Chang'an is good

Chapter 616: September Hundred Flowers Killing
In the golden autumn of August, the news of the Northern Border's two consecutive victories over the Northern Di spread everywhere with the autumn wind.

But as long as the war is not over, no matter how many victories are won, they can only temporarily appease people's hearts.

Moreover, the war with the Northern Di is still too far away for most people. Compared with the knife that has not yet cut them, people are more concerned about whether the chaos in front of them can be resolved.

Looking around the world today, more than half of the people are in dire straits, especially in the Shannan East Road area. Even in the autumn harvest season, corpses of people who died of starvation and disease are often seen on the roadside.

The autumn harvest was forcibly plundered by the "court" of the Bian clan as food supplies to resist the army of Prince Rong.

Faced with the approach of Prince Rong's army, the Bian army suffered defeat after defeat, and their methods of plundering the people became increasingly brutal.

The Bian army, like vicious bandits, broke into house after house to "collect grain". If they encountered anyone who tried to stop them or hid grain, they would be killed on the spot.

A man with red eyes was about to step forward to fight to the death with Bian Jun, but was held back by an old woman who cried, "Son, you can't..."

"Be patient a little longer..." After the Bian army had walked away with the food on their shoulders, the old woman wept and persuaded them to be patient: "Be patient a little longer. I heard that Prince Rong is about to fight back to the capital..."

When the people around, who were either filled with grief and indignation or numb and suffering, heard this, most of them echoed it with hope.

They didn't understand why, after the Bian army, which had always claimed to be rising for the people and seeking justice for the common people, finally took control of the capital, the lives of civilians like them became even more difficult, and they even had no way to survive.

They couldn't understand it and could only curse and spit at the "fickle" Bian Chunliang, hoping that the benevolent Prince Rong would return to the capital as soon as possible and take charge of the situation.

And there is Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess... Some people say that the Crown Princess is fake, but ordinary people don't care. As long as someone can save them and let them survive, it's fine.

A poor scholar who was a little more informed said: "The Crown Princess won two victories in the northern border..."

"This is a good thing! When His Royal Highness Prince Rong returns to the capital and drives away the thief Bian... and Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess puts down the rebellion in the northern border, then the world will be at peace!"

"But then... who will be the emperor?"

In peaceful times, they would not be able to touch on such taboo topics, nor would they care about them, but at this moment this issue was closely related to their life and death, and they were eager to be freed from this sea of ​​suffering.

"Prince Rong is highly respected, and the Crown Princess is a rising star..." An old man with a pale face and thin body said, "Prince Rong is the emperor that everyone wants, and when the Crown Princess continues to be a female general, our lives will be better!"

The scholar who spoke first shook his head, but he could not blame the old man for his naivety and ignorance. He just walked away disappointedly: "How can it be so simple..."

This is Shannan East Road, which just cuts off Huainan Road and Shannan West Road. In other words, it is a buffer zone between the forces of the Crown Princess and Prince Rong.

The people here have no clear sense of belonging to the two forces. They are immersed in the sea of ​​suffering from head to toe, and they regard whoever they can grab as their savior. Compared with the Crown Princess far away in the north, Prince Rong who is attacking the capital can better carry their hopes.

The old woman knelt down toward the west, crying, worshiping both the gods and Buddhas and King Rong, begging the gods and Buddhas and King Rong to take away the life of the thief Bian as soon as possible.

I wonder if it is true that God has eyes and heard the prayers of the people.

On August 24, the Double Ninth Festival was approaching, and the new emperor of Daliang, Bian Chunliang, suddenly died.

Before this, no one had ever thought that this man who was born as a salt merchant but slaughtered all the nobles and ascended the throne to become emperor through bloodshed, and was a great hero of his generation, would not die in battle, but die in his bedroom.

Bian Chunliang, who was in his prime, was always vigilant. He was not completely at ease even with the eunuchs who had been carefully screened around him. He never allowed palace maids to serve him closely when he went to bed at night.

The next morning, when the eunuch went forward to serve, he saw Bian Chunliang dead on the dragon bed with blood gushing from all his orifices.

The eunuch's face turned pale, and he fell back to the ground. It took him a long time to scream and crawl out to report.

The palace was suddenly in chaos.

Bian Chunliang died of poisoning, and there was a banquet in the palace last night.

Everyone knew how cautious the new emperor was, and he was never careless about his diet...and the matter was eventually traced back to the "Second Prince" of the Bian Dynasty.

Bian Chunliang's eldest son Bian Cheng died of plague in Yuezhou. After Bian Chunliang ascended the throne, he posthumously conferred the title of Crown Prince of Daliang on his eldest son.

Except for the eldest son who was willing to die, Bian Chunliang's remaining three sons always respected their father and never dared to disobey him. Bian Chunliang was also confident in this, so he never figured out what had happened until his death.

Bian Cheng died early, and the second prince, as the eldest son, had the greatest possibility of being appointed as the crown prince.

However, Bian Chunliang had no intention of rushing to enthrone a crown prince. Instead, he was preparing to fill his harem and planned to choose a queen of noble birth to stabilize and decorate his new dynasty.

The Second Prince was worried about his future, but he was far from killing his father... Besides, he was not a fool. The army of Prince Rong was approaching. If he killed his father, who would support the situation? Him? If he hadn't gone completely crazy, he wouldn't dare to have such a delusion!
But the poisonous wine that was tested to be highly toxic was indeed poured for his father by him personally!

When the second prince was identified, he suddenly thought of something. He said that the pot of wine was brought to the banquet by his cousin. It was his cousin, not him, who killed his father!

The cousin mentioned by the second prince is named Bian Zan, who is the nephew of Bian Chunliang.

Bian Zan followed Bian Chunliang in battle and never left him at the critical moments of life and death. He made many military achievements and also saved the life of his cousin, the Second Prince. He had a high status in front of Bian Chunliang.

The second prince trusted and relied on this outstanding cousin. Considering the future competition for the crown prince, he wanted to gain his cousin's support early, so he treated him very closely and obeyed his orders.

On the day of the banquet, Bian Zan brought a pot of good wine to drink himself. When the Second Prince saw this, he also went to ask for some wine in a joking manner. After tasting it, he found that it was indeed good wine, just a little stronger. Bian Zan then handed the pot to him with a smile, and asked him to pour a glass for his uncle who was used to drinking strong liquor.

Bian Chunliang was already slightly drunk at that time, and he did not think much about his second son's attentiveness in pouring wine for him.

Faced with the Second Prince's accusation, Bian Zan was not panicked. He said in an almost judgmental tone: He had drunk that wine, and the Second Prince had also drunk it, but both were safe and sound. The only possibility is that the Second Prince had done something when pouring the wine for Your Majesty.

The second prince was shocked and angry, but Bian Zan did not give him a chance to continue arguing.

Bian Zan, who led his troops all the way into the capital, held military power and killed the second prince on the same day for the crime of patricide.

Bian Chunliang's subordinates were skeptical about this and brought the third prince to question Bian Zan. A conflict broke out between the two sides and the capital fell into civil strife.

Prince Rong's army advanced with great momentum and soon reached the capital.

Although Bian Chunliang's troops stationed around the capital were not weak, Bian Chunliang was dead, the morale of the army had collapsed, and they were completely unable to sustain resistance.

However, in just two days, the heavy city gate of the capital slowly opened in front of Li Yin.

The one who came out of the city was Bian Zan, holding the head of the third prince of the Bian family in his hand. He knelt before Li Yin, who was wearing armor and sitting on a horse, took off his sword, and kowtowed to show his determination to atone for his sins and submit.

Li Yin accepted his surrender and slowly drove his horse into the city.

Luo Guanlin followed beside him, and together with the mighty cavalry, they marched across Suzaku Street and headed towards the palace.

Along the way, many people were crying with joy. Outside the palace, officials were waiting with tears in their eyes. Most of them were forced by Bian Chunliang to serve the new dynasty of Daliang. They felt humiliated and endured it. Now, seeing the army of Prince Rong and the big flag with the word "Li", they all burst into tears and knelt down to show their loyalty to the Li Dynasty. Li Yin dismounted and helped the leading official up without any criticism or contempt.

As Li Yin and his ministers entered the Hanyuan Hall, the flags embroidered with the word "Liang" were removed and burned, and the Liang Dynasty, which had lasted less than a year, was declared extinct.

In the next few days, Bian Zan, under Li Yin's order, cleared out the remnants of the Bian army in the capital.

In order to reassure the people, Li Yin also personally inspected the capital and its surrounding areas, focusing on the people instead of rushing to linger on the throne.

In September, all flowers have died, leaving only the fragrance of chrysanthemums filling the city.

Li Yin rode slowly to inspect the capital. Seeing the surrounding scene, he said to Luo Guanlin, who was riding beside him, "This time, I was able to take back the capital at such a small price, saving the people from further turmoil. You should be credited with the greatest achievement."

Bian Zan's decision to poison Bian Chunliang was not a coincidence.

Bian Zan had also participated in the battle against Prince Rong's army. As early as that time, Li Yin had already considered sowing discord between Bian Chunliang and him. After thinking about it, Luo Guanlin suggested starting with this person.

Afterwards, Luo Guanlin recommended himself and met with Bian Zan in private, and successfully convinced the other party by winning over his heart.

Bian Zan was far more outstanding than Bian Chunliang's sons, but he was destined to have nothing to do with the position of crown prince. This was the highest position he could reach by using the surname Bian.

But the risks he has to take are far greater than the benefits. Once Prince Rong's army attacks the capital, he will be implicated and liquidated.

He had a clear idea of ​​the battle situation.

Bian Chunliang would fight to the death, because he was the emperor, and he would die whether he fought or not. But he was different, he still had a chance to survive, it just depended on whether he was willing to seize it.

Moreover, Luo Guanlin told him that Prince Rong was kind and valued talented people. As long as he worked hard, not only would his life be saved, but he would also have the opportunity to be reused.

That was two months ago.

At this moment, Luo Guanlin lowered his voice and said, "Bian Zan is too cruel and ruthless. We must find a way to get rid of him later. Please don't be soft-hearted, Your Majesty."

Li Yin sighed and nodded slightly: "Yes, sir, you have thought it through."

Not long after, the men and horses passed by Dayun Temple. Li Yin dismounted and wanted to go into the temple to burn incense.

Luo Guanlin dismounted and bowed, saying, "I am waiting for you here."

"It's windy and cold today, how can I let you wait here for a long time? Please come into the temple with me." Li Yin invited and persuaded.

Luo Guanlin hesitated for a moment, but finally bowed and followed Li Yin inside.

Dayun Temple was built when Emperor Shengce ascended the throne, and it cost a huge amount of money. Although Luo Guanlin did not say it explicitly, it was not difficult to sense that he disliked the other officials.

After offering incense in the front and rear halls, Li Yin looked towards the pagoda half-hidden among the bushes in the distance and asked someone to lead the way.

It is said that after the Queen Ming built the tower, she would not allow people to approach it easily, because it enshrined a celestial being who was reincarnated to save the world. It was rumored that the Queen Ming was the reincarnation of that celestial being.

This was a very common method used by kings to win the hearts of the people. Li Yin did not find it unusual. He had not been too curious about this pagoda before. The reason why he wanted to enter the pagoda at this time was because of the reply letter from Princess Gu'an Mingluo.

Previously, Ming Luo sent a letter from Tuyuhun to show his goodwill to him, mentioned the willingness to cooperate in the secret letter, and claimed that he had a secret about the former crown prince Xiao...

Li Yin wrote back to test the situation, but did not agree to cooperate with him.

The prerequisite for cooperation is that he needs it, but Li Yin does not think that he needs to cooperate with a madman at this time, nor to be a desperate madman. Being a madman has a price to pay, and the aftermath is a very troublesome thing.

Although he did not agree, he did not completely refuse either. It was not a bad idea to keep a backup plan, and he was indeed somewhat interested in the "secret" that Ming Luo mentioned.

Seeing Li Yin's attitude, Ming Luo did not rush to reveal it in her reply. She was not in an advantageous position in this cooperation, and the secret was also one of her bargaining chips for the cooperation, so she naturally had to make good use of it.

Ming Luo said in the letter: When His Royal Highness Prince Rong returns to Beijing in the future, if he can go to Dayun Temple and visit the Heavenly Maiden Tower, he will surely seriously consider cooperation.

Li Yin has always scoffed at those who deliberately seek mystery, but it is a very stupid thing to be led by the nose by those who deliberately seek mystery.

He looked down on Ming Luo's methods and did not pay too much attention to this matter, but since he was just passing by this time, he might as well take a look.

The bamboo forest in the tower courtyard has turned yellow and dry, and it feels a bit bleak when the wind blows.

Li Yin followed the sound, looked up at the bronze bell hanging on the eaves of the tower, and walked into the tower.

What he saw surprised him.

The jade pool in the tower was damaged, and the statue of the goddess enshrined on the jade platform in the pool also collapsed and shattered, leaving only residual water and broken jade in the pool.

Soon, a monk came quickly, bowed hastily, and then explained the situation.

The statue of the goddess in the tower was destroyed by the order of Bian Chunliang. It is said that Bian Chunliang heard that there was a formation in the pagoda, which protected the imperial fortune of the Ming Dynasty and the Li family, and thus affected the national fortune of the Xin Dynasty.

Bian Chunliang didn't believe these things at first, but after losing the war again and again, he would rather believe it.

Li Yin looked at the broken jade statue in the pool and said with some regret: "So that's how it is."

Luo Guanlin said: "Although Bian the thief is extremely evil, it is not wrong for him to destroy this statue. It is a thing that deceives the world and should be destroyed."

Hearing these sharp words, the monks nearby could only chant the Buddha's name and dared not say anything more.

Li Yin looked around at the ruined pagoda and half-obeyed Luo Guanlin's words, saying, "Since that's the case, let's demolish the pagoda and build a new Zen temple."

After coming out of the tower, Li Yin was not in a hurry to reply to Ming Luo.

To him, the other party's proposal was nothing more than something he could use at any time.

As for the so-called secrets about the late Crown Prince Xiao, there was no need to rush into the dead man's past. When Tuyuhun was again under the control of Dasheng in the future, if he wanted to hear it, the other party would naturally tell him in detail.

Right now, he has many more important things to do.

Li Yin said to Luo Guanlin in a trusting tone, "Sir, I'll need your attention for the next matter."

Luo Guanlin bowed to him, lowered his eyes and said: "Luo can do nothing but try his best."

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