Chapter 211 I am second only to Huo Guang, Yang Yuhuan was sent out of the palace

The road from Xingqing Hall to Xingqing Gate is solemn and dignified, with many statues standing side by side.

To facilitate court sessions, Xingqing Hall directly faces Xingqing Palace, so that ministers do not need to walk much time.

Li Xuan and Li Linfu each had their own thoughts, and they walked towards Xingqing Gate hand in hand.

The ministers tactfully stayed away from him.

"Qi Lang, I am really getting old. It has been more than ten years since I was appointed as the Prime Minister. I have enough wealth and honor, and I am content. From now on, my position will belong to Qi Lang!"

Li Linfu seemed emotionally moved as he spoke to Li Xuan.

Compared to the first time I met Li Linfu, most of his hair had turned white. Although he was about the same age as Li Longji, Li Linfu looked older than a man in his seventies.

"It is said that old people are wise, but too old can also make them confused. If Li Si had retired earlier, he would have been a role model for future generations. However, he was greedy for power and retired too late, which led to the destruction of his family. Why do some people always fail to understand the saying "remember the past and learn from it"? "

Li Xuan did not believe Li Linfu's "sweet words but a sharp sword in his heart". He had said similar nice things too many times and had killed too many people.

People will only repent when they fail, and will not show mercy when they are in power.

The moment that Li Linfu regretted the most in history should be when he called Yang Guozhong to his bedside. He was already exhausted at that time, but he knew that Yang Guozhong would take revenge and would definitely settle accounts with his family.

His biggest regret was that he failed to overthrow the prince.

Throughout the Tianbao period, there were many conspiracies and plots, and every possible means was used, but the prince was like a tumbler. When he fell down, he was very embarrassed, but he would always stand up immediately.

"Qilang, don't look at a person with desire. Since ancient times, emperors have always boasted of Emperor Gaozu of Han and Emperor Guangwu of Han, but no one has compared himself to Emperor Wen of Han. That's why Emperor Wen of Han is unique. When desires swell, who can control them? Isn't it disrespectful to be like Huo Guang? There is only one person in history who died like Zhuge Liang! As long as people have the opportunity, they will be as domineering as Liang Ji. People like Dong Zhuo, Wang Mang, Cao Cao, and Sima Yi will definitely appear again. This is human nature!"

"I am so dedicated to my duties, which is much better than those people. I am just second only to Huo Guang."

"Don't you know my difficulties, Qilang? I went from being a guard to becoming a prime minister. If I had left a way out for myself, I wouldn't be in my current position. The gap between us is not big. It can be closed with a gentle push of the hand."

"Now that the Holy Lord has arrived, there has never been such a great era in history. We should work together to pass on the torch. This is our chance to go down in history!"

Li Linfu was not angry at Li Xuan's words. He really wanted to stop the war with Li Xuan temporarily. He wanted to join forces with Li Xuan to kill Li Heng.

He and Li Xuan have the same political demands.

Li Xuan is a smart man, and the prince is mean and ungrateful. He will definitely not let Li Xuan go after he succeeds to the throne.

He didn't believe that Li Xuan would be noble enough to support the prince to succeed to the throne.

Li Linfu always believed that morality was something only a very small number of people possessed.

It’s just that most people don’t have the ability to release their desires!

Like Emperor Wen of Han, who held power over the world but was able to restrain his desires, Li Shimin felt that he was inferior to Emperor Wen of Han.

People with high moral standards can be respected, but Li Linfu will not be polite to anyone who touches his own interests, no matter who they are.

"Are you sure that the Right Prime Minister and I only have a minor conflict?"

Li Xuan was a little speechless when he heard Li Linfu say "I am second only to Huo Guang".

But then again, Li Linfu did have ability and skill, but he just took power too seriously.

But he never thought that there was a small gap between him and Li Linfu.

Li Xuan, who knew Li Linfu inside and out, would not believe him.

"I admit that I was somewhat disrespectful to Qilang in the past, but I did not cause you any harm. I now sincerely apologize to Qilang. Qilang is a tolerant person. The Analects of Confucius says: Don't talk about things that have been accomplished, don't advise on things that have been done, and don't blame the past."

Li Linfu sincerely said to Li Xuan: "I need to consider my family. Doesn't Qilang need it too?"

He kept hinting, trying to persuade people with reason and appeal to their emotions.

When I returned home yesterday, Li Tengkong said in Jiayou Temple that my grandfather had grown old.

Others would say this to mock him, but Li Tengkong said this because he truly felt that his father worked too hard.

Li Linfu looked at himself in the mirror for a long time and felt that his daughter was right.

In Yanyue Hall, no one could think of a strategy to deal with Li Xuan.

Li Xuan always managed to avoid mistakes and alienate those close to him.

As a result, the officials who relied on him all felt in danger.

There is no way to continue like this.

The court needs drastic changes, and he needs to wait for the moment when the emperor becomes suspicious of Li Xuan.

The breaking point of all this is that he and Li Xuan kill the prince first.

"I understand what the Right Prime Minister means, but the Right Prime Minister is a minister, and the Crown Prince is a monarch just like the Saint, so you should be careful with your words. I am a loyal minister, and I will only act according to the behavior of loyal ministers. The endings of Li Mu and Meng Tian are just the fate of generals. If that day comes, I will not regret it. If the Right Prime Minister says such words again, I will impeach him in front of the Saint!"

Li Xuan let go of Li Linfu's hand and spoke seriously, as if he didn't want to be close to Li Linfu anymore.

"you……"

Li Linfu stared at Li Xuan with wide eyes. Could it be that this little thief really wanted to uphold "loyalty" to the end?
Don’t you even care about your family?
Although he wielded power, he always wanted to leave wealth and prosperity for his family and children.

However, Li Linfu always felt that Li Xuan was more cunning than him!

"When Qilang gets married and has children, you will know that everything is not that simple! That's all I have to say. It is my wish to turn hostility into friendship. Whether Qilang accepts it or not, that's it!"

Li Linfu finally suppressed his anger. After the last blow, he had more patience.

So this time when he suffered a bigger blow, he had a clear understanding. He knew where he failed and was able to remain calm.

After saying this, Li Linfu walked out of Xingqing Gate.

Li Xuan looked at Li Linfu's back and did not respond.

He was curious whether Li Linfu would take action against the prince again as he had done in history when the opportunity came at the end of the year.

Li Xuan thinks he will.

But having lost the Three Departments and being constrained by Pei Kuan, Li Linfu must not implicate the Three Hundred Families again.

After the Wang Zhongsi case, the prince will be more timid and cautious than in history.

Li Xuan not only had a grudge against Li Linfu, but also had very different views from Li Linfu.

Li Linfu believed that many local officials who flattered their superiors and bullied their subordinates were just minor problems. Only by giving benefits to the local governments could the Tang Dynasty be more stable.

From ancient times to the present, the big families have always ruled the people.

However, Li Xuan believed that everything in the Tang Dynasty now was like a castle in the air.

One termite is not important, but if the building is full of termites, sooner or later the foundation will be corroded and the building will collapse.

The An Lushan Rebellion only accelerated the collapse of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Even without An Lushan's rebellion, the prosperous Tang Dynasty would have been gone forever and eventually perished.

The two of them, one riding in a carriage and the other riding a horse, returned to Pingkangfang together.

One in front and one behind, the same road, yet they seem like strangers.

"Father, Qilang has been promoted again..."

As soon as Li Xuan and his brothers returned to Duke Song's Mansion, Li Lang couldn't wait to tell Li Shizhi.

The brothers are proud of their younger brother.

At first, Li Shizhi was dismissed from his post and they lost their status as the prime minister's sons.

But not long after, they were promoted by the saint, and the Mansion of Duke of Song became more honorable than before.

Qilang commands an army of nearly 300,000 and is deeply favored by the sage. It is a foregone conclusion that he will be appointed prime minister in the future.

"What else can Shichiro be promoted to?"

Li Shizhi was unable to wrap his mind around this for a moment.

"The saint gave Qilang the military power of Hedong and Shuofang, the Yellow River Transport Ambassador, the Heshuo Barbarian Envoy, and the Three Surrender Cities Silk and Horse Trade Envoy."

Li Lang rushed to speak.

"Is this still possible?"

Li Shizhi was shocked. As a former military governor, he knew what this move meant.

As long as Li Xuan wants, he has the power to cause unrest in the world.

At the same time, Li Shizhi became worried.

After chatting for a while at the ceremonial gate, he asked his sons to go about their business and called Li Xuan to the front hall alone.

"Qilang, can you keep control of so many troops? General Wang was once the saint's godson, but the ending was disappointing. Before, the saint had great trust in General Wang."

After sitting down in the front hall and asking the servants to leave, Li Shizhi solemnly asked Li Xuan.

After living in retirement at home, Li Shizhi observed the court situation as a bystander and had more insights than when he was the prime minister.

"Don't worry, father. My goal is to become a prime minister. I know my limits when it comes to commanding the military power of the four towns. The saint will not be suspicious of me."

Li Xuan asked Li Shizhi to relax.

In history, An Lushan still controlled an army of 200,000 for six or seven years until he rebelled.

As long as it can make Li Longji happy, it’s not a problem.

And Li Xuan also has his own plans.

Of course he couldn't take the initiative to rebel.

Otherwise, the reputation you have worked so hard to build will be ruined, and you will be like a rat crossing the street, with everyone shouting and beating you.

At least in the eyes of the aristocratic ministers and the common people, Li Longji favored him very much.

Li Longji has not committed any major faults now.

So Li Xuan has to wait for the opportunity to come.

"Once Qilang wins this battle against Tubo, his reputation will rise to a higher level. I think Qilang has the potential to become a prime minister."

Li Shizhi said seriously.

After receiving this news, he believed that Li Xuan was qualified to become prime minister because of his military merits.

However, the appointment as prime minister depended entirely on Li Longji. Unless Li Longji asked the ministers, no one could interfere with Li Longji's will.

It all depends on Li Longji's ultimate wish and whether he dares to carry out this historic feat.

"I will definitely work hard!" Li Xuan nodded heavily.

He doesn't have much time, so it would be best if he could become prime minister within two years and make arrangements.

"Regarding the Crown Prince's matter, how will Qilang deal with it in the future..."

Li Shizhi had always been hesitant to say this.

But Li Shizhi was a man of forthright temperament, and he finally couldn't help asking.

Once the crown prince ascends the throne, he will certainly find an opportunity to plot against Li Xuan. The best outcome would be to have him dismissed from office.

"Father, don't ask me such questions in the future. I will handle the relationship with the prince perfectly. Just like how I have walked step by step to where I am now."

Li Xuan spoke to Li Shizhi solemnly.

He knew his father's good intentions, but he would never tell anyone about the rebellion.

Only when even his father thinks he is a loyal subject can he wait until the time is right.

"Lu Xiangxian is right. There is nothing to worry about in the world. It is the mediocre people who worry about it. It is because I think too much."

Li Shizhi shook his head.

He will no longer ask about the prince's affairs, he believes in Qilang.

After a while, the eunuch Lin Zhaoyin entered the Duke of Song's mansion and presented Li Xuan with Zhuge Liang's sword.

In addition, he also gave Li Xuan a mansion at the foot of Mount Li and two orchards.

Li Xuan thanks you!

It will take some time before the seals of command of Hedong and Shuofang can be handed over to Li Xuan.

After Wang Zhongsi was released from prison, he received the imperial edict. Li Longji urged Wang Zhongsi to go to Yongjia County to take up his post as soon as possible.

From then on, the Chief Secretary would go to the capital to report on his work. Without an imperial edict, Wang Zhongsi was not allowed to return to the capital.

Li Xuan invited Wang Zhongsi to Xingqing Palace to take over the task, on the pretext of asking Wang Zhongsi for advice on the key military affairs of Shuofang and Hedong.

Li Longji agreed and let Li Xuan hand over military affairs to Wang Zhongsi in Jiaotai Hall.

Jiaotai Hall is located behind Xingqing Hall and is one of the convenience halls in Xingqing Palace.

After court on the second day, Li Xuan and Wang Zhongsi sat together in a side hall of Jiaotai Hall. In order to prevent Li Longji from becoming suspicious, Li Xuan specially asked Gao Lishi to accompany them.

For three hours, Li Xuan talked with Wang Zhongsi about the military affairs of Shuofang and Hedong, including the personalities of the generals of each army, who were the deputy generals of each army, and the members of the shogunate. Li Xuan recorded everything in a small notebook.

Many are familiar names.

Since there had been no war in Shuofang for three years, Li Xuan's old subordinate Wang Sili was still the envoy of Feng'an Army, Ashina Fuwen was the deputy envoy of Feng'an Army, and the other deputy envoy was a man named Guo Hecang, who was also Li Xuan's former general.

Even Hun Shizhidu, who had a rift with Li Xuan, left Gaolan Prefecture and served as a general in Shuofang.

As for the defense of Shuofang and Hedong, Wang Zhongsi made no reservations at all.

Just as Wang Zhongsi had expected, Li Xuan got his troops, but he did not expect it to be in this way.

Wang Zhongsi thought that it would take at least ten years for Li Xuan to become a general, but in just over three years, Li Xuan had surpassed his achievements.

He also admires Li Xuan very much.

By luring Tubo and raiding Huihe, Jiuqu was recovered.

Every battle was swift and beautiful, and the casualties were so great that he felt ashamed of himself.

He felt relieved to hand over the troops to Li Xuan, as he believed that Li Xuan would treat the soldiers well.

Judging from the fact that Li Xuan raided Qinghai and rescued the elderly, the weak, women and children, Li Xuan had a kind heart as a general.

Wang Zhongsi did not think that Li Xuan was a warmongering person. For more than a hundred years, Tubo had posed too great a threat to the Tang Dynasty and must be punished.

"What does Governor Wang think of the upcoming war in Helong?"

After the handover of military affairs in Heshuo was completed, Li Xuan asked Wang Zhongsi about the Helong War in front of Gao Lishi.

Li Xuan would treat Wang Zhongsi's subordinates well, but would not understand his government.

Wang Zhongsi was demoted and it was impossible for him to support his subordinates.

Li Xuan did not have enough manpower to take over Wang Zhongsi's shogunate.

Those shogunate members in Heshuo must be terrified. Now that Li Xuan has taken over everything, the officials in Heshuo will definitely be grateful to Li Xuan.

"General Li's strategy for Shibao City is the best one. When Wei Xiaokuan was pacifying Guandong, he gave up attacking a small, fortified city and sought a decisive battle with his main force. After the decisive victory, the fortified city collapsed without a fight. When General Li wins this time, Shibao City will be within his grasp."

"I can't comment on the rest, but I believe General Li has already made a plan. I will wait in Yongjia County for the news of my military achievements."

Wang Zhongsi agreed with Li Xuan's arrangement for Hehuang, and he would do the same if he were in charge.

As for the upcoming battle, Wang Zhongsi didn't know the details and didn't understand how Li Xuan would arrange it, so he didn't say much.

"The Shuofang Jinglüe Army has 5,000 elite cavalry and 10,000 light cavalry, and the Hedong Tianbing Army has 5,000 elite cavalry and 10,000 light cavalry. They are all elite. The light cavalry can play around, and the elite cavalry can be used to destroy the front."

Wang Zhongsi reminded Li Xuan of this. At critical moments, these cavalry can be used to participate in the battle.

In recent years, he selected good horses captured from the wars against the Turks and invested resources from Hedong and Shuofang to train the two armies.

Among them are elite warriors who participated in the Battle of Sanggan River and the War to Destroy the Turks.

They think about war day and night, and will burst out with powerful fighting power when encountering a battle. Wang Zhongsi does not want Li Xuan to bury them.

"I will reuse you when the time is right!"

Li Xuan needs to consider this carefully.

Because the northern cavalry has been on the grassland.

The cavalry under Li Xuan began to try training on the plateau and are now able to adapt to the environment north of Dafeichuan.

As for the snowy plateaus further inland, we need to conduct training at higher altitudes and select suitable soldiers.

Considering the altitude of Qinghai, the probability of altitude sickness is very low. Li Xuan believes that most Heshuo soldiers can adapt.

"My two-stone bow is no longer of use. I will give it to General Li soon. I hope General Li can use this powerful bow to make contributions to the country."

Wang Zhongsi did not say anything more about hiding the bow in the bag. After saying this, he saluted Gao Lishi and stood up from his seat.

He had chatted with Li Xuan for a long enough time, so it would not be appropriate to keep Gao Lishi waiting.

He had nothing to say except that he regretted leaving the military.

Or leave in this way.

Ever since he was released from prison, Wang Zhongsi has always felt depressed and melancholy.

After half a lifetime of military service, he has become accustomed to that kind of military life.

Without the company of the yellow sand and the sound of the soldiers' training, he couldn't sleep all night.

The dancing butterflies and chirping orioles, and the gorgeous flowers and plants in the south of the Yangtze River are not what he pursues!

"Hold fast to the green mountain and never let go. The roots are planted in the broken rocks. No matter how many blows you make, you will still be strong. No matter which direction the wind blows..."

When Wang Zhongsi stood up to leave the hall, he recited this poem that Li Xuan had written a long time ago.

By the time Wang Zhongsi left the side hall of Jiaotai Palace, the poem had just been finished.

Li Xuan told Wang Zhongsi that he did not want to exhaust China's strength in this life and had already completed his achievements.

Wang Zhongsi hopes that Li Xuan will not forget his original intention and always persevere.

He may never see the beautiful scenery of the northern border.

I grew up in Taiyuan and Chang'an, but ended up drifting to the south.

Li Xuan did not stop Wang Zhongsi from leaving.

Emotionally, he hoped that Wang Zhongsi could cheer up and live well...

……

"Qilang, now that Zhongsi has left, the northwest territories of the Tang Dynasty depend on you."

Gao Lishi patted Li Xuan on the shoulder. He knew some things very well, but he knew Li Longji better than anyone else, and even he did not dare to persuade Li Longji.

"Don't worry, Mr. Gao. As long as I am in this position, neither the Huihe nor the Tubo can set foot on the territory of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Xuan said to Gao Lishi.

Then, the two of them left Jiaotai Palace, chatting as they walked...

At this moment, a young eunuch hurried over and reported to Gao Lishi: "Mr. Gao, it's bad. The Saint and my wife are arguing. The Saint is furious and ordered you to send my wife back to the residence of the Minister of Guanglu."

"Ah... How could this be possible? The Saint has always treated my wife like a treasure."

Gao Lishi was shocked when he heard this.

Madam Yuhuan has always been considerate and it is impossible for her to quarrel with the saint for no reason.

And it has reached the point of being sent back to Yang Jian’s residence.

Li Xuan heard it clearly. It seemed that in history it was in July of the fifth year of Tianbao that Yang Yuhuan was sent back to Yang Jian's house for the first time.

"Qilang, how about you go and persuade the saint?"

Gao Lishi wanted Li Xuan to go over and see if there was any misunderstanding.

It was he who brought Yang Yuhuan and Li Longji together, and he didn't want Yang Yuhuan to fall out of favor.

"Mr. Gao, please obey the will of the Saint and send my wife to the residence of the Minister of Imperial Household. I can guarantee that with the Saint's love for my wife, it won't be long before he takes her back to the palace and we can continue our love as before!"

Li Xuan didn't want to get involved in Li Longji's family affairs now.

Maybe Li Longji is angry.

"Just listen to Shichiro!"

Gao Lishi had no choice but to obey Li Longji's order and send Yang Yuhuan to Yang Jian's house...

(End of this chapter)