Chapter 9 The Ninth Huaelou Brothers Rejoice Together Amnesty Yao Chongshiji

The head of state Wang Renjiao was then a master craftsman, and he devoted his energy to the construction of Xingqing Palace in recent years.Xingqing Fang was converted into Xingqing Palace, and its original buildings were basically demolished, and the amount of work was enormous.Wang Renjiao looked at the construction drawings of Xingqing Palace, and heard the emperor talk about "Calyx Xianghui Building" and "Diligent Government Affairs Main Building".In the spring of the fourth year of Kaiyuan, the "Calyx Xianghui Building" was successfully built, and the "Government Building" also took shape.In order to decorate the scenery around the "Calyx Xianghui Building", Wang Renjiao moved exotic trees and famous flowers from all over the country, and planted them in a patchwork order around the building.The wind blows in early spring, and you can smell the fragrance. The calyxes on the flower trees in the garden are pink and tender, which really fits the meaning of "the calyxes are shining together".

Wang Renjiao urged Li Longji several times to observe the "Huacalyx Xianghui Building". One sunny day, Li Longji suddenly wanted to go out to stretch his muscles and bones, so he sent someone to call Wang Renjiao and asked him to take him to Xingqing Palace for inspection. Both Taiji Palace and Daming Palace are connected by lanes and connected to the four walls. Wang Renjiao built a lane in Xingqing Palace this time to connect the east wall. Li Longji can reach Xingqing from Taiji Palace through the lane. palace. Li Longji boarded the "Calyx Xianghui Building", and looking around, he saw that the "Diligent Government Affairs Building" opposite it had begun to take shape, and some other halls had also emerged from the ground, which inevitably felt a little messy; however, the surrounding area of ​​the building With verdant flowers and trees, it is really a quiet and elegant place, and I am very satisfied in my heart.

Wang Renjiao reported: "Your Majesty, it will take about three years to complete the entire Xingqing Palace. Now that the country is in its infancy, I dare not add more labor, which delays the time." Li Longji praised: "Well, it's a good thing if you understand my intentions and don't disturb the people. Although the Taiji Hall is a bit old, it can still be used for people after all, so there is no rush at this moment. The 'Huacalyx Xianghui Building' was built That’s right, even if the construction of other places has not been completed, I can still feast my brothers here.”

When Li Longji said this, something suddenly came to his mind: Although the building is completed, how can the brothers be scattered everywhere, how can they have a feast and get together? Afterwards, he returned to the Tai Chi Hall in a dull mood and asked Gao Lishi to call Yao Chong to speak. Li Longji said: "I walked around the Xingqing Palace just now, and I felt a little touched by the scene." Yao Chong was puzzled, thinking that the construction of Xingqing Palace was in full swing, so what would happen? Li Longji continued: "I went to see the Supreme Emperor the day before yesterday, and the Supreme Emperor suddenly asked King Ning and the others. When I arrived at Xingqing Palace today, I immediately remembered the scene where the brothers of the 'Five Kings' House' gathered together in the past. Now things are different, and the brothers are scattered everywhere. , I feel very bad in my heart."

Yao Chong suddenly realized, and thought in his heart that letting the kings go out of Beijing to go to various places was a precautionary measure to protect the imperial power.However, in the emperor's current tone, it seems that the separation of their brothers is clearly a matter of Yao Chong's choice.Yao Chong couldn't help smiling wryly in his heart: Who put himself in this position?Then the notoriety of degrading the hero San brothers, I have no choice but to bear it calmly.Yao Chong thought of this, and hurriedly replied: "Your Majesty is benevolent, filial, and friendly to brothers. This is known all over the world. After the Spring Festival, the new houses of King Ning and others have been built, and they are adjacent to Xingqing Palace. I think that you can declare Ning Wang and others return to Beijing, and from now on, we will be together with His Majesty day and night, sharing the family happiness with the Supreme Emperor."

Li Longji nodded and said: "I called you here because I wanted to do this. I went to see the Supreme Emperor the day before yesterday, and I felt that the father's body was getting worse every day. If the brothers all served around the father, maybe the father The emperor's body and bones will get better." Yao Chong knew that through the efforts of the monarchs and ministers in the past few years, the national situation has gradually recovered and stabilized. Li Longji's imperial power is already supreme, and there are few people who cannot shake it.At this time, if the kings are allowed to return to the capital, it will not interfere with Li Longji's imperial power, and it will be a good thing to take into account Li Longji's reputation.

The matter was settled. Li Longji asked again: "Yao Qing, Zhang Jiazhen is the prime minister, can you trust me?" Yao Chongdao: "Your Majesty's appointed person, how can he be unbearable? It's just that Jiazhen has a simple personality and trusts others too much, so her actions are unavoidably rough and easy to make mistakes. I know her shortcomings, so I have tried to persuade her several times, and I believe that she will have some experience. , when there is progress." Li Longji had a sudden whim the night before, and thus promoted an unknown person to the position of prime minister. Such a simple method and appointment process are a bit too simple.Hearing Yao Chongzhi's words, he said with a smile: "If Zhang Jiazhen is extremely perfect, he is not suitable for this aspect. Yao Qing, you are in charge of everything. The so-called green leaves and red flowers, Zhang Jiazhen is nothing more than green leaves. The reason why I chose him is because of this. "

Yao Chong now understands the general context of Li Longji's appointment of prime minister.Xiangquan has always been an extension of imperial power. It is said that the purpose of the two is unified. As long as Xiangquan obeys imperial power, the country can govern in order.However, there have been such examples in history, that is, the power of the prime minister was too strong and gradually invaded the imperial power, and the two had conflicts.Therefore, since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Taizong set up political affairs halls, such as the three masters and three princes, the governors of the three provinces, and even low-level officials with the titles of "Shenzhi Zhengshi", "Tongzhongshumenxia Sanpin", and "Tongzhongshumenxia Pingzhangshi". Anyone who is a prime minister can enter the political affairs hall to discuss matters.Tang Taizong did this for the purpose of brainstorming, and the emperor still decided on major events, and it also had the consideration of allowing the prime ministers to check and balance each other.Li Longji now abolishes the practice of discussing affairs in the political affairs hall, and instead greatly expands the power of the main prime minister. This move can change the ills of the political affairs hall without making decisions, and also shows his unlimited trust in the main prime minister.

Yao Chong was grateful again, and then resigned. Ten days later, the brothers of King Ning Li Xian returned to the capital under the imperial edict. After the brothers returned together, Li Longji held a banquet in the "Huae Xianghui Building" to wash away the dust. At night, the dark fragrance floats outside the building, and the exotic fragrance of red osmanthus, magnolia and laurel is carried by the breeze, gently diffuses through the screen window and enters the building. Not far to the south of "Calyx Xianghui Building", there is an endless water surface, which is the Longqing Pool formed by springs in the past. Now it is renamed Xingqing Pool to avoid the taboo of Li Longji's name.In the island pavilion in the center of the water surface, there are several strings of red lanterns hanging here and there. Looking over the railing, you can see that the lanterns swaying slightly in the breeze match the slight waves in the pool, mobilizing the nearby flowers, trees and strange fragrances, forming a beautiful landscape. A dynamic picture.

Although Li Longji is the emperor, he still pushed his eldest brother to sit at the head of the table. He held up a cup and said: "When the country was first established, for the stability of Sui and Sifang, I had to wrong my brothers to guard the Sifang on my behalf. Come, please drink up this cup , to talk about the hard work of the brothers." Li Xian and the other four brothers are like mirrors. Although they have the name of the governor after they left Beijing, the state affairs are all handled by the governor of the prefecture. .Li Longji now said that they guard the Quartet, which is clearly a lie.However, Li Longji is no longer the former Saburo, but the emperor who wields the power of life and death in the world. Fear has long been born in their hearts, so they carefully drink up the wine in their cups.

Li Longji waved his hand again and said, "I built this building for the meaning of a blind date between brothers. From now on, when I wait for my brothers to serve the emperor, I can come here to have fun every ten days. Alas, every time I miss my brothers these years It's a pity that we can't get together." Li Xian held up the lamp and said: "When your majesty first came to the throne, you often invited your brothers into the palace for gatherings, and slept on the same couch; now that the state affairs are heavy, you still don't forget your brothers, and this building is built to show the brotherhood. In history, it is difficult to be as friendly as your majesty The emperor of brothers. Come, let me respect your majesty on behalf of my brothers." Li Longji waved his hand to stop him and said, "Brother, from now on in the court, we can be regarded as monarchs and ministers; if we meet such a family banquet, it is best to be brothers. Brother, let us drink this cup together." When the others heard the words, of course they drank up their cups. Li Longji said again: "After the brothers enter Beijing, they will still contribute to the imperial court. Tomorrow, I will discuss with Mr. Yao, and we will assign important positions according to the strengths of the brothers. Although the world is at peace, we must not slack off. You have to work harder.” During the long days of exile, Li Xian and other four brothers all thought very clearly about one thing, that is, they would no longer be able to hold real positions in the court no matter what they said.Li Longji used the Eastern Han Dynasty as an example for the heroes before, and said that "the old man in Nanyang, protect yourself leisurely", and they thought it was also applicable to them.If you don't care about the affairs of the court from now on, as a vassal king, you have a generous food seal, and you can enjoy yourself from now on, wouldn't it be fun? Li Xian exchanged glances with the three younger brothers, and then said solemnly: "Third younger brother, I said before the banquet that it is enough to be a vassal king in the future, and stay away from government affairs from now on. As for the appointment of duties, No need to mention it in the future.” The three of them, Li and Fan, nodded heavily and said, "That's it." Li Longji backed down again, seeing his brothers gritted their teeth and resolutely refused, so he kept silent. It was the night when the five brothers drank a lot, and they broke up happily until late at night. But it is said that when the five Li Longji brothers were holding lamps frequently in the "Huae Xianghui Building", Yao Chong was in charge of the office in the Zhongshu Provincial Yamen. At that time, there were many people who worshiped Buddha, and people with a little money often made a vow to build temples.In the early years of Kaiyuan, there were more than 400 temples in Chang'an. In view of this situation, Li Longji believed that if too many temples were built, it would not be conducive to the restoration of farming, so he issued an imperial edict: "From now on, no Buddhist temples can be built; the old temples are ruined and should be repaired." I have a secretary Chen to inspect it, and then listen to it.” In recent years, due to years of maturity, new temples have been rebuilt in some places. Of course, Yao Chong did not allow the old ways to relapse, so he drafted a stern letter and sent it to various places, and ordered the imperial court to Shitai sent inspectors to various places to picket. After finishing this matter, Yao Chong carefully read Zhang Shougui's memorial.After this spring, Zhang Shougui had moved the front of the Yingzhou government to the Daling River area, and the Khitan people were in constant discord and disputes, thus losing the momentum to attack.Yao Chong read the book so far, got up and clapped his hands on the table and praised: "Wow, you really have the demeanor of a fierce general. Haha, Guo Qianquan's vision is very accurate, this time he didn't miss it." Qi Han, from Zhongshushe, was on duty today, and was standing by the side at that time.Seeing that Yao Chong was so happy, he didn't know why, so he asked cautiously, "Mr. Yao is so happy. Could it be that Governor Guo won another battle?" Yao Chongdao: "The last time Guo Qianquan captured and killed the son of Mochuu, he had already suppressed Mochuu's arrogance, but there has been no war in the Northwest recently. The reason why I am happy today is that he recommended Zhang Shougui to the Holy Majesty, so I have another chance at court." A strong general." At the end of last year's winter, Mochuu used his old skills again, and wanted to take advantage of the bad weather to attack Luntai.Guo Qianquan had been on guard for a long time, and he stuck to Luntai City and did not go out to fight, which made the Turks feel that the Tang soldiers were afraid and cowardly.This time, Mo Chuo sent his son Tong Oetle to be the commander of the right army. When he saw that the Tang soldiers were not coming out, he first led his men to scold the battle, and then rode alone to the city to show off his might.Guo Qianquan seized the opportunity of battle at all times, and seeing that Tong Oetle was so arrogant, he selected several capable men from the army to go out of the city to ambush.Sure enough, Tong Otler came back alone, and saw several figures jumping up and beheading them with a knife.When the Turks heard that the son of the Great Khan had been captured, they sent people into the city to negotiate, expressing their willingness to redeem the son of the Great Khan with military resources.Guo Qianquan smiled and said: "There is a lot of food and grass in my city. What's the use of your money? People, you can take it back." When the Turkic people saw that the son of the Great Khan was decapitated, they burst into tears.Guo Qianquan opened the city gate at night, and all the soldiers fought hard to kill, and the Turks were defeated. Knowing the details of the matter, Qi Han sincerely praised: "Guo Dudu certainly has eyesight, but the Holy Majesty and Yao Gong do not agree, Zhang Shougui will not be able to be the governor of Yingzhou after all." At that time, everything was quiet outside, and Yao Chong's heart burst into a trace of complacency, and he asked with a smile: "Well, what you said makes sense. Qi Han, I know that you know everything about the past and the present, and you have been with me for many years. Which of the ancient sages can compare with it?" Qi Han was stunned for a while, Yao Chong said both "a good man" and "comparable", of course he was calling himself a good man.He wanted to say that he was comparable to Du Ruhui, but he didn't feel like it. Unexpectedly, Yao Chong didn't wait for Qi Han to answer, he already had his own conclusion in his heart, and asked again: "How do you think I am compared to Guan Zhong and Yan Ying?" Guan Zhong assisted Qi Huangong to achieve hegemony; Yan Ying lived through the three dynasties of Qi Linggong, Qi Zhuanggong, and Qi Jinggong for more than 50 years. , Yan Ziguo is also a gentleman." Both of these two were famous virtuous ministers in history, and Yao Chong obviously regarded himself very highly compared to the two of them. Yao Chongben waited for Qi Han to speak up to express his wishes, but Qi Han was silent for a moment, then shook his head and said: "I think that Yao Gong may not be as good as them." The smile on Yao Chong's face was a little stiff, and he asked with his hands on a few desks: "Am I so unbearable? Try to explain the reason." Qi Han replied: "When Guan Zhong and Yan Ying were in power, the measures they made may not be able to be passed on to future generations, but they were indeed consistent throughout their lifetime. Yao Gong has governed for several years, and his purpose has changed at any time. Only from this point can Yao Gong Doesn't seem to compare to them." Yao Chong looked up and thought about it, and felt that Qi Han's words were not false, and he felt a little depressed, but he was not reconciled, and continued to ask: "Well, I am really not as good as them. Think about it, what kind of person am I?" Where is the chancellor?" Qi Han blurted out at this time: "In the early years of Zhenguan, Emperor Taizong sought great rule, and Fang and Du both assisted the Prime Minister with all their strength. As expected, great rule was achieved, and the roles of Yao Gong and Fang Du were similar. However, Fang Du acted in a low-key manner, while Yao Gong was good at making big decisions. , so there is a difference." "In this way, I'm a bit reluctant than Fang Du Erxiang?" "No. The lower officials think that Mr. Yao is actually a prime minister to save the time!" Hearing this, Yao Chong couldn't help but look bright, waved his hands away from the case, and knocked the pen in his hand on the ground unconsciously, and said loudly: "Okay, save the prime minister! It's actually very rare for me to have the reputation of saving the prime minister." Afterwards, when Yao Chong left the Yamen and returned home, thinking of Qi Han's evaluation of him on the way, he was extremely happy in his heart, and a smile appeared from the corner of his mouth from time to time. People in the Tang Dynasty loved spices. The high-ranking officials often put incense on their clothes and hung sachets on their bodies. The fragrances in the courtyards and in the courts and yamen are also very fragrant. Even when bathing, spices are also added to the bathtub, so the demand for spices is huge. At that time, local production of spices was very limited, and most of them were imported from countries in the Western Regions.Such as agarwood from Tianzhu, no incense from Persia, etc.Either by land from the Western Regions, or by sea to Guangzhou and other ports.Due to the huge domestic demand for spices and the huge profits of this business, many Chinese and Hu people invested in it, becoming a very large business crowd. Since last winter, a spice called Suhexiang has become popular in Beijing.This incense is much cheaper than precious spices such as agarwood, and if it is mixed with a candle and burned, it will have a delicate fragrance.This product is cheap and high-quality, and it was first used in the palace, and the whole city's officials and eunuchs soon followed suit, so its usage increased dramatically. Hu Shangkang Huideng, who manages this incense, is making a lot of money every day, with a bright smile on his face.At first, he lived in the "Persian Residence" in the West Market. After a few months, he spent a lot of money to buy a big house in Xiuzhengfang. When people are plain or down and out, no one pays attention to them.However, once he is rich or rich, all kinds of eyes will gather on his body, and most of the eyes are critical or suspicious inquiries.Kang Huideng was so beautiful that he immediately caught the attention of Cui Yinfu, the censor. He had been pondering such a crux: Kang Huideng was a Sogdian. He entered Beijing not long ago, and he couldn't even speak the official Mandarin of the Tang Dynasty. How could he bring spices into the palace? , what is so strange about this? The supervisory censor is an official of the eighth rank, and his official position is really not high.Cui Yinfu was thirty-five years old. He didn't study poetry and books since he was a child, so it was difficult for him to enter the officialdom through the imperial examination.His ancestor used to be a Sanqi servant in the Sui Dynasty, and he had the surname of Cui. With this, Yu Yin first entered the officialdom and became a soldier Cao joined the army.It is said that if Cui Yinfu is content with the status quo, he can be a stable official and live a safe life. However, he has high ambitions and is unwilling to continue doing nothing, so he has the heart to make contributions. From this, Cui Yinfu paid attention to Kang Huideng, and soon discovered that Kang Huideng regarded Zhao Hui, the chief secretary of Zhongshu Province, as the guest of honor. From this, he became more concerned and inquired about the details of their relationship from various aspects. The chief secretary of Zhongshu Province is a seventh-rank official, who is mainly in charge of the affairs of Wen Han of Zhongshu Province.It is said that Zhao Hui is nothing more than dealing with documents, and it is difficult to have anything to do with the spice trade.However, Cui Yinfu was deeply scheming in the end, and quickly figured out the context of the relationship between the two. Kang Huideng said in public several times in unskilled official language: "Without the help of Mr. Zhao, I would not be where I am today." Based on this, Cui Yinfu convicted Zhao Hui of two crimes: the court stipulated that officials should not make friends with foreigners, this is one; The second is that Kang Huideng's words revealed that Zhao Hui had helped him a lot, so there must be an interest in it. Cui Yinfu inquired more carefully about Zhao Hui's origin, and found another surprise.Although Zhao Hui's official position in the Zhongshu Province was not high, his writing was fast and accurate, and most of the official documents of the Zhongshu Province were written by him, so he was highly appreciated by Zhongshuling Yao Chong.From this, Cui Yinfu thought deeply, did Zhao Huo use Yao Chong's power to help Hu Shang get through the joints in the palace? Although the official position of the supervisory censor is not high, one advantage is that his memorials can reach the emperor directly.Cui Yinfu then cheered up and wrote an article eloquently, then sealed it and sent it to the palace. After reading this article, Li Longji sent someone to call Cui Yinfu into the palace for face-to-face questioning. Li Longji held up Cui Yinfu's memorial, and asked sternly, "Cui Yushi, you made up this article, right?" Cui Yinfu replied cautiously: "My minister has been secretly investigating for more than a month. Although the two have not obtained a personal plea, the facts are revealed. I dare not make wild guesses to deceive Your Majesty." After Cui Yinfu sent the memorial, he thought that the emperor would read it After letting the Secretary to verify, you can achieve your own goals.Unexpectedly, the emperor was so serious that he summoned himself into the palace to inquire personally, which made him overjoyed. Li Longji said: "Well, I seem to have heard the name of Zhao Hui mentioned by Yao Gong several times. It seems that this person is very good at writing and can be used. If such a person is a writer, if he makes friends with Hu merchants and gets benefits from others, then this People are not simple." "Your Majesty is wise. Although Zhao Huo is a seventh-rank official in Zhongshu Province, he trusts Yao Chong and doesn't seem to put other officials in his eyes. I believe that the reason why Zhao Huo dared to make friends with Hu merchants is because of his favor. Gradually becoming arrogant, Yao Gong can't get rid of it." When Li Longji saw Cui Yinfu leading Zhao Huo's matter to Yao Chong, he suddenly had a strange feeling in his heart. He pondered for a moment, and then said: "You didn't know the details, how could you involve Yao Gong? Forget it, you have to tell me about it." The matter has come to light. Cui Yushi, I will ask Dali Temple to help you, quickly arrest that Hu Shang and Zhao Hui to Dali Temple for interrogation, and you will go to preside over the interrogation." Cui Yinfu's heart suddenly blossomed with joy, thinking that this time he will be able to complete the investigation according to the order.He immediately kowtowed to the ground to thank the emperor for his kindness. After Cui Yinfu left, Li Longji fell into deep thought.Whether Zhao Hui is guilty or not is a matter of insignificance, but Yao Chong behind him is a matter of considerable consideration.Li Longji kept thinking about one thing over and over again: Zhao Huan was so lawless, did Yao Chong know? Dali Temple did not make much fanfare when it took people away, and when Yao Chong learned that Zhao Huo was arrested by Dali Temple, it was already after the next day's court.Yao Chongchu was furious when he heard the news, and scolded: "This class Jingqian is usually safe, why did he lose his head this time? He took my man and didn't even say hello. What the hell is he trying to do?" ? Come on, go and call Ban Jingqian." Dali Temple is not an institution under the jurisdiction of the three provinces, but directly under the emperor's jurisdiction.However, these years Li Longji let go of Yao Chong's administration, and all the officials became afraid of Yao Chong, and then treated each other respectfully, reporting everything to him.Dali Temple Minister Ban Jingqian's qualifications are still relatively low, and her respect for Yao Chong is naturally three points higher than others. Ban Jingqian didn't dare to neglect upon hearing the call, and soon went to the Ministry of Education to meet Yao Chong.Yao Chong didn't look good when he saw him, and reprimanded him, "Master Ban, has the Zhongshu Province become a stall in Dongshi? Dali Temple dares to forcefully bring people away without knowing it. Who are you relying on?" Potential?" Ban Jingqian smiled apologetically, and said softly, "Mr. Yao calm down. Dali Temple indeed took Zhao Hui away for interrogation, but what he has committed is still unclear to the officials." "A joke. You are the chief official of Dali Temple. Even if you don't directly interrogate criminals, your subordinates should tell you the facts of the case. Master Ban, do you want to prevaricate the old man?" Ban Jingqian took a few steps closer to Yao Chong, and then said in a low voice, "Mr. Yao, Zhao Hui's crime is probably not light! Yesterday, Cui Yinfu, the censor, entered the Dali Temple with the imperial decree in his hand. The decree specified that Cui Yinfu was the presiding judge. In this case, Dali Temple is only allowed to fully assist, and it is not allowed to intervene arbitrarily." Yao Chong was shocked when he learned that the case was instigated by the emperor, and asked anxiously, "What did Zhao Hui do? To make the Holy Majesty so aggressive?" Ban Jingqian said: "The lower officials dare not ask more questions. But Cui Yinfu also arrested a Hu merchant at the same time, who seems to be a spice dealer. From this point of view, Zhao Hui's matter seems to be related to Hu merchants?" Yao Chong seemed to say to himself: "Well, why did Zhao Hui get involved with Hu merchants again? This person works respectfully in the Yamen every day, and he is not a troublemaker." Ban Jingqian said again in a low voice: "Looking at the current situation, it is estimated that the matter is serious. Mr. Yao, just now Cui Yinfu came to look for the lower official, and asked the lower official to quickly prepare a clean room. The lower official asked repeatedly about its purpose. Cui Yinfu Just now I whispered that the Holy Majesty is going to personally enter Dali Temple to inquire about criminals, and this clean room is prepared for the Holy Majesty. Mr. Yao, I think this matter is important, so I don’t want to ask more questions, so as not to burn myself.” Yao Chong didn't seem to believe it, and murmured: "The Holy Majesty wants to interrogate himself? But how much trouble can a seventh-rank official cause?" Ban Jingqian said again: "If you want to persuade Mr. Yao again, you'd better stay away from this matter. In fact, what you said just now should not be said. Mr. Yao, remember not to mention this matter to others." Yao Chong nodded and said: "Well, I know the seriousness of the matter. I didn't know that the matter was so tortuous. I wrongly blamed you just now, and the old man apologizes to you." Ban Jingqian bowed and thanked, "I dare not. Mr. Yao, I will take my leave now." Yao Chong thought for a moment in the Yamen, and then went to the palace to see Li Longji.When Yao Chong went to the palace these years, he could enter directly with the card, unlike other people who had to be proclaimed to enter. Seeing Yao Chong coming in a hurry, Li Longji understood his purpose in his heart, but he didn't point it out, and said with a smile: "Mr. Yao came here again not long ago, is there something urgent?" Yao Chong didn't go around in circles, and went straight to the point: "After I returned to the Yamen, I learned that Zhao Huo, the chief secretary of my subordinate, was detained by Dali Temple. After a brief questioning, I learned that the case was tried by Cui Yinfu, the supervisory censor. I thought Ask His Majesty for Zhao Hui's favor, if it's not a big deal, I think it's better to be more lenient because of his hard work for many years." Li Longji said: "The case is under trial. I heard that Zhao Huo took bribes because of his friendship with Hu merchants. Mr. Yao knows the criminal law, so you should know that this crime is not small. Mr. Yao, this person is only a seventh-rank official. He committed a crime." Of course it’s up to you, you don’t have to worry too much about it.” "Your Majesty, the reason why I speak on behalf of this person is because I cherish talents. This person is very good at writing and has the ability to manage politics. In time, he will become a useful person. He just got some money and let him It’s fine if he quits, why hold on to it?” Li Longji didn't expect Yao Chong to be so anxious and say such irresponsible words.He looked at Yao Chong's familiar face, and suddenly felt a little strange.His thoughts went back to when Wei Zhigu reported Yao Chong's son's entrustment to him. At that time, Yao Chong resolved the matter with ignorance. benefit others.Now that Yao Chong has asked Zhao Hui to return the money, it seems that Yao Chong has always believed that accepting bribes is a small matter, and you are the prime minister of the country. Isn't it a big breach of moral integrity to think so?When Li Longji thought of this, a tinge of anger was brewing in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face, he still smiled and said: "Mr. Yao, why should you be in a hurry? The case is under trial, and it won't be too late to make a decision when the facts of the case come to light. " Yao Chong frowned and said, "If this case is tried by Cui Yinfu, I am indeed a little worried. Cui Yinfu was born as a petty official, and such people are full of thoughts. They wish to call a trivial matter into a millstone, so as to invite credit for promotion. Your Majesty, please take a closer look." Li Longji was even more upset when he heard the words. He had checked Zhao Huo's experience before. Nominal teacher and student names.In the following two years, Zhao Hui started as a low-ranking official in Zhongshu Province and was quickly promoted to a seventh-rank official. This shows Yao Chong's appreciation.After reading this section, Li Longji had a question in his mind: Everyone has selfishness. Could it be that Yao Chong used his position as prime minister to start forming a party?Yao Chong has always disliked people from minor official backgrounds, so the scope of his party formation must be selected from those from Mingjing and Jinshi.Yao Chong is now trying his best to exonerate a low-quality official. Is he being suspected of this? All through the ages, emperors most forbade their ministers from forming cliques.As an emperor who rushed out of the troubled times, Li Longji knew that the formation of cliques among his ministers was not conducive to maintaining the imperial power, and furthermore, if there was competition, it would not be conducive to the stability of the court. All kinds of thoughts flashed through Li Longji's mind, but it didn't take much time.Li Longji shook his head slightly, the smile on his face remained unchanged, and said softly: "Mr. Yao, I think people who come from petty officials have their advantages. They know their backgrounds are humble, and they are usually cautious and do their best. Think Cui Yinfu also Don't dare to act recklessly, I said that we will root out the behavior of cruel officials, does he still dare to beat him up? Forget it, let's not talk about it. Yao Gong, the Taishang Emperor's body has been getting heavier and heavier recently, so he must put it down as soon as possible." Yao Chong replied: "Your Majesty feels the same way. I visited Qiaoling a few days ago, and its construction project is nearing completion. Please don't worry about it, Your Majesty." Beginning with Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, he changed the previous practice of emperors who built mausoleums by piling up earth, and created the method of using mountains as mausoleums, which became the established formula for future monarchs to build mausoleums.The mausoleum of the Supreme Emperor Li Dan is located on Fengshan Mountain, a hundred miles northeast of the capital. This mountain is far away from the peaks of the Qinling Mountains. The surrounding peaks are undulating, and the mountains and rivers are magnificent. .The mausoleum was built in the second year of Kaiyuan. It used the mountain as a tomb, dug an underground palace in the belly of the mountain, and built a city around the mountain on the ground. Now it has begun to see its scale. Li Longji sighed: "Father is only fifty-five years old this year, but he is plagued by illness, how to deal with it?" Yao Chongdao: "Life is short, and the destiny cannot be violated. Your Majesty is famous for his filial piety, and he is very considerate to the Supreme Emperor. Don't be troubled by it." "Hey, if I can save some pain on behalf of my father, I will be grateful to God for his eyes." "Your Majesty can't be like this. When I went to visit the Supreme Emperor, the Supreme Emperor saw that the affairs of the government were gradually stabilizing, and he felt very relieved. Your Majesty is the most important thing in the society. If you despise yourself, the country will be in danger. If the Supreme Emperor knows this, he will definitely Heartbroken, it is not good to oppose the Supreme Emperor." "Well, Mr. Yao, we must think of more ways to make the Supreme Emperor's health better, so that it will be a blessing for the world." Li Dan became the Supreme Emperor, that is, he moved from Taiji Palace to Baifu Palace, and began to take care of his life from then on. When Li Dan first became the Supreme Emperor, because he was saddened by the death of his sister Princess Taiping, he couldn't help being a little annoyed with his son Li Longji, so he remained silent for many days.As the years passed, and Li Longji worked hard to govern the country, the situation of the country was getting better day by day. Since his elder brother Li Xian became the emperor, Fang Wu was still the most qualified emperor with this son, and the dissatisfaction in his heart gradually subsided. Li Dan has always had a quiet temperament, and after he calmed down, he stayed in the palace every day, listening to music, writing books, or digging into old books to study exegesis, and his life was quite fulfilling.Li Longji often came to greet him, and asked the palace official to send food and drink utensils every day. As the Supreme Emperor, Li Dan never asked about government affairs, so he was very different from Li Yuan, the founding emperor of the Tang Dynasty.When Li Yuan became the Supreme Emperor, he also paid close attention to government affairs. Tang Taizong sent Li Jing to defeat the Eastern Turks. Li Yuan was overjoyed when he heard the news. Li Dan was not as troublesome as Li Yuan, who annoyed the emperor. He was silent in his daily life, as if there was no such emperor in the world. It is said that the father and son Li Dan and Li Longji do not interfere with each other, so Li Dan's quiet life can go on for a long time.However, Li Dan's body did not live up to expectations. After the Spring Festival this year, his body suddenly became extremely weak, and he lay on the couch unable to get up again. In order to show his great filial piety, Li Longji decided to amnesty the prisoners in Beijing after hearing what an alchemist said today, and pray for his father. However, these tricks were useless, and Li Dan lay on the couch for another two months. After entering June, as the heat became stronger day by day, Li Dan also came to the end of his life. After Li Dan's death, Li Longji's posthumous title was Emperor Dashengzhen, and his temple name was Emperor Ruizong. Besides, Yao Chong was very concerned about Zhao Hui's case, he didn't bother to ask Cui Yinfu, and called Ban Jingqian several times to inquire about the situation.At first, Ban Jingqian refused on the grounds that she hadn't intervened, but later, seeing Yao Chong's tenderness, she couldn't help being moved with compassion, so she persuaded: "Mr. Yao, I think this case is complicated. You'd better Don't ask any more." "Hey, how could I not know? After all, Zhao Hui is my subordinate, and his family members beg me every day. If I don't care, wouldn't it be a little heartless?" Ban Jingqian shook her head and said: "The lower officials heard that the case has been roughly concluded. Hu Shang's words are convincing, and the bribe money is not bad at all. Zhao Huo also agrees and pledges to confirm, then the case is settled. An iron case. Mr. Yao is familiar with the laws of the court, so he should know that Zhao Huo deserves to die for his crime." "I once approached the Holy Majesty and begged the Holy Majesty to allow Zhao He to withdraw the bribe, so as to save his life." Ban Jingqian opened her mouth to speak, but swallowed back the words that came to her mouth. At that time, Li Longji's amnesty decree to pray for his father had just been issued to the Ministry of Punishment and Dali Temple. Ban Jingqian had seen the decree before coming, and saw that the last sentence of the decree wrote alone: ​​"Zhao Hui is not pardoned alone." Ban Jingqian thought that Yao Chong was the order of Zhongshu, so the emperor would definitely discuss with Yao Chong when he signed the amnesty order, but looking at Yao Chong's ignorant expression, he definitely didn't know there was such an edict at this time! From this, Ban Jingqian vaguely guessed that if the emperor did not discuss with Yao Chong, the two would have revealed their identity.In this case, it is better to say less. Yao Chong did not learn the details of the emperor's amnesty decree until the evening of the day.When he heard about it, he sat down in front of the Yazhong case until it was time to light the lamp. It was Qi Han's turn to be on duty again in Zhongshu Province. When he learned that Mr. Yao was sitting alone in the yamen and did not hold a lamp, he was suddenly very surprised, so he led someone into the room to light a candle, and asked with concern: "Mr. Yao, are you sure?" There is an urgent matter that needs to be dealt with overnight? So, how about calling someone to prepare dinner for Yao Gong first?" When Yao Chong saw Qi Han, he suddenly remembered the conversation between the two of them that day about "the chancellor who saved the time". Already close to ignorance! When I called myself the 'Prime Minister who saved the time', in fact, my career as a prime minister has come to an end!" Yao Chong was very clear-headed at this time, and he already understood the true meaning of Li Longji's behavior.He waved his hand to Qi Han and said, "Forget it, it's nothing. I'll leave the Yamen and go back to the mansion." After saying this, he slowly stood up and walked out of the room. Qi Han looked at Yao Chong's slightly staggering back, and didn't dare to ask any more questions, so he stood there dumbfounded. The moonlight in the courtyard was like water, Yao Chong walked slowly, his figure looked tall under the shadow of the moon.Yao Chong knew that tomorrow was the time to ask the emperor to resign from the Zhongshuling, so this night would be the last time of his career as a prime minister. Yao Chong wanted to understand the true meaning of this matter.Li Longji first asked Cui Yinfu to try the case, and went to Dali Temple to question Zhao Hui.Why did a seventh-rank official make the emperor go to war so violently?Then there is only one real reason, that is, the emperor believed that Zhao Huosu was Yao Chong's favorite person, so Zhao Huo's behavior was either at Yao Chong's behest, or because of his favor.Since then, Yao Chong paid close attention to Zhao Hui's case, and personally approached the emperor to intercede, which can be circumstantial evidence. It is absolutely true that the emperor has become suspicious of Yao Chong.And when Yao Chong pleaded for mercy, Li Longji never said a word.Yao Chong has been prime minister for several years, and he has independently acted for many matters. The emperor is very reassuring to him. Why does Li Longji not give Yao Chong any face for such a trivial matter? In the amnesty decree, "Zhao Hui will not be pardoned alone", Yao Chong thought that this sentence was written for himself.Yao Chong understood that the emperor told himself with this matter that you, Yao Chong, are not strict with the government and are suspected of forming a clique, so you can't give any face. If the emperor becomes suspicious of the prime minister, what else can you do? Yao Chong has accumulated decades of official experience, if he does not understand this matter and cannot make a timely decision, it will be difficult for him to get to where he is today!