Chapter 13 The Thirteenth Chapter of Jieli's Defeat in Dunyin Mountain

At three o'clock on the first day of the first lunar month in the fourth year of Zhenguan, Li Jing led 3,000 troops to Eyang Ridge.The slope of the ridge is not steep and the altitude is not high, but the snow is very thick, covering the roads and dry grass on the ridge.It will take a lot of effort to cross this ridge. Li Jing ordered everyone to get off their horses and rest on the spot, and asked people to remove the dead branches and grass from the snow layer, then put snow in the pot, boil it into boiling water, and let everyone swallow dry food with boiling water.All the soldiers encountered the wind, cold and snow along the way, and they were already exhausted and cold all over. With this boiling water in their stomachs, their spirits could not help but be lifted.

Li Jing called all the people in front of him, pointed to the top of the ridge, and said: "Soldiers, if we cross this ridge, we will not be far from Dingxiang City. Although we have 3,000 people here, our soldiers are precious and fast, and we will surely let Jie If Li is caught off guard, the city of Dingxiang will be destroyed. It is still difficult to cross this ridge right now, I hope everyone will work harder to cross this ridge, and it will be a flat river." Li Jing's voice was not high, but under the light of the torch, you can See his determined face. Captain Guo Yi Su Ding Fang Dian ordered the 3,000 troops, and he said loudly: "Li Shangshu uses soldiers like a god, and we will follow orders."

Li Jing didn't want to talk any more nonsense, so he waved his hand and said: "Captain Su, you can let people explore the way ahead, and the people behind are still connected with ropes, so that no one will be left behind. Let's go." At this time, the heavy snow had stopped and the sky was not dim. In order not to let the Turkic people notice the movement here, everyone put out the torches and moved forward relying on the reflection of the snow. Xieli lived in a large tent at the north end of Dingxiang City, and at night he followed the customs of China to drink and watch the year.Princess Yicheng sat beside him as Ke He Dun, raised a glass of wine and said: "Khan, in the coming year, I hope you will cheer up and re-enter the desert when the grass is green and the horses are fat, and wipe out Xue Yantuo and other tribes."

Princess Yicheng is over forty this year, and her former beauty is gradually fading. She is only a Kehe Dun in name, and Xieli doesn't love her.Jieli said disdainfully after hearing the words: "Re-entering the desert? There are only more than a hundred thousand people in front of us, what can we do?" Princess Yicheng knew that Jieli was in a bad mood, but she didn't flinch, and said firmly: "The root of the Khanate lies in Mobei, as long as we can return to Yazhang and fight or pull the tribes, we will surely restore the glory of the Khanate. Great Khan, Xue Yantuo and Huihe are the most powerful among the Mobei tribes, and if we unite with any of them, our power will double."

Jieli was impatient to hear this, and waved his hand and reprimanded: "Shut your mouth! I am the lord of the Khanate, and I know how to do it. You women's views, don't open your mouth in the future. Right now, the wind and snow are fierce. Everyone try to get through it." The most important thing is to survive the severe winter. What's the use of you rambling about these irrelevant things?" Princess Yicheng looked at Jieli's angry face, and deeply regretted supporting him to the throne.Xieli has a brave and sturdy side, but he thinks simple and acts willfully, eventually tossing a powerful khanate to pieces.It seems that in order to restore the former glory of the Khanate, it is difficult to rely on this tyrannical boy, and we need to find another way.Thinking of this, she didn't want to stay longer at the table, so she got up and left.

After all, Xieli relied on the power of Princess Yicheng to get Khan's position, and he was a little afraid of her. Seeing her getting up to leave the tent, although he was annoyed in his heart, he dared not speak out to stop her.After Princess Yicheng came out of the tent, he yelled at the others: "What are you still doing here? Get out!" Jieli drove everyone out, and wandered around the tent by himself.The surrounding area was extremely quiet, except for the "squeak" sound of burning butter candles.Even this little sound disturbed Xieli, he waved his palm to fan a lamp, the flame flickered a few times, and finally he straightened his back, still burning endlessly.

Xieli was used to living a life in the Turkic Yazhang, now being squeezed by Xue Yantuo and other tribes, living in a corner of Monan, it is really suffocating.He wanted to follow Princess Yicheng's wishes and tried to contact the various ministries in order to make a comeback. He also remembered the faces of Yi Nan, Bodhisattva and others. According to his inherent temperament, it would be difficult to humbly communicate with them.As a member of the nomadic people, Xieli has no intention of moving to the south at all, and living in Dingxiang now is only a stopgap measure.Deep in his heart, he also thought of galloping on the Mobei wasteland, which was his ideal place.Thinking of this, Xieli had a flash of inspiration: let’s spend the winter in Dingxiang, and when the grass in Mobei is green and the horses are fattening, try to cross the territory of Xue Yantuo, Huihe and other tribes, and develop in Xutu in the extreme north. good plan.

With the big plan for the coming year, Xieli felt his heart lighten up, and the depression in his stomach was relieved a lot.He wanted to relax, so he went to the tent door and shouted: "Come here, bring me the barbarian girl." It turns out that before Yinan, Bodhisattva and others rebelled, Xieli also noticed it, so he ordered them to send a son and a daughter to live in the tooth tent, hoping to use him as a hostage to restrain them.After the tribes defected, these children became the slaves of Jieli. The Yi man's daughter was only sixteen years old, and she stood there timidly after entering the tent, like a weak lamb.Seeing that she was wearing a shabby sheepskin, Jieli couldn't hide her youthful color, and the fire of desire surged up in his heart, and he said, "Take off your dirty robe and come to me. You are here today. As long as you can serve me comfortably, I will reward you with a new robe tomorrow."

The barbarian's daughter was wrapped up here and had been raped several times by Jie Li and others. Her expression was numb, and she took off her sheep robe as she said, revealing her pink skin.Jieli was overjoyed when he saw this, he stepped forward and dragged it over, and had a good time on the carpet first.After that, he hugged the smooth and tender body of the barbarian's daughter again, and played with it in every possible way. After tossing about in the middle of the night, he fell asleep very tired. In the middle of the night, suddenly, several soldiers broke into the tent, shouting loudly: "Khan, something happened."

Jie Li opened his eyes in shock, bared his upper body and shouted, "What's the matter? Such a big fuss." A soldier reported: "Khan, the Tang army has come to steal the city." Jieli stood up and asked while dressing: "Tang Jun? Where did they come from? How many people?" "I can't see it in the dark night. They are all riding horses and holding guns, shuttling back and forth in the city, picking tents when they see them, and stabbing anyone they meet. Listening to their shouts, it seems that Li Jing, Minister of the Ministry of War, is leading the troops here."

"Li Jing? Sure enough, Li Jing is here!" Jie Li couldn't help being shocked when he heard Li Jing's name.He is familiar with the people in China, especially Li Shimin and Li Jing, who are handsome soldiers and geniuses, and they won all the battles.Now that Li Shimin is the emperor, he doesn't go out easily. He sent Li Jing as his commander to attack him, and he should come here with all his strength. Jieli stretched out his hand to open the tent door, and saw that it was dark outside, and the sound of horseshoes was suddenly distant and near, obviously it was the Tang army galloping back and forth in the city.The Turkic soldiers couldn't figure out where they were coming from, and they were in a mess. They could only hear the screams and wailing one after another.He observed in front of the door for a while, suddenly panicked, and thought in his heart: "If Li Shimin hadn't come here with all his troops, Li Jing wouldn't have dared to go deep alone." Even breaking Xieli's head, he never imagined that Li Jing only brought three thousand soldiers. Xieli returned to the tent and began to put on his clothes. Because he was too flustered, he even put on his riding boots backwards.After getting out of the tent, he got on his horse, and then told the people around him: "Send an order, all the people and horses withdraw from Dingxiang City, and break out to the northeast." After speaking, he whipped the horse and rushed out of the north gate of the city first. The Turkic people began to spread the word to ten, ten to a hundred, and rushed to the north gate one after another.The north gate is narrow and gradually blocked by the swarming people.Because no one was here to command and restrain them, some old people and children were pushed down and trampled by those who came after them, and many people were trampled to death.They tossed and tossed until dawn, and only then did most of them move out of the city and followed Xieli to the northeast in a haste. Seeing that Jieli escaped, Li Jing was overjoyed, and ordered Su Dingfang to dispatch a group of hundreds of people out of the city to harass him. They're safe and sound." Su Dingfang went away under the plan, and Tang Jun's tactics really had a miraculous effect, which made the Turkic people frightened for a day and accelerated their pace of escape.In the evening, Jieli brought people to a place called Zihetun. Seeing that there was no sign of the Tang army, he ordered them to stop and rest. Li Jing had already stationed in Dingxiang City at this time, and he wanted to wait here for the army led by Zhang Gongjin.Hearing that Jieli had stopped in Zihetun, Li Jing said happily, "Well, Jieli did follow my expectations. To the north of Zihetun is the continuous Yin Mountain. He was squeezed by our army, so he had to continue to Walk northeast and cross Baidao to escape into the desert. However, when he arrived at Baidao, Li Shi had already set up a net there and waited." At this time, Kang Sumi, Jieli's relative, was brought in front of Li Jing, and he stammered, "Commander, the villain has long wanted to enter the Tang Dynasty, and today I have a treasure to offer." Li Jing was noncommittal, thinking that Kang Sumi, as Xieli's entourage, would never have left Xieli if he hadn't seen the decline of the Turkic power, he asked lightly, "What treasure?" "Empress Xiao of the Sui Dynasty and her grandson Yang Zhengdao wanted to break out with the Great Khan in the rebellious army, but the villain managed to lock him into a house, and he has not left Dingxiang City so far." After all, Empress Xiao and Yang Zhengdao still had some fame. Li Jing pondered for a moment, feeling that he could not decide the fate of these two people, so he said: "It is a great achievement for you to attract Empress Xiao and Yang Zhengdao. I will have someone take you and them to Beijing." , go to face the saint, how to deal with them, the emperor has his own ideas. As for you, I will write a letter detailing your achievements, and the emperor will make proper arrangements for you." Kang Sumi kowtowed in gratitude. On the evening of the second day, Zhang Gongjin led the army into Dingxiang. When he met Li Jing, Zhang Gongjin complimented him: "Li Shangshu had a clever plan, and indeed he scattered more than 100,000 troops of Jieli with a mere 3,000 soldiers. What does it mean to win with less How much? This time opened my eyes." Li Jingdao: "Catch the camp by surprise, take advantage of the chaos, this is a battle that must be won, and you will be just as successful. Gongjin, let me calculate the time, Li Shi should be in Baidao now. There are household items left by Xieli in the city. Let everyone rest in the city for two days first, and give Li Shibu some time to fight. After the day after tomorrow, we will all dispatch to Zihetun to drive Jieli to the direction of Baidao, and let him sneak into Li Shibu. In the pocket array." These days, Zhang Gongjin closely followed in the footsteps of Li Jing and led the army to come all the way, and he was already exhausted.Hearing that he could rest for two days, he couldn't help being overjoyed, and said happily: "This way, we can gather our strength and take down Jieli in one fell swoop." Li Jing nodded, and said slowly: "You still have to urge Chai Shao and Xue Wanche to transfer food and grass in time. It's freezing cold now, and it's a barren land. If there is no food and grass to continue in time, this battle will be halfway And waste." Zhang Gongjin bowed and said: "The last general will save it." When Li Shi returned to Yunzhong that day, he and Li Daliang rectified the army and horses, and set out from Yunzhong to the northeast.According to Li Jing's plan, their West Route Army would bypass Dingxiang City and set up a pocket formation at Baidao in the northeast to wait for Jieli's defeated troops to come.On the way, Li Daliang asked suspiciously: "Brother Shi, is Li Shangshu really supernatural? How did he know that Jieli would come to Baidao after his defeat?" Li Shidao: "The so-called magic calculation is not as boundless as divination. It is necessary to carefully examine the surrounding terrain and the other party's mind. To the north of Dingxiang, there is an endless Yin mountain. When it is snowing and cold, Jieli will definitely not bring his tribe Passing through the mountains from there, he only has Baidao as a convenient place to choose." Li Shi saw a hawk standing on Li Daliang's scorpion, and asked, "Brother Daliang, do you still want to hunt in Baidao?" Li Daliang said with a smile: "Going to Baidao here, the land is sparsely populated along the way, and there is too little food to eat. If I have to eat dry food every day, it will be difficult. Take this kite eagle and catch some small hares and the like for us along the way." Beast, roast or cook it, it will taste delicious in your mouth.” "It's rare that you have such a leisurely heart." The kite eagle stretched its wings as if it had sensed it, and let out a short low cry from its throat.Li Shi's heart suddenly moved, and he asked: "Da Liang, remember the last time the emperor came to envoy and asked you to present this eagle to the emperor, does the emperor not accept it?" When the imperial court issued a secret edict last time to appoint the chief of the army, the kite eagle that came to see Li Daliang was very handsome, and persuaded Li Daliang to dedicate it to Li Shimin, and said that he could take it back with him when he returned to Beijing.Li Daliang was silent at that time, but later on Li Shi got busy with everything and gradually forgot about the eagle offering, and only remembered seeing the eagle today. Li Daliang smiled slightly, and said: "This guy wanted to flatter, but he didn't expect to shoot in the wrong place." Then he briefly recounted the process of the incident.Li Daliang did not hand over the eagle to the envoy that day, but wrote a letter to Li Shimin.It said: "Your Majesty has not hunted for a long time, and the emissary asked for an eagle. If it is His Majesty's will, it is inconsistent with his usual behavior. If the envoy acts without authorization, he is not the right person." Li Shimin saw that the emissary asked for things without authorization, and immediately Furious, he was ordered to be dismissed from office and punished heavily. He was very pleased with Li Daliang's loyalty and admonishment. Fang Da Ren envoy".In addition, Li Daliang was rewarded with a golden pot and a golden bowl for his own use, and he was warned that "you should read classics when you are free from official business", and a copy of "Han Ji" written by Xun Yue was given for him to read. After Li Shi heard the words, his expression was serious, and he sighed: "The emperor is indeed a man who understands! It's such a small matter, let alone a big one? How many dynasties' courtiers met the emperor, firstly because they were afraid of Long Yan, and secondly, because they wanted to flatter them, so many people came out of thin air. It is not according to common sense. In my court, like Da Liang, it is not easy to express my feelings directly when encountering problems. It can be seen that my court is full of clarity. The name came to make people want to please the emperor with some ghosts. In this way, the courtiers don't have to think about other things, as long as they act faithfully." Li Daliang said with a smile: "Brother is famous for his loyalty, you are like a fish in water to serve the current emperor, if you can win this battle, there will be another good story for future generations." "Well, at present, Jieli is in trouble at home and abroad. The emperor judged the situation and sent Li Shangshu to preside over the military. Victory is inevitable." Li Shi said this, and the scene of Li Shimin asking himself before the change of Xuanwumen appeared in his heart.Li Shimin later succeeded in the incident and became the emperor.That questioning was Li Shimin's desire to pull himself into his camp. If he had agreed at that time, he would definitely become Li Shimin's honorable minister.It is a pity that Li Shi's heart has always been loyal to the emperor. Li Yuan was the emperor at the time. If he rebelled against him, it would be inconsistent with his usual actions.For example, when Li Mi was killed for betraying the Tang Dynasty, Li Shigu buried him grandly in memory of his old master, which shows his true heart.After Li Shimin came to the throne, Li Shimin gradually felt calm when he saw that he worked hard to govern, and when employing people, he regarded the virtuous as the leader, regardless of closeness.It's just that there is such a story after all, Li Shi can't fully know Li Shimin's true intentions, every night when everyone is quiet, Li Shisi looks back and forth, knowing that his life is under Li Shimin's rule, and he can only do things diligently, not daring to go beyond the slightest. After all, unlike Yuchi Jingde and others who have a personal relationship with the emperor.In this life, I and the emperor only have to deal with business, and there is no chance to establish an intimate relationship. Not long after Li Shi and Li Daliang led the army to bypass Dingxiang quietly, they heard that Li Jing led a surprise army to attack Dingxiang City, and Jieli was defeated and retreated to Zihetun.Li Shi sighed and said to Li Daliang: "Three thousand soldiers and horses can defeat Jieli's more than 100,000 troops. Li Shangshu is really brave. Da Liang, the next battle is up to us. We must speed up the pace of the march and fight as soon as possible." Go to Baidao and set up an ambush." Li Daliang said: "Li Shangshu is very clever, he will count the time when we reach Baidao before starting the next move." After speaking, he ordered the rear army to advance lightly and rush to Baidao to set up the formation. Li Shiyi came to Baidaokou first, carefully observed the terrain here, and discussed with Li Daliang: "Jieli has hundreds of thousands of people, it is impossible to eat it in one bite. Let's block its way, and then try to eat some of them. That is to achieve the purpose of this trip. Da Liang, we can go to five miles in the valley to set up an army. You lead people to set up an ambush on the mountainside, and I will lead people to build a stone formation at the bottom of the valley and face them. After Xieli enters the valley, I will attack head-on first. , you listened to the order and tied up the cloth bag in time. How is it?" Li Daliang went to make arrangements according to his words, and in less than an hour, all the accompanying Tang troops entered the valley, and there was no trace of the Tang army outside the mouth. Li Jing of Dingxiang really mobilized when the time came. Together with Zhang Gongjin, he and Zhang Gongjin drove troops and horses, rolling towards Zihetun.Na Jieli and the others have already become frightened birds. Living in Zihetun, they heard that the Tang army was coming to kill them many times. Continue to flee north.Remembering that there is a place called Qikou in the north of Yinshan Mountain, which is still under his control, he intends to stick to Qikou for a while.He ordered the leading team to speed up the pace, quickly passed the white road, crossed Yinshan Mountain, and advanced towards Qikou. When Xieli pioneer arrived at Baidaokou, he saw that there was no one there, so he let his horse into the valley.When they traveled five miles, they saw a pile of stones blocking their way at the bottom of the valley.The pile of rocks was several people high and blocked the view to the north.This group of people was stunned by the stone pile for a while, and the leader saw more and more people coming from behind, so he shouted: "What are you doing here? Everyone dismounted, moved the stones, and cleared the way. " The Turkic soldiers woke up like a dream, and got off their horses in a mess to carry the stones.This pile of stones seemed to be quite a lot, but after they carried them, they were all cleared in less than half an hour.After the Turkic team passed through this obstacle, people from behind rushed into the valley, making the valley appear crowded.At this time, Xieli also arrived at Taniguchi. Seeing that the front was crowded and unable to move forward, he became furious there, and ordered someone beside him to go and inquire. Jieli's forward mounted his horse and marched. After half a mile in the valley, he heard the sound of a cannon, and the Tang army stood on the road ahead like a heavenly soldier.The leader was Li Shi, whom they were familiar with. Behind him, rows of hard bows and arrows were waiting, and rows of spears were lined up like a forest.Then Li Shijiang slashed down with his gesture suddenly, and saw arrows and crossbows raining over, and Tang Jun standing on the high slope also threw short spears here.For a while, the Turkic soldiers wailed and wailed, and there was chaos.Seeing that the momentum was not good, the Turkic soldiers in the back shouted: "There is an ambush! There is an ambush!" Their mounts could not turn around in the crowd, so they had to jump off their horses, stumbled and ran out of the valley. Among the rebellious army, another cannon was heard, and then there was a loud shout, and a large group of Tang soldiers appeared on the mountainside at both ends of the valley.They either drew bows and shot arrows or threw stones, which caused the Turkic soldiers at the bottom of the valley to be injured more severely, and the bottom of the valley was filled with the sound of howling ghosts and wolves.These Turkic soldiers saw that there were obstacles in front of them and ambushes on both sides, so they fled to Taniguchi even more desperately.But the crowd was crowded, more and more crowded together, and the retreat speed was slower. The mouth of the valley was narrower than the inside of the valley, and the Turkic soldiers were even more immobile when they arrived here. Some people were pushed down and trampled to death.Suddenly, countless stones and logs rolled down from the top of the valley entrance, smashing the blood and flesh of the Turkic soldiers at the entrance of the valley. internal and external connections.The first general stood on the mountainside on the left, his command was determined, and there was a hawk on his right shoulder, so it was Li Daliang. Seeing that there were more than 20,000 Turkic soldiers remaining in the valley, Li Daliang couldn't bear to see them all be killed, so he summoned dozens of soldiers who could speak Turkic and ordered them to shout to the valley in unison: "If you want to live, You must abandon your weapons and squat down." The Turkic soldiers who heard the shouting really threw away their weapons, squatted down on the spot, and begged for surrender with their heads in their hands.Seeing this, Tang Bing stopped shooting immediately.Soon, at the bottom of the valley for more than five miles, the Turkic soldiers crouched motionless, only those unmanned horses ran wildly in the valley. Seeing the Tang army's ambush outside the valley, Xieli immediately ordered the whole army to flee westward along the foot of Yinshan Mountain, and then picked the low-lying place of Yinshan Mountain, and the camera crossed Yinshan Mountain and rushed to Qikou.At this time, Li Jing's army also came to hide and kill, Xieli had to send out another 20,000 Turkic soldiers to resist, and led the Turkic people to escape desperately.When crossing the Yin Mountain, all the food and grass that came with them were lost, and some old women and women were left behind, and their vitality was seriously injured. Jieli managed to escape to Qikou, and he sighed sadly when he saw that there were only over a hundred thousand of the original 300,000 people around him, and most of his troops had been lost.In the north, there are Xue Yantuo, Huihe, Khitan and other tribes watching over there. If Li Jing leads the Tang army in pursuit, he will fall into a situation of being attacked on both sides.After thinking about it, I felt that the only way to bow down to Li Shimin was to slow down and watch the movement behind, and then make a decision to walk.He summoned Zhisi to fail, sent him to Chang'an to apologize to Li Shimin, and was willing to surrender the whole country. Li Jing and Li Shi joined forces in Baidao. In this battle, more than 50,000 Turkic people were captured alive and a large amount of gold, jewels and shells were obtained. Wen Yanbo went to Dai Zhou to convey Li Shimin's will because of his eldest grandson Wuji's mistakenly bringing a knife into the palace that day, and also expressed his own opinions on how to deal with it.After hearing this, Dai Zhou looked at Wen Yanbo and said, "Wen Ling, you are the chancellor, do you think it is appropriate to handle this matter like this?" "The captain checks the people who enter the palace as a routine duty. Changsun Wuji brought a knife into the palace by mistake because of the emperor's urgent call. It was an unintentional mistake. If the captain checked carefully, this would never happen, so the captain Damn." Dai Zhou was angry, and felt that Wen Yanbo was in such a high position that he really shouldn't have said such things.Changsun Wuji made an unintentional mistake, but did the school lieutenant do it intentionally?Could it be that because Changsun Wuji is a relative of the emperor, can he be different from ordinary people?He squinted and asked, "Wen Ling, do you mean the emperor? Or you?" Wen Yanbo was at a loss for words for a while, and felt that it was difficult to answer.If it was the emperor's intention, Li Shimin did not have a clear intention, but one thing is clear, he would never behead Changsun Wuji because of this matter.If it is my own opinion, Li Shimin said that it is not appropriate for Dai Zhou to judge this matter.He gave a "hehe" dry laugh, and said, "You can handle what the emperor wants. It's about punishment. After all, it's up to Dali Temple to decide how to handle this matter." Dai Zhou nodded and said: "That's good, I will go to the palace to meet the emperor immediately." Li Shimin knew Dai Zhou's reason for coming, at that time he was discussing the war in the northern border with Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, so he signaled Dai Zhou to wait aside first. Du Ruhui briefly told about Li Jing's attack on Dingxiang City. Li Shimin was ecstatic when he heard that, and praised Li Jing: "Li Yaoshi took Dingxiang at night with three thousand riders. Such a handsome man and a battle record have never been seen in ancient times." It is enough to wash away the shame of the Weishui bridge. Xuanling, you can issue an edict to amnesty the world, and you will die for five days." Fang Xuanling said: "I will do it according to the order. This battle in the northern border can be said to be a matter of course, and the Turks must be defeated. Li Yaoshi won more with less, and this credit is particularly valuable. Your Majesty, I think you can also issue an edict to reward the front. General." "Okay, you can do it together." Li Shimin turned his head to see Du Ruhui's sallow face, and said distressedly: "Ruhui, you have been very tired for a while, how is the transfer of food and grass ahead?" Du Ruhui coughed, and said weakly: "The grain and grass have been prepared, and Hou Junji will concentrate on transporting them. There is no serious problem. I hope the emperor can rest assured. Li Jing won the great victory in Dingxiang. As long as the grain and grass are guaranteed in the future, the battle should go smoothly. .” Li Shimin nodded, and said softly: "Yes, it is only a matter of time before Jieli is defeated. There is no doubt about it. Ruhui, your bowstring has been stretched too full for days, and now the big things are over. Take care of your body." "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. I feel short of breath these days, and I am a little powerless in doing things. If this is the case, I will take a leave of absence for a few days." Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui bowed and left. Dai Zhou stepped forward and congratulated Li Shimin: "Li Jing's victory in Dingxiang is also the emperor's blessing. When I first heard this news, I was very happy. From now on, there will be no one in the northern border of our country. Gospel for the people." Li Shimin sighed, and said: "The great victory in Dingxiang is only a small victory. If you want to completely solve Jieli, you have to look at the next step. Since the past dynasties, the northern border has been a hotbed of disasters. The previous dynasties built the Great Wall many times. For this reason. Right now, the Eastern Turks are declining and destroyed, and it will be difficult to make troubles in the future. However, after the Xueyantuo, Huihe and other tribes in the north become stronger, it is difficult to guarantee that they will be able to live in peace and harmony with our country. After this war, how to settle The strategy of Jingbei needs to be carefully considered." When it comes to this issue, Dai Zhou can only listen to the lecture, after all, he is not his director. Li Shimin saw that Dai Zhou didn't answer, Fang Wu couldn't help laughing and asked, "Dai Qing, what do you want to play?" "Wen Ling conveyed His Majesty's will to my ministers, and seeing that the matter is of great importance, I came here to ask the emperor for an idea." "Your idea has always been firm, do you still want to ask me for it?" "Wen Ling made an opinion, and I feel that such a punishment is inappropriate." Dai Zhou then repeated Wen Yanbo's words. Li Shimin didn't hesitate, and replied: "That's good. Even though Wuji made an unintentional mistake, it's very fair to give him corresponding punishment." Dai Zhou retorted on the spot: "I think it's just the opposite, and I think it's the most unfair." Li Shimin sat down, not angry with Dai Zhou's attitude, and said slowly: "The most unfair? Well, as long as you are reasonable, I can follow your opinion." "Your Majesty, it was an unintentional mistake for the Duke of Qi to bring a knife into the palace because he was ordered to meet him. The captain of the prison gate didn't notice it. He found it and chased it. It was also an unintentional mistake. From this point of view, the two The offense committed is the same." Li Shimin nodded. "Wen Ling's opinion was that the captain of the prison gate had neglected his duty in guarding the palace gate, and the crime should be punished with death, but Qi Guogong punished him with copper. It is said in "Wu De Law": "For imperial soup, food, boats and boats. , Those who make mistakes that are not as good as the law will die.' Compared with the captain of Jianmen, the Duke of Qi has a very high position, and he should be stricter than law-abiding. It is unfair to punish one death and one punishment." Li Shimin said solemnly: "Wuji followed my order and brought a knife into the palace by mistake. Could it be that because of this, Wuji's head was cut off? Don't say that Wuji is the queen's brother. Since the Supreme Emperor raised troops, Wuji has made great achievements. Yan. If you cut off his head for such a trivial matter, people in the world will definitely say that I don’t know rewards and punishments.” Dai Zhou said strongly: "If your majesty talks about the merits of the Duke of Qi, it cannot be decided by Dali Temple, and the emperor must issue a decree; if it is punished according to the law, the captain of the prison gate will be killed, and only the Duke of Qi will be fined with copper. Can't stand." Li Shimin thought for a while, then sighed: "Dai Qing's words are reasonable. The law is not my law alone, but the law of the world. How could Wuji want to pervert the law just because Wuji is a relative of the country? Just because of this, he killed Wuji's head , I will not agree to anything. Dai Qing, you have to think of a way for me." "Your Majesty's saying this is making the minister break the law." "How can this be called breaking the law? The spirit of the law is fairness. As long as this principle is not lost, it means that you have not deviated from the track of the law." "In this way, I hope that your majesty will investigate the truth after telling the truth. If the Duke of Qi punishes the copper for his crime, then the school lieutenant will not deserve to die, and he will be reprimanded. In this way, it will be relatively fair." Dai Zhou said This idea, meant to offend Changsun Wuji, has gone against his usual style of dealing with affairs according to law and impartiality.But taking a step back, it is obviously impossible to cut off the head of Changsun Wuji if you follow the dogma to death. Li Shimin put a smile on his face and said: "This is very good, but in this way, it is too cheap for the captain." He thought for a while, and then said: "Last time I let Xuanling and Wuji take the lead and use Kuanping It seems that the word "kuanping" is very important. It seems that the word "kuanping" is very important. It is a bit harsh to cut off the head without asking why. Dai Qing, you will find Xuan immediately after you leave the palace. Age and Wuji, if you tell them what I said, this article will also be amended. By analogy, such harsh punishments and laws can be deleted if they can be deleted, and if they can be reduced, they will be reduced.” Dai Zhou bowed to receive the order, and then withdrew from the palace.He made a worthwhile trip and finally saved the captain's life, he felt very relieved.As for the future judgment of the case, he will follow Li Shimin's will of lenient and careful punishment.In the next few years, Dai Zhou presided over the Dali Temple and easily avoided the death penalty, which can be regarded as a foreshadowing from today. Then Kang Sumi, Empress Xiao and Yang Zhengdao came to Beijing to meet the emperor together, and Li Shimin met them in the west side hall of Liangyi Hall. After reading Li Jing's letter, he looked at Kang Sumi and said: "You have brought Empress Xiao back to the Tang Dynasty, thanks to you." Very big, I will reward you as the deputy lieutenant of Yuhu." After finishing speaking, he ordered Kang Sumi to see Shi Danai. Li Shimin looked at Empress Dowager Xiao and Yang Zhengdao again, Yang Zhengdao was still young, he bowed in front of the hall, his body was trembling, he couldn't say a word.Empress Xiao is a well-informed person, she didn't panic, she calmly walked to Li Shimin's case, bowed her knees and said: "My concubine Xiao sees you, may your Majesty live long!" , tactfully and cutely. Li Shimin couldn't help being taken aback, thinking that you are not called a sinner, but a concubine, which is a bit special, so he lowered his eyes and looked at her carefully.I saw Empress Xiao embracing the crows in her bun, the phoenix hanging down, her collar like a grub, her waist like a willow, and a pair of lotus hooks, which are slightly protruding from under her skirt, about two or three inches long. Judging from her age, she is about thirty. , He secretly wondered, and thought to himself: "Although Empress Xiao has a good name, she is still over forty years old. Why is she still so young and graceful? Could it be a fake?" ?" Empress Xiao said yes. Li Shimin said again: "Since you are Empress Xiao of the Sui Dynasty, please get up immediately!" At this moment, Li Shimin suddenly wanted to see what Empress Xiao looked like. Empress Xiao thanked her, then Niao Tingting stood up and stood to one side.Li Shimin looked at her carefully, and saw that she was a mid-mature lady, still charming, her eyebrows were unpainted but green, her face was unpainted but white, her lips were unpainted but red, her eyes looked like stagnant water, and her nose looked like Qiongyao's. Ji is born again.Li Shimin's heart fluttered, and he thought to himself: "This is really a natural beauty. No wonder Yang Ju was born so neatly. If they walk side by side, they must be a pair of sisters." Li Shimin was full of thoughts, but there was nothing strange on his face. He asked in a deep voice: "Emperor Sui Yang's licentiousness and mischief of the country are really his own fault. You are a generation of women, and you should not help the tyrant. When you came to East Turkistan, you fought with the emperor instead." Why did Princess Yicheng make a road and set up a hairy child for the King of Sui? Isn’t it rare for the Eastern Turks to bully the Middle-earth all these years?” Empress Xiao suddenly burst into tears, choked with sobs and said, "As a subjugated woman, I will be bullied and manipulated wherever I go. If Jieli wants to do this, how dare I say no." His voice The more detailed it is, the more pitiful it sounds. Li Shimin felt tenderness in his heart, thinking that this woman passed through the hands of Yu Wenhuaji, Dou Jiande, and Jieli successively after the country was subjugated. In the past, she was a queen, but she was displaced one after another. He asked in a loud voice, "Now that you are finally returning to Middle-earth, how do you plan for the future?" Empress Xiao wept and said: "My concubines have suffered tragic changes one after another, and they have run away from home. For the rest of my life, I will rely on gifts. I only hope that I can be buried in Jiangdu after death, and I will be in the same cave as my old master. I am grateful." Li Shimin opened his mouth to speak, but an eunuch came forward and said: "Hongluqing Tang Jian is asking to see the emperor, and he is waiting outside the palace." Li Shimin nodded and agreed to Tang Jian's entry into the palace.He said to Empress Xiao: "I will remember your words. You stay in Beijing first, and you can go to the palace to see your daughter when you have time." Then he called around to bring Empress Xiao and Yang Zhengdao into the palace to make arrangements for them. Residential.How clever that Empress Xiao was, seeing that Li Shimin had forgiven her, she hurriedly pulled Yang Zhengdao to bow down to thank her, and then slowly withdrew. Looking at Empress Xiao's graceful back, Li Shimin felt a little bit of reluctance in his heart, and couldn't help but feel distracted.Seeing Tang Jian enter the palace, he just withdrew his mind. Tang Jian bowed and said: "Your Majesty, after Jieli was defeated by Baidao, he crossed Yinshan Mountain and rushed into Qikou. He sent a group of people who were weak to seek peace and demanded that the whole country be surrendered, and they entered Beijing by themselves." At that time, Li Jing and Li Shi The news of Bai Dao's great victory has spread to Beijing and China for several days. "Okay, Xieli was finally hurt. Where is the power of thinking now?" "He is waiting outside the palace." "Come in." Zhisi failed to enter the palace, saw Li Shimin, hurriedly knelt down and worshiped, and said: "The minister Zhisi failed to kowtow to the emperor, may my emperor live long, long live." Li Shimin said with a smile: "Let's get back on your feet. You have lost all strength in thinking, and now you have become a sharp weapon in Jieli's hands. You can either issue ultimatums or beg for surrender, and you can fulfill your mission every time." After losing his strength, he paused and said: "After all, the minister is still Jieli's minister, and he sends ministers as envoys, and it is always better to deliver them." "Get up, I know what you mean. I heard that your father has passed away, so you don't have to return north when you come to Beijing this time." Zhisi lost his strength and got up and said: "I still have to return to Jieli, that's the beginning and the end. If I come to serve His Majesty, I have to tell Khan clearly." Li Shimin couldn't help sighing: "The man in the grassland is the most important promise, and it's true. If you lose your strength, I will allow you to return to the north. As for Jieli coming to ask for peace, I agree. Tang Qing, you can lose your mind with Zhisi." Together, go to Qikou to appease Jieli. It is not too late, you will be on the road tomorrow." Unexpectedly, Tang Jian made a plan for the North and East Turks with just a few words from Li Shimin.Tang Jian had insight into the changes in the Eastern Turks, and felt that it was the time when it was in decline, and it should be suppressed in one fell swoop.If you get along with him now, then the Turkic people have a lot of wolves in their hearts, and they will become a disaster in the end.他想到这里，忍不住奏道：“陛下，执思失力不是外人，臣想说一句肺腑之言。依臣与颉利多年交往经验，此人性好反复，现在其托言请罪，焉知不是缓兵之计？依臣看来，可令李靖等人乘胜追击，擒拿颉利，永绝其患，方为上策。” 李世民忧心地说道：“我军与颉利在大漠决战，毕竟没有经验。颉利能战则战，不胜则逃，朕今日若绝其和意，其定会向西向北逃窜，再也找寻不到。唐卿，颉利手下将士已经不多，今后难再翻起大浪。朕派你去，就是要设法稳住他。” 唐俭明白了李世民的意思，又问道：“陛下，臣明日即去抚慰颉利，能否让他一同来京呢？” 李世民起身，问执思失力道：“执思失力，你对颉利所知最多。你说，他此次会不会随你们一同来京？” 执思失力思忖了一会儿，摇头道：“颉利向来心高气傲，心中不能容下一物，是宁折不弯的脾气。依臣估计，他定会推三阻四，拖延来京。” 李世民点点头，说道：“好吧，你退下去吧。”他离开案前，行了几步走到唐俭面前，执其手曰：“唐卿，那颉利性好反复，你此行要小心在意，遇事要随机应变，不可让朕太担心了。” 唐俭大为感动：“陛下，臣定当努力完成此次差使。” 到了这日晚间，李世民令长孙无忌侍宴。长孙无忌此时已听说唐俭为使北和突厥的事儿，不解地问道：“陛下，记得那时为追穷寇，你衣不卸带历数日穷追不舍，缘何现在对颉利如此宽宏？” 李世民默然片刻，方缓缓说道：“无忌，你仅听说我派唐俭为使去抚慰颉利，可是我并未下令让李靖班师呀。” 长孙无忌顿时明白了李世民的真正心意，他喃喃道：“如此一来，唐俭此行可是十分凶险。” “不妨。我派唐俭为使也是考虑再三，唐俭处事沉静，又懂机变，这样的场面他会应付的。” 李世民此后数日，心中时刻晃着萧后的影子。这日午后，他在太极殿东暖阁批罢奏章，若有所思，即派人去传萧后入宫。 过了半个时辰，萧后即来到宫外。待她入了东暖阁，李世民抬眼一看，眼光不由得一亮。只见萧后今日显是刻意修饰一番，其眉含秋水，脸若朝霞，宝髻高盘，光可鉴影，皓齿微露，笑可倾城，身材愈显袅娜，模样儿更加轻柔。萧后见了李世民，先是盈盈一拜，继而口称“陛下万岁、万万岁”。就像是催魂的妖魅，险些儿把李世民的魂灵给勾引了去。 李世民眨巴了一下眼睛，稳定了一下心神，唤其平身，并让丈监为萧后送来椅子。萧后谢了恩，然后轻轻坐下。 一名宫女手端托盘，上面堆满了绿李和蜜橘，将之放在萧后的身边。萧后见李世民如此细心对待自己，心里不由得一荡。 李世民柔声道：“你在北国日久，定是难以吃上这等罕见之物。” “谢陛下。”萧后从李世民之意，拈起一枚蜜橘，用尖尖笋指剥开橘红色之皮，摘下两片橘瓣送入口中，只觉得一股清甜的水散入喉中。数年来，她居住在北国，多食奶品及羊马肉，不说如此罕见的水果，就是寻常的果蔬也难食到。多少次，她每每回忆起跟随隋炀帝处锦绣之丛，享奇珍之肴的情景，心中感叹万千，多生酸楚之情。大凡一个人身处荣华富贵之中时，会感到满足和幸福，若其从一个高度向下跌落的时候，仅那一分失落的煎熬，即满含痛苦。萧后这些日子来到长安之后，眼前的情景与北方大漠的场景迥异，有一种回家的感觉。只是皇宫近在咫尺，里面的主人却不是自己，行在宫城内，里面宫殿、景物依旧，却已经不属于自己，她内心的滋味，复杂难辨不好明言。 当初宇文化及杀掉隋炀帝，身入六宫居住，对艳名远播的萧后自然不能放过。萧后那时唯恐也被杀掉，保命要紧，自然强颜作笑承欢宇文化及。她此后又被转入窦建德之手，窦建德对她很是礼敬，其手下之人却对她馋涎欲滴，可怜萧后身无一物，为了改变自己的恶劣环境，她唯有以色来换。到了东突厥，颉利又是色目睁睁，她只好投怀送抱。经历了这些事儿，萧后悟出了一个道理，当自己所依靠的男人倒下之后，只有以自己的名声和艳容，再投靠到另一个有权势男人的怀中，方能保自己生活无忧。想想也是，自己肩不能挑手不能提，与其让一个卑小的男人糟践自己，何不追求更大的利益呢？ 萧后这些年阅人多矣，她往往从男人的一个眼神中就能洞察其内心世界。像李世民，与她仅仅接触两回，她已经看出李世民对自己有好感。何况这些天她与杨琚、杨琼接触之后，已经知道了李世民有爱美色及兼收并蓄的性格。眼见李世民正当盛年，生得仪表绝伦，又多才识趣，将隋炀帝、宇文化及、颉利等人都比了下去，她心中已经生出亲近之意。 萧后慢慢将一个蜜橘食尽，眼中忽然涌出泪水，抽泣道：“陛下待臣妾这样，让臣妾觉得离开江都至今，其间的日子如噩梦一般。臣妾若早日归了陛下，也不用受这么多苦。” 李世民见萧后眼泪不绝地涌出，顿时在脸上形成了几条泪流，这才发现，萧后竟然不施粉黛，清泪流过，其脸色更显晶莹。他伸手从怀中抽出一方丝帕，起身来到萧后面前递给她。萧后似乎无意间先抚其手，那李世民顺势将丝帕扣入其手，两手算是结结实实地接触了一回。 李世民劝慰道：“你虽是亡国之后，我朝也不会亏待你。何况，你还是杨琼、杨琚的生身之母呢。你到了京城，若缺什么器物，可对朕说。” 萧后换颜一笑，将那方沾满泪痕的丝帕塞入怀中，然后娇声说道：“臣妾请求陛下将此方丝帕赐下。” 李世民注视萧后的眼睛，笑道：“你已塞入怀中，摆明了不还朕，还用赏赐吗？”那萧后缓缓站起，一点都不躲闪李世民的眼神，两人相对站立，李世民猛然闻到其身上发出的体香，不禁心摇神迷。他的手稍微动了一下，有心想把萧后拥入怀里，并想品咂她那美妙的香唇。他又转念一想，殿中有许多太监及宫女，并有记录起居注之人呆在殿侧。萧后是亡国之后，又是杨妃之母，自己若与她当堂亲热，传扬出去，终为不美。想到这里，他伸手在萧后的肩头虚按了一下，隔着衣服，可以感受到她那柔软滑腻的皮肤，心里又是一紧，说道：“你再食些水果，然后到后宫与杨妃闲话。”两人经此一触，已经各自明白了对方的心意。 那萧后依言坐下，李世民仰头思索一下，低头问道：“你入京之后，还有什么心愿？” 萧后眼波流转，一丝红晕浅浅上脸，轻声说道：“臣妾自从离京之后，别处不想，最忆那华清宫之温汤。若陛下怜妾，就恩赐臣妾去洗浴一回。” 李世民眼睛一亮，觉得这实在是一个好去处，大喜道：“好呀，你怎么和朕想到一起了？朕原定今日午后摆驾华清宫，你若想去，就随同而行。” 人若起了淫意，会不顾一切达到目的。李世民其实没有驾往华清官的打算，经萧后提起，他顿时有了今日定将萧后拥入怀中的念头。那萧后岂有不明白的道理？她乐得攀龙附凤，再享几年安乐。听到李世民今日要去华清宫，其眼神马上变得更加柔媚婉转，摄人魂灵。其时，两人虽未挑明此事，然何须言语，都知道今晚到华清宫之后要发生的事儿。 李世民即刻传旨殿中省，让其准备轻捷的銮驾，不带嫔妃，不带仪卫，午时即出发前往华清宫。 萧后到了华清宫，在宫女的侍候下进了晚膳。这时夜幕低垂，外面寒风怒号，宫内却温暖如春。萧后食罢，嫩白的额上沁出一层细汗。她有心除去一层衣衫，又想未见李世民之面，万一突然被召，衣衫不整就显得唐突。渐渐地，身子也开始发热，隐隐有汗冒出。 这时，尚衣女官走了进来，说道：“皇上有旨，恩准萧后入九龙汤沐浴。” 萧后心里一震，因为她知道九龙汤是皇上洗浴的地方，寻常人不得入内。李世民这样传旨，想是他在那里等待自己，思想之间，她的脚步不觉随着尚衣女官移到了九龙汤的门前。 进入门后到了汤池边，她才发现李世民其时并不在内。室内早已摆好香盒瓶花，焚龙涎，莲炬，香烟氤氲，烛光灿烂，眼见得秋生银汉，艳映玉阶。尚衣女官令宫女替萧后除下衣衫，露出了她一身雪白的肌肤，可羡她虽四十有余，然天生丽质，皮肤并未松弛，身子紧要处该圆则圆，该鼓则鼓。那名尚衣女官知道萧后的来历，心中不禁暗暗赞道：“真乃尤物，依旧保持少妇般身材。” 萧后迈入池中，就觉得水温适宜，那是久违的感觉。水面浮着一层红色、紫色香草花瓣，水面荡漾之际可以闻到飘来的花香。她在水中浸泡片刻，以手搅动温泉之水，既而用手指轻轻滑过自己的皮肤，觉得这温泉之水实在美妙，皮肤与其接触之后，愈显滑腻，她慢慢闭起眼，独自享受这美妙的时刻。 萧后睁眼看到水面上的白香木船，忽然童心大起，起身登上船，摇动那柄小巧之橹在水面上游弋。她尽情在水中嬉戏，心中大乐，不觉又出了细汗。 这时，一名宫女走过来，示意萧后下船，令其躺在半入水的斜槽柚木板上。宫女小心地替她除去发髻，然后注水梳洗，再用手轻抚其面，为其按摩，最后将其发轻轻挽起，用郁金油为之掠鬓，用龙消粉为之敷面。该名宫女诸事完毕，又有一名宫女上来为之揩净身体，用沉香水将全身轻抹了一遍。 尚衣女官此时出现在萧后面前，她脸含笑意，嘱宫女为之披上轻纱，然后说道：“萧后，请跟我走。” 萧后赤脚随尚衣女官沿池埂向左行走，拐了两个弯，就见一扇雕花木门现在面前。尚衣女官抬手指引道：“萧后请入。” 到了这个时刻，萧后的心忽如小兔儿般不安分地乱跳起来，其中有新奇，更有期待，尽管她早就知道了结果。 萧后轻轻推开雕花木门，然后侧头将门轻轻关上，这时感觉一人已经站在身后，那人伸手扪住萧后左乳，赞道：“圆润如处子啊。” 萧后回眸一笑，就见李世民正热切地看着自己，她不经意地一扯，轻纱无声滑落在地。其身子又顺势一倒，那李世民顿时温玉在怀。两人情意相同，自然如漆投胶，融作一片，是夜他们鱼水同欢，说不尽有多少美妙。 长孙嘉敏很快得知了李世民和萧后贪欢的事儿，她思前顾后，觉得还是要劝谏一番。其劝谏的法儿倒是挺特别，一日她笑对李世民道：“那萧后果然国色天香，所以生出了杨氏姐妹这一对妙人儿。陛下，不如让萧后搬入宫中，她们母女相处一起，可免许多寂寞。” 李世民瞥见长孙嘉敏眼中的笑意，顿时明白有风声传入她的耳中。心想自己先是娶了杨琼，又纳弟妇杨琚，现在若再将其母兼收并蓄，实在不成体统。又想那萧后毕竟徐娘半老，尝过一次滋味之后，也没有更多的趣味，遂说道：“我已经赐她宅第，她住在那里最好，杨妃若想见她，出宫见一面就是。” 宫中有美女数千，李世民尚未阅尽，此后他对萧后再也没有动过心，渐渐也就淡忘了。