Chapter 9 The Ninth Chapter: Zhang Liang Was Wronged and Goes to the Execution Ground

Li Shimin read the book intently, a pimple gradually rose between his brows.He soon finished reading the book, and then told Chu Suiliang: "Go to Dali Temple to convey my will to Sun Fujia, and ask him to take people to Luoyang overnight, and take Zhang Liang back to Beijing for questioning." Chu Suiliang turned to leave, but Li Shimin stopped him again, and said, "Sun Fujia is a weak official, I'm afraid it would be a bit difficult for him to capture Zhang Liang. How about this, you let Sun Fujia wait in the temple, and I asked Chang He to lead the three The Baisu guards will meet with him, and then go to Luoyang for business."

Chu Suiliang said: "Zhang Liang has been your majesty's minister for many years. If you go to capture him now, I'm afraid your words are useless. Your majesty should give Chang He an edict to carry with him." Li Shimin waved his hand and said: "Forget it, the universe is bright and clear, and the people around me will pass the decree. Who would dare not listen? Let them go and return quickly. After Zhang Liang comes to Beijing, Sun Fujia can personally interrogate him." A few days later, Zhang Liang was taken into Beijing by Sun Fujia and Chang Hesuo, and brought along with him a group of witnesses.Sun Fujia interrogated them one by one, and Zhang Liang's perverse behavior was gradually revealed.

After Li Shimin ascended the throne, Zhang Liang made a great contribution because he kept Luoyang and was able to contact Shandong heroes, and became Li Shimin's rear base for fighting for the throne. Governor of the state and so on.When he served as the governor of Xiangzhou Dadu, the governor of Xiangzhou Dadu was led by Wei Wang Li Taiyao. In fact, Xiangzhou was also fully governed by Zhang Liang. When Zhang Liang was first in charge of the states, he secretly sent his subordinates to observe the good and evil of people in the jurisdiction, suppressing the powerful and caring for the poor and weak, and won a very good reputation among the people under his jurisdiction.But since he divorced his first wife and married Li Shi, his temperament changed a lot, as if he was a different person.

Mrs. Li is considered to be the daughter of Li Shentong's five clothes, and now that the Li family is in charge of the world, she can be regarded as a royal relative.This girl was beautiful, but she behaved badly when she was a girl, and she had many affairs with others, and her reputation was not good.She saw Zhang Liang in Luoyang one day, and saw that he was suave and romantic, and he was a confidant of the current emperor, so she wanted to marry him wholeheartedly, and begged her family to propose marriage to Zhang Liang.Zhang Liang is resourceful and has a talent for flattering people. He saw that this woman is a relative of the emperor, and she looks quite beautiful.So he agreed, and turned to discuss divorce with his wife.At that time, there were three main ways for men to divorce their wives: one was "seven outs", that is, the wife violated any of the seven titles of "childlessness, adultery, neglect of uncles, tongue-in-cheek, theft, jealousy, and evil diseases", and the man would It is possible to forcibly divorce a wife; the second is "righteousness", that is, when a husband violates his wife's family, a wife violates her husband's family, a husband's family and his wife's family commit crimes against each other, or a wife violates her husband, the government will force a divorce; It is "harmonious divorce", that is, both husband and wife negotiate and agree to divorce by agreement.Zhang Liang's married wife has always abided by women's morals, and gave birth to two sons and one daughter for Zhang Liang. Zhang Liang couldn't find a reason to force his wife to divorce, so he had to have a cheeky discussion with him. Seeing that the matter had reached this point, his wife had no choice but to agree to divorce and move out of Zhang's house. Choose another house to live in, and vow not to marry again in this life.

Zhang Liang married his new wife, Mrs. Li, into the family, and regarded her as a god. Apart from being doted on, he gradually became a little afraid.As time passed, the Li family became proud and favored. In addition to scolding freely at home, they also interfered in political affairs. Zhang Liang obeyed his words. Mrs. Li married Zhang Liang, and her lewdness only subsided a little when she was newly married, but after a long time, she couldn't control it anymore.When she was in Xiangzhou, she saw a handsome young man selling pens. He was only eighteen years old and good at singing and dancing.In order to be happy for a long time, Mrs. Li even said that Zhang Liang accepted this person as his adopted son, and outsiders said that this person was Zhang Liang's illegitimate son, and named him Shenji.From then on, Shenji lived in Zhang's mansion. Everyone in the mansion knew that Shenji had an affair with the mistress, but they were afraid of the mistress's power and did not dare to speak out, leaving Zhang Liang alone in the dark.

Mrs. Li also has another hobby, that is, she loves to associate with heretics. She entered Zhang's mansion, and witches and gods have filled the family since then. Under the influence of his new wife, Zhang Liang has since adopted the habit of adopting sons. In a few years, he has adopted more than 500 sons.He also gradually fell in love with the way of witches and witches, surrounded by people of witches and witches, among them Cheng Gongying and Gongsun Chang had the greatest influence on him. Cheng Gongying and Gongsun Chang's names were included in the certificate of reporting Zhang Liang to Li Shimin. When Sun Fujia and Chang went to Luoyang, they were naturally arrested according to the plan.Sun Fujia presided over the case, so he naturally knew that these two people were the key figures in the case, so they were severely punished.Pitiful, these two people are good at wagging their tongues on weekdays. When they meet the wolf-like people of Dali Temple and the torture instruments, they will naturally pour beans into the bamboo tube and describe the process of their relationship with Zhang Liang in detail. out.

Sun Fujia asked Cheng Gongying, "When did you and Zhang Liang meet?" Cheng Gongying replied: "The villain is famous for his alchemy in Xiangzhou. Mrs. Zhang's wife brought the villain into her house, and the villain has known Mr. Zhang since then." "What illegal words did you say to Zhang Liang?" "My lord, the villain said some illegal words, not from the heart, but was actually quoted by Master Zhang. After the villain and Master Zhang got acquainted, Master Zhang summoned the villain one day, and he asked: "Xiangzhou is a beautiful place, People say that a king will rise up within a few years, what do you think?" The villain was surprised when he heard this rebellious statement, but he has received countless gold and silk from the Zhang family for many days, if he resists with words, he will definitely lose his way of food and clothing."

"Hmph, you're fairly honest, knowing that you make a living by bluffing and deceiving yourself." Sun Fujia sneered. "At that time, the villain observed his words and expressions, and thought that it would be best to follow Mr. Zhang's thoughts, so he replied: 'My lord lies like a dragon, so he must be a noble. The prosperity of kings in Xiangzhou in a few years should be due to your lord.'" Zhang When the adults heard it, they were overjoyed, and rewarded the villains with some money on the spot." "Zhang Liang is a member of the imperial court, how can he be so boring? You can't survive the torture, and you are here to grab people indiscriminately, trying to mitigate the crime?"

"The villain dare not. When the villain said this, Mrs. Zhang was also there. She said to Mr. Zhang at that time: "Cheng Gong is famous for his physiognomy in Xiangzhou, and he doesn't say anything easily. He can say this, and he has already taken care of it." There are many, no one can believe it!' If the adults don’t believe it, the villain is willing to confront them in court.” "Forget it, what you said just now is recorded here, do you dare to make a bet?" "Dare, dare. It's just that the villain is tortured with ten fingers, and it is difficult to write freely."

Sun Fujia called the jailer and asked him to stretch Cheng Gongying's finger to draw on the file. Compared with Cheng Gongying, Gongsun Changyin is quite eloquent, and his rhetoric is more fluent: "The villain has learned the art of yellow and white since he was a child, and Master Zhang is famous for inviting the villain into the mansion. At that time, Master Zhang and his surroundings were surrounded by warlocks. , the villain inquired a little bit, and learned that they like to hear auspicious and secret words most, so he flattered them." Sun Fujia asked: "The phrase 'a king with a long bow should be a different capital' must have come from you?"

Gongsun Chang waved his hands again and again and said, "No, no. This sentence was said by Mr. Zhang himself." "Hmph, you'd better break down your words, you love metaphors, Zhang Liang was born in a military force, how can you say such elegant and outrageous words? What else is it if it's not what you taught?" "My lord, please listen to the little man explain the details." "Master Zhang called the villain in front of him that day, and he said: 'I have heard that a king with a long bow should be a different capital. Now the emperor with the surname Li sits in the world, and the surname Zhang is probably a bit false.' The villain should have refuted such rebellious and immoral remarks by Mr. Zhang. Never, never, never, the villain was deceived by lard at the time, and happened to have a book of illustrated seals at hand, so he opened it with the My lord, after all, that lord Zhang was born in a warrior, and his literacy is limited. After the villain's explanation, he became more and more convinced. My lord, Nian villain was greedy for money at that time, and he was afraid of the power of Mr. Zhang. , If you don’t dare not say it, let’s spare the villain.” Sun Fujia ordered Gongsun to draw a pledge on the spot, and cursed: "In the current prosperous age, people are either studying for official careers, or practicing economics. Taking a step back, they can be self-sufficient even if they farm in the fields. You monsters, Greedy for ease, pretending to be gods and playing ghosts, using some tongue-in-cheek advantage to go through the official's house to get some cheap. Zhang Liang was originally a good person, but you monsters taught him to ruin him. Now that something happened, you all The crimes are all on Zhang Liang. Zhang Liang is certainly guilty, but can you get away with it?" Sun Fujia inherited Dai Zhou's style of fair prison management, and did not take Li Shimin's angry words as his will to try Zhang Liang's case.He always thought in his heart that Zhang Liang had contributed to the emperor and had been serving the country faithfully all these years. Although he had some perverse behaviors, he would not rebel.He got up and walked to Zhang Liang's cell, thinking to himself as he walked: If Zhang Liang didn't stop marrying another wife, would he be where he is today? After Zhang Liang was imprisoned, his old suave demeanor was swept away, leaving only a haggard and anxious expression on his face.Seeing Sun Fujia stepping into the prison door, the two were acquaintances for many years after all, he hurried forward to hold his hand, and said repeatedly: "Brother Sun, Brother Sun, Brother Yu was framed by someone, you must distinguish right from wrong for me .” Sun Fujia asked the jailer to unfold the confessions of Cheng Gongying and Gongsun Chang, and sighed: "Brother Zhang, someone sued you in front of the emperor before, and now these two people have spoken so clearly that you have been convicted of treason. Brother Zhang, you have done some wrong things in office, even if it is corruption, as a hero, the emperor will definitely be lenient, and at most you will be demoted. But now, according to witnesses, you have raised more than five hundred adopted sons, which is clearly a conspiracy Well, treason is the biggest crime, how can others save you?" Zhang Liang looked down at the two people's confessions, and the more he looked at them, the angrier he became, and he roared like thunder, cursing: "These two demons have cheated me of a lot of money, and they will bite back when they arrive. When will I say such things? The words are exactly what they pretended to say all day long!" Sun Fujia sighed: "Brother Zhang, if you knew today, why did you have to do it in the first place! You know that they are demons, and you let them surround you. After all, if they don't know that you have such a hobby, they will be in your house." Can it climb well?" It was only at this time that Zhang Liang remembered that he basically didn't deal with this group of people. Since the new wife started, there have been more such people, so he gritted his teeth and said, "It's all a good thing she did." "Brother Zhang didn't know, but the person who reported to the emperor also wrote a separate section about respecting his wife. He said that she is very promiscuous, and the adopted son Shen Ji you adopted is her personal best friend; she also interferes in political affairs. When the wind blows on her pillow, you I will definitely obey my words; the most important thing is to make friends with monsters, according to brother, are these monsters attracted by her?" "Exactly, this bitch ruined my good deed after all." Zhang Liang was in a daze for a long time when he said this, and then tears flowed from his eyes, and he begged Sun Fujia: "Brother Sun, who the hell wants me?" Put Brother Yu to death? He can inquire into such a subtle matter in such detail? Brother Sun, if you want to save me this time, I will rely on your good words in front of the emperor." "Brother Zhang, the little brother in front of the emperor will definitely give a fair report, but I don't know what will happen to the emperor in the end." "Those two people were obviously afraid of death and framed me. How can they be taken seriously? Besides, I have followed the emperor for many years and accumulated countless merits. It is also good to be abolished as a commoner." Sun Fujia nodded in agreement. Zhang Liang said again: "Brother Sun, when meeting with the emperor, please plead with the emperor, saying that I know that I have committed a serious crime, can I ask the emperor to see that I have meritorious deeds, and let me see the emperor again, so that I can do my best?" Tell me about your grievances?" Sun Fujia shook his head, and refused: "Little brother, before going to Luoyang to take you, the emperor Jinkou said: Zhang Liang is proud of himself, and his behavior is perverted. This matter will be tried fairly by Dali Temple, so I don't need to see you anymore. Brother Zhang, please forgive me for this matter." Finish." Zhang Liang's heart was ashamed, and he said sadly: "In this case, it is up to my brother to discern the grievances for Brother Yu. Brother Yu will be an ox and a horse in the next life, and he will definitely repay my brother's kindness." Li Shimin agreed to make peace with Xue Yantuo, and Yi Nan immediately put back his lost mind.At this time, Li Shi and Xue Wanche were still stationed in Dingxiang to help Li Simo gain a firm foothold.When Li Shili arrived in Dingxiang, it happened that Li Shi had just received the imperial edict appointing him Minister of the Ministry of War, and the two returned to Chang'an together. Li Shimin summoned them in the West Nuan Pavilion of Taiji Hall. Li Shimin was imprisoned by Yi Nan for a long time, and he did not see Li Shimin for a long time. After bowing down, he choked up and said: "Your Majesty, I thought that I would never return to the capital this time, and I was determined to die. Unexpectedly, our army won first. After the reconciliation, His Majesty cared about the humble minister again, and severely said that the barbarian would release the minister and return to the country, so that the minister could be reborn again." Li Shimin was also greatly moved. He stepped down from the throne and stood in front of Zhishisili. He stroked his back and said, "Zhishisili, you are fine. You were detained by a barbarian, and many people in the court said that you were destined to surrender." Undoubtedly, I am the only one who thinks otherwise. Xue Yantuo, the envoy you sent out with integrity, just happened to be in a time of disaster, and you did not lure and coerce the barbarians for profit, but you did not change your aspirations. You really responded to my words, and I am very relieved. Get up, you This action is comparable to that of Su Wu in the Han Dynasty. You are different, Su Wu is a Han after all, and it is even more difficult for you to do this for the Turks.” Zhi lost his mind and stood up, and said: "I am now an official of the Tang Dynasty, and what I eat is the Lumi of the Tang Dynasty, that is, the people of the Tang Dynasty. I am trapped in Xue Yantuo. When I am in trouble, I often think of this festival. It is hard to be firm. change." Li Shimin suddenly found that the left ear of Zhishili was empty, and asked in surprise: "Zhishili, where is your left ear?" Li Shi bowed his head and said nothing, "I lost my left ear because I lost my mind because I lost my mind. There are martyrs like this in my dynasty, and their ambition is better than Su Wu." After finishing speaking, he will He told me about cutting off his left ear when he lost his mind. On that day, Zhishili was brought to Yi Nan, who said: "Zhishili, Li Shimin destroys your homeland, this is a mortal enmity. I am now as strong as a rainbow, and I am ready to go south. What can you do?" Our vanguard, come back from victory, I will return the territory of Eastern Turks to you, and I will make you Khan." Zhi Shili replied: "Tian Khan has appointed Li Simo as Khan and ordered him to return to his homeland. You keep saying that you obey the will of Tian Khan, why did you send troops to attack Li Simo?" "So, you must be unwilling to surrender me?" "Yes, since I am an envoy of Tang Ting, I will naturally complete my mission." "Hmph, what good did Li Shimin do to you to make you so desperate?" "The emperor treats his subjects with benevolence and righteousness. This is a great benefit. If I go around like crazy, how can I be a human again?" After losing his mind, he pulled out his saber He shouted: "Is there any martyr of Tang Dynasty who has been tortured by the court, the world, the sun and the moon, wish to know my heart!" With a flash of the knife, he cut off his left ear immediately, and blood poured out. Yi Nan became angry from embarrassment, intending to kill Zhi and lost his mind.However, he was afraid of Datang after all, and he didn't dare to do things too extreme, so he left behind a life of paralysis. After Li Shi finished speaking, Li Shimin was greatly moved. He stepped forward and stroked his left ear, which had lost his mind, and said, "Why do you have to do this? I know that your heart is like a stone, and you will never betray our country. Why bother to mutilate yourself?" Woolen cloth?" Losing his thoughts and weeping, he said: "Your Majesty, under the circumstances at that time, Yinan and the people around him all thought that I was a Turk. They forgot that I was a member of the Tang Dynasty at this time. If they don't cut their ears and reveal their ambitions, they will hardly The sincerity of the magistrate." Li Shimin sighed to Li Shimin: "Brother Shi, when I think of your burial of Li Mi at the beginning, your loyalty is almost the same as that of obsession and loss of thought. If a person is in the world, if there is no loyalty and righteousness, how can he be a human being?! Well, persistence This move by Sisi Li can allow the Ministry of Officials to draft an imperial edict, which will be issued to the world to demonstrate its virtue." Li Shi bowed and replied: "Since ancient times, the monarchs have valued the people of China, and despised the people of Yi and Di. Only Your Majesty can love them as one, so people in the world regard Your Majesty as their parents. Zhishenli, Tuli, Li Simo, etc. People have returned to the Tang Dynasty, so there is no distinction between Hua and Yi, and they are loyal and dedicated to His Majesty. It is all because of His Majesty's love. This time, I was in the northern border and observed the situation of various ministries. Seeing His Majesty as the 'Heavenly Khan' in my mind, my respect and love cannot be increased." Li Shimin pondered and said: "That's right, if one outshine the others, it will lead to disaster. Brother Shi, when I agreed to get married with Xue Yantuo this time, I was mainly concerned about being restrained by him. Now that the power to lose mind has returned, whether this matter should be discussed in the long run ?” Listening to Li Shimin's voice, he felt that Li Shimin was a bit reluctant to marry.I thought to myself, as the honor of the ten thousand chariots of a great country, what you said is not counted in a blink of an eye. Is it the truth to be the master of others?But he didn't want to object clearly, he hesitated and said: "This matter really needs to be discussed in the long term. If Xue Yantuo makes peace with our country, his status in the northern border will be higher than other tribes, which is a bit inappropriate. But the emperor has agreed to make peace, and now it seems that I can't find a reason to break up with him. If there is another rift and border troubles, it is not beautiful." "You're right. Xue Yantuo can no longer be the only one in Mobei. My marriage with him will definitely elevate his status and increase his power. Well, let's put this matter aside. I will lose my mind, what do you think?" I lost my mind and saw that the emperor did not hesitate to agree to a marriage in exchange for his own safety for his own safety. This kind of kindness is really too great.At that moment, he choked again and couldn't speak, so he fell down and kowtowed to Li Shimin to express his heartfelt feelings. Li Shimin knew that he was full of gratitude at this moment, so he smiled and said: "Forget it, you don't have to kowtow here, go home early. Of course I care about your safety, how can I be as good as your family? Brother, you can go down too. Now that Gaochang is flat, Tubo and our country have made peace, and Xue Yantuo has been beaten back to his hometown by you. It can be said that the world is at peace. Now you are replacing Hou Junji as Minister of the Ministry of War. There are not many border affairs, so you can rest assured. .” "I thank your Majesty for your great kindness. Your Majesty, Hou Junji is certainly guilty, but he has made great achievements, and he has recently conquered Tubo and Gaochang. Instead of letting him stay at home, it is better to let him serve as an envoy in the Ministry of War. How about working for the emperor together?" "Do your best as Minister of the Ministry of War, and don't worry about Hou Junji's affairs! It's not a big deal for Hou Junji to steal treasures in Gaochang, but he corrupted the military law and ruined my reputation. He must be punished. You will be the governor in the future. The Ministry of War must keep this in mind.” This is the emperor's admonition, Li Shi naturally bowed and agreed. Li Shimin said leisurely again: "Brother Shi, have you seen Brother Yao in a while?" "I have been stationed in the northern border, and I was in a hurry when I returned to Beijing. I haven't seen Li Yaoshi for several years." Li Shimin's heartstrings tensed when he saw that Li Shimin seemed to ask this question unintentionally.In fact, Li Jing and Li Shi tacitly knew that the emperor was always wary of them, and they didn't dare to go too close, fearing that this would lead to greater suspicion from the emperor. Li Shimin nodded, and said: "People who are obsessed with losing their minds are also very strict with their mouths. I will tell you this secret matter today. Brother Yao told me several times that when Hou Junji followed him to learn the art of war, I often look into the depths of the matter, and I am afraid that I will have a different ambition. I laughed it off at the time, but seeing Hou Junji's actions in Gaochang this time, it can be said to be unscrupulous. I am still living in the capital, and Gaochang is only a few thousand in the capital. Outside, Hou Junji is so bold, after I die, who can control him? Brother, I have a long-term consideration in dismissing him now." Li Shimin expresses to Li Shihe the truth about the eradication of Hou Junji, which makes them grateful for the magnanimity of the king's mind.Li Shi heard the deeper meaning of it, that is, as a minister, loyalty should be the most important thing, and one should not rely on one's own ability to seek different ambitions, which violated the emperor's taboo. The two bowed and exited the Xinuang Pavilion, only to see Sun Fujia waiting outside the hall.They greeted each other with smiles, and the eunuch led Sun Fujia into the hall. Sun Fujia presented all the case files to Li Shimin, and then waited quietly. After reading the case file, Li Shimin seemed to say to himself: "Well, it seems that what others have said is true, and Zhang Liang is indeed guilty." Then he raised his eyes and asked Sun Fujia, "Sun Qing, you preside over this case, talk about it Your perception." Sun Fujia sighed: "Your Majesty, after reviewing this case, I feel that Zhang Liang married a wife by mistake." "What's the point?" Sun Fujia explained Li's affairs in detail. Li Shimin shook his head and said: "It's always been said that a beauty is a disaster, like King You of Zhou, in order to please Baosi, he lit a beacon fire and beat a drum for a show. Later generations said that Baosi laughed and threw the country over because of this, and attributed the country's destruction to her. But, ah, If King You of Zhou is not absurd, can Bao Si ignite the beacon fire? In the same way, if Zhang Liang can be in charge of the government and maintain the integrity at home, how can he be controlled by women? In the end, if the Li family is wrong, it will be blamed Yu Zhangliang, I don’t need to say anything about this point. Sun Qing, after a long trial, did you finally come to such a conclusion?” Sun Fujia became a little nervous, he didn't know what to say, he paused for a long time, and then said: "I think... I want Zhang Liang to follow the emperor for many years, and know that the emperor has always been lenient to heroes, and I can't bear to see Zhang Liang offended by this. " "When I rewarded you with the Lanling Princess Garden, what kind of vigor did you have at that time, has the vigor been worn away now? Forget it, I know that you miss the friendship of your colleagues and cannot bear to see Zhang Liang offended. This is human nature. I don't blame you. Well, Zhang Liang is an honored minister after all, so I can't be arbitrary. At tomorrow's court meeting, you will declare the case to the ministers, and let everyone discuss it before deciding." At the court meeting on the second day, Sun Fujia announced the facts of Zhang Liang's case to the officials, and presented the arguments of the relevant personnel in the hall.He finally said: "The emperor's will, Zhang Liang is an honored minister, how to deal with it is up to the ministers to decide." Li Shimin nodded slightly, signaling the ministers to speak on this topic. Zhang Liang has been working outside Beijing, and he doesn't have much contact with the ministers of the court and China. He also thinks that he is Li Shimin's confidant, so he can't help being a little arrogant.Now that he committed a crime suddenly, most of the officials thought that he had failed the emperor's favor and really shouldn't, and even some people who had always looked down on him were secretly delighted. Xiao Yu, Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, Changsun Wuji, Yu Zhining and other veterans were more cautious, and believed that although Zhang Liang had something against him, he was an honored minister after all, so the emperor asked his majesty to punish him lightly.Seeing what they said, the other courtiers echoed them. Seeing that everyone had similar thoughts, Li Shimin asked, "So, is it an irrefutable fact that Zhang Liang is guilty?" All the ministers are like this. At this time, Liu Ji, the censor who governed the book, came out of the class, held the wat, bowed and played: "Your Majesty, all the officials think that Zhang Liang is guilty, and the ministers think otherwise." "Well, why does Liu Qing hold a different opinion?" "I think Zhang Liang shouldn't raise more sons and associate with monsters, but it's far-fetched to say that he wants to rebel. He has adopted more than 500 sons, and using them as capital for rebellion, what can he accomplish? The demon testified Zhang Liang's remarks. At that time, they were the only two talking to each other. Whether it was true or false was just a one-sided statement, which was not enough to prove it. Your Majesty, Zhang Liang is an honored minister, so he shouldn't have acted like this. A little punishment is enough. No. Charged with treason.” Li Shimin's face was serious, and he said coldly: "Hmph, Zhang Liangyin raised five hundred adopted sons and regarded himself as the king. This is an obvious testimony. How can it be said that he has not shown any signs of rebellion? Do we have to wait until he leads the army to start the incident?" Can it be said that there is a violation? Liu Qing, there is no need to say more about this matter, and Zhang Liang's crime is decided according to the agreement of the ministers, and you can go back." Liu Ji wanted to speak again, but seeing Li Shimin's stern expression and seeing the strange expressions of the officials looking at him, he swallowed, retreated what he was about to say, and returned to the class. On the second day, Zhang Liang was sent to the execution ground to be executed.At first Li Shimin wanted to reward Zhang Liang with a dead body, but Chu Suiliang and others persuaded him that treason is a serious crime and must be known to the world.So, Li Shimin changed his mind again. Before Zhang Liang was about to be executed, he knelt on the ground facing north, and shouted: "Your Majesty, I have been loyal all my life, why do I have any thoughts of rebellion? The king ordered my minister to die, and I dare not not die. Although I die, I have no regrets. After the minister died , in the next life, I will be reborn as a human being, and I will come to be His Majesty's subjects to serve His Majesty." Zhang Liang was executed, his wife Li Shi, his adopted son Shenji, Gongsun Chang and Cheng Gongying were also executed on the spot. Zhang Liang's dying words finally came to Li Shimin's ears, remembering that Zhang Liang had followed him all his life, after all, he had been loyal for many times, and he felt lost in his heart.That evening, the eldest grandson Wuji entered the palace, and Li Shimin stayed with him for dinner. Tonight's main course was "flying knife carp", which was born in Luoshui. From this dish, they drew Zhang Liang's idea. topic. Li Shimin took a mouthful of carp with his chopsticks, chewed it a few times, nodded and said: "After all, the carp in the world is the most produced in Luoshui. These years, Zhang Liang selected the best fish to bring to the palace, so that I can often eat this delicacy." Changsun Wuji reminded: "Your Majesty, Zhang Liang has been condemned, and others will pay tribute to this fish as well." Li Shimin thought of Zhang Liang, and suddenly lost his appetite. He threw his chopsticks and sighed: "Wuji, I think of Zhang Liang's last words. He has no complaints or regrets, and his loyalty is clear. Alas, did I kill the wrong one?" Changsun Wuji said: "Your Majesty, I have heard some rumors in the past few days that Zhang Liang's death was not a simple rebellion, and there seems to be a deep meaning behind it." "What's the meaning?" "Your Majesty, do you still remember that Zhang Liang was detained by Prince Yin and King Qi to come to the capital in the past? Prince Yin detained Zhang Liang back then, obviously wanting to get rid of his majesty's cronies. It is rumored that Zhang Liang is now on good terms with Wei Wangtai. There is a background of princes fighting in it." Li Shimin bowed his head and remained silent when he heard the words, his mind was spinning like lightning.He has gone through countless dangerous things in his life, like this time Zhang Liang was killed, if there is really a background of rivalry among the masters behind it, he should be able to think of it.But this incident was too sudden and there was absolutely no warning. He didn't think of it in this direction beforehand, and only thought that it was related to Zhang Liang, not anyone else. Li Shimin remained calm, and turned to ask Changsun Wuji: "Wuji, are you really fighting with each other now? It seems to me that the calm is like water, have they become like fire and water?" "On the surface, it is indeed as calm as water. However, His Majesty has accepted Qian as the crown prince, and he has treated Tai'er beyond his control these years, so Tai'er has an idea. There are rumors that the princes are fighting, which is due to this. " "Wuji, you are the uncle of Chengqian, Tai'er, and Zhi'er. You should understand their dispositions. Chengqian suffers from foot disease, and he has lost the dignity of a great country. Over the years, he has behaved perversely. On the other hand, Taier, With the style of my family, I prefer Tai'er because of his virtuousness. Wuji, others don't understand, can't you also understand my thoughts?" Maybe it's because Li Chengqian is the eldest son of the grandson Jiamin, and the relationship between the eldest grandson Wuji and Li Chengqian is relatively good, and because Li Tai has been arrogant and extravagant since he was a child, the eldest grandson Wuji is a little displeased, so he doesn't take Li Shimin's love for Li Tai seriously. Li Shimin also understood Changsun Wuji's thoughts. Seeing that Changsun Wuji was silent, he said, "Well, let's discuss the matter of Chengqian and Tai'er sometime. Zhang Liang was punished this time. If there are really princes fighting behind him to make trouble there, we can't be careless." At this moment, Li Shimin thought of his past fights with Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, and also recalled his eldest grandson Jiamin's dying entrustment that if his sons kill each other again, Unwilling. Changsun Wuji heard the words and got up and said: "Your Majesty will eliminate the catastrophe invisibly. It is the blessing of the people of the country and it is also the wish of the deceased queen. There is only one reserve position. Once the crown prince is established, no one else can covet it. If this is the case, the disaster will be difficult." Get up." Li Shimin waved him to sit down, and sighed: "Forget it, a good meal will make your words become boring. Alas, if Zhang Liang's death is as you said, he will die a bit wronged. Well, among all the ministers' voices of condemnation, only Liu Ji thinks that it is not easy for him to show signs of rebellion." Six months after Songtsan Gampo and Princess Wencheng got married, Songtsan Gampo had someone make a golden goose, seven feet high, exquisite in shape, with three dendrobiums of wine in its belly.At that time, the Tubo script was newly created, and Songtsan Gampo had someone write it into a table, in which he praised Li Shimin as his son-in-law.Then, he sent envoys Chibiao and Golden Goose to Chang'an to dedicate them to Li Shimin. Li Shimin looked at the golden goose and saw that the Tubo people had created characters. He sighed deeply and said to Tang Jian: "It seems that this Zanpu is a very delicate person with a lot of etiquette. By the way, After Princess Wencheng entered Tibet, how did she live?" The interpreter translated Li Shimin's words to the Tubo envoy, and the envoy said eloquently, "Your Majesty, the princess is very much loved by the Tubo subjects." Next, he explained in detail what Princess Wencheng did logically. Li Shimin nodded while listening, and said to himself: "Yes, she is so busy in logic, and she was invited to create Tubo characters. It seems that she is quite happy in Tubo. Tang Qing, so beautiful I have always felt pity for my talented daughter who married thousands of miles away. If she can do this, I will have no regrets." Tang Jian said: "Your Majesty knows people with insight, and selected Princess Wencheng to marry Tubo. After entering Tubo, she has a good reputation and can be said to be popular. Compared with the former Princess Yicheng of the Sui Dynasty, there is a world of difference." The Tubo envoy bowed and said, "Your Majesty, before I left, the princess asked me not only to buy silk in Chang'an, but also to ask Your Majesty to grant silkworm seeds and send craftsmen who know how to raise silkworms and reel silk to Tubo." "It's extremely cold in Tubo, can silkworms be raised there?" "The princess brought the corn seeds, and they all planted successfully. The princess said, whether the country can raise silkworms or not, I will try it first." Li Shimin smiled and said to Tang Jian: "When the princess entered Tubo, she only remembered that she was the princess of Tubo. Everything in our country will be moved there. Forget it, Tang Qing, if the princess asks, you will do your best to fulfill her wish." When the Tubo envoy heard the words, he bowed and retreated in satisfaction. Tang Jian also reported to Li Shimin: "Your Majesty, since returning to the country after losing his mind, Xue Yantuo Yinan often sent envoys to ask the emperor to give the princess. Princess Wencheng entered Tubo and made our country and Tubo harmonious and friendly. It seems that the matter of reconciliation is very important. It is beneficial. His Majesty has promised Yi Nan before, and the minister agreed to give the princess an early marriage." Li Shimin hesitated to answer, and then asked: "You said that Xue Yantuo's emissary is urging in Beijing every day, is it a bit exaggerated?" "Your Majesty, the envoy Xue Yantuo saw no news after waiting for a long time. He set off to return to the north a few days ago, and no one is in Beijing at this time." "That's right, they should be in the future for more than half a month." "Your Majesty, it is true." "That's right, I originally wanted Princess Qinghe to marry Xue Yantuo, but her envoy is not in Beijing, who do I ask to talk to?" "In this way, I will send someone to call Yi Nan immediately, and let him enter the capital to face Sheng Xie En." "That's all! Is my daughter of the Tang Dynasty a person who cannot be married? Are you in a hurry to invite someone to marry? Yinan's request for marriage can be described as thunderous and rainy, which shows that his heart is not sincere. Lu Dongzan of Tubo In order to ask for my permission, he actually stayed in Beijing for more than half a year, showing his sincerity. Compared with Yi Nan, he is obviously hypocritical. Tang Qing, do you think it is necessary to call someone again?" Listening to his voice, Tang Jian felt that Li Shimin was going to refuse the marriage, and he didn't know how to answer for a while. "Tang Qing, let this matter go. You draw up a seal letter according to my wishes, and blame Yi Nan for not coming to invite him on time, so he missed the appointment." "The minister obeys the order." Li Shimin refused the marriage with far-fetched reasons, showing that he didn't want to marry the princess to Yi Nan at all.At that time, maybe he was alone because of Princess Wencheng's marriage to another country, and his heart hurt his daughter's feelings, and he didn't want to marry his daughter away again, which is unknown. Li Shimin's seal of marriage was sent to Xue Yantuo, and the ministers heard the news, many people disagreed. Because Li Shi led the army to expel Xue Yantuo, Li Shimin returned to Beijing to serve as Minister of the Ministry of War, and Li Shimin hosted a banquet in the Liangyi Hall to entertain the officials. Li Shimin sat facing south, and all the ministers also sat in their own seats.At this time, Wei Wang Li Tai got up and walked to the middle place, bowed and said: "I report to my father, "Kuo Dizhi" has been added and deleted several times, and it has been finalized. Today, my son brought a sample and presented it to my father." Li Shimin was overjoyed when he heard the news, and said with a smile: "Well, Li Qing conquered Mobei, and Tai'er completed "Kuo Di Zhi", which can be described as a joy plus another joy. Tai'er, let them present it." Li Tai turned his head and waved towards the gate of the palace. An eunuch opened the first letter and took out the first volume, carefully presenting it to Li Shimin.Li Shimin caressed the cover carefully, and saw that the three characters "Kuo Di Zhi" on it were written by himself, and he was happy in his heart, so he said, "Tai'er, I didn't expect you to achieve this. Ancient geography documents are all just a few words. , it is difficult to make a system, but this book can be done, it can be called a master. Dear dear friends, what do you think?" Li Tai is the only one who has supervised the revision of the book of Yudi by the prince.Moreover, the project was huge when it was compiled, and Li Tai was able to complete it in a few years, which shows that he has considerable control power.Seeing the sample book in front of them, the officials naturally praised it repeatedly. Li Shimin nodded, and said: "Tai'er, you must be serious when you do things. The ministers praise you. You must not be smug, and you have to check the book again. After the book is completed, you can get the book fee from the inner government and publish it all over the world. You You can present the merits of the people who compiled the book this time, and I will reward them according to their merits." Li Tai hurriedly thanked him.In front of the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, Li Tai was very proud of doing such a revealing thing. Li Shimin smiled again and said: "The banquet is held today to congratulate Li Qing on the decision of Mobei. Tai'er came to add joy again, and invite all you to drink to your heart's content. Come, play music, and all you will raise a cup together." The musicians behind the curtain immediately played the "Dance of the Seven Virtues", and the dancers on the side of the hall danced according to the rhythm of the music.群臣饮酒之时，闻听此节拍铿锵的《七德舞》，脑海里现出金戈铁马的场景，饮酒的节奏似乎加快了许多。 李世民侧脸一看，忽见魏征正在那里双手掩着耳朵，低头不语，仿佛化外之人。李世民大为奇怪，挥手让乐声减弱一些，然后问道：“魏卿，你何故不饮酒？” 魏征没有听到李世民的问话，其身边的高士廉用手指捅了他一下，魏征茫然不知，高士廉悄声说道：“皇上正问你为何不饮酒？” 群臣的目光一下子都集中到魏征的身上。 魏征迎着李世民问询的目光立起身来，答道：“臣非是不饮酒，只是现在年龄渐老，闻听节奏如此快的乐声不习惯。陛下，此乐声何名，怎么如此嘈杂？” “嘈杂？魏卿，你果然糊涂了吗？今日所奏之《七德舞》，即是当初之《秦王破阵乐》，你听过无数次，难道就不识了吗？” 群臣发出了一阵轻笑。 魏征说道：“臣确实有些糊涂，然又有些不解。” “为何不解？” “如此嘈杂的乐声须出征时使用方合适，这里是典雅的殿堂，似演奏《庆善乐》为宜。” 身边的高士廉插话道：“嘿，你记不得《七德舞》的名字，怎么一口说出了《庆善乐》的名字？” 《庆善乐》为文乐，其广袖曳屣，以像文德；而《七德舞》为武乐，其被甲持戟，以像战事。李世民到了此时，其心思如电，知道魏征一点都不糊涂，他说不喜《七德舞》而爱《庆善乐》，其实是喻“偃武修文”的治国道理。想到这里，李世民又微笑问道：“魏卿，朕知道你有话要说。” “臣有话要说。” “哈哈，你要说的话肯定不是为朕歌功颂德。这样吧，我们不能打扰了群臣饮酒的兴致，宴尽之后，朕再召人一起商议，届时再听你好好说话。来呀，将《庆善乐》奏起，以提起魏卿饮酒的兴致。” 魏征俯身取过盏来，敬祝李世民道：“臣敬陛下一盏，如今天下太平，百姓安静，皆是陛下之功，臣衷心赞颂。” “魏卿，这是真心之语吗？”李世民说到这里，忽然开怀大笑，“不管是真心假意，此话能从魏卿口中说出，朕足感欣慰了。” 宴罢，李世民留下房玄龄、高士廉、魏征、长孙无忌、褚遂良、马周、岑文本、唐俭、刘洎等人议事。 李世民唤魏征坐在其身侧，然后说道：“魏卿，你有话要说，现在可以说了。” 魏征答道：“谢陛下能听臣言语。臣记得薛延陀新败之后，陛下答应了其和亲的要求，然臣昨日又见了皇上的玺书，上面责怪夷男未遣来使，以致失约，皇上遂拒绝和亲。臣大惑不解，不知皇上为何绝了与薛延陀和亲之意？” “夷男虚心假意，朕何必再将女儿嫁他？” “臣以为有些不妥，记得陛下贞观初年时曾说过，要以仁义诚信与周边相处。陛下答应与薛延陀和亲在前，近来又毁约，如此办即是不诚信也。” “哼，戎狄人面兽心，一旦微不得意，必反噬为害。朕对那薛延陀的夷男，可谓仁至义尽。然结果呢？他对朕阳奉阴违，口中答应得好好的，转脸就发兵相攻。朕待之以诚信，他却反复无常，朕已经没有耐心。”李世民的这些宏论，让群臣听来不以为然。贞观初年以来，李世民一直说要视华夷为一体，然自从结社率带人抢宫之后，其心思大变，将“戎狄人面兽心”的陈词滥调又捡起来，可见人心易变。 褚遂良插言道：“陛下，薛延陀若见我国绝和亲之议，其定有被欺之感。如此，则嫌隙既生，必构边患。” 房玄龄想起李世民说过的“兵凶战危，圣人所慎。朕为苍生父母，苟可利之，岂惜一女”之语，心中感慨万千。他有心想直谏，又见群臣此时纷纷指斥李世民的赖婚之行，恐怕招致李世民的震怒，终归不敢，就变了一个角度说话，遂说道：“漠北诸部中，以薛延陀势力最强。陛下以前也说过，我国对漠北诸部的策略以安抚为主。如此，只要将薛延陀安抚好，则其他部落不足为虑。遂良说得对，不能因此再激起边患。臣以为，对薛延陀还是要示之以仁义为好。” 李世民摇摇头，说道：“薛延陀势强？朕不这样看。像此次李世领兵去讨，仅数千人马就将薛延陀击溃，其狼狈如此，有何强势？朕此次所以绝婚，还有另外一层意思。外人皆说薛延陀强盛，朕若再许与其和亲，其他部落如何看？许以和亲即是助长了夷男的凶焰，朕不为也。” 看到李世民为其赖婚行为进行诡辩，群臣有心再谏，又想玺书已发，若此时再将玺书收回，亦为不美，遂不再劝谏。 李世民见众人不再言声，遂说道：“此事今后不用再提，薛延陀不会再有任何举动。众爱卿，你们心思，朕非常明白。朕难道会成为一名一意孤行之人吗？不会！大凡对边疆之策，不可拘泥常式。像和亲之策，朕将之用于东突厥、吐谷浑、吐蕃诸国，而对高昌及薛延陀断不能用此策。不管怎么说，边疆以安抚为主，然不可失之强势。” 众人都听明白了，李世民今后对待边疆的态度将采用强势与安抚相结合的策略，而不是早期的一味安抚的手段。 刘洎躬身说道：“陛下，对四夷可以或安或伐，然对于国内之事，还要以安静为主。” 李世民森然道：“朕会掌握这个尺度！朕派侯君集出征高昌，派李世荡平漠北，至多数万人马，不至于扰了国内安静。” 群臣于是不再说这个话题。 魏征这时又说道：“陛下，臣今日见魏王献《括地志》，还有话想说。” 李世民点点头，说道：“魏卿，顷年以来，你在朕面前从来都是言无不尽，不管什么话，但说不妨。” “谢皇上。臣近日听来一些风言风语，说张亮之死，其事关诸皇子。实际上，陛下这些年对魏王宠爱有加，朝臣及外人私下里猜测，皇上有易储之意。” “此为你们的胡乱揣测，朕早立承乾为太子，其至今未废，朕怎么又要易储了呢？” “不然。皇上这些年待魏王确实不同一般。譬如允其在府内设立文学馆，听自引招学士，可谓不同寻常。” “朕允泰儿设立文学馆，是让其编撰《括地志》。今日，泰儿已将《括地志》样本献来，朕言非虚吧。” “贞观十二年，王珪以为三品以上公卿路遇亲王下马拜见，不符礼法规定，要求取消。陛下说道：'人生寿天难期，万一太子不幸，安知诸王他日不为公辈之主！何得轻之！'贞观十四年，陛下驾临魏王宅第，赦免雍州长安县囚徒死刑以下罪犯，减免魏王府所在的延康坊当年的租赋，赐魏王府属及同坊老人各有等差，如此恩宠，似是汉高祖荣归故里免除沛、丰徭役之待遇，太子就没有此等幸运。陛下厚此薄彼，怎能让臣等没有想法呢？” 魏征的话鞭辟入里，让李世民无法反驳，只好沉吟不言，场面显得有些难堪。 刘洎跨出一步，躬身言道：“陛下，魏特进提起汉高祖，让臣想起汉高祖曾经想废嫡立庶的事。自周以来，立嫡为长，以此绝庶孽之窥视，塞祸乱之源本，为国家者所宜深慎。后来汉高祖听从了张良的意见不废太子，即是基于此点。” 李世民依旧不语，他斜眼看了刘洎一眼，心想此人累次率先启奏，有点不讲规矩。 马周也奏道：“臣听说陛下欲让魏王搬入武德殿居住，此武德殿即是齐王元吉所住的承庆殿。陛下疼爱魏王，可以另拨宅居住，但不可让他住在此嫌疑之地。” 李世民不满地嘟囔了一声：“你们皆爱道听途说，泰儿现在好好地住在其府内，什么时候住进武德殿了？” 褚遂良也奏道：“陛下既立太子，又特爱魏王，使人莫名所以。次子虽是陛下所爱，然不可超越嫡长子。如不能明立定分，遂使当亲者疏，当尊者卑，则佞巧之徒趁机而动，私恩害公，惑志乱国。臣请陛下三思。” 李世民看到褚遂良在那里侃侃而谈，想起他持书来首告张亮的事，心中忽然一动：若张亮之死有诸子相争的背景，褚遂良定是归入仇视泰儿的一流。他又想起自己当初兄弟相争的情景，那时的朝中大臣也或明或暗分成了两派，若现在再重复当时的情势，于国于己皆不是好事。看到眼前的群臣一面倒反对自己宠爱李泰，他顿时明白了众人的公心，即是不愿意因皇子相争而祸乱朝廷，是为大节所在。 群臣依次启奏了一番，然后静静地看着李世民，听其示下。 李世民环视一圈，见高士廉和长孙无忌没有发言，遂说道：“高卿，无忌，你们为承乾和泰儿的至亲，对此事有何想法？” 高士廉此时任尚书右仆射，其为长孙嘉敏的舅舅，又是玄武门之变的功臣，其身份相当尊崇。他闻听李世民召唤，轻咳一声立起身来，禀道：“承乾和泰儿都是不错的孩子，陛下既立承乾为太子，其固然有荒唐之行，终无大恶。臣以为，朝中多忠直博学之臣，请陛下为太子多觅良师，以辅佐其行，是为正途。若陛下厚此薄彼，遂使下人妄自猜测，如此即是祸乱渊薮，臣不愿看到此局面。” 长孙无忌的态度很坚决：“自古以来立嫡长为储君，泰儿与承乾相比，并无特异的贤良之处。臣以为，陛下若不更换太子，须树立承乾的威望，不让他人胡乱猜测。” 房玄龄见长孙无忌说得过于露白，打圆场道：“陛下，无忌的意思，是说诸皇子忠孝，才能相差不多，若如是，太子已立多年，不能轻废。陛下方当壮年，假以时日，若诸皇子有才智卓异堪当大任者，可以另议。臣听太子说过，若皇弟中有堪当大任者，他会主动让贤。” 魏征等人一直坚持立嫡长者为储君，固然合乎礼法，然他们也应当知道李世民是以嫡次子的身份夺嗣继位的。李世民曾经说过：“国家立太子者，拟以为君。人之修短，不在老幼。”由于承乾的荒唐之行，他对之深深失望，于是想另立贤者。 李世民听了房玄龄的圆场之言，哼了一声，说道：“国之储君，岂是承乾想让就让的？玄龄，你为太子师，听了他这混账之语，为何不当场呵斥他几句？”其脸色现出厌恶的神色，可知他难释对李承乾的失望。 其实李世民欲易储，其根源还在于其内心的偏爱。李世民断定李承乾难成大国贤君，必然移爱到其他儿子身上。李治此时年幼，生性又有些懦弱，不合李世民的脾胃。这样，嫡子中只剩下一个李泰。此时，魏王府属苏勖等人察知了皇上的心迹，遂劝说李泰在府中学诗弄文，与名士交往，并让李泰向李世民奏请撰著《括地志》，如此引起了李世民的注意，对李泰宠爱有加。李泰因腰腹较大，趋拜时不太方便，李世民遂令他上朝时可以乘舆入宫，此等恩遇以往仅有李靖等重臣才能享受，李泰小小年龄有此待遇，更令他人侧目。由此可见李世民对李泰之爱。 群臣现在呈一面倒，激烈反对李世民欲立李泰的想法，坚持要立嫡长，其理由是以息皇位争夺的弊端。李世民有心想立李泰，其理由是立贤不立长。然李承乾为太子多年终无大恶，李泰不过领人撰著了一部《括地志》，其也有邀宠争位、恃宠骄奢等毛病，说其超越李承乾而称其贤，实在勉强，由此看来，李世民欲立李泰名为立贤，其实是立其所爱。 李世民静听群臣迭奏的时候，心里已经盘算明白。若身边重臣一致反对立李泰，则李泰并没有过人的贤能。毕竟，这帮臣子对己忠心耿耿，又博闻能谋，李泰与其相比，分量要轻许多。 群臣此时皆静静地看着李世民。 李世民闭目养神，似入定了一般。他知道，定立太子事关祚运，非同儿戏。眼前之势，非给群臣一个交代不可。可李承乾难当大任，而李泰又难负众望。自己想立李泰，奈何群臣反对，这使他颇为作难。 过了一会儿，李世民微微张开眼睛，向魏征点头道：“魏卿，你说得对。周幽王与晋献公废嫡立庶，毕竟危乱国家；而汉高祖欲废太子，最后赖四皓之力使国运长久。朕若执意易储，是忘了众卿的一片忠心。”李世民所说的四皓，即是汉时隐居商山的四老人：东园公、绮里季、夏黄公、角里先生。 李世民的话，摆明了要继续让李承乾当太子，群臣听言不由得松了一口气。 “然朕一直立承乾为太子，从未说过废承乾而立泰儿的话，如此却引来群言汹汹，好像朕执意要易储似的。魏卿，朕今日说继续让承乾当太子，可如何让天下人相信呢？”李世民将了魏征一军，由此轻轻摆脱了自己的责任。要说也是，这些年来，他从未说过要易储的话。 魏征不与李世民转弯儿，直言说道：“陛下只要言行一致，天下人不敢再妄加猜测。高仆射刚才说，朝中有许多正直博学之臣，可授其为太子良师，如此就堵了那些流言泛滥。” “好，魏卿，你与朕想到一起了！方今群臣，忠直者没有超过你的，朕现在授你为太子太师，你可与玄龄一起辅佐承乾。如此，就绝了天下人之疑。” 魏征张大了嘴巴，想不到李世民竟然让自己成为太子的师傅。他迟疑了一下，奏道：“陛下信任有加，臣心怀感激。只是臣已年逾六十，近来感到气息短促，老病复发。如此身体，臣恐怕难以教授太子，更怕辜负了皇上的心意。” 李世民让魏征为太子太师，确实是明确李承乾为太子的最好说辞。群臣听闻，皆以为然，长孙无忌着急地嚷道：“魏特进，国家大治之后，为保祚运长久，以择定储君为要。举目朝中，能为太子之师，以你与玄龄为首，你就不要推辞了。” 长孙无忌说完，其他大臣也纷纷劝魏征不可推托皇命。 魏征那一时刻，热血忽然涌上头顶，其起身向李世民一拜，又向群臣团团一揖，说道：“陛下，为辅太子，臣愿从命。” 李世民也起身走到魏征面前，执其手曰：“每每关键之时，皆赖你来砥柱中流。魏卿，你不惧老病，愿为朕分心担忧，朕代天下苍生谢你。”李世民近视魏征的脸庞，见上面皱纹横生，皮肤松弛，观其开口说话，可见其门牙也少了一颗，心里不由得暗自叹息道：“果然是老了。” 因为群臣的坚持，李世民决定继续明确李承乾为太子。如此，李承乾与李泰的明争暗斗，以魏征出任太子太师为标志而告一段落。 李承乾因此而相对稳定了自己的太子之位。 群臣辞出后，李世民独自在殿内呆呆地坐了半天。他知道，人之禀性为天成，靠后天的努力，靠他人的辅佐，终无大用。承乾已经形成的性儿，靠魏征的谏说能改变吗？李世民摇摇头，自己的儿子，还是他自己心里最有数。 总而言之，承乾为太子，殊非李世民之愿。然群臣坚持，李泰又无超人的才具，他也无法可想。 李世民怏怏地起身，提步迈向后宫，可想而知，他今日决定了一件违心之事。