Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 188 Brother Ji’s Birthday
"At the beginning of Tianbao, Zheng Shuqing, Yin of the Jingzhao Prefecture, punished the evil young man in Chang'an. Shuqing tolerated it first, and then mobilized thousands of people from the village to surround and annihilate the evil young man. The atmosphere of Chang'an was suppressed, and the people were happy."

In the main room of Fang Chongyong's house, Yuan Jie held a wine glass in his hand and shook his head triumphantly while talking.

"No, no, thanks to General Fang's strategizing, this can be successful in one fell swoop. Du gives a toast to General Fang!"

Du Fu, who had inconvenient legs and feet, picked up his wine glass and wanted to toast Fang Chongyong.

"Hey, it's all trivial, don't worry about it."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand nonchalantly and clinked glasses with Yuan Jie and Du Fu.

After drinking for three rounds, he took out two invitations from his sleeves, handed them to the two people in front of him and said:

"The right minister is very grateful to you two for speaking up. There will be a banquet at Xinghua Tower tomorrow. All people from the officialdom will be there, and maybe the imperial examination examiners will be among them. You two are talented in poetry, you can try to show your face during it."

This... is a bit awesome!

The two accepted the invitation and hesitated for a while whether to go or not.

Li Linfu is entertaining guests at Xinghua Tower. He may not go there himself, but his close associates will definitely go there to entertain the guests.

And most of the people who went this time were high-ranking officials. Fang Chongyong’s favor was worth a thousand pieces of gold!

However, Yuan Jie and Du Fu have been shouting about the injustice of the court on weekdays, but tomorrow they will be guests of powerful people. In this way, doesn't it seem that they have no integrity?
"Well, then the two of us will go with General Fang."

Yuan Jie nodded slightly and said, not entangled in the so-called "integrity" matter.

Although integrity is very important, but... in order to benefit the people as an official in the future, the current situation is tolerable.

The opportunity is rare, and banquet seats are limited.Even if they don't do things to flatter the powerful, others will do it. Why should we give such an opportunity to others?
In the future, when they become powerful people, they can also sympathize with the people at the bottom.If it had been anyone else, would that be possible?

It is obvious how to choose.

Du Fu also nodded slightly. His legs were broken, so it was unclear whether he could participate in the imperial examination.

Maybe if I show my face tomorrow, I can regain the qualifications for the imperial examination?

This time, Du Fu's attitude was more determined than Yuan Jie's. He felt that not only should he go, but he should also show off his "poetry talent"!
The Tang Dynasty did not stipulate that disabled people or injured people could not participate in the imperial examination.

But on the one hand, the intensity of the exam is still very high, and the injured person may not be able to bear it. On the other hand, the examiner also dislikes selecting disabled people or people like Du Fu who have broken legs and arms, which feels unlucky.

What's more, candidates still have to "face the emperor", and it would not be good if the emperor saw them.

Unless you have strong connections, you are basically guaranteed to fail the list if you have the choice.

"Well, you two may have some misunderstanding. A certain person will not attend this banquet tomorrow."

Fang Chongyong said helplessly.

Eh?
Du Fu and Yuan Jie looked at each other, not knowing what Fang Chongyong was up to.

Even if others didn't know, didn't Li Linfu know that Fang Chongyong was personally responsible for the planning and execution of the gangsters this time?
Even the "dog caretakers" like them, who work in tandem among the candidates, were invited. How could Fang Chongyong not be invited?

If this person goes, he will probably not only not sit in the ordinary guest seats, but also be invited by Li Linfu to sit at the same table with him.

"The saint has his destiny. He has been relieved of the post of Zuo Jinwu Guards General, and he has also been ordered to study at home and prepare for the exam. From tomorrow on, he is not allowed to leave the house.

Besides, the right minister didn't invite X to attend, so it would be embarrassing to go. "

Fang Chongyong waved his hand helplessly and said.

It doesn't matter if Zuo Jinwu is not the best general, but why don't you let me go out?
Fang Chongyong also couldn't figure out what Brother Ji was thinking.

This time it was Gao Lishi who came to convey the order in person, and the other party also revealed an "unremarkable" news: Zhang Shougui's son Zhang Xiancheng has gone to Hexi Guazhou to serve as the governor, which is an exceptional promotion!

On the surface, Fang Chongyong was dismissed and the son of the left prime minister went to Hexi to serve as governor. This time it was Brother Ji who was beating Li Linfu.Zhang Shougui caused so many troubles, including involving the Long Wu Army, but nothing happened at all. No matter how you looked at it, he looked like he had won a great victory after confronting Li Linfu.

However, Fang Chongyong could tell from Gao Lishi's attitude that he was likely to be "reused" by Brother Ji, but he didn't know how it would be arranged.In other words, all of this is just Brother Ji's power tactics.

Gao Lishi asked Fang Chongyong to "prepare for the exam" peacefully at home, not to go anywhere and not to worry about anything!Just perform well during the imperial examination.

If it wasn't necessary, would Gao Lishi have given such a warning?

Fang Chongyong felt that the left prime minister might be in bad luck soon, it just depends on when and how.Zhang Shougui's son went to Hexi to serve as governor in advance, which only shows that Brother Ji is not ready to kill all the people.

Of course, it was impossible to tell Du Fu and Yuan Jie these confidential matters.

"Alas, the saint is not in Chang'an and can't see General Fang's achievements. It's no wonder. If such a big thing happens in Chang'an, there must be a scapegoat among the Jinwu Guards. Unfortunately, General Fang was wronged."

Yuan Jie said helplessly and angrily, feeling sorry for Fang Chongyong.

"It's a small matter. I am a candidate preparing to take the imperial examination just like you. It will depend on how the imperial examination goes, hahahahaha."

Fang Chongyong smiled dryly and poured wine for Du Fu and Yuan Jie.

Yuan Jie is still very young and doesn't think much about it.But he was right about one thing. There must be someone responsible for the terrible incident of more than 1000 young men in Chang'an City, beating up nearly a hundred gangsters and beating them all to death.

It couldn't be Zheng Shuqing who had just made a "great achievement", nor could it be Pei Min who had fought for Brother Ji and was famous for his hard work and achievements, or Pei Min who was personally canonized as the "Sword Master" by Brother Ji.

Then it can only be that he will take part in the imperial examination soon, and he is Fang Chongyong, the "temporary worker" promoted by Brother Ji as an emergency.

Aren't temporary workers just used to take the blame?What's there to say?
The senior officials of Long Wujun also need an explicit explanation.

It seems unfair to do something but not get good results immediately.But in his previous life, Fang Chongyong was used to such things, and he didn't think it was strange at all for a superior person like Brother Ji to do something like this.

"Come on, come on, let's not talk about state affairs today, only the romance."

Fang Chongyong poured wine for Du Fu and Yuan Jie and said.

The next day, Fang Chongyong sent Du Fu and Du Fu who were determined to leave here and rent a house elsewhere for a temporary stay out of the house. He saw Wang Yunxiu leaning on the door frame with a ruler in his hand.

While tapping her palm with a ruler, she said to Fang Chongyong with a faint smile:

"Alang, should you go to the study to study and prepare for the exam now? You can't indulge in beauty all day long!"

"Preparing for the exam? What exam are you preparing for?"

Fang Chongyong was stunned, took off the sandbag tied to his arm, threw it on the ground, and asked doubtfully.

"In the Jinshi subject, the first test is about poetry and poetry, the second test is about classics, and the third test is about current affairs. The order of the three tests can sometimes be adjusted. After the test, there is still a face-to-face session, which must be done before There is one more test in front of the saint. Moreover, these three tests are elimination system. If you fail to pass one test, all your efforts will be wasted and you will be eliminated.

During the interview, it may also be brushed off due to various reasons. "

Wang Yunxiu said angrily.

My husband is very proficient in sexual intercourse skills, but his knowledge about the imperial examination is almost equivalent to illiteracy!

"So, it seems that it will be very difficult to pass the exam. Forget it, I won't read anymore. Let's talk about it later."

Fang Chongyong couldn't help but sigh, picked up the sandbag again, tied it to his little arm and prepared to continue exercising.

"Alang, can you have some snacks? Can you spend the time you use to exercise your brute strength on studying? If you don't sharpen your skills in the battle and do some fancy work, is it possible to be hired? Those examiners also He’s not blind!”

Wang Yunxiu felt that she was just anxious.Although it is true that the imperial examination is "not allowed to those who are not powerful and powerful", and the exams are not anonymous, but rely on connections.Even great poets and writers are no exception. They also need to write and be covered.

However, it can’t be too fake!

You have to write something on the paper, right?

Could it be that Fang Langjun, who has extremely "rich" officialdom experience in his family, really plans to rely entirely on connections and get a blank in the imperial examination?

"It's too late to see now. It's better to exercise your body. At least you will have more strength to save your life on the battlefield in the future."

Fang Chongyong sighed.Wang Yunxiu didn't know that the world would soon be in chaos, so it was normal to have such thoughts.

However, if you really want to pass the imperial examination, you don't have to review for three to five years, so you can't even think about it.Ancient people were no stupider than modern people, they just didn't have such a wide range of knowledge.

Let Fang Chongyong spend time thinking about how to take the exam, then he might as well just lie down and kneel down to lick Brother Ji.

"Yes, you are right."

Wang Yunxiu lamented helplessly.

"That's right. No matter how hard it is, a certain person's future is just a matter of a saint's words. What's there to worry about?

It’s the saint’s birthday. I don’t know what tricks he will pull off. "

Fang Chongyong felt a haze in his heart and said weakly.

Wang Yunxiu also thought of Webster's poisoning by her husband, and couldn't help feeling sad.

Brother Ji played with his daughter-in-law again, but it was a pity that this daughter-in-law did not have the appearance and talent of Huan Huan. Brother Ji felt even more empty after playing with her and abandoned her like a pair of worn shoes.

This daughter-in-law's husband, the future Tang Suzong Li Heng, was also a ruthless character, and he poisoned his own princess to death quietly.

Perhaps in Li Heng's view, women are like clothes. If they are damaged, they can just replace them with another one. It is no big deal and far inferior to his "grand ambition".

Among Brother Ji's descendants, not all of them are like King Shou, the kind of coward who doesn't fight back when beaten, and doesn't dare to scream even if his father puts a hat on him.Li Heng's forbearance this time will lead to a "father's resignation and son's laughter" when he deems it appropriate in the future?

I have to say, it is very possible.

Li Heng is one, are there others?

I'm afraid Brother Ji can't answer this question. Only God knows.

Holding a high position in Chang'an is not only an honor, but also comes with huge risks.Fang Chongyong felt that it was better for him to keep a low profile.

"It will be the saint's birthday in a while. At that time, someone will say that you are sick and recuperating at home, and it is not convenient for you to attend the banquet, so you should not go."

Fang Chongyong held Wang Yunxiu's little hand and said.

"I understand, if you do this and that every night, I won't get sick!"

Wang Yunxiu teased and gently hugged her man.

"If you have the chance, try to be released abroad. Now Chang'an is becoming increasingly unbearable.

I heard from Wei Sanniang before that there were reports of princes practicing witchcraft in the Tenth Prince's house.But she didn’t say who it was, so it might be a rumor. "

Wang Yunxiu lowered her voice and said that Wei Shi's death made her feel the cruelty and ruthlessness of Chang'an's power field.

The Ten Princes' Residence is located in the northeast corner of Chang'an City, with Xiao'erfang to the north, Anguo Temple to the west, and Jiacheng to the east. Through Jiacheng, you can directly enter the Daming Palace or Xingqing Palace. It is said that "you can visit the Emperor's daily life just by Jiacheng." , which means they walked along the city and entered the palace to greet the emperor.

All the princes of Brother Ji are gathered in the Ten Kings' Residence. "Ten Kings", like "Nine Surnames", does not represent an exact number, but means "many".

Because these princes all lived together in one courtyard, instead of living in their own palaces as before, the political structure within the clan was greatly changed.As a result, all kinds of gossip and secret private matters were circulated everywhere in the Ten Kings' House.

According to the Tang Dynasty system, every prince's palace should have staff, and they should get along with the princes day and night.For example, Anaye's adoptive father, Medical Officer Li, was once an aide to King Xin'an Li Yi. He had a very close relationship and could be entrusted with important tasks!

However, since Brother Ji separated from the Ten Princes' Residence, these subordinates who originally belonged to the prince could not live in the Ten Princes' Residence, so they had to live outside.This is what it means when it is recorded in the history books that the descendants of Ji Ge "are listed in the Waifang".

Since the prince and his officials could not see each other at any time and could only greet their respective masters by name and could not manage the internal affairs of the palace, these so-called royal officials all became idle positions.No one with any ability is willing to hold such an official position.

Brother Ji was born as a prince and came to power through a coup.Therefore, he naturally does not want his descendants to have a "Li Longji".The implementation of the ten-royal residence system killed this possibility from the source.

The prince doesn't even have close aides and cannot discuss important matters in the palace all the time. How can these people rebel?
"It's the plague of witchcraft again. This trick is really effective every time."

Fang Chongyong held the beauty in his arms, looked at the mottled shade under the mulberry tree, and murmured to himself.

……

In early September, Emperor Li Longji of the Tang Dynasty returned to Chang'an City with many princes and grandsons.

It is already the golden autumn season. Although this year's agricultural harvest has been poor and the output in the fields is not very good, Chang'an City is still lively and has not been affected at all.

Leaving aside Brother Ji, many princes had their own worries and busy affairs after returning to the Ten Kings' Residence.

The loyal king Li Heng was busy organizing the funeral for the old princess Wei Shi who "died" of illness, and at the same time making arrangements for the marriage of the new princess.

Di Wang Li Yan closed the courtyard door and did not allow any servants to come in or out, and was busy arranging household affairs.

King Ying Li Yuan was busy visiting Chang'an East Market and bought many swords from the Western Regions and bows, weapons that were highly decorative but of little practical value.

Only the longevity king Li Xuan, a little farewell is better than a wedding, immersed in the sweet reunion with the new princess Wei Sanniang, and did not feel the depression of the Ten Princes' House at all.

That night, after a joyful and intoxicating sexual intercourse, Wei Sanniang curled up in the arms of the longevity king Li Xuan with a lazy and charming smile on her face, and the two of them whispered private words.Among the ten princes' houses, they have the best relationship between the prince and the princess.

It has to be said that King Shou has no desire for power and is soft-hearted. It is indeed easy for him to win the favor and affection of ignorant girls.

"Alang, Princess Zhong Wei was poisoned to death. Do you know about this?"

Wei Sanniang asked Li Chen in a low voice.

"Isn't it because of illness...?"

Li Chen hugged Wei Sanniang tightly and asked in a low voice.

"I guessed that she must have been poisoned. Because I took her to see a doctor a few days before she died. Her condition was pretty good at that time."

Wei Sanniang continued: "There are also rumors of witchcraft in the Ten Kings' Residence, but I didn't say who it was, but it seems to be cursing the saint."

"In the future, don't inquire about such things, don't care, just pretend that you don't know anything."

Li Chen said nervously. He thought of some bad things again and his heart sank to the bottom.

How Li Heng's princess Wei Shi died may not be known to many people in the Ten Princes' House.But it’s pretty much the same, and many discerning people can probably guess it.

After all, it is no longer a secret that this unlucky princess was made pregnant by her beastly father who she calls "the saint".

This beast is already sixty years old, why isn’t it dead?

Li Chen complained secretly in his heart.

(End of this chapter)