Chapter 4067: Stay Out
Yu Wenshiji suppressed the ecstasy in his heart, bowed his head and said sincerely: "Your Majesty is magnanimous. The old ministers admire and are grateful, and will definitely lead Guanlong to do their best and die in retribution!"
He knew that although His Majesty Li Er did not agree to Yuchi Gong's entry into the city on the spot, he already had this intention in mind. However, the matter was serious and the interests of all parties needed to be weighed before making a decision.
But no matter what, turning from the crime of treason to becoming His Majesty's first choice for support, this is like rain from the sky for the Guanlong clan who are currently like a bereaved dog... or even whether they will choose Yu Chigong to succeed the Sixth Guards of the East Palace. The responsibilities of the capital are no longer important.
As long as your majesty eliminates the hostility towards the Guanlong clan, it will be a great good thing, and the rest needs to be figured out slowly.
……
After Yu Wenshiji left, the light in the hall was dim, so His Majesty Li Er got up and went to the study, sitting alone in front of the window and thinking about the current situation.
The prince's sudden move to withdraw the Sixth Army of the East Palace from Chang'an was beyond his expectation. This completely put the competition for the reserve on the table, and the situation suddenly became tense.
In the past, whether the king of Wei or the king of Jin, no matter what he said or did, how could he not care about the throne in his heart? It's just that I have a lot of worries, so I can only cover it up to avoid making mistakes and being caught by the opponent, resulting in losing the opportunity.
But now that the Sixth Army of the East Palace has withdrawn, whoever takes over the responsibility of guarding the capital will take the lead in the fight for the throne, and it is likely to have a complete advantage. I am afraid that no matter whether it is the King of Wei, the King of Jin, or It is the forces in the DPRK who are interested in following the dragon's merits and cannot sit still.
Li Ji played a trick, and on the surface it seemed that he was supporting Cheng Yaojin in a roundabout way and standing with the Shandong family. But in fact, both Li Ji and Cheng Yaojin had gradually separated their own interests from the Shandong family. The Shandong aristocratic family's holding of power may not necessarily align with their interests, so the exact intention of Li Ji's move remains open to question.
The Guanlong family members who lost their family also jumped out, hoping to use this opportunity to regain their trust. This is reasonable, and His Majesty Li Er is also happy to see it happen.
As for the Jiangnan nobles, they may not have a suitable general to lead the army, so they have been keeping silent. However, judging from their recent closer relationship with the King of Jin, they will not let the important task of guarding the capital fall into the hands of the King of Wei...< br>
After figuring out the context of the current situation, His Majesty Li Er discovered that Wei King Li Tai, who was the first in line to establish the throne, seemed to be staying out of the matter and not involved.
Do you think that the location of the garrison capital is not important and does not affect the ownership of the reserve?
Or do you really mean what you say and have no intention of competing for reserves?
Or maybe a certain force has secretly formed an alliance with the King of Wei, and unknowingly competes for the power to guard the capital...
The situation is so complex that even with His Majesty Li Er's proficiency in politics, he would inevitably feel that there were so many possibilities and possibilities, and his head would feel split for a while.
He called Wang Shoushi in, took a pill of elixir and drank it with tea. He closed his eyes and rested for a while before he recovered.
Wang De also came in from outside at this time, holding a fire stick to light the candle on the candlestick, and the study gradually became brighter.
Looking at the two chamberlains, His Majesty Li Er suddenly sighed with emotion: "I am really alone now..."
His words and expression were full of sadness.
He has always been dismissive of the so-called "great power of heaven" such as "difference between superiority and inferiority". He believes that heaven's power is not established by cumbersome and strict etiquette systems, but by setting an example and leading the civil servants and military generals one after another. Played out in one's victory. You can lead everyone to victory, and even a beggar on the street can gain dignity and be respected by everyone. Otherwise, even a nobleman will still be killed by his subordinates.
Don't use blood to pressure people. Princes, generals and prime ministers, would you rather have the seed?
Therefore, he didn't care about the red tape, and he wanted to get along with his ministers and gain their heartfelt love. He thought that throughout the ages, there had never been a relationship between king and minister like him.
However, to this day, there is no one around me who can completely trust and discuss the situation.
There are only two eunuchs left who are respectful...
A feeling of irritability suddenly rose.
After suppressing his anger, he asked Wang Shoushi: "Is there anything unusual about the prince at Da Ci'en Temple?"
Wang Shoushi replied hurriedly and respectfully: "His Royal Highness the Prince drums drums at dusk and morning bells every day, and chants sutras in the morning and evening. There is nothing abnormal. His daily behavior is also in front of others, and he never avoids others."
There are many monks in Daci'en Temple and there are many eyes, so it is easy to collect every word and deed of the prince.
His Majesty Li Er nodded: "Send someone to keep an eye on the two His Highnesses' houses. I want to know who they met and what they said. I can't miss anything."
"Here."
Wang Shoushi bowed and obeyed, feeling quite excited.
In the past, it seemed that the "Hundred Cavalry" was mainly responsible for monitoring the princes and officials. The dead soldiers and spies he led were hidden even deeper. Now that His Majesty has entrusted this responsibility to him, it means that "Hundred Knights" "Qisi" is no longer trustworthy in His Majesty's mind.
This is a great opportunity for him to regain his power...
His Majesty Li Er sighed, his expression was a little sluggish, and he waved his hands and said: "I'm a little tired, you can leave for now."
"Here."
The two chamberlains bowed and left.
His Majesty Li Er sat motionless behind the desk alone, closing his eyes and meditating. After a long time, he stood up and returned to the palace.
*****
Daci'en Temple.
The night falls, and light rain falls from the sky. The rain hits the leaves of the huge ancient locust tree in front of the window, making a soft "rustling" sound, just like spring silkworms gnawing at mulberry leaves...
In front of the window of the house, with several exquisite vegetarian dishes on the floor mat and a pot of rice wine, Li Chengqian, Li Jing and Fang Jun were sitting on their knees facing each other, drinking and talking.
Fang Jun held a pot to pour wine for the two of them, and asked Li Jing with a smile: "Is Duke Wei still worried about withdrawing from Chang'an?"
Li Jing held the wine cup in his hand, first took a sip, and then said with a wry smile: "I have been ups and downs in my life, and I have suffered no matter how big a setback. How could I be as bad as you think? Power is just a cloud in front of your eyes, suddenly gathering. Suddenly dispersed, finally No trace. It’s just that I have been favored by His Highness this time, so that I can have the opportunity to lead the army again. I have already made up my mind to swear loyalty, but now I am helpless in the face of the crisis. I am very ashamed and invincible. "
After saying that, he toasted Li Chengqian with a glass of wine and drank it all in one gulp, feeling very depressed.
Li Chengqian drank half of the cup and said warmly and comfortingly: "I am very grateful to Duke Wei for his thoughts, but my father has already made up his mind, how can there be a way to turn things around? What has happened is God's will, and I don't have any resentment at all. You guys We should be considerate of our father’s difficulties and understand him.”
The matter of Yi Chu is almost a foregone conclusion. Donggong Liuli, who is loyal to the prince, must withdraw from Chang'an. The difference is only active or passive, and the result cannot be changed.
No matter how broad-minded His Majesty Li Er is, he would not dare to keep the tens of thousands of Donggong Sixth Guards in Chang'an City. If one day the edict to abolish the reserve is issued, and the Donggong Sixth Guards take the risk due to excitement, wouldn't he, the emperor, be Digging your own grave?
The first step to cut off Donggong's wings is to gather the military power in Fang Jun's hands, and the second step is to withdraw Donggong Liu's troops from Chang'an and weaken their combat power.
Only by following these two steps can His Majesty Li Er sleep peacefully...
Li Jing nodded and said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, don't worry. I know what's important now. I will withdraw from Chang'an and garrison in the north of Kunming Lake this time. I will be diligent in training and strengthen my troops, ready to be dispatched by Your Highness at any time!"
Daci'en Temple has a secret passage outside the city, near Kunming Pool. Once the situation in Chang'an City suddenly changes, the prince can escape from the secret passage and enter the Sixth Army Camp of the East Palace after reaching Kunming Pool to ensure safety.
This is the last effort of everyone in the East Palace, not to save the throne, but to save the prince and his family.
As for the resulting struggle for the power and responsibility of guarding the capital, it was entirely incidental...
Fang Jun poured wine again and said with a smile: "Don't be so nervous. This is just the last step and may not lead to that step. Although His Majesty is resolute, he will never sit back and watch His Highness being killed. What we need to be prepared for It’s just a black hand in the dark, at least no one dares to do harm to His Highness.”
Although His Majesty Li Er has never stated it explicitly, his intention to ensure the "brothers, friends and respect" between the princes is very obvious: Yi Chu can do it, but no matter who the throne belongs to, he cannot kill his brothers or mutilate his siblings. This is An unchangeable bottom line.
As long as His Majesty Li Er does not die, no one will dare to touch this line blatantly.
Li Chengqian raised his glass, expressing emotion and shame at the same time: "There is no meritorious service in the world that can compare with Conglong's meritorious service. Originally, I was grateful for everyone's support. I thought that in the future, if I were to be honored as a great treasure, I would treat each other with all my heart, and share the wealth and wealth... But being alone is incompetent. Seniors, not only cannot Let the ministers who follow you loyally be prosperous and wealthy, but you will suffer suppression and career setbacks... In this life, I am afraid that this kindness will not be repaid. If there is an afterlife, I am willing to be connected by blood and share life and death with you!"
Li Jing and Fang Jun hurriedly raised their glasses. The former said in fear: "Your Highness is the emperor of the empire, and he has been assigned by destiny. I should do my best to repay him. I only regret that my ability is limited and I cannot persuade your majesty to change his mind. It is a crime of death!"< br>
Fang Jun also said: "Your Highness is well known to the world for your kindness. Even if you give up the position of Crown Prince, everyone in the government and the public will be grateful for your kindness, and I will swear to follow His Majesty."
Li Chengqian said no more, wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes with his sleeves, clinked glasses with the two of them, and drank them all in one gulp.
After his emotions calmed down, Li Chengqian said: "Qingque had previously intended to win over you and achieve great things. This time all the six leaders of the East Palace have withdrawn from Chang'an. Qingque must have been unable to sleep at night, fearing that he will come to ask you again."< br>
Li Tai valued the strength of Donggong's subordinates. The first one was Donggong Liuli who was stationed in Chang'an City. This army that Li Jing had reversed and won the Guanlong mutiny was too important for Li Tai, who had no soldiers in his hands. Now he suddenly withdrew. , how can we not panic?
If the successor supports the King of Jin, then the fight for the heir apparent has little chance of success...
Fang Jun said calmly: "Your Highness, don't worry. It is now a battle between the King of Wei and the King of Jin. We, the East Palace, are all staying out of it. When His Majesty's edict to abolish the reserve is issued, the King of Wei must be at the end of his rope. Only then can we negotiate terms."
What conditions?
Naturally, he promised not to persecute the deposed prince.
But for any high-ranking prince, the existence of the deposed prince is like a stick in the throat and a thorn in the back. How can he sleep peacefully unless he is removed? We can only wait until we are at the end of our rope and have no other choice before we hold our noses and agree. (End of chapter)