Wang Yuan's face was as usual, and he smiled: "Yan Zhongshu, why don't you talk about the candidate in your mind." ”

Yan Zhenqing took the lead and said eloquently: "Then the official will say it directly." According to my Tang Dynasty's etiquette, the position of the prince should have been inhabited by the elderly. Now among the princes of His Majesty, Li Pu, the king of Yi, is the elder, and it stands to reason that it should be indisputable that the king of Yi is the crown prince. However, King Yi's conduct is not good, and he is not interested in pleasure, so he may not be able to take on a big responsibility. Especially in today's situation, even if the rebellion can be quelled, it still needs to have the lord of Zhongxing in power to restore the vitality of the Tang Dynasty, so the lower officials think that King Yi is incompetent. ”

Wang Yuan smiled and said, "What you said is reasonable, continue to speak." ”

Yan Zhenqing continued: "The first minister Yao Chong and Song Jing said. Governing the world and establishing virtue in troubled times. The lower officials thought it was very reasonable. In this chaotic situation, the new prince must be a virtuous person, and he can become the master of Zhongxing Datang in the future, which is the first thing to consider. However, with all due respect, today's extremely princes are probably not sages. Either domineering, or misconducting, or unreasonable, it seems to me that none of them are suitable. ”

Wang Yuan and Wei Jiansu looked at Yan Zhenqing blankly and were silent, it seemed that Yan Zhenqing was really drunk, and these words were also said. This is indeed a big disrespect, and if it spreads, this Yan Zhenqing will lose his head.

"Yan Zhongshu, I shouldn't have heard this. The problem now is that the new prince can only choose from among those few people. Even if they all have shortcomings, we can only choose one of them. Who do you think is more suitable? What do you think of Shouwang? Wang Yuan said in a deep voice.

Yan Zhenqing was stunned and said, "King Shou? Does Xiangguo belong to King Shou? ”

Wang Yuan said with a smile: "I'm just asking you if he's suitable, King Shou is elegant, full of poetry and books, sensible governor, and seems to be a good candidate." ”

Yan Zhenqing's head shook like a rattle, and he said continuously: "I don't agree with your evaluation of King Shou, if you want to ask me what I think, the first one I want to exclude among the princes is King Shou." ”

"Oh? Why? What's wrong with Shouwang? Let you rule him out in the first place? Wang Yuan asked quietly.

"I agree with Xiangguo when he says that King Shou reads poetry and books, but I don't dare to agree when he says that he is sensible and governor. Reading poetry and books does not mean that he can be sensible and sensible, Shouwang may have read a belly of books, but he has read crookedly. Although I didn't have much contact with him, a few contacts made the subordinate very disappointed in him. Not only is he unreasonable, but his stomach is full of crooked reasoning. What about reading more? If you don't know how to be reasonable, you are not virtuous and unkind. In the future, the master of the Tang Dynasty can be lacking in talent, and he can even do nothing, but he must not be without virtue and benevolence. After the turmoil, if the government of benevolence is not implemented, there will be no hope of prosperity. If there is another emperor who thinks he is stubborn and self-serving, the Tang Dynasty will really collapse. Yan Zhenqing said in a deep voice.

Wang Yuan smiled and said: "It turns out that King Shou is such a person in your mind, but I don't know how you know that he is all crooked, virtuous and unkind?" Are you familiar with each other? ”

Yan Zhenqing said: "I came to Chengdu for four days, and I had several disputes with King Shou because of disagreements. It's not that I'm dissatisfied with him because of my argument with him, but I found out that King Shou is actually a self-righteous person. He was supposed to be far-sighted and reasonable, but I didn't see him in the slightest. Just take the matter of arguing with him when I first arrived in Chengdu that day, we can know that in his opinion, all the subjects of the Tang Dynasty are dogs, horses, slaves, and maids, and everything they do is what they should do, and they can't have any pleasure. I strongly disagree with this. If the emperor does not have the slightest respect for his subjects, treats them as slaves, dogs and horses, and ignores their feelings, he will lose the hearts of the people and cause a catastrophe of destruction. It can be seen that King Shou reads a lot of books but does not understand the reason, full of crooked reasoning, and does not know the way of respect and tolerance, how can he be the right person? ”

Wei Jiansu said: "I was also present at the dispute that day, and what Yan Zhongshu said just now is true. I was also quite dissatisfied with King Shou's words and deeds that day. It's just that I don't like to argue with people, so I didn't speak. ”

Wang Yuan smiled and said nothing, Wei Jiansu was afraid that he would blame him for not speaking for himself that day, so he took the opportunity to defend a few words, this guy was very slippery.

"Well, since King Shou is not suitable, what about the rest of the princes? Yingwang Li Xuan, Yongwang Li Xuan, Fengwang Li Xuan, who do you think is more suitable for these three princes? Wang Yuan asked.

"King Ying and the former crown prince Li Heng are good friends, so it is not a suitable choice. Yongwang has some talents, but he has a reckless and irritable personality, and he ...... Moreover, there are some rumors in the palace about his origin, even if it cannot be confirmed, but people with doubtful bloodlines must not be allowed to inherit the throne. King Feng, he is so ambitious, his heart is higher than the sky, but his talent is insufficient. ”

Wang Yuan was stunned and said, "Isn't it appropriate for you to say this?" ”

Yan Zhenqing sighed: "Hey, when it comes to taking charge of Datang in the future, I really don't think about them." But under the current situation, only the eldest son can be plucked from the short, and the general can be selected from the soldiers. Among all the princes, King Feng Li Heng was slightly better. Although he is so ambitious and talented, at least he has a positive attitude and does not do anything ridiculous. Especially this time with Xiangguo, the performance is also satisfactory. Today, when the North Gate was giving relief, he said a few deafening words. Although that was an overstatement, it was at least better than other princes not daring to speak. ”

Wang Yuan hurriedly asked what Li Heng said in the afternoon, and Wei Jiansu repeated Li Heng's words during the relief at the North Gate in the afternoon, and Wang Yuan was also surprised after hearing it. Li Heng's words were indeed excessive, and it was rare for him to have the courage to say those words in public, which was also impressive.

After going around for a long time, Yan Zhenqing still ordered Li Heng, and Wang Yuan and Wei Jiansu were speechless. Especially Wei Jiansu, I thought that Yan Zhenqing had any new insights and candidates, and he was anxious for him, thinking that he didn't know the tendencies in Xiangguo's heart, but it turned out that everyone was thinking about one person.

Suddenly, even Wei Jiansu felt that this Yan Zhenqing was not playing tricks, and after a serious analysis for a long time, he put forward Li Heng's appropriate conclusion, which seemed to be even more unremarkable. Compared with his statement just now, as long as Wang Yuan puts forward the idea that he will support whoever is suitable, this kind of behavior seems to be more shrewd. Wei Jiansu couldn't help but sigh in his heart, it turned out that everyone didn't eat dry rice, and Yan Zhenqing, who looked upright, might actually be a person with a lot of bellies.

"Wei Zuoxiang, do you have any objections to what Yan Zhongshu said? What do you think of what he said about King Feng Li Heng being the crown prince? ”

Wang Yuan's question interrupted Wei Jiansu's thoughts, and Wei Jiansu hurriedly smiled and said: "What Yan Zhongshu said just now is very reasonable, although I dare not agree with the comments of the princes, but based on the virtues and talents of the princes, King Feng is indeed a suitable candidate." But there is one sentence that I don't know whether to say or not. ”

"Since everyone has their own opinions, what can't be said? That's it. There is no decision on the matter. Wang Yuan said.

Wei Jiansu said in a deep voice: "Wang Xiangguo, Yan Zhongshu." The matter of appointing the crown prince is extremely important, and the decision on this matter is actually in the hands of His Majesty. In fact, our courtiers only have the right to advise. At that time, Li Linfu was interested in King Shou as the crown prince, but His Majesty was interested in Li Heng. Li Linfu played many times, but His Majesty did not allow it. The current situation is that Your Majesty clearly has the intention of establishing the King of Life, and if I disagree with Your Majesty, what will happen? In the midst of this chaos, is it not good for the overall situation that there will be disturbances in the court because of the establishment of the crown prince? Originally, the founding of the country was to boost the morale of the army and the people and stabilize the hearts of the army and the people. ”

Wang Yuan nodded secretly, don't look at this Wei Jiansu as a slippery head, but these few words are old and serious. If the contradictions caused by the establishment of the crown prince become public, it will indeed worsen the situation and bring more chaos. I'm not afraid, but it's always bad for something like this to happen.

"What the left minister said is reasonable. I'll be honest with you, I actually also belong to King Feng as the crown prince, and the three of us have the same opinion, which means that King Feng is indeed a suitable candidate. But what Zuo Xiang said cannot be ignored, if His Majesty is interested in King Shou and does not want to make King Feng the crown prince, it is indeed a tricky matter. But then again, in this chaotic situation, we need to take on the future of the country, and if Your Majesty makes King Shou the crown prince with selfish intentions, it may not be the luck of the Tang Dynasty. You and I are both important ministers of the court, and for the sake of the country, we can't let Your Majesty make a wrong decision from selfishness. Are you right? ”

"What Xiang Guo said is very true, what the lower officials mean is not to cause too much trouble, it is best to be harmonious between the monarch and the minister, and properly resolve the differences." Wei Jiansu said busily.

"What does Yan Zhongshu think?" Wang Yuan turned his head and asked.

Yan Zhenqing thought for a while and said: "That's what the lower officials think, we only do our duty as courtiers, we only put forward candidates to fight for reason, if Your Majesty really doesn't agree, we have also fulfilled our duties." The things that should be said are clearly stated, the reasons that should be put are laid out, and His Majesty will not ignore the opinions of his subordinates. ”

"What if Your Majesty just doesn't agree?" Wang Yuan asked.

Yan Zhenqing frowned and said, "That...... That can only be done in accordance with His Majesty's will. His Majesty is the lord of the Tang Dynasty, and he has the right to decide. ”

Wang Yuan sighed, Yan Zhenqing's answer confirmed his judgment of Yan Zhenqing, and at the last moment, Yan Zhenqing would still choose to stand on Xuanzong's side. No matter how straightforward and frank Yan Zhenqing is, how dare he speak out, he is still a loyal and filial son in his bones. The so-called ministers and ministers throughout the ages are actually loyal ministers, and the starting point is actually to maintain the imperial power and the emperor.

"Well, the three of us can't decide on this matter. I think we need to consult with other colleagues. As Yan Zhongshu said, His Majesty's words of the courtiers should also be carefully considered, and if the hundred officials reach an agreement, His Majesty will be even more cautious. Therefore, let's not publicize this matter publicly for the time being, and from tomorrow we will consult the opinions of hundreds of officials separately and strive to reach a consensus. It is not necessary for everyone to agree, at least for the majority of people to be unanimous. Only after obtaining the consensus of all officials can we formally put forward the proposal. Your Majesty will see that most of the officials are unanimous, and he will carefully consider our opinions. The two of them worked harder, communicated and discussed more with their colleagues, but only in private, so as not to make a storm in the city. Wang Yuan smiled.

Yan Zhenqing and Wei Jiansu knew that Wang Yuan's subtext was to ask them to string up hundreds of officials to play together, which actually meant to persecute Xuanzong. Although Yan Zhenqing felt that it was a little inappropriate, he was relieved when he thought that this move was to prevent King Shou from becoming the crown prince. After all, it is for the sake of Jiangshan Sheji, and he is worthy of his heart.

A few people talked and talked about it, and drank a lot of wine. Yan Zhenqing finally got drunk and was sent back to his residence by Wang Yuan in a carriage.

……

The next morning, Wang Yuan came to the public room of the political hall and just sat down, when a small official came to report that General Li Mi asked to see him. Wang Yuan also thought that Li Mi had come to report that he had arranged for soldiers and horses to accompany Luo Wei to investigate the iron ore in the Kapok Mountains, but as soon as he saw Li Mi's hurried appearance and somewhat strange expression, Wang Yuan felt that something was wrong.

Li Mi entered Wang Yuan's public house with a cold wind, turned around and closed the door of the public room.

"What's wrong? What do you do when you close the door? The sun was shining, and I was thinking about soaking up the sun. Wang Yuan said with a smile.

Li Mi stepped forward and said in a deep voice: "Xiangguo, Li Mao has left Chengdu, do you know about this?" ”

Wang Yuan was stunned and frowned: "Li Mao left Chengdu? What do you mean by that? ”

Li Mi said in a low voice: "Yesterday afternoon, His Majesty went out to the north gate to help the people, and Li Mao went out of the north gate with a few followers at the end of the day, and never returned to the city after that. ”

Wang Yuan frowned and said, "Do you know where he went?" ”

Li Mi shook his head and said, "I don't know, when Your Majesty was helping the people, he didn't accompany him, but went directly out of the city to the north." My men didn't pay attention at first, thinking that he was just going out of town to relax or hunt, but they didn't see him come back until dark. I got the news after dark, but the old man was a little negligent and didn't take it seriously, thinking that he might have returned to the city from another gate. However, early this morning, I asked the guards of the four cities, and they all said that Li Mao did not enter the city yesterday. I felt that something was wrong, so I ordered someone to check in front of Li Mao's house and found that Li Mao was not at home at all. On weekdays, Li Mao gets up early in the yard to study, but today there is no one on the three poles, and the servants in his family are also lazy and lazy in the sun, so it can be seen that Li Mao is not at home. ”

Wang Yuan frowned and said, "What did he do when he went out of Chengdu?" Don't say hello or not? If the prince goes out of the city, he should make a request, and we will send troops to protect it. ”

"Isn't it? That's why the old man felt that something was wrong. The old man has ordered my eldest son, Zhenyuan, to lead the cavalry to chase along the way. You should be able to know his whereabouts from the mouths of the state capitals along the way. Li Mi said.

Wang Yuan thought for a while and said: "You have arranged it very well, Li Mao is a little suspicious to go out of Chengdu without permission, at this time, it is not allowed for the prince to leave His Majesty's side without permission." I think there will be a name for it. ”

Li Mi said in a low voice: "Sneaky, there must be a conspiracy." This may have been deliberately kept from us. The defenders of the north gate said that when he left the city, he rode His Majesty's white BMW of the Night Lion, but I don't know if it's true or not. If it is true, he is afraid that his sneaky trip was approved by His Majesty. ”

Wang Yuan was shocked and said, "You mean he is riding His Majesty's mount?" ”

Li Mi hurriedly said: "This news is unconfirmed. Not necessarily a white horse is a lion white at night. ”

Wang Yuan said coldly: "That's not simple, just go to Your Majesty's stable and take a look." Don't make a noise about this matter, wait for Li Zhenyuan to find out the news, and come back to report it. If you have your Majesty's permission to go out of the city, it is not unruly. He doesn't need the guards of my Divine Army, there's nothing to say, he has the right to do so. ”

Li Mi nodded and said, "What I said is that as soon as there is news, I will immediately come to Ming Xiangguo." ”

Li Mi gave up his hand and retreated, and when he opened the door and was about to go out, he suddenly turned back as if he remembered something: "By the way, there is still something to report to Xiangguo." ”

Wang Yuan smiled and said, "Is it to escort Luo Wei to Yaozhou Snow Mountain?" ”

Li Mi shook his head and said, "Is that incident still bothering Xiangguo?" Early this morning, I sent twenty cavalry to escort Luo Wei out of the city, and I am afraid that they are all twenty miles away at this moment. What I want to say is that in the morning, the guard of the East City Gate reported to me that two soldiers from the Shence Army on the outskirts of Chang'an had entered the city, saying that they were sent by Gao Xianzhi, the deputy marshal of Gao, to deliver a letter to Xiangguo. was led to Xiangguo's mansion, so the old man informed Xiangguo, lest Xiangguo go out for a while, and they would not be able to find Xiangguo's report. After all, it was news from the army, maybe it was some important military situation, and if he couldn't find Xiangguo in the political hall, wouldn't it delay the matter. ”

Wang Yuan hurriedly got up and said, "Oh? Is there such a thing? You'll have to take a look. If you don't have anything to do, come back with me and see what's going on. ”

Li Mi said with a smile: "What can happen to the old man, Chengdu is safe and secure, and I don't have anything else to do except patrol around." ”

"Well, come with me and see. Isn't it the deputy marshal Gao who captured Chang'an with great might? Wang Yuan said with a smile.

"I'm afraid it's impossible, if Deputy Marshal Gao attacks the city, how can he not ask Xiangguo's opinion in advance." Li Mi said.

"Yes, that's all I said." While speaking, the two of them left the government hall one after the other and got on the horse, and the group rushed onto the street and galloped away.

Not long after the group ran out, Wang Yuan saw the figure of Huang San who was trotting on the street on a horse. After seeing Wang Yuan, Huang San really came for this matter. The two soldiers were exhausted from running all night, and when they arrived at Wang Yuan's mansion, they were both tired and colorless. Huang San knew that he couldn't delay, so he ordered someone to arrange for the two of them to eat and drink to recover their strength, and rode a horse to find Wang Yuan, not wanting to meet Wang Yuan and his party halfway.

Everyone hurried back to the palace without stopping, and when they entered the courtyard, they saw two dusty soldiers in the courtyard under the sun, holding a large bowl and drinking hot rice