Don't be a prince

In order to avoid bloodshed in the future? He now feels that it is necessary for him to do some ideological work on the follow-up emperor.

And the prince? Now it can be said that he has almost confirmed his position as the prince? Even Qingque Li Ke has no chance to compete.

He didn't care that his curse was invalid, after so much, he only hoped that the prince who would inherit the Tang Dynasty in the future could be kinder?

As for whether his children would collapse after being deprived of the King Princess, that was out of his consideration.

After guessing Li Yuan's thoughts, Li Chengqian didn't open his eyes? He continued to say vaguely: "You should ask Father this question, what's the matter with me?"

Li Yuan laughed and said: "Is your father your father? You are you, the one who will inherit the throne in the future? Isn't it you? I want to ask you what you mean. Someone told me? For the sake of people's livelihood? So many princes Princess? I have to find a way to reduce the swelling. I am very worried. If I just cancel the title of king, it will be fine. If I use other methods, I will feel heartbroken even if I am under the nine springs!"

Seeing that his guess was really good, Li Chengqian smiled secretly.

But he still hiccupped and said, "Grandfather, don't worry about this. No matter how humble they come from, they still have your blood in them, and they are also one of the royal family. They are my own people, how could they be killed by pain. From my point of view, If they can show their own value, the value that matches their own Throne Princess, then it is right to maintain their status. On the contrary, if they only know how to use their status and status to misbehave, it is better to get rid of it as soon as possible. Mo If it is them, it is Qingque Li Ke and the like. If they do wrong things and are of no use to the court and society, I will do the same. For ordinary people, there is a family first and then the world, but for the royal family, there is There is only a royal family in the world. I think Grandpa Huang himself is very clear about this truth."

Li Yuan nodded and smiled: "Since you say that, you won't kill me anymore?"

Li Chengqian shook his head: "Duke of the state, the county, or even go down, it's just a good attitude. There is no need to completely cut off their livelihood, and the royal family is not poor. It is no problem to raise a few people who eat for nothing. of."

Li Yuan breathed a sigh of relief. Although he said these words bluntly, he knew that the result could not have been better.It would be the most terrifying thing if the emperor went on a killing spree when the royal family needed to reduce swelling.

Once your wish is fulfilled, you will no longer hold back.

After drinking the wine in the glass, Li Yuan said with a smile: "Although I have spirits for supply, the taste is not as good as that of your East Palace. There are such good things, and I am not good at drinking, so I don't know how to show my filial piety. , It’s really unfilial! But whatever, I’ve brought some people with me, so I’ll move it myself. Remember the jade pendant I gave you, so don’t throw it away.”

After finishing speaking, Li Yuan picked up the jug on the table and left in a swaggering manner.

The emperor is not here, at least in the East Palace, he can really do whatever he wants.

Li Chengqian straightened up until there was no more movement, took the towel handed over by Zhang Yun, and wiped off the vegetable soup on his face.

What he said just now was indeed his heartfelt voice.

There are many factors for the collapse of a dynasty. Although the enfeoffment of the kings is inconspicuous, it is one of the reasons.

Since the first generation of the royal family, the price of branching and dispersing is that it needs to be entrusted continuously, and the shrewd, stupid, and all kinds of royal family members are parasitic on the common people.This in itself is unreasonable. The meritorious deeds of the ancestors can protect one generation or two, but they cannot be protected for a long time!

Therefore, not only the honorable group, but the royal family itself also needs to reduce swelling. When the common people realize that the royal family is the biggest leech in this land, a dynasty will not be far from collapse.

"Your Highness, the Supreme Emperor led people to remove half of the wine stored in the wine cellar."

"Move if you like. I guess it's just this time. Older people still have a few years to live. A little bit of filial piety is a plus."

Stretched, ready to go to sleep.There will be a damn court meeting tomorrow, although there is nothing important to discuss now, but the routine morning court is a rule, you can stop the court once or twice, it will be bad if it takes a long time.

As for that jade pendant, um, I forgot where it was stored, so if you lose it, just throw it away.

It's just an expired token, even if it is taken out now, it won't be of any use.

Although the Dou family was huge, that was just the past. They were originally relatives, but after the eldest grandson's family became new relatives, they inevitably began to decline.After a long time, let alone a wealthy family, it is already difficult for the Patriarch of the Dou family to remain in the Duke's ranks.

Perhaps the value represented by this jade pendant is not as good as its own value.

The next day, after the usual morning exercises, Li Chengqian held the morning court.

The routine morning court doesn't need to be too formal. To put it bluntly, it is a meeting where top officials report their work to the emperor.At the shortest time, it was only after two voices of "Maybe Zhuqing have a book to play", that is, "retire from the court".

However, there is still a difference between the crown prince supervising the country and the emperor's presence.This in itself is a process for the prince to learn about government affairs, so the three provinces and six ministries will always select very special but important events and teach them to the prince.

"His Royal Highness is a piece of rough jade. Not to mention an old man like Li Sikong, even a few officials in three provinces and six ministries have the intention to carve out peerless works together."

The above are the original words of Kong Yingda.

Although Li Chengqian thinks that he is just a four-faced person, the experience of later generations makes him out of tune with Datang, and when he followed the old man, he was contaminated with some detached temperament.Working with Fang Xuanling to deal with government affairs, I learned much more ways to prevent losses than normal knowledge.As for Hubu, who is like an iron rooster, and Lao Du, who is shameless, he has learned what it means to be thick-skinned.

"Your Highness, good news. Today, the old minister received an urgent letter from Hong Ling. His Majesty, who is in Qizhou, is ready to leave. Although it took a month to go, ten days is probably enough time to come back. In other words, after I wait for about ten days, I should welcome His Majesty back to the palace."

Hearing Fang Xuanling's words, Li Chengqian stood up in surprise: "Really?"

Fang Xuanling said with a smile: "Of course it's true, Your Highness will persist for a while, and when His Majesty returns, you won't need to be so diligent."

Hearing this, Li Chengqian was not at all embarrassed.

In fact, he has to deal with so many government affairs, which are the deliberate result of the three provinces and six ministries.Many memorials could have been skipped directly by the three provinces and six departments. They didn't have to be sent to the emperor, and they could be implemented with a review by the province.When they come to him, they have to be read by him, and at least one comment can be made before they can be sent to the provincial government.Sometimes I'm lazy, and I only pass it roughly, and I will be sent back by the door.It's not because the annotations are wrong, it's just because Wei Zheng thinks the prince didn't take it seriously....

At this moment, Li Chengqian finally understood why the emperor's father hated Wei Zheng so much.

From the point of view of great principles, Wei Zheng is indeed a generation of admonishing and admonishing ministers, and a good example for ministers.

But from the perspective of sophistication, no one likes a person who is too serious, even if his persistence is absolutely correct.

Chapter 268 Handover

"Since father is on his way home, please pay attention to the messenger. If father does not send a messenger back in three to five days, then send a horse to find out about father's itinerary. On the day of returning to Beijing, I will go out to greet you together. "

"Your Highness, Your Majesty probably won't be able to make it to the Grand Court Meeting in August. Will we hold it as scheduled?"

"Let's postpone it for a while, and wait for the father to come back to hold the great court meeting. At that time, I can let Gu show his merits to the father and ask for credit for you. During this period of time, Gu has been able to handle various government affairs steadily, especially the east road. Thanks to the help of your family members, there will be a gift from the East Palace, not a reward, but a lonely thank you."

As soon as Li Chengqian said this, the hall was naturally full of joy.What is the purpose of being an official?Isn't it just for one's own efforts to be recognized by others?During the period of supervising the country, the prince was not proud and complacent, but knew to thank them.This alone is enough to make them look at the prince with admiration.This is an obvious win over people's hearts, but it still makes people feel warm.

Fang Xuanling laughed and said, "To get the gift from the East Palace, even a veteran, is very honored!"

Li Chengqian also smiled: "As long as Fang Xiang doesn't trip up Gu in the future, Gu will be grateful!"

Amidst laughter, Li Jian announced his resignation.

The officials of the six ministries of the three provinces felt energetic after a long absence.

The emperor will be back soon, and it is only at this time that we must be extremely vigilant.Although as long as nothing happens, it is a great achievement.But it's rare to do so well. After the emperor returns, the officials who stayed behind will be commended.

Li Chengqian, who returned to the East Palace, did not stay idle, but took out a paper and a pen, and began to record what he had done during this time.

Although the emperor's daddy probably knows what happened in Chang'an well, but he still has to show the attitude he should have.Besides, with Baiqisi's ability, he can report everything? But the details are not satisfactory.

Just like that, while waiting full of joy, at the beginning of August, Tanma reported that the emperor had arrived at the academy, and planned to stay another night in the academy's palace.

Looking at the rising sun above his head, Li Chengqian knew that the emperor was showing off? Although it took less than half a day to get to Chang'an from the academy, the emperor still wanted to see the scene of the Manchu civil and military coming out of the city to welcome him.

Doesn't it expose the evil taste of the emperor's father? Li Chengqian simply ordered the court to rest tomorrow?

The next day, the officials in Chang'an gathered into a large army to follow the prince to the academy to welcome the emperor back to Beijing.

The cumbersome etiquette was useless when the emperor said "all are avoided".The officials who had been emptied were not angry, but entered the academy decisively, ready to make a surprise attack? See if your children are studying hard.

Today, the college still retains the number of places for the children of honored nobles to enroll.Even if the college is about to start teaching elites? It will use the big exam to eliminate some who are not knowledgeable enough, and will still provide some places for the nobles.This is what the college has to compromise with reality.

All the officials left, so Li Chengqian could only bite the bullet and go forward to greet the emperor's father and the empress's wife.

After Li Chengqian gave the salute, Li Shimin said: "How courageous! I'm not here? How dare you privately launch an army? Attack Korea? And Zhang Xiao, the long history of Wei Wangfu, please, you throw out the weapon workshop undefended , It’s just for fishing! There are also the national books of the Japanese country, and you actually use them as a kennel? The box containing the national books has also become a material for kennels?”

Li Shimin, who was still sullen at first, couldn't help laughing out at the end, making the eldest grandson next to him, who was planning to sing with his wife, laugh so hard that he couldn't live.

Li Chengqian also smiled wryly, and could only cup his hands and say, "Father, when we first established the personal command, we agreed that the personal command would be the private soldiers of the sons and ministers. It is already miserable enough for the dignified prince's private soldiers to be called around by the Ministry of War." That’s right, if you want to go out now, you need a document from the Ministry of War to pass the state capital. If you are restrained to such a degree, if your ministers don’t complain about injustice, who will beat you up? As for the gunpowder weapon workshop, Qingque is curious, if it’s just Qingque If you go in for research, the minister will naturally not intervene. But the chief official of the Wei Palace will have to bear the consequences. For such a key department, even Duan Yunzhi is trembling, for fear that he will know the secret. Zhang Xiaohe Dehe Can you dare to do this?

As for the national books of the Japanese country, it really hurts my dog ​​to use them as a kennel. Just a few pieces of paper from them, or the stocks brought back to the island country during the Sui Dynasty, are all yellow. Who knows if it will be Sudden rotting? "

Li Shimin laughed loudly, waved his hands, and motioned for Li Chengqian to follow him.

The two emperors and princes strolled along the river embankment of the college, and finally sat in the shed where Li Gang used to fish.

In the weather in August, Chang'an can still be hot for a few days from time to time.He picked up the fishing rod in the shed casually, hung up the bait and threw it out.

After getting ready, Li Shimin continued to say: "Since the fourth year of Zhenguan, I have discovered that you don't have any good feelings for the Japanese country. After all, it is just an island country. You and I know it well. I'm afraid I will roar loudly. What kind of emperor are they?" You have to pee your pants in fright. Does such a country need to be so wary?"

Li Chengqian also found a fishing rod, and after preparing it, he said: "I never dare to underestimate any small country. The history of the Warring States has already told us that as long as a country has an enterprising mind, it is easy to succeed. The same is true for the Wa Kingdom. Now they are not in the top regardless of their land or strength, but they have a progressive mind. You can see their thoughts from the request of the Tang envoys to the Central Plains. My minister really wants to clean up the Pei family. But it is always said that he is petty, and he is too wary of the Japanese country.

The minister asked the envoys of Baekje that the warriors of the Wa Kingdom were fierce and often crossed the strait to attack them.As an island country, the endless ocean has become the biggest obstacle to their expansion. If they want to expand, they can only go west.The coveting of Baekje is enough to show that their goal is not just as simple as Silla and Goryeo.They don't like the frozen soil in Shiwei Mohe. The only thing that can make them drool is the fertile soil in our Central Plains. "

Li Shimin nodded: "You are right in thinking like this. You really can't be too wary of an enemy country. Let's forget about sending Tang envoys. But about Zhang Xiao, you have to give me an explanation."

Li Chengqian immediately spread his hands: "You shouldn't blame this matter on my son, it was handled by Kong Yingda, and my son can at most bear the charge of laxity. This, but Kong Yingda said it himself."

Li Shimin immediately laughed. In fact, this is the case. Everyone will have one or two underlings who are blamed. He, the emperor, is no exception, let alone the East Palace.However, in this matter, he really didn't have the confidence to continue to question the prince.After all, no matter it was Kong Yingda or Zhang Xiao, he deliberately arranged to go to the East Palace and Prince Wei's Mansion.

The fishing line moved, and Li Shimin pulled it suddenly, only to realize that it was just an illusion.He released the fishhook again, took a sip of the wine and asked, "Now that we're talking about Zhang Xiao, let's talk about the gunpowder you made. To be honest, when I heard about this thing on the way, I almost couldn't bear it several times. Pull the horse and go back. In the secret report of Baiqisi, it is described as breaking mountains and cracking rocks. You have created a problem for me! A powerful weapon is a double-edged sword. The danger of the crossbow is too high. Zhou Yuanshan, governor of Qizhou, said that too much power will bring disaster, what do you think?"

After taking a sip of tea, Li Chengqian said indifferently: "It's just unfounded worry. Compared with nothing, I hope to have it. With gunpowder weapons, the casualties of the army after the war will be much, much smaller. In the past, killing the enemy by one thousand will hurt yourself." Eight hundred, after the popularization of gunpowder weapons, it is not a dream to kill a thousand enemies without self-injury. Especially for the strong city, in the past, it was only filled with human lives, but now it is no longer used, it is just some charcoal and the like. There's no point in trading your life for victory.

Perhaps the emergence of gunpowder weapons will make Datang a leader in this land, but at the same time it will also become Datang's most solid shield.A sharp weapon can deter the enemy by itself.Don't those rotten Confucians always say that they should be subdued without fighting?That's it, there is no need to show strong force, it is a deterrent force in itself.After passing through the era of exchanging lives for lives in the past, at least in terms of battle losses, our Datang is invincible. "

Li Shimin nodded, he has a deep understanding of this.After all, after the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, in the later stages of the war, most of them recruited and surrendered.Those grass-headed kings, facing the invincible imperial army, resisted forcefully, but they were just hitting a stone with an egg.

"I still plan to stay in the palace today, so I just want to chat with you more. Tell me about your views on gunpowder. Since you created this thing, you should know it best."

Li Chengqian thought for a while before replying: "Gunpowder weapons are indeed a double-edged sword. At least until stronger gunpowder appears, black powder should be kept secret anyway. Although Erchen has established a gunpowder weapon workshop, but In the manufacture of gunpowder, top-secret care is still adopted. Except for the dozen or so craftsmen in the military supervision department, only Erchen knows the formula of gunpowder. As long as the formula is crushed, it is basically difficult to leak the secret of gunpowder .As for gunpowder weapons, too many gunpowder weapons can’t be manufactured. Maybe the gunpowder carrier can be stockpiled, but the gunpowder body can only be prepared on the spot. This is done for safety, for safety, and for safety! Now The ones in charge of the gunpowder workshop are some members of Baiqi Division mobilized by Erchen, since you are back, let’s leave it to you to deploy.”

Faced with Li Chengqian's handover behavior, Li Shimin was very surprised and said in surprise: "You want to get out? Why?"

Li Chengqian said with a smile: "I still know the pros and cons. Let me manage it, which is definitely not as rigorous as your management. In my opinion, such the highest force is only suitable for the emperor. The rest, even if it is Uncle, King Hejian and other royal relatives can't intervene. Power is always touching, even if we are very reassured about them, we can't be careless!"

Li Shimin nodded, and said with a gratified expression: "I know how to guard against people's hearts. Although it is a bit wrong to use uncle and Hejian Wang as an example. I know. When I return to Chang'an tomorrow, I will visit the gunpowder workshop." , Look at the power of the gunpowder you made."

Chapter 269 Touched to death?

Li Shimin still appreciates the prince's willingness to hand over gunpowder weapons directly.Although it's okay for him to keep it in his hands, but handing it over shows that he is still very relieved of his father, and he didn't think about leaving any cards for himself.This point, very good!There are some things that he can do by himself, but he never wants his children to do the same.

Speaking of gunpowder weapons, it is not easy to explain clearly.

The emperor's guards completely emptied the surroundings, and there was no one nearby except the father and son, so there was no need to be particularly careful about things.

Starting from the composition of gunpowder, it is actually very simple. Sulfur is flammable, charcoal is also a combustible, and saltpeter is the key point, because it supports combustion and shortens the long burning time to a moment. lethality.The fragment damage from grenades and arrows is nothing more than its product.

Li Shimin is not an idiot either, after Li Chengqian's explanation, he also understands what gunpowder is all about.

"Originally, it was only something that produced smoke. After being changed, it has such power. I still underestimate the little things in life. If I didn't listen to you, it would be hard for me to imagine that gunpowder is nothing more than this Made of three simple things."

The time of talking always passed quickly, and the fish was not hooked, but it was noon.

The eldest grandson came here with a food box in person, not to show his virtuousness, but because no one dared to approach the embankment. The emperor seldom used words like "shoot to kill", but now that he uses it, it only shows that the conversation between him and the crown prince is really top secret.

"Gunpowder weapons still have their limitations. They are useless in battles like melee. Who knows if a grenade will hurt your allies? Therefore, the gunpowder weapon that can best demonstrate the power of the gunpowder weapon , or siege and defense, because no matter what, the enemy will not disperse the front line. And in the face-to-face combat, before the distance is shortened, gunpowder weapons can still be used? But after being completely close? The outcome will be determined by guns. Because of this, the training of our Tang army? We still can’t relax. If someone really thinks that gunpowder weapons can completely replace personal force? This person’s brain must be licked by dogs.”

Seeing that Li Chengqian was drooling, the eldest grandson slapped him on the head with a smile: "You father and son? You can talk so much that you forget the time. Eat first? It's not too late to talk about it after dinner."

Open the food box? The eldest grandson took out four dishes, one soup, and two big bowls of rice.

These are the things of the college cafeteria. Because the emperor's palace is close to the college, the kitchen facilities are simply exempted? As long as you stay here, you will go to the college to cook directly.Of course, you have to pay for it.After all, emperors and empresses can eat for free, and the academy has no intention of counting all those guards and the like into the ranks of uncles.

Since Li Chengqian decided to withdraw the capital, the food in the college cafeteria has declined a lot? The meat food has changed from one meal for three days to one meal for five days, and it is still limited.There were still people complaining? But after hearing the reason, they all shut their mouths.This point makes Yang Du very gratified. He can let the students learn to share weal and woe? Find a sense of belonging to the college? He is not tired of eating wild vegetables.

Are there too many bosses visiting today? The college can only temporarily open meat.As long as the academy is still in the world, such face-saving jobs are indispensable.

There is never a day when braised pork ribs are too crooked. Li Chengqian thinks that rather than the taste of pork ribs, he prefers the feeling of completely removing the meat from the bones in one bite.

In front of his eldest grandson, Li Chengqian had nothing to shy away from. He ate and said, "Father, the local Zhechong government requested the imperial court to formulate a training regulation. After asking Wei Gong, the son-in-law divided the training intensity of the personal leader in half and issued it. Go down, what do you think?"

"Training, this is still important. As you said, the bravery of soldiers can never be replaced by weapons. Now I have concentrated military power, weakened the influence of generals on a certain army, and weakened their power. The right to speak. With the concentration of military power to this extent, no one has complained, which shows that they are still very respectful. Well, since they have nothing to do in Chang'an, let them be allowed to inspect the armaments in various places as patrol envoys in batches. Originally, this was the work of civil servants and censors, so it’s nothing to hand it over to them.”

Li Chengqian nodded, except for Yu Chigong and Cheng Yaojin who were lucky enough to be taken out by the emperor for a round of fun, the rest of the generals, except for the guards outside and those left behind, were all stuck in Chang'an as homeboys.If you really don't find something for them to do, someone will always go crazy.

After the meal, the eldest grandson cleared away all the dishes and left the conversation space for the father and son.

"Let's talk about Tubo, I can't make up my mind about the matter of the attached country. Just let it go, Tubo will come into contact with our Tang Dynasty on a large scale, and there will be no buffer. But if you manage too much, it will also arouse Tubo's resentment If Datang wants to attack Tuyuhun and other places one day, he will always have the support of Tubo."

After hearing what the emperor's father said, Li Chengqian laughed immediately.In the so-called exchanges between countries, there is no such ridiculous argument that there is no good or bad relationship. It has always been the importance of interests.Datang didn't need Tubo to favor him, his real purpose was to not want Tubo to intervene when beating others.

"Father thinks that Tuyuhun must be conquered?"

"Necessary, not to mention that it is the most restless one in the west of the Great Tang Dynasty, even the national power is not very strong. As long as the forces in the west are drawn and divided, the East Turkic lineup is not needed. It is enough to take it down. Gaochang is The throat leading to the Western Regions, do you think Tuyuhun is not good enough? Your gunpowder weapon is good enough to shock the world. As long as it works, I will send troops to Gaochang next year. Although it is not too late for a gentleman to take revenge for ten years, Qu Wentai is so confused about the current situation It really annoys me enough!"

Looking in the direction of the northwest, Li Chengqian said with certainty: "I won't let you down, not to mention outsiders, even the people inside the Tang Dynasty always think that 2000 people are nothing special. But, they don't know , after many times of training by Erchen and Wei Gong, and with gunpowder weapons, the combat power has more than five times!"

When mentioning the pro rate, Li Shimin smiled and said: "I knew you would be negligent, so when I was in Qizhou, I sent an urgent letter to Zhang Jian, asking him to dispatch and take care of the pro rate. Boy, it is a good thing to have confidence in your own manpower." Son, but there is specialization in art, and Zhang Jian has been in Liaodong for many years, so he is the one who is most familiar with Goryeo in the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty. Without his help, how can the Qin Dynasty be able to cross the border of Goryeo?"

Li Chengqian scratched his head and said, "I didn't even think about Zongheng. I just wanted to teach the Koreans a lesson with gunpowder weapons, so that they wouldn't dare to go out. The 2000-strong gunpowder troop blocked the door. It is no problem to beat more than 1 Koreans. If the Koreans are in a hurry, they will just run away. If they retreat in front of 10 people, no one can say anything."

Li Shimin smiled wryly and said: "Why is it still a child's temper at thirteen? Since you want to gain prestige, you can't just go through the motions and beat the hyena, Li Liao. Li Liao's hair is harmless. It's best to chop off one of its paws." Forget it, Zhang Jian should be able to lead the party to meet my expectations. You don't want to interfere."

Li Chengqian could only nod his head and agree. In terms of military affairs, if he listens to the emperor's father, there is a high probability that he will not make mistakes.

After waiting all morning, the fishing line finally moved. Li Shimin took the fishing line back with great effort, but when he saw that it was a carp that bit the bait, he immediately shouted bad luck.

"Father still thinks it's bad to eat carp?"

Throwing the carp into the fish basket, Li Shimin said indifferently: "No, after all, I have been taboo for a while, and I can't change it for a while. Hehe, I have caught a big guy. Think about how to eat it. Let's eat it tonight." Just eat it."

Speaking of eating, Li Chengqian said without hesitation: "Let's eat boiled fish. Although the taste of cornel is still a bit bad, it shouldn't be too bad."

Li Shimin nodded and prepared to go back.