In May of 884 AD, on the official road fifty li southwest of Bianzhou (modern-day Kaifeng)Ye Hou's heavy voice interrupted Ye Youxiao's thoughts:

"Chang'an, we are back, but without the care of Lady Ye, from now on we can only rely on ourselves.

"Sir, actually when we were in Bianzhou, life was also manageable." 。Ye Hou Sheng glanced at Ye You Xiao, shaking his head: "Let's not talk about the matter of Bianzhou anymore." 。"Mother, the Huagai Xinguilou in Xingqing Palace is truly magnificent. I dream of singing there one day." 。Ye Youxiao suddenly perked up: "Sister, what are you saying Going to the palace to perform opera It wouldn't be that soon, would it Performing in the palace right away I'm not ready yet!" 。"Ye Dalian caressed Ye Youxiao's head: "Just now, your father also said that Lady Ye has already passed away, and we have no right to go to Xingqing Palace to sing opera." 。

Ye Youxiao was unconvinced, but he didn't know how to say it.

One empress has died, so we can’t go to Xingle Palace Art! To think that because one woman died… I myself find it hard to justify. 。But if we don't go to the palace to perform, how can we get in touch with the high officials of the empire Without contacting these nobles, wouldn't I just be a small actor my whole life

He said shyly, "Mother, I was just being humble. Are you really not going to the Xingqing Palace"

Seeing Ye Youxiao's disappointed look, Ye Hou sighed: "This Huajie Xihui building is the place where officials and various princes, princesses, and concubines come to enjoy opera." 。But now that people are gone and the tea has grown cold, without Lady Ye, the Ye family truly cannot enter the Xingqing Palace. 。"Mother, do you remember we also went to the Great Ming Palace, wasn't it called Yongle Hall"Ye Dalian snorted: "Isn't that all the same thing anyway" 。Without Lady Ye, none of those palaces would be accessible!

Ye Hou Sheng, however, seemed to be lost in thought: “There was also the intimate quarters of the Hundred Blessings Palace...”

Alas, it's all just a fleeting dream of prosperity. Now the Ye family... we can't even go there anymore. 。Ye Youxiao was deeply unhappy. With so many palaces, he could really show off his skills! 。But because that woman died, all the opportunities vanished! I couldn't help but complain: "A fleeting prosperity, not our Ye family's prosperity. What are you lamenting about, Father"

Ye Da-ma patted him. "You child, how do you speak to your father"

Ye Hou-sheng smiled. "It's fine, it's fine. You Xiao is downhearted, I feel it too." 。But, Elder You Xiaohua, you know not where we should perform" Ye Youxiao said honestly: “I don’t know” 。"It's about the same, but not a street, it's a temple." 。Ye Youxiao was taken aback and couldn't help but ask, "A Buddhist temple Isn't that a place of purity Can we go there to perform opera"He remembered Buddhist temples as places of magnificent Buddhist images, with incense curling in the air. There, the sounds of bells and chimes were unceasing, incense-bearing pilgrims came and went, and monks chanted scriptures together 。Opera Is my godfather serious

Ye Hou Sheng smiled: "We're only performing on an open space outside the temple. It doesn't interfere with the masters' meditation." 。Temples such as Ci'en Temple, Qinglong Temple, Jianfu Temple, and Yongshou Temple all have many opera troupes performing. 。It seems that my stepfather was telling the truth. 。But Ye Youxiao didn't like performing at temples, so he asked: "Aren't there many markets in Chang'an City Can't we perform there"Ye Housheng said: "Of course, you can perform at the East Market or the West Market." 。However, it's still a step below performing in a temple. 。Ye Youxiao didn't understand: "It's all acting, why are there still three, six, and nine ranks We started out performing on the streets. As long as we do well, maybe one day we can also become famous and return to Xingqing Palace." 。"Mother Ye," chuckled, "What are you thinking about" 。"We're just performing on the street, there's no way we could get into the palace!"Auntie Ye also said, "It's good that we don't go into the palace. Those princes and princesses have big tempers and are so strange, they'd be really difficult to serve." 。She probably recalled past hardships, sighing repeatedly. 。Ye Hou-sheng said: “You Xiao also makes sense. Even if you are performing in the East Market or West Market, as long as your skills are superb and your performance is good, you can participate in the "Dou Sheng Le" competition. Once you win the championship, when it comes to Qianshou Festival or the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, you can go to the Xingqing Palace Qinzheng Building South Square to participate in the Bai Xi performance.” 。Ye Youxiao felt very pleased and looked at his sister: "Did you hear that Where there's a will, there's a way." 。If you do well, your talent will shine everywhere. 。When he was happy, he recited the chicken soup poems his grandfather had taught him before he crossed over. 。Ye Ma's expression clearly showed she had never heard such words before, her eyes widening with curiosity:"What are you talking about All this fancy talk..." 。Ye Dalian stopped the two children: "Sir, let's go to Yongshou Temple instead." 。It's good that there are always some patrons to support us, so we can get by. 。Ye Hou Sheng nodded, without making a sound, and hurried off in a mule cart toward Yongshou Temple. 。The head monk of Yongshou Temple led them to meet the abbot. 。That was a middle-aged monk named Huishen. Hearing Ye Housheng's intention, he seemed to have no interest and casually said, "But depending on the donor's whim," then called an attendant monk to lead them to an open space outside the mountain gate, asking them to set up a stage there for the performance. 。Ye Hou-sheng saw that there were still more than twenty feet from this place to the mountain gate, and he smiled and said: "Master Abbot, at least let us go to where there are more incense-bearing pilgrims." 。Yet this place is also rather secluded. 。As he spoke, he slipped a few silver coins into the monk's hand. 。

The monk attendant snorted: “If the opera is good, naturally there will be people to watch it

“Feeling the silver coins in his hand, he shook his head and said, “I can see you’re an honest man, making a living is not easy.” 。My Buddha's compassion, please follow this poor monk. 。

When Ye Youxiao saw him openly taking bribes, he frowned and was about to step forward to refute it. Ye Da's mother quickly grabbed his arm and said, "Youxiao, why is your sleeve torn again"

Ye Youxiao’s sleeve had been torn for several days, and Ye Da's mother had never mentioned it.

Now, even Ye Youxiao knows that his mother was the one who stopped him from causing trouble. 。The attendant monk led them to the mountain gate. Ye Hou-sheng saw a large cypress tree there, lush and flourishing.

He felt this was a good spot, so he told the steward to mark off the area at once. 。Seeing the steward about to leave, Ye Housheng hurriedly said: "Master Abbot, when you have free time, it would be nice if you came to watch a play too." 。The attendant monk said coldly, “You're talking about morning and evening prayers, incense offerings, and paying respects to the Buddha. Who has time to listen to your little play” 。“Look at the busy Ye family members, suddenly said: “But if you sing well and attract more incense-bearers, then with a flourishing temple, it would be mutually beneficial.” 。Yè Hòushēng hurriedly clasped his hands together and thanked the monk for his teachings. The monk then slowly entered the temple. 。The Ye family worked all day, setting up the canopy, buying stools and putting up a sign. They were busy until almost midnight before finally finishing the shelter. 。Ye Youxiao walked outside the shed and looked at the four large characters on the sign hanging above the door: Ye Family Shed. 。Just as I was about to give my two cents, Ye Housheng came over and pulled him away. "Youxiao," he said, "it's late today. I reckon that teahouse won't let us in anymore." 。We have no choice but to sleep here in this shed, making do for one night. 。Ye Youxiao also knew this was the rule. After the hour of Haishi, if one walked the streets, they would inevitably be questioned by the patrolling soldiers. If the leading officer was in a bad mood, then one would only be able to spend the night at the yamen. 。At this time, seeing Father Yi pull himself into the shed, he followed Ye Hou Sheng into the shed. 。At this moment, a hurried sound of horse hooves came. I couldn't help but look outside. A troop of horsemen galloped past. Out of curiosity, I asked: "Father, why is this troop of horsemen so ostentatious Don't they fear the curfew"Ye Housheng looked at the departing cavalry and sighed, "The curfew only applies to commoners! Look at this cavalry, each one is fully armored. They are obviously soldiers, how could the curfew apply to them" 。Ye Youxiao thought to himself, isn't this privilege It seems that as long as it's human society, there will always be privileges. Now he resented them for not following the rules. If he were in their position, running around on horses during curfew, wouldn't he feel good tooIn fact, the origin of this cavalry is great. Not to mention Ye Youxiao didn't know, even the patrolling soldiers, when they encountered it, could only immediately salute. 。

Who are they

The four leading the horse team were named Chen Jingxuan, Yang Shilli, Niu Wu, and Luo Yuanguo. They were about to be dispatched as officials, and at this moment, they were summoned to the palace to receive their appointments from Emperor Xizong.

Actually, Emperor Xizong also took over ten days to make this appointment. It wasn't that he was having a hard time, but he forgot again. 。But this time, it's impossible to brush it off. 。Because Chen Jingxuan's younger brother, the current powerful eunuch Tian Lingzi, although influential in the court, felt his power weak in the states and counties. The vacancy of the West Sichuan Jiedushi (military governor) position was just what they needed. When Emperor Xizong fled Chang'an with Huang Chao's advance, Tian Lingzi, accompanying the emperor, saw firsthand the wealth of West Sichuan and became quite interested in it at that time. 。He also knew that now it was the time of powerful vassal states, and a clever rabbit has three burrows. He had to find a way out for himself. 。Then Tian Lingzi used his power to send his elder brother Chen Jingxuan and his trusted confidants Yang Shili and Luo Yuangao as Jiedushi (military governors) to Xichuan. This way, even if the imperial court changed, he could go to Xichuan to spend his retirement years in peace. 。But after the memorial was submitted to the palace, there was no reply for a long time. Today, Tian Lingzi couldn't wait any longer, so he went straight to the Daming Palace to see the emperor, and only then did he understand that Emperor Xizong had fallen into his procrastination again. 。Tian Lingzi immediately asked the emperor to issue an edict, but Emperor Xizong used the pretext of late hour and said he would issue it tomorrow. 。Tian Lingzi was a little anxious. Relying on his close relationship with Emperor Xizong, he directly entered the palace and pleaded: "Everyone, the vacancy of the Sichuan Jiedushi is not a blessing for the country. If there are villains who cause chaos, it will be too late to regret then." 。Tang Xizong was just a "lazy" person, he didn't really want the world to be in chaos. 。 。Tian Lingzi smiled: "Everyone, I have already investigated the talents of these four people in detail on behalf of everyone. They are all pillars of the state and heroes of the court. Just issue an order, and I guarantee with my head that there will be no mistakes." 。"... Tang Xizong was idly twirling the wide sleeves of his loose dragon robe, still calm and collected: "What you say, Grand Chancellor, I naturally have no doubt..." 。But..."

Tian Lingzi was truly anxious: This Li Xuan, after becoming the Emperor, became more and more indecisive! Other government affairs, being delayed for a few days wouldn't be a problem, but this was his own escape route, how could he be so procrastinating

Tian Lingzi immediately pressed, “Please be clear!” 。Emperor Xizong still squinted his eyes: "Besides the Jiedushi of Xichuan, there's also the Jiedushi of Shannam Xidao and the Jiedushi of Dongchuan..." 。But now there are four people coming to be considered as alternates. 。

Master Tian, what do you think How should we choose We can't kill three wise men with two peaches, can we Well, maybe it's killing four with three peaches

The Xizong thought beautifully. Since there was a process of choosing, he could delay this matter for a few days.

But Tian Lingzi laughed and said: "So everyone is worried about this" 。"What do you think, Lord Chancellor" "If I may offer a humble suggestion, why not let the four of them have a polo match"Emperor Xizong's eyes flew open, his gaze sharp and focused on Tian Lingzi. 。Polo Why, this is my favorite pastime! 。He immediately asked, "What are the rules"

Tian Lingzi saw that Emperor Xizong had just opened his eyes and glanced at him. Although it was only for a moment, he felt a stone lift from his heart. 。Today, this emperor was defeated by himself again. 。Tian Lingzi immediately replied, “You can dig four holes so that they can hit the ball into the holes.” 。The top performer may be appointed as the commander of Xichuan, the second-ranked will command Dongchuan, and the third-ranked will command Shanxi Xidao. 。"Your Majesty, this old servant's humble opinion is that I don't know Your Majesty's intentions"

Although Tang Xizong didn't cast his precious gaze again, his smiling face was very charming: "Mr. Tian, you are indeed a talented person of the country. You have solved such a complicated problem so simply." 。"Very good!"Tian Lingzi followed up, "Then, when will the competition be held" Xizong actually understood. After all, they were three powerful regional governors, and the standard for selection was to play polo... 。If officials were to find out, it would surely cause a great uproar. 。Since Master Tian is busy selecting candidates, it would be best to hold the selection immediately. 。Xizong said, "Immediately draft an edict and ask Chen Jingxuan and the other four officials to come to Qingsisi Hall at midnight." 。"Haha, I haven't seen such a peculiar polo match! I must watch it myself!" Tian Lingzi was delighted and immediately ordered his servants to bring up the official's evening meal. 。Although dinner time was a little early, Xin'er's heart had already flown to the polo match, and she couldn't even remember that it wasn't yet mealtime. 。Of course, he wouldn't even think that he had already created the most absurd record in Chinese ancient political history: playing polo to vie for the title of marshal. 。Later generations commented that the game of smashing the ball in the Three Rivers foreshadowed the demise of the Tang Dynasty. 。Just as it reached the hour of Hai, Chen Jingxuan and his entourage had arrived at Qingsi Hall. 。The official didn't want to make a big show of it, and Tian Lingzi also followed the principle of going through the motions, so they didn't even call in the teaching workshops, nor was there a performance of "Liangzhou Tune". 。Only dozens of gigantic candles were lit, illuminating the polo ground as bright as day. The eunuchs set up the dragon throne, and the holy one sat down. Everyone approached and bowed to the emperor, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" 。The results of the

"competition"

were unexpected. 。Chen Jingxuan truly lived up to his reputation, excelling above all others and securing the top spot. Xi Zong immediately issued an imperial edict, appointing him as the military governor of Xichuan. 。d: "Father!" Li Ke used a smile to point at the Khitan cavalry rushing over: "Miaokjilie, look" 。Li Sizhen followed his father's finger and opened his mouth wide in surprise: the Khitan cavalry sudde...