My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 31: Want Military Power? Then Let's Go to War
East Palace.

The internal leader Chen Yunchao pushed Li Chengqian back.

Thinking of the argument just now in Liangyi Hall, Li Chengqian shook his head slightly.

Li Shimin was an emperor and a saint, but he was not a real saint and it was impossible for him to have a clear and thorough understanding of all matters.

Although the imperial examination system of the Tang Dynasty had certain improvements and innovations based on the Sui Dynasty, it actually still had many loopholes.

For example, the punishment recommended by the state government.

Li Shimin might not have thought of it because he was used to it, but with so many ministers in the court, didn’t they also think of the drawbacks here?

No, on the contrary, many people know this drawback, but they don't speak out.

Not saying anything is naturally for their own interests, or even the tacit understanding of the major families.

The emergence of aristocratic families was mainly due to the huge loopholes in the talent selection mechanism. If the employment system was broken and the recommendation of filial and honest people was no longer made, the foundation of the aristocratic families would be shaken.

The purpose of the Sui Dynasty establishing the imperial examination system was to circumvent the monopoly of the imperial court by aristocratic families and to recruit scholars from the lower classes and poor families.

Although the Sui Dynasty was destroyed, it had a huge impact on the aristocratic families. At least as far as the Tang Dynasty is concerned, the aristocratic families can no longer have an absolute advantage.

The era when a family with one surname could change dynasties and depose and enthrone emperors is over.

But it is undeniable that aristocratic families still had a great advantage in the early Tang Dynasty.

With just one move of investment banking papers, the power of selecting officials was firmly controlled by the aristocratic families.

The marking of imperial examination papers in the Tang Dynasty was open, and the examiners could see the name of each candidate.

The so-called "xingjuan" means that before the imperial examination, previous works would be sent to powerful officials and celebrities.

With a reputation, the examiner will know who you are when they see your name, which will give you extra points.

Therefore, it is clear at a glance who will pass and who will fail.

For example, the first number one scholar, Sun Fujia, was he from a poor scholar family?

No, he is from the Luoyang Sun family. Even though they are not as powerful as the Five Surnames and Seven Noble Families, they are also a legitimate aristocratic family.

Li Shimin did not want to abolish the circulation of examination papers, so he took the exam anonymously.

It's not that they don't want to, it's just that they can't do it. This is also a compromise between the power of ministers and the power of the emperor.

It is also a compromise with the aristocratic families.

"Your Highness is truly majestic today."

Chen Yunchao couldn't help but speak, his tone a little excited.

Now he is almost becoming Li Chengqian's little fanboy.

A two-stone hard bow. Normally, Chen Yunchao would use it to train his arm strength, but the prince could use it to kill the enemy.

This is like a weightlifter in later generations seeing someone using a barbell as a fancy weapon.

Especially his archery skills from a hundred steps away are amazing.

Li Chengqian can now say something very pretentious.

If you don't shoot, you will see me like a frog in a well looking at the moon. If you shoot, you will see me like a mayfly looking at the sky.

"Okay, stop flattering me. I know how powerful I am."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Li Chengqian instructed Wen Zhong who was holding the bow, "Make arrangements. Make 30 arrows of the best quality with fine steel for the arrowheads and precious gold for the arrow shafts. They will be used with my Juquetian bow."

The eunuch Wen said respectfully, "Yes, Your Highness."

After displaying martial arts that surpass ordinary people, others will out of nowhere show a little more respect for him.

Thirty arrows were enough for Li Chengqian.

There is one branch here, probably meant for the King of Wei.

After all, he is my brother, so I have to show him some respect.

"Pity."

Li Chengqian suddenly sighed.

This Juque Sky Bow is probably effective in killing the prince, but unfortunately Qingque is not the prince.
-
Chang'an City, Wannian County, Yongningfang.

Su Mansion.

As the sky gradually darkened, the lights here were still bright.

The curfew rules only apply to ordinary people. Officials of higher ranks don't care so much.

"Dingfang, although the Wuyi Su family and the Wugong Su family have not had much contact in recent years, if you look at their roots, you can't write two Su characters with one stroke."

"The former Yan official is also someone I admire. Now that we are both in the court, we should interact more often in the future."

Su Tan said excitedly.

Now he is the Shaoqing of Dali Temple, and his rank is completely different.

The most important thing is that he is already the prince's confidant.

Isn’t the prince’s father-in-law a confidant?

There is no Burning Tail Banquet nowadays, that was during the Wu Zhou period, but when one's rank is promoted, a banquet will naturally be held.

Taking this opportunity, Su Tan invited Su Dingfang from the Su family. In the fourth year of Zhenguan, Su Dingfang followed Li Jing to the north to fight against the Eastern Turks. In the night attack on Yinshan, he led 200 cavalrymen to attack the enemy first and broke through the tent of Jie Li Khan, making great contributions to the destruction of the Eastern Turks.

He was awarded the title of General of the Left for his merits.

Su Tan's position as Shaoqing of the Dali Temple was of the fourth rank, while Su Dingfang's position as Zuo Wuhou Zhonglang Jiang was of the fourth rank, one level higher than Su Tan.

However, in terms of actual power, the Shaoqing of the Dali Temple has more power.

"Mr. Su is right. Please take care of me in the future." Su Dingfang raised his glass and drank it all.

Su Tan felt that the atmosphere was almost set, and whispered, "I wonder what Ding Fang thinks of the Crown Prince?"

Su Dingfang frowned slightly: "What do you mean, Su Shaoqing?"

He didn't really want to get involved with the prince.

Of course, the most important thing is that Su Dingfang looked down on the prince.

Su Tan said directly: "If Ding Fang is willing to be loyal to the prince, Su will definitely introduce Ding Fang."

"The prince will certainly attach great importance to talents like Ding Fang, as long as..."

Su Dingfang stood up without waiting for Su Tan to finish speaking.

He clasped his fists and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your hospitality today, Mr. Su. However, I am not very tolerant of alcohol, so I will take my leave now."

After Su Dingfang finished speaking, he turned around and left without any reluctance.

Su Tan sighed slightly as he watched Su Dingfang leave.

This was the person he had finally found in the army. Both of them were descendants of the Su family. It would be great if they could serve the prince.

Unfortunately, the prince's ridiculous behavior a few days ago spread, and his reputation was completely ruined. He was especially despised by the military.
-
At the beginning of Hai, the main hall of the East Palace.

Zhonglang Jiang Su Chen reported: "Your Highness, the bad commander Ji Zhao is waiting outside the palace."

"Let him in."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Soon, Ji Zhao walked into the main hall and kowtowed to pay homage.

"Ji Zhao, the bad commander of Wannian County, pays respect to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Although the Bad Leader sounds impressive, he is actually just a captain of police, almost the same as a commoner.

"Get up."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "From what General Gu said, you are quite capable."

Ji Zhao said respectfully: "In front of His Highness, it is not worth mentioning."

"I have something to do now and I need someone to do it."

"Please give me your instructions, Your Highness."

Li Chengqian said slowly: "I need you to go to Yingzhou, sneak into Silla, and find out the current situation of Silla, Goryeo, and Baekje."

"It would be best if we could bring some Silla envoys to Chang'an."

"You are a smart person, you should know what loneliness means."

Ji Zhao was completely frozen. He had not expected that he would be promised such an important thing when he met the prince for the first time. He was so stunned that he could not speak for a long time.

Li Chengqian was not in a hurry either.

The hall was eerily quiet, and Ji Zhao's breathing became heavier.

He knew that he was facing a huge choice in his life.

But does he have a choice?

After a long while, Ji Zhao clasped his fists and bowed: "I will follow your orders, Your Highness."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian said, "If you can accomplish this, when you return, I will appoint you as the Captain of the Eastern Palace Guards, and give you a reward of 20,000 yuan and 100 acres of land."

"During this trip, you are allowed to carry the instructions of the Crown Prince. You are not allowed to use them unless it is absolutely necessary."

Ji Zhao's breathing became heavier, and he felt a surge of heat rushing to his forehead. He immediately kowtowed and said, "Ji Zhao will definitely live up to your expectations."

From a commoner to a sixth-rank imperial guard captain, it is no exaggeration to say that he rose to fame in one step.

This is also the highest official position that Li Chengqian can give. Any higher position requires the appointment and seal of His Majesty.

"Go down, take your trusted brothers with you and set off as soon as possible tomorrow morning."

"I will give you at most thirty days. If you fail to complete it, take the money and find a place to make a living. You don't have to go back to Chang'an."

Ji Zhao felt the pressure, but when he thought of the position of captain, he was immediately filled with motivation.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Li Chengqian wanted military power, but winning over generals was too low-level and unreliable a method.

The best way is to follow the example of Li Shimin.

So, he needed a war.

Goryeo is the best target.

(End of this chapter)