The third emperor of the Sui Dynasty

Chapter 698 Li Yuanji's Authority Expansion

"Father, I don't object to the annihilation of the Beizhen army, but it is related to the initiative to attack the Sui Dynasty. Is the father ready?" At this time, Li Jiancheng asked again.

"This..." After hearing Li Jiancheng's words, Li Yuan, who had finally been hardened, regretted his impulsiveness, pondered for a while, and asked, "What do you think, the emperor?"

"My son thinks that the time is not yet ripe to take the initiative to attack the Sui Dynasty." Li Jiancheng put out his own point of view, and then gave the reason that "the time is not yet ripe": "We are not prepared to fight against the Sui army now, and even the most basic There is no strategy, and there is not much connection between the armies. The generals of each army lack the most basic pre-war communication; If we win, the other armies will not dare to rush into the army due to lack of preparation, resulting in missed opportunities. Isn’t it because of the failure of the Eastern Expedition that they fought on their own?”

Li Yuan's expression was grim and ugly. The "Eastern Expedition" caused Li Tang Dynasty to lose the last chance to seize the Central Plains with Sui Dynasty, which almost became a taboo in Li Yuan's heart. Apart from throwing out Li Xiaogong as a substitute for the dead, he even made the most basic post-war There are no summaries.Because he knows that once the reasons are summed up, all problems will be borne by him.

"Father." Li Jiancheng said earnestly: "The reason for the disastrous failure of the Eastern Expedition is entirely because of a major mistake in our strategy, or simply that our strategy is not clear. Whether we want to go east to the Central Plains or occupy the Heluo area is up to us." I didn’t figure it out. If we were only trying to occupy the territory vacated by Li Mi when he went south, then we shouldn’t have allowed Shimin to attack Wang Shichong. Because Shimin occupied Hongnong and threatened the safety of Guanzhong and Bingzhou, Yang Tong turned his attention to From Li Mi to Datang. If our goal is to eliminate Wang Shichong, use Heluo as a wedge, and nail the Sui army to Guanzhong and Bingzhou, then we should not let Xiaogong take half of the army, but should hand over the army For the people of the world, destroy Wang Shichong with a thunderous force, and then fight against the Sui army going south to achieve the goal of completely occupying Heluo; as for Xiaogong, in fact, only [-] to [-] troops are needed to occupy Xiangcheng, where Li Mi retreated, etc. County. But we don’t distinguish between the priority and the secondary. Let Shimin threaten Guanzhong and Bingzhou, and let Xiaogong threaten Xingyang. The fuzzy strategy that does not distinguish between times is the root cause of our failure in the Eastern Expedition."

Regarding the Eastern Expedition, Li Jiancheng wanted to bring it up a long time ago, but the core issue of the Eastern Expedition's disastrous defeat was that Li Yuan's strategic thinking before the war was not clear. They all need to be notified, and can only be implemented with his consent. The consequence of this rigid command method is that Li Xiaogong's entire army was wiped out, causing Li Shimin to become a lone army, which ended in a disastrous defeat.Because Li Yuan was the reason for the failure, Li Jiancheng, Li Shimin, Li Xiaogong and others dared not mention "Eastern Expedition" at all.

Now with the passage of time, the shadow of the disastrous defeat of the Eastern Expedition has faded, and because Li Yuan was eager to attack the Sui Dynasty, Li Jiancheng was afraid that the old things would happen again, so he took this opportunity to bring it up.

"I also know that the defeat of the Eastern Expedition was caused by disregarding the primary and secondary, setting up enemies around, and dividing troops." Li Yuan's voice was very low and gloomy. Although he never admitted that it was his own mistakes, he knew in his heart that it was his strategy. Mistakes led to the disastrous defeat of the Eastern Expedition, which finally brought Datang to this desperate situation.

"Father, the battle of the Sui and Tang Dynasties will be fought sooner or later, and right now is indeed an opportunity, but we must at least communicate with the generals before the battle and assign tasks so that everyone has a clear battle strategy."

"The emperor's words are justified, and the previous mistakes cannot be repeated." Li Jiancheng changed the topic in a timely manner, which saved Li Yuan from embarrassment and made him feel better. He asked again: "Is there anything else to add?"

"We must have a clear understanding of the strength of both the enemy and our own. First of all, the imperial court is less than two hundred miles away from the front line. If our army fails to fight, the Sui army will soon approach the city. If any county in the Three Gorges Road falls, the imperial court will have no way to withdraw. Entering Yizhou, so I think the imperial court should leave Xiangyang quickly. Secondly, due to the surrender of private troops by various families, we have more than 4 more troops, but whether it is these soldiers or the previous soldiers, most of them are recruits; Although everyone is not afraid of the Sui Dynasty like a tiger, it is an unavoidable fact that there are good and bad, and that orders are not unified. Maybe they will become the elite of our Tang Dynasty, but it is definitely not now. Third, our weapons and equipment are insufficient. If we do not have enough captured After a few battles, our army's existing weapons and equipment will be greatly damaged, and many soldiers will fall into the dilemma of having no equipment to use. Fourth, my Tang Dynasty is in chaos, while the Sui Dynasty is peaceful. My son is worried that there will be a war. The army and the people collapsed." Li Jiancheng glanced at Li Yuan, and then said: "It is easy to understand the move of the capital. The other three problems show that we cannot fight for a long time. This is the reality we have to face. If we do not consider these issues clearly, we will The foundation of the Tang Dynasty will be destroyed by this battle."

Li Yuan understood Li Jiancheng's meaning, that is, the Tang Dynasty was inferior to the Sui Dynasty in every way, even if Yang Shanhui was eliminated, Nanyang could be regained as he wished; even if Duan Decao was eliminated and Nanjun was occupied, because of the weak national strength, he couldn't hold on for a long time, and in the end he could only withdraw in despair. If you can't take it down and keep it, why sacrifice countless Tang soldiers in vain?Instead of doing futile work, it is better to retreat to Yizhou as a bachelor, concentrate on handling internal affairs, and train strong soldiers.

"But our army is in a state of incisiveness with the Sui Dynasty, especially the army on the Hanshui defense line is closely watched by the Sui army. If we retreat, the Sui army will take the opportunity to march. There was a big rout." In the final analysis, Li Yuan was not confident, and the reason why he gave the order to attack the Sui army was completely forced.Now, after listening to Li Jiancheng's analysis, the ambition to fight to the death that was finally born has disappeared without a trace.

Li Jiancheng breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that his father's feverish mind had calmed down, and he was able to concentrate on listening to his own suggestions: "Father, Prime Minister Dou also advocated moving the capital just now, which means that there is no one in the Tang Dynasty who opposes it. It has matured, and the only thing to worry about is the Sui Dynasty. My minister advocates peace talks with the Sui Dynasty, and the Jingzhou counties are exchanged for a truce. As long as the agreement is reached, our army can withdraw safely."

"But... Yang Tong already has an absolute advantage, can he agree?"

"Father, this is actually a temporary armistice agreement, not a covenant. As long as the time is right, we can throw away this agreement. In fact, after Yang Tong wiped out Meng Haigong and Feng An's coalition forces, he will also concentrate on dealing with us. And this armistice agreement for us is to exchange the counties in Jingbei for the safe return of the army. As long as the army is in hand, we can make a comeback. If we lose the army, even if we give us the whole world, we will not be able to hold it. As far as Dong is concerned, Jingbei can be taken without a single soldier. Therefore, this temporary truce agreement is beneficial to both parties, and Yang Tong has no reason not to agree."

Li Yuan pondered for a long time, then sighed, and said bitterly: "The emperor is right, the strength is not as good as others, we have to admit it. The Eastern Expedition hit us too hard. The important thing is our internal chaos. We really need it." Take time to cultivate and concentrate on dealing with internal problems. How about this! Send someone to Luoyang to contact Yang Tong, first to see the attitude of the other party, and then determine whether a temporary truce can be made."

Speaking of this, Li Yuan asked again: "Who do you think is suitable?"

Li Jiancheng said: "The ministers of the court can't make decisions when they go, and they can't even see Yang Yu. And once the other party asks for extra conditions, the ministers can only give back to the court and ask the father to make a decision. It takes a lot of time to go back and forth. No. The key is that the Sui army may launch a war during this period, which will be troublesome. I think I am the best candidate. First, I can meet Yang Tong and handle this matter on behalf of my father. It can show that the emperor attaches great importance to this matter and sincerity..."

Li Yuan nodded, Li Jiancheng was indeed the most suitable, but he said worriedly: "You are the prince of the Tang Dynasty, what if Yang Tong detains you?"

"He won't."

“How come you see?”

Of course, Li Jiancheng couldn't say what he said in the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty was in a situation where the crown prince and the Jin king were in a situation that was beneficial to the Sui Dynasty. Instead, he said: "Since the rise of troops in Jinyang, my ministers have had many contacts with Yang Tong. If he wants to Detaining ministers, why wait until now? What's more, the Sui Dynasty is in an absolute advantage, and Yang Tong will definitely not let himself have the notoriety of detaining envoys."

Li Yuan thought for a while, then nodded and agreed: "Since the emperor insists, then the emperor will be the envoy. You decide who you want to accompany you."

"I obey." Li Jiancheng obeyed.

Li Yuan urgently recalled all the ministers and asked everyone to discuss the "pseudo imperial examination" set by him and Li Jiancheng. After several discussions, all the ministers agreed.Li Yuan was in a good mood, and then said embarrassingly about the decision to truce with the Sui Dynasty, and withdrew the previous order. Regarding this point, the ministers who also had no confidence praised it as a wise decision, and believed that the top priority should be to annihilate the Beizhen Army. Heavy.

Everyone saluted and left the political affairs hall one after another. Li Jiancheng bid farewell to all the ministers one by one, then hurriedly left through the side door, intending to return to the East Palace to discuss the negotiation method with his staff.

As soon as he arrived outside the gate of the palace, he met Li Yuanji, who was busy in the world, head-on. Judging from his appearance, he should have just arrived in Xiangyang. Li Jiancheng couldn't help feeling a little suspicious.We must know that Li Yuanji, as Yizhou Xingtai Shangshu, not only supervises the military and political power in Yizhou, but also is responsible for building the palace.
Seeing Li Jiancheng, Li Yuanji, who was walking in a hurry, was taken aback for a moment, then walked forward quickly with a smile, and saluted, "Little brother has seen big brother."

"Why is the fourth brother back?" Li Jiancheng was very relieved to see the fourth brother becoming more and more calm, and greeted him warmly.

Li Yuanji smiled and said: "It was the father who asked the younger brother to come back. The eldest brother is in a hurry, but why?"

Li Jiancheng was suspicious, but now he was concerned about the mission, so he didn't think much about it. He smiled and said, "My brother is going to Luoyang under the order of my father, and I'm planning to go back and prepare."

"As an envoy to Luoyang?" Li Yuanji asked.

"Yes." Li Jiancheng smiled: "There are many internal crises in my Tang Dynasty, and the Guanlong nobles allied forces to rebel. It is really inappropriate to fight with the Sui army. Therefore, my father decided to reach a truce agreement with the Sui Dynasty with several counties in Jingbei. Fourth brother When I come back, I can assist my father to put down the rebel army and stabilize the Tang Dynasty as soon as possible."

"Little brother will never let father and elder brother down. We brothers work together, even if the country is unstable." Li Yuanji laughed.

Li Jiancheng heard this harshly, and said solemnly: "The fourth brother's words are wrong. The country of the Tang Dynasty cannot only rely on our brothers; externally, it depends on the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty to fight the enemy bravely, and internally, the ministers of the court and the central government Master. The situation in Tang Dynasty is not good now, we brothers must not be arrogant and let all civil and military officials be separated."

"The elder brother's words of gold and jade, the younger brother will always keep in mind, the younger brother is going to obey the safety of the father and the emperor, and go first." Li Yuanji bowed to his elder brother, let Li Jiancheng pass, and went straight to the palace.

Looking back at the back of his fourth brother, Li Jiancheng was very worried. The reason why so many Guanlong nobles followed the Dugu clan to rebel was largely because Wu Chuansi had gone too far.But Li Jiancheng knew that Wu Chuansi, who was in charge of his fourth brother, was only faithfully carrying out his father's will. If he really said too much, it would be too much of his father.But that's the end of the matter, it's meaningless to say anything now, he shook his head and turned to leave.

But Li Yuanji came to the front of the hall, and after waiting for a while, an eunuch brought back Li Yuan's order: "Your Highness, Your Majesty let you in!"

"Thank you!" Li Yuanji cupped his hands and smiled, took the opportunity to give the eunuch something, and walked in.

This old eunuch was promoted step by step by Li Yuan to be the deacon of the imperial study because of his knowledge of books and etiquette. Although his position is not high, he has access to secrets that many people don't know.

He waited until Li Yuanji entered the imperial study, and then took a peek at what was in his hand. There was a pearl the size of a pigeon egg. The crystal clear pearl shone with a soft luster. Although it was not a night pearl, it was also an extremely rare and priceless treasure.

When he chatted with several eunuchs yesterday, he said that he had saved enough money and would buy a rare pearl to be buried with him, and he would put it in his mouth when he was about to die.He never expected that King Qi who had just returned to Xiangyang would give him a pearl today, and he was very surprised. After thinking about it, Li Yuanji knew it so quickly, which showed that he had a lot of eyes and ears in the palace.But Li Yuanji's direct and decisive approach made him very uneasy, and he didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse for him.

Li Yuanji naturally didn't care about the eunuch's thoughts. For him, since the eunuch 'accepted' his gift, he had to give a corresponding return in the future, otherwise, he would be an enemy of Li Yuanji.He walked into the imperial study room, saluted and said: "My son, Yuan Ji, sees the emperor!"

"Yuanji is back?" Li Yuan glanced at his son, and said happily, "Get up and talk!"

"Thank you, Father!" Li Yuanji stood aside with his hands down, looking like a harmless little boy.

"I asked you to come back because I want to know about the situation in Yizhou. How are you preparing in Yizhou?" Li Yuan is now very satisfied with this son who suddenly 'enlightened'. He has no complaints in order to faithfully carry out all his intentions. Bearing all kinds of infamy, this is his most caring and good son, unlike the eldest son and second son, who only report worries but not good news all day long, making himself uneasy about food and lodging.

"Father, please rest assured that everything has been prepared, and all the information about the nobles of Long has been collected. All the families who are related to the Dugu Sect have been collected one by one by following the vine. There are more than [-] households. As long as the father gives an order, the sons and ministers will be able to wipe out with thunderous force, and they will definitely be able to raise the money and food that the father needs in the shortest possible time, and they will definitely be able to wipe out the riots before they happen. Give them the opportunity to concentrate on rebellion." In the last sentence, Li Yuanji made a promise to his father regarding the "Beizhen Army", and at the same time, it also implied that Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin were not decisive enough.

Li Yuan nodded slowly: "About the raid on the Guanlong nobles, I have four principles, you have to keep them in mind."

"Father, please wait a moment." Li Yuanji seriously sat down behind a plan and prepared pens, inks, papers and inkstones, and only then pretended to listen carefully.

Li Yuan couldn't help laughing. Although he felt that he was paying too much attention, he was actually very happy in his heart, and said: "First, I will not only deprive them of their land, but also all their property outside the house. All their tenant farmers and domestic slaves will be transferred. For the people of the Tang Dynasty, and then choose young and strong to join the army, in order to avoid the reappearance of the rebels, it doesn't matter if the methods are harsh, in short, we must not let them have a chance to make a comeback."

"I understand!" Li Yuanji solemnly recorded

After he finished writing, Li Yuan said again: "Second, the fields, money, grain, and pig iron are all handed over to the court, soldiers and young and strong slaves are handed over to the Ministry of War, and gold, silver, jewelry, and copper coins are put into our internal treasury; The reputation of the imperial court is ruined. You must restrain the army. You must not rape and humiliate the women of each household. You must also ensure the safety of each family, so that the people of Yizhou feel that I am kind. Fourth, I hope they will kneel in front of me one day Beg for mercy, so you're leaving them poor and living like dogs."

Li Yuan's gloomy voice was full of strong hatred, and even Li Yuanji felt horrified. After recording, he stood up and saluted, "My father and emperor recorded every word exactly."

Li Yuan nodded, "I have decided to let King Huai'an, King Yong'an, and King Xinxing enter Shu, and King Yong'an and King Xinxing will be responsible for the aftermath, while King Huai'an will be responsible for training the young tenants and slaves of the noble families in Guanlong. The three of them are extremely greedy, and you are in charge of supervision."

Li Yuanji was a little dumbfounded. In this way, he still has the benefit of farts, doesn't he?
Li Yuan asked: "What do you want to say?"

"Father, in order to avoid the leak of news, some people concentrated on rebellion, and my son hopes to suppress it at the same time. But the problem is that the noble manors in Guanlong are all over Yizhou, and the army in the hands of my son can't attack all the manors at the same time. Can the father increase the number of manors?" A little man?"

Li Yuanji's ultimate goal is to increase the number of troops. He wants to take the opportunity to expand his army and train this army to be loyal to him when his father enters Shu.But the scrutiny of his father's eyes also made him extremely nervous. He pretended not to care and said with a smile: "If there is not enough time for preparation, the father can also ask the second brother to send some troops to help the son. It will be returned in full."

Li Yuanji's indifferent appearance made Li Yuan let go of his guard. He pondered for a long time and felt that Yizhou was his last place to belong. It was very inappropriate to allow all the young and strong to be trained by Li Shentong. Checking and balancing is the way of an emperor, so he said to Li Yuanji: "Let's do this! You lead [-] soldiers from General Dou Cong into Shu, and I will account for him."

Li Yuanji was overjoyed, and he cupped his hands calmly and said: "Thank you for your understanding, Royal Father. With this army in hand, I will definitely be safe. When the matter is settled, Royal Father can be transferred back to deployment at any time."

"It doesn't have to be like this!" Li Yuan said with a satisfied smile: "The Taihe army in Yizhou is constantly destroying and plundering the Meishan mine, and it can't be guarded without soldiers. When your three uncles are in place, you are responsible for annihilating this army."

"Thank you, my father, I will definitely be able to annihilate the Taihe army." Li Yuanji cupped his hands and thanked him very happily.

"Okay." Li Yuan nodded, and confessed uncomfortably: "It's about the life and death of Tang, you can't go back to your old ways. If you make the big mistakes before, I will definitely punish you."

"Father, you can rest assured."

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(End of this chapter)