Outside the gate of Xingqing Palace, Fang Youde saw the expression on the face of Shou Wang Li Xuan changing constantly under the light of the torch.
Sometimes lonely, sometimes ferocious, sometimes angry, sometimes fearful.
From his face, Fang Youde seemed to see scenes of tragedies and comedies in life.
"It's getting late and there's a curfew in Chang'an. Why can't King Shou stay outside Xingqing Palace?"
Fang Youde looked at Li Chen and asked with deep meaning.
A trace of irritation flashed across the face of the longevity king Li Lu, and he reluctantly explained with a little embarrassment: "My mother passed away, and the saint was too sad. As a prince, I am naturally worried about the dragon body of the saint, so I can't stay here."
To be honest, not even a dog could be fooled by this hypocritical rhetoric. Even the dogs could smell his sadness.
Fang Youde nodded slightly with no expression on his face and stopped talking to King Shou Li Xuan.
After a while, Chen Xuanli walked out of Xingqing Palace with a face of shame, handed over to Fang Youde and whispered: "Sage... is a little inconvenient now. But General Gao said that the saint will definitely see you tomorrow, and then he will reward you generously."
Chen Xuanli glanced at Longevity King Li Xuan thoughtfully, but neither spoke to him nor chased him away.
The woman on the saint's bed now must be Princess Shou.
Well, soon not.
Chen Xuanli thought about it in his heart, and suddenly felt that being Li Longji's prince seemed quite pitiful.
Some had been princes for twenty years and then were allowed to die in the lobby of Chengdong Station.
Some ladies have to force themselves to smile and pretend that nothing happened when their daddy fucks them.
Even those who were lucky and didn't encounter anything had to be kept in the ten kings' houses like animals. They were not allowed to develop their own power and were not allowed to communicate openly with ministers from other dynasties.
Li Longji himself came to power through a conspiracy, so his precautions against many princes have reached an unprecedented level since the founding of the Tang Dynasty.
"Brother Quanzhong, you see that the saint has rested. Why don't you go home and fix yourself up before meeting the saint tomorrow? How about this? I have official duties and I don't dare to neglect..."
Chen Xuanli looked at Fang Youde with a troubled expression and said.
He also had to patrol the city of Chang'an at night. As part of his duties, he obviously didn't have time to continue to get close to Fang Youde.
"No, the Khitans in Youzhou Border Town are ready to make a move. They have suffered a big loss this time and will not give up. I'd better go back to Youzhou City first.
The prisoner offering team will arrive in Chang'an in a day or two. You can just come and contact me then. There is no need for me to be present. "
Fang Youde looked at the gate of Xingqing Palace with melancholy eyes, shook his head and sighed.
"Your home is at the back door of Xingqing Palace. Do you really want to pass through the door without entering?"
Chen Xuanli asked in surprise, looking at Fang Youde's face as he spoke, completely mistaking the Shou Wang Li Quan beside him for a transparent person.
"Wherever a saint needs someone, that's home. This is just a house. It doesn't make any difference whether I go or not."
Fang Youde shook his head, with a look of disappointment on his face, but he didn't know why he was disappointed.
Although Chen Xuanli has known him for many years and the two of them have shared hardships, they have never been able to see through this man.
A selfish person is actually someone who can be seen through in the eyes of others, because it is clear at a glance what he wants.
But it seems that no one except the saint really knows what Fang Youde wants.
"Then let me take you out of the city."
Chen Xuanli nodded. Fang Youde did not refuse the proposal. The two walked in front, followed closely by Zhao Kan, Baizhen Tuoluo, Cui Hao and others, not knowing what to say.
The group of people headed in the direction of Chunmingmen.
It’s just that the Youzhou Jiedushi returned to Beijing without permission, and that the Khitan prisoners were sent back to Chang’an without permission from the Ministry of War. Even the strange thing of returning to Chang’an late at night to ask for an interview can be ignored.
Why did you come to Chang'an but didn't even go back home?
Chen Xuanli couldn't understand it, but Fang Youde was very disappointed this time, and the tangled look was written on his face.
Cui Hao and his party didn't understand why Fang Youde was disappointed. He had just entered Youzhou as the governor and had such a record, winning both battles. Could it be that he was afraid that he would not be promoted and make a fortune in the future?
"After all, it's still a step too late."
Fang Youde sighed as if he was talking to himself.
"Brother Quan Zhongxian, is there anything else?"
Chen Xuanli noticed Fang Youde's gloomy look and asked in confusion.
"It's like this. I originally wanted to ask for help from the saint, but now I can't see the saint's face. How about you convey this to me?"
Fang Youde pleaded.
"I don't think it's a big deal. You just say it. It's okay if I send you a message."
Chen Xuanli patted his chest and said as a guarantee.
"It's like this. I heard that the Yan family in Jingzhao has two brothers, Yan Zhenqing and Yan Gaoqing. They are rich in learning, upright, and have extraordinary talents. Nowadays, the Jiedu Mansion in Youzhou is in urgent need of talents. Khitan and Xi people come across the border from time to time to harass me. He had to lead troops to go on an expedition and was unable to take care of Youzhou's government affairs.
Let's see if the imperial court can transfer the two Yan brothers to Youzhou. Since they all work for the imperial court, I think it won't be a big problem. "
Fang Youde suggested humbly.
Chen Xuanli was stunned when he heard this, and then sighed: "I don't think the saint would care about such a trivial matter. Even if you recommend your servant to go to Youzhou to work as a minor official, the saint will agree. Is this really the only thing? Don’t you want an official position for your heir?”
"That's really the only thing. As for the other things, I haven't thought about it that much and can't care about it."
Fang Youde said nonchalantly.
Hearing this, Chen Xuanli, Cui Hao and the other three people behind him could not help but stand in awe!
"Brother Quan Zhongxian, as a human being, sometimes it is necessary to plan things, it is the foundation of one's life.
But sometimes you have to find a career and prepare a way out for yourself.
The saint was seriously ill and almost died more than ten years ago. Have you forgotten the things that happened before and after? There are unforeseen circumstances on this day. When the saint is here, the sky is the same. If the saint is gone, the sky will change.
How will you be able to move forward and retreat freely when the time comes? "
Chen Xuanli came over and asked in a low voice in Fang Youde's ear.
"The country is our home and we have nothing to worry about."
Fang Youde said calmly.
"You, you, you, you always say this, which often makes the saint angry, and there is nothing you can do about it, hahahahaha."
Chen Xuanli laughed loudly. Fang Youde is indeed a person who only knows how to do things but not how to behave, but he can make people around him sincerely admire him. Even if he dies one day, his spine will still be upright.
This was one of the reasons why he was willing to help Fang Youde spread the word.
What Fang Youde asked for was definitely a business matter, and he never sought his own benefit. His official position and holy status were gained step by step with his own fists. It can be said bluntly that if Fang Youde was Princess Taiping's slave at the beginning, it is hard to say what the situation of the Tang Dynasty is like now.
Can you hate such a person?
"By the way, your son entered the Hongwen Hall and squeezed out the quota for the eldest son of King Zhong (Li Heng). The saint personally supervised this matter. The saint also heard that King Zhong's other two sons seemed to have complaints about this, so he These two people also drove out of Hongwen Hall."
Chen Xuanli said while suppressing a smile.
Fang Youde was stunned for a moment, then he said with a helpless smile: "How can such a foolish boy enter the Hongwen Hall? A saint cannot indulge in the country's system just because he favors and trusts me!
Let's do this. General Chen, please give one more word to the saint and expel Quan Zi from Hongwen Hall. As a royal censor, I wouldn't let my son starve to death. Why should he go to Hongwen Hall to make himself look embarrassed?
If the saint refuses, then I will have no choice but to resign and go home to farm to maintain my integrity. "
Is there such a thing as cheating on your son?
Chen Xuanli had a strange look on his face. He wanted to say something, but he felt that with Fang Youde's logic, it seemed reasonable to say so.
"The saint may not be happy..."
Chen Xuanli reminded in a low voice.
"I can't care less. The national code system is the code system of the people in the world, and it is not the way of one of our own virtuous people.
Needless to say, the saint gave grace to the prince, which was a great favor from the emperor; but given such grace to a certain person, the certain person could not accept it.
If the saint really wanted to bestow a gift on someone, it would be better to reward the officers and soldiers of the Youzhou frontier army, to comfort the orphans and widows, and to calm the morale of the army. Although this battle is won, the situation in northern Xinjiang is still not optimistic. Long-term management is needed and we cannot slack off. "
Hearing this, Chen Xuanli quickly grabbed Fang Youde, bowed to him and bowed deeply, saying: "Brother Quan Zhongxian is dedicated to serving the country, so I will bring the words to you. If the saint has any objections, I will also advise him." Persuaded.”
Cui Hao and the other three people behind them once again refreshed the other party's virtuous understanding.
He was deeply attached to the saints, upright, and considerate of his subordinates... They suddenly felt that this time they entered Chang'an and gained nothing.
But, will this kind of holy love really last forever?
They are also worried about Fang Zheng, who is Fang Youde. Fang Youde may always be an excellent feudal official, but can the emperor and the saint always remain clear and not become faint?
…
The next day, Li Longji personally sent Yang Yuhuan, whose voice was hoarse after shouting for most of the night, into a luxurious ox cart. At this moment, his face was filled with joy, as if he was more than ten years younger.
As for King Shou, he stood at the entrance of Xingqing Palace, watching Li Longji put his arms around Yang Yuhuan's waist and go out, without daring to complain.
"The princess played the piano all night last night and is a little tired today. You don't need to disturb her. Just concentrate on keeping watch for your mother."
Li Longji walked up to King Longevity Li Xuan, touched the beard on his chin and said with a smile.
"I will obey the will of the saint..."
The longevity king Li Xuan suppressed the anger in his heart and calmly crossed his hands and saluted.
Li Longji nodded with satisfaction, then coughed slightly to cover up his embarrassment, and said what he had already planned in his heart.
"It's like this. Princess Shou is devoted to Taoism and has no interest in the world. She wants to be with Princess Yuzhen, and I deeply agree with that.
From now on, Princess Shou will become a female Taoist priest and temporarily reside in Princess Yuzhen's mansion. Well, I have already thought about it. Wei Zhaoxun, the third daughter of General Wei Zhaoxun, the second palace of Zuo Weixun and the right lord general, is famous for her virtues and virtues in Chang'an. I will arrange for Webster to be your new princess. This matter has been decided and there is no need to discuss it further. "
Li Longji said with a smile on his face.
Yang Yuhuan has also been enjoyed by King Shou for several years. Isn't that enough? What else do you want?
Now "trade in the old for the new", it seems like there is nothing to apologize to this unscrupulous man, right?
Li Longji didn't feel that he had anything to do with Li Han. According to the attitude of the courtiers towards Concubine Wu Hui, who wanted to kill Concubine Wu Hui and King Shou, wouldn't it be logical if he quietly brought Yang Yuhuan into the palace? ?
Treating Li Chen so favorably now is already a great honor. Of course, these are all his own thoughts.
"Thank you saint for your grace!"
Li Xuan was overjoyed and quickly bowed and thanked him.
"Well, that's very good, please step back."
Li Longji nodded with satisfaction. Shou Wang Li Xuan was so well-informed that it saved him a lot of effort. After all, it was a scandal to remove the ashes, especially when Concubine Wu Hui's body was still cold, she immediately removed the ashes of her son's daughter-in-law. If this incident spread, the impact would be too bad.
Even if Li Longji is as thick-skinned as a city wall, it would be too much for him to play like this.
I have to say that Gao Lishi had a good idea. Let Yang Yuhuan become a female Taoist priest first, and then let her temporarily live with Princess Yuzhen. At that time, Li Longji can have a private meeting with Yang Yuhuan under the guise of a prince visiting his sister, without causing any criticism.
Next, after the longevity king Li Chen gets married to Wei's daughter, and the rumors subside, they will find a way to recruit Yang Yuhuan into the palace and gradually let her appear in public.
This plan is perfect.
After watching Yang Yuhuan's bullock cart leave, Chen Xuanli walked over cautiously, without saying a word, and bowed to Li Longji in salute.
"But what's important?"
When Li Longji saw Chen Xuanli, he frowned slightly and felt a little unhappy.
After a busy night in bed with Yang Yuhuan, he just wanted to have a good night's sleep.
"Reporting to the saint, Fang Jieshuai went to Chang'an last night to offer prisoners and was waiting outside Xingqing Palace. Hearing that the saint had gone to bed, he returned to Youzhou. The large army to offer prisoners will arrive in Chang'an in two days."
"Quan Zhong is back? Where is he?"
Li Longji was overjoyed, grabbed Chen Xuanli's arm and said.
"The people have left. The military situation in Youzhou is urgent. This time Fang Jieshuai, with 500 troops, went deep into the enemy territory to defeat the Khitan and captured the enemy chieftain. The border town of Beidi can be quiet for several years."
Chen Xuanli took the opportunity to say a good word for Fang Youde.
"Oh, it's true that Quan Zhong doesn't want anything. Do you want me to be looked down upon by the world?"
Li Longji said pretending to be unhappy, but he was extremely proud in his heart.
"A saint is more than that. Fang Jieshuai does not seek benefit for himself. When he heard that his only son had entered the Hongwen Hall, he asked the general to give him advice and demanded that his son's qualifications in the Hongwen Hall be cancelled. His intention was very firm."
Is there such a thing?
Li Longji was stunned for a moment, then shook his head with emotion.
"Since Quan Zhong said so, let's just follow what he said. By the way, did he say anything else?"
Li Longji asked.
"Fang Jieshuai also requested that brother Yan Zhenqing, who was born in the Yan family in Jingzhao, be transferred to Jiedu Mansion in Youzhou as an errand, saying that the two of them were proficient in martial arts and would be the best in the country."
Chen Xuanli did not forget Fang Youde's instructions and told Li Longji about the transfer of the Yan brothers.
"Is that all about it? That's right. He didn't say he wanted to promote himself or anything?"
Li Longji always felt that if he didn't reward him with something, he would be looked down upon.
"Did he say anything else?"
"Fang Jieshuai also asked for merit for the soldiers of Youzhou Border Town and compensated the casualties."
"All right. That's all?"
Li Longji had just swallowed Yang Yuhuan, whom he had longed for for a long time, with the bones and bones. He was in a good mood. He always felt that Fang Youde's proposal was too humble and could not show the generosity and kindness of the emperor at all.
"That's really all it is. Fang Jieshuai said that the military situation in Youzhou Border Town is unstable, so we can't be careless."
Chen Xuanli whispered that he had finished what Fang Youde had explained.
After hearing these words, Li Longji was silent, seeming to be thinking about something.
"Pinglu Jiedushi Wu Zhiyi was impeached by court officials last year for not knowing how to run a border town.
Let's do this, let Fang Youde concurrently serve as Pinglu Jiedushi. The two towns are adjacent and can support each other, and the troops and horses can be dispatched calmly.
Order Wu Zhiyi to go back to Chang'an and stand trial!
Fang Youde could attack the enemy five hundred miles away and increase the power of the Tang army, but Wu Zhiyi could only be cautious and passively suffer beatings all day long. This stupid pig must have serious problems. After he returns to Chang'an, let the Yushitai and Dali Temple examine him carefully. "
Li Longji said thoughtfully.
Gao Lishi, who was listening to the play, was immediately frightened. He quickly grabbed Li Longji's sleeve and begged:
"You can't be a saint. Although Fang Jieshuai is loyal, he will not serve as the governor of Youzhou for the rest of his life. After he is transferred, will his successor also serve as the governor of Youzhou and Pinglu towns?
The saint can just transfer Wu Zhiyi back to Chang'an to report on his duties, and the selection of Pinglu Jiedushi can be discussed again. "
"This won't work, that won't work either. Do you want me to treat the meritorious officials harshly?"
Li Longji was disgraced and yelled angrily at Gao Lishi.
"A saint can promote Fang Jieshuai's son to positions such as Qianniu Guards Lieutenant General. As for one person serving as the Jiedushi of two towns at the same time, this case will cause endless troubles."
Gao Lishi pulled Li Longji's sleeves and urged him hard.
