In the backyard of the Commandery Prince Hejian's Mansion.
Li Xiaogong and his wife were playing chess. Li Xiaogong held the white pieces while Wang Shi held the black pieces. But the more they played, the more Wang Shi pouted and looked unhappy. She suddenly threw away the chess piece in her hand and said, "No, no. My husband, you ask me to play chess every time, but you don't let me. What's the point of playing chess like this? "
She looked aggrieved.
Speaking of this, Wang Shi looked as if she was about to cry. She said, "Now all the noble ladies in Chang 'an are ignoring me. They are all bullying me. Now even my husband is bullying me. "
Li Xiaogong sighed when he saw his wife's expression.
He didn't care about it.
But his wife found it hard to accept the current situation.
In fact, the situation Wang Shi was facing was very simple. The relationship between the Tang dynasty and Mr. Xia was very stiff. Wang Shi was Du Qi's mother-in-law. Many people stayed away from Wang Shi and ignored her to avoid arousing suspicion. Therefore, Wang Shi didn't have any friends or people to play with.
Under such circumstances, the Wang clan seemed to have been isolated. Many people were even talking about Wang Shi behind her back, talking about Du Qi and pointing fingers at the Commandery Prince Hejian's Mansion. After all, Li Xiaogong was almost retired. He didn't participate in government affairs or military affairs. Without power, people looked down on him.
Li Xiaogong comforted her, "My wife, it's nothing. It's just some people looking down on us. It's better not to make friends with these snobbish people. "
Wang Shi choked and said, "My husband, I just feel a little sad. After all, Erlang is our son-in-law. After all, Yanyun is his wife. Why did he go to the Western Region and take Prime Minister Du's family with him, but leave us alone? It's not right to do so. While Du Ruhui's family has gone to enjoy themselves, our family is suffering here. We are being looked down upon by others, and being criticized by others all over the place. "
Wang Shi used to be Li Xiaogong's wife and was very well-off. Because Li Xiaogong was not only a relative of the clan, but also had outstanding achievements on the battlefield. Therefore, his days were very good.
After Du Qi established his country in the Western Regions, especially after Li Shimin had been defeated twice by Du Qi, the situation became delicate. Some of Madam Wang's former friends no longer kept in touch with her, so no one kept in touch with her.
He was even criticized behind his back.
Li Xiaogong looked at Wang Shi. He knew that Wang Shi was living a very uncomfortable life. Actually, Li Xiaogong felt that it was alright because he didn't really care about these things.
Wang Shi was a married woman after all.
His view was too shallow.
Li Xiaogong picked up the chess pieces one by one and said, "Madam, there's no need to do this. There's a reason why Erlang didn't bring us along. Du Ruhui's family can go to the Western Regions, but we can't. Moreover, even if Du Ruhui went to the Western Regions, it was under the guise of monitoring the Western Regions. It was His Majesty who appointed him as an official. Compared with Du Ruhui, we are different. We are relatives of the clan. Once we all go to the Western Regions, His Majesty will lose face. Therefore, this matter is simply impossible. "
Wang Shi sighed when she heard this.
She was born in a big family, so she still had some understanding in her heart.
Seeing that Wang Shi had stopped sobbing, Li Xiaogong continued, "Madam, for me, on one side is the Li family of the Tang dynasty, and on the other side is Erlang, my son-in-law. I'm in a dilemma. So now, if I don't get involved, I can have some peace. "
Wang Shi said, "What do you mean by 'quiet'? I don't like it when people point fingers at me behind my back every day."
She stopped crying.
But there was still resentment.
Li Xiaogong said, "Well, you're a woman. There are some things you can't see through. This time, I'll tell you the truth. Although I don't care about government affairs and I'm no longer in the army, I've been paying attention to the news of the Western Regions. Someone delivered the news for me. Now, Erlang has gained a foothold in the Western Regions, and Erlang has taken part of Tianzhu, which is even farther away. Xia's strength is now not weaker than that of the Tang dynasty. "
Wang Shi said, "What does this have to do with us?"
Li Xiaogong continued, "Erlang's strength is getting stronger and stronger, and His Majesty is not a person who can tolerate it. As an emperor, how can he tolerate others snoring beside his bed? His Majesty can't let it go. If His Majesty could tolerate Du Qi's power, there wouldn't have been two attacks on Du Qi. "
"Next, there will be another war."
"It's just that although the Tang dynasty is strong now, Du Qi's strength is developing rapidly. As time passes, the situation between the two sides will gradually change. The world is peaceful and stable for the time being. But the second Sui Dynasty has died, and the Tang dynasty is unknown. "
"If there was no Du Qi, if the Tang dynasty and Xia Xia never went to war, then it would be fine. But the war between the Tang dynasty and Xia Xia is getting stronger and stronger, so in the end, there will be a winner. "
"Erlang is good at winning big with small. Now his strength is getting stronger and stronger. In my opinion, the final battle between His Majesty and Du Qi is still unknown. I even think that the Tang dynasty may not be able to resist Du Qi. "
"Your current situation is a little bit more difficult. But think about it, if one day Du Qi sends his troops to Chang 'an and takes over the Central Plains, what will the result be? The more grievances you suffer now, the more glory you will have in the future. "
Li Xiaogong looked confident and said, "Those who have left you are not worth cherishing, and you don't have to be sad. There's still a long time, so take your time. "
Hearing this, Wang Shi's eyes widened.
She had an incredulous look on her face, as if it was a fairy tale. It was too incredible.
Wang Shi swallowed a mouthful of saliva and said, "Husband, does Erlang really have a chance?"
"He has a chance!"
Li Xiaogong nodded and said with certainty, "And the chance is very big. But now, I can't see it for the time being. In the whole court, no one thinks that Du Qi will succeed."
After a pause, Li Xiaogong continued, "Remember, you can't talk about this matter carelessly. Our family is now being watched. Once something happens, we will be easily targeted. Now, we just have to wait and be patient. "
Wang Shi immediately beamed with joy.
She believed in Li Xiaogong's judgment, because Li Xiaogong's judgment had always been correct.
Wang Shi said, "Don't worry, husband. I know what to say and what not to say. Now, we just have to wait and not cause trouble for Du Erlang, and not find trouble for ourselves. After all, we are now well-behaved, so no one will care about us. "
Li Xiaogong smiled and said, "That's what I mean."
At this moment, the housekeeper of the residence came. He walked to Li Xiaogong's side and said, "Your Highness, Duke Qi is here."
"What is he here for?"
Li Xiaogong narrowed his eyes, as if he was thinking. One must know that Zhangsun Wuji had nothing to do with Li Xiaogong now, and they usually didn't interact with each other.
Wang Shi, on the other hand, became nervous and asked, "Husband, could something have happened?"
Li Xiaogong said, "It's okay, you don't have to worry. If something really happened, Zhangsun Wuji wouldn't have come to visit. You go about your own business, I'll go and see him. "
Wang Shi nodded.
She was just a woman and couldn't help. So now, the only thing she could do was not to make trouble.
That was all!
Li Xiaogong stood up and walked towards the main hall. When he saw Zhangsun Wuji, he smiled and said, "What wind blew Duke of Qi here? What a rare guest, what a rare guest!"
Zhangsun Wuji sneered and said, "I'm indeed a rare guest. But this time, I'm here to bring His Majesty's decree. "
Li Xiaogong said, "What's His Majesty's decree?"
Zhangsun Wuji said, "The first decree is that during this period of time, Duke Hejian shouldn't go out. The people in your residence should also try not to receive visitors. The second decree is that there will be people watching outside Duke Hejian's residence. I'll inform Duke Hejian about this, please don't make a fuss. "
After hearing this, Li Xiaogong raised his eyebrows.
Currently, the Tang dynasty and Xia Xia were at peace, but the Emperor suddenly made arrangements against him.
Suddenly, Li Xiaogong made a judgment in his mind.
Li Xiaogong looked at Zhangsun Wuji and said, "Is the Tang dynasty going to war with Xia Xia again?"
Zhangsun Wuji said, "Of course."
After a pause, Zhangsun Wuji said, "Li Xiaogong, who asked you to be Du Qi's father-in-law and have connections with Du Qi? Speaking of which, of all the people you could choose as your son-in-law, you actually chose someone like Du Qi. Let me tell you, this time, Du Qi will definitely die without a burial place. Now that Duke Hejian and Du Qi have connections, Duke Hejian's residence will be completely destroyed. "
Li Xiaogong heard Zhangsun Wuji call his name directly and sneered in his heart.
Was Zhangsun Wuji revealing his true intentions?
Speaking of which, Li Xiaogong was somewhat dissatisfied with Li Shimin's arrangement. Perhaps because of Du Qi, Li Shimin arranged for Zhangsun Wuji to come and purposely beat him up. However, from the beginning to the end, Li Xiaogong had never betrayed the Tang dynasty and had never let down the Tang dynasty in any way. However, Li Shimin's way of doing things made people extremely dissatisfied.
Li Xiaogong now didn't involve himself in government affairs and imperial affairs. Moreover, he was from the clan. Li Xiaogong himself wasn't afraid at all. When he heard Zhangsun Wuji's words, he directly said, "Zhangsun Wuji, you really think too highly of yourself. Where in the world can you find a son-in-law like Du Qi? There's only one Du Qi in the world. He can help His Majesty to ascend the throne, help His Majesty to wipe out the Turks, and establish his own country in the Western Region. Can your Zhangsun Wuji's son do it? "
Li Xiaogong said forcefully, "It's the honor of my Duke Hejian's residence for my daughter to marry Du Qi. Don't tell me that my daughter won't marry a hero like Du Qi and instead marry a trash like your son? "
Zhangsun Wuji scolded, "Li Xiaogong, you …"
"What about me?"
Li Xiaogong directly interrupted Zhangsun Wuji and continued, "I, Li Xiaogong, do things with a clear conscience in front of His Majesty and the Tang dynasty. How can my Duke Hejian's residence be humiliated by you, Zhangsun Wuji? The conflict and relationship between Du Qi and His Majesty is not something I can comment on. However, my daughter marrying Du Qi is something I'm proud of. "
"You, Zhangsun Wuji's son, thought you were precious. Why did you become Du Qi's hostage in the end? You went to the Western Region and your face changed when you heard Du Qi's name. You were so scared that you trembled. "
"You, Zhangsun Wuji, went against Du Qi again and again. However, you kneeled in front of Du Qi and apologized twice in a row. You, a descendant of a prestigious family, kneeled in front of Du Qi. Is it shameful? "
Li Xiaogong went all out. Especially since he was originally from the military, when he exploded at this moment, he was even more aggressive. He continued, "If I were you, Zhangsun Wuji, I would have long found a rope and hung myself. Your life is a disgrace. You are a disgrace to His Majesty, the Empress, and the Tang dynasty. "
"I'm ashamed to be associated with you!"
Li Xiaogong waved his sleeves with disdain in his eyes.
He looked down on Zhangsun Wuji.
"You, you, you …"
When Zhangsun Wuji heard Li Xiaogong's words, he trembled in anger. It was so much so that his face had turned ashen. Du Qi was the eternal pain in Zhangsun Wuji's heart. He was like a thorn that stabbed into Zhangsun Wuji's heart. Every time Du Qi was mentioned, Zhangsun Wuji's heart would be filled with anger.
Zhangsun Wuji only recovered after a while. He sneered and said, "What a Li Xiaogong, what a Commandery Prince Hejian. I didn't expect you, Li Xiaogong, to be so sharp-tongued. Du Qi's mouth is unforgiving. So is Li Xiaogong, Commandery Prince Hejian. I will report your words to His Majesty verbatim. "
Li Xiaogong said, "I don't care how you report it. However, you, Zhangsun Wuji, came to my residence to behave atrociously. Sorry, I won't accept it."
Zhangsun Wuji sneered and said, "Li Xiaogong, you won't last long."
Li Xiaogong said, "Are you threatening me?"
Zhangsun Wuji said, "So what if I'm threatening you? Although you, Li Xiaogong, are from the imperial clan, Commandery Prince Hejian, and have outstanding military achievements, you are still related to Hejian. However, you are related to Du Qi. "
"Du Qi is a malignant tumor to the Tang dynasty. He is not inferior to an enemy like Xieli Khan. You are Du Qi's father-in-law. You have this layer of relationship. "
"You, Li Xiaogong, can forget about becoming an official for the rest of your life. Li Xiaogong, when Du Qi is destroyed and Du Qi is dead, your daughter won't be able to live either. Moreover, you, Li Xiaogong, are Du Qi's father-in-law. You will also be implicated. "
Zhangsun Wuji said, "Don't worry. I will treat the people of Commandery Prince Hejian well. After all, the enmity between Du Qi and me is not something that can be solved by one or two people. You will also be in the line of reckoning. "
Li Xiaogong said indifferently, "Zhangsun Wuji, if it were me, you wouldn't say such threatening words in front of me."
Zhangsun Wuji said, "So what? When it comes out of my mouth and into your ears, no one else will know. Even if you want to complain to His Majesty, I won't admit it. In short, your Commandery Prince Hejian will not be able to escape from this matter. I will send Du Qi and the people of your Commandery Prince Hejian to hell one by one. "
"This is the consequence of offending me, Zhangsun Wuji."
"You won't have a good life."
Zhangsun Wuji's face was full of coldness. He said in a low voice, "Li Xiaogong, you are on your own. Enjoy the little time you have left. Hahaha … "
Speaking until here, Zhangsun Wuji even laughed out loud.
He thought that he could take revenge now.
The reason was simple. The Tang dynasty also had Du Qi's weapon. Now that Du Qi had lost his advantage, it would be easy for the Tang dynasty to destroy Du Qi. It would be as easy as flipping one's hand.
They would definitely win this battle.
Li Xiaogong's well-defined face also had a hint of coldness. He took a step forward and was already in front of Zhangsun Wuji. He looked down at Zhangsun Wuji from above.
In terms of height, Li Xiaogong was almost ten centimeters taller than Zhangsun Wuji. Therefore, when he looked at Zhangsun Wuji, he instantly felt like he was looking down at him from above.
Zhangsun Wuji sneered and said, "Why, you want to kill me?"
Li Xiaogong said, "I don't want to kill you."
Zhangsun Wuji sneered and said, "I don't think you have the guts. You, Li Xiaogong, are already a has-been. It can't be helped. At this time, anyone who is related to Du Qi won't have a good ending. "
Li Xiaogong's lips curled up and said, "I don't want to kill you because it's His Majesty who wants to kill you. But I want to hit you because I'm unhappy. "
As he spoke, Li Xiaogong lifted his leg.
He kicked out directly.
Bang!
A kick to the chest landed on Zhangsun Wuji's chest. Although the strength wasn't especially fierce, it still made Zhangsun Wuji scream in pain. He directly fell to the ground.
He was directly kicked away.
Zhangsun Wuji covered his chest and felt waves of pain in his chest. He gritted his teeth, stood up and said, "Li Xiaogong, you're very good, very good. You actually dare to hit me."
"So what if I hit you? I still want to hit you."
At this moment, Li Xiaogong's sharpness was fully displayed. He lifted his leg again and kicked out again. This kick landed on Zhangsun Wuji's chest. Under the fierce strength, Zhangsun Wuji couldn't stand steadily and fell to the ground again.
Li Xiaogong walked to the front of Zhangsun Wuji and stepped on Zhangsun Wuji's chest.
Under the suppression of strength, Zhangsun Wuji couldn't move.
He was firmly stepped on the ground.
Li Xiaogong said, "Zhangsun Wuji, don't provoke me. In front of me, you don't have the right to be arrogant. Back then, when I was unbridled and domineering, you were just a descendant of a prestigious family. In front of me, keep your temper. If you want to complain, go ahead. If you want to deal with me, I'll take it one by one. Let's see who kills who first. I don't believe that His Majesty will execute me, a member of the imperial family who once made great contributions. "
Zhangsun Wuji was stepped on the ground. His face and ears were red, and he had an angry expression.
Damn it!
Damn Li Xiaogong!
Zhangsun Wuji swore that he would definitely kill Li Xiaogong. He would definitely make Li Xiaogong suffer a fate worse than death. Now, in Zhangsun Wuji's heart, Li Xiaogong was already ranked behind Du Qi. Kill Du Qi first, then it would be Li Xiaogong's turn.
Li Xiaogong continued, "Zhangsun Wuji, you're on your own. Get lost! "
As he spoke, Li Xiaogong lifted his leg and kicked out again. This time, it landed directly on Zhangsun Wuji's waist. This caused Zhangsun Wuji to roll two more times. Zhangsun Wuji stood up and looked at the ferocious Li Xiaogong. He clenched his fist and roared, "Let's wait and see." Then, Zhangsun Wuji walked out dejectedly.
Just as Zhangsun Wuji reached the door, Li Xiaogong suddenly said, "Zhangsun Wuji, you used yourself as bait to provoke me. This method is really not brilliant."
After Zhangsun Wuji heard it, his body trembled.
He turned to look at Li Xiaogong and said coldly, "Li Xiaogong, what do you mean? I don't understand."
Li Xiaogong sneered and said, "The great Zhangsun Wuji, although not a Prime Minister's aide, his position is not inferior to the Prime Minister's aide. However, you dare to do it but dare not admit it. You provoked me like this and even used yourself as bait. It's nothing more than to provoke me to send a letter to Du Qi and use this to confirm the relationship between Du Qi and me. Then, you can plot against me, right? "
Swoosh!
Zhangsun Wuji's expression changed slightly.
This was indeed his plan.
Dealing with Li Xiaogong wasn't something that could be done in a day. Moreover, Li Xiaogong had contributed greatly to Li Shimin. As long as Li Xiaogong didn't make any mistakes, Li Shimin wouldn't be easy to deal with. However, once Li Xiaogong sent a letter to Du Qi, it would be equivalent to colluding with Du Qi. This would confirm Li Xiaogong's crime. Even if it wasn't enough to sentence Li Xiaogong to death, it would put Li Xiaogong in a difficult situation.
Zhangsun Wuji sneered and said, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Li Xiaogong said, "It's okay if you don't know. I've already told you, then you know. Zhangsun Wuji, if you want to fight with me, Li Xiaogong, use whatever methods you have. I'll take them all. "
"Hmph, let's wait and see."
Zhangsun Wuji didn't say anything else.
After all, Li Xiaogong had already exposed his plan. There was no point in staying now. However, Li Xiaogong had exposed his plan. This plan had obviously failed.
Fortunately, Li Xiaogong made a move.
This was also evidence to deal with Li Xiaogong.
Li Xiaogong looked at Zhangsun Wuji's back view and sighed in the end.
He didn't regret making a move against Zhangsun Wuji.
Since he had already bullied him, he couldn't avoid it if he admitted defeat now. Since that was the case, he might as well take revenge directly. He didn't believe that Li Shimin would really punish him. Because from the time Li Shimin was in power until now, Li Shimin owed him. After all, Li Xiaogong had done a lot to support Li Shimin back then. However, since Du Qi opened up the situation in the West Region, Li Xiaogong automatically retired and didn't involve himself in government affairs, giving Li Shimin enough face.
Li Xiaogong also knew that the situation wasn't good.
However, Li Xiaogong wasn't worried.
Li Xiaogong's heart was still like what he said to Wang Shi. He believed in Du Qi. Therefore, in the current situation, Li Xiaogong felt that if Li Shimin and Du Qi were to fight, the one who would win in the end would be Du Qi.
Therefore, Li Xiaogong wasn't anxious.
He just had to wait.
When Du Qi really took over the Central Plains, that would be the time for Li Xiaogong to be free.
On the other side, Zhangsun Wuji, who had just left the Prince Hejian Manor, hurried into the palace. When he saw Li Shimin, Li Shimin looked surprised and said, "Assistant General, why are you like this? You're in a mess and in a sorry state. "
Zhangsun Wuji dropped to his knees and said directly, "Your Majesty. You have to help me! "
Li Shimin asked, "What's wrong?"
Zhangsun Wuji said, "I went to the Prince Hejian Manor and used an excuse to warn Li Xiaogong not to go out for the time being. I didn't expect Li Xiaogong to fly into a rage out of humiliation and beat me up. Li Xiaogong is really despicable. By doing so, he is looking down on Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please help me! "
Li Shimin said, "Assistant General, has Li Xiaogong ever looked down on me?"
Zhangsun Wuji said, "He hasn't."
Li Shimin said again, "What's the specific reason why Li Xiaogong beat you up? Did he say anything against you?"
Zhangsun Wuji said, "Still no."
Li Shimin said, "Sigh, if it's just beating you up, how am I going to punish Li Xiaogong? After all, he's the Prince Hejian of the imperial court. Moreover, Li Xiaogong has always been very famous in the imperial court. And because he keeps a low profile, many people have a good relationship with Li Xiaogong. Especially Li Xiaogong, who is also very influential in the military. Now that we're about to send troops to attack Du Qi, if we punish Li Xiaogong now, won't it cause unrest in the military? "
Zhangsun Wuji heard this and instantly felt awkward.
It's over!
His beating could be considered to have been for nothing.
Obviously, Zhangsun Wuji's complaint this time would definitely not work.
Zhangsun Wuji said, "Your Majesty, but Li Xiaogong is really looking down on you. This Li Xiaogong is becoming more and more disobedient to Your Majesty's orders. "
Li Shimin said in a deep voice, "Even so, Li Xiaogong has never taken the initiative to make a mistake, so we can't punish Li Xiaogong. Assistant General, don't bother about Li Xiaogong for now. After beating him up for a while, he knows what to do. Our mission now is to deal with Du Qi. Arrange everything properly, and when the people who are sent to various countries return, we'll prepare to send troops. "
"Yes!"
Zhangsun Wuji immediately responded.
He had a bitter look on his face and felt rather sad. Because this time, beating up Li Xiaogong was like going for wool and coming home shorn.
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