Chapter 204: Li Longji went out of the city to welcome him and pay him homage as the Imperial Censor

Changan.

After more than seven days of traveling more than 300 miles every day, Li Xuan finally returned to Chang'an at noon that day.

Because Li Xuan was running so fast, Li Longji did not learn that Li Xuan was approaching Chang'an City until the morning.

When Li Xuan left Chang'an last year, Li Longji promised that if Jiuqu was recovered, he would personally greet him at Mingde Gate.

Although he was in a bad mood because of Wang Zhongsi, he did not go back on his word.

He immediately asked the eunuch to notify all officials of the fifth rank and above in Beijing to come to the Mingde Gate.

He also bathed and changed his clothes, and the eunuchs prepared the dragon chariot and headed for Mingde Gate.

Zhuque Street was once again placed under martial law, with Jinwu Guards filling the streets.

Because Li Longji and Li Xuan had to pass through Zhuque Street.

Let the people once again pay tribute to the hero who recaptured Jiuqu.

……

At this time, Li Xuan stayed at an inn twenty miles south of Chang'an City.

It was Li Longji who ordered Li Xuan to stay here temporarily to take a bath and change clothes.

Li Longji and all the civil and military officials in the court had to make some preparations before they could reach a place ten miles outside Mingde Gate.

As they approached Chang'an, Li Xuan heard of a major event.

Wang Zhongsi was arrested and brought back to Chang'an, where he was being judged by the Three Courts.

This must be the reason why Li Longji called him back.

The news Li Xuan heard from the post station was that Crown Prince Li Heng sent a servant to Taiyuan to contact Wang Zhongsi.

But when they were leaving, their servants were robbed and killed, and the whole matter was exposed.

As soon as Li Xuan heard it, he knew that this was a case full of doubts.

Wang Zhongsi was a die-hard supporter of the Tang Dynasty. Even if he was killed, he would not rebel.

In history, Wang Zhongsi, the governor of four towns, did not have such thoughts.

Moreover, Li Heng had been kept in the deep palace since the Wei Jian case. He was a prince with only the title of crown prince.

Li Heng knew Wang Zhongsi's character and knew that it was impossible to win him over to help him in a coup, so he sent his slaves to Taiyuan, which was like digging his own grave.

Li Xuan was 100% sure that this was a frame-up of Wang Zhongsi by the old villain Li Linfu.

The old thief's move was so insidious that even Li Xuan did not expect it.

This touched Li Longji's most sensitive nerve. By taking advantage of Li Longji's suspicion and killing his two opponents, it was like killing two birds with one stone.

After a little thought, Li Xuan knew that it was impossible for Wang Zhongsi to be reinstated.

Historically, Wang Zhongsi was falsely accused by Wei Lin, the deputy governor of Jiyang, for the Shibaocheng Incident and was almost framed to death by the Sansi judge.

Even though Li Longji had already made it clear that Wang Zhongsi had no intention of disobeying him, he still abandoned him.

Because in Li Longji's mind, Wang Zhongsi's military power and his status as the crown prince have been linked together.

This would create a grudge in Li Longji's heart and he would no longer trust her.

What is happening now is much more serious than the crime of "hindering border work" in history.

Not to mention Li Xuan, even Yang Yuhuan might not be able to save Wang Zhongsi.

Although Wang Zhongsi might be a stumbling block to Li Xuan, Li Xuan benefited from Wang Zhongsi's kindness when he became famous all over the world.

If Wang Zhongsi had not given the opportunity, the capture of the two Khans would never have happened, and Li Xuan would not have been able to rise to prominence.

Li Xuan was ready to try and see if he could save Wang Zhongsi's life.

Historically, Wang Zhongsi died of depression in the eighth year of Tianbao.

Regardless of whether Wang Zhongsi can survive this life, Li Xuan wants to repay this favor.

Li Linfu's power today is far less than it was during the fifth year of Tianbao in history.

At that time, Li Longji entrusted the political affairs to Li Linfu, and he himself did nothing, which allowed Li Linfu to kill ministers at will.

He was thinking about where to start to persuade Li Longji.

And as for Li Heng, he should be fine.

Once Wang Zhongsi was removed, the prince no longer had any external support and was basically a canary imprisoned in the deep palace, posing no threat to Li Longji's throne.

Even if Li Heng once had a good relationship with the Minister of War Huangfu Weiming, after these things happened, Huangfu Weiming would never be close to Li Heng again.

……

"General, the saint has left the Mingde Gate of Chang'an. You can set off in a quarter of an hour. Control the horses and walk at a slow pace immediately."

After Li Xuan took a bath and changed his clothes, a messenger came to the post station to inform Li Xuan.

According to etiquette, in this situation, Li Longji needed to lead all civil and military officials to their positions before Li Xuan could go.

The ceremonial officer will make all the arrangements very clear, even specifying the speed of the horses.

A quarter of an hour later, Li Xuan set off.

He brought his personal guards with him and rode slowly on his horse, and soon arrived at a place ten miles away from Mingde Gate.

There was the emperor's ceremonial guard that Li Xuan was familiar with.

There were also thousands of Yulin Army and Longwu Army lined up on both sides, wearing brightly colored armor.

Eunuchs, palace maids and orchestras all have different divisions of labor.

Beside Li Longji were the left and right prime ministers, and a little later were the six ministers and the heads of various temples.

After that are some officials of the fourth and fifth ranks.

Although it was a ritual for the emperor to welcome meritorious officials, Li Longji never personally welcomed a meritorious general.

At most, we will send a ceremonial guard!
The civil and military officials all had complicated feelings, and Li Xuan was in an uproar!
Only Li Linfu understood why Li Longji favored Li Xuan so much.

Because this little thief Li Xuan is more worthy of meeting a saint than he is.

Because Li Xuan can always follow the saint's wishes.

Because Li Xuan saved the saint's life.

Because Li Xuan knew how to please Yang Yuhuan and Gao Lishi.

Because Li Xuan was a man of great talent, the poems and essays he wrote reflected the spirit of the prosperous Tang Dynasty and expressed loyalty to the emperor and patriotism vividly.

Because Li Xuan was willing to be a saint with a knife, eradicate the powerful, and bring wealth to Chang'an.

Because the financial management strategy proposed by Li Xuan has begun to show results.

Because Li Xuan was fair and pragmatic, Li Longji believed that he had the talent to be a prime minister.

Because Li Xuan was invincible in battle and conquered every enemy, he always achieved the greatest victory with the smallest loss, thus expanding the territory for Li Longji.

Any one of these factors is an opportunity for promotion, and one may even get an official position of the third rank.

But all of them were covered by Li Xuan.

Whenever Li Linfu thought of the halo around Li Xuan, he felt a splitting headache.

For example, the method used to deal with Wang Zhongsi would be a joke if used on Li Xuan.

"Greetings, Saint! I am deeply grateful to the Saint for welcoming me in person despite my humble contributions. From now on, I will repay the Saint's kindness with my life!"

When they were ten steps away from Li Longji, Li Xuan led his personal guards to dismount.

The guards saluted on the spot.

Li Xuan came to Li Longji's procession and bowed, speaking with tears of gratitude.

"Qilang, stand up!"

Li Longji personally helped Li Xuan up. When he saw Li Xuan, his mood instantly improved.

Loyalty! It all depends on his Qilang!
"Come on, get in the car with me!"

Li Longji grabbed Li Xuan's hand and wanted Li Xuan to sit on the dragon chariot with him and set off on the return journey.

Li Longji's dragon chariot was pulled by six horses, and its body was inlaid with gold, silver, jade, gems and pearls; it was also carved with dragon and phoenix patterns, fully displaying the royal family's noble and luxurious style.

"I dare not. I just want to stay on horseback and guard the saint. I will never change my mind."

Li Xuan said with fear and trepidation.

Although in ancient times it was common for ministers to be pulled onto the dragon chariot by the emperor, Li Xuan did not want that.

"In ancient times, Zhang Anshi was able to ride with Emperor Xuan of Han and made contributions to the recovery of Jiuqu. How could he not be as good as him?"

Although Li Longji felt comfortable with Li Xuan's words, he still insisted on letting Li Xuan ride along.

"I think I am stronger than Zhang Anshi, but how can Emperor Xuan of Han be compared with you? He is the emperor, and you are a saint, comparable to the saintly rulers Yao and Shun. How can I offend you?"

Li Xuan bowed and was still unwilling to ride on the dragon chariot. He used a clever metaphor to imply that Li Longji was a saint greater than the emperor.

"So! Shichiro will ride his horse beside my car!"

Li Longji nodded slightly, as if this was the truth.

Li Xuan's discipline and non-overstepping of authority made Li Longji feel at ease.

I have decided to entrust you with the important task again!

Li Linfu, who was standing by, twitched his lips as he watched. The little thief was still so eloquent.

Before getting on his horse, Li Xuan glanced at the old villain Li Linfu and thought to himself, didn't Zhuge Liang's sword take away any of his power?

How can you still jump like this?
When he set out to return to the palace, Li Xuan was allowed to sit beside Li Longji's carriage.

Even the prime minister's carriage had to follow behind.

As they walked along the road, the ministers could not help but talk among themselves.

"A year ago I thought Li Qilang was at the peak of his career, but what is he like now?"

"The current prime minister may not be as honorable as Li Qilang!"

"If I had a son, I'd want him to be like Li Qilang!"

"Yes! It is said that during this period, the number of envoys who sent fine wine and delicacies to the Duke of Song's mansion was overwhelming. When the Duke of Song was the left prime minister, he was not so wealthy. Look at the several sons of the Li family. They all ranked above the fifth rank because of their younger brother. Li Qian even became a minister at a young age."

"Li Qilang was once a subordinate of Wang Zhongsi, but it seems that Li Qilang has not been influenced by Wang Zhongsi!"

"How could it possibly have an impact? I even suspect that Wang Zhongsi's power will fall into Li Qilang's hands."

"You mean Li Qilang is going to take charge of the troops of Hedong and Shuofang? No way, there has never been such an example since the founding of our dynasty. In the past, there were only two towns at most." "I also think it's impossible..."

While the ministers were walking and chatting, the imperial carriage arrived at Mingde Gate.

The golden silk curtains in front of Li Longji's dragon chariot have all been lifted up.

So that the people can vaguely see the majestic figure in the dragon chariot.

Such opportunities were rare. Usually, Li Longji would walk through the alleys when entering and leaving the city.

The people of Chang'an saw Li Xuan's appearance again, and this time their reaction was greater than before.

Under the feet of the emperor, the people know honor and disgrace!

After being publicized by the imperial court, the recovery of Jiuqu was considered a greater achievement than the capture of Usumish Khan.

After forty years, Jiuqu returned to the embrace of the Tang Dynasty and completed the expansion of territory, annexing Jiuqu Tuyuhun and subduing Bailang Qiang.

The young men admired the people for all their praises.

There are also countless girls' admiring eyes...

Compared with the last time, the Hu merchants in Chang'an were full of awe towards Li Xuan.

Even the Hu merchants from the Arab world.

On the Silk Road, Li Xuan became completely famous. Tubo, which was as famous as the Tang Dynasty and the Arab Empire, was defeated by Li Xuan.

Li Xuan, who controlled the Hexi Corridor, could directly affect the interests of the Hu merchants.

As the imperial examination was approaching, the literati and scholars around him were discussing Li Xuan and all of them thought that Li Xuan was a rare and outstanding figure in a thousand years.

When Li Xuan's relatives and friends learned that Li Xuan had returned, they celebrated on Zhuque Street and Li Xuan waved to them.

In this way, after arriving at Suzaku Gate, we headed east to Xingqing Palace.

The court officials then dispersed, and Li Longji summoned Li Xuan alone to the government building to work.

"When I learned that the Saint had summoned me, I rushed back without stopping, not daring to delay even a little. However, the war with Tubo is imminent, so I must return to the border as soon as possible. If there is anything important, please let the Saint know."

After entering the second floor, Li Xuan bowed to Li Longji.

It seemed as if as long as he completed Li Longji's orders, he would go back to defend the border.

"It's nothing serious! I just think Qilang should have a decisive battle with the Tibetan king, and ask if there are enough troops. I can transfer cavalry from Hedong and Shuofang to Hehuang."

Li Longji said to Li Xuan.

"The Tibetan king personally led the army, so his forces must be strong. If the saint can dispatch cavalry from Shuofang and Hedong, our army will suffer less losses after victory, which will reduce the burden on the country and the people."

After a pause, Li Xuan immediately spoke to Li Longji.

He realized this was an opportunity.

More troops ensure a more beautiful victory.

Rescuing Wang Zhongsi can also be used as an excuse.

"I will immediately convey the imperial edict and order Hedong and Longyou to send a total of 50,000 cavalry to Hehuang for support and await Qilang's dispatch."

Li Longji nodded and said.

After the fall of the Turkic Khanate, the Tang Dynasty obtained many war horses. With the help of Wang Zhongsi's horse management, the number of cavalry in Shuofang and Hedong exceeded 60,000.

Fifty thousand of them were selected to fight with Li Xuan.

Fifty thousand cavalry can play a decisive role at a critical moment.

The Tang Dynasty had more than just these cavalry in the north, and could also draw out various Hu cavalry at critical moments.

"Thank you, Saint. After next year, Qinghai County will be established and Suobei will submit! Tubo will retreat into the snowy plateau. If there is a chance, I will capture the Tibetan king Chidai Zhudan to repay the Saint's kindness!"

Li Xuan said with a cupped hand.

"Haha... If you capture and kill Chidai Zhudan, I will directly make Qilang the king."

Li Longji laughed, but he also knew it would be difficult.

When Chidai Zhudan sees that the situation is not going well, he will definitely flee into the snowy plateau.

"I am ashamed to accept this!"

Li Xuan knew that at this time, Li Longji would not easily crown him king.

By the late Tianbao period, Li Longji began to no longer take the title of king seriously, and even An Lushan was granted the title of a prince.

This kind of "the king despises the title while the people covet the emperor's favor" is a very serious problem that will destroy the foundation of a country.

Since Li Longji gave out titles and rewards indiscriminately and did not value the imperial titles and salaries, all officials naturally only sought to flatter the emperor and the Yang sisters in order to gain wealth and honor.

But the titles that Li Xuan obtained were all based on his real military achievements.

"Qilang, how do you think I compare to Emperor Wu of Han now?"

Li Longji was so excited by Li Xuan's words that he asked these questions.

Of course, it is to compare military achievements with Emperor Wu of Han!
"Emperor Wu of Han conquered the Xiongnu, but emptied the treasury; you conquered the Turks, but the world is still rich. How can the two be compared?"

Li Xuan is best at saying nice things like this.

"Qi Lang, you often walk among the people. Is there anyone in the world who talks about my mistakes?"

Li Longji was very satisfied with Li Xuan's answer. Every time he talked with Li Xuan, he always felt happy, which was something that Li Linfu could not compare to.

But Li Longji also wanted to know how the people viewed his mistakes.

He also knew that he had made mistakes, even if he didn't consider some of them to be mistakes.

"I have discovered from ancient books that even the ancient saints did not make mistakes. That is why Emperor Yao made the mistake of trusting the four villains Gun, Gonggong, Dou, and Sanmiao; Duke Zhou made the mistake of trusting the traitors Guan Shu and Cai Shu; Confucius made the mistake of treating Zai Yu incorrectly; even Emperor Taizong regretted the unjust killing of Zhang Yungu. People will not talk about the mistakes of Yao, Shun, Confucius, and Duke Zhou, so naturally no one will think that the saints were wrong."

Li Xuan hoped to talk more about these things with Li Longji, make Li Longji happy, and then find an opportunity to get involved in Wang Zhongsi's affairs.

"Qi Lang is well versed in the classics. If he were not so young, he could have become the prime minister."

Li Longji felt regretful, thinking that if Li Xuan was older, he could entrust state affairs to him and let him sit back and do nothing.

At present, Li Xuan's position in Li Longji's heart exceeds that of Li Linfu.

Even when comparing the two, Li Longji felt that Li Linfu was inferior in every way.

"The chancellor is judged by ability, and I still have some shortcomings."

Li Xuan lowered his head slightly.

He said nothing about age or qualifications.

It was his job to make arrangements for the position of prime minister. In the next few years, he must find a way to become prime minister.

"Qi Lang, have you heard about Wang Zhongsi's affairs?"

After Li Longji nodded, he changed the subject and asked Li Xuan.

Of course he did not forget that Li Xuan was Wang Zhongsi's subordinate.

But he was absolutely sure that Li Xuan was loyal to him.

"I just heard about this matter when I was in Xianyang."

Li Xuan did not hide anything and told the truth.

Wang Zhongsi should still be under interrogation in prison now. Considering his mental state, he must be feeling very uncomfortable.

"What do you think of Shichiro?"

Li Longji asked Li Xuan again.

"General Wang was once my superior. When I was in Shuofang, General Wang was taciturn and calm and brave. But I haven't seen him for three years, so I don't know his details."

Li Xuan said in a half-understood tone.

"Based on Qilang's experience, does Wang Zhongsi have any motives to be disloyal?"

Li Longji seemed to want to get to the bottom of it.

He wanted to get a good answer from Li Xuan.

"Emperor Gaozu once said: Li Mi's rebellion is not like letting a tiger go back to the mountains, it is just like 'shooting an arrow into a bush'. I think if General Wang is disloyal, it will be the same, and he will not be able to achieve anything!"

"The sage is the greatest emperor in the history, and he commands the border troops with his power. Even if General Wang has other intentions, the soldiers will not listen to him. It is ridiculous to try to shake a tree with an ant. If General Wang is not so stupid, there may be some hidden reason! If the sage is angry about this, there is no need to do so."

Li Xuan used the allusion of "shooting wormwood with wormwood arrow" to persuade Li Longji in a tactful way.

Artemisia is everywhere and is cheap and worthless. However, if the grass stems are made into arrow shafts, the artemisia arrows can become valuable and powerful weapons.

Shooting an arrow into weeds is like abandoning the noble for the cheap, returning to the original form. A person's strength comes from the organization he belongs to. If he leaves the organization, the arrow will return to the weeds.

The two sentences combined praise Li Longji as an emperor who is unrivaled in history and whose power is feared by the world. In such a peaceful and prosperous era, there is no possibility of successful rebellion.

If Wang Zhongsi is loyal, he is worth a thousand gold.

Wang Zhongsi had ulterior motives and became a worthless weed.

"What a ridiculous act of trying to shake a tree with an ant!"

"Qilang, I will remove you from your position as Minister of Rites and appoint you as Imperial Censor. You will lead the Imperial Censorate to investigate this case!"

After hearing what Li Xuan said, Li Longji suddenly felt that this case was nothing serious.

Shoot the wormwood with the wormwood arrow!

He felt that this description was very appropriate. Even if Wang Zhongsi was guilty, he was just a weed. Why should he be angry?

Let Li Xuan participate in the investigation for a few days. If nothing can be found, then make a decision.

His desire to kill Wang Zhongsi also faded.

As Li Xuan said, Wang Zhongsi was not an extremely stupid person.

Li Longji thought it was possible that Li Heng contacted Wang Zhongsi first.

But that’s it.

First, he no longer trusted Wang Zhongsi, and second, he didn't want to kill his son again.

"I thank the Saint!"

Li Xuan bowed to Li Longji.

As civil servants, although the Grand Censor and the Minister of Rites were both of the third rank, they were completely different levels.

Previously, Wang Zhongsi also served as the Imperial Censor, and now this position has been handed over to Li Xuan.

With this identity, it will be much easier for him to operate.

(End of this chapter)