The third emperor of the Sui Dynasty

Chapter 609 Twisting out the real culprit, all officials make trouble

In the twelfth lunar month of winter, the dawn was late. From the fifth watch to now, Xiangyang City has been noisy for more than an hour, but the sky still hasn't dawned.In the Hall of Liangyi, however, the lights were already brightly lit, and dozens of important officials stood at the bottom with solemn expressions,
Li Yuan was frightened and vomited blood. He was seriously injured and unable to walk. He had to be carried to the throne. At this time, he leaned on the thick cushion with a pale face and listened to Li Jiancheng's report.

"Father, the fire in the city was deliberately set on fire. More than [-] people were killed in Wuchuan, who guarded the food-heavy land, and more than [-] people were disabled by burns. The general of the Banner, Dou Dan, died in the line of duty, and there were no bones left. In addition , there are five other burning squares in the city, these are the places where courtiers, officials and wealthy households gather, the number of dead and injured has not yet been counted."

Li Yuan nodded slowly and said: "It's a blessing in misfortune to only burn Liufang. We must do our best to treat the wounded and sick, and transfer the victims to other places."

As long as too many people are not involved, it will save the court a lot of trouble. As for the courtiers, they will be burned if they are rich. These people have plenty of money, so he doesn't care.

Li Jiancheng said: "My father, my son has already decided to transfer the people without authorization..."

"No problem!" Li Yuan interrupted Li Jiancheng and asked, "Where's the food? How's it going?"

This is his biggest concern.

"The fire has been extinguished, there should be three or four million stones left."

"That's good!" Li Yuan was relieved, and turned his head to Dou Gui: "Master Dou, you go to appease the officials and people in the city now."

Although Dou Gui wanted to participate in the next step of the agenda in order to obtain first-hand information, but the sacred order was hard to disobey, so he resigned helplessly: "My minister obeys."

Li Yuan sighed, and said slowly: "Yang Tong has a team of powerful, ruthless assassins who slaughtered Li Mi's local officials back then, resulting in no officials available and no one to take office. Chaos. Even my Great Tang has been affected, although we have eradicated many assassins, there must still be many lurking in places we don't know about. Everyone, could this fire be caused by Yang Tong?"

"Father, do you think so?" The one who spoke was Li Shimin who had returned from defense.

"How can you see it? What is the reason for the emperor?"

"When the two countries are at peace, the role of assassins is to spy on the military situation, spy on secrets, assassinate enemy generals, win over hostile forces, and burn military rations. Unless assassins can assassinate the enemy leaders, otherwise, they will not be able to change the general trend of the world at all. I think that the greatest role of assassins is to cooperate with the invading enemy and capture the city when the war is at a stalemate. If I have such an assassin in Luoyang, I will never expose it prematurely. Take tonight as an example, if It was Yang Tong's assassin who set the fire, and there were Sui troops outside the city, so Xiangyang would be very dangerous, but there was no Sui army outside the city, and the assassins in the city did not play their fullest role. The ministers are [-]% sure that this is not Yang Tong. What Dong did." Li Shimin analyzed the role of assassins from a military point of view, and his explanation was clear and convincing.

Li Yuan was also a person who led soldiers. He not only accepted Li Shimin's inference, but also believed that it was a family member who opposed him. In order to show his loyalty to Yang Tong and obtain more political capital, he used Datang's 120 million shi of grain as an investment. name certificate.But in order to make the interrogation more convincing, he did not bluntly agree, but asked: "Assuming this is Yang Tong's assassin, what is his intention? Everyone expresses their opinions and expresses their own opinions. "

"Holy!"

Liu Wenjing stood up and saluted at this time, and said solemnly: "The King Jin's analysis is mainly considered from the perspective of military operations. Although it is reasonable, but from the perspective of the rivalry between the two countries, I think it is precisely Yang Tong's handwriting."

Liu Wenjing's words completely negated Li Shimin's inference.

Li Yuan's face was so gloomy that water dripped out, looking at the noisy courtiers, his face sank like water, and he didn't say a word, as if he was out of the matter.

In fact, although Li Yuan let everyone express their views and speak freely, it does not mean that he wants to hear Liu Wenjing's negation of Li Shimin's analysis, because he needs a legitimate reason to attack the nobles of Guanlong, so even if the arson incident tonight was really done by Yang Tong, We should also pour dirty water on some aristocratic families.

However, Liu Wenjing's words are likely to defeat the plan to bring disasters to the east. However, he has already released the tone of "expressing his own views" in advance, so it is not good to blame Liu Wenjing.

After being silent for a while, he said expressionlessly: "Liu Xiang thinks that the fire tonight was not caused by Yang Tong, so what is the reason?"

Liu Wenjing said in a deep voice: "Yang Tong has always been far-sighted in his actions. I feel that this is an action he planned a long time ago. It was definitely not a whim. The Sui army expanded its army aggressively, posing a great threat to Xiangyang. It is also impossible to break through the Hanshui defense line, let alone break through Xiangyang. Whether our Tang army has enough troops depends on the amount of money and food, so I think that the fire tonight is Yang Tong's plan to draw salary from the bottom of the pot. As long as our The food was reduced to ashes, and the plan to expand the army fell through. As long as they broke through the defense line of the Han River, which was short of troops, they would be able to approach the city in the next step. At that time, Xiangyang's troops were empty, and it didn't matter if there was any internal response in the city."

"absurd!"

As soon as Liu Wenjing finished speaking, Pei Ji snorted coldly and said: "Xiangyang City is connected to Jianghan in the south, Jianghuai in the east, Central Plains and Luoyang in the north, and Hanzhong, Daxing, and Bashu in the west. Therefore, there is 'the world for those who win Xiangyang, and the world for those who guard Xiangyang. ', 'The most important thing in the world is in Xiangyang'. Since ancient times, the major events in the world have always been related to Xiangyang, and the importance of its strategic position is self-evident. But... Xiangyang is surrounded by water on three sides and one side Mountains, easy to defend and difficult to attack. Under the four-foot-high city wall, there is the widest natural moat in the world, making it very difficult for anyone to take this fortified city of Xiangyang. How could someone as shrewd as Yang Tong expose his secret assassination in Xiangyang in advance for a plan that might not succeed?"

Liu Wenjing got angry and glared at Pei Ji: "The Holy Majesty said that everyone expresses his own opinion, but I am just expressing my own thoughts. Why do you target me everywhere? Besides, you interrupt before I finish speaking. Tutor?"

Everyone was shocked!
The conflict between these two people is so great that they have to confront each other about any matter. Even such an important discussion would not stop for a while. Li Yuan was also very displeased, and could no longer care about trying to plot against the nobles of Guanlong. , he said to Liu Wenjing very bluntly: "What opinion does Liu Xiangguo have, please finish it once!"

"Your Majesty!" Liu Wenjing quickly saluted, "I also admit that Xiangyang's strategic position is important, and that it is easy to defend and difficult to attack, but it doesn't mean that Yang Tong must break through the city. I still insist on my own opinion, thinking that this must be Yang Tong's last resort." count."

"Xiangyang is the imperial capital of my Tang Dynasty, why does Yang Tong not destroy this city?" Li Yuan asked.

"Weichen thinks we should infer from our military strength."

Liu Wenjing's words pointed the way for everyone. Chen Shuda wanted to speak again when he saw Pei Ji, worried that the two would quarrel again, so he said first: "My lord, I think Liu Xiangguo's words are reasonable. Yang Tong himself has enough troops. Afterwards, there were millions of people at least, and we, who lost our food, were just the opposite. Not only could we not expand our army, but we had to reduce our army to keep our army fed. At this time, Yang Tong only needed to send out a dozen or twenty troops. Contain all our Tang troops on the Hanshui defense line, and then divide our troops to attack Xicheng, Fangling, Qinghua, Yicheng, Wudu and other counties. As long as Bashu is lost, even if our army resists to the end on the Hanshui defense line, it will be defeated Why should Xiangyang, which has been starved to death and reduced to an isolated city, fight again?"

"Your Majesty, what Chen Xiangzhi said coincides with my minister." Liu Wenjing said to Li Yuan.

At this point in the debate, the origin of the arsonist became more and more obvious.

Li Yuan said with a sullen face: "It's really understandable what Yang Yu did. If someone deliberately destroys my Tang Guozuo, the problem will be serious. If the real culprit can't be found out, I can't sleep and eat. Send an order and let Wei Wei thoroughly investigate everything." In the city, we must not let a villain go. At the same time, order King Qi to return to the capital immediately to preside over the Wuchuan Division."

The picture shows up!

Li Yuan was too lazy to put on a show.

Hearing the emperor's angry voice, everyone's hearts trembled. If Li Yuanji, a devil, came to investigate, what kind of chaos would Xiangyang be like?

"Holy!"

Wearing three strands of long beard, the quiet and handsome Xiao Yu stepped out, bowed and said, "I have a message to enlighten my sage."

Seeing that it was Xiao Yu, Li Yuan showed his face and said, "What's the matter, Qing?"

Xiao Yu said: "Nowadays the state affairs are difficult, but I have heard that King Qi built a mansion, and the decoration is gorgeous and extravagant. Not only that, but there are many places beyond the rules. I implore the holy decree to punish..."

There was an uproar in the hall.

Talking about it, how did Xiao Yu get over the limit?

Li Yuanji, King of Qi, exceeded the system, which naturally means that his specifications exceeded the ceremonial guards, objects, and buildings that matched his status.

Although Li Yuanji was arrogant and domineering, he would not dare to use items that could only be used by an emperor if he was killed. So Xiao Yu's reference to exceeding the rules here should mean that Li Yuanji used things that were equal to or exceeded the rules of the prince.

And the past dynasties have attached great importance to the over system.Even if Li Yuanji's daily overreach is acquiesced by the emperor, as long as you don't say anything, everyone will be blind and turn a blind eye.

But now, let Xiao Yu bring it to the table and say it, Li Yuan must stop it!Otherwise, what is the use of the rules and laws of the court?

No matter how old the prince is, Li Yuanji is no bigger than the prince, and his use of the prince's regulations is beyond the system.

Then what is he in charge of the Wu Chuan Division who supervises all officials?What is it to supervise princes and kings?Do you want him to be the prince?

After Xiao Yu finished speaking, she returned to the train as if nothing happened, and closed her eyes slightly without saying a word.As Li Tang's royal censor, he has the authority to appeal.

Li Yuan's face turned black with anger!

He knew that Wu Chuan was unpopular, and everyone hated him deeply. He regarded him as a thorn in their eyes and a thorn in their flesh, and wished to pull it out immediately.But because the leader of Wuchuan Division is Li Yuanji, and he, the emperor's father, connives behind him, so everyone has nothing to do with Wuchuan Division.

But now Xiao Yu is talking about Li Yuanji's violation of the system. If he disagrees, it is obvious that he will tear up the court's laws and lower his prestige.

It would be even worse if Li Yuanji was still in charge of the Wuchuan Division if he insisted on going his own way!

You, the emperor, don't even pay attention to the rules, so what right do you have to control others?Today it is Qi Wang Li Yuanji who oversteps the rule, tomorrow it will be Jin Wang Li Shimin, and the day after tomorrow it will be Feng Wang Li Yuanheng... Anyway, you have many sons, Li Yuan, if all of them are like this, then Li Tang will be messed up?

Seeing that His Majesty's eyes were about to burst into flames, Chen Shuda quickly said: "Your Majesty, appease your anger. Prime Minister Xiao is the Imperial Censor. This is his duty. What he said is right. If the King of Qi violates the law, he must be reprimanded, otherwise the law will be punished." No one abides by the law, so how can the Great Tang seek to conquer the world? However, the king of Qi supervised the people on behalf of the emperor, because the disaster victims were everywhere, and many of them were resentful. Appointing the king of Qi who is outstanding in martial arts to do the job, in troubled times should use heavy codes, this is not overstepping the rules."

Chen Shuda's remarks not only described Li Yuanji's overreach as a "reprimand", but also excused Li Yuan by saying that "heavy codes should be used in troubled times".

At this time, Pei Ji said loudly: "Why does Chen Xiangguo have to cover up the whitewashing? The ritual system is the ritual system, how can it be surpassed? If the king of Qi continues to arrest and kill criminals, there will be rumors in Xiangyang city, and the turbulent remarks will make the country uneasy. Absolutely impossible."

He is the pillar of the Jinwang party, how can he watch Li Yuanji, who is loyal to the prince Li Jiancheng, continue to cut off the officials of the Jinwang faction?If you take a step back today and take a step back tomorrow, the hearts of the Jinwang party will be scattered.

As soon as Pei Ji finished speaking, Liu Wenjing immediately stood up and refuted, saying that he was making trouble for no reason. Now that the situation is serious, civil officials can't suppress the rebels at all. What's the big problem if the emperor asked his son to picket the criminals?

There was an uproar in the courtroom.

Li Yuan was annoyed.

But he never thought that the root cause of the endless debate is that he condoned Li Yuanji's act of arresting people and killing officials, which has aroused the anger of many civil and military officials.This is the resistance of all officials after being disappointed.

In this situation, many members of the princeling party are silent. Li Yuanji is becoming more and more presumptuous now, making the civil and military people of the Manchu Dynasty feel insecure. If they support him today, there is no guarantee that he will not target him tomorrow.

"Bang!" Li Yuan was furious, and he slapped the table hard, his face was cloudy and uncertain. He also knew that if he disagreed, today's matter would definitely expand, which would make him lose everyone's heart. He let out a long breath and said, "Quizu!"

"Holy Holy Spirit!"

Many civil and military people who sang praises like the new year had no idea that the murderous intent in Li Yuan's heart was getting stronger.

"Retreat!"

Li Yuan said two words viciously, thinking: What a bunch of stupid people.I can prevent Yuan Ji from taking control of Wu Chuansi, won't I let him take charge behind the scenes and let others do it for me?
"Father..." Li Shimin also didn't expect Xiao Yu to take the opportunity to make trouble, but Li Yuanji's loss of Wu Chuan was not harmful to his personal interests. Even if Wu Chuan soldiers are not spies, they are still guilty of dereliction of duty, and I feel that we should investigate thoroughly."

Li Shimin's words moved Li Yuan's annoyance from Xiao Yu to Wu Chuanzu's head. He felt that Li Yuanji was not in the imperial capital, Wu Chuansi lost his vigilance, and thus lost so much food. He really needed to investigate thoroughly.
"Father, Yuanji is not in the capital, and I am willing to discipline him. Cut off the black sheep." At this time, Li Jiancheng took the initiative to ask for orders.

Li Yuan said viciously: "Zuzao! If there are spies in it, I will punish the nine clans."

"Here!" Li Jiancheng complied.

Li Shimin frowned, but he didn't say anything anymore. At this time, Li Tangjing was nothing but infighting.

(End of this chapter)