Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 703 Father Dies and Son Succeeds
Late at night, the lights were still on in the study of the Bianzhou government office. Fang Zhongyong's trusted staff were waiting anxiously, and no one spoke.

The culprit who led them here, Gao Shang, was tied up and thrown into a corner, and no one went to see him at all.

Because no one wants to be friends with the dead.

"My lords, the minister, the emperor is here and is outside the study."

Da Congming walked in, saluted and said to everyone.

"Hurry up."

Yan Zhuang walked out anxiously and saw Fang Chongyong's face was as gloomy as water, as if he already knew what had happened.

"No need to be so polite, let's talk in the study."

Fang Zhongyong waved his hand gently, inviting everyone to go back into the study. Then he also saw Gao Shang in the corner.

The eunuch looked ashen, said nothing, and was even too lazy to look up at the people in the study.

"Arrange a room in the government office, take him there and keep a good look after him. If he commits suicide, let him be, don't bother with it."

Fang Chongyong instructed Zhang Guangsheng.

"Understood, I will arrange it."

Zhang Guangsheng clasped his fists and bowed, then left the study in the government office with Gao Shang.

After Gao Shang was taken away, Fang Chongyong asked his trusted aides to sit down.

"Everyone, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

Fang Zhongyong asked in a deep voice, his expression becoming serious.

"Sir, I would like to ask you a question. Does this matter really have nothing to do with you?"

Yan Zhuang bravely asked, although this question should not be asked, but it is necessary to speak out the ugly words in person. Otherwise, if the decision is wrong, it will be embarrassing.

Li Quan, Yuan Zai, Che Guangqian and others also looked at Fang Zhongyong, waiting for his answer. Even if he didn't speak, Yan Zhuang was their substitute.

"Now that Bianzhou is in a state of disrepair, it is time to focus on development and start a business.

How could I do such a petty thing? Such a ridiculous question is really ridiculous. "

Fang Zhongyong sternly rebuked Yan Zhuangdao.

When everyone saw this, they thought about Fang Chongyong's usual behavior and realized that it was impossible for him to have planned this. Even if he really wanted to do it, he could let Li Lin die "naturally" and it was impossible to kill him so blatantly.

In other words, Li Lin’s assassination by Gao Shang was... just an accident?

Everyone present looked at each other in shock.

In fact, similar things happened in the previous dynasty. Didn't the ambitious Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Tuoba Tao, die at the hands of the eunuch Zong Ai?
This is still the emperor with real power!
"Officials would naturally not do such a thing, but it is hard to say whether outsiders would think so."

Che Guangqian shook her head and said, obviously feeling that even if this incident happened very simply and hastily, the impact afterwards should not be underestimated.

Everyone couldn't help but nod silently.

Whether this is true or not is not important, what is important is how others see it. The so-called conspiracy theorists can make up all the details that they don't know.

These people will imagine things according to their own ideas, even if these things have never happened.

"Well, that's true."

Fang Zhongyong nodded and continued to ask: "So, what should we do? What's the plan?"

Many times, being able to see the problem is not a great skill. Even those who are not officials can see that the unexpected assassination of the emperor will definitely stir up trouble and drag Fang Zhongyong into the whirlpool.

The key is how to solve these problems!
The government office study suddenly fell into silence.

The assassination of the emperor is not like fighting a war. In war, military affairs are discussed and ideas are gathered. Even if the opinions are wrong, it doesn't matter. After all, no one really wants to lose the war.

However, when it comes to matters concerning the Emperor, if you say the wrong thing, it means that your position is wrong and you will likely be held accountable in the future.

It’s terrifying to think about such things.

"Sir, no matter what happens, you can't get rid of suspicion.

It is better to muddy the waters and let it become an unsolved case. Over time, no one will mention it again. "

Far away from Fang Zhongyong, Yuan Zai raised one of his hands and said, breaking the deadlock.

This is an interesting suggestion!
For many things, the more you explain, the more guilty you appear.

It was not something you did in the first place, and such an explanation would arouse suspicion. It would be better to divert the blame to someone else, muddy the waters, and bring out another suspicious person.

In this way, when debates arise in the public opinion field, each party has his own opinions and it is difficult to reach a consensus.

"Come forward and speak. You are too far away for me to hear you clearly."

Fang Chongyong smiled and waved to Yuan Zai.

Everyone else in the study glanced at Yuan Zai calmly.

This was not the first time that his radical style was revealed. After all, Yuan Zai surrendered late, so he had to resort to surprise attack at the critical moment. His bold and aggressive style was also due to his necessity.

It was inevitable that Yuan Zai was given important positions, as Fang Chongyong was a person who valued ability very much. As long as someone was capable and willing to serve, he would give him a chance and clearly distinguish rewards and punishments.

However, it is hard to say whether a man like Yuan Zai can have a good ending under Fang Zhongyong. Anyway, everyone else present was cautious in their words and actions.

"Your Majesty, if the emperor dies, no matter how he died, the biggest beneficiary is not you.

This truth needs to be understood in a roundabout way. Now that the emperor is in power, even if someone else becomes the emperor, can he take back the power?

It would be better to do it this way: the emperor would announce the death at dawn and the crown prince's succession to the throne on the same day, and the cause of the emperor's death could be vague, without exposing Gao Shang.

Just let outsiders guess.

Since the crown prince succeeded to the throne and there was no edict of abdication, even if the emperor was assassinated, the mastermind behind it could only be the crown prince. What does it have to do with the emperor?

As for the specific cause of death, we can just say that the emperor was frivolous, drank excessively, and died drunk in his study. Is there anyone who dares to open the coffin and conduct an autopsy after the burial?"

Yuan Zai said nonchalantly.

What a dog emperor, he is just a puppet, he can die if he dies! Do you really think that this is the heyday of the Li Tang royal family?

Yuan Zai didn't even take such things seriously!
Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Yuan Zai's words were beyond their expectations. In fact, it was not that his ideas were too radical, but on the contrary, Yuan Zai's ideas were too conservative!

Everyone was hesitant and couldn't come up with an idea before, simply because they didn't know whether Fang Zhongyong had the idea of ​​taking the position now and taking this opportunity to replace him.

It was precisely because they were unsure that they dared not speak. It was not because Yuan Zai's idea was so brilliant.

In fact, Yuan Zai just helped Fang Chongyong make a judgment: now is not the time to replace him and change the world.

When saying these things, it depends on what kind of person the lord is.

Some superiors are power-hungry and won't listen to such words. If you tell them, not only will you not be rewarded, but they will bear a grudge and remember it.

I don’t know whether Yuan Zai was too smart to see through Fang Zhongyong’s thoughts, or he was just ignorant and fearless, daring to say anything without any scruples.

"What Yuan Zai just said is a mature strategy for the country.

Minister Yan, draft the crown prince's succession edict immediately. There is no need to inform the crown prince. Let's cut the Gordian knot.

As for the proper procedures for the emperor's funeral, they are too lengthy, so they are omitted. The final step of the burial will be carried out tomorrow, and then the officials will go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to offer sacrifices to the heavens and enshrine the emperor's tablet there. In short, everything must be done quickly, and the current crown prince Li Wei must be supported to take the throne before anyone reacts.

The day after tomorrow, the new emperor's coronation ceremony will be held!"

Fang Zhongyong made a prompt decision and accepted Yuan Zai's advice without any hesitation. Obviously, he had no intention of replacing him at this moment, and Yuan Zai made the right bet again.

"The government is wise!"

Yuan Zai saluted Chongyong with his hands crossed and shouted excitedly!

Haha, you're the only one who can tell that Fang Qing isn't willing to usurp the throne for the time being, right?

Others looked at Yuan Zai coldly, as if they were watching a clown performance.

All the staff members took orders and left, as they still had many things to do. Only Che Guangqian did not have any new appointments, and it was not his turn to take care of the emperor's funeral.

After everyone else left, Che Guangqian stayed alone to discuss important matters with Fang Chongyong.

“Although Yuan Zai’s words are advisable, they are too conservative.

In my humble opinion, the government should replace the crown prince on the grounds that he is young and inexperienced, and make the Prince of Chenliu the crown prince, who will immediately succeed the throne."

It is actually possible to do this?
Fang Zhongyong said calmly, "I'd like to hear the details."

Dragon slaying is not like fighting, but it is more difficult and dangerous than fighting. In many cases, even if you have the strength, you can't use it. So Che Guangqian didn't speak rashly just now. After all, there are many people and it's inconvenient for too many people to hear this kind of conspiracy.

Che Guangqian explained:

"The unexpected death of the emperor is a crisis.

The so-called crisis contains opportunities. It may bring troubles to the government, but if it is handled well, it is also an opportunity for the government.

Changing the emperor's lineage from Prince Yong to Prince Sheng was nothing more than an attempt to show the world that the government took everything lightly and could manipulate things as it pleased.

Even if he is the crown prince, if the emperor wants to stop him from becoming the emperor, it would only take a word from him.

This can also completely shatter the thoughts of those who still have illusions about the emperor.

Li Wei was originally the crown prince, and it was natural for the crown prince to succeed to the throne after the emperor's death.

But because it is a matter of course, it does not show the authority of the emperor. Will there be people who are curious and secretly think: Even the emperor cannot control the inheritance of the emperor? "

I have to say that Che Guangqian's words do make a lot of sense. If the crown prince can be passed on smoothly, does that mean that there is no difference between having a powerful minister like you and not having one?
You have served as a powerful official in vain!
"I have also considered the idea of ​​replacing the crown prince, just not the lineage of the Prince of Chenliu."

Fang Zhongyong nodded, indicating that what the other party said was not unusual. He also thought about replacing Li Lin's son as the crown prince and immediately succeeding to the throne to show his authority.

The specific methods are slightly different, but the effect you want to achieve is the same.

But after weighing the pros and cons, Fang Chongyong still felt that it would be better to pass on the tradition according to the normal system.

Everything must be based on "stability". Now is a critical period for the Bianzhou court to seize orthodoxy and strengthen itself. It is not worth shaking this system for some trivial interests.

As for what will happen in the future, we will talk about it later. Judging from the current trend of people's hearts, it is only a matter of time before the Li family comes to an end.

If you don't get involved, there will be fewer traces left. Fang Zhongyong is no longer the biggest beneficiary, so the suspicion of regicide is reduced a lot.

As for the prince's "normal" success in ascending to the throne, what awaits him will be a whirlpool of public opinion.

After all, Fang Zhongyong controlled administrative resources and could release some true and false "folk legends". Since he had gained benefits, he would also be tainted by "karma", just as Yuan Zai said, the water was muddy.

As for the prince not wanting to succeed to the throne, haha, that’s not up to him!
"Since the emperor has thought it through clearly, I am relieved. At present, it seems unlikely that there will be war in Luoyang. Li Baochen's return to Guanzhong has caused chaos again.

I wonder how the government will arrange for me?"

Che Guangqian asked with a puzzled look.

He didn't want to go back to Huainan to be the governor. Being so far away from the power center was very dangerous and easy to be suspected.

Since he was going back to Bianzhou this time, Che Guangqian had no plan to go to Huainan again.

Between pleasure and achievement, one must make a choice, and it is difficult to have both. If one were to stay in Huainan, one would be far away from the core of power, and would be a local power in the future. When one returns to Bianzhou, it is hard to say whether there is still a suitable position in the court.

If he stayed in Bianzhou, he could almost ensure that he would be a member of the inner circle of the founding heroes.

In fact, you can understand how to make choices if you just think about it a little.

"Starting this year, we will prepare to conquer Hebei. Shi Siming's Great Yan Kingdom is located on the north bank of the Yellow River, separated by Li Guiren.

Li Guiren suffered a loss this time. If he colludes with Shi Siming, the threat will be huge!

How can I allow others to sleep soundly beside my bed? My next step is to target Shi Siming, destroy the Great Yan Kingdom, and incorporate Hebei into the territory ruled by the court.

You should go back to Huainan first to arrange the aftermath and prepare to go to Hebei. The wealth of Huainan is just right for the war. You can see what is needed and ship it back to Bianzhou as military supplies.

When the army marches to Hebei, you will be my vanguard."

Fang Zhongyong patted Che Guangqian on the shoulder and said with a smile.

In fact, this is already a war, it's just the preliminary preparations for the war.

Generally speaking, during the era of Tang Dynasty separatist regimes, such war preparations would require three to five years of accumulating military supplies before the war would begin.

Shi Siming was also preparing. Once he saw the right opportunity, he could go south to the Yellow River. In a time of great contention, those who did not contend would die. A waste like Li Lin would be hanged on a tree even if he was given power.

The troubled times are so cruel and ruthless. All the incompetent people will die even if they are in high positions!

"Understand your order, I will make good preparations!"

Che Guangqian was rarely excited, and the other party saluted with a fist.

After seeing Che Guangqian off from the government office, Fang Zhongyong walked into the room where Gao Shang was under house arrest.

He looked helplessly at Gao Shang, who had a broken arm and looked exhausted, sitting on the bed as if waiting to die, and sighed, "Why are you doing this?"

“He is called the Son of Heaven, but in reality he is just a dog crawling in the government yard.

Is it unusual for Gao to kill a dog? Is it worth the government making such a fuss?"

Gao Shang raised his head and looked at Fang Zhongyong and said, with a hint of sarcasm in his words.

Anyway, he has been killed. The dead cannot be resurrected. It doesn’t matter. At most, he is dead.

It was a great honor for him to have Li Lin take the blame for him.

Gao Shang no longer had any taboos at this moment. He was not afraid of anything and did not care about anything.

"The Crown Prince will soon take over the throne as the Emperor. In a few days, I will send you to the new Emperor. If you have anything to say, you can speak to the new Emperor in person."

Fang Zhongyong shook his head, turned around and left, too lazy to waste time talking to Gao Shang.

"Fang Qing, Gao doesn't accept it!

Why should you have everything you want just because your father is Fang Youde?
There is nothing wrong with Gao's intelligence. The world is like this, what else can Gao do!
It's not that I'm incapable, it's just that I'm unlucky! God has made a mistake for me!
Just wait and see, you will all die a miserable death! A miserable death!"

Behind me, there was a noble shouting voice, arrogant and helpless! The curse was full of guilt!

"You know nothing!"

Fang Zhongyong complained softly and walked straight out of the government office without stopping.

(End of this chapter)