Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 144 No One Knows Liaodong Better Than Me

"We have not rebelled against the Tang Dynasty! Pingzhou is still resisting! Goguryeo has deployed 150,000 troops, and the situation is critical..."

The boy's hoarse cry was interrupted by the guards. He was grabbed by his trouser legs, pulled off the horse, and pinned to the ground.

Just as he was about to be dragged out, the eunuch took small steps and hurriedly whispered to the sweaty general guarding the gate:
"His Majesty has ordered that he be allowed to come into the palace to speak."

When the young messenger from Pingzhou stepped into the Taiji Hall, the ministers on both sides cast curious glances at him.

The boy had dark skin and a tired face, but his eyes were bright.

He is very young, but not shy. He holds his head high in the solemn Tai Chi Hall.

He was wearing an ill-fitting sable coat, as if it was a gift from some governor or military governor on the road to keep him warm.

The barbarians from Pingzhou are so brave that they dare to ride horses and run around in the palace... The ministers murmured in their hearts and did not take this messenger who sang against them seriously.

What is his identity and what are their identities?
All it takes is a trick by a secretary to make sure that Liaodong country bumpkin is speechless...

Huh? !

The more the ministers looked at this "barbarian", the more strange he seemed to them.

Hiss~ Hey? Why does this messenger look familiar?

Under the strange gazes of the ministers, Changsun Yan was brought all the way to the front of the palace.

Changsun Wuji sat in the front row of the ministers, holding his head high and not joining in the excitement.

He only took a glance when the young man passed him and came to the throne of His Majesty.

His eyes almost popped out of their sockets, and he subconsciously exclaimed:

"Yan'er?!"

Isn't this young man the eldest grandson, Chang Sunyan, whom Li Ming had abducted to Pingzhou and whom he had been thinking about for half a year? !
Because the voice shouting outside the temple was so hoarse that he didn't recognize it at first!
Changsun Wuji had imagined the scene of reuniting with his good grandson countless times.

Hug and cry? Angrily denounce unfilial behavior?

However, when his eldest grandson suddenly appeared before his eyes, Changsun Wuji was suddenly afraid to recognize him.

Because Chang Sunyan has changed so much!
Before leaving Chang'an, he was a pampered and elegant nobleman.

But now Chang Sun Yan has the temperament of a capable official. He is mature, calm, and capable, and his skin is tanned into a friendly wheat color.

It's as if just by sitting in the fields, you can get out top-secret information like how many chickens are raised in the village and how many eggs are laid.

The biggest change was in his eyes.

Compared to his previous idleness and relaxation, Chang Sunyan's eyes are now bright, revealing unparalleled determination and confidence.

This is the unique temperament that I have cultivated step by step after starting a business with my best friends and making it bigger and stronger.

Chang Sun Yan naturally also saw Grandfather. Facing the worried and puzzled looks of his relatives, he suppressed his rising and falling emotions and just nodded calmly.

Then, he turned slightly to the other side and nodded slightly to Fang Xuanling, who was also staring at him eagerly.

This subtle action made Fang Xuanling breathe a sigh of relief, and his nerves, which had been tense for several months, relaxed:
The house is fine...

"I came from Pingzhou on the orders of the Liaodong Jiedushi to report an urgent matter to Your Majesty, but was harassed by the gatekeeper and had no choice but to intrude.

"This is a matter of national importance. Every second counts. Your Majesty, please forgive me!"

Chang Sun Yan bowed without being humble or arrogant.

Li Shimin sat majestically on the dragon bed.

But the fact that his right hand was tightly gripping the handrail showed that he was not calm at the moment.

The person was sent by Li Ming, which means Li Ming is still alive, still alive!

Finally, that guy finally sent a decent messenger who was able to explain things to me face to face!

Is the boy okay? Did he bring enough clothes? Does he miss home?

Li Shimin had too many problems in his mind.

But he still remained quite calm, giving priority to observing the messenger's expression.

Then, I discovered the highlight.

"Chang Sunyan? You are Chang Sunyan?!"

Li Shimin was also shocked.

How could a gentle and kind young man from the royal family suddenly become a country clerk?

Could it be that the white and plump little meatball is also...

Li Shimin shook his head, dispelled his strange fantasy, suppressed his anxious mood, and asked calmly:
"The Liaodong Jiedushi hasn't submitted a letter for a long time, and everyone in the court is worried about his recent situation. Is he okay?"

Deep in the center of the empire, Chang Sun Yan's mood was far from as calm as he appeared.

But before leaving, Li Ming specifically told him: The court is not a place to vent your emotions.

You can yell and shout outside the hall, but once you are inside, you must calmly assess the situation.

He glanced silently at the court.

Except for a few Grand Chancellor and Zuo Pushe who had vested interests, many ministers, after satisfying their initial curiosity, half closed their eyes again, looking like dead pigs who turned a deaf ear.

These people who are pretending to be asleep have to wake up.

In this case, how would Li Ming respond?

Zhang Sunyan thought for a moment and sighed in a deliberately sad tone:
"Your Majesty, alas... the governor's current condition is very bad!"

Li Shimin's face froze: "What happened to him?"

The civil and military officials below couldn't help but prick up their ears.

Oh no, what happened to that little disaster?

Seeing that he had successfully attracted everyone's attention, Chang Sunyan began to output:

"The Jiedushi worked very hard to govern the local area and led the people to work hard to govern the country. Under his rule, almost no one died of starvation or cold this winter.

"However, I was slandered as a bandit by local tyrants and ignorant officials. This is not good!"

Chang Sun Yan's voice was hoarse, but it was so loud in the spacious hall that some officials below moved their butts uncomfortably.

Who did you learn this technique of shocking and attracting attention from... Li Shimin immediately recognized that Li Ming was living a good life and sent Changsun Yan here to complain.

Oh, that's good, smart enough. Li Ming couldn't possibly send a stupid fool to do this important task.

"The Jiedushi was suspected of being a traitor because he was a prince; but the local tyrant Murong Yan of Pingzhou was a remnant of the previous dynasty. He bullied the people, had his own army, and killed the governor, but he was considered loyal."

Zhang Sunyan continued to file a complaint:

"Black and white are reversed, these two are not good!"

Li Shimin listened to Changsun Yan's accusation and pointed at the armrests with his fingers.

This second sentence reminded him and made him realize the blind spot of the court debate during this period -

Murong Yan disappeared from the ministers' mouths.

Someone was deliberately trying to direct the debate toward Li Ming, while downplaying Murong Yan's role.

Obviously, this key character has more doubts and more motives to collude with Goguryeo...

"The third worst thing is right now..."

Changsun Yanzhang sighed, and before his eyes appeared the disabled soldiers, the elderly, women and children who had to work hard instead of the young people, and the suffocating Goguryeo army. He said slowly and firmly:
"The Jiedushi led the Pingzhou army and people, united as one, and with their meager strength, they resisted the invasion of Goguryeo, delaying the enemy's 150,000-strong army for several months for the Tang Dynasty.

"However, the imperial court not only did not lend a helping hand but also watched Liaodong fall, and even believed that the soldiers and civilians of Pingzhou had surrendered to the barbarians and lived in shame.

"What's worse, there are some people with bad intentions who even slandered the Jiedushi for colluding with Goguryeo and put the blame for the traitor Murong Yan on the head of the most loyal minister of the Tang Dynasty. It's ridiculous!
"Such absurd ideas are tantamount to colluding with the enemy country. I hope Your Majesty will understand!"

Huh... Li Shimin let out a refreshing breath, sweeping away the gloom in his heart, and glanced at the ministers sitting below him.

Damn it, if it weren’t for the interference of these insects, why would I suspect my own son of rebellion?

I have always taught my children well. The princes may have some minor grudges against each other, but they all absolutely love me and will never rebel against me!
But immediately, a huge wave of worry and doubt surged into his heart again——

His eldest son, Li Ming, the most loyal minister of the Tang Dynasty, is surrounded by 150,000 enemy troops!

"Why did he send you back to Chang'an alone? Why didn't he bring you back with him to break out?" Li Shimin asked puzzledly.

Chang Sunyan felt strange about this question:
"The enemy is approaching, how can the commander leave without permission?"

Being both stubborn and reckless, this is indeed his reckless style... Li Shimin took a deep breath and said to his ministers:
"Pingzhou's current situation is like this, my dear ministers, how should we deal with it?"

The ministers remained calm and collected despite being slapped in the face by the latest intelligence from Pingzhou.

Cen Wenben calmly reported:
"Your Majesty, such absurd words are not worth refuting. If you listen to them casually and affect the progress of the army, it will be a disaster."

Chang Sunyan snorted softly.

Li Shimin was neither angry nor happy:
"Minister Cen, you may refute it."

Cen Wenben said slowly:

"First of all, the registered population of Pingzhou is only about 3,100 households and 25,000 people. Excluding the elderly, women and children, how many people can join the army?
"How can such a small force possibly stop 150,000 enemies?"

This made sense. Even the neutrals who had no objection to Li Ming began to agree with him.

"The Jiedushi's subordinates are unwilling to return to the court in person. I'm afraid they know they are in the wrong and are too ashamed to face such questioning." Some people whispered loudly, causing everyone to laugh.

Faced with the ridicule of those beasts in human clothing, Chang Sun Yan immediately became furious.

The court is not a place to vent emotions, calm down... He recalled Li Ming's warning, forced himself to calm down, and said in a trembling voice:
"It seems that the dignitaries have no idea about the actual situation in Liaodong.

"With such ignorance, it's no wonder that the decisions made were so absurd." Cen Wenben was not annoyed at all after being scolded in the face by the little boy. He just responded with a contemptuous smile.

Chang Sunyan looked at him, and gradually raised the corners of his mouth, smiled back, and said:
"I have brought a few books with me, and I hope Your Majesty will allow me to display them in class so that you can have a look."

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "Present it!"

Soon, the eunuchs stacked a pile of books in front of the dragon couch.

As soon as he saw the title, Li Shimin's brows furrowed:

"Pingzhou household registration? So many?!"

There was a sudden sound of surprise and doubt in the court, and everyone was whispering to each other.

How could there be so many household registration books in a lower-class state with more than 3,000 households?

Li Shimin picked up a book at random and frowned even more.

The household registration booklet is filled with tiny calligraphy.

The household registration information recorded includes every detail, from name and address to the location and area of ​​the allocated land.

Such information is densely packed, filling up dozens of volumes.

It is hard to imagine how much effort the grassroots officials in Pingzhou put into such tedious and meticulous work.

"This is a total of ..."

"More than 15,300 households and more than 114,000 people." Chang Sun Yan said word by word:

"They are all recorded one by one and can be verified by the people."

Such detailed records are almost impossible to be false.

"But, but..." Even Li Shimin was speechless for a moment.

Pingzhou actually hides so many people? !

Then Yingzhou also...

"The Liaodong Jiedushi remeasured the land in Pingzhou and compiled the household register, and found that the land was highly concentrated and the phenomenon of household escape was extremely serious."

Chang Sunyan was very serious:
“It is no exaggeration to say that the equal-field system and the rent-labor system in Pingzhou are now in name only.

“That’s why the Jiedushi started anew and adopted another effective approach.

"This is not rebellion, but a reform policy adapted to local conditions. All of this is for the long-term stability of the Tang Dynasty."

Now it makes sense, all of Li Ming’s actions make sense.

The stone that was weighing on Li Shimin's heart suddenly disappeared without a trace, and he suddenly felt his breathing smoother than ever before.

"The Liaodong Jiedushi went deep into the local area, and no one knew Liaodong better than him.

"It's just a pity that the court seems to know nothing about the actual situation in Pingzhou."

Changsun Yan faced his ministers boldly.

The beasts in human clothing were finally no longer as calm as before. Their faces suddenly changed and they became restless.

Cen Wenben still wants to attack:
"But the text could still be a forgery..."

"So Minister Cen must go to Liaodong and investigate the situation in person." Fang Xuanling replied without changing his expression.

"This..." Old Cen immediately stopped talking.

He definitely wouldn't dare to let the judge leave the comfort zone of Chang'an.

"It's not just Minister Cen. Hearing is believing, seeing is believing. Anyone who has any questions can come to Pingzhou and take a look."

Fang Xuanling continued to give advice and never hesitated to give the most "patient" guidance to colleagues who had doubts.

Anyone who dares to speak up will be slapped in the face with a thick stack of household registration documents:

Do you know Pingzhou? You know shit! Why don’t you go and see for yourself?
These ministers had been madly attacking Li Ming in the court before, so who would dare to go there now?
God knows who the biggest threat to Li Ming's life is, Goguryeo or someone else!

"One more thing." Chang Sunyan took out a letter from his arms:

"When I was passing through Youzhou, the governor asked me to bring a handwritten letter to Your Majesty."

The eunuch presented and opened the intact wax seal to prove that the letter had not been opened by Chang Sun Yan along the way.

Li Shimin took it and read it carefully, his brows completely relaxed.

"This is the report from the governor of Youzhou after his personal visit to Pingzhou. It is consistent with the intelligence provided by Changsun Yan."

Well, a colleague has already gone to the site for an on-site investigation, so what is there to not believe?
Of course, some stubborn people may question the position of Youzhou Governor Cui Mingan, saying that the Cui family in Hebei has a grudge against the imperial court and has an ambiguous relationship with Li Ming, so they cannot be fully trusted.

As long as you are not afraid of being slapped in the face by the thick household registration book.

But the ministers still had their dignity to save, so they stopped questioning.

Just like that, the court's never-ending doubts about Li Ming since the moment he left Chang'an finally came to an end.

Cen Wenben retreated angrily, but he did not forget to secretly look up and deliberately glance at Changsun Wuji.

Changsun Wuji didn’t have eyes behind his back and didn’t know that he received “eye hints”.

However, Li Shimin had been sitting high in the palace, and he had a clear view of every move in the court. This little action naturally did not escape his eyes.

Is it true that behind all this is the relationship between Changsun Wuji and Li Chengqian? Li Ming's injustice, Wei Zheng's death...

Li Shimin's eyes suddenly became deep, and his mood, which had just relaxed, gradually sank again.

"Pingzhou is still there, and I am comforted. However, the situation is critical and rescue is needed immediately."

Li Shimin immediately made up his mind:

"Order Li Shiji to travel light, abandon his baggage, and rush to Pingzhou at all hours of the day.

"Order 40,000 more troops to be sent to Jiang, Huai, Ling, and Xia, all under the command of Li Shiji, to board ships from Laizhou and support Pingzhou by sea.

"Order Youzhou and Yunzhou to organize the people's manpower to transport supplies to Pingzhou."

When Pingzhou was completely lost, such an arrangement was like a sheep walking into a tiger's mouth. The correct strategy was to take a long-term view.

But fortunately, Li Ming and Pingzhou are still holding on, so they can have a foothold to receive reinforcements and eliminate the Goguryeo people on the spot.

Fortunately, Li Ming is still holding on...

"I will obey your order and draft it immediately." Changsun Wuji accepted the order.

Li Shimin looked at him strangely, not disguising the mockery on his face:
"Did I ask you?"

"Huh?" Changsun Wuji looked confused.

Such important matters are not usually handled by me...

"Mr. Xuanling." Li Shimin turned to the calm old man with a paralyzed face:
"Please draft it."

"Your Majesty, take the order."

Fang Xuanling was neither happy nor sad, he just frowned slightly, and it was unknown what he was thinking about.

…………

Youzhou.

There was heavy snow and the wind was bitingly cold.

It was another day when the army was trapped in the camp and wasted time.

Li Shiji looked up at the white sky and muttered:
"With 150,000 enemy soldiers, Pingzhou will probably be razed to the ground..."

When his army arrives at the battlefield, they will probably just be collecting the body of His Highness Li Ming.

I don't know how to explain this to His Highness Li Zhi and his sister...

"Report, a messenger from Youzhou Prefecture has arrived." The messenger came to report.

"Are you urging me to advance quickly again?" Li Shiji sighed, thinking that entertaining the messenger was a waste of time.

But he was smart enough and even if he didn't want to, he still had to maintain harmonious relations with the locals.

In fact, given Li Shiji's character, wouldn't he want to lead light cavalry and charge into Pingzhou first?
Whether or not the lost territory can be recovered is another matter. The important thing to do now is to rescue Li Ming and several other treasures.

A dignified Li Shiji was frightened by Goguryeo and the snow and wind and retreated. He would be ridiculed by the world as a coward.

However, a recent imperial decree from the court had pinned him down where he was, forcing him to proceed cautiously and not abandon his equipment and baggage at will.

He could only bear the blame of "cowardice" and watch Pingzhou deteriorate step by step.

What is meant by "a general is not always subject to orders from the emperor when he is away from home"? This is a privilege that only the emperor's trusted generals have.

As a surrendered general of Wagangzhai, Li Shiji was very self-aware and knew that he did not have the privilege to be willful.

Your Majesty's orders must be obeyed, and respect must be given in local social interactions.

He walked out of the simple tent, braving the wind and snow, and entered the luxurious tent specially used to entertain local envoys.

"Hmm?" He couldn't help but frowned curiously.

The messenger who came today to urge the march was different from the previous ones. He was a dark-skinned young man, but he had an air of nobility that made him dare not despise him.

Moreover, he always felt that this young man looked familiar.

"Young Master, if you urge us to march, I'm afraid it will be difficult to do so." Li Shiji said politely:
"Please tell Envoy Cui that His Majesty has ordered us to proceed cautiously."

Chang Sunyan smiled slightly and took out a roll of bright yellow silk from the package:
"I'm afraid the decree has changed."

(End of this chapter)