As the New Year is getting closer and closer, the atmosphere of the New Year in Chang'an City has also begun to thicken, the sound of firecrackers can be heard everywhere, firecrackers are not today's firecrackers, but to throw a short bamboo into the fire, listen to the crackling sound of its burning, in order to drive away ghosts and evil spirits, and every household began to change window paper, sweep away filth, paste peach charms, pound rice cakes, hang wind chicken, smoke bacon, the whole Chang'an City is immersed in the joy of the New Year.

On this morning, a team of people came from outside the Jinguang Gate of Chang'an, this is also an army, about 100 people, all of them are bright and bright, burly, the main general among them is about 40 years old, the face is thin, there are three long beards under the chin, although he is wearing armor, but with a bit of Confucianism, he is the Longyou, Hexi Jiedu envoy Wang Zhonghei.

Wang Zhongsi was known as the god of the Tang Dynasty in later generations, he commanded the army for 20 years, won a hundred battles, and made immortal contributions to the peace of the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty.

Last year, his military career reached its peak, and at the same time concurrently served as the envoy of Shuofang, Hedong, Longyou, and Hexi, and almost half of the border army of the Tang Dynasty was in his hands, and he enjoyed extremely high prestige in the Tang army.

At the beginning of the year, he was dismissed from Shuofang, Hedong Jiedu envoy, in July, Li Longji ordered him to take Shibao City, but he refused, Li Longji then ordered the general Dong Yanguang to attack Shibao City, but failed miserably, Dong Yanguang put the responsibility on Wang Zhongsi, Li Longji was furious, Wang Zhongsi was summoned into Beijing.

Du Yanbin, who followed his staff behind Wang Zhongsi, was the opposite of Wang Zhongsi's calmness, but Du Yanbin was worried, and he persuaded Wang Zhongsi more than once that he could not resist the emperor's will, but Wang Zhongsi always believed that 'Shibao City is difficult and dangerous, Tubo is defended by the whole country's troops, and the Tang army will attack it, and tens of thousands of casualties will be killed and wounded, and it may not be able to take it, and the gains outweigh the losses, so it is better to think long and wait for the opportunity. ’

Du Yanbin failed to persuade Wang Zhongsi in the end, and what worried him even more was that he heard that Dong Yanguang had sent a secret letter to the saint a few days ago, and he was afraid that the content of this letter would make Wang Zhonghei more auspicious.

"Dashuai, it's better to go and ask the Holy Lord for sins immediately, maybe there will be a turnaround." Du Yanbin persuaded Wang Zhonghei in a low voice.

Wang Zhongji shook his head and said, "If he has the heart to get rid of me, what is the use of asking for sin?" ”

As soon as he finished speaking, a large group of people suddenly drove in front, with hundreds of Lin Fei riding, the first two in front, one was a civil official, and the other was a eunuch, the eunuch rushed forward and asked sharply: "The person who came is Wang Zhonghei, the envoy of Longyou Jiedu?" ”

Wang Zhongsi arched his hand and said: "It's down there!" ”

The eunuch sneered, raised the white hemp holy decree in his hand, and said, "Your Majesty's decree is here, and Wang Zhonghei will take the decree." ”

Wang Zhongsi hurriedly turned over and dismounted, knelt on the ground and said, "Minister, Wang Zhonghei, take Your Majesty's holy decree." ”

The eunuch brushed the ground and opened the holy decree, and said loudly: "Longyou and Hexi Jiedu envoy Wang Zhonghei, deeply blessed by the Holy Grace, but he does not want to repay the king, supports the army with self-respect, and is suspected of rebellion. ”

The eunuch received the holy decree, waved his hand to the left and right, and shouted: "Take it for me!" ”

rushed up to a large group of Yulin troops, and pressed Wang Zhongsi left and right, Wang Zhongsi's personal soldiers were shocked, and hurriedly stepped forward to save him, Wang Zhongsi turned around and shouted, "You must not be presumptuous!" ”

At this time, the civil official turned over and dismounted, arched his hand to Wang Zhonghei and said: "Wang Zhijun, in the lower Dali Temple Shaoqing Jiwen, wronged Wang Zhijun to go with me." ”

Wang Zhongsi felt sad in his heart, and he sighed and said: "I hope Ji Shaoqing can enforce the law impartially and give Wang a justice." ”

Ji Wen sneered and said, "Justice is in the heart of the saint. ”

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In just one morning, the news that Wang Zhongsi was arrested on the streets of Chang'an spread all over the city, and the general who had mastered half of the border army of the Tang Dynasty actually fell into the fate of being arrested, which made countless people sigh, but there were also discerning people who thought that it was a matter of time, Wang Zhongsi's military power was too strong, and it had caused the suspicion of the saints.

These two days happened to be the sacrificial stove consecutive ten-month rest, and the court rested for two days, and Gao Lishi also had half a day of leisure, and did not go to Xingqing Palace to serve the saint.

As usual, Gao Lishi came to the polo field to watch the players practice, but today he was a little absent-minded, he had already learned the news of Wang Zhongsi's arrest, although he knew that Wang Zhongsi was in danger, he still underestimated the determination of the saint, it was obvious that the saint did not want to listen to Wang Zhongsi's explanation.

Gao Lishi sighed softly, Wang Zhonghei has become an iron case, and no one can save him, the key is the prince, how deeply the prince will be involved in this case, this is what he cares about.

At this time, there was a burst of cheers on the polo field, and the practice game was over, and Team A led by Li Qingan defeated Team B by a big score.

The polo players stepped forward to ask for a reward, and Gao Lishi smiled and said to the housekeeper next to him: "It's rare to be in good interest today, and everyone will be rewarded with a hundred dollars." ”

"Xie Aweng's reward!"

The polo players were overjoyed and thanked them one after another to receive the money, and then Gao Lishi said to Li Qingan: "Qilang, please stay!" ”

"Is there anything wrong with Gao Weng?"

"You can go with me to the back garden!"

Li Qing'an nodded, since he served as the inspector of the Nine Gates, he has rarely had time to practice polo, and today he also specially took half a day to practice with the Colliers polo team.

The back garden on the house of Colliers is very large, there is a natural lake, the lake has formed a thick layer of ice, the surface of the lake is smooth and mirrored, several people are repairing the path by the lake, seeing Colliers coming, they have got up to salute.

Gao Lishi smiled and waved his hand to keep them busy, and the two walked a corner, and Gao Lishi said slowly: "Shichiro, have you heard about what happened this morning?" ”

"I've been in Gao Weng's Mansion all morning, I don't know what happened?"

Gao Lishi sighed and said, "This morning, Wang Zhongji was imprisoned. ”

Li Qingan was stunned, isn't Wang Zhongsi the envoy of Hexi and Longyoujie? How could you get caught? As soon as the thought turned in his mind, he asked, "Was he arrested in Longyou or in Chang'an?" ”

Gao Lishi glanced at him and said, "He is returning to Beijing to report on his work, and he just entered the city early this morning to receive the holy decree, Qilang, what do you think of this matter?" ”

Li Qingan lowered his head and pondered, he only knew that Wang Zhongji was arrested in history because he had too close a relationship with the crown prince, but he didn't know the specific details, and he didn't expect this incident to happen in front of him.

"Gao Weng, if you have anything to tell me, please feel free to tell me."

Colliers glanced at him approvingly and said with a smile: "You are very smart, you guessed what I meant at once, I wanted you to do something for me." ”

"Gao Weng, please speak!"

Gao Lishi walked a few more steps with his hands behind his back before he said slowly: "You bring a message to Li Xiangguo for me and tell him that fine water can flow for a long time." ”

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Xingqing Palace, Li Linfu stood outside the Datong Hall waiting for Li Longji's summons, he also got the exact news of Wang Zhonghe's arrest this morning, and Jiwen sent his family to report to him urgently, and soon, the news came one after another, Wang Zhongsi was arrested by the Yulin Army in Jinguangmen, and went to Dali Temple Prison.

This matter came very suddenly, Li Linfu did not have any news in advance, and the holy decree of the Holy Lord was not issued through the Zhongshu Province, but by the Hanlin Scholar, but he knew very well in his heart that no matter how the Holy Lord arranged for the arrest of Wang Zhonghei, the final trial still had to be completed through him Li Linfu.

"There is a decree in the saint, announce Li Xiangguo's audience!"

The voice of a eunuch came from the high steps, and Li Linfu hurriedly straightened his hat, picked up his robe, and walked up the steps.

Li Longji moved to Xingqing Palace three days ago, Xingqing Palace was his first residence when he was the prince, after several large-scale renovations, it has become the third largest palace group comparable to Kanhe Daming Palace and Taiji Palace, he named Yang Yuhuan as a concubine, and often took her to live here, but this time he officially moved to Xingqing Palace to live.

Li Longji's imperial study was located in the Datong Palace, which was a small council palace that could not hold a large court, but could summon important ministers to discuss military affairs.

Li Longji had just listened to the reply of the chief eunuch, Wang Zhongsi had already been taken from the Dali Temple Prison and was waiting for the trial of the three major divisions, the so-called three divisions of the trial is that the three judicial organs of the Criminal Department, the Yushitai, and the Dali Temple jointly deliberated on major cases, and according to the different levels of the officials participating in the trial, they were divided into two types: the big three divisions and the small three divisions.

In fact, getting rid of Wang Zhonghei is one of Li Longji's series of deployments, his goal is very simple, that is, to get rid of all the border generals who support the prince, first Longyou Jiedu made Huangfu Weiming, Tianbao five years, after the outbreak of the Wei Jian case, Huangfu Weiming was accused of colluding with Wei Jian, and he successfully got rid of Huangfu Weiming.

The next target is Wang Zhonghei, Wang Zhongsi grew up in the palace since he was a child, and has an excellent relationship with Prince Heng, if the prince launches a forced palace, then Wang Zhongsi is undoubtedly a pawn, how can Li Longji tolerate him holding military power for a long time.

However, Wang Zhonghei has been the envoy of Hedong and Shuofang Jiedu for a long time, and his power in the army is deep-rooted, in order to successfully transfer him out of Shuofang and Hedong, Li Longji took a risky move, and at the same time appointed him as Shuofang, Hedong, Hexi, Longyou Four Towns Jiedu, in charge of more than 200,000 elite soldiers of the Tang Dynasty.

When Wang Zhongji's focus shifted to Longyou, Li Longji naturally relieved him of his position as the envoy of Shuofang and Hedong, and the next step was how to put him in prison, Li Longji needed a glossy reason, and Wang Zhongji refused to attack Shibao City, so he gave Li Longji the best excuse.

"Your Majesty, Li Xiangguo is already waiting outside."

Li Longji waved his hand, "Announce his visit!" ”

Li Linfu is a dog he raised, and now is the time to use a dog.

After a while, Li Linfu walked into the imperial study quickly, bowed down and saluted: "Minister Li Linfu sees His Majesty the Emperor." ”

"Xiangguo is exempt!"

Li Longji waved his hand lightly and said with a smile: "Today is supposed to be a rest, but I am really sorry that I summoned Xiangguo because of something temporary." ”

"Your Majesty, Xiangguo is endless."

"Well said!"

Li Longji smiled slightly, then took out one of the books from the pile of folds, and said, "You already know about Xi Shangshu's request for Zhishi!" ”

Li Linfu nodded, it was also a coincidence, Lu Jingrong, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, had just died, and Xi Yu, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, was also seriously ill, and yesterday he had officially proposed to resign from his posts as the secretary of the Ministry of Rites and the middle secretary.

"Your Majesty, the minister said yesterday that he had gone to see Xi Shangshu, he is indeed seriously ill, and it is not suitable for him to serve in the court again, I hope Your Majesty will allow him to give him permission."

Li Longji flipped through the fold, threw it on the imperial case casually, and said a little casually: "I have already approved, but in this way, the position of the secretary of the Ministry of Rites is vacant, Xiangguo may wish to consider it for me, who can fill this seat?" ”

Li Linfu was silent in his heart, in fact, it should be that the two seats of the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Rites are vacant, and the Holy Lord only mentions the Ministry of Rites, which means that the position of the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Rites has been decided, who will this be? Yang Shenjin, there will be no one else but him.

Li Linfu sighed in his heart, it seems that the saint is determined to make a counterpart for himself.

"Your Majesty, the crown prince and prince, Xiao Songde, the prince of Xu, is highly respected and has outstanding talents, and the minister recommends him as the secretary of the Ministry of Rites."

Li Longji shook his head, "Xiao Songqing's reputation is not good, I will never use him, Xiangguo can choose someone else." ”

Li Linfu pondered for a moment and said with a wry smile: "The minister can't think of a suitable candidate for a while, please let your majesty think twice." ”

"Alright! There is no urgency in this matter, and it will be decided after the New Year. ”

Speaking of this, Li Longji took out another book and put it on the imperial case, and said lightly: "Dong Yanguang, the general of the Left Guard, reported that Wang Zhonghei supported the army and respected himself, and now Wang Zhongji has gone to Dali Temple to await trial, and I will hand over this matter to you." ”

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty will handle this case carefully!"

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Coming out of Xingqing Palace, Li Linfu's mood was a little heavy, on the one hand, the saint continued to use him, and on the other hand, he was wary of him, and told all the courtiers by erecting Yang Shenjin that Li Linfu who betrayed him also had good fruits to eat.

Li Linfu sighed secretly, and his thoughts couldn't help but turn to Wang Zhonghe, of course he knew very well why the Holy Lord wanted to deal with Wang Zhonghe, this time, could the prince still be able to escape?

The carriage entered Pingkangfang, and after a short while, he stopped in front of the gate of the mansion, and when he saw a horse on the bolted horse post at the door, he frowned and asked, "Who is coming?" ”

The porter ran down and reported: "Master, it was Zhonglang General Li Qing'an who came, and he said that he had something important to ask to see the master." ”

'Li Qing'an? Li Linfu couldn't help but be a little strange, what important thing would he do, could it be.....

"Where is he now?"

"Returning to the master, he is waiting in the guest room."

"Bring him to my study at once."

Li Linfu got out of the carriage and walked quickly towards the house, he didn't see Gao Lishi in Shengshang today, if he guessed correctly, Li Qingan should have brought the news of Gao Lishi.

Soon, Li Qingan was taken into Li Linfu's study, the study was very warm, filled with a faint sandalwood, Li Linfu had changed into a wide-fitting Zen coat, and was sitting behind the desk reading a book.

"Subordinates, see Xiangguo!"

Li Linfu put down the book and smiled kindly: "Qilang, I haven't seen you for a long time, what have you been busy with lately?" ”

"Back to Xiangguo, my subordinates have been patrolling recently."

"I know, I mean what you're doing in your free time?"

"My subordinates have been buying a house recently."

"Oh! Is it available? ”

Li Qingan shook his head and smiled: "I saw a house in Xuanyangfang yesterday, and I think it is a little old, and there is a fang market next door, it is very noisy, I don't like it." ”

Li Linfu smiled and said: "I have several houses in my hands, and they are empty there anyway, you can choose one you like to live in, and you can live as long as you want." ”

"Thank you Xiangguo for your love, my subordinates still want to buy a house of their own, and they will be able to start a family in the future."

Li Linfu smiled, no longer forcing him, he changed the topic and asked, "The next person said that you have something important to look for me, what is it?" ”

"Back to Xiangguo, I'm coming from Gao Weng's mansion."

"Wait!"

Li Linfu stopped him with a wave of his hand, he pulled the rope, and a guard came in, "Please give orders to Xiangguo!" ”

"I have something important to do, and no one is allowed to disturb me!"

After the guards retreated, Li Linfu glanced at Li Qing'an, slightly unhappy in his heart.

"Say it! What message did General Gao ask you to bring? ”

"Gao Weng asked me to bring a word to Xiangguo."

"What?"

"Gao Weng said that fine water can flow for a long time."

Li Linfu paced slowly in the room with his hands behind his back, he understood what Gao Lishi meant, the cunning rabbit died, the lackey cooked, he Li Linfu is a dog in the saint, if all the thorns in the saint's eyes are removed, it is also his cooking, but if the prince is not killed, once the prince ascends the throne, won't he Li Linfu also escape death?

What a dilemma for him! It's an intricate game, how can he break it? Li Linfu sighed, in fact, the key is to see Li Longji, to see if he has the heart to really abolish the prince.

Li Linfu walked to the window and looked out the window at his vast mansion, which was full of his wives and concubines and children, he was almost seventy years old, and he had to leave something for his children and grandchildren in his lifetime, at least so that his children and grandchildren could reproduce.

He couldn't help but think of his eldest son's advice to him, 'Although my father is decisive in killing, he is also too desperate to do things and not leave a way back for himself, so that the enemies are all over the world. ’

But can the power struggle really be tolerated? Li Linfu smiled bitterly, he turned back to Li Qing'an and said, "You can tell General Gao, I will carefully consider his advice." ”

"Subordinates obey!"

Li Qing'an agreed, but did not leave, Li Linfu glanced at him, and said with a smile: "Do you have anything else?" ”

"Last time, Xiangguo told me to do something, but it's been nearly a month now, and Xiangguo still hasn't told me what this thing is?"

Li Linfu smiled, very good, he hadn't forgotten his words, he sat down, and said, "Actually, you're already doing it." ”

Li Qingan was stunned, "Xiangguo refers to the Nine Gate Inspectors?" ”

"Yes, I'm talking about the Nine Gate Patrol Envoys, but this is just the beginning."

"Please make it clear."

Li Linfu glanced at him deeply, then lowered his voice and said, "During this time, you give me a good eye on someone." ”

"Who?"

"Qing Wang Li Cong!"

'Qingwang Li Cong..... Li Qingxin silently recited twice, bowed down and said: "My subordinates understand, and I will definitely do this in person." ”

Seeing his generous response, Li Linfu was very satisfied, so he stepped forward and patted Li Qing'an on the shoulder, and said with a smile: "Qilang, I know that your parents are dead, so be it!" On Chinese New Year's Eve, you come to my house as if you were going back to your own home. ”

(To be continued)