Chapter 1 Chu Zhen (五上) Before danger comes, an experienced old fox can always smell it in the wind
"Recently, it seems that Hongji and Zhongjian are very popular!" Chen Yanshou, known as the first counselor of the Li family in Tang Gongxingyuan, placed a letter on the desk and sighed softly.
There are many letters, large and small, on the desk. Some are from the DPRK and China, and they look like just polite greetings. Some are from the military, and their words are full of respect. Some are contained in black wooden boxes. Those are from the Li family.
Almost every piece of special news collected through special channels is related to the rise and fall of the family.
At this moment, what Chen Yanshou had in hand was a reply letter from a colleague in the DPRK. A key figure politely expressed his gratitude to Duke Tang for receiving the gift. After praising the master's noble family background and his righteousness and wealth in hundreds of words, he finally
At the end of the letter, he casually mentioned that several generals had recently written to His Majesty to protect a cavalry general named Liu and a captain named Li in the food protection army, and implored His Majesty the Emperor to send them to the army.
Transfer into their army to serve the country
"Brother Shude has a keen eye to recognize talents, promotes strong men in the army, and distinguishes pearls and jade from Chensha. My younger brother heard about it and admired it..." Just a few lines made this ordinary letter worth entering the black box.
"Put this letter away and find someone to seal a piece of the thousand-year-old ginseng bought from the Mohe people and send it to Master Pei. By the way, ask him when your Majesty will arrive, so that we can prepare the royal tent for His Majesty in advance!"
Li Yuan smiled bitterly and shook his head, whispering instructions
Someone wants to poach Hongji and Zhongjian away. In last year's Battle of Liaodong, the eight hundred food protection troops were the only bright spot on the dark battlefield. The generals are not stupid. They know what kind of warriors they need under their command. The aristocratic families also
Very smart. The Li family is now in decline and cannot afford to raise a thousand-mile horse. They just happened to come and take the thousand-mile horse into their family. As for whether they will pull the cart or grind the mill after they get the thousand-mile horse, that is a matter after they get it. The heads of the family are temporarily
won't consider
It's not Hongji and Xuzi's fault. Everyone here is clearly aware of this. But it is really uncomfortable to watch two promising young people being poached by other families and unable to do anything.
"Don't worry about Hongji. He is already a cavalry general. Even if Long live a reward, he won't be raised too high. The food and grass in Huaiyuan Town need people to protect it, so Long live has to keep Hong Ji under the command of Duke Tang for the time being!"
Ma Yuangui sighed and analyzed in a low voice, "Zhongjian is the one who needs to find a solution. According to reports from his subordinates, since he returned to the military camp, five or six generals have invited him to drink. The Yuwen family and the Xue family even came to thank him personally.
A life-saving grace!”
"He is indeed kind to both families. No one can criticize this kind of open relationship!" Chen Yanshou frowned and commented.
"Yes, even if Zhongjian doesn't expect to repay those people for his kindness, he still has to show it to others!" Changsun Shunde glanced at Li Jiancheng, showing a hint of disappointment.
"The problem all lies with the crown prince!" Sun Shunde thought silently, "If he and Liu Hongji had advanced and retreated together instead of cowardly leading people back first, the Xue family and the Yuwen family should be grateful to the Li family at this moment.
If the public does not take the initiative to ask for something in return from them, the relationship between the two parties will also ease. In the current situation where the Li family is struggling in the government and the public, two more reinforcements or two fewer opponents can affect the life or death of the family."
"But the prince escaped and even said that it was Liu Hongji's arrangement. As a vassal general of the Li family, could Liu Hongji put the young master in danger? Under the circumstances, as the eldest son of the family, he had to show some courage
He made a decisive decision and resolutely chose to live and die together with his subordinates. Not only would the soldiers return to their hearts, but it would also create a golden road for himself in the future."
"It's a pity that the prince doesn't understand!" Changsun Shunde looked at Li Jiancheng with a sad look. "Not only did he not understand, but in the end he didn't even protect his subordinates' retreat. How many people's hearts were chilled by that fire? Except those who have followed him for many years.
Dead soldiers, none of the staff will wholeheartedly serve a family leader who can't even protect their retreat. Popularity is consolidated by ability and means, not just by feelings. As a pity, Li Jiancheng, the eldest son, doesn't understand all this!"
Li Jiancheng's face slowly began to turn red. He could feel the disappointment in Changsun Shunde's eyes. Indeed, he was responsible for the current passive situation, but he had tried his best and had been working hard to make up for it with Liu Hongji and Li Xu.
Why can’t these people see the relationship between the two? Why do these people always demand more!
"When Hongji and Zhongjian were drinking, I talked with them about our future choices!" Li Jiancheng cleared his throat and reported to everyone in a low voice, "Hongji feels that it won't take long for the Li family to rise again. Zhongjian also always said that his father was
He has been kind to me, and I think he will be rewarded!"
"Repay something!" Changsun Shunde was so angry that he almost bit his tongue. "Tang Gong, I think Zhongjian has repaid your kindness. Now we must come up with some new benefits to give him, otherwise...
.”
"It would be great if Zhongjian was Hongji! The position we could have given him would have been higher!" Ma Yuangui added depressingly. If Duke Tang had arranged a higher position for Li Xu that day, the big shots trying to win over him now would be
They will consider whether their efforts are proportional to their gains. But now Li Xu is just a captain, and any of the generals can promote him to the position of governor, general of chariots and cavalry, or even a fifth-grade tiger general.
Of course, the opponent will also have a position suitable for Li Xu vacant. The war is about to begin. His Majesty the Emperor will not pursue a general for minor violations. Moreover, Li Xu does have dazzling achievements.
"Apart from personal love, there is really not much we can give Zhongjian right now!" Tang Gong Li Yuan looked at everyone, shook his head and sighed.
He himself is just a Weiwei Shaoqing now, so young people with little connection can give up their great future and follow him all the time. Li Yuan asks himself that he does not have such popularity.
"We actually still have chips in our hands that can hold Zhongjian back!" Chen Yanshou's words sounded a bit desolate, "Zhongjian is a man who values friendship and loyalty..." He looked at Li Yuan and then at his colleagues present, "It's just this
Is the price too high for Mr. Tang?"
"Mr. Chen, you can't tarnish the reputation of the Li family by making assumptions!" Li Jiancheng suddenly stood up, blushing and accusing him. He knew what Chen Yanshou wanted to say, and also knew that Li Xu had a secret affection for Wan'er, but the Li family couldn't do it for
If the news spread that he would marry a school captain to his legitimate daughter, wouldn't all the families with similar status to the Li family laugh out loud?
Chen Yanshou bowed his hand to Li Jiancheng and apologized for his nonsense, "This subordinate is reckless, I hope the prince will not mind you!"
"That's all, sir, it's for the Li family!" After the impulse, Li Jiancheng also realized his gaffe, waved his hand and said
"It's not reckless. Zhong Jian does have an admiration for the second young lady. But if Mr. Tang agrees to this marriage, it will inevitably make the Chai family a formidable enemy!" The eldest grandson Shunde stood up and suggested cautiously and humbly, "If
Choosing a concubine's daughter to marry Zhongjian to improve Zhongjian's future may not be considered an insult to the Li family..."
"Zhen'er's age is about the same as Wan'er's!" Li Yuan sighed and said thoughtfully that if Li Xu was allowed to marry his daughter, he would be marked by the Li family for the rest of his life. But at this time, the Li family sent someone to say
Dear, the purpose is too obvious
"I can send someone to pick up Zhen'er. Her temperament is very similar to Wan'er's but there may not be enough time. Moreover, Zhongjian finally got a chance, but we let him give it up. It's a pity!" Li Yuan continued.
If I were in Li Xu's shoes, would I give up my future for a marriage that I'm not satisfied with? I'm afraid even if I reluctantly agree, I will feel very regretful!
"Tang Gong can first suppress Zhongjian's achievements, or keep him for a while in the name of the complicated affairs in the food protection army. Wait for Miss Qier to arrive, and let her get to know Zhongjian first, and let the three of Shimin
Let's practice martial arts together and then find an opportunity to tell him about Wan'er and Chai Shao's wedding date. I think Zhong Jian is also smart. He should understand Tang Gong's painstaking efforts!" Changsun Shunde frowned and continued following his own train of thought, "Wait for him.
After accepting the marriage we arranged for him, Duke Tang contacted old friends and recommended him to serve as an official elsewhere, so..."
"The problem is, that may be counterproductive!" Li Shimin, who was only qualified to be an observer, finally couldn't hold it in any longer and blurted out, "If Zhong Jian really liked the second sister, he wouldn't accept other people's credit. His contribution is so eye-catching and others push it upward.
When we press down, won’t those people with ulterior motives leak the details!"
Changsun Shunde was stunned and swallowed the second half of his suggestion, "Second Young Master is right to remind you, I was reckless!" He changed his words with a smile, his eyes thoughtful.
"If you ask me, Zhong Jian is a man with ideas. Others may not be able to pull him over easily. The days to come will be long, so why bother fighting for this moment?" Li Shimin stood up and slowly expressed his thoughts.
"Yes, although this boy comes from a humble background, his determination is extremely determined!" Chen Yanshou's eyes began to brighten, and he smiled in agreement.
"If there is no support from any family, he will soon become the target of public criticism! Then the Li family will lend a helping hand..." He thought in amazement. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that the second young master should not be underestimated.
"What Shimin said makes sense. Duke Tang might as well follow the previous book and tell the story of the contributions of General Liu and Lieutenant Li in the Liaodong War. Zhong Jian is a sensible person. He will know that we are sincerely planning for him!
"A smile slowly appeared on Ma Yuangui's face.
"But in that case, Zhong Jian will be transferred to another army!" Li Jiancheng reminded hesitantly that if he was just looking at it as a friend, he would be very happy for Li Xu, but he is the heir apparent and has to consider the entire family.
"Okay, okay!" Li Yuan waved his hand, interrupting the eldest son's ramblings, "Just follow Shimin's suggestion. I will write the memorial myself and ask for credit for Hongji and Zhongjian!" Turning around, he looked
Li Jiancheng, who looked a little embarrassed, added with a smile, "You'd better walk more with Hongji and Zhongjian. No matter where they go, after all, they came from our Li family. They have developed well, and they are also a glory to the Li family. Normally you
Pay more attention to them. If there is any difficulty between the two of them, our Li family will do our best to help solve it."
"Yes!" Li Jiancheng stood up and asked if his father was going to let go just like that? He felt it was a pity, but it was good to be friends with Zhong Jian forever. This little guy was very loyal and didn't have so many things in his heart. You didn't have to worry too much when talking to him.
"You can do whatever you like, and you don't have to worry about adults' affairs!" Li Yuan smiled and nodded to his second son, and warned, "But don't drag your second sister anymore. She is already old and can no longer act as she pleases!"
"Yes!" Li Shimin happily agreed. From his father's eyes, he saw the rare appreciation, "It's just the second sister..." Thinking of not being able to take Li Waner with him, Li Shimin felt a little pity that the second sister was going to marry Chai Shao.
He also knew in his heart that the second sister liked riding horses, hunting, practicing martial arts, and chatting with Zhong Jian. This was also true!
"Does the second sister really like Brother Zhongjian?" A narrow-minded thought suddenly occurred in the little guy's heart. He wanted to find an opportunity to ask the answer without any purpose, just out of curiosity.
In the evening, Li Shimin got into Wan'er's room and exchanged the secrets of the day's discussion for the answers from his second sister.
"Little devil, don't talk nonsense." Li Waner poked her brother's finger and said with some annoyance, "Damn Mr. Chen, what does he know! How could I like Zhong Jian? He can't even play polo and is so stubborn.
I’m lazy, my clothes are not neat, and I’m so coquettish that I always feel like I’m very capable!”
Li Shimin couldn't help but opened his mouth. Was the second sister talking about Brother Zhongjian? Why did it sound completely different from the brother Zhongjian in his eyes? In surprise, he saw the corners of the second sister's eyes red with anger and tears rolling down her cheeks.
He said, "Look at his behavior. He doesn't look like someone who can do anything. He has no eyes and a good face. If he makes a mistake, he doesn't allow others to say it. For the sake of an official position, he forgets his promise in the blink of an eye. This
How can a person of this kind compare to Chai Shao! Damn Master Chen, damn Changsun Shunde, how can they say that!"
"Look at how angry you are, dad didn't agree to them!" Li Shimin felt distressed and took out the handkerchief and gave it to him. The second sister didn't like Zhong Jian. He finally knew the answer. But why was the second sister so angry? Is it because of a few gossips?
Another question he hid in his heart, and waited until many years later to find the answer. At that time, he had already married the niece of his eldest son Shunde, and started a glorious military career under the planning of his wife's brother Sun Wuji. In just a few years, he had seen
Countless strange women have tasted countless tears
Some of the answers I didn’t understand when I was young, but the people and scenery at that time have long become memories.
