Yang Fan walked off the Furong Bridge and immediately said to Ren Wei, "Get the person in charge of the business in the north to come to Chang 'an immediately. I want to meet them personally and discuss a solution!"
"Understood!"
Ren Wei agreed and followed closely behind Yang Fan. Seeing his unhappy expression, Ren Wei hesitated and couldn't help but ask, "Sect Patriarch, you … when you met with Young Master Shen just now, erm, was there any unpleasantness?"
Yang Fan glanced at him, and Ren Wei's heart trembled as he hurriedly lowered his head and said, "This subordinate has spoken too much!"
At this moment, the guards at the riverside of the Crooked Pond brought the horses over. Yang Fan pulled the saddle onto the horse, kicked the stirrups lightly, and galloped forward lightly. Ren Wei hurriedly jumped onto the warhorse and followed closely with the other guards.
Yang Fan lightly galloped along the Quchi River for a distance of an arrow's throw. Only then did he tighten the reins and change to a leisurely horse. He sighed deeply and said, "I really don't understand why he suddenly has such a strong vigilance and hostility towards me."
The horse slowly galloped along the riverside of the Crooked Pond, and the leisurely ducks wagged their tails among the lotus leaves. When they saw the horse approaching, they swam towards the depths. Ren Wei urged the horse to chase by Yang Fan's side. He frowned and wanted to say something but stopped. Yang Fan glared at him and said, "You have something to say?"
Ren Wei gathered his courage and said, "Sect Patriarch, this subordinate doesn't dare to overstep my authority. However, this matter concerns Sect Patriarch's safety, and this subordinate has to take the liberty to remind Sect Patriarch. Young Master Shen and Sect Patriarch may have a friendship, but Young Master Jiang is indebted to Young Master Shen. What happened in the end?
The Hidden Sect was single-handedly established by Young Master Shen. For him to be able to quietly develop such a powerful force under Young Master Jiang's eyes and ultimately force Young Master Jiang to step down in dejection, his scheming methods are truly outstanding. If he wants to harm Sect Patriarch … this subordinate asks Sect Patriarch to pay attention to your own safety. "
Yang Fan smiled and didn't comment. He only looked at the small boat that was lightly floating in the middle of the lake and said in frustration, "The reason why the Xian Sect acknowledged the existence of the Hidden Sect and divided missions with the Hidden Sect was so that the story of Shen Mu and Mister Jiang would not repeat. However, I never expected that I would gradually drift apart from him …"
Shen Mu stood on the Furong Tavern, watching as Yang Fan and his men gradually walked away until they finally disappeared from his line of sight. He then sadly said, "Jinhai, I don't understand what he's thinking right now."
It was unknown when Lan Jinhai had appeared beside him. When he heard Shen Mu's words, he only bowed slightly and did not say a word.
Shen Mu waved his sleeves, turned around and walked downstairs. "Thump, thump, thump …" Amidst the sound of footsteps, Shen Mu ordered in a deep voice, "From now on, be on full alert against Xian Zong. Do not slack at all!"
…
Dou Lu Qinwang cupped his hands and followed a young servant holding a horsetail whisk into the Cai Si Courtyard.
In the Cai Si Courtyard, there was the sound of stringed instruments. On the stage, there was a songstress in colorful clothing singing loudly. Her voice was sweet and very pleasant to listen to. This songstress was Gao Lishi's older sister, the personal disciple of the Musical House's Chief Guardian, Master Ru Mei. She had now grown into a beautiful young lady.
It was said that her singing skills were catching up to Master Ru Mei, and she was the most promising of Master Ru Mei's disciples to become the Chief Guardian. While she was able to frequently appear in the palace to perform for the Emperor and Empress due to the help of her younger brother, Gao Lishi, she was very talented. Li Xian listened with rapt attention.
Ever since they became emperor, after more than half a year, Li Xian and Empress Wei finally promoted a group of palace maids and eunuchs that were absolutely loyal to them. While these people were not even one percent of the total number of people in the palace, they could at least guarantee that the Emperor and Empress had a relatively private life and would not have the slightest disturbance immediately spread out of the palace.
At this moment, the people serving in the Cai Si Courtyard were the most trusted people of Li Xian and the Empress. So when he heard that Dou Lu Qinwang wanted to see him, Li Xian had someone bring him here. Seeing that the Emperor was listening attentively, Dou Lu Qinwang hurriedly waved his hand to stop the servant from calling his name. He bowed and stood to the side, his posture extremely respectful.
Li Xian listened to the song and clapped his hands in praise. He cheerfully ordered, "Come, watch the reward!"
Empress Wei's bright and beautiful eyes moved slightly. She glanced at Dou Lu Qinwang, who was respectfully standing to the side. She slightly leaned to the side and said to Li Xian, "Sage, Dou Lu Qinwang is here."
"Oh?"
Li Xian seemed to have just noticed Dou Lu Qinwang. He turned his head and said with a smile, "Beloved Official Dou Lu, you've come."
Dou Lu Qinwang hurriedly stepped forward and stood across from Li Xian. He bowed deeply and said, "This old subject Dou Lu Qinwang greets Your Majesty."
"Someone, come and watch Dou Lu Qinwang's seat!"
Li Xian had just finished listening to the sounds of nature and was in a good mood. He smiled as he gave the order. He said to Dou Lu Qinwang, "Beloved Official Dou Lu, zhen has already used the five hundred year old ginseng you presented. It feels very comfortable. Beloved subject is truly considerate. "
Dou Lu Qinwang, who had just sat down, hurriedly bowed again and said, "It's good that Your Majesty has used it well. In the past, when Your Majesty was still in the Eastern Palace, this old subject was Your Majesty's palace attendant, Your Majesty's subordinate in the Eastern Palace. At that time, Your Majesty was young and handsome, brimming with talent, already displaying the demeanor of a wise ruler.
The fate of the country has been rough. Now, with Your Majesty's help, the country has recovered. There are many things waiting to be done, and it is time to work hard. Your Majesty has great talent and strategy. Once your grand plans are realized, you will be no different from a wise ruler of the present age. You will definitely be able to revive the Tang dynasty. However, because of your illness, you cannot realize your ambitions.
This old subject often thinks about it and cannot eat or sleep in peace. This old subject does not understand medicine and does not know if that old ginseng will be effective for Your Majesty's old illness. This old subject only feels that using this old ginseng to nourish the body is always good. If Your Majesty feels that there are some benefits after taking it, that would be this subject's greatest honor. "
Li Xian smiled slightly and nodded his head. He thought back to the time when he was in the Eastern Palace and then looked at Dou Lu Qinwang's head full of white hair. He couldn't help but sigh lightly and say, "Zhen remembers, at that time, you were my palace attendant. Every day, you did your best to assist me, teaching me the knowledge of governing a country. You were like a teacher and a friend to me. Ai! In a flash, so many years have passed. At that time, beloved subject was middle-aged. Time flies, and now beloved subject's age has grown. "
Dou Lu Qinwang heard this and tears streamed down his old face. He rose from his seat and bowed deeply to the ground. Choking with sobs, he said, "Assisting Your Majesty was originally this subject's duty and also the mission that the previous Emperor entrusted to this subject. How dare I not serve Your Majesty to the death? However, this subject is old and can only do what is meager for Your Majesty.
The country is tied to Your Majesty. The revival of the Tang dynasty completely depends on Your Majesty. For the people of the world, for the Tang dynasty's country, Your Majesty, you must take care of your dragon body. This old subject is like the setting sun past its twilight, but I still hope to be able to follow a wise ruler to accomplish great feats and leave my name in history. "
Dou Lu Qinwang's performance was very energetic. Not only was his voice full of emotion, his old tears streamed down his face. Li Xian was very moved as he watched.
Empress Wei smiled slightly and said, "Dou Lu Pushe is indeed a loyal subject of the country and a good subject. In ancient times, there were rulers and subjects who were close through marriage, never doubting or abandoning each other. It is a pity that you have a beloved son, but zhen's daughters are all married. Fortunately, there are still women suitable for marriage in Taiping's fu. I heard that you have already become in-laws with Taiping? This is good, this is good. Taiping is the Saint's younger sister. Dou Lu Pushe becoming in-laws with Taiping is the same as becoming a relative of the Saint. "
Hearing this, Dou Lu Qinwang suddenly retreated three steps. Lifting his robe, he knelt on the ground, his forehead touching the ground, and did not speak.
Li Xian and Empress Wei both started. Li Xian quickly raised his hand and said, "Beloved subject, why are you making such a big bow?"
Dou Lu Qinwang touched his forehead to the ground and respectfully said, "Would Your Majesty first forgive this subject's offense of disrespect before this subject dares to speak."
Li Xian said, "Beloved subject, don't be like this. Please rise. If your words are inappropriate, zhen will forgive you."
Only then did Dou Lu Qinwang crawl up. Cupping his hands, he said, "This old subject does not dare to deceive Your Majesty. My son is naughty and mischievous, and does not study well. Even though he is an adult now, he is still a gambler, ignorant and incompetent. Even though this old subject often gives advice, there is no effect.
Princess Taiping is Your Majesty's younger sister. Princess Taiping's daughter can be considered a descendant of the Emperor's nobility. How can this old subject bear to let my son delay Princess's beloved daughter? Therefore, I intend to break off the engagement and ask Princess's daughter to choose another good match. This painstaking effort, if I do not explain it, I am afraid I will anger Your Majesty. Therefore, I ask for Your Majesty's permission. "
Li Xian and Empress Wei glanced at each other. After a moment of astonishment, a hint of a smile suddenly appeared in their eyes.
Li Xian cheerfully left his seat and walked in front of Dou Lu Qinwang. With a smile, he said, "Beloved subject, to not avoid family scandals, you are truly loyal to the sovereign and the country. However, this engagement, since it has already been decided, how can it be broken off like this? If this gets out and others do not know the inside story, who knows what ugly things they will say. In zhen's view, the frivolity of youths is actually nothing. Once they are married, they will naturally change their minds. "
Dou Lu Qinwang wanted to say more when Empress Wei suddenly said, "Sage, Dou Lu Qinwang is an old minister of the Eastern Palace when Sage was the Crown Prince. Speaking of which, Dou Lu Qinwang was the first to form a relationship with Sage and is not an outsider. What is there to hide from this loyal old minister of yours? There is no harm in speaking frankly."
Dou Lu Qinwang glanced at Empress Wei with some surprise, then looked back at Li Xian.
Li Xian coughed and somewhat awkwardly said, "Beloved subject, I will not hide it from you. Ever since we ascended the throne, because of our political views, we have often clashed with the Prince of Xiang and Taiping, causing Taiping and the Prince of Xiang to misunderstand us. They are brothers of the same mother as us. Every time we think about being misunderstood by our own flesh and blood, we grieve and lament.
Beloved subject was once Zhen's palace attendant and is also the uncle of the Prince of Xiang's Consort. If you become in-laws with Taiping, then you will truly be the closest person to my Li Tang Imperial Household. We also hope that you can become one of us three siblings. If the Prince of Xiang and Taiping have any misunderstandings about us, beloved subject can inform us as soon as possible. Only then can we resolve the misunderstandings and live in harmony as brothers. Thus, we feel that this marriage between you and him should be made. "
Only now did Dou Lu Qinwang understand Li Xian's intentions. If not for the Prince of Xiang and Taiping risking their lives to help, the Son of Heaven might not have reached his current position. He had not imagined that he would be so scheming and have such a cold-hearted nature. Dou Lu Qinwang couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart, but he put on a terrified expression and said, "This old subject is willing to serve Your Majesty!"
Li Xian was overjoyed. He happily took Dou Lu Qinwang's hand and said, "Good, good, good! We just knew that beloved subject would not disappoint us. Dear subject, you have been back in the capital for more than a month. We previously heard that you had fallen seriously ill, and it was for this reason that your return to the capital was delayed.
Thus, when you first returned to the capital, We did not dare to rashly have you take on heavy responsibilities, fearing that you would be tired from the long journey and tire yourself out. Now that beloved subject has been resting for more than a month, you should be able to come out and help us share some of the burdens. We understand and will issue an edict for beloved subject to preside over the government. We hope that beloved subject will not refuse. "
Dou Lu Qinwang knew that this favor was entirely because he had flattered and expressed his loyalty. Today, he had also agreed to serve as a secret agent for the Emperor. His heart was filled with bitterness, but he still had to put on a happy expression. Cupping his hands, he said, "Yes, this old subject will definitely fulfill his duty and share Your Majesty's burdens."
At this time, a tall and young eunuch hurriedly walked into the Colored Silk Courtyard. His appearance was still immature, but he was wearing a high-ranking eunuch robe. Along the way, many palace maids and eunuchs saluted and greeted him one after another.
This person was Gao Lishi. Because of his outstanding performance on the night of the coup, even though he was young and could still be considered an adult, he had become one of the few major eunuchs in the palace. Ever since Wu Zetian had been placed under house arrest, the important matters of looking after Wu Zetian had been his responsibility.
Gao Lishi sprinted into Cai Si Garden and urgently reported to Li Xian, "Your Majesty, Emperor Ze Tian's old illness has relapsed and his condition is serious."
"Ah!"
Li Xian was startled and hurriedly asked, "Has the imperial physician been summoned?"
Gao Lishi replied, "Nubi has already summoned the imperial physician."
Li Xian urgently said, "Quick, quick, zhen will immediately go with the Empress to visit Muhuang!"
Gao Lishi bowed and said, "Nubi has already had someone prepare the imperial carriage."
Hearing this, Li Xian and Empress Wei hurriedly walked out of Cai Si Garden.
When Dou Lu Qinwang heard that Wu Zetian was critically ill, he was also very shocked. Seeing Li Xian leave in a hurry, he didn't even have time to say a word to him. Behind him, he bowed deeply and said, "This subject respectfully sends off Emperor and Empress!"
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