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

Chapter 177: Li Chengqian is deposed and Li Zhi is appointed as the new crown prince
"Your Majesty, there is no need to worry too much. I have already told you about your fortune. It seems that good times are coming. Your Majesty will recover soon." Yuan Tiangang said.

"Really?"

Li Shimin's face was filled with joy. If what Yuan Tiangang said was true, then his physical condition would be improved, which meant that he would have more time and energy to deal with the current changes.

After all, Li Shimin is not old yet. He is only over 50 years old and in his prime. He is fully capable of continuing to make great achievements.

However, fate always seems to be full of uncertainties. After Li Shimin returned from the expedition to Goguryeo, he suffered from a serious illness. After more than a year of treatment, his condition finally improved, but he eventually died in Hanfeng Hall in 649 AD.

But this time, Li Chengqian's arrival did not change the course of history. The wheel of history is too heavy and is still rolling forward. What is supposed to happen will eventually happen.

Although the butterfly effect exists, it does not trigger more chain reactions.

Perhaps, only those who are influenced enough by Li Chengqian will undergo a change.

"I dare not deceive your majesty. Your majesty will know the truth in a few days."

Yuan Tiangang said with great certainty that he had never failed in the art of divination. There was only an unclear future, but no unpredictable results.

After a few days, Li Shimin's complexion really began to become rosy, and he became as sleepy as before.

Outside the Ganlu Palace, Li Shimin was wearing a fleece coat and walking in the courtyard, followed by Changsun Wuji.

"Your Majesty, God will protect you. This is very good. Otherwise, I really don't know how to deal with it."

Changsun Wuji also had a happy look on his face and was sincerely happy for Li Shimin's recovery.

He and Li Shimin share the same fate, and he really hopes that Li Shimin can live a long life.

"Is it that the aristocratic family is making another big move?"

Li Shimin stopped. Indeed, Changsun Wuji was the person he trusted the most, and he was not on guard at all.

"The action is huge, or is it because of the position of Crown Prince?"

Changsun Wuji stopped there.

"In that case, which prince are they supporting secretly?"

This is another reshuffle, and no clan leader is idle.

"Wu Wang Li Ke, Han Wang Li Zhen, and Jiang Wang Li Yun, and the clans are not just that, they also want to restrict Your Majesty through several princes. If necessary, they will make them emperors and disrupt the Tang Dynasty."

When Li Shimin heard this, his face turned cold. What he feared most was that the aristocratic clans would set up a new emperor behind the scenes and add fuel to the fire.

This is also the main reason why he has never dared to suppress the powerful families too much.

The aristocratic clans also have means of countermeasures.

It is hard to imagine that if several forces jointly support these princes to become emperors, it would be a reappearance of the many separatist forces at the end of the Sui Dynasty.

Of course, most of these princes could only be puppets, manipulated by the clans.

"It seems that I must establish this crown prince?"

Li Shimin said coldly that this was a demonstration to him, the emperor, to force him to make a decision.

Changsun Wuji remained silent, the answer was obvious.

"Wuji, among all the princes, who do you think should be the emperor?"

Li Shimin asked this question, not to test but to solicit opinions. He already had a candidate in mind, but still couldn't make up his mind.

"The position of the crown prince has always been held by the legitimate prince!"

Although Changsun Wu did not mention any names, the only person who met this condition was Prince of Jin, Li Zhi.

Li Tai had the stain of treason. Although he was pardoned by a general amnesty, he was still just a commoner and held no official position.

"It can't be because you are his uncle!"

This answer was within Li Shimin's expectations, but it was not his ideal candidate.

"I dare not. I am only acting on state affairs and dare not have any personal interests involved." Changsun Wuji said calmly.

"How is Wu Wang Li Ke?"

Li Shimin asked seriously, apart from Li Chengqian, Li Ke was the best candidate in his mind.

Changsun Wuji lowered his head and understood what Li Shimin meant. He wanted to make Li Ke the crown prince. These were all his sons, but for the long-term benefit of the country, Li Shimin had to consider talented people.

"The King of Wu is a man of both civil and military talents, and has inherited the demeanor of Your Majesty, but Concubine Yang is the daughter of Emperor Yang of Sui. If he is enthroned, will the Tang Dynasty be named Li or Yang?"

This was not in his own interests, so Changsun Wuji firmly opposed it.

"This will probably cause controversy in the court. Moreover, the King of Wu is now supported by the aristocratic families, many of whom are remnants of Emperor Yang of Sui. Although the King of Wu is capable, I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to escape the control of the aristocratic families."

Changsun Wuji continued, his analysis very logical.

"Then kill them all!"

Li Shimin was filled with murderous intent. If he wanted to hand over power to Li Ke, he had to appoint the ministers of state and assistants himself. As for the current people, he could just get rid of them.

"Your Majesty, don't you understand what I said? Half of the blood of the King of Wu is from the Sui Dynasty. So, Your Majesty, a hundred years from now, will the world be ruled by the Tang Dynasty or the Sui Dynasty?"

Changsun Wuji said excitedly.

Li Shimin was stunned. Li Ke's bloodline was indeed like this. His maternal grandfather was Emperor Yang of Sui. He had the bloodline of two major imperial families, which was extremely rare even in Chinese history.

Originally, such bloodline should be a source of pride, but now it has become a source of doubt in Li Shimin's heart and an obstacle for Li Ke to ascend to a higher position.

"But apart from Prince Wu Li Ke, I really find it difficult to find a prince among all the princes who can take on this important task." Li Shimin shook his head.

Although the Tang Dynasty seemed to be at peace, it was actually plagued by internal and external troubles, as was the case in all previous dynasties. If it were not for a wise monarch who could keep the evildoers under control, turmoil would have been inevitable.

Among all the princes, there are few with great courage. Moreover, many of them are still young.

"The Prince of Jin is honest and sensible, has great potential, and is of noble status. He can inherit your majesty's virtues and aspirations."

Changsun Wuji recommended.

"Zhi Nu is still young and weak in character. I am afraid he is not up to the task."

No one knows a son better than his father. Li Shimin had also observed Li Zhi. He was benevolent, filial and above all kind-hearted, but he lacked courage.

"Prince Jin is still young and can still be sculpted. Your Majesty still has enough time to teach him so that he can become a qualified heir."

For the sake of Li Zhi and his own power, Changsun Wuji tried every possible means to persuade Li Zhi.

Li Shimin nodded, and also felt that it made sense. Under his guidance, Li Zhi would also be able to change.

However, it is still difficult to make up your mind. Once the candidate is decided, it will be difficult to change.

"Send the Minister Ma Zhou to the palace!"

Li Shimin then issued an order, saying that Ma Zhou was Li Shimin's man and was arranged by him to be in the Secretariat and hold an important position.

Ma Zhou was a Han Chinese, not from a prominent family, but his talent was discovered by Li Shimin because of a memorial he submitted to the emperor.

He successively served as the Censor, Imperial Secretary, and Counselor, and was known for his legacy of Wei Zheng.

He was outspoken, quick-witted and resourceful, and was one of Li Shimin's trusted ministers in his later years.

Whenever there was a political discussion, Li Shimin would ask for his political opinions.

There is no other reason. Ma Zhou worked for the country and the people, not for his own selfish interests.

The Tang Dynasty was in turmoil again, and the clans and powerful families were ready to take action, arrange their backup plans, and establish puppets. Once the situation was not good, they would manipulate the situation. The Guanlong Group, Shandong clans, and Jiangnan gentry all began to show their talents and take sides.

In August of the 19th year of Zhenguan, Li Shimin announced the decree in Taiji Hall, appointing Li Zhi as the crown prince and starting to regulate the country.

The Tang Dynasty once again issued a general amnesty and announced it to the entire country.

Suppressing the restlessness of the government and the people made people's hearts settle down.

This was also Li Shimin's concession.

As a result, the relationship between the Tang Dynasty and Goguryeo became increasingly delicate.

Such a change undoubtedly had a huge impact on Li Chengqian.

After the Tang army's soldiers heard the news, they began to question Li Chengqian's status.

Even many soldiers under him defected and returned to their country.

"Your Highness, news has come from Liaodong Road that a thousand Tang soldiers have deserted, and three hundred have been captured and brought back."

Lin Zhiyan said that when something unexpected happened in the army, the Bad People sent the information immediately.

"General Pei, please tell me how to deal with this matter?"

Liaodong was closest to the front line, and with someone secretly pushing it, the army was completely affected and the people were in panic.

After all, no one wants to be charged with treason.

"Let them go. Open the checkpoints. Anyone who wants to return to their homeland will be given money for travel expenses. Tell Pei Xingjian not to make things difficult for them. After all, they are all meritorious men. In addition, distribute land to all soldiers, regardless of whether they stay or go. This is my reward to meritorious men."

Coercive measures can retain people for a while, but they cannot retain the hearts and minds of the people and the military.

In addition, these soldiers had been away from home for a long time and had long wanted to return home.

It had already appeared before, but was suppressed by Li Chengqian's many policies.

The forced detention during this period was not without purpose. It was to allow these Tang army soldiers to feel the policies implemented by Goguryeo at that time, which were subtly changing them.

This return is undoubtedly a great publicity.

Distributing land is a manifestation of benevolence.

"Tell those soldiers who left that they will keep their land shares. If they return in the future, all the land will be returned. If there are other Tang people who are willing to move here, the land will be divided equally among them."

Population is the greatest resource.

With such good policies, it will definitely attract more people to move here.

During the Zhenguan period, locusts ravaged the territory of the Tang Dynasty and floods were rampant. Some people in some prefectures were forced to leave their homes and become slaves for wealthy families.

In contrast, more refugees preferred to flee to Goguryeo.

"Your Highness is kind and benevolent, but those soldiers may become our enemies in the future if they return to Tang territory."

Lin Zhi didn't know what Li Chengqian's purpose was, but if he let these soldiers go back, they would definitely be drafted into the army again and used to deal with them.

"No, they were never our enemies from the beginning to the end. Instead, they were our comrades who fought side by side with us. You will understand it later."

Li Chengqian did not explain too much, haste makes waste.

"I spoke too much. I will reply to General Pei immediately." Lin Zhi apologized. He had overstepped his authority.

"Have you counted the entire army? How many Tang army soldiers are willing to stay here and settle down?"

The soldiers had no choice but to return. Li Chengqian certainly hoped that these soldiers could stay in Goguryeo.

"There are more than 30,000, including seriously injured and disabled people." Lin Zhi replied.

"Well, it's a lot more than I expected."

Many immigration policies have been quite effective.

It is extremely difficult to make the Tang army willing to stay.

"In addition, the surrounding countries are also making frequent moves, and many have entered the inland to gather information."

Once the Tang Dynasty made its position clear, the situations of Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje also changed dramatically.

The surrounding countries were eyeing it covetously. To the west, it shared a border with the Tang Dynasty; to the north, it shared borders with the Xi, Khitan, and Mohe; and to the south, it faced Japan across the sea.

Without exception, these small countries were all younger brothers of the Tang Dynasty and became the Tang Dynasty's vanguards.

They rushed into the mainland to gather information.

Once these vassal states unite, they will be extremely difficult to deal with.

"There will be a war sooner or later. The Bad People have also penetrated deep into the northern border to gather information from various countries, especially the Mohe."

The Mohe cavalry was unparalleled in the world and was the predecessor of the Jurchens. They were good at riding and shooting. Although their numbers were small, they played a very important role on the battlefield.

With Li Chengqian's current strength, he is not enough to pose a threat to the Li Tang Empire, but it is still possible for him to destroy several vassal states of the Tang Dynasty one by one.

This is also his strategic goal, to gradually erode the surrounding forces.

However, Goguryeo and Baekje had just experienced war and needed time to recover. It was not enough time to launch a large-scale war immediately.

The world situation was changing, and the Xueyantuo, who could compete head-on with the Tang Dynasty, was naturally no exception.

At this time, the Xueyantuo, under the leadership of Yishi Yinan, reached the peak of its power. It stretched from Mohe in the east to the north of Mobei in the north, and bordered the Western Turks in the west. In terms of territory, it occupied about two-thirds of the Tang Dynasty and could mobilize up to 200,000 troops.

After his strength increased dramatically, Xueyantuo Yinan Khan wanted to compete with the Tang Dynasty.

Yinan Khan was a man of great ambition and outstanding ability. When he first started the rebellion, there were only 70,000 men, women and children in the tribe. Within just a few decades, he established the Xueyantuo Khanate and became the second grassland overlord after the Eastern Turks.

It is clear that Yinan's ability is very strong. If he had not died early, it would certainly not have been an easy task for the Tang Dynasty to conquer Xueyantuo.

As early as 640, there was a major conflict between Xueyantuo and the Tang Dynasty. Xueyantuo was defeated, but the Tang Dynasty could only stop while it was ahead and did not dare to attack Xueyantuo's inland area.

In 649, Yinan died of illness. Li Shimin saw that the time had come and immediately ordered an attack on Xueyantuo. In less than a year, Xueyantuo was destroyed.

The Xueyantuo was quite powerful and was a great empire under the Tang Dynasty. Its actions could directly affect the trend of the world.

"This Khan has one regret in his heart, that is, I cannot visit Chang'an in my lifetime."

On his sickbed, Yishiyinan Khan sighed sadly.

"The Tang Dynasty is now undergoing a great transformation. As long as you brothers work together, you will surely be able to conquer the Tang Dynasty and fulfill this Khan's regret."

Yi Nan turned his head and looked at the two big men in the tent.

They were the Little Khan Datushe and Tulishi.

In order to prevent the rise of Xueyantuo, Li Shimin appointed Datushe and Tulishi as Khans in the name of Tian Khan in 633, attempting to plunge Xueyantuo into civil strife.

However, with Yishiyinan in charge, the Xueyantuo was as stable as a rock. There had never been any turmoil. Instead, it became increasingly powerful.

"Father Khan, you will definitely get better. When the time comes, the three of us, father and son, will drink from the Wei River and watch the sunset in Chang'an."

Dadushe spoke, a look of sorrow on his face.

"Although the Tang Dynasty is in turmoil, its strength should not be underestimated. Only if you brothers work together can you win. Do not cause internal turmoil, otherwise disaster will not be far away."

Yinan grabbed the two men with trembling hands. How could he not worry that his two sons would fight to the death for the throne of Xueyantuo Khan?

(End of this chapter)