The Bad Guys: Playing the Fake Li Xingyun at the Beginning

Compared to the fake Li Xingyun who could not step into the door of Longquan Treasure until his death, Yuan Tiangang's feelings for the real Li Xingyun were obviously much stronger. He not only brought him into the treasure, but also cast a coffin for him.

The dragon-shaped carvings were delicate and majestic, with dried blood stains on them. Li Xingyun was lying peacefully in it. His body had been prepared using a secret method, so there was not even a trace of rotten smell, as if he was asleep.

Yuan Tiangang came to the bronze coffin and looked at the person lying inside. His thoughts seemed to fly back to more than ten years ago. At that time, he secretly taught Li Xingyun martial arts to protect his safety.

Perhaps, at that time, Li Xingyun entered his heart.

He watched Li Xingyun grow up slowly, and few people knew the affection he poured into it. In the end, he was no longer just a bet, but also the emperor he had been expecting in his mind.

Unfortunately, what Li Xingyun did after he came down the mountain disappointed him. After decades of planning and hundreds of years of waiting, he finally got the destined hexagram.

From that moment on, he had already lost.

However, he is Yuan Tiangang and he will never bow to fate. Moreover, he has bet too much on Li Xingyun and the sunk cost is too great. Under his coercion, Li Xingyun finally embarks on this path.

Just when he was about to succeed, he lost. He thought he could help Li Xingyun ascend to the throne by his own strength, but in the end, he still missed one person.

Now, he doesn’t know who won or lost the bet. The real Li Xingyun did not become emperor, but the fake one had already become emperor and restored the Tang Dynasty.

They are not the same person, but have the same identity, the same blood, and the same appearance.

When the truth is made false, the false becomes true. It doesn't matter whether it is true or not.

Memories of the past gradually faded away, and Yuan Tiangang's thoughts returned to reality. He looked at Li Xingyun deeply, reached out to cover the coffin, and a rough friction sound rang out in the cave.

Then, he knelt down on his knees and touched the ground with his head, "Your Highness, have a pleasant journey!"

He knelt there like a statue, motionless for a long time before he slowly stood up, walked out of the Longquan Treasure, and before leaving the cave, he swung out a palm force.

"boom!"

The extremely yang energy ignited the gunpowder, and an explosion sounded. The gilded stone pillars collapsed, the dragon statue broke, the earth trembled, and the rumbling sounds continued, like an earthquake.

After a cup of tea, everything was over.

Li Xingyun was eventually buried here, sleeping underground along with the legend of the Longquan treasure.

Chapter 260 The Marshal's Return

Dust flew, smoke filled the air, and the explosion was so loud that it could be heard even from dozens of miles away. When the dust and smoke cleared, a devastated land was exposed.

Within a mile radius centered on the Longquan treasure, white salt and soil were mixed together. The battlefield of the past war completely disappeared, leaving behind a huge pit.

At this point, the Longquan treasure came to an end.

"Let's go!" As the horn of the Bad People sounded, carriages formed a long line and began to move forward. Yuan Tiangang sat in the carriage with his eyes closed to rest.

On both sides of the convoy, teams of elite infantry followed and kept watch.

These soldiers were the elite troops of Hedong. Although Yuan Tiangang did not withdraw all the bad guys when he left here, he transferred all the elite troops of Hedong away in the name of escorting the Longquan treasure.

Without these soldiers, Hedong's combat power dropped by almost half and it was no longer as powerful as before.

It would take years and cost countless money and food to build an elite force that could fight in hundreds of battles. Until now, Su Ming's Shence Army could not be considered an elite force.

And now, Yuan Tiangang took away Hedong's elite troops, which was tantamount to cutting off the source of the firewood, causing Hedong to lose its biggest trump card. The situation of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms was almost entirely caused by Yuan Tiangang, so he naturally came up with a solution.

Strengthen the trunk and weaken the branches, and draw elite troops from local areas to enrich the military forces in the capital.

The reason why the Anshi Rebellion broke out in the Tang Dynasty was not only because of its financial collapse, but also because of the decline of the imperial court's strength. After the collapse of the military system, the various border troops could no longer be suppressed, causing everything to slide into the abyss.

If the imperial court was strong, even if the finances collapsed and the government was living beyond their means, they would still be able to collect taxes twenty years later.

It's a pity that the border troops of the Tang Dynasty were too strong. One way was the border troops of the four Anxi towns, and the other way was the border troops of Youzhou that suppressed the Khitan. During the Anshi Rebellion and the Battle of Xiangji Temple, all the elite troops of the Tang Dynasty were lost, and everything could no longer be saved.

Yuan Tiangang was undoubtedly a smart man. He could not make the Tang Dynasty prosperous again, but he could think of solutions to various policy problems. As for whether the current ruler would use them or not, that was not something he could consider.

In the long line of carriages, Ji Ruxue was sitting in one of them. At this time, she was very pregnant and had some difficulty moving.

She looked at the scene outside the window, sadness emerging in her beautiful eyes. At first, she and Li Xingyun came to Luoyang together, but she didn't expect that they would be separated forever.

Thinking of this, she touched her round belly and felt a little relieved. Fortunately, she still had a child to think about.

If Ji Ruxue had not been pregnant, she would have followed Li Xingyun when he died that day.

But now, she has his flesh and blood in her belly. For the sake of this child, she will live on with strength and accompany him until he grows up.

At the same time, she had no plans or ideas to leave, because she knew that Yuan Tiangang would not allow the Li Tang bloodline to be lost outside, and the substitute would not do so either.

As for whether the child can survive, it depends on her.

When Yuan Tiangang set out to leave Hedong, the Prince of Jin's carriage also left Luoyang under the escort of his personal soldiers. When returning to Hedong this time, Li Siyuan took away all his soldiers in Luoyang, and also evacuated the Tongwenguan hidden underground.

"Brother, what are we going to do in Hedong? Please tell me the whole story." Li Cunzhi sat in the carriage, looking very uneasy.

These few days, Li Siyuan suddenly asked him to withdraw all the spies in Tongwenguan, which made him very puzzled.

During the more than a month in Luoyang, Li Siyuan's hair turned mostly white and his spirit was not as good as before.

He looked at the scenery beside the official road and said casually, "Seventh Brother, today, I won't hide it from you. I no longer have the ambition to dominate the world. Those who are willing to continue to be spies in Tongwenguan will be handed over to Jinyiwei, and those who are not willing will be allowed to return home and farm."

"Brother, even if we can't dominate the world, it will always be no problem for us to return to Hedong to protect ourselves. Tongwenguan, that's your hard work." Li Cunzhi showed a painful look on his face and was very reluctant.

"Your elder brother, I am lucky to be able to keep my life now. Why should I keep them around? This is the last time I will go back to Hedong. From now on, that place will not belong to me." Li Siyuan sighed and said quietly.

Upon hearing this, Li Cunzhi immediately became angry, "Brother, the emperor actually treated you like this? This is too much. After all, it was you who helped him to that position in the first place. How could he be so ungrateful!"

Li Siyuan was immediately furious, frowning tightly, "Seventh Brother, how dare you slander the emperor like this? Do you really think he can't kill you?"

"Brother, please calm down. I spoke too quickly. Don't be angry." Li Cunzhi was shocked and quickly gave in.

"Seventh Brother, remember this: thunder, lightning, rain and dew are all grace from the emperor. I, your elder brother, have been a soldier for half my life, but in my old age, I made a mistake in judgment. I made a wrong move and ended up in this situation. You can't blame anyone."

"Speaking of which, Lao Liu was quite decisive. He dared to place a bet before the situation became clear. In the end, he actually made the right bet. I am really envious and jealous of him, big brother." Speaking of Li Cunli, Li Siyuan couldn't help but admire him.

If it were him, he definitely wouldn't have the courage to just go all in.

However, the two sides had different statuses. At that time, Su Ming deliberately set up a trap to alienate them, and he also subconsciously distanced himself from him and guarded against him, which led to the sixth brother to surrender to the emperor.

In comparison, he was the Prince of Jin, in charge of Hedong, with his followers throughout the court and the country. Under normal circumstances, he would not lose. At that time, he was really only one step away from the throne.

Unfortunately, the sudden appearance of the emperor caused him to fail and eventually end up in disgrace.

All I can say is that time is destiny!

Speaking of Li Cunli, Li Cunzhi's eyes also showed envy, "Sixth Brother..."

When Li Cunli betrayed his elder brother, he said that he would make him pay the price, but in just one year, Li Cunli became the Deputy Minister of the Secretariat, a powerful position, while he was nothing.

With such a huge gap in status, it's hard to even start a conversation with him, let alone make him pay a price!

Suddenly, Li Siyuan grabbed Li Cunzhi's hand and said excitedly, "Seventh Brother, you have suffered a lot following me. If you still want to make achievements, I can recommend you to His Majesty. I think His Majesty is a man of great talent and ambition. He is definitely not a mean and ungrateful person. If you really make achievements, he will not be stingy with rewards."

Li Cunzhi shuddered and expressed his loyalty quickly, "Brother, do you think I, Li Cunzhi, am the kind of ungrateful person who betrays his master? I am your man in life and your ghost in death. Even if you are no longer the King of Jin, I will not surrender to others."

"Well, in that case, just pretend I never said anything just now."

At the same time, Li Siyuan dissipated his internal energy in his left hand, which was placed behind his back.

For a moment, the two brothers looked at each other, brotherly and respectful, and were in great joy.

Chapter 261 Godfather, why are you back!

"Martial Arts Examination?"

In the Secretariat, Li Cunli saw the imperial edict issued by the emperor and began to ponder the intention behind it. "Your Majesty has opened the imperial examination and also convened the military examination. Is this an attempt to capture all the talents in the world, both civil and military?"

In the past, he did not understand, but after serving as a regent for a period of time, he gradually understood the thinking of those in power. The imperial examination seemed to be for selecting talents for the court, but it was also for bringing the smartest people in the world into the court to prevent those people from being restless and causing chaos and rebellion.

Everything is done to consolidate the court's rule.

He closed the memorial and thought to himself, "Well, I should discuss this matter with Li Wentong. He is a veteran and should know more than me."

As for Shi Jingtang and others who had just arrived in Luoyang, Li Cunli did not trust them at all. In the past, they were all under the command of Li Siyuan. Now that the Tang Dynasty was newly established, if he got involved with these people again, it would inevitably arouse the suspicion of His Majesty, who would think that he was the second Li Siyuan.

He had already reached the pinnacle of civil officials. If he took one step forward, he would become the prime minister, second only to the emperor. So Li Cunli naturally had to be cautious.

In the Imperial Army camp, Li Wentong was training soldiers. He was wearing thin clothes and wielding a spear under the scorching sun. His fair complexion was free of any sweat stains. The soldiers around him were no longer surprised by this scene.

"General, someone is looking for you outside." A messenger walked behind Li Wentong and reported softly.

"Keep training, don't be lazy!" Li Wentong threw the spear to the soldier, took his clothes and put them on. The dark suit was clean and decent, revealing a unique temperament.

As soon as he went out, he saw Li Cunli, so he asked, "Sir Li, what important matter has brought you to my Imperial Army camp today?"

If it was an ordinary commander of the imperial guards, Li Cunli would have just sent an official to invite him. But Li Wentong was different. His real identity was the King of Qi, and he was also the elder brother of the emperor's wife. He did not dare to neglect him, so he came in person.

"General Li, I came here today to discuss important matters." He looked around and whispered, "This is not the place to talk. Let's go to the government office."

In the wing of the government office, Li Cunli and Li Wentong sat opposite each other, with tea on the table.

Ever since Su Ming became emperor, his way of drinking tea has been sought after by dignitaries and scholars inside and outside Luoyang, and some people have even written many poems about it.

As a result of the influence of the leaders, tea brewing gradually entered the homes of ordinary people.

"General Li, His Majesty has ordered me to add a military examination to the imperial examination. I am a civil servant and have never led troops in battle. I am not very clear about these things. I hope General Li can give me some guidance." Li Cunli poured him a cup of tea and asked for advice sincerely.

Martial arts?

When Li Wentong heard these two words, he smiled faintly, "You and I are both ministers in the same court, and we both share the worries of His Majesty. I can't say that I am giving you advice, but these are just some of my personal opinions, which I will give you for reference."

"The imperial court holds the military examination to select talents, but the world is not unified yet and the world is in chaos. It doesn't matter where a hero comes from. I advise you not to set too strict requirements on the identity of those who can participate in the military examination."

"The second is the topic. Personal bravery, horseback archery, spear dancing, weightlifting, and military tactics are all old practices. However, those old bad habits, such as appearance and physique, do not need to be included."

"It doesn't matter where a hero comes from. Jianghu is full of ruffians, just like the generals in Hedong and Qi. Although they don't look good, they are good at leading troops in battle. Some of them were even bandits in the past."

"Besides, what I said is just paper skills on the battlefield and doesn't count. What really matters is the skill of leading troops. How to set up camp, transport food, and mobilize troops is the most important thing."

"Some people can talk about military strategy very well, but they can't even lead 50 people on the battlefield. You should think carefully about these things. A general does not necessarily have to be extremely brave. I will give you a few words, think about them carefully."

Li Cunli said quickly, "General, please speak."

"Enforcing orders and distinguishing rewards and punishments clearly are the most basic requirements for a general. That's all I want to say, Lord Li. The military competition will begin at the end of the month, so I won't stay any longer. Goodbye." After saying this, Li Wentong did not continue to build a closer relationship, but said goodbye directly.

"Thank you, General Li, please come in!" Li Cunli said as he escorted Li Wentong out of the office.

When he returned to the room, Li Cunli wiped the sweat off his head with his sleeve, "Fortunately, General Li reminded me, otherwise if I followed the old rules, wouldn't I disappoint His Majesty?"

He even changed the imperial examination system, so how could he be indifferent to the military examination!

……

Hedong.

Li Siyuan led 5,000 elite soldiers and attacked day and night. It took them a month to finally reach Hedong. Along the way, both the men and horses were exhausted and they rested for two days before entering Taiyuan.

At the same time, in the residence of the Hedong Jiedushi in Taiyuan, Li Congke was sitting in the hall wearing gorgeous clothes, and below the hall were the generals of Hedong.