Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 164 Li Er: You have won the hearts of the people over me
"Your Majesty." The new spy chief Li Junxian paid his respects as ordered.

Unlike his predecessor Zhang Liang who had an ordinary face, Li Junxian was quite tall and handsome.

Before taking over Zhang Liang's "adopted son" intelligence network, he served as the Left General of the Central Army and guarded the Xuanwu Gate.

It’s the Xuanwu Gate.

Last year, when the imperial guards besieged Li Ming in Lide Palace and Li Shimin led the Xuanwu Gate Guards and a hundred cavalry troops to rescue him, the secret letter to mobilize troops was sent to Li Junxian.

The level of trust is evident.

"Since you took over Zhang Liang's position, have you made any progress in the case you were investigating?"

There are many cases, but only one is worthy of Your Majesty's special call for questioning.

"Your Majesty, when the ominous incident occurred in Jiucheng Palace, the Xueyantuo army in the north made unusual movements, and the correspondence with the area near Yanmen Pass suddenly became frequent."

Li Junxian reported everything:
"It is basically certain that Xueyantuo Zhenzhu Khan Yinan not only knew about this, but was also deeply involved in it."

Huh... Li Shimin let out a breath with lingering fear.

Damn, the Turkic barbarians and the Tiele barbarians are having a big fight.

First destroy the royal family, then invade the country.

With internal and external forces working together, it is really hard to say what the fate of the Tang Dynasty will be.

It may not necessarily perish in the second generation, but its prosperous trend will certainly be interrupted, and the barbarians will tear off a large piece of its flesh.

fortunately.

Fortunately, a certain Liaodong Jiedushi who did not want to reveal his name saved the situation...

"Besides..." Li Junxian paused.

"also?"

After making a new discovery, Li Shimin immediately gathered his thoughts.

"In addition, on the night of the incident, a group of remnants led by Ashina Jieshe escaped from Jiucheng Palace."

Li Junxian said one by one:

"They fled north all the way to the Wei River, but were caught up by the Qinzhou Military Governor's Office and killed."

Li Shimin recalled and nodded:
"It's true."

He got very angry because no one was left alive.

Li Junxian swallowed his saliva and said:
"Those Turks showed signs of being silenced."

Li Shimin's eyelids twitched slightly.

"We dug up the remains of the Turks and re-examined them, and found that there were few wounds on their bones. Most of them were killed in one blow, which was not consistent with the normal state of fighting in armor.

"It's possible that they were killed in one blow by being aiming at their vital points. This means that they were still not on guard when they encountered our army. In addition..."

Li Junxian took a breath and said:

“Based on the records of the Qinzhou Governor’s Office entering and leaving the camp, combined with the speed of the nighttime mountain march, we calculated it.

"The troops sent out by Qinzhou at that time could not have dared to reach the Wei River before the remaining bandits, let alone set up an encirclement in advance and kill all the Turkic people on horseback..."

"Have you checked the soldiers of the Governor's Office?" Li Shimin interrupted in a low voice.

"I checked it. I checked it all. I questioned them one by one." Li Junxian's voice became lower and lower:
"Not a single soldier from the Qinzhou Military Governor's Office admitted that they participated in the killing at the Wei River."

Soldiers may claim credit for merits or even kill innocent people to gain credit, but they will never hide their achievements and fame.

That is to say...

Li Shimin then asked:

"Have you asked the soldiers who participated in the killing? Which unit did they belong to?"

"I don't know." Li Junxian shook his head:

“I never found them again, it seems…

“It disappeared into thin air.”

Hiss... Li Shimin closed his eyes slightly and took a deep breath.

A group of Tang troops descended from nowhere, claiming to be from the Qinzhou Military Governor's Office.

After wiping out the remaining bandits and reporting the situation to the pursuing imperial guards, he disappeared without leaving a trace.

This certainly can't be a scene where soldiers come from heaven to help others.

It can only be...

“So I will doubt:
"Those Tang troops, whose origins were unknown, were specifically ambushed by the Wei River to silence the Turkic rebels involved in the Jiucheng Palace incident."

Li Junxian said:
“That mysterious army was able to accurately predict the rebels’ escape route and set up an ambush at the ferry in advance.

"Or maybe it's because that ferry is the closest to the Weishui ferry to Jiucheng Palace, and they judged that the remaining bandits must have passed through this route.

"Either..."

"Or there is an insider." Li Shimin took over Li Junxian's reasoning:
"Inside the Tang Dynasty, there is also Ashina Jieshe's internal support.

“Not only did they help him in his rebellion, but they also arranged an escape route for him in the event of his failure.

"only……"

Li Shimin raised the corners of his mouth without a smile, as if mocking the wisdom and ruthlessness of the mastermind behind the plot:
"It's just that the so-called 'escape route' was actually used to silence witnesses.

"If we lure all the remaining soldiers there, we can capture them all in one fell swoop and avoid exposing our identities."

Li Junxian bowed deeply:
"Best regards, Your Majesty."

Li Shimin was not surprised by the survey results.

Even if Xueyantuo had extraordinary abilities, at best he could only serve as a cheering group on the periphery.

If they really want to stir up trouble in the core area of ​​the Tang Empire, Ashina Jieshe cannot do it alone, and they must have internal support.

It is even possible that the so-called "insider" was the real mastermind behind this vicious regicide.

The Turks and Tiele people were nothing more than his tools.

There are bad guys in the team.

In the Tang Dynasty, in Chang'an, in this Taiji Palace...

A strong feeling of fatigue suddenly surged up in Li Shimin's heart.

Ashina Jiesheli, Zhang Liang, Li You, Li Chengqian...

why?
Ask yourself, I have been fair to you all.

Why do you still stay away from me? Even betray me?
The atmosphere was somewhat solemn. Li Junxian did not dare to move and stood there awkwardly.

Li Shimin came back to his senses and encouraged with approval:

"We found clues to the key problem, which deserves praise."

Li Junxian immediately bowed his head and said, "I will not refuse even if I die!"

Li Shimin turned back to the map and said calmly to the large group of Xueyantuo in the north:
"But the intensity of the investigation in Changan may have to be temporarily reduced."

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty? I obey."

Li Junxian was very confused.

But he was also well aware of the inverse proportional relationship between taboo knowledge and life span, so he decided not to ask anything.

We can't really check everything. What if we really find out something... Li Ming's seemingly absurd sophistry rang in Li Shimin's ears for no reason.

He shook his head and instructed Li Junxian:
"Deploy your 'adopted sons' to the northern front and keep an eye on Xueyantuo's movements.

"The decision to conquer Xueyantuo remains unchanged."

Li Junxian suddenly realized and answered immediately:

"According to the order."

Retreat hurriedly.

Li Shimin rubbed his eyes, turned to the map on the wall again, and fell into deep thought.

He has looked at this map countless times.

But every time I study it again, I have different insights.

Yes, internal conflicts can be put aside for now.

The main contradiction facing the Tang Dynasty at present is still the Xueyantuo.

Even if Xueyantuo was only an accomplice in the Jiucheng Palace incident, even if the main culprit was someone else, Xueyantuo must be dealt with.

If you dare to plot against our Li family, you can’t even think about it. It would be a crime if you even think about it.

Even if Xueyantuo is innocent and has nothing to do with the Jiucheng Palace incident, he still has to be dealt with.

Because this nomadic Khanate has become strong and has a tendency to unify the northern grasslands.

The Western Turks, who were entrenched in the north of the Ili River Valley and could have contained the Xueyantuo, were in civil strife at this time.

After watching Hou Junji destroy Gaochang, the Western Turkic Khan lost all his prestige and fierce internal fighting broke out.

Based on the principle that nomadic peoples without a leader can be divided infinitely, the Western Turks split into Eastern and Western Turks and Western and Western Turks.

You finish your song and I come on stage, the Khan's flag changes in the tent.

It is wishful thinking to expect these fools who are good at infighting to contain Xueyantuo.

The remnants of the Eastern Turks who were led by Li Simo to the north to guard the border were also hopeless.

He was pinned to the ground and rubbed by the Xueyantuo, and had to hide south of the Great Wall all day.

If the Minister of Rites hadn't stepped in personally, these useless guys would have had to change their careers and stop herding sheep.

He changed his career to making bricks and added bricks to the Great Wall.

Nationalities are integrating fast enough...

Therefore, the Xueyantuo must be suppressed. There is no other way.

Once they unify the northern grasslands, they will not cause chaos under Li Shimin's rule.

But after he passed away, one of his four bastard sons succeeded him.

There is no guarantee that the Tiele barbarians will repeat what the Eastern Turks did in the early years of the Zhenguan period and rush to Chang'an.

As for the Goguryeo, which is both incompetent and playful, it has to step back a little and give way to Li Ming.

The reasons for the Northern Expedition to Xueyantuo were all ready-made.

Put all the blame on the Jiucheng Palace incident.

Or Zhenzhu Khan Yinan could come to Chang'an himself to explain to Sun Fujia.

Alternatively, the Tang Dynasty judicial team could personally descend on the northern grasslands and raid the suspect's hometown.

An excellent politician must have the courage to put aside facts and take advantage of others' mistakes.

The strategy of attacking and destroying the powerful neighbor to the north was thus happily decided.

Next, who should lead this Doomsday Judgment Team?

"Li Jing... No, his achievements are too great, and the future crown prince cannot suppress him.

"Hou Junji... forget it, if he comes back he will either go to jail or rebel..."

Li Shimin quickly selected the candidates in his mind and finally chose one.

"Li Shiji can be the commander-in-chief, and we will promote him to the position of Minister of War first.

"Xue Wanche, Ashina She'er, Li Daliang, and Li Daozong can join the expedition...

"Yingzhou Governor Zhang Jian can also start from Liaodong and outflank Xueyantuo from the east..."

Li Shimin's attention shifted back to the northeast, and after much deliberation, he gave up the idea.

"Forget it, Zhang Jian should stay in Yingzhou to look after the house."

Although he tacitly agreed that Li Ming had maintained a group of "military soldiers" wearing red turbans in the Northeast.

But it would be a lie to say that I have no grudges in my heart.

Li Shimin himself started his career with guns and was extremely sensitive to the control over armed forces.

In the past, he could leave Murong Yan alone, because Murong Yan was just a little kitty who was always angry.

But Li Ming and his Red Scarf Army are like Siberian tigers, they can really go south to eat people!
As an administrator, Zhang Jian had to be there to watch.

"Alas, am I too indulgent towards that bastard..."

In the final analysis, the reason why Li Shimin had no choice but to set up the Xuanwu Gate stage and arrange for his four sons to compete for the throne was because of this Li Ming.

If it weren't for this reason that Li Ming was brought back from Liaodong and allowed to actively participate in court affairs, he would at least have become a familiar face in the central government.

That guy will really split the Tang Dynasty, establish his own regime in Liaodong, and associate with the Siberian tiger and the stupid roe deer.

"I have done my best to be kind to you. If you still have evil intentions, don't blame me for being ruthless." Li Shimin talked to himself, with a strange light flashing in his eyes.

He is a father, but also an emperor.

Li Shimin's thoughts quickly left his bastard son and shifted back to Xueyantuo.

"Do you need me to lead the army in person?"

Among the four barbarians today, Xueyantuo is the biggest enemy.

Conquering it is a matter of great importance to the stability of the north and even the destiny of the country in the next hundred years.

It is also an important step for him to pave the way for his successor.

He would not feel at ease even if he handed it over to Li Shiji.

In terms of ability, Li Jing is the only general he can trust.

But precisely because of this, he could not trust Li Jing any more.

General Tian Ce is a tough guy and has a broad mind.

If we talk about who he is afraid of in the world, let’s leave aside a certain Liaodong Jiedushi who does not want to reveal his name.

Then it can only be Li Jing.

Because the northern half of the Tang Dynasty was conquered by Li Shimin, and the southern half was conquered by Li Jing.

Which emperor would not be afraid of the great achievements of his subordinates?

Therefore, even if Li Jing did not stand on the wrong side in the Xuanwu Gate Incident (sending his younger brother to stand on Li Shimin's side), he was still hidden after the world was pacified.

This is already considered good, as it also allows the old man with the sheep's urine bubble to spend his old age in peace and to feed the tiger and Hongfu girl to play with.

If it were any other emperor, he would probably have been fed to the tiger.

“I still have to do it myself.

"If you continue to indulge in the pleasures of life, the soldiers will only know you as their general but not me."

Li Shimin made up his mind.

He had originally wanted to lead the army in person during the eastern expedition to Goguryeo, show off in front of the soldiers, and impress the younger generation.

Now that Goguryeo has been left to Shisilang.

Then the stage where his second brother Li personally appeared was changed to Xueyantuo.

Having made up his mind, he immediately began to make pre-war arrangements.

The initial time for starting the war was set to be after the autumn harvest, because the summer was too hot and it would take time to mobilize troops from all over the country.

The territory of the remnants of the Turkic army led by Li Simo was sandwiched between the Tang and Xueyantuo, providing support and logistics for the main force of the Tang army.

Li Shiji is the deputy commander-in-chief, and I personally command all the armies.

Swear to destroy Xueyantuo in one fell swoop! ...

"hiss……"

Li Shimin's head suddenly began to hurt.

It hurt so much that he wanted to pound the table.

It's not that I'm tortured by illness, but I'm upset.

"I have calculated everything, except myself...

"How can you go to war when you are so sick?"

…………

During dinner, the atmosphere in Lizheng Hall was particularly solemn.

Li Shimin gnawed on the greasy lamb leg in a depressed mood.

If he continued to be ill, he would not be able to lead the expedition against Xueyantuo in person.

It’s not that he is afraid of hardship.

But he knew that if the emperor was sick at the front line, how would the soldiers have the morale and concentration to fight?
If he goes there, it will be a burden and will greatly interfere with strategic and tactical decisions.

"I can only stay in the rear, but who is suitable to be the head coach at the front?

"Li Shiji, or Li Jing who has stronger command ability..."

He was caught in a painful choice between two options, and his head seemed to hurt even more.

In addition to Li Shimin, Li Mingda and Li Zhi were also very dull.

Li Mingda opened his cherry lips and chewed slowly, feeling that nothing tasted good anymore.

Li Zhi was still a little dazed. He didn't dare to look at Li Mingda, nor did he face Li Ming, and he didn't dare to look directly at his father. He hid from everyone, lowered his head and huddled in a corner.

The family was lifeless.

Li Ming was chewing sunflower seeds mixed with rice, and his good mood about the bumper harvest in Liaodong was completely gone.

He couldn't help but ask:
"Grandpa, what happened to you?"

When it comes to being unhappy, I have much more reasons to be unhappy than you do.

Pulling A Sizi back from the gates of hell, no matter which online article it was put in, would be an achievement that would be enough to shock Li Er and make him want to abdicate on the spot.

But in reality, it was just verbal praise.

Not to mention SSRs like Li Shiji and Cheng Zhijie, there isn’t even an R-level general with a common face.

"Alas...you don't understand." Li Shimin rubbed his temple and said irritably.

Li Ming didn't say anything. He just stared at Li Shimin's expression for a while and said suddenly:

"Grandpa, are you feeling unwell?"

"Yeah." Li Shimin endured the headache and tried his best to be patient.

"Are you dizzy, have a headache, palpitations, tinnitus, numbness in your hands and feet, or are you tired and upset?"

“Hmm…Huh?!”

Li Shimin was very surprised that Li Ming was right about all of them.

"You... have read the records of the imperial physician? Impossible. The imperial physician didn't describe it so accurately."

Li Ming looked at Li Shimin's rosy face and greasy food in silence.

Combined with previous precedents of sudden myocardial death.

Is it difficult to tell that you have high blood pressure?
Li Ming had long wanted to complain about Li Shimin's unhealthy diet.

However, since he had just arrived at the Lizheng Hall, he could not interfere arbitrarily and could only give gentle advice.

It didn't work.

In his previous life, he couldn’t have dissuaded his mother from going to “listen to classes” and bringing home tens of thousands of so-called “miracle anti-cancer drugs” mixed with iced black tea and water.

In this lifetime, I will never be able to persuade my emperor father to correct his unhealthy eating habits.

Later he went to Liaodong, and after half a year, he gradually forgot about this matter.

Today the old matter was brought up again, and Li Ming felt that the opportunity had come to improve Li Er's diet and daily routine and to artificially prolong his life.

"As long as you listen to me and do what I say, I can cure your illness."

Li Ming speaks with great aplomb.

Li Shimin uttered a "huh":
"The brat is young, but he speaks very well...

"Hiss, eh?"

wrong.

Li Shimin discovered his own misconceptions.

Although Li Ming used cardiopulmonary resuscitation to save him, people in the Tang Dynasty did not understand this thing.

Li Shimin thought that it was his son's filial piety that moved God, not that he had any medical skills.

However, today, Li Ming pulled Li Mingda back from the brink of death in front of everyone.

It would be a bit far-fetched to attribute this to "filial piety moving heaven".

Could it be that this kid Li Ming really knows medical skills?
Far superior to the imperial physician at the Shang Pharmacy? !

"Grandpa, just listen to Brother Xiao Ming.

"I just followed his advice, and now I feel better than before."

Li Mingda broke the sheep's ribs neatly.

Looking at his beloved daughter with great courage and spirit, Li Shimin was somewhat shaken.

"Actually, that's what I told you before, but you never listened."

Li Ming has already turned on the motherly mode and started nagging:

"Fat sheep have too much fat, so you should eat less. Sugar and biscuits should also be consumed in moderation. Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains, exercise more, and go to bed early..."

He has read all the health marketing accounts, and now he shares everything he knows without reservation.

"…If you do this and that, you can control your blood pressure, your headaches will be greatly improved, and your chances of heart attack and stroke will be greatly reduced."

Li Ming spoke with a dry mouth.

Li Shimin didn't quite understand and only extracted four key words:

Eat less and move more.

"If this is all I have to do, my headache will be cured?"

Li Shimin found it amazing.

A stubborn disease that even the imperial doctors were helpless against can be cured simply by changing your lifestyle habits?
"It can't be completely cured, but it can be relieved. You might as well give it a try first." Li Ming told the truth.

Try it first... This reminded Li Shimin.

He actually tried this "prescription" at the beginning of this year, although it was passive.

At that time, Wei Zheng had just passed away and he had no appetite.

Then the headache got better.

At that time, he thought it was the protection of Wei Zheng's spirit in heaven.

Later, as my body gradually recovered, I continued to eat a lot of meat and fish, and my headaches recurred.

As a result, he is now unable to go out in person and return to the battlefield.

If Li Ming hadn't pointed it out to him, he wouldn't have attributed it to his eating habits.

This method should be effective!

There is hope that his stubborn headache can be cured!

As long as he can make it before autumn, he can lead the army in person again!

There would be no need to make this difficult choice between the two, and Li Jing could be left on the bench!

Li Shimin was excited and patted Li Ming's head with satisfaction:

"If I can recover from my illness, what reward do you want?
"Which civil official or military general, or which provincial governor's office?"

Li Zhi's ears stood up suddenly.

Li Ming looked at his father strangely:

"I want you to get better."

"what?"

Li Shimin was stunned and looked at him in disbelief.

Li Zhi suddenly raised his head and stared at his younger brother with his eyes fixed.

Only Li Mingda was not surprised at all. He felt that this was how the relationship between father and son should be.

"I am the governor of Liaodong, but I am also your son.

"Your good health is my best reward."

Li Shimin remained silent for a long time, with a complicated look on his face.

After a while, he smiled:

"I really need to learn from you how to win people's hearts."

"I didn't buy your heart, I was sincere."

"Yes, yes, that's what I want to learn."

(End of this chapter)