As Yang Fan walked, the pair of eyes in the crowd continued to stare at him. Those eyes were hesitant and indecisive, as though they wanted to approach Yang Fan but lacked the courage.
When Yang Fan returned to Taiji Palace from the back door of Ye Ting Palace and walked along the Thousand Steps Corridor to the Black Tortoise Gate, the pair of eyes silently disappeared. If one wanted to follow someone on the Thousand Steps Corridor, it was very easy to be discovered.
At this time, the Black Tortoise Gate was also draped in red, a festive atmosphere. Large red lanterns hung from the eaves of the walls, and a soft red carpet was laid from the bottom of the walls to the top of the walls. The top of the walls was equipped with an imperial throne, and around it were braziers of high quality animal charcoal.
So the Emperor had been original and wanted to watch the singing and dancing and tug-of-war competition here as a celebration of the Upper Prime Era. This was naturally the idea of Empress Wei and Princess An Le. They had turned the Upper Prime Festival celebration in the palace into a cultural and entertainment event.
When Yang Fan ascended the Black Tortoise Gate, the Emperor and Empress had not yet appeared. Seeing Yang Fan ascend the walls, Lu Maofeng, who was guarding the Black Tortoise Gate today, had a happy expression. He immediately led a few of his personal guards to welcome him. Yang Fan immediately gave him a stern look.
Currently, there were many high-ranking officials of the imperial court standing on top of the city walls, talking loudly. Yang Fan did not want this scene to fall into their eyes, to let them know that he still had great control over his 10,000 cavalry.
Moreover, Yang Fan did not want to make things difficult for Lu Maofeng and the others. He knew that the cavalry were not having an easy time right now. Ever since the Wei brothers had taken over the cavalry, in order to quickly take control of this armed force, they had used what they thought was the most effective method: severe punishment.
Large numbers of soldiers had been severely punished by them with all kinds of excuses. Many middle and low-ranking officers were not spared. Two days ago, even a high-ranking general like Huang Xuchang had been whipped by Wei Bo for the slightest bit of rebuttal.
Lu Maofeng was not lacking in scheming. As soon as he saw Yang Fan's expression, he immediately turned his feet slightly. Originally, he was leading a few of his bodyguards to greet him, but at this moment, he brushed past Yang Fan's shoulder, as if he had something urgent to attend to.
He didn't immediately stop or turn his head. Which of the ministers on the city wall wasn't a shrewd person? That kind of action would be too obvious, and it would instead arouse suspicion. When the two of them passed by each other, Yang Fan slightly lowered his head and gave him a look of approval without anyone noticing.
Ever since Yang Fan was demoted to the position of Great General Who Supports the Nation in name only, all the officials knew that Yang Fan had lost his power. Now that even his former subordinates were estranged from him, they could not help but secretly sigh at the fickleness of the world.
However, when it came to their turn, no one went to add flowers to brocade.
As soon as Yang Fan stood on the city wall, the surrounding ministers, intentionally or unintentionally, immediately moved away, clearing an empty space within a radius of three zhang around him. No one wanted to be the Emperor or Empress to see themselves standing together with Yang Fan when they ascended the city wall.
The officials who ascended the city wall after Yang Fan swept a glance at the top of the city wall and tacitly avoided him. But there was one person who hesitated for a moment and then strode over and stood shoulder to shoulder with Yang Fan. This person was the one who had been secretly following Yang Fan all the way from Yeting Palace.
It was not that Yang Fan was not aware of the crowd's avoidance. Although he did not mind, he could not help but have a strange feeling in his heart. At this time, there was someone who dared to come close to him. Yang Fan was rather surprised. When he saw the person clearly, he was even more surprised. This person was Princess Taiping's son, Xue Chongjian.
Yang Fan and Princess Taiping had an affair, but now he was standing so close to her son. How could he act freely? Yang Fan's expression was slightly awkward, but the awkward expression was fleeting. He then smiled and nodded to Xue Chongjian.
Xue Chongjian's face heated up and he hurriedly turned his face to look down the city wall. He was still a seventeen or eighteen year old youth and his calmness was not as good as Yang Fan's, so he felt very uncomfortable. Just now, he had been quietly following Yang Fan and did not have the courage to come forward.
Xue Chongjian had also heard about the matter between Yang Fan and his mother. He did not know how to face Yang Fan, so he would rather never meet Yang Fan face to face. But this time he had no choice but to come. In fact, he did not have to choose this kind of scene to meet, but if it was a quiet and secluded place to be alone with Yang Fan, he was afraid that he would not have the courage.
Xue Chongjian let the cold wind blow on his face until the heat on his face gradually subsided. He then slightly calmed down and said, "General, San Lang asked me to send his greetings to you!"
Yang Fan almost suddenly turned his head. It took a great deal of willpower to stop his neck from turning. When he saw Xue Chongjian come to his side, he knew that he must have something to say to him, but he could only think of one topic: Princess Taiping.
Therefore, Yang Fan inevitably felt a little anxious, but he did not expect to hear such earth-shattering news as soon as Xue Chongjian opened his mouth. "San Lang? Li San Lang from Luzhou? Li San Lang asked him to send his greetings to me? "
Yang Fan had been waiting for Li Longji's reply, but he did not expect that Li Longji would directly pass his decision to the people he had left in Chang 'an, bypassing the people he had sent to contact Li Longji. Xue Chongjian must be Li Longji's people!
The first step was always the most difficult. After Xue Chongjian said this, the uncomfortable feeling in his heart weakened a little. He took two steps forward and put his hand on the wall. He picked up a handful of snow and felt the coldness penetrate his lungs.
"General, at the beginning of the third month, the Emperor will hold a ceremony in the southern suburbs. At that time, San Lang will also return to the capital to participate in the ceremony. He will personally discuss the details with General."
Yang Fan slowly let out a breath. He could already confirm that Xue Chongjian was Li Longji's people, and an absolute confidant.
After Li Longji went to Luzhou, he was clearly worried about his father and brother who were trapped in the capital, so he had his younger sister collect information in the capital for him. Even though he was in Luzhou, he could still know everything that was happening in Chang 'an like the back of his hand.
But this alone was not enough. He still needed an emergency force. His father and brother were important targets under the court's surveillance. If the Emperor decided to deal with them, they would be helpless as they were in the game.
In order to escape danger, the only hope was for a new force to emerge, and this new force was undoubtedly Xue Chongjian. Yang Fan looked at Xue Chongjian and saw a calmness in his eyes that did not match his age. There was not a single trace of the crude martial artist in him.
It was said in the streets that the second son of the Princess Taiping liked martial arts and hated literature, that he was a crude martial artist who would often get together with a group of young heroes of the capital to hunt and practice martial arts. He did not engage in proper work. Now it seemed that Xue Chongjian had actually draped himself with an excellent layer of protection.
But then he thought about Li Longji's careful arrangements, and Yang Fan's heart trembled. This Li San Lang is not simple!
Xue Chongjian faintly smiled. "San Lang and I have always been on the same wavelength. Correct, after San Lang left the capital, I was the one to secretly coordinate and protect the Prince of Xiang's safety. However, my strength is actually very limited. At the most, I can play the role of raiding the execution ground and breaking into the Celestial Prison at the crucial moment. "
Xue Chongjian said, "I originally thought that if I could hold a military position in the Featherwood Guard, it would be best if I could command ten thousand cavalry. Even if I could only command a brigade, a brigade of elites, and a cavalry that could come and go like the wind, I could still become a true surprise force at a crucial moment. Alas …"
Xue Chongjian lightly sighed and loosened his grip, letting the ball of snow fall to the ground and sink into the soft snow. "Alas, the Emperor is also very wary of my family. Mother sent a generous gift to the Empress, but she was still unable to get me a military position. She only gave me the position of Deputy of Rites, which is of no help to me, haha …"
Xue Chongjian gave a self-deprecating laugh, then added, "Now that the Wei clan has monopolized the court, no one can predict whether or not they will suddenly attack and do something. In Luzhou, San Lang is most worried about the Prince of Xiang's safety. He said that if something unexpected happens, he hopes that Great General can lend a hand to the Prince of Xiang's residence to ensure the Prince of Xiang's safety. "
Yang Fan is very good at understanding his own position, not becoming arrogant just because Li Longji has a request for him. He lightly nodded his head and replied, "The Prince of Lin Zi is too polite. Since this Yang wishes to serve the Prince, this matter is naturally within this Yang's responsibility."
The Emperor and Empress had arrived, and the Yellow Silk Umbrella Canopy could be seen from afar. Li Xian and Empress Wei ascended the city walls hand in hand. Closely following behind them is Princess Anle, dressed in a snow-white fox fur coat, resembling a plum blossom in the snow.
Princess Anle followed her Imperial Father and Empress Wei to the top of the city walls. Sweeping her charming eyes over the crowd, she arrogantly and gracefully made her way to her seat. As the crowd on the city walls gathered, she did not notice Yang Fan standing in a corner.
A yellow 'wall' has been erected behind the Emperor's seat to keep out the cold wind. After taking his seat, Li Xian chuckled: "This year is the Upper Yuan. We do not wish to entertain ourselves with geishas. My beloved subjects are all talented. Why don't you display your talents and enjoy the company?"
Zong Chuke, Wei Bo and the rest hurriedly applauded. In order to curry favor with the Emperor and Empress Wei, Minister of Works Zhang Xi and Minister of Agriculture Zhao Lvwen rushed to recommend themselves: "Your Imperial Majesty's words are reasonable. This subject is willing to perform a dance to attract jade!"
These two officials were used to flattering and fawning. Princess Anle is currently in the midst of repairing Dingkun Pool. She has recruited a large number of teachers from the commoners and borrowed a large number of manpower from the Ministry of Works and the Sinong Temple. In order to curry favor with Princess Anle, these two officials did everything they could.
In order to curry favor with Princess An Le, when the Minister of Agriculture, Zhao Lvwen was escorting people to Ding Kun Chi, he even rolled up his sleeves and personally pulled a small cart to help transport a few carts of earth. It was rare to see a dignified third-rank high official like this.
Empress Wei saw the officials enthusiastically and was delighted. She said: "Since it is so, why don't we let Minister Zhang dance first?"
Zhang Xi cast a complacent glance at Zhao Lvwen. Immensely pleased with himself, he walked forward and let the musicians play a piece of music. Then he danced on top of the Black Tortoise Gate, performing the song 'Tan Rong Niang'. Not to be outdone, Zhao Lvwen quickly followed up with a vigorous and forceful "Hun Tu Wu".
Those who could neither dance nor sing recited a passage of scripture or recited an ancient poem. In any case, they just had to choose something auspicious to say. This way, they would receive Li Xian's praise and rewards.
These officials were usually serious and solemn. At this time, they were displaying their talents. In order to curry favor with the Emperor and Empress, they were even more bashful and ugly. Even the palace maids and eunuchs serving at the side could not help but laugh.
Yang Fan watched coldly from the side. He thought of what Wan 'er said that day: "The ruler is not the ruler, the subject is not the subject". He could not help but shake his head and sigh. He mumbled to himself: "Soon, the country will no longer be a country …"
Li Xian and Empress Wei were in high spirits. Princess Anle took advantage of their excitement and giggled: "Imperial Father, Imperial Mother, there are still many officials who have yet to display their talents. But it is cold on top of the city walls. It will be hard to stand for too long. Why don't we choose from the officials who have yet to sing, dance or compose poems? Let them warm up a little."
Li Xian said cheerfully: "What Guo 'er said makes sense. Everyone, if you have not sung, dared to sing or compose poems, come out for the tug-of-war."
The officials who thought they had escaped a calamity immediately had bitter expressions on their faces. But seeing the Emperor's enthusiasm, they did not dare to refuse.
Preparations had already been made at the bottom of the city walls. A thick rope that was almost four hundred feet long was placed on the ground. Two large flags stood in the middle as a boundary. The officials pushed and shoved each other and reluctantly selected a group of people. They dawdled down the city walls.
These people split into two groups and picked up the rope. Li Xian was in high spirits at the top of the city walls. He personally grabbed the drumsticks and cheered for them. Only these old officials at the bottom of the city walls were qualified to stand by the Emperor's side. Most of them were old. Their average age was above sixty. Among them, the Prime Minister Doulu Qinwang and Yang Zaisi were almost eighty years old.
Leaving aside the fact that in this era, the officials and officials placed great importance on dignity, the dignified Prime Minister rolling up his sleeves in a tug-of-war for the Emperor's entertainment was very different from them drinking wine and dancing on their own initiative. Even if it was to please the Emperor, such an old man who was also a Prime Minister should not be joining the tug-of-war.
But as soon as Li Xian saw Empress Wei and An Le clapping their hands and cheering, he was afraid that he would dampen their spirits and did not stop them. Instead, he personally beat the drums to liven things up.
Tug-Of-War originated from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods. In ancient times, it was called 'pulling hook'. It originated in the Chu Kingdom. By the Tang Dynasty, it had become like cuju and sumo wrestling, an extremely common folk sport. However, the tug-of-war this time was no small matter. Because the participants were not young and strong men, but the civil and military officials of the court.
As the drums rang out, both sides gave a low shout and used their strength to start the tug-of-war. Don't look at how unwilling they were. But once they actually began to fight, they couldn't help but be competitive. Many of the white-haired and white-bearded elders on both sides gritted their teeth, their faces red to the ears.
The two sides fought like a seesaw for a long time. One side gradually gained the upper hand. Their morale couldn't help but rise. Following the chant that the young eunuch shouted, they suddenly pulled with all their strength. With a 'boom', both the winning and losing sides fell to the ground.
The losing side fell flat on their faces, admittedly looking ugly. The winning side fell flat on their faces. Empress Wei and An Le watched from the top of the city wall and laughed so hard their stomachs hurt. Many of the palace maids and eunuchs also covered their mouths like gourds.
Li Xian threw down the drumsticks and laughed loudly. "Come, the winning side, each person will be rewarded with five bolts of colored satin. The losing side …"
Before he could finish, there was a sudden clamor below the city wall. Many people gathered around, as if something had happened. Li Xian's brows furrowed. Leaning against the wall, he looked down. In a short while, a eunuch flew up to the top of the city wall like a gust of wind. It was the martial artist Yang Si Xu.
Yang Si Xu's face turned green. As soon as he reached the Black Tortoise Gate, he anxiously reported to Li Xian, "Your Majesty, it's not good. Yang Xianggong tripped and fell unconscious. Doulu Xianggong choked and cut his forehead, blood is pouring out. "
"What?"
When Li Xian heard that two old prime ministers, nearly eighty years old, had such an accident because of a tug-of-war, his expression immediately changed. If something happened to these two people, it would be difficult for him to escape the judgment of an absurd emperor in the history books.
With an ugly expression, Li Xian stood up from his throne. "Quick, quickly take zhen to see my husband and summon the imperial physician immediately."
Li Xian followed Yang Si Xu down the city wall in a hurry. Seeing that something had happened, Empress Wei and Princess An Le couldn't help but be displeased. Empress Wei furrowed her brows and said, "What a disappointment. Let's go, let's return to the palace."
An Le said, "Yes, daughter will accompany niangqin to talk." An Le took Empress Wei's arm and was about to leave the city wall when she suddenly saw a tall and straight figure walking down the stone steps. That figure's back was somewhat lonely, like a pine tree under heavy snow, carrying an indescribable pride …
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