Chapter 146: Marriage and Breakup with Wei Jian
Song Guogong Mansion.

It was already late, but Li Shizhi, Li Qian and Li Yuying were still waiting by lamplight.

Butler Zhao Zong had been watching at the door.

When Li Xuan's white horse stopped in front of the Duke of Song's mansion, Zhao Zong immediately went back to report: "Qi Lang has returned!"

The servants hurried forward to lead the Ferghana horse for Li Xuan!

"Seventh Brother!"

Li Yuying ran out quickly.

It's been a year since we last met.

Far away from you, I miss you so much.

Until now, she could only listen to the stories coming from afar, just like other men and women.

"Yuying has grown into a beautiful young lady!"

Every time Li Xuan came back, he could clearly see the changes in Li Yuying.

Li Xuan also loves his only sister very much.

"Fortunately, there is Brother Qi's reputation. Otherwise, Brother Qi wouldn't be able to see Yuying this time, and Yuying wouldn't be able to see Brother Qi either."

Li Yuying had just met Li Xuan, and her joy and excitement disappeared in an instant, and suddenly, tears flowed silently down her cheeks.

Her voice became choked with sobs, and she felt quite aggrieved.

"What happened to Yuying?"

Li Xuan was puzzled. It was clearly a happy moment of reunion after a long separation, so why did he show such an expression?

At this time, Li Shizhi came out!
"My child meets his father!"

Li Xuan bowed to Li Shi.

"Yuying, your father has something to tell your brother. You should go back and have a rest early. I will play with you tomorrow after your brother leaves the court!"

After Li Shizhi helped Li Xuan to sit upright, he gave some instructions to Li Yuying.

Although Li Yuying was reluctant, she still listened to Li Shizhi's words.

Unlike when they were young and ignorant, men now value fame and success more than ever before.

After Li Shizhi finished speaking, he took Li Xuan into the front hall.

"How is your father these days?"

Li Xuan first asked about Li Shizhi's physical condition.

"I can eat and drink, and I am relaxed and comfortable. It's great!"

Li Shizhi answered Li Xuan with a smile.

"Father, what did Yuying mean by what she said just now?" Li Xuan then asked Li Shizhi about Li Yuying's abnormal behavior just now.

"Wei Zuoxiang has a trusted minister who not long ago petitioned the Saint to make Yuying a princess and marry the Khitan King. Fortunately, the Saint did not agree immediately in the court. Afterwards, I went to Xingqing Palace and explained to the Saint that Yuying was still young and ignorant. The Saint happily did not allow Yuying to marry. Instead, he chose his granddaughter as Princess Jingle to marry the Khitan!"

Li Shizhi said to Li Xuan.

The sage did not make things difficult for Li Shizhi out of consideration for his family.

The daughters of princes and nobles in Chang'an all knew that it was not good to marry a crude Hu people, especially those like the Khitan and Xi who did not even have a city. If they went there, they would suffer from the wind and sand and would have no entertainment.

It's not like Chang'an, where you can go to the princess' palace and watch Cuju, attend various banquets, watch talented scholars reciting poems and composing essays, watch dances, and play games such as Shefu, Touhu, and Chupu.

And during festivals, there are various entertainment activities.

The relationship between the Tang Dynasty and the Khitan was not very good. In the first year of Tianbao, Wang Zhongsi had just defeated the Khitan and Xi coalition forces.

It was also common for the Khitan to rebel against the Tang Dynasty.

Therefore, women from the royal family and relatives by marriage kept their distance from the idea of ​​marriage.

Just like Princess Yifang, who was married to King Xi together with Princess Jingle, wrote the sad words "My heart is always filled with sorrow. I long for Chang'an in the future" when the carriage left Chang'an.

But they were chosen out of necessity.

Li Longji would certainly not be willing to use his own daughter as a marriage partner, so he would definitely choose one from the royal family.

"What does Wei Jian want to do?"

When Li Xuan learned the reason for the incident, he was furious.

He knew that in history, in the fourth year of Tianbao, Li Longji named his granddaughter Duhu as Princess Jingle and married her to Li Huaijie, the King of Khitan; and his nephew Yang as Princess Yifang and married Li Yanchong, the King of Xi.

The Xi and Khitan were originally unruly and were only forced to surrender.

In order to gain meritorious service on the frontier, An Lushan began to plunder the Xi and Khitan tribes not long after the marriage.

He ordered Li Huaijie and Li Yanchong to kill the princess and rebel against the Tang Dynasty.

The two poor princesses were buried with jade and incense not long after their marriage.

This also gave An Lushan a legitimate reason to send troops.

Who in the court, whether civil or military, didn’t know that Li Yuying was Li Shizhi’s only unmarried daughter and Li Xuan’s sister?

Generally, the marriages were made between powerful princes and nobles. Although Li Shizhi was dismissed from his post, Li Xuan became the new prime minister.

Li Xuan was very angry that such a thing happened around him.

"Qilang, don't be angry. Wei Zuoxiang asked someone to tell you that the minister who proposed Yuying to marry Khitan did not inform him beforehand. He suspected that this minister had lost his integrity and defected to Li Linfu. His purpose was to make me break with Wei Zuoxiang!" Li Shizhi told Li Xuan the whole story.

Although there are other hidden secrets, if this matter becomes a foregone conclusion, it will definitely create a rift with Wei Jiansheng.

"Can Wei Jian curb Li Linfu's power?"

Li Xuan's anger subsided a little. It seemed that this was most likely instigated by Li Linfu to disgust him.

Li Linfu had so many unmarried daughters, why didn't he marry one of them off to the frontier?

"It is said that Wei Zuoxiang is having a hard time, and many of his confidants have been removed. The current vice minister of the Ministry of Justice is Li Linfu's man. Li Linfu's methods are very clever, and he can make the saint inadvertently remove one of Wei Zuoxiang's confidants. This is also the reason why Wei Zuoxiang's confidant originally sought another way out."

"After Wei Zuoxiang was appointed as prime minister and Huangfu Weiming as the Minister of War, people thought that Li Linfu would turn around and that Wei Zuoxiang was a capable man. Now the government and the public are very disappointed!"

Li Shizhi said helplessly.

It is always difficult to guard against a person who speaks sweet words but has a sharp tongue. Many ministers fell into Li Linfu's trap in just a few words.

Wei Jian lacked sensitivity in some matters, and was one step behind Li Linfu in serving the saint and understanding his will.

Li Longji saw all this and thought that Wei Jian was weaker than Li Linfu in ability.

Li Longji still let Li Linfu do the important things, and in Li Longji's mind, Wei Jian was the deputy prime minister who assisted Li Linfu.

After Li Longji's subconscious mind was established, it would be difficult for Wei Jian to suppress Li Linfu before Li Linfu died.

Referring to the example of Yao Chong and Yuan Qianyao in the early Kaiyuan period, in Li Longji's mind, Yuan Qianyao was not as good as Yao Chong, and Li Longji gave priority to Yao Chong in everything. It was only after Yao Chong's death that Yuan Qianyao made a comeback.

"During this period, I have thought a lot in Helong. Wei Jian's identity as the prince's brother-in-law makes me walk on thin ice. I dare not help him. Even if I send a message, I am afraid that the news will leak out. Now it seems that Wei Jian is destined to be no match for Li Linfu. Maybe something unexpected will happen at that time. Father cut off the connection with Wei Jian and the prince's party because of Yuying's incident. I will find a way to deal with Li Linfu in the future!"

Li Xuan thought for a long time as the candles flickered, and then reminded Li Shizhi.

If one day Li Longji becomes suspicious and suspects that Wei Jian is colluding with the prince, many people will be implicated.

To be in the same camp with them is to play with fire.

This time, Wei Jian's confidant proposed that Yuying marry. From Li Shizhi's tone, we can tell that he is Wei Jian's confidant.

How could even Li Linfu's confidants be turned against him? How could this be tolerated!

Historically, Wei Jian did not become a prime minister, but he organized a wonderful Guangyuntan event, which made Li Xuan have hope in him. Now it seems that he was overthinking.

"What should a father do?"

Li Shizhi had a good relationship with Wei Jian, but he trusted Li Xuan's judgment more.

Yuying was almost forced to marry, which made Li Shizhi very disappointed with Wei Jian, because Wei Jian did not step out to stop it in the court.

If Wei Jian was defeated by Li Linfu, many people would be implicated. He did not mind being implicated, but he was afraid that Qilang, who was rising rapidly, would lose the trust of the saint.

After thinking for half a minute, Li Shizhi asked Li Xuan.

"In the future, ignore Wei Jian at the banquet. Even when talking to the saint, complain that Wei Jian wants Yuying to marry and act like there is no harmony."

Li Xuan replied that it was too easy to break up with someone.

Li Longji was willing to see ministers at odds with each other. As long as Li Shizhi did not interfere in government affairs and did not get close to the prince, Li Longji would not say anything even if he complained about the prime minister.

As long as Li Shizhi expressed his dissatisfaction with Wei Jian to Li Longji, once Wei Jian got into trouble, he would not contact Li Shizhi again, let alone implicate Li Xuan.

Even if a "minister" impeached the faction for personal gain, it would be of no avail.

Li Xuan was fighting a great battle with Tubo and had no time to worry about what was happening in Chang'an.

He was always worried that Wei Jian and Huangfu Weiming would suddenly fall into a trap and be imprisoned on the charge of "supporting the crown prince."

"Oh! Let's do it!"

Li Shizhi sighed. He had no leverage over his administration, so even if this caused Wei Jian's jealousy, he could do nothing to him.

Moreover, the gap between Wei Jian and Li Linfu was too big, and there was no possibility of any alliance.

Li Linfu knew that once the prince ascended the throne, he would have no place to be buried.

Wei Jian also knew that he had to defend the prince and stop Li Linfu from dealing with the prince at all costs.

Wei Jian wanted to become the chief prime minister and an unshakable figure in the political arena.

"It's just that Qilang will lose someone he can rely on in the court in the future!"

Li Shizhi didn't want Li Xuan to feel miserable outside. "Don't worry, father. I have my own way!"

Li Xuan comforted Li Shizhi.

Now he only needs to maintain good relationships with Li Longji, Gao Lishi and Yang Yuhuan.

As he grew older, Li Longji became conceited and could not tolerate any disobedience.

Once Li Longji firmly agreed, neither of the two prime ministers could change his mind.

Especially in terms of military merit, which Li Longji was most concerned about, if Li Xuan was rewarded for his merits, with Li Linfu's emotional intelligence, he would definitely not come out to stop it.

Afterwards, Li Xuan talked with Li Shizhi about the situation between the brothers.

Li Xuan was very pleased to learn that his fifth brother Li Lang had studied hard this year and was now serving as a Yulin Lang in front of Li Longji's palace.

With such experience, you will have a certain foundation when you enter the government as an official in the future and it will be easier for you to get a high position.

Li Xuan also told Li Shizhi about some of the wars in Helong and the customs and people there.

Li Shizhi kept reminding Li Xuan not to charge into battle, and that as the commander-in-chief, he should focus on deploying troops and commanding soldiers.

Although Li Xuan could defeat the enemy and destroy their morale, accidents would always happen during the battle of arrows and stones.

Li Xuan responded verbally as usual.

"People say that one should start a family and a career. Qilang has already established his career, but when will he start a family? Do you have a girl you like? Your father will speak for you!"

Li Shizhi asked Li Xuan.

He desperately hoped that Li Xuan could get married and become more stable.

"I'm not even in Chang'an, how can I find someone I like? Besides, my fifth brother hasn't gotten married yet, how can I get ahead of him?"

Li Xuan used this as an excuse.

"Then I will definitely let Wulang get married this year!"

Li Shizhi nodded. Given their family's financial situation, it would be easy to find a lady for Li Lang.

The father and son discussed until midnight before returning to their room to rest.

If Li Xuan hadn't had to get up early to attend court tomorrow, they could definitely have talked all night.

……

The next day, Xingqing Palace.

After the court ceremony ended, before Li Longji entered the palace, the ministers gathered together and discussed in a low voice.

In addition to the two provinces' opposing classes, Li Xuan's seat was the first on the right, the first among military officers.

Behind him was a tall, fat man with pale skin.

The man had an extremely large belly, and his court robes were about to burst. Li Xuan knew that he was An Lushan.

Unlike Li Xuan's impression of An Lushan, he was not ugly and wretched, but had a pleasant face, and looked honest and simple, seemingly harmless.

Moreover, he definitely does not weigh more than 300 pounds, probably more than 200 pounds, which would not affect his riding, and he does not need anyone to support him.

Perhaps it will take another ten years for An Lushan to reach the level recorded in history books!
An Lushan was looking at Li Xuan at the same time!

He also knew that the heroic general in front of him was the famous Li Xuan.

There are three Jiedushi in the world today who hold two towns at the same time.

Li Xuan was concurrently in charge of Hexi and Longyou, and had 150,000 men under his command.

An Lushan concurrently served as commander of Fan Yang and Ping Lu, and had 140,000 men under his command.

Wang Zhongsi was concurrently in charge of Shuofang and Hedong, and was in charge of 120,000 troops.

Among them, Li Xuan had the most horses, with 100,000 horses, which could be said to be a strong army.

An Lushan was dissatisfied when he saw that Li Xuan was ranked ahead of him, but compared to Li Xuan, his reputation in the world was not even a little bit inferior.

His reputation has also been controversial.

As we all know, An Lushan once worked part-time as a sheep thief. He knew a friend named Shi Siming. Usually, An Lushan stole sheep and Shi Siming kept watch.

Moreover, An Lushan was working as a broker in the Han-Fan market at the time, and had channels to sell the stolen goods.

But if you walk by the river often, you will get your feet wet. During one sheep theft, An Lushan was ambushed by villagers. He was caught, beaten, and sent to the government. Shi Siming, who was in charge of keeping watch, slipped away.

With irrefutable evidence, An Lushan, as a "habitual offender", was sentenced to death.

At that time, the execution was supervised by Zhang Shougui, the governor of Youzhou. When the machete was about to fall, An Lushan shouted: "You want to destroy the Xi and Khitan, why are you killing brave men!"

From this we can see that An Lushan was not illiterate as described in history books, but had read history books.

The inspiration for this sentence should come from the words of the military genius Han Xin before his execution: "Don't you want to save the world? Why kill the brave warriors?"

When Zhang Shougui heard such bold words and saw that An Lushan was tall, he released him. He was appointed as the commander of the army to capture An Lushan alive. Later, because of his repeated military exploits, he was adopted as his son by Zhang Shougui.

This is the thing about An Lushan that makes the literati and scholars despise him the most!
In addition, in the 24th year of Kaiyuan, when An Lushan was the envoy to attack Pinglu, he was greedy for merit and acted rashly, which led to the annihilation of the entire army. According to the law, he should be executed.

But Zhang Shougui couldn't bear to kill his adopted son, so he escorted him back to Chang'an to be dealt with by Li Longji.

For this, Prime Minister Zhang Jiuling reprimanded Zhang Shougui: "If Shougui carries out the military order, he will not be able to escape death!"

But An Lushan was eloquent and impressed Li Longji, so not only was he spared the death penalty, but he was also allowed to make meritorious contributions while serving his sentence.

This is another point that makes the generals dissatisfied.

Therefore, it can be said that all the civil and military officials in the court looked down on An Lushan, a "mixed Hu" who was a combination of Turks and Sogdians.

But it was enough for An Lushan to please Li Longji, and then to curry favor with Li Linfu. An Lushan didn't care about anything else.

Li Xuan could guess what Li Longji was thinking. After all, Li Longji had spared An Lushan's life. In addition, Li Xuan thought An Lushan was loyal despite his treacherous appearance because he was loyal to him.

So he felt relieved to hand over the Northeast to An Lushan.

"Are you the General Li, who is both civil and military, and unrivaled in the world?"

After looking at Li Xuan for a moment, An Lushan took the initiative to get close to him and looked shocked.

"Exactly! I have heard of the reputation of the Zhongcheng from time to time!"

Li Xuan said to An Lushan with a smile.

The civil official that An Lushan currently holds concurrently is Chief Censor. This title will make An Lushan appear more elegant.

When he first came to the Tang Dynasty, Li Xuan must have thought of killing An Lushan first, even by assassination, to prevent the Anshi Rebellion from happening.

Li Xuan now has witnessed that powerful people are everywhere and land annexation has almost reached its limit. He will no longer have such naive ideas.

Without An Lushan, other ambitious border generals would emerge sooner or later.

He wanted to use An Lushan as a chess piece, a chess piece that would allow him to take power and truly change the Tang Dynasty.

It is true that the Anshi Rebellion would certainly cause many civilian casualties, but Li Xuan would never allow it to expand and cause great suffering to all.

If there had not been the opportunity created by An Lushan, unless Li Xuan rebelled himself, he would have been killed because of his great achievements. Perhaps soon after his death, the same scene as the An Lushan Rebellion would have been repeated.

"General Li, thank you for your praise. I cannot compare with you." An Lushan seemed to be trying to please Li Xuan.

He had already inquired about it, and he knew that Li Xuan was the most favored person by the emperor in the court. He could not even compare to the scene when he returned to the capital.

Even though he was still trying to please Li Linfu, he could not offend someone like Li Xuan.

So as to prevent Li Xuan from saying bad things about him in front of the saint.

An Lushan was a very powerful person. In private, if an official was not as favored as he was, he would be quite presumptuous and even curse at him.

Once he meets someone more favored like Li Xuan or Li Linfu, he will tuck his tail between his legs and act like a grandson.

"No, I am not as experienced as you!"

Li Xuan laughed. As for An Lushan, Li Xuan would not be too close or too far away.

If An Lushan took the initiative to ask questions, Li Xuan would reply a few words, but Li Xuan would not take the initiative to talk to An Lushan.

While Li Xuan was talking with An Lushan, the ministers were discussing Li Xuan.

Hearing that Li Xuan returned to Beijing yesterday, the Longwu Guard and Yulin Guard went out of the city to greet him, and then went straight to Xingqing Palace.

Everyone envied Li Xuan's honor.

Just as the rumor goes: After Shizhi resigned from his position as prime minister, his family became even more expensive.

Li Linfu sat there calmly, waiting for the saint to come in. The person he hated the most had returned to Chang'an.

After lying dormant for several months, he no longer took the initiative to attack, but instead took advantage of Wei Jian's weaknesses.

He had always wanted to find Li Shizhi's flaws, but Li Shizhi lived in seclusion, did not associate with important ministers, and the emperor would always invite him to banquets, so he had no way to deal with it.

Li Xuan's return sounded a wake-up call to Li Linfu, as he had not forgotten the embarrassment he experienced last year.

Even his good-for-nothing son was restrained by him to prevent him from doing stupid things and being caught by Li Xuan.

Wei Jian realized that being the prime minister was "difficult". He could not meet with Li Xuan openly, and only hoped that Li Xuan could help him share the pressure.

He thought the "marriage incident" was a trivial matter.

Li Xuan didn't hate Wei Jian, he was just disappointed with Wei Jian's ability, so he got away in time!
They pushed Wei Jian to the position of prime minister and they didn't owe Wei Jian anything.

"Your Majesty has arrived..."

With a shout from the chief ceremonial officer, the court meeting officially began.

(End of this chapter)