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

Chapter 180: Zhangsun Wuji's View on Li Zhi's Command

Chang'an City.

Firecrackers blasted everywhere, and the entire imperial city was filled with a festive atmosphere.

Today is New Year's Eve. According to traditional customs, we need to keep vigil to drive away the old year.

This is also how firecrackers came into being.

By the Tang Dynasty, it was more accurate to call it firecrackers.

This year, more firecrackers were set off than usual.

On Chang'an Avenue, fireworks were blooming everywhere, making it particularly grand.

Today is also the day for various countries to pay tribute. For the Tang Dynasty, it is a big day every year, but for envoys from other foreign countries, there is no such thing as a "New Year".

In the Taiji Hall, there were ministers gathered around, as well as foreign envoys in strange costumes, and a long line lined up on the steps.

It is an exaggeration to say that all nations came to pay tribute.

But there should also be more than a hundred vassal states.

In order to complete the memorial today, they would go to Chang'an several months in advance. For those who were farther away, they would need to go half a year in advance.

"The Huihe people pay tribute to you with 3,000 fine horses as a New Year's gift."

"The Khitans pay tribute to the Tang Dynasty with 5,000 cattle and sheep each, wishing it a long life."

"Tuoba sent ten boxes of precious stones as tribute to celebrate the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty."

……

In the hall, only the hoarse and harsh voice of the eunuch could be heard.

Li Shimin sat in the main hall, looking radiant and always with a faint smile on his face.

The clothes and hats of all nations worship the crown.

What a feat! Li Shimin couldn't help but feel proud.

Such a prosperous era was created by one's own hands, so how could one not be filled with pride and joy?

With the destruction of Goguryeo, the Tang Dynasty became even more powerful.

As for Li Chengqian's independence, it did not have much impact on other vassal states. This was the internal affairs of the Tang Dynasty.

In the blink of an eye, half a day passed quietly.

The process of various countries paying homage and tribute was thus completed.

Li Shimin immediately gave a speech, and then asked the Ministry of Rites to host a banquet for envoys from various countries.

The amount of tribute they presented was not important. What was important was their attitude and the etiquette of traveling thousands of miles to Chang'an to pay tribute.

After the end of the dynasty.

Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang, two of Li Shimin's absolute confidants, were left behind alone.

The newly appointed Crown Prince Li Zhi was also told to leave a successor.

There were many more countries coming to pay tribute this time, but there were also many fewer familiar names.

"Why did Tubo pay tribute this time?"

Li Shimin asked, logically speaking, Tubo and the Tang Dynasty should be in their honeymoon period now.

Princess Wencheng had just gotten married, so it was only natural for her to come and pay New Year's greetings.

"I don't know, the Ministry of Rites has not received the Tibetan congratulatory message, I'm afraid that Tibetans have suddenly changed their minds and have other intentions."

Changsun Wuji said that he had received the news about this a long time ago.

The strength of the Tang Dynasty is only relative.

In fact, Tubo was not afraid of it.

If Xueyantuo could challenge the authority of the Tang Dynasty at this time, then Tubo was an existence that could compete with the Tang Dynasty.

Tubo is the original ethnic group of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, also known as the Tibetans.

The grievances and hatreds between Tubo and the Tang Dynasty lasted for more than two hundred years. From their establishment to their demise, they were almost always attacked by each other, with more wars than peace.

The conflict between Tubo and the Tang Dynasty originated from the competition for the Western Regions and Qinghai.

It was only during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, that the Tang Dynasty maintained an offensive momentum against Tubo.

After Emperor Gaozong, the Tang Dynasty entered a defensive position, especially after the An-Shi Rebellion, when it simply allowed itself to be trampled upon.

As early as the tenth year of Zhenguan, Songtsen Gampo of Tubo led an army of 200,000 to station in Tuyuhun, pointing his sword directly at Chang'an, intending to attack Huanglong directly.

The situation is serious.

Li Shimin had no time to make arrangements and deploy troops, so he sent Hou Junji and Niu Jinda to lead tens of thousands of Tang troops to resist.

Successfully repelled the Tubo attack.

It's about repelling, not defeating.

In order to appease Tubo and prevent such a fatal incident from happening again, Li Shimin decided to make peace with Tubo by marrying her daughter.

At the height of the Tang Dynasty's prosperity, it had to engage in marriage alliances, which was enough to show how difficult Tubo was to deal with.

If it were any other country, they would have directly launched an attack.

However, when dealing with Tubo, Li Shimin did not dare to raise an army, but instead wanted to marry the princess.

Princess Wencheng thus became a victim of this political struggle.

Princess Wencheng had no children in her life and was married to Tubo, a foreign country where she had no relatives.

History books record how great Princess Wencheng was, but few people know that this was a concession made by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, to Tubo.

Because Li Shimin knew that there was no chance of winning by attacking Tubo.

The reason why Li Shimin attaches so much importance to Tubo's future tribute is that he is afraid that Tubo will have any ulterior motives again.

I was afraid that when the Tang Dynasty was confronting the Xueyantuo, Tubo would suddenly lead its troops to attack Chang'an. At that time, there would be no soldiers or generals to send.

"Ask the generals stationed in the northwest to keep a close eye on the Tubo's movements. Also, are there any movements in the Xueyantuo and Goguryeo directions?"

With constant foreign threats, the competition among these three forces also determined the fate and pattern of the Tang Dynasty.

The original plan was to first eliminate Goguryeo, then Xueyantuo, and finally Tubo, in order to truly eliminate external threats.

However, the dragon slayer eventually turned into the dragon.

Li Chengqian has now become an unstable factor, and the threat posed by his direct attack on Chang'an is no less than that of Tubo.

Because Li Chengqian's reputation as a virtuous man had long been known in the Tang Dynasty.

This forced Li Shimin to be on guard.

Heart is under the kyte.

How did he know what Li Chengqian was thinking?
Li Shimin was committed to creating an extremely powerful Tang Dynasty, free from external threats such as the Xueyantuo, Goguryeo and Tubo, and free from internal worries of aristocratic families, so as to ensure the continuation of the Tang Dynasty.

As for who will inherit, it doesn’t matter. The ideal candidate is naturally Li Chengqian.

But with this incident, Li Chengqian had been excluded.

Li Chengqian's idea is to create an ideal country where everyone can be a dragon, which is similar to Li Shimin's idea, that is, there will be no external or internal troubles, the people will live and work in peace and contentment, and there will be no more wars.

What he wanted to eliminate was not only the aristocratic clans, but also the class monopoly.

As for the aristocratic families, what they fight for is their family. As long as the family can prosper, there is nothing wrong with changing the world.

However, when there was foreign invasion, the aristocratic families and the royal family were still able to reach a consensus.

"Goguryeo should not be worried at this time. The Mohe have already begun to deploy troops on the border of Goguryeo, which can prevent Goguryeo's Liaodong troops from making any rash moves."

"In addition, Japan has sent troops to attack Baekje. With the attack from the north and south, Goguryeo should be too busy to deal with it. It will not pose a threat to our dynasty in the short term." "However, the Xueyantuo are coming with great force. They have gathered 200,000 troops and stationed them on the border. I'm afraid they will invade the south once the winter is over."

Changsun Wuji said in a deep voice.

There are often hundreds of thousands of troops involved, and the outcome is unpredictable.

"Before, I have already ordered the conscription of the palace soldiers to defend. Can the personnel arrive in the spring?"

There is no small matter in war. One wrong move can lead to a complete failure.

Those who underestimate the enemy are doomed to failure.

"The reports sent back by various states and provinces have all arrived on schedule, but I am worried that the three armies will be left without a commander and will fight on their own. This is probably not appropriate."

Although the troops were transferred, the commander-in-chief who would lead the entire military affairs in the northwest had not been decided yet.

Without a leader, fighting alone is bound to be a failure.

As Li Shimin was born as a military god, he naturally understood this truth.

But now there is no one in the Tang army who is capable of taking on the position of commander-in-chief.

Several military generals who could take on important responsibilities were detained by Li Chengqian.

His health was deteriorating day by day. Even though it had improved a little now, Li Shimin did not dare to lead the army in person.

If something goes wrong, the country's affiliation may be changed.

Li Jing is now recuperating at home and certainly cannot go into battle.

"I thought about it and even personally checked the generals in the army, but there was not a single one who could be the commander."

Li Shimin shook his head. With the precedent of Li Chengqian, who could guarantee that the next commander would follow Li Chengqian's example?

Perhaps there are a few people who can take on this important task, but they are all descendants of powerful clans and their identities and backgrounds are too complicated.

For Li Shimin, who was committed to weakening the powerful families, it was absolutely unacceptable for him to employ people from powerful clans.

Otherwise, all the efforts over the years will be wasted.

Changsun Wuji also frowned. In fact, there was no one who could be employed.

"After much thought, I still think that you are the most suitable person to be the commander-in-chief of the Northwest Army."

Li Shimin's eyes fell on Changsun Wuji.

Although Changsun Wuji was also a member of a powerful family, his clan could only depend on the Li Tang royal family, and their interests and losses were always consistent with those of the royal family.

Zhangsun Wuji had experience in battles, was Li Shimin's confidant, and the Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty.

He had experience and prestige, and more importantly, Li Shimin was confident in handing over the military power to him.

"I am willing to share your worries for Your Majesty!"

Changsun Wuji did not refuse at all. Although he pursued power, he also showed his sense of responsibility.

As Li Shimin's most meritorious follower, he has top-notch abilities in all aspects and it is no problem for him to lead an army alone.

"The Xueyantuo are good at cavalry and are a substitute for the Eastern Turks. Before you go to the expedition, you can go to the Duke of Wei's mansion and ask Li Jing how to fight against the Turkish cavalry."

Xueyantuo was actually a member of the original Eastern Turkic tribe.

The northern nomadic peoples are dominated by the stronger tribe. They are not a simple tribe, but a large group formed by various ethnic minorities.

During the Qin and Han dynasties, it was the Huns.

During the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was the Turks.

During the Song Dynasty, it was the Jurchens.

Every era is evolving, just like the dynasties in the Central Plains, which are also undergoing changes of dynasties.

"I know, and I will definitely ask the Duke of Wei for advice."

Changsun Wuji bowed.

He is omnipotent, but he is not the best in the military field.

"Chu Suiliang, you will be in charge of the grain transportation. I don't want to see a shortage of grain again."

Li Shimin added that after learning from the last lesson, he could not let those people interfere again.

"I accept the decree!"

Chu Suiliang also bowed.

This is the tide of history. Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang gradually climbed to the pinnacle of power.

He has become Li Shimin's right-hand man.

"You've all worked hard this year, so you should all go back and have a good New Year."

Li Shimin waved his hand. There were too many variables this year and the Tang Empire had undergone several major changes.

Li Shimin, as the ruler of the empire, was exhausted both physically and mentally.

"Your Majesty, please leave!"

The two looked at each other and walked out of the palace contentedly.

It was not in vain that they had been dealing with the powerful and the imperial power. Now they have finally got what they wanted and their power has increased again.

"Prince, what do you think of these two people?"

Li Shimin's voice echoed in the empty palace. His eyes were deep and sharp. He stared closely at the two figures that were getting farther and farther away, as if he could see through everything through their backs.

Li Zhi stood respectfully aside, following his father's gaze, and answered softly:
"Of course, he is a loyal minister of the Tang Dynasty. He has made great contributions to the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, and he has also made great contributions to the governance of the country."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, a faint smile appeared on his face, but there was an imperceptible strange look in his eyes.

"Yes, they have made supreme contributions in both suppressing rebellions and governing the world, and they are all people with great abilities. However, it is not easy to control these people with great abilities."

His tone was full of instruction, teaching Li Zhi the mindset of an emperor.

Li Zhi was shocked. He also knew that Li Shimin was teaching him how to become a qualified emperor. He bowed and humbly asked:

"I, your son, would like to ask your Majesty, how should I control these powerful people? Do I need to have the same civil and military skills as your Majesty?"

A talented person may not necessarily be able to be controlled by others.

He is talented and arrogant, and is unwilling to be inferior to others.

Even if you are an emperor, you need to have the means to make use of it for your own benefit.

"The ability to govern civil affairs and to perform military affairs varies from person to person. As an emperor, one must know how to use people and be good at discovering talents. One must also know who to use. The power of the world lies in balance, and the art of mastering balance is the foundation of being an emperor."

Li Shimin looked solemn. This was not only his experience as a wise ruler, but also his earnest teachings to Li Zhi on his future path of governance.

However, to Li Zhi, these words seemed a little profound and difficult to understand. He frowned slightly and whispered softly: "The art of balance?"

Li Shimin seemed to notice Li Zhi's confusion, and he patiently explained:

"For the emperor, there is no good or bad distinction between talented people. The key is to put them in the right position. This is the so-called knowing people and using them well. Good ministers should be used, and so should treacherous ministers. Only in this way can a balance of power be achieved. Now, do you understand why I use Xu Jingzong so much?"

Xu Jingzong was impeached many times by his ministers, but Li Shimin always found various reasons to protect him.

"Xu Jingzong's character is not good, and his moral integrity is lacking, but because of this, he can do things that ordinary people cannot do, and he can restrain some people. Even if his ability is insufficient, he can ensure that the position of Zuo Pushe does not fall into the hands of other clans, which would restrict himself. Sometimes, the more capable a person is, the more he should not be allowed to be in an important position, otherwise he will be devoured by him. You still have a lot to learn about the art of employing people."

Li Shimin spoke earnestly and placed high hopes on Li Zhi.

At the same time, there was a hint of worry in his tone.

Li Zhi now has a lot to learn, and Li Shimin doesn't know whether he can still teach him to become a qualified crown prince.

Li Shimin could only do his best. Now, whenever there was a court meeting or even a political meeting, he would let Li Zhi watch and let him see how he decided various government affairs. Sometimes, he would also let him participate in political affairs.

Li Zhi was intelligent since childhood and had made great progress over the past few months, but this was far from enough for him to be the heir to a country.

(End of this chapter)