Chapter 21 The 21st Du Yan Qiuguan Banquet Wei Ting Qin Wang Painting Praise Bachelor

In August of the fourth year of Wude, the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and the autumn is high and the night is clear.Seeing that the whole country is gradually becoming unified, Li Yuan is overjoyed, so he decrees amnesty for the whole world.During the Dajiu period, hundreds of officials and common people feasted and gathered together, and held hundreds of plays.In those few days, there were hundreds of operas competing in the city of Chang'an, and there were crowds of people. The sky is wide and the clouds are comfortable, the trees are green and the water is green, and the Qujiang Pond is more charming under the comfort of the autumn wind.Starting from Jinchangfang, the water of the canal converged into a stock named Qujiang, and the beautiful scenery along the coast became a recreational spot. Government offices in the central government built many pavilions and pavilions here.

Among the pavilions along the Qujiang River, Qingyun Tower and Furong Garden are the most famous.Not to mention the surrounding green trees surrounded by water, the smoke and water are bright, even the rare trees and stones in the garden are also arranged very delicately, not to mention the world-famous delicacies here.For example, Qingyun Tower is the designated place for large-scale banquets in the court.Due to Qingyun Tower's prominent reputation and the support of officials, most of the guests who come here on a daily basis are high-ranking officials and dignitaries in the court.The wine here is expensive, and ordinary people dare not come easily.But it is said that at noon this day, a tall white horse came rushing from the city. The rider wore a soap silk cape, a crimson gown without a gown, and black leather Liuhe boots.He straightened up and ran all the way, without squinting, with an air of arrogance on his face.When he arrived at the gate of Qingyun Building, he reined in the horse, jumped to the ground, threw the horse's reins to the porter, stepped into the garden gate and went straight upstairs.The porter at the back obviously knew him, with a flattering smile on his face, and obediently tied the horse to the hitching post.

This person entered the pavilion door, and an orchid came forward to meet her. She lightly opened her red lips and said in her unproficient Chang'an dialect: "Master Wei, you are here. What are you up to these days? We all want to I'm looking at you. The person upstairs has been waiting for you for more than half an hour." It turned out that the person's name was Wei Ting, and now he is the Prince's left guard in the East Palace.His father Zeng served as Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs in the Sui Dynasty. Wei Ting became playmates with the current prince Li Jiancheng in Chang'an when he was young.Now that Li Jiangui is the crown prince, he has already introduced Wei Ting as his confidant, and he is his number one celebrity.

A smile appeared on Wei Ting's face, and it could be seen that he was very familiar with Hu Ji in front of him.He touched Hu Ji's face with his hand, and said softly: "Xiaoman, miss me?" Lord, what use do I think you are? If the person upstairs hadn't invited you, would you have come here today? Will you think of me?" Hu Ji led Wei Ting to the "Cuitao Pavilion". The door of the pavilion was open. He thought he heard Wei Ting's voice. A person greeted him immediately. Brother Du is very grateful." Wei Ting also hastily cupped his hands, and said: "Since Brother Du has called you, how can I not obey? Brother Du has been waiting here for a long time." Before he raised his hand, Hu Hu beside him Ji had already quietly dodged downstairs.

Firstly, this person's name is Du Yan, and he is Du Ruhui's uncle. Du Yan stretched out his hand to welcome Wei Ting to the table, Wei Ting stepped into the cabinet and took a closer look, he saw that the table was already filled with various fruits and vegetables, and in the middle was a silver plate with double fish patterns and six strands of golden dragon and phoenix crabs.Wei Ting knew the goods. He knew that they were sugar crabs transported from Wuzhong. The cooks wiped the shell surface with a clean cloth, and then pasted it with golden dragon and phoenix flower clouds. It is really a treasure in Chang'an.Wei Ting sat down on the wicker chair, glanced at the scenery of Qujiang outside the window, and said with a smile: "Brother Du is so polite, it was already abrupt for my brother to accept your set of gold cups with circle patterns a few days ago, and today I was given a banquet by you again." , how can I bear it."

Du Yan repeatedly said: "Brother Wei can give Brother Zhuo such a big face, I am very grateful. Come, Brother Wei, this is the new apple wine from the restaurant, please drink this cup to the full." The wine vessels in Qingyun Tower are very particular, and the apple wine is drunk with agate animal head cups.Wei Ting picked up the cup and drank it all in one gulp. He only felt the taste was pungent, and the coolness was like wisps of warm fire. In a moment, the four bodies melted together, and he praised: "Good wine!" Wei Ting knew Du Yan's intention of being so courteous.Ever since Du Yan entered Chang'an, he saw his colleagues from Luoyang joining the cabinet one after another.He wanted to go the way of Prince Qin's Mansion, but Li Shimin was in a hurry and didn't have time to think about him.Everyone in Qin Palace knew Du Ruhui's mood, and they were unwilling to speak for Du Yan.People in the East Palace and Prince Qi's Mansion thought he was Du Ruhui's uncle, but no one paid any attention to him.It made him panic like a bereaved dog.Du Yan ended up in such embarrassment because of another factor.When Du Yan was young, he was erudite and able to argue. He wanted to take the shortcut of Zhongnan, so he went to Taibai Mountain with his friend Wei Fusi to live in seclusion.Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty had insight into the scheming of the two men, summoned them to reprimand them, and then banished them to Jiangbiao as a punishment. This incident was rumored to be a laughing stock in Chang'an.When Du Yan surrendered to Wang Shichong, he became authoritative and self-respecting after being favored, even his own nephew was not spared, the world was very contemptuous.Wei Ting has always been arrogant and unruly, and he also disapproves of Du Yan.However, he and Du Yan had old friends, and he believed in Yuan Tiangang's words. At the beginning, Yuan Tiangang left a phrase for himself, Wang Gui, and Du Yan, and the three of them seemed to be ministers of the same palace.Today, Du Yan came to invite him kindly, although he was not very happy, he still came.

Wei Ting picked up a sugar crab, opened the cover, saw the crab yellow in the crab shell, and sighed: "Crab fat in autumn, reminds me of the beautiful scenery in Wuzhong." He changed the topic, "Brother Du, you know I'm a straight person, if you have anything to say, please say it." Du Yan's face was already wrinkled, and his eyes were bright on his dark face. He stretched out his hand to greet the waiter, and said, "Go to the carp with a flying knife. Brother Wei, I heard that this fish is a carp from the Luo River." The so-called " "Flying knife carp" means to cut carp into thin strips and then eat it raw. The cooks in Qingyun Tower can cut carp meat as thin as gauze, as thin as silk thread. People at that time called it "thin as silk, light It can be blown up", which is really a magical skill.

Wei Ting's expression was indifferent, he walked through the banquet for a long time, no matter how good the delicious food was, he regarded it as normal. Du Yan observed his words and expressions, and knew that Wei Ting was in a hurry, so he stopped detracting, and sighed: "Brother Wei, I have been in Chang'an for more than two months as a brother, and everyone who came with me has a place, and I alone have nowhere to go. I am alone like a ghost. I am looking for you today, and I want you to speak kindly in front of the prince, and find a job for me as soon as possible."

Wei Ting didn't answer directly, but smiled lightly: "Brother Du, your nephew is now very important in Tiance Mansion, and you were brought back by the King of Qin, so why are you begging the Crown Prince instead?" "You should know the reason for this. I was ordered by Wang Shichong to kill my eldest nephew, and Ruhui put the blame on me. If Chuke hadn't interceded for me, I would have died in Luoyang .Ruhui is very powerful in front of the King of Qin now, can you tolerate me? I don't want to touch that cold nail." When Du Yan mentioned Li Shimin, Wei Ting suddenly became angry and said angrily: "Brother Du, if you don't vote for Tiance Mansion, you really don't know the current affairs! The King of Qin is very prosperous now. Do you know? The prince watched the Baishi banquet, how eye-catching the King of Qin is."

Du Yan nodded.Not long after this incident, the good-natured people in Chang'an City were talking about it.On the first day of the big banquet, Li Yuan led his important ministers, Li Jiancheng, Li Shimin, Li Yuanji and others to take a bus along Zhuque Street to Qujiang Pond, watching the banquet along the way.On the second day, Li Yuan ordered Li Jiancheng to lead the princes on a trip, so that they "experience the feelings of the people and have fun with the people".Li Jiancheng lived in front, and the others lined up one by one.In the past, when the spectators saw the prince, they all bowed their heads in silence, and when Li Shimin came close, the "King of Qin" shouted loudly, and everyone's face was full of excitement, and they all wanted to go forward to see Li Shimin's demeanor.Although Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin were born to the same mother, but Li Jiancheng is a little short, and he has been quieter and less active these years, and his body has grown slightly, while Li Shimin is tall and handsome, and his face is heroic. In addition, he has made outstanding military achievements recently. Think of him as a god-man.Li Shimin was cheered by everyone now, and the crowd made it difficult for him to move forward. Li Jiancheng in front turned his head to look for a while, his face gradually became gloomy, waved to Li Yuanji and others, and left first.In those few days, the people of Chang'an were proud to see Li Shimin.The news of Li Shimin being embraced in the street spread to the court, most of the people thought it was because of Li Shimin's outstanding achievements, but Pei Ji, Li Jiancheng and others were secretly sour.

When Wei Ting heard the news, he said to Li Jiancheng angrily: "The common people only know King Qin, not the prince, and the emperor loves King Qin too much." Li Jiancheng's face was gloomy and he didn't say a word. For the next few days, whenever Wei Ting heard Li Shimin's name, Wei Ting felt suffocated. Du Yan observed Wei Ting's expression and said: "For these years, the King of Qin has conquered east and west, and won all the battles. Especially this time around Luoyang, he dared to divide his troops to intercept Dou Jiande. This kind of courage is very common. No wonder the people support him. .” "The king of Qin has indeed made a lot of contributions, but his smug face is also annoying. This time, the emperor named him Tiance Admiral. Brother Du, he even treats the crown prince as nothing. And his family members, It's also very domineering. Do you know? Yesterday, when Fang Xuanling passed by the door of Concubine Yin De's father, Yin Ashu, Yin Ashu was standing at the door to see off the guests. Fang Xuanling wanted to gallop away without even getting off his horse. But, let Yin Ashu instruct the doorman to pull him off the horse and break his hand." Du Yan smiled lightly and said: "This is still angered when I was in Luoyang. At that time, Concubine Yin De went to Luoyang to receive the inner palace under the imperial decree. Except for some people, she got nothing but gold and jewelry, and the king of Qin distributed them to the meritorious soldiers. Listen It is said that Concubine Yin De and Zhang Jieyu were very angry at that time, thinking that the King of Qin had swallowed all the good things. Fang Xuanling was too ignorant, and he refused to go on so many roads, but he had to pass by Yin Ashu's door. Take it as a shame?" At this time, a voice came from the next room: "Mr. Du's words are wrong. Now that the Cefu is arrogant, someone should frustrate their arrogance." Wei Ting was overjoyed when he heard that this remark was very suitable for him, he turned his head and shouted to the next door: "Where is the expert, can we have a party?" The other party replied: "I would like to follow the order of the station." Hearing the sound of footsteps, the man got up and walked towards this side.The pavilions in Qingyun Building are all separated by floor-to-ceiling screens, which are very beautifully decorated, but they are not soundproof. After a while, the person from the next door came over, and saw that this person was tall and strong, with a heroic spirit, he cupped his hands and saluted and said: "Yang Wenqian, born late, was abrupt just now, I hope you will forgive me." Wei Ting had already recognized him, stood up and said, "Brother Du, do you know him? This gentleman is Yang Wengan, the son of the new imperial examination. Yang Wengan, the news wedding banquet is over, why are you still stranded in Chang'an?" In June, scholars from all over the country gathered in Chang'an. The streets were lined with sackcloth like snow, and the shops were filled with southern accents and northern accents.After these scholars participated in the tribute examination hosted by the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Rites released the list, and the first candidates first went to thank the Zhigongju of the Ministry of Rites for their kindness, and then pooled money to hold a banquet by the Qujiang River, inviting Gongju of the Ministry of Rites to participate. For Wen Xiyan.Wei Ting and Liu Li, Zhi Gongju of the Ministry of Rites, were very friendly. This day Liu Li took Wei Ting to the Wenxi Banquet, and Wei Ting also met Hejian Juzi Yang Wenqian at the banquet. The three exchanged greetings and sat down at the table. Yang Wenqian said, "My lords, the student is taking the liberty. The student has heard a lot about King Qin's reputation these days, and admires his courage and courage. However, after hearing a lot, some questions arose. .” Seeing Wei Ting sitting opposite him and nodding to himself, Yang Wenqian seemed to be encouraged, and then said: "Under the whole world, is it the land of the king; on the shore of the land, is it the subject of the king. Although the king of Qin is father and son with the emperor, he is brother with the prince. However, it will be a subject in the end. The world belongs to the emperor. Even after ten thousand years of the emperor, the crown prince should inherit the rule. Now that the king of Qin has made great achievements, he still accepts it generously. If it continues to develop, it will become a catastrophe for the Tang Dynasty. Wen Gan read more history books , All the changes in Zhigong are due to this." Wei Ting liked it very much, and said: "Wen Gan is worthy of being a well-educated and insightful person." Du Yan was silent at the side, thinking that Yang Wengan dared to talk about government affairs in public, and couldn't figure out why he was so young. I am so disgusted with King Qin.Thinking of this, Du Yan couldn't help but interjected: "I heard that the emperor once promised King Qin to be the crown prince, and because King Qin strongly resigned, the crown prince is now in the position." Wei Ting's face turned red, and the veins on his neck were exposed. He clapped the case and said loudly: "It's nonsense! I have been with the prince for a long time, and I have listened to the emperor's words a lot. I have never heard such bastard words. It is clearly from the Prince Qin's mansion. Brother Du, I think you still believe it. Since ancient times, it has been a common practice to establish the eldest son as the crown prince, and the current prince's literary talent and martial arts are no worse than Li Shimin's, but he has to be in court. Helping the emperor handle political affairs, no time to go out, so Li Shimin stole all kinds of limelight." "Yes, yes, my brother has been in Luoyang for a long time, and I don't know anything about Chang'an, so what I said is just hearsay." Seeing that Wei Ting was angry, Du Yan hurriedly explained. "That's right. You must know that the prince is honest and honest. He usually does a lot and talks little, and he is unwilling to compete with others for a day. On the other hand, Li Shimin and his group of people are really hawks when they are doing and shouting." Look at the wolf, you are aggressive. Brother Du, if you enter the East Palace, you must be able to bear the humiliation. With my temper and my outspokenness, the group of people in the Tiance Mansion would have hated me so much. .” Du Yan was silent. Yang Wenqian, who was on the side, couldn't hold back, and took over the quarrel and said: "Master Wei's words are wrong! Competing with others cannot rely on the power of words, the key depends on strength. Now the emperor entrusts the daily government affairs to the prince. The politicians are all over their eyes, and the appointment of officials is all over their hands. It can be said that they are in charge of the overall situation. Only in this point, the King of Qin is incomparable. As for going out to fight, the prince will either go out in person or choose several generals to fight on his behalf. Win the battle. Master Wei, this is the strength that the students talk about." Du Yan saw Yang Wenqian talking there, some of his views were extreme, but he was also quite insightful, so he couldn't help saying, "Little brother, I never imagined that you would hold a pen and ink all day long, and you would also have the idea of ​​going to the battlefield to make contributions. That's it. It seems that you are both civil and military." Yang Wenqian did not refuse, and said loudly: "Although the students read poetry and books, they still know the art of war. Even if they are not very skilled with spears and sticks, they can fight in battle for a while." Du Yan smiled lightly and said, "Hey, it's a pity that the martial arts department is not being taught now, otherwise you will become a double-educated candidate." Wei Ting had already heard the teasing sound in Du Yan's words, so he said: "Well, you are worthy of being a new imperial examination candidate. It's nothing more than insightful. It's rare to have good martial arts. In the future, the court will rely on you like this." Wen Gan, are you coming back home soon?" According to the Sui system in Tang Dynasty, the first candidate must pass the examination of the Ministry of Officials in February of the next year before he can be qualified to be an official and be selected and appointed. Yang Wenqian nodded: "The students are going to return home tomorrow, and then go to Chang'an to take the customs test in the first month of the year." Wei Ting seemed to have found a rare piece of precious jade, and said: "You should go back, 'wealth and honor do not return to your hometown, like traveling at night in brocade clothes'. After you pass the test, if you are interested, come to me, and I will introduce you to the prince. how?" Yang Wenqian was overjoyed, stood up and cupped his hands and said, "The magpie climbed the branches in front of the room in the morning, and the students know that they will meet a noble person today. The students are deeply grateful for Mr. Wei's kindness, and I am being polite here." Wei Ting shook his hands again and again, and the three continued to drink.Wei Ting and Yang Wenqian were very interested in talking, as if they had been friends for a long time, but they left Du Yan aside.After noon, the three of them walked out of Qingyun Tower after drinking and eating.Wei Ting obviously didn't pay much attention to Du Yan's affairs, so he only lightly agreed to help, besides recommending to the crown prince, he also talked to Feng Deyi from the governor's department.Du Yan felt a little disappointed in his heart, but he still had a smile on his face and thanked him again and again.They went out of the gate, Wei Ting rode away on horseback, Yang Wengan walked around the pond with his hands behind his back.Du Yan looked at the backs of the two people leaving, turned around and called a donkey boy, and paid him fifty cash, then rode on the donkey's back and returned disappointed. Andingfang is located at the west end of Miyagi City, connected to the city wall to the north, between Gwanghwamun and Jingyaomen on the north wall.The terrain in the square is high in the north and low in the south, and the low hills and depressions are patchwork.When Li Shimin regained Bingzhou, Li Yuan ordered the construction of Hongyi Palace in Andingfang with "the king of Qin has the merit of restraining the world", and planned to give Li Shimin his residence.When Li Shimin triumphantly returned from Luoyang, Hongyi Palace had already been built. Li Yuan was very dedicated to Li Shimin, knowing that Li Shimin loved mountains and rivers, so he asked the craftsmen to build three hills according to the terrain in Andingfang, and diverted water to form canals, forming a pool on the left and right sides of the main hall in the palace.On the day of the completion of the palace, the people of Chang'an came to watch one after another, praising Chang'an for having another scene. Li Shimin's relocation from Chengqian Palace to Hongyi Palace seemed to be a major event that shocked Chang'an.In the early days of the dynasty, Li Yuan personally rewarded Li Shimin with a golden plaque, on which there were three big golden characters "Tiance Mansion" written in his own handwriting.And a special decree was issued to open the Dajialu book, and all officials sent the plaque to Andingfang, saying "as if I came in person".Li Shimin was shocked when he heard this, and he used the emperor's royal book in order to send a plaque.Seeing that Li Shimin was so determined, Li Yuan agreed to be reduced to a simple battle. Such a simple battle is no small feat, requiring the use of 3,000 men.There are more than 120 rows of court officials, attendants and guards, drums and flag covers, chariots and chariots, and Taoist servants, etc., which aroused half of the people in the city.When the car arrived in front of Hongyi Palace, Prince Li Jiancheng presided over it first, and put the golden plaque on the gate.After that, Li Shimin's face was full of joy, and he cupped his hands to welcome all the officials into the mansion. Inside, the banquet had already been prepared.The joys of various feasts are not detailed one by one. In the next few days, Li Shimin moved the belongings from Chengqian Palace into Hongyi Palace. The main hall in the center was still named "Renwen Hall", and the left pool was named Yingyang Lake, and the right pool was named Cuiguang Lake.The vegetation, trees, birds and animals in the back of the hall are luxuriant; the plum path in Taoxi is mixed with green shade; golden apes and green deer are often in groups.Li Shimin led Fang Xuanling for a walk in the palace on this day. He was very satisfied to see the beautiful scenery, and said with a smile: "Xuanling, I intend to invite all literary talents to talk about poetry and literature in the Hall of Renwen. Such an environment is not in vain. I think so." Li Shimin invites Li Yuan and asks all literary talents to be bachelors of Tiance House.Li Yuan has been watching Li Shimin's every move these days, and he loves it from the bottom of his heart, so he will play immediately.In a few days, all the sages gathered in the Renwen Hall. They are: Du Ruhui, the Xun Lang Zhong of the Daxingtai Secretary of the Mansion, Fang Xuanling of the Jishi and Kaogong Lang, Yu Zhining, the Zhonglang, Su Shichang, the Military Counselor, and Xue Shou of the Jishi , literature Chu Liang, literature Yao Silian, Taixue doctor Lu Deming, Taixue doctor Kong Yingda, chief bookkeeper Li Xuandao, Tian Cecang Cao Li Shousu, record room Yu Shinan, military officer Cai Yungong, military officer Yan Xiangshi, author Zuo Lang, Shetian Xu Jingzong from the Policy Record Office, Zuo Lang, Xue Yuanjing from the Shetian Policy Record Office, Gai Wenda, assistant professor of Taixue, and Su Xu from the Military Advisory Collection. Li Shimin recruited scholars of literature from all directions in Tiance Mansion, which also caused a sensation in the entire capital.Scholars and bureaucrats flocked to it, and if someone could pre-select him, he would be called "Dengyingzhou" by the people at that time, which shows his great status and prestige. After the eighteen bachelors were positioned, Li Shimin divided them into two classes, and stayed overnight in the Renwen Hall to discuss classics and provide them with precious meals, which was very generous.Li Shimin often went to the Renwen hall to discuss literature and current affairs with them in his spare time during court visits. He often said that he didn't go to bed until midnight. It was a bright autumn day, and the sun shone into Tiance Mansion, suppressing the coolness of the night, and the courtyard was still warm and harmonious.Exit the Renwen Hall and head east, along the curved corridor by the Yingyang Lake, you will arrive at a rockery, on which stands a pavilion called "Painting Landscape".A century-old ginkgo tree grows next to the pavilion, the branches are like a cover, and the leaves are whirling and luxuriant.Seen from a distance, the clear water, autumn trees, and quiet pavilions here reflect the blue tiles in the sky. At this moment, there was a lot of voices in the Painting Pavilion, and Li Shimin and others were watching a painter's portrait.The person in the portrait is about twenty-five or six years old, with a fair complexion, eyebrows drawn into the temples, and phoenix eyes facing the sky. He is wearing a white blouse, and his chest has already been splashed with some color.This man's name was Yan Liben, and he was the younger brother of Yan Lide, who served as Emperor Shangyi.The two were famous all over the world for their paintings when they were still in the Sui Dynasty.Yan Lide became well-known early, and in the Wude period, he was very busy all day long because he had all the designs of the six uniforms such as Gunmian Daqiu and waist umbrella fans in the court.This time when the eighteen scholars of Tiance Mansion finished gathering, one day Li Shimin suddenly thought of drawing a picture for each of them, so as to highlight the present and pass on to future generations.I wanted to invite Yan Lide to come here, but he had too many affairs in the palace and couldn't get away.At this time, Yu Shinan suggested: "King Qin, I think Lide's recent paintings are hindered by the imperial system, and they are increasingly dull and less lively. His younger brother Liben's brushwork is colored according to the type, with vivid charm and clear bones. Strange, I would rather invite him to paint." Li Shimin followed his idea and sent someone to invite Yan Liben into the mansion to paint for the Eighteen Scholars.His paintings can capture the characteristics of each person's freehand brushwork, and the person being painted is quite satisfied. Today is his turn to paint for Su Shichang. On the opposite side, Su Shichang sat upright, the sun shone on his face, and the wrinkles were clearly visible.Su Shichang is from Wugong County, Yongzhou. Emperor Wen of Sui Dynasty was the commander of Chang'an, and Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty was the Shaojian of Dushui. He was very friendly with Li Yuan, and they happened to be the same age.This man is born smart, bold, learned and eloquent.I don't usually put on airs, and I like to drink some wine.Li Yuan became the emperor, he was not restrained at all in front of Li Yuan, he often liked to give advice, and he was funny and clever.Once he followed Li Yuan to Jingyang to hunt. During this trip, he hunted a lot. Li Yuan was very interested. He returned to Chang'an and asked the officials: "How happy are you today?" Ten thousand chances, less than ten days, not a great joy." Li Yuan's expression changed for a moment, then he smiled again, and asked Su Shizhang: "Are you crazy?" For your Majesty's sake, you are loyal." Li Yuan has the same advantage, that is, he is quite nostalgic and friendly, and he does not blame him.After a few things, people in the court often said that Su Shichang was a bit like Dongfang Shuo in the time of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.The reason why he was listed as one of the eighteen bachelors by Li Shimin was largely because Li Shimin valued his deep friendship with Li Yuan, and he was not as annoying as Pei Ji. Su Shichang had been sitting there for a long time, and the sunlight made him squint his eyes, so he stretched out his hand and rubbed his eyes, and said to Yan Liben: "Painter Yan, everyone says that your painting skills are like a god, but I don't think so. From morning to now, you Let me sit here without moving, how can I move so slowly, is it because I want to toss my old bones?" Yan Liben ignored his quarrels, and focused on observing the subtleties of Su Shichang's demeanor, and continued to draw carefully stroke by stroke.Seeing Su Shichang's impatient look, Li Shimin couldn't help laughing, and said, "Mr. Su, don't be impatient. Your face is done, and it will be fine soon." Yu Shinan and Su Shichang are the most familiar, and they often joke when they meet.Seeing Su Shichang's anxious look, Yu Shinan couldn't help laughing and said: "Old man, you can't calm down like a monkey. I think you would have become a rare good official if you endured a little longer in Shanzhou. gone." When everyone heard this, they couldn't help laughing. There is an allusion here, and it is also a well-known joke in the court.Last year, Li Yuan appointed Su Shizhang as the governor of Shanzhou. This old gentleman said that he was invincible in the world, but his ability to really manage local political affairs was a bit weaker.After two months, he found it difficult to control his subordinates, and made many wrong judgments, causing great public complaints.How to do it?Su Shichang thought of a way to buy people's hearts: self-punishment, let people beat himself with a whip in the street.Unexpectedly, the office official holding the whip also hated Su Shichang for being only talkative and not doing practical things on weekdays.Su Shichang was in so much pain that he ran away shouting, and the onlookers burst into laughter.Li Yuan heard the news and called Su Shichang back to Chang'an. At that time, the news had spread to the court, and all the officials couldn't help laughing when they saw Su Shichang. Li Shimin stopped laughing first, and blamed Yu Shinan, saying: "Mr. Yu is usually unsmiling, but when you expose the scars, you can see blood with a knife. You can't do it again from now on." Su Shichang over there was not angry, he also laughed along with everyone, and now he said: "Shi Nan, you are not as good as me with your thin bones. Once the whip comes down, I'm afraid you will be knocked unconscious Let's not talk about it, little Xu Zi, go get a leather whip and give him a try." Yu Shinan was born with the appearance of a scholar, gentle, thin and weak, seemingly weak, but in fact he is upright and strong. Chu Liang walked out of the crowd slowly at this time, and said: "Mr. Su, I have been troubled by your compliments these days, but now I think of it." At the beginning, Li Shimin asked Yan Liben to paint each person, and then asked Chu Liang to write a 16-character compliment for each person, and then asked Yu Shinan to inscribe on the painting, thus completing the "Portrait of Eighteen Scholars".Chu Liang has written the praises of the previous painters these days, including: Talented and Zao Hansi enters into the machine god to be an official, rewards festivals, and offers Wangshen (Fang Xuanling) Jianping, elegant, restful, bright, loyal and righteous Famous in person (Du Ruhui) Virtue and Chunbei Wen are Ci Zong Suye devoted himself to Zhongyi (Yu Shinan) Daoguang ranks first Feng Chuan Que Li Jingyi Xia Kai Ci Biaoqi (Kong Yingda) Diligence, hard work, record of words, dying in danger, Yu Feng Li Su (Yao Silian) Su Shichang stood up quickly when he heard this. He obviously cared about Chu Liang's praise for him, and asked repeatedly: "Is it a good thing or a bad thing for me? Tell me quickly." There was silence in the field for a while, and Chu Liang chanted leisurely: "The military counseling is humorous, detached and enlightened." Su Shichang nodded and said: "It's a good word. It is recognized by everyone that I am smart and able to argue. What are the next two sentences?" "Being upright in court is not because of bowing." When Su Shichang heard this, he quickly stepped forward and grabbed Chu Liang's hands, shaking them and said, "Okay, Chu Liang is the one who knows me! Little Xu, bring the wine, I'll drink up a big one for this." Yu Shinan laughed: "Chu Liang, what you said touched the heart of this old guy. Let me ask you, did he bribe you?" Li Shimin smiled slightly: "Mr. Chu's words are very appropriate. Mr. Su has repeatedly remonstrated with his father in the court. It is nothing more than a word of 'loyalty', loyal to our court." While speaking, Yan Liben had completed the painting, and everyone watched carefully, only to see Su Shi in the painting with long fluttering beard, looking solemn and detached, with a hint of humor between his brows, all praised it very vividly. Later, Yan Liben painted for Xu Jingzong, and everyone watched in twos and threes, or went back to the hall to drink tea.Li Shimin didn't talk to them either, and let them move freely.At this moment Fang Xuanling gave him a wink, and the two walked along the winding corridor to the back garden. The chrysanthemums in the back garden are in full bloom, decorating the garden beautifully.Seeing that Fang Xuanling's left arm was still splinted, Li Shimin asked with concern: "Xuanling, is the injury on your hand still not healed?" Fang Xuanling said: "It's almost over, the doctor said that the splint can be removed in the future." Li Shimin's face was full of anger: "Yin Ashu is too disrespectful to me, relying on the power of Concubine Yin De, dare to beat my people! Xuanling, tell me, who is he instigated by?" Fang Xuanling shook his head and said: "It's all because of Xuanling's lack of wink, he shouldn't have passed by his door, and it happened that Yin Ashu was standing there. This matter is not complicated, the root of it is when Concubine Yin De asked for gold and jewelry when she was in Luoyang. I never got it, so I resent it to this day.” "Concubine Yin De and Zhang Jieyu hate me now, they are too ignorant! Father has an order to reward these gold and jewels to meritorious soldiers, how can the people in the harem take it arbitrarily?" "Women are the most narrow minded. When you took down Luoyang, King Qin, they thought you had mastered the golden mountains and silver mountains, and they deserved a piece of their pie! But this incident reminded us that the harem cannot be ignored. They live every day. Standing beside the emperor, too much slander will surely lead to disaster." Li Shimin looked solemn, and nodded absently. Fang Xuanling observed Li Shimin's expression, and said: "King Qin, I have been worried these days, and Ruhui also has the same thoughts. I don't know if I should talk about it or not?" Li Shimin was taken aback for a moment, and said, "Xuanling, why are you so hesitant to vomit? Talk when you have something to say." Fang Xuanling said slowly: "As the saying goes, 'when the sun is full, it will be bad, and the moon will be full, then it will be bad'. Since we came back from Luoyang, King Qin's reputation is in full swing. There are some gossips these days. Ruhui and I checked carefully and found these gossips They all came from the East Palace and Prince Qi’s Mansion. It was said in the words that King Qin was so arrogant that even the crown prince was not in his eyes. Do you still remember the night talk between the two of us by the Jianshui when we attacked Luoyang? Lord Gao Zhen', the 'lord' here does not refer to the emperor, but the prince. The last time you were crowded in the street during the massacre, and I was by the side, I saw that the faces of the prince and King Qi were very ugly. Now the rift is over. Cheng, now here you are writing praises for the Eighteen Scholars' paintings, causing a sensation among scholars, and I'm afraid it will deepen suspicions. I know that you have always been cautious, King Qin, showing off so much is contrary to your old style. Ruhui and I are very puzzled .” Li Shimin smiled slightly and said, "That's right, I just want this effect." "Xuanling, we had a talk in Jianshui that night. I thought about it for a long time afterwards. As you said, the current situation has been established, and I am not allowed to retreat. I must fight for the position of prince! At the beginning, my father promised me that, I refused to accept it, but now that I think about it, I am too benevolent and weak. One, I am the most suitable for inheriting the heroes of the father and the emperor, and making the foundation of the Great Tang; It's a pity to lose my wings because of me. Of the three, I am tolerant and can tolerate brothers. On the other hand, they will never tolerate me because I am famous all over the world. Based on this, I must fight for the position of prince. How to fight for it? You must convince the crowd with your talent and strategy, and impress the heart of your father with your extraordinary achievements. Xuanling, in the whole world, I only tell you what I really want to say." Fang Xuanling stared at the young master in front of him, feeling warm in his heart. Needless to say, the trust he had entrusted to himself so frankly, what felt the heaviest was the responsibility on his shoulders. Li Shimin sighed again, and said: "The so-called arrow is on the string, it is like a leap. Xuanling, do you think so?" "King Qin has such a thing on his mind, so he must keep it secret, so why make it so public?" "You still don't understand? I did this to let my father see. If I can achieve my goal without bloodshed and maintain the friendship between our brothers, it is the best policy. Now let Dalang and Shiro feel a little uneasy. It's normal. Xuanling, you and Ruhui can't discuss this matter again in the future, and I have my own discretion on how to grasp the scale." Fang Xuanling stopped talking about this topic, he took out a list from his chest and handed it to Li Shimin, saying: "King Qin, all the items obtained in Luoyang are recorded on it." Li Shimin took it over and unfolded it, only to see that it read: Linglong white jade belt, 30 pieces of light white jade belt, 30 pieces of night pearl, 300 white jade toys, 100 pieces of horseshoe gold, 100,000 taels of red gold jewelry, 260 pieces of silver and 2 Ten thousand ingots of gold and silver cups, two hundred pairs of Lu silk each, one thousand gold hairpins, silver hairpins, jade hairpins, gold bracelets, jade bracelets, silver bracelets, and amber bracelets. After reading it, Li Shimin asked, "Where are these things?" It turned out that the things listed on the list were obtained from Dou Jiande's camp and Luoyang City. Li Yuan once asked Li Shimin to reward the meritorious soldiers, Fang Xuanling. Seeing so many trophies with Du Ruhui, he was thoughtful and persuaded Li Shimin to pick some of them and keep them. "Do you still remember Ruhui's younger brother, Du Chuke? He didn't want to follow Ruhui to Chang'an, and wanted to find a place to live in seclusion. I thought of a place for him, which was the summer manor in Xin'an City. When I mentioned it, Du Chuke was very Interested, I went there to become the owner of the manor. These things are now hidden in the secret cave of that manor." "Okay, let Chu Ke take care of these things, I'm most at ease. But these things such as Lu silk, hairpins, and bracelets are useless if they are left there. They will rot and fade after a long time. You send someone to take them back to Chang'an, and hand them over to Chang'an. Give it to Jiamin, and ask her to give it to Concubine Wan Gui. I think people in the harem still like these things." Ever since Li Shimin adopted Li Kuan, who was born by Jing'er, to the dead Li Zhiyun, Concubine Wan Gui was so fond of her that she often asked her eldest grandson Jiamin and Jing'er to bring Li Kuan into the palace, staying for a whole day.Concubine Wan Gui was at the head of the harem. Although Concubine Yin De and Zhang Jieyu were doting favors in front of Li Yuan, they still had to restrain themselves in front of Concubine Wan Gui.Li Yuan is very fond of nostalgia, even though he doesn't often sleep with Concubine Wan Gui, he still entrusts her to manage the affairs of the harem, so he feels most at ease in his heart.When Concubine Wan Gui is free, she teases Li Kuan like she would her own grandson, while gossiping with eldest grandson Jiamin and Jing'er, her life is not lonely.Unfortunately, when Li Kuan was two years old, a serious illness took his young life.In those days, the three women wept relatively, but Concubine Wan Gui was even more sad than Jing'er.After they calmed down, their mutual affection deepened. Whenever she had free time, Concubine Wan Gui summoned her eldest grandson Jiamin into the harem. Fang Xuanling understood Li Shimin's meaning and nodded her head heavily.Li Shimin also warned: "When transporting these things into the city, you should be more secretive. It is best to choose a time when the night is quiet. I will tell Jiamin at night and let her send them out in batches slowly. Things like these are rare. It's better to make public. Xuanling, is there anything else?" "It's still related to Ruhui. Does King Qin still have any memories of his uncle Du Yan?" 李世民厌恶地皱了皱眉头，说道：“唔，我还记得他。想起叔父对待亲侄子竟然会这般绝情，我心里都透出恶心。你知道我，与人交往，尤重其德。这杜淹在什么地方？” “杜淹自从随秦王来到长安，一直赋闲，尚未理事。昨日封公见我，悄悄说道，杜淹这些天正在托人打通东宫的路子，想到东宫谋一差使呢。封公让我告诉秦王，说这杜淹还有些歪才，若他入了东宫，对天策府而言，是一个小小的损失。” “杜淹能有什么歪才？他既然愿意去东宫，随他好了。” “不然，当初杜淹欲走终南捷径，被隋文帝恶之谪戍江表，不久起复为雍州承奉郎，隋炀帝时官至御史中丞；及至他到了洛阳，那里百官云集，鬼蜮伎俩甚多，杜淹在那里如鱼得水，获得了王世充的信任，被任为吏部侍郎。由此观之，不说他钻营逢迎，若没有些真能耐断不能久。他久处倾轧争斗环境之中，须有相当手腕邀宠蒙下，方能生存。我看他为虎作伥的本领已炉火纯青。若在天策府里，这里正气凛然，人才毕集，他断难翻起风浪；若他入了东宫，在太子面前出一些坏主意，将增加不小的变数。我意请如晦出面，招杜淹入府，权当养他在这里。其实东宫和齐王府那里，碍于他是如晦的亲叔叔，也顾虑重重难下决心。此事请秦王三思。” 李世民心里一震，觉得房玄龄所说很有道理，点头道：“好，就按你说的去办，如今府里的兵曹参军还空着一个位置，就委予他吧。”他站在那里又若有所思，“封德彝在这件事情上还想着我，玄龄，人言封德彝狡诈多变，此次洛阳一战，他在关键时刻回长安说转了父皇退兵的念头，说起来，他还是有功劳的。此次又主动提起杜淹之事，你说，他的心向着我吗？” 房玄龄想了一会儿说道：“封德彝的态度到底如何，我实在有点拿不准。皇上身边的几个老臣在对待你的态度上，萧瑀、陈叔达、颜师古他们自不用说，一直都支持你；裴寂与你性情不合，特别在处理刘文静事件上，你们其实已经互相厌恶对方，只不过还维持着面子上的和睦；至于封德彝，他的心里到底是如何想的，我吃不准，还是边走边看吧。” 李世民忽然转颜一笑，说道：“玄龄，我这些日子忙着文学馆的事儿，又在这里作画为赞，好几天没有与那帮武将们在一起了，这些天他们都在忙些什么，你知道吗？” “他们呀，都在那里大碗吃肉，大碗喝酒呢。昨儿我遇见了程咬金，秦王你猜，他说些什么？'秦王现在不要我们了，只顾在那里吟诗作赋，别惹得我老程火起，趁黑夜将那群老夫子劫持到北境大漠，看秦王还到什么地方找他们。'” “哈，这个口无遮拦的程咬金。不过我也真的有点想他们，明日，我就领他们到九宫山狩猎一回。歇了这么长的日子，久不骑马，身上的肉都有点痒痒。仗嘛，今后还是有得打的，这帮人别闲出事情来，要找个地方，让他们静心研究研究战法。打仗也不能仅靠力气啊，要让他们多点智慧。” 房玄龄点头称是。 这时，一阵脚步声从长廊中响起，就见几个丽人向这边走来，其中一人手里抱着小孩子。李世民定睛一看，认得是姐姐李婉娘和倩紫等三个丫头。又见倩紫的腰身笨重，显然是她与马三宝成婚之后有了身孕。那名尚在襁褓中的婴儿，自是李婉娘刚生下的儿子。 李世民疾步上前，说道：“姐，怎么来了也不说一声？也好让小弟和嘉敏迎接你呀。” 李婉娘生产后腰身明显又胖了一圈，然脚步还算利索，她见李世民迎来，笑容早已上脸，说道：“你现在是位在王公之上的天策上将，怎么敢惊动你呢？我来这里，只想悄悄找嘉敏叙叙话儿，还想让我先拜见你不成？” 李世民也开起了玩笑：“别说好听话儿，我还不了解姐姐的山大王脾气吗？莫非想偷偷摸了我的寨子？” 李婉娘未及答话，就见一群女人如风般围上前来，自是长孙嘉敏带领众姬来迎。