After my inner voice was eavesdropped, I became the favorite of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 6

Inside the Cheng residence, the morning sun had quietly climbed over the eaves, and the golden light sprinkled on the bluestone slabs, covering the ancient residence with a warm coat. The flowers and plants in the courtyard seemed to be awakened by the morning light, emitting a faint fragrance, which intertwined with the occasional bird calls in the distance to form a melodious morning song.

"Li Qingge! It's already this late, why are you still lying in bed?" Cheng Yaojin's voice was filled with anxiety, and he hurriedly walked through the corridor towards Li Qingge's room. His figure was elongated in the morning light, and he looked particularly burly.

"Oh, Dad, don't be anxious, let me lie down for a while." Li Qingge turned over lazily, too lazy to open her eyes, as if the whole world had nothing to do with her and she just wanted to immerse herself in her own little world.

"The emperor is coming today, don't be so lazy in front of him!" Cheng Yaojin raised his voice, with a bit of helplessness and worry in his tone. He knew that Li Qingge had become more and more lazy since he awakened the "do nothing system", doing nothing all day long, but always getting various rewards and abilities for completing some trivial daily tasks. This made him feel confused and helpless.

The Cheng family was ready at this moment. The servants were busy shuttling around in every corner, cleaning, arranging, and preparing to welcome the guests. Only Li Qingge, the girl adopted by Cheng Yaojin, was still lying in bed, too lazy to even open her eyes. Her room was simple and plain, but it was very different because of her unique temperament. There were several landscape paintings hanging on the wall, and the bookshelf was filled with all kinds of books, which looked both literary and heroic.

"Dad, don't be anxious, don't be anxious. His Majesty is here, so why panic..." Li Qingge stretched and began to dress slowly. Although her movements were lazy, each of them revealed an indescribable elegance. Ever since she awakened the "Wuwei Salted Fish System", she has started her salted fish life. As long as she completes some daily trivial tasks, she can get various rewards and abilities. In other words, as long as she continues to live her salted fish-like life, she can get benefits continuously! Salted fish can also become stronger! What could be happier than this? Her heart is full of satisfaction and enjoyment of this kind of life.

Cheng Yaojin sighed as he looked at Li Qingge. Although Li Qingge was a woman, she was known as Cheng Yaojin's "adopted son" to the outside world.

The surname Li was also given by Li Shimin.

She had a bright future, but her attitude made Cheng Yaojin very helpless. Li Qingge was strong, but she didn't look tough at all. Instead, she had a handsome temperament. This was very different from the image of a tough man in Cheng Yaojin's mind. Her eyebrows revealed a heroic spirit, but she was also gentle, as if she was a wonderful woman who had the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

What made Cheng Yaojin speechless was that his son was good-looking and healthy, but he was idle all day long and didn't look like a descendant of a famous family. If His Majesty saw this, he would probably be unhappy! He remembered that ten years ago, when Li Qingge was still a child, it was not like this. Although she was naughty at that time, she was always full of energy and curiosity, and was interested in everything. But now... Cheng Yaojin felt that his heart as an old father was about to break.

So today, His Majesty was coming to Cheng Mansion, and Cheng Yaojin was very nervous. He specifically told Li Qingge not to show her lazy look. He hoped that she could show her proper demeanor and temperament like other descendants of famous families.

……

In front of the Cheng Mansion, the carriage slowly stopped. Li Shimin always traveled in a low-key and simple manner. A carriage with simple decorations stopped in front of the Cheng Mansion, followed by dozens of armored Yulin Guards. They looked serious and stood straight, like an unshakable fortress.

Li Shimin was sitting in the carriage with a calm expression. He looked around and his majesty was self-evident. His eyes were deep and sharp, as if he could see through people's hearts. He raised his hand slightly, signaling the attendant to open the curtain, and then slowly stepped out of the carriage. His steps were steady and powerful, and every step revealed an invisible majesty.

"Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome you!" Cheng Yaojin, along with Li Qingge and other people from the palace, stood in front of the door and bowed to greet him. Their movements were in unison, as if it was a carefully rehearsed ceremony. Cheng Yaojin showed a respectful look on his face, but he was a little uneasy in his heart. He knew that Li Shimin must have something important to discuss with him during his visit.

Although Li Qingge didn't like this kind of etiquette and manners, she had no choice but to be dragged out by her father. She stood lazily in the crowd, with a hint of helplessness and perfunctoriness in her eyes. After all, this was Li Shimin, the Heavenly Khan, who not only laid the foundation for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, but also made future generations proud of the Tang Dynasty. Although she was dissatisfied in her heart, she didn't dare to show it.

"Cheng Zhijie, no need to be polite." Li Shimin's voice was calm, but faintly a little tired. He swept his eyes across the crowd and finally stopped at Cheng Yaojin. "Cheng Aiqing, no need to be polite. Right now, the only worry I have is the Turkic bandits! It makes me unable to sleep or eat well."

Although his tone was calm, the worry and anxiety contained in it could not be ignored. His eyes revealed a deep worry, as if he was telling an unspeakable secret.

Li Shimin did not bring this matter to the court for more civil officials to discuss, because he did not want to intensify the war with the Turks again when the country was not yet stable. So he made a special trip to visit the generals. Before coming to Cheng Yaojin's house, he had already visited the mansions of Qin Qiong, Yuchi Gong and other generals to discuss. He hoped that in this way, he could find the best solution to the Turkic problem.

As Li Shimin said, if the threat of the Turkic bandits on the border is not eliminated, the Tang Dynasty will never be able to achieve real stability! His heart is full of worries about the country and expectations for the future. He knows that only by solving the Turkic problem can the Tang Dynasty truly prosper and flourish. And all this requires the joint efforts and struggles of him and his generals.

Just when Li Shimin was feeling irritable and troubled by the things that kept him awake at night, he suddenly heard a voice in his mind. The voice was a bit playful, but seemed to contain deep meaning.

"Humph, this is just a small matter, why should you worry so much? Those Turkic minions, after you, Li Shimin, have a few years to recuperate, won't they be easily captured? By then, you will be able to defeat the Western Turks easily, and the Eastern Turks will be scared and flee to Europe to harass those white foreigners!"

When Li Shimin heard this, his eyes widened and he looked at Li Qingge in disbelief. This kid actually knew what I was thinking? Could it be that the Weishui Alliance was really for recuperation? A storm surged in his heart, and for a moment he was a little dazed.

He carefully looked at Li Qingge, the girl whom he adopted as his son, who was standing lazily by the side, looking as if she had nothing to do with the matter. Her eyes were clear, yet a little cunning, as if she could see through people's hearts. Her posture was upright, yet graceful, giving people a unique temperament.

In an instant, Li Shimin felt like he had found a soulmate. Although the Weishui Alliance was not a disastrous defeat, it was indeed an embarrassing thing for Li Shimin and his ministers who had never been humiliated after unifying the Central Plains. Therefore, many people complained and felt that this was a shame for Li Shimin. However, Li Shimin did not expect that today he would hear the words he wanted to hear and expected the most from Li Qingge.

He was filled with excitement, as if he had found the direction to move forward. But he had another question in his mind. Was what Li Qingge said about defeating the Western Turks and defeating the Eastern Turks true? If it could really be done, how would it be implemented? The Turkish cavalry was brave and good at fighting, and was familiar with the grassland terrain. It was not so easy to deal with them.

"Cheng Aiqing, you can speak freely today. I want to know what you think of the Turks and whether you are sure of defeating them?" Although Li Shimin had doubts in his heart, he still let Cheng Yaojin speak his mind. After all, Cheng Yaojin had experience in leading troops in battle, and who could know if Li Qingge was just talking nonsense?
Cheng Yaojin paused for a moment, his eyes deep and firm, as if he could see through everything. He said slowly: "Your Majesty, I think it is not good for the Tang Dynasty to fight the Turks now. It is better to recuperate first and wait a few years before launching a large-scale battle." Although his voice was not loud, it was full of strength and determination.

Although this answer was quite standard, Li Shimin nodded slightly. Although this was not the answer he wanted to hear the most, it was not far off. He thought about Cheng Yaojin's words in his heart and felt that there was some truth in them.

"That's right! That's what I planned too. Let's rest and recuperate first, but we can't slack off on military training!" Li Shimin's voice was firm and powerful, as if he was declaring his determination to everyone.

However, at this moment, another voice came into Li Shimin's mind. The voice was somewhat helpless and self-deprecating: [Recuperation is of course a good thing, but now, a severe drought is coming. If we don't prepare in advance, famine will probably rage and countless people will starve to death. The most urgent thing now is to store more food and develop productivity. Alas, I am a salted fish anyway, and none of this has anything to do with me. ]

Li Shimin was surprised when he heard this. He looked up and found that Li Qingge was yawning, looking relaxed. Her eyes revealed an indifferent attitude, as if everything in this world had nothing to do with her. Li Shimin muttered to himself, this Li Qingge looked so carefree, could she have other plans in mind?
"Li Qingge." Li Shimin shouted, his voice carrying a hint of majesty and expectation.

"Ah? Your Majesty?" Li Qingge looked up with a puzzled look on her face. Her eyes revealed an innocent and confused look, as if she didn't know Li Shimin was calling her.

[You haven't finished talking yet? Can you let me go back first? I'm a transparent person, hurry up and finish talking, I still have to go fishing! ] Li Qingge's inner voice came again, with a bit of helplessness and complaints.

When Li Shimin heard this, he gritted his teeth in anger! This guy didn't even tell the truth! He secretly thought about how to deal with Li Qingge, who seemed to be careless but actually had a lot of skills.

"Let me ask you, if we follow Cheng Aiqing's advice and rest first, what should we do?" Li Shimin asked, with a bit of majesty and expectation in his voice. He hoped to get some useful advice from Li Qingge.

Li Qingge looked at Li Shimin in bewilderment, muttering to herself: [What the hell, you guys talk about your own things, why are you asking me? I'm not an official, if I say something useful, then am I still a salted fish lying flat on my back? ] Her heart was filled with helplessness and complaints, as if she didn't want to participate in this topic.

When Li Shimin heard this voice of lack of ambition, the corners of his mouth twitched slightly. Other ministers wanted to give him advice in order to seek rewards. You, Li Qingge, are so good, are you afraid that you can't be a salted fish? However, even though he complained, Li Qingge couldn't remain silent in the face of Li Shimin's question.

Cheng Yaojin on the side was sweating. His son was too lazy to even read books, how could he understand the strategies of recuperation and governance? He was secretly worried about Li Qingge. However, Cheng Yaojin thought again, although his son didn't like to read, he had a lot of ideas. Everything he fiddled with all day long made Cheng Yaojin's eyes light up. Just like the dried sweet potatoes mentioned before, I don't know how this kid got them, but they tasted so delicious!
"Your Majesty, Qingge is dull and I'm afraid she doesn't have any good strategies. But in other aspects, she may have some unique ideas. So please don't blame Liang'er for his nonsense." Cheng Yaojin said, using his eyes to signal Li Qingge to perform well. There was a bit of pleading and expectation in his voice.

Seeing this, Li Qingge felt helpless: [Dad, you wouldn't cheat your son like this, would you? I haven't done anything to cheat you, so you're clearly trying to cheat me, aren't you?] Her heart was filled with helplessness and complaints, as if she didn't want to be involved in this topic.

Li Shimin wanted to laugh in his heart. He didn't expect that Li Qingge, who seemed to be taciturn, had such a lovely mind. He coughed lightly and said, "Li Qingge, I won't blame you. Just tell me what you think." There was some gentleness and encouragement in his voice.

Li Qingge hesitated for a moment, she looked up at the expectant eyes of Li Shimin and Cheng Yaojin, and then looked at the curious eyes of other ministers. She sighed helplessly and said, "Your Majesty, I think... my father is right. Now we just need to recuperate and let the people live and work in peace and have enough food and drink." There was a bit of helplessness and perfunctory in her voice.

Cheng Yaojin and Li Shimin were speechless. Isn't this nonsense? Li Qingge, what did you say? Eat well and drink well? The key is, how can we make sure that the people can eat well and drink well? ! And from what Li Qingge said before, there might be a severe drought this year? We need to find a way to get more food in advance!

Li Shimin's eyes widened, and he was almost so angry that he dragged Li Qingge out to beat him with a stick. But soon, a voice sounded in his mind again. The voice was a bit playful and serious: [It is easy to recuperate, it depends on whether the emperor is willing to do so. Collect less taxes and let the people store more grain. Control the merchants who resell grain, and it would be best if the national treasury paid for the grain. This should have some effect, but the most fundamental thing is to develop industry and improve agricultural efficiency...]

Li Shimin didn't quite understand some of these words. But compared to the nonsense Li Qingge said, these words were obviously more valuable. His eyes lit up slightly, and he thought: I have heard of this Li Qingge. He does nothing all day, has no skills, and has no good reputation. But now it seems that he is hiding his shortcomings?
Thinking of this, Li Shimin smiled and nodded, saying: "Rest and recuperate, and it is indeed necessary to ensure that the people have enough food and drink." There was a bit of satisfaction and appreciation in his voice.

Now, it was Cheng Yaojin and Li Qingge's turn to be dumbfounded. Anyone who was not a fool could tell! Li Qingge's words were as deceptive as they could be! But now, why did His Majesty seem to be very satisfied?

"Gulp." Cheng Yaojin swallowed his saliva, and was a little suspicious for a moment... Could it be that there was something wrong with His Majesty? He thought to himself, but did not dare to ask easily. After all, this was the emperor's thought!

The setting sun was hanging in the sky, and the afterglow fell on the ancient city wall, giving this historic city a golden glow. Li Shimin stood in front of the city gate, frowning slightly, thinking secretly in his heart. At this time, a childish but somewhat impatient voice sounded in his mind: "What does this mean? Did Li Shimin's brain get kicked by a donkey's hoof?"

Li Shimin couldn't help but smile bitterly when he heard this. He looked around and saw the servants lowering their heads, not daring to look him in the eye. Only one child, Li Qingge, stood there, his eyes full of undisguised dissatisfaction and laziness.

"It's really annoying. Why don't you leave? Does anyone like to keep looking at your face, Li Shimin?" The child's inner thoughts were like a string of cannonballs, which made Li Shimin feel helpless and amused. He thought to himself that as the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, he was respected by all the people, but he seemed to lose all his dignity in front of this child.

"Even if I can't go fishing, I want to go home and lie down. It's really boring to keep looking at your dull face!" Li Qingge's inner voice came again, with a bit of childish complaint.

Li Shimin looked up at the sky. The sunset glowed like fire, dyeing the sky a brilliant red. He smiled gently, but thought to himself: "Although this kid speaks without restraint, his words reveal some extraordinary insights. Perhaps I can get some inspiration from him."

"It's getting late and I feel a little hungry. I wonder what the dried sweet potatoes that Cheng Qing mentioned just now are. I'm very curious." There was a hint of suggestion in Li Shimin's words. He looked at Cheng Yaojin gently with a meaningful smile on his lips.

Cheng Yaojin was startled when he heard this, and hurriedly poked his son Li Qingge beside him, signaling him to go and prepare. Li Qingge curled his lips and secretly complained in his heart: "I didn't expect that this Li Shimin, a great emperor of all ages, would go back on his word. He just said he didn't need it, and now..."

"Alas, it seems I have to serve him again, how annoying!" Li Qingge thought as he walked into the house helplessly. He was thinking of various countermeasures in his mind, but he had no idea that all his thoughts were heard clearly by Li Shimin.

Li Shimin smiled secretly in his heart. He felt a little proud of his ability to understand Li Qingge's inner thoughts. Those treasonous words didn't sound so harsh anymore. Instead, he found this child more interesting.

"Your Majesty, please." Cheng Yaojin bowed slightly respectfully, making an invitation. The three of them walked towards the inner house of the city mansion one after another. Along the way, Li Qingge kept complaining in his heart, while Li Shimin silently kept these words in his heart.

"A severe drought is about to come. Li Shimin, why don't you quickly stock up on food to prevent people from starving to death?" Li Qingge's words were filled with anxiety and dissatisfaction. He was thinking of various countermeasures in his mind, but he was completely unaware that Li Shimin had heard all of them.

Li Shimin was moved when he heard this. He knew the suffering of the people and the importance of stockpiling food. However, the treasury was empty and he could not do anything for a while. However, Li Qingge's next words made him brighten up.

"Productivity is also of paramount importance. The current plowing is slow and rough. It would be better to improve it and cultivate it carefully so that we can harvest more food. Why bother eating and drinking here for free?" Li Qingge's words were filled with dissatisfaction and complaints, but they also revealed some extraordinary insights.

Li Shimin was somewhat dissatisfied with his complaints, but he was very interested in the improvement of the plow he mentioned. He thought that if the farming method could be improved, the land could be fully utilized, and the land could be cultivated carefully, it would be of great benefit to the country and the people!
"Li Qingge, I think what you said just now makes sense. Do you have any good strategies for the specific implementation of recuperation?" Li Shimin asked in a chatty tone, his face calm but his heart extremely excited.

Li Qingge looked at Li Shimin in surprise, but he was not happy. He wanted to live a free and undisciplined life in obscurity and did not want to get involved in these things. However, facing Li Shimin's question, he could not help but complain: "No wonder you are called Li Shimin, you are really stupid and foolish. What else can we do? Of course, we should reduce taxes and improve production."

"Since the current plows are so rigid, let's be flexible. Installing a freely rotating plow disk on the shaft can save at least one or two people's effort. The depth of the plowshare can also be adjusted, so that the depth of tillage is consistent, and the harvest will definitely double." Li Qingge's words were a little impatient, but they also revealed some extraordinary wisdom.

Li Shimin was even more surprised when he heard these words. These complaints were simply living reform sketches! Changing the straight plow to a curved plow was a bold idea! He silently memorized this improvement method and thought to himself: I must stabilize the country as soon as possible, achieve peace and prosperity, and no one will worry about not having enough food.

"Good idea! Mr. Cheng, you have really cultivated a genius!" Li Shimin praised excitedly. His eyes were shining with admiration, as if he saw hope for the future.

Cheng Yaojin and Li Qingge looked at him in surprise, not understanding where the praise came from. What Li Qingge said just now was basically no different from nonsense, but His Majesty the Emperor seemed very happy.

"Your Majesty, the dried sweet potatoes are ready, as well as some light tea and snacks. I hope you don't mind." Cheng Yaojin put aside these strange thoughts and respectfully asked Li Shimin to enter the main hall again. Li Shimin sat in the upper seat, and there were some snacks on the plate next to him. These snacks looked like candied fruit, but they were in the shape of long strips, and the colors were brighter and more translucent. He was really curious about such rare things.

"Is this the dried sweet potato that Cheng Aiqing mentioned? It makes me drool!" Li Shimin said honestly. The bright red and delicate appearance really makes people's appetite open at first sight.

"Your Majesty, this is dried sweet potato. I made it when I was bored at home. Please try it and see if you like it. If it doesn't taste good, I will change it for something else." Cheng Yaojin replied respectfully.

Li Qingge secretly complained in his heart: "Eat quickly and leave quickly after eating. I don't want to serve you all the time. When did the great Emperor Zhenguan become so greedy? It's just a sweet potato."

However, his words revealed a bit of helplessness and compromise. After half a day of "torture", Li Shimin was able to calmly accept the incredible thing of hearing Li Qingge's inner voice, and he was able to let it go in one ear and out the other.

He nodded slightly, ignoring Li Qingge's complaints, and directly picked up a piece of sweet potato and tasted it. As soon as he took a bite, his mouth was full of sweetness, and the sweet and sticky taste slowly melted in his mouth. It was indeed a good taste experience for him.

Unconsciously, Li Shimin picked up another piece and started eating. He thought to himself: "Although this child speaks without restraint, his words reveal some extraordinary insights and wisdom. Perhaps I should really listen to his advice and seek more benefits for the country and the people."

"Well, not bad. Cheng Qing, I didn't expect that the son you raised would have such high attainments in food." Li Shimin praised, his eyes flashing with admiration, as if he saw hope for the future.

Li Qingge was secretly proud of himself: "Country bumpkin, you've never eaten it, right? It tastes good, right? Few people can resist what I, Li Qingge, develop!"

"It's just a little thing, but you're already full of praise for it? If you knew that I could not only make all kinds of delicious food out of it, but also increase the yield per mu to several thousand kilograms, wouldn't you be shocked to death?"

Thousands of kilograms! I didn't expect it! "When Li Shimin heard this, he showed a surprised look on his face, as if he had heard something earth-shattering. He couldn't help but take a breath. His eyes flickered, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He said: "This sweet potato is so delicious. I have never seen this kind of thing before. Cheng Aiqing, where did you get this treasure from?"

After he finished speaking, a smile still hung on his lips, but his eyes secretly glanced at Li Qingge, as if he was searching for some secret.

Li Qingge muttered in his heart: "Oh, this is so annoying! When Li Shimin comes, something must be going to happen. Here he comes again! It would be better for me to serve him, bring him tea and water, and leave after he is full! Now he actually asked about the origin of sweet potatoes. With Li Shimin's personality, I'm afraid he will ask me to teach him how to plant them again. It's so annoying. When Li Shimin is around, there are endless trivial matters." He kept smiling on the surface, but he had already rolled his eyes in his heart.

Although Li Shimin heard Li Qingge's criticism, he was only slightly unhappy. He was really helpless with this kid. He could always guess what this kid was thinking, but he couldn't do anything about him.

Seeing this, Cheng Yaojin quickly explained: "Your Majesty, this is the food that my boy accidentally got when he went out to play. It's in the backyard and it's growing pretty well." When he said this, he couldn't help but feel proud. Li Qingge had never let him down in his research on rare things.

Li Shimin raised his eyebrows, his eyes flashing with suspicion. He couldn't help but glance at Li Qingge, as if looking for an answer. Li Qingge bowed slightly and smiled in cooperation, but he was still muttering in his heart: "Li Shimin is really annoying. As a king, he actually wants to explore such trivial matters! If you have this time, you might as well take care of state affairs! The situation is still unstable now, and you still have the leisure to eat sweet potatoes."

Li Shimin glanced at him unhappily. He didn't expect that in this boy's eyes, he turned out to be a glutton! He was not actually concerned about the sweet potato itself, but was curious about how it could produce 1,000 kilograms per mu. If this could really be achieved, then if the planting was vigorously promoted, why would the people worry about hunger?

So he decided to go and see for himself. When he arrived at the backyard, a lush greenery came into view, making him feel very comfortable. Cheng Yaojin asked someone to pull out a few sweet potatoes to show them, and saw that there were huge sweet potatoes growing under each one. According to this yield, a family of six might not be able to finish it in one meal.

"Great! Great!" Li Shimin patted Cheng Yaojin on the shoulder and said, "My dear Cheng, you are indeed worthy of being my founding hero. You have cultivated a genius!" His tone was full of admiration and surprise.

"It was just a coincidence!" Cheng Yaojin said modestly, but he was very happy in his heart. His eldest son used to linger in the brothels, but now he finally got the emperor's appreciation, which made him feel extremely proud and proud.

"This is such a good thing, I want to promote it throughout the country. In this way, the number of people who are hungry due to poor harvests will definitely decrease!" Li Shimin said with bright eyes, looking very excited. He seemed to have seen the future, the people were laughing and talking because of the good harvest, and the country was more stable because of the sufficient food.

He looked at Li Qingge again and said, "Li Qingge! From now on, the promotion of planting will be handled by the Cheng family!" His tone was full of trust and expectation.

"Your Majesty, this is just something I planted in my spare time. I'm afraid I can't take on such an important task!" Li Qingge bowed and refused. He was muttering in his heart: "Are you kidding me? Planting is a tiring and laborious thing. I don't have the ambition to be an official, so why would I want to promote this kind of thing? Whoever is willing to do it can do it! It's getting late now. After Li Shimin leaves, my plan to invite people to drink will probably be ruined! It's so boring. A good day is wasted like this. Li Shimin is endless. I don't know when he will leave."

Li Shimin had gotten used to hearing his complaints and automatically blocked them out. He smiled and gently patted Li Qingge's chest and said, "You are too modest! I know you can do it!" His tone was full of encouragement and trust.

Then he said with a serious look: "The Cheng family has followed me in battles for many years, and they will definitely not let me down this time!" His tone was full of majesty and expectation.

"Yes! I will do my best to handle this matter with my son!" Cheng Yaojin quickly agreed after feeling the majesty of the gentleman. He knew that this was the emperor's trust and expectation, and also the honor and responsibility of their Cheng family.

Although Li Qingge followed his father in paying respects, he looked nonchalant. He was still muttering in his heart: "Alas! One more thing to do. Why is it so difficult to be an idle fish in peace! Li Shimin, please leave quickly! Don't tell me to do anything anymore. I don't want to waste my time here. It's getting late. Please leave quickly!"

Although Li Qingge was very upset, his expression did not change at all, and he still maintained a respectful and lazy attitude. He lowered his head slightly, and his eyes revealed a kind of helplessness and fatigue.

Li Shimin looked at him and said with a smile: "It is true that the new generation pushes the old generation forward! You are a talented person with great potential. Your father was a general and you will definitely not be worse than him." His tone was full of admiration and expectation.

After he finished speaking, his smile became even more intense. "After I go back, I will draft an edict to appoint you as the fourth-rank official of General Xuanwei. You will accompany me to the morning court tomorrow morning!" His tone was full of majesty and solemnity.

Li Qingge stared at the emperor blankly, not understanding what was going on. He just ate a roasted sweet potato, but he was actually named a general? He felt dizzy, as if the whole world was spinning.

He cursed in his heart: "Li Shimin, are you out of your mind? Why did you suddenly appoint me as a general? I don't want to be a general. I have to attend the morning court and get up before dawn. Isn't this tormenting me? You must have been kicked in the head by a donkey, or you have a serious illness! Oh, why is it so difficult to be an idle fish!"

Although Li Qingge cursed in his heart, he still maintained a respectful expression on his face. He lowered his head slightly, his eyes revealing a kind of helplessness and fatigue. He knew that he could not refuse the emperor's canonization, so he could only silently accept this sudden "honor".

Cheng Yaojin, who was standing by, looked rough, but he was actually happy. He had always dreamed of training his son to be a great general, and he never expected that this dream would come true. He felt extremely proud and as if he saw his son's brilliant future.

However, he was also somewhat surprised and uneasy. He looked at Li Shimin and said, "Your Majesty, thank you for your kindness to my son, but my son has never been to the battlefield and has not made any achievements. I am afraid that his sudden title will cause dissatisfaction in the court!" His tone was full of worry and concern.

Is Li Shimin really crazy? I have already expressed my displeasure, but he still insisted on making me a general! I really don't know what he is thinking. Do all emperors have this strange habit? Do they like to push people who are unwilling to be promoted to high positions?

Forget it, since I'm here, I'll just stay here. I'm not here for the title of general, it's just a pity that I have to sleep in. For the rest, I can still continue to be my free and easy life.

"I thank the emperor for his grace." Although Li Qingge kept complaining in his heart, he still agreed meekly. He knew that this was not the time to be angry. After all, this was in the court, and every word and action was related to the honor and disgrace of the family.

The next day, in the court, all the officials saw the newly issued imperial edict and Li Qingge standing in front of them. The expressions on their faces were so varied that it went without saying that they must be wondering in their hearts: What virtue and ability did Li Qingge have to be appointed as a general?
"Your Majesty, please take back your order. This imperial decree is absolutely not allowed!" Zhang Sun Wuji stood up with a serious face.

"Your Majesty, please consider carefully! Although Li Qingge was born in the Duke of Lu's Mansion, he has not made any contribution to the country. I'm afraid it's inappropriate for you to favor him like this!" Du Ruhui also echoed.

"Yes, Your Majesty, please revoke your order! This imperial decree may dishearten the soldiers on the front line!" Fang Xuanling also stood up and said with a worried look on his face.

Other officials also spoke out and made their reports. For a time, there was a lot of discussion in the court and the atmosphere was extremely tense.

[You nerds, are you making such a fuss about a small general position?] Li Qingge complained in his heart. He looked around and saw that the officials were either dissatisfied, whispering, or staring at him, as if they wanted to see through him.

[Although I have a bad reputation, I have never done anything harmful to the country. How could I have chilled the hearts of the soldiers on the front line?] He felt unfair in his heart, but his face remained calm.

[Why are you all staring at me? This position is not what I want. It's Li Shimin who is insisting on his own way.] He sighed helplessly and muttered to himself.

[Do I still want this position of general and to attend court with you? To be honest, I would rather lie at home leisurely, study food, go fishing, taste wine, how comfortable! ] He secretly complained in his heart, but still stood respectfully, waiting for Li Shimin's response.

Li Shimin looked at the crowd with a gentle gaze, thinking to himself: Although these ministers are loyal, they are all stubborn people who do not understand the situation. They only see Li Qingge's reputation and past laziness, but fail to see his potential and possible contributions to the country.

He cleared his throat and spoke slowly, "Everyone, I know your concerns. In terms of achievements alone, Li Qingge has indeed not reached the level of General Xuanwei. But I found the sweet potatoes he developed in the Duke of Lu's Mansion yesterday. The yield per mu is 2,000 kilograms, and the taste is sweet. I believe everyone knows that food is a necessity for the people and the foundation of the country. The Cheng Mansion has already volunteered yesterday to promote sweet potatoes on a large scale, which will be of great benefit to the country and the people."

At this point, he looked around at the ministers in the court with a solemn expression: "Although this is not as glorious as the military exploits on the front lines, and it also requires the joint efforts of the entire country, it is also an outstanding contribution. Therefore, he deserves the position of general."

[More importantly, I can understand Li Qingge's inner voice. Although he often scolds me, the suggestions he makes are all beneficial to the development of the country. Li Qingge's role is far greater than you think.] Li Shimin added silently in his heart, but he naturally would not say this out loud.

"Your Majesty, but..." Changsun Wuji wanted to say something else but was interrupted by Li Shimin.

"Okay, today's morning court ends here. I'm tired, let's talk about it tomorrow! If it's about Li Qingge, forget it for now." Li Shimin waved his hand, signaling them to leave.

The eunuch next to him cleverly announced loudly: "Dismiss the court!"

Although the officials were helpless, they also knew Li Shimin's style, so they quietly withdrew. Li Qingge just turned around and wanted to leave when he heard Li Shimin say in the Golden Palace: "Li Qingge, stay."

[Alas, I didn't expect Li Shimin to be so busy that he has to get off work overtime even after work. It's speechless!] Li Qingge muttered to himself. He sighed helplessly and turned back to the center of the court.

[I don't have any requests, I just hope I can still have time to go fishing today.] He prayed in his heart, hoping that Li Shimin would not waste too much of his time.

"I obey your command." He agreed, but he was a little reluctant in his heart. After all, he wanted to go back home and lie down leisurely, enjoying his leisure time.

Li Shimin looked at Li Qingge's unhappy expression, and then he remembered that he had been complaining about her recently, and he couldn't help but feel a little happy. He pointed to the seat next to him and asked Li Qingge to sit down and talk.

Li Qingge sat down without hesitation. He then clasped his fists and bowed, saying, "I wonder what instructions the emperor has for keeping me here alone?" His tone was filled with a hint of helplessness and perfunctoriness.

[This Li Shimin, is he planning to create a lot of trouble for me again? ] He muttered to himself. He could already foresee the series of troubles that might happen next.

[I don't want to give advice to your regime, and I don't have the ability to do so. The sweet potato issue has already kept me busy, Li Shimin, please don't be crazy again and arrange other things for me! ] He prayed secretly in his heart, hoping that Li Shimin would let him go.

However, Li Shimin did not seem to hear his voice. He looked at Li Qingge tentatively and said, "Cheng Aiqing, I came to you because I have something I am undecided about and want to discuss with you." There was a hint of sincerity and expectation in his tone.

[So many people supported you during the Xuanwu Gate Incident. If you want to discuss things, why don't you just find someone else?] Li Qingge secretly complained in his heart. He felt that Li Shimin's actions were completely unnecessary.

[Changsun Wuji, Du Ruhui, Fang Xuanling, they are not just for show, which of these founding heroes can't be discussed! ] He muttered to himself, thinking that Li Shimin's behavior was a complete waste of time. However, he could not refuse Li Shimin's request and could only agree to it reluctantly.

(End of this chapter)