Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 4910: Being disrespectful
Everyone has the desire to make progress.

No matter how indifferent and humble a person is, he is not immune to being worldly. He may not be as motivated and ambitious as others, just a little bit.

Or perhaps when one's status has reached a certain height, in order to avoid having too much power and attracting jealousy, he displays a magnanimous and humble demeanor, revealing the wisdom that "it's lonely at the top" and "doing it reluctantly", telling those who covet his position that "he can take his place".

However, when one day he is about to be "replaced", his previous indifference, calmness and humility may not always remain the same...

……

At night, at King Han’s mansion.

Fang Jun came to give gifts during the day, and the King of Han was not at home, so they agreed to come over to his house for a few drinks in the evening. Although it was a bit against etiquette, there was no need to worry so much between a brother-in-law and an uncle.

The two were drinking and talking in the study room. Princess Fang of Han brought her sons over to greet Fang Jun one by one. The nephews left happily after receiving a few words of praise and encouragement from Fang Jun, while Princess Fang stayed and knelt beside them, pouring wine and serving dishes.

Relatives gathered privately, without strict rules for separate meals. A few exquisite dishes and two pots of hot rice wine were placed on a small table, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

But Fang was a little embarrassed: "My second brother hasn't come to visit for a long time, and the banquet is so simple. I am really sorry for the neglect."

This younger brother is no longer the Wu A'mon of the past. He has made great military achievements and has an outstanding reputation. He has quickly advanced from "the number one of the younger generation" to "the number one of the current dynasty". Although he still has some shortcomings, what he lacks is only the experience accumulated over time.

But she couldn't do as she did in the past when she was still married in her parents' home, and as an older sister, she would drag her younger brother over and give him a beating whenever he got into trouble...

Fang Jun smiled and said, "Why should we be so formal when we are a family? Such a small family gathering is the most relaxing and comfortable, much more comfortable than a magnificent palace banquet."

Fang happily poured wine for the two of them. She liked a harmonious family the most. Moreover, the reason why she had such an extraordinary status in the Han Palace and even the Han King gave her some respect was because of her brother's protection. Compared with her father who was a gentleman, her brother's style of "helping relatives but not others" obviously gave her more confidence...

The two siblings chatted about family matters, but Li Yuanjia was not in a good mood. He drank a sip of wine, sighed, and waved at Fang: "The New Year is coming soon, and there will be many times for us to get together. Princess, please step aside for a while. I have something important to tell Erlang."

Fang curled her lips and muttered in dissatisfaction: "You are so mysterious and you are actually doing it behind my back?"

However, having said that, he still stood up and walked out.

No matter how strong her family is, or how overbearing they are, a woman should always keep a bottom line for a man, know how to be warm and cold, know when to advance and when to retreat, make a fuss when necessary, and be obedient when necessary...

After Fang left and closed the study door, Li Yuanjia put down his wine glass and asked in a deep voice, "What happened between you and His Majesty?"

Fang Jun took a bite of the food and asked curiously, "Why do you ask that?"

"Yesterday, His Majesty called me to the Wude Hall to discuss giving you some responsibilities. Since there is no suitable position at the moment, he said he would confer you the title of Grand Commandant... That's Grand Commandant! One of the Three Dukes! How taboo it is for someone with a different surname to hold such a high position? Even if it's an honorary title, it's not acceptable! However, His Majesty insisted on doing it his own way and didn't listen to my advice at all."

Who were the people who served as “Taiwei” before this?

Yang Jian, the Grand Commandant of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, accepted the abdication of the Northern Zhou Dynasty and founded the Sui Dynasty. Li Yuan, the Grand Commandant of the Sui Dynasty, seized Guanzhong during the war and usurped the Sui Dynasty to establish the Tang Dynasty...

Your Majesty's insistence on granting Fang Jun the position of "Grand Marshal" is definitely not out of good intentions. Even the most greedy people know that this position is a volcano. Sitting on it will burn your butt, and you may be reduced to ashes at any time!

"It's just flattery, no need to make a fuss."

"I think so too... So what happened between you and His Majesty?"

Li Yuanjia was puzzled by this. In terms of merit, Fang Jun was Li Chengqian's right arm and humerus. Whether it was his succession to the throne or the two consecutive mutinies, Fang Jun was the "mainstay" to protect Li Chengqian. It is not an exaggeration to say that he was the "first meritorious man in the Renhe Dynasty." In terms of friendship, the two trusted each other and had a good relationship, but it was unknown why it suddenly developed to such a point.

The so-called imperial decree to confer the title of Grand Marshal was not a reward for merit, nor a trust or reuse, but a way to make Fang Jun a target and make him endure the envy and jealousy of all the civil and military officials in the court.

The intention is extremely vicious.

Fang Jun thought for a moment and said, "There are probably a variety of reasons. There must be fear. Your Majesty is not Emperor Taizong. Because you don't have Emperor Taizong's military and literary skills, you don't have Emperor Taizong's broad mind and bearing. When facing powerful ministers, you don't think about how to spur them to serve you, but how to suppress them. In addition, some people do it intentionally, just to paralyze the group of people in the royal family, making them mistakenly think that Your Majesty is not in harmony with me, and then act boldly and radically... But now it seems that the fake play may have become real."

"Does it have nothing to do with the Queen?"

Li Yuanjia's eyes sparkled and his face was full of gossip.

He had heard a lot of gossip about the beautiful queen and the young powerful official in the market. The romantic affairs of Tang princesses were common, but the gossip about the queen was rare...

Fang Jun was speechless: "It's just nonsense, am I that kind of person?"

Li Yuanjia clicked his tongue and sneered.

Fang Jun: "..."

"Alas, these are not what I said. I firmly believe in Ji Lang's character."

Fearing that this idiot would get angry, Li Yuanjia hurried to explain and had to say things against his will.

In front of this brother-in-law, even if he is a prince, he has no status at all...

Li Yuanjia took the initiative to pour wine for Fang Jun and asked, "Do you accept this, Taiwei?"

Fang Jun sighed and said, "So a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind, a pile that stands out on the shore will be washed away by the current, and a person who is superior to others will be criticized. How could I not understand these principles? However, these problems cannot be avoided by being low-key and modest. As the saying goes, a needle in a bag will be exposed immediately. A person with great achievements and talents cannot hide them and will inevitably be envied."

These words were very arrogant and totally inconsistent with the values ​​of being indifferent and humble, but Li Yuanjia did not think they were excessive at all.

This is Fang Jun's current status. He is the most dazzling and eye-catching person in the entire Tang Dynasty. His talent, ability, merit, and status are all top-notch. How can such a person be humble and low-key?
Li Yuanjia said: "But we should first sincerely decline the two meetings, and then thank them reluctantly, which can at least reduce some criticism."

This is the mainstream value. Everyone knows that you are just pretending, but you have to do it. Yang Jian wanted to kill Emperor Jing of Zhou and sit on the throne himself, but he still had to refuse three times after forcing Emperor Jing of Zhou to issue the abdication edict before he "reluctantly" proclaimed himself emperor and changed the era name to establish the Sui Dynasty.

What you think in your heart is one thing, how you do things is another thing, this is Confucianism.

Fang Jun disagreed: "Why bother? It would be disrespectful to refuse. Since His Majesty wants to praise me to death, as a minister, I should share the worries of the king and be prepared to be a target. I might as well accept the order and thank you, so that those impeachments will come more fiercely."

He was just promoted to Grand Marshal, and it didn't mean that he really had any rebellious intentions. The so-called impeachment could not shake his foundation.

He would stay in this position for a few days first, and when the impeachment by civil officials became overwhelming, he would resign with "great trepidation" and leave Li Chengqian there.

After all, this so-called "Grand Commander" is different from those powerful officials who are planning to usurp power.

He insisted on giving it to him with all his heart, and refused to listen to any advice. When the time came, he would resign, and the only one who would be embarrassed would be Li Chengqian.

"What's the reaction, Lord Ying?"

This is the point that Fang Jun is most concerned about.

With Li Ji's qualifications, strength, status and achievements, he is undoubtedly the "number one person of the dynasty" and no one can surpass him, so the image he always gives people is "modest, low-key and not seeking power", because no matter how low-key and humble he is, no one can climb over his head.

But now there is.

Even if this so-called "Taiwei" is just an honorary title, he is still Taiwei, one of the Three Dukes!

How many people were given the honorary title of Three Dukes after their death, which was considered the highest honor, let alone being given this title while they were still alive?
No matter how serious the backlash is, this is the absolute top honor, probably second only to the posthumous title of "Wenzheng" for civil officials and "Zhongwu" for military generals...

It is impossible for Li Ji not to care.

Li Yuanjia thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Ying didn't say much, but his expression was a little ugly."

Fang Jun laughed and said, "He is really a pretentious person. When Emperor Taizong was alive, he acted like he was indifferent to fame and fortune. But when I invited him to reform the military system, he joined in after a bit of pretense. Now, his defense has been broken by a 'Grand Commander' of your Majesty... Even someone as arrogant as Lord Ying is not immune to this."

Given Li Ji's shrewdness, the fact that he looked "ugly" was enough to prove that his inner thoughts were so intense that they could not be concealed.

But this is understandable. Faced with such an honor, who can remain indifferent and calm?

No one can really jump out of the Three Realms and be outside the Five Elements.

In the final analysis, no matter how noble one pretends to be, one is just a vulgar person rolling in the world of fame and fortune...

Li Yuanjia frowned and said, "You can still laugh? Lord Ying is not like Liu Li and his people who can only shout and impeach. If he is dissatisfied, you will be in a mess."

Therefore, Your Majesty's move is tantamount to an open conspiracy. The title of "Grand Marshal" has put Fang Jun in opposition to everyone and created countless enemies for no reason.

And when Li Ji, the "number one person in the court", is also dissatisfied, then there will be big trouble...

Fang Jun poured wine for Li Yuanjia, and the two clinked glasses. Fang Jun asked, "What if Lord Ying is also pretending to be nice? He is good in every way, but he is too pretentious, and often seems a bit hypocritical."

Li Yuanjia was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and sighed: "You guys are really born with a very smart mind. I think I am quite smart, but compared to you, I am no different from a fool. Sigh."

There is truth and falsehood in this court. How can we tell what is true and what is false?