Chapter 21 The twentieth round of Li Longji's battle against the red makeup girl in the Forbidden Palace will never end the court situation

On the second day of July, Li Longji presided over the court meeting as usual, and the officials played according to the routine.In view of the fact that the Supreme Emperor will enter the Yuhua Palace to escape the summer heat in a few days, Xiao Zhizhong made a list of the entourage and those staying in Beijing. It took more than half an hour for the court meeting to dissipate. At that time, a bright red glow appeared in the eastern sky, indicating that today is another clear and sunny day.After the meeting was over, Li Longji left behind four brothers, saying that they hadn't seen each other for a long time, and today they had time to talk.

When the five of them gathered together, they suddenly felt an oppressive atmosphere, which was naturally caused by the imminent battle.Li Chengqi had already explained the ins and outs of the matter to the three younger brothers in advance, and asked Li Fan and Li Ye to firmly support Li Longji's actions today. Li Chengqi asked: "Is everything ready?" Li Longji replied: "It's all ready." "That's good. The third brother, the fourth brother and the fifth brother will stay here to help you, and the second brother and I will go to the father's place. What do you think?"

"Okay, Guo Yuanzhen should be waiting at Father Emperor's place now, and after you go to gather together, you will be able to protect Father Emperor." After such a few words, the five brothers were divided into two groups: Li Chengqi led Li Chengyi to the Taiji Hall, and Li Longji, Li Fan, and Li Ye sent them out of the hall, and then got together to discuss again. Li Longji said: "Fourth younger brother, fifth younger brother, eldest brother has explained everything to you, right?" Li Fan replied: "The elder brother explained it in great detail. Third brother, you can give it a go! I told the fifth brother that our family can't go back to the days when we were locked up in the past. For the sake of the country and the well-being of my family, Let's fight today!"

Li Ye also nodded heavily and said, "Yes, that's what I said!" Li Longji said: "Brothers share the same hatred against the enemy, it is really a blessing for the family. Forget it, let's stop talking nonsense. Fourth brother, fifth brother, you have only one task today, and that is to sit at the Xuanwu Gate and control the Fourth Army of the North Gate." After the Northern Army and Wanqi merged into the Fourth Army of the North Gate, the places where they handled their daily military affairs were also adjusted.The location of Xuanwu Gate is very important. The Zuolongwu Army, which was born out of Wanqi, used it as its office; while the Left and Right Habayashi Army used Qianhua Gate as its office.

Li Ye asked, "Don't you need to go to the Qianhua Gate?" Li Longji said: "I will go to the Qianhuamen to solve it myself. After the matter is settled, I will ask Ma Sizong to contact you." Seeing Li Longji's calm face, Li Fan knew that this brother was meticulous in his work and had planned everything in detail in advance, so he didn't want to ask other questions, but only asked how to control the Fourth Army of the North Gate: "Third brother, after we enter the Xuanwu Gate, do we need to gather soldiers in front of the gate for emergency use?" Li Longji shook his head and said: "No need! You just need to sit in the Xuanwu Gate, commanding all troops to stick to their positions and not to move rashly. Ge Fushun, Chen Xuanli, Li Xianfu and others have obtained my words in advance, they know how to measure, you just need to keep Just be vigilant.”

Li Fan thought to himself, at the critical moment, it is necessary to rely on these confidantes, so that they control the four armies of the North Gate, even if they sit still, they are really the magic needle of Dinghai! The three said a few more words together, and then Li Fan and Li Ye quit and went to Xuanwumen. Gao Lishi stepped in lightly at this time, and said softly: "Your Majesty, General Wang and General Li are already waiting outside the hall." Li Longji said: "Well, has the person who informed Qianhuamen left?" "It's gone, now it should be at the Qianhua Gate."

"Okay, let's go." Li Longji changed into a military bien uniform today, which is one of the fourteen types of emperor's uniform, such as being worn by the emperor during martial arts lectures, expeditions, hunting and military parades.Gao Lishi was ordered to send someone to inform the Qianhua Gate just now, to prepare the left and right Habayashi troops stationed there, and the emperor will go to inspect the camp soon. A soft satin shoulder pad entered the hall, Gao Lishi supported Li Longji to sit in it, and then uttered a cry, eight eunuchs raised the shoulders of the pad and walked out of the hall slowly.Li Longji turned his head and saw Wang Maozhong and Li Yide waiting by the door, so he waved his hand and said, "Let's go." After receiving the order, they followed Jianyu to the east of the hall.

The palace gates guarded by the Longwu army and the Yulin army are also different. The palace gates close to the inner palace are all in charge of the Longwu army. After all, Li Longji is more at ease with the Longwu army. Treat the Habayashi Army as secondary. A group of people walked slowly to Xianchunmen, the defense here was in charge of the Longwu Army, and they saw Chen Xuanli waiting there with his hands down.When Chen Xuanli saw Li Longji approaching, he hurriedly fell to the ground and kowtowed. Li Longji approached and made him flattened, and asked again: "Is this the group of people?"

Chen Xuanli moved his hand to the left, and replied: "Your Majesty, it's them, and they are under the leadership of General Wang and General Li now." There were 360 ​​war horses standing in the open space on the left, and another 360 soldiers knelt down on the ground, holding the reins in one hand and leaning on weapons in the other, with their eyes lowered, naturally waiting for the emperor. Li Longji motioned to Wang Maozhong and Li Yide, and said, "Go over and let them all get on their horses and walk behind you." The two trotted to the left after they got the order, Wang Maozhong's voice was louder, after hearing a few short passwords, the more than 300 people jumped on their horses and stood in a square row in unison, they were indeed extremely powerful.

Li Longji said to Chen Xuanli again: "You can wait here for a while, and pay close attention to the movement of the Qianhua Gate, thinking that you are in the middle." "Understood, Your Majesty, please move." Chen Xuanli replied while kneeling to see Li Longji off. There is a distance of about a hundred feet from Xianchunmen to Qianhuamen. Li Longji's chariot walked slowly, and the horse behind him was riding under the rider's reins, and also walked very slowly with light knocks. So soon he arrived at Qianhuamen. Huamen. After Li Xianfu and Chang Yuankai learned that the emperor was coming to inspect the camp, they hurriedly informed the generals in their respective camps and gathered in front of the Qianhua Gate.When Li Longji walked to the door, he saw heads in iron crowns lying on the left and right outside the door.Kneeling in front of the left are Chang Yuankai and Ma Sizong, and kneeling in front of the right are Li Xianfu and Li Ci, behind them are the generals of each battalion.

Chang Yuankai and Li Xianfu raised their heads and shouted in unison: "The left and right Longwu troops welcome His Majesty to come and inspect." Li Longji nodded and said: "Let's all get flat. You four, come to Yu." The kneeling people stood up one after another, and the scene was a little noisy.After receiving the order, Chang Yuankai, Li Xianfu, Ma Sizong and Li Ci first turned their heads to order them not to make too much noise, then bowed and walked in front of Li Longji. Li Longji glanced at the four of them for a week, his expression was very calm, and he said in a deep voice, "Do you know why Yu wants to inspect the camp today?" The four bowed and replied: "The end will not be known." "Someone secretly reported to Yu that Chang Yuankai and Li Ci had an affair and intended to rebel. Take it down!" Li Longji said, and waved his hand back decisively. Wang Maozhong and Li Yide had already made preparations. They didn't wait for Li Longji's voice to fall, and led several soldiers to fly away from behind Li Longji. , making it immobile. Seeing this, Li Xianfu and Ma Sizong exchanged winks, turned around and came to their respective generals, shouting loudly: "Your Majesty is arresting a vicious traitor today, all generals, don't panic, don't make noise, anyone who moves rashly, Kill without mercy!" The more than three hundred horsemen also started to mobilize. They divided into two rows and gradually gathered together, forming a circle around the generals of the Habayashi Army. Chang Yuankai and Li Ci panicked when they saw the catastrophe, they knelt on the ground with a "plop", and Chang Yuankai shouted tremblingly: "Your Majesty, the general has always been loyal to the country, how can he seek rebellion?" What is said? This is a great injustice, please be aware of it." Li Longji watched the two of them kowtow like pounding a mortar, without any expression of joy or anger on their faces, and lightly waved their fingers, pointing forward. Wang Maozhong and Li Yide agreed, and they set up Chang Yuankai and Li Ci to turn around and stop for about thirty steps, then pushed Chang and Li down to their knees, and as they wailed, the volley blade was suddenly shattered by the sunlight. Suddenly, the heads of the two fell to the ground, and the wailing stopped at the same time, and the blood stained the robes of the soldiers around them. Li Longji stepped down from his shoulders at this time, raised his legs and stepped on his beloved horse. He took a few steps forward with the rein in his hands, and said to Li Xianfu and Ma Sizong: "Now that the rebellion has been punished, the left and right Yulin troops are ready to go." It is under the command of the two of you. You return to the camp quickly, so that the soldiers can keep their positions and not move without authorization." Li Xianfu and Ma Sizong bowed and agreed. Ma Sizong said: "Your Majesty, rest assured, the Habayashi Army has always been the pillar of the country, and only listens to His Majesty's orders. The final general has prepared three hundred sturdy soldiers for His Majesty, and they can walk with His Majesty for dispatch." Seeing that Ma Sizong was so attentive, Li Longji was very satisfied, and said: "You are very good, and you have a heart. Well, you still have to preside over in the Yulin Army, so Wang Chongye can lead these three hundred people to surround Princess Taiping's mansion." You tell Wang Chongye that they can only surround the princess mansion and not let anyone in, and they must not act rashly." Ma Sizong bowed and agreed again. Li Longji turned around and led the more than 300 riders into the Qianhua Gate and Xianzhang Gate, and soon arrived in front of the Wude Hall. He reined in the horse, turned his head and said to Gao Lishi: "I will leave you fifty riders. You are in charge of arresting Jia Yingfu, Shanggong Liu, and Yuan, and interrogating them on the spot to find out all their henchmen and catch them all." Gao Lishi agreed, and at the same time sent fifty riders to follow him. Li Longji turned his horse's head and ran towards Chengtianmen.He intends to pass through the palace city and go straight to the office of the court office. The corridors in the palace are all paved with blue bricks, and horseshoes with horseshoes will make a loud sound when knocked on them.More than 300 horses were launched at the same time, and the originally relatively quiet palace suddenly reverberated with a huge "clack" sound, and there were horses neighing and snorting, which was like a strong wind, and instantly swept across the palace halls, all the way to the palace. South scrape. When Li Chengqi and Li Chengyi arrived in front of the Tai Chi Hall, they saw Guo Yuanzhen waiting in front of the door.After they saw the ceremony, Guo Yuanzhen said: "The Supreme Emperor has just woken up and hasn't had breakfast yet. The Supreme Emperor said just now that we will meet the minister after breakfast, and we will wait here for a while." The three of them are well aware of the upcoming changes, and they all know their mission to come to Tai Chi Hall.Li Chengqi said with a smile: "Father is very leisurely when there is no court meeting. Forget it, let's wait here." Guo Yuanzhen said: "I don't know how long the Supreme Emperor's breakfast will take? If it takes too long, it will be a bit tormented." Li Dan didn't have much time for breakfast, so he quickly sent someone to pass the three of them into the palace.At this time, Li Dan was holding a teacup and was sipping tea there. When he saw the three of them coming hand in hand, he asked, "You should leave after the court meeting. Now you are here again. What's the rush?" Guo Yuanzhen said: "The governor of Youzhou, Song Jing, came to write to the Ministry of War, saying that Youzhou has a lot of land, and it is necessary to send a deputy governor to help it." Li Dan agreed, and asked Guo Yuanzhen if there was anyone to choose. Guo Yuanzhen said that there were several candidates, and he wanted to ask the Supreme Emperor to decide. Li Dan glanced at the roster that Guo Yuanzhen handed over, and said, "Guo Qing, you should be interested in one person. I don't know them well, so how can I decide? Dalang, what's the matter with you?" Li Chengqi replied: "The sons have nothing to do, they just want to meet the emperor and say hello to him." Li Dan agreed, then suddenly said: "By the way, you haven't been to your aunt's door for a long time, right?" Li Chengqi said: "Every festival, the sons go to visit aunt together as usual." "Oh, talking about your aunt entering the palace a few days ago, I haven't seen you come to the door for a long time, so I miss you a little." Li Chengyi interjected: "I think the father didn't know that the aunt's house was full of traffic every day, it was very lively, and the sons usually dare not go to disturb it." Li Dan was silent. At this time, the sound of huge horseshoes crossed the left side of the hall. Except for the noise during the festival, the palace was mainly silent at other times. Summons.Li Dan couldn't help being shocked when he heard the sound, and asked anxiously, "What's the noise outside?" A eunuch on duty came in and said: "The emperor, there were hundreds of horses galloping from the north of the palace to the south just now, and their clothes look like soldiers of the Imperial Army." Li Dan turned to Guo Yuanzhen: "Guo Qing, these people are soldiers of the imperial army, do you know what they are going to do?" Guo Yuanzhen's complexion changed drastically, and he said, "I don't know. The Supreme Emperor, according to the regulations, these soldiers are not allowed to enter the palace without authorization, let alone ride wildly on horseback. If they don't obey the order, they will be punished with death. From this point of view, there must be people in the palace. Something big happened." "Is something big happening? What big things can happen?" "The Supreme Emperor, now he is in a hurry, it is difficult to judge. For the current plan, please go to a safe place to get guards first, and then I will go to find out the details of the matter, and then report to the Supreme Emperor, so as to make a decision to go." Li Chengqi also said anxiously: "Father, Mr. Guo is right. You should leave this hall quickly and take shelter in a strong place first." Li Dan made up his mind at this time and asked, "Guo Qing, where should we go now?" Guo Yuanzhen said: "Let's go to Chengtian Gate. Apart from Xuanwu Gate in the palace city, this gate is the tallest and strongest, and there are many gate guards, and it's closer to here. Your Majesty, let's go now." Li Dan was well aware of the urgency of the situation, so he didn't use his chariot, said nothing, and walked out the door with big strides.Seeing this, Li Chengqi and Li Chengyi hurried forward to help their father, and the group rushed towards Chengtianmen. When Li Dan and his party climbed up to Chengtianmen, panting, the whole body of the group was washed like water, and they were still sweating profusely.Guo Yuanzhen ordered the soldiers to close the door to the upstairs and stand ready for close guards. Li Dan gasped for a while, before he calmed down, he ordered Guo Yuanzhen: "Guo Qing, go down and find out what's going on? Go and see Sanlang again to see if there's anything wrong with him?" Guo Yuanzhen bowed to receive the order, then turned to Li Chengqi and said, "King Song, you will take care of the Supreme Emperor here, and I will return as soon as I get the letter." Li Chengqi warned: "Mr. Guo, go and come back quickly. The good and bad are uncertain outside, so you have to be careful." Li Longji asked Wang Chongye to lead the Yulin army to encircle Princess Taiping's mansion, which was really a bad idea.At that time, Wang Chongye was waiting at the Xuanwu Gate, waiting for Ma Sizong to send someone to summon Wang Chongye to the Qianhua Gate, and then Wang Chongye led three hundred soldiers to march towards the Princess Mansion, a lot of time had already passed. After Chang Yuankai was killed, one of his cronies slipped away quietly.This confidant understands that now that his master is killed, he will not end well.He usually followed Chang Yuankai to Princess Taiping's mansion, and got very close with Wang Shiqian, so he went straight to Princess Taiping's mansion after leaving the camp. Zhongshu Province is not far from Shangshu Province. Li Longji led his horse to the Yamen of Zhongshu Province like a whirlwind and got off his horse. He looked back at Wang Maozhong and said, "Lead a hundred riders and hurry to Shangshu Province General Cui Shi and a group of people." Capture it, and then bring it to this door." Wang Maozhong bowed to receive the order, then got on his horse and led a hundred riders towards Shangshu Province. Li Longji left his horse and walked, Li Yide led two hundred soldiers to surround him.The concierge of Zhongshu Province and passers-by were stunned at first when they saw the unarmored sword, and then they saw that the leader was the current emperor, and hurriedly knelt down and worshiped. Without squinting, Li Longji walked quickly to the main hall of Zhongshu Province.Halfway through their journey, they saw Wang Ju waiting there. Li Longji asked, "Is he there?" Wang Ju replied: "After the court meeting was over, he entered the hall to deal with the letters, and he should still be in the hall now." Li Longji stopped and said: "So, you lead someone to capture him here." Wang Ju bowed to receive the order, and Li Yide and dozens of soldiers rushed away. Xiao Zhizhong had been reading and approving letters in the hall, and the sound of footsteps outside the door made him raise his head. At this time, a person came in and said anxiously: "Master Xiao, it seems that the Holy Spirit has come. The Holy Lord has arrived in the courtyard and is talking to Wang Shilang. " Xiao Zhizhong got up hurriedly when he heard the words, and said to himself as he walked out: "The Holy Majesty is coming? Why didn't you let me know?" As soon as he stepped out of the threshold, he saw Wang Ju and Li Yide leading dozens of wolf-like soldiers rushing towards him. come over.Xiao Zhizhong couldn't help stopping. After a moment of astonishment, he saw Li Longji standing in the courtyard in full military uniform, and his heart suddenly brightened. Wang Ju directed the soldiers to surround Xiao Zhizhong, and then said with a smile, "Duke Xiao is so proud of himself that His Majesty should come to urge him personally. Let's go, His Majesty is waiting for you to speak." Xiao Zhizhong raised his head to the sky and sighed: "The sky is not convenient, what can I do? I have served the Great Tang faithfully, and I have lived through three dynasties. I never thought it would end like this!" Wang Ju sneered and said, "Are you faithful in doing things? Xiao Gong, you know what you do yourself, and you must not blame others! Let's go, don't talk nonsense, the Holy Majesty is waiting." Xiao Zhizhong shook off the soldier to grab his arm, and said in a deep voice, "Go away! The old man will go by himself." His voice revealed the majesty of the past. Wang Ju smiled and said: "Forget it, just give Xiaogong some face and let him go by himself. You just follow behind, forgive him for being difficult to fly." Xiao Zhizhong moved his feet, and said as he walked: "Wang Ju, you have an excuse to stay here today after you came down to court, are you proud now?" Wang Ju said: "I don't dare to do this, but I'm just doing things for the sage. Please don't blame me, Mr. Xiao." "Well, the old man has been an official for many years, and I still have some vision. Wang Ju, please take care of yourself. The road ahead is dark, so don't be too complacent." "how do I say this?" "You were Zhang Jianzhi's little minion at the beginning. After Zhang Jianzhi gained power, he was quickly destroyed by Wu Sansi; the prince Li Chongjun killed Wu Sansi again, and after Zong Chuke and Ji Chuna gained power, they also ended up falling apart. The head is in a different place; let’s talk about Liu Youqiu and others, as well as us being arrested today, do you know what it shows?” "Xiao Gong's words are too mysterious, please explain clearly." "What I want to say is that once the emperor and the courtiers, the so-called innovation, the candidates for the courtiers will be endless." "Xiao Gong is right." Xiao Zhizhong had a sneer on his face at this time: "Wang Ju, I am worried about you. Think about it carefully, what are your strengths? But there are some small plots, can this last for a long time?" Wang Ju understood that Xiao Zhizhong was cursing himself, so he smiled and said, "Don't worry about Xiao Gong's fate, Xiao Gong, I'm afraid you won't be able to see the sun tomorrow, you should think about how to save yourself, that's the right way." Li Longji felt a little strange when he saw the two talking and laughing along the way.At this time, Xiao Zhizhong had already approached, kowtowed on the ground and said: "My minister sees Your Majesty." Li Longji snorted and said, "Xiao Zhizhong, are you guilty?" Xiao Zhizhong raised his head: "I have lived through three dynasties, and now I am serving Your Majesty. I only know how to serve the court loyally. I don't know what crime I have committed?" "You have assisted Princess Taiping in committing treacherous schemes and conspiring against others. This is the crime of treason." Xiao Zhizhong kowtowed again, and said: "I am now the Secretary of the Central Committee, and I have always acted according to the will of the Supreme Emperor and His Majesty. Besides, Princess Taiping is His Majesty's aunt, and she is a close relative of Your Majesty. I do often visit the princess, but I have nothing to do with conspiracy. Why is it involved again? Your Majesty, I really don't understand." Li Longji didn't want to chatter with Xiao Zhizhong any more, so he ordered Wang Ju, "Take this old thief out, and wait for orders to deal with them after all those people are gathered." Xiao Zhizhong knew that he couldn't be kind today, so he burst into tears suddenly. He kowtowed and begged, "Your Majesty, please remember that I have served the country loyally for many years, and spare my life. I am willing to lose my citizenship and serve the people, and never return to Beijing." Under Wang Ju's command, all the soldiers stepped forward and lifted Xiao Zhizhong up like catching a cat, and then walked out quickly. Li Longji called Wang Ju and said, "Wang Maozhong will capture Cui Shi, Lu Zangyong, Cen Xi, Dou Huaizhen, and Xiao Zhizhong in a while. Except Cui Shi, he will be exiled and behead the other four." Li Longji Longji's lenient treatment of Cui Shi today is probably due to the intention of his wife and daughter to express their favor to Li Longji. Wang Ju said: "Dou Huaizhen mostly works in the government office of Yongzhou. I'm afraid General Wang won't succeed now." "Forget it, after you finish the matter here, go to Yongzhou Mansion to search and kill Dou Huaizhen." "Your Majesty, what should I do with the officials who are attached to the princess?" Li Longji sighed, and said: "Forget it. At the beginning, my aunt was very powerful, and it was reasonable for these people to gain some benefits. Now that the chief culprit has been punished, don't ask these coerced people. You can arrange Zhongshu The people of the province should quickly draw up this edict and declare this intention." Wang Ju bowed and agreed, then turned and went out. After a while, Wang Maozhong escorted Cui Shi, Cen Xi, and Lu Zangyong to the gate of Zhongshu Province. Wang Ju dictated Li Longji's order. To the east, a few cold lights flashed, and the souls of the three people came out of their bodies and swung into the underworld. Chang Yuankai's cronies came to Princess Taiping's mansion, as Wang Chongye hadn't brought his troops yet, the situation here was as usual.This person sneaked into the mansion to directly find Wang Shiqian, and said so and so. Wang Shiqian's face changed greatly when he heard the words, and he asked: "The Holy Majesty really beheaded Chang Yuankai and Li Ci in public? Where is the Holy Majesty going?" "The villain saw with his own eyes that the heads of generals Chang and Li were hanging on the wall of the Qianhua Gate. After the Holy Majesty finished his work, he led the people back to the palace." "Okay, you wait for a while, I'll go see the princess right away." After Wang Shiqian said, he hurried to the middle hall. Princess Taiping was sitting in the hall at this time, according to the usual practice, Xiao Zhizhong and others would enter the mansion to pay their respects after the court meeting was over.Princess Taiping knew that these people would go to the government office to deal with some official duties after the meeting.As usual, they should have come too. Wang Shiqian rushed into the hall in a panic, and saw that there was no one else in the hall, so he rushed to the princess and hurriedly said: "Princess, the big thing is not good, it's a disaster." Princess Taiping gave him a sideways glance, and reprimanded: "What are you panicking about? Speak well." Wang Shiqian told what happened in the palace. Princess Taiping stood up unknowingly when she heard the words, her expression changed drastically, and she said: "He led his troops back to the palace again. From this point of view, Sanlang beheaded Chang and Li, and has stabilized the fourth army at the North Gate. Gong decided to harm the emperor." Wang Shiqian said anxiously: "Since the accident until now, people in our palace haven't come to send a message, so it's probably more or less ominous. Princess, what should we do?" Princess Taiping said angrily: "Sure enough, this kid couldn't hold back, and finally made a move. Let's go, let's go to Dou Huaizhen's Yongzhou Mansion first, let him summon the Nanya Army to resist for a while." Wang Shiqian shook his head and said, "Princess, no. The Nanya army is small in number and not strong in fighting power. How can they resist the wolves and tigers of the North Gate Fourth Army? But the princess is right, the Holy One is really a powerful character, and he will definitely send troops. In the princess mansion, we should leave quickly." "If we don't go to Yongzhou Mansion, where should we go?" "The subordinates believe that the Nanya Army is controlled by Dou Huaizhen. The Holy Majesty has not taken this into consideration, so the city gate has not been closed. For the current plan, we must leave the city as soon as possible to avoid the limelight, and then wait and see." Princess Taiping admired Wang Shiqian's quick wit, nodded and said: "Forget it, I will do as you say. You hurry up and lead the horse, we will leave immediately." Wang Shiqian took the order and left. Faced with this critical juncture, Princess Taiping thought that Li Longji did not dare to kill herself, so she just locked herself up.If so, by running out of the city first to observe the movement in the city, you can retain your freedom, which will be very beneficial for the next step. Princess Taiping didn't have time to notify Xue Chongjian and the others at this time, and only led six followers to flee. When Wang Chongye arrived with three hundred soldiers, Princess Taiping had escaped from the city. Wang Chongye was so annoyed that he ordered the soldiers to surround the Princess' mansion, allowing entry and no exit. After learning that Li Longji had killed Chang Yuankai and Li Ci, Dou Huaizhen knew that the situation had changed, so she summoned the generals of the Nanya Army who were usually familiar with her, and ordered them to assemble their teams and come to Yongzhou Mansion to listen to the order. At this time, the news of Chang Yuankai and Li Ci's killing spread across the city like the wind, and the generals of the Nanya Army also heard the news.At this time, the fight between Princess Taiping and Li Longji's aunt and nephew has become a well-known secret. Dou Huaizhen usually wins over these generals, and they all know what they want. , these generals will be happy to enjoy it. These generals are still very good at judging the situation. They know that they are not the opponents of the Fourth Army of the North Gate, and they are absolutely unwilling to do such a thing that hits a stone with an egg.After Dou Huaizhen finished speaking, they were silent at first, and then a general surnamed Yang asked: "I don't know what Master Dou wants to do when he gathers the team?" Dou Huaizhen said: "You should know the news in the palace, now the city is in chaos, we should go to Princess Taiping's mansion to protect the princess and listen to her orders." The general surnamed Yang said: "The Nanya Army is dispatched by the Ministry of War, and the Princess Mansion has its own guards under the imperial court's regulations. Master Dou said so, the last general dare not follow orders." Dou Huaizhen wondered how submissive you are usually?He used up a lot of the princess's money and things, so how could he be so ignorant when it came to the critical moment?Then he said angrily: "The Nanya military regulations are dispatched by the Yongzhou government. Do you want to disobey orders?" The general surnamed Yang said with a smile: "Master Dou, don't be angry. The imperial court really has regulations. The Yongzhou government is responsible for raising the daily guards between the gates of the Nanya army, but not allowing soldiers to go to other places. There is a saying that those who know the current affairs are heroes. If we disobey the regulations of the imperial court, how can we be attacked by the four armies of the North Gate? Lord Dou, please consider our wealth and lives, and we will not obey orders." Dou Huaizhen looked at the several generals with iron eyes, knowing that they had the same idea, he couldn't do anything for a while. General Yang said again: "Master Dou, when the last general came, he had brought dozens of people to guard the front and rear gates of this mansion. The Nanya army has no strengths, so there is still considerable experience in guarding the gate. .Please ask Mr. Dou to stay in the mansion obediently and not to move around." Dou Huaizhen immediately understood their intentions, and said with a sneer, "Hmph, it's fine if you don't listen to orders, do you still want to treat me as a gift of meeting you? Shameless!" "Master Dou, please don't blame me. During this period of time, outsiders have been saying that the Nanya army is very close to your lord. We have sacrificed your lord, so we have separated from your lord, and lord Dou has benefited us by doing this, which is considered a great thing." Good deed." After the general surnamed Yang finished speaking, with a wave of his hand, several people withdrew from Yongzhou Mansion. Dou Huaizhen sat on the seat blankly, full of thoughts in her heart. In the first half of his life, he abided by Confucian morals, worked faithfully for the imperial court, and had a reputation for integrity, so he was favored by Di Renjie, who recommended him to Empress Zetian, saying that he had the talent of a good man, but he was wasted in troubled times, and he had no chance to be reused.Afterwards, under the guidance of a friend, he studied the "Luo Zhi Jing" written by Lai Junchen, which revealed the true meaning of life, so he abandoned Confucianism and morality, and changed his appearance in the world. Then he voted under the command of Princess Taiping, and finally became the prime minister. Judging from today's posture, I am afraid that my official career has come to an end.It was obvious that the killing of Chang Yuankai and Li Ci must have been the idea of ​​Emperor Li Longji, and the emperor thus gained control of the Fourth Army of the North Gate, allowing them to massacre in the capital.He will first encircle the princess, and then go all over the princess's party members, making himself the main figure designated by the emperor. Dou Huaizhen let out a long sigh, thinking that when Empress Wei fell, she could still kill her old wife, so that her life would be spared.Now that Princess Taiping is in critical condition, where can I find a rope to save her life? Dou Huaizhen really had no way to save his life, he knew that after a while, people sent by the emperor would break into the door, and they would not show any kindness to him!As he thought so far, two lines of muddy tears rolled down his eyes. At such a moment, Dou Huaizhen suddenly felt that life was not easy.The higher the position, the more competitors there will be, and the more dangerous the ending will be.He felt regretful again, if he had known this before, he might as well keep his old name to the end, although his official position was low, he could live his life in peace. After all, there is no regret medicine to buy in the world. Dou Huaizhen understands the final choice she faces: self-destruction?Or beheaded after being humiliated? Of course Dou Huaizhen chose the former one. He found a rope and tied it to the door frame, then put his head into the rope loop, kicked the stool over with his feet, and hanged himself to death in this way. The generals of the Nanya army stood in front of the gate of the Yongzhou mansion. When they saw Wang Ju and Wang Maozhong leading the soldiers galloping forward, they hurried forward to ask for credit, saying that they had trapped Dou Huaizhen in the mansion. After they entered the gate of the mansion, they found that Dou Huaizhen had hanged himself to death. Wang Ju was furious, and angered the generals, saying: "You dozens of people can't even look down on a living person, so what kind of credit do you want?" Several generals suddenly panicked. Wang Ju was still angry, and continued to scold: "This bearded official thinks beautifully, thinking that this is the end of it? Left and right, unload him, and then carry him outside the gate to show the public!" As a result, Dou Huaizhen died without peace, and his body was separated from the first body, and his head was hung on the wall outside the door for public display. Li Dan obviously didn't know the bloody scene that was happening outside, and he felt uneasy, not knowing what happened.He sat upright on the top of the Chengtian Gate for a while, breathed so calmly, he turned his head and asked: "Da Lang, San Lang hasn't shown up until now, could it be that he is responsible for the outside affairs?" Li Chengqi bowed and replied: "Sudden chaos broke out in the palace, and the third younger brother Xu Shi also hid in a corner. If it is said that he came to be the chief envoy, it is actually unknown now." Li Dan seemed to be talking to himself: "But who dares to have the courage to cross Wuji in the palace?" Li Chengmei said: "Guo Yuanzhen went out to investigate the situation, and when he comes back, he will know the details." Li Dan said: "Well, it has to be like this." After a while, Guo Yuanzhen hurried upstairs, he was still panting, Li Dan hurriedly asked: "Guo Qing, what happened outside?" Guo Yuanzhen took a few deep breaths, bowed and replied, "I'm reporting to the Supreme Emperor, I have just met the Holy One. According to the Holy One, he is now under the order of the Supreme Emperor to arrest the rebels in the court." Li Dan asked with doubts on his face, "Follow my orders? When did I order him to arrest the traitors again? Guo Qing, do you know who these traitors are?" "I heard from the Holy Majesty that the rebels Xiao Zhizhong, Cui Shi, Dou Huaizhen, Cen Xi, Lu Zangyong and others formed a party in the middle of the court without authorization, intending to rebel and bring disaster to the country, so they were ordered to be executed or exiled by the Supreme Emperor." Li Dan closed his eyes and shook his head, thinking that the last thing he wanted to see happened.It seems that his son's sword point is his own sister and her party members. He thought about this, and suddenly asked: "Where is the princess now? How will they deal with the princess?" Guo Yuanzhen bowed and said: "I heard from the Holy Majesty that Princess Taiping went out to play in the city today and has not returned yet. The Holy Majesty has sent people to guard her mansion, please don't worry about it." Li Dan has understood the details of the matter at this time. It seems that his son launched this palace change, and his target is clearly his sister, and he also wants to take away the power in his hands.He looked around at the three people around him, and sighed: "It seems that I am the only one kept in the dark, the three of you knew about this beforehand, didn't you?" Li Chengqi hurriedly replied: "Father, the sons really didn't know beforehand." Li Dan shook his head and sighed: "Guo Qing is right, it seems that Sanlang's trip is really ordered by order. Guo Qing, where is Sanlang now?" Guo Yuanzhen said: "The Holy Majesty is now at Zhongshu Province, and has already left for Chengtianmen to meet the Supreme Emperor. He should arrive soon." Li Dan said: "Guo Qing, it is estimated that Xiao Zhizhong and others will never be in power, and seven of the ministers will go to six, and only you will be the only one left. So, you find someone to write an edict on my behalf. From now on, all soldiers State punishments are all punished by San Lang." Li Dan didn't know that Wei Zhigu had already fought back when he arrived at this time. Guo Yuanzhen heard the words, and hurriedly knelt down and begged: "The Supreme Emperor, the Holy Majesty's action this time is nothing but to eliminate the rebels, and has no other meaning. I dare not draw up this order, and I beg the Supreme Emperor to take it back." Li Chengqi and Li Chengyi also hurriedly knelt side by side, Li Chengqi said: "Father, you must not do this! Now that the rebels have been eliminated, Father should work hard to rule, and promote the great power of the Tang Dynasty." Li Dan said lightly: "Get up, all of you. It has nothing to do with me in the future. You can help San Lang and boost the country's prestige. You don't want to persuade me again. I have made up my mind and will not interfere in the military, political and criminal affairs in the future. If I don't let go, outsiders will definitely say that I love the throne. This is very good, and I will finally be completely quiet from now on." Li Dan's face was calm, and he couldn't see whether he was depressed because of the loss of power, or relieved by the complete return to tranquility. Li Longji did not go to Chengtianmen Tower to meet Li Dan, but went straight to Wude Hall to deal with the aftermath of the incident. Wang Ju said inwardly: "Dou Huaizhen hanged herself to death in the yamen, and the minister slaughtered his body and hung his head. In addition, the Nanya army knew the overall situation this time, and it was a meritorious service to imprison Dou Huaizhen in advance." "How is the city gate now?" "The minister has ordered the Nanya army to close the city gates to prevent the princess' followers from escaping." "Forget it, I have already said that the chief culprit has been punished, so don't ask the subordinates. Go quickly and order the Nanya army to open the city gate, so that people can enter and exit as usual, and there should be no abnormalities." Wang Ju bowed and left. Wang Chongye also entered the palace to report about Princess Taiping. Li Longji asked, "Where is my aunt going?" Wang Chongye said: "I sent people out of the city to investigate. I heard that Princess Taiping and her party are heading towards Zhongnan Mountain. I beg Your Majesty to lead the people to search Zhongnan Mountain now, and we must find the princess." Li Longji shook his head and said, "They are hiding in a secret place, how can you find them out? Forget it, don't worry about them, they won't hide in the mountains for a long time, they will come out eventually." "Are the three hundred soldiers around the princess mansion also withdrawn?" "It can be withdrawn a little, and it is enough to have someone on duty at the critical point. It is necessary to create an atmosphere of looseness on the outside and tightness on the inside." "I understand." Wang Chongye also bowed and left. Gao Lishi entered the hall, Li Longji raised his head and asked, "How did you interrogate those people?" Gao Lishi said: "Your Majesty, this group of people really has other party members in the palace, there are dozens of them. These people usually hide very deeply, and the villain is a little scared after thinking about it." 李隆基笑道：“姑姑还在则天皇后时代，已然开始在宫中暗中培植自己的力量。所谓冰冻三尺，非一日之功啊。” “陛下说得对，确实不敢小视他们。此次审讯中贾膺福还说出一件十分凶险之事。” "what's up?" “公主府中的王师虔交给贾膺福一味无色无味的毒药，令他让陛下身边之人投入陛下食物之中。” “这个身边之人定是元氏了。” “不错，正是元氏。元氏知道陛下每日服食'赤箭粉'，就想在这上面打主意。不过她经手之物，小人早令人暗中换过，如此她终无得手的机会。” 李隆基心想魏知古所言果然真实，若非及早发现元氏的异样，那么自己此次非是简单地在鬼门关转一圈那样幸运。 高力士又道：“贾膺福更供述道，这投毒之举非是公主起意，实为崔湜首倡而来。” “崔湜？你问清楚了吗？” “贾膺福也是听王师虔转述而来，王师虔说道崔湜此议最好，不用大费干戈就可把事儿办妥，此事应该千真万确。” 李隆基脸色一寒，怒道：“此贼笑里藏刀，其明里对我恭顺，暗里却有如此毒蝎心肠！我此次对他颇为仁慈，别的人都斩首，独将他贬为流人，实在是便宜了他。你速去知会王琚，让他找到崔湜，一刀将他砍了！” “小人得令。”高力士急速而去。 郭元振进入武德殿中，看到李隆基正召来魏知古在那里说话。 李隆基抬头看到郭元振，说道：“郭公，免礼了。如今非常时期，一切从简。你来得正好，予刚才想了，此后京城内外的军事大事，皆由你主之；至于政事堂的庶务，则由魏侍中领之。待朝局稍平，再加充实人员。” 郭元振躬身答道：“微臣恭遵陛下之旨。” “哦，刚才事情忙乱，予未上承天门拜见父皇。如今父皇安在？” “陛下，臣观宫中已恢复平静，就与宋王兄弟一起护持太上皇返回太极殿。” “好呀，郭公把事儿办得很妥当。” 郭元振从袖中取出一方丝绢，将之呈给李隆基道：“陛下，此为太上皇刚刚写就的诰命，请陛下御览。” 李隆基接过丝绢，展开观看，就见此诰写道，萧至忠与窦怀贞等人图谋不轨，因诰皇帝诛杀此等贼人，除逆人亲党不赦之外，大赦天下；最后写道：“自今军国政刑，一皆取皇帝处分。朕方无为养志，以遂素心。”李隆基阅罢，脸色顿时一沉，说道：“父皇怎可如此？郭公与大哥在侧，为何不拦阻？” 郭元振与魏知古对视一眼，同时跪地叩首，魏知古抬头说道：“陛下，天下动乱日久，一个契丹小族竟然敢攻幽州，可见国力已然衰退，如此时机，正是陛下展宏图大略复兴的时候。太上皇久有无为养志之心，天下皆知，望陛下持仁孝之心，勿复推辞太上皇之意。” 郭元振也道：“对呀，如今奸党已诛，正是陛下励精图治的时候，太上皇的诰命，那是万万不可违背的。” 李隆基叹道：“我诛奸党，那是为了国家，若从此夺了父皇之权，天下之人又会如何说？你们起来吧，魏侍中，你代予拟一制书，要坚辞太上皇之意。” 太平公主带领从人逃到终南山深处，恰恰见到一处古寺可以栖身。寺内仅有一老一少和尚在此居住，王师虔取出制钱及一块金子，二位和尚自然喜出望外，急忙为他们安排食宿。 到了这日黄昏，满山葱茏的林木一片静寂，偶尔的风儿吹过，可闻山间的一阵阵松涛声。到了此时，太平公主与王师虔悬着的心开始放下，因为他们估计，李隆基定会派出大队人马来此搜山，现在人迹杳无，则李隆基不会再有动静。 太平公主吩咐道：“王典签，你也不宜到城中露面。明日开始，你可让他们几个人轮番入城打探，以定下步行止。” “属下明白。”王师虔答道。 从第二日开始，这些入城打探之人至晚间方回，将白日打探来的讯息禀报给太平公主。 “萧至忠、崔湜、岑羲和卢藏用皆被诛，窦怀贞自缢后又被戮尸。太上皇发明诰，言此行系其诰命皇帝所为。” 太平公主闻言哂道：“奉皇兄诰命？三郎倒是挺会做戏！” 果然，后一日太平公主又得讯息：“太上皇下诰命让圣上自决一切军国政刑，皇帝上制辞让，如是者三，圣上方才勉强接受。” 太平公主冷笑道：“哼，早就想把皇兄手中的权力夺过来，如此辞让三次，实在虚伪到底了。” “圣上下诏，授张说为中书令；刘幽求为尚书左仆射，并平章军国大事；高力士为右监门将军，知内侍省事；钟绍京、崔日用、张暐皆被召回京中任要职；郭元振、魏知古、王琚、陈玄礼、葛福顺、李仙凫、王崇晔、麻嗣宗、王毛仲、李宜德等人有大功，皆升其官爵，并赏其第舍、金帛。” 太平公主叹道：“所谓一朝天子一朝臣，三郎从此清除了萧至忠等人，将身边重臣皆换成自己人。王典签，我实在想不通，这个魏知古好好的，怎么就忽然投奔了三郎？” 王师虔道：“属下也想过此事。所谓非我族类，其心必异，那些相王府属如姚崇、宋璟、郭元振等人心归皇帝。魏知古又如何能异类？” “如此说，魏知古此前貌似追随我，显是有意为之了？” “公主，现在看来，他应该是这样！” 到了第四日的早晨，太阳尚未升起，山谷中依旧清凉。太平公主走出寺外，向长安方向眺望，就见山谷两侧林木蔽天，仅一条蜿蜒曲折的小径依稀伸向谷外。太平公主由此动了心思。她回视跟随自己的王师虔道：“王典签，他们言说我府中还算平静，仅有数人在那里值守，并未有其他异样。” 王师虔道：“是这样。大公子他们除了行动有所限制外，倒是未损毫毛。” “是呀，我今日一直在想，应该回府了。” 王师虔愕然道：“现在回府？公主莫非不怕圣上圈禁你吗？” “我是他的嫡亲姑姑，他又能奈何我？且现在大郎他们毫毛未损，即为好的征兆。王典签，我这几日想过了，我回府后从此不问世事，就是离开京中迁往外地，我的公主之身应该能保持吧？” 王师虔皱了一下眉头，说道：“公主不可一味乐观。想想上官婉儿之死，当知皇帝的心智一点儿都不柔软，反而坚硬如铁。下官以为，公主返城须万端谨慎，否则悔不可及。” 太平公主叹道：“万端谨慎？我若不回府，莫非就要在此苦陋之地终老吗？若如此苦挨到底，还不如死了最干净。” 王师虔一时无话可说。 过了一会儿，太平公主决然道：“就这样吧，待朝露散去，我们开始出山，午时应该能够返回京城。” 王师虔想了一下，忽然跪倒拜道：“公主，属下从此就要永别了。” 太平公主惊讶道：“你不随我回府，能去什么地方？” “属下这些年替公主办的事儿，皇帝定为不喜。属下若回京，肯定没有任何活命的机会。如此，属下今后还是隐姓埋名飘零天下，苟活于世吧。公主，请接受属下此拜，就当永诀吧。” 太平公主眼望王师虔向自己叩拜，心中闪过萧至忠与崔湜等人的身影，眼中忽然一阵酸楚，哽咽道：“唉，你们忠心随我，不料如此结局，让我如何面对你们呢？” 太平公主平时极少流下眼泪，她现在眼观正在冉冉升起的一轮朝日，眼泪夺目而出，再也止歇不住。 不久后，太平公主带领数名从人出现在明德门前，他们一路行走，并无人阻拦。只是这一行人的行走讯息，接连传入宫中。 “太平公主乘一辆驴车到了明德门，其下车接受盘问数句后即入城，再复上车。” “太平公主已过兰陵坊，其车儿稍微停顿，再复行走。” “太平公主自兴化坊开始拐弯，直奔公主府而去。” “太平公主到了府前大门，值守之人问了几句之后，公主舍车下地，已然步入大门。” “太平公主进入中堂坐下，唤人奉茶，并说道乏透了。” 李隆基得知这些讯息，派人将王琚唤来，说道：“公主回府了，你知道怎么做吗？” 王琚道：“陛下圣旨，微臣铭记心中。” 李隆基道：“很好。这样吧，姑姑今日路途劳累，你就不要去烦她了。明日早朝之后，你可入府探视。” 王琚躬身答应，然后告退。 太平公主返回府中之后，发现府内多了不少陌生之人。她此时方明白，这就是所谓的“外松内紧”，自己入了此门之后，虽可在府院中来回走动，然身边会有许多双眼睛在监视着自己，至于再想走出大门，那是万万不可以的。 她歇息片刻之后，即唤人去传薛崇简等亲人来见自己。这时，一名陌生人告诉她，这样做是不被允许的。 太平公主在山中待了三天，周身又是汗渍又是污泥，就想沐浴一回。她平时熟悉的婢女遍呼不到，却来了两名同样陌生的女子。这二女倒是殷勤，先替她备好热汤，其中还浸有太平公主平时喜用的香精，然后服侍着她进行沐浴。 水温恰如其分，香气滋润妥帖，太平公主躺在池水中，感受着这舒适的时分。她此时心中在想，这次回来虽失去不少自由，然府中的陌生人对自己还算客气，且为自己配上专职侍奉的婢女，看来三郎没有把事儿做绝。 此后，二女又侍候太平公主用完晚膳，再将她引入香帐里就寝。前几日，太平公主心中充满了愤怒、恐惧和猜测，睡眠相当不好。今日沐浴之后再进食，心里又平静了不少，所以一见寝帐，困意就升了起来，遂倒头便睡。 李隆基显然想让姑姑睡一个好觉，所以才令王琚第二日入公主府。这日早朝散后，王琚不紧不慢地来到公主府，入门后让人通报：“吏部侍郎王琚拜见太平公主。” 王琚进入中堂，其时太平公主端坐在上方的座中，说道：“原来你就是王琚。”王琚入朝为官，从未来拜见太平公主，她仅闻其名，未见其人。 王琚躬身道：“下官正是王琚。下官此前官职低微，无缘来拜见公主，请公主原宥。” 太平公主道：“你得三郎赏识，已为吏部侍郎，官至三品，又如何官职低微了？你今日前来何意？是依三郎之令前来吗？”其说话时脸色平静，没有惊慌之色，依旧保持往日的威严。 “是啊，圣上日理万机，得知公主回府，无暇过来，因令下官前来拜望。公主这几日还好吗？” “我好与不好，你们心里不是最清楚吗？王琚，无用的套话不用再说。你来得正好，我回府后发现这府内多了一些陌生之人，甚至不许我出大门。我意欲去见见皇兄，你让他们不许拦阻我出去。” 王琚脸含微笑，摇头说道：“公主，此事不可，下官无能驱散他们。” 太平公主眉头一皱，厉声问道：“你不能？那么这些人只听三郎的话了？你把三郎找来，我倒要当面问问他到底意欲何为？” 王琚继续摇头道：“请公主恕下官无能。我连这些下人都驱赶不走，又如何能请动圣上？” “哼，亏你还是侍郎之身，怎么就会一脸无赖脸色？” “不管公主如何说，下官终不敢与公主犟嘴。” “好了，你见我也见过了，话也说过了，若无其他事儿，可以走了。” 王琚又是一笑，伸手取出一只奶白色的玉瓶儿，说道：“圣上令下官来向公主归还旧物。公主，这只玉瓶儿，你应该眼熟吧？” 太平公主见此玉瓶儿，心中忽然一突，口中犹说道：“如此瓶儿，我府中何止数千，怎么又成了我的旧物？” 王琚手擎玉瓶儿，说道：“这只瓶儿的来历还有个小故事。此瓶儿系从宫中的元氏身上搜出，她说从尚宫刘氏手中得来，刘氏呢？又说自贾膺福手中得来。唉，一只小瓶儿，在宫内辗转换手，不知道到底是何要紧的物事儿。最后贾膺福说，此物系尊府典签王师虔亲手交给他，王典签还说此物系公主交与，岂非公主旧物吗？” “胡说，王师虔现在已无踪影，定是你们将他谋害，然后又攀在他的头上。” “公主说得有些道理，然前些日许多人亲眼看到，王师虔紧随着公主出城，怎么又成了我们将之谋害了呢？” “一只小瓶子，又有什么要紧？你说是我的旧物，那就是吧。你将之放下，就请出府吧。” 王琚将瓶儿举过肩头，然后轻轻摇了摇，说道：“瓶儿嘛，确实寻常，然其中有一些无色无味的水儿，那就不寻常了。下官将水儿试取出一滴，然后让一条猛犬吃下。公主，知道结果为何吗？天可怜见，这条猛犬吃下后立刻扑地，然后四脚乱踢，竟然死了。” “如此来说，瓶内装的是毒药？” “公主说得对，其中正是无色无味的毒药。圣上差下官问公主，公主如此辗转将这瓶毒药送入宫中，且送在圣上身侧，公主到底想干什么？” 太平公主冷笑道：“哼，他巴巴地让你送来毒药，自是要赐死于我了。你告诉他，有什么想法自可明言，没必要变着法儿来栽赃于我。” 王琚伸手将瓶儿放在太平公主身侧的几案上，说道：“此毒药是否由公主所赐，相信公主现在心里如明镜似的。公主，下官要办的事儿已了，现在就告辞了。” 太平公主道：“你且住，我有几句话儿要带给三郎。你告诉他，我这一次败在他的手里，所谓愿赌服输，我无怨无悔。只是世事变幻，结局难料，权力场里永远是强者恒强，三郎虽聪颖无比，然其浮浪少年出身，爱玩的性儿终归是他的败局。” 王琚笑道：“请公主放心，圣上说了，他今后若主政，当以光明正大之举治驭国家，届时君臣戮力，阴谋诡计无所遁形。” 太平公主冷笑道：“无所遁形？你们若不行阴谋诡计，能有今天吗？” “若阴谋诡计横行于世，当然以阴谋诡计却之。公主，你其实错了，你若安于公主之身，此生当富贵尊崇。可你想差了念头，唉，下官窃为公主不值。” “王琚，你不要说风凉话了。你以阴谋诡计起家，竟至如此高位，你以为可以长久吗？” 王琚听到此话，心里不由得打了一个突儿，继而很快恢复平静，向太平公主长揖到地，说道：“请公主珍重，下官告辞。” 太平公主阴冷的目光瞅着王琚步出门外，她知道自己已经走到生命的尽头，看来三郎果然心硬如铁，不许她再多活几日。 她要求面见自己的儿子们，然遭到拒绝。她于是在堂上呆呆地坐了一天，连午膳都不想用，如此挨到了黄昏时分，她豁然想通，唤人上来饭菜，独自享受了美味，然后再入浴池沐浴一番，浴罢挑出自己最喜爱的衣衫穿戴整齐，并揽镜作眉，然后梳成望仙髻，戴上金质的簪钗，最后和衣躺在榻上。 太平公主伸手拿过那只玉瓶儿，许是对生的眷恋，她的眼角忽然流出两行清泪，如此沉寂了片刻，她的手终于颤抖着旋开瓶塞儿，眼睛一闭，将其中的药水全部倒入口中。