Datang: Rebirth of Li Chengqian, the beginning of the treason interrogation

Chapter 152: Those with strong troops and horses can fight for the throne

Li Chengqian said nothing, his eyes fell on Xue Rengui.

The pressure is huge.

The more Xue Rengui thought about it, the more anxious he became. Judging from Li Chengqian's performance, Gao Kan's answer was correct.

Even if Xue Rengui gave the same answer, he would definitely pass the test, but in Li Chengqian's mind, he would definitely be ranked after Gao Kan.

Therefore, Xue Rengui could not answer.

But how can I pass this interview and get a high score if I don't give the standard answers?

As the crown prince, Li Chengqian must be more aware of the shortcomings of the Tang Dynasty than these half-baked people, so why are they asking questions?
It’s definitely not that he can’t see it, but the most likely possibility is that Li Chengqian can’t do it now.

Thinking of this, Xue Rengui also had his own answer.

"I am stupid and only see the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. I am not as far-sighted as Your Highness the Crown Prince. However, I think that few people know the pros and cons of the Tang Dynasty better than Your Highness. Therefore, if Your Highness gives me an order, I will go through fire and water and will not hesitate to die."

Xue Rengui looked up and said to Li Chengqian.

You show your ability, and I can only show my loyalty.

"If I really ask you to go through fire and water, would you really dare to do it?"

Li Chengqian spoke, staring into Xue Rengui's eyes.

At this moment, Gao Kan's heart skipped a beat. Xue Rengui's answer could be said to be not an answer, but it was indeed what Li Chengqian wanted most.

He guessed the answer correctly, but he didn't hit the nail on the head.

Li Chengqian is a man who wants to get things done and he wants his own confidants.

"If your highness has any order, General Xue Li will certainly fight to the death."

Xue Rengui suddenly half-knelt on the ground to show his loyalty.

This opportunity is so rare.

It would be difficult to succeed if one only relied on achievements.

No matter how many enemies you kill, the bulk of the credit will go to your superior, or even your superior's superior.

That was because they had made great contributions in command, and the remaining credit would go to him.

"Get up, your answers are all good, and I am very satisfied."

Li Chengqian said with a smile that these two people, to some extent, did not disappoint him too much.

"Now the Duke of Ying and the Prince of Jiangxia are both in Pyongyang, and the Duke of Guo and the Duke of Wu'an are also busy governing the local areas. I cannot do everything in the army myself. I heard that you all have the ability to govern the army, so I want you to help me lead the army."

In fact, Gao Kan and Xue Rengui were the most suitable people to serve as the commanders of the army at this time.

In previous battles, both of them had performed extremely well, which was witnessed by the entire army and gained a certain prestige.

Xue Rengui will temporarily take over Zhang Shigui's military affairs, and Gao Kan can replace Xue Wanche's position.

Both of them are rising stars with impeccable abilities, and are more than qualified to be deputy generals.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Highness. We will definitely not let you down."

Both of them were overjoyed. They had not expected that Li Chengqian would trust them so much. They both knelt on one knee immediately.

"I treat them as national heroes, and I hope you will repay them as national heroes. I will also treat those who have made contributions appropriately. Now I will also treat those who have made contributions in Goguryeo and Baekje leniently. I will not harm the family's money, and I will treat it as a reward."

Li Chengqian did not deal with those generals with outstanding military achievements, such as the families of Heichi Changzhi and Daochen.

There is no way he could disappoint his own people. There is plenty of cake and he can't touch his own people.

A new emperor appoints new ministers, and this is just another redistribution of interests.

They are also setting an example. Clan power is harmful, but it is undeniable that talents come from upper classes like them. Li Chengqian still has to rely on the support of some of them.

"We will repay your kindness with our own death."

The two showed their determination. "Very good, I hope I didn't make a mistake!"

Li Chengqian said calmly, giving people the illusion that he was unfathomable.

"Gao Kan is now the General of the Right Guard, and Xue Rengui is the General of the Left Guard. You are responsible for leading the left and right guards of the Eastern Expedition Army."

Don't employ people you don't trust. Don't employ people you don't trust.

Xue Rengui has extraordinary utilitarian pursuits, and he can satisfy them to the greatest extent.

Although Gao Kan's family was wealthy, he had not yet held a high position. Now Li Chengqian had satisfied him.

What they were given was real power.

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Gao Kan and Xue Rengui were both extremely excited.

The rank of General in Charge of the Army is higher than that of General of the Central Army, just like Zhang Shigui's Vanguard General, who is only in this category.

Li Chengqian's words bridged the gap between them.

Zhang Shigui was able to achieve this point thanks to his accumulated military achievements.

More importantly, one cannot obtain the position of a powerful general simply by having outstanding military achievements; one must also be the person most trusted by the emperor.

This can be military power as well as royal power, and its significance is self-evident.

From then on, Li Chengqian's team of military generals was completely formed.

Pei Xingjian, Liu Rengui, Heichi Changzhi, Gao Kan, Xue Rengui, all of them were feared by people at one time or another.

"If you have talent, I will give you a big stage. As long as you have outstanding achievements in battle, it is not impossible for you to inherit the position of Duke."

Li Chengqian continued to extend an olive branch, saying that this was a title that would continue with the country, and as long as future generations did not make big mistakes, this would be unshakable.

Especially for Xue Rengui, since his father's death, his family began to decline and became a poor family. If he had the title of Duke, his status would remain the same as before.

The temptation to Gao Kan was equally huge. Those who could be granted the title were not simple people.

It is a symbol of power.

As a result, the two of them became more motivated.

Within just a few days, all the top leaders of the army had been replaced by Li Chengqian, and the overall situation had been stabilized.

The number of soldiers and armored personnel in Baekje Province has reached 40,000.

As for Silla, the damage was not very severe and it still had 50,000 soldiers.

The number of soldiers and warriors who surrendered to Goguryeo reached 100,000.

The Tang army had more than 30,000 naval forces and 50,000 land forces, totaling 80,000 in total. The foreign soldiers were disbanded after the battle.

The current assembled force can reach 300,000, and if we recruit more, the number will be even greater.

Of course, paying for so many soldiers is not a simple expense.

Therefore, Li Chengqian still referred to the existing military system of the Tang Dynasty. When not fighting, all the soldiers were sent back home to farm. Of course, during this period, there was no military pay. The military pay was calculated according to the time spent in the army.

This system of military service still has many advantages. Together with the implementation of Li Chengqian's system of military pay and the system of allocating land tax to each sergeant, this system of military service was further improved and the livelihood of the soldiers was guaranteed.

Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla were united, with unified policies and politics, providing for the people. Without the baptism of war, farmers could farm with peace of mind.

However, the tree wants to be quiet but the wind keeps on.

Li Chengqian's series of reforms and actions were all challenging the hearts of the aristocratic clans and Li Shimin.

Isn't this making yourself king?

Even with the letter of explanation, Li Shimin would still develop a crisis of trust.

(End of this chapter)