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

Chapter 195 From today on, I will be the permanent vice emperor! [Seeking monthly tickets]

Although Li Chengqian didn't know what Li Er and his wife were up to, he knew that something big was going to happen next.

That was the locust plague in the second year of Zhenguan.

What impressed Li Chengqian most about this locust plague was that Li Shimin ate locusts.

So, what prompted Li Shimin to eat locusts?

According to historical records, Li Shimin ate locusts to vent his anger because he was angry that locusts were eating people's crops.

It sounds like the style of a benevolent monarch with compassion for the world.

But in fact, if you think about it carefully, you will find that this incident is similar to "Liu Bei throwing A Dou".

It's pure political show.

So why did Li Shimin stage this political show?

The main reason is the various contradictions caused by the transition from the old to the new, as well as the ancient people's understanding of natural disasters, which often linked the occurrence of natural disasters with the court's policies.

The new political team wants to take power, and the old political team does not want to step down, so naturally they will use the disaster to make trouble.

This political show was necessary for Li Shimin to quell the public pressure caused by the disaster.

Therefore, after Li Chengqian solved the drought, the next thing he had to do was to complete his political show through this locust plague.

As the saying goes, if traffic cannot be monetized, it is just traffic after all.

Li Chengqian gained a huge amount of "traffic" by pacifying Shuofang, publishing his remarks in newspapers, and praying for rain just completed, but the power he actually gained did not increase much, or even did not increase at all.

This is obviously not in Li Chengqian's interests.

Therefore, he must convert all the "traffic" into his own actual power.

But he could not tell Empress Changsun about this purpose.

It’s not that he doesn’t believe Empress Changsun.

But Empress Changsun and Li Shimin were husband and wife after all.

There is no need to say much about the relationship between the couple, and the timing of Li Shimin's appearance is really a coincidence.

This made Li Chengqian feel as if the couple had teamed up to trick him, and he couldn't help but be alert.

"My son, I have met my father."

Seeing Li Shimin walk into Lizheng Hall as if nothing had happened, Li Chengqian quickly stood up from his seat and saluted him.

Li Shimin saw this and said 'hmm' lightly, then walked over to Li Lizhi with a smile, bent down and said: "The steamed buns that our Lizhi broke must be delicious. How about letting your father taste them later?"

"ah!"

Li Lizhi, who was concentrating on breaking steamed buns, was like a frightened little tiger when she heard Li Shimin's voice. She protected her bowl and said with a pout, "No! Father always says to try it, but once he does, he can't stop. I don't have enough to eat!"

"Hahaha!"

Li Shimin laughed heartily at his daughter's words.

The fat boy nearby heard this and ran over happily, holding up his bowl and saying, "Father! Father! Eat mine! I'm sure the ones I'm breaking off this time will taste delicious!"

Li Shimin smiled and glanced at the little fat boy's bowl. He found that the little fat boy broke off half as much steamed bun as Li Lizhi, which was not enough for him to eat three or two mouthfuls. So he smiled and rubbed the little fat boy's head and said softly, "Father, eat what you break off yourself. You are growing now, so you should eat more!"

"Oh fine."

The little fat boy put down his bowl in disappointment, but suddenly saw Li Chengqian out of the corner of his eye. He rolled his eyes and said with a smile, "Royal brother, I heard that this mutton soup steamed bun was invented by you. I believe the steamed bun you broke must be delicious, right?"

"Ok?"

Li Chengqian was slightly taken aback, thinking, "Is this little fatty really that good at making a name for himself? Why does he always have to compare himself to me in everything?"

Could it be that this is also a way for Li Er and his wife to trick him?
The so-called provocation method?

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian's eyes wandered over Li Er and his wife, as well as the little fat man, and then he said seriously, "Whether mutton soup steamed buns are delicious depends first and foremost on 'tender meat and rich broth'. Only by using fresh mutton and stewing a thick and fragrant broth can you whet your appetite."

"The second thing is the 'mo'. You have to use 100% whole flour. The so-called '100% whole flour' is a white steamed bun made from 90% unleavened flour and 10% cooked flour."

"The last step is 'breaking the bun.' Because everyone has their own preferences, it's hard to satisfy everyone. To find the texture that satisfies you, you have to break it into the most suitable size according to your own preferences."

"This is what makes a delicious mutton soup bun."

"This"

Upon hearing this, Mr. and Mrs. Li Er, as well as the little fat man, were suddenly speechless.

They never expected that Li Chengqian would tell them this in a serious manner.

However, Li Lizhi was very happy to learn from Li Chengqian the essence of the delicious mutton soup steamed bun. She couldn't help but run to Li Chengqian with a smile and said, "Royal brother, my steamed bun is for you to eat!"

"Thank you, big sister!"

Li Chengqian took the bowl from Li Lizhi with a smile, without any courtesy.

Seeing this, Mr. and Mrs. Li looked at each other in surprise.

Originally, they wanted to use the dispute between Li Chengqian and Li Tai to play the role of parents mediating between their sons in order to improve their relationship with Li Chengqian. However, Li Chengqian ended the dispute with just a few words, without even giving them a chance to appear.

This made them feel a little embarrassed and depressed.

However, opportunities are created by people. If you fail once, there will be next time.

Li Shimin laughed awkwardly twice, then made conversation, "I heard the Royal Manufacturing Bureau is making pretty good money, and they've recently built a lot of factories outside the city. Is this man's resources enough?"

"There are enough manpower, but the price of grain in Chang'an has been a bit high recently. There are more people, but not enough food. This is a headache for me!" Empress Changsun raised her hand to support her forehead and said.

Li Chengqian was speechless and thought to himself that they are indeed husband and wife!

Is this a hint to me?

What you mean is, you want me to transfer grain from Jiangling to Chang'an?
how can that be!

I'm not a fool if there's no benefit in doing this!
What's more, I have great use for that food!
Seeing that Li Chengqian didn't respond, Li Shimin asked Empress Zhangsun, "Hasn't the Empress ever thought about purchasing food from the surrounding areas?"

"Your Majesty, you may not know that the court has been purchasing a large amount of grain recently. How dare I compete with the court for grain!" Empress Changsun said with some embarrassment.

"Too."

Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction, then picked up a piece of steamed bun and broke it while saying with emotion: "This person's interests are indeed not as important as the interests of the country. The Queen is a queen who understands the general situation. I am very pleased!"

Li Chengqian: "."

Good guy!
Is this the beginning of moral kidnapping?
If I don't give them food, I'm selfish and inconsiderate?

You, Li Er, are the only one who is so arrogant, right?!
"hehe."

Empress Zhangsun smiled and immediately called to Xiangling, "Xiangling, pour a bowl of yokan for the Crown Prince as well."

"Yes."

Xiangling responded respectfully and prepared to pour some yokan for Li Chengqian.

At this moment, Li Shimin suddenly seemed to remember something and said, "Oh, right, didn't the Crown Prince go to Pei Sikong's residence? Why didn't he come back with anything?"

Li Chengqian was stunned for a moment, and couldn't help but say strangely: "I can't get used to eating other people's food."

"Oh, so the Crown Prince returned to the palace this time just to eat for free?"

Li Shimin asked casually.

Cengfan?

I went back to my own house to eat, and you say I was eating for free?!

Li Chengqian was so angry that he almost jumped up and down, thinking to himself that the love between father and son was really as thin as water!
I don't follow your wishes, so you don't even let me worry about eating, right?
good good!
If that's what you're saying, then let's not eat.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath, then put down the bowl and said seriously, "To be honest with you, Your Majesty, I have returned to the palace for two main reasons: one is to visit my mother, and the other is to ask Your Majesty to fulfill his promise."

Li Shimin seemed to have forgotten and blurted out: "What promise?"

Li Chengqian frowned, then said solemnly, "Didn't your Majesty promise me that you would crown me after my rain prayer was successful?"

"Oh, that's what you were talking about!"

Li Shimin pretended to understand and nodded, "I did agree to this."

"but."

He then changed the subject and continued, "The court has been in a turbulent time recently. You should know that the coronation ceremony will probably have to be postponed for a while until the court is done with its work."

"His Majesty!"

Before Li Shimin could finish his words, Li Chengqian interrupted him: "Just say what you want to say!"

"This"

Li Shimin was slightly stunned, then turned to look at Empress Changsun.

Empress Changsun shook her head helplessly, then asked the fat boy and Li Lizhi to leave the hall.

Although the little fat man was reluctant to leave the hall, Li Shimin ignored him and he had no choice.

When only Li Chengqian and Li Shimin were left in the hall, Li Shimin said solemnly, "Does the Crown Prince really want to be crowned so soon?"

"In order to avoid any unnecessary trouble, the sooner the better!" Li Chengqian said resolutely.

Li Shimin was speechless, but he still expressed his thoughts: "I can crown you, but praying for rain is not the end of the matter. I believe you also know that those aristocratic families are not so easy to deal with. If you take another step forward, there will be no way out. You will face pressure ten or a hundred times greater than you are now. Are you sure you can withstand it?"

"I can!" Li Chengqian said two words succinctly. Li Shimin's expression suddenly became complicated when he heard it, and he didn't know how to speak for a moment.

Li Chengqian then said sternly, "I know what Your Majesty is worried about, but what Your Majesty doesn't know is that I am in the dark, while they are in the light. I also know their methods, but they don't know mine. Therefore, Your Majesty, don't worry about me. I can be a true crown prince."

"you"

Li Shimin's eyes widened, as if he didn't recognize his son. After a moment, he calmed down his complicated emotions and said solemnly, "Since you have confidence, I won't waste my words with you! After all, the path you chose is your own."

"but."

Having said this, he paused, then spoke with full authority, "I want to remind you that after your coronation, I will no longer treat you as a child. If you dare to break the law, I will punish you severely and will not show any leniency!"

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I know what to do."

Li Shimin snorted and immediately said to the outside, "Wushe, pass on my order and have the Taichang Temple prepare for the coronation ceremony!"

"promise!"

Wushe, who was outside the door, responded with a yes and quickly left Lizheng Hall.

Before Empress Changsun came back, the father and son did not say a word to each other and each ate their own mutton soup steamed buns.

The next morning, before the first rays of sunlight had completely escaped the embrace of night, the imperial city was already a scene of solemnity and busyness.

Between the red walls and golden tiles, officials in official robes walked hurriedly. The interlaced footsteps beat a solemn rhythm on the bluestone road, and all converged towards the Taiji Hall.

The eunuchs and palace maids nodded and lowered their brows as they shuttled through the pavilions of Langfang, holding all kinds of ceremonial vessels in their hands. Their clothes all shone with noble aura, and even the air was filled with a unique fragrance.

At this time, in the square outside the Taiji Hall, the imperial guards stood in formation, their bodies as straight as pine trees, and extremely majestic.

At three quarters past the hour of Mao, the bells and drums rang out simultaneously. The powerful sound was like rolling spring thunder, and it spread throughout the square in an instant.

The door of the Taiji Hall slowly opened, making a dull and long sound.

Under the attention of all civil and military officials, Li Chengqian came walking gracefully, wearing a specially made crown for the crown prince, with three buns on his head, a gilded white jade belt around his waist, and black court boots with cloud patterns on his feet.

"I, the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, was crowned at the age of nine. Back then, Emperor He of the Han Dynasty also ascended the throne at the age of nine. It's really a miracle!" An official sighed in a low voice.

"Humph, is Emperor He of Han worthy of being compared with the Crown Prince of our dynasty?" an official retorted in dissatisfaction.

"That's right, Brother Han He died at the age of twenty-seven. I suspect you have ill intentions and are cursing the prince!"

"I don't have any, I"

"enough!"

Seeing that the ministers were about to start a quarrel, Li Xiaogong suddenly shouted in a low voice with some displeasure: "What time is it now? How can we allow you to be so presumptuous?!"

"This"

The ministers looked at each other, but did not dare to say anything more.

Soon, Li Chengqian walked past them with steady steps and headed straight for the throne in the hall.

Before the throne, an incense table had already been set up, enshrining the tablets of ancestors.

The three sacrificial animals have been neatly placed on the incense table.

The bright colors and curling smoke complement each other. On the candlesticks on both sides, red candles are burning high, like the gazes of the ancestors of the Li Tang royal family.

Li Shimin raised his hand solemnly and a eunuch in charge of ceremonies immediately came to the side of the throne holding the golden book and jade treasure, and stood quietly.

But Li Shimin said calmly and majestically: "Announce the decree!"

"Crown Prince Li Chengqian receives the order—!"

As the voice of Fu Yi, the Minister of Rites, rang out, Li Chengqian immediately knelt on the ground, folded his hands, and performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows. He touched his forehead to the ground and kowtowed loudly: "Your Majesty, I receive your order!"

"The Emperor of the Great Tang declares: My son, Li Chengqian, is gifted with intelligence, possesses both virtue and talent, and is devoted to filial piety. I now perform a special coronation ceremony to honor his virtues. I hope he will carry on the teachings of our ancestors, govern the country diligently, and bring blessings to the people."

The voice was high-pitched and loud, echoing between the beams and pillars of the hall, every sound was pleasant to the ears, and spread to the square outside the hall, where the lingering sound remained.

Many ministers couldn't help but smile knowingly when they heard this voice.

In particular, ministers close to Li Chengqian, such as Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji, had extremely bright smiles on their faces.

Even Wei Zheng, who was always serious, smiled.

On the other hand, there was no smile on the faces of those officials from aristocratic families.

Instead, their faces were ashen, expressionless, and their fists were clenched.

Then, the ceremonial officer shouted again: "Coronation!"

Four female officials in scarlet robes walked forward lightly, holding a Tongtian crown and tassels in their hands.

On the Tongtian Crown, nine golden dragons were coiled, with pearls in their mouths and their whiskers trembling, looking very lifelike.

The crown tassels were strung with pearls and jades, each of which was crystal clear and swayed slightly with the steps of the female official.

Soon, Li Chengqian watched the female official put the Tongtian crown on his head, carefully adjusted it, and then slowly lowered the tassel.

The moment the pearl curtains dropped, Li Chengqian felt that Li Shimin's eyes had changed when he looked at him. They were deeper and more majestic than ever before.

Perhaps one day, he also thought that he could be crowned the crown prince in a dignified manner.

Unfortunately, everything deviated from his original intention and headed in the direction he least wanted to see.

"Dang! Dang! Dang!"

As the female officials arranged the Tongtian crown and the tassels, the musicians outside the hall played the court music.

The sounds of the chime bells and chime stones are clear and melodious, like the collision of metal and stone, circling and echoing above the Taiji Hall.

The ceremonial officer shouted again: "The coronation ceremony is complete, all officials come to congratulate!"

"I am waiting to see His Highness the Crown Prince!"

"I am waiting to see His Highness the Crown Prince!"

"I am waiting to see His Highness the Crown Prince!"

All the civil and military officials in the square saluted Li Chengqian on the throne.

The sound waves rose and fell like the tide, resounding through the sky, echoing continuously in the palace and spreading into the distance.

From this moment on, the Tang Dynasty finally had a true crown prince.

And this coronation ceremony is destined to be recorded in history, to be passed down and admired by future generations.

However, these are not what Li Chengqian cares about.

Because his next goal is to become the executive vice emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

So on the day the coronation ceremony ended, he announced his first princely decree.

Officially formed his own East Palace team.

He also recalled Ma Zhou, Cen Wenben, Xue Rengui, Su Dingfang and Pei Xuan back to Chang'an to prepare for the next major operation.

At the same time, he also went to Sun Fujia's mansion in person and appointed Sun Fujia as the Prince's attendant to handle the daily affairs of the Prince's mansion.

When everything was ready, he went straight to the Xingtang Newspaper Office in Chang'an City.

This newspaper was opened by the Xingtang Chamber of Commerce led by Cen Wenben, and was specifically responsible for the sales of Jiangling newspapers.

The people in charge of this newspaper are from the four major families in Jiangling.

"Your Highness, we're here!"

Lai Fu drove the carriage and stopped outside the Xingtang Newspaper Office.

Li Chengqian got off the carriage without saying a word and walked straight into the newspaper office.

At this time, the corner of the newspaper office was filled with newspapers that were about to be sold, and behind the bar of the newspaper office, a middle-aged man was checking the account book and calculating the accounts.

"Boss, I want to print a newspaper!"

Li Chengqian said with a smile.

The middle-aged man was slightly startled, then immediately followed the voice and asked doubtfully, "Who is this young master?"

"presumptuous!"

Lai Fu suddenly chuckled, "His Royal Highness is here, why don't you quickly bow?"

"what?"

The middle-aged man was startled and rushed out from the bar, kneeling in fear: "Your Highness, I have been blinded by your dignity. Please forgive me!"

"It doesn't matter."

Li Chengqian smiled warmly and waved his hand, saying, "Get up. What's your name? Are you familiar with the newspaper business?"

"Your Highness, I'm Cai Kun, the cousin of Sima Cai, and I'm already familiar with the newspaper business in Chang'an!" the middle-aged man replied in fear and trepidation.

Li Chengqian nodded in satisfaction and said with a smile, "Okay, I'll print the latest issue of the newspaper, the sooner the better!"

Asking for double monthly tickets.

　[Seeking monthly votes. Seeking monthly votes, seeking monthly votes, more chapters will be added when the votes reach 1000.]

　　
　
(End of this chapter)