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

Chapter 237 Li Chengqian: It’s not easy to take advantage of the Celestial Empire! [Seeking monthly votes]

Although Li Shimin was somewhat surprised by Li Yuan's sudden arrival, he was not too disgusted.

Because today was a big day, it was a day that made him proud, and the proposal made by Zhishisili on behalf of Tuli Khan also shocked and pleased him.

Such a pretentious moment is naturally witnessed by the father who can't even treat everyone equally.

So, the next moment he heard Li Yuan's sudden arrival, he stood up from his seat and walked down the steps to greet Li Yuan in person.

Soon, Li Yuan came to the Chrysanthemum Terrace in high spirits, wearing a crimson Tang suit with cloud and dragon patterns tailored for him by Li Chengqian.

When everyone saw Li Yuan's outfit, their eyes lit up and they seemed to be very interested in this Tang suit.

Because the design of this Tang suit is obviously different from any existing clothing in the Tang Dynasty.

Compared with the magnificent and majestic dragon robe worn by Li Shimin, Li Yuan wore a Tang suit that did not look bulky at all, and looked to be about the same age as Li Shimin.

This made Li Shimin a little embarrassed.

However, Li Shimin was only embarrassed for a moment, then he smiled and saluted Li Yuan and said, "Father, you have arrived at the right time. The banquet has not yet begun. Please take a seat."

"Really? Is it a good opportunity?"

Li Yuan glanced at Li Shimin and said calmly, "I thought you would blame me for coming here uninvited!"

"Father, you're joking. How could I not invite you?"

After saying this, Li Shimin immediately stopped smiling, turned to look at Li Chengqian, and scolded him, "Chengqian, why didn't you invite your grandfather? I asked you to host the Chongyang Banquet, and is this how you hosted it? You have no manners at all!"

Li Chengqian felt a toothache when he heard this.

Damn it!
You didn't invite your dad, and you blame me?!
good good!
I will remember you, Li Er!
He was praising me for my good venue arrangement before, but now he's changing his mind faster than turning the pages of a book?!
"Alright, I didn't plan to come in the first place, why blame Cheng Qian!"

When Li Yuan heard Li Shimin shifting the blame onto Li Chengqian, he waved his hand unhappily, then walked up to the Chrysanthemum Terrace. He glanced at the surrounding arrangements and the strange faces of the crowd, then smiled and said, "I heard that the banquet hall arranged by Chengqian is magnificent. This trip was truly worthwhile!"

"Your Highness, I pay my respects to the Emperor!"

When Empress Changsun saw Li Yuan walk up to the Chrysanthemum Terrace, she immediately brought Li Shimin's concubines to pay her respects.

Seeing this, the people in the audience finally realized what was happening. They hadn't even greeted Li Yuan yet, so they all said in unison: "Your Highnesses, we pay our respects to the Emperor!"

"hehe."

Li Yuan smiled, then waved his hand and said, "Everyone, please stand up. I'm just here to take a look. You guys continue, continue!"

After saying that, he found a seat and sat down.

When the ministers saw this, they looked at each other in confusion.

Although Li Yuan's uninvited visit made them somewhat uncomfortable, Li Shimin didn't say anything, so they naturally wouldn't say much either.

Soon, Li Shimin returned to the Chrysanthemum Terrace, ready to reject the proposal of the Gur Khanate.

Because in his opinion, although the Gur Khanate had thirteen tribes, it was ultimately just a country and was not enough to convince the people.

However, what he never expected was that just as he was about to reject the Gur Khanate's proposal, the envoys from the twenty-nine countries stood up and declared their support: "Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Tang, we support the Gur Khanate's proposal and are willing to honor you as the 'Heavenly Khan' to govern our country!"

Wow!
The whole place was in an uproar!

If Zhishisili's proposal on behalf of the Gur Khanate to honor Li Shimin as the "Heavenly Khan" was like a thunderclap, then the simultaneous support of the 29 countries below the stage for honoring Li Shimin as the "Heavenly Khan" was no less than detonating a nuclear bomb.

It directly blew away the souls of everyone present.

Because in this way, the Tang Dynasty became the Celestial Empire in the true sense.

These countries that respected Li Shimin as the "Heavenly Khan" became vassal states of the Tang Dynasty.

You should know that among the feudal dynasties in the Central Plains, the only one that could achieve this level was the Han Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han.

However, with the current strength of the Tang Dynasty, can it match the Han Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han?

Obviously, not yet.

So why did these foreign countries agree to become vassal states of the Tang Dynasty?
Although the current strength of the Tang Dynasty cannot be compared with that of the Han Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, the current prosperity of the Tang Dynasty is of great benefit to them.

Once their country becomes a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty, they can demand unlimited benefits from the Celestial Empire. Only a fool would refuse.

After all, compared to these empty titles, the actual benefits are the most important.

However, Li Shimin was not a fool.

Although the title of "Heavenly Khan" greatly satisfied his vanity, especially in front of Li Yuan, it made him completely proud.

But if you think about it carefully, the things involved are definitely not simple.

Therefore, after the envoys from 29 countries expressed their opinions, he declined with a smile.

But he said modestly, "I have been on the throne for only three years. I am not yet able to govern the Tang Dynasty, let alone your country. Therefore, I think it is unnecessary."

He glanced around at the envoys and said with a smile, "Let's all mind our own business. Gaochang, the kings of the northwestern states, and envoys from all over the world, today we gather together to celebrate peace and prosperity. You bestow upon me the title of Heavenly Khan. This is unprecedented, and I am very happy!"

"Long live the Khan of Heaven!"

Envoys from various countries cheered.

Although Li Shimin did not agree to govern their country, he accepted the title of "Tian Khan".

This shows that the Tang Dynasty recognized the status of the Celestial Empire.

Even if they are not vassal states of the Tang Dynasty, if they do business with the Tang Dynasty or have any disputes in the future, the Tang Dynasty, as the Celestial Empire, can mediate or even provide direct assistance.

This is also a very good result for them.

Li Shimin continued, "There's an old saying in the Central Plains: 'Heaven sees as the people see, Heaven hears as the people hear.' Heaven is the people. I, the Khan of Heaven, will work with you to ensure peace and prosperity for all the people!"

"The Khan is wise!"

The envoys from various countries cheered again.

The people of Japan, Western Turkestan, Goguryeo, and Tuyuhun, who had remained silent all this time, looked at each other with frowns.

Although they all acknowledged the power of the Tang Dynasty in their hearts, it was not a good thing for them that so many countries depended on the Tang Dynasty.

Especially the countries bordering them or with whom they have vested interests, now that they have clung to the Tang Dynasty, they will probably have disputes with them in the future.

At that time, will the Tang Dynasty help them or help itself?
The answer is very obvious.

Thinking of this, the expressions of the people from the four countries became more and more ugly, but they did not lose their temper on the spot.

However, they did not have an attack on the spot, but someone did.

For example, Li Yuan.

He just said nonchalantly, "Erlang, I think you've done a pretty good job as an emperor. Why are you being so modest?"

"When we were fighting for the throne, you weren't this humble!"

"Father!"

When Li Shimin heard Li Yuan's words, his face turned dark.

But in front of so many people, he couldn't get angry, so he said solemnly: "What do you want to do?"

"what can I do?"

Li Yuan smiled and picked up a glass of wine, took a sip, and then said with a smile: "I just think that if they want you to manage their country, then do it. What are you afraid of?"

“It’s not a question of being afraid or not; this is…”

"If you don't dare to take charge, leave it to my grandson. He has the ability!"

Before Li Shimin could finish his words, he was interrupted by Li Yuan.

But Li Yuan's words shocked everyone present and made their scalps tingle.

Good guy!
So exciting!

I didn’t expect that the Double Ninth Festival banquet has just begun and it’s already so exciting!
Is the Tang Dynasty about to change?!
No way!
This can't be true?!

Just as everyone was in shock and confusion, Li Shimin glanced at Li Chengqian coldly.

Although these words were spoken by Li Yuan, considering that Li Chengqian took great pains to host the Chongyang Banquet, and what he said in front of Li Daozon and others before the Chongyang Banquet, it goes without saying that the so-called "double decision-makers" should have been born today.

Outrageous!

This rebellious son actually dares to compete with me for power?

Why!
On what basis does he do that?

A surge of rage suddenly rose in Li Shimin's heart. His eyes became colder and colder, which made Empress Changsun, who was not far away, feel a chill in her heart.

Although she still hasn't figured out why Li Shimin was targeting Li Chengqian when it was clearly Li Yuan who was stirring up trouble, she felt helpless when she thought of the relationship between Li Chengqian and Li Yuan.

I just hope that no tragedy of father and son killing each other will happen today. When Li Chengqian's younger brothers Li Tai, Li Ke, and Li You heard Li Yuan's words, they felt a strong sense of substitution.

Because the grandson Li Yuan mentioned did not specifically refer to Li Chengqian, this made them have some fantasies. It would be great if Li Shimin could hand over those vassal states to them for management.

Even though this was just their fantasy, the envoys, who did not understand the situation, puffed out their chests when they looked at them.

As for the civil and military officials of the Tang Dynasty, although they knew that Li Yuan was talking about Li Chengqian, after what happened that night, they did not dare to provoke Li Yuan easily.

Just as Li Shimin was hesitating whether to take the initiative, Li Chengqian calmly stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Li Yuan, and said, "Grandpa Retired Emperor, I, Chengqian, thank you for your high regard. However, with my abilities, I'm afraid I'm not up to the task of managing so many countries!"

"Oh?"

Li Yuan raised his eyebrows and said calmly, "But didn't you say before that these countries are easy to govern? And that under your governance, these countries will prosper along with the Tang Dynasty!"

"This"

Li Chengqian scratched his head a little embarrassedly and said with a smile: "I was just talking casually, why did the emperor take it seriously?"

"Oh, are you just saying that? Aren't those silver notes that can be exchanged for ten thousand strings of cash, and those grain yields of ten thousand catties per mu, meant to lead them to common prosperity?"

Li Yuan nodded in sudden realization, then muttered, "I thought you would give them these goodies, but it turns out I was overthinking it."

As he spoke, he glanced at the stunned crowd, waved his hand and said with a smile: "I misunderstood my grandson. Just pretend you didn't hear anything. Let's continue the party, let's continue the party!"

Li Shimin: "."

All the envoys present: "."

I rub!

What kind of paper can be exchanged for ten thousand coins?

What kind of grain can produce tens of thousands of kilograms per mu?
What the hell is going on? How come I've never heard of this?

Not only were all the envoys present confused, even Li Shimin was a little at a loss.

As for the civil and military officials, some knew about the silver notes, and some knew about the Jiangling sweet potatoes, but not many knew about the silver notes, and none knew that the sweet potato yield could reach 10,000 jin per mu.

Therefore, the moment Li Yuan and Li Chengqian finished speaking, the whole audience fell silent.

Even the people from Japan, Western Turks, Goguryeo, and Tuyuhun, who had remained silent, had wonderful expressions on their faces.

If the power dispute between Li Shimin and his father or son was the situation they wanted to see, then the conversation between Li Yuan and Li Chengqian was a nightmare they could not believe.

You know, if the Tang Dynasty really had a grain yield of tens of thousands of kilograms per mu, then the Tang Dynasty's army would be even more powerful.

It is not that the Tang Dynasty today cannot be as powerful as the Han Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, but that the national strength of the Tang Dynasty today cannot be compared with that of the Han Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han without the accumulation of the "Reign of Wen and Jing".

As for the army of the Tang Dynasty, it was actually even more powerful than the army during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han.

It was precisely because the Tang Dynasty's national strength could not support a powerful army that it was often invaded by the Eastern Turks, Tuyuhun, Goguryeo, and small border countries.

If the Tang Dynasty could replenish its national strength with the tens of thousands of kilograms of grain produced per mu, it would become a true Celestial Empire.

And they will become true vassal states of the Celestial Empire.

This is absolutely unacceptable to them!
Especially the Tuyuhun and Goguryeo countries which are still invading the border.

The people from both countries tacitly picked up their wine glasses and drank them all. Then they looked behind them calmly and returned to their normal state without saying a word.

At this moment, Li Shimin also recovered from his shock. He looked at Li Chengqian with doubt and said, "Chengqian, is what your grandfather said true? Can you really produce tens of thousands of catties of grain per mu?"

"Uh, this."

Li Chengqian hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Yes, it is, but not as exaggerated as tens of thousands of pounds."

"How much is that?" Li Shimin asked anxiously.

Li Chengqian thought for a moment and said uncertainly, "Probably about five or six thousand kilograms."

I'll pour it!
When everyone heard what Li Chengqian said, they almost fell down on the spot.

When Li Shimin heard what Li Chengqian said, he was so angry that he almost died.

Even if the grain yield per mu is not tens of thousands of kilograms, a yield of five or six thousand kilograms per mu is also amazing!

You have to know that the grain varieties in the Tang Dynasty today, even in the best grain fields, can only produce two to three hundred kilograms per mu at most.

The grain yield per mu is 5,000 to 6,000 kilograms, which is more than ten times the original amount.

What a divine species this is!

Why do I know this only now?
How many things has this unfilial son hidden from me?!
Just as Li Shimin was feeling furious and annoyed, a Japanese man stood up and suddenly said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, we in Japan respect you as the 'Heavenly Khan' and are willing to become a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty. We hope that the Tang Dynasty can help us in Japan and grant us some divine seeds to help our people escape poverty."

"In addition, please allow us to send envoys and students to the Tang Dynasty to learn about your production technology and Central Plains culture, such as the various schools of thought, calligraphy and painting, architectural skills, and local customs."

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole audience was instantly shocked.

Immediately afterwards, the people of Goguryeo also stood up and saluted, saying, "Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Tang, although Goguryeo cannot become a vassal state of the Great Tang, we are willing to pay a high price to purchase the Great Tang's divine seeds, as well as some armor and weapons!"

"Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, I, Tuyuhun, am willing to sign a ceasefire agreement with the Tang Dynasty, on the condition that you share some of the divine seeds with us!"

"His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty."

As the four uninvited countries of Japan, Goguryeo, Western Turkestan, and Tuyuhun expressed their opinions one after another, the envoys of the other 29 countries could no longer sit still.

They stood up one after another, and the King of Gaochang personally stated his position: "Heavenly Khan, we, Gaochang, Khotan, Shule, Kangguo and other 29 countries, voluntarily become vassal states of the Tang Dynasty and are under the full administration of the Tang Dynasty!"

When these words were spoken, all the civil and military officials present were stunned.

You know, full management means giving up a country's sovereignty.

Are these foreign nations crazy?

In fact, in Li Chengqian's view, these foreign countries were not crazy at all, they were just talking casually.

If you really want to take full control of someone else's country, the resistance will be greater than you imagine.

And from such a long distance, what can you do? You can't do anything!
Just by showing your loyalty, the good things in your hands will be taken away by others for free.

This kind of good thing is to let them be grandsons, and they are willing to do it.

Because it doesn't cost them anything.

But will Li Chengqian let them get what they want?
Do you really think it's so easy to make money from the Tang Dynasty?
Just when Li Shimin was in a dilemma, Li Chengqian's voice suddenly rang out: "If you wish to honor my father as 'Heavenly Khan', that is your business. If you wish to become a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty, that is also your business."

"but."

Then he changed the subject and continued, "Have you asked for our opinions, or rather, have you asked for my opinions?"

Wow!
The whole place was in an uproar again!

Some people looked confused.

Some people were surprised and delighted.

Others are at a loss.

But then a man from the Tuyuhun direction sneered, "Isn't the Emperor the final say in the Tang Dynasty? When did the Crown Prince have the final say? Or do you, the Crown Prince, have the final say in the Tang Dynasty?"

Boom!

One sentence caused a thousand waves!
Everyone present was attracted by these words.

Even the envoys from the twenty-nine countries who were vying to express their loyalty to the Tang Dynasty shut their mouths in an instant.

The scene was as silent as autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves.

Li Chengqian looked calmly and indifferently at the man from the Tuyuhun direction, raised an eyebrow and said, "Who are you? Do you have the right to speak here?"

"Humph!"

The other party snorted coldly, then said arrogantly: "I am Murong Shun, the prince of Tuyuhun. Do I have enough qualifications to speak?"

"Ah!"

Li Chengqian snorted disdainfully and said calmly, "If it was the Tuyuhun prince who came, his words would carry some weight. A mere prince, what a nobody!"

"presumptuous!"

"court death!"

The middle-aged man next to Murong Shun was furious.

The ministers behind Li Chengqian suddenly rushed out.

　[Please give me a monthly ticket, please give me a monthly ticket]

　　
　
(End of this chapter)