Shengye Fang in the west of Xingqing Palace is located in the courtyard of Yuan Siyi, the inner attendant.

On that day, Gao Lishi was on duty in the palace, and Yuan Siyi went back to the house in the evening to rest, recuperate, and wait for tomorrow's shift.

He has all his wives and concubines, children, servants and maidservants in his house, and there is no trace of him being a eunuch at all. When his tall figure in a purple and gold court robe walked into the door, he was completely calm and dignified, but he had no beard under his chin, and he was less majestic.

The steward who was waiting in the court stepped forward and said, "Ah Lang, there is a guest who has come to visit, and he has settled in the side hall." ”

Yuan Siyi looked at it and saw that he was holding a female clove in his hand.

"This is a guest for a villain." The steward laughed, "He's been in his mouth for a while." ”

With this sentence, Yuan Siyi understood who the person was.

He was not in a hurry to see him, but first went to change his clothes, washed his face, and used snacks before he walked into the side hall without hurrying.

In the side hall, Giwin was sitting crookedly, biting his nails boredly, spitting out the nail clippings on the carpet, and vomiting several times in a row because the vomit was not clean.

"You're here."

"Eunuch Yuan." Ji Wen hurriedly wiped his mouth, got up and saluted, and did not forget to put the mother clove on the table back in his mouth.

Yuan Siyi's expression was faint, and when he saw the saliva mark left by the mother lilac on the table, he first summoned the servant to wipe it and wiped the nail clippings on the carpet, and ordered the rag not to be kept.

This is a bit rude, and in his case, it is not considered slack. The two eunuchs of the Inner Servant Province, Gao Lishi is a smiling tiger, smiling at everyone, regardless of the status of the other party; Yuan Siyi is different, although he can nod to the powerful in front of the saints, but when he leaves the palace, he often looks down on others with a cold face.

Or because An Lushan gave too many gifts, and even the carpet and table were given by An Lushan when he moved to a new house, so he was extremely polite to Ji Wen. For others, it is difficult to have such treatment at this time.

Ji Wen was very embarrassed, but he knew Yuan Siyi, and he didn't dare to be annoyed by this, so he took out a handkerchief from his sleeve, tied it to his mouth to cover the smell, and said with a smile: "Don't blame Eunuch Yuan, it's too rude for the lower officials." ”

Yuan Siyi is a saint's slave in the palace, but outside the palace, she has a very important aura, with a cold expression and no smile. He didn't bother to say hello, and asked straight about what happened to Jiwen.

Ji Wen said: "The lower official said bluntly, Anfujun wants to concurrently serve as the envoy of Hedong Jiedu, so as to better dispatch troops and horses to attack and destroy the Khitan." ”

"This matter has been done, I have blown the wind in the ears of the saint, and the saint has ordered the book to be discussed."

"Hit the book to discuss?" Ji Wen was surprised, "But I am a counselor, but I have not heard of it. ”

Yuan Siyi's eyes flashed, and he understood the reason for it, but he didn't say anything, but said: "It is inevitable that there will be some processes, maybe you will hear about it in a few days." ”

"It must have been crushed by a spittle!" Gwendo.

When it comes to Yang Guozhong, he is extremely disdainful.

Back then, everyone worked under Li Linfu, and his official power was still higher than that of Yang Guozhong, but it was a pity that he was demoted for a few years, even if he was recommended by An Lushan, and when he returned to the court, his official position was lower than that spittle.

"Ugh." Ji Wen sighed, sighed a foul breath, and said, "If you don't learn and don't know how to spit pots, how can you be the prime minister?" ”

Yuan Siyi knew that An Lushan sent Ji Wen back to the court to ask for merit this time, and it was bound to set up a prime minister close to Fan Yang in the court after Li Linfu's death, and there was a tacit understanding on this matter.

He can win Li Longji's trust and loyalty, but he is willing to do things for An Lushan, firstly, because he "collects money from people and eliminates disasters for others", and secondly, he thinks that these things are harmless.

In addition to that, it is also because it makes him feel the thrill of power. Decide who will be the envoy and even the prime minister, so that he can temporarily forget that he is a eunuch and only feel that he is an important minister of the court.

For example, when Liu Luogu was preparing to evacuate Chang'an, he used the "General Yuan in the palace" as a cover to stamp An Lushan's brand on Yuan Siyi's body, which is the case in the officialdom.

Sure enough, Yuan Siyi asked, "Who do you want to push as prime minister?" ”

"Zhang Yan has already expressed his stance with Fujun, and he will support Fujun to serve as Hedong." Ji Wen said, "He is talented and qualified, and he can be the prime minister, and he also asked Yuan Dajian to help him say a few good words." ”

Yuan Siyi was not surprised by this, and said, "Yes." ”

"Zhang Yan is not his own person after all, and the prince just wants him to temporarily act as prime minister. As for the more suitable candidates in the future. Ji Wen actually pointed to his nose and said, "The one that the prince of the palace is interested in...... Lower officials. ”

Yuan Siyi was a little surprised, and felt that if Ji Wen was the prime minister, it would really be a miasma. Thinking about it again, even Yang Guozhong's spit pot has already bowed to the prime minister, and he is speechless.

"But there's still a problem." Ji Wen groaned: "Xue Bai, this son is like a mad dog biting the prince, if you don't get rid of it, it will be troublesome." ”

"Be patient, the sage has already asked about Yang Qixuan's recital, and he is not very satisfied with Xue Bai between his words."

Ji Wen said: "The lower officials heard that the sage ordered Yuan Dajian to investigate the matter of Li Linfu's coffin being moved......"

"Do you really want me to dig out Li Linfu's body again?" Yuan Siyi said.

"The lower official said that there were many witnesses at that time."

"Don't worry." Yuan Siyi said, "With me by the sage's side, it is not difficult to get rid of Xue Bai." ”

"Really?"

"Xue Bai has the ability. But there are too many people in Datang who have skills, if you don't have the Sacred Heart, how many people will have a good end? ”

When it comes to Xue Bai, Yuan Siyi is often by Li Longji's side and can see it most clearly. Xue Bai could have had more power than Yang Guozhong and Ji Wen, but unfortunately, he misheard the illusory rhetoric of Qingliu Zhichen, and did not want to be a "minister" and destroy his future, but he didn't know that the reason why he repeatedly broke through difficulties was because the saint's grace to him had not been exhausted.

Above this court, only the courtiers are the best to mix.

At this time, the twilight drum sounded, and Giwin finished his errand and got up to take his leave.

But a little eunuch rushed to Yuan Siyi's house, this is Yuan Siyi's righteous son, and he inquired about the news in the palace for him.

"After Grandpa left, Xue Bai entered the palace."

"What's going on?!"

Ji Wen was demoted to Liaodong because of Xue Bai in the first place, and when he heard Xue Bai's actions, he was vigilant and asked in surprise.

"It seems to be...... took Li Qiniang into the palace and explained to the sage. ”

"Eunuch." Ji Wen hurriedly said, "It's your turn to make a move." ”

Yuan Siyi's eyes flashed, weighing the pros and cons, and finally decided to take action in person, saying, "I want to enter the palace, go and prepare." Also, before the city gate was closed, you immediately led people out of the city and dug up Li Linfu's new grave. ”

"Whoa."

Ji Wen was afraid of Xue Bai in his heart, and he was so frightened that he didn't dare to leave, so he sat down again, just waiting for the latest news.

And Yuan Siyi moved quickly, and hurried back to Xingqing Palace before the end of the six hundred dusk drums. But when he asked, he learned that the saint had entered the secret room, and he went in with Xue Bai.

Whatever he had to do, he had to wait for the saint to come out.

~~

Xingqing Palace.

The fire by the dragon pond is bright, and countless people are busy trying to please the saints.

The vast secret room was quite dark, and the light was carefully created, and the firelight shone on Li Longji's face through the eyes and mouth of the ghost sculpture. His uncertain expression appeared.

He had made his way to the front of the last chamber, making sure the opening was behind the goblin sculpture. But you have to find out Peng E's sacrifice ghosts before you can pass.

"Who is it?"

Li Longji muttered and asked again, "Isn't it really Li Qiniang?" ”

Chen Xuanli replied in a low voice: "Back to the saint, I have confirmed that Li Qiniang is indeed out." ”

Li Longji then looked around at the few people around him.

Only Yang Yuhuan, Chen Xuanli, Zhang Yan, Princess Xianyi, Princess Ningqin and a few others remained.

According to the many clues found just now, almost all of them point to Princess Xianyi. However, Li Longji actually noticed that Yang Yuhuan was the only one who had a chance to replace the clues.

But Li Longji's heart moved, and he didn't want to speculate on the clues given in this game, but thought that since he was a traitor arranged by Yang Guozhong, the candidate must be according to Yang Guozhong's wishes, then, in fact, Zhang Yan is the most likely person to be arranged as Peng E, and then think about it, Zhang Yan may not be willing, and Princess Ning is the best candidate.

"Banniang, you are Peng E, right?"

"Father?" Princess Ning was surprised, shook her head and said, "I'm not." ”

Hearing her deny, Li Longji became firm and said, "Stand up and reveal it." ”

“……”

Above, behind the small window, Yang Guozhong saw this scene, worried, turned to Xue Bai, and whispered: "Shall we simply change Peng E to Princess Ningqin?" ”

"How can you change it after the fact? Princess Ning didn't recognize it. Xue Bai said: "Brother is so bottomless and principled, he flattered the saint once, but the rules were broken, wouldn't the game be messed up?" ”

It doesn't matter if the game is messed up, he is only afraid that Yang Guozhong will mess up the world.

"But is it really okay for the saint to guess wrong?"

"If Brother is afraid, you might as well tell the truth." Xue Bai said, "Push this matter on my head, and I will take it with my brother." ”

Yang Guozhong couldn't help but smile bitterly, understanding his thoughts, it turned out that he was afraid that the credit would be swallowed, so he kept such a hand.

"You're helping me, so can you leave you alone? Rest assured, I will bear it with you, and I will never swallow up your credit. ”

"It's fine."

Yang Guozhong laughed heartily, hugged Xue Bai's shoulder, and worked closely again.

Xue Bai knew that no matter what the result was, this would probably be the last time they would cooperate with each other...... He's not referring to tonight's game, he's referring to the court. After Li Linfu's case, An Lushan's threat became more and more imminent.

Because Yang Guozhong, a fool, can't be suppressed.

Continuing to look through the air window into the secret room, the results have been revealed, several doors open at the same time, and bright fire light enters the secret room, announcing the end of the game.

Li Longji was full of confidence and said with a smile: "I guessed right? ”

Yang Yuhuan pursed his lips and smiled, looked around, turned his head and wanted to say something, but he didn't say anything.

Over there, Gao Lishi, Yang Wei and other people who were out of the game ahead of time came over, looking dejected, and said, "Sage, the concubine is Peng E." ”

"Yes, the old slave has actually found a clue, but when she met the concubine, she sacrificed the old slave out with a word."

Li Longji was surprised.

He connected everything at this time, and when he looked back, he knew that it was indeed Yang Yuhuan.

"But at the beginning, I asked Taizhen, and I didn't think Taizhen was lying to me."

Yang Yuhuan saluted and was about to answer, when Xue Bai and Yang Guozhong had already come, Xue Bai preemptively said: "Back to the saint, because there was no Peng E at the beginning, Peng E was added halfway." ”

Li Longji was stunned for a moment, and turned his head to look at Yang Guozhong.

"Back to the saint, it is the minister who sees those demons, monsters, and ghosts who can't scare the saint at all. Only then did he know that he had thought about it inappropriately, the saint Tianwei and Yuanyang were abundant, how could he take pleasure in driving away the little ghosts. The minister asked Xue Bai to temporarily add a play and asked the sage to punish the crime. ”

Yang Yuhuan was still proud, and said with a smile: "The concubine has committed the crime of defrauding the king, and I beg the saint to forgive me." ”

Li Longji laughed and said, "I see, no wonder I can't see it." Hmm, Taizhen played well, showed his deception, and played everyone around. ”

"Luck." Yang Yuhuan said with a smile, "If the sage knew to find Peng E from the beginning, the concubine would not be able to hide it. ”

Li Longji really thought so, and waved his hand: "It's still not well arranged tonight, there is no Peng E, and I made up a Peng E for me to guess." ”

The crowd around planned to follow this sentence, but Xue Bai followed first.

"What the sage said is very true, there is no Peng E in the world, accusations, frames, and suspicions, and there is Peng E."

As soon as these words came out, anyone with a little brain could hear that Xue Bai was taking the opportunity to advise, and he had to mention some things that were disastrous when the sage was having fun, how annoying this person must be.

The originally cheerful atmosphere immediately froze.

"Huh." Li Longji snorted, pointed at Xue Bai, and said, "Be smart, I don't need you to change your way of admonishing." ”

Others didn't know whether the saint was angry or not, and they didn't dare to talk to him. Only Colliers took a few steps forward, with a smile on his face.

Li Longji then turned his head sideways and said to Gao Lishi: "Since Xue played cards and won the top prize, he really regarded himself as a famous minister through the ages, and occasionally accompanied me to Youye, and I also had to persuade the Son of Heaven." ”

Gao Lishi continued: "He did not know that the saint was the wisest son of heaven throughout the ages. ”

If this dialogue spreads, it may appear that Li Longji is extremely arrogant. But in such a situation, everyone felt that it was natural. Because Li Longji has indeed achieved "wisdom is enough to refuse admonition, and words are enough to disguise wrongdoing".

"Back to the words of the saints." Xue Bai said: "The minister is not admonishing, but interceding. ”

"Really?"

Xue Bai turned his head and glanced at Li Tengkong behind him, seemed to be a little determined, and said, "The minister is affectionate and wants to intercede for Seventeen Niang's family." ”

Gao Lishi said: "The country has its own laws, Li Linfu is extremely evil, what reason do you use to intercede for his family?" ”

"The minister is ashamed, the minister has no reason, only asks for the grace of the saint."

Xue Bai seemed to really realize that the path of the direct ministers and the ministers was not going through, and began to bow to the sage, expressing his willingness to please the sage.

Seeing him like this, the corners of Li Longji's mouth seemed to be slightly raised, and his mood improved.

Speaking from his heart, Li Longji felt that Xue Bai was talented, and he saw the game very clearly today. If it weren't for Xue Bai, Yang Guozhong would definitely mess up, and as soon as Xue Baifu intervened, it made the whole night interesting.

Looking back on the past few years, the lonely king who accompanied him, dominoes, poems, operas, stories, and stir-fried dishes that opened people's taste buds were all offered by this shaft. For this reason, Li Longji still has some affection for Xue Bai, so he will allow him to be disobedient many times, and he rewarded the five-rank high-ranking officials when he was young.

"Why do I give you this grace?"

"Minister......

Xue Bai was asked, embarrassed for a while, and replied: "The minister is frightened, and he asks the saint without merit, only hoping to be able to smear the saint's liver and brain, and do his best." ”

"I don't need you to be stupid, you just don't think about it anymore."

"Obey." Xue Bai took out a letter from his sleeve and presented it with both hands, "The minister has a secret letter, I implore the saint to look at it." ”

chose to take it out after accompanying Li Longji to swim, which is very respectful compared to his previous outspokenness. He seemed to have enlightened a little, and was finally willing to change his attitude towards the saint.

Of course, at this moment, no one knows what the reason for his change is this.

In order to encourage this change, Li Longji took the recital, glanced at it, and found that it was Yan Zhenqing and Xue Bai who jointly played it.

Looking at the content again, it is the major event about Tubo that Li Linfu mentioned back then-there is a Tibetan minister who wants to betray the ruler with the Subi Department and defect to the Tang Dynasty.

After reading it, Li Longji didn't hand over the fold to the chamberlain, but put it in his sleeve, and sighed quietly: "Your plea has made a big detour." ”

"Yes."

Chen Xuanli reminded in a low voice: "Sage, it's time. ”

"Oh? It's so late. Li Longji smiled, pointed at Yang Guozhong, and said, "You are a good envoy, reward." ”

"Thank you, saint."

After that, the saint left first, and the group retreated again, returning to their seats by the dragon pool. In the process, Li Longji deliberately paid attention to it, only to see that Xue Bai was quite concerned about Li Tengkong, walking with her, and his eyes fell on her from time to time.

At this moment, Yuan Siyi came up.

"The old slave has seen a saint."

Li Longji turned his head and saw that it was Yuan Siyi, who was not on duty, but he also wanted to see Yang Guozhong's secret room, and said with a smile: "General Yuan is late, it's over." ”

"Looks like the saint should have had a good time?"

"Ha, if Xue Bai wants to make me happy, who can compare to him?" Li Longji felt a sentence and took the wine glass and drank it all, quite happily.

Yuan Siyi was taken aback when she heard this, and realized that the weight of this sentence was not small.

The saint likes the ministers and the ministers, and the most powerful Yang Guozhong and An Lushan in the world are like this, and as long as Xue Bai is willing, he can easily be the third great minister.

The slanderous rumors that Yuan Siyi had prepared had not yet been spoken, so he didn't dare to say anything, so he had to lower his head and pour another glass of wine for the saint.

Li Longji was still looking at Xue Bai and said, "You see, he really misses Li Qiniang, and Yang Qixuan's jealousy with him is true." ”

Yuan Siyi smiled and said, "After all, he is a young man, and it is inevitable that he will be a little emotional." Xue Bai is young, but Yang Qixuan is not young. ”

In his words, there are actually some hidden traps. Sure enough, Li Longji was slightly stunned for a moment, because of the word "young", his perception of Xue Bai was slightly worse.

That is, tonight's situation, Yuan Siyi just clicked to the end, otherwise with his understanding of the saint and his position, it would not be difficult to get rid of Xue Bai with slander.

"The next decree, the war in Longyou is urgent, change Li Linfu's sons to the army of Longyou, and make meritorious contributions." Li Longji suddenly commanded, "The rest of the female dependents will be placed in Chang'an. ”

This is the intention of using Li Xiu and others to do things, and keeping their family as hostages.

Yuan Siyi was stunned for a moment, and saluted: "Obey." ”

When he looked up, he noticed that Colliers's gaze had swept this way, and he didn't dare to say more.

After finishing this business, the curtain on the singing platform by the dragon pond has been opened, the sound of silk and bamboo wind music has risen again, Yang Guozhong has found a stunning beauty to play Peng E, the music and singing are all ready, and he will not let go of this opportunity to please the saint.

So the sheng song was boiling and lasted all night.

~~

From the twilight drum to the morning drum, the time in between flies quickly.

At dawn, Yuan Siyi walked out of Xingqing Palace, recruited a confidant, and commanded in a low voice: "You go and tell them that Li Linfu's new grave does not need to be dug up." ”

"Whoa."

Xue Bai came out behind him and did not go home immediately, but went to Zhongshu Menxia Province with Yuan Siyi to draft the sage's decree as an official will.

This is the first time that he, a scholar in China, has fulfilled his duties. Everything is difficult at the beginning, and he believes that with this will, he will be able to slowly take power in this official position in the future.

After drawing up a will with a beautiful face, Yuan Siyi saw it, took out the seal from his sleeve and covered it with a "snap", and said, "Let's go, go find Zuo Xiang." ”

"General Yuan, please."

In other words, the eunuchs next to him will probably talk to Xue Bai with a smile at this time. Yuan Siyi was very calm, and said slowly: "Xue Sheren saved Li Linfu this time, so he is not afraid of angering the people of the world?" ”

Li Linfu was dead, opened the coffin, and took away the mouth beads and purple gold court clothes. Do people in the world really care what happens to his children and grandchildren? Xue Bai said, "I only care, is Li Linfu conspiring with Li Xianzhong to rebel, or is he with someone else?" ”

Yuan Siyi said: "I heard that Xue Lang said something meaningful last night, there is no Peng E in the world, accusations, frames, and suspicions, and there is Peng E." ”

Xue Bai smiled bitterly, and said in his heart that this sentence is not applicable to An Lushan.

Chen Xilie's official office is in the middle of the government office, because he has no real power, he only stamps his seal, and has a fixed time every two days to sit in the official office to handle official business, which is extremely efficient.

Turning the corridor, Xue Bai saw a person walking towards Chen Xilie's official office with a fold, and he called out to the other party.

"Yang Qixuan."

Yang Qixuan turned his head and couldn't help but be taken aback.

He didn't know Yuan Siyi's tendency, but he recognized that this was the eunuch beside the sage, so he hurriedly stepped forward and called, "I've seen General Yuan." ”

"Hmm."

Yuan Siyi didn't bother to see Yang Qixuan being humiliated, and waved his hand to let him go away, his face looking very cold.

Xue Bai asked, "What is Brother Yang holding in his hand?" ”

"This, it can't be done, this is a secret of the imperial court." Yang Qixuan took the fold in his hand behind him, because this was the twist and turn of impeachment of Xue Bai.

Xue Bai smiled slightly and stretched out his hand.

Yang Qixuan was intimidated by his momentum, glanced at Yuan Siyi, felt the coldness, and thought that Yuan Siyi was also intimidating himself, so he had to take out the fold.

Xue Bai only glanced at it, handed it to Yuan Siyi, and asked, "What does General Yuan think?" ”

Regarding this matter, the sage had already reached a conclusion with his own mouth, and Yuan Siyi tore Yang Qixuan's recital and threw it at his feet.

"It's ridiculous. You are guilty of framing your colleagues for your own selfishness? ”

Yang Qixuan was greatly frightened, and hurriedly said: "Xiaguan, Xiaguan has misunderstood, yes...... Hearing the wind, hearing the wind, and asking General Yuan to forgive his sins. ”

"Don't have a next time!"

For the sake of Ji Wen, and even more for the sake of An Lushan's face behind Ji Wen, Yuan Siyi didn't want to ruin Yang Qixuan's official career, so he sternly scolded.

"The lower officials don't dare." Yang Qixuan hurriedly took a deep look, sweating profusely.

Yuan Siyi didn't stay any longer, and walked straight into the official house.

Xue Bai was not in a hurry, he still stood there, deliberately scaring Yang Qixuan.

"Brother Yang, I haven't swallowed my teeth last time."

"You!" Yang Qixuan was at a loss, and had the heart to say two hard words, so he said: "You, what can you do to me?" ”

Xue Bai said: "I don't know how to do it, but I can tell you a good news first." Your scumbag wife, Li Shiniang, will be released soon. ”

In a word, Yang Qixuan subconsciously felt fear, swallowed his saliva and said, "She...... She is no longer a photo girl, what can I do? ”

"If I can let her out, I will support her in redressing her grievances."

"Impossible."

Yang Qixuan was still stiff-mouthed, and his heart was extremely uneasy.

No one can understand how much he is afraid of Li Shiniang.

In the past, when they were husband and wife, he couldn't stand the torture of Li Shiniang; Now that the relationship between husband and wife is over, and he has offended her to death, who knows what the crazy woman will do.

"Xue Bai, in fact, you and I haven't had a holiday, you also have a grudge with Li Linfu in the past, why don't we ......?"

"I told you to swallow back the teeth that were knocked out." Xue Bai replied casually.

"Why bother?"

Yang Qixuan wanted to say something, Xue Bai had already walked to Chen Xilie's official office, and in Yang Qixuan's opinion, he looked like a villain.

~~

The holy decree was stamped and handed to the Dali Temple Prison, presumably Li Xiu and the others would soon be released from prison.

Xue Bai finally saved her family for Li Tengkong.

But when he walked out of Zhongshumen and Xiayuan, he felt a little dazed.

Once he is willing to curry favor with Li Longji, it is easy for him to gain power, and it is easy for him to feel that some of the beliefs and principles he adhered to in the past are collapsing, but in fact, the more he follows Li Longji's wishes, the more he expresses that he has been completely disappointed in Li Longji.

Feeling that the collapse of the society is imminent, there is no time for him to slowly manage his reputation, so let's be a minister and a minister.

The other side of the courtiers and the courtiers is often the rebel minister and the thief.

(End of chapter)