The Leisurely Life of the Prince of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 305 Personal Charm That Can't Be Learned
"I discussed with Li Zhi whether we should change to a copper coin or a ticket made of paper."

Noticing his father's worried look, Li Chengqian added, "But my son and Li Zhi have rejected this plan. Paper is just paper after all. The value of copper coins is because they are made of copper. Even though there are many impurities in them, the reason why coins are valuable is because they are really copper."

"Since the current situation of copper coins cannot be changed, I can only consider the reserves of gold and silver. I need a capable minister who can handle currency to solve the inflation caused by the excessive amount of copper coins in Guanzhong."

Li Shimin frowned and said nothing.

"Of course, if we leave this situation alone, it will be fine. At most, the mutton and grain will be more expensive. After the goods are exported to the Western Regions, we can spend a lot of copper coins and exchange them for gold and silver reserves. But at present, I haven't found any talent in this area."

Noticing his father's gaze again, Li Chengqian put down the pen in his hand, picked up the noodles beside him and said, "Father, please don't look at it. Currency trade is my weakness."

Li Shimin sighed and said, "I went to visit your uncle a few days ago."

Li Chengqian nodded and continued eating noodles.

"Your uncle said that he felt annoyed after talking to Cheng Qian too much."

Li Chengqian said: "You actually find me annoying. It seems that uncle is really getting old."

Li Shimin said: "Your uncle said that he felt old when he heard you talk."

As he was speaking, a eunuch hurried over, presented an urgent report with both hands, and saluted, saying, "Your Majesty, urgent news from Qinghai."

Li Shimin planned to finish the noodle soup in the bowl first. He was reluctant to drink the clear soup, but he put the bowl and chopsticks on the table and took the urgent report to read it.

The hall was quiet for a moment, and then Li Lizhi's voice was heard from the back hall, complaining about Li Zhi and Li Shen being too sleepy.

It was the middle of winter, the age when they were most sleepy. After being away from the Eastern Palace for more than half a year, they finally came back and wanted to have a good sleep.

Li Shimin said: "Xuanzang left Tianzhu. It seems that the king of Tianzhu released him and now he is trapped in Nepal again."

Nepal was a small tribal kingdom located at the border between Tubo and India. Xuanzang must have passed through it on his way back east from India to Tang.

"It was Songtsen Gampo who led people to Nepal to rescue Xuanzang, and Niu Jinda learned the news."

Li Chengqian put his hands in his pockets and said, "Xuanzang is just a monk. Why would Songtsen Gampo send someone to pick him up personally?"

"Just as you and I expected, it is not so easy for Xuanzang to return to the Tang Dynasty."

"Songtsen Gampo is not from India. He likes books from Guanzhong. If he could receive Xuanzang, he would surely try every means to win him over. If he treats him sincerely, he would have more advantages than the king of India."

Li Shimin laughed and said, "Do you think he will stay in Tubo?"

Li Chengqian sighed, "Can I ask for an order from the emperor?"

"What's the purpose?"

Li Chengqian thought for a moment and said, "Five years ago, Nepal married its princess to Songtsen Gampo. The two countries have an alliance. Although Tibet was defeated before, Songtsen Gampo's foundation is still there. It will probably be smooth for Songtsen Gampo to go to Nepal to take Xuanzang to Tibet."

"Without Lu Dongzan, Tubo needs more capable people to govern. Songtsen Gampo needs wise ministers to assist him. He has enough reasons to keep Xuanzang. I ask the emperor to issue an order that Xuanzang has violated the law by leaving the pass and heading west. The troops should be ordered to capture Xuanzang and bring him back to Chang'an if they find any trace of him."

When a palace maid came to take away the dishes and chopsticks, Li Shimin asked, "Why did you accuse him of a crime?"

Li Chengqian still had his hands in his pockets as he opened the file and looked at it, saying, "I am afraid that Songtsen Gampo has been detaining Xuanzang. I will just think that I am overthinking."

"It seems to me that you are doing this in vain."

"I'm worried that Xuanzang won't come back."

Li Shimin snorted coldly, asked people to prepare pen and ink, and issued the decree.

Xuanzang's problem is not imminent. Just like now, as long as the emperor issues an edict and accuses Xuanzang of escaping from the country secretly, the Tubo King Songtsen Gampo far away in the plateau will be very nervous. He will worry whether it is a blessing or a curse to keep Xuanzang, or he will willingly return Xuanzang to the Tang Dynasty.

It is very interesting to watch the enemy waver and fall into anxiety, and as a person in power, you can slowly watch the enemy panic.

To others it is a matter of life and death, but to those in power it is just a casual remark.

By leaving the troubles to Songtsen Gampo, not only could he be thrown into disarray, but the Tang Dynasty could also focus on its own affairs.

In February of the 15th year of Zhenguan, Ashina Simo sent an urgent report that he had led the Turkic cavalry to repel the Mobei people, seized back the grassland 2,000 miles north of the Yin Mountains, and restored the state of north-south confrontation between the Turks and Mobei.

The envoy sent by Ashina Simo wrote: "Your Majesty has granted me the title of Tribe Khan. I am willing to be the dog of the state for generations and guard the northern gate of the Tang Dynasty. If the people of Mobei invade and force us, I hope to enter the pass to protect the Great Wall."

In Ganlu Palace, Li Chengqian listened to his uncle finish reading the memorial.

Li Tai was also in the hall, he sat aside in silence.

For many years, this younger brother no longer cared about state affairs. If we were to say when this change started, it should have been after Fang Xiang became the teacher of the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace.

Today, Li Tai came to report to his father on the compilation of Kuo Di Zhi, but he had to wait until his father discussed the grassland situation with Duke Zheng, his uncle, and Duke Ying.

Hearing the good news brought by Ashina Simo, Wei Zheng showed a worried look.

Duke Ying Li Ji saluted and said, "Your Majesty, although this battle was a great victory, Ashina Simo's grassland cavalry suffered heavy casualties, so it cannot be considered a great victory."

The tea on the table was still steaming. Li Shimin rested his feet on the edge of the stove and said with a sullen face, "Ashina Simo is a man who likes to boast and exaggerate the victory report."

Li Ji bowed and said, "That's right."

When Ashina Simo went to Yinshan, his father's words made him burst into tears of gratitude, but in front of his own people, his father was somewhat disappointed with Ashina Simo's attitude.

The enemy can be used. Ashina Simo is exactly the tool that my father is using. This time it is a bit like driving a tiger to devour a wolf.

This Turkic man is not as powerful as Qibi Heli, let alone the iron-blooded Ashina She'er.

Li Shimin said: "After all, Ashina Simo has been in Guanzhong for too long and his spirit has been worn out."

Wei Zheng, who had remained silent, said loudly: "Your Majesty, I have read the recent military reports and found that Ashina Simo's troops are not united."

Li Shimin was still thinking with a cold face.

Wei Zheng continued, "His subordinates hesitated when they attacked Mobei, and each unit fought on its own, which resulted in so many casualties. Moreover, since he had to guard the north gate for the Tang Dynasty, he should not retreat to the Great Wall, but should guard Yinshan, even if Ashina Simo was loyal."

"But the Turkic people under this man may not obey his orders. They may even suspect Your Majesty that Your Majesty deliberately let them consume the population and dragged many strong herdsmen to fight against the Mobei people. Ashina Simo is really not capable of commanding the army. Such a person will change sooner or later."

It was originally a victory report, and Ashina Simo also expressed his loyalty to the Tang Dynasty.

The fact is just as the people in front of them analyzed, this battle cannot be considered a victory, and Ashina Simo is indeed a loyal person.

But it is useless if he is the only one loyal, because his subordinates may not be reliable.

Emperors like loyal people. Ashina Simo is useful, even if he is incompetent. Li Shimin ordered: "If Maogong lets you pacify Mobei, how many troops will you need?"

Li Ji replied: "Give me three thousand cavalrymen, and I will be able to conquer Mobei for Your Majesty."

"Good!" Li Shimin sat up, smiling, and ordered: "With such a hero, I don't have to worry about unrest in Mobei."

As he spoke, the emperor stood up and held Li Ji's wrist.

Li Ji saluted immediately.

Li Shimin helped him up and said, "Okay, let me take another look at Yinshan Mountain."

As he spoke, Li Shimin pointed to the north and said, "If they really can't defend the northern border, I will let the Tang cavalry plow the northern desert flat!"

"Yes!" Li Ji responded loudly.

Li Shimin stroked his beard, put away his smile and said, "Ashina Simo is still useful. I cannot betray this loyal minister. I will grant him the surname Li and order him to continue guarding Yinshan. If the Mobei people dare to attack again, I will destroy the Mobei Khanate of Zhenzhu Khan."

Li Chengqian watched his father's tactics. Ashina Simo was willing to be a guard at the north gate of the Tang Dynasty or even a housedog. He tried his best to show his loyalty to the emperor, but his father could not really treat him like a dog. Loyal subjects must be protected.

He was given the surname Li, and from then on Ashina Simo was Li Simo, and the people in Mobei were told that the current Turks and Yinshan were under the protection of the Heavenly Khan.

Just wait for Qibi Heli and Ashina She'er to come back, and then settle all the old and new accounts together.

Inside the palace, the prince remained silent.

In fact, Li Chengqian has been digesting his father's tactics and absorbing the experience and courage that an emperor should have.

Seeing Duke Zheng looking at him, Li Chengqian came back to his senses, cleared his throat and said, "We can prepare food and grass as early as autumn."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, feeling very relieved about his son.

Zhang Sun Wuji handed over a memorial and said, "Zhang Xuanbi, Ouyang Xun, and Zhu Liang ask Your Majesty to offer sacrifices to the gods at Mount Tai."

Li Shimin sat down again, took a sip of tea and said, "The border has just been settled, and the remains of the former Sui soldiers are still in Liaodong and have not yet returned home. You don't need to read this kind of memorial to me in the future."

"Yes." Changsun Wuji took out another scroll and said, "Changzhou Governor Li Xuandao has submitted a memorial, saying that he is too old to retire."

Speaking of Li Xuandao, he was also an old employee of the Qin Palace and was one of the 18 scholars there.

Li Shimin said with a lost look: "He is old too."

Chang Sun Wuji said: "He is indeed old, already sixty-five years old."

Li Shimin nodded again and signaled Zhangsun Wuji to do it.

My uncle has always been in charge of the appointment and dismissal of officials in the court.

After Duke Zheng, his uncle, and Duke Ying had all left, the two brothers were still sitting in the Ganlu Hall.

Li Shimin said worriedly, "There are many things to do both inside and outside the border. Chengqian, Qingque, do you understand?"

Li Chengqian replied: "Father is a man of great talent and strategy, and will surely be able to stabilize the north."

Li Tai replied: "I am willing to serve you, my father."

Li Shimin chuckled, looked at his two sons, and finally his gaze fell on Cheng Qian. He said, "The decree to Xuanzang has been sent out, so why is there no movement from Tubo until now?"

Li Chengqian was also confused and said, "I don't know, did Songtsen Gampo kill Xuanzang in a rage? Did Songtsen Gampo want to bring Xuanzang's head to see him? Bring him his head?"

It would be better if this son could be more serious in his daily life.

Li Chengqian sat aside and thought to himself, if you ask me, who should I ask?
Could he write a letter to Tubo and ask Songtsen Gampo what he felt after receiving the imperial edict? And ask a dignified Tubo king to write a few hundred words of reflections?

This is obviously unrealistic. Li Chengqian would rather say what Songtsen Gampo thinks, and it has nothing to do with him.

The atmosphere in the hall became strange again.

Don't regret being an emperor. An emperor who often regrets will easily indulge in self-pity. Li Shimin was obviously not an emperor who would indulge in self-pity.

He placed his hands on his knees and said, "Cheng Qian, don't use these tactics when the two countries interact in the future."

"I have learned your lesson, but I am not my father. I am not willing to be a dog like Li Simo."

You can learn how to be a good person, but personal charm depends too much on talent and cannot be learned.

Li Chengqian added: "Even the queen of Silla who is far away thinks about you day and night. I really admire you."

Li Shimin, who had just drunk a sip of tea, coughed twice.

Li Tai whispered, "Is this true?"

Li Chengqian said, "Huh? Qingque, don't you know? The letter sent by the Queen of Silla is actually a love letter. Even my mother was very angry after reading it."

Li Tai nodded and said, "This Silla queen has evil intentions and should be killed!"

"Yes, Qingque is right. This is exactly what the Queen Mother meant."

The eunuchs at the side lowered their heads and said nothing, standing like wooden sculptures, listening to the conversation between His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wei. It must be said that His Majesty's children are really not shy in speaking. The more sensible eunuchs understood clearly that His Majesty still has to rely on the Crown Prince now.

Next, Li Tai talked to his father about the compilation of the Comprehensive Geography.

Li Chengqian left Ganlu Hall and walked outside the hall, breathing the still somewhat cold air.

In the next few days, Duke Ying seemed to have gone to train his troops and was not seen in front of the city gate. Instead, Xue Wanbei came back.

Li Chengqian sat in the carriage, listening to Xue Wanbei's description of how thrilling the battle in Tianshan was and how great the victory was.

Xue Wanbei was a very honest man and he would not exaggerate the facts. He said that the Tianshan Mountains were extremely cold in winter, with large chunks of ice falling from the sky and even killing many sheep and horses.

He also said that he went to a lake to station troops and worked with Guo Luotuo to arrange for people from the Western Regions to grow cotton. The location he described should be Lake Issyk-Kul in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains.

After conquering Qiuci, Xue Wanbei spent most of his time guarding Guo Luotuo, so he did not participate in the battle to encircle and suppress Yugushe.

Yu Gushe is now imprisoned in Beiting, awaiting His Majesty's decision.

There was also Qu Zhisheng, who also went to the Western Regions. He traded with the old nobles of the Western Regions on the Silk Road. Now that the King of Gaochang was gone, Qu Zhisheng became a businessman, a businessman who sold tea to the Tang Dynasty.

(End of this chapter)