Chapter 345: The Kingdom is like a chess (10)

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Yang is here!" Gao Lishi's low report interrupted Li Longji's thoughts.

"Xuan him come in!" Li Longji calmed down and slowly returned to his seat. He looked at Gao Lishi's back disappearing at the door, and couldn't help but shake his head gently. There were too many things recently, which made him feel like he was hanging in the air. He really wanted someone to help him solve these problems. Originally, Gao Lishi was the most suitable person, but unfortunately he got too close to Li Qing, which reduced his loyalty.

Although Li Longji no longer trusts Gao Lishi in military and national affairs, he cannot live without Gao Lishi. Decades of service have made him deeply trust Gao Lishi, and it has become deeper and deeper. Even after leaving Gao Lishi, Li Longji felt that he could not survive. In history, Li Heng saw this. He first exiled Gao Lishi, and then moved Li Longji to the palace. Soon, Li Longji died of depression.

Although Yang Guozhong was stupid, he was the cousin of the imperial concubine and the prime minister after all. Li Longji was confident that he could control him. As for his close relationship with Li Cong, Li Longji understood that this year almost everyone believed that Li Cong wanted to inherit the throne, and even Zhang Yun's brothers were regular guests of Li Cong. This is normal, just like when Li Heng was the crown prince.

However, now that the overall situation has been decided, Li Longji believes that it is necessary to wake him up and let him know his true intentions. This involves his relationship with the imperial concubine and cannot let Yang Guozhong go too far.

After a moment, Gao Lishi led Yang Guozhong in. Since the last time he conspired in Li Cong's mansion, Yang Guozhong has been living in anxiety for more than a month. He sent away the fake secret order and An Qingzong killed him, but An Lushan did not make any movement, which made Yang Guozhong, who was already trembling, suddenly fall into a desperate situation. In the palace coup, he didn't even know what to do. Where was his soldiers? He signed the letter of loyalty in a daze, and there were five people in total. In addition to the brothers Li Cong, there were actually only three eunuchs without any authority and one who changed his mind. In fact, the letter of loyalty was only the three words "Yang Guozhong".

Yang Guozhong was very regretful. The two biggest stupid things he did in his life were to sign the names twice, one was to fall into An Lushan's hands, and this time Li Cong caught the handle. The previous time was Li Longji spared him, and this time! Will Li Longji spare him again? Yang Guozhong felt a little scared, and he also knew in his heart that he could not tell Li Longji this time no matter what.

In fact, the influence of King Guangping was not great on him. Why did he panic when he heard about him? Yang Guozhong thought about it, but after all, it was because of Li Qing. He didn't know why he hated Li Qing so much. This person seemed to be the nemesis of his fate, which made him afraid, made him restless and made him hate him deeply. Perhaps Li Qing knew that his old background was too deep, and perhaps many years ago, he wanted to step on Li Qing under his feet.

"My dear Yang Guozhong, please see Your Majesty!" Yang Guozhong knelt down respectfully and kowtowed three times to Li Longji.

"Sit down!"

Li Longji also saw Yang Guozhong's embarrassment. He did not expect that this was because his brother-in-law participated in a conspiracy to overthrow him. Instead, he thought that his iron-fisted withdrawal of military power these days caused the overall situation of the right.

"I asked you to check the cause of Anqingzong's bizarre death, will there be any results?"

Li Longji did not take the death of Anqingzong very seriously. He had mobilized nearly 400,000 troops to guard the surrounding area of ​​Chang'an, and also deployed heavy troops in Luoyang and Chenliu. He also rewarded the thirty-two middle- and high-level Han generals whom An Lushan hated in Hedong and received allegiance from them. As the vassal reduction progressed smoothly, his confidence began to gradually recover. He was no longer afraid of An Lushan's rebellion. As for Anqingzong, he would be killed sooner or later.

But what Li Longji wanted to know was who killed An Qingzong, and he wanted to know who wanted to force An Lushan to rebel. He thought it was probably a conspiracy, and what secret was hidden behind this conspiracy?

He handed over this case to Yang Guozhong, and then he focused on reducing the vassal states and did not care about it. Now that the problems of the three vassal states in Hexi, Shuofang and Jiannan have been resolved, he suddenly remembered this matter. It was not big, but it was not small. Although there was no subsequent development in this matter, Li Longji, who was extremely sensitive to power struggle, still felt that there was something wrong with it.

Suddenly hearing Li Longji ask about this, Yang Guozhong's heart pounded violently. His throat was dry and he swallowed hard and said in a trembling voice: "I am incompetent, I have not found a clue, but I think, I think......"

He wanted to say the excuse he had prepared early, but when he saw Li Longji's stern gaze, he seemed to have seen through his old truth, and he felt guilty and couldn't say it.

"Why?" Li Longji saw Yang Guozhong's uneasiness, and his eyes immediately became softer. He couldn't find out, so he would forget it.

As Li Longji's eyes and tone became gentle, Yang Guozhong's heart suddenly relaxed and the pressure disappeared. He immediately bowed and said, "I guess if it was An Lushan himself who did it to find an excuse to send troops."

"Nonsense! An Lushan will only take his son away, not kill him." Li Longji was angry and funny when he heard him say such low-level words. He waved his hand and said disdainfully: "Don't ask about this matter, I have something else to tell you."

"Yes!" Yang Guozhong didn't know his true thoughts, so he had to respond nervously.

Li Longji took two steps behind his back, looked back at Yang Guozhong, and suddenly smiled faintly and said, "In the past ten days, you have been to Prince Qing's Mansion three times. The first time you stayed for one hour, the second time you stayed for half an hour, the third time, that is, the day before yesterday, you stayed for two hours. Is your relationship so close?"

This sentence seemed to be a bolt from the blue. Yang Guozhong was shocked. The emperor knew his relationship with Li Cong clearly. His legs became weak and he knelt down, and his sweat dripped from his forehead, trembling all over, as if the end of the world was coming.

When Li Longji saw Yang Guozhong being suppressed, this effect was what he wanted to see. He showed a smug smile on his face and said slowly: "Prime Minister, you are the leader of all officials and also a role model of all officials. You must pay attention to your identity. Your words and deeds are an instruction to all officials. You must pay attention to guiding all officials correctly. Do you understand?"

Li Longji's successive teachings made Yang Guozhong suddenly see hope again. He immediately realized that Li Longji only knew that he had a close relationship with Li Cong, but he did not know that there should be a chance for them. At this moment, Yang Guozhong resolutely made up his mind that he would persuade Li Cong to give up that ridiculous idea. As for the false dictatorship, Ji Wen would take it on. Who made him think of rebelling without his consent?

He immediately replied: "Your Majesty, I have a good personal relationship with King Qing. I think since he wants to be the Eastern Palace, he should know more about the court-Chinese system and the hardships of people's livelihood, so he has more contacts."

"Who told you that he wants to be the Eastern Palace? Have I said that? He is the eldest son, so it is necessary to share my worries. Does this mean that he wants to be the Eastern Palace?"

Li Longji whispered lightly at first, but when he spoke later, he became a little annoyed and stared at Yang Guozhong and said, "In the fifth year of Tianbao, I treated Heng'er like that. Li Linfu did not dare to depose the ranks easily. You are also the right prime minister, but without any warning, you dared to say that I wanted to make King Qing the Eastern Palace, misleading all officials, but doing nothing. With Li Linfu here, why did I work so hard? Why are you so far away from Li Linfu?"

Li Longji became more and more angry as he spoke. When he saw Yang Guozhong lying in front of him like a pig, he remembered the last time he agreed to transfer An Ximo Daojun to An Lushan without authorization. He was so angry that he almost exploded. He could no longer help but kicked him hard regardless of his identity and cursed: "I am so blind, I have made an idiot like you the prime minister!"

"Your Majesty!" Yang Yuhuan, who was hiding behind the curtain, was furious when he saw Li Longji, and his face turned pale. He actually kicked and beat the minister regardless of the emperor's identity. This was something she had never seen before. It seemed that the matter was quite serious. She no longer cared about her inside. She hurriedly ran out of the palace with a long skirt and knelt in front of Li Longji and said, "My cousin's virtue cannot convince the public, his talent is inferior, his superiors cannot assist the king, and his subordinates cannot lead all officials. The rule of the country and the people made His Majesty disappointed and sad. I once again begged Your Majesty to relieve Yang Guozhong of his position as the right prime minister. Don't let my Yang family be ridiculed by the world again."

She said something was not loud and very gentle, but to Yang Guozhong heard it, it was like a knife to dig his heart. He closed his eyes in pain, but he didn't know that for Li Longji, Yang Yuhuan's words were a timely rain to put out the fire, just like the spring breeze and rain, which instantly sootheed Li Longji's anger.

He helped Yang Guifei up with heartache, patted her hand gently and comforted her: "My beloved concubine will go back to the palace first, I will be responsible for this."

Concubine Yang was helped away by the palace maid, and only Li Longji and Yang Guozhong were left in the hall, "Get up! I have something to say to you."

Yang Guozhong was sweating all over his body. He knew that he had escaped from death. He secretly called luck in his heart, stood up and stood with his hands down, but did not dare to sit down.

"I am going to make the emperor's eldest grandson the crown prince, do you have any objections?" Li Longji didn't want to hint at him anymore, so he directly expressed his thoughts.

Although Yang Guozhong had known about this, he still pretended to be the first time he heard it, and looked stunned. After a long time, he said, "Your Majesty directly appointed the eldest grandson, have you ever thought that all the boys were dissatisfied?"

"Which son can I have? Can all the sons be convinced?" Li Longji sneered: "Everyone wants to succeed the throne, but what I have to consider is the long-term stability of my Tang Dynasty country. There is only one throne, and only those who are virtuous can live!"

"Your Majesty is wise, I have no objection!" Yang Guozhong said carefully, and he tried his best to show a humble attitude of convincingness.

Li Longji glanced at him, shook his head and said, "I knew you would say that. If it were Zhang Jiuling, he would have abandoned his hat and hit the post long ago. I would have to rush up and pull him."

After saying that, he sighed long and said with a bleak expression: "Forget it, don't mention this matter. Yang Premier, I came to you today to leave the matter of Geshuhan to you."

"Please give me instructions!"

Li Longji pondered for a long time and said nothing. Geshuhan was the hardest bone to crack. He had a deep foundation in Longyou, and the leading generals were his confidants. He could not use strong military power to stop him. Otherwise, once he rebounded, the disaster would be better than An Lushan. However, Longyou was connected to Guanzhong in the west, and his strategic position was more important than Hexi and Shuofang. With An Lushan's lesson, Li Longji could no longer tolerate the generals with independent military power. He decided to use negotiation methods to offer generous conditions to make Geshuhan give up military power.

However, whether or not he could hand over this matter to Yang Guozhong made Li Longji a little embarrassed. Logically, Yang Guozhong was the right prime minister and best represented him. He also had the right to agree to some on-the-spot decisions, but his ability really made Li Longji worried.

‘Well, let Yang Guozhong try his bottom line first!’

Thinking of this, Li Longji said slowly: "The Prime Minister goes and ask Brother Shuhan, I want to keep him as an official in Chang'an. What do he think? As soon as there is news, report it to me immediately, and there is no delay at all!"

"I obey the order!" Yang Guozhong did not dare to say anything more, and accepted the task and hurriedly retreated.

Li Longji kept watching his back disappear, then sat down tiredly and gently rubbed his temples. He was indeed a little exhausted. He began to miss Li Linfu a little. If he were there, he would not be as passive as today. Yang Guozhong would not be able to do it!

He turned the blame on Yang Guozhong, but he didn't know that as early as the late Li Linfu period, the court could not pay military expenses, which led to today's passive situation. Who should pay for this responsibility?

"Your Majesty, take a break early!"

When Li Longji was most tired, Gao Lishi's familiar voice sounded in his ears. Li Longji sighed softly, stood up and patted Gao Lishi on the shoulder, and slowly walked towards the inner palace. When he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and said to Gao Lishi thoughtfully: "General, who do you think the death of Anqing Sect did?"

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"If the commander has the conditions, he can just raise it!"

Although Yang Guozhong shrank like a rat in front of Li Longji, his waist was straight in front of Geshuhan. He was a dignified right prime minister and the leader of all officials. Although he was not capable of handling government affairs, he was full of official airs. Li Longji asked him to test Geshuhan's bottom line, but he wanted to reach a compromise.

Of course, there is also his selfish intentions, that is, Geshuhan's bottom line cannot threaten his interests. As soon as he saw the door, he did not take a sip of tea, and he conveyed Li Longji's meaning to Geshuhan directly.

At this moment, Ge Shuhan sat cross-legged opposite him, gently pinching his painful feet and silently. He had already finished his aforementioned work for seven days, but he found that someone was monitoring him around his house.

Geshuhan is a person with rough appearance but extremely delicate heart. He immediately realized that it was Li Longji who was hinting that he should not leave Chang'an. In contrast to Zhang Qiqiu's panic, Geshuhan calmed down, but Zhang Qiqiu was killed, Feng Changqing was abolished by military power, and Xian Yu Zhongtong took the initiative to abdicate the power. These things happened one after another, constantly putting pressure on Geshuhan. Geshuhan also realized that he could not be vaguely passed through this level.

There must be some choice. Geshuhan knew that if Li Longji really wanted to keep him, he would never be able to return to Longyou. Zhang Qiqiu was the lesson of the past. He had no choice but to agree, and he had no intention of rebelling at all.

Feng Changqing agreed without hesitation. Many people praised this as a clever move, but Geshuhan believed that it was because he had been in Hexi for less than a year and was not confident enough. Feng Changqing was a wise move, but it was not suitable for him.

He could give up his business in Longyou, but he had to talk with Li Longji to seek the best interests. His brother Shuhan did not believe in promises, he only believed in visible things. He knew that Li Longji would come to him sooner or later, so he never left his home for the past seven days. Now, Yang Guozhong is here,

"Prime Minister, my brother Shuhan is just a rough man, a veteran. His Majesty never abandoned me and appointed me as the commander of Longyou. He was promoted all the way and became the prince of Xiping. I am content with such favor. Now that Your Majesty wants to change the commander, just give me an order, Brother Shuhan dares to talk about the terms "What conditions do you dare to talk about?"

As soon as Yang Guozhong entered the door, he said too early that Li Longji wanted him to make the conditions, so that Brother Shuhan suddenly grasped Li Longji's bottom line, that is, as long as he delegated power, he could talk about anything. Since Li Longji cares about his confidant's rebellion, what is his brother Shuhan anxious about? He wants to see how high the official title Li Longji can give him.

Yang Guozhong obviously did not see Ge Shuhan's roundabout strategy, but was confused by his purple-black face, burly general's body, and sincere and simple eyes.

"This is a rough man, there is no need to go around with him." Yang Guozhong touched his nose, smiled secretly, and said frankly: "General Geshu doesn't have to belittle himself. Do you know why the emperor puts you last? It is precisely because His Majesty values ​​you that you ask yourself. General Geshu should not let go of this opportunity."

Geshuhan smiled coldly in his heart, but his face became more and more frightened, "This is wrong with the Prime Minister. What does it mean to not let go of opportunities? Geshuhan is not a person who is greedy for power. Please tell Your Majesty that Geshuhan's foot disease is getting worse and he just wants to get rid of his armor and return to the field. In order to live this life, he dare not talk about any conditions."

Yang Guozhong was stunned. He was appointed by the emperor just now, but now he is going to be dismissed and returned to the field. What is his intention?

Before he could say anything, Ge Shuhan frowned and showed pain on his face. He clapped his hands, and two concubines walked into the door and helped him up. He walked to the door with difficulty and turned around and apologized to the stunned Yang Guozhong: "Sorry, Prime Minister, Ge Shuhan's foot disease has occurred again and cannot be with him for a long time. Please take care of the Prime Minister."

Yang Guozhong did not ask any questions. He did not dare to go home. Then he got on the carriage and ran away from the city toward the Huaqing Palace. Geshuhan walked to the gate and looked at his carriage towards the city gate. He showed a slightly disdainful smile on his face. He knew that Li Longji would order him to summon him tomorrow.

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Just as Yang Guozhong's carriage left Chang'an, on Taibai Building on Chunming Street, Li Heng was sitting by the window, drinking leisurely alone. The two guards stood far away and watched the situation around him.

Since Li Longji summoned him, the grudge between them has been settled. The eunuch who monitored him has evacuated. He came out to have a glass of wine, went shopping, etc., which is much more free than before. At least he doesn't have to rush back with time.

At this time, it was afternoon. Li Heng had been sitting here for almost half an hour. He couldn't drink enough. After a pot of old wine, he was a little relieved. Just as he paid the bill and was about to leave, someone suddenly sat down opposite him.

"Your Highness, are you safe?"

Li Heng was startled and his drunkenness disappeared immediately. He looked carefully and recognized that it was Li Lin, the king of Sining. He raised his hand to stop the two guards coming forward and smiled and said, "Aren't you very busy? Why are you free to come here to drink today?"

Although he was kind, there was a hint of sarcasm in his tone. Li Lin had betrayed him back then. Li Lin did not care about his sarcasm, but whispered: "Someone wants to see you. It's about King Guangping. Please come with me."

When Li Heng heard about his son's news, his face changed immediately. He asked hurriedly: "But Yu'er is back?"

"Just come with me!" Li Lin said and got up and left. Although it was a little abrupt, Li Heng hesitated for a moment and followed him upstairs. When he walked to the fifth floor, Li Lin pointed to a room, "There are people waiting for you inside, so I won't go in."

There were more than a dozen men standing at the door of the room, all of whom were strong and burly. They all stood against the wall with their hands behind their backs, with their waists straightened. It was obvious that they were soldiers, but Li Heng recognized that in that room, he had met many princelings' confidants in this house many years ago, but now things are changing, and it is his turn to be received.

Li Heng sighed secretly and pushed the door open. The decorations in the room were still the same as before, without any change. Two cups of hot tea were placed on the table. Obviously one of them was prepared for him. One of them was standing next to him, looking at him. From his outfit, the person opposite was wearing a hat, the eaves of the hat covered most of his face, and was dressed in a short dress tightly, which looked like a martial artist who was performing in the world, but his momentum was not like that. When he stood there, he was as solemn as Mount Tai, and as if thousands of troops were about to surrender at his feet.

"Who are you?" Li Heng asked vigilantly.

"It's me, Your Highness!" The man slowly turned around and raised the eaves of the hat slightly. Li Heng recognized it at once. It was Li Qing who he valued very much back then. Although he had long beards and his face became profound and mature, Li Heng still recognized him at a glance, and couldn't help but wonder, why is the dignified Anxi Protectorate in this outfit?

But Li Heng immediately understood that Li Qing must have entered Beijing privately. At this time, he felt bitter in his heart. He remembered that when he was the governor of Shazhou, he had met him in this house, but now he was upside down. If it were four years ago, Li Heng would have been very angry, but after several years of training, his heart calmed down. He sat down, picked up a cup of tea and smiled, "How could the general dress so coldly?"

Li Qingyi sent someone to Gao Lishi's mansion earlier, but learned that Gao Lishi had not returned to the mansion for more than a month. He immediately invited Li Lin to find Li Heng, but learned that Li Heng was drinking in Taibai Building, so he hurried over and happened to invite Li Heng. Li Qing also sat down and said sincerely: "I haven't seen you for many years, and your highness has been much thinner than before, but you are in good spirits."

"I have no thoughts and desires all day long, and I will naturally be in good spirits." Li Heng smiled self-deprecatingly. He immediately changed the topic and asked anxiously: "I just heard from King Si Ning mention Yu'er, where is he now?"

Li Qing shook his head and said regretfully: "I was originally escorting the little prince into Beijing, but it was possible to get halfway through. He felt a little bad, so I went to Beijing to find out the news first."

As he said that, Li Qing took out a letter from his arms and pushed it to Li Heng, saying, "I'll take a look at the secret decree of the emperor to the little prince here."
To be continued...