The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 356: The World as a Chess Game (I)

Day and night alternated, and three days passed in a flash.

The tide caused by the turmoil in Bianjing that night seemed to have finally settled down completely. No matter how the situation in the court changed, as long as it did not affect the people below, people would continue to live their lives as usual.

Not only were brothels, theaters, wine shops and teahouses reopened, but Anle Pavilion also resumed business. The number of patrolling cavalry and soldiers on the streets gradually decreased, and the number of people walking through increased. The capital of Daliang State finally regained its prosperous appearance.

In addition, even the football market outside the city was open for business as usual, football matches were held as usual, and the money exchange offices were open as usual. Even those who took money notes to exchange for copper coins received the original exchange, and were not affected by the turmoil that night at all.

The signs that read "No discussion of court affairs allowed" were also removed from taverns and teahouses, and idle people in the market began to pass on and discuss court news again, just like before, and it seemed that nothing had changed at all.

But if you really look at the changes, there are some.

For example, many beautiful ladies in Anle Pavilion had not been seen for two or three days in a row. There were also rumors that the famous lady Yu Youshu, who ranked last on the Rouge Review list, had been summoned to the Song Palace to become the concubine of General Xiao Yan, the Heavenly Strategy General. This was also the fulfillment of the saying "May we live long and share the beauty of the moon, even though we are thousands of miles apart."

For example, Li Mang, who was the best at footwork and was known as "Scarface and Cold-Faced Man", no longer played on the court, and his team, which had brought huge profits to countless gamblers, also disappeared without a trace.

For example, all the idle soldiers of the imperial guards in the city were urgently recalled to the camp; the three imperial guards of Shenwei, Gongchen and Zhuosheng had already left the capital in a hurry; and the so-called new army, which was composed only of corvée laborers, had already taken a large number of criminals whose properties had been confiscated to the south.

There are too many minor changes that constantly remind everyone in the court and the country that Daliang is no longer the Daliang of the past, and the court is no longer the complicated court with party oppression in the past.

Both the imperial court and the army were making intensive adjustments, indicating that after forcing the emperor to abdicate, General Tiance Xiao Yan still did not stop to enjoy his position at the pinnacle of power, but seemed to be continuing to plan for the future.

However, although the imperial court did not ban speech, people in the court naturally feared and respected Xiao Yan, a powerful figure in his early twenties. They tacitly did not dare to mention his name, and even dared not talk about gossip in private, for fear of causing trouble.

But the common people outside the court did not have so many concerns. The various decrees issued by the Tiance Mansion had already allowed the people of Bianliang to see real benefits. Although they naturally could not say that they loved Xiao Yan, they certainly respected him. There were people in power who were willing to treat the common people as human beings these days, but Xiao Yan was the first one.

A few days ago, Xiao Yan ordered Wanyan Agunai to escort money and goods from Caozhou into the capital. At that time, the scene of the entry into the city was so grand that the news spread throughout the city in almost half a day. So now all the people in the city know that Xiao Yan is paying out of his own pocket to subsidize the people, so there is no need for special promotion. At least now the people in Bianjing City recognize Xiao Yan's reputation for benevolence.

Sometimes, those in power only need to show some goodwill to the people, and then thousands of people will spontaneously support him and vindicate him. This may not be a big deal in the short term, but in the long run, the power of the words "benevolence" will completely erupt.

After all, the common people have their own thoughts. As the saying goes, people go to high places and water flows to low places. Even if the heroes are on high alert, as long as Xiao Yan's reputation is great enough, there will eventually be a steady stream of refugees pouring into the Central Plains.

The words "benevolence" and "virtue" are ultimately more powerful than the words "warmongering". In these troubled times, what the war is ultimately about is population. The natural barriers of Hedong cannot stop the people's will.

This is why Xiao Yan was willing to support Jing Xiang even if he had to take Emperors Zhu Wen and Zhu Youzhen westward and mobilize a large army to intimidate Guanzhong. Jing Xiang was a very smart person and knew when to compromise and when to argue.

Bianjing gradually stabilized and seemed to be living a peaceful life again. However, the turmoil caused by Xiao Yan's ascent to the pinnacle of power was like a bolt from the blue, which finally shook the whole world.

After Xiao Yan forced Zhu Wen to abdicate, the city gates were opened the next day and the news spread outward at an extremely alarming speed. First, it spread to the entire Central Plains, and then to Qi and Lu, Huainan, Jingnan, Guanzhong, Hebei, Hedong, and Longyou. Even Shu, which is located in the dangerous area of ​​Shu Road, received this shocking news within a few days.

The Ghost King and the Underworld Emperor held the rebel army hostage and colluded with the imperial guards, trying to use a mutiny to force Zhu Wen to murder Xiao Yan. However, Xiao Yan summoned the Hebei army to the south in advance, took the initiative to control the imperial city, supported Zhu Youzhen to ascend the throne, and then killed all the rebel troops on the spot with thunder.

The main culprit of the war, Ghost King Zhu Youwen, was first defeated and retreated from the imperial city. Later, he did not have time to contact the imperial guards to enter the city, and was killed in front of the rebel army. After the Ghost King's death, the Underworld Emperor wanted to flee west to Guanzhong, but was also killed on the spot by Xiao Yan. His Xuanming Sect was led by Meng Po, and all of them surrendered to Xiao Yan.

Afterwards, Xiao Yan supported Zhu Youzhen's ascension to the throne with absolute strength, and Zhu Wen was forced to abdicate and was worshipped in Daxiangguo Temple by Xiao Yan. At the same time, all the children and descendants of the Ghost King and the Underworld Emperor were killed by the new emperor Zhu Youzhen, leaving no one alive.

As for the followers of Ghost King and Hades Emperor, although they were pardoned by Xiao Yan, they were immediately investigated for being corrupt officials. Their three clans were implicated and their properties were confiscated. They should have been exiled three thousand miles away, but the new emperor ascended the throne, so he showed special mercy and only exiled them to military states such as Qi, Lu, and Jiangling to cultivate land. They could be free after the period was completed, but their descendants for three generations were not allowed to join the army or take exams.

Also, one of the generals of the forbidden army who was involved in the rebellion and assisted the Ghost King, as well as all the officials and generals of the Eastern Capital's garrison, except for some people who had made great contributions to the court in the past, were all dismissed from their posts, their property was confiscated, and they were exiled to Liaodong, or forced to farm, or sent to serve in the army. The new emperor showed mercy and spared their family members, and their sons and nephews were not allowed to join the army.

In addition, the Chongzheng Yuan was changed and the old name of the Privy Council was restored. The Privy Council merged with the Ministry of War to take charge of the national military power of Daliang. Xiao Yan was appointed Privy Envoy and General Tiance, Jing Xiang was appointed Co-Director of the Privy Council, and issued imperial edicts and orders. From then on, the prime minister was not allowed to interfere in military affairs without the title of Privy Councilor.

Zhu Wen's abdication was enough to shock the world, but knowing all of Xiao Yan's official titles made people even more shocked.

General Tiance was also Privy Councilor, Co-Minister of the Secretariat, Jiedushi of Youzhou, Yichang, and Yiwu, and he was recruiting people from all over the world...

When people all over the world saw these titles and assignments, they already understood that this former champion marquis of Daliang, who seemed to have faded from sight for nearly a year after the Battle of Hebei, had actually bypassed many generals who were expected to become powerful officials in Daliang and ascended to the pinnacle of power in Daliang by stepping on the bones of the Zhu clan.

Who is Xiao Yan?

If the world were really asked to answer this question, apart from the title of Marquis of Guanjun and a few poems, the only thing left to add is the widely circulated Rouge Review. No one could tell what kind of person Xiao Yan was. Even among the many generals and important ministers in Daliang, Xiao Yan was not one of the top ones. Everyone's impression of him still stayed at the moment when he was conferred the title of Marquis of Guanjun.

I believe that most people in the world would think that Xiao Yan is a die-hard supporter of Zhu Wen, that he is the Huo Qubing that Zhu Wen used to fight against Li Cunxu, and that he is Zhu Wen's well-deserved supporter of imperial power.

But it was Xiao Yan, the Marquis of Guanjun who should have been loyal to Zhu Wen, who personally killed the Ghost King and the Underworld Emperor, and then forced Zhu Wen to abdicate and enthrone Zhu Youzhen, who also left little impression on the people of the world, to ascend the throne.

How shocking? How unbelievable?
There were countless princes and military governors from various places, some who were indulging in pleasure, some who were ready to take action, and some who were devoting themselves to governing the country. When they heard the news, they were so shocked that they didn't even bother to report it. Instead, they sent countless spies into the Central Plains to gather more intelligence.

At this moment, even the most incompetent and short-sighted princes would not give up the opportunity to bring about great changes in the Central Plains. Zhu Wen had been suppressing the world for a long time, and the princes had to either surrender or form an alliance to fight against him.

A new leader in Daliang not only means that the relationship between oneself and Daliang may change greatly, but it is also very likely to force internal strife in Daliang.

If the Central Plains is in chaos, then it will be an opportunity for the princes from all sides to rise up and divide it!

However, unlike the cautious princes on all sides, the Shu Emperor Wang Jian in Chengdu was overjoyed after hearing the news. He could not wait to send people to the Central Plains to gather intelligence, and hurriedly sent envoys to Changsha and Taiyuan respectively. At the same time, he ordered Wang Zonghe, the governor of Xingyuan Prefecture (Hanzhong), to be the recruiting envoy of the East Route Camp to lead troops to support the Shu army under Fengxiang City. At the same time, he joined forces with Wang Zongkan, the commander-in-chief of the North Route Camp of the Shu army who was attacking Fengxiang. After Fengxiang was captured, he would gather a large army to get a glimpse of the strength of Guanzhong.

At this time, God was really helping the Shu State. First there was civil strife in Qi State, then there was a mutiny in Liang State. Even the King of Qi was so confused that he ignored the Liang army and went to fight with Li Keyong for no apparent reason.

I was quite confused at that time, but now I see that this is simply an opportunity given to Da Shu by God!
Zhu Wen was able to achieve hegemony over the Central Plains in the past, so why can't I, Wang Jian, achieve it?

What is that Xiao Yan? Can it hold the beam?
------

Taiyuan.

When the news of the changes in the Central Plains came, Jin was one of the first vassal states to receive the news. However, as Jin had recently been at war on both its east and west sides, the King of Jin issued a large number of orders, conscripting tens of thousands of civilians to transport military supplies. At the same time, he raised commercial taxes and ordered all localities to strictly guard the borders.

Increasing commercial taxes was normal, but anyone with a discerning eye could see that this was intended to plunder merchants in order to supplement military equipment, and the King of Jin was clearly preparing for a bigger war.

Even though the people of Jin had long been accustomed to the King of Jin's sharp military equipment, some of them were still in a state of panic amidst the numbness and had no time to care about the changes in the Central Plains. Therefore, there were no rumors in the marketplace, and not many people even knew of the news, and they had to wait for events to develop.

However, for the upper echelons, this piece of news undoubtedly caused a great stir. In Tongwen Hall, Li Cunli walked along the corridor with his sleeves gathered up. When he got closer to the house, he smelled a strong aroma of medicine.

Li Cunren, who was walking behind him, frowned but said nothing and followed Li Cunli into the house.

There was another doctor in the room. When he saw the two people come in, he bowed and saluted.

Li Cunli called the doctor aside and asked about the situation in a low voice. The two of them whispered, but Li Cunren didn't listen. She just walked to the edge of the bed, lifted a corner of the bed curtain with her hand, and looked at Li Siyuan, who was lying inside with a slightly sickly pale face and still unconscious.

Li Cunren frowned even more and observed for a while. Only when he heard the doctor behind him being sent away did he lower the curtain.

"My elder brother was accidentally ambushed in Hebei at that time, and almost all of his attendants were killed. If one of them had not escaped to Yanmen Pass to report the news because of my elder brother's help in holding back the enemy, I'm afraid my elder brother would have been killed as well."

Li Cunli whispered, "But even if the Yanmen defenders rushed to help, my brother was still seriously injured. He has been unconscious since I brought him back to Taiyuan."

Li Cunren nodded after a moment's pause: "Big brother was so badly injured, and my foster father was also surprised. Do you know who could have injured Big brother so badly?"

"According to the servant who brought the news to my brother, there were only two people who ambushed and killed my brother. One of them was a woman who was elusive and suddenly attacked us. Even my brother didn't notice it beforehand. In addition, there was a strong man. The two of them cooperated with each other, and several of my brother's servants died when they first met. But I think there must be a third person."

Li Cunli said calmly, "According to the doctor's observation, Big Brother not only suffered external injuries, but also suffered from a kind of voodoo poison. It was this poison that forced Big Brother's martial arts to temporarily regress. Otherwise, with Big Brother's strength, he would not have been injured to this extent."

"Voodoo..."

Li Cunren thought for a moment, then frowned and asked, "Are you from Mobei?"

"That's right." Li Cunli nodded seriously: "It's impossible for people from Raojiang to show up in Hebei."

Li Cunren let out a long sigh, nodded in a gesture, and then gave Li Keyong a few important instructions before striding away.

Li Cunli sent her out the door and wanted to see her off, but Li Cunren just waved his hand without turning back and stopped.

Watching the Thirteenth Sister disappear outside the corridor, Li Cunli thought for a while before walking into the room.

"Godfather is really careful."

A neutral voice with a hint of sinisterness came from the bed. The person who opened the bed curtain revealed Li Siyuan with a gloomy face.

He looked at Li Cunli and smiled with narrowed eyes: "Does this Thirteenth Sister see any clues?"

"Brother, your injury is not fake, how can you tell?" Li Cunli said respectfully, "Father sent me here to see if you are seriously injured. If not, you should go to the western front to fight against the Qi army."

"Western Front?" Li Siyuan stroked his mustache and sat on the couch and said calmly, "The Western Front is full of vassal troops, and the war can't last too long. Of course, my foster father is confident that I can go."

Li Cunli smiled but did not answer.

"By the way..." Li Siyuan stopped talking about this matter and hissed, "Did Xiao Yan really force that old man Zhu Wen to abdicate?"

"It can't be fake."

Li Cunli wanted to talk about Ba Ge, but hesitated and just said: "Thirteenth sister's subordinates and Tongwenguan have sent news, which is true. Five days ago, Zhu Wen abdicated the throne to Zhu Youzhen, and Xiao Yan was appointed as the general of Tiance, commanding all the troops in Daliang..."

"Ha." Li Siyuan sneered, then narrowed his eyes and sighed: "What a courage."

At this time, he finally understood why the nearly 20,000 cavalrymen he discovered in Hebei were galloping southward. Unfortunately, even if he understood it at that time, it would be too late. Xiao Yan suddenly launched a mutiny without any expectations, and even killed the Ghost King and the Underworld Emperor in one breath. Such a thing, I am afraid that even if the news was released in advance, no one would believe it.

No matter how anyone looks at it, Xiao Yan does not have such strength. Of course, this is why no one in the world knows about the existence of Xiao Yan's private army in Dingbadu.

Li Cunli looked at Li Siyuan with a longing look, and just stepped forward unnoticed: "I have found out the three people who ambushed and killed big brother. They are all from Mobei, and they must be the masters hired by the Mobei Queen Mother. The female assassin is called Shili Qixiang, the strong man is Yaoyan's younger brother, and there is a wizard Da Hefeng, who must be the culprit who made big brother fall into an illusion when he met the enemy..."

Li Siyuan twirled his beard and said nothing, with only a cold light flashing in his triangular eyes.

He still remembers the words that Serika left behind when she escaped.

"I have long heard that the Holy Master of Tongwenguan, Li Siyuan, is resourceful and his achievements in reaching the Holy Heaven and Earth spread all over the Three Jins. But now it seems that he is just so-so."

Even with Li Siyuan's shrewdness, he still couldn't help getting angry when he thought of this sentence.

Li Cunli was puzzled and quickly turned around and asked: "Brother?"

"Nothing." Li Siyuan waved his hand and said calmly, "We will kill these three people when we deal with Mobei in the future. Now that the prince has left Datong, Mobei will be in ruins if not dead. It is not our concern. You get ready. I am going to a place. Don't let anyone notice."

"I wonder if Big Brother is going to..."

"Gaya Temple." Li Siyuan raised his head with a confident smile on his lips.

------

Gaya Temple in the far suburbs of Taiyuan.

Yuan Tiangang stood silently in front of the mountain, with his hands behind his back, watching the bamboo forest on the mountain swaying, just like dancing in a strong wind, with leaves drifting and falling.

Behind him, a figure in purple clothes walked slowly towards him, then stopped about ten feet away, and bowed with his hands folded in guilt.

"I am Shi Yao, your subordinate, here to see the commander."

"I, your subordinate, am ashamed of my failure to live up to your honor..."

(End of this chapter)