The Grandmaster Strategist

On June 19, Emperor Gaozu issued an edict, and the king was allowed to return home. However, he was relieved of his power to govern, and the king was frightened and uneasy.

——"Yong Shi·Biography of King Li"

Li Yuan's edict was so quick that everyone was naturally surprised, but they all thought that he had already made plans. Who knew that the edict was drafted overnight? After King Yong and others left that day, Li Yuan Yuan was troubled in his heart. In the past, if he had difficult matters and could not make a decision, he would often discuss them with his important ministers, but things are different today. Wei Guan has always been neutral, so he will not say much. Qin Yi and Cheng Shu are both soldiers. , they are usually reluctant to interfere in government affairs. Zheng Xia, alas, Zheng Xia is an upright person and always upholds justice in everything. Unfortunately, he is seriously injured and cannot be the counselor. After thinking about it, only Concubine Ji can discuss it, but Li Yuan refused to go to her. If in the past, Li Yuan wanted the prince to succeed to the throne, Concubine Ji's advice would be useful. But now he is very disappointed with the prince, but the attitude of Fengyi Sect is very clear. The master of Fengyi Sect It is said that she has arrived in Chang'an in person. Although she did not come to see him, just looking at her actions, it is known that she still supports the prince. In this way, Concubine Ji's attitude has been decided. At this moment, Li Yuan only hopes that there will be someone who is not People with selfish thoughts can discuss this matter with themselves. After thinking about it, Li Yuan was very troubled. He remembered that everyone in the harem was involved in the government, and only Concubine Changsun had no desires or pursuits. Why not go to her place to kill some time? Look at the sky, he is not the first to do it. After going to inform, he walked towards Changchun Palace where Concubine Changsun lived.

Entering the Changchun Palace, the eunuch in charge of the Changchun Palace came over quickly to see him and said that the empress and the princess were relaxing in the garden of the palace. Li Yuan walked towards the garden, and before he entered the garden gate, he heard a burst of light laughter, and couldn't help but feel in his heart The depression subsided a little, and when I walked in, I saw Concubine Changsun sitting in the pavilion. Princess Changle was wearing a Hu dress and was playing Cuju with two palace maids in the open space with Roulan. Although Roulan was young, she was very flexible. , running around chasing the ball, and with everyone giving in, she actually played well. Just looking at her innocence made people feel relieved.

At this time, the eunuch shouted: "Your Majesty is here."

After everyone heard this, they hurriedly came over to see the driver. Li Yuan smiled and said, "I'm here to take a look. You don't have to be polite." After saying that, he stepped forward and picked up Roulan, who had a blushing face, and asked, "Little Roulan plays well." Well, why are you free to enter the palace today? Why do you have to be personally invited by your Aunt Changle before you enter the palace?"

Roulan suddenly flashed her big eyes and said angrily: "Your Majesty, Grandpa, Lanlan also wants to come see the Princess and the Emperor, but they all said that if Lanlan always comes to see the Princess, some people will be angry with the Princess, Lan Lan doesn’t dare to come.”

Li Yuan couldn't help but feel angry. He naturally knew what Roulan meant. Some people were worried that Princess Changle was too close to Prince Yong's Mansion, but the change in his expression shocked Princess Changle. She hurriedly came over and said: "Father, Roulan Don’t be surprised if you are ignorant.”

Li Yuan sighed and waved his hand to dismiss the serving maids and eunuchs. Princess Changle quickly asked Lu'e to carry Roulan down as well. Leng Chuan also knew that they had private matters to discuss, so he also retreated far away. Li Yuan said calmly: "Changle , It’s really hard on you, it’s just that your brothers are useless, but they still involve you.”

Princess Changle smiled quickly and said: "Father, it's just the Second Emperor and the others who are overly worried. In fact, no one is angry with me for this." Concubine Changsun also said: "Yes, Your Majesty, Zhen'er is your most beloved daughter. Who dares to embarrass her?"

Li Yuan sighed and said: "Well, I am very disappointed with the prince, but this matter of abolishing the establishment cannot be decided easily. Now the ministers in the court either hope to keep the prince so that they can claim credit in front of the prince, or they want to support him." It is very difficult for me to establish King Yong as the crown prince."

A trace of worry flashed in the eyes of Concubine Changsun. Although she had never participated in military affairs, she was aware of the current situation. According to her true feelings, no matter who succeeded her, she would not have much to do with her. Although because of Princess Yong's Gao family, Because of this, she could not help but have a good impression of King Yong, but it was not enough for her to support King Yong.

Now the emperor is talking to himself about this matter. If he says something that he shouldn't say, I'm afraid if he says it today, others will know about it tomorrow. From now on, it will be difficult for him to live in peace. Therefore, she could only say vaguely: "Your Majesty, there is no need to worry. It is natural that these ministers have different ideas. You still have to make your own decision on establishing the heir apparent."

Although Li Yuan felt a little vague after hearing this, he also felt comfortable and couldn't help but said: "Having said that, I am also in a dilemma. Although the prince is not good, he has been the crown prince for many years. Although King Yong is good, he is too ambitious. Da, I deeply feel that it is not easy to build a country, and I am very worried that he will destroy our family, mountain, country and country in his eagerness for quick success."

Concubine Changsun hesitated to speak. Although she was very pleased that Li Yuan trusted her so much, the concubine's involvement in politics would, after all, lead to endless troubles.

Li Yuan also knew that she was in trouble. He originally didn't expect Concubine Changsun to give him any advice. He just wanted to complain, so he didn't ask too many questions and just told her what was bothering him, just to feel happy. Unexpectedly, as they were talking, they saw Princess Changle thinking deeply and asked curiously: "Changle, do you have any opinion?"

Princess Changle hesitated for a moment and then said: "Father, although I don't understand military and state affairs, I feel that no matter what my father's plan is, the situation should be calmed down. No matter what you decide, you can take your time in the future." The arrangements are now hanging in the air, which not only worries the prince, but also the second emperor brother, and even the ministers of civil and military affairs are uneasy and worried that they have read the wrong direction of the wind."

Li Yuan's heart moved and he thought, what Changle said makes sense. If I delay making a decision, the prince is certainly worried that his throne will not be guaranteed and is resentful. Even King Yong can't help but have expectations. In the end, if it doesn't go as he wants, both parties will Even if they are not satisfied, if he temporarily appeases them now, and then slowly makes arrangements after making up his mind, wouldn't it be the best of both worlds? Thinking of this, he stood up happily and said: "Chang Le is right, okay, I If you want to draft an edict, you can do whatever you want." After saying that, Li Yuan immediately returned to the imperial study and issued the edict. He did not allow the ministers to persuade him and issued the imperial edict vigorously and resolutely.

Everyone was happy with this decree. The prince was certainly overjoyed. When he thanked his father, he burst into tears and almost promised Li Yuan that he would change his mind. King Qi was also very happy. In the past two years, he had been almost detained in the capital. In addition to walking around and playing tricks, he had long wanted to return to the border to fight a few battles. Now that he has the opportunity, he is naturally very happy, so With almost an edict, King Qi hurried out of the capital without even saying a word to the prince. This naturally made the prince itch with hatred.

In addition, it stands to reason that King Yong, who had a good chance of deposing the prince and ascending to the position of prince, should have failed in his hopes and could not help but be troubled. In fact, King Yong has been showing a graceful demeanor in the past few days. He was the one who went to congratulate the prince. Of course, the reason was to congratulate the prince on his recovery. Then he personally sent King Qi to the border to visit Zheng Shizhong's injury. He was very busy every day. Although his face was calm, but from his perspective There was no trace of joy on his face, so everyone guessed that he was indeed a little dissatisfied and angry, but they all praised King Yong for his magnanimity and broad-mindedness. Little did they know that if Li Zhi hadn't been pretending outside, he might have been overjoyed. .

After receiving Li Yuan's imperial edict, Li Zhi was originally depressed, feeling that his father was too partial to the prince. Unexpectedly, Jiang Zhe congratulated him when he entered Hanyuan. Li Zhi said in annoyance: "Sui Yun, now it is clear that my father's Eccentricity, why are you celebrating?"

Jiang Zhe said with a smile: "Your Highness is a fan of the authorities. Now the Emperor is very disappointed with the Prince. If the Emperor secretly admonishes the Prince, it means that the Emperor still has expectations for the Prince. But as far as I know, the Emperor has nothing Reprimand, as the saying goes, deep love leads to deep love. Now the emperor actually does not blame the prince at all. This is because the emperor no longer wants to waste any time. In my opinion, now his highness is only one step away from the throne. "

Li Zhi said distressedly: "Even if it's just one step away, it's still a world away. Now that Fengyi Sect Master has entered the capital, the prince's power has greatly increased. It is possible to assassinate us immediately. Besides, with her supervision, the prince must be cautious about his words and actions. This time If the father has not deposed the prince, then there is still room for it. If it is delayed, I am afraid it will be detrimental to me. Besides, deposing the prince requires a conviction. If the prince does not make mistakes, then even if the father wants to depose him, it will be impossible."

I smiled and said, "I'm afraid that's not what the prince thinks now. Although the emperor released the prince this time, he was not allowed to manage politics in the East Palace. There are already signs of alienation. The prince is probably suspicious now and doubts that the emperor will treat him. Take action, in order to protect yourself, I am afraid that the prince will get deeper into trouble. Now His Highness only needs to spread rumors that the emperor will not depose the prince this time, but because of the power behind the prince, and then we will accuse the prince and his party of crimes. When we launch an attack, we don’t attack the prince. We only say that those people have owed the favor of the emperor and the prince. With the prestige of His Highness, they must be easy to capture. If we do this, it will not harm the prince’s own safety on the surface, so the prince will not think that it is If we did it deliberately, we would think that we were following the emperor's secret order. Therefore, His Highness recently found an opportunity to have a few secret conversations with the Emperor, so as not to let others know the truth. This would make the Crown Prince even more suspicious that the Emperor has made up his mind to make His Highness the crown prince. That's why. The strategy of arranging His Highness to cut off the wings of the Crown Prince is to frighten the enemy. As long as the Crown Prince is frightened and suspicious, he will act blindly and make mistakes. Then the Crown Prince will be deposed naturally."

Li Zhi was convinced after hearing this and said: "Sui Yun can be said to have seen through people's hearts. Yes, who would have thought that our purpose of cutting off the prince's wings in such a big way was not to attack the prince's power."

I stood up and said: "Your Highness, now we have reached the most critical moment. Your Highness should order Mr. Ziyou to return to Chang'an to take charge of the overall situation. Although I have some strategies, there are many things that only Mr. Shi can handle properly. Mr. Shi is complementary to me." Talent, it would be a pity if he doesn’t come back.”

Li Zhi said with emotion: "Sui Yun is right. Now we really need Ziyou to come back. Now that the situation in Youzhou has been very stable, and Ziyou has recruited a large number of available talents, he has no greater role in Youzhou. It's better to come back, Ziyou is careful and cautious in handling things, and the king really needs him to take charge of the overall situation at this time." After saying that, he thought to himself, Jiang Zhe is really broad-minded, after Ziyou comes back, although he will still rely on him for advice, But he would inevitably trust and reuse Shi Yu more. After all, Shi Yu was the prime minister in his mind and the head of the civil service, but he had no fear at all.

He doesn’t know that I don’t care about power and wealth. Besides, I’m not in good health. Many details were arranged by Guan Xiu, Dong Zhi and Gou Lian. Even if Shi Yu comes back, it won’t have any impact on me. Besides, Shi Yu Coming back has another very important benefit for me.

After the discussion was completed, I sent His Highness King Yong out. Before he had gone far, Li Zhi saw a young man wearing a guard uniform walking over. He had a handsome appearance and an indifferent temperament. Li Zhi felt that this man was extraordinary at first sight, but it was strange. Yes, Li Zhi felt that he had seen this man before, but he could not remember that he had ever seen such a young guard with such a unique temperament.

I noticed when his footsteps slowed down, but I didn't say anything. His Highness Prince Yong had met Xia Jinyi several times before, and this time it was time to test whether Xia Jinyi's disguise was successful. Speaking of disguise, I was once deceived by the legend in unofficial history, which said that someone can change their appearance so that even acquaintances cannot recognize it. However, this is impossible. First of all, there are many limitations to changing appearance. Appearance, regardless of whether it is ugly or handsome, can always give people a sense of harmony. If you change it rashly, it will easily make people feel a little abrupt. And if you want to change your appearance, your own characteristics are also very important. If your appearance and figure are a bit special, Even if the appearance is successfully changed, there will also be changes in behavior and speech. Many people can recognize their relatives and friends just by looking at their backs and hearing their voices, so if you want to Even acquaintances would find it difficult to recognize him, which is really difficult.

But this time, I believe in my own methods. Although I only know some previous experience of Yi Rong and have never tried it myself, Xia Jinyi has some methods for Yi Rong. I just need to guide him on how to do it. . After careful study, I first asked him to make some small changes in his appearance, just changing the style of combing his hair and slightly changing the corners of his eyebrows and eyes. In line with his changed temperament, it was easy to make him look like a different person. Same, and then I spent some time teaching him to change some movements, and change the rhythm and tone when speaking. He learned quickly, and now he is really doing well. King Yong did not recognize him immediately, plus "Xia Jinyi" "Already died in the emperor's anger, so as long as he lives in seclusion for a period of time, no one will recognize him. Even if he said it in a year or two, no one will pursue this matter.

Seeing King Yong's hesitant expression, I smiled and said, "Has your Highness met a stranger? His name is Dong Que, and he is my new bodyguard. Although he is not from the military, Your Highness can rest assured that this person is loyal."

King Yong suddenly said: "It turns out he is your new guard. No wonder I, although I think he looks familiar, can't remember his name."

Xia Jinyi, now Dong Que, stepped forward to pay tribute to King Yong. His etiquette was meticulous, but his expression was very indifferent. Li Zhi didn't pay attention, he just smiled and said: "It's rare for Suiyun to accept a subordinate, he must be a talent. You have to make progress, and also It’s worthy of Jiang Sima’s attention.”

Dong Que said respectfully: "I respectfully respect His Highness's teachings."

Watching King Yong leave, I smiled and said, "Now you can rest assured. You can be safe and sound if you stay in King Yong's Mansion. Xia, no, Dong Que, you know that person very well. You said he wants to do the most right now." What to do?"

Dong Que looked indifferent, but he was very respectful and said: "That man has an unbearable temperament. He can hold it back for ten days and a half, but he definitely can't hold it back for a month. What he likes most now is having sex with a married woman. Tong, only in this way can he satisfy his desire to seek excitement. In fact, although Chun concubine is beautiful, she may not be much more than the concubines in his house. It is just that a wife is not as good as a concubine, a concubine is not as good as a maid, a maid is not as good as stealing, and stealing is not as good as being unable to steal, so he That’s why I’m so addicted.”

I thought about it carefully, then showed a slightly weird smile and said, "You have been in the palace for a long time, and you don't know who has the most beautiful wives and concubines among the officials of the East Palace and the prince's confidants?"

Dong Que's expression changed, and he thought for a while and said: "Huo, the wife of Hanlin scholar Shao Yan, was extremely beautiful. The prince had seen her in a Buddhist temple half a year ago and was very attracted to her. However, it didn't take long for him to meet Chun Bin. Shao Yan was born in recent years. The new man who came to seek refuge with the prince is quite talented, and the prince also values ​​him very highly."

I asked in detail: "How is Mr. Huo's character?"

Dong Que said without hesitation: "The prince once sent me to investigate. Huo is from a well-known family. She is a lady. Her husband and wife are harmonious and very loving."

I sighed softly and said, "It's a pity, it won't be convenient for me to take action."

Dong Que frowned slightly and said, "Why pity a woman who is not an important person."

I smiled lightly and said, "I never force someone easily. Even if I want someone to die, I want him to die willingly."

At this time, Xiao Shunzi's figure appeared, and he said with a strange expression: "Young master, I wonder if God is helping you. Just now, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has received the holy order to depose the officials of the East Palace, and Shao Yan, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, was promoted to the East Palace. Attendant." He said and handed me a list of newly appointed East Palace officials. Sure enough, I saw Shaoyan's name and couldn't help but smile: "This is really a coincidence. I asked His Highness to hand over a secret document. To Your Majesty, he said that the officials of the East Palace had to deal with the Crown Prince's misconduct and should be replaced. The original intention was to arrange a few more of his own people in the East Palace. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince's backstage was really tough, and he still arranged for his close associates to be put in. But he didn't. Do you know if this Shaoyan was chosen by the prince himself?"

Xiao Shunzi smiled slightly and said: "Young master really hit the mark. This is the list the prince gave to Concubine Ji last night. I asked someone to copy a copy." I took the piece of tissue paper with some names on it and bowed to the first one. The one who is in the position is Shao Yan.

I couldn't help but sigh: "It's his own fault and he's going to die. He couldn't help himself before I even took action."

Dong Que said coldly: "He may not have this intention now, but he must have subconsciously kept Shao Yan by his side after seeing him."

I glanced at Dong Que and said with a smile: "Assistant of the East Palace is not an ordinary official position. According to the etiquette and law, the Huo family has already been granted a title and is going to meet the Crown Princess. You said, the Crown Prince only needs to meet the Huo family a few times by chance. This time, can he bear it?"

Dong Que was silent for a while and then said: "No."