Don't be a prince

After hearing what the emperor said, Chang Le turned from worry to joy, and said with a smile: "Why don't you like it, thank you, emperor."

Patting Chang Le on the shoulder again, Li Chengqian gave up the space to the eldest grandson who came in a hurry, got up and walked towards the study.

During this period of time, although he was immersed in the game of poker, he actually did not let go of government affairs.However, just like the rest of the previous period, only the memorials that were difficult and required many people to make suggestions would be sent to him.

There was also one today, and Li Chengqian knew how troublesome this memorial was just by looking at the neat memorial without any comments, and the few blank papers mixed in it.

When encountering such a memorial, even Fang Xuanling would not dare to review it casually. Usually, it is the final result of everyone's brainstorming.If none of them have any ideas, they will bring it to the court and discuss it in public.Because of this, generally those who perfectly solve a problem in the court will directly gain the emperor's attention.It's not surprising that he can be promoted after three or two times.

After opening the memorial and reading it once, Li Chengqian knew why no one dared to review the memorial directly.

This is an excerpt from the Ministry of War, the content of which is to apply for hoarding gunpowder weapons in the border town of Liaodong to prepare for war.The complete preparations in advance also avoid the problem of hasty transportation, so that the army can advance lightly, rushing to the battlefield against time, and only need a short repair before they can start fighting.

"Soldiers and horses are not moved, food and grass go first", this is an ancient truth.However, when the grain hoarded by the folks in the Tang Dynasty can already achieve the effect of "tearing down the east wall to make up for the west wall", it is unnecessary.To put it simply, the army directly transfers food from the state capitals near the border, and the imperial court's transport team will make up for it later.

In other words, the main question in this memorial is whether to hoard gunpowder weapons on the Liaodong border!

After reading it again, especially after seeing that the signature of this memorial was "Hou Junji", Li Chengqian made up his mind.

Out of vigilance against this person, even if what he said makes sense, he should not agree.Indeed, according to his proposal, going out to the army can save a lot of trouble.But gunpowder weapons are a curse!There is no doubt that in order to fight a good-looking battle and avenge the shame of the Central Plains, gunpowder weapons must be used in large quantities.

Although Goryeo is not big, but thinking about the pissing nature of the emperor's father, Li Chengqian decided that the gunpowder weapons dispatched this time will only be much more than Xue Yantuo's expedition.If so...

Bringing up the red pen, Li Chengqian unceremoniously wrote a large word "refutation" on the memorial of the Ministry of War, and next to this word, stamped the opinion of Shang Shuxing.Taking out a piece of paper, Li Chengqian changed his black pen and wrote: "To Emperor Fu, Prime Minister Fang, and Prime Minister Wei: Gunpowder weapons, unless the army is dispatched, should not be hoarded. One is for safety, and the other is for prevention. Strong power will attract covetousness. There is no guarantee that they will be used by people with intentions at the border, and will turn into unparalleled weapons against us.

Be calm when doing big things, and don't take risks because of small profits.The gunpowder weapons needed for the expedition to Goryeo should not be made in advance, but should be made as much as possible before the expedition.Even, [-]% were taken away, and [-]% were transported to the battlefield one after another.Although Goryeo is stubborn, he doesn't know the depth if he doesn't attack.Gunpowder weapons must be stored against fire and heat.Excessive hoarding, but without the protection of the army, the enemy only needs a death squad, and it can be wiped out.Be careful, be careful. "

After writing this passage, Li Chengqian knocked on the table, handed the memorial and the letter he had just written to Zhang Yun and said, "It's too late to wait for the ink to dry, so you immediately take this memorial to the palace and present it to Father."

Zhang Yun nodded, stopped saluting, and rushed out of the study with the memorial and letter.

After sending this letter, Li Chengqian discovered that there was an extra person in the study—Xiuxiu.

She was sitting near the door, embroidering quietly without making a sound.

Seeing her, Li Chengqian couldn't help but smile.Xiuxiu is different from Su Yuan, she only dares to do such a thing when she is pregnant with a child.

Putting down the pen, walked to sit next to Xiuxiu, Li Chengqian said with a smile: "Miss me? Come here if you think about it, it doesn't matter if you get closer to me. Why are you sitting so far away by yourself without saying a word?" .”

Xiuxiu smiled, put down the embroidery frame, took Li Chengqian's hand and placed it on her belly, and said, "I dare to come over at this time, but I don't need to get close. You are dealing with government affairs, and it is not suitable for me to get close to you." .”

After touching Xiuxiu's big belly, Li Chengqian felt a burst of satisfaction and tension in his heart.

There are already two children peeing on each other in Guangtian Temple, and soon, he will have another child.I used to fantasize about what I should do when I have a child, but in future generations, it is based on a child.Today, one child has become three children, especially when the biological mothers of these three children are different.Even if he didn't want to, these children have been labeled high and low by everyone since they were born.

In Li Chengqian's heart, all children are the same, and they cannot be separated from the concubines.The emperor was able to seduce Li You and Li Yin so much, the idea of ​​concubines may not have no effect.

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian felt even more guilty towards Xiuxiu.Holding her hand and helping her up, Li Chengqian said: "Don't leave when you come today, and sleep with me in the Lizheng Hall. Anyway, I have to abstinence now, Yuanyuan's body has recovered, and now I will be with you The three of them together, I can't bear it."

Xiuxiu wondered: "You better not be with me, I have to wake up several times a night now, and I feel uncomfortable no matter how I sleep, it will disturb you."

Li Chengqian said with a smile: "What's the matter? It's okay. It's not like you don't know. I fell asleep like a dead pig. If you can wake me up, you'll be considered amazing."

"How can you say that you are a dead pig, but the way you look after you are asleep is really interesting, hahaha."

Chapter 453 I'm sorry

Holding Xiuxiu's hand, without a fake hand, Li Chengqian helped her back to the bedroom.

Abstinence after debauchery is undoubtedly uncomfortable for men.But after persisting for a while, he was able to hold back.

Perhaps the initial source of affection was lust, but after getting along for a long time, Li Chengqian felt that long-term companionship is the most comfortable way to get along.

Early the next morning, after the morning exercise, Li Chengqian received a gift from Fang Xuanling.

Naturally, Fang Xuanling could understand what the prince was doing. He was also very satisfied with Gao Yang's order to tear down the princess mansion and move to Fang mansion.Although it is a good thing for the princess in the family to marry, it shows the emperor's favor.But, it is still unbearable for a son to marry an ancestor.

Forget about the prince, but facing the royal princess, the de facto daughter-in-law, he has to bow his head and salute instead. Ordinary people can bear it. How can an important court official like Fang Xuanling be reconciled?Especially Tang Jian, an old guy, who brags everywhere in the court because of Changle, makes him even more resentful.

Now, things have finally changed, and Fang Xuanling also feels that he has more face.Therefore, the gift that the Fang family sent to the East Palace was unexpectedly heavy.

"It's all because of face!"

Although the corners of his mouth twitched, Li Chengqian ordered Fang Shan to send all the Fang family's gifts to the warehouse.They are all rare ancient gadgets. It seems that the old house has achieved quite a lot in antiques!

Li Chengqian, who had changed his clothes and hadn't gone out for a long time, appeared in the lobby of Shang Shusheng again.

Du Ruhui and Yang Shidao were still very surprised. Regardless of Yang Shidao for the time being, Lao Du was much more straightforward. He took out a third of the memorial on his desk and sent it to Li Chengqian's desk.

Seeing a pile of memorials suddenly appeared on the blank table, Li Chengqian said depressedly: "Du Xiang, you are going too far. If you don't come today, don't you have to deal with these?"

Du Ruhui pursed his lips and said: "His Royal Highness, respecting the old and loving the young is a virtue. You have said this before. The old minister is weak and has been burdened by paperwork. It is already very hard. Since you are here today, why can't you help me?" Will the old minister share it?"

Seeing Li Chengqian's angry look, Du Ruhui said again: "Okay, don't get cheap and act good. The old minister won't believe it. My Du family's treasure, Sapphire Linglong, didn't appear on the gift list for your East Palace? This time, the old house is Bleeding profusely, for the sake of looking good, he exchanged his precious treasure with the old minister for the belongings of the Zhou Dynasty, Donggong don’t say anything else this time, this sapphire Linglong alone is worth a fortune!”

Du Ruhui was obviously distressed, and Li Chengqian knew about it.However, what puzzled him the most was that there was something in Du Ru's words.Furthermore, the value of the exquisite sapphires of the Zhou Dynasty is simply incalculable.Why do I always feel that this old guy has the taste of giving flowers and borrowing flowers to present Buddha?

After appraising the value of Qingyu Linglong again, Li Chengqian stood up and cupped his hands and said, "Du Xiang, if you have anything to say, why don't you just talk to Gu directly, otherwise, you, Qingyu Linglong, will not be free for Gu."

Du Ruhui smiled, cupped his hands and said, "His Royal Highness, the old minister does have a merciless request."

"Tell me and listen..."

"If my child doesn't get along well with the princess, I hope His Highness the Crown Prince can do the same."

"..."

Lao Tzu is a prince!It's not the composite master of the mother!

Although helpless, Li Chengqian agreed.This can't be helped, Cheng Yang is the younger sister of his mother and compatriots, Du He, if it wasn't for his close age, how could he have such a good fortune to marry the emperor's first daughter?

As for his sister's husband, Li Chengqian felt that he still had to discipline him.After all, this bastard Du He is even more nonsensical than Chang Sun Chong and others.Because he is the second son, apart from working hard in the academy, now that he is out of the academy, he will almost live in Pingkangfang.

They watched Du Ruhui send a third of the memorial to the crown prince. After some conversation, the crown prince sat down and began to deal with government affairs.After Yang Shidao thought about it, he still took out one-third of his memorial.

Well, going with the crowd is the way of officialdom!

Because of the joining of the prince, the new force, Shang Shusheng's time to deal with government affairs has been increased to the extreme today. Before noon, all the work was over.

After a stretch, Li Chengqian was about to invite Du Ruhui and Yang Shidao to the East Palace for a drink, when an annoying face appeared at the gate of Shang Shusheng.

Hou Junji!

Today's Hou Junji still knows the rules, he signed up honestly, and only entered the lobby after getting permission. I don't know if it was because some members of the assault team were on duty at the gate of Shangshu Province.

After saluting each other, Hou Junji directly explained the purpose of his visit: "His Royal Highness, why did you reject the memorial submitted by my minister to reserve gunpowder weapons in advance? It is true that gunpowder weapons are afraid of moisture and flames, but as long as the rules are strict, keep them Properly, there will be no danger."

Hearing Hou Junji's question, Li Chengqian knew that the emperor, old thief Wei, and Lao Fangtou had blamed him for the rejection of Hou Junji's memorial.

The hand hidden under the table scratched his back, and Li Chengqian said helplessly: "The rules are made so that people can abide by them. There is a clear and clear article in the gunpowder department's order, which tells that unless the war is coming, excessive hoarding of gunpowder weapons is not allowed. Perhaps , Preparations for Korea need an exception at this time, but this time he opened his mouth, next time, wouldn't future generations have an excuse to follow?

Gu believes that the occurrence of repeated mistakes is mainly reflected in the word "heavy". As long as there is no first time, there will be no future mistakes.Gunpowder weapons are related to the national system of the Tang Dynasty, and there can be no exceptions.Hou Shangshu's consideration for the imperial court, Gu and his father all know, but next time, don't submit such an unruly memorial. "

Hou Junji maintained the posture of saluting, a little dazed.He just asked a question, why did the prince say so much?Such a long paragraph, every sentence is deafening, and every sentence is awakening.Moreover, Du Ruhui and Yang Shidao on the side still nodded in praise, this...

Wouldn't it make me speechless?

Reluctantly lowering his body a little, Hou Junji said: "In that case, it is indeed my humble minister Meng Lang. Thank you His Highness for waking up."

After finishing speaking, Hou Junji left in confusion.

Seeing that Hou Junji had left, Li Chengqian breathed a sigh of relief.

Du Ruhui quietly walked to the prince's side, and asked in a low voice: "Why does His Highness the prince deal with Hou Junji like this? But what's wrong with what he asked for?"

As an old man in the court and a human spirit from troubled times, Du Ruhui had already keenly sensed the crown prince's vigilance towards Hou Junji.

Nodding his head, Li Chengqian said: "Duke Wei said at the beginning that Hou Junji was too arrogant and feared that he would be harmful to himself. Looking at it now, it really is so. With a background as a general, he can be ranked among the ministers , Hou Junji's honor and favor is unique. But, he doesn't understand the truth that in a high position, one should rule by doing nothing. He is indeed not just Meng Lang when it comes to gunpowder weapons!"

Du Ruhui nodded sympathetically.Since the day of its birth, gunpowder has been the Nilin in the court, which was clearly advertised by the emperor.Who doesn't avoid talking about gunpowder?Perhaps Hou Junji's starting point was good, but he showed covetousness towards gunpowder, no, there is no need to covet, even caring is not the way to be a courtier!

Regardless of this matter, if something goes wrong, it will not be able to calm down the matter with the heads of a few unknown people.

Thinking of this, Du Ruhui couldn't help becoming vigilant.The relationship between these top nobles like them is relatively close, not only in official contacts, but also in family business, etc., is relatively close.Now that Hou Junji has a bad trend, it is better to disconnect as soon as possible.

Li Chengqian didn't know that Du Ruhui had already made such a decision, because the appearance of Hou Junji just reminded him of the secret order given to him by the emperor.

Check the powder department....

It was not the Gunpowder Division on the bright side of the Ministry of War, but the Gunpowder Division monitored by the Baiqi Division.

After bidding farewell to Du Ruhui and Yang Shidao, Li Chengqian declined the guards of the Jinwu Guard, and left the imperial city with only twenty or so people led by him.

Since it is necessary to check, it is naturally better to check it carefully.Depart at noon, arrive almost at dark, sleep for one night, and start early the next morning, which is better.

After removing all signs related to the East Palace and disguising as an ordinary caravan, they left Chang'an City.After detouring twice and making sure there were no one following, the "caravan" left the main road and entered a small road.

The location of the Gunpowder Department has always been Datang's top secret.Even Li Chengqian didn't know where they were now because the Gunpowder Department changed locations repeatedly.

After getting along with the emperor, the current Li Chengqian has been able to touch these top secrets calmly.After all, he is also a dignified prince, isn't he?

Not long after entering the path, I met a family.This is where Baiqisi's portal is located. After identifying himself with Baiqisi who was disguised as Orion, he entered the right path under the leadership of Orion.

Because of the fear of Mars, the road leading to the Gunpowder Department is all compacted with soil, and because of the strong maintenance, it is not much worse than the cement road.

After detours and twists and turns in the mountainous area several times, they finally arrived at the elite area of ​​the Gunpowder Division.

Here is the gunpowder workshop. After the emperor took over completely, even the production of gunpowder weapons was kept as a secret.

In a desolate mountainous area, a bustling area seems out of place no matter how you look at it.

The news arrived first, so the current commander of the gunpowder department is already waiting in front of the camp.

Seeing the carriage approaching, he bowed and saluted: "Humble post Xu Zhangming, pay homage to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Lifting the curtain, Li Chengqian jumped out of the carriage, glanced at the scale of the Gunpowder Department and the Weapons Workshop, and couldn't help but be speechless.

The place closest to the periphery is full of empty factory buildings, which seem to be used as spares.The further you go, the more people there are, and you can vaguely see a lot of iron and wood warehouses, which should be the warehouses of gunpowder or gunpowder weapons.

"It is very good to build a spare factory building. Even if there is an accident inside, the outside area can continue to be used."

Xu Zhangming nodded and said: "This proposal was first proposed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and I also think it is the safest way to do so. It may cost more, but now gunpowder weapons are the most important in the Tang Dynasty, and no mistakes can be tolerated. The armies of the four sides need gunpowder weapons to deter them. Enemies, when the army is dispatched, they also need enough gunpowder weapons to wear and kill the enemy in battle. Since we have taken over this job, naturally we can't make any mistakes."

After finishing speaking, Xu Zhangming seemed to think of something, and said with a smile, "Your Highness just came today. Those guys who study weapons have recently produced some finished products. They just plan to experiment tomorrow. I wonder if you are interested in watching?"

"Oh?"

Li Chengqian was quite interested in this news.The imagination of Datang people is definitely not enough.Many craftsmen can perfect their own way through their own imagination with just a few touches.Among them, there are definitely not a few people who found the horse riding a donkey.

"Since that's the case, I naturally want to take a look. This time I came to inspect under the order of my father. Although it's called an inspection, but I don't just have the right to punish. If the results of these people are really amazing, Gu Jue Don't hesitate to reward!"

Xu Zhangming nodded, and the smile on his face became more obvious.

This is absolute confidence!

Li Chengqian couldn't help being full of anticipation for what he was about to see.

After declining the woman sent by the Gunpowder Department at night, Li Chengqian still fell asleep on time.The Gunpowder Division is isolated from the outside world, and most of the members, in this life, will hardly have the opportunity to come out of the mountain.Perhaps their dedication can bring wealth and honor to their families, and even a smooth career, but for them personally, it is still too difficult.

Because of this, Baiqi Division is not only responsible for monitoring the Gunpowder Division, but also to meet their needs as much as possible.As long as you don't want the stars and the moon, and ask for a few women, it's not too simple.

Early the next morning, after the morning exercise, Li Chengqian didn't change his clothes, so he ordered the guards to bring breakfast to the test site.In the roaring sound, it is not bad to have breakfast with the smell of gunpowder smoke.

Sitting far away in the pergola outside the testing ground, holding a bowl of millet porridge and giving Xu Zhangming a bowl, Li Chengqian's expression that was about to be overwhelmed betrayed his nervous heart.

Naturally, Xu Zhangming didn't dare to indulge His Highness the Crown Prince's appetite. With a wave of his hand, six warriors came over carrying a new weapon.

Seeing what they carried out, Li Chengqian spat out all the porridge that had just reached his throat.

Oh my god, why does this damn thing look so much like a mortar?

Xu Zhangming looked at the finished product with satisfaction and said, "His Royal Highness, the cannons you mentioned before, we experimented in various ways, and finally succeeded in only a few of them. Because they are so big, there is no way to guarantee the safety of the casting process. However, we After thinking about it, what would happen with a smaller caliber?

We've been experimenting since the idea was born.Now the finished product is the one in front of you.Its principle is similar to that of artillery, which uses gunpowder to generate powerful propulsion, turning the iron ball into it into a powerful weapon.Although it looks similar to the Eight-Ox Crossbow, it is even more complicated to operate than the Eight-Ox Crossbow.However, its power is not comparable to that of the eight ox crossbows! "

Chapter 454 The Outburst of Li Zhi

Through Xu Zhangming's explanation, coupled with his own touch, Li Chengqian probably already knows the principle of this new gunpowder weapon.

To put it bluntly, it is just a low-end version of the artillery.Perhaps because of its size, its power has been reduced a lot, but at the same time, portability has also become its advantage.This thing is connected with mortise and tenon joints everywhere, and it will not take too much time to assemble.Compared with the insecurity of the cannon body after it is cast, and the time-consuming and labor-intensive craftsmanship, at least for now, this low-profile version of the cannon is the most suitable.

Nodding his head, Li Chengqian said: "There is no problem with the design idea. Judging from the size of this guy, maybe he does not have the power of normal artillery to collapse the city wall. At least he can open a bloody path among thousands of troops. In short , may have paid a price in terms of power, and it is not suitable for projectiles, but when used on flat ground, it is still a unparalleled sharp weapon!"

Xu Zhangming nodded with a smile. Except for the few successful artillery pieces, the Gunpowder Department has not achieved much so far.Although this is still a bit of a deal, but there is no way around it!The emperor placed high hopes on them, so they must come up with some results, right?Besides, the research on gunpowder is no different from burning money. The support that the Gunpowder Department has obtained now is not enough at all!

Seeing that His Highness the Crown Prince was very satisfied with the result, Xu Zhangming rubbed his hands, but still said: "Well, Your Highness the Crown Prince, since you are satisfied with this finished product, why don't you name it. Your Majesty, please help Let us say a few words, the recent budget of the Gunpowder Department is really not enough!"

Seeing Xu Zhangming's embarrassed expression, Li Chengqian smiled immediately: "Don't worry, Gu came here this time, you didn't find a carload of boxes with you? There is your additional budget for this year. I have seen your budget table , To be honest, it is really difficult for you to be able to produce such results with such a small budget.

However, Gu Ke put his ugly words in front of him. From this time on, the research budget of the Gunpowder Department will be borne by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Eastern Palace.Moreover, I will provide you with as much as possible, but ah, this is not to let you let go of the flowers, but to save the father and the lonely! "