The weather has already become sweltering before the ambush has set in.
His Majesty Li Er knelt down on the smooth floor and took a sip of the ice-cold honey water in the jade bowl. A slight coolness filled his heart and spleen, and his lips and teeth were sweet and smooth, and he let out a long breath.
I had a serious illness last year, and although I have long since recovered, as the saying goes, "Illness comes like a mountain, and goes away like a thread." The root cause is worn out, and the body is exhausted. After a little exertion, the waist and knees will become weak, sleepy and tired, and the energy is not as good as before.
.
Looking in front of Changsun Wuji, whose beard and hair have turned gray, and whose round face is full of wrinkles, I can't help but sigh in my heart.
I think back then, Changsun Wuji made plans for his future, Fang Xuanling handled documents for himself to stabilize the rear, Li Xiaogong, Li Ji strategized, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao, Yuchi Gong, Zhang Shigui and others charged into the battle, and everyone in the Qin Palace fought side by side.
With concerted efforts, the emperor's throne was established and the Zhenguan Dynasty was established.
Nowadays, everyone is powerful and has outstanding achievements, but time is not forgiving. The people who lived and died together in the past are getting older and dying, and they have long lost the high-spirited and vigorous spirit of the past...
Time makes people old, and aging makes people sad.
Putting the jade bowl gently on the table, His Majesty Li Er exhaled leisurely and said: "I want to betroth Sizi to Qilang, what do you think?"
Changsun Wuji knelt down and sat opposite His Majesty Li Er. Hearing this, his body trembled slightly and he quickly said: "Qi Lang is clumsy and not good at speaking. How can he be worthy of His Majesty Jinyang? Please take back your orders."
Although she said polite words of rejection, she was extremely excited in her heart.
Although His Majesty Li Er has already revealed that he will betroth Si Zi to Changsun Jing, it is still under discussion and requires many considerations. There are too many variables during this period. Saying it in front of him now is equivalent to
It is almost a foregone conclusion that this matter will be officially put on the table.
However, it is still necessary to politely refuse. This is not to refute the emperor's face, but to humble himself that his dog is not worthy of the royal princess and cannot reach high places.
This is just like a memorial for a minister to become an official. Even if the emperor is very willing in his heart and wishes to have this minister disappear from his eyes right now, he still has to politely refuse to save his face...
His Majesty Li Er shook his head and said: "Why do we need all these red tapes between you and me? Although Qi Lang is not as talented and intelligent as his brothers, he is diligent, steady, and has a kind heart. He must be a down-to-earth man. Not to mention that your family and I are closely related and share the same blood.
We have the same connection, so we should get closer to each other, support him from generation to generation, and share honors and favors. It is a pity that Changsun Chong is lonely and unruly, and he has let down Changle... Alas, I might as well not mention it."
Changsun Wuji's heart tightened, and he quickly moved a few steps back, knelt on the ground, and said in panic: "The dog is a bad person, and it has betrayed the grace of God. I wish I could kill this canine and apologize to your majesty! Don't worry, your majesty, if your highness Jinyang
Marrying Qi Lang is regarded as a treasure by the eldest grandson family and will never cause His Highness any injustice! Your Majesty, whether it is Changle or Sizi, they are the nieces of the old minister. They have always regarded them as their own children. How can they be harsh in the slightest?
?Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
The incident of Changsun Chong made the rift between the Changsun family and the royal family deepen, and they almost parted ways and turned against each other.
The impact this had on the status and interests of the Changsun family made Changsun Wuji regretful, but he was helpless. Now His Majesty intends to marry Princess Jinyang to his seventh son, Changsun Jing, which is an obvious signal and represents the emperor's
Want to repair the rift between the two families.
Even though the scheming Changsun Wuji knew that this was His Majesty Li Er's plan to delay the war, or even to alienate him, he was still willing to accept it and would never let go of such an opportunity.
It is His Majesty Li Er's established national policy to weaken the aristocratic families and suppress them, and it seems that the Crown Prince will continue to do so in the future. I am afraid that during the Tang Dynasty, life will be difficult for all the aristocratic families. Now, because of His Majesty Li Er's alienation and fear, the eldest son's family is in
The status and influence among the Guanlong nobles were also much lower than before. At this time, the first thing Changsun Wuji had to consider was the preservation and continuation of the family's strength.
Making peace with the royal family was tantamount to easing the pressure from the emperor.
How could Changsun Wuji be so reserved at this time?
The best solution is to confirm this matter quickly.
His Majesty Li Er nodded slightly and said: "Of course I trust the auxiliary machine, so let's settle this matter. Later I will order Zongzheng Temple and the Ministry of Rites to jointly come up with a charter to coordinate matters, and then I will discuss it with you.
This matter must be handled properly.”
Changsun Wuji quickly said: "Here!"
…
After Changsun Wuji left, His Majesty Li Er took another sip of honey water, put down the jade bowl, and sighed.
Back then, he relied on the support of the Guanlong nobles to defeat the prince and establish a counterattack on the throne. He then ruled the court to appease Guanzhong, forcing his father to abdicate and ascend to the throne. But now, his close comrades at that time have become the biggest obstacle to limiting imperial power.
The Guanlong nobles have been in Guanzhong for hundreds of years, and their influence is so intertwined and deep-rooted that it cannot be eradicated overnight. Not only is eradication difficult, even if the pace of suppression is too urgent, it will cause strong backlash and lead to instability in the court. This is
His Majesty Li Er absolutely does not want to see it.
Three feet of ice cannot be frozen in a day, and you cannot hope to crush it with a hammer.
A drop of water penetrates a stone, and a rope cuts a tree. This is the safest and most effective way.
The top priority is to win over Changsun Wuji so that the Changsun family will not completely stand on the side of the Guanlong nobles in this political struggle and react fiercely.
In order to achieve this goal, what does it mean to marry a daughter?
Besides, apart from the unpleasant status of being a son of the Changsun family, Changsun Jing can indeed be regarded as a promising young man with a pure character and a good match.
It’s not that the happiness of Princess Jinyang’s life was sacrificed entirely for political considerations…
Thinking of this, His Majesty Li Er felt a little relieved.
Just as he was about to instruct his chamberlain to guard the door to prevent anyone from disturbing him, he lay down to take a nap when he saw Wang De, the chamberlain's chief steward, walk in hurriedly and said: "Your Majesty, Princess Qinghe, Princess Changle and Princess Jinyang would like to see you."
His Majesty Li Er was stunned for a moment.
"Qinghe? Didn't you say that Cheng Chuliang begged Fang Jun and invited Sun Simiao to his residence for diagnosis and treatment? Do you want to live a good life? Why did you come to the palace? What a nonsense!"
During these days, government affairs were too busy and energy was low, so I did not bother to order Sun Simiao to go to Lu Guogong's Mansion to diagnose and treat Princess Qinghe, which was a bit neglectful. Fortunately, Fang Jun invited Sun Simiao to go, which gave His Majesty Li Er some comfort.
We get along well with each other and help each other. Which elder is unhappy?
But now I heard that Princess Qinghe was not living in the palace to cultivate herself, and she suddenly became a little angry.
"Let them come in."
"Here!"
Wang De bowed and exited, and after a while, three princesses arrived hand in hand.
Looking at Princess Qinghe's haggard face and thin body, His Majesty Li Er felt sulky, but did not break out: "Didn't Master Sun go to the mansion to treat you two days ago? If you are not in good health, you should take care of yourself in the mansion.
What's more, we have just finished the wedding banquet and have worked hard, so we need to rest more. I am fine here, don't worry, I will give you some rare medicines in a while, and then I will go and have a rest."
"Thank you, Father."
Princess Qinghe looked pale and thanked her. With the support of Changle and Jinyang, she stood up reluctantly. A layer of sweat broke out on her fair forehead. She said softly: "I came to see my father today because I have something to ask of you."
Emperor."
Seeing his daughter so weak, His Majesty Li Er couldn't bear it and said quickly: "Is there anything we can't wait for a few days to talk about? Taking care of your body is the most important thing. Running around like this is absolutely not allowed. Okay, come and come.
Yes, if you have any questions, just tell me. If it’s not difficult, then my father will agree to it.”
Princess Qinghe said: "My daughter heard that the father intends to marry the Si son to the eldest grandson's family?"
His Majesty Li Er's expression darkened slightly, and he glanced at Chang Le and Jin Yang, who had lowered their eyebrows and lowered their eyes.
Due to the relationship between Princess Changle and Changsun Chong, as well as political trade-offs, His Majesty Li Er knew that marrying Princess Jinyang to the Changsun family would inevitably arouse opposition from some people in the court and the royal family.
But he never expected that the first to stand up and express his opposition would be Princess Qinghe, who has always been gentle and virtuous, and never interferes with political affairs, and Princess Changle, who is dignified and elegant, and has always understood his father's thoughts best...
Regardless of whether he is an emperor or a father, it is inevitable that he will be angry if his decisions are contradicted by his own children.
His Majesty Li Er said solemnly: "This matter has been carefully considered by my father, so you don't need to say more. Besides, Changsun Jing is gentle and modest, and has a kind and honest conduct. He is a good match and will not disgrace Si Zi. Si Zi just looked at him.
There is no need to talk about this matter again for fear of causing gossip."
As soon as she finished speaking, Princess Qinghe fell to her knees with a pop and cried out sadly: "Father, you can't kill Si Zi!"
Next to her, Princess Changle and Princess Jinyang also knelt down together. Princess Jinyang lowered her head and remained silent. Princess Changle also looked at His Majesty Li Er and said: "Father, please take back your life!"
His Majesty Li Er was shocked at first, and then became furious.