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

Chapter 176 Who among my princes has the aura of the supreme ruler?
"Your Majesty, perhaps this plan is feasible. I, Xiao, am willing to donate 10,000 strings of cash!"

Xiao Yu stepped forward and expressed the attitude on behalf of the Xiao family.

"Old Duke Xiao has generously donated money and cares about the safety of the country. My Wei family should also do our part and donate 10,000 strings of cash to help quell the rebellion."

Wei Ting followed closely and was willing to provide financial support.

Seeing this, the other ministers responded one after another and made donations of varying degrees. In a short period of time, they actually raised millions of strings of cash.

On weekdays, these officials would not easily use money to improve people's livelihood. They would rather squeeze wealth from the people.

"Since you are so loyal to your country, I will issue an order to launch a fundraising campaign across the country, but please be careful not to forcibly seize the people's property."

Li Shimin would naturally not refuse the donation from the clan. Since he ascended the throne, he has been committed to weakening the power of the clan.

The war against Goguryeo was actually one of Li Shimin's means of weakening the clan power, but it was not very effective.

It is great to be able to weaken the financial power of some powerful clans in this way today.

"Although money can solve the problem, recruiting soldiers is a big problem. I have checked the household registers across the country. The reserve of soldiers in the top six military households is insufficient. Once they are recruited again, it will definitely affect crop production. This year, there are already signs of this. In addition, the Xueyantuo have repeatedly stationed troops on the border and are about to march south. With internal and external troubles, our dynasty is no longer able to send troops to Goguryeo."

Xu Jingzong, who always had a very low sense of presence, started to speak at length at this time.

To join the army, one must have a certain family background in order to be able to serve and make contributions.

To a certain extent, a monopoly on military merit has also been formed.

Xu Jingzong's speech caught Changsun Wuji and his men off guard.

Changsun Wuji raised his eyes and looked at Li Shimin.

Xu Jingzong's backer is Li Shimin, and his words now largely represent Li Shimin's intentions.

"Has the Tang Dynasty reached such a situation now?"

Li Shimin opened his eyes wide, looking stunned, as if he suddenly realized the danger.

"Your Majesty, our Tang Dynasty needs rest and recuperation, not war."

Xu Jingzong said again.

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this, and the hall fell into silence. Many people looked at Changsun Wuji.

Zhang Sun Wuji stepped forward and spoke slowly:
"Things have their priorities. If we don't send troops to suppress Li Chengqian's rebellion, what will happen to those soldiers who are leading their own armies on the border of the Tang Dynasty? We must not set such a precedent."

"Yes, once those generals who hold military power follow Li Chengqian's example, it will be a disaster for the country. Xueyantuo is mainly nomadic, even if they go south, they will only plunder and retreat immediately. Let the cities in the northern border defend themselves strictly, and there will be no worries."

Cui Yi said that the biggest threat to them was Li Chengqian.

The Xueyantuo were just looting and couldn't do anything to them.

"Humph, Cui Yi, you are so bold. Do you want to send millions of people of the Tang Dynasty to their deaths? Do you want the Xueyantuo cavalry to trample on our beautiful mountains and rivers?"

"Your Majesty, in my opinion, Crown Prince Li Chengqian may not have the intention of rebellion. He did not follow your Majesty's order because he was not authorized to do so. If Crown Prince Li Chengqian was planning a rebellion, we should send troops now. So I think we should focus on defending against Xueyantuo instead of Goguryeo."

Xu Jingzong's tone was firm, as if he was debating with his ministers.

"Xu Jingzong, you have received favors from Li Chengqian. I suspect that you are Li Chengqian's accomplice. You are a traitor and should be severely punished. I ask Your Majesty to investigate Xu Jingzong strictly."

Wei Ting's eyes were frightening, and he wanted to eat Xu Jingzong alive.

"Your Majesty, please understand that every word I say is for the country and the people. I have absolutely no selfish motives."

Xu Jingzong showed no fear in the face of these threats.

"Xu Jingzong, you treacherous villain, we are discussing national affairs, what else can you do besides being sneaky and cunning?"

Wei Ting was furious. When had he ever taken Xu Jingzong, a man without any identity or background, seriously?

Now they are trying to trip them up by flattering them.

"I am the Zuo Pushe, and what I said is also about the family and the country. I can be responsible for my words. You dare to say that you are not acting for your own selfish reasons?"

Xu Jingzong asked in return, many things are tacitly understood.

If Li Chengqian rebelled, it was because of the manipulation of this group of people.

The political discussion entered a very familiar segment, practicing Tai Chi.

The public says that the public is reasonable, and the mother says that the woman is reasonable.

"I am tired, please stop arguing. After you go down, please draw up a charter."

Li Shimin was possessed by a spirit of drama. He waved his hands wearily and dismissed everyone.

Li Shimin's abnormal attitude made Changsun Wuji and others confused.

"Duke, what does His Majesty mean? Why do I always feel that he is setting a trap for us? Is His Majesty really seriously ill?"

In front of the palace gate, Xiao Yu asked suspiciously.

This is also what other people are wondering.

If there were other rebellions, Emperor Li Shimin would definitely be the first to be unable to sit still.

Li Shimin's attitude is now rather subtle. Although he has taken some actions, they have no effect.

For a man who has his own army and is independent, abolishing his status seems to be of no importance.

Abolishing the crown prince may seem like a national event, but in fact, for Li Cheng, it is just a title.

At this point, everyone also realized it later.

"Your Majesty, the recurrence of my old illness is undoubted, but I am also unsure about Li Chengqian's matter."

Changsun Wuji also looked solemn. If this was the case, it meant that Li Shimin no longer trusted him.

"No matter what, we cannot just sit there and wait for death."

After several failures, these high-ranking officials and aristocratic families also felt the pressure.

"If we can't send troops, what else can we do? Maybe this sword of Li Chengqian is pointed at us by His Majesty."

Xiao Yu looked at several people, trying to find a way to break the impasse.

"It's not that we have to send out troops. The key is the will of the sage. Li Chengqian's crime of treason is already known to the world. We only need to make some efforts and there will be plenty of people to attack him."

A cold light flashed in the corners of Cui Yi's eyes.

"Minister Cui, are you talking about the foreign soldiers from the vassal states?"

His idea coincided with Changsun Wuji's.

Goguryeo was surrounded by enemies on all sides. Why couldn't they order the vassal states to send troops again in the name of the Tang Dynasty?

As long as the interests are divided, there is nothing these vassal states dare not do.

"That's exactly what I meant. Goguryeo is now a piece of fat meat, and the foreign countries are a group of hungry wolves, coming together to devour it. Li Chengqian will definitely be unable to handle it alone. If necessary, we can also send out a surprise force to suppress the rebellion and kill the traitors. We can act according to the situation and don't have to wait for the emperor's will, right?"

The Tang Dynasty's national prestige is still there, and as long as it is lured, many countries are willing to serve as its pawns.

In many previous battles, foreign troops were sent out and the Tang Dynasty suffered heavy losses.

All military expenses of the foreign soldiers during the war were borne by the Tang Dynasty, but all the property looted by the foreign soldiers during the attack belonged to the foreign soldiers.

It is also based on this form of cooperation that whenever the Tang Dynasty summoned the vassal states, they would respond.

Why not use the materials of the Tang Dynasty to rob your own money?

Spending money and letting others fight to achieve their own strategic goals, why wouldn't the Tang Dynasty be happy to do so? "In addition, I have a plan to test whether Your Majesty has reached a consensus with Li Chengqian!" Wei Ting suddenly said in a low voice.

"What's the plan?"

Everyone was shocked and quickly turned their eyes to him. You know, Li Shimin's attitude determined the strength and position of their clan's actions.

"Appoint a new crown prince and reshape the court structure. If Your Majesty and Li Chengqian are just playing around, we can use this to get a glimpse of what's going on." Wei Ting said softly.

Li Shimin had previously suppressed the advice of his ministers on the grounds of insufficient evidence, but now they had to face this sharp issue.

"What if Your Majesty still does not establish the throne?"

Chu Suiliang asked in return. They had all followed Li Shimin for many years. Although they could not fully guess the emperor's intentions, they also knew clearly that Li Shimin was definitely not a foolish person, and even less could he be an emperor controlled by his ministers. All advice would only be accepted by Li Shimin if it was profitable.

"If we don't establish him, doesn't that explain your Majesty's attitude? We, the major clans, should do what we have to do. We can't just wait to be killed."

Cui Yi's low voice sounded, like a huge rock pressing on everyone's heart.

"Your Majesty is seriously ill now, and perhaps he has not thought too much about it. I will go and test his attitude first."

Changsun Wuji was shocked. He understood what Cui Yi meant. If the emperor really had no intention of appointing a crown prince, then these clans would have to reconsider their future plans.

The implication of Cui Yi's words was to start all over again and overthrow the Tang Dynasty.

This made Changsun Wuji a little worried. After all, his Changsun family was a rising star. Compared with the old-established families such as the Cui family and the Wang family, it still lacked foundation and strength.

The reason why he was able to have enough say in the court was because he had the support of the giant ship of the Tang Dynasty, the Li family.

For Zhangsun Wuji, the Tang Dynasty could change its emperor but could not change its country's name.

Once the Tang Dynasty changes its surname, the status of their Changsun family will be greatly affected, and they may even be liquidated.

But for other clans and families, dynasties come and go, but the aristocratic families remain unchanged. As long as it is in the interests of the family, any change is acceptable.

So they are more inclined to choose a situation that is favorable to them

In every dynasty where kings rose and fell, there were always powerful aristocratic families stirring up trouble behind the scenes.

Even if the Tang Dynasty was prosperous, Changsun Wuji had no doubt that they had the power to overthrow it.

Because the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty is the prosperity of the aristocratic clans.

"Then I'll have to trouble Duke Zhao. In fact, the stability of the Tang Dynasty is what everyone hopes for. No one wants the Tang Dynasty to be in turmoil all the time, right?"

Cui Yi said lightly, which was actually also a way of exerting pressure.

Each of them has a different stance.

After dismissing all the ministers, Li Shimin's sick face showed anxiety.

There are many reasons to worry.

Li Chengqian was eager for quick success and wanted to eliminate the trouble caused by the aristocratic families by himself, which put himself in a passive position.

The aristocratic clans rose up to attack it and stood on the moral high ground.

The position of the crown prince is still undecided, and it concerns the future of the family and the country. No matter how much Li Shimin values ​​Li Chengqian, it is now impossible. He can only choose another successor from among his sons.

I was also suffering from a serious illness and began to feel overwhelmed.

Many worries came one after another.

Blessings are unparalleled, and misfortunes do not come singly.

"Yuan Tiangang, how is the fortune of the Tang Dynasty?"

Li Shimin spoke leisurely, and his voice continued to echo in the empty hall, emitting a faint echo.

Li Shimin knew that his physical condition might not last much longer. However, he was most worried about the Tang Dynasty he had created. Whether this prosperous era could continue became his biggest concern.

"Your Majesty, the fortunes of the Tang Dynasty are on the rise, and the country is safe."

Suddenly, a figure appeared in the center of the hall like a ghost. This person was Yuan Tiangang.

Not only did he possess outstanding deductive ability, but he was also highly skilled in martial arts, and his whereabouts were elusive. Even when he was hiding in the hall, the ministers did not detect any clues.

"I remember that in the eighth year of Zhenguan, the Venus Taibai appeared in the daytime. You said this celestial phenomenon means that a new master has been born."

Li Shimin's eyes were fixed on Yuan Tiangang, revealing a hint of majesty.

He did not want to leave any hidden dangers that might affect the future of the Tang Dynasty, even if it was just an unfounded prophecy.

For Li Shimin, in order to ensure the long-term stability of the Tang Dynasty, he would rather kill a thousand people by mistake than let even one go.

"When the hexagram appeared, it was a sign that a female emperor would take over the throne. After three generations of the Tang Dynasty, someone with the surname Wu would replace the Li family."

Yuan Tiangang interpreted the hexagram bluntly, saying that it was also like this at the beginning, but Li Shimin at that time did not take it seriously at all.

"Can you tell who it is?" Li Shimin's eyes flashed with ferocity.

Yuan Tiangang shook his head and said, "I have never figured it out. Wu may not be Wu, and the empress may not be the empress. Everything is uncertain."

He was born an emperor, blessed by the dragon energy of heaven and earth. This was not something that could be calculated with just one or two coins. Being able to deduce the general trend was already extremely abnormal.

"Investigate. Send the bad guys to investigate. Make sure to find this person!"

Li Shimin gave the order, and then turned his gaze to Yuan Tiangang.

"You can read people's fortunes and know the rise and fall of dynasties. Among my princes, who has the potential to be the supreme ruler?"

Yuan Tiangang's palms were sweating and he didn't dare to look directly at Li Shimin.

The final decision on who will be the crown prince can only be made by Li Shimin.

As for the destiny, it may not be what Li Shimin likes.

Now that Li Shimin raised such a question, it seemed that he trusted Yuan Tiangang very much, but wasn't it also a test?

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. The secret of heaven cannot be revealed, or a great disaster may come."

Even if Yuan Tiangang knew, he couldn't say it.

"Is it that the secret cannot be revealed, or are you just seeking fame? If you don't tell me, I can bring your great calamity upon you immediately."

Li Shimin was filled with the aura of an emperor and he pursued it to the end. He was eager to know whether this art of prophecy was really that magical.

"The deposed Crown Prince Li Chengqian is blessed by the dragon spirit and will be the future emperor."

Yuan Tiangang blurted out the same answer he had given to Li Shimin before.

"Among all my princes, is he the only one?"

Li Shimin was both disappointed and a little relieved.

"I dare not deceive your majesty. In recent days, I have observed that the dragon energy of Prince Li Zhi has also risen, and it is becoming more and more intense."

Yuan Tiangang spoke cautiously, his scalp tingling. As soon as he finished speaking, he fell to his knees on the ground.

Chaos began to emerge. Among the four emperors, three have already appeared, and the one exception is probably the Empress Wu.

Yuan Tiangang was also puzzled. He checked the luck and had not found the dragon luck yet.

"Zhi'er?" Li Shimin murmured softly, his face full of bitterness.

(End of this chapter)