Tang Dynasty: The seventh rank of official residence, and you will be given the Ten Thousand People

In the twelfth lunar month of winter, the north wind howls

In the dim hall, Princess Taiping walked around with her hands in her sleeves.

From time to time I stopped and took a look outside, but there was no human figure anywhere in the heavy snow.

"Fan An, what time is it now?"

Hearing this, the butler standing aside bowed and replied.

"It's already a quarter of the hour when I return to Your Highness."

"The palace should be locked at this time. Why haven't Prime Minister Dou and the others come back? Did they go home?"

Princess Taiping's eyes were full of surprise and uncertainty. Dou Huaizhen and Xiao Zhizhong were both experienced people seeking country affairs. Logically speaking, the first thing they did after leaving the palace was to report here.

But they haven't appeared until now, could it be...

Bang bang bang!

A sharp knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

Then a panic-looking chamberlain burst into the hall and said with a pale face.

"Sorry, Your Highness, Prime Minister Dou, Prime Minister Xiao and several generals were all killed by Li Longji!"

"The Yulin Guards are coming towards Prince Yan's Mansion. You should run away quickly. It will be too late!"

"What did you say!"

This news was like a bolt from the blue to Princess Taiping.

Everyone was shocked on the spot.

She never dreamed that Li Longji would dare to falsely pass on the imperial edict and trick all of her confidants into the palace for assassination.

Little did he expect that the power he had worked so hard for so many years would evaporate in the blink of an eye.

"Your Highness, when I escaped, I saw Prime Minister Dou's head falling to the ground with my own eyes."

"Guo Yuanzhen is heading here with the Yulin Guards. You should leave quickly!"

Without any time to think about it, Princess Taiping hurriedly ordered her subordinates to pack their bags and fled to Hanguang Temple with the child in her arms.

The merit plaques of Gaozong and the Supreme Emperor were enshrined there, and no one dared to lead troops in.

The night was long and the snow was falling heavily. Looking at the retreating Prince Yan's Mansion, Princess Taiping could not hide her disappointment.

"Sister, do you think we will come back?" Princess Yinzhu asked while holding her child in the carriage.

"Yes, Prince Yan's palace has a plaque of loyalty given by the emperor. Civil servants dismount their sedan chairs and military attachés dismount their horses. They don't dare to do anything."

"As long as we are still alive, we can make a comeback." Princess Taiping said unwillingly.

At this time, the team suddenly stopped and the guards drew their swords and surrounded them.

"Steward Fan, what happened?" Princess Taiping asked with a frown as she recovered her thoughts.

"Back to Your Highness, a swordsman wearing a bamboo hat wants to see you."

"Oh, is this happening?"

Princess Taiping's heart moved and she gave instructions.

"Let him come."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Butler Fan bowed, waved to the guard, and moved out of the way.

Under the vigilant gaze of the guards, a swordsman walked slowly with a giant sword on his back.

After looking at the visitor, Princess Taiping said with a cold face.

"Who are you? How dare you block my carriage? Aren't you afraid of death?"

"It doesn't matter who you are. What's important is that my master wants to invite Her Royal Highness to reminisce about old times."

As soon as this was said, all the guards present had angry expressions on their faces.

"Be bold!"

"Let's show off!"

"Someone come and get it for me!"

Facing the shouts of everyone, the swordsman didn't care at all and looked at Princess Taiping with a calm face.

He seemed to be waiting for her decision.

Signaling the guard to stop, Princess Taiping frowned and asked.

"What if I don't go?"

"My master said that if you go, you can still live, but if you don't go, you will die!"

Surprisingly, Princess Taiping was not angry after hearing these words.

Instead he smiled.

"The world is so big and full of wonders, I want to see who is talking so loudly!"

"Steward Fan, follow this swordsman!"

The swordsman smiled slightly and walked towards the darkness with his giant sword on his back...

"The grass firefly shines but is not fire; the lotus dew is a ball, but it is a pearl?"

"If you don't get firewood and take care of things, how can you be so miserable and beautiful?"

Looking at the four lines of poetry on the doorpost, Princess Taiping read out.

There was a trace of surprise in his eyes.

It seemed that he didn't expect that the other party would bring her to Qianling.

"Your Highness, my master is waiting for you in the thatched cottage, please!"

Princess Taiping nodded, took a deep breath and pushed open the wooden door of the thatched cottage.

The light in the house was very dark, and a young man in coarse linen clothes stood in front of the window with his hands behind his back, looking up at the heavy snow in the night sky.

I don't know why it feels familiar.

"you are?"

Hearing the noise, the young man slowly turned around.

When that familiar face appeared in front of Princess Taiping.

She was stunned, and then cold tears fell from her beautiful eyes.

"Long time no see, Taiping!" The young man showed a smile.

next moment.

Princess Taiping threw herself into the young man's arms like the wind and choked with sobs.

"So you're really not dead, Fan Xin!"

Fan Xin patted Princess Taiping on the back and sighed softly.

"This matter is a long story and I will tell you slowly in the future. Let's sit down and have a meal first."

"I've been busy with the palace coup for so many days. I'm afraid I haven't had a good meal yet."

Princess Taiping blushed, lowered her head and smoothed her hair on her forehead, saying embarrassedly.

"So you know everything. Humph, the scientific research case was also done by you, right?"

"No wonder Cui Ti disappeared in the Gongyuan when surrounded by heavy troops. It was your fault."

Princess Taiping snorted angrily.

"Aren't you afraid that if Li Longji finds out, he will bring heavy troops to surround you, His Highness the King of Yan?"

Fan Xin smiled and did not answer the question. Instead, he walked to the hanging pot and opened the lid.

Take out the noodles inside, pour in the soup and bring it to Princess Taiping.

"This is Guanzhong's famous steamed noodles. Your Majesty said you like this the most. Try it."

Princess Taiping might be really hungry, so she took the noodles and ate them hungrily.

Finally, he wiped his mouth and stretched with satisfaction.

"I didn't expect that you are not only good at running the country and bringing peace to the country, but you can also cook so well."

"We are so lucky."

Fan Xin ignored the praise in Princess Taiping's words.

He took out a filial piety rope from the box and handed it to her.

"Before my mother died, she hoped that you could keep her mourning for one year."

"From now on, you can stay here and guard the mausoleum with peace of mind. When your term is over, come back to your hometown in Youzhou with me."

"Don't you love doing business? It just so happens that the Luoyang Chamber of Commerce has launched maritime trade,"

"More than 10 million yuan of trade needs to be handled every year. Er Dezi cannot handle it by himself. You can take over."

Princess Taiping's expression darkened.

"Fan Xin, do I have no chance to become like my mother?"

"I know what you are thinking. Let me help you eliminate Li Longji, and then send our son to the throne of God."

"It's a pity that my husband has already promised his mother that he will never rebel against the Tang Dynasty in this life and will never harm the descendants of Li."

"What's more, the child is not yet full-fledged and only has the title of Jin Wang. He is not suitable to enter the arena to compete for the throne."

"So, you'd better stop thinking about it."

Seeing Fan Xin's refusal, Princess Taiping was a little unwilling.

continued.

"Have you ever thought about it, Li Longji is an ambitious man, how could he let go of someone as close to his heart as you and me?"

Fan Xin glanced at her and said calmly: "You underestimate your husband too much."

"How dare you go back to your hometown in Youzhou to live a leisurely life without any preparation?" "Can Li Longji be able to touch our house if he wants?"

Being prepared for a rainy day is an ability that every official has.

Before Wu Zetian abdicated, Fan Xin paved his own way.

The new army is stationed in Youzhou and Mobei, and the chamber of commerce is located near the sea.

Once the imperial court plans to take action, the troops stationed in Youzhou will take action and move southward to sweep half of the Tang Dynasty.

At that time, the ministers lurking in the court will form a group and attack from both inside and outside.

Although Fan Xin would not seek to usurp the throne, he did not want to be manipulated by others.

That's why he can sit here safely and guard Wu Zetian's mausoleum.

Seeing that Fan Xin had made up his mind, Princess Taiping could only nod reluctantly.

Now that the situation is over, it is good that she can save her life.

Suddenly the door was pushed open and the swordsman walked into the thatched cottage.

"Your Highness, an army of Yu Linwei was found twenty miles southeast of Qianling Mausoleum, numbering about 5,000!"

"What is supposed to come will eventually come. No one is allowed to disturb His Majesty without my orders. Violators will be punished as treason!"

……

Qianling Mausoleum, southeast gate.

Call!

One of the scouts suddenly reined in the reins and said to the leading officer.

"Reporting to Guo Shangshu, the traitor Princess Taiping and three hundred guards are hiding in Qianling!"

"There's no point hiding in the sky. Here comes someone. Follow me and rush in!"

In an instant, five thousand Yulin Guards rushed towards Qianling with shouts.

Just when they were about to cross the arch bridge, a group of Qianniu Guards wearing flying bear uniforms, red coats, and tiger gold boots emerged from both sides and blocked the mountain gate.

"Guo Shangshu, you are so brave, you dare to use weapons in the royal cemetery!"

"Hmph! Xiong Yanwu, I am just hunting down the traitor hiding inside. If you have the sense, get out of the way quickly, otherwise don't blame me for not giving you face!"

Guo Yuanzhen said rudely, but still ordered his men to stop the charge.

First of all, he couldn't bear the responsibility of disturbing the royal family's ancestral mausoleum.

Secondly, the Qianniu Guards guarding the mausoleum are Fan Xin's direct troops.

In the name of the human shadow tree, he did not dare to offend too much before His Highness the Crown Prince ascended the throne.

The swordsman frowned.

"Are you saying that the big shot guarding the tomb inside is a traitor?"

"Of course!"

Guo Yuanzhen said without thinking that in his opinion, the only person who could be called a big shot was Princess Taiping.

So there's nothing wrong with that.

Seeing that Fatty Guo had been fooled, the swordsman had a sneer on his lips.

"Guo Yuanzhen, you have to think clearly. The big man inside is extremely noble, and even His Majesty has given him seven points of courtesy."

"Are you sure you want to capture him?"

Guo Yuanzhen dusted off the dust on his body and said calmly.

"Okay, General Xiong, stop scaring me here. Your words might have worked better yesterday."

"But even if the King of Heaven comes today, I will take her away!"

After speaking, he drew his sword and pointed it at the mountain gate.

"Come on, let me catch the traitor!"

At this time, a faint voice sounded.

"Guo Shangshu has such great official authority. There is no need to arrest him. I came out on my own!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a young man in a coarse cotton robe walked down the steps with his hands behind his back.

"Ah, you are!"

After seeing the appearance of the person clearly, Guo Yuanzhen stood on the spot with a dull expression.

There was a look of disbelief in his eyes.

He never expected that the person who appeared in Qianling would be King Fan Xin of Yan who had been martyred for a long time!

"You're not... you're not..."

"How dare you Guo Yuanzhen! His Highness King Yan is here, how dare you not pay homage without paying homage!"

The swordsman's loud shout instantly made Guo Yuanzhen wake up.

He immediately turned over, dismounted, and knelt on the ground, looking horrified.

"I don't know that His Highness Prince Yan is here. I apologize if I have offended you in any way!"

"We see His Highness King Yan!" All five thousand Yulin guards knelt on the ground and shouted in unison.

Fan Xin's eyes swept across the troops and finally landed on Guo Yuanzhen.

"I came to pay homage to the Supreme Emperor, but you arrested me as a traitor."

"Guo Shangshu, what do you think this king should do with you?"

Hearing this, Guo Yuanzhen's face changed slightly, and he knelt on the ground and said bitterly.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. It's dark, I'm far away, I'm so blind that I didn't recognize you."

"That's all. For Li Longji's sake, I will spare your life and take the people to leave Qianling immediately."

"Don't blame me for being ruthless if you dare to disturb His Majesty and Emperor Gaozong again!"

At the end of the sentence, Fan Xin's eyes turned cold.

Guo Yuanzhen was so frightened that sweat broke out on his forehead and he trembled.

"Your Majesty, I have been ordered by the prince to arrest the rebel Princess Taiping. Look at this..."

"Ok?"

"Yes, yes, I will go back and tell His Highness that there is no trace of the princess!"

Regardless of the strange looks in his subordinates' eyes, Guo Yuanzhen got up and ran out, even throwing off his boots.

Damn it, didn’t Fan Xin die in Fuqi? Why did he come back alive?

No, you must tell His Royal Highness the news immediately!

Fan Xin is back!

.........

East Palace, Prince's Mansion.

Li Longji sat in front of the big case, looking calmly at Fan Xin's portrait on the wall.

"You said this is a peerless treasure comparable to Wang Xizhi's?"

Gao Lishi glanced at the words on the wall, bowed and replied.

"Back to Your Highness, this old slave definitely doesn't know. I only know that Yang Guozhong spent 90,000 copper coins to buy this painting."

"Only because of his ancestral relationship, King Lu sold it to him."

Li Longji had a toothache and pointed to his painting again.

"What about this picture of Mount Tai?"

He believed that his classic paintings must be better than Fan Xin's paintings.

However, Gao Lishi, who usually followed him everywhere, showed a hint of embarrassment.

"Your Highness, this masterpiece of yours has been placed in the shop for a month."

"It wasn't until they heard that you were going to ascend the throne that anyone was willing to pay twenty copper coins for this painting."

Sis!

Li Longji took a deep breath and slapped the table with red eyes.

"Nonsense! My paintings are masterpieces that combine the work of famous artists."

"How can it not be compared to a portrait of Fan Xin?"

"Come here, bring me pen, ink, paper and inkstone. I want to draw a sketch of an old cow chewing!"

Suddenly, a deep voice sounded outside the door.

"Sanlang is in a leisurely mood, but he still has time to paint."

Seeing the person coming, Li Longji's expression changed, he bowed and clasped his fists.

"My son, I have met my father. It's so late. Why are you here?"

"Hmph, you killed dozens of important court officials in the Vientiane Palace, and now you are sending troops to chase and hang Princess Taiping."

"Father, do you dare to come?"

Li Longji smiled bitterly and told the whole story.

Finally, he sighed.

"Father, if I don't take action in advance, I will be the one who dies."

"Go and ask those Yulin guards what orders my aunt gave them!"

After learning the whole story, Li Dan's expression softened slightly.

"No wonder your aunt has been so mysterious lately. It turns out she is thinking about the throne."

"Oh, you two really make my father worried."

Li Dan patted his forehead with a sad look on his face. In fact, he had already discovered that the two of them were not getting along with each other.

In order to calm his sister's mind, he even gave her his property.

Unexpectedly, his sister did not understand his hard work.

(End of this chapter)