First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

...

Seeing Gao Chong's grief and indignation and incredible expression, Xue Shou just smiled lightly, leaned over to pour him tea again, and said comfortingly: "Don't blame me, don't say that your house is now in the Forbidden Palace. , the same is true, and in such a situation, I can't help myself."

Gao Chong came back to his senses, and just picked up the teacup and drank it down, which showed that he didn't mind, and was just waiting for Xue Shou to continue talking.

Last night, it was discovered that Li Xiuwan was happy, and no outsiders were present. Gao Chong originally planned to announce the good news to Li Shimin after he came down to court, but Xue Shou already knew the news in advance, which clearly explained the problem.

I didn't particularly mind this Gao Chong, this kind of thing is actually inevitable, and as far as Gao Chong knows, Li Yuan also has such a force in his hands, but it should have been infiltrated by Xue Shou's Wei Fengwei by now. up.

"Youzhi, do you think I can still start and end well?" Seeing that Gao Chong didn't mind, Xue Shou continued to ask.

Hearing this, Gao Chong's expression paused, and he just smiled and said: "Bo Bao is too worried, now Wei Fengwei has not reached that level."

"What about after that?" Xue Shou just shook his head and said, "So I have to do something, so that I can leave with peace of mind, after all... After all, Yuan Chao is young."

A gleam flashed in Gao Chong's eyes, "What do you want to do?"

Xue Shou looked up at Gao Chong when he heard the words, and said beggingly: "Yuzhi, I have an unfeeling request. If the princess gives birth to a daughter, can you...can you marry Yuan Chao?"

Gao Chong was stunned.

Seeing Gao Chong's astonishment, Xue Shou continued: "I know this is a bit abrupt, but only in this way can I feel at ease. Only you can protect Yuan Chao, and I can only rest assured of you. A duke of a country, who will be succeeded by Yuan Chao in the future, will definitely not wrong your noble daughter."

After Gao Chong reacted, he couldn't laugh or cry, he laughed and said: "Brother, what you said is out of touch. If you can get married, you can do what you want. It's just that the princess has just been pregnant for two months, and I don't know the gender yet."

If he gave birth to a daughter and married Xue Yuanchao, then Gao Chong would naturally accept it. After all, Xue Yuanchao was a first-class talent, good at diction, known as the "Chaoyou Wenzong" who led the reform of Longshuo's style of writing, and recommended Wang Bo, Yang Jiong, etc. Scholar, who guided the development of literature in the early Tang Dynasty, and worshiped the prime minister as a marquis, with a very high reputation.

Furthermore, it is normal in this era to marry with the fingertips. As the saying goes, the order of the parents and the words of the matchmaker, Gao Chong does not have much resistance to the marriage with the fingertips.

Xue Shou heard the words and just said: "It's okay, I believe you will definitely give birth to a daughter, no matter whether you are a concubine or concubine, as long as you agree to accept Yuan Chao as your son-in-law, I will feel at ease."

Gao Chong had no choice but to nod and said: "Brother has already said so much, I will obey my orders, then I will try my best to give birth to a daughter hahaha."Gao Chong couldn't help laughing loudly while talking.

"There must be." Unexpectedly, Xue Shou said with a firm expression: "You don't know something, the old god Sun mentioned you to me."

After a high-pitched pause, "What?"

"The old god Sun said that your fate is extraordinary, it is unspeakably precious, and your descendants are prosperous, with good fortune, wealth and longevity, you can be called a perfect person."

Xue Shou also said with some emotion: "Old Immortal Sun is proficient in physiognomy, and his Taoism is profound. What he said must be true. Elder Sun also told me that I was originally a person who died early and had no blessings, but my fate changed halfway. , it prolongs my life for several years."

After listening to Xue Shou's words, Gao Chong was a little surprised. Physiognomy is so mysterious, he doesn't know his own fate, but Xue Shou's situation is really as the old fairy Sun said.

On the original trajectory, Xue Shou died of illness as early as the beginning of the seventh year of Wude, and now he has survived until the end of the eighth year of Wude.

"Then I will borrow auspicious words from God Sun and elder brother," Gao Chong laughed, and then asked curiously: "The relationship between you and me, you entrust Yuan Chao to me, this means trusting me, I will do my best." Try my best, but I'm curious, why me?"

Hearing this, Xue Shou smiled wryly and said, "Besides you, who else can I entrust to? My hands are not clean, do you want to say Yuan Jing? You don't know yet, after I die, Zicheng will take over Wei Fengwei".Having said that, Xue Shou already had a bitter expression on his face.

Gao Chong also frowned, "This is what my brother asked for? It shouldn't be possible."

"Of course I won't," Xue Shou shook his head and said, "I wish Xue's family would stay away from Weifengwei, but this is His Royal Highness's request, there is nothing I can do about it."

"Then Zicheng will have a hard time in the future," Gao Chong sighed quietly.

After Li Shimin ascended the throne, there is a high probability that Weifengwei will be moved to the public. At that time, Xue Yuanjing is destined to be unpopular, and Weifengwei has a lot to do with it. Two generations of Weifengwei have been in charge of Weifengwei, and the harm involved is slightly different. Be careful, you are hurting others and yourself.

Seemingly understanding Gao Chong's thoughts, Xue Shou sighed: "That's why I entrusted Yuan Chao to you, but don't worry, Zicheng knows the seriousness, he has already taken the initiative to ask for orders, and after him, the Xue family will not touch Wei Fengwei." .

Gao Chong's eyes lit up when he heard the words, he nodded in praise and said, "Zicheng is smart, that's exactly what he should be doing."

Xue Shou raised his eyebrows and looked at Gao Chong, "You were able to shake it clean back then, presumably you already knew that being in charge of Weifengwei is a dirty job."

Gao Chong smiled in embarrassment, and didn't deny it, but said: "I didn't expect my brother to develop Weifengwei to this point."

"If you're not busy, come and walk with me." Xue Shou stood up supporting the stone table, and sighed: "There will be no chance in the future."

"Brother, don't say that." Gao Chong pretended to be annoyed and said, "Believe that man will conquer nature. You should maintain a positive attitude and cooperate with the recuperation. Wouldn't it be better to live longer?"

"Man conquers nature..." Xue Shou laughed in astonishment, "You are so bold."

The two walked in the garden, the warm winter sun shone warmly on their bodies, Xue Shou closed his eyes and sighed, "Youzhi, I only tell you some taboo words, not only because of you and my in-laws, but also because I recognize you Gao Youzhi this person".

Seeing that there was no one around, Gao Chong looked solemn, "Brother, it's okay to say it."

"The prince is very talented and generous, and his character is extremely heroic, but his behavior is different from China and foreign countries. You must remember to be cautious in your words and deeds." Xue Shou hesitated for a long time, and finally said these words to Gao Chong.

Gao Chong was stunned for a long time, and bowed deeply, "Brother treats me with sincerity, Gao Chong will always remember what he said from the bottom of his heart."

Seeing things differently between China and foreign countries... To put it bluntly, it is a difference between the outside and the inside.

It has to be said that Xue Shou's analysis of Li Shimin is quite in place.

Li Shimin's character is open-minded and bold, with a beard on his face, which sets off his heroism, but in fact he is also a little narrow-minded, not as open-minded as he appears on the surface. To describe it more concisely, he is black-bellied.

Li Shimin has shown great generosity in many things on the surface, but in fact Li Erfeng has always kept it in his heart. This is Li Er who has a good face and a good reputation.

Xue Shou's heartfelt words can also be said to be a dying person, and his words are also kind. It can be seen that Xue Shou really treats Gao Chong as a relative. Usually, he only hears such words in front of Gao Junya.

"Actually, I was talking too much." Seeing Gao Chong's solemn appearance, Xue Shou smiled and said, "You have always been astute, and you know everything about military affairs, so you don't need to listen to my nonsense."

"No matter what, Gao Chong will remember it in his heart." Gao Chong nodded and smiled.

"Come on, it's already noon." Xue Shou patted Gao Chong on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Have a few drinks with me before going back."

"You can still drink with this body?" Gao Chong asked with staring eyes.

"It's okay to have a taste of it, it's okay," Xue Shou is quite free and easy.

Gao Chong had to have a drink with him. After returning to the mansion, the first thing he did was to find his father to discuss. It was only when he came to the backyard that he remembered that his father was on duty today.

He was about to turn around and leave, when Li Xiuwan suddenly called him back, "Mr. Lang, since you're back, please accompany grandma, grandma is not in a good mood these days...".

Gao Chong was stunned when he heard the words, and then said anxiously: "Grandma was fine yesterday, what's the matter? But you don't feel well?"

"Don't worry," Li Xiuwan grabbed Gao Chong, "Grandma is fine, but I think grandma seems to have something on her mind."

Gao Chong didn't dare to delay, and immediately went to the backyard. In the backyard near the rockery, Gao Junya built a Buddhist hall for Old Madam Lu. Old Madam Lu would eat fast and chant Buddha in the Buddhist hall all year round without going out of the backyard.

After arriving at the Buddhist hall, Gao Chong shouted: "Grandma, I'm back".

"You naughty monkey, how old are you and you're still blah blah blah." Mrs. Lu came out of the back hall with a cane, her body strong and her voice clear, and the maid behind her didn't need to support her.

"In front of grandma, I am no longer a child," Gao Chong said with a grin.

Mrs. Lu patted Gao Chong's hand and looked behind him, "Why didn't those two little monkeys come?"

"Those two boys just cling to their grandma, so I came to find mine," Gao Chong helped Old Madam Lu to sit down, and grinned.

Hearing this, Old Madam Lu smiled from ear to ear, "You naughty monkey, you are even competing with your own boy."

After laughing, Old Madam Lu stared at Gao Chong with cloudy eyes, "Tell me, little monkey, what's the matter?"

Gao Chong paused and said blankly, "It's okay, what's the matter?"

"Grandma, how old is she, and I still don't know you?" Old Madam Lu curled her lips and said with a smile, "You usually only come to see my old lady in the morning and evening, but you rarely come at noon."

"Grandma's grandson is wronged by what she said," Gao Chong cried out sadly.

"Stop", the old lady Lu paused with her cane, "Speak frankly, my judgment will not be wrong, all things, after observing for a long time, you will find the rules, and the way people behave is the same, you child I have ideas since I was a child, and I will not destroy behavior habits for no reason."

Gao Chong couldn't help being stunned when he heard his grandmother's profound and simple principles, and he gave a thumbs up when he came back to his senses.

"Grandma, you are really good. In fact, there is nothing wrong. It's just that Liu Niang told me these days that Grandma seems to be a little restless. Isn't my grandson worried?"

There was a flash of surprise in Old Madam Lu's muddy eyes when she heard the words, and when she saw that there was no one at the door, she praised: "The princess is really amazing. The old woman is just restless these days, and the wooden fish has become a little messed up. Did she hear it?"

Gao Chong was dumbfounded, and called him a good guy, but he didn't ask Li Xiuwan's observation ability, but asked with concern: "Then why are you so upset, grandma, you must tell your grandson if you have anything to do."

The old lady Lu's face darkened, and she sighed straight: "You don't need to worry about this kind of thing logically, but your father is too worried, so it's okay to tell you."

Gao Chong immediately sat up straight, obediently poured a cup of tea for his grandmother, and listened quietly.

"It's your business," Mrs. Lu said in a deep voice.

Gao Chong's spirit froze instantly.

His father, Gao Junya, rarely mentioned about his grandfather to him. Even if Gao Chong asked him, Gao Junya would only change the subject.

He knew that his grandfather was "death in battle" Nanchen on the surface, but in fact he was trying to prevent Yang Guang from invading the female family members of Nanchen's harem, and was killed by Yang Guang. He didn't know anything about his grandfather's deeds. , but still to no avail.

Seeing Gao Chong's eagerness, Mrs. Lu just held Gao Chong's hand, and didn't mention Gao Chong's grandfather immediately, but asked, "Will the crown prince award meritorious officials after he ascends the throne?"

Gao Chong paused, nodded and said: "This is natural."

"After awarding meritorious officials, will you posthumously present them to their ancestors?" Mrs. Lu asked Gao Chong's hand tightly.

Hearing this, Gao Chong's heart was moved, and he replied: "It depends on the meritorious deeds of the descendants. Generally, those with outstanding meritorious deeds can be rewarded posthumously."

"Okay", the old lady Lu smiled happily when she heard the words, and then looked at Gao Chong seriously, "My dear grandson, grandma has never begged you in this life. I know that you are an old minister of the crown prince, but it was the meritorious service of the dragon. After the crown prince ascends the throne, can you please?" ...can you please seal it for your grandfather?"

"Please seal it for grandfather?" Even though Gao Chong was somewhat prepared, he was also amazed.

The old lady Lu continued: "Although the old lady doesn't understand military strategy, I know that with your merits, the mere county prince is already a sage who intends to suppress it. After the crown prince ascends the throne, he must entrust him with a heavy responsibility. It is inevitable that there is something wrong with wanting nothing, and besides, I really miss your reputation in my heart, and I have been hesitating for the past few days whether I should mention this matter to your father and son."

Seeing this, Gao Chong immediately comforted him: "Grandma, don't think too much, I'm your grandson, just ask for anything.

You are right about this matter, I have to ask for something, so the prince will use me more at ease, but I don't know anything about A Weng now, so please tell me, what's going on?I asked Aye before, but he would not tell me."

In the past dynasties, there are countless famous heroes who have self-defiled. Even the old lady Lu knows the truth of this. Although the method of self-defilement is clumsy, it is very useful.

Even on the original trajectory, Li Jing connived soldiers to plunder the Turkic royal family, Hou Jun sent troops to loot Gaochang Palace, Li Xiaogong supported hundreds of kabuki and dancers... These actions attracted the impeachment of officials and censors, and they were also self-defiled.

What's more, it's not uncommon to give gifts to ancestors. Throughout the dynasties, as a show of favor, the emperor often issued decrees to posthumous titles to the ancestors of meritorious officials to show his favor.

On the original trajectory, Fang Yanqian, the father of Fang Xuanling, only served as the county magistrate of Jingyang in the former Sui Dynasty. He was granted the title of Duke of Linzi County, and his posthumous title was fixed.

Another example is Changsun Wuji's father, Changsun Sheng, from the former Sui Shiguan to General You Xiaowei. After Li Shimin ascended the throne, he posthumously presented Sikong, Shangzhu Kingdom, and Qi Guogong with posthumous titles.

There is also Qin Qiong's father, Qin Ai, who joined the army as an official during the Northern Qi Dynasty. In the early years of Zhenguan, because of Qin Qiong's meritorious deeds, he was posthumously presented as the captain of Shangqingche, the governor of Yingzhou, and the county magistrate of Licheng.

For Li Shimin, since the Sri Lankan has passed away anyway, presenting an official rank is nothing more than a reputation. He has neither salary nor food, and he can also get the gratitude of the heroes, so why not do it.

Gao Chong is also well aware of this, including Mrs. Lu, that's why she said this, just to gain a reputation for her deceased husband.