Li Chengqian of the Tang Dynasty: Please say long live His Majesty

Chapter 533: Forcing Yuan Tiangang Out (First Update)
It’s sunny after snow.

Heavy snow covered the entire city of Chang'an, making it look like a blanket of silver.

It's already the end of October.

The ministers left the capital and toured the country.

For two months, the world was peaceful and the people were stable.

Although there was only the emperor in Chang'an City, there were also four prime ministers, namely Fang Xuanling, the Secretary of the Central Secretariat Ma Zhou, the Yellow Gate Assistant Minister Lai Ji, and the Grand Secretary of the Hongwenguan Zhang Xuansu, as well as the two ministers of the six ministries, namely the Minister of Rites Li Xizhi and the Minister of War Cui Dunli.

There were very few important officials in the court, but the whole world inexplicably felt as if a sage king was in power, ruling with ease.

The first person to finish his inspection and rush back was Yu Zhining.

The Guannei Road is actually right in front of you.

Yu Zhining came back very quietly.

After coming back, if there is no extra noise, it is as if the person has not come back and everything remains peaceful.

The one who just rushed back last night was Changsun Wuji.

Changsun Wuji was fifty-five years old, five years older than the late emperor. However, because he had served as Sikong in previous years and had not been involved in government affairs much, he was in good health.

The entire Henan Road, from western Henan to eastern Shandong, was a full three thousand miles. He ran the entire route in two months and then returned to Chang'an.

It can be described as vigorous and decisive.

……

In the Liangyi Hall, Zhangsun Wuji knelt behind a low table, looking at the memorial in front of him. He looked at Li Chengqian in disbelief and asked with a slightly trembling voice, "Your Majesty, did Yuan Tiangang actually fake his death?"

Li Chengqian sat on the imperial couch, looking at the weathered face of Changsun Wuji, and nodded. "At first, I was just suspicious of Yuan Tiangang's motives, so I had someone tamper with Yuan Tiangang's tomb. Then, a thunderbolt struck the tomb, and who would have thought it was actually an empty tomb."

"So, he really faked his death." Changsun Wuji couldn't help but grit his teeth, his face full of hatred.

The prophecy that "the Tang Dynasty will last for three generations, and a female ruler, King Wu, will replace the Tang Dynasty and establish her own kingdom" was first spoken by Yuan Tiangang.

Who would have thought that this prophecy, which made the late emperor extremely concerned even on his deathbed, was actually made up by Yuan Tiangang out of thin air.

"So-called prophecies are merely a means of guiding people's minds. The Golden Sword Prophecy has been passed down for years, and so many people have died, yet it still remains ineffective, isn't it?" Li Chengqian looked at the memorial in Changsun Wuji's hand and sneered softly, "Uncle, between Yuan Tiangang's prophecy and the Golden Sword Prophecy, which do you think is more likely to be effective?"

Changsun Wuji lowered his head and remained silent.

It doesn't work.

"Of course, fake death is true. But if Yuan Tiangang is still alive, it may not be true." After Li Chengqian finished speaking, Changsun Wuji suddenly looked up and looked at Li Chengqian with a confused face.

"The Taoist sect is very good at faking death and escaping from the world. This is a very skilled method among Taoist disciples. So, if Yuan Tiangang faked his death back then, but then he has been hiding in the mountains and practicing, or even maybe he is dead now, then that would be another matter, but the possibility is extremely small." Li Chengqian shook his head.

Changsun Wuji nodded: "So we need to force him out."

No matter what the speculation is, it will eventually fall on people.

If Yuan Tiangang cannot be found, any speculation is false.

"Take your time." Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "Yuan Tiangang is related to the Yang family. This is inevitable. Ande County Lord is a simple and honest person. This time, he has been appointed as the Minister of Personnel. He has rejected all requests from the children of the Yang family. There is no problem for the time being, but I suspect that he will let go one day..."

"I will keep an eye on the Ministry of Personnel." After a brief pause, Zhangsun Wuji asked, "Your Majesty, how is the health of Duke Ande?"

"He's been recuperating well for two years as Minister of Works, so it's not a problem for now. However, his physical condition is not good enough. I won't see any problems in the short term, but it's hard to say over the long term, especially with the imperial examination next year." Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "The imperial examination is the most tiring!"

"I understand." Changsun Wuji nodded slightly. He already knew what to do.

"Also, uncle, be careful when you go out and avoid too much contact with Taoist priests." Li Chengqian sighed and said, "The news was finally sent from Bashu to Zhongnan Mountain, but I sent people to carefully investigate for two months and still found nothing. So either Yuan Tiangang is dead, or he is too cautious and hides it very well, and he is actually a Taoist priest."

"Your Majesty, do you mean that they will attack me?" Changsun Wuji's expression became serious.

"I rarely leave the palace." Li Chengqian nodded and said, "On the contrary, my uncle is not only powerful, but he also has several cousins ​​at home. If we want to take action, it would be best to ask the cousins ​​to intervene. The rest of the time, we can just quietly approach my uncle."

"Those brats." Changsun Wuji couldn't help but grit his teeth. Although he only had three legitimate sons, he also had quite a few illegitimate sons.

"The best thing about Taoism is to attack indirectly, observe people's words and expressions, and approach silently. Once they are determined to attack the uncle, even if the nephew is within ten steps, it will be difficult to escape the murderous intent within three steps." Li Chengqian looked at Zhangsun Wuji with worry in his eyes.

"I know what's going on, Your Majesty, don't worry." Changsun Wuji took a deep breath and said, "Since Yuan Tiangang is in Zhongnan Mountain, then the Louguan Dao may have been infiltrated. Your Majesty should also be worried!"

Yin Wencao, the head of Louguan Dao, often accompanied the king.

Whether it was Li Shimin or Li Chengqian, whenever they encountered problems, they would discuss them with Yin Wencao.

After all, Taoism and the Tang Dynasty have a relationship where they prosper together and suffer together.

In the entire Tang Dynasty system, Taoism is not just a religious symbol, it involves all aspects of the Tang Dynasty's military and political affairs.

"I understand." Li Chengqian nodded and said, "The palace will control the number of Louguan Daoists entering the palace in the future. And with Master Yin blocking the way, if he is fine, it means Yuan Tiangang's ability in Louguan Dao is not deep. But if Master Yin is in trouble, I am afraid I will need to be prepared to purge the entire Louguan Dao."

"Yes!"

……

Li Chengqian raised his hand slightly, and a eunuch poured a cup of hot tea into the teacup in front of Changsun Wuji, then put down the teapot and quietly retreated.

On both sides of the hall, burning stoves cast a fiery red glow.

Li Chengqian saw Zhangsun Wuji put down his teacup before continuing, "If Yuan Tiangang is truly deeply connected to the Hongnong Yang clan, then the person he's connected to must not be the Duke of Ande."

Zhangsun Wuji nodded and said, "Yang Shidao is a simple and honest person. He has been like this for many years. Emperor Gaozu, the late emperor, and I have observed him for many years and I believe he is indeed like this."

"That is to say, within the Hongnong Yang clan, there's someone of equal status to Duke Ande, perhaps even higher, who's in contact with Yuan Tiangang and directing all plans and actions based on that prophecy." Li Chengqian leaned forward slightly and said, "Uncle, transfer Yang Zan, the Minister of Imperial Household Affairs, before Duke Ande leaves next year."

"Your Majesty is determined to completely eliminate the Yang family's influence within the government," Changsun Wuji's expression darkened. "This time, when the ministers conduct their inspections, be a little more lenient in dealing with the Yang family." Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "I intend to lure the enemy out of their lair. Although the Bashu incident was attributed to a natural disaster, Yuan Tiangang will undoubtedly harbor suspicions. Furthermore, the court seems to be suppressing the Hongnong Yang family..."

"Your Majesty wants me to do these things, and then let Yuan Tiangang and Hongnong Yang's attention fall on me." Changsun Wuji completely understood Li Chengqian's plan.

"Uncle, please restrain my cousins. I will arrange for people to watch over you. At the same time, a tight net will be laid throughout Chang'an." Li Chengqian looked up and said, "When the time comes, we just need to confirm who that person is. After the Duke of Ande is dismissed from his position as Minister of Personnel, he will be granted the title of Special Advancement and the title of Inspector of the Imperial Guards. This will dispel Yang's suspicions."

"Let them jump for a while, catch the clues and trace them all the way, and then find an opportunity to catch them all in one fell swoop." Changsun Wuji still underestimated Li Chengqian. Li Chengqian was more patient than he thought.

"Hmm!" Li Chengqian looked at Zhangsun Wuji and said, "After all, the Hongnong Yang family is a powerful clan in the current dynasty. Even if some of them have the ambition to restore the Sui Dynasty, they are only a very small minority. The majority of the others are actually extremely submissive to the Tang Dynasty.

If the entire Hongnong Yang clan were to be completely eradicated, I'm afraid everyone would be in danger in the end."

The Guanlong clans have been intermarrying with each other for who knows how many generations. If the Hongnong Yang family is to be completely liquidated, no one family will be spared from being implicated.

"Your Majesty is steady." Changsun Wuji nodded, feeling inexplicably relieved.

Not to mention the emperor and the previous emperor, even in Changsun Wuji's family, there was a concubine who was from the Hongnong Yang family.

Moreover, although they are all from the Hongnong Yang family, even within the Hongnong Yang family, there are also divisions such as the Yuegong branch, the Guanwang branch and the Yang Zhen branch, as well as many branches of the Yang Huigu-Yang Jian lineage.

Many people are actually innocent.

……

Li Chengqian sat on the imperial couch, his eyes gently swept over Changsun Wuji, then lowered his head.

Winter light and shadows are mottled.

Li Chengqian raised his head and said calmly, "As for those who are determined to restore the former Sui Dynasty, no matter who they are, they will be dealt with according to the law. Those who should be killed will be killed, and those who should be demoted will be demoted."

"That's as it should be." Changsun Wuji raised his head solemnly and said, "Of the six surnames of Guanlong, Wei, Pei, Xue, Liu, Yang, and Du, the Yang family can't withstand the combined attack of the other five, let alone the imperial court."

"Let's check first." Li Chengqian suddenly felt a little amused and said, "Uncle, you said that the Former Sui Dynasty has been destroyed for so long. Except for Yang Shidao, no one else from the Former Sui Dynasty royal family, the lineage of Yang Jian, survived. Who would care so much about the Former Sui Dynasty?"

"There are always some." Changsun Wuji shook his head and sighed, "Your Majesty, perhaps they are not fighting for the former Sui Dynasty, but for themselves."

"That's right." Li Chengqian retracted his gaze and said, "Okay, let's not talk about the Yang family anymore, let's get down to business."

Li Chengqian took out a memorial from under the table and handed it to Zhang Ananda.

Zhang Ananda walked down the steps and quickly handed it to Changsun Wuji.

Li Chengqian's expression grew serious. "This is the news sent back by the Duke of Ying from the Andong Province army. In the middle of last month, Liu Demin's navy suddenly marched south and defeated the newly built navies of Goguryeo and Baekje, destroying over a hundred large and small ships carrying imperial decrees. At the same time, they brought Liu Rengui, Yan Xuansui, and Wei Daijia back to the court."

"They're finally back." Changsun Wuji opened the memorial and said as he read it, "I wonder what the situation is like in Baekje?"

"Not bad." Li Chengqian smiled and said, "Baekje was already dissatisfied after repeated defeats at the hands of Goguryeo. I also publicly stated that I did not aim to destroy Goguryeo. As long as Goguryeo existed, the Tang Dynasty would not be threatened by Baekje. So more people began to waver, and Wei Daijia took action at this time."

Zhang Sun Wuji raised his head, looked at Li Chengqian, and said, "Wei Daijia led his men to assassinate fourteen Baekje nobles, all of whom stood firmly with Goguryeo."

"Hmm!" Li Chengqian smiled and said with satisfaction, "It shows that I didn't make a mistake in choosing him. Wei Daijia, the Left Thousand Oxen Guard General, has done a good job."

"If it really succeeds, Goguryeo will probably be unable to stand on its own in the future." Changsun Wuji looked at Li Chengqian in surprise.

Once Baekje's support was eliminated, Goguryeo would not only lose nearly one-third of its combat power, but would even have to dispatch troops to the Baekje border for defense, and its combat power would suddenly become much weaker.

If war breaks out again in the future, it will no longer be a possibility for the Tang Dynasty to destroy Goguryeo.

Li Chengqian raised his head slightly, looked outside the hall, and said softly, "From the Han Dynasty to the Former Sui Dynasty, Emperor Wen of Sui, Emperor Yang of Sui, as well as my grandfather and father, all wanted to bring the land of Goguryeo back to the Central Plains. Now, all of this will be realized in my hands."

"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" Changsun Wuji bowed sincerely.

Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "It was my father who laid the foundation. I am just taking a step forward. We are still a long way from truly destroying Goguryeo."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji calmed down.

"Hebei and Liaodong provinces will need two years to stockpile grain and fodder, while also strengthening post station construction." Li Chengqian looked at Zhangsun Wuji and said, "Hebei is mostly plains, so increasing the horse's range from 600 to 800 li won't be difficult."

"I understand." Changsun Wuji nodded. He has always been doing these things.

"Finally, we have to conquer Pingrang City. The Taedong River is vast, and Pingrang City is deep. We must make targeted deployments over the next two years." Li Chengqian said with a serious expression, "My uncle personally accompanied my father to Pingrang City. He should know how difficult it is to capture."

Zhang Sun Wuji nodded and said, "The Taedong River, Pyongyang City, and the vast plains and endless military support behind it are very difficult."

"So we need to find a way." Li Chengqian smiled and said, "Win the hearts of the people from within and attack the city from without. If we attack from both inside and outside, even the strongest city will be conquered."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji bowed slightly. This is the correct way of military strategy.

"Five days later, my uncle will come with the Beiyuan School Army. It will be a good opportunity for me to witness the true military might of the Sixteen Guards of the Tang Dynasty." Li Chengqian raised his head slightly, his expression becoming stern.

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji bowed solemnly. He didn't know much about the details of the Beiyuan school army.

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps came from outside the hall, and then a secret memorial was delivered to Li Chengqian.

Changsun Wuji looked up with some curiosity.

Li Chengqian said calmly: "Yang Yuzhi gave birth to a grandson for Lord Ande in Hongnong. After a few months of peace and stability, Lord Ande will bring the child to Chang'an.

Uncle, the reason why something bad happened when father came back was because Yang Yuzhi told Lu Dongzan about the prophecy, which made father worried and started taking the elixir.

I was worried that Duke Ande would have no descendants, so I spared his life. Now that Duke Ande has descendants, Yang Yuzhi should be put to death."

"Yes!" Zhang Sun Wuji nodded and said softly, "Next year, after the imperial examination, we can use his head to offer sacrifices to the late emperor."

"it is good!"

(End of this chapter)