The Calyx Xianghui Building is a building complex surrounded by double-story verandahs. The space concept is novel and lively, and the architecture is magnificent.
The main building is an I-shaped three-story building with a cloister outside.
Specifically, the cloister is in the shape of a "sun", and the building is built in the upper mouth. The entrance below is an atrium with a corridor two stories high.
The whole appearance is like a flower and its sepals.
It is already the season of falling leaves, and the ground in the atrium of the Calyx Xianghui Building is covered with red frosty leaves, which looks inexplicably majestic and sad.
At this moment, Li Longji was pacing in the courtyard, listening to Gao Lishi reporting to him various recent important news in Chang'an.
It can be said that Gao Lishi is an extension of Li Longji's eyes and ears. Without Gao Lishi, Li Longji can do nothing now. Not to mention controlling the political situation in Chang'an.
"Hmph, that scoundrel is quite interesting."
Li Longji said with a cold snort.
Upon hearing this, Gao Lishi said cautiously:
"Sage, I think King Shou's request is quite reasonable. It is just a request to exclude outsiders during the wedding and let the saint and the princes have a meal together. This is human nature, and it is inevitable that the saint's refusal will be spread. Realize the facts.
Rumors spread loudly in the ten kings' houses that King Shou had a grudge against the saint and was going to make trouble at the wedding. It's just that I feel strange. Since many people know that King Shou is going to cause trouble, why don't they know at all how he will cause trouble?
Since we don’t know how King Shou is going to cause trouble, how can we infer that he harbors resentment towards the saint? "
Gao Lishi told Li Longji his analysis.
Judging from the rumors coming from the Shiwang Mansion, it was obvious that someone was adding fuel to the fire. The news from people around King Shou stated that King Shou did not only go to the Daqin Temple to fool around with those barbarians from the Western Regions, eating five stones and having sex.
On the contrary, he was very peaceful and had no contact with any civil servants, military officers, or eunuchs in the palace.
"Haha, if King Shou wants to deal with me, what good can he do? Who does he have in the court? Who does he have in the army?
Can he ascend the throne and proclaim himself emperor if he kills me?
In the house of ten kings, there is not only one longevity king who has complicated thoughts. "
Li Longji looked cold and said pointedly.
None of his good sons is a fuel-efficient lamp. If nothing else, at least Li Heng hated his father!
So many people say that King Shou is planning to rebel. From a certain perspective, this actually proves King Shou's innocence.
It is one thing for a person to be angry, but it is another matter whether he has the ability to act like a demon.
It can even be said that King Shou is now the son who poses the least threat to him. The possibility of inheriting the throne is zero!
Just seeing that King Shou's mother was Concubine Wu Hui and she had passed away, we knew that no one in the court would support him.
"Okay, but it's just a family dinner. I just want to see what tricks he can do. If King Shou has the ability, he will kill the king in front of his brothers!
I promise not to leave a bodyguard by my side! "
Li Longji said through gritted teeth.
Not only did he have to eat this meal generously, but he also had to cover the scene so that the wedding banquet could go on normally, showing the princes and the important officials in the court that he still firmly controlled everything in Chang'an!
"Sage, even King Shou will be searched when the time comes. Please don't worry, saint."
Gao Lishi was so frightened that he quickly bowed and saluted.
"Well, on the day of King Shou's wedding, all the Jinwu Guards, Prison Gate Guards, Qianniu Guards and other Nanya Imperial Guards were transferred out of Chang'an and went to the outskirts of Chang'an to participate in martial arts exercises!
Even if King Shou had an insider in the Nanya Forbidden Army, he would not be able to cause any trouble. In addition, the guards responsible for the security of the Ten Kings' Residence are not allowed to appear in Shengyefang!
In this way, the cronies bribed by certain people will not be able to appear at the wedding! "
Li Longji said in a deep voice.
"Well, I'll take care of it, slave."
Gao Lishi said with crossed arms and a salute.
After all, King Shou's mother is Concubine Wu Hui, so it cannot be completely ruled out that King Shou may have contact with some people in the Nanya Forbidden Army and take risks when the time comes.
On the wedding day, it can be said that it is a foolproof strategy to mobilize all these troops to perform martial arts outside Chang'an City and to eliminate hidden dangers. It fully shows the level of Machiavellianism of Ji Ge Lao Coin!
Then no matter how much trouble King Shou makes, he will never be able to cause trouble.
"Also, the people leading the Longwu Army, including Chen Xuanli and Wu Zhiyi, will be present and guard outside Ganluni Temple.
Other Longwu soldiers who did not participate in the wedding garrison must stay in the camp that day and are not allowed to move rashly.
Anyone who leaves the Beiyuan station without a transfer order will be punished as treason! "
Li Longji continued to emphasize.
He started his career in a coup and is very sensitive to these critical issues.
The Nanya Forbidden Army is a mixed bag, and the relationships inside are intricate. For example, Wei Sanniang, who died this time, had relatives in her family who were officers in the Nanya Forbidden Army. Can such an army guarantee loyalty?
Ji Ge simply didn't think they could play an important role at the critical moment.
"I understand, we won't invite courtiers this time, right?"
Gao Lishi asked cautiously.
"Yes, I won't invite you. I just want to see who will come up with tricks this time. It's hard to deal with too many outsiders."
Brother Ji suddenly stood still, thought for a moment, and then lowered his voice and said:
"The people in the Food Bureau are not trustworthy. They might have been bribed by the prince to poison the food.
There is also the Liquor Brewing Agency, which may not be trustworthy, and they can easily poison the wine.
Let's do it this way. The day before the wedding, we secretly purchase wine from a famous wine shop in Chang'an. Then before the wedding begins, let the eunuchs in the palace test the wine and package it to ensure that the wine is non-toxic.
The food for the wedding banquet should also be bought at a good restaurant in Chang'an City on the same day, instead of being cooked in the palace. Remember to choose a store at random and look for it on your wedding day! "
Hearing this, Gao Lishi was almost speechless.
Who would spend such free time doing things?
The drinks at the table where the emperor was sitting were randomly picked from pots and randomly divided into packages before being served. If the poisoner wanted to poison this batch of wine, how much poison would be needed?
Can such a large amount be used without being noticed? How could King Shou have the ability to make such a big noise?
As for buying food from restaurants outside, it's even more outrageous.
Brother Ji thinks so carefully. He really deserves to be a man who started his career in a coup. He is really careful to the extreme! It can even be said that he is so careful that he doesn’t even care about the royal family’s face!
Gao Lishi complained secretly in his heart, but he saluted respectfully on his face.
Li Longji felt that most of the things that should be considered had been considered, so he nodded slightly and said:
"Let's do it this way. If King Shou wants to make trouble, just let him go.
If the other princes also want to cause trouble, then let them go.
When the time comes, I will definitely be able to clean it up in one go! "
…
Fang Chongyong was not on duty to rest at home during the day. As a result, early in the morning, an uninvited guest came to the house.
This guest is an important manager in the Shazhou caravan, responsible for the transportation and distribution of smuggled goods from Hexi to Chang'an.
His alias was "Antioch", a Persian, and he was also in charge of the temple blessing of the Daqin Temple in Yiningfang.
Although Fang Chongyong has resigned from all positions in the caravan and no longer takes over any affairs, Antioch still often sends people to his home to ask how to deal with some caravan matters.
It's just that this time, Antiochus, a fat man who had eaten so much in Chang'an, actually came in person, which was a bit puzzling.
"Fang Shijun, after you left, things in the caravan were going to be in chaos. Do you really not care about this anymore?"
Wearing a gorgeous brocade robe often worn by wealthy merchants in Chang'an, Antioch's speech and behavior are no different from those of the Han people except for his hair and facial features, including the way he speaks and his accent.
"If you don't serve as the governor of Shazhou, no one will listen to what you say."
Fang Chongyong laughed at himself and said, taking out "fried tea" to entertain Antioch. The etiquette of the meeting between the two was very casual.
"That's true. It's just that the newly appointed governor of Guazhou insists on the trade route, which makes us very embarrassed. His father is the left prime minister of the court, and we can't kill him directly.
Today I am here to ask the envoy, how to deal with this person? "
Antiochus made a gesture of wiping his neck. Obviously, they didn't take an ordinary border town governor seriously. Anyone who blocked the way to make money would die.
Even if he, a fat man, is easy to talk to, Zhenqiu Ba's sword on the west side of the river is not easy to talk to. This is not a question of who is looking for trouble.
"If you let him go crazy, he will eventually destroy himself. Just ignore him."
Fang Chongyong waved his hand and said nonchalantly.
“However, his asking price is really high, even Fang Shijun’s share is required.
That money was used by Shazhou Doulujun to support orphans and widows.
If it moves, not only Shazhou, but also several other armies in Hexi, except the Chishui Army, may mutiny! "
Antioch frowned and said, many things are not as easy as Fang Chongyong said.
If the "fund" left by Fang Chongyong was swallowed up by the governor, this would set a very bad precedent.
Since the newly appointed governor of Guazhou, Zhang Xiancheng, wants to eat one portion, should the other governors of Hexi Province eat more?
At first, Fang Chongyong set an example, so the states would use part of the proceeds from the caravans to support orphans and widows among military households. Zhang Xiancheng set this precedent, and the military and political leaders of various states who have been eyeing it for a long time will not be able to help but reach out to touch this money.
Then the fundamentals of Hexi's military affairs cannot be stabilized. Who knows what will happen next.
And if something goes wrong, all of them will be unlucky, even Brother Ji, who gets paid for doing nothing!
"Haha, let him go. He is not in his position and does not seek political advice. He is now a halberd bearer in Xingqing Palace, just guarding the gate for the saint."
Fang Chongyong laughed loudly, obviously not intending to continue.
"Speaking of Xingqing Palace, there is a confidential matter recently."
Antioch lowered his voice and whispered in Fang Chongyong's ear for a long time.
"Prince Shou bought that valuable treasure from the Western Regions and learned how to use it. I'm afraid... he must have a plan."
Antioch winked at Fang Chongyong and said.
"Does anyone else know about this?"
Fang Chongyong asked softly, his tone was very calm, and he didn't seem to find it strange at all.
"There is no one left. In order to avoid suspicion, a certain person has personally erased the marks on the things.
Besides, this thing is an antique and anyone can get it. "
Antioch said with a smile.
The more he talked, the more confused Fang Zhongyong became.
After a long time, Fang Chongyong showed a doubtful expression and asked: "How much money can King Shou give you to let you take such a big risk to work for him?"
Money is certainly important, but once something goes wrong, it will lose your head. What could be more important than your head?
"What King Shou gave is just gold, silver and jewelry, so of course I don't take it seriously.
However, what King Zhong gave was far beyond what money could buy. As Fang Shijun knows very well, the saint is already sixty years old, not many years left. "
Antiochus smiled meaningfully.
"Loyal King!"
Fang Zhongyong stood up suddenly, but was quickly held back by Antioch.
“Although the person who came here was very secretive, I have been to the Shiwang Mansion to sell things countless times.
At one glance, he could tell that the person was Li Jingzhong, the envoy of the Ten Kings’ House! He betrayed the emperor of the day and took refuge in Prince Zhong!
I am leaving Chang'an today. The water here is too deep, and drastic changes are about to happen. Fang Shijun must take care of himself. "
Antioch patted Fang Chongyong's big hand heavily and said.
"You were afraid of being silenced, so you told me your secret. If you had an accident, someone would have to clear your name and tell your family that there is always someone to blame.
You are so deceitful. It’s a shame that we are still friends in Shazhou. "
Fang Chongyong said with a helpless smile.
"Isn't this because Fang Shijun is famous for his integrity? If it were anyone else, how could he dare to tell the truth like he did now?
A certain person speculated that something big would happen in Chang'an on the day of King Shou's wedding! To be precise, it is the place where weddings are held. Some people will assassinate saints and practice the power of dragons.
This news is very valuable to the other party, it can even be said to be life-saving news.
If something happens to someone in the future, wouldn't it be too much for you to tell the truth to someone's family in Hexi? "
Antiochus finally revealed his truest intention of coming today.
Whether Fang Chongyong told Li Longji or was just preparing to protect himself, it was none of his business as a businessman from the Western Regions!
People like them are in extremely dangerous situations when they participate in the high-level game of Datang.
You might be silenced if you do a favor, and you might be silenced if something goes wrong. It's better to stop playing and completely ruin it, and run away first.
"I understand, then take care of yourself along the way. Prince Zhong is even..."
Fang Chongyong remembered that Li Heng had killed his wife ruthlessly and sent someone to poison her. He deliberately reminded Antioch, but in the end he kept his mouth shut.
"It's nothing. You can leave Chang'an first."
Fang Chongyong waved his hands feebly and said.
In a few days, King Shou's wedding will be held. I'm afraid that this will be a complicated game that both father, son, monarch and ministers are well aware of.
Things have not been peaceful recently. For example, the Longwu Army that Brother Ji relies on has undergone great internal changes. Many of Wu Zhiyi's cronies were imprisoned in the "Beiya Prison" in Beiyuan where Longwu Army was located, and were interrogated there.
This was the earliest "military court" in the Tang Dynasty. After Li Yuan raised troops in Taiyuan and occupied Chang'an, he placed Taiyuan veterans here in Beiya and built yamen and prisons to rectify military law.
It is actually obvious why these officers were unlucky.
They serve as the backend for the gangsters in Chang'an City, who bully the city in Chang'an, collect protection fees, steal, rob, and even traffic people.
If you do too many of these immoral things, Brother Ji will have to clean them up.
After all, Brother Ji didn't get a penny of benefits from these bad things, and he was even scolded for not being able to manage Chang'an well.
Coupled with Wei Sanniang's incident, it is obvious that Ji Ge's dissatisfaction will explode.
The Longwu Army is unstable internally, and there are some princes outside who are ready to take action. Will nothing happen to King Shou's wedding?
Fang Chongyong thought about it for a while and felt that he could prepare for the news Antioch brought quietly by himself. There was no need to tell Brother Ji.
Since Brother Ji and his filial sons and grandsons are not fuel-efficient lamps, let's see which one of them will burn brighter.
Fang Chongyong sent Antioch to the door with complicated emotions.
However, what he couldn't see was that less than half an hour later, Antioch, a fat man with an unusually low profile, was walking on the side street between Chunming Gate and Jinguang Gate, which was the longest side street in Chang'an. An oncoming runaway carriage hit him!
When he was taken to the nearest hospital, he was completely dead.
(End of chapter)
