As soon as Zheng Kuan saw Wu Sansi, he kowtowed and wailed loudly.
Wu Sansi had been sitting behind his desk, waiting for Zheng Kuan to kowtow to him. He hadn't expected him to cry so loudly. Wu Sansi immediately understood. This Hebei scholar who had become a grand scholar at the age of seventeen was truly unfortunate. His career had been filled with so many obstacles simply because he had not chosen a wise ruler. Now that this king was willing to accept him, he must be crying tears of joy, right?
As soon as Wu Sansi thought of this, Zheng Kuan threw his head back and laughed loudly. Wu Sansi was secretly pleased with himself. He smiled and said, "Minister Zheng, why did you cry and laugh as soon as you saw this king?"
Zheng Kuan's behavior was a common failing of a poor scholar. He either pretended to say shocking things or acted unbridled, all for the sake of attracting his lord's attention. He was rather disappointed to see that King Liang was not surprised.
Zheng Kuan wiped away his tears and said, "This subject cried so bitterly as soon as I saw Your Majesty. Even though Your Majesty has taken me in and protected me, Your Majesty, this towering tree is about to fall soon. Once Your Majesty meets with misfortune, I do not know where to go. That is why I cried so loudly."
Wu Sansi was displeased. He said disdainfully, "Minister Zheng, don't you think your words are a little too frightening?"
Zheng Kuan sternly said, "This subject is not speaking nonsense. May I ask Your Majesty, with Your Majesty's current authority, how does Your Majesty compare to Empress Zetian of the past? "
Wu Sansi said, "One is on earth, one is in heaven. There is naturally no comparison."
Zheng Kuan said, "That is correct. However, Zhang Jianzhi, Huan Yanfan, Jing Hui, and the others did not have the authority they have today, yet they still relied on their courage to brazenly cripple Empress Zetian. Now, they wield the power of ministers and generals, and with a single call, their authority is enough to overturn the entire court. Even though Your Majesty is favored by the Son of Heaven, can you compare to the former Empress? All the meritorious ministers are sharpening their blades for the sake of Your Majesty. Your Majesty's life is as precarious as the morning dew, yet you still think that you are as safe as Mount Tai. Shouldn't Your Majesty be crying? "
Although Wu Sansi was secretly wary of the Meritorious Minister Clique, he was not frightened by Zheng Qiang's words. He asked with a calm face, "Then why are you laughing?"
Zheng Lin puffed out his chest and proudly said, "Because this humble subject has come to His Majesty's side. As long as His Majesty is willing to accept this humble subject's opinion, this humble subject will be able to ensure that His Majesty does not have to worry about anything. If His Majesty is as steady as Mount Tai, this humble subject will have a long-term reliance. How can I not be happy?"
Wu Sansi laughed heartily. In order to deal with the Meritorious Official Faction, it wasn't that he hadn't discussed it with the Five Hounds, but they hadn't come up with a suitable plan. In the end, they could only adopt the method of first solidifying the Emperor's Pet, then slowly plotting the Meritorious Official Faction. Although this scholar from Hebei was deliberately mystifying things, he was able to think his own way and seemed to be willing to share his master's burden.
With a chuckle Wu Sansi said, "What brilliant plan does Zheng Sihu have? Please tell us."
While Zheng Lin was on his way to Wu Sansi's side, his' bad friend ', who was rumored to have some relationship with the Liang Household, had told him about Wu Sansi's current situation. If Zheng Lin wanted to join King Liang and obtain an important position, he naturally had to cater to King Liang's preferences. As such, he had truly put in a lot of effort into how to change King Liang's situation.
In the end, his bad friend's' unintentional words' inspired him to come up with a brilliant plan. It would serve as a proof of his allegiance to King Liang, a greeting gift. As a result, Zheng Lin said confidently, "This matter is of great importance. I ask that His Highness dismiss the attendants."
Wu Sansi waved his hand, and the attendants immediately withdrew. Cui Shi smiled slightly and made to leave as well. Zheng Lin hadn't obtained Wu Sansi's favor yet, but he had already become King Liang's trusted aide. How could he dare offend this person? He hurriedly said, "Officer Cui, please wait a moment. I hope that you can join us in our discussion."
By this time, the little palace maid who had left the palace on Empress Wei's orders had already arrived at the Liang Household on a donkey cart.
…
When faced with the powerful Empress Zetian, Zhang Jianzhi had staked everything on a single throw and succeeded in dragging the empress down from her high horse. However, after grasping great power, perhaps because he had more misgivings, or perhaps because his mentality had changed, he began to become indecisive.
As for how to deal with the Wu clan, Yang Yuanyan, Jing Hui, and the others wanted to cut the Gordian knot and borrow the momentum of the divine dragon coup to launch another revolution. However, as the highest leader of the faction of meritorious officials, Zhang Jianzhi firmly opposed this idea. He wanted to wait for the emperor's decree.
Even though they could still take action with their current strength without this imperial decree, the titles of Heaven Raising Hero, Duke of Zhou, and other great hats had been placed on his head. He treasured his reputation more than ever. He did not want to be criticized by others because of his character and conduct.
Of course, he made this choice not only because he cherished his reputation, but also because of his powerful self-confidence. He firmly believed that even though the emperor was somewhat dissatisfied with the domineering behavior of some meritorious officials, the emperor could only rely on them.
He firmly believed that the emperor could not abandon, nor could he abandon, these meritorious officials who had helped him ascend to the throne. Without them, it would be difficult for government decrees and imperial edicts to leave the palace gates. Thus, even though the emperor was in a difficult position, he could only choose them and shed tears to behead the horse. With the imperial decree in hand, he could openly execute these officials.
However, after learning that they had sharpened their blades, Wu Sansi moved even faster than they had. This was especially the case after he received Zheng Zhi's proposal and the palace maid's message that danger was imminent. Wu Sansi immediately decided to act.
If Wu Sansi wanted to act, he would also need the emperor's support. Otherwise, he would be a traitor, and the Prince of Xiang's Party and Taiping Party would not let go of this opportunity. While the faction of meritorious officials and the faction of the Liang King were both wounded, the sandpiper and clam would fight and the fisherman would reap the benefits.
However, even though Li Xian himself was indecisive, he had a 'virtuous wife'. This virtuous wife of his strongly approved of Wu Sansi's decisions, and Li Xian always listened to this virtuous wife's words. Thus, the coup d 'état personally led by Emperor Li Xian began once more.
This year was still the first year of the Divine Dragon.
… …
At dusk, Yang Fan, who was on duty today, finished patrolling the various rooms of the palace. When he heard the sound of drums coming from the side gate, he ordered the doors to be closed and locked. The palace gates rumbled shut, locking the rays of sunset outside. The entire Imperial Palace immediately fell silent, and a somber and lonely atmosphere pervaded the air.
Yang Fan was staying at the Black Tortoise Gate. Just as he was about to return, the Chief Chamberlain, Xiao Hai, hurried over with two young eunuchs. Upon seeing Yang Fan, they bowed and said, "Great General, this servant has been able to find you. His Majesty is waiting at the Immortal Residence Hall to summon Great General!"
Yang Fan was somewhat startled. He ordered Ren Wei and the others to return to the Black Tortoise Gate first, while he and Xiao Hai walked toward the Immortal Residence Hall. Xiao Hai was Wan 'er's trusted aide, so her relationship with Yang Fan was naturally not unfamiliar. Yang Fan stepped forward, leaving the two eunuchs six or seven steps behind. In a low voice, he asked, "What does the Emperor want to summon me for?"
Xiao Hai quickly glanced behind her and continued to walk forward. In a low voice, she replied, "After the Emperor ascended to the throne, many new people were transferred into the inner palace. There are some things that even this servant did not know about. As for the reason for this summon, this servant really does not know. However, Shangguan Zhaorong has also been informed that she cannot leave the palace tonight."
Hearing this, Yang Fan's heart unconsciously tightened, and he secretly raised his guard.
The two of them arrived at the Immortal Residence Hall. Xiao Hai took a step forward and entered the palace gate. In a loud voice, she reported, "Sage, Yang Fan has arrived."
A moment later, the shrill voice of a young chamberlain came from the distant palace. "Summon Yang Fan for an audience."
Yang Fan took off his sword and handed it to the Palace Guard General. Stepping into the hall, he saw Li Xian standing behind the imperial desk, holding a brush and splashing ink. For a moment, it was impossible to see what he was writing. Looking as far as the eye could see, it seemed to be a landscape. Yang Fan was somewhat surprised. The Emperor seemed to be in a leisurely and carefree mood, as if nothing major had happened.
Li Xian placed the brush on top of the brush and raised his head to look at Yang Fan. With a smile, he said, "The Grand General has arrived. Come, give him a seat."
Yang Fan hurriedly bowed. "In front of Your Imperial Majesty, how could there be a seat for this subject?"
Li Xian left the desk and smiled. "Beloved subject, there is no need to be courteous. You are our great benefactor. Without beloved subject, there would not be us today. Quickly sit down."
"Yes! This subject thanks Your Imperial Majesty. "
Yang Fan agreed, but he still didn't dare to sit down. Only when Li Xian sat down behind the desk did he lower his body, only resting half of his buttocks on the wooden stool that Li Xian had personally carried over.
This posture was also very particular. In order for a subordinate to express their reverence and reverence to their superior, there would be some rules and regulations regarding their words and actions when interacting. For example, sitting like this was to express their reverence to their superior. He didn't know what the Emperor was planning in summoning him today, so Yang Fan naturally had to be more cautious.
Seeing him sit down in a well-behaved and cautious manner, Li Xian smiled with satisfaction.
Yang Fan pretended to be respectful as he sat down. Suddenly, he heard an extremely faint sound of breathing. Yang Fan was inwardly startled. Focusing his attention, he discovered that there seemed to be several extremely faint sounds of breathing behind the giant pillars and on the roof beams. If it weren't for his extraordinary hearing, it would have been difficult for him to detect them. Yang Fan's back couldn't help but tense up.
Li Xian smiled and asked, "How is the formation of the ten thousand cavalry under my beloved subject's command?"
Yang Fan secretly exerted strength in his feet. If there was a change, he could leap up like an eagle at any time. However, in order to express his respect, his sitting posture was originally rather tense, so others wouldn't be able to see anything strange.
Hearing the Emperor's question, Yang Fan hurriedly bowed and said, "After this subject received the imperial edict, I didn't dare to be negligent. I specially selected elites from the ordinary soldiers of the Northern and Southern Offices and also recruited warriors from the innocent commoners of Chang 'an. Right now, the ten thousand cavalry has been fully staffed and is currently undergoing training."
Li Xian nodded his head and said, "Good! You are a meritorious minister who supported me and once saved my life. I have absolute trust in you. This time, we allowed you to expand the one thousand cavalry to ten thousand in hopes that my beloved subject will be able to wield even more power. Only then will you be able to better serve us. "
Yang Fan put on a grateful expression and said, "Your Imperial Majesty has shown me such great love. How can you not let me sacrifice my life for you? I will do everything in my power to fulfill my loyalty and pledge my life to repay Your Imperial Majesty's kindness in recognizing and employing me!"
Li Xian waved his hand and sighed, saying, "My beloved subject first saved me, and now you have the merit of supporting me. I have already wronged my beloved subject by receiving only a few gifts. How can there be any gratitude? It's just that, although we are the Son of Heaven, we cannot keep our word. Even if we have the heart to reward my beloved subject, we still have to look at other people's expressions. We can only sigh helplessly. "
Yang Fan 'had indeed fallen into the trap'. He said with a 'mixture of shock and anger', "Your Imperial Majesty is the ruler of the Nine Five Realms. Your words are the law. Who dares to disobey you? Aren't they all rebels and traitors? "
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