Don't be a prince

Li Jing nodded, put away the glutinous rice balls and asked, "Does His Royal Highness have something to ask for my minister?"

If you don't get paid for nothing, you must ask for something. This is the law that has never changed through the ages.

Li Jing knew that if the crown prince gave him something, he must have asked him for something.

Confused, Li Chengqian could only laugh dryly: "I let you see, I just want to ask you, if you want the crown prince to lead the battle in person, do you need to go through the procedures of the Ministry of War?"

"So that's the problem." Li Jing stroked his beard and said, "Of course we have to leave. Although the crown prince is the personal soldier of His Highness, if he wants to go to the battlefield, he must report to the Ministry of War, otherwise, he will be sent out without authorization." The army is the same crime as treason. Besides, because you are the prince, unless you go to the battlefield in person, otherwise the prince will lead the battle, and you have to say hello to the commander in charge. And there is..."

Li Jing hesitated for a moment before continuing: "When you go to the battlefield, there will definitely be casualties. If the prince wants to let the soldiers led by him gain experience, he must let go and be able to endure the casualties. , and dare not use them."

After finishing speaking, Li Jing asked suspiciously: "Your Highness, is it possible that the Tang Dynasty is going to send troops recently?"

The military has not received news of the war!

Li Chengqian said with a dry smile, "I'm just asking, don't worry about it."

After speaking, Li Chengqian dragged his sword and went back to the East Palace to wash up.

Donggong made a lot of glutinous rice balls, and it was absolutely impossible for his own people to destroy them all.So after washing, Li Chengqian divided these glutinous rice balls into several batches and asked Fang Sheng to take someone out to send them out.

The first one to be presented was naturally the Supreme Emperor Li Yuan. In the matter of the maids, Li Yuan did not cheat, and all the maids he sent were charming virgins, so Li Chengqian naturally wanted to return a gift.What's more, as a "lonely old man", Li Yuan needs love no matter what.

The second ones to give away are naturally the emperor's father and the empress's mother. Li Chengqian didn't believe it. Those two would not know about such a big movement in the East Palace. They made delicacies but didn't send them to their parents. It would be bad to be accused of being unfilial.

The third one was Li Ke. Unlike Li Tai, although Li Ke devoured his food, he didn't have the nerve to take some with him when he left.

The fourth one is naturally the old man. For this reason, Li Chengqian specially ordered the kitchen to make a batch of very small ones to take care of the old man's teeth.

Fifth, hehe.

Looking at the blank paper on the box, Li Chengqian picked up a pen and wrote down the residence names of Yu Chigong and Changsun Wuji.

If you want to do something, you have to give someone a gift first.If there are no accidents, in a few days, Yu Chigong and Changsun Wuji will go to war.The crown prince has personally led the training for so long, but there are some achievements.As long as you see blood on the battlefield, who says you can't defeat the Xuanjia Army?

After counting Gaofu's share, Li Chengqian asked Fang Sheng and others to set off.

According to the instructions of Fang Sheng and others, the people who received the gifts from the East Palace were all kind, and only ate the glutinous rice balls and Lantern Festival on the day of the Lantern Festival.

The first time I ate this thing, it was very fresh.

Yu Chigong felt that his identity was not enough, so he could only ask his own cook to study how to make it.Gao Shilian thought that glutinous rice balls were a good food, and he could enjoy them even if his teeth were not very good, so he sent someone to the East Palace to ask for the prescription, just like Changsun Wuji.The difference is that Gao Shilian spoke directly, but the eldest grandson rushed to the door but brought a generous gift.

As for the palace...

Judging from the fact that the cook from the East Palace was summoned back to the imperial dining room for a whole day, the imperial dining room also knew how to make glutinous rice balls and yuanxiao.

For this matter, Li Chengqian didn't care much, but waited for the shock of the court wholeheartedly.

If nothing else happens, on the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, there is a guy who is fooled by a witch and doesn't know the heights of heaven and earth, so it's time to rebel.

Luo Yi, the son of Luo Rong, the general of Zuojianmen in the Sui Dynasty.In the third year of Wude, he surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, was given the surname Li, belonged to the imperial family, and was named King of Yanjun.Obtaining the title of county king with the identity of a foreign surname, it can be said that the court did not value him.After assisting in the elimination of Liu Heita, he was named General Zuo Yiwei, and served as the commander of the Tianjie Army and the governor of Jingzhou.

Although he made friends with Li Jiancheng, he was in the prince's party.However, after Li Shimin ascended the throne, he did not pursue the matter. He worshiped him as Kaifu Yitong Sansi, who was more important than the Sangong.

Bi Sangong, it can be said that he has reached the pinnacle of courtiers.But even so, this idiot was still dissatisfied and chose to rebel.

Referring to the history of this person's promotion, especially the part where he was sealed off by the government officials and the third division, Li Chengqian suspected that Luo Yi's rebellion was induced step by step by his father.

Datang did not kill heroes, but if he embarked on the path of rebellion, he would have no one to blame.

As a surrendered warlord, he quickly climbed to the top of the courtiers, and if he wanted to go further, he might only have to rebel.

On the sixteenth day, Li Gang returned to the East Palace.

On the day of the [-]th, everything was the same as before, and Li Chengqian, who had not heard any news until dawn, remembered that this was the Tang Dynasty with no news.Even if Luo Yi rebelled today, the news would not reach Chang'an so quickly.

On the [-]th day of the first lunar month, just three days before the emperor's birthday, news from Binzhou finally reached Chang'an.

In the Lizheng Hall, Li Shimin angrily tore the Hongling Express into pieces, even kicking the case away.

"Fengzhao Qinwang? This Luo Yi can really figure it out! I treat him well, right? Think about how many soldiers surrendered in history, how many ended well? The Supreme Emperor gave him the surname Li, and named him King Yanjun. After ascending to the throne, even disregarding his friendship with King Xi, he was promoted to Kaifu Yitong Sansi. This is what you got in exchange for all your sincerity?"

Under the emperor's fury, the ministers did not dare to breathe.

Li Jing also lowered his head and remained silent, but during the silence, he was also confused.

How could there be such a coincidence in this world?Before the Shangyuan Festival, the prince had just asked him about the prince personally leading the army, but on the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, Luo Yi turned against him.

How did he know?

Chapter 80 Personal Guard

Li Jing thought he was not stupid, but there was no sign of Luo Yi's rebellion.The prince's foresight was like a prophecy.

"Yuchi Gong, grandson Wuji!"

"I ordered you two to lead the army to conquer the disobedient ministers. After the army sacked Binzhou, Changsun Wuji stayed to Anmin. If there is anyone who follows Luo Yi in rebellion, there is no need to report it, and he will be severely punished on the spot!"

Hearing the emperor's words, the ministers could not help but shudder.

Obviously, it is Yu Chigong's business to quell the chaos. Changsun Wuji not only needs to reassure the people, but also has full power to deal with the case of treason.There is no need to report to the court, and the rebels are executed on the spot, which already belongs to the power of life and death.

Sure enough, the emperor still favors the eldest grandson family.

After the appeasement of the rebellious land, many official positions can always be vacated. Except for important positions such as the governor of a state, Bie Jia, who needs to be decided by the emperor, the remaining eldest grandson Wuji has the right to appoint.

Such a beautiful job is really enviable to others.

After the appointment was completed, Li Shimin left the Lizheng Hall angrily, without even saying a word about retiring from the court.

After the court meeting ended, all the ministers began to evacuate in an orderly manner. Because Yu Chigong was called by the emperor to go to the army, he was laughingly accepting the congratulations from the military commander Pao Ze.In such a peaceful year, the opportunity to lead the army is really rare.If it were not for Luo Yi's rebellion, ordinary rebellions would not even use these senior generals.

Changsun Wuji walked alone, no one came to congratulate him.

Unlike Yu Chigong, when Yu Chigong went to war, at most he would get a reward from the emperor, and the nature of the glory was a bit more important.As for Changsun Wuji, this time he got the opportunity to expand his family's influence.

The affairs of the court and the affairs of the family are two different things. If it is just a promotion and there is no deep hatred between each other, it is okay to congratulate each other.But such a good thing that can strengthen the family, it is not bad if it does not make trouble.

In a family family, it is useless for one person to occupy a high position in the court. Only when most members of a family occupy a confidential position in the Tang Dynasty can they become a group that the imperial power must treat with caution.

The Li family of Longxi, the Li family of Zhaojun, the Cui family of Boling, the Cui family of Qinghe, the Lu family of Fanyang, the Zheng family of Xingyang, and the Wang family of Taiyuan.

The above are the "Qiwang" with the longest inheritance in the Tang Dynasty and the only surviving fruit. These five surnames not only master the inheritance culture, but also have many clansmen who work in various ministries.Such a family, even if they fight hard against the emperor, they will not be at a disadvantage on the surface.

No one does not take it as their duty to glorify a powerful family.

Changsun Wuji also knew that he had picked up a big deal this time, so he didn't look excited, but kept silent, thinking about how to take advantage of this hard-won opportunity as he walked.

From the Lizheng Palace, after passing through the gate, it is the Chengtian Gate.

To Changsun Wuji's surprise, he actually saw Li Chengqian at the gate of Chengtian Gate.

Li Chengqian, who was dressed in the prince's light yellow robe, stood in the shadow of Chengtianmen, looking particularly eye-catching.He looked at the courtiers walking through Chengtianmen, as if he was looking for something.

When the eyes of the two met in the air, Changsun Wuji clearly saw the joy in the prince's eyes.

This kid is waiting for me?

With doubts, Changsun Wuji still walked unhurriedly until he walked up to Li Chengqian.

With a bow, Li Chengqian said: "I haven't seen uncle for a long time, how is uncle?"

Because it was in front of the Chengtian Gate, Changsun Wuji returned the salute earnestly, and said with a frown, "The crown prince is the crown prince, how can he salute before the foreign ministers? This is not private, the prince should respect himself."

Li Chengqian nodded to mark it down, and then he followed the good advice and said in a formal tone: "I heard that Luo Yi rebelled, and my father was furious, and sent Zhao Gong and E Guogong to lead troops to quell the rebellion, but I don't know how many guards Zhao Gong is going to bring?"

Although Changsun Wuji wondered why the prince asked this question, he still replied: "For this expedition, His Majesty did not appoint a general manager. The [-] troops needed should be used freely. If there is no accident, the two of us, Lord E, should Under the escort of dozens of generals, they went to Zhechong Mansion near Binzhou to mobilize soldiers. Why is your Highness asking this?"

Li Chengqian smiled slightly: "It's like this. Just now, Shang Shu of the Ministry of War passed the Laiguo Highway. After asking alone, I learned that the crown prince's personal leadership is not under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War. If he sends troops, he needs to hand over the command of the general who will go out and report to the Ministry of War. Mr. Zhao this time Going out, Gu was worried, so I specially sent two thousand soldiers to Zhao Gong to protect Zhao Gong."

After finishing speaking, Li Chengqian blinked, revealing half of the tiger talisman in his hand.

Seeing Li Chengqian's expectant expression, Changsun Wuji understood what he meant after a little thought.

Good boy, I want my prince to personally experience it!

The eldest grandson Wuji, who used to be in the military, was also curious about what kind of army the training method could create, so he didn't shirk, and took the tiger charm from Li Chengqian's hand.

Patting Yu Tai's waist behind him, Li Chengqian said: "Yu Tai, from today onwards, you will follow Mr. Zhao. If Mr. Zhao makes mistakes, you don't have to come back!"

Yu Tai smiled, and naturally stood behind Changsun Wuji.

Weighing the tiger talisman in his hand, Changsun Wuji smiled and walked away from Chengtian Gate.

After all, it is a nephew, and the eldest grandson's family will also need to be taken care of by the next generation of emperors. There is no reason why the eldest grandson Wuji would not give up such a favor that he sent to his door to beg for.

After watching Changsun Wuji leave, Li Chengqian looked for Yu Chigong in the crowd again.

Even if the courtiers who came out of Chengtianmen were in a hurry, they would stop when they saw the light yellow color here, and leave after saluting.He deliberately wore the prince's robe today, all he wanted was to slow down the flow of people here.

Not long after, I saw Yu Chigong's standard big black face.

At this time, Yu Chigong was surrounded by generals, and seeing their high spirits, it was obvious that someone paid for today's dinner.

Seeing Li Chengqian, Yu Chigong also had to stop and cup his fists.

After paying back the gift, Li Chengqian said with a smile: "Mr. E, Gu heard that the cook in your house has been studying the method of making glutinous rice balls since the Lantern Festival? If you need something, just tell Gu. Gu will naturally make the recipe. With both hands."

After speaking, Li Chengqian took out a piece of paper from his arms and handed it to Yu Chigong.

After receiving the paper, Yu Chigong laughed loudly and said: "During the Shangyuan Festival, the rice balls sent by the crown prince, my minister thought it was average, but the wife at home liked it very much. It is already a blessing to be gifted by the crown prince, how dare you Come to ask for a prescription!"

Li Chengqian showed a faint smile: "This time Duke E and Zhao Guogong went to the expedition, and 2000 people led by the prince alone were sent to Duke Zhao as guards. However, if the battle is difficult, you can call the prince's personal leader. Although it has not been verified However, if you think about Laigu’s relative rate, the combat effectiveness will not be too low.”

Looking at the prescription in his hand, Yu Chigong smiled wryly, knowing that he was on the prince's boat, but still nodded.

The main reason is that the wife of the family really likes glutinous rice balls!After fighting for half his life in poverty, and now finally living a more prosperous life, Yu Chigong is almost responsive to his mother-in-law.

After saluting again, Yu Chigong left Chengtian Gate with his robes.

Chapter 81 Speculation

Li Chengqian had no choice but to blackmail Yu Chigong with recipes made of glutinous rice balls and Yuanxiao.

He is not familiar with Yu Chigong, even if he is the crown prince, Yu Chigong has many reasons to reject him.

Originally, the gift of glutinous rice balls on the Shangyuan Festival was just a little hopeful, but Mrs. Yuchi's love for glutinous rice balls gave him a good chance.

Humming a ditty, he walked towards the East Palace along the passage between the palace and the imperial city, completely ignoring the eyes of the two guards behind him.

Undoubtedly, it won't be long before what he did at the gate of Chengtianmen will be made into a report and sent to the emperor.

However, mobilizing the crown prince's relatives is originally the prince's private matter.Since the emperor made it clear that this team was not under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War, he was not at fault for doing so.

The New Year's Eve has passed, but the gate of the East Palace is much more beautiful than usual.

In the past, as soon as you entered the door, you could see the old eunuchs shuttling back and forth, but now you can finally see the charming court ladies.

Although the costumes of the court ladies are not as cool as those in the TV series, even revealing half of the steamed buns, but the maids with soft figures and fine workmanship are better-looking than a single group of eunuchs.

He went back to the study non-stop, and asked for leave during study time, which was also a last resort.

Seeing Li Chengqian came back, Li Gang didn't ask him why he went: "Come back?"

Li Chengqian nodded, took off his outer robe, changed into coarse clothes, and sat down at the desk.

Originally, he didn't need to wear a robe, but since Li Tai and Li Ke came over, he had to change into this coarse cloth whenever he was in the study.When he was practicing calligraphy, the pen and ink were always neat and never dropped a bit, but Li Tai, these bastards, could spill ink all over the desk.

After returning after a year, the old gentleman did not explain the ancient books, but let the three of them practice calligraphy freely.

The old man has never finished reading the books extorted from Gao Shilian, even if he forgot to eat and sleep, he can't read them all in a day or two.

It's just practicing calligraphy, with the experience of later generations, Li Chengqian simply asked the old man to write a copybook, and then copied it.

The three apprentices practiced calligraphy quietly, while the master read with his books in his arms. Although there was no sound, he couldn't bear to be disturbed by this scene.

With the prestige of the old gentleman and Li Chengqian around, Li Tai and Li Ke didn't dare to make small moves, but concentrated on practicing calligraphy.

Looking at Li Tai's words that are not much better than dogs crawling, Li Chengqian and Li Ke laughed together.

Practicing calligraphy continued until noon, when the maid came in with food, the three of them stopped and cleaned their hands to eat.

Ever since the emperor made the decision not to interfere with the finances of the East Palace, Li Chengqian's life has become much easier. It's not like he would just stop at a feast of delicacies, but it's okay to decide what to eat.

Today's lunch is white rice. Although the grains of Datang's rice are small and not as good as those of later generations, the taste is much stronger than that of later generations.Pure natural rice, or new rice, probably only a few people in Datang could afford it.

After serving three bowls of white rice and half of the plate of mixed cucumbers, Li Tai hiccupped in satisfaction and said, "Brother Emperor, it's a pleasure to eat at your place. , but the Imperial Dining Room has always used dried vegetables, which made my hiccups smell like dried vegetables. I asked my mother, and she said that the production of warm soup supervisors is limited, and the supply to Taiji Hall is already at the limit. How did you get the cucumbers here? Huh? Did you ask Grandpa Huang for it?"

Li Chengqian has a small appetite and finished eating long ago. Seeing Li Tai's question, he said, "Of course not. Do you think I will go to the emperor's grandfather to ask for something? Cucumbers are grown by a vegetable seller outside the palace. Planting vegetables in winter is just like eating them." Planting flowers indoors in winter is not without trace. As long as you find the right method, who will rule that you can’t eat vegetables in winter?”