Man Tang Huacai

Chapter 465 The Big Picture
Pushing open the dusty door, dust fell on Xue Bai's head.

Since there was no one at home, he didn't bother to clean up, so he rubbed his eyes and walked inside. When he passed through the middle gate, he suddenly heard someone say something to him.

"I thought you were going to live in the Du family, but you came back."

"I'm too sleepy. I'll go over for dinner later."

"Huh, I'm afraid you don't dare to go because of your father-in-law?"

While talking, Xue Bai turned around the corridor and saw Li Yuetu standing there patting the dust off his skirt. He glanced at her, yawned, and continued walking into the house.

"Huh? Why didn't you say anything? Did I tell you what you said?"

"How did you get in?" Xue Bai asked casually.

"Forgot? You and I are neighbors. We built a ladder from my yard and climbed here." Li Yuetu was still patting her skirt. "You didn't leave anyone to look after the house. There is ashes everywhere."

"Why should we care about these things when we are fighting a war?"

Xue Bai didn't answer anymore, and his breathing became even.

"I'm just jealous. I'm stingy and I don't like people coveting my man."

"Actually, I'm very happy to know that you are my brother."

"Have I heard that you are the son of the deposed prince? Is it true?"

"Dirty." Du Jin patted him in disgust, "Why don't you go to the neighbor next door and take a shower before going to bed?"

"Jealous?"

"No." Du Jin said, "I'm talking about Yang Yuyao across the street. You went through all the hard work and brought her back as you wished?"

Behind her, Xue Bai had already opened his eyes and looked at her thin back.

"Don't you think I'm dirty?"

Although it was in the midst of war, this festival was too important to the people of Chang'an. In addition, the saint returned to the court, so the court still held a small lantern festival.

"I'm not a member of an aristocratic family."

"Boom - boom -"

Du Jin then also lay down, leaned next to Xue Bai's ear, bit his ear, and whispered: "It's strange that I believe you. Some people may appear to be siblings, but in fact they are related by flesh and blood."

Xue Bai was woken up by the explosion. He opened his eyes and saw Du Jin sitting on his couch, turning to look at the fireworks outside the window. The light outside illuminated her white neck and outlined the beautiful curves of her cheeks.

~~
This night is Shangyuan night.

"No, I confirmed the relationship between brother and sister."

"If I had known you were more evil-minded, how could I have ever displeased you?"

"No."

Li Yuetu was wearing a light robe that was stained with blood. She had just bathed and changed into a new dress. Naturally, she took care of it and said, "I'm not as slovenly as you. There is hot water in my house." , Do you want to go over and take a bath?"

"If you didn't tell me about this, I would have known about it sooner or later. If he is really a descendant of the Li family, he should be pardoned by the saint soon, right?"

Her words were very childish, but in order to stabilize people's hearts, before he could tell the world about Li Heng's rebellion, she thought that Li Heng's men were entering the city behind.

Xue Bai knew that she was nervous about him, so he smiled and said nothing. His relationship with Yang Yuyao was not a day or two, so he did not explain it more.

She lowered her head and rubbed the dust on her skirt that couldn't be wiped off, feeling a little annoyed that it stuck to them.

She had never entered a man's bedroom before, so she stopped hesitantly. But thinking that it was a time of war, I didn't care about some rules, and I was really curious, so I stepped over the threshold, not daring to get too close, and talked there a few steps away.

When she raised her head again, Xue Bai had already collapsed on the couch with his clothes on, lazily wrapping himself in the quilt.

But Du Jin was not only jealous from across the street, but also from the neighbor next door. He asked again: "You asked that little girl to follow you into the house, but have you become interested in her?"

"A gentleman loves to be clean. Even when he is dying, he still cares about his appearance. You are not like a child of aristocratic family."

When she was far away, he murmured: "Where are there any flesh-and-blood relatives? Some are just enemies fighting for power."

Li Yuetu asked like this for a while, and then Xue Bai finally answered in a daze in his sleep.

After a lot of twists and turns, Li Yuetu finally brought the topic to the question she wanted to ask.

"Did you hear everything?"

She hadn't been close to Xue Bai for a long time, so she was jealous, but at the same time she was moved. She reached down with her hand and soon touched his bones.

"Ah."

After waiting for a while, Li Yuetu thought he fell asleep, turned around and wanted to exit. But when he reached the screen, he stopped again.

It not only calms people's hearts, but also deters the enemy troops outside the city.

She circled her slender white fingers and asked in a low voice: "Don't you just like to pretend to be the emperor's grandson and then secretly touch them in private? Isn't it exciting?"

Xue Bai ignored her, opened the door and went in. She still wanted to follow, but the dust on the door sprinkled her face, choking her and making her cough.

"My father and brother had an affair with you before, but now it's over. We are close relatives of flesh and blood. And when the country is in trouble, we will work together, help each other in the same boat, and live in harmony..."

Soon, Xue Baixin fell asleep. He knew that although his house seemed undefended, nothing could escape Du Jin's eyes and ears.

Still feeling sleepy, he put his arms around her waist, buried his head in her lap, and smelled the familiar fragrance.

"Really? Then, are you my brother?"

"It's not necessary." Xue Bai said, "It will delay the realization of our ambitions."

"Then why didn't you let Li Longji issue an order to report Li Heng's rebellion?" Du Jin said, "I have heard from Jiang Hai and Hu Laishui that most of the imperial army and officials were taken to Shuofang by Li Heng. You know What will he do when he arrives?”

"Of course he ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, and plotted to usurp the throne."

"Then why don't we strike first? We will use the imperial edict to kill him."

"Do you know what's the difference between me and them?" Xue Bai asked.

Du Jin untied his clothes and said, "You are smarter, you are more courageous, and you are much stronger than them."

"That's not it."

Xue Bai recalled the history that he didn't know much about, and knew that if the original historical trajectory was followed, after Li Heng became emperor, Li Mi came up with a good strategy for him to completely quell the Anshi Rebellion within two years. Probably they asked Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi to occupy Hedong and go out of Taihangxing, cut the rebels into three sections, and make them run for rescue on a long front. After the rebels are tired of running for their lives, they can take Fan Yang directly and find their lair, and the rebellion will be eradicated naturally. However, Li Heng usurped the throne and was worried about long nights and long dreams. He was eager to establish his prestige. After summoning the main force of Heshuo, he borrowed troops from Huihe and insisted on recovering the two capitals first. As a result, the northwest frontier army of the Tang Dynasty and the northeastern frontier army fought to the death at Baima Temple. In the first battle, Li Heng became the emperor who regained Chang'an, and also wiped out all the elites of the Tang Dynasty.

From then on, the Tang Dynasty court seemed to have its backbone broken. It could no longer find the courage to frighten the barbarians and border towns. It promised the Uighurs again and again that they would burn, kill, rob and kidnap their own people in their own land. Time after time, he allowed the generals of the vassal town to surrender and rebel again, and rebel and surrender again. Time and time again, the capital was captured by Tubo and rebels.

Xue Bai has always been unwilling to reconcile with Li Heng, not only because he was buried alive by Li Jingzhong, but from the day he was buried alive, he saw through Li Heng's cowardice and selfishness under his "helplessness".

He looked down on Li Heng from the bottom of his heart.

"Is it stupid that Li Longji condoned An Lushan? He wanted to enjoy the emperor's power but did not want to assume the emperor's obligations. He was afraid of being replaced by his sons in Chang'an City, so he deliberately handed over military power to Hu in the border town. Li Heng said that he would go to Heshuo to marshal his army to recapture the two capitals. Didn't he know that Chang'an City had not been lost yet? He was waiting for us to die at the hands of the rebels, and then he would be the one to revitalize the Tang Dynasty. The emperor. In the eyes of the father and son, personal interests are far higher than the great justice of the country. "

Xue Bai lay there on his back, feeling Du Jin's caress. Talking to her privately was the most relaxing time for him, so he spoke without restraint.

"I finally understand that no matter what the situation is, the virtues of the father and son will never change. Even if there are loyal ministers and righteous people who work hard to make the situation better, once it goes against their interests, they will drag everyone back into the abyss. If If we say that the root cause of this rebellion is the confrontation between the aristocratic family and the common people, then the actions of this father and son can most vividly reflect the despicability of these so-called nobles. "

After saying this, Xue Bai thought for a while, commented on himself, and said: "I am also despicable, ambitious, and unscrupulous."

He did not deny himself because of this, but became stronger.

"I am different from them. I believe that whoever can bring the Tang Dynasty back to life will be supported by the world. I am confident that I can do it. I don't need to be like the old Li Longji who can only rely on suppressing others to appear strong. I don't need to be like Li Longji. Heng was so eager to prove himself that he ignored the overall situation of the world. Therefore, when I returned to Chang'an this time, I not only did not tell the world that "the loyal king is plotting rebellion", but instead issued an order to appoint Li Heng as the military envoy of Shuofang and lead troops back to Chang'an as soon as possible. "

Du Jin was stunned and asked: "Why? Didn't you just let him conquer the elite soldiers of Heshuo justifiably?"

"If we don't issue this decree, we will have enough power to prevent him from conquering Heshuo's elite soldiers?" Xue Bai said: "The most important thing is to protect Chang'an. Announcement of Li Heng's rebellion will only shake people's hearts and will not do any good in defending the city; and using the emperor's edict The order to recruit soldiers and horses from Heshuo can not only boost the morale of Chang'an, but also provide resistance to Li Heng. If he accepts it, the northwest generals will definitely urge him to come to the rescue. If he doesn't accept it, how can he be justified? The saint is a fake, but why would a fake saint give him an official title? "

"You are still thoughtful." Du Jin nodded, and then said after a moment, "I still think you are doing it for Li Yuetu, and I will not mention her grandfather's rebellion today."

"We can only defend Chang'an first and then announce this. Who dares to question it then?"

"What about your title? Based on your merits and background, Li Cong should make you a county king and a marshal."

"Having guarded Chang'an, how dare he not give it to me?"

"Yeah." Du Jin put her head against Xue Bai's chest, thought for a moment, and said, "Is Bian Lingcheng obstructing this?"

"No." Xue Bai said, "Essentially, Li Cong is afraid of me and doesn't want to give me the name and power. Bian Lingcheng is just a character who advises Li Cong. Eunuchs are like vines, attached to his stems ”

"Is Ling Cheng still killing you over there?"

"Kill." Xue Bai said, "Find a way to let Bian Lingcheng know that I want to kill him."

"Ah."

Du Jin no longer wanted to talk, so Xue Bai turned over.

"come over."

Bone and flesh were connected, Du Jin closed her eyes and bit her lip...

~~
The rebels did not launch a sneak attack on Shangyuan night, which gave the Chang'an defenders a rare sleep.

They have been guarding the city day and night since the beginning of the new year. They really need a good night's sleep more than a Lantern Festival night without curfew.

In short, the saint's return gave the city a reassurance, although the gap in military strength inside and outside the city has not narrowed.

The next day, there was a small court meeting in Daming Palace and Hanxiang Hall.

What we are discussing today is a confidential matter, and those who came to discuss it are all important officials.

A map was spread out, and Xue Bai pointed in various directions.

"The saint has ordered King Zhong to go to Shuofang and recruit the border troops. They will arrive soon for support... In order to enable King Zhong to supervise this matter as soon as possible, a seal and military talisman have also been handed over to King Zhong."

Li Cong listened and felt a little surprised.

After Xue Bai left yesterday, he first went to Tai Chi Hall to ask for an audience with the saint. Originally, he wanted to see how prestige he had as the prince of the country, but he was blocked by Gao Lishi and Chen Xuanli. The saint was burned like this, so of course he couldn't make the decision. In other words, Gao Lishi and Chen Xuanli are now acting according to Xue Bai's wishes.

After returning, Li Cong stayed up all night and thought for a long time, thinking that he could admit Xue Bai's life experience. In exchange, Xue Bai should support his ascension to the throne. I originally planned to chat with Xue Bai about this matter today, but unexpectedly, Xue Bai directly announced such news, and instead of taking the opportunity to get rid of Li Heng, handed over Shuo Fang.

Over there, Yan Zhenqing, Wang Sili, Li Chengguang and others rearranged Chang'an's defense affairs based on the reinforcements. Li Cong left the specific affairs to them with confidence. He had more important things in his mind, so he didn't listen too seriously.

"We only need to hold on to the city. Within half a month, reinforcements will arrive and we can fight the rebels decisively."

"The top priority is Chang'an's lack of food and grass."

"The sage has sent envoys to Shu County to collect grain, which will be transported to Chang'an via Chencang. By the way, speaking of Chencang, the sage has renamed this place 'Baoji' because there was auspiciousness when passing by this place..."

While talking about the country's major plans, a small matter of changing the name was suddenly involved. The ministers were not surprised at all, but their suspicions about the saint's disfigurement were alleviated a lot. Who knows that the saint likes auspiciousness the most.

Gradually, a fairly complete strategic map was drawn and handed to Li Cong for review.

"Your Highness, I think we can act according to this strategy and live in peace."

Li Cong then encouraged them, and finally left Xue Bai to talk alone. He did not beat around the bush, but said: "Abai, tell me the truth, did the saint order Li Heng to go to Shuofang, or did he defect?"

"Don't worry, Your Highness." Xue Bai said: "He will definitely lead troops to save Chang'an."

"I'm afraid that when his troops arrive, our lives will be at stake."

"Your Highness, there is no need to worry. With the saint here, how can the loyal king dare to act randomly?"

Li Cong was anxious, walked up to Xue Bai, and said in a low voice: "The saint you brought back has a ruined face. It doesn't matter to appease the ignorant people, but can he suppress Li Heng? By then, he will have military power, and he has established a plan to support Chang'an. Great work, who can stop him?"

"His Highness is the eldest son and crown prince." Xue Bai said, "When the thieves came, His Highness never abandoned the city and fled, but stood firm in the lone city. When the time comes, who can allow him to harm His Highness?"

"Everything will be successful if it is forewarned, and it will be ruined if it is not forewarned... Do you understand what I mean?"

It's self-evident what the word "establish waste" represents. Li Cong said it with great expectation.

However, Xue Bai still shook his head and reminded sincerely: "Your Highness only needs to guard Chang'an, then the hearts of the people in the world will be with Your Highness, and your prestige will be established."

~~
Bian Lingcheng has always been trusted by Li Cong since he took refuge with him, but as soon as Xue Bai came back, he was not allowed to enter the palace today.

Therefore, Bian Lingcheng, who was waiting outside Hanxiang Hall, felt uneasy.

"General Bian." Suddenly someone called him.

Bian Lingcheng turned around and saw that it was one of his confidant eunuchs, so he asked, "What's the matter?"

"I have something important to report. Today, Princess Hezheng went to Yeting Palace to pick up Wei Shi. I went to inquire about it and heard a little eunuch from Yeting Palace tell me a secret."

"Going round and round, what news?"

"The little eunuch overheard Princess Hezheng saying that Xue Bai wants to get rid of you, General Bian."

Bian Lingcheng raised his eyebrows, frightened but not surprised, and said: "What did you say? Bring him here and I will meet him."

"Here."

"You go to Tai Chi Palace again. I want to see the saint. If not, it would be good to see General Gao."

"Here."

Half an hour later, Bian Lingcheng asked the little eunuch, but did not see Gao Lishi. He then realized that he was in danger.

When Li Cong sent someone to look for him, he immediately jumped up like a frightened bird and asked, "What does Your Highness want from me?"

"Just asking General Bian to come over."

Bian Lingcheng felt a little relieved. After passing by, he saw Li Cong sitting by the imperial desk, rubbing his head, looking thoughtful.

"Your Highness, what are you worrying about?"

"Look at this." Li Cong pointed to the strategic drawing on the case and said, "I thought Xue Bai was someone we could rely on, but when he came back this time, he seemed to have reached some kind of tacit understanding with Li Heng."

Bian Lingcheng's eyes wandered over the drawings, and he spat out his best divisive words without thinking.

"My servant just heard from the people in the Yeting Palace that Princess Hezheng had a private meeting with Xue Bai yesterday evening."

"Private meeting?"

"I guess, if His Highness can promise Xue Bai, so can Li Heng." Bian Lingcheng said, "Xue Bai may not have betrayed Your Highness, but he can be invincible if he has two boats."

Li Congsui asked: "How do you think I should respond?"

Bian Lingcheng paused and thought to himself: "Your Highness, if you don't live up to your expectations, what can I, a slave, do?"

All this time, he has been talking nonsense, but it is actually a way for him to protect himself. How can he know about national affairs? Looking at the current situation, Li Cong was obviously unable to protect him.

Thinking of this, Bian Lingcheng looked at the strategic map with more concentration.

That night, after serving Li Cong, he summoned again the young eunuch who had given him the news.

"What's your name?"

"Li Ji'er."

"How did you say you entered Yeting?"

"My maidservant was originally a servant in Princess Rongyi's palace. When Princess Rongyi married the Anqing clan, my maidservant also went with her. Later, when Anlu Mountain rebelled, the saint beheaded the Anqing clan, and my maidservant was killed together with Princess Rongyi. After the saint fled, His Highness brought the princess back, but he forgot about his servant. "

Bian Lingcheng asked: "So, do you know anyone from the rebels?"

"The mother of Anqing Zong often sends people back and forth to Fanyang. I have met some of them."

"In your opinion, will Chang'an City be captured by the rebels?"

"I don't know, but... I have also seen the generals of Anlu Mountain, and they are all extremely fierce. These forbidden soldiers in the palace are like fighting cocks. They look mighty and majestic, but they can't peck the birds in the wild."

Bian Lingcheng only knew that if he didn't fight, he would be killed by Xue Bai.

He then lowered his voice and asked, "I'm going to write a letter. Can you help me deliver it outside the city?"

~~
That afternoon.

Xue Bai was still following Yan Zhenqing in distributing food and grass in the city, when a subordinate came over and quietly reported to him.

"Mr. Lang, Bian Lingcheng took the bait."

After that, a letter was handed to Xue Bai.

He read it and ordered: "Make a copy and send this copy out of the city."

"Then, this map?"

"Let's go together."

After giving this order, Xue Bai walked to Yan Zhenqing again.

"What's wrong?" Yan Zhenqing asked.

"The road map for reinforcements and supplies has been handed over."

Yan Zhenqing nodded first, then stroked his beard and said, "I'm just afraid that the enemy general may not be fooled."

Xue Bai said: "If the enemy general believes that our supplies will come, he will naturally send troops and horses to intercept them."

"But what if Prince Zhong comes to Shuo and dismantles you?"

"Then send another group of envoys to contact and convince Li Heng to put the overall situation first?"

"Can he agree?"

"Definitely not." Xue Bai said, "But by delaying time and making it appear that there are frequent correspondence between the imperial court and Shuofang, it will be enough to deceive the rebels. I am only worried that it will be too late, or that the rebels may have captured Chang'an before then."

Yan Zhenqing looked up to the north and murmured: "Since the saint has returned to Chang'an, the soldiers and horses of Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi must have returned to King Qin of Beijing soon, right?"

Speaking of this matter, Xue Bai only felt regretful that because of Li Longji's selfish motives, Hebei's good situation should have been abandoned again.

~~
The herbs were pounded in the medicine bowl, and someone scraped them off and spread them on her fair thighs.

Li Yuetu looked at Shen Zhenzhu's legs and became distracted.

"The princess?"

Shen Zhenzhu called her twice, and seeing that she was still looking at her, a blush appeared on her face. She clamped her legs together, turned sideways, and pulled up her dress.

She was scratched because she encountered a bad guy on the road the day before yesterday. Fortunately, Li Yuetu arrived in time.

"Oh, this way there won't be any scars." Li Yuetu said.

"You just said that King Zhong was ordered to go to Shuofang to organize the army. Are King Guangping and Tiao Lang also in Shuofang?"

"Of course."

After hearing the news about her husband and son, Shen Zhenzhu felt relieved and said, "He has always had aspirations for the world, and now he can finally help the country."

Li Yuetu hesitated for a moment and suddenly asked: "Do you want to see brother?"

"Is that okay?" Shen Zhenzhu was a little surprised, then a little uneasy, and said, "I am a weak woman, walking around in the chaos of war, I am afraid that I will cause trouble for him."

Li Yuetu said: "If you don't want to go, I can..."

"I want to go." Shen Pearl's eyes lit up and she whispered, "What woman doesn't want to be with her husband and children?"

"Ah."

"Is the princess going too?"

"I can't leave. Xue Bai will send someone to escort you." Li Yuetu sighed and said, "Let's leave now."

"Now?"

Shen Zhenzhu was a little surprised, but she knew that it was like this in war, and it was impossible to do everything according to her wishes. So he didn't care about cleaning up and followed Li Yuetu out to the city gate.

There is already a group of cavalry lining up at the city gate, bringing many envoys and items with them.

"Wait a minute, there will be soldiers and horses in the east city to attack the rebel camp to help you break out." Li Yuetu walked to Shen Pearl's side, helped her fasten the saddle, and said: "The battle will begin later, you bend down and clip the horse , just follow it, it will be dangerous, be careful on the road.”

"I'm not afraid of danger."

"You..." Li Yuetu hesitated, and finally said: "When you see your father and brother, give them my letter and say hello to them on my behalf."

"Don't worry, Princess, they will come back with troops to rescue you soon."

After a while, the war drums sounded in the east and the city gate in the west opened wide. Li Yuetu then slapped Shen Zhenzhu's horse hard and watched it go west.

She herself immediately turned around and rushed to the east of the city.

After looking at the top of Chunming Gate for a long time, I finally saw Xue Bai's flag coming back accompanied by dust and smoke.

The general guarding the city gate immediately went out of the city to meet him and rode alongside Xue Bai.

"Don't worry, the rebels still don't know our reality. Going out to attack them like this will only make them think that the saint has brought back the elite of the border army..."

Xue Bai was talking when he turned around and saw Li Yuitu coming, so he reined in his horse.

"Sent away?"

"Sent away."

"Did you also give me the letter?"

"Yeah." Li Yuetu said: "But you clearly know that my brother doesn't like Sister Shen, why do you still..."

"I don't know." Xue Bai said: "If he didn't like her, why would he have a child with her? I only know that I have given your father and brother the greatest sincerity. Regardless of emotion or reason, they did not stop the border army from following the order. The reason for coming to save Chang’an.”

(End of this chapter)