Don't be a prince

At the beginning is the golden carriage shared by Li Chengqian and Li Shimin, followed by the eldest grandson's Fengjia and the carriage of the concubine.Afterwards, there are the cars of various state governments.

Taking the train to Luoyang, and then officially starting the travel plan, is the plan of the Supreme Emperor.

In Jinluan's car, Li Shimin was still studying the itinerary, just like when he was formulating the marching strategy.

Hearing the cheers that lined the road, he raised his head, lifted the curtain to look outside, and said worriedly: "There are so many people, if Qingque's train breaks down halfway, how can you step down?"

Li Chengqian smiled and said: "It won't be so easy to break. In fact, the railway between Chang'an Station and the Research Institute is already very long. After the inspection of this railway, basically nothing major will happen. What's more, This time it is a trial run, mainly for display. If we really want to formally test it, it will have to be a later thing.”

"I see. I've been curious about this train for a long time, and I finally saw it today. Chengqian, don't think I'm nagging you. To be an emperor is to walk on thin ice. In the days when I'm not around, if something happens, ask your uncle for help." .Yang Shidao and others are weak, so they declined my invitation and live in Chang'an. You can ask them if you have anything to do."

Although what the Supreme Emperor said was nonsense, Li Chengqian still agreed.

This is probably the case with all fathers in the world. They always feel that their children will not grow up.It's just that the retired emperor didn't know that Li Chengqian was already an adult after waking up from falling from his horse.

Soon, the carriage stopped at the train station.The soldiers of Qianniuwei began to move all the emperor's salutes and other things to the train, and the large army was waiting in Luoyang.Li Chengqian specially issued a decree to call back Changtian Monkey, who was training soldiers in Jiannan Road, and Liu Mang and Fang Shuo from Hedong Road, and asked them to bring their five thousand recruits to escort the emperor.

Mother worried about her son traveling thousands of miles, now that the Supreme Emperor is traveling far away, Li Chengqian is naturally also very worried.

After getting off the carriage, he helped the Supreme Emperor to sit in the wheelchair. After entering the train station, Li Chengqian handed over the armrest of the wheelchair to Li Tai.

Li Tai looked like a child who got full marks in the test and wanted to show his parents. He pushed the wheelchair and entered the platform impatiently.Although it was bumpy, Li Shimin seemed to be enjoying it.

Finally at the front of the train, Li Tai pointed to the locomotive and said, "Father, look, this is the head of the train. The power comes from it, and the carriages behind are pulled by it. At the end of the train , there is also a locomotive that is the same, but it is pushed. One pull and one push can make the train run on the track.

The power of the steam engine is strong, as long as those bastards have no problems with the pipes, it is not a problem to reach Luoyang within a day.Moreover, because it is advancing on the track, it does not need to watch the road conditions, and it can be driven even in the dark.I dare to assert that in the future, the freight transport of Datang will be replaced by this mode of transportation. "

Li Chengqian looked at Li Tai's strange locomotive on the side. Hearing Li Tai's words, he couldn't help retorting: "It's impossible to completely replace it, but it's okay to occupy a large market. Speaking of Qingque, when are we leaving?"

Li Tai smiled and said, "Wait a minute, the steam engine will start running after warming up for a while. How about this, let's wait in the carriage. The fifth carriage is specially prepared by me for our family."

Li Shimin was surprised: "The fifth one? Shouldn't our royal family sit in the first quarter?"

Handing over the armrest of the wheelchair to Li Chengqian, Li Tai walked up to Changsun Wuji and said, "Because the train is on a trial run, there is no way to know the danger. If we are in the first row, it will be too dangerous. Neither the emperor nor the emperor's brother can be injured. I believe that there will be many people who are willing to defend the father and brother from danger, uncle, don't you think so?"

Although Changsun Wuji scolded Li Tai secretly, he could only pretend to be loyal and said: "Let me sit in the first carriage! Since this train is for the benefit of the country and the people, I should sacrifice my life for it." All peoples try."

After dealing with Changsun Wuji, Li Tai looked for them one by one. Surprisingly, except for Changsun Wuji, the first carriage was almost full of people from the household department, and the last ones were those who had retired from the previous dynasty. Veteran.

At the beginning, Li Chengqian was puzzled, but when he saw that the first car was not equipped with glass, he burst out laughing.

Good guy, Qing Que, he still remembers the matter of being stuck with research funds back then. What he said back then was not a joke!

Seeing through, Li Chengqian pushed the wheelchair and entered the fifth carriage.

Facts have proved that there are still many people who are willing to be the emperor's shield.The first carriage was full, and the other four carriages were soon filled with people.It's just that the people in the rest of the carriages don't have the same treatment as the first carriage. Although the soot from the locomotive is very smoky, as long as the carriages are sealed, there will be no problems.

Chapter 542 Invisible Service Tour

Entering the carriage, Li Shimin moved back and forth like a curious child, with no intention of sitting down honestly.

The preheating of the steam engine started earlier, so the train started moving slowly without waiting for a long time.

While outside, Li Chengqian took a look at the appearance of the train. To be honest, it was far from the steam train in his impression.But thinking that this was researched by Li Tai and others, they didn't care.Sometimes the road of scientific research leads to the same goal, and the train will definitely continue to be improved. At that time, there will always be an extra shell, and the transmission will also change.

Li Shimin, who had finally looked at the carriage, leaned against the window with peace of mind. Seeing the scenery constantly receding outside the window, he asked in surprise, "It's already moving? Why is it not jolting even though it's vibrating?"

Suppressing the discomfort, Li Chengqian explained: "Because of the railway, between Chang'an and Luoyang, the railway is as straight as possible and leveled. Because the railway is flat, the train will not bump, but..."

Looking back at the grinning Li Tai, Li Chengqian said helplessly, "Your transmission needs to be improved, or you'll put the passenger's carriage in the middle, and the vibration is simply too much."

Li Taidao: "Funding, although improvement is simpler than research and development, it also needs financial support. If you don't produce results, do you think Dugu Bo is willing to grant money to the scientific research institute?"

Li Chengqian smiled awkwardly. Indeed, the officials of the household department are all iron roosters. If he hadn't been stingy in rebuilding the Tai Chi Palace, he might have changed the style of the household department.

However, it is good for the officials of the Ministry of Households to be stingy.If a large amount of money is involved, it does not matter to review it several times.

Looking out of the window for a while, Li Shimin interrupted the conversation between the brothers: "Qingque, why is this train so slow? Didn't you boast that Chang'an can arrive at Luoyang in the morning and in the evening? Let me see, this speed, even if it doesn't stop for a moment, I'm afraid it will take more than a day."

Li Tai said helplessly: "You and Brother Huang are still on the train. For the sake of your safety, the train can't be too fast. After all, if it wasn't for your request, I don't plan to carry many people during the trial run."

Li Shimin said dissatisfiedly: "If the train can really reach that speed, it's okay to kill two emperors. Pass my order and speed up!"

Now that he was getting angry, Li Tai had no choice but to lie and say: "No way, we can't communicate between cars, let alone send orders to the train. You, I really want to experience the speed of the train. I will experience it when I return to Chang'an." Huh? At that time, Erchen must have optimized it to a very safe level."

Hearing what Li Tai said, Li Shimin was slightly satisfied, left his two sons behind, and went to play cards with Sizi.

The two brothers looked at Li Shimin's back and smiled wryly at each other. Li Tai said in a low voice, "Father is really doing as he pleases now."

Li Chengqian said helplessly: "What do you think, the emperor who has given up the imperial power is even more difficult to provoke. At the beginning, Emperor Gaozu became the Supreme Emperor because of a coup, but Father took the initiative to abdicate. Father was able to encircle Emperor Gaozu in the early stage. Forbidden, you think I can do such a thing? Even if it offends the father, it is because of the unfilial brother, the current emperor.

So, let father and emperor be at ease.He participated in the disputes in the troubled times and created a prosperous world, such credits will definitely shine in the annals of history.Even if he did some stupid things after Zen position, no one would blame him. "

Li Tai nodded knowingly, patted the train carriage and said: "Although this kind of train can be used, it consumes a lot of coal. The train line from Chang'an to Luoyang has been formed. From my point of view, The first thing that should be connected is not the various military states, but the state capitals rich in coal and coal mines in Xiazhou and Bingzhou.

Although Chang'an is the center of Datang, the origin of China Unicom's coal is the key.Moreover, if the railway is built, the transportation of coal will save a lot of trouble.With the saving of freight, people don't have to be so cautious when using coal, which is also good for people's livelihood. "

Li Chengqian clapped his hands and said, "You're right, it's true. The railway from Chang'an to Luoyang was successfully built by Donggong after a lot of effort. To build other railways, in order to pursue speed, it can only be funded by the treasury." But Qingque, the people in Hubu were all put into the car without windows by you, hehe."

Li Tai pouted and said, "It's impossible for them not to see through the power of the train. It's up to them to beg me to get off the train later."

Li Chengqian nodded and found that this was indeed the case.If the treasury pays the money, then the income from the operation of the railway will also go to the treasury.Compared with the traditional way of freight transportation, the birth of the railway will bring frightening benefits.In the face of this temptation, it is impossible for Dugu Bo to remain indifferent.

It has been a long time since I experienced sleeping on the train, so Li Chengqian occupied a row of seats and lay down to sleep.The distance between Chang'an and Luoyang, at the current speed of the train, may not be reached until this time tomorrow.

Fortunately, Li Tai's arrangements were in place, and more than one stop was built along the way, where he could temporarily get off the bus to solve the big problem and have a meal.As for the trumpet, basically just solve it on the train.

As for Changsun Wuji and the others, they really realized what life is like death.

The shells of the first few carriages of the train were covered with dust. They had no windows, and the ride was miserable.If Li Tai hadn't prepared thick masks and cloaks for them, they would probably have died.

However, when several people discussed in secret and concluded the reason why King Wei treated them like this, no one could speak.Because, regarding King Wei's train, they could clearly see what a great achievement it was.And these stumbling blocks only pray that their names will not be recorded in relevant books.

Shame!

By the time they arrived at Luoyang Station, Changsun Wuji and the others had already turned black.They gave up trying to argue with Li Tai, and directly covered their faces that were not smoky, and went to find a place to clean them.

Li Tai pushed the Taishanghuang's wheelchair, on the platform, towards the carriage behind the train.

When he saw many civilians unloading cement, Li Shimin couldn't help exclaiming: "This truck also transports a lot of cement?"

Li Taide said: "That's natural. How much can we people weigh? It would be too worthless to develop a train just to transport people. The cement produced by Chang'an Cement Workshop, a total of [-] bags, all passed through this train." It was delivered, father, tell me, how much faster is it compared to transporting it by horses and horses?"

Li Shimin said without hesitation: "The difference is several times. It takes nearly two days from Chang'an to Luoyang by fast horse, and the horse-drawn carriage, especially for transporting things as heavy as cement, [-] bags, I am afraid it will take nearly ten days. The time is enough. I was really surprised to transport things from Chang'an to Luoyang in one day and one night!"

Although it has been known for a long time that the freight capacity of trains is very strong, hearing and seeing are completely different things.

Having been a father and son for many years, Li Shimin naturally knew what Li Tai needed, so he held Li Tai's hand without hesitation, and said while patting: "Qing Que, good job, Father is proud of you."

After receiving his father's praise, Li Tai's mouth immediately grinned to his ears.

Looking at Li Chengqian, Li Shimin said: "Since Qingque has achieved such an achievement, you must show it as an older brother."

Li Chengqian said with a smile: "That's natural, don't worry, I will never treat Qingque badly."

Hearing what Li Chengqian said, Li Shimin felt relieved, and began to yell at his old courtiers to go to Luoyang Palace to rest.It was the first time I took the train, Li Chengqian slept comfortably on the whole train, and everyone else didn't sleep well and needed to catch up.

Everyone else went to rest, but Li Chengqian changed his dragon robe, put on a black robe, dressed up as a nobleman, and entered Luoyang City with the three Sky-Changing Monkeys whom he hadn't seen for a long time.

In the past, I only thought that the reason why the emperor traveled in micro-clothes was to pretend to be 13, including old man Kang, old man Gan, and Li Shimin.

But after becoming emperor, Li Chengqian suddenly understood why.

It was better when he was the crown prince, even Fang Xuanling and others, it was just an ordinary bowing ceremony, at least, some people would still respect him faintly.

But after becoming emperor, good guy, even Li Tai's legs would tremble for a while, let alone others.The so-called majesty of the Son of Heaven is indeed not something ordinary people can bear.

When you are in microservices, even if you chat with someone casually on the road, it is no problem to hold your shoulders.But the dragon robe is still hanging on people's shoulders, which might scare people into fainting.

It's better to wear ordinary clothes, at least walk on the street without being surrounded or shunned by people.

Walking through the streets of Luoyang, Li Chengqian found that Luoyang was also developing very fast.However, I was relieved when I remembered that the current Luoyang left-behind and Luoyang governor was Du He.With an old man like Du Ruhui behind him, it would be a rare thing for Du He to fail.

The current Luoyang left behind has been replaced by a false title, and no longer holds military power.Under normal circumstances, they are linked to the governor of Luoyang.

Strange things can always be encountered. In front of a stall selling frozen pears, I met Du He.

Du He also didn't expect to meet the emperor in micro-clothes on tour here, resisting the words of "Your Majesty", cupped his hands and said, "Treasurer Li, it's rare, rare, what are you doing here?"

Li Chengqian said with a smile: "So it's shopkeeper Du. It's really strange that you are here."

Du He pointed to the booth and said: "My father likes to eat frozen pears very much. He said that it has the effect of calming the fire and nourishing the lungs. His old man came to Luoyang to pack lightly. Naturally, I will prepare some food for him in person."

Li Chengqian nodded and said: "Filial piety is always right, since you have encountered it, you can send Dongli back and walk with me, how about it?"

The emperor had an order, and Du He naturally accepted the order happily.

Strolling on the streets of Luoyang, looking at the houses on the side of the road, Li Chengqian asked curiously: "I found that Luoyang, like Chang'an before, began to have a large number of merchants who settled here. What is the proportion of merchants and civilians now?" ?”

Du He replied: "Shang Qi Min San, Your Majesty should know that if you look at Datang, if Chang'an is the best, then Luoyang is next. The land price in Chang'an has risen overnight. Except for real big businessmen, who can afford it?" ?

Because of this, some people who are stingy, or who are from poor families, set their sights on Luoyang.After all, Chang'an has its own tolerance limit, and it must be Luoyang that develops later. "

Li Chengqian nodded and said: "That's right, if it were me, I would choose the same way. It's not ashamed to settle for the second best. By the way, how is Chengyang? During the New Year's banquet, I saw her belly is not small." I should give birth soon, why didn't you report to me?"

Du He smiled wryly and said: "How to report, this is already the third girl, you should know Cheng Yang's temperament, she looks quiet, but she is very strong.

During the New Year's banquet, looking at Changle's son, he wished he could grab it.It's the same now, I always believe in some folk remedies, it's okay to eat some wild vegetables, if it's not for the persuasion of Wei Chen, I will drink medicine. "

The ideological problem of selfish inheritance is not something that Li Chengqian can shake, even in later generations, there are many people who favor boys over girls?

What's more, he was born with both sons and daughters, so what he said to persuade Du He was to show off.

Patting Du He on the shoulder, Li Chengqian said: "I don't want to get involved in your family affairs. I also rely on you to persuade Chengyang. At worst, I can take a concubine. You are the son of the Duke of Lai, and you are also the county magistrate. No concubine?"

Du He still smiled wryly: "Wait a little longer, if she married a concubine and gave birth to a son, Chengyang would not be able to live."

Every family has scriptures that are difficult to recite, so Li Chengqian stopped asking this question and went for a walk.

I used to wonder why there were fewer Hu merchants in Chang'an, but it was only when I arrived in Luoyang that I realized that many of them chose to take a long way to settle in Luoyang.

Luoyang also has east and west cities, and its commerce and trade are also very prosperous.Hu merchants from the Western Regions, under the scolding of the market officials, humbly agreed to withdraw the venue and at the same time offer gifts.

This is the most real situation. After the end of the world attack on Tang, Datang has firmly sat on the top spot on this planet.A strong country can make its subjects strong on the world stage.

Putting aside the stupid cannibalism, even a dog from Datang dare not do anything in the countries around the lobby.

This is true. Years later, Xue Rengui, who entered the grassland to train soldiers, heard that a flock of sheep ran across the landmark Tianshu, and the herdsmen broke their legs and could not recover.Leading the soldiers across the border, he pinched Tie Leguli, the head of the Gan clan, by the neck and asked him if he wanted to go to war.

After retrieving several times the number of sheep, Xue Rengui also received hundreds of cattle as compensation.

Of course, such things should be reported to the court.

However, the Ministry of War did not dare to be exclusive with regard to cross-border behavior, and sent the memorial to the emperor's desk.

Li Chengqian's reply was simple: the army of the Tang Dynasty was used to defend the country and the people of the Tang Dynasty.As long as things happen for a reason, nothing can be done too much.As for a few hundred cows, it is worth going to the court to ask for disposal, not enough to be ashamed of money!

Chapter 543 Empire and Kingdom

Protecting one's shortcomings has always been a beautiful virtue, at least for one's own people.As long as it doesn't involve absolute principles, as long as one's own people are favored with all one's strength, that's enough.How can an emperor who does not even favor his own general gain a firm foothold on the international stage?

After walking around the streets of Luoyang, when the sky was slightly dark, I just returned to the Luoyang Palace.Look at the whole from the details, and use random checks to avoid the drama prepared by the subordinates. This is the way for the superiors to see the truth when they visit.

Luoyang's spot check made Li Chengqian very satisfied.Although Du He was able to sit in the position of Luoyang Governor thanks to his father's protection, there is no doubt that he did a very good job during his reign.

Before entering the palace, Li Chengqian patted Du He on the shoulder and said: "For a long time from now on, you will stay in the position of governor of Luoyang. Luoyang is the second most important city after Chang'an. I want to guide Luoyang to the right direction. The development of the direction requires your unremitting efforts. Work hard, when Luoyang's development is on the right track and you have achieved something, you will have the title of duke."

Du He knew very well that the emperor would not make a big deal for himself, since he said so, he would definitely be able to rise to the position of Duke.As the second son in the family, he was able to climb to the same status as his elder brother with his own efforts. How could such an achievement not be exciting and inexplicable?

Kneeling down on the ground, Du He said loudly: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will definitely be the governor of Luoyang and never let Your Majesty be distracted!"

Li Chengqian smiled and pulled Du He up, patted him on the shoulder again, and then turned back to the palace.

Appropriate decentralization of power to local governors is the next step in the decentralization plan.

However, this step is different from delegating power to senior officials of the court and delegating power to the governor, but it has certain risks.The Anshi Rebellion launched by An Lushan and Shi Siming has always been marked as a turning point in the history of the Tang Dynasty.This turmoil almost destroyed the regime of Li and Tang, and brought immeasurable losses to society and economy. After the chaos, the Tang Dynasty entered a stage of decline from its peak.

But in fact, the Anshi Rebellion was just a turning point in the turning point of national power. The real reason for the demise of the Tang Dynasty was the weakness of centralization, which was mainly reflected in the separatist rule of feudal towns and the monopoly of eunuchs.

The separatism of the feudal towns made the central government weak and weak. Several attempts to weaken the feudal towns not only failed to achieve their goals, but also consumed a lot of manpower, material resources, and financial resources, making the country no longer able to compete with the feudal towns.In stark contrast to the decline in the power of the central government, the power of the feudal towns has become stronger and stronger, and the separatism of the feudal towns has become even more uncontrollable.

When the power in the center cannot control the place, it will inevitably lead to fighting.The warlords all want to be independent, and they all covet the chair under the emperor's buttocks, so a big war is inevitable.

Now the military power of the Tang Dynasty is at least still in the hands of the emperor.

Although the commanding power of Junzhou is in the hands of the governor, there are three or four governors, and the most are five.The appointment of the governor is firmly in the hands of the emperor.That is to say, Li Chengqian can tell whoever he wants to get out, and there is no way to refute it.

As for the first-level officials of the governor, there is no possibility of contaminating military power. It is still possible to let go of the regime a little bit and give it a try.As the largest city outside Chang'an, Luoyang will be the first place to try.

Back in the palace, Li Chengqian shared with Li Tai what he had gained from shopping -- Luoyang snacks.