Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 206 Father, Li Ming is so scary
Changsun Wuji paced all the way, thinking hard, and rubbed his chin so hard that sparks almost came out.

But unlike what the servants thought, Changsun Wuji was not thinking about state affairs.

But it is the family affair of the Changsun family.

Your Majesty’s meaning is very clear - let Zhangsun Wuji, along with Li Chengqian, Li Tai and Li Zhi, surrender to Li Ming.

This is to avoid ugly situations between brothers and between nephews and uncles, which will end up being unresolved.

"Zhang Sunyan has a close relationship with Li Ming, so he can be a bridge for communication with him..."

A leisurely move can also play a role at a critical moment.

"The question is, even if we give in to Li Ming, will he really let us go?"

Changsun Wuji hesitated again.

While His Majesty is still alive, the semblance of brotherly harmony can be maintained.

But the life of the tortoise has its end, and your majesty's affairs after his death...

It's not up to him to decide.

If that day really comes, Li Ming will ascend the throne and rule the world.

Will that guy still abide by the gentleman's agreement and continue to play out this play of brotherly love and respect to a perfect ending?
The answer is, it’s hard to say.

It is hard to tell whether Li Ming's gentle behavior during the cash crunch was genuine or just a show.

After all, the example of Liaodong is still there, and the bodies of the landlords and gentry who were killed and bankrupted are still warm.

Who knows if after the death of His Majesty, Li Ming will stop acting completely and reveal his evil true face!

Moreover, let's put aside all emotions and personality factors and analyze it purely from a rational perspective.

The lineage of Changsun has always been a threat to Li Ming's throne.

First of all, those three princes are outstanding individuals and may not be willing to be Dukes of Anle.

To take a step back, even if the three of them are really content with the status quo and stop causing trouble.

Other ambitious people can rebel in their name and form a team.

People's hearts are hidden. No emperor with a normal mind would gamble with his imperial power and his life on whether his subordinates can be trusted.

The ability to threaten the imperial power is itself an excuse to kill you.

The same was true for Li Jing and the other three legitimate sons.

"If I were Li Ming, would I keep these three brothers?"

Changsun Wuji judged Li Ming's thoughts based on his own heart and came to a negative conclusion.

"There is no benefit, and the huge risk is taken for nothing."

As the king's uncle, his fate is closely tied to that of the third legitimate son.

Li Zhi and his men suffered, so there was no reason why his eldest grandson's lackeys could escape.

"Rather than entrusting your life and property to the whims of a violent person, it is better to take your destiny into your own hands."

Changsun Wuji made up his mind secretly.

He decided not to obey the imperial edict!
He is determined to go all the way and fight Li Ming to the end!
"Li Ming is only the regent now, and has not yet been officially crowned as the crown prince. Even if he is crowned, there could still be changes.

"Although the regent has great power, a big tree attracts the wind and there are more constraints.

"What's more, what Li Ming did in Liaodong did not fail to cause controversy in the government and the public.

"If I gather a group of ministers to obstruct and secretly interfere with his administration, causing the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people, and losing the support of the people..."

The more Changsun Wuji thought about it, the more excited he became, and his pace became faster and faster.

There is one good thing about the Xuanwu Gate inheritance law, which is that the heirs can change at any time.

Until the last moment, no one knows who will sit on the throne.

And all of this is man-made.

"His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin is still trying to contact Zhang Liang, how can I be defeated before the battle?

"Got to hang out with the old guys."

Changsun Wuji suddenly stopped and walked towards Xu Jingzong's mansion with determination.

It feels so good to take your destiny back into your own hands.

…………

It is late autumn and the autumn harvest in the major grain-producing areas of the Central Plains is nearing its end.

At the same time, the harvest poor in Huguang region also occurred as expected.

The benefits of great unification were reflected at this time.

Under the court's prior planning and unified dispatch, grain was continuously transported from all over the country to the disaster-stricken areas.

It actually created a miracle that no one starved to death.

There were almost no people fleeing famine or disaster.

Apart from the busy water transport and some congestion on the canal, the poor harvest had little impact on the empire.

It does not affect the use of troops.

"I will be gone for only a few months. During this time, all government affairs will be decided by the Regent. You should do your best to cooperate and serve the Regent as if you were working with me."

At the last grand court meeting before his departure, Li Shimin formally made the transfer of power.

"Sir, obey the order."

The ministers under his command obeyed the king's orders, each with different thoughts.

"If you encounter a major event that you cannot handle, feel free to write to me. If it is an emergency, you can deal with it on the spot and report back afterwards." Li Shimin instructed the Regent Li Ming.

Li Ming obeyed the order in a proper manner:
"My son, I accept the decree."

At this truly important moment, he would never play tricks.

Li Shimin looked proudly at the young man in front of him who was about to shoulder the ten 360 states of the Tang Dynasty. He couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion in his heart, and patted his shoulder:

"Good job."

Li Ming nodded solemnly:
"Ah."

After the court meeting, His Majesty the Emperor went to Lizheng Hall to bid farewell to the crying Li Zhi and the princesses.

When he was about to mount his horse to go to the Eastern Palace and say goodbye to Li Chengqian.

The limping figure has appeared in the field of vision.

Li Chengqian was dressed in plain clothes, with his hair tied up, and his disabled body swayed in the autumn wind.

Looking at his eldest son's current appearance, Li Shimin felt very uncomfortable.

For some reason, he had a feeling that—

This was the last time the father and son met.

Nightmares don't come out of nowhere.

Because he is different from Li Zhi and Li Tai.

Li Chengqian had direct confrontations with Li Ming several times, which led to their feud.

What if, he meant what if...

He misjudged Li Ming.

What if Li Ming is like Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty, a wolf who carefully hides his fangs?

Once his father is gone, he will wait for an opportunity to take revenge on his brother.

Then, maybe I will never...

Li Shimin swallowed his uneasiness and went to meet him in person.

"Father."

Li Chengqian was speechless with tears in his eyes. After a long while, he finally uttered two words:

"Take care of yourself!"

"You..." Li Shimin was a little stuck and forced a smile:
"Take care of yourself and wait for my triumphant return."

After bidding farewell to his sons and daughters, he mounted a white horse, led an army, and went out from the Xuanwu Gate in the north of Taiji Palace and headed straight for Shuobei, with a hundred elite cavalry guarding him on both sides.

There was no farewell banquet, no officials seeing them off, and the only focus was on speedy march.

Accompanying him were Li Shiji, the chief military commander of Dingxiang Road and the Minister of War, as well as two deputy military commanders, Hou Junji, the Minister of Personnel, and Xue Wanche, the Minister of Works.

Of course, only a small part of the army that set out from Chang'an was part of the expedition against the Xueyantuo.

And almost all of them are guards responsible for the safety of His Majesty the Emperor.

The main force of the war, armored infantry and cavalry drawn from nearly a thousand Zhechongfu across the country, totaling more than 80,000 people, has been deployed along the line from Yunzhou to Xiazhou.

In the Tang Dynasty, where generals had no power to command troops, soldiers and generals fought separately.

As soon as they received the order from their commander-in-chief, they crossed the river, climbed over the Great Wall, and crossed the desert, heading towards the Mobei grassland where the Xueyantuo lived.

…………

To go north from Taiji Palace, you must first pass through the Beijin Garden.

The army was marching along the avenue in the woods and could see the top of a Buddhist temple in the distance.

Ganye Temple.

When Li Shimin passed by here, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

At this time last year, he summoned all the princes here to hold the autumn hunt.

By the way, he continued the family line for Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji and adopted the two princes.

It was just last year that the child who was almost adopted out half-sat on the dragon throne in Li Shimin's arms.

In just one year, the world has changed dramatically.

That kid actually sits on the throne now and is in charge of state affairs!

"I don't know how he will govern the country. If he makes a mess of it, I will not forgive him..."

Li Shimin was muttering to himself when there was a commotion in the army in front.

"What happened?"

He immediately became alert.

It's not because he's a coward.

But in that year, the number of assassination attempts against him and members of the royal family was so numerous that one could not count them on one hand.

The messenger immediately reported: "Your Majesty, it is... His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is kneeling beside the road, apparently to see Your Majesty off."

Cheng Qian? Why did he do this?

Li Shimin rode his horse forward.

Just as the message said, the prince was dressed in military uniform, with his hair tied up, and was kneeling by the road, enduring the pain in his legs like a real man.

"Father."

Li Chengqian raised his head and called out emotionally.

The word "father" instead of "the emperor" blocked the accusations that were about to rise in Li Shimin's throat.

His expression immediately softened, and he said with some resentment:
“You are not in good health, so don’t push yourself too hard.

"Haven't we already seen you off? Let's go back to the East Palace and rest first."

Li Chengqian lowered his head again and bowed:

"Father, please allow me to go with you to the battle!"

Li Shimin's brows immediately frowned:

"I appreciate your kindness, but the battlefield is no joke, especially an expedition to the desolate land of the northern desert.

"Just wait for the victory report in the palace."

But Li Chengqian still didn't leave. He suddenly started crying and said intermittently:

"Since moving into the Garter Hall, my son and his father have become increasingly alienated...

"Father, now that I'm gone, I'm afraid I'll never have the chance to see you again..."

Seeing his eldest son crying like this, Li Shimin felt a strong sense of sadness and guilt in his heart.

"I'm scared! After my father leaves, I don't know what will happen!"

Li Chengqian burst into tears and buried his face in the ground.

Are you also afraid of being retaliated by Li Ming... Li Shimin felt very sad.

Li Shimin actually had an ideological struggle for a long time about how to arrange for Li Chengqian when he went on the expedition.

After repeated assurances from Li Ming and Fang Xuanling, he was reluctantly relieved and kept everything as usual.

However, Li Chengqian's tears softened his heart.

Li Shimin was still willing to believe Li Ming's promise.

But Li Ming has his own henchmen.

Will that group of people target Li Chengqian?

It’s hard to say. It’s really hard to say.

There is only one eldest son and only one life.

You can’t gamble. You can’t gamble.

There seemed to be a voice in my heart saying:
There is a long time to come, and Li Ming and Li Chengqian have plenty of time to repair their relationship, but not now.

If I go out, the conflict between the two is still acute, so I should separate them first and place Li Chengqian away from Li Ming's control.

That is, beside me...

Li Shimin made up his mind and asked neatly:

"Cheng Qian, can you ride a horse?"

Li Chengqian's spirits lifted, and a sincere smile appeared on his lips:

"My child, riding a horse is better than walking!"

…………

"The Minister of the Central Secretariat Yang Hongli will temporarily take charge of the Ministry of Personnel, the Minister of Personnel Gao Jifu will temporarily take charge of the Ministry of Works, and the Minister of Justice Zhang Xingcheng will temporarily take charge of the Ministry of War."

After the emperor personally led the army to fight, Regent Li Ming issued the first important decree.

As expected, it’s still a personnel appointment.

This is how governing a country works. Ministers only need to do their work, but the emperor has to control those who do their work, so he has a lot to consider.

Yang Hongli was from the Hongnong Yang clan, Li Ming's maternal clan, and was undoubtedly Li Ming's "own man".

Gao Ji Fu was from the Bohai Gao family, and was of the same clan as another Shangshu You Pushe Gao Shilian.

Gao Shilian also had another identity: he was the uncle of Zhangsun Wuji and Empress Zhangsun.

The brother and sister lost their father at a young age. It was Gao Shilian who raised them and served as the matchmaker between Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun.

With this relationship, Li Ming promoted Gao Ji Fu, obviously intending to show goodwill to the Changsun faction and other legitimate sons.

The third person promoted, Zhang Xingcheng, was a centrist and could be regarded as a representative of the upright literati.

This "three-three system" continues to implement Li Ming's principle of "not asking about origin, but only selecting people based on their talents".

At the same time, he continued to send positive signals of benevolence and magnanimity to the court officials, which won them a lot of goodwill.

Of course, the devil is in the details.

Li Ming's micro-manipulation has a profound meaning.

Among the three ministries, the work of the Ministry of Personnel is the most critical, so we can rest assured by employing our own man, Yang Hongli.

The Ministry of War was controlled by Li Shiji of the Jin Wang faction, and could not be taken over by another person from the Changsun faction.

Otherwise, it will be easy to form small interest groups that are impenetrable and cannot be interfered with.

So Zhang Xingcheng was inserted to provide a check and balance.
Although Zhang Xingcheng did not take sides, he originally served as the Minister of Justice.

The people in the Ministry of Justice are basically Li Ming’s wild fans.

Although they are not as obedient and highly bound as the real Fourteen Traitors.

But there is no doubt that Zhang Xingcheng definitely favors Li Ming.

Therefore, it is most appropriate to use him to break the turtle shell of the Ministry of War.

What's even more interesting is that Zhang Xingcheng was pretending to be a "centrist" on the surface, so it was not easy for him to arouse the resentment within the Ministry of War and Li Shiji's faction. The superiors and subordinates were arguing with each other, and nothing was accomplished.

As for Gao Ji Fu, I'm sorry, you should go to the Ministry of Works and help the civil engineer with the plastering.

Although Xue Wanche had only been in charge of the Ministry of Industry for a few months, he was not able to completely infiltrate the interior.

However, after the spring and autumn seasons when floods are most frequent, there are fewer things that require the Ministry of Works to make decisions on the spur of the moment. All they have to do is inspect and repair the dams step by step according to plan.

Gao Ji Fu did not have much room to display his abilities. He was promoted in name only and demoted in reality. So he just had to spend a few months slacking off in harmony with his brother Tu Mu.

Even if potential political opponents see through the tricks behind such an arrangement, it would be difficult for them to say anything.

Because it’s 1:1:1, it’s very fair!
This mischievous little devil was quite lenient and restrained as he did not execute Changsun Wuji and other insects in Xishi on the first day!

He even promoted his eldest grandson and his party to a higher position. What else do they want?

…………

"Your Highness has made a good start!"

After the first small court meeting, Li Ming and Fang Xuanling stayed in the Liangyi Hall to review what had just happened in the court.

Fang Xuanling praised Li Ming's operation highly:

"It not only demonstrates your highness's magnanimity, but also promotes and demotes the hostile faction, thus gradually squeezing them out of the core of power.

"When your majesty returns triumphantly, the world will be stable."

It's in our hands now - Lao Fang added in his heart.

Li Ming sat on the dragon couch—his own little dragon couch, the emperor's special seat had to remain empty even if no one was there—and smacked his lips:
"Really? Why do I feel like some people don't seem to be convinced by me?"

After experiencing the pleasure of being able to control one's own arms and legs in Liaodong, he felt a sense of sluggishness and dullness when he was in Chang'an this time.

It's like being used to driving an electric car and suddenly driving a gasoline car and feeling this sluggish feeling.

This is not the inherent cumbersomeness of the bureaucratic system during the Zhenguan period.

Because everyone was united in dealing with the cash crunch, Li Ming was able to direct the team very well, and there was no feeling of sluggishness as if the ping value was very high.

This shows one thing -

"Led by Zhangsun Wuji, a considerable number of officials pretended to obey me but secretly disobeyed me.

"I'm afraid they will hinder me and cause trouble during my regency. We must be on our guard at all times."

Li Ming instructed Fang Xuanling.

Lao Fang was startled:
"Sure?"

Even though he was an old fox, he felt nothing because no one jumped out to openly oppose it. He thought that Zhangsun Wuji had already surrendered and all the ministers were convinced.

Your Highness's senses are so sensitive?

He is a born political animal...

"Absolutely true." Li Ming nodded affirmatively.

The car feels sluggish, and the driver notices it before the steering wheel does.

"Your Highness, I must take strict precautions and severely punish lazy officials." Fang Xuanling said:
"There is one more thing. His Highness Li Chengqian of the Eastern Palace has gone to war with His Majesty."

"Oh." Li Ming nodded.

Fang Xuanling was startled again:
"Your Highness, aren't you surprised?"

"I'm surprised he dares to stay in the East Palace." Li Ming sneered.

As a veteran patient with paranoia, if he were in Li Chengqian's shoes, he would make the same choice.

Rather than staying with Li Ming, this moody tiger, it is better to go to the battlefield with His Majesty.

An expedition to Mobei may sound dangerous, but it is actually very safe.

The security they enjoy is of imperial level and very strict.

What's more, with General Tiance personally in charge, the battle situation can only be described in one word:
I don’t know how to lose.

It’s much safer than staying in the treacherous Tai Chi Palace!

"Oh, you're as panic-stricken as a lost dog, Li Chengqian, you've come to this day too, eh? Hahahaha!"

Li Ming laughed like a villain.

"Let him run away, it's just right, there are several mysterious cases that seem to be related to him.

"While he's not at home, check it out carefully for me!"

(End of this chapter)