, the saint and Princess Taiping killed Queen Wei, and Wei Zhuo was also convicted of treason and killed."
Diao Bing was surprised, thinking that people in Chang'an City talked about rebellion as easily as eating.
"Then, Princess Ding'an married her last consort, Cui Xian. Hehe, here's the fun... A few years ago, Princess Ding'an passed away before Cui Xian. Wang Yao hoped to bury his parents together, so that Princess Ding'an and Wang Yao could be buried together. Of course, Cui Xian did not agree to be buried together with Jiao, and the two sides started to quarrel. Then an official from Chang'an said, "The princess is no longer estranged from the Wang family, and she was married to the Cui family, even if she is willing to be buried with your grandfather." , I'm afraid your grandpa is still unwilling!" Wang Yao was so angry that he ran to complain to the saint. The saint decided that Princess Anding should be buried with Cui Xian, but thought that the official was mean and demoted her to Luzhou."
"But you are right." Diao Bing scratched his head and said, "Even in our countryside, you have to be buried with your last husband. How can you be demoted?"
"Each one has fifty points. The saint also has to give face to the Wang family, so it is only others who suffer."
As he said that, General Longwu looked at the quarrel over there and said, "I can see clearly. It turns out that Wei Hui was captured by the Chang'an County Government, and his half-brother Wang Yao came to the forefront."
Diao Bing asked: "Why was it taken?"
"He must have gone to the Jiaofang to tease the musicians again. Let me tell you, Wei Hui is a libertine, which is well-known in Chang'an City. About a year ago, there was a case about this matter... …”
While talking, Wang Yao and Princess Yongmu were finally summoned by the saint and entered the Xingqing Palace. Afterwards, a general looked at where they were and drank.
"Guo Qianli! What are you standing there mumbling about?"
"coming."
Only then did Guo Qianli remember to boo the Diao brothers, and whispered: "Although everyone in Chang'an City knows these things, don't say it was me who told them."
After that, he picked up his belt, strode into Xingqing Palace, climbed up to the Calyx Tower, and continued to watch the excitement...
~~
In the 10th year of Kaiyuan, Princess Yongmu married Wang Yao. Li Longji ordered the ceremony to be prepared according to the specifications of Princess Taiping's marriage. However, the ministers advised him that Princess Taiping was guilty of extravagance and arrogance, so he gave up.
In the following years, there were fewer opportunities for the father and daughter to meet. Unexpectedly, Princess Yongmu would suddenly barge into the royal banquet tonight.
"My eldest daughter is here." Li Longji said warmly: "But how wronged she is?"
"Back to my father, my daughter is fine. It was Chang'an County government who arrested Wei Hui for some reason, and his wife went to her daughter's house to plead for mercy..."
Li Longji was a little unhappy when he heard Wei Hui's name.
It is true that Wei Hui was his nephew, but during the Tang Long coup, Wei Hui's father, Wei Zhuoyin, led the imperial army to protect Empress Wei, and he was killed by him himself.
"Since the Chang'an County government has taken someone, Wei Hui must have done something wrong. Although you are my daughter, how can you show favoritism?" Li Longji said with a smile: "Now that you are here, I will give you a seat and a glass of wine."
As a father and a king, his attitude was actually a little indulgent in pleasure, but in the glory of this prosperous age, no one realized this.
"Sage." Wang Yao quickly stepped forward and bowed down, saying: "It's not that we are seeking favoritism, but Wei Hui's wife said that the Chang'an County police officers wanted to kill Wei Hui, and if he was not saved, his life would be in danger. "
Li Longji was unhappy and glanced at Li Linfu.
Li Linfu then said calmly and calmly: "The prince-in-law's words are serious. How can your life be in danger when the government handles the case? Please wait until tomorrow. The Chang'an County Government will make its own decision."
"Can……"
Wang Yao hesitated for a while, but finally fell to the ground and said, "Please save Wei Hui's life, saint!"
Although he and Wei Hui did not have the same father, they had the same experience. Both fathers died early. They had the same bloody childhood. They grew up with their mother, Princess Ding'an, and their relationship was deeper than that of biological brothers.
Li Linfu said: "Your Majesty, why don't you tell me what crime Wei Hui committed and was captured by the Chang'an County Government?"
"He didn't commit any crime."
"Is that because the Chang'an County government is persecuting him?" Li Linfu's tone was solemn, with a warning tone.
Wang Yao responded: "Yes."
The scene fell silent, and the atmosphere of the banquet was completely destroyed.
Anyone with a discerning eye can see that Li Longji is not happy, but the matter has nothing to do with him and no one wants to get involved.
"saint."
After a short silence, Xue Bai spoke.
He thought about it. Something like this happened just after he returned to Chang'an. It was inevitable to avoid it. It would be better to take responsibility directly in front of the emperor.
"Since I am the captain of Chang'an County, this is my duty. I am willing to investigate this matter for the saint overnight."
After finally setting up a banquet, there were no songs and dances, no opera, and no new things to see. It was already messed up like this. Li Longji lost all interest and simply agreed. He returned to Xingqing Palace and summoned his concubines to play cards.
Wu Huaishi bowed and sent the saint off, deliberately falling a few steps behind and looking at Xue Bai.
Xue Bai understood, stood up and walked over, saying: "I have met General Wu."
"Remind Xue Lang." Wu Huaishi said with a friendly smile on his face: "Xue Lang still knew how to present some interesting things to the saint before he became an official. Recently, he has become more and more slack. Tonight, the saint is a little disappointed."
"Thank you, General Wu, for reminding me." Xue Bai said, "When we were in Yanshi, Magistrate Lu and I had some..."
"Xue Lang underestimated me, how could I be so stingy?" Wu Huaishi became more and more friendly to Xue Bai, patted his waist, and whispered: "Don't worry, the imperial concubine has told me, she will definitely take care of Xue Lang."
Xue Bai quickly thanked him, and Wu Huaishi walked away in small steps.
After exiting the calyx building, Yang Yuyao was slowly boarding the carriage with Mingzhu's support. At the same time, she looked towards Xue Bai. He was about to go over when he suddenly saw Guo Qianli standing aside.
"General Guo, long time no see."
"Xue Lang is back. Without you, Chang'an City will be as boring as if it lacked color."
Xue Bai asked: "General Guo has been watching the excitement tonight?"
"I am the Imperial Guard of Beiya. It is my duty to guard the palace city. How can I say that I am just watching the fun?" Guo Qianli patted his chest and said, "But if you don't know these people, just ask me. I am an old man from the palace city." Yes, I know a lot.”
Xue Bai waved his hand and said: "I'm afraid it will affect General Guo's future, so there's no need for it for the time being."
If it were really difficult to find out, Guo Qianli wouldn't have such a confused expression.
"Then if you have any use for me, just say so."
"Okay, if it is true, I will definitely not be polite to General Guo..."
After this conversation, Yang Yuyao knew that Xue Bai still had official duties and had gone back first. Xue Bai then rode to the Chang'an County Yamen.
It was in the southwest corner of Changshou Fang, and he was very familiar with it.
~~
Thinking back to those days, Xue Bai could not even walk under the curfew. But this time he came back and was able to hold a torch and lead the royal family through the night in Chang'an.
"Thank you, Captain Xue."
Wang Yao rode forward and rode side by side with Xue Bai, saying, "Xue County Lieutenant acted righteously. I will never forget this kindness."
Xue Bai turned around and took a look and found that Wang Yao, like him, did not like to wear a futou, but tied his hair and wore a crown. He was dissatisfied with Futou's dirty looks, but Wang Yao was because of his noble status and attention to appearance. After all, the Wang family of Langya was once the top of the family, and together with the Xie family of Chen County, they were collectively called "Wang Xie".
Wang Yao indeed has the demeanor of a famous family. Although he is over forty years old, his temperament is as gentle as jade, and his gestures and gestures show the romantic attitude of the Wei and Jin Dynasties. It is a pity that the power of the consort becomes weaker and weaker with each passing generation.
"You don't have to be polite, prince-in-law, it's just your duty." Xue Bai said: "But I don't know why you say Wei will be in danger of his life?"
"He lost his temper last night and told his wife, 'A big disaster is coming and I will die.' In the blink of an eye, he was taken into custody by the Chang'an County Government today. How can this not make people worried?"
"Did you get caught too much, or did you offend someone?"
Wang Yao said: "I don't know this."
No more questions were asked on the way. When everyone arrived at the Chang'an County Yamen, Xue Bai showed his talisman and said: "Xue Bai, the new captain of Chang'an."
"Xue Lang is back, who doesn't know you yet? Please come quickly."
For Xue Bai, returning to Chang'an County Yamen is like returning home. When Yan Zhenqing was here, he often came over to ask questions or help with official affairs. With this qualification, taking up the post will definitely be better than Yan Zhenqing. The division went much more smoothly.
Under the emperor's feet, everything must be done according to the rules, at least no one dares to assassinate him.
"Tonight is a royal banquet, and the saint asked me to come to interrogate Wei Hui."
The gatekeeper quickly went to inquire and learned that the county government had not ordered the arrest of Wei Hui, so he said: "The commander must have taken it temporarily. Lieutenant Xue will wait a moment."
The bad guy in Chang'an County was named Wei Chang. He had been working in the county government when Yan Zhenqing was the county captain. Xue Bai had met him several times. He was a man in his forties who was very calm in his work.
After waiting for a while, Wei Chang came from outside. He lived in Changshoufang. He must have fallen asleep and was temporarily awakened.
"I have met Xue Lang and Lieutenant Xue, and I hope that the county lieutenant will take care of the little man." Wei Chang beamed with joy when he saw Xue Bai and bowed respectfully, "When Lieutenant Yan was here, I admired him Xue Lang."
"It's been a long time since I saw Commander Wei." Xue Bai patted Wei Chang on the shoulder and asked, "Why did you take Wei Hui?"
"He pestered the palace musicians and took them to give him face."
"Take me to see it."
Xue Bai did not bring him to trial because he did not have to release Wei Hui, so he simply went to the prison to see for himself.
"The county captain invites you."
Wei Chang deliberately did not ask who the middle-aged couple following Xue Bai were.
In fact, he has a very sharp eye, and he can tell that they are of extraordinary status just by looking at their clothes. However, when he works in Chang'an County, he encounters many monsters and ghosts from all walks of life. If he asks everyone, things will not get done.
Chang'an County Prison was the legendary "Tiger Prison". It was built by digging into the ground. Xue Bai had been there once.
After opening the cell door and going down the stone steps, the prisoners in the dark cells on both sides were so hungry that they lay there grunting like powerless maggots.
"Wei Hui is right in front."
"You are so brave, how dare you imprison a saint's nephew in a place like this."
"The county jail is so big, so I have to let Doctor Wei make do with it..."
The torch swung forward, and a figure in the prison fell into everyone's sight.
They were all startled.
"this……"
Wei Huizheng was hanging there shaking slightly.
"Ah Hui?" Wang Yao couldn't believe it and murmured: "Come down!"
Xue Bai took the torch from Wei Chang's hand, took a few steps forward, and stared at the cell.
Wei Hui was hanged by a belt, and the belt was hung in an iron ring on the top of the cell. The iron ring was probably used to hook the iron chain to tie down the prisoner.
There was also a bed in the prison. It looked like Wei Hui had stepped on the bed, hung up his belt, and hung himself.
But judging from Xue Bai's experience in prison, most of the time he slept on a thatch bed. When did he ever have a bed?
In any case, Wei Hui died. He died in the Chang'an County Prison on the first day that Xue Bai took office as Chang'an Captain.
Xue Bai said nothing, but there was a chaotic voice in his ears.
"Ah Hui! You killed Ah Hui, you killed him."
"Hold the consort, quickly, put down Doctor Wei."
~~
The mortuary was brightly lit.
The official who was hurriedly called out began to write down the life of the deceased.
"Wei Hui, the official of the Council, Sima of Prince Mao's Mansion, and his mother was Princess Ding'an. His great-grandfather Wei Hongbiao was the governor of Yangzhou and Duke of Wei; his ancestor Wei Xuanzhen was the Taishi, the shepherd of Yongzhou, the governor of Yizhou, and the king of Shangluo County; his father Wei Zhuo was Wei Zhuo. Wei Shaoqing, Prince Consort Duwei..."
Xue Bai held the candle and leaned over to look at Wei Hui's body.
He has met Wei Hui.
It was in the sixth year of Tianbao. At that time, he and Wang Zhongsi went to the Jiaofang to cast roles. They happened to encounter Wang Zhun in the Jiaofang looking for fun, and they had a conflict. At that time, there was a beautiful Zhang Siniang who Wang Zhongsi took away. Wei Hui Because of his friendship with Zhang Siniang, he and Wang Zhun and others went to the imperial court to sue him and Wang Zhongsi.
Xue Bai's impression was actually not deep anymore. He tried hard to recall, and finally remembered that when he came out of the palace that day, he also saw Wang Zhun beating Wei Hui.
Wang Zhun is also a figure who has been in the spotlight recently, and Xue Bai's early transfer back to Chang'an is also related to this turmoil.
Back to the present, was Wei Hui's death caused by his unchanging nature and provoking the musicians? He felt ashamed and hung himself to death?
Xue Bai stretched out his hand and opened Wei Hui's eyelids with his fingers.
He saw a cloudy and dim eyeball, but there seemed to be a hint of panic and anger in it...
(End of chapter)
