Datang: Just been appointed as the crown prince, the counterattack system is here

Chapter 173 Chang'an! I, Li Chengqian, am back! [Seeking monthly tickets]

Chang'an Imperial Palace, Liangyi Hall.

Li Shimin had just summoned Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, Xiao Yu, Wang Gui and other ministers to discuss military reform when he received a secret report from Shuofang submitted by the Hundred Cavalry Division.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the entire hall was very strange.

Only Li Shimin's voice echoed in the hall.

Every word was so shocking that it made one's scalp tingle.

especially.
"Don't wait, your youth will be wasted and you will be filled with regret"

"The shame of the Wei River has not yet been avenged. When will the hatred of the ministers be extinguished?"

"When hungry, I would eat the flesh of the barbarians; when thirsty, I would drink the blood of the Turks."

Li Shimin repeated these words over and over again, and his expression became more and more complicated. He even couldn't help feeling a sense of shame that he had never felt before.

Logically speaking, as a father, I should be very happy that my son can write poems of such high level.

However, when Li Shimin thought about the anger, dissatisfaction, and unwillingness expressed in the poems, he only felt a burning pain on his face.

After a long while, he finally calmed down and said self-deprecatingly, "I guess in that rebellious son's mind, I am now a tyrant who is hindering his achievements."

"This"

The ministers looked at each other, but no one dared to interrupt Li Shimin.

Although they also felt that Li Shimin's actions were somewhat criticized.

But Li Shimin was the emperor, and they were father and son. Moreover, this poem did not criticize anyone by name. As a subject and an outsider, what else can you say?

I can only say that the prince is awesome, he can scold people so elegantly!
However, Li Shimin had no intention of listening to their opinions.

Seeing their silence, he took a deep breath, composed himself, and then changed the subject, "I summoned you today to inquire about your progress on military reform. Have there been any new developments?"

"This"

The ministers exchanged glances before Fang Xuanling spoke first, "Your Majesty, I believe the primary issue in military reform is military discipline. If we are to implement military reform, we must first revise military law and popularize it."

"In this way, soldiers can abide by the law and exert greater combat effectiveness."

"Not bad!"

Xiao Yu echoed, "A country has its own laws, a family has its own rules, and the army must also have its own military laws!"

After saying this, he turned to look at Li Shimin and said, "Your Majesty, I submitted a memorial a few days ago regarding Duke Huo's impeachment of Su Lie. I wonder what your Majesty's decision is?"

"Su Lie?"

Li Shimin was slightly stunned, as if he had not remembered this person.

But Du Ruhui smiled and reminded him, "Your Majesty, Su Lie is the commander of the Black Armored Guards who broke into Duke Huo's army and rode to rescue the Crown Prince!"

"Oh, you're talking about him!"

Li Shimin nodded in realization, then looked around at his ministers and asked, "What do you think of Duke Huo's impeachment of Su Lie?"

The ministers looked at each other, and then Wei Zheng spoke first, "May I ask what your Majesty thinks?"

"Ah!"

Li Shimin laughed: "Only you, Wei Zheng, dare to throw my questions to me!"

"However, if you want to ask my opinion, I can tell you. Although I think that dealing with Su Lie can shock the world."

"But Shuofang has just won a great victory, and I have also stated in the imperial edict that I intend to reward the meritorious officials of the Eastern Palace. If I deal with Su Lie again, it will make people feel very bad!"

"But Your Majesty, if we leave it alone, it will not be a long-term solution!" Xiao Yu couldn't help but interject.

Li Shimin glanced at him but said nothing.

At this moment, Du Ruhui blinked, glanced at Li Shimin cautiously, and asked tentatively: "Your Majesty, are you worried about other people?"

"Ok?"

Li Shimin was stunned for a moment, then smiled knowingly and nodded, "That's right. If we indulge others because of Su Lie's matter, that would not be good."

"This"

The ministers were suddenly speechless.

It is obvious that the other person Li Shimin was talking about was none other than Crown Prince Li Chengqian.

He was very wary of Li Chengqian's military power.

That's why he wanted to take away Li Chengqian's military power at all costs.

Including the current military reform, there is also a sense of guarding against Li Chengqian.

After all, his son is not an ordinary son, but a powerful character who possesses both ability and ambition.

If he didn't want to follow Li Yuan's old path, he had to suppress his son and make him be a prince instead of a crown prince competing with the emperor for power.

However, Li Shimin's idea was not recognized by his ministers.

For example, Wei Zheng.

He said directly: "I think this is not a personal problem for Su Lie. This happened to Su Lie, but it reflects a problem for the army."

"Even if it wasn't Su Lie, it would have happened to someone else."

"Yes, the military's problems are old problems!"

Fang Xuanling nodded in agreement and said, "Since the Zhenguan period, we have unified military power, but the system of leading troops has not changed much."

"What does this mean? It means there's something wrong with our military system itself!"

"If Su Lie were to be tried, the result might be that what he gained would outweigh what he lost!"

"Humph!"

Li Shimin snorted coldly and said with some displeasure, "So, according to you, the military's laws and regulations are no longer necessary?"

"This"

Fang Xuanling was speechless.

Wang Gui, standing by, glanced at him, then at Li Shimin. Although his words weren't as direct as Wei Zheng's, nor as sensible as Fang Xuanling's, he still expressed his disapproval of the idea of ​​trying Su Lie. "Your Majesty, military law and discipline are certainly not a small matter, but for this war, a decisive victory is the most important outcome."

"Comparatively speaking, the law and discipline of the military is a minor issue."

"Moreover, in this battle, if there are only punishments and no rewards for merit, people will think that the court only looks at shortcomings and not achievements."

“Even minor shortcomings are valued, while major achievements are ignored.”

"Unless Your Majesty has more far-reaching considerations, such as thoroughly resolving the fundamental system of the military, it would be inappropriate to move against meritorious officials now."

Li Shimin did not expect that three out of the five ministers would oppose the trial of Su Lie. He was very unhappy and his face looked gloomy.

Originally, he wanted the ministers to help him find a way to try Su Lie while saving his own face, and then specially punish Su Lie and transfer him from the Eastern Palace. Unexpectedly, the ministers were so uncooperative with him.

But he said in a deep voice, "Since we are talking about the military system, I remember that the Minister of War and the Minister of the Central Secretariat drafted a plan for military reform, and I also approved it. Why hasn't it been implemented?"

"Uh, this."

Upon hearing this, Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling couldn't help but look at Wei Zheng.

Wei Zheng said calmly, "I have seen the military reform proposal, but I rejected it!"

"Why reject it?" Li Shimin glanced at him coldly.

Wei Zheng remained calm and said, "To be honest, I agree with this plan, but I have to consider an important issue. The implementation of this plan requires cooperation from the local governments."

"The difficulty lies in the fact that local problems are even greater. How can we expect them to cooperate with the imperial court's reforms?"

"This"

Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling looked at each other in surprise when they heard this.

But Fang Xuanling said in a sullen tone: "This is indeed our negligence."

"Yes, now that I think about it, if we want to solve the problems of the army and carry out military reform, we cannot discipline the army strictly and use Su Lie, who has just made contributions, as an example." Du Ruhui echoed.

Wang Gui also agreed: "I also think it is not appropriate to move Su Lie at this time."

"Ah!"

Li Shimin smiled coldly and said, "So, according to you, this matter is just over?"

"It's not like I've forgotten it."

Wei Zheng shook his head and said, "I still believe that the problem does not lie with Su Lie, but with the existing military system. How to achieve the separation of soldiers and commanders is the top priority!"

"For example, today's generals are familiar with each other, and today's soldiers are also familiar with each other. But if soldiers only recognize their generals, big problems will arise. Therefore, if we want to reform the military system, we must first reform the existing way of commanding troops."

"And once the way of commanding troops is changed, dealing with a general who made a mistake is not a trivial matter, right?"

"Well, you have a point."

Li Shimin nodded as if suddenly realizing something. But Wei Zheng changed the subject again, saying, "However, changing the way we command troops is not an easy task. Just like when Your Majesty goes to war, there are certain reasons for which direction you attack from. We cannot blindly reform."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I also believe that stability should be the priority right now. Those who deserve to be rewarded should continue to be rewarded. After General Li Jing pacifies the Turks, we can then implement reforms. With his prestige within the army, perhaps he can lend a hand to Your Majesty!"

"Yes, with General Li Jing here, Your Majesty still has room to maneuver. Otherwise, if you directly deal with meritorious officials, people will resent Your Majesty, which will be detrimental to the stability of the country."

"This"

Hearing his ministers' repeated admonitions, Li Shimin frowned slightly and fell into deep thought. After a moment, he said thoughtfully, "You are right. Li Jing is a man with profound attainments in the art of war. This is his strength, but there will always be times when the country is stable, and there will also be times when his strengths are not needed. Therefore, we must find something else for him to do so that he can be fully utilized."

"That Su Lie thing"

"Let's do this for now, and we'll talk about it after we destroy the Turks!"

Li Shimin waved his hand, discussed other state affairs with his ministers, and let them leave.

After they all left, he picked up the poem written by Li Chengqian and read it word by word.

"My hair stands on end with rage, I lean against the railing, the rain has stopped. I look up, let out a long cry to the heavens, my heart aching with fervor."

"Good boy! You still have quite a grudge!"

He snorted disdainfully, then fell into deep thought. After a moment, he seemed to remember something and gave a loud order: "Come here, summon the King of Jiangxia to an audience!"

At the same time, Haozhi County.

The convoy of Li Chengqian and Li Yuan returning to the capital had just arrived at the border of Haozhi County, less than a hundred miles away from Chang'an.

However, as it was getting dark, Changsun Wuji suggested that they rest in Haozhi County for one night and return to Chang'an tomorrow. Therefore, the convoy of Li Chengqian and Li Yuan returning to the capital directly changed its route and went to Haozhi County.

Li Chengqian and Li Yuan refused all the requests for an audience from the officials of Haozhi County.

At this time, they were taking a bath in a luxurious inn in Haozhi County to relieve their fatigue.

But Li Chengqian said with some amusement: "My uncle is very thoughtful!"

"Oh, if he wasn't so cunning, would he be in this situation today?" Li Yuan sneered, then picked up a towel, wiped his body, and asked, "How do you plan to deal with Erlang?"

"What does Grandpa mean?"

Li Chengqian asked back with a smile.

Li Yuan glanced at him, frowned, and said, "Aren't you angry about what he did?"

"It would be a lie to say I'm not angry, but no matter how angry we are, we are still at a disadvantage!"

Li Chengqian said this, resting his head on his hands, and said with a bit of amusement: "I am not a reckless man who is easily blinded by anger!"

"Yes, you are indeed different. But sometimes, being too rational isn't a good thing. For example, your grandfather was repeatedly manipulated by Erlang because I was too cautious."

As he spoke, Li Yuan's face gradually became gloomy, and he said angrily: "He actually used my children and grandchildren to threaten me to return to Chang'an. He is simply not a human being!"

"hehe."

Li Chengqian smiled noncommittally and said, "Didn't Grandpa say that power is the magic sword that severs family ties? You've stayed by my side and accompanied me in doing so many things that were detrimental to him. As long as he's not stupid, he won't let us continue to act recklessly!"

"You can't be so ruthless!"

"Even someone as deep-minded as Changsun Wuji says that his thoughts are deeper than the abyss, let alone us, how can we possibly see through him!"

"This"

Upon hearing this, Li Yuan was speechless.

Li Chengqian slowly stood up from the bathhouse, took an ice pack from Lai Fu, placed it on his head, then picked up another ice pack and handed it to Li Yuan, saying, "He thought that by calling my people back, he could block the news and control me. However, he probably has never seen the power of public opinion!"

“The power of public opinion?”

Li Yuan was puzzled, but he still took the ice pack from Li Chengqian and placed it on his head. He immediately felt much better. "What kind of bathing method is this?"

"That's not important. What's important is making people feel comfortable, isn't it?"

"That's right. You know how to enjoy it."

While joking, Li Yuan brought the topic back on track and asked, "What is the power of public opinion?"

"Before, I asked Changsun Anye and the others to distribute leaflets in Chang'an City, including distributing family letters in Tongwan City. In fact, these were all means of public opinion. But to deal with my father, the public opinion of one city or one place is still too small. I want to make the whole country my battlefield."

Li Chengqian explained with a smile, "Doesn't my father care a lot about his reputation? Even the aristocratic families know how to manipulate him. Am I worse than them?"

"In other words, you want to stir up public opinion across the country?" Li Yuan asked in surprise.

"Well, I guess so. If he wasn't really too extreme, I wouldn't do this to him. But he really is too extreme, isn't he?"

"Too."

Li Yuan nodded in agreement and said, "It's just that he's been so successful that he feels he can control everything and trample everyone under his feet."

"So! In order to avoid being trampled under his feet, we have to be ruthless and fight ruthlessness with ruthlessness!"

As he spoke, Li Chengqian slowly sat down in the bathhouse again. Looking at the misty room, he said with a dazed look in his eyes, "I want to take back all the power that belongs to me. I want to tell everyone that the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty was not driven away. He is back!"

"This"

Li Yuan hesitated for a moment, then smiled with satisfaction: "Well done, my dear grandson! Grandpa supports you!"

On the other side, inside the county government office of Haozhi County.

The magistrate of Haozhi County was pouring wine for Zhangsun Wuji with a forced smile on his face.

Changsun Wuji glanced at him indifferently, then glanced at the dishes on the table, and said calmly and indifferently: "County Magistrate Zhou has done a good job in Haozhi County over the years. He even moved the stir-fry from Chang'an to Haozhi County!"

"Haha, please forgive me for making a fool of myself, Lord Changsun. If I hadn't been supported by you back then, I wouldn't be where I am today!"

County Magistrate Zhou said this with a wry smile, then glanced at Liu Min next to Changsun Wuji and continued, "To be honest, Lord Changsun, Chang'an has not been very peaceful recently. You must be extra careful when you return!"

"Oh?"

Changsun Wuji raised his eyebrows: "How can it not be peaceful?"

"this."

"It's okay, Lord Liu is one of us, just tell me what you want to say!"

"I have only heard it from hearsay and don't know the specific details, but I heard that the prince and the emperor colluded with the rebels to launch a rebellion and harm the officials. Your Majesty sent them to Jiangling to protect them. Now, Your Majesty asked them to come back, which must mean the truth has been revealed!" County Magistrate Zhou said cautiously.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji and Liu Min looked at each other in surprise.

But Changsun Wuji couldn't help but ask, "Who did you hear that from?"

"Everyone is talking about this now. You should be able to hear about it when you return to Chang'an!"

"That's unreasonable!"

Changsun Wuji slammed the table angrily.

Liu Min, standing by, quickly tried to console him, "Master Changsun, please calm down. This is quite strange. If Your Majesty really summoned the Crown Prince and the Retired Emperor back to the capital because of this, then it would be impossible to mention the reward. Therefore, in my humble opinion, this matter should have happened after Your Majesty summoned the Crown Prince and the Retired Emperor back to the capital!"

"Ok?"

Changsun Wuji reacted for a moment, frowned, and said, "You mean, someone is spreading rumors and causing trouble behind my back?"

"should be!"

Liu Min nodded.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji narrowed his eyes, looked at County Magistrate Zhou again, and said solemnly, "Tell me everything you know, including what happened in Chang'an recently. Tell me every word!"

"Yes Yes Yes"

County Magistrate Zhou nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice, and then told Changsun Wuji and the others everything he knew.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji and the other man frowned, having a bad feeling.

"It seems that when the Crown Prince and the Emperor return to the capital this time, they will not only have to deal with His Majesty, but also with others!"

After listening to County Magistrate Zhou's story, Liu Min said with emotion.

Zhang Sun Wuji glanced at him, then at County Magistrate Zhou, and then said thoughtfully, "Don't tell the Crown Prince and the Emperor about this first, so as not to alert the enemy!"

Then he turned to County Magistrate Zhou and said, "Send someone to Chang'an immediately to inform Fang Xuanling and have him come to the palace to see His Majesty. Tell him that the retired emperor and the crown prince were attacked on their way!"

"what?"

County Magistrate Zhou was startled and asked quickly, "Why is this happening?"

"Stop talking nonsense and go if you don't want to die!"

Changsun Wuji gave the order without question.

Liu Min looked at him deeply without saying a word.

But I couldn't help feeling uneasy.

We haven't even reached Chang'an yet, but I already feel like a storm is about to come!

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(End of this chapter)