Department rushed to the imperial study, Cui Yuan has been waiting for a long time, he returned from Taiyuan after calm, only Hui Hui because of the rebellion in Xia, no time to look east, Dengli Khan sent envoys to the Tang Dynasty to conclude a peace treaty, recognized that the Tang Dynasty has control over the three surrendered cities, and to the north of the surrendered city thirty miles as a temporary truce, the specific boundary to be negotiated slowly between the two sides.

In addition, the disaster situation in various places has also been controlled, the price of rice is stable, there is no situation of fighting thousands of dollars, the political situation is calm, and the time for Li to come to the imperial study is much less.

At this moment, more than a dozen eunuchs on duty are busy in the imperial study of the Li department, ventilating, wiping dust, and burning incense, the weather is getting colder, and the charcoal brazier must also be prepared.

Cui Yuan looked at the eunuchs with a smile behind his back and looked at the eunuchs busy, as if he was an overseer, "Let Xiangguo wait for a long time!" ”

Suddenly there was a sound of talking behind him, and as soon as Cui Yuan turned around, he saw that Li had already appeared a few steps away, and more than a dozen palace people surrounded him, Cui Yuan hurriedly stepped forward to pay respects, "Minister Cui Yuan see His Majesty the Emperor!" ”

Li hurriedly helped him up, and complained again: "How many times have I said that I don't have to kneel when I see me, Xiangguo always doesn't listen. ”

"The minister is the head of the hundred officials, and he needs to set an example for everyone."

Li nodded with some emotion, "Aiqing is really my minister!" ”

At this time, the study had been cleaned up, and the eunuchs retreated in turn, and Li Department waved his hand to Cui Yuan and smiled: "Xiangguo, please speak in the room." ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The study was brightly lit, and a pot of coals was placed in the corner, gradually spreading the heat throughout the room. Li Xi fiddled with the paperweight on the case, and said with a faint smile: "I heard that the Xiangguo has an urgent matter, please say it!" I'm listening. ”

Cui Yuan pondered for a while, and then said frankly: "The minister is here to explain to His Majesty today for the sake of two rumors. ”

Li Department smiled, there was no interface.

"The first rumor is that the minister colluded with the Hui to trap His Majesty in the west and surrender the city." Cui Yuan said categorically: "Your Majesty, there is absolutely no such thing as a minister!" ”

I knew, so I just laughed it off. However, I hope that Xiangguo can find out the rumor-mongers and severely punish them according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty! Otherwise, it will affect the reputation of Sangkook. ”

Although Li said this, Zhu Xicai's coincidental appearance made him suspicious, I am afraid that this rumor is true. He smiled and said, "Come to me for this little thing, Xiangguo is indeed making a bit of a fuss, so let's talk about the next one!" ”

Of course, Cui Yuan would not think that this was a big fuss, that incident had always been a problem for his henchmen, and it suddenly appeared after half a year, indicating that someone with a heart had been secretly staring at this matter, if it was not calmed down as soon as possible, the person who was hiding in the dark would definitely have the next move. As for Zhang Huan's identity, maintaining his identity as a concubine of the Zhang family is far more important than the Li family's royal family, at least it cannot be recognized in official documents. He also had to put an end to it.

"Your Majesty's trust, the old minister is grateful, and the second thing the old minister wants to say is about Zhang Huan, the general of the Tianqi camp, now. There were rumors in Chang'an that he was the son of Prince Yu, and the old minister thought it was ridiculous, just because he was the son of the Zhang family. That's why he was not able to inherit the position of the head of the Zhang family, this is a well-known thing, Zhang Ruohao will never make such a joke about the clan affairs of the Zhang family in Hedong, this rumor must be someone who wants to provoke the relationship between His Majesty and Zhang Huan, so as to benefit the fisherman. ”

Li Department nodded, first Cui Xiaofu's reminder, and now Cui Yuan's analysis, he gradually doubted the authenticity of this rumor, and he remembered very well that the last person to clean up the East Palace was Cui Yuan, if there was really anything that slipped through the net, it should be surnamed Cui instead of Zhang.

However, there is still one doubt in the Li family that has not yet been clarified, that is, whose child is Zhang Huan's mother Chu Banglan is pregnant, whether it is Zhang Ruohao or Zhang Potian, or someone else, he must find out, otherwise, he will not be able to sleep peacefully.

"I won't believe it if there is no evidence, Zhang Huan will not be easily dismissed as a general in the heavenly cavalry camp, but the government affairs of Xiangguo are heavy, don't worry about these nonsense things in the future."

"Your Majesty, the three of you become a tiger, and people are terrible! These rumors will not only affect the reputation of the old minister, but also make some people who have illusions about the prince Yu have different intentions, and the old minister came to His Majesty today to ask His Majesty to stop these rumors.

”

The Li family had gradually heard Cui Yuan's intentions, he glanced at him vigilantly, and sneered: "Then how do you want me to stop it?" ”

Cui Yuan said slowly: "Since Your Majesty doesn't believe it either, then please ask Your Majesty to issue an order to clarify these two rumors." ”

Li didn't speak for a long time, Cui Yuan's scheming he had already understood, he never made a decision for no reason, he did everything for a purpose, and today, he only made an order for two rumors, this is by no means so simple, the collusion has passed, and there is no evidence, so I can not mention it for the time being, but Zhang Huan's life experience is not trivial, this is related to his own vital interests, and he must not be careless.

At this moment, the Li family was once again suspicious by Cui Yuan's strange request, is that rumor true?

"Xiangguo, it's okay if you want me to issue an edict, but you have to tell me whether Zhang Huan is the son of my eldest brother?"

Cui Yuan smiled faintly, "Your Majesty, it doesn't matter if he is true or not, the important thing is that the imperial court must not recognize him as the son of Prince Yu." ”

.

Just when the emperor and the two ministers in the imperial study were saddened by the two rumors, Cui Xiaofu and Feng Yuan had also arrived in the East Inner Garden, and the training of the polo players in the East Inner Garden was in full swing, and the day of the competition was getting closer and closer, and the final strengthening of the teams had also arrived.

Zhang Huan sat on the high wooden platform, although he was watching the training, but it was obvious that he had lost his mind, yes, polo is no longer important to him, the important thing is the future, this is a game between masters, everyone around him is treacherous, everyone has power, but he Zhang Huan is the weakest, and it just so happens that he is in the eye of the storm in this power struggle.

How to successfully escape from this power struggle is not just about his intelligence

。 It is a test of whether he can go to a high position, and the so-called royal bloodline is still important.

Like Pei Jun and Cui Yuan, Zhang Huan is also waiting for the opportunity, but it is not enough to wait, the key is that he must find a way to push the situation in his favor, and how his 3,000-day cavalry battalion can leave Chang'an.

These things seemed difficult to do, but he had to do it, and he needed a key in front of him. Suddenly, he felt something, looked up to the east, and Zhang Huan's eyes gradually narrowed. In the distance, a team of 100 people surrounded the queen's phoenix and was heading this way, Zhang Huan smiled faintly, what a coincidence, his key to the land is here.

"Minister Zhang Huan greets the queen."

In the middle of the night, Cui Xiaofu's soft laughter came from the carriage, "Your Majesty doesn't care about his polo team anymore, but this palace does." The game is coming up soon, and Hongu wants to see how they train.

”

"The sons and daughters are working hard, please rest assured. They will live up to their expectations. ”

"Hongu has to see it with your own eyes to rest assured." Cui Xiaofu slowly got off the car, and she smiled at Zhang Huan slightly: "The niece of the palace is also here today, she is quite interested in the East Inner Garden, please General Zhang accompany her to go around." ”

As she spoke, Cui Xiaofu beckoned to the car. I saw Cui Ning walking out of the car with a pink pleated skirt, her snow-white complexion made her extremely pretty, and her eyes were lowered. walked out of the car gracefully, never daring to look at Zhang Huan.

"This palace is going to see the golfer training, General Zhang, the county lord of Qinghe will ask you." Cui Xiaofu glanced at Zhang Huan meaningfully, and then walked towards the polo field surrounded by the palace people.

.

A gust of autumn wind blew, blowing Cui Ning's skirt, bringing her a chill, "Let's go over there for a walk!" Zhang Huan pointed to a few buildings, "It's a little windier over there." ”

Cui Ning nodded, followed Zhang Huan to the south, walked dozens of steps, the two still did not speak, just walked side by side silently, and a dozen personal soldiers and two palace maids followed them step by step.

To drive these pesky guys away, Zhang Huan quietly waved his fist at them, Cui Ning lowered his head and smiled, and glanced at him, the coquettish color made Zhang Huan's heart pound, he looked back again, more than a dozen nasty soldiers still followed slowly, Zhang Huan had to sigh helplessly.

In front of it is a small forest, which is covered with withered yellow fallen leaves, and the fragrance of wild fruits is filled.

"How are you now?" Cui Ning asked with her head down, her voice so small that it was drowned out by the rustling sound under her feet.

"Not good!" Zhang Huan shook his head.

"Why?" Cui Ning raised his head and looked at him with some surprise.

"I'm thinking about a person, but I can't see her all the time, she obviously lives in Daming Palace, and I'm in the East Inner Garden, she can come to see how the soldiers play polo, but she just won't come, it's easy to come once, but let me accompany her to see what Rausch scenery, she doesn't know what I want to see her, not what scenery?"

Cui Ning smiled but did not speak, after the passion on the side of Qujiang Pond was ignited, her thoughts about him deepened and deepened, she thought about him all the time every day, paying attention to all the news about him, he was defeated and returned to the Hui people and was rewarded as the founding uncle, she was happier and more excited than everyone else; He accompanied the emperor to Taiyuan, and when he heard that he had met an assassin, she was worried about him and did not think about tea and dinner; Later, it was rumored in the market that his background was bizarre, and she was worried and nervous about him. But today I finally heard him confide in himself, Ning was sweeter than drinking honey in his heart, and only felt that with his words, it was worth the thoughts and sufferings of most of the past six months.

But he couldn't let him underestimate himself too much, making him feel that he didn't know anything, Cui Ning bit his lip and laughed in a low voice: "Oh! I didn't know he was thinking about me, I thought he had forgotten what Qujiang Pond said, hey! I'm a stupid man by nature, I don't know how to be a polo strategist, and I don't have a grandfather to entertain people, how can I win over others? So I had to hide from afar, where did I dare to come to the East Inner Garden again to disturb the people in pairs. ”

Speaking of this, she glanced at him coquettishly and coquettishly, Zhang Huan was fascinated by her charming eyes, he pulled her in front of him with a smile, and said ambiguously: "But I am not a pair with them, but a pair with you here." ”

Cui Ning was hugged by him, her heart was sweet and nervous, her hands were twisted together, her face was red with shame, and she lowered her head and didn't dare to look at him.

Zhang Huan gently lifted her face, Cui Ning's eyes closed, and her whole body trembled slightly. The hand grabbed his arm tightly, Zhang Huan couldn't bear it anymore, lowered his head and kissed her red lips, with too long anticipation, with a hint of violent wildness, tightly hugged her in his arms.

In his strong manly atmosphere, Cui Ning had completely lost herself, and she hugged his waist with all her might, and met his kiss with all her might. At this moment, she wants to dedicate her body and mind, her deep love, and everything she has to him; They don't need to say anything more. They have reflected each other's hearts, and time and space cannot prevent them from thinking of each other.

A leaf fell, obscuring the shy sun, and the soldiers had long since avoided it, and they laughed loudly in the distance, as if to tell the people in the woods that they were quiet and that no one would disturb them.

Cui Ning's cheerful laughter could be heard from the woods. Like a yellow warbler passing through the treetops in the golden autumn, I saw her and Zhang Huan walking out of the woods holding hands, her face was full of dazzling brilliance. All the sorrow and sorrow between her brows vanished, and joy and happiness reappeared on her face once more, and a dozen or so soldiers ran in fear to the other end of the woods, stumbling and embarrassed.

They walked to the creek and sat down. The grass was soft, and the warm sun shone on them, and Zhang Huan plucked a few small golden flowers. Weaving a simple wreath and putting it on her, Cui Ning sighed happily and snuggled gently into his arms, at this moment, how she wished that time could stop at this moment.

Zhang Huan looked down at Cui Ning, and was impressed by her fleeting beauty that only women have during love

The ground was impressed,

Everything on her face, the curve of her red lips, her snow-white and crystalline skin, the vague smile on her face, the brilliance in her eyes, the sweetness of her voice, and even the half-sneering gesture when she mentioned her blind date. She.

Cui Ning fell into his arms, her eyes gradually becoming foggy, and at this moment, her body and mind quietly opened to him.

"I'm going to leave our best moments for our cave candles." Zhang Huan whispered softly in her ear, Cui Ning nodded shyly, and buried his head in his arms with a red face.

.

After a long time, they reluctantly stood up, holding hands and walking towards Zhang Huan's dormitory, from a distance, he saw the 'flags' on the wooden platform behind the dormitory, the sheets, cushions, and clothes were conspicuous in the sun, as if they were the emperor's guard of honor on patrol, Zhang Huan smiled bitterly, this flower girl is too diligent.

"Do you have a maid?" Cui Ning saw the thin flower brocade from afar, and saw her standing in front of the wooden platform, looking nervously at this side.

"I met an orphan in Taiyuan, and I accepted her when I saw that she was pitiful."

Cui Ning smiled slightly, she walked quickly to Hua Jinxiu's side, and asked kindly, "My name is Cui Ning, what is your name?" ”

Hua Jinxiu looked at Zhang Huan, she suddenly realized, and immediately gave Cui Ning a salute obediently, "My name is Hua Jinxiu." ”

Zhang Huan smiled approvingly, and he suddenly saw Cui Xiaofu's phoenix in front of the house, so he asked, "Are there any guests in the house?" ”

Hua Jinxiu nodded hurriedly, and she said nervously: "The queen mother is here and is waiting for you." ”

"I see!" Zhang Huan gradually calmed down, he looked at Cui Ning, Cui Ning smiled, and said to Hua Jinxiu: "You take me around!" ”

After that, she took Hua Jinxiu's hand and went with a smile.

Waiting for them to go away, Zhang Huan walked up the wooden stairs and went around to the front of the house, there was a row of guards standing at the door, and when he saw Zhang Huan coming, he immediately stopped him, and carefully searched his body before letting him in, Zhang Huan shook his head, this is into his own room, and he actually has to search his body.

There were three or four palace maids standing in the room, and Cui Xiaofu was sitting on her wisteria circle chair, sipping a cup of tea.

"Minister Zhang Huan, see the queen's mother!" Zhang Huan had a headache, and every time he saw her, he always had to kneel and salute once.

"Aiqing is exempt! Sit. ”

Cui Xiaofu gave a few palace maids a look, a few people retreated, and only the two of them were left in the room, and after a long time, Cui Xiaofu said slowly: "This palace has already seen the training, and the ball skills are slightly inferior to the Qing hippo team, but the murderous spirit is much more fierce than them, and the palace is very satisfied."

”

"Niang Niang has won the award, if they are given another year, they will be invincible in the world!"

Cui Xiaofu smiled and changed the topic: "I don't know what General Zhang's plans are in the future?" ”

"What else can I plan, I am a general in the Tianqi camp, so I naturally have to listen to the emperor's arrangement."

"Really?" Cui Xiaofu shook her head slightly, "I don't believe that General Zhang can't see the crisis in front of him, I tell you the truth, the emperor has obtained the allegiance of the next head of the Zhang family, once Duan Xiushi's army is stationed in Hedong, he will inevitably replace you with a new Tianqi battalion, where should you go?" Do you think Cui Yuan or Pei Jun will allow you to leave Guanzhong calmly? Even if you leave Guanzhong, where can you go? How to feed the 3,000 people? Burn and loot all the way, and occupy the mountains as kings? ”

Zhang Huan didn't seem to be moved by Cui Xiaofu's words, he smiled faintly, "Niangniang is a little alarmist, I am a member of the Zhang family, the emperor doesn't want me, I will naturally go to Hedong." ”

"Are you tempting me?"

Cui Xiaofu raised her eyes, looked at him and said with a smile: "Since you want to be tempted, then we will simply talk about it, I should call you Li Huan, right!" The emperor already knows your identity, and it is estimated that Zhang Liang also knows it, even if you go to explain to them, this is not true, but they will never let you go. ”

Speaking of this, Cui Xiaofu smiled coldly, and a deep hatred burst out of her eyes, "Do you know how your father died?" He died in front of the first emperor, he had nowhere to escape, and finally hid in the first emperor's bedroom, kneeling and begging the first emperor for help, but he still could not escape death, and was pierced through the heart by the current emperor, that is, his younger brother, and the first emperor was also frightened to death, at that time I hid next to witness all this, your father pointed to Li and Zhang Liang before he died, and only said one word, he said, my son will definitely avenge me! It is because of this sentence that Li Department and Zhang Liang will never let you go. ”

Zhang Huan was speechless for a long time, Cui Xiaofu's words deeply shocked him, he didn't feel the palace coup sixteen years ago, but it could come out of Cui Xiaofu's mouth, but it was so bloody and cruel, brotherly love, father-son love, husband and wife love, in front of the supreme throne seemed so pale and powerless.

Zhang Huan's fists clenched slowly, and he stared at Cui Xiaofu and said in a deep voice: "Just say it!" ”

"Good! You and I don't have to beat around the bush anymore. ”

Cui Xiaofu glanced at him deeply, and said frankly: "Zhang Huan, you are a smart person, I don't want to use Cui Ning as a bargaining chip, it is just a little bit of my mind to let you become dependents, I hope we can cooperate, you get out of the predicament, I can also get what I want, from today onwards, your Tianqi Battalion will obey my command." ”

"What does the mother want me to do?"

"Don't ask about this, what I'm going to do will become an opportunity for you to get out of trouble, I just ask you, are you willing to cooperate?"

Zhang Huan didn't answer immediately, he slowly walked to the window, looking at Cui Ning on the grass in the distance learning to weave garlands from Hua Xiaoniang, he smiled coldly, "It is Zhang Huan's honor to serve the queen mother." ”