Yuan Mingyuan smacked his lips and frowned: "How can this be good?" How good is that? How can I wait a month? Xiangguo, if I go to Mount Emei to see the Emperor Taishang now, can I go back in half a month? ”

Wang Yuan waved his hand and smiled: "Do you want to take Mount Emei to find the emperor?" Dispel this thought. There are so many temples on Mount Emei, and we don't know that the Emperor Taishang worships Buddha in the temple on that mountain, and you can't find it if you look for a year. Unless you die on the Golden Top, but can you know when the Emperor will be on the Golden Top? If you want to go, I won't stop you, but don't blame me for not reminding you of this. ”

Yuan Mingyuan sighed, he knew that what Wang Yuan said was the truth, Mount Emei is a famous Buddhist mountain in the world, and there are not a thousand temples on the mountain, but hundreds of them, so when will they be found? In addition, the journey back and forth will take half a month, and it will take more time to search for it on the mountain. If you wait in Chengdu, you don't know when you will see it, and it seems that this errand is difficult to complete.

"That's it, how can it be so unfortunate, it seems that I can only do it." Yuan Mingyuan rubbed his hands and said, his expression was very uneasy, this trip was with Li Mao's secret decree, to further hint and intimidate Xuanzong, to put an end to Xuanzong's idea of returning to Chang'an, and to stay in Chengdu with peace of mind.

"There is still a chance, so, when the Emperor Taishang comes back, I will tell Your Majesty that it is, and then Yuan Neijian will come again." Wang Yuan said with a smile.

Yuan Mingyuan said: "That's all it takes." Then those things that His Majesty asked me to bring to honor the Emperor Taishang can only be entrusted to Xiangguo to hand them over. ”

Wang Yuan said: "Don't worry, leave it to me." ”

Yuan Mingyuan thanked him, although he felt regretful, but he didn't care too much. As long as those things are in the hands of the Emperor Taishang, the Emperor will naturally understand the intentions of His Majesty brought by his trip.

The two refilled a cup of tea and took a few sips each. Yuan Mingyuan's demeanor relaxed, and he said with a smile: "Your Majesty's dictation is only these two things for the time being. However, Li Pingzhang also asked our family to bring a few words to talk to Xiangguo. ”

Wang Yuan put down the teacup and said with a smile: "Is Li Dashuai?" I am an old friend of him, I haven't seen each other for a long time, and he has contributed a lot to the suppression of the rebellion. The capture of Chang'an City and the recovery of a large part of Hebei's state capital city are also great achievements. ”

Yuan Mingyuan smiled and said: "That's that, but his credit is far less than that of Xiangguo." His Majesty also issued a decree to reward him, but he was conferred the title of Duke of the Kingdom and the position of Pingzhang Minister. still has the two festivals of Hexi Shuofang, and also holds the position of the general of the forbidden army. When this trip came, Li Pingzhang specially found our family, talked about the past of working with Xiangguo, praised Xiangguo, and admired it so much. ”

Wang Yuan waved his hand and smiled: "That's his politeness, his ability is not below me, it's just that he is humble." I wonder what he said to you? ”

Yuan Mingyuan thought for a while and said, "These words are all private words, and they shouldn't have been conveyed by myself. But since Li Pingzhang is not outside, and he also knows something about this matter, it is not abrupt to say it. Xiangguo just listens, if you think it's inappropriate, you can leave with your sleeves, and we don't blame you. ”

Wang Yuan said with interest: "When you say that, I really want to hear it, it seems to be quite interesting." ”

Yuan Mingyuan said: "Then I can say it." ”

"Listen up." Wang Yuan said with a smile.

"I heard that when Xiangguo led his army south to quell the rebellion this time, he went to Yangzhou alone. Sitting in Yangzhou, commanding the soldiers and civilians of Yangzhou to resist several onslaughts of the rebels, right? ”

"Exactly, the matter is urgent, the rebels are going down the river, and the army can't catch up. In a hurry, I rushed to Yangzhou City in advance. God bless me Datang, Yangzhou's battle is dangerous and dangerous, but after all, it is still a dangerous victory. Wang Yuan said with a smile.

Yuan Mingyuan pouted again and again, with a look of admiration.

No wonder Li Pingzhang is full of praise for Xiangguo's move, who can match this courage and ability? There are less than 10,000 soldiers and horses in Yangzhou, and Yangzhou's city defense is not strong. It became a fortified city in the hands of Wang Xiangguo, and 80,000 rebels fled, which was really admired by people. When Li Pingzhang talked about this matter, his admiration was overflowing. ”

"Don't say that, I can't listen to these compliments, it's all in the past. It's not as hard as you think. And it's not my own. If you want to say admiration, you must admire the will of the Yangzhou military and people to resist the enemy, and the full assistance of Yangzhou officials. Wang Yuan waved his hand lightly.

"Yes, yes. We've heard about it too. The people of Yangzhou also spontaneously went to the city to kill the enemy, and the officials also regarded death as home. In particular, the Jiangnan Provincial Inspector made Hangzhou Assassin Shi Cui Daoyuan, and I heard that his Cui clan and several other clans had a lot of service in this battle, right? Yuan Mingyuan smiled and spoke, his eyes staring at Wang Yuan's face.

When Wang Yuan heard Cui Daoyuan's name, his heart suddenly moved. I had some impressions of the name Yuan Mingyuan before, but when I heard the name Cui Daoyuan, I suddenly remembered something. After the fire in Yanghualou that night, he and Cui Daoyuan spread their hole cards. One of the reasons why Cui Daoyuan was able to reach an understanding with himself was because Li Mao sent people to win him over and proclaim his decree, and at the same time, he also did something within the Cui family. That night, Cui Daoyuan interrogated Cui Yuanrong Cui Yuanping, and the two told the secret. And the name of the chamberlain who was sent to announce the decree was Yuan Mingyuan.

Afterwards, Wang Yuan basically knew the inside story, but he didn't care about the name Yuan Mingyuan, and at this moment he suddenly remembered, isn't this Yuan Mingyuan in front of him the Yuan Mingyuan who went to Jiangnan to announce the decree on behalf of Li Mao? No wonder he said just now that this matter has something to do with him, it must be about the Cui family.

"What Yuan Neijian said is very true, Cui Weng has made great efforts this time, and countless materials and manpower have been consumed. The excerpt I played also clearly stated the merits of the Cui clan and the officials and wealthy families who participated in the defense of the city, and Your Majesty should already know it clearly. Wang Yuan smiled.

Yuan Mingyuan nodded slowly, turned his head sideways and asked, "That's nature." However, what Li Pingzhang wants to say is not the credit of everyone, but some things about Xiangguo and the Cui family. ”

Wang Yuan said: "What's the matter?" ”

Yuan Mingyuan smacked his lips and said: "Xiangguo should know that after His Majesty ascended the throne, he sent people to Jiangnan to spread the decree, so that the Cui family and other major wealthy families in the southeast would contribute money and efforts to raise soldiers and horses to go north to quell the rebellion. The Cui clan and other clans have not been allowed to enter the official position since the time of Emperor Wu, and His Majesty has done so in a way that can be said to be a great grace to them. I was the one who made the decree, so I remember it clearly. His Majesty's decree also gave the Cui family another great grace, that is, His Majesty's decision to admit the eldest granddaughter of the Cui family to the palace and make her a noble concubine. Xiangguo doesn't know about this matter. ”

Wang Yuan's heart moved, but he said calmly on his face: "How can I know about this? The Cui family and I are not so harmonious that they have to report everything to me. This is a good thing, Your Majesty can win the hearts of the Cui family and the Jiangnan Hao clan by doing this. At this time, it is necessary for the Cui family and other clans to contribute money and efforts to rebuild the Tang Dynasty. ”

Yuan Mingyuan smiled: "Xiangguo really doesn't know? But about Xiangguo and the eldest granddaughter of the Cui family, Miss Cui, it is well known. Xiangguo didn't know that that Miss Cui was the candidate for His Majesty to be included in the harem and be crowned as a concubine. Xiangguo and her didn't spread some peachy things innocently, didn't this embarrass His Majesty? Li Pingzhang asked me to bring a message to Xiangguo, hoping that Xiangguo could restrain himself. Xiangguo really didn't know that His Majesty wanted to accept him as a concubine, but now that Xiangguo knows about it, he hopes that Xiangguo will not behave out of touch and cause criticism. Is it possible that Xiangguo wants to compete with His Majesty for women? ”

Wang Yuan's face changed drastically, and his brows were tightly locked. Is Lee Kwang-pil crazy? Let Yuan Mingyuan come to tell him these things, this is to be above himself. Does Li Guangbi think that he already has the qualifications to say irresponsible things to himself?

However, Wang Yuan quickly calmed down, thinking about Li Guangbi's intention to do this. Then Wang Yuan came to a conclusion. In doing so, Mr. Lee apparently suspected that he had reached some kind of agreement with the Choi family, so he wanted to warn himself to tear up such an agreement. He may think that after finding out to himself that His Majesty ordered Cui Ruoying to be the concubine, he would back down, after all, it is not a good idea to fight for a woman with His Majesty. Once he chooses to retreat, it is impossible to have in-laws with the Cui family. Then Cui Ruoying will be included in Li Mao's harem, thus re-establishing a close connection with the Cui family. All this is to get the support of the Cui family and the Jiangnan wealthy family. After all, only with their support can Li Mao quickly increase his strength, compete with himself and even do it to himself.

Li Guangbi, Li Guangbi, you have also taken great pains. It's a pity that you don't know that it is precisely because I know what you are doing that I decided to take love. You want me to let go, but I can only let you down. I want to decide this woman, and I dare to fight with Your Majesty about women, but I dare. The women of the Emperor are all in my house now, not to mention you Li Mao.

"Yuan Neijian, is there such a thing? I really didn't know there would be such an inside story. If I had known that His Majesty was going to take her as a concubine, how could I have associated with her? How good is that? It's embarrassing. Wang Yuan frowned and smacked his lips.

Yuan Mingyuan looked at Wang Yuan's embarrassed appearance and smiled secretly in his heart, and said in his heart: Do you also know that you are afraid? You robbed a woman with Your Majesty, aren't you looking for death?

"Don't blame those who don't know, our family is not using this to embarrass Xiangguo. Xiangguo is a suave person, and I heard that there are countless beautiful wives and concubines in your house. Originally, this was nothing? After all, Xiang Guo is a young and ambitious, high-capable, and handsome person, and he is exactly what women all over the world want to follow in their dreams. But Xiangguo also wants to see who the other party is, but he can't look at Ruyi and all of them will be included in the Fuzhong Golden House. Fortunately, Xiang Guo did not do anything out of the ordinary, Li Pingzhang just reminded Xiang Guo not to beat the idea of the eldest lady of the Cui family again. Then the matter will naturally be annihilated. Yuan Mingyuan smiled.

Wang Yuan frowned and said, "But, I'm afraid it's too late, I don't want to provoke the eldest lady of the Cui family." But...... But ......"

"But what? Could it be that Cui's and you already have a marriage contract? Cui Daoyuan is so bold? Yuan Mingyuan frowned.

"Not really. Cui Daoyuan didn't know anything about this, my dealings with the eldest lady of the Cui family were all private secrets, how could he know. Wang Yuan said.

"Then what are you hesitating about? Just don't provoke that woman again. Yuan Mingyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

"But ......," Wang Yuan said in a low voice, "But I already have a husband and wife with Miss Cui." Naturally, I can stop provoking her for Your Majesty, but the Cui family's daughter is not finished, Your Majesty ...... Can Your Majesty still accept her as a concubine? If Your Majesty can bear it, then I will have nothing to say. ”

"What?" Yuan Mingyuan looked at Wang Yuan blankly, eager to step forward and slap Wang Yuan a few times and scold a few words loudly. This Wang Yuan has already slept with that woman, if His Majesty accepts the daughter of the Cui family as a concubine, wouldn't it be to pick up the leftovers eaten by Wang Yuan and be cuckolded by Wang Yuan?

……

Wang Yuan almost laughed and left the political hall, Yuan Mingyuan's embarrassed appearance was too funny. This man has come on several important missions. The first is to stabilize oneself through proclamation and reward; the second is that he hopes to solve the troubles of Li Heng and others with his own knife; the third is to further prevent Xuanzong from returning to Beijing, so as not to create a dilemma; The fourth is to find out Li Mao's attitude towards the Cui family and prevent himself from getting closer to the Cui family, so as to continue to achieve Li Mao's intention to marry and win over the Cui family.

These four things are important and interlinked. From this, it can be inferred that those people in the capital may have racked their brains on how to deal with themselves.

Wang Yuan sneered in his heart, except for the first one, the other three of these four things would not let him get his wish. The emperor's grace is vast, and he has given himself the title of county king, how can he not receive this favor? What's more, there are many rewards, and those are all money. The only thing that made Wang Yuan feel guilty was the incident about Cui Ruoyu. I spread rumors that I have married Cui Ruoyu, and this matter may soon spread, which will cause huge damage to Cui Ruoyu's reputation.

When the news reached Hangzhou, I was afraid that Cui Daoyuan would jump to his feet angrily, and Cui Ruoyu would probably be reprimanded. This matter may need to be written to the Cui family and explained clearly to Cui Daoyuan and Cui Ruoyu respectively, otherwise once it is misunderstood, not only Cui Ruoyuan will be jealous of herself, but Cui Daoyuan may also blame herself for not keeping her promise and turning her face, which will really push Cui Daoyuan into Li Mao's arms.

"Tan Ping, tell the brothers guarding the Sanhua Building. During Yuan Mingyuan's stay in Chengdu, he was not allowed to get close to Sanhualou for half a step. It is necessary to prevent him from sneaking into the Scattered Flower Building to meet the Emperor Taishang. Wang Yuan instructed Tan Ping beside him. Tan Ping bowed his hand and left.

"Zhao Qing, have the scouts who went to Shuofang to hear the news come back?" Wang Yuan asked Zhao Qingdao again.

"Marshal Qiqi, I've been there for ten days, and there should be news back in three or four days. As soon as there is news, I will report it to the commander. Zhao Qing said in a deep voice.

"Well, this news is very important, and it must not be sloppy. By the way, you go back and tell Wei Zuoxiang, I won't attend the banquet for Yuan Mingyuan, and they will have full authority to receive it. I don't want to waste time on this Yuan Mingyuan. ”

"Humble obedience, a eunuch, is indeed not worthy of the marshal's politeness to him." Zhao Qing nodded.

……

At noon, the banquet for Yuan Mingyuan was held in Zhangyi Tower in Chengdu. Wang Yuan's failure to attend made Yuan Mingyuan very unhappy, after all, he was a messenger from the imperial court, and he came specially to announce the decree to Wang Yuan. Obviously, Wang Yuan didn't take himself seriously, which made Yuan Mingyuan, who had become the new emperor's confidant and chamberlain, very unhappy. This Yuan Mingyuan used to be an ordinary little chamberlain in Shouwang's Mansion with his tail between his legs, but with the accession of Shouwang to the throne, he also became the director of the chamberlain and became His Majesty's personal person. In Chang'an, except for Li Guangbi, his face is the largest. However, when he arrived in Chengdu, he realized that he was nothing. Only then did he think of all kinds of rumors about Wang Yuan. This person is really arrogant and arrogant, and he doesn't even want to have a meal with him. After making the decree, he threw himself aside, not even looking at it.

Fortunately, he was accompanied by Zuo Xiang Wei Jiansu and Zhang Yan Zhenqing, although these two people were no longer in Yuan Mingyuan's eyes at all, and they were not a person at all. But after all, the imperial court still recognizes their official positions, and having them as a companion can be regarded as a kind of face-saving compensation. Coupled with the abundance of wine and food, and the courtesy of accompanying guests, Yuan Mingyuan didn't want to worry about Wang Yuan's arrogance.

The wine has passed three rounds, and the dishes have passed five flavors. Wei Jiansu, who was exquisite, also listened to what he said, and Yuan Mingyuan gradually entered the state, chatting and laughing with everyone.

"Chengdu is indeed a good place, our family gossip in private, the atmosphere here is better than the capital I don't know how many times. Our family walked on the street, and the people on the street were smiling, as if life was not bad. No wonder you people don't want to go to the capital. Wei Zuoxiang Yan Pingzhang, you are living a very good life. I don't know that everyone in the capital is busy with their feet touching the ground, and they are half tired to death. Many people return to the capital every day, and just settling down for relief is a lot of trouble. There is a shortage of materials and food, noisy all day long, either there is an accident here, or there is an accident there, where is it as comfortable as Chengdu? No wonder even the Emperor Taishang had to stay in Chengdu. Yuan Mingyuan said foamingly.

Wei Jiansu didn't realize anything, but Yan Zhenqing couldn't stand this kind of words, he heard Yuan Mingyuan's words and seemed to think that these officials who stayed in Chengdu were greedy for comfort and lived in Chengdu. Moreover, as soon as he heard that a large number of people in the capital had returned and needed relief to settle down, he was a little anxious.

"Eunuch Yuan, we are not greedy for comfort. Emperor Taishang stayed in Chengdu, and we can only stay in Chengdu. But soon, the Emperor will go to the capital, and the official will also go to the capital with the Emperor, and he will be able to make a modest contribution to His Majesty at that time. Yan Zhenqing Shen