Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 189: First time in office, how to pretend to be in office all the time

"You want to die, kid? And what do you mean by standing up? They are not kneeling."

Li Shimin pretended to stroke the left half of his beard with his right hand and covered his mouth to stop a certain governor's presumptuous behavior.

"Sorry, I couldn't help it..." Li Ming coughed dryly.

It was not easy to travel through time, and he had long wanted to satisfy this urge.

When the ministers saw His Highness Li Ming sitting on the left hand side of His Majesty, they were surprised for a moment, and their expressions soon returned to normal.

They are not ordinary people, they are old foxes with cultivation and professionally trained foxes.

Generally, one would not lose manners in front of the palace, but one cannot help it.

In the magnificent main hall of Taiji Palace, all the civil and military officials in Beijing were seated.

They received the notice to convene a grand court meeting early in the morning.

Not surprised by this.

"Today is not the day for the grand court meeting. I have urgently summoned you all to gather together. I believe you all know what this is for."

Li Shimin didn't say much, nor did he introduce the "new faces" in the Taiji Hall. He went straight to the point:

"Regarding the recent cash shortage, we must make corresponding arrangements."

Small meetings are held for big things, and after the small meeting has set the tone, a large meeting is held to make arrangements and decisions.

Experienced Beijing officials are familiar with this process.

So, beneath their calm surface, there were two surprises, one big and one small, hidden in their hearts.

What was surprising was that the court came up with a solution so quickly.

The strangeness, ferocity and widespread impact of this money shortage far exceeded the understanding of these agricultural-era bureaucrats.

In ancient times, transportation and communication were not well developed. Even if there was a famine or rebellion, it would take several months to brew before it could spread across the country.

But this time the money shortage is different. It seems as if it was agreed upon, and the whole country is rushing to deal with it.

Moreover, this little exquisite thing is very picky about where it lives. It will not go to remote areas or touch the common people, and only harms the masters in the city.

This phenomenon is not a natural disaster at all, but it doesn't seem to be a man-made disaster either.

What kind of powerful conspirator could destroy cities all over the world with such precision and on such a large scale?
There was no shortage of rice and grain, but people just couldn't eat them and could only watch.

It's like hungry ghost hell.

But before the officials could figure out the exact shape of this "hungry ghost hell", His Majesty and his close ministers had already come up with a countermeasure.

Regardless of whether it can really solve the problem, the efficiency alone is enough to surprise them.

The other "little surprise" was "that" prince who appeared beside His Majesty at an inappropriate and abrupt time.

Generally speaking, princes cannot attend court if they do not have an actual position.

But His Highness Li Ming came.

A little kid sat in the hall with a proud look on his face, overlooking all the officials.

Moreover, the event he was attending was not just an ordinary occasion, but the most grand and solemn court meeting in the world.

It's really a little... unusual.

Besides, His Highness Li Ming's seat is also very special.

He is seated on Your Majesty's noble left, facing east and west.

That was the prince's exclusive seat for the audience.

During the time window between when His Royal Highness Li Chengqian grew up and when he became insane, he sat in that position during the three grand court meetings during the Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.

If you say that this doesn't have a sense of being appointed by the emperor, even the most die-hard members of the party would not dare to easily accept this setting.

You can cheat on your brothers, but don’t cheat on yourself.

Therefore, the first subconscious thought of the ministers present was:

Has the Xuanwu Championship been settled?

Your Majesty has already decreed that Li Chengqian should step down and let Li Ming be the crown prince?

But after thinking again, the knowledgeable ministers rejected this arbitrary idea.

This is at most a landmark event, and it cannot be considered the final conclusion.

The crown prince takes turns, and today it’s my turn.

The situation of the succession competition is now volatile and unpredictable. Your Majesty's temporary statements, hints, or even explicit statements may be reversed.

All information is subject to official announcement.

Even the official announcement may be in vain.

After all, right, Xuanwu Gate, right.

With the current saint (and the messy Five Barbarians and Sixteen Kingdoms) as examples, before the new emperor officially sits firmly on the throne.

Everyone, including the die-hard 14 parties, keeps an open mind about who will be the next decision-maker.

However, in such a formal and solemn occasion as the Grand Court Meeting,

Especially since it was a formal court meeting to discuss the "money shortage" rather than a ceremonial gathering like the "New Year's Party".

His Majesty still kept the fourteenth son with him.

This is undoubtedly a strong signal that cannot be ignored.

At least, at this moment, Li Ming is the "only one" in His Majesty's heart.

Your Majesty is spreading rumors.

If everyone doesn't have any extreme reactions, Old Fourteen is not seeking death or being "killed".

That's pretty much how things have been tentatively settled.

Even Li Ming's most ardent enemy had to admit that this guy was really capable.

From being a despised baby, he suddenly became the most sought-after darling of the moment.

The King of Wei, who has been licking Your Majesty for more than ten years, has received treatment that is "beyond the rules of etiquette" that is not as good as what you received today.

Of course, as mentioned before, this is just "preliminary".

It is one thing to face up to your strength, but it is another thing to not accept you and to mess with you.

Everything is still uncertain. Maybe in two days, the prince will be replaced by Prince Jin?

Li Shiji, the Minister of War and Sima of the Prince of Jin's Palace, was a little jealous and was ready to make a move.

He is the only court official besides Hou Junji and Xue Wanche who has been to Liaodong and experienced the "Ming-style governance" in 4D immersion (even Fang Xuanling, who was frail and unable to travel far, did not have this treatment).

I can only say that Li Ming did a great job, and I am going to go all out to target him.

Your Majesty, the financial crisis is a serious matter, how can you treat it lightly?

Tai Chi Hall is not a kindergarten. How can you take care of your child in such a serious occasion?

In order to train the prince's ability to govern the country, at least we should wait for a peaceful period and proceed step by step.

Li Shiji was going to submit this report soon.

They also gathered the power of the other three parties and a group of cabinet ministers to boo Li Ming on the stage in the harshest way.

This may not necessarily put Li Ming down, but it is definitely a warning to him and can dampen his fighting spirit.

Moreover, this advice is very reasonable and well-founded. How can Your Majesty put family affairs above state affairs?
Most importantly, this can show your majesty the subtext of the cabinet elders:
We don't recognize this little kid as the crown prince. Your Majesty, please seek someone else.

"Regarding the current cash shortage, I hereby decree as follows—"

Li Shimin said this while lying on the dragon couch.

Li Shiji was communicating with the court officials through eye contact below the stage.

Just like the boys making eye contact to ask for dinner in the last class, the old foxes can quickly lead a massive wave of opposition with just a glance.

Just wait for His Majesty to issue the imperial edict and then we will start reporting immediately!

After Li Shiji completed the initial connection, he shifted his burning gaze to the front.

The chief of the Jin Wang Party, Changsun Wuji, listened attentively to the order without looking around, and did not notice the gaze coming from behind.

This is true.

For a counterattack of this magnitude, there is no need for the Grand Marshal to take action personally.

Li Shiji was full of confidence and waited patiently for His Majesty to issue the imperial decree.

Li Shimin did not let Li Shiji and the restless court officials wait too long.

Because his edict only contained one sentence:

"All countermeasures to the cash shortage are to be handled by Li Ming, the Minister of State Affairs and the Vice Minister of Military Affairs."

"Minister... eh?"

Li Shiji started speaking fluently, but his words got stuck in his throat and he suddenly realized that the wind was blowing in the wrong direction.

The core message he wanted to convey was: adults, let the conversation begin, children, go aside.

And the core meaning of your majesty is: listen to this child completely.

It can't be said that they are going in opposite directions, but they can be said to be running in opposite directions.

Because the contrast between the two sides' opinions was too great, Li Shiji, who wanted to persuade them, was unable to do so.

"This is a serious matter, it is not a joke, Your Majesty, please think twice!"

It was Cen Wenben who took over Li Shiji's words.

Unexpectedly, Li Shimin, who was usually easy to talk to, suddenly became unyielding on this topic and said sternly and resolutely:
"When it comes to matters concerning the safety of the country, you censors are still thinking about fighting?

"Li Ming is fully responsible for this matter, so you don't need to say anything more."

No, no, no, letting your favorite underage son preside over such a major event that may lead to the demise of the dynasty shows that Your Majesty cares less about the safety of the country...

The court officials were complaining wildly in their hearts.

This time it is not just the faction that is staunchly against Li Ming.

Even other moderates and neutrals couldn't stand it anymore.

Your Majesty, what's wrong with you? Why are you so abnormal today?
Became a tyrant who refused to accept advice and was stubborn and self-willed?

What kind of magic potion did Li Jiedu give to Your Majesty?

"Your Majesty, please think twice!" Li Shiji now just wanted to slap himself in the face:

"Li Jiedu can actively offer suggestions, but he is a bit... sloppy in his work."

The people of the Tang Dynasty always like to reconcile this kind of thing. If you let Li Ming attend the court meeting, that would definitely not work, as it is not in line with Tang etiquette.

But if you let Li Ming preside over the court meeting, everyone would feel that it would not be so unacceptable to let His Royal Highness the Jiedushi sit in and give guidance.

However, Li Shimin ignored their nagging.

"No matter what, I have made up my mind. Li Ming's instructions on the money shortage are regarded as my own."

He said firmly.

He is very much like the wise men of the royal family of the Western Han Dynasty who lost their integrity in the later years of their careers and favored the sons of their favorite concubines, leading to political turmoil in the dynasty.

The noisy Tai Chi Hall became quiet.

The ministers were silent, their expressions solemn.

Li Shimin's words are already very serious.

To disobey Li Ming is equivalent to disobeying the emperor himself.

Even the stubborn ministers of the Zhenguan period did not dare to say anything more.

"Sir, obey the order."

A high-pitched voice broke the silence.

Everyone looked at the imperial bootlicker with disdain.

However, the person who made this statement was not a lackey of the Fourteen Traitors' Party.

Quite the contrary, he was the biggest backer of the "anti-Li Ming" forces, the Grand Marshal and chief civil official, Changsun Wuji!

Li Shiji looked at his colleague in the Prince of Jin's Palace in disbelief. He realized belatedly that amidst all the opposition, Lord Changsun Wuji remained silent throughout!

Is this a backstab? This is a backstab!
Apart from him, all the other officials also felt extremely horrified.

Your Majesty, that's all.

How did Li Ming manage to convince the black fans leader Changsun Wuji?
The group of blacks were about to fight to the death, why did Lord Changsun surrender first?

It’s not like Li Ming really treats Changsun’s family as his own just because he paid his respects at the ancestral hall, right?
However, everyone can only complain about these things in their hearts.

The whole court is filled with the Fourteen Traitors, including Your Majesty.

No matter how much these loyal ministers of the Tang Dynasty disagreed, they could not prevail against the powerful.

All we can do is listen to how this fearless little prince disrupts the government.

Everyone's eyes were focused on Li Ming.

From beginning to end, Mr. Li Ming, the co-prime minister and vice-chancellor, said nothing. He watched the performance quietly and tried to guess the personalities of the ministers.

“To be honest, Li Shiji is capable and responsible, but unfortunately his stance is different.

"That clown is Cen Wenben, right? He is just like his former master Li Tai. From now on, he will be punished to grow lychees in Danzhou..."

He kept a small notebook in his mind, recording the names of his future subordinates one by one.

Although Li Ming said that he was not greedy for fame.

But when doing things in China, one must be "justified".

If you didn't have a few cool and domineering titles, how would the world know that you are decisive and capable of taking care of the aftermath of events?
Tong Pingzhangshi and Canzhi Zhengshi, these two unclear but impressive civil service titles, similar to "leader of a certain work leading group", sound like "temporary workers".

But no one knows whether your Majesty's momentary impulse will turn into a long-term institutional arrangement.

As a prince, I am the head of the civil service. There is no one else in the world who can do this except me...

Li Ming couldn't help but complain in his heart, facing the looks of delight, suspicion, or disdain from the people sitting below.

These are the ministers of the Tang Dynasty, this is the complete body of the ruling center of the Tang Dynasty, this is one of the most powerful male groups in Chinese history...

Logically speaking, as a time traveler, Li Ming should be full of confidence and emotion.

But when he actually stood in that position, he was surprisingly calm.

There was no emotion, no tension at all.

No matter how nervous it is, can it be more nervous than when you were with the Yanshan bandits?

Are you more nervous than missing Murong Yan's returning home group?
Are you nervous enough to withstand the fierce attack from the entire country of Goguryeo by yourself?
Now, Li Ming has only one thought in his mind——

Solve the problem and let me try out the Datang machine to see if it is easy to use and find out where there are deficiencies so that they can be strengthened in the future.

After a brief thought, he calmly ordered his officials:

“This cash crunch is indeed rare, but it is not unsolvable.

"Follow my orders, work together sincerely, and the problems will be solved."

The voice was not loud, but inexplicably convincing.

All the ministers, regardless of their positions, stood in awe.

He was not nervous on stage for the first time. This guy has extraordinary bearing and is indeed capable of great things.

Then, the ministers, full of admiration, listened to Li Ming, who was doing great things, as he briefly explained the causes of the so-called "economic crisis" and the ideas for solving the problem.

The ministers: “?”

How can you solve this confusing problem with just a few pieces of paper?

Just like the three people in the imperial study last night, the ministers also enjoyed the feeling of knowledge sliding through their cerebral cortex without touching them at all.

But compared to the previous situation of blind men touching an elephant, this is much better.

As long as there is someone who knows what is going on, can raise his voice and promise to lead everyone out of this predicament.

They would naturally gather around the leader.

"Minister of Civil Affairs."

After introducing the background, Li Ming started assigning tasks without further ado.

"You are responsible for the first phase of banknote distribution. Make sure that every household is allocated enough banknotes to buy ten days of food.

"Minister of the Imperial Household, you are responsible for the printing of banknotes. Anti-counterfeiting marks must be made on the engraved plates for printing, and the printed products must be stamped. Treat them with the same seriousness as real coins.

"Left and right ministers of the Ministry of Shangshu, you are responsible for the unified coordination of the issuance and use of paper money in various prefectures and counties.

"Grand Censor, paper money is like real money. During the distribution and redemption process, it is inevitable that some officials will embezzle money. Your task is to investigate this strictly.

"Minister of Punishment and Minister of Justice, any person who forges paper money shall be executed immediately and his head shall be hung in the market. There is no need to wait until autumn."

The heads of various departments accepted the order respectfully, but the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice, the two traditional forces of Li Ming, had doubts.

According to the Zhenguan custom, the death penalty must be requested and recommended three times and only carried out in the autumn after Your Majesty's careful judgment, in order to show benevolence and prevent wrongful convictions.

Does the "immediate execution" like Li Ming's beheading constitute a disregard for human life?
"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. If we do not take drastic measures to maintain market order and the authority of legal tender, the damage caused will be far greater than the lives of a few counterfeit currency dealers."

Machiavellian Li Ming firmly rejected their questions.

The Grand Secretary of the Dali Temple and the Minister of Justice still did not dare to accept the order and looked at the emperor inquiringly.

Li Shimin looked like a hands-off boss.

This move is of no small importance.

This breaks the old rules and gives the green light to Li Ming's method!
All the ministers realized the symbolic significance of His Majesty's "tacit consent" and felt a chill in their hearts. They accepted the tasks assigned by Li Ming more respectfully.

"Shang Shu of the Ministry of Official Affairs."

Li Ming mentioned an old acquaintance and expressionlessly assigned Hou Junji a task that even Hou Junji himself felt was a bit radical:

“The handling of this cash crunch crisis is the best window to observe officials’ governance and execution capabilities.

“Those who follow orders and perform well will be evaluated as excellent and given priority for promotion.

"Otherwise, it will be considered dereliction of duty and punishable."

This law sounds reasonable.

But in fact, it implies an extremely exaggerated power——

The power to demote and promote, reward and punish, and even appoint and dismiss officials!
Because who will judge the quality of officials' governance and execution capabilities - or to put it more bluntly, their "obedience to Li Ming"?
Who else could it be except Li Ming, who is in charge of the overall planning, and his loyal dog Hou Junji!
Has His Highness Li Ming finally extended his tentacles to the most core personnel power?
My goodness, half a year ago, this guy couldn’t even fully control the personnel power in the two states of Liaodong.

After just half a year, they even dared to covet the imperial court's personnel power!
What does he want to do?
Are you going to undermine His Majesty in front of you?!
The ministers did not dare to speak, and no one dared to speak out and give advice without thinking - there was no need for them to remind them - but instead they nervously observed the attitude of His Majesty.

Li Shimin's eyelids moved, but he said nothing in the end.

I tacitly agreed that His Majesty was serious and had really handed over the full authority to Li Ming to handle...

All the ministers took a deep breath at the same time.

To this day, there is no point in saying more.

No matter which side these beasts in human form sit on, regardless of their different positions and interests.

An invisible hand has twisted their heads together, and they have to work together to solve the money shortage.

"It concerns the stability and long-term peace of the Tang Dynasty. I hope everyone will push this matter forward layer by layer, assign responsibilities to individuals, do more practical work and less empty talk."

Li Ming didn't waste any words, and briefly summarized it. At the end, he habitually said:
"Meeting dismissed."

Having become familiar with His Highness Li Ming's orders, the ministers subconsciously stood up and were about to leave.

"Cough cough!"

Li Shimin, who was lying on the dragon couch, coughed dryly.

Everyone sat back down obediently.

Good fellow, I just didn't say anything for a while, but these treacherous officials really treat me as a mascot and this kid as their new master? ... Li Shimin felt inexplicably overwhelmed, and said with full majesty:

"Retreat."

The ministers then formally took their leave, each with their own thoughts.

The fourteen traitors are all very simple-minded. They just need to choose Li Ming, a potential stock, and then wait to open the champagne.

The other parties have much more to consider.

There is no doubt that the prince they "invested" in, although not bankrupt and losing all their money, at least hit the limit down today.

Therefore, all these gang members were worried and had complicated feelings.

However, when the government and the public were at a loss as to what to do due to a strange money shortage.

Li Ming stepped forward and showed them a way out of the quagmire.

This gave them a backbone.

Isn’t a leader someone who can raise his arm and shout “Follow me” when everyone is confused?

…………

"It's only been a few hours, the usual court meetings are not this short.

"Are you just going to let them leave the court so easily?"

In the Taiji Hall, only the father and son were left.

Li Shimin stood up from the dragon couch and stretched his neck.

Li Ming still sat in his seat and answered half-heartedly:

"The mission has been assigned and everything that needs to be said has been said, so why waste their time executing it?"

After saying this, he returned to silence and sat on the small dragon couch, thinking intently.

Seeing this, Li Shimin couldn't help but sneer:
"Let's go, are you still not satisfied with this position?

"This time you have gained tremendous power. Even the personnel power has been transferred to you."

Li Ming then slowly stood up and recited a poem on the spot:

"The title of Marquis is not my intention, but I hope the sea will be peaceful."

"Oh, you speak beautifully." Old Li patted his son's shoulder with a hint of joking:

"How do you feel about being asked to take the throne 'in advance'?
"Do you feel that the burden of Jiangshan is too heavy? Do you feel that the pins and needles under your buttocks make sitting uncomfortable?"

Li Shimin couldn't help but think back to the past.

When he took the throne for the first time, although he was very excited, he was also genuinely nervous.

Although at least half of the Li family's empire was conquered by him personally.

But before the Xuanwu Gate Incident, he was in charge of external affairs.

Domestic affairs were presided over by his father Emperor Li Yuan and his elder brother Li Jiancheng.

Therefore, even a powerful man like Li Shimin was worried about his lack of experience when he first came to power.

"Well, let's talk about enlightenment..."

Li Ming smacked his lips, as if he were a wine taster evaluating a jar of aged wine, and muttered to himself:
“The ministers of the Zhenguan Dynasty were okay. Compared with the talents in the remote area of ​​Liaodong, they had a strong ability to comprehend.

“However, the specific execution capabilities will depend on the aftermath.

"Based on just this half-day of superficial contact, I can't see through everyone."

You really made a comment... Li Shimin was almost amused by this overstepping brat:

"I'm not asking you to evaluate your father, my subject. What I'm asking you is, what are your own experiences in commanding all the officials for the first time?"

Li Ming looked at his father the Emperor strangely and shook his head:

"That's it, nothing special.

"I was busy doing things and didn't have time to experience it."

This indifferent attitude made Li Shimin stunned.

He immediately raised his hand and gave Haodaer a slap.

"Don't be so greedy, kid. I haven't chosen you yet, and I'm still strong and healthy."

Good guy.

He can remain so calm when he is in power for the first time.

It is obvious that Li Ming has already considered the Tang Dynasty as his own!
(End of this chapter)