Song Guogong Mansion.

Four halberds stand in front of the door, representing the dignity of the door lintel.

In the Tang Dynasty, only officials of the third rank were qualified to stand with a halberd in front of the gate.

At present, Li Shizhi is the first-rank Prince Tai Shi, Li Qian is the third-rank Zong Zheng Qing, and Li Jiqing is the third-rank Secretary General.

Li Xuan was also considered a disciple of Li Shizhi.

When the Tang Dynasty was in turmoil, Li Xuan fell ill at the frontier, which was like a bolt from the blue for the Duke of Song's Mansion.

Li Shizhi couldn't understand why Qilang, who had always been in good health, suddenly fell ill?

Even Li Yuying stopped going to Jishengtang and stayed at home to accompany Li Shizhi. Thinking of her brother who was the best to her, she shed tears silently. She went to the Da Ci'en Temple, which she had always disliked, and prayed for her brother's safety.

Getting seriously ill during a war was a taboo in that era, and people had an inexplicable fear of unfamiliar environments.

Just like during the expedition to Nanzhao, there was a rumor in Chang'an that if you went to that place, you would most likely die from malaria.

The Caspian Sea in a foreign country has been imagined as a dangerous and desolate place with flying sand and rocks. It has become Li Shizhi's nightmare and he cannot fall asleep.

The whole family was very worried.

"Alang, Luo Xing has returned from the Western Regions."

While Li Shizhi was walking on the corridor, the housekeeper Zhao Zong reported to him.

"Why would Luo Xing come back?"

Li Shizhi, worried, stopped in his tracks. He thought that Luo Xing came back at this time and didn't know about Qilang's condition.

He had looked at the map from the Caspian Sea to Chang'an. The mountain road was dangerous and even if he rode at full speed, it would take more than two months to return.

"Replying to Alang, there is also a thin Taoist priest in white clothes coming back with Luo Xing."

Zhao Zong added a sentence to Li Shizhi.

"Taoist priest?"

Li Shizhi thought about it for a moment, then suddenly realized what was going on. He immediately ordered the servants, "Quickly invite them into the front hall."

He suddenly remembered that Qilang told him before he left that there was a possibility that Luo Xing would come back to find him, and also mentioned Li Mi.

Now Luo Xing and Li Mi have arrived, with Qilang's instructions.

"Alang, this is the hermit master Li Mi, the sixth-generation grandson of Li Bi, the Grand Tutor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty."

After Luo Xing bowed to Li Shi, he introduced Li Mi who was beside him.

At this time, Luo Xing was already in his thirties, married and had children.

After more than ten years of military career and helping Li Xuan run the trade, he looked very mature and was no longer a slave.

Although Luo Xing was not as evil as the Five Yang servants, he was also full of bad habits.

As time goes by, Luo Xing never thought it would come to this.

Maybe it was the abyss, maybe it was heaven. But he adhered to Li Xuan's will and never wavered.

History is created by the strong, and Luo Xing believes that his master will be the one who laughs last.

"I met you ten years ago. You look even more ethereal now than before. I think you have achieved enlightenment like Bai Yunzi."

Li Shizhi had not yet forgotten Li Mi. At this time, Li Mi had grown a long beard and looked no different from a Taoist priest in the mountains.

"My cultivation is still shallow, I dare not compare myself with Bai Yunzi, Duke Song is so polite!"

Li Mi bowed slightly to Li Shizhi.

Bai Yunzi is Sima Chengzhen, the number one Taoist priest in the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The "immortal" that Li Bai and Du Fu agreed to find is Bai Yunzi.

"I guess you are from Zhongnan, please take a seat!"

Li Shizhi invited Li Mi to take a seat and motioned Luo Xing to sit down as well.

But after they sat down, Li Mi did not speak again. Luo Xing shouted to the attendants outside the front hall: "We have important matters to discuss with Alang. No one is allowed to enter without permission."

"Yes!"

The attendant responded and stood guard a dozen steps away from the front hall.

Li Shizhi didn't understand what was going on and was completely bewildered.

Is there anything shameful about meeting a guest?
"Luo Xing, just say what you want to say. There's no need to hide it."

Li Shizhi, who was of a carefree nature, let Luo Xing speak frankly, and after he finished speaking, he raised his teacup and drank tea.

"Replying to Alang, Qilang is fine, and is planning to raise an army from Qiuci to purge the emperor!"

Luo Xing took a deep breath, went straight to the point and told Li Shizhi about this.

One stone stirs up a thousand waves.

"Snapped……"

The next moment, the teacup in Li Shizhi's hand slipped and broke, and he was stunned.

This news was like a thunderclap, shocking Li Shizhi so much that his heart skipped a beat. A chill surged from his heart like an icy tide, quickly spreading throughout his body.

It seems like even the soul has been sucked away!

"Alang..."

Luo Xing quickly stood up and called out softly.

"Purge the emperor's side? Isn't that rebellion?"

After a moment's silence, Li Shizhi said something.

Li Shizhi felt relieved when he heard Luo Xing say that Qilang was not ill.

But suddenly it became clear that Qilang was pretending to be sick and had big plans.

To clear the emperor's side is to drive out the evil people around him.

The literal meaning is good, but it has been exploited by ambitious and conspirators since ancient times.

Qillang's decision to purge the emperor's side at this time was clearly a rebellion.

Given Qillang's habit of planning ahead, he may have been preparing for this for a long time.

He always thought Qilang was loyal, even more loyal than himself, but he didn't expect that he had kept his father in the dark.

What a treason!

Although Li Shizhi was Li Chengqian's grandson, he acknowledged all of Li Chengqian's faults.

Although he pushed Li Chengqian into Zhaoling Mausoleum, he never had any ambition to rebel from beginning to end.

Li Shizhi felt confused as his most trusted, most relied upon and proudest son was about to rebel.

For a moment, Li Shizhi's mind was in a mess. He didn't know what to think or say!
"Ah Lang, Qi Lang will first serve the king and then purge the emperor's entourage. With Qi Lang's military and literary skills, he is sure to win."

Seeing that the old master gradually calmed down, Luo Xing poured another cup of brewed tea for Li Shizhi and spoke slowly.

He must convince Li Shizhi so that he can escape at the critical moment and let Qilang have no worries.

"What does this mean?"

After taking a sip of tea to calm himself down, Li Shizhi patted his chest and asked.

Having come to this point, he had no choice but to accept this reality!

Li Xuan is his beloved son and the hope of their clan.

It was impossible for him to kill his own son for the sake of justice and report his son's rebellion to Li Longji.

Not only is it a matter of righteousness in the Spring and Autumn Period that a father hides his guilt for his son, but once Li Xuan rebels, he, as a father, and his other children cannot escape responsibility in any way.

Li Linfu, who had no military power, was only suspected of rebellion. Look at his descendants, how miserable they are.

What's more, Li Xuan is about to actually rebel!

As for whether Li Xuan's rebellion would succeed, and what would happen, that was not what Li Shizhi was considering now.

Li Shizhi just wanted to know what Li Xuan would do next and whether there would be any danger.

How can his children be protected?
"Replying to Alang, Qilang predicts that An Lushan will rebel this year. You can use the excuse of conquering An Lushan to defend the country and enter Yumen Pass. Then, eliminate Yang Guozhong, the Five Yangs and others who are causing trouble to the country."

Luo Xing replied to Li Shizhi.

"Just like this, there will be no good ending in the future."

Li Shizhi shook his head.

Once this was done, even if An Lushan was defeated, Li Longji would find an opportunity to kill Li Xuan.

Their saints did not have such broad minds. Li Shizhi still remembers the scene of killing three sons in one day.

"Qilang believes that the current sage is old and should abdicate to enjoy his life. Qilang wants to become the general of Tiance and command all the troops in the world."

Luo Xing whispered to Li Shizhi.

The General of Tiance is of the first rank, ranking above the Three Dukes, and can open the Tiance Palace!
Only Li Shimin has ever obtained this position.

When General Tiance controls all the troops in the world, he will be just like Cao Cao and Wang Mang, completely controlling the government and able to replace the emperor at any time.

Li Xuan's ambition is terrifyingly big.

This is a position where you can take further steps at any time.

"General Tiance, commanding all the troops in the world..."

Li Shizhi murmured to himself, thinking of his ancestor Li Shimin.

The shadow of Li Shimin has been there since the thousand-mile raid to capture the two Khans twelve years ago.

Could it be?

"Duke Song, the King of Tianshui has come to this point out of necessity. The world is seeking change, but the court is in chaos. The sage easily grants power and rewards without limit."

"The new Changping Law has become a piece of waste paper without supervision. Land annexation cannot be curbed. The upper class is extravagant and countless people have become tenant farmers. Local officials have taken root in the counties and are corrupting the foundation of the Tang Dynasty."

"Everything that prospers must decline. The only way to achieve it is to seek change. The softest thing in the world can overcome the hardest thing in the world."

"When the Prince of Tianshui was the Prime Minister, if the reform could be successful, the world would be stable for hundreds of years. The moment the reform failed, it was necessary to rebuild the country. The rebellion of the ambitious An Lushan was the best time for the Prince of Tianshui to take power..."

Just then, Li Mi finally spoke.

He analyzed world affairs to Li Shizhi and believed that in order to save the Tang Dynasty, they must start over, learn from past lessons, and formulate new rules so that people of the world can live and work in peace and contentment.

Li Mi had lived with Li Xuan for several years, but he was no longer at the age to pursue the illusory immortality.

He has his own avenue.

Li Xuan's thoughts had a profound influence on Li Mi's philosophy.

Li Mi also offered advice and suggestions to Li Xuan.

After Li Xuan defeated Tubo in the Battle of Dafeichuan, Li Mi gradually guessed that Li Xuan was unwilling to be lonely.

Because Li Xuan was obviously a general, but he never discussed military strategies in private, but instead discussed national affairs.

He also criticized the imperial court's policies and felt that it would be extremely difficult for the Tang Dynasty during the Tianbao period to return to its past.

They went fishing together in the Huangshui River.

Li Mi told Li Xuan to "seek the truth with a ruler", and not to be too upright with little knowledge.

It means that when he was appointed as prime minister, he suffered a little grievance, which aroused sympathy from the people and scholars all over the world.

This way, when one is doing something that is condemned by the whole world, one can still gain the support of a group of people.

Those who fanatically supported Li Xuan believed that Li Xuan raised an army to save the people and that he had no choice.

Therefore, Li Xuan promulgated new laws that he thought were difficult to implement and was eventually dismissed from his position as prime minister.

Build up reputation!

When Li Xuan returned to Chang'an in the autumn of the twelfth year, the people of Chang'an shouted "little prime minister", which shows Li Xuan's achievement as prime minister.

As long as the people believe that Li Xuan's power can change the world and make them well-fed and well-clothed, everything will come naturally.

Li Xuan has great ambitions in his heart and great ambitions in his eyes. Li Mi believes that Li Xuan is a hero who truly cares about the people, so he assists him with all his strength.

"I understand what you said, sir! When I think of the grace of the saint, I feel ashamed. The saint has never failed my family!"

The matter was done. Although Li Shizhi would stand by Li Xuan without hesitation, he felt uncomfortable when he thought of the four halberds in front of the door and the grace of the saint.

"But the saint has failed the world! King Tianshui and the prince are not on good terms. If the prince succeeds to the throne, King Tianshui will no longer have any chance to save the people."

Li Mi reminded Li Shizhi.

After hearing this, Li Shizhi suddenly realized that he had always been worried about how Li Heng would treat Qilang after he succeeded to the throne.

But every time Li Xuan said there was no need to worry.

Once the mutiny is completed, there is really no need to worry about Li Heng.

"Look at Qilang. I am old and unable to help him!"

Li Shizhi sighed. The manpower he had in Chang'an was not enough to cause any trouble and could not help Qilang to purge the emperor's side.

"Duke Song does not need to worry about these things. When it comes to leading troops to fight, Prince Tianshui is unrivaled in the world. But Prince Tianshui cannot let go of Duke Song and hopes that Duke Song can leave Chang'an."

Li Mi stated the purpose of this.

Once Li Xuan entered Yumen Pass, he would naturally have to find a way to control the Longyou Army and the Hexi Army.

This action is tantamount to rebellion.

When Li Longji received the news, he would first realize that Li Xuan was pretending to be sick, and then think that Li Xuan was also plotting a rebellion like An Lushan, and would definitely hold Li Shizhi and Li Xuan's son Li Yi accountable.

"My children are all in Chang'an, how can I leave?"

Li Shizhi also knew that once the crime of treason was proven, the consequences would be very serious.

He is old and does not mind dying, but his children and grandchildren should not do so.

"I heard that the Saint will go to Huaqing Palace again in three days. Then you should pretend to be hit hard and fall ill. This way, the children and grandchildren of Duke Song can stay with you."

"You are not a prisoner. You have many reasons to leave Chang'an. You can apply to recuperate in the Tianshuiwang residence under Mount Li."

"Once the news of An Lushan's rebellion arrives, the King of Tianshui's confidants will prepare carriages and horses to take you and your family to the Momen Army in Longyou."

"The current envoy of the Momen Army is Gao Kai, an old subordinate of the King of Tianshui when he was in Shuofang, and he is loyal to the King of Tianshui. Moreover, the Momen Army is adjacent to the Bailang Qiang, and the King of Bailang Qiang follows the orders of the King of Tianshui."

Li Mi asked Li Shizhi, "Will An Lushan rebel this year?"

Li Shizhi also had this concern.

"I don't know! But King Tianshui will definitely do it."

Li Mi shook his head.

"I'll follow Mr.'s arrangements."

Li Shizhi gritted his teeth and had no choice but to do this.

Next, Li Mi lived in the Mansion of Duke Song.

Luo Xing contacted Liao Zhengrong and the new Changping soldiers in Jingzhao and Guanzhong who were loyal to Li Xuan.

We need to select brave soldiers from the new recruits in Changping to escort Li Shizhi and his family safely to Momen Army.

At the same time, the Momen army will also send troops to support.

At this time, the new soldiers from Changping who gradually replaced the duties of the county soldiers were particularly important.

The local prefect received Yang Guozhong's order to intercept Li Shizhi, but he was powerless.

It takes some time to recruit militiamen.

What's more, in the Longyou area, Li Xuan's influence is greater than anyone else.

The next day, Li Shizhi heard that Li Xuan had fallen seriously ill at the border and was also bedridden. The news spread throughout Chang'an.

People all thought that Li Shizhi became ill because he missed his son so much, and no one suspected anything else.

Li Longji sent Gao Lishi to visit him and ordered the imperial physician to treat him.

But Li Shizhi pretended very well, so the imperial physician dared not say anything nonsense. He could only report that he was ill due to missing his son and prescribed medicine for his recovery.

Within a few days, it was reported that Li Shizhi, who was known as the Eight Immortals of Drinking, could no longer drink.

People sighed and thought it was a sign of impending death.

Li Shizhi had disheveled hair and was starving. He deliberately only ate one meal every three days. As a result, he was naturally weak and his face was pale.

The imperial physician shook his head after seeing it!
Since Li Qian, Li Jiqing, Li Yuying and others did not know that Li Shizhi was pretending to be sick, his emotions were revealed and he kept crying, so the guests who visited him told this to other dignitaries.

So much so that the powerful people in Chang'an thought that Li Shizhi would not survive this winter.

Li Longji just expressed his emotion and did not give up going to Huaqing Palace because of Li Shizhi's serious illness.

He was in a bad mood too.

As for Li Shizhi's son and son-in-law asking for leave and not attending court, it didn't matter.

First, Li Longji basically never attended court.

Second, their power was hollowed out by Yang Guozhong and they were dispensable.

In late October, Li Shizhi wanted to go to the house that Li Longji had given to Li Xuan, next to the orchard at the foot of Mount Li, to recuperate.

Li Qian and others had no choice but to agree and take Li Shizhi there in a car, hoping that his father's condition would improve in a quiet place and he would be able to have three normal meals a day.

In the house at the foot of Mount Li, Yang Guozhong personally visited Li Shizhi. He wished that Li Shizhi would die soon.

When the news of Li Shizhi's death reaches Persia, it might be able to deal a blow to Li Xuan.

Looking at Li Shizhi's pale and weak face, he felt that Li Shizhi was about to die.

Before leaving, Yang Guozhong hypocritically asked Li Qian to stay at home and accompany Li Shizhi, and gave him some tonic food.

In the majestic Huaqing Palace on Mount Li, not far from Li Shizhi.

Li Longji scolded An Lushan again because An Lushan failed to fulfill his promise to come to Huaqing Palace for warm soup.

October is almost over.

However, Li Longji thought that An Lushan would not rebel this year.

Some even thought that An Lushan was a Hu man who at most wanted to establish his own regime in Fan Yang and enjoy a temporary peace and comfort.

He planned to send another envoy to add the title of "Tongzhongshumenxia Pingzhangshi" to An Lushan. If An Lushan still did not come to Chang'an, he would definitely mobilize troops from Hedong, Shuofang, Longyou and Hexi to attack An Lushan.

The more he thought about it, the more upset he became. Li Longji simply forgot about his worries and enjoyed this cold winter.

Winter is over, and perhaps spring will come.

Sometimes he was in the hot spring, and sometimes he was drinking in Feishuang Palace.

As if on a whim, he would watch the palace's grand music performance "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Robe Dance".

Danced by the beautiful Yang Yuhuan.

At this time, Yang Yuhuan was depressed because she was worried about Li Xuan's illness. Her pitiful look and charming figure made the "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Dress Dance" even more intoxicating to Li Longji.

Looking at the charming beauty, her every frown and smile.

Listening to the soft tune, I feel carefree.

Drinking royal wine from crystal cups, living a life of drunkenness and dreams.

At the same time, in Huaqing Palace, Yang Guozhong was scolding civil and military officials in the Zhongshumenxia Hall to demonstrate his majesty.

The Four Yangs are still accepting bribes from all sides.

In the magnificent Guoguo Manor, the visiting dignitaries lined up for several miles.

They had not anticipated the changes in the Northeast and Northwest...

One day in November, Du Fu traveled all the way back from Chang'an to Luoyang.

Unlike in history, in this life, Du Fu had some small plots of land in his hometown of Luoyang, which was enough to support his family.

On his way home from Chang'an, he realized the great danger facing the country and wrote a 500-word five-character ancient poem.

Through keen observation and visits to various places, the poem fully displays the atmosphere of "a storm is about to come and the wind is blowing in the building".

There was a commoner in Duling, who became more and more clumsy as he grew older.

How foolish is it to promise a body, to steal Biji and deed.

……

Not only was he critical of those in power, he was also very helpless. While he was disappointed with Li Longji, he also held a glimmer of hope.

It's not that I don't have ambitions to sail across the rivers and seas, but I send off the sun and the moon with

Born in the time of Yao and Shun, I cannot bear to say goodbye forever.

……

Sunflowers lean towards the sun, and their nature is hard to change.

He is still a loyal subject of that country, just like a sunflower blooming towards the sun, this is his nature and cannot be changed.

There is a fairy in the center hall, his body covered in mist and smoke.

The guest is warmed by the sable fur coat, and the sad pipes follow the clear zither.

Advise visitors to camel hoof soup, frosted orange pressed orange.

While the rich wine and meat smell, the road with frozen bone.

The difference between prosperity and decline is so small, and the melancholy is hard to describe...

A fairy-like beauty danced in the hall, her smoky clothes could not hide the fragrance of her jade-like body.

The guests were kept warm in sable fur coats, and red strings and jade pipes were playing beautiful music. The guests were encouraged to taste camel hoof soup, oranges and kumquats, all from the far south.

From that vermilion gate, the rich family's wine and meat wafted an enticing aroma, but on this road, who was going to bury the poor people who died of hunger and cold?
Just a few steps apart, the difference is like heaven and hell.

Du Fu continued to lash out at who caused all this?
Although Du Fu's young son did not starve to death again, the cry of sorrow he uttered was no less than the "Five Hundred Words of Thoughts on the Way from Beijing to Fengxian County" in history.

He combined his thoughts on being an official in this life, dug deep into the matter, and questioned God?

Was he also questioning Li Longji, who was unable to answer him?

Why has the country become like this!

Du Fu clearly had the answer in his mind.

The icebergs are descending from the west, and the view is high and steep.

I suspect it came from Kongtong, and I am afraid it might break the pillar of heaven...

Du Fu had anticipated the rebellion.

In Anxi Qiuci.

Li Xuan summoned the kings and chiefs of the Western Regions for a final meeting.

He bluntly stated that An Lushan was going to rebel, and he would lead his troops to defend the king, and asked these Western Regions countries to provide as much support as possible.

The kings of the Western Regions knew that General Tian was planning something big, but they did not dare to refuse him.

Agree to provide logistics support for the Anxi Beiting elite troops.

In the Western Regions, no one is unaware of the power of General Tian.

Only with the existence of General Tian can the title of Khan Tian have value.

The autumn wind blows in the yard, the cold and fragrant stamens make it difficult for butterflies to come.

If I were the Qing emperor in his year, I would bloom together with peach blossoms.

Before launching his rebellion, Li Xuan wrote a second chrysanthemum poem to express his determination.

This poem reflects my current state of mind.

One can even substitute Li Xuan for many of the things he did, including reforms and eliminating powerful people.

His subordinates also understood that no one could stop Li Xuan from entering Yumen Pass.

November, Jiazi day.

Li Xuan was in the big tent of the royal guard camp outside the city of Qiuci.

He had been looking at the Zhuge Liang sword in his hand since morning.

Look at the simplicity of the sword.

Look at the sharpness of the sword.

Look at your reflection in the blade.

His thoughts flew across time and space, waving to the Prime Minister of Shu who devoted his life to the country and worked until his death.

Outside the military camp, the guards in training shouted and their horses neighed, raising dust.

The sound of an arrow whistling through the air.

The sound of metal colliding.

There was also the sound of the war flag with the word "Tang" written on it fluttering.

The scene changes.

Du Fu wrote his last words at his home in Luoyang.

I silently thought of the unemployed and the soldiers on distant guard posts.

The worries are as great as Mount Zhongnan, and the caves are too deep to be reached.

This is Du Fu's newly completed "Five Hundred Words of Thoughts on Returning to Luoyang from Beijing".

He looked at his long work and sighed.

The scene changes again to Fan Yang.

Tens of thousands of soldiers are ready to go, and thousands of baggage vehicles are ready.

"I have received a secret decree from the Saint, ordering me to lead an army into Chang'an to attack Yang Guozhong. All of you should follow me."

"Kill Yang Guozhong, who is causing chaos in the government, and you will all be granted titles of nobility and become generals, enjoying wealth and honor, and receiving countless rewards..."

"Give the order to march!"

An Lushan was in high spirits and he summoned all his generals to the camp.

In addition to Shi Siming who stayed behind, An Lushan will lead his trusted generals including Ashina Chengqing, Sun Xiaozhe, Gao Miao, An Shouzhong, Li Guiren, Cai Xide, Niu Tingjie, Xiang Runke, Cui Qianyou, Yin Ziqi, He Qiannian, Wu Lingxun, Neng Yuanhao, Tian Chengsi, and Tian Qianzhen to the expedition.

There were also strategists such as Gao Shang and Yan Zhuang who followed and offered advice.

They all knew what they were to do, and after receiving the order excitedly, they left the camp and ordered their troops to march south.

After hearing An Lushan's military order, some soldiers were excited and some were afraid.

The excited ones believed that clearing the court of corrupt officials would be a great achievement and they would be rewarded with titles of nobility and appointments as generals.

They think they can sweep away everything and are invincible!
The fearful ones sensed the word "treason", but they were now caught up in it.

An Lushan issued strict orders and disciplined his army, and he had a group of brave generals who were willing to do anything to achieve merit.

These brave generals were able to defeat a hundred men at once, which boosted the overall morale of the army.

"Dong dong dong..."

Amid the dull sound of drums, one army after another marched southward.

There are well-trained infantry and well-equipped Yanyun cavalry.

The dust covered the sun and the mountains and rivers shook.

Banners, spears, lances, crossbows, and swords...

The cold light made birds dare not appear in the sky.

An Lushan sat in a huge chariot, with his confidant Li Zhuer serving beside him.

The chariot was surrounded by a hundred armored knights, each of them strong and powerful.

They were one hundred brave warriors carefully selected from the eight thousand men in Yeluo River. They were An Lushan's personal guards, and each of them was capable of fighting ten men at once.

A hundred steps away from An Lushan's chariot was the most powerful Yeluohe cavalry under An Lushan's command.

On this day, the sky over Hebei was covered with dark clouds...

(End of this chapter)