Don't be a prince

He took out the booklet he had prepared earlier from his pocket and handed it to the emperor.

"what is this?"

After looking through it, Li Shimin discovered that it was the records of various major events in the imperial court during this period of time.

"These are all things that happened during the period when the minister supervised the country, and it is helpful for the emperor to quickly understand these things."

Li Shimin nodded, and handed the booklet to Li Jian, asking him to keep it safe.

"During the time I was away, you have done a good job. Whether it is Fang Xuanling, Gao Shilian, or even Wei Zheng, they are full of praise for you. Being able to preside over the overall situation without any problems shows that your ability to govern is not bad. It's just a pity, my body should be fine for another 40 to [-] years, but if you want to succeed to the throne, you may have to wait until middle age!"

Hearing the emperor's meaningful words, Li Chengqian said without hesitation: "I am very happy to be under your protection. Don't say that you are middle-aged. If you are still there when your hair is gray Blessings to my son!"

Li Shimin smiled mysteriously: "You are filial."

After the conversation, the father and son continued to walk forward. Although the breeze was blowing and it was cool, Li Chengqian still felt his back was wet.

You have lived a long life, why do you ask such a question, it scares me to death!

The warmth that lasted for six or seven years almost made Li Chengqian forget the emperor's true nature.He bears the infamy, and the throne he seized by bloody means is naturally more important than anything else.There are still fewer people who rebelled against him?Which ends well?Even if he was himself in the original history, didn't he change from a prince to a prince, and when he was finally buried, he was still buried with the ceremony of a prince?

Taking a long breath, Li Chengqian made up his mind that from now on, he should seldom get involved with the court, and if possible, even try to omit the procedure of observing politics.For me now, being involved in the mess of the court prematurely is a disaster rather than a blessing.Just like the emperor's father said, he is really a natural candidate for the scapegoat.

Passing the palace but not entering, passing the college but not entering, it was only when Li Chengqian was confused that he discovered that the emperor had entered the medical school.

Now that the medical school of the old Taoist priest has opened its doors, there will always be villagers or nobles who come here admiringly.The three-story inpatient building that was forcibly built by the old Taoist priests is now overcrowded, and the craftsmen of the Ministry of Industry are rushing to build the second and third inpatient buildings like donkeys.

The first floor of the inpatient building is naturally only enjoyed by nobles.Although he agreed to get special treatment, but looking back, he made a death move on Xungui's medical fee.Discriminatory treatment is obviously wrong, but no one thinks it shouldn't be. The nobles feel that it is not a loss for them to spend more money in exchange for treatment. The party that robbed.

The arrival of the emperor made many people unable to sit still, whether they were good or bad, they all struggled to salute at the door.

Without much entanglement with these people, the emperor went directly to the innermost ward.

Outside the door of the ward here, a large number of people gathered. Today, most of the people who went out of Beijing with the crown prince to meet the emperor have arrived.It's just that there is no smile on everyone's face, but a dignified expression.

Seeing the word "dangerous" on the ward, Li Chengqian remembered that Zhang Gongjin should be in it.

He was already seriously ill, but he ordered him not to go to court anymore, but to come to the medical school to see a doctor.

But, why was he suddenly transferred to the critical ward?Could it be that Lao Sun's methods can't cure him?

Just as he was thinking, Sun Simiao happened to come out from the door, accompanied by Zhang Daxiang, the eldest son of Zhang Gongjin, who was very respectful.

Seeing the emperor, Sun Simiao just cupped his hands, and it was considered that the ceremony was over.

Li Shimin sighed and asked, "Master Sun, how is Hongshen's condition?"

Sun Simiao also sighed: "It's too late. His illness can be traced back more than ten years ago. It wasn't a fatal illness, but he hasn't had a good rest all these years. In addition, he suffered a lot in the grassland. It has completely induced the accumulation of symptoms. Nowadays, even the old man is helpless. At most, let him feel better during this period of time."

Having said that, it is already a death sentence.If other doctors said so, there might be a chance of survival. Sun Simiao said so, and Li Chengqian felt that any third-class hospital in the future would have a solution.

Seeing the emperor coming to visit, Zhang Daxiang did not bow, but knelt down to salute.He knew that during his father's last days, the emperor's condescending visit to the ward had given the Zhang family enough face.

It's strange, but it's just like this, even the officials in the corridor feel that Zhang Gongjin is worth it.

Pushing away from the ward, a strong smell of alcohol can suffocate people.

Zhang Gongjin, who was lying on the hospital bed, looked much more energetic at this time, but his bloodless face proved that he was still a patient, and he was still a patient with one foot at the gate of hell.

Other patients had soup and water in front of their beds, but when they arrived at Zhang Gongjin's place, they became big fish and meat, and there were jars of wine.At this point, it really is "should eat and drink".

The arrival of the emperor surprised Zhang Gongjin, struggling but unable to get out of bed, she could only stare at his wife beside the bed and asked her to help him get up.

"Lie down, when did I care about these etiquette?"

Sitting down beside Zhang Gongjin's bed, he reached out and picked up a jar of wine.

Zhang Gongjin sighed, and could only pick up a jar of wine.

The wine jars collided with each other, making a dull sound, and they did not speak. Each of them took a big gulp of wine. When Zhang Gongjin coughed, a little blood-stained wine was mixed with it, and even sprayed on the emperor's dragon robe.

Li Shimin didn't care about this, and put the wine jar aside, he said: "It's not just once or twice that I drink with you. The most memorable thing is the celebration banquet after the East Turkic War. Aiqing drank too much. Hand in hand with Xue Wanche, they said they wanted to dance in the Tai Chi Hall, but in the end they danced like an old lady."

When mentioning the past, Zhang Gongjin had a trace of nostalgia on his face, but it disappeared without a trace.

"At that time, the humble minister was not as weak as he is today. I remember that the first person to vomit was your Majesty! The last general was still willing to advance for His Majesty and expand the territory for the Tang Dynasty, but this body disappeared. It's ambitious."

Having said this, Zhang Gongjin broke down in tears.He is only 38 this year, and he is not outstanding among generals, but he was the first to quit the team.

Li Shimin also sighed, and tears immediately fell down: "I am sorry for you. Doctor Sun just said that the biggest cause of your illness is the suffering of the East Turkic War. I should not have sent you there."

Li Chengqian, who was standing by the window with an expressionless face, was a little stunned to see the emperor's father crying so realistically.

At this time, I'm afraid it can't be mixed with "acting skills" and the like.It can only show that he really sympathizes with his subordinates.

Zhang Gongjin, who was still sobbing, was terrified when she saw the emperor crying. She quickly propped up her upper body and cupped her hands and said, "It is the duty of a general to share your worries for His Majesty. How can you blame His Majesty? Since Zhenguan, the last general You have been rewarded for your merits, and you have never been one step behind others. Your Majesty owes nothing to the last general, and if there is an afterlife, Zhang Gongjin is already willing to support His Majesty!"

Hearing Zhang Gongjin's sonorous and forceful voice, Li Shimin wiped away his tears, turned his head and said to Zhang Daxiang, "I am blessed to have such a good general as your father! But you are a born student, and cannot inherit your father's legacy." Last wish. Regardless, civil and military achievements are the same, after graduating from the academy and the filial piety expires, you can enter the court and become an official!"

Zhang Daxiang was grateful and knelt down to salute.

Zhang Gongjin understood that when the emperor said such words in front of her, it was directly expressing that he wanted to take care of Zhang Daxiang.

Being an official has reached such a point, what is there to regret?

Lying back on the hospital bed, he took a long breath of relief.

Zhang Gongjin closed her eyes.

The emperor put his hand on Zhang Gongjin's neck, got up, and left the ward with a sigh.

Seeing the smile on the corners of Zhang Gongjin's mouth before leaving, Li Chengqian understood.The emperor's father came here today, obviously to make him feel at ease.

When the title has reached the level of the Duke, the first thing to consider is the issue of inheritance.

To be honest, without the emperor's care, an unformed family may not be able to last for two generations!

Chapter 2 Seventy Gunpowder Weapon Experiments

After the Eastern Turks were pacified, Zhang Gongjin became the Duke of Zou for his meritorious service.Now that he died of illness, he was posthumously presented to General Zuo Xiaowei with the posthumous title of Xiang.

In a family that has not formed a family scale, it is even more difficult for children and grandchildren to go further after taking over the achievements of their parents.Nowadays, there are many people in the imperial court who are trying so hard to form a family like Zhang Gongjin, but those who can get what they want are, after all, a small number of people.

As soon as he left the hospital ward, the emperor's decree was issued, and he would stop for three days.A honorable man, the Duke of the State is dead, and he still has to put on a show.Old people in the court also have to attend the funeral.The dismissal of the court was actually the emperor's permission for officials to have a holiday, which was regarded as a recognition of the deceased.

Li Chengqian, who returned to the East Palace, waited until the eighth day before he was notified by the palace.The emperor was going to test the power of gunpowder weapons with the Minister of Civil and Military Affairs.If you wait for the results of the battle, you don't know how long you will have to wait, so after Zhang Gongjin's first seven passes, the emperor is impatient to see the true power of gunpowder weapons.

Naturally, the demonstration of gunpowder weapons couldn't be in the vicinity of Chang'an, so Li Chengqian chose the location to be in the personally led military camp in Weishui.There is enough protection here. After all, all the important people in the Manchu Dynasty will be present, so it is not appropriate to hurt anyone.

On the ninth day of August, on a sunny day, the emperor arrived at the personal barracks by the Wei River with the Manchu civil and military forces.Now the camp has been built for protection - a wooden house.The perimeter of the house is all nailed messy wooden strips, and if you want to see the outside situation, you have to look out through the gaps in the wooden planks.

The emperor was very interested in this kind of protection, so he took a stone to smash the protection, nodded and said: "It's very strong, Prince, tell me, do you really want to hide in this protection and watch?"

Li Chengqian nodded and said: "That's right, to be honest, this kind of protection still feels inappropriate. After all, a big guy was sent to the workshop this time. If we really want to talk about the power of this guy, I think It is more appropriate to describe it as 'broken city gate'. Such a weapon, even if it is far away, can still pose a threat. After all? The power of gunpowder weapons is reflected in the explosion? And the possibility of explosion cannot be calculated at all. ? For the safety of you and the ministers? I don’t think this is taking off your pants and farting.”

Du Ruhui said with a smile: "His Royal Highness's words are not rough, and I think it is better to be more serious about protection. Your Majesty? I heard that this gunpowder weapon needs to be ignited to activate it. Why don't I let this minister do the ignition?" How are people?"

Du Ruhui just finished speaking? Cheng Yaojin rushed out? He patted Du Ruhui's back without any regard for his identity, and laughed loudly: "Old Du, forget it, with your body, be careful of danger? Old Cheng is different? The least fear is danger, let me do it."

Wei Zheng is now in the province of the sect, and has the duty of supervising the behavior of all officials. He came out without hesitation and said, "It's just lighting a fire, and we need to pick a strong man? Don't mess around if you know the integrity? Everyone Not wearing an official uniform, but you pat this and that? How decent!"

Wei Zheng stood up, Cheng Yaojin could only shrink back with a sullen head.

Changsun Wuji was much more realistic. He stood up and made a group bow and said, "Everyone, how about letting me be the one who lit the fire? Stop the court today? Return to Chang'an later? The old man is the host and invites all colleagues to enter the drunken wind." How is the building?"

Even said the words of the treat? Really, no one will argue with Changsun Wuji.However, the emperor is naturally not included.

Li Shimin scratched his chin, and asked Li Chengqian: "Weapons are dangerous. The act of lighting a fire is not dangerous, is it?"

Li Chengqian nodded and said: "It's not dangerous to start a fire. If the emperor wants to light a fire, the worst thing is that I have someone pull the fuse into the house."

"Since that's the case, then let me light this fire!"

Looking at the interested emperor, Changsun Wuji could only keep his mouth shut.The emperor wants to grab the first place, and no one dares to compete with the emperor.

On the carriage surrounded by the imperial army, several soldiers tiptoely lifted down a huge iron box. The iron box was more than one meter long, and it was extraordinarily thick forged. It was stuffed with black powder inside.As long as such a weapon is used, the fuze will inevitably be connected for a very long time. In order to prevent the fuze from getting wet, the craftsmen simply designed the fuze much shorter.

Such a murder weapon was sent by the soldiers to the simulated city gate that was built in a hurry.This city gate was modeled after the gate of Chang'an City, because the material used is cement, and its strength is even stronger than that.

A long fuze extended from a distance into the protective house.

Li Shimin curiously pinched one side of the fuze to check it. He wanted to take it apart a bit to have a look, but he could only give up when he heard the sound of soldiers getting ready outside.

Yu Chigong was guarding the emperor with a huge shield, which was specifically requested by Li Chengqian. This was the first experiment with such a weapon, who knows how much energy it can release!When building the simulated city wall, the craftsmen did not use soil at all for the sake of realism, but real boulders. Once the bomb was ignited, these stones would become real weapons.

He took out the torch from his pocket and blew on it. Li Shimin licked his dry lips and asked, "Just light this rope, right?"

Li Chengqian nodded, put on his helmet, and looked warily at the simulated city wall in the distance outside.Now, as long as they are present, no matter who they are, they have hid in the building under his order, so nothing will happen.

Even as the emperor, Li Shimin used a lot of determination to ignite the fuse, push Yu Chigong away, and walk behind Cheng Yaojin and others to look outside.

After seeing the prince put on the former armor, as if he was facing an enemy, the civil servants couldn't help but retreat, while Cheng Yaojin and others walked to the window without fear.There is no doubt that this gunpowder weapon will be assembled into the army. They are all curious about what kind of power it is, and they dare to claim that it surpasses the eight-ox crossbow.

The fuze of the gunpowder was made very thick in order to avoid breaking, so I could watch a line of fire stretching from near to under the simulated city wall in the distance.When the flame of the fuze disappeared, the illusion appeared!

Mingming's eyes saw the simulated city wall expand and collapse in a burst of fire and smoke, but his ears didn't hear any sound.

Seeing such power, Li Chengqian could only say loudly before the shock wave came: "Cover your ears! Open your mouth!"

After speaking, he did it himself first.

A thunderbolt from the blue is not enough to describe this roar!

The obedient ones, such as Wei Zheng, Changsun Wuji and others, were just shocked by the movement. Cheng Yaojin and others who were closest to the window wanted to cover their ears before it was too late. After the roar, they all shook their heads to get rid of the tinnitus.

After the roar, it was the secondary damage caused by the gunpowder weapon.

Yu Chigong watched a big rock fall from the sky and hit the ground in front of the house, so he quickly put the shield in his hand in front of the emperor.

There is no doubt that this boulder is from that section of the city wall, and it was actually shaken here!

The wooden house was very solid, but when they heard the sound of rain coming from above, everyone was still very worried, for fear that a stone would smash through the roof.

After finally waiting for all the movement to disappear, Yu Chigong took the lead, held the giant shield above his head, and went out to check the situation.

After confirming that there were no more stones falling from the sky, he entered the house and told the emperor that he could come out.

By the time he walked out of the cabin, the smoke had dissipated.When the monarchs and ministers of the Tang Dynasty saw the ruined city wall in the distance, they couldn't help but gasped.Although I have heard about the results, I still couldn't help being shocked when I saw the results.The shock of fantasy becoming reality is not so easy to eliminate.

"The old man's carriage!"

Du Ruhui screamed miserably, causing everyone to look outside the arena.

At this time, many of the cars parked outside the barracks suffered disasters, not only the carriages, but also the horses that pulled the carts.Their cars don't have a dedicated shelter like a carriage carrying gunpowder weapons.

"With such an artifact, our army of the Tang Dynasty will be afraid of a fortified city in the future. No matter how tall and dangerous it is, it will be turned into a pile of rotten stones under this artifact!"

Li Ji waved his hand excitedly, obviously his carriage was already in tatters, but he didn't feel any distress.Having been in the army for many years, he naturally knows that with such weapons, the strong city will no longer need to be filled with human lives.Siege has never been easy, and outsmarting is an extremely rare example of battle in the millennium, so it will be widely sung.In addition to these, when is the height of the pile of corpses not used?In the most difficult time, the pile of corpses was almost as high as the city wall to win.

It is different now, with this thing, as long as a small price is paid, the enemy's city wall can be destroyed.Without the support of the city wall, when did the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty fear the confrontation of swords?

Li Jing has always been wise. He pointed to the carriage that drove out again and said, "This huge weapon is only used to break through the city. If it is made smaller, it can be equipped for the whole army?"

Li Chengqian smiled and stretched out his thumb: "Wei Gong is right, this is only the strongest gunpowder weapon, which can only be equipped by the legion. Naturally, individual soldiers also have individual weapons, so I will show it to you all." .”

After finishing speaking, Li Chengqian pointed to the Huozhe still in the emperor's hand and said, "Father, fire, fire."

Looking down at Huozhezi, Li Shimin put out the fire.Now he finally understood why Ouyang Shuo claimed that his name was not suitable for Gunpowder Workshop, because there was a word "fire" in it.

With such a powerful weapon, avoiding fire is a must!

The soldiers of the imperial army helped the prince to lift down a box. After opening it, there were twenty iron eggs that could be held in one hand neatly placed inside. The shapes were all kinds of strange, but the fuzes on them indicated that they were also important. The murder weapon of life.

Picking up a grenade, even Li Chengqian couldn't help feeling impressed by the ability of the Tang craftsmen.

Ouyang Shuo and others are in the gunpowder workshop. In addition to making gunpowder, they are also responsible for researching gunpowder.Even he didn't know how Ouyang Shuo made it, but actually made a time-delay fuze.Although the fuze inserted on the grenade is a bit short, it takes five breaths of time from ignition to explosion.

The shell of the grenade is actually Li Tai's achievement.After all, this guy became interested in gunpowder weapons, so he ran into the weapon workshop after a disagreement, researched and designed this shell.

Speaking of which, the nature of the explosion of black powder is actually quite unstable. Take the ceramic grenade as an example. If the fragments after the explosion are collected, you can find that they are actually very uneven. Yes there will be a lot of large pieces.

This is the case with ceramics, let alone iron sheets.Because of this, Li Tai designed the shell of the grenade to look like this. Although it looks strange, but such a grenade is easy to explode, and it will turn into many more fragments than the normal round version.

Li Shimin snatched the grenade, held it in his hand and looked at it carefully.He didn't see the big one just now, but now there is a small one...

Of course, it's time to take it apart and have a look!

The dignified emperor, like a brat, unsealed the grenade, pulled out the fuse which was thin on the outside and thick on the inside, and poured out a little of the black powder inside, motioning Li Jian to light it.

It's just a little bit, but there is still a lot of smoke after it is ignited, and there is also a smell of burning sulfur.

Changsun Wuji covered his nose and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, is there sulfur in this black powder? It's so easy to smell, isn't it too unsafe?"

Li Chengqian said with a smile: "Uncle, if you are curious, you might as well combine sulfur with various things to see if you can crack the secret recipe of gunpowder. It's not just bragging, even if some people don't want to study and want to crack the secret recipe of gunpowder, it's not that bad." Easily crackable."