The most ruthless imperial family.

Up and down for thousands of years, there has never been a successful emperor, the definition of "success" is that it can not only create a vigorous cultural and martial arts prosperity, but also the father and son filial piety, the harmony of the heavenly family, not only very loved by the subjects, but also the children of the family are filial, brothers and brothers.

It's a pity that there is not a single emperor like this.

In a family with supreme power, where does "filial piety" and "harmony" come from? It is human nature to compete for fame and fortune, born in such a family that gathers the world's supreme power, whether it is a father or a son, one by one has become a beast vying for power, seemingly noble family, in fact, in their bones is the law of the jungle, they use the most cruel and naked means to solve any opponent who hinders their ascension to the throne of power, even if this opponent is their father and brother, they still do not hesitate to kill the killer. The difference is that they put on a coat of morality and righteousness, making outsiders look less ugly and dirty.

Among the emperors throughout the ages, Li Shimin has been a very successful emperor, his mind, his bearing, and his eloquence have all left a strong mark in the history books, but look back at his children......

The brighter the image, the darker it is.

Li Shimin said that he failed, and this sentence is not wrong.

It's a pity that it is difficult to get the sympathy of others in such a failed life, and when power and family affection cannot be both, he has made his own choice back then.

At the last moment of his life, the person he could trust wholeheartedly was only Chang Tu, who was not related to him, and only "pitiful, ridiculous and pathetic" could explain his mood at the moment.

Chang Tu knelt in front of Li Shimin and wept silently.

He is just a shadow in this life, he has been driving with Li Shimin all the year round, and he has experienced events and knows more secrets than anyone else, but he is just a shadow.

When the master's life comes to an end, the shadow loses its meaning of existence.

"Your Majesty is the co-lord of the world, and the emperor who created the prosperous era of Zhenguan, you will be able to leave your name in history, and the foundation of the Tang Dynasty will be able to last for thousands of years, and it will be prosperous forever, and it is a blessing for the old slave to follow His Majesty for so many years." Chang Tu choked and sobbed.

Li Shimin smiled bitterly: "The history books are praised and dispraised, I can't see it anymore, I can't even tell the merits and demerits of this life, even I can't tell myself, how can the historian do his best when he writes?" I hope they can show some mercy and give me a fair explanation......"

Li Su choked and said: "Your Majesty's martial arts are rare, the minister still admires it, it is the honor of the minister to be His Majesty's minister, the minister is very fortunate to come to this era, the future history will not stain the name of His Majesty, the minister promises." ”

Li Shimin looked at him with a smile and said: "Zi Zheng is relieved, I am very relieved, it's just that these are posthumous things, I hold the power of the world, and I can't stop the leisurely mouth of future generations, and I accept it calmly ...... merits and demerits."

The waist pole suddenly straightened up, Li Shimin hesitated for a long time, lowered his voice and said: "Zizheng, I summoned you today to tell you a few words......

Li Su lowered his head and said, "Listen." ”

Li Shimin said slowly: "I have had many henchmen over the years, some of which have been settled forever, such as Xue Yantuo, such as the countries of the Western Regions, but some of the henchmen's troubles are still there, the external troubles are easy to settle, and the internal troubles are difficult to get rid of. I am the lord of the world, I want to get rid of the heart and fear the tail, dare not move, I originally planned to slowly plan these years, maybe only ten years, can achieve a little results, but the day is not a holiday...... Zizheng can know what kind of heart trouble I am talking about? ”

Li Su didn't raise his head, and said without thinking: "The minister knows that His Majesty is worried about ...... Gate valves and gentlemen. ”

Li Shimin showed a look of approval, nodded and said, "Zizheng is smart, I am very easy to talk to you." Needless to say, I'm about to die, the Tang Dynasty will be handed over to the pheasant slave, and he has the eldest grandson auxiliary machine and you to assist, the country will not be decadent, but the gate valve and the scholar clan will be a big disaster for the Tang Dynasty imperial power after all......"

Saying that, Li Shimin's expression was solemn, and he said in an aggravated tone: "Within three generations, the Tang Emperor must eliminate the power of the gate valve and the scholar clan, must!" Otherwise, the society is in danger! ”

Li Su pondered for a moment and said in a low voice: "If you want to completely get rid of the Gate Lords clan, you can't do it within three generations, but the ministers are willing to assist His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and make every effort to weaken the power of the Gate Lords clan." ”

Li Shimin nodded slowly, and said with a relieved expression: "I didn't even tell you about this matter, but I told you, one is because the auxiliary machine is also from the door valve, I am jealous, and the other is that the auxiliary machine is old, and Zizheng is still very young, you are the prime minister's choice of my choice, you are humble and intelligent, and more importantly, you are from a peasant family, and you have nothing to do with the gate lord clan, this matter is handed over to you, I am very relieved......

"The minister will do his best."

Li Shimin sighed: "You were born with a delicate mind, often full of wisdom when encountering problems, no matter the overall situation or subsections, you have rules and regulations, how to cut off the gate lord clan, you must have your ideas, I will not interfere much, I have more than 10,000 advice in this life, but after all, I am still defeated on the conceit, the future strategy and national policy, I will not participate, the court has a son, I can rest assured." ”

After speaking, Li Shimin closed his eyes, his expression full of exhaustion.

Chang Tu stepped forward quietly and said in a low voice: "Your Majesty should rest......"

Li Shimin still closed his eyes, shook his head and said: "Don't stop, I feel in good spirits today, while I am sober, I must finish explaining what should be explained......

Saying that, Li Shimin suddenly said: "Chang Tu, pass on my will, immediately expel all the soldiers in the palace from the palace, and burn all the refined pills, and the emperor of the Tang Dynasty will not be allowed to indulge in pills and seek immortality in vain." ”

Often painted collars.

A sarcastic smile appeared on the corner of Li Shimin's mouth, and he muttered, "Immortal...... How ridiculous, but the emperors of the past and present believe it, even I am no exception, this dream of immortality should wake up! ”

Li Su bowed and saluted: "Your Majesty Shengming." ”

Li Shimin sighed: "I only woke up when I was dying, how can I be 'Shengming'?" It's just another mistake to be corrected, I hope that the emperors after the Tang Dynasty will be stronger than me, and I can turn a blind eye. ”

Seeing that Li Shimin's complexion was getting weaker and weaker, Li Su couldn't help but say: "Your Majesty, you have said a lot of things today, it's time to rest, the time is long, there are many things to do, you don't have to fight for the day, take care of your body." ”

"I ...... There is no day, there are many things that have not been done in this life, many things have not been done well, and until this moment, there are still regrets......" Li Shimin muttered for a moment and said: "I should have finished everything that should be said, right?" ”

After thinking for a long time, Li Shimin nodded slowly: "It should be finished, there is nothing to say, it is all in the national luck of the Tang Dynasty, I just hope that the emperor in the future will be stronger than me, stronger than me......"

Li Su and Chang Tu knelt in front of Li Shimin and sobbed.

As Li Shimin spoke, his complexion slowly became ruddy, his spirit improved a lot, and his dull and cloudy eyes suddenly returned to their former sharpness.

Li Su saw his sudden change in his complexion, and his expression became more and more sad.

After being silent for a long time, Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "The matter has been explained, so let's step down." ”

Li Su pursed his lips, gave Li Shimin a long salute, and then slowly retreated outside the hall.

At this moment, Li Su was also in a state of confusion, and he didn't know how to say goodbye to this wise emperor.

Emotionally disturbed, he retreated to the door of the hall, and Li Shimin suddenly stopped him.

Li Su looked up, but saw a smile on the corner of Li Shimin's mouth.

"I suddenly want to drink, can Zizheng be willing to drink with me?"

Li Su was stunned, but Chang Tu knelt down in front of Li Shimin and cried: "Your Majesty is not well, don't drink." ”

Li Shimin looked at Chang Tu with a smile and said: "You and I both know that I have been difficult to treat, and today is the return date, since it is difficult to treat, why should I lie on the sickbed and die without dignity?" Haha, the oil is out of light, when I want! Come to someone, move to Lingyan Pavilion, and call Taichang Temple to sing and dance! Zizheng, go with me, are they all there outside the palace pheasant slaves and auxiliary machines? Let's go, and I will drink with them again, and say goodbye...... You can't rush it. ”

Chang Tu suddenly stopped crying, was silent for a long time, and gradually showed a smile on his expression, mourning and smile intertwined, like Luoying who was about to turn into spring mud.

…………

In front of Lingyan Pavilion.

The square in front of the attic was deserted, surrounded by guards in the Taiji Palace. The square was quiet, it was still spring, but the wind was unusually strong, blowing the flag in front of the white jade carved fence.

Li Zhi, the eldest grandson Wuji, Li Ji and others were already waiting in front of the square, in front of the ministers, all the princes and princesses had arrived. A group of people quietly waited for Li Shimin's imperial chariot to arrive. Including the crown prince, nearly 100 civil ministers and military generals gathered in the square, and the scene was like the grand occasion of the Lingyan Pavilion in the past.

The same place, the same people, but today is completely different from the joyful and triumphant atmosphere of the past, everyone gathers in one place, no one speaks, and occasionally the sound of sobbing and choking can be heard from the crowd, and everyone's face is extremely sad and solemn.

For a long time, under the escort of the Yulin guards, Li Shimin's imperial chariot came slowly, Chang Tu followed the side of the imperial chariot as usual, and Li Su walked on the other side.

Seeing the arrival of the imperial chariot, Li Zhi led the ministers to kneel down to greet each other, the imperial chariot stopped for a long time, Li Shimin's coughing sound came from inside, Chang Tu helped the rickety Li Shimin to slowly walk down step by step, after stepping off the imperial chariot, Li Shimin waved his hand, pushed Chang Tu away, and slowly walked the ministers.

His gait was slow, pausing with each step, as if he were reserving the strength to take the next step, accompanied by a constant cough and a rapid wheezing. It can be seen that he is trying to straighten his waist and maintain the majesty of the emperor, but after all, the oil runs out, and the appearance at this time is clearly an old man in his last years, and every step he takes seems to be the last step in life.

Seeing Li Shimin's painstaking steps, still stubbornly not allowing anyone to support him, all the ministers felt sour in their hearts and shed tears.

The hero is in the twilight, the heroes are withering, and at this moment of dying, he is still like an unyielding warrior, holding on to the years and reincarnation in one breath, and the lonely back under the sunset is so tragic.

Li Shimin stubbornly slowed down, one step at a time, and refused anyone's support.

Walking to the jade steps in front of Lingyan Pavilion, Li Shimin raised his legs with great difficulty, wanting to step on that step stone, but after trying several times, he couldn't step up after all.

Chang Tu next to him was in tears, and couldn't help but step forward and stretch out his hand, just touching Li Shimin's sleeve, but he was slammed by him, and said angrily: "Get out!" Although I am sick, I don't want to die by the hands of others! ”

Chang Tu retreated gloomily.

Li Shimin continued to try to step on the steps, the eyes of all the ministers in the square were staring at him, countless people wanted to step forward to help him, but they didn't dare, even Li Zhi hid his face and cried and didn't dare to move.

However, Li Shimin can't step on that step stone after all, he can easily step over the steps on weekdays, but today it seems to have become an insurmountable moat, Li Shimin supported his knees with both hands, and struggled upward, his eyes were still familiar domineering and unyielding, but he still couldn't step over.

Panting and hanging his head, Li Shimin was sad, but a hand suddenly stretched out next to him and held his elbow, Li Shimin was furious, turned his head to look, but saw Li Su looking at him with a smile.

"Your Majesty has said more than once, you have created this thousand-year-old foundation, it is not the work of Your Majesty alone, so many founding ministers and military generals, they all extended a hand to Your Majesty back then, can Your Majesty allow the minister to extend a hand as well?" Li Su smiled gently.

Li Shimin was stunned, nodded thoughtfully, and then turned into a sigh.

"Zi is a peerless national soldier, I have the hand of the national warrior to help me, I am lucky, thank you Zizheng." Li Shimin's expression was solemn.

Li Suhui replied with a solemn expression, and said word by word: "I am willing to support Your Majesty all the time, and the same will be true in the future." ”

Li Shimin smiled with satisfaction: "The founding monarch and ministers are old and old, and the time is short, but fortunately there are successors to the Tang Dynasty, and I can look at them." ”

Raising his eyes, Li Shimin saw Li Zhi in front of the crowd, smiled and beckoned to Li Zhi, and said, "The prince comes forward." ”

Li Zhi hurriedly trotted forward and stood in front of Li Shimin with tears streaming down his face.

Li Shimin touched the top of his head, his eyes were full of doting: "I want to live for a few more years, it's okay for a year or two, you are too young, I don't understand a lot of things, I want to teach you more, but it's a pity that ......"

Li Zhi couldn't help crying: "My father is protected by God, and he will live a long life, so I beg my father to listen to the words ......of the imperial doctor, so that he can be diagnosed and treated."

Li Shimin shook his head with a smile: "Medicine doctors don't die of disease, my father has reached the end of his life, and the medicine stone is difficult to treat......"

After a pause, Li Shimin said again: "I have already told you about the things that should be instructed to you, don't say more, when the monarchs and ministers gather today and have fun, come, you two help me up." ”

Li Zhi and Li Su held Li Shimin's arm one left and one right, and walked up to the stepstone step by step.

On the square, the princes and princesses and the ministers knelt down one after another, calling the Son of Heaven with a crying voice.

Li Shimin nodded slowly with a smile to the ministers as he walked, but what he saw were crying faces, and what echoed in his ears was the crying of everyone.

Li Shimin crossed the ministers, slowly walked to the front of the Lingyan Pavilion, raised his eyes weakly, and Li Shimin said in a low voice: "Come on, open the Lingyan Pavilion." ”

The eunuch hurriedly opened the door of the Lingyan Pavilion, and there were many portraits of heroes hanging high in the main hall of the attic, and the portrait of Gaozu Li Yuan was placed in the center, and next to it was the portrait of Li Shimin.

The monarch stared silently at the portrait in the attic, Li Shimin's gaze seemed to be stagnant, from Gaozu to many heroes, his gaze swept one by one, and finally stopped at his own portrait.

The portrait of Li Shimin riding a war horse, wearing armor, and a sharp sword in his hand pointing obliquely at the sky, is truly heroic and high-spirited.

Li Shimin stared at himself in the portrait, his eyes were full of sighs, as if he was recalling something, for a long time, Li Shimin smiled, pointed to the portrait and said to Li Zhi beside him: "Pheasant slave, look at it, that is what I looked like back then, I was leading you Uncle Qin, Uncle Cheng and their conquest of the Tyrannical Sui......

Li Zhi nodded with a tearful smile.

Li Shimin sighed: "The words 'back then' seem to be a lifetime away, so far away...... Half of the people in these portraits are gone, and I'm almost gone......"

Shaking his head, Li Shimin staggered around and said, "Today's banquet, you should be happy, haha, come, help me to take a seat." ”

Li Zhi and Li Su supported him, walked to the low table and sat down cross-legged, Li Shimin propped his hands on the table, gasping for breath quickly, the section of the road he had just walked seemed to have exhausted his strength.

The ministers watched him quietly, watched him breathe, watched him raise his trembling hands, and ordered a feast.

The palace people quickly brought up the royal banquet and wine prepared in advance, and often poured half a cup of wine for Li Shimin with tears, Li Shimin sniffed it, and then smiled and said to Li Su next to him: "This is the liquor created by Zizheng, drinking it is like cutting the throat with a fast knife, the pain is happy, the world's treasure knife should be matched with heroes, and the wine should also be matched with heroes. ”

Before Li Su could answer, the eunuch next to him had already placed two low tables on the left and right sides of Li Shimin, and Li Zhi and Li Su had to sit down silently.

The eyes of the civil and military generals below flashed, in front of Lingyan Pavilion today, Li Su was able to sit beside Li Shimin, it seemed to be Li Shimin's casual mention, but no one knew whether Li Shimin did it deliberately. After all, although Li Su is young now, it is conceivable that in the court of Li Zhi in the future, Li Su's powerful position will be completely different from that of the Zhenguan Dynasty.

In the Zhenguan court, who is qualified to sit next to Li Shimin?

It is the eldest grandson Wuji and Fang Xuanling, the only two.

And what about Li Su? After Zhenguan, what kind of status he will have in the new dynasty can actually be seen from today's seat.

Jue Feng County Duke, the experience bar is about to be full. Shangshu Province Youcheng is only one step away from Shangshu Province's servant shooting, and this person is only twenty-six years old this year!

The people below speculated about their intentions, Li Shimin supported one hand on the table, and the other hand on the pu mat, Li Su was close, and saw that his arms trembled slightly, Li Shimin at this moment actually couldn't sit still at all, completely relying on the strength of his arms to support his body, and his face became more and more pale.

Li Su sighed gloomily, and whispered to the eunuch behind him to take two bear skins and roll them up, put them behind Li Shimin, and let his back rest on the bear skin.

Li Shimin realized this, turned his head to look behind him, and smiled at Li Su again.

Trembling stretched out his hand, holding the cup tremblingly, Li Shimin laboriously straightened his waist and raised his lamp to face the ministers.

"In the 30 years of the Tang Dynasty, Zhuqing has the labor of governing the world, the merit of fighting horses, and I also have the righteousness of sharing weal and woe, I respect Zhuqing, Datang...... Wansheng! ”