Li Chengqian and Cen Wenwen looked at each other, thought about it carefully, and both felt that this was a good idea, so they agreed unanimously.
Fang Jun didn't look arrogant at all, but became more humble. In fact, although this method was safe, it was not very subtle. With Li Ji and Cen Wenwen's wisdom, how could he not come up with it?
It's just that Li Jicen can hide his clumsiness and guard his stupidity to avoid unnecessary suspicions, but Fang Jun can't. After all, his interests have been tied to Li Chengqian for a long time.
Li Ji seemed to feel the slight dissatisfaction between Li Chengqian and Fang Jun. He coughed slightly and added: "Who should be chosen to serve as deputy general at Xuanwu Gate? In addition, some things are unlikely to happen even if they have not happened yet, but necessary precautions are taken Measures must be taken.”
Cen Wenwen nodded and said: "That's exactly what it should be, even more so with the precautionary measures."
Fang Jun said: "Brother Jingyang is a student of Shetong Min. He is round on the outside and square on the inside. He can be the deputy general of the Xuanwu Sect."
Li Ji's face darkened, feeling displeased.
Because the "brother Jingyang" mentioned by Fang Jun is the name of Li Zhen, Li Ji's eldest son...
It was obvious that Fang Jun was just taking revenge for forcing him to express his plan against Li Daozong. Revenge really didn't last overnight.
Cen Wenwen stroked his beard and looked at Li Ji's ugly expression. He suddenly felt relieved in his heart, but his face was full of sighs: "Li Jingyang is the best among the younger generation because he is both civil and military. It's just that these heroes are your beloved sons." I am so anxious to keep him at home for fear that he will make a mistake in his official career. It is a pity for such an outstanding person, but I don’t know if I can release the unicorn in the house this time, be loyal to the country in times of crisis, and face the difficulties?"
Since you have repeatedly wanted to stay out of the situation and watch the fire from the other side, this time not only will you not be able to escape, but your whole family will also have to be dragged in.
Seeing an old fox like Li Ji reaping the consequences, Cen Wenwen felt enlightened...
Li Chengqian was a kind man after all. Seeing Li Ji's ugly face, he couldn't bear it and said: "The eldest son of Duke Ying has been ill all year round and his muscles and bones are not healthy. Duke Ying licks the calf because of his deep affection and love and care for him, so he went to Xuanwumen to serve as deputy general." Let’s choose someone else.”
Although he was extremely dissatisfied with Li Ji for staying out of the matter before, he was already on his side at the moment, so he couldn't force him too much.
Fang Jun nodded and looked at Li Ji with an apologetic expression: "I am being abrupt, but the current situation is unpredictable. I want to find someone who is loyal and has the status to be the deputy general of Xuanwumen who will not be firmly opposed by the King of Jiangxia." , it’s really difficult, I can’t think of others for a moment, I hope you don’t blame me.”
Damn it! Li Ji almost spat in this guy’s face. For your sake, what else can I say?
He had no choice but to say in a deep voice: "Quizi has little talent, little knowledge, and little talent for great ambition. Therefore, I have not dared to let Quanzi enter an official career in these years, lest he be too ambitious and harm others and myself. However, since the Duke of Yue recommended it and Taifu Cen approved it, how can I refuse? Let Quanzi Come and serve in the Xuanwu Sect. If you don't do well and cause trouble for the military, I will be responsible for it."
He is not an arrogant person, but he is extremely confident in his eldest son's ability. The reason why he has not been allowed to enter the official career is that he has been ill all year round and has many diseases in his internal organs, resulting in shortness of breath and weak energy. Especially as the spy who monitors Li Daozong, a slight oversight can lead to big mistakes.
But at this point, if he continues to refuse, I'm afraid that no matter how good Li Chengqian's temper is, he will lose his temper. At this critical moment when the imperial power is turbulent and the society is unstable, only Li Siwen comes out, and the rest of the people sit aside. It depends on success or failure, right?
The consequences are so serious that even with Li Ji's achievements, status, and strength, he would never dare to bear it...
But what I have to say is that, putting aside other factors, Li Zhen is indeed the best candidate for Xuanwu Sect's deputy general based on his background.
Li Chengqian said happily: "In that case, it's Jingyang's fault."
He was willing to see Li Ji tied to himself as the emperor in any way. After all, with Li Ji's current status, Fang Jun still couldn't compare with him, especially his prestige and influence in the military.
But he was convinced that in time, Fang Jun would definitely surpass Li Ji and become the number one man in the Tang Dynasty military, inheriting the mantles of Li Jing and Li Ji. By then, it would not matter what Li Ji thought, how he acted, and what his stance was.
He is willing to give the meritorious veteran a dignity, a lifetime of glory, and kindness to future generations. It is also a good thing to write a good story about the monarch and his ministers together, but if he really has to part ways, he will not feel embarrassed because of it...
Li Jigong said in a respectful voice: "It is the duty of a humble minister to be able to relieve His Majesty's worries."
After the matter was settled, Li Chengqian asked again: "So, how to prevent problems in the bud?"
Li Jidao: "Of course we will send troops directly into the city and stay in the Wei Palace."
There are currently about 5,000 imperial guards in the Taiji Palace. Such a small number of troops is not enough to withstand the possible surprise attack from the Xuanwu Gate. However, it is not difficult to station more than 10,000 soldiers and horses in the Taiji Palace. It is not difficult to mobilize another 5,000 elite troops. Only by entering the palace can you be sure.
The question is which general and which unit to transfer. Even Li Daozong is not trusted now. Who else can be trusted more than Li Daozong?
Li Ji and Cen Wenwen looked at Fang Jun together.
Fang Jun was stunned for a moment, then he spread his hands and said, "Except for my unwillingness to rise to the challenge and dedicate myself to the task, how can I take on such a big responsibility now that I already have no generals or soldiers under my command?"
Emperor Taizong deprived him of the official position of General Youtunwei. He was not even the Minister of the Ministry of War. How could he have any soldiers under his command? The navy, which could barely be regarded as his command, was still thousands of miles away. He could not be allowed to be stationed in Tai Chi Palace as a mere commander. , it’s forbidden to stay in Wei Palace.
Li Ji was obviously prepared, and without even thinking about it, he said: "Although the Youtun Guards are now under the command of Li Daozong, all the troops in the army are your old troops, especially Cheng Wuting's troops, who are powerful and loyal, so they can be transferred there." Palace, you will be in charge of guarding the palace."
Fang Jun shook his head and said: "Since the safety of Xuanwu Gate has become the top priority, strict defense must be carried out both inside and outside Xuanwu Gate. If the troops of Youtun Guards are dispersed, it will definitely cause the inner border defense of the palace to be empty, and the hidden danger will be too great."
He couldn't understand Li Ji's intention for a moment. Did he want to take advantage of the situation and split up the Youtun Guard?
Li Jidao: "Chai Zhewei's defeat was a heinous crime. Since Your Majesty has forgiven his crime and allowed him to serve his crime, he will definitely serve the king regardless of his own life. With him reorganizing the left guard outside Xuanwu Gate, and Gao Kan leading most of the right guard, it is enough Guard everything outside the Xuanwu Gate."
Cen Wenwen nodded directly: "Yes."
As a civil servant, he was naturally at odds with military generals. Although I didn't understand what Li Ji was thinking at the moment, since there were differences within the military, he should go with the flow and go with the flow. There was absolutely no reason to object.
Li Chengqian looked at Fang Jun with hope: "Do you think it's possible?"
In both the government and the public, the only person who could gain his unreserved trust was Fang Jun. He was naturally willing to see Fang Jun lead his troops to the Tai Chi Palace to guard the palace and protect his safety.
Looking at Li Chengqian's eyes, Fang Jun could only nod his head and said: "I am willing to die for your highness!"
After all, he fell into the old thief Li Ji's way. When he settled in the palace, he was trapped inside the palace. Naturally, he could not control the court situation and changes in the situation outside. Li Ji could issue orders without any hindrance and completely recover what he had lost by watching the fire from the other side. The Holy Family will take more benefits born from this war into their pockets.
From this point of view, Li Ji had expected that he had just recommended Li Zhen to serve in the Xuanwu Sect, and even causing his dissatisfaction was deliberate.
What a wily and scheming person...
…
Li Ji acted very resolutely, and Li Zhen had already arrived at Xuanwu Gate to report on what he had decided in the morning.
Li Daozong led his subordinate Wen Wu to receive the order from the Xuanwu Sect. After the eunuch who delivered the order left, he stood up and looked at Li Zhen and smiled. The meaning in his smile was unclear, and he said lightly: "Your Majesty, are you willing to let Da Lang serve as an official now?"
Li Zhen had a handsome appearance and good temperament. Hearing this, he smiled slightly and said respectfully: "At present, the rebels are in chaos and the country is unstable. We, like the king of Jiangxia County, should do our best to serve your majesty to stabilize the country and protect justice. Shuo, how dare you continue to roam under the forest and springs and be protected by your teacher?"
Li Daozong nodded and said, "That's very good."
He said to his commander, Shi Dao: "Take General Li into office."
"Here." Chang Shi responded and bowed slightly to Li Zhen: "General Li, please."
Li Zhen saluted Li Daozong: "I will take my leave now."
"Um."
Li Daozong hummed, and looked at Li Zhen following Chang Shi to the barracks for induction. He narrowed his eyes slightly, turned around and looked at the inner gate opposite the Xuanwu Gate, as if his eyes could penetrate the thick city gate. See the magnificent and solemn Tai Chi Palace behind...
He naturally understood the purpose of His Majesty in sending Li Zhen to serve as a deputy general by his side. It was not just surveillance, but also advice. As long as Li Daozong was safe and guarded the Xuanwu Gate to ensure the safety of Taiji Palace, then no matter what happened in the past, he would be able to All can be written off in one go.
But if he is stubborn, he will have to avoid Li Zhen before raising troops. This is obviously impossible. Since he cannot avoid it, he can only put Li Zhen under house arrest or kill him to prevent the news from leaking. As Li Ji's eldest son, once Li Zhen If he was shocked and died in the Xuanwu Gate and died in the hands of Li Daozong, then the two parties would definitely have a deep hatred and the situation would become a fire and water.
It can be regarded as a disguised form of completely binding Li Ji to the emperor's ship...
Li Daozong withdrew his gaze, and walked up the steps to the Xuanwu Gate City with a heavy heart. He stood in front of the arrow stack and looked down at the left and right garrison camps below the city. The left and right garrison camps were in chaos. They were defeated near Xinfeng. Chai Zhewei escaped the severe punishment of the military law and was recruiting soldiers, repairing ordnance, and reorganizing the army. However, he was so ambitious and talented that he only had high aspirations. Even if he had the strength of a guard, it would not be a big concern.
On the other hand, in the Youtunwei barracks on the other side, Cheng Wuting was gathering his soldiers, who were about to enter the Taiji Palace from the Xuanwu Gate to guard the palace. The personnel were deployed, the baggage was transported, and the soldiers were assembled. Everything was neat and orderly. It can be seen that Gao Kan's talent was several times better than that of Chai Zhewei. more than.
But after all, Youtunwei was Fang Jun who took over Li Daliang's army. Even though it was reorganized and a recruitment system was implemented in the army, and blood was exchanged from top to bottom, the old army structure could not be easily erased. After all, there were still
It is impossible to clarify how many of Li Daliang's troops were left behind, how many of them insisted on the duty of a general unwaveringly, and how many of them had been bribed by Gao Kan and others.
A glimpse of one spot reveals the whole leopard. This is true for the Youtun Guards, and the same is true for the situation in the entire court. Who can know how many civil and military ministers and family members who claim to respect the new emperor have different aspirations?