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

Chapter 619 Liang Jianfang and Qiu Shenji, two killers (Part )
In the cabin, all the ministers retreated, and only Changsun Wuji stayed.

Walking to the left of Li Chengqian and kneeling down, Changsun Wuji looked up at Li Chengqian and said, "Your Majesty is in trouble!"

"Haha!" Li Chengqian raised his head and sighed softly, "I certainly wish to completely eradicate all the ills of the world, but taking too big a step at once could easily lead to chaos. I can only use this method to give a slight warning."

Indeed, it is a warning.

Using the ditch method to count the land in the world is actually not very accurate and is just an estimate.

There are many loopholes to be found here.

As long as the noble families in the world put their heart into it, they can still find the flaws here.

Of course, even if there are flaws, this method can already clear out the hidden fields in the world to the greatest extent possible without causing too much backlash.

If Li Chengqian's words were to be spread, the officials who came from the Zhenguan period would naturally feel guilty and conduct a thorough investigation.

By transferring the contradictions in this way, a new balance can be achieved between them, and the court can also collect more taxes.

"Take your time." Li Chengqian calmed down and said calmly, "Apart from anything else, as long as this method is implemented throughout the country and slightly improved, it will surely make those parasites sucking blood from the Tang Dynasty spit out a mouthful of blood."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji bowed solemnly.

Li Chengqian looked at Zhangsun Wuji and said seriously, "Uncle, I still say the same thing. You must not overwork yourself. Without your help, uncle, I am really worried that the world will be in chaos."

"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will definitely accompany you until the day when the Tang Dynasty reaches its peak." Changsun Wuji smiled and nodded, his expression calm and determined.

……

Hundreds of horses drove far out of Chenzhou City.

Yang Sizhi, who was in the lead, finally reined in his horse. He couldn't help but look back in the direction of the Yellow River Wharf, his expression complicated for a moment.

"Head of the family." Several elders gradually gathered around.

Yang Sizhi nodded to everyone and said, "My fellow uncles, although our clan has suffered heavy losses due to the rebellion of the eldest branch, as long as we are still here and the emperor still has his trust, it will not be difficult for our family to rise again."

Everyone nodded in agreement. The title of Duke of Guanguo was finally preserved. Moreover, in the emperor's palace, there were two concubines of the Yang family and a grandson-in-law of the Yang family. It would not be difficult for him to rise to prominence.

"Not to mention, the court has no idea about the things hidden under the old house!" Yang Sizhi smiled lightly, with a smug look in his eyes.

The other elders also laughed.

Those are the real foundation of the Yang family.

……

The autumn air is crisp and the trees are dyed with color.

Countless ships sailed up the Luo River towards Luoyang.

Li Chengqian stood on the boat pavilion, gazing at the White Horse Temple at the end of his sight, his eyes slightly deep.

After a moment, Li Chengqian turned sideways and asked, "Xu Qing, I suddenly have a question."

"Your Majesty, please ask." Xu Jingzong glanced at Li Yifu and Pei Yan who were standing behind him, then bowed seriously to Li Chengqian.

"I've been thinking that since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, most coins have been made of copper. Copper is something that lasts for thousands of years." Li Chengqian turned and looked at Xu Jingzong, Li Yifu, and Pei Yan simultaneously. "But throughout the dynasties, copper mines have been mined and copper coins minted every year. Even if copper coins were lost due to war, it's not like there's going to be a shortage of them, is it?"

The three fell silent.

Xu Jingzong bowed and said, "Your Majesty, every dynasty after its founding would issue its own currency, and many copper coins were recast. However, in fact, the number of copper coins used in the Sui Dynasty and the Han Dynasty was still far less than this."

"Really?" Li Chengqian's eyes were calm.

"That's one reason. The second is what Your Majesty mentioned: the coins were lost in wars and plundered by foreign races, especially during the Five Barbarians' invasion of China for hundreds of years. I don't know how many copper coins were left in the mountains and fields, buried in tombs, and some people even buried copper coins with them." Xu Jingzong looked helpless. The emperor had no control over such matters.

Li Chengqian nodded, that’s true.

"Third," Xu Jingzong said, looking toward the White Horse Temple. "Throughout the ages, copper coins have been cast into artifacts. The most common of these are Buddha statues. If all the Buddha statues in the world were destroyed and cast into copper coins, the resulting copper coins would definitely be greater than the total number of copper coins in the world."

"Buddhism!" Li Chengqian sighed softly and shook his head. "Forget it. I can't afford to offend Buddhism. However, we must find a way to ban the trading of copperware in the market. If they want to buy or sell copperware, it is best to go to official institutions. The three of you should work with the Shaofu to find a solution."

"Yes!" The three of them bowed in unison.

However, when they lowered their heads, Li Yifu and Pei Yan had different thoughts in their eyes.

……

Outside the East Water Gate of Luoyang, countless Jinwu Guards in red clothes and golden armor stood on both sides of the river, holding long spears, and countless flags were waving.

Li Ji, Zheng Rentai, Xue Gu, Wu Ren, Liang Jianfang, Xiao Jun, Qiu Shenji, Zhang Daxiang and others boarded the imperial ship together.

"Your Majesty, we are honored to see you. May Your Majesty live forever." Everyone bowed in salute.

Li Chengqian stood at the bow, Tang Jian, Yu Zhining, Yan Lide and others stood on the side facing the Yellow River, while Li Ji and others stood on the other side.

When they saw Liang Jianfang and Qiu Shenqi, the expressions of the ministers who came from Chang'an with Li Chengqian couldn't help but become a little solemn.

Not many of them knew that Liang Jianfang and Qiu Shenji had led their troops back north. However, considering the previous situation in the court, it was clear that the emperor was well prepared for the rebellion of Yang Sina and others.

Zhangsun Wuji was in charge of Chang'an, and the emperor was in charge of Luoyang.

Both of them have powerful generals at their disposal, and the Hongnong Yang family can't make any waves in their hands.

What a pity that a Princess Gaoyang completely destroyed the fortune of a famous family.

"Duke Ying, how is the transportation of food, military equipment and soldiers going?" Li Chengqian didn't care about what others thought and asked Li Ji directly.

"Your Majesty, everything is proceeding smoothly." Li Ji bowed and said with a smile, "This time, the Yang family's granary was implicated. After it was confiscated, it can replenish a lot of military needs. I am now at ease."

The ministers on the deck couldn't help but laugh softly.

Many of them had fought on the battlefield with Emperor Taizong, and they understood the importance of military warfare better than anyone else.

Li Chengqian smiled and nodded, saying, "As long as the world is stable for the next few years, I will be able to handle the Liaodong army's needs."

"Your Majesty is wise." All the ministers bowed in unison.

Li Chengqian looked at Liang Jianfang and Qiu Shenji, who immediately stood up and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty!"

"Yes!" Li Chengqian nodded and said, "You two have worked hard over the past few years. No sooner had the war here been resolved than another war broke out over there. After several years of hard work, we have finally completely quelled the rebellion in the south since I ascended the throne."

In recent years, the wars in the south and Qianzhou have been settled, but rebellions have broken out in other places. Liang Jianfang and Qiu Shenqi have been busy for a while.

"This is what we, the ministers, should do." Liang Jianfang and Qiu Shenqi bowed solemnly, but the wrinkles on their faces were clearly visible when they lowered their heads.

"Any meritorious service deserves a reward." Li Chengqian turned sideways to look at Zheng Rentai and said, "Father-in-law, I will first dismiss you from your position as General of the Left Guard."

"I obey your command." Zheng Rentai stood up and accepted the order solemnly. He had long expected that this day would come.

Li Chengqian smiled gently and said, "Over the past year, you have defended Luoyang and transported grain and fodder, making great contributions. I will relieve you of your position as General of the Left Guard and promote you to Duke of Tong'an County, allowing you to suppress Luoyang as the Governor of Luozhou."

"I obey your order." Zheng Rentai could not suppress his excitement and took action.

After so many years, he was finally promoted from county duke to county duke.

None of the civil and military officials present said anything much.

A few years ago, after Guo Xiaoke made a mistake, Zheng Rentai took over the suppression of the Western Regions. Later, he assisted Li Ji in defeating Goguryeo on the Tuyuhun Plateau.

Outstanding achievements.

Now, exchanging a General of the Left Guard for a Duke of Tongan County is actually hard to say whether it is a loss or a gain.

Besides, his daughter is the emperor's concubine, so there is nothing much to say.

Of course, the most fundamental reason is that Zheng Rentai was originally a veteran of the Qin Palace. He had served in the same palace with many of the people present for decades, and the friendship still existed.

Li Chengqian looked back at Liang Jianfang and said, "Mr. Liang, from now on, you will be promoted from General of the Right Jinwu Guard to General of the Left Guard, and will be in charge of the defense of Luoyang City."

"I obey your order." Liang Jianfang bowed solemnly.

Li Chengqian looked at Qiu Shenji, nodded with satisfaction and said, "Qiu Qing has also gained experience. I will promote you to the rank of General of the Right Jinwu Guard, in charge of all matters concerning public security in Luoyang."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Qiu Shenji bowed solemnly.

The ministers on one side couldn't help but look a little nervous.

Liang Jianfang and Qiu Shenji are both the most ruthless killers in the army. The emperor's use of them always makes people feel uneasy.

Li Chengqian paid no attention to these matters. He looked at the soldiers on both sides of the Luo River, nodded, and said to Cui Dunli, "Mr. Cui, the Ministry of War should quickly calculate the military merits. Those who deserve promotions should be promoted, and those who deserve rewards should be rewarded. While I have the money, I will quickly send the soldiers to Luoyang City to enjoy themselves."

"I obey your order." Cui Dunli bowed calmly.

Li Chengqian calmed down immediately and looked at Qiu Shenji. "Qiu Qing, tell your soldiers to be patient for a few more days and to apply for leave. Those who need to go home should go home, and those who need to be transferred back to Zhechongfu should be transferred back to Zhechongfu. If anyone wants to continue to fight in Liaodong, I have no objection."

"Yes!" Qiu Shenjie bowed seriously.

"Okay." Li Chengqian waved his hand, and Liang Jianfang and Qiu Shenqi immediately bowed and stepped aside.

Li Chengqian stood at the bow, gazing at the scenery of the Luo River on both sides. He said softly, "My lords, I don't know why, but the more I come to Luoyang, the more it feels like home to me."

The ministers nodded slightly. They had been traveling to Chang'an more frequently in recent years, and it was the same for them.

"For the next few years, Luoyang will serve as the transit center for the entire nation. All of you, ministers, must diligently perform your duties." Li Chengqian looked at his ministers and said calmly, "There's not much I can do here. There are many vacant houses in Luoyang. I will grant as many as I can as a reward."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The ministers couldn't help but relax and bow.

Li Chengqian looked at everyone deeply.

Reward and punishment have always been one and the same.

(End of this chapter)