Before the application time arrived, Zhang Liangdi had been sent to Qinglu. Without much etiquette, she was still a concubine after all.
Li Heng's thoughts are obviously more on the guests.
He could have skipped the wedding banquet, but this opportunity to contact the court officials was too rare.
For example, on the night of Shangyuan in Tianbao's fifth year, the reason why he went to see Wei Jian was precisely because it was a rare opportunity, but it was a pity that someone noticed it.
In the corner of my eye, Xue Bai had already stood up.
After a while, Li Heng put down his wine glass and said, "I'll go change first."
"Your Highness, please."
Li Heng turned to the backyard, and Li Jingzhong was already waiting aside, whispering: "Your Highness, we have arranged the time for a stick of incense."
"Lead the way."
He came to the ceremonial court several times, twice to arrange weddings, once when he married Crown Princess Wei Shi, and once when his eldest son Li Chu married the princess.
After many years, today he suddenly thought of Webster, and suddenly regretted that he had not listened to Li Jingzhong and sent Du to the Buddhist shrine in Jinyuan to become a nun, which left a lot of trouble.
Taking two deep breaths in front of a veranda room to calm down, Li Heng pushed the door open and entered with a gentle smile on his face.
"Xue Bai, I finally found the opportunity to explain to you face to face today."
Xue Bai turned around and saw Li Heng's sincere face, but what he recalled in his mind was yesterday's conversation with Du Jin.
……
"You shouldn't go to this wedding banquet. Ge Nu will definitely accuse you of being an accomplice of the prince again."
"Actually, it's not dangerous at all. Everything is just three."
"You can talk to me about this calmly. You don't mind that I was once the crown prince Liangdi... but you don't really care about me that much, right?"
"Because it's all over."
"You don't ask me what I think?"
"What do you think?"
"I want you to know that I only have Xue Bai in my mind, and I wish I could be with you. What about you? Even if you are just pretending, sometimes you are jealous because of me. Would you like to show that you care more about me?"
"Okay, I will kill Li Heng from now on."
"Then I will treat you as doing it for me."
……
Xue Bai came back to his senses, smiled, and asked: "I wonder what your Highness wants to explain?"
"I only heard about Li Jingzhong's unauthorized burying of you alive later." Li Heng said sincerely, "It's a pity that it was too late."
"Okay, Your Highness's words are enough." Xue Bai said, "I will keep it in mind."
"I'm glad you're fine, otherwise it would be a big sin." Li Heng said: "How should I compensate you? Oh, I know that no amount of compensation can make up for it, I can only apologize."
"Can anything be done?" Xue Bai asked.
Li Heng was stunned, hesitated for a moment, and nodded.
Xue Bai said: "His Highness's statement is enough. I don't need His Highness to compensate me. I can fight for what I want."
"I really appreciate you." Li Heng said, "Especially the two-tax law, it coincides with me."
Xue Bai said nothing and waited for the next chapter.
He knew that Li Heng didn't have much time, and he was willing to listen to Li Heng talk about his views on the two tax laws...if he could finish.
"Since the Warring States Period, national taxes have been based mainly on people. Only these two tax laws, which change the focus on land and household assets, can alleviate the poverty of the poor and increase the benefits of the country." Li Heng said: "I never thought that you are so young.
Years old, I already have such insight."
"Your Highness has given you too much praise. After all, a good law is only good if it is implemented well. If it is not implemented well, it is a bad law that harms the country and the people."
Li Heng frowned slightly, showing some hesitation.
He didn't have time to beat around the bush with Xue Bai and said, "Is there someone skilled behind you?"
"I don't remember."
Li Heng took two steps with his hands behind his back and suddenly said: "I can vindicate Xue Xiu."
Xue Bai still didn't react much, as if he didn't understand.
Li Hengdao: "I know that you are Xue Xiu's son. I was heartbroken when we were three common people. My second brother and I are similar in age and have a deep relationship, so I also have a close friendship with your grandfather. Not long ago, I learned that my old friend's son was still alive.
I am happy to be alive, but I dare not say anything. I am afraid that I will not be able to protect you, but will harm you..."
He acted very sincerely, and after speaking, he even put his hands on Xue Bai's shoulders.
"Although you are a foreigner, your brother is weak and sick. In the future, the title of Duke of Hedong will probably fall on your shoulders. Can you handle it?"
Xue Bai said: "I don't understand what His Highness is saying."
"You understand." Li Heng said: "Yang Zhen, Pei Kuan and others are now joining forces to fight for power. It is you who are planning behind the scenes. If it is beneficial to the country, I am happy to see it happen. However, if the timing is wrong, it will only harm you. This matter should be taken seriously."
Take it slow, otherwise it will be too late if you offend your father. Let Mr. Han come to see me, and I will make the best arrangements for you, practice good laws, and appoint talented people."
"I don't understand what His Highness is talking about," Xue Bai said.
Li Heng sighed slightly, but he was also quite graceful. He didn't say anything else and said with a smile: "Maybe I got it wrong. Anyway, it would be nice if I could explain the misunderstanding in the past clearly..."
If Xue Bai was really an inexperienced young man, he might have been convinced by Li Heng; or he might have offended Li Longji without knowing why.
If Li Longji was angry, it would only be because he was in charge of the East Palace. Therefore, Li Heng deliberately came to deal with Xue Bai, anger the saint, and prevent Yang Zhao from fighting for power. Otherwise, once Yang Zhao becomes the prime minister, he will continue to depose the prince, and then he will continue to do so. Cooperate with Yang Guifei, Li Ying Yudang and others to support Prince Qing.
Doing this would seem like Li Heng would be in danger. But in fact, Wei Jian, Liu Ji, and Li Shizhi were all safe.
Because no matter who the prince is, there are ministers who speculate. Apart from these ministers, Li Longji does not have to face the trouble of deposing the crown prince, nor does he need to worry about the threat of the East Palace. Even if he knows that Li Heng is dishonest, he can just change to another prince. ?The important thing is to keep Donggong in a weak situation so that he can enjoy himself with peace of mind.
It was because Li Heng was aware of Li Longji's thoughts that he dared to test it again and again.
Xue Bai, who proposed the Salt Dispute Law closely, made people think that Dong Gong was doing something for the country. When Li Longji got angry, it was not difficult for Li Heng to distance himself from the relationship. All he had to do was blame Li Ying Yudang and Qing Wang Li Cong.
"Look, Li Cong, who seems to be honest, is even worse."
Time and time again, Li Heng seems to be losing strength, and more people will think that the saint is wrong and look forward to the East Palace.
If Li Linfu only used one move to eliminate dissidents with the crime of "constructing the East Palace", Li Heng also used only one move to construct officials and accumulate strength.
All this time, they have never been able to completely defeat each other. He would construct one, and he would eliminate one, and then they would construct again, and then eliminate again. They kept looking for those dishonest officials, always maintaining a strange balance.< /p>
Only saints are always aloof.
But no one has thought that the center will become weaker and weaker in this balance, until this balance is broken.
~~
Coming out of the ceremonial court, Yuan Jie pulled Xue Bai over and whispered: "I met King Guangping today."
"Isn't he grounded?"
"Today the saint allowed him to come to the ceremonial court."
Speaking of this, Yuan Jie pondered and said: "The king of Guangping is filial, gentle and courteous, elegant and observant of etiquette, and has a vast and profound mind. Is he worthy of his service?"
Xue Bai turned his head and glanced at him. He didn't answer, but said, "Brother Zimei, what do you think?"
Du Fu drunkenly stroked his belly and said, "I was only focused on eating and drinking and didn't hear what King Guangping said."
Huangfu Ran then smiled and made his attitude clear.
Xue Bai said at this time: "Brother Cishan is extremely smart, how can you not know the truth? Now is the time to get involved in the reserve position? Who are the people who have been persecuted by Brother Nu over the years? You said that King Guangping was 'benevolent, filial, gentle and courteous', he Why do I hurt you like this?"
Yuan Jie smiled bitterly and asked: "I heard someone say that you and the prince disappeared at the same time for a stick of incense."
"Is there anyone dripping?"
Xue Bai nodded, but didn't respond.
All the arrangements he should make have been made, and Li Linfu and Li Heng must have completed their responses. All that's left is to wait.
There was already a curfew at night, but since it was a wedding banquet in the East Palace, Jinwu Guards sent them home with a written ultimatum.
When Xue Bai returned to his home in Changshoufang, he saw candles burning in the window of the guest room.
He pushed the door open and walked in. Sure enough, it was Du Wulang, sitting by the couch and sighing.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know how to say it." Du Wulang looked very distressed, scratched his head, and finally said: "I was hugged by Madam Daxi again... This time, I failed to respect myself."
"Did you touch her?"
"No. But when she touched me, I was so excited...I..."
"Grown up?"
Du Wulang was stunned and asked: "Have I grown up?"
"Well, these experiences will help you grow."
Xue Bai talked nonsense casually, mainly because he did not laugh at Du Wulang and let him dare to face this.
"But I..."
"Normally, for a young person like you to face someone like Da Xi Yingying, it's already amazing."
"Really? Why do you know so much?"
"This is what I want to tell you." Xue Bai pondered: "I just know a lot. "Horse Theory" was not written by Mr. Han Yu. It suddenly came into my mind and I asked the teacher to write it with his left hand."
"Ah?" Du Wulang didn't react.
Xue Bai added: "The method of questioning salt is not what Mr. Han Yu thought of. There is no Han Yu in the world yet."
"I can't even understand what you are saying."
"Anyway, if someone asks, just tell the truth. You have never met Han Yu."
~~
When he woke up the next day, Xue Bai was still as usual, tying the eight pieces of brocade under the eaves smoothly, sweating all over, and washing up with Qing Lan.
I went to Yan's Mansion to submit my essays and received some advice. When I came back, I picked up my pen and practiced calligraphy in the courtyard.
He has recently been writing a scroll of monkey stories every day. He first re-transcribed the scroll that Yan Yan had corrected, preparing to return it to Yang Yuyao. After that, he laid out a new scroll and wrote the next one.
Today I wrote about a bet between a monkey and the Tathagata Buddha whether he could escape from the palm of the Buddha.
The brush is dipped in ink on the inkstone, and a regular script is written on the scroll. It already has a majestic style.
At some point, Du Wulang also came over, tilting his head and looking there, mumbling something.
"My grandson somersaulted to the horizon and saw five sky pillars, leaving a mark on them. Do you dare to come with me to see them?"
"What a peeing monkey, have you ever left my palm? You might as well lower your head and take a look."
Xue Bai turned the tip of his pen and wrote a few more words in an orderly manner. Only then did he pick up the word "See" at the end, when he suddenly heard a burst of shouting from the outer courtyard.
"Where is Xue Bai?!"
Du Wulang turned around and saw a group of mighty officers and soldiers striding towards him. He suddenly felt that this scene looked very familiar.
If I remember correctly, this is probably the third time now, right?
"Are you Xue Bai?!"
"Exactly."
"Take it away!"
Seeing that the leading general waved his hand and sent people to take Xue Bai away. Du Wulang stared at the opening and closing mouth and couldn't help but said: "Are you making false claims for prophecy, constructing the East Palace, and criticizing Chengyu?"
"Haha, you understand very well. But I might as well tell you that we are the Longwu Army. Beiya Prison is not well known because there are not many people who can get out of it."
Xue Bai said calmly: "Just follow the general."
Du Wulang still wanted to talk, but seeing him so calm, he felt relieved.
This is not the first time he has been in prison, and he does feel that he has grown up every time.
Da Xi Yingying and another thin figure came to mind again, which made him very distressed.
But someone came over and said, "Du Yu was not found in Shengpingfang."
"Is Du Yu here?!"
"芊, I am Du Li. General, look at it again, it should be the word "芊", the word "芊"..."
~~
"Right Prime Minister! It's become..."
In the evening, Luo Xishi hurriedly ran through the courtyard of Youxiang's Mansion, entered Yanyue Hall, prostrated and said: "Wang Zhongcheng asked me to report to Youxiang that the saint ordered Long Wujun to interrogate Xue Bai!"
This incident did not surprise Li Linfu. He just twirled his beard and said slowly: "Speak carefully."
"Zhong Cheng heard that the saint seemed to have intentionally approved the plan of Yang Wei and others, making him concurrently serve as the envoy of salt and iron. Fortunately, Princess Xianyi requested to enter the palace today. After the saint saw Princess Xianyi, he immediately ordered Long Wujun to take it.
Xue Bai."
"Did you take it? Didn't you send an imperial edict to the palace?"
"Yes!"
"Where is the East Palace?"
"There is still no movement in the East Palace. I must be pretending to be stupid before the matter is investigated."
Li Linfu pondered, deducing various possibilities.
If a saint investigates for himself, he will know that the Salt Law is a conspiracy, from Xue Pingzhao to Han Yu, to Li Yingyu.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
In this way, preventing Yang Wei from fighting for power is the first step; getting rid of Pei Kuan is the second step; the key is, can the prince be deposed?
There is no other evidence. The only connection between the East Palace and this matter is the secret meeting with Xue Bai at the wedding banquet, which is very similar to the secret meeting with Wei Jian at the Shangyuan Festival in Tianbao's fifth year...
Thinking of this, Li Linfu suddenly froze for a moment, and a possibility came to his mind.
Did Li Heng do it on purpose?
This wedding banquet is just like the Lantern Festival. This time Li Heng did not support Yang Wei’s appointment as prime minister, so did he really support Wei Jian’s appointment as prime minister at that time?
It seems that the only option is to get rid of Pei Kuan, Xue Bai and others. It seems that this vicious circle cannot be broken.
~~
Li Heng heard Li Jingzhong whisper in his ear and nodded.
"A lot of people are going to die again." He sighed.
There's no way around it.
They all told Pei Kuan not to act rashly, but he still listened to Xue Bai's instigation for the sake of his position.
Let Saint and Suo Douji kill off some more people so that they can feel at ease, and that's all they can do for the time being.
~~
Beiya Prison.
This sounds very scary place, but the environment is much better than Dali Temple Prison.
Xue Bai even had a cup of tea to drink.
Sitting opposite him was General Longwu Chen Xuanli.
Chen Xuanli is tall, strong, and majestic, which makes people feel intimidated just by looking at him, but now he has a playful smile on his face.
"The saint asked me to ask clearly first, so as not to have to listen to your sophistry in person."
Xue Bai said: "I told the truth to General Chen, and I guarantee it is all true. I have never visited the East Palace. The prince invited Zhang Liangdi, and I don't know why he invited me. But since I accepted the invitation, I had no choice but to go."
Chen Xuanli sat there like a wall, saying nothing.
Only the clerk was writing down Xue Bai's confession.
"In the middle of the banquet, I went to the toilet and was taken to a veranda. The prince apologized for burying me alive before..."
"Wait a minute."
Chen Xuanli suddenly raised his hand and asked: "The prince has buried you alive?"
"Yes."
"The sage asked before, why didn't you say anything about this?"
"I was worried that the saint would not like the prince, and the country would be in turmoil. At that time, I said, 'The East Palace refuses to help me, and I have no choice.' I thought it would be better to do more than to do less. I didn't expect that I would get into trouble again today..."
Xue Bai always told the truth to Li Longji, but the timing of scoring.
Because telling the truth requires more power.
When he has no power, if he dares to let people know that he is Xue Pingzhao, he will die; if he has power, he can not only be Xue Pingzhao, but also inherit the title of Hedong County Duke.
Li Longji was an emperor who acted very much according to his personal preferences. Xue Bai's recent actions have made him dare to tell more truths.
Chen Xuanli asked again: "Tell us about Han Yu?"
"Han Yu? The general also knows about Han Yu?"
"Who is he?"
"It's not who he is, but a pen name." Xue Bai asked back: "General, does he know what a pen name is? It was a pen name signed by me and my teacher when we wrote articles, calligraphy and paintings together."
"There is no such person as Han Yu?"
"As long as the teacher holds the pen with his left hand, it is easy to know whether this is true or false." Xue Bai asked again: "But I don't know why the general paid attention to Han Yu? We only signed two calligraphy and paintings and hung them in our restaurant."
Chen Xuanli was stunned for a moment when he heard this, and had a hunch that this might be very simple.