535, Select the Best or the Most Senior

Twenty-three days.

Li Shimin knew about the remaining life span, and felt a little more relaxed. What he was afraid of was sudden death without warning, and with these twenty-three days, he could safely arrange everything and smoothly transition the power of the Tang Empire to the next successor.

"My dear brother, I will commend you again in the morning court two days later."

Li Shimin covered his mouth with a brocade handkerchief, coughed, and then said.

Tang Seng rushed back to Chang'an, and now it was only a private royal banquet that received Tang Seng. As for Tang Monk's reward, it cannot be decided in such a hurry. It needs to be reviewed by the political hall before it can be decided. If the imperial edict issued by the emperor is not cross-checked by the three provinces, it is just a central edict without political endorsement.

The court has its own reward system. If you act recklessly, the country will be ruined. This is not only true for Tang Monk, but also for other people's rewards.

Tang Monk heard this and knew that Li Shimin wanted him to step aside temporarily. He clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kindness. I, this poor monk, will step down for the time being."

Under the leadership of the female officer, the four masters and apprentices rushed to Inspiration Temple to stay temporarily.

Inspiration Temple is located in Xinchangfang in Yanxing Gate of Chang'an City. It was built in the second year of the founding of the Sui Dynasty and became the famous Qinglong Temple in later generations. It's just that it's not the Jingyun period yet, so the name hasn't been changed yet.

After Tang Seng and others left for a while, Li Shimin asked Li Zhi and the maids and eunuchs in the palace to retreat temporarily, leaving only him, Empress Changsun, and Bai Gui. "Bai Qing, I know you are among the gods. He will not participate in worldly affairs. Now that the prince has been deposed due to rebellion, among the two remaining sons of Guanyin, Qingque, the second son, is your disciple. You know his character, so I don’t need to raise him. The third son, Li Zhi, has a kind and kind temperament. , I love him so much that I...want to make him the crown prince. I wonder what Bai Qing thinks?"

His true intention was to establish Wei King Li Tai as the crown prince and test Bai Gui first. But then I thought about it and gave up the idea. Even if Bai Gui has a good relationship with him, Bai Gui will annoy him with such a temptation. Bai Gui is not the British Duke Li Ji. After being demoted, he still has to appreciate the kindness of the king.

Li Zhi... has a kind and honest personality?

Bai Gui also didn't know how Li Shimin, the British director, could "know people without understanding". You must know that Li Zhi got together with Wu Meiniang. Although this kind of thing was not uncommon in the Li Tang royal family, and the Tang Dynasty was dirty, Li Zhi's unfilial piety could also be revealed. But then he thought about it, and it was right. Li Shimin was different from many emperors. Because his legitimate son was born to Empress Changsun, he loved him very much and could never doubt his son.

"There are direct descendants, but there are no direct descendants."

Bai Gui pondered for a while and replied.

King Li Tai of Wei treated his teacher with great respect and continued to show his filial piety every year. Even though he went to the human world less often, Li Tai still built a shrine for him and worshiped him every day. Even if there is a lot of hypocrisy, it is better than nothing. Now that Li Shimin asked him about establishing a heir apparent, he would not stab Li Tai in the back.

"However, the green bird is not as wise as the pheasant slave."

Li Shimin replied.

Prince Li Chengqian was deposed, so in order of succession, the second son Li Tai would be the eldest son. According to the eldest son inheritance system inherited from the Zhou Dynasty, King Wei Li Tai should succeed to the throne. But he saw that Li Tai was so aggressive towards the prince Li Chengqian, and he was worried that after Li Tai succeeded to the throne, his brothers would fight against each other...

"What is virtuous?"

Bai Gui asked, "The king of Wei taught his skills to his ministers, and his literature and art are the best among your majesty's sons. The king of Wei is old and has experienced political affairs for a long time. He will be loved by the people in the future... Such a king should be called a wise man." Character."

It is not good for him to praise Li Zhi, the king of Jin. Furthermore, he was telling the truth. There is no doubt about Li Zhi's talent, but now Li Zhi's edge is completely suppressed by his two brothers. Even if he is not his legitimate son, Li Ke, the king of Wu who is "like me", is far better than Li Zhi at this moment.

Li Shimin's eyes were much more complicated.

It's not enough that he likes his third son, Li Zhi. There are many factors to consider when establishing a prince. Without Bai Gui's external influence, with his emperor's power, he could demote the Wei King's party and give up his imperial party to Li Zhi, thus allowing Li Zhi to take control of the power. But there are many variable factors in the Imperial Party. Who knows whether people in the Imperial Party have taken refuge in Wei Wang Li Tai.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me for speaking frankly." Queen Changsun couldn't help but admonished her after listening to it for so long: "The dispute between Qingque and Chengqian was caused by your indulgence. Now that Chengqian has made a mistake, you don't like it." Qingque, but Qingque... why is it like this? If Qingque is a pheasant slave, I think your majesty will also be disgusted with the pheasant slave. "

"Three children, the palms of the hands and the backs of the hands are all flesh, and I am reluctant to abandon any of them."

she added.

Li Shimin was startled for a moment, then nodded and said: "Mr. Guanyin, what you said makes sense. I was the one who forced Chengqian and Qingque. If I hadn't delegated power to Qingque, then Chengqian wouldn't have..."

He thought of himself, and his father Li Yuan did the same thing back then. Delegate power to him and secretly indicate that he should be made the prince. The former Li Shimin is now the King of Wei Li Tai.

"But if we set up Qingque, we will kill each other and continue my mistakes."

Li Shimin sighed.

He didn't know whether King Li Tai of Wei would kill Prince Li Chengqian after he succeeded to the throne. But the two have been fighting for the throne for so many years, and their brotherly love has faded, and they have long been at war with each other. Without his pressure, Li Tai would most likely not let Li Chengqian go if he became emperor. Li Zhi, on the other hand, was not involved in the fight for the legitimate heir. The relationship between him and his two brothers was also good, and fratricide might be avoidable.

"As an ordinary person, I will inevitably experience this and make Bai Qing laugh." Li Shimin calmed down, smiled at Bai Gui, and then continued: "Anyway, I still have twenty-three days to live, so there is no need to rush."

"The matter of the throne is His Majesty's family matter, Pindao is just a suggestion."

Bai Gui shook his head.

He previously called himself a minister, but now he calls himself a "principal", which means he no longer intends to participate in the dispute over establishing the crown prince. Otherwise, the emperor has no family affairs, and family affairs are also state affairs. Of course, he had already expressed his attitude before and supported King Wei's succession. Even if he takes a step back at this moment, Li Shimin still has to consider his opinion.

Now that Li Shimin couldn't make a choice, there was no need to elaborate further.

Taking a step back can sometimes yield unexpected benefits.

Li Shimin felt a little at ease after hearing this.

After a moment of silence, seeing that neither the emperor nor the queen spoke again, Bai Gui mentioned another matter, "Back in Sanxing Town, the True Exorcist Zhongkui once helped Pindao, and Pindao also promised him, I am willing to help him build a new temple to worship, and please do this small favor for Pindao."

After that, he told Li Shimin all about Zhong Kui.

Zhong Kui was knocked to death on a palace pillar when he was admitted to the imperial examination during the Wude period. Later, Li Yuan, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, was buried wrapped in a red robe. Li Shimin was the Shangshu Ling of the Shangshu Province at that time. There was no imperial examination at that time. The Jinshi examination was the Rites Examination of the Shangshu Province, which was presided over by Li Shimin.

Therefore, as Bai Gui revealed Zhong Kui's name and his deeds, Li Shimin instantly remembered Zhong Kui he met when he was young.

"It turns out it's this person..."

"I didn't expect that this person would also be blessed and become the True Exorcist Lord, and have a position in the underworld."

Li Shimin's tone was slightly envious.

He couldn't get the Sutra of Immortality, and when his life was about to end, he naturally admired the positions of immortal officials in heaven and ghosts and gods in the underworld. How could I not feel envious when I heard that Zhong Kui, a young scholar who went to Beijing to take the exam, got this position.

Bai Gui held a whisk in his hand and said nothing.

According to his opinion, even if Li Shimin is not the Emperor Ziwei who descended to earth, he is still the emperor who has received the destiny of Ziwei Star. After death, he will also be ranked in the immortal class, and Emperor Ziwei will return to his throne, or he will become the assistant of Emperor Ziwei. In short, the status is not much different.

The ghosts and gods in the underworld are much more contemptible than the officials in heaven.

"I didn't expect that there would be so many immortals in our dynasty, including Judge Cui, Zhong Kui, Prime Minister Wei, Bai Qing, you, Shu Bao, Jing De and others. This is my honor."

Li Shimin sighed with emotion.

Although Judge Cui was an official of Wude Chao, he was familiar with him after all. All the immortals and gods in the Zhenguan Dynasty that followed were used under his hands...

"After I confer a conferment on Master Xuanzang, I will confer a conferment on Zhong Kui."

Li Shimin agreed.

To him, awarding a reward to Zhong Kui, the true exorcist, was nothing but a favor without any expense. If he goes to the Yinsi in the future, maybe Zhong Kui will help him a lot. Even if Zhong Kui can't help temporarily, it is still a good thing to make friends with ghosts and gods.

"Pindao, please resign."

After finishing talking about Zhong Kui, Bai Gui no longer had any need to stay in the palace, so he excused himself and wanted to leave.

…

After leaving the palace.

Bai Gui didn't take a few steps when he bumped into the carved chariot of Wei King Li Tai.

Obviously, Wei King Li Tai had been waiting outside for a long time.

"I've only met the teacher."

Li Tai got off the carriage and bowed.

"Get in the carriage."

Bai Gui nodded, dropped these words, and floated into the carriage.

There were few things in the world that he was afraid of. In the past, he avoided talking about Li Tai's fight for the throne because he did not have the strength to interfere in such matters. But it's different now. Although the reserve matter has a slight impact on him, he is still under full control.

Li Tai's face lit up and he hurriedly entered the carriage.

The horse-drawn carriages were moving slowly.

"Teacher, I heard that you and Master Xuanzang returned to Chang'an and entered the palace. So I waited outside the palace gate, wondering where my father was..."

The emperor was about to die soon, and there were some rumors about the evildoers in the palace. Li Tai is the best candidate to compete for the throne. It is not a surprise to learn some secrets in the palace.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that when Li Shimin recruits Bai Gui for a secret conversation, the reserve will most likely be mentioned.

"Your Majesty wants to make King Jin the emperor."

Bai Gui glanced at Wei Wang Li Tai and saw that he was panicking, and said calmly: "But I thought it was inappropriate and put His Majesty in order of eldest and youngest. However, what Your Majesty will do next remains to be seen."

As Li Tai's teacher, he had no need to hide this matter.

On the contrary, if Li Tai becomes emperor, the benefits to him will definitely be huge. Anyway, it's just something we can help with, so there's no reason to avoid talking about it. As for Li Shimin, Li Shimin didn't let him keep it secret. Li Shimin asked him about his other plan to tell Li Tai about the matter through his mouth, and then test Li Tai's reaction...

Tiandi Jun's personal teacher, he is Li Tai's teacher, and the possibility of favoring Jin Wang Li Zhi in this matter is very small.

"Teacher..., is there any way you can help me?"

Li Tai pondered for a while and asked.

He had long been suspicious when he saw that Li Shimin was still unwilling to appoint him as the crown prince. It's just that he has always been lucky, thinking that this was Li Shimin's test for him.

"Your Majesty, if you become the emperor and empress, you will not treat the deposed prince and other princes harshly."

Bai Guidao.

What Li Shimin was afraid of was that brothers would fight against each other, fight against each other, and repeat his mistakes. So what Li Tai had to do at this time was to reassure Li Shimin.

"Write when I'm alone."

Li Tai nodded.

Compared to the throne, a promise is nothing.

"If something can't be done, there's no need to force it." Bai Gui shook his head and sighed, "It's not bad to be a rich and idle king, but the job of emperor is not necessarily easy to do."

As soon as he finished speaking, he left.

He had helped Li Tai as much as possible. If he did more, it would inevitably damage the friendship between him and Li Shimin.

In fact, in addition to asking Li Shimin for help, there is another way to compete for the throne. That is to go to Wu Wei and ask the Buddhist sect to support him.

But this is not safe, and killing people and taking wives is not uncommon.

Not long after.

Bai Gui returned to the Bai residence.

As Li Zhi said, someone cleaned the Bai residence on time, and there was no dust. He sat in the bedroom, holding the purple treasure spirit mirror, and said to himself: "The calamity of the journey to the west is over. It seems that there is nothing to explore in the world of these two calamities. After spreading the meditation method, it is time to go to other worlds."

If you want to achieve the Golden Immortal, jump out of the timeline, and merge with him and me is a quick way.

With the help of reincarnation, you can realize a little bit of the wonder of reincarnation.

And reincarnation also includes the rules of time.

He was thinking about things, and suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Is it him?"

Bai Gui waved his whisk and opened the door.

The door of his house can be opened by ordinary people, but if a monk wants to come in, he will be attacked by the mirror light hanging at the door. People who know a little etiquette will usually knock on the door politely when encountering this obstacle.

The person who came was Sun Wukong.

"Master Bai." Sun Wukong entered the house and frowned, "After my master and I stayed in the guest room of Qinglong Temple, a nun from Ganye Temple came and said she wanted to meet the master..."

"This nun, I see with my eyes of fire and golden pupils, has a trace of Buddha nature."

He didn't have a bad impression of Buddhism, but he didn't have a good impression of it either. Seeing this doubtful thing, he thought of Bai Gui in Chang'an, so he went to ask for advice. Bai Gui was a high-ranking official in the heavenly court and knew a lot more secrets than him.

"Nun?"

Bai Gui frowned and said, "You and Master Xuanzang are on a pilgrimage, and if Buddhism wants to spread in the East, it needs people to spread the scriptures. This nun should be related to this."

Sun Wukong will become a Buddha soon. This secret is not a secret in Buddhism. The only people who keep it secret are ordinary people. Including the gods in heaven, there are many people who know about it.

Sun Wukong is very smart and not a talkative person.

Sun Wukong understood and did not continue to ask.

He was just curious about this matter, so he asked. After knowing the reason, he lost interest in this matter.

.