Crown Prince's Counterattack

"Fourth Brother!"

Li Zhi saw Li Tai who was about to leave the palace, his eyes lit up, and he trotted over, his slightly pale face became a little more rosy, he looked much more energetic, making his face even more handsome.

Facing the younger brother of his first relative, Li Tai had gentle eyes and was happy in his heart. After all, since he moved out of the palace, the chances of the two of them meeting have decreased. Li Zhi is a young brother with a weak disease, and Li Tai also feels pity in his heart. of.

"Where are you going? If you are not in good health, just stay in the palace and take care of yourself."

Because he is a direct brother, Li Tai's tone was less scrupled, and the tone of reprimand implied concern. Li Zhi scratched his head, with a bit of youthful shyness, and nodded obediently. , the dissatisfaction in his heart is fleeting, he doesn't like people talking about his body.

Seeing Li Zhi's well-behaved and obedient appearance, Li Tai was very relieved, and secretly regretted whether his tone was too harsh, but as an elder brother, he has the responsibility to teach his younger brother, and the elder brother was not polite to him at all back then.

"Fourth brother, I'm going to look for elder brother, do you want to come together?"

"No need, there are still things waiting for me to deal with in the palace, I will make a special trip to the East Palace to greet you another day."

Li Tai's expression was a little unnatural, and he thought to himself that everyone would know the news of the crown prince's leg recovery. Naturally, there would be people who wanted to add icing on the cake, but he was in no mood to pay attention to it.

"Fourth brother, are you..."

Li Zhi lowered his voice, his eyes flickered non-stop, and he looked at Li Tai hesitantly.

"What do you want to say?"

Li Tai asked meaningfully.

"Fourth brother, I know you are not reconciled, but the eldest brother is the eldest son, and that position belongs to the eldest brother. What's more, the elder brother has been outstanding since he was a child, and he has been loved and valued by the emperor. The emperor has never given up, so the fourth brother must not have that kind of thought, as long as we don't fight against the eldest brother, it is absolutely fine to be a rich and virtuous king, fourth brother, you must not be confused."

Li Zhi looked anxious, and sincerely persuaded Li Taidao.

What do you mean it was originally his!Li Tai narrowed his eyes as he looked at Li Zhi with a sincere face, his eyes were somewhat thoughtful, if he hadn't known the news of his elder brother leaving the palace or the person in front of him deliberately spread it, he might not have heard it There is a provocative meaning hidden in these words, so children who grow up in the palace should not be underestimated no matter their age. It seems that the younger brother's mind is really not simple. As a prince, who can have no ambitions!

But even so, Li Tai didn't care too much, not to mention that Li Zhi hadn't left the palace to build a mansion, and coupled with his age, he wouldn't cause too much trouble except for doing some small tricks behind his back. However, Sima Yi, who is now in full swing, is his confidant.

"Xiao Jiu, why did you say such a thing? How could I have such thoughts? It's only natural for elder brother to be a prince. Did someone say something that shouldn't be said by your side?"

After Li Tai was surprised, his face gradually became angry, it seemed that he was very angry.

"...No, it seems that I misunderstood, don't blame the fourth brother"

Li Zhi said awkwardly, always feeling oppressed, and the smile on his face was a little unnatural.

"It's not too early at this time, and the fourth brother will not waste your time."

Seeing Li Zhi's slightly embarrassed smile, Li Tai also lost interest. After all, he was a direct brother, and in the end they all killed each other because of that position.

"Four brothers walk slowly"

Li Zhi stood where he was, watching Li Tai's back disappear before his eyes, bit his lips in disappointment, and his eyes dimmed.

Although he is also the first prince, but there are two older brothers in front of him, the possibility of him wanting to sit in that position is very small. Over the years, his temperament has changed drastically because of his eldest brother's foot disease. He is about to wait for his chance, but now that his eldest brother is recovering and his position is becoming more stable, will he still have a chance?

Li Zhi frowned, hesitating whether he should stop those thoughts that shouldn't be in his heart...

#**********

In June, there was a lot of drizzle, and the hazy water mist was looming, and the surroundings were quiet and clear.

A figure came faintly on the small road with bluestone slabs, holding a paper umbrella, the clothes that were blown by the breeze were flying in the air, and the moon-white feet stepped on the mud without staining the dust. With a trace of melancholy on his face, he fell into this rainy season.

Walking through the muddy path, I came to a remote location, and walked under the verandah to put away the umbrella. Her hair was slightly damp, and she was slightly embarrassed, but it was hard to hide her unparalleled elegance.

"Your Highness..."

A figure suddenly appeared in the empty corridor at this time, standing behind him, sensitively aware of the strange aura around him, with a serious look on his face, he backed away and saluted.

"...it seems that you are doing well"

He was covered by a black robe from top to bottom, and no one could see his face clearly. It was clearly a bright and sunny day, but at first glance, he seemed to be plunged into boundless darkness. His rough and hoarse voice made people very uncomfortable. It's as if he didn't realize it, and his eyes are full of respect.

There was a bit of surprise and relief in the words, and a long sigh for no reason after that made people feel a little heavy.

"Tens of thousands of years of practice in exchange for this short lifetime is worth it..."

"Nothing is unworthy for him"

The corners of Xin Xin's mouth curled up, and his eyes sparkled. For him, thousands of years of practice are just for the chance to be by his side all the time.

"... idiot"

After a long sigh, with a bit of relief and peace of mind, he drifted away, leaving behind a lingering sound, and stood there for a moment, holding up the paper umbrella again, and walked into the heavy rain and fog, his figure gradually drifting away .

He was the first orchid growing in the prehistoric, and it was the first ray of morning light from the sky that awakened its wisdom, but he was the emperor's son, but he was just an ordinary flower demon, heaven and earth, He looked up at his rising and falling, and watched his coming and going, even though he never knew his existence, and he could not find his figure until the world changed drastically, but he never gave up the footprints he was looking for...

Until one day, the king returns.

*********

There was no movement at all inside the door, and the servants guarding the door were all concerned, for fear that the people inside would have any accidents.

"Is the prince still unwilling to eat?"

The little eunuch who was sent to deliver the food left the room intact, the old eunuch Chen Song lowered his voice, looked at the closed door, and sighed faintly.

The little eunuch in the front yard panted and ran to Chen Song, leaned into his ear and said a few words, Chen Song frowned, walked to the door, and knocked gently on the door.

"My lord, Mr. Zhang asks to see you"

"...Let him in"

After a while, there was finally a reply from the room.

……

Zhang Liang pushed open the door and walked in. The room was dark and oppressive for no reason. The windows and doors were closed tightly, and the strong smell of alcohol came in, making his face a bit ugly.

"...My lord?"

Looking at Li Tai, who was disheveled and embarrassed, Zhang Liang's tone couldn't help but a little startled and angry. He had never seen his master look so decadent.

"You're here..."

Li Tai glanced at Zhang Liang indifferently, looked away indifferently, poured a glass of wine and drank it down in one gulp, slightly drunk, half drunk, quite different from the image shown in front of everyone in the past, Only now he doesn't care anymore.

"My lord, what happened?!"

Zhang Liang asked nervously, although the situation these days is not good, but for these subjects who have pinned all their ambitions on the king of Wei, they will not give up any hope until the last moment, so Seeing Li Tai abandoning himself now, Zhang Liang felt indescribably disappointed.

Li Tai is not in the mood to care about the thoughts in these people's hearts now, thinking of the news he heard by accident, Li Tai's heart is full of bitterness.

"I'm afraid the day when this king leaves Chang'an is not far away..."

"Is there no room for change?"

Zhang Liang opened his eyes wide, and asked in an urgent tone, if the king of Wei is the vassal, then they can only leave with him. Although the future is not bad, they are incomparable with the ministers of the emperor, and they have put in so much effort But how can they be reconciled to nothing, Zhang Liang thought that His Majesty has always loved King Wei, maybe there is still room for turning back, if he really left Chang'an, he would really have no chance.

Li Tai smiled wryly and shook his head, I'm afraid that his father had made up his mind a long time ago, to pave the way for the eldest brother, it would be wise to leave earlier, Li Tai couldn't help thinking of resignation.

Zhang Liang's eyes dimmed in an instant, his face was ugly, his heart was empty, and he let out a long sigh. In fact, he had expected this result a long time ago, but it was inevitable that he had some thoughts that he shouldn't have.

"But before leaving, this king always wants to give big brother an indescribable surprise before leaving willingly..."

Li Tai raised the corners of his mouth maliciously, he believed that his eldest brother must have spent a lot of "effort" on the matter of him becoming a fan, so why did he leave so obediently, if he could see his heartbroken face, It's really heart-warming...

Zhang Liang looked at Li Tai worriedly, hesitant to say anything, since he was already determined to leave, why bother to take the risk to anger the prince, but seeing Li Tai's cold gaze, Zhang Liang swallowed what he was about to say go back.

************

Manna Hall

"The sons and servants pay respects to the father and the emperor"

"Get up"

Li Shimin put down his imperial pen, looked at his eldest son standing in front of him, who was as bright as a jade tree, nodded, and showed a gratified smile.

"Cough cough cough..."

Li Shimin bent his back, clenched his fist against his lips, his face suddenly became flushed, Sima Yi stepped forward nervously, took the tea cup from the waiter and served Li Shimin to drink it, and patted his back lightly a few times.

"Father, do you want to invite the imperial physician to take a look?"

"The imperial doctor has already visited, but it's just a cough, don't worry, don't make a fuss"

"Father, you must take good care of your health. If something really happens, you must let the imperial physician take a look."

Seeing Li Shimin's resolute face, Sima Yi had no choice but to put his mind to rest. After all, if Li Shimin's physical condition got out, there would definitely be a lot of trouble. Seeing Li Shimin's energetic appearance, Sima Yi had a feeling in his heart.

Li Shimin patted the back of Sima Yi's hand, a few more smiles appeared on the corners of his mouth, and he felt even more relieved. At this age, the ambition in his heart is no longer what it used to be, and he values ​​family happiness more. But the so-called lonely family is really that. To avoid suspicion, he can't get too close to anyone, so Li Shimin was a little moved by the rare closeness and consideration of the eldest son.

"Xiang'er has also reached the age of school. You and the princess should have a child. The number of heirs in the East Palace is still too small, especially the legitimate children."

Li Shimin's face improved a little, he glanced at Sima Yi, and explained the purpose of summoning him.

"Father, don't worry, my son will definitely work hard, but this child's matter still depends on fate."

Sima Yi was slightly taken aback, and then smiled unconsciously, as if in promise, but also with a slightly indifferent smile.

Li Shimin's eyes narrowed slightly, thinking that Sima Yi was being perfunctory, thinking of the news he had heard, he felt even more worried, if it was any other prince, he would have passed by with his eyes closed, but the prince can't, pampering is not counted What, but if it delays the reproduction of offspring, it cannot be ignored.

"I heard that you have been favoring a happy person these days, and even neglected the harem because of it?"

Li Shimin's tone was indifferent, with mixed emotions, but Sima Yi heard the meaning of warning, and his heart shuddered.

"It's just like my father said, it's just a plaything, I know it well"

Sima Yi replied calmly, he only hoped that Li Shimin would not delve into it any further, these days he was getting carried away, but the result was not satisfactory, Li Shimin was not a perfunctory master.

"Since you also said that you are a plaything, you should know what to do next. Don't forget, you are the prince of a country, and the harem cannot tolerate a man who reverses yin and yang. You should know the way to choose and don't let me down. "

Li Shimin looked at Sima Yi, his gaze was as deep as an abyss, with expectations and warnings, since the matter was already in front of him, he could only be safe and never leave any possibility of shaking the foundation of the country.

"My son understands"

Sima Yi met Li Shimin's gaze and took a deep breath, clenched his fists, and his tone was determined and ruthless. Seeing this scene, Li Shimin smiled with satisfaction, the emperor would never allow love for his sons and daughters day.

When Sima Yi left the hall, Li Shimin was unspeakably tired, his face became a little paler, he covered his lips and suppressed a low cough.

"Ahem... Do you think I'm being too strict with the prince?"

Li Shimin turned his head and asked the personal eunuch standing beside him, his faint tone revealing a sense of apology.

"Your Highness will understand Your Majesty's intentions"

The old eunuch said consolingly, Li Shimin smiled helplessly, his health is getting worse, so now all he thinks about is how to let the eldest son take over his position smoothly, as for the others, there is nothing that cannot be sacrificed...

***********

Yi Xin looked down at the small medicine bottle that Sima Yi ordered to deliver, the shock in his eyes was followed by desolation, and the bitterness spread in his heart, how could he have expected such a result in the end.

"Your Highness, I understand what you mean."

Xin Xin looked at Sima Yi who was standing with his back to him, and showed a relieved smile. Even at this moment, he didn't feel regretful, but it was a pity that he could no longer be with that person. reasons for accepting this result.

"Would you regret staying?"

Sima Yi turned around and looked at Xin Xin, with complicated emotions in his eyes, this was the most decent and painless way he could think of, it was the last grace, Sima Yi claimed that he was not a good person, even some unscrupulous, But when facing the satisfaction that he was implicated in such a situation but still had clear eyes and no resentment, Sima Yi felt a little more unspeakable guilt.

Xin Xin's admiring gaze stayed on Sima Yi all the time, and he shook his head resolutely, with a contented smile on his face.

"Being able to stay by His Highness's side to serve you is already satisfying, but the days like this are too short."

"Will Your Highness remember Xinxin?"

Xinxin's eyes showed anticipation, and his expression was a little more apprehensive.

"……meeting"

Sima Yi can't be sure, time is too mysterious, after all he has more than a lifetime, no matter how deep his memory is, it will gradually fade, and one day he will be buried by time, but looking at the expectation in Xin Xin's eyes, Sima Yi can't help it. I really want to be a gentle person, maybe he really won't forget...

"Thank you Your Highness"

Yixin showed a satisfied smile, beautiful and sad, he gently unscrewed the cork, watched Sima Yi drink it down, his eyes were full of love and no regrets.

He has looked up to His Highness for tens of thousands of years, and to be able to accompany him on this short journey is to re-enter reincarnation after his cultivation is exhausted. He has never regretted it...

Sima Yi walked out of the hall stiffly, with a gloomy expression on his face, so that the maids and eunuchs guarding the door did not dare to step forward, they could only lower their heads and follow behind him not too close or far away, not daring to make the slightest noise.

Walking all the way back to the bedroom, Sima Yi waved away all the servants, fell on the bed, opened his eyes and didn't say a word, but no one would stay by his side thoughtfully, looking at him worriedly , and all of this was caused by himself, with such a result, Sima Yi's heart was completely empty.

No one would know that he deliberately pampered Xin and pushed him to the forefront. Sima Yi never dared to trust anyone easily. To increase his weight in Li Shimin's heart, he should breathe a sigh of relief, but he is not as happy as he imagined. After wandering for these years, he finally feels lonely. Even if it is not love, he is still happy His company.

Scenes from the past flashed in his mind, and Sima Yi was stunned for a long time, unable to speak.

*************

In the winter of the 22nd year of Zhenguan, the former court and the rear palace were shrouded in a layer of cloud. As the princes retired one after another and the princess got married, the atmosphere in the palace became more and more deserted, and Li Shimin's health became worse and worse. The Imperial Physician was summoned in the Japanese capital, and the political affairs of the former dynasty were slowly handed over to Sima Yi, and the regime change was quietly proceeding.

Li Zhi and Sima Yi stood outside the curtain, the hall was filled with the bitter smell of traditional Chinese medicine, and the imperial physician was consulting inside, but they could only stand outside the door, quietly waiting for the summons.

Li Zhi showed nervousness, looking at the curtain from time to time, and occasionally ignoring Sima Yi who was standing aside, his thoughts were a little complicated. By now, he had given up those naive thoughts, and now he only hoped that his father could be healthy. Healthy, I can see the day when he leaves the palace to build a mansion.

Sima Yi's heart was even calmer. He didn't have any admiration for Li Shimin. Up to now, the journey of a hundred miles has gone 99, and he only waited for the last step, so why should he worry? Even more so.

"Your Highness, please go back, Your Majesty has already rested."

The curtain was lifted suddenly, and the old eunuch walked up to the two of them and persuaded them in a low voice.

Li Zhi was a little disappointed, but he had no choice but to follow Sima Yi out of the hall, and then watched Sima Yi leave, feeling a little panicked by his elder brother's indifference.

Such days lasted for several months. In May of the 23rd year of Zhenguan, Li Shimin died, Sima Yi ascended the throne, and changed his reign name to Qiyuan.

In the second year of Qiyuan, the imperial examination was held every three years. A large number of scholars came to Chang'an City. It was very lively for a while, but on the day when the rankings were announced, it was even more turbulent. Chang'an City was shrouded in joy. atmosphere.

In the Chang'an Inn in Dongcheng, a little book boy ran all the way back from the street, and rushed to the room to look at his young master, his face bloomed with joy, and he couldn't help himself with excitement.

"My lord, my lord, you have won, you have passed high school!"

"That's good……"

The white-clothed scholar's eyes were filled with joy, and he let out a long sigh of relief. He walked around the little book boy, walked to the window, and looked in the direction of the palace. His gentle and handsome face showed a bit of joy and satisfaction at this moment.

Although he knew that he was likely to be on the list, he did not feel relieved until the result. He finally returned, returned to Chang'an, returned to the place where he was...