When Li Xuanbai walked out of the loquat courtyard, he heard a sound of rustling footsteps not far away. Li Xuanbai looked up and saw a noble lady in a luxurious skirt smiling and staggering.

This woman has a beautiful countenance. When I got closer, I heard a fresh fragrance. Drifting through the air. Even the autumn birds on the branches are happy. The lady's footsteps were gentle, and the corners of her skirt fluttered. It's good-looking.

When Li Xuanbai saw this noble lady, he didn't have any expression on his face.

The noble lady approached, looked at Li Xuanbai and smiled, "Listen to the housekeeper, you are here." So they came to see you. I haven't seen him for three years, and Xuanbai has grown up. ”

Naturally, it was the second lady of the Lu Guogong Mansion who spoke. The second lady's surname is Cai Mingji. Soon after Li Xuanbai's mother died, she was ordered by the current emperor to be Li Mu's concubine. Although she is a concubine, this woman's origin is not simple. It is also a family of eunuchs. even had some kinship with a noble concubine in the palace.

If it is ordinary, the women of the official eunuchs will naturally refuse to be concubines for other people's families. What's more, it's still a relative of the emperor. But helplessness is the will of His Majesty the Emperor today, and no one dares to disobey it.

Li Xuanbai looked at this woman and said flatly: "Cai Ji." You've been in the house for fifteen years. Three years ago, I was framed and sent to Qianzhou. I've heard you've done a lot of things behind my back. ...... Thank you. ”

The second lady, Cai Ji, was shocked when she heard this. If it had been placed in the past, Li Xuanbai would have scolded himself for being shameless. He has ever given himself a good face. Cai Ji couldn't believe it: "What did Xuanbai say?" You're welcome. ”

Li Xuanbai didn't care. I really haven't been kind to Cai Ji over the years. If it were according to the code of ethics, Li Xuanbai should be called Cai Ji's stepmother. The worst is also my aunt. But Li Xuanbai has always called him by his name. For this, Li Mu never beat and scolded him less.

Li Xuanbai looked at Cai Ji's lacquered eyes and said, "I know that when you married my father Li Mu as a concubine, Your Majesty instructed you to monitor our Lu State Mansion. After all, His Majesty had not been on the throne for a few years at that time. The foundation is not stable. At that time, the whole house was indeed wary of you. But in the past ten years, the Li family has been able to survive the turmoil safely, Li Mu said that it is thanks to you. ”

Li Xuanbai sighed and said, "It seems that you are really in love with Li Mu." I really don't understand why all good women fall in love with him. My mother is, and so are you. ”

Cai Ji did not veto Li Xuanbai's words. Although it was a bold statement. But it's real. She also understands that this gentleman in the eyes of the world is very smart, and it can even be said that he has a good heart. So she didn't feel surprised that Li Xuanbai would say this.

As for him saying that he was in love with Li Mu, Cai Ji would not deny it. When she married Li Mu as a concubine, on the one hand, the emperor's order could not be violated, but on the other hand, Cai Ji had already admired Li Mu.

Li Xuanbai said softly: "You know. I've never held a grudge against you. I just hate Li Mu. ”

When Cai Ji heard this, she hurriedly explained: "You must know that there are many things that your father can't help himself. ”

Li Xuanbai laughed and said, "I can't help myself, how can this matter be so simple." Aunt. It's not up to you. Don't speak for him. ”

After saying this, Li Xuanbai turned around and left.

When Cai Ji heard the word "aunt", her lips trembled, there were tears in her eyes, and she choked up: "He called me just now, auntie." ”

This life is for the Li family. For Li Xuanbai. She did not give birth to a son or a daughter. It can even be said that he was humiliated. But at this moment, she felt that it was worth it.

As soon as Li Xuanbai stepped into the hall, Xiao Feiyu ran forward like a flying butterfly, and said affectionately to Li Xuanbai: "Where did Brother Xuanbai go just now?"

Li Xuanbai smiled and quipped: "You girl." It's going to be fifteen in another year. When a woman reaches the age of fifteen, she will be able to get married. Why are you still so frizzy......"

Before Li Xuanbai's words were finished, he was intercepted by Feiyu and said: "Feiyu doesn't marry." Non-fish can be reluctant to Xuanbai's brother and grandfather. ”

Li Xuanbai smiled helplessly and said you. glanced up, only to see Danfeng Yanqiuxiang sitting in the hall drinking tea. Zhou Hao stood aside.

Li Xuanbai took a few steps forward, called Zhou Hao over and asked, "Li Mu hasn't come back yet?"

Zhou Hao replied: "Just now, I came down." Grandpa Guo was left behind by His Majesty after the court meeting. I really don't know when I'll be back. ”

Li Xuanbai sighed, remembered something, and said, "Get ready." Today I want to go to Longque Mountain to see my Grandpa Xu. ”

Zhou Hao looked outside and said, "It's about time." Young master, it's better to go again tomorrow. ”

Li Xuanbai shook his head and said, "Do as I say." ”

Zhou Hao nodded and went down.

Dan Fengyan said curiously: "Li Kun, do you still have someone to remember?"

Li Xuanbai walked straight up to Dan Fengyan and said with a smile: "What's so strange?"

Danfeng took a sip of tea and was silent.

Li Xuanbai continued: "My Grandpa Xu is Xu Yuanzhi. I wonder if you've heard of it?"

When Dan Fengyan heard this name, he actually stood up. Surprised: "What are you talking about, but Xu Yuanzhi, the great strategist who pacified the world with Emperor Gaozu back then?"

Li Xuanbai nodded.

Dan Fengyan continued: "I should have thought of it a long time ago. Back then, your grandfather was named the general of Huwei. Xu Yuanzhi is your grandfather's military advisor. The world says that Xu Yuanzhi is the great strategist of the world. Strategize all your life and make good use of yang strategy. In the troubled times at the end of the Qin Dynasty, there were heroes, and even more talented. Xu Yuanzhi can stand out in troubled times. The Great Strategist is well deserved. ”

Li Xuanbai responded: "That's nature. Emperor Gaozu was able to overthrow Great Qin so quickly. My Grandpa Xu can be said to have contributed a lot. Emperor Gaozu once said to Grandpa Xu, 'I should treat you as a countryman'. However, Grandpa Xu was used to idle clouds and wild cranes, and Emperor Gaozu resigned after releasing his military power with a glass of wine, and cultivated in the deep mountains outside the city. ”

Dan Fengyan had admired Xu Yuanzhi for a long time, and asked directly, "Can I go with you?"

Li Xuanbai laughed and said, "Walk." ”

......

......

Great Chu Palace.

The palace is a little deep, and the poor people outside the palace don't know it. In this deep palace, splendid and magnificent buildings can be seen everywhere. The four corners of the yellow glazed tile single eaves are spired, and there is a gilded treasure top in the middle. Glistening golden in the setting sun. Numerous vermilion palace walls have been erected to separate the palace from the outside world.

The view of the palace is stunning, but the ubiquitous sense of oppression is breathless.

Since ancient times, the emperor's family has been sad and the most ruthless.

In the Taiji Hall of the Imperial Palace, a middle-aged man wearing a purple-gold dragon robe was sitting on the dragon chair and reading the music in his hand. In front of him stood a man dressed in a civilian uniform. In his forties. The face is resolute. He has a two-inch sheep's beard. The most attractive thing is his eyes, as if there is a glass light in his eyes.

Wearing a purple gold dragon robe is naturally His Majesty the current emperor, Liu Ce. The one wearing the civil official uniform was Lu Guogong, Li Mu, the waiter of the Ministry of Works, and Li Xuanbai's father.

The emperor put down the piece in his hand, got up and left his seat and walked to the door of the Taiji Hall. With his hands hanging behind his back, looking at the dead branches and fallen leaves flying outside the Taiji Hall, he couldn't help but mutter: "After the frost falls, it is the beginning of winter." Winter is coming. ”

The emperor turned around, looked at Li Mu who was standing aside, and said calmly: "I heard that Li Xuanbai, the son of Aiqing, had a conflict with the prince of Xiangguo outside the city. ”

Li Mu replied calmly: "The dog is messing around." Weichen went back to be a discipliner. ”

The emperor smiled slightly and said, "Aiqing is too worried. I don't mean to blame. After saying this, the emperor walked back to the dragon case and sat down, and continued: "I heard that Ling Lang just returned to the mansion, so he went to Longque Mountain without stopping?"

Li Mu didn't know about this. The confusion on his face flashed away, but his heart was like turning over the river and the sea, and less than a day after his son returned to Beijing, His Majesty arranged for someone to monitor his words and deeds at all times. It can be seen that His Majesty is still not worried about the Li family. It can be seen that there are so many eyeliners behind His Majesty, and I am afraid that the big and small things in Kyoto are under his control.

Li Mu broke out in a cold sweat. He said calmly: "I think the dog went to see Mr. Xu." The dog has been close to Mr. Xu since he was a child. ”

Li Mu directly said what he thought in his heart, and he didn't dare to deceive. He knew in his heart that His Majesty had learned everything.

His Majesty the Emperor listened to Li Mu's words, and his brows furrowed. laughed softly: "It seems that Ling Lang is also a filial person." Xu Yuanzhi, Mr. Xu is a famous person in the world. I heard that Mr. Xu had a guide from the Guigu heirs when he was young, so he had to strategize. There is a talent that has passed through the heavens and latitudes. I've always wanted to ask him out of the mountains. Helplessly, Mr. Xu excused himself in every possible way. Since Ling Lang is deeply loved by Mr. Xu, he must also have a lesson or two from Mr. Xu, right?"

Li Mu lowered his head and replied: "Dogs don't like to read since they were children. Your Majesty lifted love. ”

The emperor waved his hand and said, "Aiqing is modest. ”

Li Mu bowed his head and was silent.

The emperor suddenly squinted and said, "Aiqing." I will leave you today. I just want to ask the criminal department about the rebellion. Li Aiqing said, does this matter have anything to do with the prime minister?"

Li Mu heard the emperor's question and knew that this was the real point. It had nothing to do with him. But when it comes to Tian Song, the secretary of the Criminal Department, he is somewhat implicated in him. After all, the owners of the matter three years ago were the Tian family and the Li family. This time Tian Song fell. The happiest should have been Li Mu's Li family.

But when it comes to the prime minister, it's not that simple.

In the final analysis, it is still a struggle between the two parties, the princelings headed by the crown prince and the Zhu party headed by the second prince and Zhu Yan. Li Mu, as a neutral, said that if there is anything involved, it will offend the other party.

The emperor has created a problem for himself.

Li Mu pondered for a moment and replied: "Your Majesty is wise and martial, I think I have already made a decision. Weichen listens to His Majesty's will. ”

When the emperor heard this, he laughed. let Li Mu retreat.

Li Mu left the Taiji Hall and walked outside the palace when a gust of autumn wind hit, only to know that his back was already soaked. Li Mu muttered to himself: "It seems that Your Majesty still doesn't trust anyone." ”

In the Taiji Palace, Emperor Liu Ce, who was in the prime of the Spring and Autumn Period, looked at the music in his hand and said softly: "What does the teacher think about this?"

In the inner hall, a white-bearded and white-haired old man with a gilded dragon staff walked out slowly, coughed lightly, and said, "Li Mu is a smart person, he knows what he should do and what he should not do. His Majesty's question just now, Li Mu made the clearest choice. ”

The emperor's face was gloomy, and he sighed and said, "I hate forming parties for personal gain the most in my life. When the emperor was in power, it was the powerful ministers who were in charge of the government, and the traitorous ministers misled the country, resulting in the people's misery. almost gave up the country laid down by Emperor Gaozu's grandfather to others. If it is just now, Li Mu will say a few words for the prime minister. And whether it's sending charcoal in the snow or adding fuel to the fire. I could have killed him. ”

The white-haired old man said calmly: "Your Majesty still let him go after all." If you want to kill, you can kill it three years ago. ”

When the emperor heard the old man's words, he got up. The purple gold dragon robe embroidered with nine dragons and five clouds trembled as the emperor moved. The emperor slowly walked down the dragon steps and walked outside the Taiji Hall. Looking at the dead branches and leaves flying outside the hall, he held his hand and took it.

The white-haired old man looked at him and said to himself: "A dragon robe is an imperial spirit." His Majesty's chessboard has just begun. It is still unknown who will be the first and who will be the second......"