Chapter 338 Yuan Tiangang's Comments on Li Daoxuan
Li Shimin had the Imperial Observatory and the Bad Guys under his command, and had seen many strange people and things, but this was the first time he had seen the art of bringing the dead back to life.
For a moment, his mind was full of thoughts. Can Li Daoxuan's magic be used on humans?
If this is possible, then the value of this spell is immeasurable!
For a moment, the impression of Li Daoxuan in his mind became even deeper. In addition, his elegant demeanor and handsome appearance also made Li Shimin quite fond of him.
However, as an emperor, he was very shrewd. He remained calm and said with a smile, "Taichong is really good at this. I like this gift very much. I believe Changle will like it too."
Li Daoxuan ordered the hawk to fly into the cage and asked in confusion, "Princess Changle?"
Li Shimin smiled and said, "Yes, it is my eldest daughter, Princess Changle. This bird was originally chosen as a birthday gift for her. Who would have thought that Wei Zheng suddenly asked to see me? I was afraid that Wei Zheng would nag me, so I was caught off guard and accidentally suffocated the bird to death!"
He was very generous and frank, telling the whole story that had just happened. Finally, he said self-deprecatingly: "I am only afraid of two people in the world. One is my queen, Zhangsun, and the other is Wei Zheng."
Only then did Li Daoxuan realize that he had actually been involved in a famous story in later generations.
He smiled and said, "Your Majesty is not afraid, but just loves and respects me. It is your Majesty's fortune to have both a virtuous queen and a good minister. It is also his fortune to meet a king like your Majesty who is open-minded and willing to accept advice."
Hearing this, Li Shimin's eyes lit up. He originally thought that Li Daoxuan was only highly skilled in Taoism, but now it seems that his conversation and knowledge are also extraordinary, far superior to those mediocre people.
The two chatted like this, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
Suddenly, Li Shimin asked casually, "Taichong, Chang'an has been suffering from a severe drought for nearly four months, and rumors are spreading among the people. Do you think this drought is caused by God or man?"
Li Daoxuan's heart sank.
He knew that the emperor's real test was coming.
This question is very important, as the emperor is testing his intentions.
If it was God's will, it meant that he agreed with the rumors and was bothered by the fact that the emperor had killed his brother and imprisoned his father. He was unwilling to serve and came to Chang'an to participate in the Longmen Immortal Meeting just as a formality.
If it was man-made, then it was standing on the emperor's side, so that the next step of in-depth communication could be carried out.
Li Daoxuan believed that since the emperor had rewarded him with magic weapons and granted him a title, he must have something in mind. But all this had a prerequisite, which was that he did not mind the Xuanwu Gate incident.
People who practice Taoism also emphasize filial piety. There is no immortal in the world who is not filial. Therefore, when many immortals ascend to heaven, they leave their houses with them so that their parents and relatives can also enjoy the immortality.
Li Shimin killed his brother and imprisoned his father, which seriously violated filial piety. This is also the reason why many Taoist masters did not respect him after he succeeded to the throne.
Seeing that Li Daoxuan remained silent for a long time, Li Shimin's expression became more and more solemn, and his hand holding the soup spoon became tighter and tighter.
At this moment, Li Daoxuan stood up, his voice sonorous and powerful, echoing throughout the Ganlu Palace.
"The severe drought in Chang'an must be man-made!"
As soon as these words were spoken, he immediately saw a hint of joy in Li Shimin's eyes, his expression became much more relaxed, and he felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders.
"Oh, why did Taichong say that?"
Li Daoxuan smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, I actually don't know whether this drought is caused by God or man, but no matter what it is, it must be man-made."
Even if it was really God's will, Li Shimin could not admit it. He could admit many mistakes and accept advice humbly, but the Xuanwu Gate incident was the only thing he could not admit.
Because that was the foundation of his succession. If he admitted that he was wrong, wouldn't that be personally denying the legitimacy and legality of his succession?
So even if it is really God's will, we have to find a few evil demons who harm people to take the blame.
Of course, the most important thing is to pray for a heavy rain. As long as it rains, all the rumors will be solved.
As an emperor, Li Shimin naturally understood the meaning of Li Daoxuan's words. He laughed heartily with a loud voice and a heroic spirit. He did not seem like a high and mighty emperor, but rather like a general who had been on many battlefields.
"With Taichong's help, I am better than a hundred thousand soldiers!"
He took off the golden dragon medal from his waist and gave it to Li Daoxuan.
"Taichong, since you think it was man-made, go investigate for me. With this gold medal, you can come to the palace to see me at any time. There will be people among the bad people who will cooperate with you and obey your orders."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my best."
Li Daoxuan did not refuse. One of the purposes of his coming to the capital was to investigate the Moro Religion. With the help of the bad guys, he would be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort. Moreover, he felt that if the drought in Chang'an was really man-made, it might be related to the Moro Religion.
After all, Chang'an City is blessed by dragon energy and is invulnerable to all kinds of attacks. How could ordinary demons have such ability?
As for deifying the Empress, Li Daoxuan did not mention it because it was too early. Now the two sides have only established initial trust and are not yet completely sure of each other's sincerity.
Li Shimin patted his shoulder and said with a smile: "Okay, then you can go and get busy. By the way, do you have a place to live? If not, I can directly give you a mansion."
Li Daoxuan declined politely, "Thank you, Your Majesty, but I have a senior sister named Taizhen, who once lived in Xuandu Temple. She left me a small courtyard."
Li Shimin's eyes lit up and he asked, "But is it the Fairy Taizhen?"
Li Daoxuan asked in surprise: "Your Majesty knows my senior sister?"
Li Shimin sighed, "Taizhen is a fairy of the time. I visited her three times and asked her to come out of seclusion and serve as the leader of the world. Unfortunately, she refused. Although we only met once, the fairy's grace is unforgettable!"
After a pause, he looked at Li Daoxuan with a half-smile and said, "Xuandu Courtyard is a place many princes and young men dream of entering. I didn't expect that Fairy Taizhen would leave her residence for you. It seems that she cares deeply about you, her junior brother!"
Li Daoxuan coughed and said with shame: "Your Majesty has misunderstood. Senior Sister and I are innocent."
"Haha, I can even give you the boudoir to live in. I understand. I understand."
Li Shimin raised his eyebrows and smiled. At this moment, he did not have the airs of an emperor. Instead, he was joking and teasing like a friend, making people feel close to him.
Li Daoxuan knew that he couldn't explain it clearly, because in ancient times, a woman's boudoir was a very private place. Except for her husband and close relatives, other men were not allowed to enter, otherwise they would be considered as Meng Rong.
"Your Majesty, I will take my leave now."
Li Daoxuan smiled bitterly.
Li Shimin nodded, and then seemed to remember something. He personally brought the lotus seed porridge on the table and said, "Taichong, I saw you only took a bite just now. I guess you feel constrained eating in this Ganlu Palace. Take it back. It's a pity for me to drink such good porridge alone."
…
When Li Daoxuan left Ganlu Palace.
Li Shimin immediately came to the birdcage and looked at the harrier.
"Incredible, can he really be brought back to life?"
"Or is this just an illusion?"
At this moment, a man walked out from behind the curtain. He had white hair and long eyebrows, and was wearing a purple Taoist robe. He was holding a Ruyi whisk in his hand. He looked like an immortal, but his face was a little pale, as if he was injured.
"Your Majesty, that is not an illusion."
Yuan Tiangang looked at the lively hawk and said with emotion: "This is the magical power of the wood element, which involves the cycle of life and death. It is profound and unfathomable. Longhu Mountain has indeed produced an extraordinary disciple!"
