Recently, Chang 'an was as peaceful as water.
The commercial exchanges between the eastern and western cities became more frequent, and the curfew time was also changed. It lasted until midnight. Before dawn the next day, the city gates were wide open.
It was almost similar to the system of the Song Dynasty.
The number of Golden Guards patrolling increased, and the city became unprecedentedly lively.
However, the chaos of war had just subsided, and the Great Tang had just been established. The people's livelihood was weak, and while it was lively, it was not prosperous.
Because of Li Yuan's state funeral, it had been a long time since he had gone to court. However, the three provinces and six ministries were still busy discussing national policies.
It was noon again.
Chang 'an City, Fang Mansion.
In front of the house, two or three carriages stopped one after another. The servants in the house quickly ran out to welcome them. They cupped their fists and bowed."Greetings, sirs. My master has been waiting in the central hall for a long time!”
"Comrades, please come in!"
There were quite a number of people who had arrived. Leading them were Du Ruhui, Gao Shilian, Zhangsun Shunde, and a group of old fellows from the Guanlong aristocratic families. Each of them had prepared a gift and entered the house in a lively manner.
In the eldest son's residence, under the guidance of the servants, Fang Xuanling was standing in front of the main hall, cupping his fists to welcome him.
"Fellow colleagues, it is my honor to have you here today!”Fang Xuanling said with a smile.
"Lord Fang, we have been officials of the same dynasty for many years.”
Du Ruhui returned the greeting with cupped fists.
The group of people chatted and laughed as they sat down one after another. After the servant girls in the residence saw that they had done their job, they retreated one after another. Even the soldiers in front of the door retreated. No one was allowed to approach within a few dozen meters. They looked very serious.
After the time it took to finish a cup of tea, Fang Xuanling smacked his lips and said,"Today, I have called all of you here to discuss something!”
"Even if Lord Fang doesn't say it, we all understand.”
Du Ruhui smiled mysteriously." I'm afraid the current emperor will follow in the footsteps of Emperor Yang. He will ignore the interests of his officials and implement an unprecedented national policy. This is a great taboo in the world. This Du has always been cautious in his words and actions. Today, I dare to speak my mind frankly. Sirs, don't hide it. Let's talk freely!”
"Sirs, don't be anxious!"
Just as Changshun Shunde and Gao Shilian were about to speak, Fang Xuanling interrupted them. He fumbled for a piece of white paper from his pocket and handed it over."It's not too late for you to discuss after reading this letter!”
"This is…"
Stunned, Du Ruhui took the letter in astonishment. After opening it, he frowned and said in shock,"A letter from His Highness the King of Qin?"
"Do you recognize this jade pendant?”
Fang Xuanling smiled and took out a blood-stained jade pendant."His Highness the King of Qin has gradually recovered from his injuries. He will be heading to the Eastern Capital in a few days to reorganize his army. Now, His Majesty is bent on his own way and does not listen to the advice of his ministers. Moreover, when Emperor Gaozu passed away, the current Son of Heaven did not even have the filial piety that a son should have. Do you think such a person is worthy of being the Emperor of our Tang Empire?”
"Lord Fang, if you have anything to say, just say it.”
Zhangsun Shunde could be said to be the only male left in the Zhangsun family. This was also because he did not participate in the Black Tortoise Sect incident. In addition, he was low-key and cautious. He followed the crowd in the court and barely managed to keep his life.
"Alright then! The lives of my family will be in the hands of my colleagues.”
Fang Xuanling cupped his fists and said,"As you all know, the Eastern Capital is where the Heavenly Strategy General's residence is located and also where His Highness the King of Qin started his career. His Highness the King of Qin will return to the Eastern Capital and raise his army again in a few days. However, I'm afraid it's not appropriate for our family to be in Chang 'an. In my time, the curfew has been lifted. This is a godsend opportunity. Take advantage of the night to send Old Xiao Qiao out of Chang 'an. His Highness the King of Qin will send someone to welcome him in the East Capital…"
"Lord Fang, what about me?"
Gao Shilian's face darkened.”
"We will stay in the Imperial City and work together with the officials to prevent His Majesty from implementing the next series of national policies. According to His Majesty's temperament, he must be like Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty and kill all officials. So what? The more people His Majesty killed, the more people he would lose. This would be more beneficial for His Highness the King of Qin to return to Chang 'an!”
Fang Xuanling was so excited that his bearded face turned red.
To them.
If Li Er could reorganize his army and return to Chang 'an, the officials in the palace would immediately stand on his side.
This was an era where martial arts were valued over culture. Everyone knew that political power came from the barrel of a gun, and the role of civil officials could only be auxiliary. However, they were the Guanlong family after all, and the lifeline of the noble class was firmly in their hands.
"Master! Master…"
Just as he was speaking, a servant suddenly rushed in from outside and exclaimed,"There are people from the palace. They say that His Majesty has summoned all the ministers into the palace to discuss state affairs!”
"What state affairs?"
Fang Xuanling was stunned. It was already noon? What was wrong with the Emperor?
"The Eastern Turkic Jieli Khan has led a hundred thousand soldiers to Jingzhou and will reach the Wei River in a few days…"
Before the servant could finish, Fang Xuanling and the others stood up abruptly."What?"
The old men's faces darkened on the spot. They could not help but look at each other. The army of 100,000 was a disaster for Chang 'an. If they were not careful, they could flatten Chang' an and destroy the Tang Empire.
However, Du Ruhui stroked his beard and slowly raised an arc."Lord Fang, can you reply to His Highness the King of Qin?”
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