Li Ji reminded: "You have to walk your own road. You have not listened to my advice many times. Who can blame you? Don't harbor any resentment, otherwise it will definitely affect your decision. If this happens again, no matter how lenient your Majesty is, I can’t tolerate you anymore.”
Having resentment in your heart may affect your decision-making at certain times. But in their position, every decision is related to life and death. If the decision cannot be made with extreme calmness by weighing the pros and cons, it will be extremely dangerous.
Not to mention that Cheng Yaojin is about to lead his army to Liangzhou. In the name of guarding the front line of the Great Wall to ensure the safety of Hexi, he is actually waiting for an opportunity to cut off the foundation of the An family in Liangzhou. If he makes a mistake during this period, the consequences will be disastrous.
Cheng Yaojin shook his head and wiped a handful of wine from his beard: "I know this. It's not that I feel resentful, but I'm just unwilling."
I have fought with Emperor Taizong for half my life, suffered countless scars on my body, and escaped death several times. Now I should be enjoying the prestige accumulated from my past achievements, but I have left the center of power because of a wrong step... Anyone can think of it for a while. I can't get over this hurdle.
But it doesn't go to extremes.
However, Li Ji was still worried: "There is no need to elaborate on the strategic position of the Western Region for the empire, so the land in Hexi cannot be lost. Don't be too smart. Once the situation in Hexi is corrupted, you will be the sinner of the empire. As soldiers of the empire, we It’s okay to wrap a body in horse leather, and you will never do anything to tarnish the honor of a soldier. Otherwise, how can you explain to Pao Ze who died on the battlefield in the future? Don’t make a mistake!”
He knew Cheng Yaojin's character very well. Although this person was shrewd in small things and responsible in big things, he had a violent temper and was easily impulsive. When the situation was stable, it was okay. He could always recognize the path and take care of himself. But once the situation was turbulent, It is easy to make mistakes when your mind is hot.
In short, this guy is the best at taking sides. As long as he takes the right side, he can maximize his interests. He is always the victor in the government, but who can guarantee that he takes the correct side every time? Once you make a mistake, you may make it again and again and never get back on track.
The reason why Cheng Yaojin led his army out of Liangzhou this time was actually because Li Chengqian allowed him to perform meritorious service. As long as he forced the Liangzhou An family to hand over military power, it would be regarded as a great achievement, and he would definitely be transferred back to Chang'an later. Re-enter the hub.
But the question is, how can the Liangzhou An family be willing to surrender? A war is almost inevitable, and Liangzhou is located in Hexi. Once the Youxiao Guard under An Yuanshou rises to fight to the death, and there are people in the court who hide their intentions and sit back and watch the battle get out of control, not only the entire Hexi will be shaken, but also the relationship between Guanzhong and the Western Regions will be shaken. The severing of contact will even lead to the erosion of the entire Longyou.
He was afraid that Cheng Yaojin would do something wrong because of his cleverness, wasting his life's achievements in vain, and not even being able to look back in the end...
Cheng Yaojin disagreed: "I'm not stupid, how can I do stupid things? As I said, as long as the military power is in hand, no one can touch me!"
Li Ji was a little dissatisfied, but he could only do what was appropriate, and going too far was not enough.
Cheng Yaojin poured wine from a pot and asked curiously: "It is said that you have never been keen on power, fame and fortune. Back then, Emperor Taizong forced Zuopushe to go up to him. Now that we have lost control of the Military Aircraft Department, why not just retreat?" Come down?”
The two clinked glasses. Li Ji took a sip of wine and said calmly: "A man can do something or not do something. I really don't care about power. The reason why I held a high position back then was to obey the will of Emperor Taizong. But today, His Majesty's accession to the throne is not certain. Knowing how to be an emperor, and being surrounded by young men like Fang Jun, it is inevitable to act radically. I can stabilize the situation at critical moments, and I can live up to His Majesty's trust back then. "
The reason why he did not want to be the chief minister at that time was because he felt that even if he was in power, he would not be able to do much, and he would be the target of public criticism and get involved in court battles.
The reason why he didn't retreat today was because he felt that he could do something now. Even if he lost control and was struggling, he couldn't stay away and retreat.
He may not have lofty political ambitions, but he also has his own responsibilities.
Eating the emperor's salary is a matter of loyalty to the emperor.
Cheng Yaojin smelled of wine and said "Hey" angrily: "We have worked so hard to achieve great things, how can we be inferior to Shuzi? Mother!"
In the past, the Cheng family and the Fang family were close friends. He had a very good relationship with Fang Jun, and even treated him as a nephew at one time. However, today, he even has to live under Fang Jun, which makes him unbearable. Jealousy makes him feel a little disturbed, and he can't help but complain.
Li Ji shook his head and stopped trying to persuade him.
It is said that times make heroes. Although Fang Jun is young and relies on his father's family background, his steps are worthy of success. The merits he has made are definitely not "lucky" as rumored by the outside world. Otherwise, Emperor Taizong would be so wise. How could Shenwu favor a sycophant?
Just the feat of "Sealing the wolf to live in Xu" made him, Li Jidu, jealous and sighed to himself...
Not to mention that the second son's research and development and application of firearms completely changed the shape of war, which is enough to be proud of the world and to be famous forever.
If you don't accept it, what's the use?
*****
Zongzheng Temple.
The cold wind subsided, the dark clouds hung low, and scattered snowflakes fluttered like catkins, circling and flying among the palaces with red walls and black tiles. After a while, a thin layer accumulated on the ground.
King Li Yuanjia of Han took the steaming kettle off the small stove and poured the boiling water into the teapot. The light tea fragrance was thick and refreshing.
Tea was poured into the cups, and Li Yuanjia pushed one cup in front of Li Xiaogong. He picked up the other cup and brought it to his mouth to take a sip.
Then he frowned and whispered: "Something is not quite right within the clan recently."
Li Xiaogong held the tea cup in his hands and asked puzzledly: "What's wrong?"
Li Yuanjia said: "I can't tell what's going on. I just feel that the atmosphere is not right. It's too calm. It's very abnormal."
The change of imperial power means that power is reshuffled. Some people gain and others lose. Even though the Jin Dynasty's mutiny that they just experienced caused the death of many clans, the extravagant hopes of power and interests will never deter people.
How can we live in peace and harmony?
After taking a sip of tea, he put a piece of pastry into his mouth, chewed it and swallowed it. Li Xiaogong said: "Today in the Military Aircraft Department, Fang Er proposed to build Luoyang as the eastern capital, and recommended the King of Wei to be responsible for the construction. Your Majesty has initially agreed. ”
Li Yuanjia was shocked and thought for a moment, and then he understood Fang Jun's intention of recommending King Wei. This was to convey to the world his majesty's tolerant attitude towards the clan by re-employing King Wei, but he did not take it seriously.
"Now it is not that the clan is trembling in fear that His Majesty will go on a killing spree, but that there are still people who covet the throne. No matter how re-appointed King Wei is, those people will not be able to give up their ambitions."
Li Xiaogong frowned and asked: "Who are they?"
Li Yuanjia shook his head and said: "How can I dare to say nonsense without conclusive evidence? It's just speculation. Once said, it may trigger a bloodbath within the clan. I can't say it, I dare not say it."
The Li family in Longxi was originally a large family with a prosperous population and luxuriant branches. The great ancestor Li Yuan was even more fertile. He gave birth to more than twenty sons, and there are still more than a dozen alive today. To a certain extent, these Everyone is qualified to inherit the throne.
Including Li Yuanjia himself.
There is even only one Xu King Li Yuanli left above Li Yuanjia, and his ranking is actually very high...
Once there is speculation, the "Hundred Cavalry Division" will inevitably intervene, and it will be difficult for many people to prove their innocence. After all, there were countless people involved in the two mutinies of Guanlong and King Jin. If you dig carefully, you will have to find out. All involved.
A bloodbath is inevitable.
As Da Zongzheng, how could Li Yuanjia let such a scene happen?
Li Xiaogong was also speechless. In other words, if there is a conspiracy against His Majesty, it is naturally impossible for everyone to participate, but everyone in the clan is suspected, and many people even find it difficult to prove their innocence...
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As the only remaining famous marshal of the Li Tang royal family, Li Xiaogong is not Da Zongzheng, but he is better than Da Zongzheng. He fully understands the importance of the clan in stabilizing the world and inheriting the country. Once the bloodshed within the clan is severely damaged, he will immediately threaten Li Tang Royal rule.
This is absolutely unacceptable.
But if conspiracies are allowed to breed, germinate, and even grow secretly, one day it will most likely lead to unspeakable consequences.
By then, where will the Li-Tang Empire go?
It is impossible to advance or retreat. It is really a dilemma...
After pondering for a long time, Li Xiaogong said in a deep voice: "I will bear it for the time being and investigate secretly. I remind your majesty to be more careful, but to ensure the peace of the clan."
For now, that's all it can do.
Moreover, Li Xiaogong really could not imagine that Li Yuanli, Li Yuanze, Li Yuanyi, etc. could be ambitious and capable of such rebellious actions...
As for Taizong's disciples, it is even more impossible.
Apart from the King of Wei, only Li Ke, the King of Wu, had that ability. However, now Li Ke is leisurely serving as his "King of Silla" in Silla. Although the territory is not big, it is extremely rich, so why bother to risk it? Big risks making waves?
Even if the plan is successful, Silla is thousands of miles away from Chang'an. By the time Li Ke returns to Chang'an, it is very likely that someone will already be on the throne. Will he work hard and take risks just to make wedding clothes for others?
Perhaps it was just a coincidence of calmness, with no undercurrent beneath the water.
Li Yuanjia could only nod, exhale, and said with a wry smile: "That's all we can do now, but from now on, I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to sleep peacefully again."
Since many things have feelings, no matter how unreasonable they are, they are actually very likely to happen.
Li Xiaogong nodded and took a look at the sky outside. Before he arrived at the Tai Chi Palace, he stood up and said, "Let's go to His Majesty's side together. Your Majesty must be on guard no matter what. Even if it's a snake, after all, it's in the Tai Chi Palace now." There are still many old people from the Taizong period, and no one can guarantee the character and stance of these people.”
Even though the "Hundred Qisi" purged the old people in Taiji Palace several times, many of them were slaves of the emperors during the Taizong period. If there are no clear mistakes, it is not easy to drive them all away, otherwise they will inevitably bear the burden of a "mean person". Li Chengqian would never be able to earn the reputation of being "ungrateful". In this way, there are naturally many hidden dangers.