The Emperor ordered Zhao Tang

Chapter 22: Good Fortune Forever
"I want to attack Han Jian!"

On New Year's Eve, the sage entertained dozens of important civil and military officials from the Political Affairs Hall, the Privy Council, and the Shen Ce Army in the Linde Hall. As soon as everyone sat down, Li Ye announced his decision. His tough attitude was surprising. The Linde Hall was spacious and could accommodate thousands of people at a time. This shout was like a stone thrown into a deep pool, causing ripples.

Wang Congxun, Liu Xianyuan, the Tiger Guards, and Du Luyi, the Imperial Guards, followed the sage holding spears.

The sage sat high up in the hall and spoke eloquently: "It is a story from past dynasties. If a prince fails to attend court once, his rank will be reduced. If he fails to attend court twice, his territory will be reduced. If he fails to attend court three times, six armies will be moved to investigate the clan law. The evil man Han Jian not only refuses to be replaced, but also makes many allies. He occupies the land in his palm, licks his teeth and threatens to displace his people. His crime is extremely serious! The Privy Councilor and I both believe that we cannot rest in peace until this beast is eliminated."

The saint looked at everyone, observed the ministers' reactions, and then continued, "You have also experienced many hardships. You must know that we must kill the enemy quickly and not give the rebels time to respond. The Privy Council reported a few days ago that there was discord within the Huazhou army."

"Liu Cun, the chief of the army, advised Han Jian to enter the court, but was not allowed to do so. He feared that he would be harmed, so he started a rebellion and wanted to kill Jian. He failed to keep the secret, and fled east to Shanzhou with a thousand men. Jian was furious and killed many of the men in the palace. Seeing that the bandits were destroying themselves, and that Bin, Tong, Qi, and Han were fighting and had no time to spare, it was time to attack them immediately. Therefore, I do not intend to delay, and I want to send troops as soon as possible to pacify Huazhou and capture the bandits as soon as possible."

The sage said this in a firm tone, and the Privy Councilor Ximen Chongsui did not say anything, so it was not a discussion.

Everyone had their own thoughts. Lieutenant Liu Jingxuan of the Left Army raised one point: "Jian is unrighteous and disloyal, so we can punish him. However, these people are from the Five Cities who accompanied the emperor, and they are brave and good at fighting. Their troops are all strong and powerful. How can we defeat them with strong soldiers and powerful crossbows to defend the Tonghua Pass?"

Immediately, a military officer of the Shen Ce Army seconded the proposal: "Jian must defend the city firmly, so it will take 30,000 to 50,000 soldiers to attack!"

A burst of discussion immediately broke out in the Linde Hall.

"Jian has always been good to the princes. If he raises an army to punish the princes, he will definitely send envoys to all directions, promise them money and goods, and make the princes submit petitions to express their opinions."

"The Jian army is strong, the Shen Ce army is weak, they will collapse at the first sight of each other!"

"Since the Guangming period, the feudal lords have repeatedly invaded the country. The previous emperor always tried to appease them, and did not talk about attacking them lightly. The previous disturbances were slightly calmed, but now the national strength is weak and people are uneasy. If we win, we win. If we lose, disaster will come from our armpits... It is really not appropriate to cause trouble. I think a saint would not do that."

"How much will it cost?"

"..."

The sound of the cannon was worth a fortune, and we didn't know if we could win. If we lost again, and the rebel army came to Chang'an, everyone would have to prepare to flee in a hurry.

Hasn't this saint lost enough battles?
For a moment, there were only doubts and opposing opinions.

Ximen Chongsui narrowed his eyes and glanced at the saint, as if to say, look, is there anyone who listens to you?
Li Ye pretended not to see it and raised his right hand: "Stop."

Everyone had to quiet down.

Unexpectedly, before Li Ye could open his mouth to argue with the ministers, Wang Congxun, who was standing aside, said with a smile: "Don't be afraid, ministers. When I was in the Tianwei Army, I fought against the Huazhou Army, and our strength was just so-so. Besides, the people in Huazhou are in a turmoil now. How many of them can Han Jian, the thief, control? There are only about ten thousand people in total. We killed more than two thousand in Yesuiyuan. I heard that another thief led his troops to flee eastward. Just be careful, what can go wrong? Besides, since we have to fight, how can we not take some risks? Can we just sit at home and wait for the thieves to knock on our door?"

Liu Xianyuan also said: "I think so too, haha."

Everyone took a look and it seemed that Wang Congxun, a general of the Tianwei Army who had led troops to rebel and try to rob the imperial palace, was subdued by Liu Chongwang and sent to the saint to serve as the General of the Tiger Guards. Suddenly, there was a burst of whispering.

Linde Hall is a place where the emperor and his ministers are discussing politics. How can a mere general of the imperial court interrupt you? Moreover, this guy speaks frivolously and has no etiquette at all. How can this villain be appointed as a general of the imperial court?
Mr. Liu is really blind!
When Ximen Chongsui heard this, he glared at Wang Congxun, but he did not react at all. Instead, he calmly adjusted his clothes.

This reminded Li Ye of an old story.

During the Zhide period, the court was in its infancy and the military was arrogant. When Emperor Suzong was reviewing the army, the generals turned their backs to him and discussed the emperor's appearance and words and deeds with laughter. There was also Guan Chongsi from Hexi. When the emperor passed by, Guan Chongsi was talking and laughing without even lifting his butt. The censor put him in jail, but Emperor Suzong could not afford to offend him, so he could only hold his nose and "pardon" him.

At that time, just like now, the martial virtue of the Tang Dynasty was too abundant.

Seeing the unhappy expressions of the ministers, Li Ye gently rebuked Wang Congxun, "You better restrain yourself."

Then he coughed tactically: "Cough, cough, everyone."

"Han Jian's men have been fleeing eastwards, which shows that he has reached the end of his rope. I have made up my mind! We don't need too many troops to fight. We only need more than 10,000 elite soldiers. We can march eastwards along the Wei River. The roads are flat and open, and we can reach Zheng County in two days. Who among the left and right Shen Ce armies is willing to be the general?"

A young general stood up from behind the desk and said, "I request a fight!"

When the saint recognized who it was, he was overjoyed.

This person was also a member of the royal family. He was a descendant of Li Jing, the second son of Emperor Shunzong and the Prince of Tan - Li Sizhou. In order to avoid the taboo of Emperor Wuzong, he inherited the title of Prince of Tan.

It must be said that Li Shimin's genes were really good. As long as they were given the opportunity, his descendants would become talented generals.

Li Ye remembered that the second battle against Li Maozhen in history was led by Li Sizhou.

"What position does your Royal brother hold now?"

Li Sizhou was stunned. The sage had been on the throne for three years, but he didn't even know where his own brother was and what he was doing?
"I am currently the commander of the Right Shenshen Army and the Yaowu Army, and also the commander of the Zhongwei Bridge Military City." Li Sizhou replied.

Yaowu Army?

The saint recalled that it seemed that they were also Ximen Chongsui's troops.

This... However, since Li Sizhou dared to stand up, he must have obtained Ximen Chongsui's tacit approval, or even secret instructions, to let him take the lead. Because he was stationed at Zhongwei Bridge, if there was nothing wrong, Ximen Chongsui would not specifically call him back.

The sage pondered for a moment, then asked, "How many troops do you have, my brother?"

"Six thousand. Four thousand cavalry and infantry, two thousand knights. There are also more than four hundred auxiliary soldiers." Li Sizhou's Yaowu Army was the most capable group under Ximen Chongsui. Ximen Chongsui also put a lot of effort into it. These seven or eight thousand horses and mules alone accounted for nearly half of the entire Shence Army.

But Li Ye didn't understand why the heir to the throne would be willing to work for a eunuch to make a living.

All I can say is that this old pigherd is really good at winning people's hearts.

"In this case, I will appoint my younger brother as the imperial commander." Li Ye made the decision quickly.

You can't catch a wolf without sacrificing a child. If you are unwilling to sacrifice even a meat bun, how can the country not perish?
However, Li Sizhou's troops are mainly cavalry and infantry, so it would be very troublesome if they were to attack Huazhou.

But looking at the people present, it seems that no one is willing to fight.

More importantly, no one wants to bother with the saint, and Li Ye is very clear about this.

Power only serves its source. Now that the ones who grant them power are eunuchs such as Ximen Chongsui, they naturally only serve the eunuchs.

The same goes for Li Sizhou.

Moreover, in Li Ye's memory, his predecessor had never been very close to his brothers.

That's even more impossible.

Will you fight me to death just because of one word from you? How many people like Guo Ziyi can be found in the three hundred years of the Tang Dynasty?

take it easy.

After all, for a young emperor like him, it is a blessing from heaven that someone raised their hand now. If he thinks too much, even God might oppose it.

"You all have eaten well, I am tired." After saying this, the saint stood up and left his seat.

Wang Congxun, Liu Xianyuan, Zhao and other female imperial guards also quickly followed and returned to Penglai Palace together.

Looking at the heavy snow falling in the dark night, Li Ye reached out to catch a snowflake, feeling a little melancholy.

Ximen Chongsui is indeed abominable.

From time to time, he would feel the urge to die together with you.

But tonight's "banquet" made him realize a serious problem.

At the banquet, Ximen Zhongsui didn't say a word throughout the whole process, but most people still maintained the same arrogant attitude towards the emperor.

After Tian Lingzi was driven out, Yang Fugong came.

After Yang Fugong was driven out, Ximen Chongsui came.

Even if he killed the old pigherd, could he still hold on to the power that had already been shaken?

Should he be killed?

Or.

When is the best time to start?

Do I need to relax a little while longer to maintain my power?

"Saint." Seeing that the emperor was in a low mood, Wang Congxun stepped forward and said, "I have many good friends in the Tianwei Army. Now the soldiers are scattered all over the place. If the envoy goes out of the city to gather them, there will be 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers. They are all experienced in the battlefield and will definitely have no problem fighting. It's just..."

The saint took over the conversation and laughed, "Just like you, he is arrogant and difficult to control, right?"

"Ok!"

"If you are willing, you can give it a try." The saint said in a low voice: "I will ask the general for some money tomorrow, you can give it as a reward."

In addition, Yang Fugong was about to leave.

I don't know how he arranged his troops. Thinking of this, the sage called out, "Ruxin, does Junrong's letter of resignation say when he will take up his post?"

"I heard that the army outside the city has been frequently mobilized these days. I guess Junrong is trying to properly arrange his troops." Zhao sighed.

The saint did not answer, but asked suspiciously: "How do you know what I am thinking?"

Zhao smiled faintly: "Li Yishan said that even though we don't have the wings of a phoenix, our hearts are connected."

"Ruxin, you..." Li Ye couldn't help but laugh.

Zhao continued, "I estimate that the army will probably head north after the New Year."

"Well, when the time comes, you can go out of the palace to see him off." Li Ye then leaned close to Zhao's ear and whispered a few words.

Suddenly, there was a sound of firecrackers, and Concubine Shu came in.

Seeing the emperor and the female official whispering to each other, she felt a little bitter, but still bowed: "Didn't the Ministry of Rites submit a petition to change the reign title? Today is the first year of Jingfu. I wish your Majesty a long and happy life, and eternal blessings."

"May you be blessed forever." Li Ye shyly returned the blessing.

But Concubine Shu suddenly lowered her head and said shyly, "Do you want to go to Chang'an Palace and sit for a while? It's late at night, and Pingyuan misses the emperor too..."

"This..." Li Ye coughed tactically: "Even if it's the New Year, there are still many things to do. That... let's not go tonight."

Concubine Shu's expectant eyes suddenly dimmed: "I..."

But just as she opened her mouth, Zhao raised her head, looked at Li Ye, and said loudly: "Didn't everyone just say that they were going to Chang'an Palace? I am derelict in my duty and should not continue to report. I will withdraw now..."

After saying this, she smiled gracefully at Li Ye with an expression that said, "You understand." Then she took light steps and led the palace maid away slowly.

"What about me?" Wang Congxun didn't know what was going on: "Then where should I go, Zhao Siyan?"

Li Ye held his forehead and said, "Go and have a rest, eat well, drink well and have fun."

"lady."

Afterwards, the Saint and Concubine Shu returned to Chang'an Palace.

He's maid ran back to Chang'an Palace in advance to announce the news.

When Li Ye arrived, new lanterns had been hung inside and outside the Chang'an Palace, and the palace servants, young and old, wearing new clothes, were standing in the light snow, waiting quietly and happily. It was really lively!
Perhaps only at this time did he have some dignity as an emperor.

"Everyone, get up." The saint waved his hand cheerfully.

"Father!" Suddenly, a little girl rushed up, hugged Li Ye, sat on the snow, and then burst into tears: "Father, you haven't come to see Pingyuan for two months. Is Pingyuan disobedient? Woo..."

He's eyes were also red, and she smiled with tears in her eyes: "Look at you, the children don't even recognize you anymore."

Li Ye was a little embarrassed.

This is my daughter in this world.

Perhaps, at this moment he began to gradually integrate into the family of his predecessor.

"Don't cry, don't cry." Li Ye held the child in his arms and patted him, then strode into the hall: "Eat!"

He had just been fighting with a bunch of birdmen in the Linde Hall. Although there was plenty of food on the table, he was not in the mood to eat.

……

The second day of the first lunar month in the first year of Jingfu.

To the north of Chang'an City, there is a post station surrounded by plum blossoms on the bank of the Ba River.

Going further, after crossing Baqiao, you will completely leave Chang'an.

"Whoa..." A coachman in blue pulled the reins and stopped the carriage at the door.

Afterwards, a thin old man with white hair, wrinkled face and wearing purple clothes stepped down from the carriage step by step with the help of his fake son.

His once tall figure now seemed hunched after his failure in the court struggle. His voice was no longer as loud as before, but became hoarse and low, like a mouthful of phlegm stuck in his throat that could not be spit out.

I'm afraid no one would associate this old man with the majestic Military Observer of the Six Armies and Twelve Guards.

Looking at the Ba Bridge in front of him, then looking back at Chang'an in the dim light of morning, Yang Fugong sighed.

Recalling the time seven years ago when he wiped out the Zhu Mei rebels and led his troops to escort the late emperor and all the ministers back home, all he was thinking about was the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty.

It was also during these seven years that power turned him into something neither human nor ghost.

Thinking back to the ups and downs of the past seven years, from the fine clothes and vigorous horses when the royal family was revived, to today, the lonely journey of looking north with carriages and horses...

There were too many complicated feelings and emotions in Yang Fugong's heart.

All the dukes, marquises, generals and ministers who once walked shoulder to shoulder with him left him.

Only the former assistant minister of the Ministry of War, Wu Xi, was still grateful to Yang Fugong for his support and care over the years, and insisted on sending his benefactor to Taiyuan.

Perhaps he also knew that Junrong would never come back once he left.

"Junrong, go into the post station and have some rest." Wu Xi stepped forward and asked with concern.

"You go in first." Yang Fugong looked at the main road and said, "I'll get some fresh air here."

"Oh." Wu Xi had no choice but to stand beside him.

Gradually, the sound of horse hooves reached the ears of the group, and everyone, including Yang Fugong, looked up.

On the black horse, a young woman wearing a bamboo hat and a thin veil was seen holding the reins and a green jade ruyi in her hand.

Behind the woman, there were dozens of riders.

Wu Xi's face changed drastically, and he quickly hugged Yang Fugong and went to the carriage: "Could it be that the saint has changed his mind again and wants to execute Jiang Rong in this post station according to the previous story?"

"No."

Yang Fugong patted Wu Xi and sighed, "She should be a female official in the Purple Palace. That dark green jade ruyi was the gift I gave to the Saint during the winter solstice last year..."

Several of Yang Fugong's adopted sons came forward to greet him.

The woman in black veil dismounted from her horse and strode up with the crowd. Among them was a big man in armor, who was none other than Yang Shouxin, the commander of the Yushan Army.

"Father!"

With a thud, Yang Shouxin knelt down in front of Yang Fugong, tears streaming down his face, choking with sobs, "Didn't you say you would leave on the fifth day? Why did you leave three days earlier? Why did you hide it from me? If Zhao Simian hadn't come to look for me, I would never see my father again."

"I am going to take up the new post. It's not like I won't be back..." Yang Fugong looked calm, but his heart was moved.

The sage left his most beloved fake son Xin'er alone and retained all his position and military power. This was undoubtedly out of consideration for the relationship between master and servant, and he gave the Yang family a chance to exit with dignity.

Yang Shouxin's face became serious and he wiped his nose: "I am not a thief like Li Shunjie. My father has left, so I must come no matter what. Even if I have to abandon my troops and follow my father to Taiyuan, what's the problem?"

Yang Fugong's eyes were red, which was rare. He turned away quickly, said nothing more, and cursed: "Go, go!"

"Military appearance."

Zhao came up with the jade ruyi and bowed to Yang Fugong. "In fact, the Saint said on New Year's Eve that when Junrong took up his post, he would definitely go out of the palace to see him off, but Ximen Chongsui and his men were watching him closely. Before I left, the Saint said to me, 'He still remembers how Junrong took care of and protected his family during the wars, and he also remembers Wendenian's support.' The Saint also said..."

Yang Fugong turned his head slightly.

"The saint also said that although being an enemy of Junrong was justified and legitimate, he still failed Junrong. The two disastrous defeats in the campaign against Xichuan and Hedong severely damaged the vitality of the court and disappointed Junrong. Therefore, he could not bear to see him this time. I only hope that Junrong will be as constant as the moon and be blessed forever."

After saying this, he took another object from the horse's back, which was a white jade ruyi.

Zhao offered it with both hands.

However, Yang Fugong was trembling, with his back to the crowd and not saying a word. Wu Xi and others shouted at him several times but there was no response.

"Father?" Yang Shouxin stepped forward hurriedly.

But the father, who had been tough all his life, fell to the ground and kowtowed silently in the direction of Chang'an.

(End of this chapter)