Chapter 19 Chapter 18: Li Dan Suspects the Princess at Two Ends and Resolutely Adhere to the Counting Strategies

What Wang Ju said is true. After such a fight, although Li Longji seized the opportunity to save himself, he also saved the lives of Liu Youqiu and Zhang Wei. After all, he lost Liu Youqiu and Zhang Wei. lose more. However, after the incident, the two sides were surprisingly calm.Unconsciously, more than 20 days have passed.The time has entered September, and the wind of early autumn blows, and some old leaves gradually turn yellow and fall down.The yellow leaves that fell on the surface of the water disappeared with the waves, and gradually merged into Qujiang Pond from various ditches, so that they formed a large area at the whirling water.

After all, Wang Shiqian did not disgrace his mission, and he found out the exact news in the palace.When Princess Taiping heard the news, she got up and went to the palace to meet Li Dan. Li Dan didn't care about this incident, and he was still engaged in the things he was interested in in the palace every day.Seeing my sister coming, I also liked it very much, and said, "You came just in time. I have been thinking about visiting Lishan Mountain for a few days. I can enjoy the autumn leaves and bathe in the hot spring. Alas, it is a pity that Shangguan Wan'er is missing. This person, if she can host the poetry meeting while still alive, it will add another layer of charm."

When Li Dan mentioned Shangguan Wan'er, he also aroused Princess Taiping's thoughts. He said angrily: "You don't need to mention Wan'er. Whenever I think of Wan'er, I feel ashamed of her. Fourth brother, at that time Webster was in power. It wasn't Wan'er who suggested that I enter the palace to make drafts together, so why did you say that you will assist the government? I heard that Wan'er showed Saburo the legacy that night, and said that I knew the inside story, but Saburo refused to listen and chopped her up with a knife Yes. Fourth brother, you know that Saburo now sees me as a thorn in my side, maybe it started at that time."

Li Dan said with a smile: "You like to scare people. Outsiders know that Wan'er is from Webster's family. There was a lot of chaos that night, how can Saburo tell the truth?" Princess Taiping shook her head and sighed: "No matter what I say, you won't listen, I'm afraid you're still blaming me for alienating your father-son relationship. I'm here today to say one thing, to see what kind of person Sanlang is! " Li Dan smiled and said nothing, and listened quietly. "That day Sanlang came to you to report Liu Youqiu's matter first. Do you still think that Sanlang is benevolent and filial? Hmph, I thought it was strange at the time. Why didn't he say it sooner or later, but waited for Zhang Wei to speak the truth first after he was drunk? ? Now it seems that he knew that Zhang Wei had leaked their plot at the time, so he said it first, in order to protect himself!"

"You seem to have said such a guess at that time, but Zhang Wei was lying drunk and sleeping soundly, how could he enter the palace to look for Saburo?" "However, Zhang Wei woke up in the middle of the night and remembered this matter, and he was able to enter the palace and awaken Saburo." "Sister said so, isn't it a guess?" "Fourth brother, if I tell you that at five o'clock that night, a person went to Suzhang Gate and called the eunuch on duty at night, and the eunuch on duty went in to find the chief eunuch Gao Lishi, and then this person followed Gao Lishi into the palace to meet Saburo, You must think I'm still guessing, right?"

"Is this person really Zhang Wei?" "That's right, he is Zhang Wei. As for the names of the eunuch on duty and the maid of honor in Wude Palace, I can tell you, and you can check them one by one." When Li Dan heard this, he couldn't help being shocked.From this point of view, it seems true that Saburo is planning another palace change! Princess Taiping said again: "fourth brother, I have already said that Sanlang is unreliable. He looks loyal on the outside, but is really treacherous on the inside. This is why I objected to him being the crown prince at first. The world is over, the culprit of this attempted palace change is him! Fourth brother, do you think he just wants to imprison me? Wrong, the sword he is pointing at this time is actually you. "

Li Dan didn't say a word, and at this moment he also recognized his sister's words in his heart.Now that his son is the emperor, after all, the name is not worthy of the name, and the real power is still in his own hands. It seems that he is a little impatient.Li Dan thought about this, and sighed: "Sister, when I abdicated at the beginning, I really wished I had stepped back. There are no two days in the sky, and there are no two masters in the people. Sanlang became the emperor. I, the Supreme Emperor, is still in charge of the government. After all, something is not going well." Yeah. I think, just hand over all the power in my hands to Saburo, so there will be no trouble."

Princess Taiping sneered, and said: "If you hand over all the power in your hands, you and I will become lambs to be slaughtered! As the wise emperor of Taizong, what will happen to Emperor Gaozu after he becomes the Supreme Emperor? Shang Gong in the palace, However, she is a servant of my Li family, but she entered the palace where Emperor Gaozu lived, and she immediately became arrogant, and even the prince wanted to look at her face. How can Sanlang compare to Emperor Taizong? If he monopolizes power, do you think about our future life? ?” Princess Taiping is talking about an anecdote during the reign of Zhenguan.After the Xuanwumen Incident, Li Yuan lived in Da'an Palace as the Supreme Emperor. Every morning and evening, Emperor Taizong sent the Shang Palace in the palace to Da'an Palace to ask the Supreme Emperor about his daily life, which showed Emperor Taizong's filial piety.Li Yuan's eighteenth son, Li Yuanming, was ten years old. The nanny beside him warned Li Yuanming to salute when he saw Shang Gong, the reason being that Shang Gong had a high rank.Although Li Yuanming was young, he understood his identity, and said angrily: "They are just servants of my second elder brother's family, why should I worship them?" While lamenting the coldness of the world: one of my maidservants, in her father's palace, is so arrogant about her status!

Princess Taiping said again: "Fourth brother, the reason why I object to Sanlang being the crown prince, let alone him being the emperor, is that this son has deep scheming and cannot be restrained. Among his brothers, this son is the only one who is different, and lacks some loyalty and forgiveness. I thought that Dalang risked his death to be the reserve, and there were three other people. Any one of them would be much more loyal than Sanlang." These words of Princess Taiping undoubtedly touched Li Dan. Li Longji launched the palace coup without saying a word before. As a result, Webster was killed and Li Dan ascended the throne.Now he wants to engage in a palace change, and the sword is pointing at his father and aunt. This kind of thing undoubtedly makes the indifferent Li Dan also suffocate.

Li Dan got up and walked around the hall, then turned around and said, "Sister, let me think about it." The clever Princess Taiping certainly understood what her brother was thinking at this time, and she understood the reasoning so far, so she stopped talking about this topic, and instead said: "Forget it, fourth brother, just think about it. By the way, Liu Youqiu was exiled , the seat he vacated can’t be kept vacant forever?” "Well, Saburo said the day before yesterday that Guo Yuanzhen should succeed Zuo Pushe, what do you think?" "Guo Yuanzhen is good at the military and has never acted as an agent for government affairs. I think it is not appropriate to move."

"So, you must have someone recommend me?" "That's right, I think Dou Huaizhen is the most suitable to serve as Zuo Servant. Besides, Lu Zangyong is also quite capable. He can be appointed as Minister of the Ministry of Officials and also knows the third rank of Tongzhong Shumen. I don't know what fourth brother thinks?" Li Dan pondered: "These two are indeed capable, but their reputation is not good." "As long as these people can faithfully serve the fourth brother and have political achievements, what's the problem with a poor reputation? What about Liu Youqiu's reputation? He has handled political affairs in a mess. Isn't he the same as the prime minister? Besides, Sanlang is doing everything he can to steal You right, we need to find more loyal people to look after him." At this time, Princess Taiping had already regarded herself and her brother as one. Li Dan no longer hesitated, and decided to follow what his sister said. In this way, the seven Zaifu personnel in the Zhengshitang are: Xiao Zhizhong, Cui Shi, Guo Yuanzhen, Wei Zhigu, Cen Xi, Dou Huaizhen, and Lu Zangyong. Recommended by Princess Taiping.People at the time called it: "There are seven prime ministers, five of whom go out of the house." Princess Taiping's placement of ministers in this way was her first strategy to deal with Li Longji. As for the placement of Beijing officials and foreign officials, it was no problem. Gao Lishi discovered the clues in the palace, and quietly reported to Li Longji this day: "Your Majesty, the palace lady Yuanshi who holds the lamp in the palace looks suspicious." "What did you discover?" "This person came from the Taiji Hall after His Majesty entered the Wude Hall. The villain quietly inquired that this person is a direct trustee of the Liu family of Shanggong." "You said before that the Liu family of the Shang Palace had a close relationship with the aunt since the time of Empress Zetian. So, this Yuan family is the eyeliner planted by the aunt here?" "It should be like this. The villain was a little wary of Yuanshi before. A few days ago, the uterus arranged for people to go out of the palace to handle errands. It had nothing to do with Yuanshi. She insisted on going, so the villain took care of it. Yuanshi After leaving the palace, the villain sent someone to follow her, and saw her sneak into a tea shop after entering the East City, and had a long secret conversation with a person waiting in the tea shop." "Who is that person?" "The people following him were quite nimble. After they dispersed, they followed that person all the way. I saw that person go straight into Princess Taiping's mansion, and the disciples called him 'Wang Dianzhu'." "Well, this person is Wang Shiqian signed by the Princess Mansion. In this way, the Yuan family is indeed my aunt's eyeliner." Li Longji was silent for a while, and asked, "This Yuan family is in a hurry to leave the palace to meet Wang Shiqian. Yes, Wang Shiqian has something urgent to ask her?" "Your Majesty, I don't know. Your Majesty, the Yuan family is indeed the princess' eyeliner. It is a disaster for her to stay by Your Majesty's side. Your Majesty, how about I find a way to transfer her away? Or get rid of her and say that she died of a sudden illness." , so the cleanest." Li Longji shook his head and refused, and said: "No. If you kill or transfer her away, my aunt will definitely send other people to come again, so it will be more secretive. Keep her, you have to find someone to monitor her every move, and you are not allowed to show any traces. She It's showing up, and it's in our favor." Gao Lishi bowed and agreed, and said: "From now on, when His Majesty talks to others, the villain will try his best not to allow Yuan Shi to come near, and let her have as little contact with His Majesty as possible." "Well, let's do it this way. That Shanggong Liu family has to be guarded against. She has been in the palace for a long time, and she must have a lot of connections. She has been in close contact with her aunt for a long time, so this person is the head of the aunt's palace eyeliner. Gao Lishi, you have to think of a way, it would be best to drive this person out of the palace." "Originally, in the empress's lordship, if this maidservant is to be expelled, the empress only needs to give orders. However, the Supreme Emperor lives in the Taiji Hall, and if the palace people over there are moved, the empress dowager must speak." Gao Lishi was in a bit of a dilemma. Now Li Dan and Li Dan Both Longji and his son live in the palace, the front and back of the palace are like two different worlds. Li Longji thought for a while, and then said decisively: "These Shang Palaces have gone through several dynasties, and they are already old. It's time to let them out of the palace. You should report to the Queen immediately, and just tell me what I mean. Palace people over forty years old must all If they leave the palace, they can return home, if they are homeless, they will be placed in the Yeting Palace. This matter must be discussed by the empress with the empress dowager, and I think the empress dowager will not obstruct it." Gao Lishi rejoiced and said: "Such a way of letting go of the old and accepting the new, the villain will advise the queen to try to choose some honest and loyal people to serve as palace officials." Seeing that Gao Lishi understood the intention of this move very well, Li Longji smiled and said nothing. Let's talk about the late Tang Gaozong and the late reign of Empress Zetian, the border situation of the Tang Dynasty gradually tightened.Tubo continued to invade, and the Tang army lost several battles with it; the Tang Dynasty dispatched northern frontier troops to reinforce the west, which made the Eastern Turks in Mobei feel pressured, so they rebelled and returned to the country; the Khitan and Xi people in the northeast also rebelled. . Although Li Xian, Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang Dynasty, lacked much to report, he made a lot of achievements in frontier affairs.He adopted the defensive strategy of "training soldiers from time to time, collecting millet in the fields, setting up beacons, embellishing spears and spears, punishing them when they come and defending them, and preparing them and defending them when they go", and appointed Guo Yuanzhen as the guardian of Anxi to prepare for the Western Turks. , And resist Tubo soldiers; make Zhang Ren willing to be the general manager of Shuofang Road, in case of Eastern Turks.Both of these two were well-known generals of the generation. After taking office, they took various measures to gradually stabilize the situation on the frontier.The ebb and flow of the two forces made Turks and Tubo think of the art of marriage again, so they went to Beijing to ask Li Xian to marry the princess, so Princess Jincheng married Tubo. The situation in the western and northern frontiers has been relatively stable recently, but the Khitan and Xi tribes in the northeast have joined forces. They are entrenched in the Liaohe area, waiting for an opportunity to invade Youzhou.Finally one day, 20,000 elite cavalry of Khitan and Xi fled into Youzhou.Sun Quan, the governor of Youzhou, led his troops to fight with him in Lengxing. Unfortunately, the entire Tang army was wiped out, and Sun Quan was also captured alive. When the news spread to Chang'an, Guo Yuanzhen urgently dispatched troops to Youzhou to help.As for the candidate for the governor of Youzhou, Guo Yuanzhen remembered Song Jing's ability, and obtained Li Dan's consent to appoint Song Jing as the governor of Youzhou. When Song Jing arrived in Youzhou, he was greatly moved when he saw the slack frontier defense and the lack of horse troops.Thinking back to Emperor Taizong's time, Zhang Wansui devoted all his efforts to raising horses, which finally made the horse administration of the Tang Dynasty look down on the world. That's why later Li Jing led 10,000 elite horsemen to destroy the Eastern Turks.Now, due to the decline of Mazheng, the dregs of the Eastern Turks have risen again, and small tribes like Khitan and Xi can also sweep the Liao River Basin wildly, and dare to invade Youzhou.Song Jing understands that the upper echelons of the capital have been in turmoil these years. After all, the body of this huge empire has been eroded and it has become a little weak. Song Jing judged the situation and felt that the troops at hand could not attack the opponent's horses, so he ordered the city to be consolidated and used the method of solid defense to resist the enemy.As for their looting of people and wealth outside the city, they had to let it go. Li Dan heard about the military chaos in Youzhou, and his thinking for more than a month finally came to fruition.In November of the first year of Xiantian, Li Dan issued an imperial edict saying that in view of the recent incidents at the border, the emperor must patrol the border before February next year.Gaoming also selected Li Longji's accompanying patrol personnel, with Song Jing, governor of Youzhou, as the general manager of the left army, governor Shi Xuena as the general manager of the Chinese army, and Guo Yuanzhen, Minister of the Ministry of War, as the general manager of the right army. Li Dan went to the court every five days. He read out the decree at the court meeting and said: "The world has been peaceful for a long time, but there are some slight disturbances at the border. I believe that after the emperor patrols the border, the border will be much quieter." Princess Taiping revealed that Li Longji was the first to file a complaint this time, which shocked Li Dan greatly.For the first time, he felt threatened. It turned out that the silent Saburo had to look forward to Shu, and he began to think of Lao Tzu. It is said that Li Dan often prides himself on his indifferent heart, since he saw Li Longji coming to ask for power, he should retreat and say that his heart is right.However, Li Longji's move touched the weakest part of Li Dan's heart: I have already had the reputation of giving up the world three times, so why not give up again?This world is still yours after all, if you handle things cautiously and dignifiedly, I will naturally hand over the world to you smoothly, why bother to grab it? Li Longji touched the dignity of his father! Li Dan thought deeply again, if Sanlang really wins the world, he will treat him well, but he will never treat his sister with kindness, with his determination not to spare Shangguan Wan'er, if not, he will kill his sister It is not known whether the entire family was beheaded.Li Dan's heart is weak. He has witnessed the tragedy of his family trapped in the circle of power. He is only middle-aged now, but his parents have passed away, and his elder brother has died. Only this younger sister is left. He said San Lang is not allowed to put a finger on his sister. At that moment, Li Dan felt that what his sister said was right, that San Lang had a deep scheming and ruthless methods, and he was definitely not a honest person, so he suddenly felt a desire to dethrone him! However, if the position of Emperor Sanlang is abolished, who will succeed him?Da Lang declared his will by death, and he was determined not to do it. As for the other three brothers, it seems that they have no ability to be kings.Besides, Saburo has made great achievements, and everyone in the world knows that it doesn't make sense to depose him now for no reason or reason.After all, the dust of that attempted palace change has already settled, and Liu Youqiu and Zhang Wei have been demoted to exiles. It is really impossible to use the evidence found by the younger sister to convict Saburo. If Sanlang is abolished, and any one of his brothers succeeds him, Sanlang will definitely leave the capital, which is not what Li Dan wants to see. How to do it?Li Dan hesitated and racked his brains for more than a month. A person's character determines his future destiny.For example, Li Xian and Li Dan were born in this royal family, and they both became emperors by mistake. Both of these brothers lack the ability to kill and make decisions like their mothers. Absolutely not asking about political affairs, it is actually the first choice for his character.However, they became emperors again. Li Xian's mediocrity and incompetence made him a representative of a faint emperor; while Li Dan was knowledgeable, talented but not decisive, and worried too much about everything, so he hesitated. This kind of people has a common characteristic, that is, they are unwilling to face the contradiction directly, and prefer to go around the contradiction.The battle in Youzhou made Li Dan think of an idea. In ancient times, there were often examples of imperial conquests. Now that there is something at the border, Sanlang can go to patrol the border.He set the date of patrolling in February of the next year. If Saburo starts patrolling, it will take at least a year to patrol from east to west.By doing this, Li Dan can postpone the resolution of this conflict to a year later. If Sanlang went out to patrol the border, he would naturally be in control of the big and small affairs in the court, and his sister would naturally be very happy. However, things happened again, from ministers to low-rank officials in the court, most of them were placed by the younger sister.If San Lang left, the balance in front of him would be broken, and he didn't want to do everything himself, so he had to listen to his sister in matters of the court. In this way, wouldn't he lose his power again? It was based on this idea that Li Dan announced the imperial order for Li Longji to patrol the border. In this way, his sister would definitely not come to him again and again to speak out about Saburo.The edict also stipulates that the trip should be made before February of the next year, so that it can be postponed for a few days, so that I can calmly think about how to deal with it. Li Dan appreciated his clever move very much. He smiled and said to Li Longji: "I didn't communicate with you about this beforehand, Saburo, border affairs are a major national event. As the emperor, you need some experience." Whenever Li Dan came to court, Li Longji stood with all the ministers as a minister.When he heard the official Huangmen read out the imperial order for him to patrol the border, he was shocked and realized that his father had thoughts about him.The thing is very clear, if I go out to patrol the border, then the emperor's duties will disappear, and I will only patrol the border in the name of the emperor.During this period, the emperor's father issued another imperial order, perhaps because he lost his status as emperor during the border patrol.This is the fundamental difference between Li Longji and Li Dan. Whenever something happens, he can correctly judge the true meaning behind it, and then draw up a countermeasure.At this time, he looked directly into his father's eyes and found that there was an erratic light flickering in them, so he further confirmed his judgment, and went out to play: "Father is far-sighted, and son thinks so. This time Youzhou was defeated, my son I thought that the affairs of the border should be rectified long ago. The emperor let the son patrol the border, not only for this purpose, but also for the son to practice, it is really the right time." Li Dan said: "That's why I asked Guo Qing to help you. After you retire from the imperial court, you will discuss with Guo Qing, and you will leave Beijing before February next year." Li Longji bowed and agreed. Guo Yuanzhen disapproved of Li Dan's move. He understood that the Khitan and Xi dared to attack Youzhou because the imperial court had spent the past few years dealing with the invasion of Turks and Tubo. There is a loophole. In fact, in the final analysis, the reason why these tribes dared to come to attack and harass is that the imperial court has been in turmoil in recent years and the government has been corrupted, so that the military strength has been affected.During the years between Zhenguan and Yonghui, taking the Khitan people as an example, seeing the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, they took the initiative to attach themselves, and their leader was given the surname Li.Seeing that the power of the Tang Dynasty was weakening at this time, they wanted to take advantage of the chaos. Guo Yuanzhen thought of this, so he went out to play and said: "Your Majesty, the minister in charge of the military department is ineffective in dispatching, which led to the defeat of Youzhou. This minister is guilty. I think that Song Jing is in charge of Youzhou now, and he will stick to the city. In less than half a year, Khitan and Xi will not dare to invade again. If you want to send troops to the north and take back the Liaohe River Basin, they will not dare to move again, so that future troubles will be eliminated forever." Li Dan asked: "What does Guo Qing mean, if you want to accumulate strength slowly, you can win without fighting?" "Your Majesty is wise. I actually think that all these tasks are the responsibility of the minister. If your majesty is distracted and makes your majesty patrol the border, I will feel really uneasy. I think that if time passes, your majesty will control it in Beijing, and the minister will convey it at the border. With His Majesty's will, the border can be safe." Li Dan understood Guo Yuanzhen's meaning, he went around, actually he didn't want Li Longji to go out of Beijing to patrol the border, because it was his own holy will, and he didn't dare to expressly object, that's why he said such words.He was silent for a while, then turned to Xiao Zhizhong and asked, "Mr. Xiao, what do you think?" Xiao Zhizhong was overjoyed after hearing Li Dan's imperial order.He knew that by doing this, Li Dan obviously had the intention of deposing Li Longji. It seems that the princess was busy going back and forth in the palace during this period, and it was fruitful.Now that Li Dan is asking questions, of course he should express his views clearly, so he went out to play and said: "Your Majesty, I secretly thought that the emperor's imperial patrols actually have a great deterrent effect, which is better than tens of thousands of soldiers. I dare not Agree with Guo Shangshu's proposition, others have come to kill and plunder, if we take the time to delay, others will laugh at us for being weak." Li Longji found that Xiao Zhizhong had changed a lot recently.This person was well versed in the way of officialdom before, especially when speaking in court, his speech was extremely smooth. He was determined to oppose something in his heart, and his words were never aggressive.Today he opposed Guo Yuanzhen in court, which is obviously different from the past. It seems that he is following the will of his aunt and will no longer hide it from now on. Li Longji recalled Gao Lishi's previous words. Gao Lishi also placed his eyeliner in the Taiji Hall. He got the news that Princess Taiping entered the palace several times, and the main body of his conversation with Li Dan was Li Longji.The eyeliner also mentioned that Princess Taiping mentioned Zhang Wei's entry into the palace several times.From this point of view, my father's decision to let him patrol the border this time should have a lot to do with this matter. Li Dan turned to Guo Yuanzhen again and said, "That's it, Sasaburo, plan your itinerary carefully. I will let you set off before February next year. There is plenty of time, so you can plan carefully." Li Dan's words are very clear, Li Longji's border tour cannot be changed, there is no room for negotiation. Li Longji felt the urgency of the situation. If he really went out to patrol the border for a year and a half, anything could happen in the capital, and his position as emperor might be wiped out overnight. There is only one Guo Yuanzhen in the court who can speak for himself, but it is of little use.I have already expressed my willingness to patrol the border, if I go to my father and say that I really don't want to go out of Beijing, I'm afraid it will increase my father's disgust.How to do it?Li Longji made up his mind at that time, and now only his elder brother Li Chengqi can win back his father's heart. Li Longji is now the emperor, although he is in name only, but there are all kinds of ostentation and appearance.Before he became the crown prince and emperor, he could ride a horse alone to his elder brother's house, but now if he wanted to leave the palace, there would definitely be a lot of trouble.So if he wants to talk to his eldest brother, it is the most suitable place in the palace. So on the third day, Li Longji secretly asked Gao Lishi to quietly stop Li Chengqi after the meeting was over, and then take him into a quiet room in the side hall to talk. After Li Chengqi entered the room, Gao Lishi shunned the other palace people and stood outside the door by himself, not allowing others to come forward. After Li Chengqi heard his father's order to let Li Longji patrol the border that day, he was also extremely shocked.He didn't speak in the hall, and asked to see his father after the court meeting ended, so the two had a conversation. Li Chengqi said directly: "Father, the third younger brother has just become the emperor, and there are so many things in front of him, it is time to sort out. Let him go to patrol the border at this time, and it will take a year and a half. The time is too long, my son. I thought it would be inappropriate to go out of Beijing now." Li Dan couldn't tell his son the secret in his heart, because he sighed: "I have abdicated, and I don't want to be entangled in trivial matters for a long time. However, the border gate also needs to be intimidated, so comparing the two, it is better for Sanlang to go to the border gate .” Li Longji and Princess Taiping have been fighting endlessly for a while, Li Chengqi didn't want to be troublesome, so naturally he didn't know the details, but he also heard about their fight, so he asked: "Father, let the third brother go to patrol the border, won't you?" Is it Auntie's idea?" Li Dan shook his head in denial. Li Chengqi said happily: "That's good. Just now after the court meeting, Guo Yuanzhen came to me quietly and said that the emperor's move actually meant to dethrone the third brother, and that it was probably the aunt's intention. The emperor, the third brother is the prince first, As the emperor again, the sons are all happy to help him, the father must not have the heart to dethrone." Li Dan still attaches great importance to Li Chengqi. Li Chengqi puts filial piety first, which is very in line with Li Dan's wishes. Li Dan can still listen to his words. He heard this and said: "Why is this Guo Yuanzhen so troublesome? How can he get involved with your aunt?" ? I know that this emperor is not suitable for you to live and die. Among the others, only Saburo is the most suitable, so how could I have the intention of deposing him?" Li Dan's words made Li Chengqi feel at ease. After Li Chengqi entered the room, he first told Li Longji what he had said. After hearing this, Li Longji let out a long sigh, and then said, "Brother, I'm afraid Father doesn't fully understand what's on his mind!" "How do you say this?" "Guo Yuanzhen is right. I'm afraid that the father really intends to dethrone, and this matter has a lot to do with my aunt. I invited my elder brother here today, and I just want to explain the matter to my elder brother." "Okay, I would like to hear the details. By the way, third brother, I know that my aunt treats you the closest, so why are you separated now? I only heard that my aunt is at odds with you, but I don't know the details." Li Longji said After becoming the emperor, the brothers originally wanted to change their names, but Li Longji insisted that it would be fine if they were above the court, and they would still be called when they meet in private. "Well, today I'm going to talk to my elder brother from the beginning. At that time, Webster was in power, and my aunt asked me to try to contact people in the army in order to protect myself. If you want to do something, I started the incident before I reported it to my aunt and my father, and it really succeeded. However, my aunt has annoyed me since then, and has repeatedly accused my father of my fault." "This is my aunt's fault. The situation was extremely dangerous back then, and one more person who foresaw it would add a layer of danger. I think you did the right thing." "Thank you, big brother, for thinking about my stupid brother. Since then, my aunt has made things difficult for me. My big brother insisted on resigning from the reserve position, but my father wanted me to take it. My aunt first obstructed my father, and then spread rumors, saying that I am not the eldest son and should not be appointed. " "I know this process. At that time, I was very puzzled, why did my aunt reject you so much?" "As for the fact that I was able to supervise the country and succeed to the throne, it was also due to my aunt. I later found out that Yan Shansi of the Sitiantai took a lot of property from my aunt, so he talked about the sky according to my aunt's plan. He said, 'within five days. There are urgent soldiers entering the palace', which is really implying that I have plotted against the law, intending to lead troops into the palace to take the throne. My aunt said this, she just wanted to use my father's hand to abolish my crown prince; later she said, 'The crown prince should move to the east palace and cooperate with the emperor ’, clearly saying that I must either become the emperor or be abolished. My aunt has calculated everything, and she has thought of everything, but she didn’t expect that the father is an indifferent person, and it turned out to be a disservice to herself.” Li Chengqi knew a thing or two about this matter, so he nodded and remained silent. Li Longji continued, "As for the border patrol this time, it should be related to Liu Youqiu's case." Li Chengqi asked: "Liu Youqiu and Zhang Wei are exiles, so the case is closed. Why did you bring this case up again?" Li Longji sighed: "My aunt has repeatedly entered the palace and told the emperor that Liu Youqiu and Zhang Wei are just scapegoats, and the mastermind is me. I think my aunt will add fuel to the scene in front of the emperor. I will definitely say that I am the mastermind and imprison her. For the ultimate goal, but also intend to harm the father." Li Chengqi heard the words and sighed: "Hey, who put you in a place of suspicion? Both Liu Youqiu and Zhang Wei were promoted by you, and Zhang Wei is also a palace doorman, so he can indeed have something to do with you! Saying so, Royal father really believed my aunt's words, so there is a theory of patrolling the border?" "This is my guess. It should be like this. Brother, you should be the emperor. I am exhausted now, and there is really nothing I can do. I hope that my brother will help me." After Li Longji finished speaking, tears came out of his eyes. Li Chengqi put his hand on Li Longji's shoulder and persuaded him: "Third brother, don't be sad. I have already figured it out, this emperor, only you can do it. My father and I are both in the same indifferent mood, that is not suitable To be emperor." Li Longji still sobbed: "Brother, don't say that, I am suitable to be the emperor? But, from the time I became a prince until today, I have been suffering so much every day, as if I was roasting on the stove." Li Chengqi nodded in agreement, he knew very well that his younger brother's life during this period was like facing an abyss, and he was trembling.Seeing that Li Longji was so sad, he felt a sense of pity in his heart, and persuaded: "Third brother, please stop crying. It's just a border patrol. Just a word. We brothers will invite you together, and the emperor may be able to let it go." Today, Li Longji invited his eldest brother to come into the room to talk, but what he really wanted was this sentence.He wiped away his tears and said: "Brother said so, and my younger brother is grateful. In fact, Father is right. We have been in Beijing for a long time, and we really need to experience military affairs. It is more beneficial to go to the border for inspection. If you don’t want to, then it’s not the right time to go to patrol the border now.” Li Chengqi sighed: "Oh, how can my aunt be like this? She is loved by the emperor, her position is respected, and her food is rich. Why do you prefer the affairs of the court? I know that there are rumors outside, saying that although you are the emperor, you can't do it." Take away the power of aunt. What is the intention of aunt like this?" Li Longji said calmly: "Brother, she wants to gradually control the government according to the story of Empress Zetian! The reason why she is planning to abolish me is because she thinks that I will not follow her will and become an obstacle for her to do whatever she wants! Brother, you know the previous paragraph' Xie Fengguan 'causing trouble?" "Of course I know, the abolition of 'Xianfengguan' has been put on hold again." "After the father came to the throne, in view of the current political chaos, he really wanted to do his best to govern the world. Yao Chong and Song Jing are both talents in governing the world. They abolished the bad government and made Gangji Xiuju, and there was a trend of chastity for a while. But it is so good The situation was immediately abolished due to the disturbance caused by the 'inclined officials'. Brother, do you know where the three people who made trouble in the early days are now in the official position?" Li Chengqi shook his head and didn't know. Li Longji said angrily: "They have reached the fourth rank! The reason why my aunt wants my father to continue to control the power is because I want to do things conveniently for myself. These three people were all given by my aunt to my father." "So, the mastermind behind the 'Xianfengguan' is my aunt? But I also remember that you also persuaded the emperor not to abolish her at the beginning." "Hmph, most of those who worked for the 'Xianfeng officials' were wiped out, and only my aunt was left. At the beginning, I persuaded my father not to abolish him because I felt that Yao Chong and the others were too urgent to do things, but they did it slowly, but not forever. Not waste." "Oh, that's how it is." Li Chengqi did inherit his father's style, he was not interested in foreign affairs, and he didn't want to think too much about it. "Brother, I brought up the matter of 'Xie Fengguan' again today to tell you that my aunt is too selfish. If anyone has something to block her way of interests, she will get rid of them and will not take into account the righteousness of the country. I heard that My aunt went to my father many times to speak out, saying that Yao Chong and other members of the Prince's House were not in love with the old master, but were courteous in front of me, the new prince, because they wanted to find a way out. Brother, aunt did not mean to say this Are you instigating the father-son relationship between me and my father? You know, I have never had any contact with Yao Chong and the others. The country continues to be in chaos. As you can see, the reform of bad governance was abandoned halfway, a group of unscrupulous people stole important positions in the court, and Yao Chong and Song Jing were kicked out of the capital. This is what my aunt does. !" These words were quite shocking to Li Chengqi.Li Dan spent his entire life carefully avoiding disasters, so when the Queen of Heaven was in power, Li Dan and his son were often imprisoned.In the long days, reading, writing and rhythm became the main content of their father and son to pass the time, which made them have a deeper attainment in these areas, and also developed a calm and calm temperament (of course, Longsheng Jiuzhong, Although Li Longji has a calm temperament, his thoughts are very different from those of his brothers).Li Dan preferred the study of exegesis, and his understanding of Confucian classics was naturally higher than that of ordinary people, so he became a good teacher for his sons.The Li Chengqi brothers were so subtly influenced, gradually upholding the life ideal of Confucian self-cultivation, family harmony and peace, and a sense of justice in their hearts. Today, Li Longji narrated to his brother for the first time his understanding of his aunt, which made Li Chengqi feel more sympathy for Li Longji, and there is such a noble sense of mission in it.Li Chengqi closed his eyes and thought for a while, and then said heavily: "Third brother, I know what you're thinking. How about this, don't talk too much with the father, and let the second brother and I express the situation on your behalf. You are right, if Aunt Ren's reckless behavior is not good for my family, and it is also not good for my father. It is really inappropriate to patrol the border now." Li Chengqi went back to the mansion and thought about it for another two days, carefully thinking about the entry point to find his father to make a statement, and even paraphrased every word, so he spent so much time, he felt that the chances of winning were quite high. Li Dan understood the reason for his son's visit and said, "Da Lang, I know you will talk about San Lang's border patrol eventually. Do you understand? I have been waiting for you for several days." Li Chengqi said: "The son has been thinking these days, what is the purpose of the father to let the third brother go to patrol the border? The son thought about it for a few days, and finally figured it out. The father wants to train the third brother, so first let Jian Guo do it for him." Emperor, let the third younger brother patrol the border now, this is also the meaning of experience, the father and the emperor have far-reaching intentions, and the sons will never be able to reach it." Li Chengqi came up and complimented Li Dan first, it seems that everyone loves to listen to good words, although father and son There is still no exception.When Li Chengqi said this, he really wanted to create a good atmosphere for the subsequent conversation. 李旦叹道：“你为长子，能体会为父的这番苦心，我心甚慰。大郎，我两番为皇帝，人言为帝风光无限，我却以为高处不胜寒。常人可以嬉笑怒骂无所顾忌，而皇帝却不能这样，须有容纳万物的胸怀，有时候还要承受极大的委屈。三郎与你相比，锋芒稍健，如此更需历练。”看来李成器的话引起了李旦的共鸣。 李成器此时却将话锋一转，说道：“儿子又想，让三弟历练固然必要，然三弟刚刚继位不久，要历练非仅为边关之事，其在京中面临的事儿更多。儿子以为，或者过个年儿半载再让三弟巡边，如此时机最为适宜。” 李旦听明白了儿子话里的意思，他今日来先捧上自己一句，然后还是认为巡边不宜。李旦脸有不悦之色，说道：“你那日来说此话，我已然回答过了，怎么还要旧话重提？” 李成器突然伏地叩首，说道：“儿子非是愿提旧话，只是又想明白其中的事儿，就想来向父皇禀报。若其中触忤了父皇，还望父皇恕罪。” “起来说话。你说吧，就是有过头的地方，我不怪罪你。” 李成器依言起身，躬身禀道：“父皇，若三郎巡边，那么朝中的大小事儿皆由父皇署理？” 李旦雅不愿接手这些繁乱之事，遂叹道：“这也是没法子的事儿。届时三郎巡边，你们兄弟就要多做一些活儿了。” “儿子听说，如今朝中重臣除了一个郭元振之外，其他人皆由姑姑安插。这些人参加过朝会之后，首要之事就是入姑姑府中问安，然后再回各衙署办公。” 李旦有些惊奇，说道：“是吗？还有这等事儿？我还是第一次听说。” “父皇若是不信，明日可派人到姑姑府前蹲守，这些人届时是否前来，一看便知。父皇，儿子其实想说，如今姑姑在父皇面前所请大多被准，朝中又有一帮嫡信之人为重臣。若三弟出外巡边，其实父皇不用儿子们，可借姑姑之力处置好朝中之事。” 李成器此话，明显是用激将法了。 李旦当然明白儿子的意思，说道：“唉，你们都是用如此眼光来看待你们的姑姑吗？我和她毕竟为亲兄妹，你们怎么把她看成外人一般？” “姑姑当然是外人！天下是我李家的天下，姑姑若论私情当为至亲，然她染指我李家天下，那就不该了。”李成器这句话虽话音不高，然掷地有声。 李成器接着道：“儿子说句不孝之话，其实自则天皇后之后，多为女主天下，此为祸乱之渊薮。三弟诛灭韦氏之后，正是正本清源的时候，然姑姑又来横加插手，若长此以往，国将不国，父皇难道没有觉察吗？” 李旦闻言不喜，斥道：“你怎么也学会了这些无稽之谈？这些话是三郎教你的吗？你不要说了！则天皇后是你的祖母，你出此不逊之言，即为不孝。”李旦非常纳闷，此子平时甚为谦和，从不说过火之言，今日大反常态，令人奇怪。 李成器没有惧怕之色，说道：“父皇息怒。儿子今日想把心里话都说出来，事后任从父皇责罚。则天皇后是儿子的嫡亲祖母，然她的不当之处难道后人不能评说吗？则天皇后为执权柄，不惜罗织宗室罪名大加屠戮，儿子的三个伯父，两个莫名其妙被废身死，还有一个被贬外地，就是父皇那时，整日里也在惴惴不安。则天皇后为何不顾亲情这样做？儿子现在想来，都是权力惹的祸。儿子那时伴在父皇身边，心中的滋味也实在难受。” 李旦听到此处心中一软，顿时想起那些被圈禁的日子。李成器为长子伴在身边，深明父亲的心情，时常谈谈说说以宽慰父亲之心，令李旦倍感温暖。李旦想到此节，心中温情再生，喃喃说道：“嗯，你那时很好。” 李成器又使出柔情的招数，看来效果甚佳，李旦的脸色变得缓和起来。其实李旦与李成器皆为同路之人，他们皆重情重义，颇为感性。如此之人作为家庭角色最为适宜，然在冷酷的官场里极不适应。 李成器时刻观察着父亲的神色，知道继续说下去不妨：“想起那日来俊臣带着刑具入宫的场面，儿子至今犹心有余悸。现在事儿已然清楚了，那时武承嗣为争父皇的皇嗣之位，所以指使来俊臣入宫来罗织罪名，若不是乐工安金藏剖腹明志，使则天皇后生出了恻隐之心，我们一家的前途实在未卜。” 李旦颔首，说道：“是啊，安金藏真义士也，天降此人来佑我家。”李旦当了皇帝之后，对安金藏大加褒奖，并擢其为右武卫中郎将。及李隆基即位之后，又专门下制褒美，并奏请为右骁卫将军，还令史官录其事迹。安金藏以乐工之身，重义忘身，不惜以死替李旦辩冤，由此博来了一世美名和富贵。由此来看，凡事以功利之心考虑，往往难得大利且所失甚多，如安金藏这样没有功利之心，而所得甚多，是为人世间的大道至理。 李成器接着道：“后来则天皇后没有让武氏承继大统，将天下复归李唐，说来还是缘于狄公的一席话，此事天下皆知，儿子不再复述。” 则天皇后革唐命自立为大周皇帝，马上面临着皇位是传子还是传侄的问题。武承嗣与武三思当然想当太子，数次派人对女皇说：“自古天子未有以异姓为嗣者。”他们认为，女皇姓武，那么继任者也应该姓武，这是比较过硬的理由。 女皇也一直在犹豫不决，是时，狄仁杰被召为内史，即为宰相职。女皇对狄仁杰甚是尊重，甚至呼其为“国老”。她在立储之事有疑虑，当然要询问狄仁杰。狄仁杰没有讲大道理，仅从情感上来打动女皇，告诫她说：“姑侄与母子孰亲？陛下立子，则千秋万岁后，配食太庙，承继无穷；立侄，则未闻为天子而祔姑于庙者也。” 狄仁杰说的话非常平实，若侄子当了皇帝，人家今后供奉的是自己的祖先，有自己父母的牌位，注定不会有姑母的牌位，所以女皇也就不要为她人做嫁衣裳了。如此平实的话反而最有力量，女皇最终决定将天下复归李唐。 李旦叹道：“是啊，将天下复归李唐就在母后的一念之间，狄公此言可谓立了大功。”后来李显当了皇帝，此时狄仁杰已逝，李显感谢其复立之功，将其追封为司空；及李旦即位，又将狄仁杰追封为梁国公，让狄仁杰在地下享尽了哀荣。 李成器话锋一转，问道：“儿子想问父皇，兄妹与父子皆为人间至亲，然在国家大统承继上孰亲？” 李旦道：“你又在胡说了。你姑姑一直忠心帮我忙，根本没有承继大统的心思。” “对呀，姑姑若没有承继大统的心思，就不该在朝中培植嫡信之人，就不该三番五次诋毁三弟。她位望既尊，其食邑过万户已逾常制，好好在府当一名富公主即可，为何还要如此不安分呢？” 李旦此时觉得儿子说的话虽有些刺耳，然也有理，遂默然不应。 李成器看来事先准备妥了言语，拼着李旦责罚，也要把话说完：“父皇，三弟虽性格异于我等兄弟，然他孝顺父皇，亲爱兄弟，前有大功，今后治理国家也有办法，我等兄弟万不能及。乞父皇亲之爱之，万不可有废黜之心。”他言罢流泪不止，复伏地叩首不已。 李旦闭目摇头，颓然说道：“罢了，你退出去吧，让我好好想一想。”李成器的话又让他犯了难，一边是嫡亲的妹妹，一边是几个朝夕相处的儿子，确实让他难以取舍。 李成器觉得话已说尽，遂脸挂眼泪退出殿外。 终李成器一生，如此犀利的谈话唯此一次，其打动了李旦的心弦，极大地挽救了李隆基的颓势。太平公主运筹帷幄，根本想不到不起眼的李成器在关键时刻竟然起到了极大的作用。 太平公主确实对李成器不以为然，她力图拿掉李隆基，想的就是让李成器继位，这样就可以把他们父子玩弄于股掌之间，以图自己的大事。其实太平公主这样想大错特错，人之智识虽有短长之分，然常人只要不是白痴，终归有自己的利益和思虑，不会任人摆布。假若李成器处于李隆基的位置，他断不会沦为姑姑的附庸。 李成器的一番话，彻底打消了李旦对李隆基的憎恶之心，情感的重心又渐渐倾向于李隆基。 李隆基这日带着郭元振入太极殿，禀告出行人员及诸事已备好，募兵业已开始，意欲十一月上旬出京，他们第一站意欲直奔幽州。 李旦听完沉默良久，然后淡淡说道：“我让你们明年二月前出行，马上就近年关了，你们急什么？待过完年再说吧。” 李隆基闻言心中窃喜，父亲不急着催自己出京，自己也就乐得糊涂了。 李旦如此犹豫，不觉秋去冬来，很快就到了年关。太平公主见李隆基即将出京巡边，欣喜自己终于大功告成，也没有什么后续新动作。朝中双方息兵相处平安，于是有了相对平静的数月日子。 中国人最重过年，过年之时，朝廷照例放假，并在元日举行大典，以庆贺新年。民间立竿悬幡、张灯结彩，人们皆身着新衣，见面后共贺新年，然后饮酒推盏，极尽快乐。 太平公主眼见李隆基被自己打败，心里也就有了一些宽容，过年之时见到李隆基不再冷面相对，变得言笑晏晏起来，努力展示自己作为长辈的慈爱之情。然而到了正月下旬之后，她看到哥哥依旧没有让李隆基出京的意思，自己到哥哥面前数次打探，皆被哥哥笑语岔开话头，使她终究不能得知李隆基巡边的日期。 太平公主由此变得有些着急，渐渐对哥哥有了怨怼之情。 群臣这日参加完李隆基主持的早朝后逐渐散去，崔湜与萧至忠等十余人照例入公主府问安。太平公主今日心情很不好，与众人说了几句话即令他们退去，单留下萧至忠说话。 室中仅剩下太平公主和萧至忠相对，太平公主道：“萧公，我总想皇兄的行为有些蹊跷，他令三郎出外巡边，然数月来无声无息，马上就进入二月了，已经到了他规定的最后时限。他还是按兵不动，到底意欲何为呢？” “是呀，属下过年之时就想着这个事儿，然终无头绪。按说太上皇诰命已发，募兵业已结束，则圣上巡边为必行之事。太上皇又不催着圣上，看来其中还是大有文章。” “萧公，你说皇兄会不会不让三郎巡边了呢？” “下官以为，有这个可能。” 太平公主起身绕室，看来其心情更坏。萧至忠当然明白公主的心思在何处，不敢说话，唯注目公主的动静。 太平公主停下脚步，决然道：“不行！我还是要找皇兄说这个事儿。唉，皇兄犹豫不决，真是让人着急。” 萧至忠道：“公主，太上皇之所以犹豫不决，估计有人在其耳边说了要紧的话儿。下官一直在想，公主不喜圣上，然圣上步步为营，至今毫发未伤，今后宜变换一些法儿。” 太平公主颔首道：“萧公所言有理。我这些天一直在想，此前对付三郎的法儿失于简单，动静颇大，而收效甚微。萧公，你认为当用何法？” “下官以为，公主与圣上在太上皇面前可谓不分轩轾，掌控朝臣一节公主处于优势，然掌控军中力量一节，公主则处于完全的劣势。” 太平公主道：“不错，三郎以兵起家，明白其中的利害所在，所以竭力掌控兵权。” “是啊。姚崇与宋璟的眼光，实在比下官要犀利多了。我们直到今日方始明白，确实有些晚了。” “嗯？此话怎讲？” “当初姚宋向太上皇建言三策，其前二策让公主和宋王成器离开京城，后来这二策先后停行，然第三策还是施行了，岐王范和薛王业成为东宫左右卫率。下官当时没有在意，现在愈发感觉姚宋二人的眼光果然深远。”李隆基当了皇帝，两名弟弟因避讳去掉“隆”字，称之为李范和李业。 太平公主叹道：“是了，此二贼处心积虑，竭力替三郎着想。他们先劝皇兄罢诸王兄弟兵权，使兵权归皇帝；皇兄不愿署理烦事，他们又策动太子监国，使此兵权顺势落入三郎囊中；四郎和五郎为东宫左右卫率，三郎让此二人亲典禁兵，则皇兄也最放心。唉，姚宋二人真是机关算尽。” “对呀，圣上现在所恃就是手中的禁兵之权。上次刘幽求和张暐策划宫变，肯定就是圣上的主意。公主，若圣上今后再行此事，恐怕下官等人的项上之头难保。” 太平公主冷笑道：“你保不住项上之头？难道我就能保住了？瞧三郎当时斩杀婉儿的果断劲儿，实在让人不寒而栗！” 张暐的这一次醉酒乱言，实在让李隆基处于一种危险的境地。这种举动引起了李旦的警觉，使他第一次感受到了儿子有武力逼位的威胁；至于太平公主一方，他们原来以为既仗李旦之势，又有朝臣众多的优势，则李隆基就处于绝对的劣势之中。太平公主有了这些底气，可以到政事堂和李隆基面前吵闹一通。有了这次未遂宫变，他们才发现所有的一切皆难挡武力的致命一击，与武力相比，高调的吵嚷与群臣的力量就显得过于苍白。 由是太平公主说道：“萧公，你说得不错，我们今后该在军中下些力气了。如今京中军中兵力无非北门四军和南衙军两支，你有什么主意？” “下官以为，南衙军例由雍州府调派，我们可在此事上先有作为。雍州府现在由宋王成器为刺史，然不管什么事儿，雍州府长史原来由崔日用兼任，崔日用被授外任后此职一直空缺。下官以为，窦怀贞此前在雍州任职甚久，可让他兼任此职。或者公主能说动太上皇，干脆让窦怀贞兼任刺史最好。” “嗯，此事应该能成。” “窦怀贞若任雍州刺史，则可间接提调南衙军。其稍下点力气，在南衙军中收罗数名中坚之人为知己，如此就可控制南衙军。”南衙军主要负责京城除了宫城以外城门的防卫，雍州府负责各门防卫的日常调度，所以能够间接指挥南衙军。当初李隆基起事之后，先以皇帝之命授崔日用为雍州府长史，其主要目的就是控制南衙军。只是南衙军与北门四军相比，人数较少，装备不精，战斗力较弱。 太平公主当然明白其中的差别，说道：“南衙军用处不大，不过将之抓在手中，强似于无，我们还应该在北门四军上多下工夫。萧公，如今郭元振任兵部尚书，三郎几个兄弟又亲掌北门四军，要想搬动他们，估计皇兄不会答应。” “不错，这样难有作为。下官这些天一直在想，当初圣上起事时能够成功，他无非拉拢了葛福顺与陈玄礼等数名万骑中人，我们也可以依此法行之。” “嗯，你有合适人选吗？” “有几个。下官想一一知会他们，若火候差不多，我再将他们带入公主府，由公主当面抚慰他们一番，这些人从此就会对公主死心塌地。” “好哇，你要抓紧办此事。只要能把三郎拿下，我就能名副其实，成为真正的太平公主。” 萧至忠眼珠一转，说道：“公主，你就不能再往深里想一想吗？” “我还要想什么？” “下官以为，当初公主不应该将相王单独推上皇位，应该由相王与公主共治天下才是。” “共治？萧公怎能如此异想天开？自古至今，哪有兄妹共治天下的道理？” “当然有了。当初高宗皇帝与则天皇后被尊为'二圣'，其实就是共治天下。” “母后当然可以，我为李家女儿，若涉权柄，定会人言汹汹。”这句话其实为太平公主的心结所在，多少年来，她玩弄权术可谓乐此不疲，然确实没有谋夺皇位的想法。 萧至忠道：“下官以为，若圣上被废，其几个兄弟的脾性与太上皇差不多。如此一来，公主岂不是就有了机会？”萧至忠不想把话说透，仅是点到为止。 太平公主没有吭声，在那里默然良久，然后长叹一声道：“萧公，这件事儿复杂得紧，还是不想为好。我这几日先找皇兄，先把窦怀贞的事儿办妥，联络北门四军之事，你也要抓紧。你说得对，此前我偏爱在文官圈里考虑，未曾想过军中之事，这的确为我的失策。” 按照规制，吏部每年需对各级官吏考课一次，议其优劣，定其等级。考定之时，亲王及中书省、门下省、京官三品以上、都督、刺史、观察使等集于中书省，有员唱其等第，然后将结果上奏皇帝。 崔日用是时任兖州刺史，亦在考课之列，这一次考课为中下。李隆基那日午后阅读官员考课的册子，忽然看到崔日用的名字，遂派人将其唤入宫中。 崔日用入殿后纳头便拜，李隆基唤其平身，然后笑道：“你到兖州一年有余，怎么如此不堪，竟然得了一个中下的评语？唉，要罚禄一季了。”中下者的评定标准为“职事粗理，而善最不闻者”，崔日用去年的考课评语为中中，今年因为退了一等，所以要夺禄一季。