Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 79 Handsome Shadow

The Huaqing Palace in Fang Chongyong's impression should be a few pools for bathing in a small courtyard, steaming with steam, eunuchs and maids rushing in and out, and then that's it.

His compulsion is only at this level.

In the end, when he arrived at the gate of Huaqing Palace, he realized that he underestimated Li Longji too much.

Brother Ji is rich all over the world, so he must be doing everything big!If the emperor's ostentation is not as good as that of the folks or local bureaucrats, what is it like!

Huaqing Palace is built on the mountain, and its scale is astonishing.From the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain, there are various palaces and facilities.It makes full use of the favorable terrain, making it a complex of rigorous and magnificent palace buildings.

It's hard to say anything else, the palace with hot springs, ancient and modern, China and foreign countries, Huaqing Palace is definitely second to none, there is no one before, and probably there will be no one to come.

The main building of Huaqing Palace is the "Tangchi" with hot springs as its center, which forms the core of Huaqing Palace.Of course, there is far more than just one hot spring. It can not only entertain the emperor, but can even be used by accompanying officials and clan members at the same time.

It is not difficult to entertain hundreds of people to bathe in hot springs at one time.

The entire palace complex, which is the main hot spring area, is divided into three hierarchical areas: West District, Middle District, and East District.

There are Xingchen Tang and Jiulong Tang in the West District, which are where Li Longji and his concubines bathed in hot springs; there are four bathhouses in the Central District, including Prince Tang, which is the territory of the prince and the princes’ clans; and the East District is directly divided into "Real soup sixteen institutes" are used by accompanying officials.

The level of the hot springs decreases in order from west to east. Unless there is a special edict, those who enter the hot springs are not allowed to exceed their own class.

The palace complex is not only located halfway up the mountain, but also spreads out from the mountain and down the mountain. Taking advantage of the terrain characteristics, pavilions and pavilions of different types and uses are arranged. There are also green pines and cypresses, lychee garden, hibiscus garden, pear garden, pepper garden, east garden and other non-linear gardens. Tangchi buildings are distributed among them.

To put it simply, it is a luxury hot spring resort.

The buildings of Huaqing Palace are surrounded by mountains and rivers, row upon row, except for the palace city (Luocheng), surrounded by dazzling walls.Outside the city, there are facilities such as "big stadium", "small stadium" and "horse dance stage".

While walking, Gao Lishi introduced these palaces and soup ponds to Fang Chongyong, and Fang Chongyong was dumbfounded.No wonder he saw a lot of houses outside the walls of Huaqing Palace, and the enclosed field, which looked like a place for playing polo.

How much manpower and material resources will this cost!
Fang Chongyong couldn't believe that such a large palace complex was built solely for the emperor's pleasure.

After all, the nature of Huaqing Palace is different from that of Daming Palace!It is just a place for the emperor to relax and entertain!

Moreover, the hot spring bath here does not mean that if Li Longji does not go, it will cease to operate.In fact, Huaqing Palace has a dedicated government office throughout the year, which continues to operate.

What's more, Huaqing Palace is usually not open to the outside world, and its existence is pure luxury and waste.In other words, the Huaqing Palace is only an institution dedicated to serving the royal family of Li and Tang.The operation here depends entirely on the financial support of the imperial court, and there is no income of its own.

Only when Li Longji nodded, outsiders could come in to soak in the hot spring, without any exception.

For example now.

"This... How much will it cost?"

Fang Chongyong murmured to himself, he was shocked by Li Longji's luxury.

Hearing this, Gao Lishi couldn't help but laugh out loud, and said slightly proudly:

"The things of the emperor's family are not measured by money. There are some things that money cannot buy.

Just like you bathe today, if you don't have the holy words, no matter how much money you have, you won't be able to enter Huaqing Palace.What do you want these stinky things to do? "

Gao Lishi said meaningfully.

Fang Chongyong crossed his hands and bowed respectfully without saying anything. He really didn't know what to say.

Many facts may seem a bit cruel, but they are not false.Whether you are used to it or not, the majesty of imperial power is there.

For example, Huaqing Palace, and another example... the former birthday princess Yang Yuhuan who is now singing with Li Longji every night in Huaqing Palace.

Facing the imperial power, ordinary people will either be crushed by it; or they will temporarily obey.

Fang Chongyong felt that there was really no need to have a verbal dispute with Gao Lishi.

When the two of them came outside a small bathing beach, they heard the exclamations and gasps of young women, as well as the sound of waves crashing on the reef. It was as lively as a swimming competition being held inside.

Fang Chongyong was about to put his head to the door to take a look at the scenery inside, but Gao Lishi squeezed his arm tightly!
"The saint's bath, is it also something you can watch at will?"

Gao Lishi laughed angrily at Fang Chongyong's reckless behavior.

"Oh, it's me, Meng Lang. I'm sorry."

Fang Chongyong bowed to Gao Lishi with folded hands, nodded and bowed in a submissive manner, making Li Longji's personal eunuch dumbfounded.

Boldness and timidity both appear in one person.

Soon, Fang Chongyong was taken by the accompanying eunuchs to a side hall in the Nine Dragon Palace of Yutang. Fang Chongyong sat on a padded high stool in an orderly manner, waiting for Li Longji's summoning.

When I was born, I embroidered the solitary luan on the forehead of the tent, so that I could take the door curtain and post it with two swallows.Swallows fly around the painted beams, and the green curtains are covered with tulips.

There are a lot of these things.

There are also several flower and bird screens that are common in noble homes, but there is a striking white-fronted tiger painted on the screen!

Looking around the furnishings in this room, Fang Chongyong felt that Li Longji was worthy of playing art, he just had taste.Even if I come from the modern age more than 1000 years later, I don't have such a high taste.

He suddenly remembered that he was summoned because his scumbag father was in the limelight in Youzhou again, and there was that Bohai country... where are these things?
Fang Chongyong's mind was in a state of confusion and he did not understand the cause and effect of this incident.But one thing is certain, what Daddy Zha did in Youzhou made Brother Ji feel "very comfortable".

With Li Longji's character of being very happy about his achievements, since he cannot reward the meritorious officials in time, it would be good to reward the meritorious officials' son in advance.This is in line with the emperor's daily habits and thoughts.

Thinking of this, he felt relieved and sat quietly, motionless, waiting for Li Longji to summon him after taking a bath in the hot spring.

After a long time, Fang Chongyong squinted his eyes and dozed off several times. The maids of honor had already lit candles for the hall, but Li Longji hadn't come yet.

Just when Fang Chongyong sat numb in his legs and feet, and was about to stand up and move his limbs calmly, Gao Lishi hurried in, smiled and said to him:

"The saint is a little tired today and it is not convenient to see you.

Well, let me stay in Huaqing Palace for one night first. "

Gao Lishi was also a little tired and wiped the fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

Fang Chongyong really wanted to ask, Li Longji was having fun in the hot spring palace and didn't have to participate in government affairs, what the hell was he tired of!

A person is tired at work and tired after get off work. Is life so miserable?

"Tomorrow, when the saint summons you, don't say anything disappointing, you know?"

Gao Lishi emphasized it again.

Fang Chongyong nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.

……

For nearly a month, Fang Youde took 800 light cavalry to attack for more than [-] miles, starting from Liucheng in Yingzhou to Xianzhou, the capital of the Bohai Kingdom.Except for defeating a team at the border that was turning back to the Bohai border army, at other times, there was almost no bloodshed.

When they returned to Yingzhou, Pinglu Jiedu envoy Wu Zhiyi's jaw almost dropped.

All the soldiers who sent troops had the high-quality cloth provided by the Bohai Kingdom. The Bohai Kingdom also "sent" Da Qinmao, who was supposed to inherit the throne, into Chang'an as a hostage.It can be said that this wave of face has been saved, and the more important thing is that the plate has not been messed up yet.

Everyone is an envoy, why can Fang Youde be able to attack anyone he wants without leaving any mess in the end?

But he can only defend Yingzhou and barely maintain the situation in the border town?

Wu Zhiyi was in a bad mood because he knew that Li Longji could not tolerate sand in his eyes.

He is very strict with others, but very loose with himself!
After Fang Youde reported his battle achievements, he didn't know what was waiting for him, and he could guess it with his toes.

"Fang Jieshuai, you guys are awesome this time, and you've come back with a full load."

Wu Zhiyi stepped forward, took Fang Youde's hands and shook them back and forth.

He said he wasn't jealous of those fake ones, but Wu Zhiyi also knew that he had no backing.The Holy Family in him is far inferior to Fang Youde, and his abilities are also far behind.

He should have been dismissed last time, but thanks to Fang Youde's letter to the court, he escaped.

But many things cannot be done again. This time, Fang Youde taught Bohai Kingdom a lesson for playing too beautifully. The ministers of the DPRK and China praised him, saying that he showed the majesty of the Tang Dynasty without killing himself and messing up the situation in the border town.

Compared with the two, Wu Zhiyi is nothing.If you can't be convicted, you have to laugh, and if you want to keep your official position, don't even think about it.

"The imperial court's transfer order should be coming soon."

Wu Zhiyi said with a wry smile.

"Commander Orchard, don't panic. This commander has already written to the imperial court to recommend you as the general of the left army of the Longwu Army. Although the commander of Orchard is conservative in combat, the Longwu Army in Chang'an just doesn't need to toss. The Longwu Army of the saint, just I like people who have nothing to do with all parties.

In this way, wouldn't it be the best of both worlds? "

Fang Youde said with a smile.

Hearing this, Wu Zhiyi understood it and came over and whispered in Fang Youde's ear: "An Lushan is not an honest man. I have collected all the evidence of the crime. When the transfer order comes, I will hand over these evidence to him." you."

Fang Youde nodded, keeping everything in mind.Help from the officialdom has always come at a price.

To move Wu Zhiyi to Longwu Army and transfer it away from the hot potato of Pinglu Jiedushi would certainly require the expenditure of political resources.How could you help people do such a thing for nothing!
An Lushan and Cui Qianyou are different.

Cui Qianyou was just a small officer in the Mo Dou Army before, so he could just do it.No one would say anything about Fang Youde, just that he was a new official who established his authority after taking office.

But now Anlushan is already an envoy of the Pinglu Army under the command of Pinglu Jiedushi!This position can be said to be very critical, and one move can affect the whole body.

The Pinglu Jiedushi had two armies under his command, plus Anton Duhufu and Yuguan Guard:

The Pinglu Army, stationed in Yingzhou City, has a total of 6000 soldiers and [-] horses!

The Lulong Army was stationed in Pingzhou City, which had only [-] soldiers and [-] horses.

Yuguan Shouzhuo, 480 miles west of Yingzhou City, has 300 soldiers and [-] horses.

The Andong Protectorate is located 270 miles east of Yingzhou. It has 500 soldiers and [-] horses under its command.

Obviously, the Pinglu Army is the main force under Pinglu Jiedushi, and most of the war horses are concentrated as mobile forces to ensure the safety of Pingzhou Yingzhou.

An Lushan occupies such a crucial position, which cannot be taken away by Fang Youde at will.

Wu Zhiyi was placed by Zhang Shougui in his own jurisdiction because he was actually a "weak Jiedu envoy" who had no backer or direct aide.For many unspoken things, there is no way to say no.

In fact, since the imperial court established Jiedushi, most of them have been weak Jiedushi, and they have been conscientious in their positions, and they have not made any trouble.

"This time Orchard Commander has done a great job in supporting us in our attack on the Bohai Kingdom. I asked my sons to leave a thousand pieces of silk for Commander Orchard to reward the soldiers.

We are busy with military affairs, so I apologize for my excuses, but I am about to return to Youzhou. "

Fang Youde bowed his hands in salute, bowed to Wu Zhiyi, then turned around and left, leaving only the cloak behind Feng Zhong whistling in the cold wind.

Watching his leaving figure, Wu Zhiyi sighed helplessly and said to himself: "Finally we have to leave this hellish place."

He figured it out, whoever served as a military governor with Fang Youde's neighbors was really a disaster.

……

In the Yutang Nine Dragons Hall in Huaqing Pool, Fang Chongyong pretended not to know Li Bai who was next to Li Longji, and sat on a high stool with his head bowed and did not speak.

"Don't be so formal."

Li Longji waved his hand, pointed to Li Bai, and said to Fang Chongyong: "I heard that you are a child prodigy, and you are quite good at writing poems. The person next to me is Li Taibai, who is famous all over the world. Just write a poem and let him Let's review it."

Li Longji smiled gently, not pretending to be an emperor.Maybe it's because he's in a better mood now.

"Before the saint, I was terrified and couldn't do it."

Fang Chongyong said with a wry smile.

This really swept away Li Longji's interest, but the other party didn't seem to care.He waved his hand lightly, Li Bai bowed and said goodbye, only Fang Chongyong and Li Longji were left here.

"Your father has made great contributions this time. It is very great. A title is enough. But he is not in Chang'an now, and the title is not very meaningful. Therefore, I want to transfer part of the reward given to your father to you. .”

Li Longji got straight to the point and stated his intention of calling Fang Chongyong to Huaqing Palace this time.

"So, tell me, what do you want?"

Li Longji looked at Fang Chongyong and asked.

This question is not easy to answer.

Because what Li Longji gave him was not necessarily what he needed.

On the other hand, Li Longji may not be willing to give Fang Chongyong what he wants.

"How about this, I will send you to Chongwen Museum to go to school."

Li Longji said indifferently.

Again?You have already dropped out of Hongwen Hall once!
Fang Chongyong quickly refused: "Saint, I want to go to Liangzhou to practice, it is best to have an idle official position in the state capital to join the army."

"Go to Liangzhou? Why?"

Li Longji looked at him with a strange look and asked. He really didn't understand what Fang Chongyong wanted to do.

"As the saying goes, traveling thousands of miles is like reading ten thousand volumes of books. I want to go to the frontier of Liangzhou to learn more. After I return to Chang'an, I will come to the school to study. Please be a saint."

Fang Chongyong bowed deeply to Li Longji and bowed deeply.

"Let me think about it."

Li Longji pressed his temple with one hand and kept kneading it, as if he was distressed by Fang Chongyong's request.

This requirement is not too high, but too low, so low that it is a bit humble!
If you treat the son of a hero like this, how will the world view him, a saint?
Li Longji also fell into deep thought for a while, not knowing how to make a decision.

(End of this chapter)