Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 197 I also want to control the world's troops

Li Shimin watched with interest as a group of important officials threw out memorials like snowflakes, but their only purpose was to impeach a Chang'an prefect.

Although today they were discussing the issue of money shortage, he did not immediately speak out to stop it.

Instead, he continued to appreciate this rare official spectacle that occurs once in a century.

The dukes and ministers were so angry that they attacked a small fifth-rank county magistrate with heavy blows. This scene was truly rare.

These dignitaries were obviously thrown off guard by little brother Li Qianyou.

As for the reasons, the culprit Li Shimin knew it best -

Li Ming had tampered with the banknotes in advance, and with just a simple decree, he invalidated the banknotes that Li Qianyou had "worked so hard" to embezzle.

This was not a big deal, it was just a waste of time for the corrupt officials.

The problem is that Li Qianyou has always liked to use other people's wealth to gain benefits, and he divided the assets he obtained through corruption into 30% and 70%, with the remaining 70% belonging to other bureaucrats, in order to buy himself peace of mind.

Normally, this strategy works pretty well.

Until this time, Li Ming quietly canceled the money borrowed by Li Qianyou.

The officials who were more informed thought that the county magistrate just treated them as fools and stuffed a bag of waste paper into their pockets for nothing, and helped them settle some "matters" in vain.

For example, the accountability of His Highness Li Ming.

Officials who are less informed will be in trouble.

He took expired waste paper to the granary to exchange for grain, but was scolded and sent back.

It’s a shame and a big loss.

Just do it with ease.

Li Qianyou, who was praised as a treasure by everyone, suddenly became a treacherous minister who was criticized by everyone.

"I have heard of your requests, please be patient."

Before Li Qianyou was drowned in the saliva of the ministers, Li Shimin came out to smooth things over for him:

"Now is the time to recruit people. Li Qianyou will be fined one year's salary and demoted to continue to be employed."

The magistrate of Chang'an County, who was of the fifth rank, fell to the sixth rank.

Li Qianyou was criticized to the point of being unconscious, his salary was docked and his position was demoted, and he had to kneel down to thank the Lord for his grace.

This is not a polite gesture, Li Qianyou really wants to thank Your Majesty.

If Li Shimin had not blocked his way, he would have been thrown into prison and cut into pieces.

"As long as Li Jing is still here, Li Qianyou will always be a chess piece that can contain him and must not be moved rashly."

Li Shimin had been emperor for more than ten years and was very clear about the structure of the court.

He was familiar with the weaknesses of several key ministers and generals, and was able to skillfully exploit these weaknesses and use checks and balances to control his subordinates.

This is the “art” among the “power, tactics and methods” of the Legalists in governing the country.

Li Qianyou is Li Jing's weakness.

His only role is to give his cousin, the God of War, a headache so as to restrain him.

In comparison, his minor problem of corruption is no big deal.

Lao Li has many "tainted" heroes under his command.

There was Hou Junji who was imprisoned for corruption, there was Li Daozong who was imprisoned for corruption, there was Xue Wanche who was sent to the mountains for rebellion...

Hmm, why do they all seem to be core members of the 14th Party...

"Speaking of which, besides being able to build momentum for himself, Li Ming is also very good at 'spells'..."

After this small incident of "Li Qianyou's corruption case", Li Shimin found that he had underestimated Li Ming's bad ideas.

Li Ming was indeed cheated by his father.

He personally took action to save the corrupt official whom Li Ming wanted to hand over to justice. This was equivalent to slapping the new leader in the face in public and damaging his prestige.

But I didn't expect that this little thing that refused to suffer a loss had already made plans in advance.

A unique string of mysterious numbers is printed on the banknotes.

Although he failed to send Li Qianyou to prison as he wished.

But to some extent, it can be regarded as "successful recovery of stolen money".

Because the money that Li Qianyou embezzled was declared invalid.

The purchasing power corresponding to this money was reprinted and directly distributed to the citizens of Chang'an by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, bypassing the "county government" level.

The corrupt officials get waste paper and the people get commodities. Isn't this essentially equivalent to "recovering stolen money"?

If copper coins or other physical currencies were issued this time, it would definitely not be possible to achieve such an effect of sufficient collection and release.

Once you are deceived, robbed or stolen, you can only accept the loss.

"The more I look at this tool called 'paper money', the happier I am.

"Did Li Ming know that the money would be embezzled, so he tampered with the paper in advance?"

“That guy’s strategic planning has always been very good.

"It can be seen from the selection of Liaodong, the targeting of Goguryeo, and the occupation of the northeast corner of the map.

"He is proficient in everything, including power, technique, and method. Could it be that..."

As Li Shimin listened to the court officials' responses, his mind had already drifted away.

Li Ming is not here today, and when he hears others explaining the solutions to the cash shortage, he feels that it doesn't make sense.

Logically speaking, the Vice-Chancellor and the Prime Minister, who temporarily serve as the "head of civil officials", should also attend this small court meeting.

But Li Ming is on sick leave today and asked Fang Xuanling to report on his behalf.

Of course, his illness was fake, and the truth was that he was hiding in the Secretariat and making the next arrangements.

Instead of wasting time in meetings, it is better to seize the time to do practical things.

Since solving the money shortage was the most important thing, Li Shimin condoned his skipping work.

Anyway, that kid just won't obey. He's been skipping classes since he was a kid, so he's used to it...

"Yawn~"

The diligent Emperor Li Shimin yawned for the first time during a court meeting.

The ministers kept silent, but looked at each other secretly. They saw three parts of surprise and seven parts of understanding in each other's eyes.

When His Highness Li Ming attended court, they all saw His Majesty's sparkling eyes.

And when His Highness Li Ming was too lazy to attend court, His Majesty indulged him and took the initiative to ask for sick leave for him, which was naturally noticed by them.

Obviously, His Royal Highness Li Ming's method of dealing with the money shortage, especially his approach to handling the "Li Qianyou corruption case" incident, has won the favor of His Majesty.

I already feel a bit determined...

“Although urban order has been restored to some extent, the prices of copper and iron metals have not yet returned to reasonable levels.

"The money shortage has not ended yet, and the shortage of copper and iron remains. You must not slack off."

Li Shimin gave his ministers a few words of advice and then announced the end of the court session.

Socialite Li Qianyou changed her usual attitude of calling friends and lowered her head. She hurriedly left the Liangyi Hall alone, fearing any eye contact with her colleagues.

I just fooled them, please save your face.

He left everyone's sight, his steps became faster and faster, and he almost ran out of the palace gate.

He immediately got into the carriage waiting at the door and anxiously told the driver:

"Go to the Chancellery, quickly!"

…………

The Secretariat.

"Yawn~"

Li Ming was yawning on the floor of the Empire's Executive Headquarters, his head resting on a stack of the Empire's confidential documents, and he was sleeping very soundly.

He is performing traditional arts today and skipping work to attend court.

The excuse is "there's work to do".

But the strategic plans have been finalized, and the subordinates have all gone to the court for the meeting.

What other work could he have that he had to do so early in the morning?

I was simply having a quarrel with my dad and didn't want to see Li Er's face.

"Damn it! You humiliated me in front of all the employees. Is this how a chairman should be?"

He still feels resentful about Li Shimin shielding Li Qianyou.

Good man, it turns out that you, Li Er, are the biggest protector of corrupt officials!
What? You said that compared to Li Qianyou who embezzled a little paper, Hou Junji and Li Daozon who embezzled real money were bigger corrupt officials? Am I the real protector of corruption?
Um... don't change the subject, is this what I'm talking about!

I'm talking about how Li Er humiliated me in public! ...

Li Ming was mumbling over a confidential document when a clerk came to report:

"Your Highness, the Chang'an magistrate Li Qianyou requests to see you."

"Li Qianyou?" Li Ming was a little surprised.

It really means Cao Cao Cao Cao has arrived.

Did that guy receive the "surprise" I gave him and come to ask me for an explanation?

That's quite courageous.

"Let him in."

Li Ming completely treated the rooms in the old house as his own home.

Li Qianyou came in panting and staggering, like a dog that had lost its home.

Compared to this actor's overly exaggerated performance, actor Li Ming was much more relaxed.

He coughed and pretended to be sick, and asked in surprise:
"Mr. Li Ming, why are you so anxious? Isn't it time for the court meeting now?"

It fully displays the elegance and composure of a senior performing artist.

Li Qianyou was stunned. He couldn't tell whether the indifferent little guy in front of him was real or pretending.

He suddenly felt terrified, and the first thing he did was to fall to his knees:
"Your Highness, I was wrong!"

Li Ming raised his eyebrows in slight surprise:
"What's wrong with the Ming Mansion?"

Li Qianyou burst into tears and made excuses with tears and snot, saying that he was not strict with his subordinates, the issuance of banknotes was chaotic, and he had inadvertently disrupted His Highness's plan, etc.

Anyway, it's the kind of talk that avoids the important issues and focuses on the trivial ones.

Li Ming was too lazy to argue with him.

The Emperor's backstab was blocked by the mines he had planted on the banknotes in advance, and the two sides ended in a draw. Everyone just pretended that the corruption had never happened.

Li Ming also gradually understood the attitude of Sun Fujia and others who kept their distance from Li Qianyou.

Since it is useless to criticize him, it is better to ignore him and coexist with him.

There was no need to continue to tangle with Li Qianyou.

But Li Ming felt that there was another detail in this corruption case that he must grasp.

"Mr. Li Ming is from the Longxi Li family, right? He and I are also from the same family." Li Ming smiled and tried to get close to the restless Li Qianyou.

You few “Lis” are all nouveau riche who came from nowhere, yet you have the nerve to stick to my family - this is about family orthodoxy, even the flexible Li Qianyou couldn’t help but complain in his heart.

He said with great pride:
"I am from the Danyang branch of the Longxi Li family, a branch of the side branch, and I dare not be compared with the royal family."

You are being modest. Why do you need to emphasize which family you come from? You are just looking down on our Li family... Li Ming laughed in his heart, but continued to induce him:
"Danyang House is a big department."

In fact, he didn't know what the Danyang House was about, he just kept bragging about it.

"Not bad, not bad." Li Qianyou said complacently:

"The Danyang family originated from Li Yong, the governor of Dongguan during the Jin Dynasty. Li Jing, the Duke of Wei, also came from this family.

"I am so afraid of being an official because I am afraid of bringing disgrace to my family and bringing shame to the family."

Li Ming did not complain about this shameless statement that flattered himself.

Instead, he keenly captured a name.

"Li Jing? Is he also your relative?"

Li Ming asked with interest.

"Yes, he is my cousin."

Li Qianyou did not hide it either, as this was something everyone in the court knew.

"Oh I got it."

Li Ming understood. It was impossible for Li Qianyou, a fifth-rank county magistrate, to directly reach the sky.

There must be a "setter" in the middle.

I think the setter was his cousin, Duke of Weiguo Li Jing.

In other words, after Li Qianyou was imprisoned in the Censorate.

It is very likely that Li Jing was behind the scenes and pleaded with the emperor for mercy.

Only then did Li Shimin know about this and rescue his great treasure Li Qianyou in time.

"Li Jing, the one arm wrestling with me from behind, it turns out to be Li Jing..."

The scene of his first meeting with Li Jing naturally emerged in Li Ming's mind.

It was also last year, at Li Xiaogong’s funeral.

The ordinary old man, who looked like an inflated sheep's bladder, warned himself with a vigilant look:

You should actually be more cautious.

"This time, Li Jing simply wanted to rescue his cousin?
“Impossible, a strategist like that must have carefully considered every move.

"Is he standing on the side of the other princes and trying to go against me? He is deliberately using this incident to embarrass me...

“Damn, when he warned me, I thought that old guy was a good guy.

"The old men in the Tang Dynasty are all old silver coins..."

Li Ming was busy with his lawsuit while listening absentmindedly to Li Qianyou's continued politeness.

He had absolutely no intention of getting close to this official. He was wasting time chatting with him just to get the name of this setter.

Sure enough, there was really something to gain.

So the werewolf behind the scenes is Li Jing...

"Then I won't bother you anymore."

Li Qianyou talked a lot and felt that the young leader opposite him was obviously trying to deal with him, so he left early.

As soon as he left, Fang Xuanling arrived.

Looking at the messy office made by the young master, Lao Fang tried hard to hold back his twitching eyelids:
"Your Highness, you received the Chang'an Order in this old minister's study?"

His focus is on the "old minister's" study.

Li Ming seemed to have completely failed to understand what his father meant. He just said "Hmm" and asked abruptly:
"Prime Minister Fang, is Li Jing actually the cousin of Li Qianyou?"

"Yes." Fang Xuanling nodded briefly and told the servant to boil water and make tea for him.

Li Ming then asked:
"Do you think that Li Jing is using this incident with Li Qianyou to deceive me?"

"Go, go, go!" Fang Xuanling immediately waved the servant away, confirmed that there was no one around, and closed the study door tightly, then asked:
"Why did Your Highness say this?"

Li Ming said:

“He has easy access to my father, the emperor, and he is Li Qianyou’s cousin.

"I think it was him who was behind the scenes that made Father let Li Qianyou go so easily."

Fang Xuanling brewed the tea himself and shook his head disapprovingly:
"It is true that Li Weigong was working behind Li Qianyou's back.

"But is there a possibility that Duke Wei simply wants to rescue his cousin?"

"Really? I don't believe it." Li Ming crossed his arms:

"Li Qianyou landed safely, which almost damaged my prestige among the ministers. I was the biggest victim.

“If I hadn’t made some reservations about the banknotes in advance, this incident would have seriously affected my father’s evaluation of me.

"When it comes to the battle for the throne, will Li Jing make such a rash decision?"

Analyzing from the perspective of the biggest victims and beneficiaries, it does seem like a conspiracy.

"hiss……"

After hearing what Li Ming said, Fang Xuanling couldn't help but feel that this matter might not be simple.

But he felt that something seemed to be wrong.

"Since the Western Expedition to Tuyuhun, the Duke of Wei has been sick and has not been involved in government affairs.

"He is old now, and his wife passed away last year. He shouldn't... jump out to take sides at this time, right?"

Li Ming pursed his lips:

"Hard to say."

The two fell into a brief silence, thinking carefully about the meaning of this.

Li Ming said slowly:

"I see.

"Li Jing represents the military's opinions, and my influence in the Tang army is insufficient and my foundation is too shallow."

It is like using wrong premises to deduce a correct conclusion.

“Although Hou Junji and Xue Wanche are under my command, they have now been transferred to civilian positions and are not in charge of the army.

"I have absolutely no contact with other generals, mid- and lower-level officers, and soldiers of the Tang army."

Li Ming feels that this is his biggest shortcoming.

The civil servants in the capital, no matter whether they obeyed him in their hearts or not, had to obey his unified orders.

Judging from the actions, he can still be commanded.

But in the military, the situation is completely the opposite.

He had no power at all in the Tang army.

Look at my little brother Li Zhi, he is at least the Right General Wu Hou, and he controls part of the garrison and security forces in the capital.

The other part of the garrison and security force, namely General Zuo Wuhou, was in the hands of another legitimate son, Prince of Wei Li Tai.

Not only Li Zhi.

The other illegitimate princes also held military power.

For example, Concubine Wei’s son, Prince Ji Li Shen, was the governor of Qinzhou Military Governor’s Office.

There was also Li You who was the governor of Qizhou, Li Ke who was the governor of Anzhou, and so on.

Among so many princes, only Li Ming did not get any military power.

Not even in name.

Although Li Ming built an army for himself in Liaodong - the Red Turban Army.

However, the Red Turban Army system and the Tang Army's Weifu system were two completely parallel institutions.

Although the traitor Xue Rengui broke into the two military governorates of Yingzhou and Pingzhou, he was considered to have infiltrated the regular army of the Tang army.

But that was limited to Liaodong.

Outside of those two states, Li Ming was completely unable to exert any influence on other armies of the Tang Dynasty.

"The military power is always in the hands of His Majesty. How can Your Highness easily interfere?!"

Fang Xuanling almost jumped up on the spot, completely losing his usual calmness:

"Your Majesty is extremely sensitive about military power. If you try to get your hands on it, haste makes waste!"

As a person who had experienced a loving father and a filial son, Li Shimin had a lot of say in "I want to control the troops in the world (〒︿〒)".

Fang Xuanling was really anxious.

Because if he didn't persuade him immediately, His Highness Li Ming, who was very capable of taking action, would really do such a stupid thing as "playing with the tiger's balls".

"That... that's fine."

Seeing Fang Xuanling so excited, Li Ming could only temporarily suppress this bold idea.

At the same time, in the depths of his mind, a rebellious idea suddenly emerged for no reason -

What if, he meant what if, His Majesty Li Shimin has a... what if.

There wasn’t enough time to designate how such a huge inheritance would be divided, or something might go wrong during the handover process...what if.

That, the military power of the Tang Dynasty.

This was a fierce and powerful army that frightened people of both the present and future generations.

Who will get it?

"Brother Ming!"

At this time, Chang Sunyan rushed in:

“The next batch of banknotes has been distributed. According to estimates, it is enough for the civilians in the city to eat until next month.

"The stock in some remote counties may be running low. Should we continue to distribute it in the next ten days?"

Li Shimin shook his head:
“That’s about it, no need to send any more.

“The use of paper money is to inject liquidity into the market and release copper coins hoarded by the people, not purely for relief.

“It’s time to plan for the next step.”

Li Ming turned his attention back to the more urgent domestic affairs that were easier to win the emperor's favor.

As for the topic of military affairs, he put it out of his mind.

Anyway, he has the Liaodong Red Turban Army as a backup.

Besides, my father, Emperor Li Shimin, is in good health now and in his prime. It is unlikely that something will go wrong suddenly.

…………

"My dear, I still think it would be better for you to meet with His Highness Li Ming and clarify the misunderstanding on the spot."

While Zhang Chuchen was giving gentle advice, he was feeding the big cat at home with raw meat.

"You don't want to have any conflicts with the Fourteenth Prince, and you don't support other princes.

"Why should you cause the other party to dislike you because of a misunderstanding that has nothing to do with you?

"After all, Li Ming is the most likely candidate right now...right?"

Li Jing sat on the couch like a burnt-out old man, shaking his head:

"I have offended the prince and then made a sudden visit. How will His Majesty view me?

"Do you think I'm fickle, or do you have other intentions?
"What would Prince Ming himself think of me?

"This will only create complications and make things worse."

Zhang Chuchen was speechless.

"Thanks to that fellow Li Qianyou, I have been forced to the opposite side of Li Ming. There is no chance for me to correct my situation. It is a complete dead end."

Li Jing looked up and sighed, with no resentment, only exhaustion:
“Since I surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, I was nearly executed by the Emperor Retired twice, and I am also the most suspected by the current Saint.

"So what if Li Ming is jealous of me? One more person won't make much difference. He's already an old man anyway."

Zhang Chuchen held his wife's hand distressedly:
“They are two old bones.

"No matter where my beloved goes, I will always follow him."

Li Jing smiled with relief and also held her hand tightly in response:
"Your Majesty's family has really made us suffer.

"At this point, I don't want to serve them anymore.

"Take those young men with you and travel the world with swords, and live happily in the desolate border of South Buyeo. Isn't that better than staying in Chang'an and living in fear and being cautious?"

Life lasts for seventy years. If you don't go out and explore while you are still able to do so, you will never have another chance in this life.

Zhang Chuchen nodded heavily:

"When will we leave?"

Li Jing looked his boss straight in the eyes:
“It will be this fall.

"The training of the brave men organized by Xiao Daoguang should have yielded some results.

"Your Majesty is also in the north to fight against Xueyantuo and is not in the capital. This is our chance to escape."

As a military god who had spent his entire life in battle, he had already made arrangements for his own escape route.

Form a team of your own and establish a vassal state in the land illuminated by the glory of Chinese civilization.

Build a world for yourself, not for any emperor or highness.

As long as he has soldiers and horses under his command, he has the capital to live freely.

What Li Yuan, what Li Shimin, what Li Ming.

I won’t serve you anymore!

(End of this chapter)