Chapter 199 Wang Zhongsi's advice

Wang Zhongsi, a famous general of the Tang Dynasty, was originally named Xun. After his father Wang Haibin died in the battlefield, Li Longji gave him the name Zhongsi and adopted him in the palace. In the 18th year of Kaiyuan, Wang Zhongsi, who was only 18 years old, led 300 cavalrymen to attack Zanpu in Tubo in Yushu, killing thousands of enemies, and Zanpu fled in a hurry;

In the 26th year of Kaiyuan, Wang Zhongsi defeated the strong with weak attacks in Yanquan City and defeated the Tubo army. The entire Tubo army was wiped out, and the corpses were everywhere, and Taoshui did not flow.

In the same year, Wang Zhongsi led 100,000 cavalry north out of Yanmen and fought with Xi and Qilian troops in Sanggan River. They fought three battles and three victories. The Qilian troops were wiped out. From then on, all the 36 Khitan troops surrendered to the Tang Dynasty and did not dare to cause trouble for decades. Wang Zhongsi led his army to the north of the Mobei region. After this battle, the northern part of the Tang Dynasty was pacified. Three years later, Li Longji changed the country's name to Tianbao.

Like all the border generals, he also has a house in Chang'an City. His wife and children stayed in Chang'an as a property. He had been back to Beijing for half a month and had been practicing martial arts for many years. His life suddenly became leisurely, and the diseases accumulated in his body suddenly burst out. He fell ill and came back fifteen days and lay down in bed for ten days.

He came to Beijing on the last day of the old year, and it has been half a month since then. He is not deaf and mute. There are news that the prince is about to be deposed in the neighborhoods in Chang'an. How could he not know? He was also anxious and confused because of this. He grew up in the palace since he was a child and had the best relationship with Prince Li Heng. Every time he came to Beijing, he would go to pay homage to the prince. Even the court and the country reported that he and Huangfu Weiming were the left and right wings of the prince, but he and the prince himself knew that things were not so simple. Although the personal relationship was good, they could not depose state affairs because of this.

Wang Zhongsi was honest by nature and his lifelong ambition was only willing to guard the borders for the country. Before Tubo was destroyed, the Uighurs rose. He did not have the mind to waste his power and do not want to participate in party struggles. Therefore, Li Heng summoned him to meet him in private twice, but he was shirking him out of illness.

It was the thirteenth day of the first lunar month. In the afternoon, he put on a thick robe and sat in the corner pavilion in the back garden reading a book. Suddenly, a servant reported that Wei Jian, the Minister of Justice, came to visit. Wang Zhongsi was slightly stunned and immediately understood that it seemed that the prince was still unwilling to give up and asked Wei Jian to come to persuade him. What the prince wanted to do for him. He knew very well, but war was the weapon of the country, how could he move rashly?

"Please see him in the study!"

But after the servant walked a few steps, Wang Zhongsi stopped him again, "No! I'll ask Mr. Wei to come here."

After a while, he heard a slight footsteps. The figure turned, and Wei Jian's figure appeared from behind the rockery. When he saw Wang Zhongsi from afar, he laughed and said, "General Wang is so good at treating guests. The minister of the dignified minister came to visit, but he didn't come out to greet him?"

Wang Zhongsi quickly bowed and said apologetically: "Zhongsi has just recovered from illness and has not been well treated well. Please forgive me."

Wei Jian bowed his hand and smiled, "Haha! I know you are in bad health, so I'm going to spare you this time, otherwise I will drag you to the gate and pick me up again."

"So, thank you!"

Wang Zhongsi pulled a chair and dusted the dust with a book. Wei Jian's eyes were sharp, and he saw that he was holding the "Analects of Confucius" at a glance, and then said with a smile: "This is the first time I have seen it with the book of the saint."

Wang Zhongsi also smiled. He put the book back into the book box and smiled self-deprecatingly, "Is it a pleasure to have friends coming from afar? I was so happy that I was so happy that I was so happy that I was so unconscious that I was revealed. I was not a material for reading."

"Where? The general is humble. I have known for a long time that the general not only fights well, but will win every battle, but also knows history well. He is both civil and military, and is a hundred times stronger than a person like Wei who is not diligent in four bodies."

Wei Jian said a few jokes, and then he turned to the topic, "I came here at this time, and was entrusted by the prince to visit the general's illness. Can it be better?"

Wang Zhongsi nodded silently, "Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince for your concern. I am not feeling well and I didn't go to him to pay New Year's greetings. I am really ashamed."

"New Year greetings are just a form, and the general can do it if he has this intention."

Wei Jian said, while secretly observing Wang Zhongsi's eyes. When he saw him talking about the prince, he showed shame and knew that he really had an old relationship with the prince. Since that was the case, why should he try it? Thinking of this, Wei Jian said straight to the point: "You must have known about the prince's affairs. These days, we have been running around for the prince day and night, but the effect is small, and the prince is also anxious. So he asked me to tell you, can you help him with your old friend?"

What should come is still coming. Wei Jian frankly forced Wang Zhongsi to the corner of the wall. He had no way out and could only smile awkwardly and whisper: "I wonder how the prince hopes I can help him?"

"It's very simple. The prince ordered you to go back to Shuofang today. There is no need to report your duties. Just take Shuofang's army to Hedong and take it back."

Wei Jian stared at him with his eyes tightly and said, "How? Can the general agree to the prince's request?"

"No! It's definitely not possible!"

Wang Zhongsi stood up, shook his head repeatedly and said, "I will leave without reporting my duties, and I will deceive the emperor and resist the order. As for the dispatch of troops, I will demonstrate to the emperor. How can I do such a thing? Besides, the war is the weapon of the country. How can I act rashly for the prince's own selfishness? I advise Shangshu Wei to consider the country more often and not do anything that would harm the emperor."

"What a lot of people consider for the country!"

Wei Jian sneered and said, "I didn't expect that in the eyes of the general, the prince is just my private matter. I was just my own business. Is it my own to work for my own selfishness. So, according to you, is it my own selfishness to deposed Prince Ying and Zhang Jiuling's full opposition back then?"

Wei Jian's eyes gradually became angry, and he said with a sigh: "The crown prince is the foundation of the country. If it were not for the loss of virtue, it would not be easily deposed. Today, the crown prince was abolished ten years ago, and now the same trick is to be repeated. Can't you see the reason? If this continues, one more person will be abolished in ten years, and the crown prince will be a joke. How can the stability of the country and the stability of our Tang Dynasty be guaranteed?

Now the prince is about to be deposed, and everyone is shrunk, the censors are silent, and the prime minister loses his voice. I am the only one running for the prince. It’s okay for others to say that I am selfish, but you, Wang Zhongsi, think so too, just! Forget it! I have already brought my words, you, you, decide for yourself!"

After saying that, Wei Jian had a blue face, shook his sleeves, and snorted heavily. Without even saying goodbye, he rushed away angrily.

Wang Zhongsi stood there in a daze. He looked at Wei Jian's back as he was leaving, his eyes full of helplessness and apologies.

On the morning of the 14th day of the first lunar month, Wang Zhongsi's report had just ended.

At this moment, the governor of Shuofang and Hedong towns were sitting in the imperial study of Li Longji of Xingqing Palace, enjoying the honor of being received by the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty alone. He was about forty years old, with a dark and thin face, deep eyes, and a straight corner of his lips. He sat for an entire hour while reporting his work, and his waist was still straight and never moved.

Li Longji leaned halfway on the soft collapse, with a lazy expression hanging on the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were calm, as if tonight was the first day of the lantern festival, and the whole world was celebrated together. He had no intention of the government, and his heart had already flown to the place where the lights were bright and flowing brightly throughout the city.

Li Longji spoke in a gentle tone, as if he was a family man, and he talked casually with Wang Zhongsi. He smiled and said, "I rewarded military merits in the Tang Dynasty, and for this, there are hundreds of thousands of soldiers in Helong, Shuofang, and Anxi, and countless famous generals and heroes have been buried in it. Their rise depends on the promotion of you high-ranking generals. I heard that you are bold in using people in Shuofang. Why not tell me about your discoveries?"

Although the atmosphere was gentle, Wang Zhongsi was even more nervous than fighting. For him, Li Longji was his god, his father, loyal to him, that is, loyal to the country.

He did not dare to be careless about Li Longji's question and replied slightly, "Reply to Your Majesty's words, as Your Majesty said, my northwest border army survives in blood and fire, and there are indeed many talents. If Your Majesty is interested, I can recommend two people. One is named Guo Ziyi, a native of Huajun, and a martial artist. He is nearly fifty years old. He is a stranger in using military force, making the enemy invincible. He can look at the overall situation and be a general talent. He is now the military envoy of Dingyuan Army; the other is Li Guangbi, the son of the Khitan Li Kailuo, who is now the military envoy of the Chishui Army under my tent. His military use is strange and unpredictable, and he is better than me. The person who can replace me in another day is Li Guangbi."

"Guo Ziyi, Li Guangbi."

Li Longji read their names twice and said with a smile: "I have heard of these two people. Since my dear recommendations are so useful, I think it will be of great use. I remember it, but what you said is your Shuofang, and under the Hedong tent, I wonder if there is any recommendation elsewhere?"

Wang Zhongsi thought about it and smiled, "Another ministers can recommend two people, one of whom is the Turkic Ge Shuhan, who is currently the deputy envoy of the Dadou Army under the Hexi Jiedushi. Although he is a Hu person, he is also good at using military tactics and is extremely brave. He shows his soldiers first in the battle. He can be compared with General Modao Li Siye."

Speaking of this, Wang Zhongsi said with a hint of regret: "The other person I recommend is a rising star. Although he has little experience, he has made many outstanding achievements. He is brave and meticulous in military service, and is good at seizing the opportunity of the fighter. A few days ago, when I talked to Gao Xianzhi about this person, he praised him. Unfortunately, he was transferred to Beijing to be a civil servant, which is a pity!"

"What you are talking about is Li Qing, the new Minister of Revenue?" Li Longji said lightly, with a hint of vigilance flashing in his gentleness in his eyes.

Although Gao Lishi, who was standing in the lower head, did not look up, he already knew Li Longji's thoughts. Wang Zhongsi said carelessly and told the emperor that he would meet Gao Xianzhi. Didn't he know the true intention of the emperor to summon him? Of course, Gao Lishi was just Li Longji's shadow. He could hear it, but could not say it.

Wang Zhongsi seemed not to have realized the subtle changes in the emperor's heart. He still sighed: "Killing Tubo Zanpu is the wish of every border soldier. The emperor should not have transferred him to Beijing. With him in Longyou, Tubo dared not to see my beautiful country."

Li Longji laughed and said, "I don't know anyone! You admire him so much. When you have the chance in the future, I will let him be your deputy and ensure the peace of the Western Regions together."

"If that's the case, I'm willing to accept it."

It was almost noon, and it was time to eat, but Li Longji seemed to have no appetite. He picked up a book, flipped through it, and smiled casually: "The prince often mentioned you in front of me over the years, saying that you are a pillar of the country and asked me to use you well. It seems that he is quite nostalgic. You have been in Beijing for half a month. Have you ever seen the prince?"

Wang Zhongsi's back suddenly became a little stiff. Although he was straightforward, he was not stupid. The emperor asked this at this time just to ask about his position on the matter of the prince.

He shook his head and said, "I have been feeling unwell after coming to the capital, so I stayed in the mansion and didn't have time to visit the prince."

After hesitating for a while, Wang Zhongsi finally said slowly: "Yesterday, Shangshu Wei came to visit him and expressed his greetings to the empress."

He didn't want to say this, saying it would be like betraying Wei Jian, but he had to say it. Not saying it means he betrayed the emperor. In this dilemma, his deep loyalty to Li Longji finally chose the latter.

Gao Lishi on the side suddenly heard that Wang Zhongsi had revealed this secret. He was extremely shocked. This was equivalent to telling the prince's movements to the emperor. Gao Lishi just raised his head, but saw Li Longji's gaze shooting at him sharply. He burst into his heart and immediately lowered his head. He couldn't help but sigh in secret. Wang Zhongsi revealed that this fact was unwise. He was not a newcomer like Li Qing. He had been in the officialdom for a long time and had too many princelings imprints on his body. Li Longji would never trust him just because he was honest. On the contrary, he would only be more afraid of him.

Wang Zhongsi's face turned red and white. Seeing that the prince was about to be deposed, all the civil and military officials in the court were afraid of the emperor. The power and prime minister were the power and ministers. Except for Wei Jian who was running for the prince, no one stood up. He even took off Wei Jian's pedal. His conscience was suffering. Wei Jian's words seemed to echo in his ears: "It is like a deposed prince, and the deposed prince is a joke. How can you guarantee the stability of the country and the stability of the Tang Dynasty? Now the prince is about to be deposed, and everyone is shrinking, the censors say nothing, and the prime minister loses his voice. I am the only one running for the prince. It's okay for others to say that I am selfish, but you, Wang Zhongsi, think so."

"I guarantee that the prince is for the country, not for his own selfishness!"

Finally, Wang Zhongsi couldn't help it, gritted his teeth and stood up, slowly knelt on the ground, kowtowed three times, and said sadly: "Your Majesty, I have a word to persuade you!"

Li Longji's eyes showed a look of surprise and waved his hand and said, "My dear, please calm down, I will just listen to you!"

Wang Zhongsi still knelt down and did not move. He took a long breath and said word by word: "Your Majesty has been inventing a great career for more than thirty years. The prince has been granted ten years ago and has been kept away from the deep palace for many years and has been taught by the emperor day and night. Today, everyone is celebrating that Your Majesty has been enjoying the country for a long time, and the prince is virtuous and never heard of any faults. I wonder why Your Majesty has thought of rise and fall? I ask Your Majesty to think about it.

Moreover, the crown prince is the foundation of a country, and it cannot be easily shaken. In the past, Duke Xian of Jin was confused and favored, and the prince Shen died and Chong'er left, and the country was in chaos. Emperor Wu of Han was powerful and Liuhe, but in his later years he was subjected to Jiang Chong's witchcraft, which caused the prince to suffer the disaster, and even bleeding from the city, causing the prince's father and son to be killed by the minor officials. Later, he realized that the prince was innocent and the pain of losing his son was deeply saddened.

Emperor Hui of Jin had a virtuous son as the crown prince, but he believed in Empress Jia's slander, and the crown prince was lost. Emperor Wen of Sui listened to the words of the foolish wife, deposed the crown prince and established King Guang of Jin, and then lost the world.

All kinds of things, learned from history, are vivid in your mind. Your Majesty must be careful. Now that the prince has never been wrong, rumors are everywhere in Chang'an City, and people are in panic. I am selfless to petition the prince today. I am considering the country and worrying about your Majesty. The sky is clear and I am worthy of my heart. Please listen to my advice and issue an edict to calm the rumors in the capital as soon as possible."

After saying that, he was already covered in tears and knelt on the ground. Bang! Kowtow! His forehead was broken and his face was bleeding.

Li Longji was silent. After a long time, he shook his eyes at Gao Lishi. Gao Lishi hurriedly stepped forward to help Wang Zhongsi get up, but Wang Zhongsi slowly shook his head and did not get up. Gao Lishi had no choice but to wipe the blood on his forehead with a handkerchief and whispered: "Your Majesty is old, don't scare him."

Wang Zhongsi sighed, straightened his body, turned his face and wiped away the tears and blood with his robe sleeve, and smiled miserably: "I lost my composure for a moment and scared His Majesty."

Li Longji nodded, but his smile was still gentle, as if nothing had happened. "General Wang is indeed loyal to the prince, this is Heng'er's blessing."

Speaking of this, a sudden murderous intention flashed across the corner of his eyes, and then disappeared. He smiled faintly, avoided Wang Zhongsi's words, and said: "Since Li Qing took down Shibao City, my Tang Dynasty has taken the initiative in Longyou. I have always wanted to find a general who is familiar with the situation in Tubo to take charge of the overall situation, but after thinking about it, you are the most suitable. If I change my appointment as Hexi and Longyou Jiedushi, would you be willing to go?"

Seeing that Li Longji did not accept his words, Wang Zhongsi couldn't help but feel ashamed. He stood up tiredly, took a step back, half-kneeled and saluted, and said in a deep voice: "My teacher, accept the order!"

Wang Zhongsi retreated. The imperial study room was extremely quiet, so quiet that even a needle could be clearly seen. Li Longji stood in front of the window with his hands behind his back, staring at a bright yellow forsythia beside the gable. The branches of more than a dozen peach trees had already sprouted tender buds. The spring was chilly and the chill was still full of coldness. These spring messengers seemed to have remembered the time wrong, and a continuous spring rain advanced their pace.

But Li Longji turned a blind eye to all this, and Wang Zhongsi's advice was still echoing in his mind, how similar was it to Zhang Jiuling's words to persuade the old prince back then.

"Is my idea of ​​deposing the prince really wrong?"

His heart suddenly became a little shaken, but this question flashed through his mind, and the heart that had just been shaken immediately became hard, "No! The prince colluded with Huangfu Weiming, and he wanted to force the palace to do something, and his crime was unforgivable."

Li Longji thought of Wang Zhongsi's face full of blood again, and suddenly felt that his image was extremely ugly. He couldn't help but snorted coldly: "Do you think a little blood will scare me? Wang Zhongsi, Huangfu Weiming is hard, but you are soft. Can a small bitter trick succeed? You are too underestimating me."

He walked slowly in the room with his hands behind his back, savoring Wang Zhongsi's last suggestion before he retired: "I suggest using Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi to replace me. I recommend Guo Ziyi as the governor of Shuofang and Li Guangbi as the governor of Hedong."

Li Longji shook his head gently, and a hint of imperceptible sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth. He whispered to himself: "Use Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi? Then I'll let you go to Hedong, what should I do in Longyou?"

"Emperor, go to meals." Before Gao Lishi finished speaking, Li Longji waved his hand to stop him. He no longer hesitated. He suddenly turned around and ordered Hanlin, who was on duty outside the imperial study room, to enter. His voice was low and decisive: "Transfer my will and transfer Wang Zhongsi to Longyou, Hexi Jiedushi, and the Minister of the Ministry of Inspection and Inspection; order King Yong Li Lin to lead Shuofang, the Jiedushi of the Two Towns of Hedong, and to transfer Zhang Qiqiu, the General of Jinwu Guard, to the Deputy Envoy of Shuofang Jiedushi and the Governor of Lingzhou, and to transfer Han Xiulin, the Deputy Envoy of the Five Prefectures of Lingnan, to the Deputy Envoy of the Hedong Jiedushi and the Governor of Daizhou."

Li Longji finally breathed a sigh of relief after giving this order. In this way, with Dong Yanguang from Longyou, the King of Hexi, Shuofang, Hedong, Hexi and Longyou Jiedu were actually controlled by him.

The foreign troubles have been cleared, and it is time for him to collect the palace. Li Longji looked at Gao Lishi, smiled coldly, and said, "Tonight is the Shangyuan Lantern Festival. People who watch lanterns from all over the world will definitely flock to you. If you work hard, you will tell Li Gao for me, and you will say that you should send more people to protect the safety of the princes and important officials who are watching the lanterns in the past few nights."

Gao Lishi remembered Wang Zhongsi's words just now and immediately understood what Li Longji meant. He agreed and turned around and left.

After a whole morning, Li Longji was a little tired and felt a little hungry, so he walked slowly to the door and was about to summon him back to the palace, but he saw the eunuch Yu Chaoen hurriedly running from the outside.

"What's up?"

Yu Chaoen stepped forward and lowered his hands and said, "Report to the emperor, King Qing is asking for a meeting outside the palace and said there is an important matter to report."

"What's the important thing for him?"
Chapter completed!