Fu Tang

After Li Congjia sent the thirteen princes away, he turned around and called Zhou Zong over and said, "It's time to pick up Honglu Temple."

Zhou Zong was stunned for a moment: "Honghe Temple?"

To be honest, they are now busy rebuilding more important departments because of the small number of people. Honglu Temple, which is dispensable, has been put behind. After all, their diplomatic exchanges are not frequent now.

But Zhou Zong also thinks about it. This time the thirteenth prince came and was received by Li Congjia himself. Now the thirteenth prince has signed the document and decided to recognize Li Congjia as the master. At the time, at least Li Congjia will be the emperor of Suzhou, so sure It is necessary to deal with the Guiyi Army and the Ganzhou Uighurs.

Zhou Zong pondered for a while and said, "I'm afraid that the ministers of Honglu Temple will use local people from the Western Regions."

Li Congjia frowned: "Must?"

Zhou Zong said: "This is the best choice. If you want the support of the people and the support of the Suzhou family, you cannot exclude them."

Li Congjia was a little reluctant and said: "They may not have that ability."

Zhou Zong laughed: "Then find someone who is capable, take ten thousand steps back, and in Suzhou, their ability will definitely be able to support them. As for whether they can do it in the future... It's not like whoever comes up will never go down forever, right?"

Li Congjia thought about it seriously. He also thought about this question, but when he saw the current situation in Suzhou, he really didn't believe these people. Does the Long family have no money?Does the Suzhou family have no money?Impossible, otherwise how could Wanlixiang restaurant be so popular?The box courtyard there is so expensive, how can they afford it?

But what is the situation in Suzhou now? The small towns that Li Congjia took over are at the level of those villages and towns in the Central Plains. A particularly big improvement - he can't spend all his money on these bottomless pits, he has to be on guard too much.

However, the question Zhou Zong raised was too sharp. Without the support of those aristocratic families, he would not be able to sit firmly on the throne even if he ascended to the throne!

Li Congjia didn't have anything to hate if it was just a Honglu Temple. What surprised him the most was that Song Qiqiu actually proposed another direction: "People from the Western Regions are naturally good at fighting, and maybe we can promote generals among them."

Now they have too few generals. Although they have been promoted later, their abilities are limited, otherwise Tian Wuniang would not be allowed to go to the battlefield.

Of course, these ministers are not looking down on women or belittling women, but feel that it is a bit embarrassing. They have so many old men, but they let a little lady go out to fight and they enjoy the fruits of victory here. This is really not in line with their values.

Little lady, shouldn't it be reading, writing poetry and painting, even playing polo, it's much safer than going to the battlefield.

What's more important is that Tian Wuniang is Yang Xin's fiancée. On the surface, Yang Xin and Li Congjia don't care much, but because of his life experience and the fact that he is a lay disciple of Shi Xueting, he has already been marked as "don't care". It's annoying, if his fiancée dies on the battlefield, everyone will feel sorry for him.

After hearing this, Li Congjia was a little surprised: "Promoting generals? Military power... handing over to foreigners... I'm afraid it's inappropriate?"

Li Congjia has always firmly believed that you may not have too many civil servants around you, but military power must be firmly in your hands. A great man in my rabbit once said that political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. As long as he has military power, he will definitely be able to stand up.

And he also practiced it with his own experience. If he didn't have any soldiers in his hands and didn't send Li Ping and Zhu Yuan away in advance, he can only live in the south now. Abandoned by Li Jing, delaying his escape.

No matter which one ends up badly, Li Congshan who is now in the state of Zhou... I am afraid life will not be so easy.

Xiao Yan frowned: "Your Highness...it's time to choose some teachers."

Li Congjia was at a loss at the beginning, he didn't know how to switch from the topic of selecting generals to the topic of teachers, and then realized that Xiao Yan felt that he had shortcomings, but... Isn't it inappropriate to publicly point out that he needs a teacher like this? Give him face?

Fortunately, Li Congjia now has the status of the prince of the supervisory country, and this status will continue forever. Otherwise, if someone says in front of Li Jing that he wants to find a teacher for him, he will be slapped in the face and send a signal to drop the prince. !

Li Congjia blushed, of course he could pretend nothing had happened, but in front of these old foxes, he didn't have to pretend like that. If he pretended to be too deep and scheming, it would make them afraid. Li Congjia thought he couldn't play tricks with them, so It's best for everyone to exchange their hearts for their hearts, and don't play tricks on anyone.

Seeing Li Congjia puffing up his cheeks, all the ministers couldn't help but put a smile on their faces.

When Xiao Yan just said that sentence, he felt regretful in his heart. He felt that he was completely in a daze. He had reminded himself many times to be cautious when he was able to enter the cabinet this time, but Li Congjia couldn't help being modest. Li Congjia accepted and changed everything that came from the wrong place, which made Xiao Yan even more unable to bear seeing the wrong things.

Then he gave the prince a bad look in public, but, seeing Li Congjia's expression, he knew that Li Congjia was not angry.

If Li Congjia acted like nothing happened, Xiao Yan should be worried. Now he looks more like a child who knows that he is wrong, but can't save face and is unwilling to admit it.

Hey, Xiao Yan did the math, and Li Congjia was not much older than his grandson. Thinking about it this way, his tone became more gentle: "His Royal Highness is now a prince, but he has never touched the art of emperors. It is time to learn it." .”

Li Congjia pursed his lips: "Even if I dare to find a teacher now, I'm afraid no one will dare to be a prince and a teacher."

Everyone suddenly became enlightened, isn't it? If Li Congjia was just a simple prince, of course it would be fine, but he is actually a saint now, with power in his hands. Are you the teacher of a saint?Do you want to usurp the throne?

Han Xizai smoothed things over with a smile and said, "Isn't Your Highness discussing with us?"

Han Xizai couldn't be more satisfied with Li Congjia. These cabinet ministers are not young, and Li Congjia has always respected them. That's enough. What more can you ask for?

Li Congjia's face softened and he just said: "Xiao Qing's sudden statement must have a reason, let's just say it."

Xiao Yan said seriously: "Since Your Highness aspires to become the co-lord of the world, why should you only focus on the Han family? In the future, aren't the Yanqi people your people? Are the Uighurs not your people? Even if the customs different, but in the face of absolute strength, they will also choose to bow their heads and surrender."

Li Congjia was thoughtful, and Song Qiqiu added: "In the early Tang Dynasty, the Turkic generals gathered under the two saints of Emperor Taizong and Gaozong, they were very loyal to the Tang Dynasty."

Li Congjia originally wanted to say that the Anshi Rebellion was a lesson learned from the past, but after thinking about Xiao Yante's strong strength, when it came to the Anshi Rebellion, the Tang Dynasty had already accumulated many evils and almost lost control of the place. This is the culprit of the Anshi Rebellion culprit.

Thinking of this, he said frankly: "I was thinking about it, but how to choose is also a problem."

"How about...the martial arts exam?" Zhou Zong said: "When things gradually become formal, it's time to hold the imperial exam."

When Li Congjia heard this, he wanted to laugh instantly. When he was discussing the issue of generals just now, he thought these few were ambassadors for national peace, but now they showed their true colors. Isn't it their people who can win in the end?

How many Westerners can write Chinese characters is a problem!

But that's good too. Li Congjia needs a backup younger leadership team. Now these people in the cabinet are too old, so old that even if they retire immediately, no one will think it's wrong. There is not even a spare minister candidate!

Thinking of this, Li Congjia nodded and said, "It can be opened, but when will it be opened?"

"Autumn, the ninth month of the lunar calendar." Xu Xuan said.

In the past, the imperial examinations were held at about this time. If necessary, there may be another one in the spring, but it depends on the news from the court.

Li Congjia immediately made a decision: "That's it."

Now that summer is about to enter, it seems that the time is a bit tight, but Li Congjia knows that these big bosses also have small things in their hearts, and they say that the people in the Western Regions are also governing the people, but if they want to give up half of the court, they will definitely not I am willing, so I must fill in all the main positions that can be filled before the dust settles. Oh, and of course some seats must be vacated to appease people's hearts.

The matter of the imperial examination required the involvement of the Ministry of Rites. Li Congjia thought for a while and said, "I remember, Mr. Xu Kai also came here, right?"

Xu Xuan froze for a moment, then said: "Yes."

Xu Kai is his younger brother. After following him this time, he has not found a suitable position for him. Li Congjia never mentioned him, so Xu Xuan was not in a hurry. Anyway, he has already entered the cabinet now. Could it be possible to arrange for his younger brother in the future? jobs?

It turned out that Li Congjia actually asked now, and Xu Xuan felt a little excited.

Li Congjia thought for a while and said: "Mr. Xu Kai is also a great writer, and I have admired the name of Er Xu for a long time. It just so happens that the Minister of Rites is temporarily vacant, so let Xu Kai come."

In the past, Li Congjia was always worried that the people below would make him empty, but now he has no such idea. Even if someone has this idea, others will not do it. As for whether this imperial examination will become an occasion for them to form factions, Li Congjia decided to observe For a moment, nothing is on the right track now. If you find something wrong, it is easier to adjust.

Li Congjia, the hands-off shopkeeper, is very grateful for what he has done. The imperial examination has always been the most important thing, and handing it over to Xu Kai represents Li Congjia's trust in their Xu family.

But Li Congjia's reason was very good, Zhou Zong and others thought it over, and found that they were really not Er Xu's opponents in terms of knowledge, so they could only watch this piece of fat being taken away with regret.

However, what they don't know is that Li Congjia is thinking about how to avoid the disadvantages of the party in the Ming Dynasty. Jinshi Tanhua, etc., have been branded and become people of different parties before they are admitted. This must be considered. Even if it can't be completely avoided, it can't be so rampant.

Of course, this kind of situation in the Ming Dynasty was related to the emphasis on civil and military affairs. Fortunately, in this era, the division of civil and military systems is not particularly clear, and many people's goals are to be generals.

After thinking for a while, Li Congjia turned around and went to visit a person: Shi Xingyi.

This great Confucianist followed him from the south to the Western Regions and never complained. Although Li Congjia respected him and would send gifts to him every year, festival, and birthday, but because of the many affairs, the promise he made to the other party was never realized. Yes, it made him feel very ashamed.

Fortunately, Master Xingyi is relatively open-minded, and now his disciples have a foothold in the court. Although they are not high-ranking officials, they are all important real power departments. Step by step, coupled with Li Congjia taking care of them, will always be able to stand out in the future.

At this age, Shixing is most worried about his disciples and sons, and now he is finally relieved, he can see that Li Congjia's plan is big, at least Suzhou is going to fall into his pocket, as long as he Don't be dizzy like his father, his disciples and sons can always die well.

When Li Congjia saw Shi Xingyi, he was very shocked. Before, Shi Xingyi was so healthy. Even though he was a little older, he spoke and acted very clearly. Now he looks a little old-fashioned.

With a little intention, he knew that it was probably because people loosen up after having nothing to do, and it is easy to go wrong.

The teacher was also very surprised when he saw Li Congjia. Li Congjia has a high status now, even if he came out, he usually went to the home of a certain important official to show his favor, and he didn't have much time to visit him.

"Your Highness."

"Excuse me, Mr. Master." Li Congjia hurriedly helped the old man up. At this age, it was almost the time when he didn't need to salute when he saw a saint. He couldn't bear such a salute.

Shi Xing smiled and said, "Your Highness is not busy today?"

Li Congjia was a little ashamed: "It's not that I'm not busy, but I asked Mr. Shi for something, so I came to visit in person."

Shi Xing quickly waved his hand: "You are useful to me, it's my blessing, don't ask for anything."

Li Congjia nodded, and didn't exchange too many greetings, just said: "Sir, Anning City is going to hold the imperial examination."

"What?" Shixing immediately sat up straight after hearing this: "You... Seriously?"

Li Congjia nodded slightly, and the teacher immediately smiled: "Okay, okay."

The opening of the imperial examination is good news for Shi Xingyi, so that even if his disciples cannot be arranged by Li Congjiamen, they can pass the exam on their own. It is difficult, but it is a way after all, let alone see How competitive is the current situation in Anning City?

Shi Xing was happy for a while, and then realized that Li Congjia seemed to be looking for him for something, so he couldn't help asking: "Your Highness, what do you want me to do?"

Li Congjia said succinctly: "I have appointed Xu Kai as Minister of Rites to manage this matter, but Xu Kai is young after all, and I want Mr. Shi to check the test questions. Of course, the most important thing is that Xu Kai has little time to come here. You may not know much about the situation in Anning City, you just need to tell him more."

The teacher hesitated and said: "This..."

Li Congjia said: "You don't have to worry, as long as you agree, I will issue an imperial edict to entitle you to be a Bachelor of the Wenhua Palace and belong to the Imperial Academy."

Naturally, it is justifiable for a university scholar to manage the imperial examination, and the teacher frowned: "That's fine."

Shi Xingyi quickly understood Li Congjia's meaning. He probably hoped that he would stare at Xu Kai and not make the test questions too difficult. After all, there are not many literati in Anning City. If Li Congjia's entire jurisdiction is included, the overall cultural level is also high. ... It's hard to say.

After hearing this, Li Congjia said, "Secondly, I have another request. I hope you can rebuild Lantian Academy."

The teacher stared wide-eyed: "This... If I am a bachelor, it would be out of etiquette to build an academy again."

Li Congjia smiled: "This academy, how about I be the head of the mountain?"

It makes sense for the prince to be the head of the mountain, and the assistant of the bachelor.

Shi Xingyi looked at Li Congjia thoughtfully, and immediately understood that Li Congjia didn't want the imperial court to be taken over by the aristocratic family, it's just... the academy run by the crown prince, isn't the source of students still from those people?

Li Congjia said: "This academy is very big, and if you want to enter the academy, you have to take an exam. The specific regulations need to be studied carefully. However, I want to ask you, do you want to? Although I have the title of a mountain chief, but You are probably required to come for other things, not to mention that you are more familiar with these."

Shixing thought about it and immediately agreed, why didn't he agree?Although he is now busy with the imperial examination, after the imperial examination, he, a bachelor, will stand aside. After all, the imperial examination is only once a year, and he does not have the ability to participate in politics. Instead, running an academy is the most suitable thing for him.

Li Congjia smiled and watched the teachers revived, and couldn't help but start thinking. The academy established now is to cultivate talents, but it is not enough to only offer the subjects of the imperial examination. He also needs more engineering talents. These talents It is the source of scientific and technological development.

It's a pity that Li Congjia himself is a liberal arts dog, and his mathematics, physics and chemistry in junior high school and high school are barely better than those of today's people. The strength is because of the various formulas summarized by the pioneers. If there are no such formulas, it is only theoretical... He probably is not as good as those professionals now.

Hey, I don't know if there is anyone from the Mohist family here this time, but these days, Mohist disciples cherish it almost like a giant panda. Now that he is far away in the Western Regions, it is probably even more difficult to find, it is difficult.

Everything is difficult at the beginning. Li Congjia has experienced this feeling many times. It was even more difficult when he first arrived in the Western Regions. Now it is gradually getting better. He is still very confident in his academy, and he does not have to train himself. people, but trying to pull some people out of the partisan vortex.

Li Congjia chatted with Shi Xing, and then was complained by Shi Xing that he no longer has the aura of before. By the way, he also recalled the poems he wrote back then.

Li Congjia could only smile and say nothing, what can he say?He didn't write the poems. At that time, he seemed aura, and it was also because he still had the memory of the original owner in his mind, but it was either his own or not. After so many years, he almost forgot about it, and he became more and more like him Own.

In other words, he doesn't look like himself anymore. When he was an archaeologist, he was not as decisive as he is now.

It's all about letting life force you.

Li Congjia sighed for a while, then turned around and went to work again. Fortunately, the news Shi Xueting and Li Hongji brought to him were good. Since the subsequent war was an offensive, the thunder box basically didn't have much effect. Cannon, but this thing is not flexible enough, and the people who use it are not skilled enough. It is impossible to completely rely on it. There will always be times when hand-to-hand combat is required.

And this caused casualties. When Li Congjia read the military newspaper, he frowned very tightly. When he looked up, he found that the expressions of the people below were pretty good, even showing joy.

Li Congjia was a little unhappy, his own people had hung up hundreds of them, what are you happy about?

Zhou Zong gave their reason with just one mouthful: "Casualties are lower than expected, Your Highness has a long way to go."

Li Congjia choked, and wanted to ask how many casualties these people thought there would be?However, in ancient times, cold weapon wars did often cause casualties, but when it comes to casualties, Li Congjia suddenly remembered that many soldiers who came down from the battlefield died of wound infections. A large amount of alcohol was used for disinfection, and there was a doctor as an accompanying military doctor.

But now only these two armies have such good treatment. Since there will inevitably be wars in the future, other armies should naturally carry it out. Li Congjia handed over this matter to the cabinet and asked them to discuss a charter. He attached great importance to this matter, but Li Congjia said: "We have few people, and we can save only one person. Those who are saved are veterans who have experienced many battles, which are worth several recruits!"

It seems... that's the truth, they are indeed few people, Zhou Zong and others had to discuss it according to the task Li Congjia ordered.

Since the cabinet came into being, Li Congjia felt that life was better, but it was a pity that Shi Xueting was outside, otherwise the two of them should have more opportunities to get along, and it would be nice to listen to the master's chanting when they have nothing to do.

However, if that is the case, it is estimated that he will be persuaded again.

Just when Li Congjia was feeling emotional, Chunsheng trotted all the way to Li Congjia's side and said, "Your Highness, I just received a message from the Ministry of War that Suzhou wants to negotiate a peace."