Tang Dynasty Never Night

Li Xian didn't drink much wine tonight. For his younger sister's wedding, he used all the baijiu in his cellar at one time. There were even many jars that were more than five years old. The batch of wine is probably the treasure level of the liquor in Li Xian's hands.

Many people who are addicted to alcohol are drinking very happily today. Li Xian, as the officiant and prince, no one dares to drink him, but the problem is that he needs to entertain too many people. Four sons and 21 daughters, even though many of them have passed away by now, there are quite a few of them. These are elders, even if Li Xian is the crown prince, he should be treated politely, not to mention that the eldest princess has a son-in-law Accompanying, these are his uncles, after Li Xian socialized for a while, he felt a little bad.

Fortunately, someone delivered the soup for hangover in time. While drinking the soup, Li Xian suddenly remembered that the tomato also seems to be a hangover cure, but he doesn't know where the tomato is now?

After the wedding was over, with the amnesty Li Xian didn't have to worry about breaking the curfew. As a result, after leaving the Yongxing Square where the Princess Mansion is located, Li Xian was sitting in the carriage drowsy, when suddenly he heard the sound of "Duk Tuk", and instantly After waking up, I heard a commotion outside, which was also mixed with voices such as "protect the prince" and "protect the eldest princess".

Is this... an assassination?Li Xian didn't realize it for a while. Although the assassination of high officials and dignitaries is often shown on TV, in fact, such incidents are very, very rare in modern times. First, there are restrictions on weapons, and ordinary people cannot buy them. The second is that as the capital, public security is still guaranteed.

So when encountering this kind of thing, Li Xian's mind didn't react for a while, but his body had already reacted. He didn't get off the carriage rashly. Thick, but it is enough to deal with the current weapons, unless the opponent has gunpowder, of course, this possibility is almost impossible.

Li Xian'an sat in the carriage quietly and listened to the chaos outside and did not get ahead rashly. From the voice just now, the carriage should have been attacked, but if he was able to get past his guards and attack his carriage, then it can only mean that the other party used it. Ranged weapon, bow or crossbow?Under such circumstances, Li Xian definitely couldn't go out rashly. What if he was headshot by the other party right after he went out?Injustice or not?

The most important thing is that he doesn't know whether the people around him are friends or foes, and the crown prince was assassinated in the capital, how do you think it's weird?Who was the assassin?Political enemy?Although Li Xian felt that he had done nothing wrong, nor had he framed anyone for his own selfishness, but he might offend others because he was too fair.

Li Xian could only leave everything to the guards, fully trusting the ten rate of the Eastern Palace and the efficiency of the Jinwu Guards.And their efficiency was indeed very high. After a while, the chaos outside stabilized temporarily. During this period, Li Xian did not speak, which made the people outside tremble with fear - the prince won't hang up, right?

At this time, Wei Weiqing and Zheng Qi came over and said loudly: "Your Highness, the bandit leader has been killed, please show me your Highness."

Li Xian suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. Zheng Qi's opening meant that the situation had been brought under control. Then Li Xian unhurriedly got off the carriage, and then saw the guard beside him half kneeling on the ground presenting a Li Xian glanced at the arrow and asked, "Are there any casualties?"

"Fifteen people were injured, and three people were killed." It was still Zheng Qi who answered.

Li Xian glanced at him, and found that Zheng Qi's black eyes were bright against the firelight, and he seemed to be waiting for a beauty, but it's a pity that now is not the time for him to indulge in beauty.

Li Xian nodded: "Wei Wei will send someone to send the eldest princesses back safely, and then report." After thinking about it, Li Xian added: "It's getting late, so don't alarm the Emperor and Empress. Alright, come directly to the East Palace."

While talking, Li Xian got Zheng Qi a token, which allowed Zheng Qi to freely enter and exit the palace gate and the East Palace, but Zheng Qi could not go to other places in Daming Palace.

After Li Xian finished speaking, he glanced at his carriage, and as expected, he found that there were at least three arrow holes on it.

After returning to the East Palace, Li Xian still had time to change his clothes and take a shower, and then waited for Zheng Qi to come over. There was an episode in the middle, Li Xian didn't return late at night, and San Lang just kept holding on and refused to sleep and insisted on waiting for him to come back Kissing is the only way to do it—well, this habit was developed by Li Xian.

Without Zheng Qi's company, Li Xian molested Meizhengtai every day when he was free. Sanlang was four years old when he was white and fat, and he was cute. Although this child's status in the East Palace was rather embarrassing, he had received a good education after all. The treatment is according to the prince. The well-behaved, obedient, beautiful and cute baby is definitely a big killer. Even if Li Xian doesn't like children, he can't help but get close to him more.

"Uncle!" Sanlang's chubby paw rubbed his eyes and ran towards Li Xian. Li Xian hugged him and kissed his face, and went all the way back to Sanlang's yard, just in time to see the fat man guarding Sanlang's yard.

Since Li Xian became the prince, there is no time to play with Fatty Bai, and Zheng Qi can't continue to bully Fatty Bai. For a while, Fatty Bai was quite lonely, but after Sanlang came, he had a good time with Fatty Bai. As a tiger with full skills in coaxing children, Fatty Bai is also the only one in the world.

After watching Sanlang fall asleep, Li Xian got up and came to the main palace to wait for Zheng Qi.After Zheng Qi arranged everything, he came over with General Jin Wuwei to report the situation.

After seeing them, Li Xian asked, "Remember to calculate the compensation for the casualties."

General Jin Wuwei happened to be surnamed Jin and named Jin Yun. After hearing this, he said with a serious face: "Your Highness, please rest assured."

"Have you found out who did it?" To be honest, when he asked this sentence, Li Xian didn't hold out much hope. Since the other party came to assassinate, he must be fully prepared. Anyone can be identified casually.

Unexpectedly, Zheng Qi said with a serious face: "I suspect it is a Turkic person."

Li Xian was shocked when he heard this: "Turks? No way?" They were all disabled, and they still have the ability to assassinate the current prince?What's more, what's the use of them assassinating the prince.

As if knowing what Li Xian was thinking, Zheng Qi added: "There is poison in the arrow."

"Which tribe is it from?" Li Xian rubbed his chin. Turkic is a very broad concept. The tribe with ten surnames is just a part of it. The Turkic people who were beaten down before were only a part of Turkic. What about East Turks?

"I haven't found out yet, those people simply did not leave anyone alive." Zheng Qi's face was a little dignified, because he couldn't think of why those people would do this.

For a moment, Li Xian wanted to simply and rudely say don't worry about it, let's beat Turkic, and then he found that he seemed to be infected by Datang's violent temper from top to bottom, and Datang was really unreasonable That kind, if you hit me, I'll hit you, even if you don't hit me, or if you don't listen to me, I'll hit you too.

Taking a deep breath, Li Xian waved his hands and said, "Check it slowly, don't worry, they may not have another chance if they don't succeed this time, the most important thing now is to check the internal problems."

As Li Xian said, the expression on his face became a little dignified: "They dare to attack in full view. It is impossible if no one responds, not to mention that after many years of war, the people of Chang'an are very sensitive to the Turkic people. They must have been planning for a long time."

After Li Xian said this, he looked outside and said, "Okay, the palace may have already given the key, and it might be inconvenient for the two of you to go out of the palace, why don't you stay in the East Palace."

After hearing this, Jin Yun was a little strange. The palace gate is closed, can you just write the handbook?The prince's handbook is still useful, right?But looking at Li Xian's face that looked a little unpredictable under the light, Jin Yun swallowed all the doubts, thanked him silently, and then went to another courtyard to spend the night under the leadership of the prince's family. Qi, also followed, but the route he took was not right. Halfway through, Zheng Qi's leader became the prince's family order.

Zheng Qi couldn't help smiling after seeing the prince's family order, this is still an acquaintance, Gan Baicheng, who used to be the chief history of Li Xian's palace, after Li Xian was promoted to be the prince, he still worked as a housekeeper, became Prince's order.

Zheng Qi was taken to the main courtyard where Li Xian lived while talking with Gan Bocheng. Now, the interior of the Prince's Mansion is basically the same as before, but there are a few more people added. Those who are trustworthy are by Li Xian's side, and those who are not trustworthy are dismissed. They have gone to other places, and they are very clear about the relationship between Zheng Qi and Li Xian.

When Zheng Qi passed by, it happened that Li Xian was taking a bath, so the two boldly took a mandarin duck bath in the East Palace. After they calmed down, it was already midnight.

Li Xian half-closed his eyes and leaned on Zheng Qi's chest and asked, "What do you think about this?"

"I think someone wants to provoke a war between us and the East Turks."

Over the years, Tang and Western Turks have had more frequent contacts. Western Turks rebelled while following Datang. The main reason is that they were overwhelmed. Datang is very inclusive, but for some ethnic minorities with a large number of people, Datang either implements a policy of immigration and assimilation, or drives those people to fight. Mohe people and Turkic people are the main force of Datang's foreign affairs. normal.

However, because the East Turks have kept their own place over the years, they have not had much friction with Datang, but it is not good to say that the East Turks are obviously more united and better than the West Turks, but they occupy an average geographical location, so As a result, it has been inferior to Western Turks for so many years, and now it seems... It seems that the other party is a little ready to move?

Zheng Qi and Li Xian didn't bother with this issue, both of them could not be calm about this assassination, anyway, there is no definite evidence, if there is evidence, they will start fighting directly, it is useless to entangle so much.

"How is the emperor's health recently?" Zheng Qi suddenly asked a very sensitive question, casually asking about the emperor's health status, if Li Zhi found out, Zheng Qi would be dead.

Fortunately, Li Xian has enough control over the place where he lives. In other words, Empress Wu has not yet been able to infiltrate it, and Li Zhi will not insist on controlling his son all the time, so the place where Li Xian lives is relatively safe. , This is also the reason why Zheng Qi dared to ask.

Li Xian sighed and said, "Not very good."

Li Xian is also a little upset. Li Zhi's physical function has been obviously declining and aging. Now he can hardly see anything, and his speech is very slow, but his face looks good, but Li Xian always feel very worried.

Zheng Qi didn't say anything after hearing this, and felt a little heavy in his heart.The two of them didn't sleep much that night. Li Xian ran to see Li Zhi when he got up early the next morning. Going to report it.

He took Zheng Qi and Jin Yun there together. After Li Xian arrived there, Li Zhi already knew almost everything he should know. Jin Yun and Zheng Qi reported that Li Zhi was very peaceful and not angry. It's just that the order he gave almost made Li Xian kneel down.

Li Zhi directly wanted to send someone to the Chebo of Ashina, a Turkic surname!Li Xian was not calm at the time: "Father, the situation is not fully understood yet, so don't be impulsive."

This kind of domineering arrogance, Li Xian felt that he would never have it in this life.

Li Zhi smiled slightly: "It's already very clear, don't think about it."

Li Xian realized it instantly. Li Zhi never thought about asking for any real evidence. He just needed an excuse. As for whether the assassin was really from Ashina Chebo, who cares?If the other party insisted on evidence, they might not be unable to produce it—it was not once or twice that Datang did this.

Li Xian took a deep breath, and found helplessly that if Li Zhi made a decision, he really had no way to object. In fact, no one gave him room to object. There is no meaning of evasion.

In fact, Li Zhi's idea is very simple. He has already noticed that his health is getting worse and worse, and he feels that the end is approaching. Before going to meet the ancestors, he at least laid down a peace and prosperity for his son.

Li Xianping and Yu Yu lacked vigor, and there was Empress Wu. Li Zhi worried that Li Xian would be shackled by Empress Wu after he ascended the throne. It would not be so easy to send troops to fight the Turks so quickly.

After the discussion, Li Zhi directly decided to appoint Pei Xingjian as the chief commander of the Jinyadao march, and split up with General Yan Huaidan and other three commanders to discuss the ten-surnamed Turkic Ashina Chebo.

After Li Xian found out, he was a little hesitant. Pei Xingjian's health is not very good. After all, he has been fighting all his life. Before Li Xian insisted on refusing to deduct Pei Xingjian's title, he just wanted to let him retire with peace of mind, and now he dragged him out to fight. , It's too inhumane.

In the end, I have to say that Li Xian was quite predictable at times. The Pei family had just decided on a candidate, and the Pei family also started preparations. As a result, before leaving, Pei Xingjian...he died!

Pei Xingjian's funeral naturally had corresponding specifications. Li Xian felt full of melancholy. The older generation of generals had withered and there was nothing left, and the next generation seemed to have no one who could carry them. Zheng Qi was fine, but Zheng Qi's target has always been the prime minister.

At this time, Fang Yi, the governor of the Anxi Governor's Mansion, found out that there was a surprise attack from the Turks, and then led his people to defeat Ashina Chebo and Ashina Yanmian, and the Western Regions temporarily stabilized.

Only then did Li Zhi take the man back to Luoyang, the eastern capital, with peace of mind. He still left Li Xian to meet him in Chang'an, and Zheng Qi naturally wanted to follow him.After arriving in Luoyang, Li Zhi did one more thing.

In autumn and July, Guo Daiju, the servant of the Huangmen, Cen Changqian, the servant of the Ministry of War, Guo Zhengyi, the servant of the Zhongshu, and Wei Xuantong, the servant of the Ministry of Officials, all undertook the progress and peace of the Zhongshumen.

When Li Xian saw these appointments, he judged in an instant that Li Zhi had completely divided and suppressed the power of the prime ministers. It was the governors of the three provinces who also served as the prime minister. At that time, the power of the prime minister was astonishing.

Since Li Zhi came to power, the rank of the prime minister has been continuously lowered, and the power has been continuously divided. Now, it is impossible for the prime minister to want to monopolize power.

The reason why Li Zhi did this was also to pave the way for Li Xian. The succession of the new king is easily restricted by veteran officials, but he cannot do without the help of veteran officials, especially Li Xian is not very old. He has not been a prince for long. Can minimize the authority of the assistant minister.

The courtiers did not overreact to Li Zhi's actions. Li Zhi is best at boiling frogs in warm water. He is very patient and bit by bit to build the court into what he wants. No, maybe it is far away from him. There is still some distance to his ideal, but he obviously can't see it.

After Li Zhi arranged to play these games, he began to want to trouble the Turkic people. The remnants of the Turkic faction were still wandering around the border.

At this time, Turkic seemed to have a tacit understanding with Li Zhi, so he directly attacked.

In December of the third year of Yonglong's reign, the Turkic remnant party Ashina Gu Dulu and others recruited the remnants, occupied Heisha City, and invaded the northern border of Bingzhou.

In March of the fourth year of Yonglong's reign, Gengyin, Turkic Ashina Gudulu, Ashide Yuanzhen and others surrounded the Shanyu Dufu.In summer and April, Bai Tieyu of the Suizhou Department occupied Chengping County to rebel, and ordered General Cheng Wuting to fight against it.In May Gengyin, the Turks invaded Weizhou, assassinated Li Sijian, the governor of Fengzhou, and Cui Zhijie, the governor of Fengzhou, led his troops out to Chaona Mountain to cover up the attack. They were defeated by the bandits and then invaded Lanzhou.

The Turkic military operations were very rapid, and they even united with other tribes. Under this series of offensives, Li Zhi decisively ordered Lou Shide to be the main general, and general Yan Huaidan to be the deputy, to crusade against Ashina Gudulu.After issuing this order, Li Zhi seemed to feel unsure, and ordered General Cheng Wuting to be Shan Yudao's appeasement ambassador, in order to recruit Yuan Zhen, Gu Dulu, He Lu and others.

Li Zhi made more and more political moves, and he seemed to be getting more and more anxious. Li Xian and Li Zhi exchanged letters more and more frequently, and Li Xian took the opportunity to ask San Lang for a name.

After Li Zhi read it, he wrote Chongyi's son, Li Chongyi, and Li Xian held the letter paper and read the name silently. It wasn't too unpleasant. The most important thing was that with the emperor's name, this child's life in the East Palace seemed to be more legitimate. Some.

Li Zhi seemed to be reminded by Li Xian and thought of his sixth son. Later, it is said that Li Zhi went to see Li Xian again. I don’t know if Li Xian said something to Li Zhi. Anyway, Li Zhi met Li Xian. Soon after, he became ill, very seriously ill. An old man who was originally very energetic, became very haggard, with thinning and graying hair, a sallow complexion, and the wrinkles on his face became more obvious.

Everyone has gotten used to Li Zhi's illness over the years, but this time it seems that the illness is particularly dangerous. Li Xian, who was far away in Chang'an, was summoned to Dongdu. Arrived in Luoyang.

After arriving in Luoyang, the first thing Li Zhi did was to let the crown prince supervise the country, and the prime minister and below were not allowed to see him.Li Xian was already the Prince Supervisor of the country before, but this time it seemed that the responsibility was a little heavier, because Li Zhi would not continue to supervise him.

In December Jiyou, Li Zhi issued an edict to change the fourth year of Yonglong to the first year of Hongdao, and the reason for this seems to be the meaning given by the Taishi Bureau, saying that this can somewhat prolong Li Zhi's life.

At that time Li Xian wanted to continue to sacrifice and pray for blessings, but was stopped by Li Zhi. Li Zhi didn't want to die, but he didn't want his son to pay more. Just lingering.

After the Yuan Dynasty was changed, the world was naturally amnesty. When the pardon was read out, Li Zhi originally wanted to go up to Zetian Gate Tower in person to show his face in front of the people, but it is a pity that his current body can't even mount a horse, so he can only summon the people to the front of the temple. See.

Li Xian looked at Li Zhi tremblingly and asked, "Are the people happy?"

Feeling sore in his heart, he quickly said: "Amnesty to the world, the people are naturally... happy."

Li Zhi sighed slightly and said: "It's a pity that my life is not long. If the gods of heaven and earth can extend my life for a month or two, I will have to return to Chang'an, and I will die without regret."

Li Xian lowered his head and wiped his tears. When Li Zhi fell ill, all he wanted was to return to Chang'an, but his body could not withstand the long journey. He didn't want to go back, so he called Li Xian to his side.

After the ceremony was over, Li Zhi left Li Xian behind and said softly, "I wanted to go back to Chang'an, but I couldn't. After I go, you will take over the throne. After seven days of funeral, return to Chang'an quickly, understand?"

Li Xian finally couldn't hold back his tears: "Father, you will be fine."

Li Zhi smiled slightly: "Everyone is mortal, I'm only worried...Luoyang is a place of right and wrong, you should not stay for long, and it is reasonable to let Wei Wei protect you and return to Chang'an as soon as possible."

Li Zhi's insistence has a political meaning besides the fact that there are too many empress Wu in Luoyang. After all, Chang'an is the capital, and the political symbols are different. Li Xian can succeed in Luoyang, but the succession ceremony must be held in Chang'an.

Li Xian nodded with tears in his eyes, and after Li Zhi fell asleep, he returned to the East Palace and offered a portrait of Lao Tzu decisively, and prayed very devoutly.At this moment, no matter whether Li Zhi is his own father or not, he does not want Li Zhi to die.

Unfortunately, this time his prayers seemed useless. Three days later, when Li Xian was dealing with the political affairs with the prime ministers, he saw Li Zhi's regular attendant crying, and when he entered the door, he choked on the ground and said: "Your Highness, the Emperor... has passed away."

At the same time, the death knell rang.

In December of the first year of Hongdao, the emperor died in Zhenguan Hall at the age of 57.