Don't be a prince

In just a moment, Changsun Wuji's straight waist, solemn face, and official uniform without a single wrinkle were all broken.

He also poured the tea by himself and drank it all in one gulp. Changsun Wuji smiled and said: "Since you want to chat and do things, I will take orders. Tell the cook to hurry up. After returning from the beach at noon, the old man didn't eat anything. Now Very hungry."

Without needing to order, Zhang Yun has already left quickly.

After pouring another cup of tea, Li Chengqian had guessed something from Changsun Wuji's behavior and words.

First of all, in terms of Changsun Wuji's attitude, there are things, but they are not urgent.In addition, the dignified Zhao Guogong can still afford to eat.For ordinary courtiers, the kitchen of the palace is always ready to eat, and there is no waiting when it is out of date.But as the eldest grandson Wuji, he can naturally eat Xiaozao.

The reason why he didn't eat meant that he was spending his eating time doing something.Most likely, he was discussing something with someone.

It is estimated that the only thing worth his time to discuss and discuss is the shipyard and the three ships.

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian gave up the temptation, and asked straight to the point: "Uncle, you came here today, but you have decided to buy three ships?"

Changsun Wuji, who was drinking tea, trembled violently, apparently choked.But he held back for a long time, but he didn't cough.

After a long while, Changsun Wuji nodded and said, "That's true. The price negotiated by the old man and Hou Junji two days ago was indeed too low. No, we discussed it again after we saw the Prince. "

"Oh? I don't know how much uncle bid on behalf of the court this time?"

"50 sticks!"

Seeing Li Chengqian frowned, Changsun Wuji hurriedly said: "Your Highness, don't rush to refuse, the price of 50 guan comes with two conditions."

Restraining his anger, Li Chengqian asked: "I don't know what these two conditions are? Can it be worth hundreds of thousands of copper coins?"

Changsun Wuji pinched his beard and said with a smile: "First, from now on, the imperial court will take over the consumption of the shipyard, and the three of you, Your Highness, can take care of each other."

Hearing this, Li Chengqian's face became a little better.If the imperial court takes over from now on, the three of them will lose more than [-] guan in total, and it is not unacceptable to grit their teeth.After all, they built the ship this time mainly to satisfy their own dreams.

However, looking at Changsun Wuji's confident appearance, it is obvious that another condition can be worth tens of thousands, or even 10,000+.

The sound of knocking on the screen sounded, Li Chengqian waved, and Zhang Yuncai walked in with the maid.Serve the meal for two.It's very simple, just a plate of cold noodles and a plate of cold seaweed shreds.In the scorching midsummer, big fish and meat can't be eaten at all, and this kind of meal is the most suitable.

Picking up his job, Changsun Wuji said the last condition: "As for the last one, it was decided after a long discussion between us. It is for the property of the three His Highnesses, tax exemption for three years, what do you think? "

Tax free for three years?How can it be considered not a loss!You must know that in order to be a good example, all the royal family and officials who serve in the court are rigidly paid in accordance with the new tax law. Last year alone, the properties under the East Palace paid nearly 20 guan tax money.Three years of tax exemption is 60 yuan. Compared with the loss of 10,000+ yuan, it is a profit!

but....

Based on Li Chengqian's understanding of these old foxes in the court, they would not do such a loss-making business!The greater the temptation, the deeper the pit.

It's okay to be fooled once or twice, Li Chengqian would rather lose 10,000+ pennies than fall into a pit.

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian refused without hesitation: "Uncle, although the imperial court came forward, it is against the law to exempt the three of us from taxation. The imperial court had so much revenue last year that the national treasury was going to explode. Why are you spending money?" Still so stingy?"

Swallowing a mouthful of noodles, Changsun Wuji said depressedly: "Isn't it because the three of you have made great contributions to the court, or we wouldn't make an exception to do this. Besides, whether it violates the law or not is not certain now. The business laws and tax laws of the country have not been formalized yet, so it is a big deal to add these few articles to it.

Last year, the imperial court’s annual income was almost ten million, and it was definitely above the ten million mark. However, if you have money, you have money. We ended the Tuyuhun War and suppressed the disaster in the Jianghuai area.It is said that what you eat will bring you wisdom, so after knowing the specific figure of the annual income, in addition to paying off the national debt, the first thing to do is to supplement the emergency fund. Unlike before, this time I directly prepared three copies.As a result, there is not much left in last year's revenue.

After this year's tax collection, although the national treasury will still be filled, even worse than last year, it will be followed by the improvement of the city defense of the whole Tang Dynasty and the upgrading of military equipment.Although the gunpowder weapon is destined to be the invincible artifact of our Tang army, but because of its limitations, the necessary equipment is still indispensable.Now it is the Xuanjia Army and some frontier troops, and the rest of the army, many people even use armor weapons from the Wei and Jin Dynasties.Your pro rate doesn't worry about these things, but it doesn't mean that other troops don't.

Now the whole Tang Dynasty has a total of 15 standing troops, scattered in various borders, and the replacement of 15 people, His Highness thinks it can be completed in one or two years?We also know that doing this is very chilling, but there is nothing we can do! "

Seeing Changsun Wuji's miserable face, Li Chengqian almost believed it. If he could blow his nose up, he might show kindness, and he would be less important than 50.

But, facing these old foxes, if you follow their rhythm, you will be the most stupid.It is enough to believe what they say!

Putting on a look of emotion, Li Chengqian said to Changsun Wuji "with deep affection": "Uncle, the three of us are not people who are desperate for our own interests. Since the imperial court's finances are tight, then we don't want to do that." Tax exemption. As the prince, we should take the lead and pay taxes according to law. How can we take advantage of the court? The money from the treasury is taken from the people and used by the people. We have taken advantage of the tax exemption. Is it for the benefit of the people?"

"This...."

Changsun Wuji opened his mouth wide. He had thought about the prince's reaction. Maybe he would be ecstatic, maybe he would be expressionless, but he was secretly happy. However, such a righteous and awe-inspiring gesture really exceeded his expectations.This is not what we want!Besides, you use the four words "struggle with the people" to overwhelm you, what else can I say?

At the moment, Changsun Wuji just felt that the sour noodles tasted a little bit tasteless.

After a few mouthfuls of noodles, Changsun Wuji said: "Since that's the case, then we won't exempt the three of you from tax. Just in this way, the three of you will lose 10,000+ coins. I really feel sorry for you!"

Are you sorry?When I said 15 at the beginning, I didn't see you feeling sorry!

Li Chengqian said firmly: "If you lose, you will lose. No matter how good the ship and the shipyard are, when we hand them over to the imperial court, they are second-hand concepts. If we really can't, when we want to build a ship again, let the shipyard give some discounts. "

Seeing that the prince had no intention of repenting, Changsun Wuji could only wipe his mouth with a napkin, got up and said goodbye.

Li Chengqian also got up and sent Changsun Wuji out.

After sending the people back, Li Chengqian found that there were two more people on the table, and one of them was shamelessly eating his leftovers.It was Li Tai and Li Ke. Li Chengqian looked back at the door. He just sent Changsun Wuji outside the hall. How did these two people sneak in without anyone noticing?

Li Tai chewed the noodles in his mouth, and said vaguely: "Don't rely on it, oh...."

Li Ke said without getting bored: "Eat when you eat, and talk about what you are doing while eating."

After finishing speaking, he turned his head and said to Li Chengqian: "We were here long before Changsun Wuji came. We were curious about why he came here, so we hid in the apse. Qingque and the two of us also listened to your conversation." , Brother Huang, eldest grandson Tie Rooster would be so kind to let us take advantage of the tax exemption? How is it possible! Fortunately, you didn't agree!"

If it were someone else, sneaking into the main hall of the prince, and even going to the back hall to eavesdrop, would definitely be looking for death.Even if the three of them are brothers, this is still a very rude behavior, but the three of them grew up and didn't care about these common customs.

Hearing what Li Ke said, Li Chengqian sat aside and said, "Tell me, what do you see? I didn't have much time to think just now, but I just intuitively felt that this was a trap, so I didn't agree."

Joke, who has time to think so much when talking to these old foxes?It's hard to just control your expression.When he first learned this method, Li Chengqian hated it very much, but Mr. Li Gang said that only by mastering this ability can he be in the court.Thinking about it, it's true that Fang Xuanling and the others are so good at playing this game, maybe when they cry, they are all thinking about how to make things worse.

Li Tai's mouth was like a bottomless pit, half a bowl of noodles and half a plate of pickles were eaten in a short time.

Without wiping his mouth, he just said directly: "Brother Huang, the reason why uncle gave us such a big gap is not so that the three of us fat people can get through and grow up, so that they can continue to drill? You forget that he's immediately Great merit? If the three of us are exempted from paying taxes for our meritorious service this time, what should we do if subsequent officials and generals follow suit after their meritorious service? There is a precedent for the three of us, and the father can only agree, because if you don’t agree, it means that the royal family is doing something special. change.

There is no doubt that this pit was dug out by Fang Xuanling and the others. Don't look at the few old bastards in the court who are concerned about the country and the people. profit.Your sentence 'struggling with the people' is too precise, and it hits the nail on the head. As long as there are these four words, they will never have the opportunity to bring up this matter again in the future! "

Seeing Li Tai's triumphant look, Li Chengqian frowned, looked at Li Ke and said, "We all agree with the rest, but I disagree with the first sentence. Li Ke has lost weight again during this time, It’s just that you have gained a lot of weight, and if you want to stretch yourself, it’s you who stretched it.”

After finishing speaking, Li Chengqian and Li Ke laughed at the same time.

Li Tai patted his belly helplessly, and said, "I still keep exercising, but I don't know why, but I just can't lose weight. Once I get greedy, I gain weight quickly again. Sigh!"

After Li Ke finished laughing, he said to Li Chengqian: "Brother Emperor, Qingque's physique is different from ours, and he can't lose weight easily. Besides, Daoist Sun also said that although Qingque's body is beyond the standard, the impact is not very big. After all, he is also a prince, eating steamed buns and pickles all day long is too miserable."

In desperation, Li Chengqian could only shrug his shoulders.

"Speaking of business, the three of us lost a total of more than [-] yuan this time. When it is flattened, almost each of us lost [-] yuan. Qingque and us are better off. Li Ke, can you bear it? If not, Qingque and us will lose money." The two will help you share."

Li Ke smiled and said: "No need, how much can I spend in the fiefdom to enjoy it to my death? Keeping this money is also a disaster, and distributing it to the people is even more courting death. So, it is better to use it in this respect to exchange some credit. Very good. If it is feasible, I will bear the loss of 10,000+ by myself, and the remaining money will be used to pay back the members of Lingnan Seaport.”

Li Chengqian said with a smile: "There is no need to mention the money in Lingnan Seaport. If you really want to count it, you are the poorest among our three brothers. I really feel sorry for you. Remember to give us some Wuzhong specialties during the New Year's holidays." Just do it."

Li Ke didn't say much, he knew very well that what the prince and brother said was the truth.

Only Li Tai screamed from the side: "The same is the younger brother, why is it better to be treated better than not to be kissed?"

Li Ke laughed loudly and said, "You have the fiefdoms of sixteen states, who do you want to cheat? Let's go, since the emperor has given permission, let's go back to the shipyard and try to build our ship as soon as possible. For one thing, Emperor Father can catch up with the warm weather when he returns to Chang'an."

Chapter 371 The Importance of Shangshu Order

After finishing speaking, the two got up and left, their steps were extremely brisk.

Living in the shipyard, although the conditions are not as good as the palace, but the advantage is the freedom.Especially after the emperor came, the palace was overcrowded and the environment was extremely noisy.

Fortunately, the emperor knew how to be considerate of the empress, and the area around the side hall was very quiet. Even when he summoned the ministers to discuss matters, he went to another hall.

As soon as Li Tai and Li Ke left, Xiuxiu and Ashina Xue walked out.After a year passed, all three of them have changed a lot, especially Ashina Xue, the grassland people have excellent genes, and now she is even about the same height as Li Chengqian, and her figure is even more adult a feeling of.

Although Xiuxiu is the shortest of the three, her petiteness is also the one that most arouses a man's desire.So, seeing the two of them coming out, Li Chengqian said without hesitation: "Yuanyuan probably won't come back for a while, or, let's play Three Kingdoms for a while? The kind of undressing."

Ashina Xue said indifferently: "It's fine, as long as you're not afraid of catching a cold if you take off your clothes."

In the past two years, she has been playing these games to relieve boredom, and she considers herself to be an absolute master.

Although Xiuxiu was shy, she still agreed.This caused Su Yuan to enter the bedroom area when she was released by her eldest grandson, and she saw Ashina Xue and Xiuxiu wearing only one obscene dress and sharing a quilt to cover their bodies.As for Li Chengqian, although he also took off his clothes, it was only the outermost robe and shoes.

"You two, my husband is not sure, dare to play this with you?"

Seeing Li Chengqian winking, Su Yuan resolutely refused to join in.She remembered very clearly that Li Chengqian said at the beginning that there is actually a way to play cards. By counting cards, unless the cards are really bad, the probability of winning can still be increased a lot.

Although Su Yuan refused to join, after Li Chengqian and Xiuxiu winked, the three of them jumped up together and threw Su Yuan onto the bed.Next, amidst Su Yuan's screams, the room was filled with ambiguity...

Early the next morning, Li Chengqian got up after carefully loosening the limbs that were entangled with him.Although the scene on the bed was full of temptation, he turned his head away and began to stretch his body.

The matter of restraining desire is actually about persistence. If you have not experienced the matter between husband and wife, you will not know the taste. For the sake of health, Li Chengqian had to persist.This is not because he is a sage in his mentality, nor is he not lifting, but a kind of restriction on himself.

Everyone has a tiger in their hearts. When encountering setbacks in life, they will always involuntarily fantasize about "waiting for me...", "if I have..." and so on, but in fact , These are just brain supplements, a means for people to trick the brain into secreting dopamine in adversity.

He also fantasized about what it would be like if he had money one day, and what would happen if I became the emperor.

There is no doubt that if you become an emperor, you must enjoy it!Three thousand beauties in the harem are set up, and big fish and meat are eaten. Anyone who is unhappy will be chopped down, and whoever works hard will be rewarded.

But but, but but, this only exists in fantasy.

It has been ten years since he traveled to the Tang Dynasty. Although he recalled his past countless times and emphasized his position, Li Chengqian still felt that he was being changed by the ancients involuntarily in the position of prince.

It's ridiculous to say that the original status of "delivery staff" is constantly being eroded by the "Prince of the Tang Dynasty". Many times, when he thinks about things subconsciously, he has become in the mode of "Prince".

Datang is in such an environment. As a prince, no matter how many women he takes in the East Palace, as long as he doesn't treat them like pigs and dogs, and doesn't let nightly singing and dancing affect his daily life, no one will talk too much.The same is true for breaking the body. Despite the urging of the eldest grandson, Li Chengqian is still not ready to advance.It's good to restrain himself like this, Li Chengqian is afraid that one day he will be completely assimilated by the people of Tang Dynasty. In this way, what's the point of his previous life experience?

Get dressed and head outside for a workout.

Morning exercise is also a kind of persecution Li Chengqian puts on himself. It is difficult to insist on one thing all the year round. Setting goals and completing them are two different things.It was only after he succeeded in his persistence that Li Chengqian discovered that the reason why his previous self, or most ordinary people went to bed late and woke up late, had irregular meals, and had no time for exercise, was not that the supervisor did not know how to persist, but was forced by real life. I can only imagine it.

When he wakes up in the morning, he is not the only one exercising.Under the protection of the Jinwu Guards, the emperor was also doing morning exercises.

When the father and son met, they didn't say much. Both of them were already sweating after running for a while, so talking at this time is a waste of energy.

Leading the soldiers together with the Jinwu Guard, Li Shimin and Li Chengqian were no longer confined to the palace, but left the palace and ran outside.

In the early morning of summer, blowing the sea breeze while running is not good for health, but it is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable things.

They ran all the way to the shooting range before they stopped.Li Jian took out a large cushion, but seeing him bulging his nose and staring, he tore the cushion in half and distributed it to two people.Li Chengqian also reached out to ask for the two kettles held by Chang Tianhou, and handed one to Li Shimin.

After gulping down a few sips of water, Li Shimin breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I used to think that you were very motivated in exercising. You did this every day or two, and it could be said that it was to win everyone's admiration, but after so many years It’s good that you have persisted since then. The body is the capital of everything, and having a good body is the most important thing.”

While speaking, Li Shimin stretched out his hand to press Li Chengqian's shoulder and pinched his arm.

Although he didn't have the bodybuilder's figure after long-term exercise, Li Chengqian didn't have much fat on his body. Although the muscles everywhere were not very conspicuous, they contained extremely strong strength.There is no doubt that as long as he pays, he will be rewarded. With his current physical fitness, he will definitely be able to fight three or five ordinary people, even if he doesn't need skills.

After taking a few sips of water, Li Chengqian also breathed a sigh of relief, looked at the shooting range behind him, and said, "It must have been uncomfortable at the beginning, but if you stick to it, it becomes a part of your life, and you don't need to deliberately force yourself. We met today, Erchen has some problems with archery, I need to ask you for advice."

Hearing this sentence, Li Shimin suddenly laughed.There is no doubt that the skill of bow and arrow is one of his proud capitals. Li Chengqian said so, the effect is better than flattering.

"It's fine, I don't have much to do today, and it's okay to guide you. Come, let me see how you're doing in archery."

After speaking, the father and son got up together and walked into the shooting range.

This shooting range was originally used by the Donghai Navy, which just saved Li Chengqian the trouble of building another one for himself.The most surprising thing is that Zhang Liang knows how to simulate the environment. Half of the shooting range is an ordinary target. On the other side of the shooting range, the target stands on a wooden board, and the wooden board under the target and the wooden board on which the person is standing are all floating on the water. , although there are no waves, as long as someone pulls the rope and shakes, the scene on the boat can be simulated.

The first step is undoubtedly to shoot the target. With a distance of 120 steps, Li Chengqian basically doesn't need to aim for too long.Although he couldn't hit the bull's-eye, or hit the target's heart with 100% of his arrows.

On the other side, the emperor is also shooting arrows, which is almost the same movement, but his technique is obviously better, and the arrows are evenly distributed in the red heart.

After ten arrows shot out, the two stopped.

Glancing at the target from afar, Li Shimin smiled and said, "In this regard, you don't need my advice anymore. I was just like that when I was your age."

After finishing speaking, Li Shimin waved his hand, and Li Jian on one side took out a large cage. After opening it, a few pheasants fluttered their wings and flew away.

Moving targets, especially frightened and fleeing pheasants, are not so easy to shoot. They are also ten arrows. Li Shimin hit five arrows, and Li Chengqian only hit three arrows.

Seeing the prince's frowning face, Li Shimin didn't know what to say.

"What are you frowning for? It's nonsense that the arrow is not in vain. When you look at hunting, who can hit the target with every shot? The movements of wild animals are not comparable to human beings. There are traces of human movement. Wild animals are different, let alone Said to fly into the air. What you lack in this aspect is experience. Obviously, there are too many pheasants, and your flustered mind will be much better if you stare at one. If you want to improve in this area, fight more Hunting is fine. Last year you were not here, so I didn’t think I was in the mood for autumn hunting. Why don’t you come back to Chang’an with me this year, hurry up, we can still have an autumn hunting.”

To Li Shimin's surprise, Li Chengqian shook his head.

"Father, my son is not planning to go back this year, but wants to visit Lingnan. Although Lingnan seems to surrender, if there is any disturbance in the Central Plains, maybe Feng An, an old fellow, will not sit still. Lingnan is truly obedient, and our Tang Dynasty still has a long way to go!"

Hearing that Li Chengqian was thinking of Datang, Li Shimin's raised hand didn't come down.Frowning tightly, Li Shimin said angrily: "Even if you didn't go to play, but you, a prince, are not staying in the East Palace, why are you running around? Do you know that what you have done this year, some people in the court There are complaints. In Lingnan, I dare not send people to touch it, why are you running away?"

Looking at Li Shimin's still lingering hand, Li Chengqian knew that if his next speech did not satisfy him, he would not be able to escape this slap no matter what.What is the purpose of going to Lingnan besides playing?Thanks to myself for pulling out righteousness as a fig leaf, otherwise if the bastard emperor heard his original thoughts, wouldn't he be beaten to death?

No longer staring at the dragon's hooves, Li Chengqian said solemnly: "Actually, I know that I can't make achievements in a short period of time. The reason why I ran this time is because of qualifications. A person who can officially enter the court and serve as a minister Qualifications. Although you are the emperor, you have the final say on any official position, but there will definitely be some people in the court who have objections to letting your ministers serve as ministers, or to serve as ministers as soon as you enter the court.

Besides, this official position used to be yours. Since you became the emperor, you have not held the position again. As the prince, it is not a big deal for the son to inherit his father's career. However, you have made the minister salivate during this period of time What about those who dare not reach out?Could it be that this position, which was originally a position in the court, has become exclusive to our royal family?So, Erchen's suggestion is that with Erchen as a buffer, it will be much more convenient for him to serve others in the future, isn't it? "

Li Shimin raised his hand and put it away, Chu Long said that he still knew the story of Queen Mother Zhao, and he also knew that he had directly appointed Shang Shuling to the crown prince, which felt a bit like stepping into the sky.but....

"You go to Lingnan, I agree. However, it is better to abolish the position of Shangshuling. I am very satisfied with the current situation of the court. One more Shangshuling is equivalent to having one more prime minister and one more person with great authority. , I don’t know how it will affect the court situation!”

"I don't think so. In fact, your arrangement of the military states in the world has the meaning of competing, supervising each other, and guarding against each other. But in the court, why did it change? In fact, from Erchen's point of view , Zhongshu, Shangshu, and the three provinces under the sect are the best to supervise and cooperate with each other. It is really inappropriate to only be under the sect of Zhongshu. You may be in it without knowing it. You don’t think that you, as the emperor, are meddling with the court Is there too much? Do more and make more mistakes, do less and make less mistakes, do not do well, put yourself in the position of arbiter, and only then can you become a qualified emperor, this is the lesson you taught your ministers!"

"this...."

Hearing Li Chengqian's analysis, Li Shimin suddenly realized that it was indeed the case, and having more Shangshu orders was really useful.At the beginning, he served as Shangshuling, and because of the high position and weight of Shangshuling, he subconsciously abolished this position after he became emperor, and the courtiers were also afraid of overstepping, so they dared not mention the existence of Shangshuling.

If there is one more Shangshu order, the three provinces will supervise and restrict each other, which is the best pattern.Now Wei Zheng, who is under the door, and Fang Xuanling, who is in Zhongshu, are very dedicated to their work, so they live in peace.After all, although Shangshuling is gone, the emperor is actually Shangshuling.When it was really time to take the blame, he, the emperor, really bore the brunt.This is contrary to the theory of emperors. Anyone can be wrong, but the emperor can't be wrong!

After thinking for a long time, Li Shimin struggled out of thinking until the sun came out.He was originally a man who was good at maneuvering, but when Li Chengqian woke him up, he immediately thought about things clearly.

Smiling in relief, Li Shimin's appearance at the moment is very strange, probably the kind of appearance that sees his son finally grow up.