Don't be a prince

What?What can I say?

I also brag along with it?No, it cannot be said to be bragging, at least the report of Fang Xuanling and others is still seeking truth from facts, and even the truth is a bit distressing.They didn't dare to make any mistakes in the speeches of the Great Court Assembly. As long as they spoke, every word must be true.

The six parts have already made conclusions, so, now that this stall is called out, I am afraid that it is for the final conclusion.

But what should I say?

There is not much time to hesitate, and if you hesitate any longer, it will be a joke.

Taking a deep breath, Li Chengqian turned to face the civil and military officials, and said firmly: "I just want to say a word, the prosperous age is still moving forward, we are waiting, we still need to work hard!"

"Your Highness is right. We should guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and we must not be complacent because of temporary gains. This old man is willing to encourage you all."

Fang Xuanling was always kind. Seeing that no one responded after the prince spoke, he immediately came out to answer the words.

Driven by Fang Xuanling, all the ministers expressed their desire to encourage each other.

Seeing everyone responding one after another, Li Chengqian quietly wiped off the cold sweat that didn't exist, and returned to his seat.

"The prince is right, and this is what I want to say. Looking at the borders and internal affairs of my Tang Dynasty now, it is indeed a prosperous age, but we can only continue it, but we can't make it a flash in the pan. As long as the Zhenguan years, the national fortune Keep going, and we can all go down in history.”

"Observe the holy order..."

Seeing that everyone was surrendering, Li Shimin smiled and continued: "Be cautious, but those who have made merits should be rewarded, and those who have done wrong should be punished. In the early years of Zhenguan, the prince once suggested to me that at the end of the court , should give some benefits to civil and military officials. I have always disagreed, the treasury is empty, where can I get the money to provide benefits? But today is not the same as in the past, although some valuable things cannot be distributed, but it is still possible to buy some New Year’s goods for the loved ones Auxiliary machine, I will leave this matter to you."

Benefits?

Although he was a little confused, Changsun Wuji stood up and agreed: "I obey the order."

It's just buying new year's goods, it's not too simple.It's just that during the time he promised, he already had some ideas.Wine and meat are hard currencies for Chinese New Year. Frozen sea fish from Dengzhou and good wine from Cheng Yaojin Winery are the best choices.The marine fish in Dengzhou are now bought by big businessmen in Dengzhou, and then transported to Chang'an for sale.The imperial court purchases new year's goods for the ministers, and asks for a discount from those merchants!buckle!It's still okay, and Cheng Yaojin must be reluctant to talk to the household department.In this way, the Ministry of Households will not be able to spend much money, but the officials who receive the New Year's goods will be very happy.After all, although the sea fish in Dengzhou is delicious, not everyone can afford it. As for the good wine in the cellar, you can't see it at all on weekdays, and it is more face-saving to entertain guests.

When Changsun Wuji returned to his seat and sat down, the atmosphere in the court hall suddenly became cheerful.Although it is not a reward from the emperor, but the treasury pays to distribute benefits to everyone, even if they only receive a set of bowls and chopsticks, it is an honor.The hard work of being an official for many years is finally a bit of witness.

In this joyful scene, the emperor spoke again: "The New Year's Eve is approaching, so naturally we have to have a good time. Today coincides with the Great Court Meeting, and I have another idea, and I want to discuss it with all my lovers. Daming Palace Construction, I proposed it in the eighth year of Zhenguan, but because Yuan Tiangang reported early that there would be a sign of a solar eclipse, and it coincided with the war with Tuyuhun, and the Jianghuai flood disaster, it has been delayed. Now, I plan to restart What do you Aiqing think about the construction of the Daming Palace?"

Build a palace?

The joyful atmosphere disappeared immediately because of these three words.

Chapter 414 Personnel Transfer

Jue Wang stood up almost subconsciously, and said anxiously: "This book is the starting point. I hope that all book lovers will support genuine reading. If possible, it is best to download the starting point to read. Your support is the author's greatest motivation to continue to create. Thanks."

Wei Zheng stood up almost subconsciously, and said anxiously: "Your Majesty, I have seen the drawings of Daming Palace. In terms of specifications, Daming Palace has already surpassed Taiji Palace and Xingqing Palace. When His Majesty wanted to build a new palace, it was originally It was used by the Supreme Emperor out of filial piety. Now that the Supreme Emperor lives in Xingqing Palace, there is no need to worry about living there, so why does His Majesty restart the construction of Daming Palace?"

After Wei Zheng, there is Changsun Wuji.He is the most sensitive when it comes to spending money.The household department had managed to make some money this year. Seeing this made him happier than when his concubine gave him a newborn son.But once the emperor's Daming Palace starts to be built, needless to say, this little surplus will not even be enough to fill the gaps between teeth, and it will even affect the expenditure of the household department next year.

Hastily walking out, Changsun Wuji said anxiously: "Your Majesty, no, Daming Palace is a huge project. Although the national treasury has a surplus, it is not enough at all. Next year's tax has been planned. Once you restart the construction of Daming Palace , either the road construction project has stalled because of this, or the materials prepared for sending troops to Goryeo are insufficient, I hope Your Majesty will think twice!"

After Changsun Wuji finished speaking, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Li Xiaogong and others stood up one after another.This is the end of the matter, there is no other choice.Different from the construction of a small palace, the Daming Palace project is even bigger than the Taiji Palace. Such a large sum of money is spent, as Changsun Wuji said, the national treasury will always shrink.However, no matter whether it is building roads or preparing for battle, you can't just settle down.Only when the roads are clear can we ensure that there will be no civil strife, and only when we are prepared for the war can we increase the chances of winning the war.Compared with these two, the little personal enjoyment of the emperor cannot be compared at all!

Seeing that nearly half of the courtiers had either left their shifts or were getting up, Li Shimin couldn't help but angrily said: "Since I took the throne, I have been working hard to rule. Now that the country is rich, why can't I build a palace? I know you are afraid of me. How about using too much treasury reserves, I promise, use the money from the Ministry of Internal Affairs first, and then use the money from the treasury when the Ministry of Internal Affairs can't afford it?"

Wei Zheng still pouted his neck and said: "Your Majesty, you must know that the land of thousands of miles collapsed in an ant's nest! What you have done since you came to the throne is indeed a model of Mingjun, but once you do something wrong, the previous accumulation will fall short. !"

Putting his hand on his forehead, Li Shimin said depressedly: "I understand everything you said, but I am the lord of the world, no matter how patient I am, there must be a limit! When the Taiji Palace was first built, it was cold in winter and hot in summer due to the low terrain. It is summer, humid and cold, and many court ladies and eunuchs who have lived in the Taiji Palace for a long time have suffered from wind-cold bone disease. This point, Daoist Sun has also explained it. I am also old, and I used to feel tired no matter how long I rode a horse and danced a sword , I also feel tired now. Could it be that you want me to get sick because of this?"

"This...."

When Sun Simiao was involved, no one refuted it. As the No. 1 medical doctor of the Tang Dynasty, Sun Simiao's high morals and prestige were not blown out, but real virtues.Since Sun Simiao said so, it is true.This group of old courtiers still understand the emperor's character, and he can bear it if he can. Now he is trying not to be a Mingjun and wants to build a palace, which only shows that he can't bear it anymore.

But the problem is that the time chosen by the emperor is too coincidental. If the treasury is full and you can do whatever you like, it will be regarded as a reward for the emperor's painstaking efforts.But right now...

Almost at the same time, the eyes of both parties were on one person - Li Chengqian!

Wei Zheng and others wanted the prince to find a reason to stop the emperor, while Li Shimin hoped that his son could speak to Lao Tzu.

The gazes of the two sides, especially the emperor's gaze, were the most venomous, and Li Chengqian even felt a tingling sensation on his face.

Yaoshou!This has not yet been announced as the minister's order, and such a thing happened.

No, to reconcile the relationship between the civil and military officials and the emperor is not the prime minister Fang Xuanling... Well, as one of the three high-ranking officials, Shang Shuling is also equivalent to a prime minister, just like Shizhong, Zhongshuling, and Zuopushe .

In the eyes of the two parties asking for help, Li Chengqian could only bite the bullet and bowed his hands to Li Shimin: "Father, your family is reasonable. Everything is based on the overall situation. Whether it is road construction projects or preparations for war, you must not neglect it."

As soon as Li Chengqian said this, Wei Zheng and others breathed a sigh of relief.Even the prince said so, the emperor probably can only put away his thoughts this time!

Unlike the ministers with happy faces, Li Shimin only felt utterly disappointed. Originally, he handed over the Shangshuling to Li Chengqian in the hope that there would be one more person in the court to speak for him.After all, Fang Xuanling and the others who had been with him before had gradually become "principled".Outsiders can't count on it, but it's only natural for a son to help Lao Tzu, isn't it?

But he didn't expect that Shang Shuling hadn't been appointed yet, this bastard...

"but!"

A "but" by Li Chengqian stopped the joy of the officials and the anger of the emperor.

"However, there is no doubt that the Taiji Palace is not suitable for living. Both the father and the mother have wind disease, and the mother's air disease is most afraid of damp and cold. In the early years, the father fought for many years and laid the foundation of the Tang Dynasty. , although I didn’t follow, but I can imagine the hardships involved. Even Li Jing, the Duke of Wei, is also unable to walk because of his chronic illness. To put it bluntly, Gu is really worried that his father will follow in his footsteps one day.”

When these words came out of Li Chengqian's mouth, all the officials immediately bowed their heads.Indeed, as far as the current situation is concerned, except for the fact that he is not in the right position, the emperor is indeed an impeccable emperor. Even if he is acting, it is not easy after so many years of acting.Compared with previous tyrants, the emperor is the most able to suppress his own desires, so why can't he be allowed to be willful once?

As for Li Shimin, the scolding words that had already reached the corner of his mouth could only be swallowed back.Li Chengqian's words warmed his heart, yes, I have endured it for so many years, why not let me enjoy it once?A group of unfamiliar white-eyed wolves, you have to tell me to know how to treat me well?Not to mention, are you ready to turn a blind eye to the disadvantages of Tai Chi Palace?Day, it's not you who live here!

"His Royal Highness, what you said is a bit blocked."

In the silence, Wei Zheng walked up to Li Chengqian and said, "Since His Highness feels that the treasury's funds cannot be moved, and also thinks that the Daming Palace should be repaired, I dare to ask the prince if there is a compromise?"

Wei Zheng's question made everyone think.This is an unsolvable problem. The treasury cannot be moved, so what will be used to build the palace?There is no doubt that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is rich. With the development of commerce, the royal family has also operated a lot of industries. It is certain to be rich, but since the emperor asked the treasury for money, it can only show that he is reluctant to give away his own money. All were invested in the construction of the palace.So....

It seems that there is only one answer left.

Sure enough, under the gaze of everyone, the prince said: "There is no compromise. Gu's original intention is to distinguish the two things clearly. First of all, the two funds are absolutely unusable. And the construction of the Daming Palace is inevitable." Okay, that being the case, if there is no way to generate income for the treasury, would you all be willing to allocate part of the income to build the palace? Of course, if it is not enough, the rest will be paid by the East Palace, which is also considered as the father of the son. How about doing a filial piety to the queen mother?"

"Revenue generation?"

Changsun Wuji exclaimed, and then waved his hands again and again: "No, no, absolutely not. As far as merchants are concerned, one out of ten has already caused some complaints. If the proportion is increased, it is only for the construction of the palace, not just for your majesty. Even His Highness's reputation will be affected, this is the best strategy!"

Li Chengqian said speechlessly: "Mr. Zhao, I never said that I would increase taxes on merchants!"

Changsun Wuji paused in panic, and immediately cupped his hands and asked curiously: "Then, what is your Highness going to do?"

Looking at the emperor and the officials with puzzled eyes, Li Chengqian shook his head: "I can't say it now, why don't you ask Mr. Zhao to stay and listen to Gu? If not, you can stop it on behalf of the officials. how?"

After exchanging glances with Fang Xuanling and the others, Changsun Wuji nodded.

Although curious, both the officials and the emperor suppressed this curiosity and decided not to mention this matter again.

After returning to each house, after all the officials were seated, Li Shimin calmed down his emotions and said: "Later, I will discuss this matter with Zhao Guogong. I will not get involved in the planned expenditures in the national treasury, so you can rest assured, dear friends."

Hearing this sentence, all the ministers breathed a sigh of relief, especially Wei Zheng, as long as the emperor doesn't ask for money randomly, it's fine to take some extra profits from the treasury.After all, from the first year of Zhenguan to the present, the amount used by the royal family to withdraw from the treasury has not changed.To be able to do this, the emperor was already exceptionally patient.

After a pause, Li Shimin continued: "I still have a few things to announce today. First, the achievements of the crown prince in Dengzhou and Lingnan are obvious to all. I would like to grant him a ministerial order and participate in the government to honor his achievements. , Zhu Aiqing, do you have any objections?"

No one said a word.

Fang Xuanling stood up, cupped his hands and said: "The merits of His Highness the Crown Prince are obvious to all the ministers and others. Even if we don't mention the merits, since he observed and worked in politics, especially after returning to Chang'an, His Highness the Crown Prince's talents are enough for anyone Shangshuling. However, I have the courage to ask Your Majesty, whether the crown prince's serving as Shangshuling will be a permanent rule in the future?"

Fang Xuanling's question can be regarded as asking everyone's thoughts.The position of Shang Shuling, because the emperor once held the position, since the emperor ascended the throne, no one dared to mention this position again.As the heir of the Tang Dynasty, it is difficult for the prince to serve as the minister.But the biggest problem is that as the highest official of Shangshu Province, the position of Shangshu Ling is very important. The current prince has shown enough talent to serve as Shang Shuling, but there is no guarantee that the future prince will be like the current prince.

Once it is messed up, it will bring losses to the court at a small scale, and at a large scale, I am afraid that there is no other way to atone for the crime other than abolishing the prince.Therefore, this matter must be asked clearly.It is indeed a good thing for the prince to participate in politics and hold specific official positions, and it even has a positive effect on the succession of the throne.But screwed up, it's not a "bad thing" to describe it.This must be asked clearly.

The emperor was not surprised that Fang Xuanling would ask such a question. In fact, it was a matter of general importance. Even if Fang Xuanling didn't ask, someone would always come forward and ask.

Glancing at the prince who seemed to be thinking about something, Li Shimin said: "I do have the idea of ​​making this matter a permanent rule, but of course I am not blind. First of all, when the prince is serving as the minister, he must show that he is consistent This position can only be matched with talents, otherwise, the Minister of History would rather be abandoned, and will never be given to the prince easily. Only when all the ministers including the six ministers and the chief officials of the three provinces have no objection, can the prince be appointed as the Minister of Ministers. , will also be a permanent example."

Hearing what the emperor said, Fang Xuanling breathed a sigh of relief.The appointment of Shang Shuling has a lot to do with it. Since the emperor has realized something, it is not impossible to agree.After all, with the order of the Minister, he can relax the burden of the Ministry of Education.

Seeing Fang Xuanling came back, Li Chengqian got up quickly, walked to the stage and stood still.

"Since no one has any objections, then Prince, from today onwards, you will officially take the post of Shang Shuling. This position is of great importance, and you must not slack off. Can you make a note of it?"

"My son, keep it in mind!"

After answering, Li Chengqian turned his head and bowed his hands to the court officials.No one dared to look down upon them, they all stood up to return the salute.At this point, Li Chengqian finally sat in the position of Shang Shuling, and it was still the kind where no one had any objections.This shows that he has some prestige in the court.

After returning to his seat and settling down, Li Chengqian was also very curious about the things that he had mentioned with him as the minister, and what else.

"Where are Zhao Guogong and Sun Wuji, Minister of the Household Department?"

"Chen is here!"

Changsun Wuji agreed and stood up when he got out of work.

Li Shimin smiled slightly and said: "Shen Guogong Gao Shilian, although he is in good health, has submitted his resignation on the form. I feel that he is old, so he is allowed to return to the field. In this way, the position of Shangshu Youpushe will be vacant." .Since the time of the dragon, Qing has devoted all his energy to it, and it is obvious to all. Now I allow you to be the minister of the right servant and concurrently serve as the minister of the household department, how about it?"

"My lord, thank the emperor for his grace!"

Faced with the emperor's arrangement, Changsun Wuji naturally readily accepted it.Since the crown prince is concurrently serving as Shangshuling, the position of Shangshupushe is not so necessary.The reason why he kept the left servant to shoot Du Ruhui was to assist the crown prince, anyone could see this.If Shangshu Ling is not empty, Shangshu Pushe will become a loose official similar to the Chaosan doctor, and to get it is to be honored.To be honest, if his dignified uncle, the eldest uncle of the current emperor, and the uncle of the future emperor, still guards the position of the six ministers, it will be a bit of a drop in price.Although he is called You Pu She now, everyone will understand that his actual status has been elevated to the position of You Pu She.So, it's not bad.

Seeing that Changsun Wuji agreed, Li Shimin breathed a sigh of relief.It's not that Changsun Wuji had never been a servant of Shangshu before, but it was only because of the queen's persuasion and the anger of the two that he was pushed down again.Now he has also given up entrusting the title of Inspector, and enfeoffing Changsun Wuji Shangshu Pushe, in fact, he wants to ease the relationship. Now it seems that Changsun Wuji also has this intention.

After Changsun Wuji, there was another transfer of personnel at the ministerial level.In fact, if he hadn't trusted his own staff, even the six ministers should have been exchanged according to the emperor's mind.Perhaps it was because Zhenguan was annoyed by the constant mobilization in the early stage, so the emperor simply stopped changing, and at most transferred officials such as ministers, so as not to form factions.

In fact, from Li Chengqian's point of view, it was unnecessary to do so. Apart from factional disputes involving the seizure of the heirloom, officials were still very afraid of forming cliques for personal gain.After all, the biggest heads in the court did not dare to do this.The current emperor is not an easy emperor to get along with.

After the conclusion of the summary meeting and personnel transfer, it is time for public discussion.This is the function of several memorials being selected. Some of them really need to be brainstormed, and some of them are taken as typical examples, such as the Si Nong Temple incident.

After a bit of talking, the sun not only came out, but also rose to the middle.It wasn't until after three inquiries and no one started playing that the emperor announced his withdrawal from the court, leaving only Zhangsun Wuji and Li Chengqian behind.

The emperor got up to leave and went to the apse. Li Chengqian stood up and walked to the room and said: "From today onwards, I will officially serve as Minister of the Book and participate in the government affairs. I have already prepared a banquet in the restaurant, especially taking out the fine wine from the East Palace cellar. I am going to entertain your family, but my father left Gu alone, since that is the case, you can go to drink, just forgive Gu not being able to accompany you."

No one was surprised by the prince's arrangement. In fact, such a big appointment would usually be notified in advance, especially since the prince had already been working before he became an official. It was no surprise that the banquet was ready now.After all, it was the crown prince offering a banquet, no one was willing to refuse, and they all said that even if the crown prince was not there, they would not return home drunk.

After sending all the ministers out of the Tai Chi Hall, Li Chengqian looked at the gloomy eldest grandson Wuji.

"Your Highness said that there is a way to make the treasury profitable, and this official is very curious. However, if it is the same method as raising taxes, this official will not agree!"

Whether it is "His Royal Highness" or "Weichen", Changsun Wuji said it emphatically, which means that he will not show favoritism.Speaking of which, he couldn't do anything for personal gain. Because of his delicate identity, he had often blamed the emperor for it.This time he was able to stay and discuss, but he was responsible for Fang Xuanling and others, not just representing himself.

Li Chengqian smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said: "Uncle, don't worry, we are not raising taxes this time, Father is still waiting, why don't we go to see Father, and then I will tell you how this profit was obtained."

Changsun Wuji nodded, his face softened a little, he turned and walked towards the harem.

Li Jian was already waiting at the Liangyi Gate to escort the two of them to the Ganlu Hall.

Although it was snowing heavily today, due to the geothermal heat, the first snow that landed turned into snow water.What the emperor said is not just talking nonsense. Except for buildings with high foundations such as the Taiji Palace, the Taiji Palace is indeed low overall. If it is raining, it will be even more intuitive.Just cleaning up the stagnant water is enough for the eunuchs in the palace to work.

Discovering this scene, Li Chengqian almost subconsciously wanted Su Yuan to go back to the East Palace.Although the East Palace also belongs to the Taiji Palace complex, but because it is not the same period of foundation, the terrain is a little bit higher, so there is no such worry.

Chapter 415 Currency Reform

But this idea is just a thought, after all, the heating environment of the Liangyi Hall is not bad, there is no risk of freezing, and the emperor's words in the court hall still have a lot of moisture.

After all, it is true that the Taiji Palace is low-lying and humid, but it also affects the court ladies and eunuchs. How could the emperor get sick because of it?

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian couldn't help shivering after following Li Jian into the Ganlu Hall.Even Changsun Wuji had a dumbfounding expression.

Today's Ganlu Palace is completely different from before. The doors and windows are ventilated, and even the brazier that should have been set up has not been set up. It seems that the emperor is going to show it to the end.

Sitting behind the table and rubbing his hands while reading the memorial, the emperor smiled helplessly when he saw who was coming.If it is a foreign minister, such an arrangement is still useful, but it is a bit too much to do it in front of the prince and grandson Wuji.

"You guys came just in time, I just don't want to stay in this hall. The decoration here is for outsiders to see, come, let's go to Anren Hall to talk."

Not knowing whether to laugh or cry, Li Chengqian and Changsun Wuji could only follow the emperor to Anren Hall.

For a long time, the Ganlu Hall was the emperor's bedroom, and the Empress lived in the Liangyi Hall. Although the Anren Hall was once allocated to Concubine Yang, Concubine Yang refused, so this place became an idle palace.The princes who have not moved out when they are minors live here, such as Li Zhi.

Li Zhi, who is only ten years old now, has not established a mansion yet. Like Cheng Yang and others, he still lives in the palace.But after all, being a prince is still qualified to live in a palace.

As soon as he arrived at Anren Hall, the little Li Zhi jumped out to greet him, bowing his hands and saluting in a very decent way.

"Father, uncle, this is..."

It wasn't until he saw Li Chengqian's clothes clearly that Li Zhi was shocked: "So it's Brother Huang!"

"emmm..."

Li Chengqian was extremely depressed. Compared with Li Tai, he really didn't spend much time with Li Zhi.Coupled with the fact that he was not in Chang'an for the past three years, it is reasonable for Li Zhi not to recognize himself.

However, the reasonable things made the emperor and Changsun Wuji laugh heartily.

The eldest grandson Wuji obviously liked the youngest nephew very much, so he reached out and patted his shoulder and said, "Etiquette is for outsiders to see. Now that I'm all in the palace, I don't need to be formal. Long time no see, come, Uncle just happened to test your homework."

Being led by Changsun Wuji, Li Zhi was obviously very happy, but even so, he didn't do anything extra, just looked at his uncle with a smile.This scene, no matter how you look at it, is a puppet show, and Li Zhi is the puppet being carried.

Seeing Li Chengqian frowning, Li Shimin said dissatisfiedly: "Is there anything wrong? Let me see, you, the prince, are so unruly because you are too wild. At the beginning, the Supreme Emperor wrote a letter asking you to come back. After you came back, It's really unfilial to not come to greet you!"

Li Chengqian was stunned for a moment, and then smiled wryly: "You can't blame the minister, the letter is vigorous and powerful, no matter how you look at it, there is no handwriting of the emperor, anyone will think it's you fake... yes, you Let's just treat it as unfilial, or else my minister won't pay for the Daming Palace project by the way?"

"Ahem, hurry up and go in, it's still snowing outside."

Li Chengqian's speech without paying for it undoubtedly hit Li Shimin's vital point, so he could only pretend that nothing happened.