Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 337: People are better than others

Wei Daijia received the handwritten order from Empress Dowager Yang, but did not immediately take the order to the Ministry of Finance.

He thought over and over again, as if he was having a fierce ideological struggle, and finally whispered to the Queen Mother through the car window:

"Your Highness, what Minister Fang and Minister Jang Sun mean is -

"Of course, decisions are made by the two saints. However, decrees can be issued in their names."

Upon hearing this, Yang frowned immediately.

Could it be that without Li Ming's presence, those two old foxes finally showed their true colors and tried to usurp power?

of course not.

Putting aside the question of whether it was possible or not, it was Li Ming's idea to start a wartime economy. Their roles in the whole thing were just secretaries and rubber stamps.

Moreover, the wartime economy is not a policy that makes ordinary people happy. On the contrary, it arouses hatred.

If you add your name to this decree, you will forget about seeking a good reputation. Instead, you will be more like a scapegoat.

Take the blame...

I'm afraid this is the real intention of those two.

Through the car window, Yang looked at the loyal Awei waiting outside the car, and the figures of Lao Fang and Changsun, who were always writing, suddenly appeared in front of her eyes.

She opened her red lips and answered simply with two words:
"No."

Wei Daijia seemed to have anticipated the Queen Mother's reaction and began to present facts and reason:
"Your Highness, this is not the time to consider personal reputation. This is something the two prime ministers are considering for the sake of our Ming Dynasty.

"Your Majesty and you are the foundation of our Great Ming, and the basis for uniting the Han and barbarian races into one.

"The two saints have worked hard for the country, and their reputation must not be tarnished, especially during this special period of war when unity is most needed."

Yang did not answer immediately, but just listened quietly.

“Although the light of the two saints is like the sun and the moon, the people of the Ming Dynasty have long been bathed in it.

“However, if the government tightens fiscal austerity, raises taxes, and rations food, the interests of the people will be temporarily damaged, and there will inevitably be some ungrateful people who enjoy the emperor’s grace without knowing it and complain about the two emperors.

"The main force of the Tang army is gathering in Shanxi. A major war is imminent and the situation on the front line is tight. The actual situation forces us to resort to this last resort and invest more resources in the war."

Wei Daijia was getting into the groove and his speech was getting faster and faster. It was obvious that he had spent a long time polishing this speech.

"However, if Fang and Zhangsun are the nominal decision-makers of this decree, the dilemma will be resolved.

"Your Majesty is commanding troops outside, and Your Highness is staying in the harem, so you can completely pretend that you don't know about this matter.

"The people will naturally direct their anger at the two powerful prime ministers who stayed in the country, and will not blame the two pure and innocent saints."

Empress Dowager Yang listened very attentively.

As smart as she is, she can certainly understand what the civil servants mean——

Put the blame for the militarism on the civil service group.

To use Li Ming's words, it is to make the people believe that "the intentions from above are good, but the implementation is wrong."

"In this way, the soldiers on the front line can receive adequate wages, the two saints will not have to worry about their reputation being damaged, and the unity of the country can be maintained."

Wei Daijia spoke eloquently:

"Isn't it wonderful to have the best of all three? I hope Your Highness will understand."

Yang remained silent for a long time, and the air seemed to be frozen.

Just when Wei Daijia was wondering if the Queen Mother was dozing off due to listening.

From the carriage came Yang's gentle but firm voice:

"Li Ming is not someone who would shirk his responsibilities.

"I appreciate your kindness, my dear ministers, but this plan is absolutely unfeasible."

Wei Daijia felt a little anxious:
"Your Highness, the reputation of the two saints is related to the military and national strategy, and it cannot be tarnished in the slightest..."

"You are wrong." Yang interrupted gently.

Wei Daijia was stunned for a moment, then he humbly clasped his fists and said:
"Wei is ignorant, I hope Your Highness can help me solve my doubts!"

Yang shook her head slightly:

"I am not responsible either."

Wei Daijia: “Huh?”

Yang said slowly: "All responsibilities are borne by the Emperor alone."

"But Your Highness..."

Wei Daijia wanted to persuade him again.

His mouth was gagged by a piece of paper that the Queen Mother showed him.

The paper was plain, with traces of accounts of a minister doing some accounting on the back.

But there is a big seal of "Emperor of Ming Dynasty" on the front.

Undoubtedly, this piece of paper was the "imperial edict" sent back by His Majesty Li Ming from the front line, ordering the tightening of the domestic economy, fully transitioning to a state of war, and making full material preparations for the battle in Shanxi.

The series of upheavals in the Ming Empire began with this piece of light "waste paper".

"Did you see it clearly?" Empress Dowager Yang asked softly.

Wei Daijia nodded mechanically:
"See clearly."

Under this imperial edict, which seemed to carry so much weight, were signed the two words "Li Ming", which stood tall and proud.

What I mean is, I take the blame for this, and no one else can take it away from me.

“Whoever makes the decision is responsible.

"No one can shirk responsibility, but the Emperor will not let his subordinates take the blame. It is his original intention not to let honest people suffer losses. It is fair."

Empress Dowager Yang spoke softly, but every word was powerful.

Wei Daijia wanted to struggle one last time:
"Your Highness, this is related to the stability of the country..."

"No need to say more."

Yang interrupted him bluntly.

"He who bears the disgrace of the country is called the Lord of the Altar."

Having said that, Wei Daijia had no way to refute and could only accept the order dejectedly:
"Your Highness... I will inform Prime Minister Fang of this."

"By the way, tell Prime Minister Fang and Prime Minister Changsun what I said." Empress Dowager Yang ordered softly.

"...I will obey your order."

The loyal Wei Daijia hesitated for a moment, but still left.

Empress Dowager Yang leaned back in the carriage, looked at her subjects' vigorous and decisive actions, and smiled brightly.

"How refreshing! Those scheming prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty, who were always vying for credit and shirking responsibility, are willing to tarnish their own reputation for the sake of the country when they come to the Ming Dynasty..."

There are more new things happening in the Ming Dynasty.

She had witnessed with her own eyes the real street scenes of Pingzhou and other towns in Daming, and the real conditions of the common people.

Everywhere there is a peaceful and prosperous scene, and war seems very far away.

From the government to the general public, everyone is still completing the production and construction tasks set at the beginning of the year step by step.

But don't forget, the country is now in a period of total war!
The struggle with the Tang Dynasty did not cause the Ming Dynasty to overdraw its national strength.

It can even be said that the national economy and people's livelihood were not affected at all, and various production and investment work were carried out as usual, as if this large-scale war had nothing to do with the Ming Dynasty.

This was just like a dream.

Looking back on the past, when Emperor Wu of Han conquered the Xiongnu and Tian Khan conquered the Turks, both times the national treasury was emptied and the national strength was strained.

After all, the Tang Dynasty is stronger than those two barbarians, right?
However, the Ming Dynasty coped with it very easily, which could even be described as "with ease".

"Can win."

Empress Dowager Yang clenched her fists slightly.

He who pacifies the world by force is called the master of the country!
…………

"The battle of Shanxi is imminent. This is all I can do for Li Jing."

On the city wall of Yanzhou, Li Ming stared at the empty city gate in a daze.

Not long ago, the place was crowded with Tang army troops, and his father was still there, cursing at him from a distance.

Now, everything has died down.

All signs indicate that the other party has seen through his trick of luring the tiger away from the mountain.

Although there are still a few soldiers coming here every day to challenge in an orderly manner.

But that perfunctory attitude was just like me teasing a naughty kid.

"As expected of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, you have a keen nose... Just wait for me."

Li Ming gritted his teeth, grabbed a handful of snow from the battlement and threw it down.

"Your Majesty." Xue Wanche's loud voice rang out from behind:

"We are ready to go. You can go now."

Fuck your mother's head... Li Ming gave up all efforts to improve the idiot's emotional intelligence, and just thought he was farting, and replied angrily:
"Oh!"

He went down the city wall without looking back.

Qibi Heli just happened to meet Li Ming and was about to say hello, but when he saw his leader's sour face, he swallowed his words.

Turning back, he asked Lao Xue in confusion:

"Your Majesty, why are you so angry? What did you say to him?"

Xue Wanche shook his head innocently:
"I didn't say anything, I just told him it was time to leave."

"Really?" Qibi Heli didn't quite believe his old friend.

"Really." Xue Wanche blinked his big, copper-bell eyes.

…………

All the way from Yanzhou to the north, Li Ming sat in the carriage without saying a word, and seemed to be sulking.

"Your Majesty, please stop being upset. Our departure from Yanzhou is not a retreat, but a strategic shift." Xue Wanche counselled as he sat aside.

Qibi Heli, who was sitting on the other side, nodded slightly with satisfaction.

This guy finally learned to speak human language... Just when he was about to relax, Lao Xue added:
"Anyway, the Emperor had already seen through your plan, Your Majesty, and beat Li Jing so hard that he hurriedly wrote a letter asking for help.

"If you continue to stay in Yanzhou, you will only be deceiving yourself. It is better to return to the court as soon as possible and make plans early."

The old Qibi took a deep breath and wanted to say something, but no words came out.

Xue Wanche, you are the best...

Li Ming finally moved, slowly raised his neck, and stared at Xue Wanche's wise face for a long time.

Xue Wanche was stunned:
"Did I said wrong thing?"

Li Ming curled his lips without a smile and shook his head mechanically:
"No."…………

"what--"

The carriage door suddenly opened while the carriage was moving, and civil engineering senior Xue Wanche was kicked down. He rolled several times in the muddy snow before stopping.

"General, what's wrong with you?" The accompanying "Ming army" - actually all civil engineers - hurried forward to help their contractor up.

"Pfft, pfft, pfft~ Nothing."

Xue Wanche pushed away the support of his civil engineering junior and sighed sadly:

"A country will not perish if it has loyal ministers, and a family will not perish if it has loyal sons! What did I, Xue Wanche, say wrong?!"

…………

In the carriage, Qibi Heli smoothed out the frown on his face, looked at the silent Li Ming, and consoled him:
“If Your Majesty is so concerned about raising domestic taxes, you can just push the responsibility onto the civil servants. Minister Fang and Minister Zhangsun are also willing to share the country’s concerns.

"Why do you have to shoulder all the blame on your own shoulders?"

I am still sulking after carrying another person... He added in his heart.

He is not like a certain barbarian named Xue, whose mouth is directly connected to his brain stem.

Li Ming kept looking out the window, holding his chin with his hand, and asked half-heartedly:
"You think I value my reputation?"

Otherwise why would you be sulking... Qibi Heli thought.

"Wei Wang Li Tai is my brother, and I personally issued the order to kill him, and I personally commended the soldiers who participated.

"I am not even afraid of the notoriety of killing my brother, so why should I be afraid of being criticized by the people for raising taxes?"

Li Ming said it very bluntly.

Although he is very capable of ordering people around as a leader, he never competes for credit or shirks responsibility, and he always takes the blame firmly.

It's not for any other reason, but because when he was a minor civil servant, he was blamed by his superiors and suffered psychological trauma.

"…Your Majesty is absolutely right."

Qibi Heli remained silent.

Indeed, he felt very lucky to be able to work under an emperor who dared to take responsibility.

Unlike some scumbag emperors in history, such as the well-known Sima Zhao, he had no pressure to throw dirty water on his subordinates and chop them off at will.

Only with such a leader, subordinates will be willing to work sincerely.

“What really worries me is…”

Li Ming withdrew his gaze from the window and spoke frankly.

"The whole country is now working at full capacity to support the front line. I wonder how Li Jing can fight this battle."

The spare blood packs have been opened. If we still can't win, then we will be in big trouble...

…………

Tang Dynasty, Chang'an.

Compared to Daming, who was used to relaxation and comfort and was just about to tighten his belt, here, people had already used their belts to tighten their stomachs into wasp waists.

From the imperial court to the people, there was an atmosphere of fatigue, powerlessness, and numbness, which was very different from our northern neighbors.

In order to support this all-out war for supremacy with the Ming Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty was already struggling.

The once prosperous East and West Markets of Chang'an are now deserted, and the bustling streets have become extremely deserted.

The impact of this high-load war on the national economy was devastating.

The situation in the capital is like this, and the local areas are even more overwhelmed.

Five or even ten years after many states and counties had collected their tax revenues, signs of civil unrest had already begun to appear in some remote areas.

If the war continues, the common people may be left with nothing but their belts.

However, most people in the world can still tolerate it.

Which war is not like this?

It’s just that the opponent this time is a little stronger than before.

The people suffer when a country or region prospers or falls.

However, if they knew that the rulers of the Ming Dynasty had added so much drama because of "whether to slow down domestic construction to support the war", I wonder if they would faint from tears.

Compared with this, the troubles of the Ming Dynasty's rulers and ministers are indeed a bit pretentious.

…………

The atmosphere in Taiji Palace became more depressing day by day.

"My dear ministers, if you have any other ideas to solve this problem, please don't keep them to yourself. Speak up, speak up!"

Li Chengqian, who had always been gentle, also began to become irritable.

His roar echoed throughout the Liangyi Palace, as if he was the only one there.

However, this was not the case. All the important officials of the court gathered together.

But everyone lowered their heads, like wooden men, not daring to make a sound.

Because the current situation is really difficult.

The country's finances are in big trouble.

Even if tax collectors everywhere scraped sparks out of the land, they could not make up for the deficit caused by the war.

In order to make up for military expenses, the imperial court has cut all expenses that can and cannot be reduced.

Relief and alms to refugees and beggars were stopped; the Wuhou patrol for public security was reduced in size; and the Puhui Jimin Pharmacy was closed.

As for major projects such as reclaiming wasteland and building water conservancy projects, they were all stopped at the beginning of the war.

It is a huge detriment to people's livelihood and an unsustainable way of overfishing.

How long can this hard-earned money, which is saved through frugality, support the front line?

One day, or two days?

After these two days, all the hard-earned money has been burned. Where can I get the money to make up for the loss?
Take every penny and use it like dirt and sand!
"His Majesty……"

The Minister of War said tremblingly:
“It’s payday again, and the frontline has started asking for money.

"Moreover, the war is at a stalemate, and we need more soldiers and civilians, as well as food, weapons, equipment and other logistical supplies..."

The more Li Chengqian listened, the darker his face became. In the end, he was so angry that he slapped the armrest of the dragon couch and coughed repeatedly.

"Ahem! You... you said it well! I am asking you for advice because of my financial constraints.

"You are so good, you are asking me for money!

"I might as well shut your mouths first and send the saved salary to the front line first!"

The Minister of War was terrified, fearing that the emperor would die and he would be charged with regicide. He was so frightened that he prostrated himself on the ground and stammered:

"This... this is the decree of His Majesty the Emperor..."

Upon hearing the title of the Grand Emperor, Li Chengqian was like a deflated ball. He collapsed on the couch, his face pale, and he replied with a few words in a fuzzy state:
"I... understand. I... will find a way to make ends meet."

The emperor is fighting outside, how cool.

As a result, all the troubles were thrown to the emperor and the crown prince who stayed at home.

The war was like a bottomless abyss, ruthlessly devouring the national strength of the Tang Dynasty and exhausting the people of the world, leaving them emaciated and yet unsatisfied.

What should I do...

"Your Majesty, I have something to say that I cannot help but express."

The old scholar Li Baiyao broke the silence.

Li Chengqian was immediately overjoyed:
"My dear, please speak quickly!"

The older the better, the more ideas the veteran has!

"Cough cough."

Li Baiyao cleared his throat with a dry cough, bowed solemnly in the direction of the dragon couch, and slowly spoke:

"I wonder if your Majesty and the others still remember that the mother of the chief rebel of the pseudo-Ming dynasty is still the Empress Dowager of our Great Tang according to etiquette and law..."

"What what what?"

Li Chengqian interrupted him impatiently.

He originally thought that Li Baiyao, as an old minister of the previous dynasty who wrote "On Feudalism", must have some profound ideas in the court.

I didn't expect someone to say such vulgar words!

"What does this have to do with military affairs?"

Li Chengqian asked back, controlling his temper.

If it weren't for the fact that this old man is so old that he could die at any time, someone else would have dragged him down and given him a spanking.

"Your Majesty, please think twice. Heaven and man are in tune with each other."

Some people argued that it was not Li Baiyao, but Liu Li, the chief civil servant of the Chang'an court.

Li Chengqian was immediately furious.

"The enemy is at hand, the war is intense, and the people are suffering. How can you still be so obsessed with etiquette and law?"

However, he was very dissatisfied with his father's decision to make Yang the empress. He was puzzled that his father still did not divorce Yang, who had rebelled, and still maintained a nominal husband-wife relationship with her.

However, this is not a reason for outsiders to talk about his Li family!

Especially at this critical juncture!

"Minister Liu, what do you mean?" Li Chengqian's eyes were grim.

"If the name is not right, then the words will not flow smoothly. If the words are not flowing smoothly, then the people will be resentful. If the people are resentful, then heaven will bring disaster to the Tang Dynasty. This is all the retribution for the unrighteous position of the queen."

The third voice was from Concubine Wei’s cousin Wei Zheng.

His absurd remarks were echoed by all the civil servants in the court.

"Yeah yeah."

"That's how the connection between heaven and man works."

"We should quickly correct the rules of propriety and morality."

Li Chengqian's expression changed and his eyebrows gradually frowned.

He is mediocre only compared to the other three Lees, but he is no fool.

When all the smart people in the court suddenly started talking about strange things at the same time, he knew that something was wrong.

"Retreat from the court..."

He waved his hands weakly and drove all the important officials out.

(End of this chapter)