The Leisurely Life of the Prince of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 275: Minister Chu, a role model for court officials

After the 30,000-strong army was assembled, they set out westward from the other side of the Xianyang Bridge.

Liu Rengui was sitting next to a pancake stall at Xianyang Bridge, eating a pancake.

Li Ke said: "The army has set out, and the Western Region is about to go to war again. I don't know how long this war will last."

"The King of Wu doesn't want to go on a western expedition this time?"

"I don't want to think about it anymore." Li Ke sighed and said, "Some things are not equal to being done well. I have gained some results by running around in various counties. There are more important things to do. There are so many generals in the army, and I am not the only one who can do it."

While listening to the words of the King of Wu, Liu Rengui continued to eat the cake, and then took out a book and handed it over.

"what is this?"

Liu Rengui explained: "I heard that His Royal Highness the King of Wu is getting married, and this is a gift for you."

In fact, as the magistrate of Xianyang County, he was not well off and could not give away any valuable items, but giving a book was meaningful.

Li Ke added: "I heard that Chu Suiliang was beaten by his wife recently."

Liu Rengui finished the cake in his mouth, looked at a workshop in the distance, and said, "Chu Suiliang came to Xianyang County last night. He also visited the textile workshop opened by the Shaofujian here. He is still working so hard for the country during the New Year. I admire him."

"But he wants to resign."

Liu Rengui said firmly: "A man like him would never think of resigning."

"That's right. Chu Suiliang was beaten badly by his wife. He probably doesn't want to resign."

"That's right, most likely you have some grievance?"

"When you work hard for the country, it doesn't matter if you suffer a little injustice."

Liu Rengui walked towards Xianyang County, and Li Ke followed him and said, "Ke is getting married soon, how about you come and have a drink?"

"The King of Wu is your Majesty's heir, and I am only a county magistrate."

"After we get married, I will come to drink with you again. This year, I will travel to various counties with you and my husband."

Liu Rengui nodded heavily and agreed to the agreement.

In this world, there are people like Liu Rengui who consider themselves ordinary, there are loyal people like Du Zhenglun, and there are ministers who give honest advice like Duke Zheng.

There are good people and bad people, like generals like Guo Xiaoke.

Li Chengqian was in the busy Shaofujian, measuring each part with a vernier caliper while listening to Li Zhen's story.

Power can change a person, just like Guo Xiaoke, who was once full of ambition and ambition, but became like this.

After confirming that the parts were fine, Li Chengqian handed the ruler back to the craftsman beside him and reminded him, "Maintain the accuracy. If you need copper or iron, tell Minister Yu and he will arrange it."

"Yes." Several craftsmen nodded in response.

Li Chengqian was walking in the Shaofujian and saw a glass ball with a hole going through it.

The craftsman smiled and said, "This was presented by the Western Regions. At that time, His Majesty asked us to use this colored glaze to make a bead, but it was later abandoned. I don't know why."

"Send this to the Imperial Observatory, it may be useful."

After that, Li Chengqian led Li Zhen out of the Shaofujian and sighed, "Let's go back to the Hexi Corridor after the Lantern Festival. Anyway, the Hexi Corridor is under the watch of General Liang Jianfang. Today is only the second day of the New Year, so we can celebrate the New Year in Chang'an."

Li Zhen clasped his fists and said, "The army is about to march west, and General Liang will not stay in the Hexi Corridor for long. I want to go back tomorrow."

Li Chengqian continued walking with his hands in his pockets and asked, "Have you told Lord Ying?"

Li Zhen nodded and said, "This time I will bring my family to the Hexi Corridor."

"I still remember that your wife is Wang from Taiyuan, and your son Jingye is six years old this year?"

"Your Highness, Jingye is nine years old."

Li Chengqian stopped at Chengtian Gate and whispered, "Add more taxes to the Hexi Corridor. Don't worry about what the court says. Add 20% more."

"The last general takes orders."

Li Zhen saluted and left quickly.

There has been endless snow in Guanzhong recently. Li Chengqian looked up at the sky and saw a lot of snowflakes falling. The heavy snow caused great trouble to the march and food transportation.

War is a burden. No one knows how long this war may last. The long supply line can only be laid in the Anxi Protectorate.

Outside the Anxi Protectorate is the heart of the Western Regions. The pursuit of Yugushe in the heart of the Ili River will be a fierce battle once the battle line is extended.

"Your Highness, this is a letter from Murong Shun."

Li Chengqian opened the letter and nodded to indicate that the eunuch could leave.

However, the eunuch still stood where he was, and bowed as he escorted the prince into Chengtian Gate. He only heard the prince whisper, "Someone is not having a good time this New Year."

The Xingqing Hall was empty, with no one else there. My father must have gone out hunting again.

Li Chengqian looked at the map hanging on the wall, which showed the marching routes and grain transportation routes.

The grain transport team arrived three days ahead of the army in the rear, ensuring that they could receive food supplies along the way every day of march.

"Your Highness, the King of Wei is here."

"Well, let Qingque come in."

The hall was quiet for a while. Li Tai walked into the hall, stood beside his brother and bowed, saying, "My mother said that we will get married after the Lantern Festival."

Li Chengqian shifted his gaze away from the map.

Li Tai also glanced at the map and said, "Brother, are you still worried about the war?"

"Yes, the subsequent food and grass are a burden." Li Chengqian sat down beside the map and said, "This is not as easy as the attack on Gaochang. When we attacked Gaochang, the information and deployment were very complete. Now there are too many uncertain factors in this battle. Just now, I received a letter that the old king of Yanqi passed away."

The old king of Yanqi has always been friendly to the Tang Dynasty. When the Tang army attacked Gaochang, the old king assisted them with all his might and provided great help to Guo Luotuo in building the karez.

The old king passed away. This news was not too bad, but it brought a lot of unstable factors to the army on the Western Expedition.

After saying this, Li Chengqian motioned for his younger brother to sit down.

Li Tai sat down and straightened his wide sleeves, "The army is still very confident in this battle."

"Of course we have to have confidence. The general commander of this battle is General Zhang Shigui, who won a great victory in Gaochang. Qibi Heli mobilized nearly 60,000 grassland cavalry from the three Tiele tribes and Ashina She'er, and marched towards the Tianshan Mountains in a mighty manner along the territory of the Uighurs. Qibi Heli will lead the cavalry and the Uighurs to cross the Tianshan Mountains and directly penetrate the heartland of Yugushe's troops."

Li Tai said with emotion: "This battle will sweep away the Tianshan Mountains and bring eternal victory to the Tang Dynasty."

Even when facing the Tibetans, the Tang Dynasty was able to win with fewer troops, and for a long time the Tang people were accustomed to this kind of war where the few defeated the many.

This also gave the Tang army confidence. If my father was more confident, he might shoot an arrow at the map, and the army would attack wherever the arrow landed in the distance.

Li Chengqian put away his thoughts and looked at the map in front of him. It showed the marching routes of his father and the generals in the court. After advancing westward, the troops would meet at the Pamir Plateau in the west.

Even several places marked on the map, such as Qiuci, Khotan, and Shule, were places passed by the Tang army.

"Has the princess been chosen?"

"My brother, she is Yan Lide's daughter."

"pretty good."

Li Chengqian didn't look too strange, and continued, "After marriage, there will be more household chores."

Li Tai took out a book and said, "This is the new outline of the Comprehensive Geography." He opened the book and looked at the outline carefully. There were maps, contour lines and topographic surveys on it, as well as climate, soil, water, and astrological landmarks.

"I originally wanted to come to see my father, but I didn't expect to meet my brother here."

"Well, the emperor probably went hunting." Li Chengqian added, "My brother married a woman from the Hongnong Yang family, which can be regarded as fulfilling the promise he made back then."

Li Tai sighed, "Qingque admires the deep love of my father and mother."

Li Chengqian looked through the outline and asked, "How many silt dams will be built this year?"

"According to the river planning, there are two more, one of which is in the upper reaches of the Jing River and is the most important one."

"It is very important to be prepared for danger in times of peace."

Li Tai's eyes lit up, and he bowed and said, "In times of peace, be prepared for danger. Your Royal Brother is right. Qingque has learned from your advice. Master Craftsman Yan and my brother have calculated that we should start construction when the water level is at its lowest."

Needless to say, the relationship between brothers is very good. As the emperor's elder brother, he is in charge of agricultural affairs in Guanzhong and opening workshops, focusing on the economy.

Li Tai compiled the Comprehensive Geography, specialized in geography, built silt dams, and focused on water conservancy.

"As for manpower, we still need the help of Jingzhao Prefecture. I wonder if my royal brother..."

Seeing that the palace maids were bringing the food, it was noon, Li Chengqian said, "After dinner, let's go to the Secretariat to make some plans."

"it is good."

Later, a eunuch came to report that the emperor had indeed gone to Longshouyuan for hunting.

The rest of the matters can only be arranged by the two brothers themselves.

If his elder brother had not been in charge of the power in Guanzhong, he would not know what to do if there were not enough people to build the silt dam.

Fortunately, my royal brother is willing to help. It can only be said that it is fortunate that my royal brother did not go hunting.

After dinner, the two brothers sat in the Secretariat to discuss the construction of the silt dam this year.

In the Secretariat, Chu Suiliang helped organize files for the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wei. Because there were a lot of files to review, even Su Tan, the Secretary-General, was invited this time.

Su Tan smiled and said, "I heard that many officials in the Censorate and the court have praised Minister Chu a lot."

Upon hearing this, Chu Suiliang did not look at Su Tan, but turned to look at the prince who was talking with the King of Wei.

"It is rumored in the court that Chu Suiliang was still busy working for the country on the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month and the first day of the new year. He is truly a role model for a minister. We admire him very much."

Now Chu Suiliang really wanted to cover Su Tan's mouth.

Others may not know what is going on, but would the prince not know?

Su Tan said: "Why is Minister Chu so modest? It is natural for us to serve the country and stand tall and upright. As for your wife..."

A file fell from Chu Suiliang's arms and he reached out to pick it up.

Su Tan took the lead to help pick it up, "Minister Chu, you're welcome."

After secretly letting out a sigh of relief, Chu Suiliang looked at the prince again and placed the file next to the King of Wei.

Li Tai reached out to take it and found it a bit troublesome.

Li Chengqian said: "Just put it in front of my desk to save you the trouble."

"Hey……"

Chu Suiliang smiled dryly and nodded, then placed the files on the prince's desk.

Then he looked at Su Tan who was standing beside him with a smile on his face. Chu Suiliang was secretly calculating in his heart that Su Tan was in high spirits and his daughter had even married into the Eastern Palace.

Then I think about how I have been busy from the twelfth lunar month to the New Year, and I am really irritated lately.

Li Tai gained a lot from the discussion. He stood up and was about to say goodbye. He patted Chu Suiliang on the shoulder and said, "How can such an important official in the court resign, right? Minister Chu?"

Noticing the look in His Royal Highness the Prince of Wei's eyes, Chu Suiliang said, most likely he had seen through it long ago, "What His Royal Highness the Prince of Wei said... is absolutely true."

When they reached the gate of the Secretariat, Li Chengqian said, "Secretary Su, why don't you go to the East Palace with me for dinner?"

Su Tan bowed slightly and said, "Your Highness, I appreciate your kindness, but I have some important matters at home. I just saw my daughter on the first day of the new year."

"Since you have something going on at home, I won't force you. There will be plenty of opportunities to visit in the future."

Seeing off the three people in front of the Secretariat, Li Chengqian, with his hands in his pockets, looked at the thick dark clouds covering the blue sky.

As soon as Li Tai, Chu Suiliang and Su Tan left, two more people came walking quickly.

The people who came were Xu Jingzong and Li Baiyao.

I saw His Royal Highness the Crown Prince standing in front of the gate of the Secretariat. The Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace is now in charge of government affairs for longer and longer periods of time, and his prestige in the court is increasing.

Li Baiyao handed over the memorial and said, "Your Highness, Goguryeo rejected my envoy's request."

As early as the beginning of last year, the court sent envoys to Goguryeo to ask the King of Goguryeo to return the remains of the soldiers who had followed Yang Guangdong in the expedition.

Although he had expected to be rejected, Li Baiyao still said angrily: "Why don't they return the bodies of our Central Plains soldiers? I will go to the capital of Goguryeo alone and ask the King of Goguryeo about the military strength of the Tang Dynasty..."

Xu Jingzong said quickly: "Don't get angry, Goguryeo will be crushed sooner or later."

As he spoke, he also handed over a memorial.

Li Chengqian took the memorial and read its contents. It was a summary of the workshops in Guanzhong. In short, it was an industrial report and operating conditions of each county in Guanzhong.

"Minister Li, please go back first. We can discuss the Goguryeo issue later. There are so many things to deal with right now."

Li Baiyao bowed and saluted.

Li Chengqian said: "Xu Shaoyin will go home for the New Year. I will let you know the details later."

Xu Jingzong also bowed in greeting.

When the emperor went out hunting, the prince would supervise the government.

After finishing his work for the day, Li Chengqian returned to the East Palace and saw the volume of Yao and Shun Chronicles on the desk. He was not in the mood to read it, so he just put it on the bookshelf.

My younger brothers and sisters were on winter break, so they also went hunting with our father.

It was like this last year and it is like this year as well.

Su Wan walked into the bedroom holding a pile of clothes. Seeing the prince reading a memorial, she slowed down her steps.

“Can you write annotations?”

Hearing His Highness' sudden question, Su Wan, who had been walking lightly, stopped and said, "Sister Ning'er taught me."

"Leave the household chores to them. You and Ning'er can help me write the annotations. After you are done, you have to present them to my father."

Hearing His Highness talking about family matters, Su Wan felt warm in her heart, smiled happily, and called Sister Ning'er.

Your Majesty has indeed been slack in the past year. Duke Zheng is placing his hopes on the current Crown Prince, and he also has to continue to urge Your Majesty to personally manage state affairs.

Outside the Emperor's hunting camp, Li Zhi and Li Shen listened to Duke Zheng scolding their father. He whispered, "Brother Shen, shall we go play with Di Renjie?"

"Xue Wanbei has also gone to the Western Regions to fight, so there is no one to escort us."

(End of this chapter)