Man Tang Huacai

Chapter 287 Irreconcilable

In late winter, there was heavy wind and snow, and the road was difficult to travel, but a group of people rushed back to Chang'an before the New Year.

The carriage was jolting violently. In the carriage, Li Jilan looked out and saw the majestic city in the distance. She couldn't help but smile and said, "I'm finally back."

She was wrapped in two thick fox furs, revealing only a pair of spring-filled eyes. Even so, she did not look bloated, but looked like a beautiful fox.

Li Tengkong was not as afraid of the cold as she was. He put on a big cloak over his Taoist robe. He sat upright and looked out the window and said, "You are the one who is going to Wangwu Mountain, and you are the one who is in a hurry to come back."

"It's good to go out and see the world." Li Jilan only found this sentence as an excuse, and then said after a moment: "Xue Lang returned to Chang'an earlier than us. It's a pity that Chunmingmen is under the jurisdiction of Wannian County, right? "

"Be more reserved."

"Originally I wanted to be reserved, but I took the opportunity to ask, and then I was sure of my mind."

"Okay." Li Tengkong interrupted quickly, fearing that if he continued, Li Jilan would suggest going around to Anhua Gate to enter the city, directly to Chang'an County.

The wheels pressed through the snow on the ground, and the city gate was in sight. There were actually several officials standing outside the door.

When the team stopped, Li Tengkong asked Jiaonu to inquire, and found out that it was Wannian County Magistrate Feng Yongzhi who came to greet Princess Yuzhen with his subordinates.

"Captain Wannian is also here." Jiaonu, perhaps on purpose, said, "Captain Chang'an is not here."

Li Jilan said: "Captain Chang'an is busy with official duties, how can he be busy flattering the powerful?"

"I really mentioned Captain Chang'an, do you want to listen?"

"Speak quickly."

Jiao Nu said: "Captain Chang'an was busy looking for a cat for Princess Hezheng. He led people to search the West City at noon for many days and even made a list, which made him a laughing stock."

"Princess Hezheng?" Li Jilan looked at Li Tengkong and wondered, "How come she is playing with Xue Lang?"

Before Li Tengkong could answer, a female envoy from the Right Prime Minister's Palace rode over and said, "Seventeenth Mother, Alang wants you to go back to the house first."

The team entered the city, passed through Dongshi, and arrived at Pingkangfang. Li Tengkong changed into a car and returned to Youxiang's Mansion.

She had been away from home for more than half a year. When she returned this time, she felt that the atmosphere at home was somewhat different.

"Xiao Qi is back. A Lang is busy. Let me say a few words to you first." Li Shiyi's mother stepped forward and took Li Tengkong's hand, and whispered: "Yang Lang and I sent you to Wangwu Mountain. There is no credit." There is also hard work. Now that I am employing people, it is time to move to Yang Lang's official position. It would be good to serve as a censor. When you see my grandfather later, ask for help. "

Li Tengkong couldn't help but wonder: "How can you talk to me about such things?"

"Right now, everyone in this family is vying for office..."

Before he finished speaking, Li Linfu actually put down his official duties and sent someone to call Li Tengkong to speak, which seemed quite partial.

~~

In the meeting hall, Li Linfu sat there, watching Li Tengkong come back, with a smile on his face and asked: "You are back, do you think you are an old father?"

"Grandpa looks a little tired. Can you take some more rest? This is my daughter's request."

Li Linfu waved his hands and sighed: "I just occasionally felt the wind and cold in the past few days, which has made some people think that my old illness can be bullied. If I really rest for a few days, they don't know how to make noise."

In the past, Li Tengkong wouldn't have cared at all about these struggles for power, but this time he followed his words and asked, "Who do you want to talk about?"

"Xue Bai."

There is nothing to go around between father and daughter. Li Linfu said: "This Shuzi gave Yang Wei some advice before and wanted to seize my position. As soon as Yang Wei died, he rushed back to Chang'an and joined forces with Chen Xilie, Yang Guozhong, Li Heng and others to make enemies of the prime minister's office. .”

Li Tengkong asked: "Why is he like this?"

"It was in this hall that day that he held a sharp weapon and almost hurt me. Just because I didn't follow his will to remove my beard, he wanted to be at odds with me."

"Why doesn't Grandpa want to get rid of An Lushan?"

Only when facing this daughter could Li Linfu be patient enough to answer these questions.

"On the one hand, Hu Er cannot be eliminated or removed. The situation in Hebei is complicated. There is no one more suitable to take charge of it. Besides, he has been in business for many years. If he is replaced easily, there will be big trouble. Secondly, he is supported by me." He is a respectful and loyal person. He and Wang Zhi are the two arms of the Prime Minister's Palace. One arm has been broken now, and one arm cannot be broken again. Thirdly, once Li Heng ascends the throne in the future, great disaster will come to our Li family, and only Hu'er can stop it. This matter... In other words, if Hu Er dies, the Prime Minister's Mansion will also fall."

Li Tengkong didn't know if he understood, but he definitely didn't like hearing this. He lowered his head and was silent for a long time before asking, "What's the use of my father and my daughter talking about this?"

"Since you said you are friends with Xue Bai, the meaning of friendship should not only include you saying good things for him every time and traveling thousands of miles to see him..."

"My daughter is not visiting him."

Li Linfu didn't have time to pay attention to the thoughts of these little girls who were ashamed to admit. He seemed not to hear Li Tengkong's rebuttal and continued to say: "As a friend, if you help him, he should also help you. You should persuade him. , don’t embarrass the Prime Minister’s office again.”

"But according to what I said, I and Xue Bai are no longer at odds with each other, and there is no room for them."

"How can there be no room? All he needs to do is give in and stop being in trouble with Hu'er."

"How can my daughter persuade him?"

Li Linfu sighed: "He has you in his heart. How can he look down on the fairy-like daughter of Youxiang Mansion?"

"Master." Li Tengkong stood up in fright, "Stop talking."

"Xue Bai once admitted to me face to face that he likes you very much, but does not like You Xiangfu. What he dislikes is me."

Li Tengkong was extremely embarrassed, wishing he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into, turned around and left.

"Don't leave." Li Linfu shouted, "Your grandpa is old... cough cough cough."

Li Tengkong then went over to check his pulse and advised, "Master really needs to rest more."

"You need help to rest." Li Linfu said with a smile: "Xiao Qi, I still remember the story my father told you when you were a child. I will be the prime minister of the world for twenty years, and there are only four years left. Then I will You will be satisfied if you take a break from your official career and practice Taoism to accumulate virtue."

"Is practicing Taoism just to satisfy your daughter?"

"Before I become an official, I have to make plans for my children. But your brothers are all useless. Only Juro can barely be polished. Four years is short. I'm afraid he won't be able to support such a big family. Xue Bai and his help Chen Xilie, why not let him assist your brother?"

Li Tengkong felt so ridiculous.

But politicians don't care whether it's absurd or not. Li Linfu has already thought about it.

"Xue Bai and you once had a marriage contract. In the end, the matter failed to come true. The fault was that I... was too short-tempered and failed to give him what he wanted. But at this moment and at that moment, I decided to resign after four years. , it’s time to support the younger generation, and for him, this is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As long as he marries you and helps your brother support the Li family, his future will be limitless."

"It's absolutely impossible, he's already engaged."

"So what? He has also been engaged to you." Li Linfu gave an example casually and said: "As long as it is in line with the interests, Princess Ding'an can marry Wang Tongjiao first, then Wei Zhuo, and then Cui Xian. It's just an engagement, compared to the future, what is an engagement?"

Li Tengkong really couldn't listen anymore, shook his head and said, "Please stop talking, can you?"

"As a father, I feel sorry for you. In this way, the obstacles between you and Xue Bai have been cleared. Since you two are in love, why not grow old together? Are you willing to make your grandpa uneasy in his old age just because of your embarrassment?"

Li Linfu had finished saying what he wanted to say, with a look of exhaustion on his face. Without waiting for Li Tengkong's reply, he waved her back to rest.

"Grandpa..."

"Go, I'm tired of being a father."

After Li Tengkong left, Li Linfu opened his eyes. His fatigue was gradually disappearing, and his eyes were shining with light. He called Li Xiu and asked, "Has Yan Zhenqing been moved to serve as the royal censor in the palace?"

"Yes."

"Is Luo Xishi in charge of the imperial palace now?"

"Yes."

"Let him keep an eye on Yan Zhenqing and look for some excuses to make him understand and cancel the marriage with Xue Bai."

Li Xiu was stunned and asked: "Master, do you care too much about Xue Bai?"

"Chen Xilie is weak and Yang Guozhong is greedy. Who is the person who connects them? Don't you understand?"

"My child is saying that when Ge Shuhan, Abu Si, An Lushan and other generals return to the capital to report their merits, they will all be supported by me. Then they can sweep away these villains in the court. Why should I lower myself? Fight with Yi Zhuzi?"

"Ge Shuhan, Abu Si, and An Lushan listen to me, do they listen to you?!" Li Linfu was so angry that he almost hit Li Xiu with an object again, saying: "When I retire, I still have to keep my life." Are you worried about your safety?!"

Li Xiu couldn't help but feel ashamed and regretted that he had talked too much and had humiliated himself.

Li Linfu shook his head in disappointment and said: "Xue Bai is so stupid. If he could have been easily eliminated in the early years, who is he doing to win over him now?"

The father and son were still discussing the return of several Jiedushi envoys to the capital to report their merits, but Miao Jinqing, the minister of official affairs, arrived.

"Right Prime Minister, an edict has been sent to the Ministry of Personnel and several officials have been relocated!"

When Li Linfu heard this, he breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that a long conversation with his daughter was necessary.

Li Xiu took a look at the copied document, but his expression changed.

When he fought against Xue Baifu, he didn't even understand where he lost...

~~

West Market.

"Name the cicada slave, title the cicada slave."

Niushuan, the official of Chang'an County Government, called the cat's name as he walked through the alley. He turned around and saw that the county captain had gone somewhere.

Not far away, in a private room of a restaurant, Yang Guozhong was standing by the window holding a wine glass and watching this scene.

Then the door was pushed open and Xue Bai walked in.

"Are you still looking for a cat?" Yang Guozhong said with a smile, "Why don't you go to Princess Hezheng's boudoir to look for it, maybe you can find something?"

"It's just to test the saint's reaction." Xue Bai was too lazy to make boring jokes with him and went straight to the point, saying: "If the saint doesn't care about this matter, we can join forces with Li Mi this time."

"Those are people from the East Palace." Yang Guozhong was very vigilant and said: "Once the East Palace is involved, you and I may become Wei Jian and Huangfu Weiming when we meet here."

"You think highly of me, and you also think highly of yourself."

"Chen Xilie is here." Yang Guozhong looked out the window and sneered: "The prime minister really secretly came here to meet us."

"For power."

Chen Xilie didn't have any majesty when he was wearing a purple robe, but today he is wearing an ordinary robe, which shows off his old and elegant official aura.

As soon as he entered the private room, he looked at Xue Bai, then he stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Xue Lang is so clever."

"Am I promoted?"

"Even I don't understand. You are only looking for a cat for Princess Hezheng every day, but you have moved to another official position." Chen Xilie said, "The edict has just arrived at Zhongshu's door. I have just signed it and it will be read out tomorrow."

"Supervisory censor?"

"good."

Yang Guozhong was also greatly surprised and asked: "How did you do it? The saint agreed to transfer you to an official position, so it can be seen that he has also appeased his anger towards me?"

Xue Bai smiled, knowing that Li Mi played a role in it.

Among the many allies, Li Mi was the one who could really do things. He dispelled the saint's possible concerns as soon as he took action.

Because of Wang Wen's conspiracy, Xue Bai had less credit and did more to testify against An Lushan. This actually annoyed Li Longji and he didn't want to transfer Xue Bai's official position.

On the contrary, the matter of finding the cat proved that Dong Gong wanted to win over Xue Bai, but had not yet found a way, which further proved that Xue Bai did not collude with Dong Gong. So, whether it is right or wrong to accuse An Lushan, it is just out of passion.

This is a young minister's direct expression of loyalty and integrity to the saint, and he does not tend to be inclined to the crown prince because of his youth. As long as the saint is in a good mood, he can move to his official position at will. At the same time, it also tells Xue Bai to stop looking for cats and stop being embarrassed.

"This is just the saint's affirmation of me. How can it be said that he is angry with you?" Xue Bai said, "Only if you get the position in Jingzhao Mansion can you prove that you have regained the Sacred Heart."

Yang Guozhong nodded, actually shocked by Xue Bai.

It should be noted that he was promoted because of his fierce flattery with Li Linfu, but Xue Bai was repeatedly transferred despite competing with Li Linfu.

This incident strengthened his determination to unite with Xue Bai. He was also straightforward and did not hide anything, saying: "Come today, we must make a charter and work together to bring down Ge Nu."

It was the first time for Chen Xilie to talk to Yang Guozhong about this matter. He smiled reservedly and stroked his beard without saying a word.

Yang Guozhong glanced at Xue Bai and made a promise first, saying: "Once the matter is completed, Mr. Chen will be appointed as the Secretary of the Central Committee, and I will be the servant of the Central Committee. How about it?"

This was not a land grab by Jianghu gangs, and profits should not have been distributed so rudely, but Yang Guozhong was a scoundrel and couldn't say anything else. Chen Xilie felt a little embarrassed, and finally nodded lightly. Xue Bai said: "How about wooing Zhang Bian again and recommending him as Ping Zhangshi under Tong Zhongshu?"

Chen Xilie put down his hand stroking his beard and twirled it again, while Yang Guozhong frowned. Both of them were silent and seemed a little reluctant.

But they also knew that Li Linfu was at the height of his power and was difficult to deal with. He really needed help. In addition, Xue Bai had just moved to the official position, and his love for the Holy Family was strong. It was difficult to refuse even if it was just to give him face.

"That's good," Chen Xilie said.

"Very good." Yang Guozhong said perfunctorily.

"Then the matter has been settled, and then we will discuss how to bring down Ge Nu."

Yang Guozhong was really insightful. He did not dare to judge his own situation, but he could clearly see the shortcomings of others. He said: "I have thought about it. Ge Nu has been jealous of talents and talents in recent years, and there are not many available talents under his command. Wang Fei After this death, it will be difficult for him to collect enough money and treasures, and sooner or later he will be rejected by the saint."

He does have a say in this matter.

Xue Bai also agreed with this principle. Li Longji had already developed the habit of spending generous amounts of banquets and rewards over the years.

He realized more and more that if he didn't get rid of this root, no matter how many kings and birds he got rid of, it wouldn't help. But for now, he could only do it step by step.

"Don't underestimate Ge Nu. As long as you give him time to fill in the gaps left by Wang Xie's death, it will never be difficult to find cool officials who are good at recruiting. Therefore, we must not give him a chance."

"Yes!" Yang Guozhong became excited, feeling that he was Yang Zhen, and Xue Bai was picking up and repairing the defects for him, "Let's take down these defects as much as possible."

After that, he glanced at Chen Xilie and saw that the old man had not spoken. He continued: "I should be recommended for the official position. Du Youlin is dull. The saint is afraid that he will not let him be transferred to the envoy, but Ah Don’t worry, how about we recommend him as Jingzhao Shaoyin? This is also a high-power position."

Chen Xilie wanted to object immediately. However, he was indeed not good at recruiting and had no available talents, so he had to change the subject.

"We are small and weak. We must first know who Li Linfu has recommended so that we can deal with it."

"That's right." Yang Guozhong touched his chin and thought for a while, then looked at Xue Bai, with a smile on his lips, and said: "A Bai must have a way, I heard...Princess Yuzhen has returned to Chang'an."

"I will try to find out, but it has nothing to do with Princess Yuzhen."

"Really?" Yang Guozhong obviously didn't believe it, but he still said: "As long as Abai can find out, it doesn't matter what method he uses."

~~

Yu Zhen Guan.

Li Jilan rested for two days after coming back. After waking up this day, she dressed up carefully, and then she felt very bored.

When she was in Wangwushan, she missed Chang'an very much, but when she returned to Chang'an, she was a little disappointed.

I was alone in the room sorting out my collection of poems. Suddenly, a senior sister outside the door said: "Ji Lanzi, there are guests coming. Please wait in the guest room."

Apart from Li Tengkong, she only had Xue Bai as a friend in Chang'an. She didn't ask who it was, and she immediately responded happily: "I'll come."

After arranging her hair in front of the bronze mirror, she thought for a while and sipped her lips gently. She just got up and went out, thinking about how to say hello when they met.

"Finally I met Xue Lang again in Chang'an. I have a few new poems that I hope to get Xue Lang's advice on."

I don't know if this seems not enthusiastic enough.

However, when he opened the door of the passenger compartment, he saw a girl who was as beautiful as a jade carving.

"what."

Li Jilan was startled, and felt so guilty that her cheeks felt a little hot. She took a half-step back in a panic before remembering to salute: "Yan... Miss Yan."

"How can Ji Lanzi bring me great blessings?" Yan Yan stood up generously and said with a smile: "You are a female Taoist priest."

"I……"

Li Jilan didn't know if she was trying to remind him, so he lowered his head and felt that even his ears were hot.

Yan Yanze had already stepped forward, took her hand happily, and said, "You are finally back. Finally, someone can talk to me. By the way, where are you freeing up?"

"She has gone back to the Prime Minister's Mansion. Miss Yan, do you need her to check your pulse again? Have you finished the medicine?"

"I want to take the opportunity to see that I should have a lot of medicine and medicine. Oh, my mother-in-law is chatting with Princess Yuzhen in front, and I also brought some fun things for you."

Li Jilan peeked over and saw that Yan Yan had a pure face and was only talking about fun things. She felt both fond of Yan Yan and ashamed at the same time.

She was afraid that Yan Yan would be blown by the cold wind, so she quickly closed the door, and the two of them sat by the stove and talked.

"A while ago, my brother made a lot of things that he called chess and board games. They were really interesting, but there was no one to play with me. I finally waited until you guys came back. I'll call my brother over one day and let's play together. "

Li Jilan looked down at the hands held by Yan Yan and hers, and murmured: "Call Xue Lang here and play together?"

"Yeah, it's fun to play together."

"Well, now that it's cold today, when we get back from the spare time, we'll pay a visit to Yan's house and ask her to go over and take your pulse so that you don't blow the wind. By the way, is Mr. Xue free?"

"He has just moved to another official position. During the handover, the Yushitai didn't want him to come over too early to take charge of matters. They probably thought he was always causing trouble. In short, it is the most leisure time, so we have to squeeze him more, oh, This is also a new word, maybe Ji Lanzi doesn’t know it, it’s the saying from Fengweilou Youfang..."

Because of Yan Yan's visit, Li Jilan couldn't help but have a lot of troubles and expectations.

……

In the evening, Li Tengkong returned to Yuzhen Temple, looking very worried.

Because of the cold weather, the two sisters slept together hugging each other at night. Li Jilan couldn't help but ask, "Did something happen to the prime minister's house?"

"Grandpa is old."

"People will always grow old."

"Yes." Li Tengkong said, "I always feel that there is always the old way of living, family happiness, and leisurely contentment, but my grandfather is different. He just wants to maintain his power."

"But Teng Kongzi has already become a monk, why do I have to call you over in such a hurry to ask." Li Jilan asked, "Is it related to Xue Lang?"

"You are confused about everything else, but you only think about him?"

"It's because I kept thinking about me and me, that I was sent to the Taoist temple by my grandfather."

"I envy you."

Li Tengkong whispered, knowing that he would not risk everything for love, nor for his family.

In her heart, right is always right and wrong is wrong.

"My grandpa hopes that I will marry Xue Bai so that he can win over him for the family, but I won't do that..."

Li Jilan didn't understand Li Tengkong's choice, and couldn't help but think that of the two people who could marry Xue Lang, one was ignorant and stupid and only knew how to play; the other was worried and timid. It happened that she wanted to marry the most, but she didn't even have the chance.

Maybe you can get what you ask for without asking for it, this is the way.

~~

The next day, Dunhuafang, Yanzhai.

Yan Yan glanced at the people standing in front of her. She was very happy, but she still maintained the dignity of a well-known lady and said: "Yan Kai, please count the number of people."

"it is good."

Yan Kai then stood on the stool and looked around. Xue Bai, Du Wulang, Xue Yunniang, Li Tengkong, Li Jilan, Jiao Nu, Mian'er, plus their siblings, there were nine people.

He couldn't help but cheered and said: "There are enough people, we can play anything."

Du Wulang sighed slightly, because he didn't want to play any of these games, it was too taxing on his brain. He still liked to play with flowers, birds, fish and insects.

Sure enough, at the end of the game, it became an occasion for Xue Bai to show off his intelligence, even if Xue Bai wasn't serious at all.

In the last round, he, Xue Bai, Jiao Nu, and Mian'er were the only ones left on the field.

"It's Xue Bai." Du Wulang was very sure, but he couldn't tell any other reason, so he could only say: "He deliberately kept the two stupidest of you..."

"Only you are the stupidest one." Jiao Nu was furious, "Mien'er is Du Wulang, we will vote for him."

Yan Yan couldn't help but put her hand on her forehead, feeling very helpless towards these three idiots.

She subconsciously looked at Li Tengkong, because she noticed that Li Tengkong was not happy today, and even when he checked her pulse, he only forced a smile.

Then, when Jiaonu, Mian'er, and Xue Bai all pointed at Du Wulang, they saw Li Tengkong smile for a rare moment. At this moment, he probably forgot the troubles in his heart.

Yan Yan then followed suit and smiled, thinking that she would finally feel happier after taking some time off.

"Haha, it's over." Yan Bo was very happy and said: "Brother, I, Teng Kongzi won."

"Let's disperse." Xue Bai said, "The teacher is going back home."

"Okay." Yan Yan said, "Tengkongzi, Ji Lanzi, Yuzhen Temple is on the other side of Chang'an, can we go back tomorrow?"

Li Jilan quickly responded: "Okay."

Li Tengkong suppressed his smile and responded, "No, I have to go back to Pingkangfang today."

……

After leaving Yanzhai and arriving at Shengpingfang, Du Wulang and his wife left.

Xue Bai continued to ride beside Li Tengkong's carriage, but Li Tengkong did not lift the curtain.

The two of them didn't speak much all day.

Instead, Mian'er stupidly asked, "Xue Lang, are you going to send our Seventeenth Mother back home?"

"Just in time."

"Ok."

I thought that Xue Bai would leave after arriving at Xuanyangfang, but the group passed Xuanyangfang and entered Pingkangfang. When they arrived in front of the gate of Youxiang Mansion, Xue Bai reined in his horse.

Mian'er couldn't help but said: "Xue Lang is obviously sending us back home."

"What a blessing."

"Okay, we're here anyway, Xue Lang can do what he wants."

Mian'er was quite happy. She felt that she had successfully seduced Xue Bai. He finally got on the right track. In short, she happily followed Li Tengkong into the Youxiang Mansion.

Xue Bai stood outside the door for a while, not caring that Jin Wuwei, who was holding a halberd and guarding the door, saw him.

Then he looked up at the sky, walked to a teahouse next to Pingkangfang, and asked for a private room.

Not long after, there was a knock on the door outside the private room.

"Sir, someone is looking for you."

"Enter."

Xue Bai looked back, a little surprised, because it was neither Li Xiu nor Li Yu...probably another incompetent son of Li Linfu.

"May I ask your Excellency?"

"I see you sent the Seventeenth Mother back, what? You regret it and want to join the Prime Minister's Mansion again?"

~~

At night, Xue Bai returned to Xuanyangfang and first went to Yang Guozhong's house.

The house is luxurious and luxurious, and there is a light scent of pine everywhere, which is refreshing.

Sitting down in the study, Xue Bai said, "I know who Li Linfu plans to appoint as Jing Zhaoyin."

"How did you know?"

"Just tell me the results, Absi." Xue Bai said, "I need all the files on this person, can you give them to me?"

"I also have news." Yang Guozhong said: "Brother Shuhan and Abusi will return to Chang'an soon to pay tribute. This year on Yuan Dynasty Night, they will climb the calyx tower with Hu'er. These generals will all stand beside Brother On the slave’s side…”

(End of this chapter)