Li Chengqian of the Tang Dynasty: Please say long live His Majesty

Chapter 708 The Pride of the Tang People (First Update Today)
May.

The sky was overcast, and a light rain was falling.

On the upper reaches of the Luo River, a covered boat drifts leisurely downstream.

Sitting at the bow of the boat was a man in a blue robe wearing a straw hat, fishing with a fishing rod in his hand.

Raindrops fall into the water, gently creating a splash before quietly dissipating.

Just then, a flying boat appeared from behind.

Immediately afterwards, a man dressed in black boarded the awning boat, and with a solemn expression, cupped his hands to the man in blue and said, "My lord, our people have passed through the Five Zhao and will arrive in Qianzhou next month."

Luo Binwang looked up at the direction of the Ziwei Palace in the rain and mist, nodded and said: "Tell our people to be careful, and at the same time send a message to Zan Xiruo. After Li Zhi arrives in Luoxie, tell him to hurry to Da Bolu. As soon as he arrives in Da Bolu, we will hand over the last piece."

"Yes!" The man in black bowed, then turned to leave.

"Wait a minute!" Luo Binwang turned to the man in black and said, "I heard that the brothers below have objections to joining forces with the Tibetans?"

The man in black hesitated slightly, but still cupped his hands and said, "Young master, we are all Tang people after all. Right now, it's not a big problem for us to just join forces with the Tibetans to scheme against them. But if we were to go to the battlefield and fight alongside the Tibetans, we would feel a little uncomfortable."

"You're still covering for them." Luo Binwang chuckled softly, then couldn't help but sigh.

Most of the men under his command were left behind by Gongsun Chang.

After Gongsun Chang's death, these people were not questionable in their loyalty to him, but there were still some things they held onto.

For example, the pride of being a Tang Dynasty person.

Whether it was Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin, or even the current Emperor Li Chengqian, the Tang Dynasty has been actively expanding and making progress in recent years.

Especially in the Western Regions, the pride of being a Tang person could be displayed even more.

Therefore, they were inevitably somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of ​​them joining forces with the Tibetans to carry out some conspiracies.

Even if Luo Binwang were to force them to fight alongside the Tibetans against the Tang Dynasty, they would likely immediately become disloyal.

If Luo Binwang were Yizhixie, it would be understandable if he used whistling arrows and killing to suppress people's hearts, but he was not Yizhixie.

Luo Binwang was ultimately a Tang dynasty man, and his subordinates were his most loyal men. It was not easy for him to recruit trustworthy newcomers from outside, so he had to win their hearts and minds through legitimate means.

"Do you really think I would genuinely join forces with the Tibetans?" Luo Binwang gently raised his head.

The man in black was slightly taken aback, then lowered his head and said, "Of course not. My lord is a descendant of the Emperor Gaozu. How could he join forces with those filthy Tibetans?"

Luo Binwang smiled, then nodded and said, "Of course, but you know our situation. I told the Tibetans that we want to establish a kingdom in Anxi. How confident do you think we are in successfully establishing a kingdom?"

"It must be quite large," the man in black said, cupping his hands in greeting. "You have planned everything meticulously, sir. Success should not be difficult."

Looking at the man in black, Luo Binwang's eyes relaxed completely. He then shook his head and sighed, "It's not that success isn't difficult, it's that success is very difficult. Although Tibet has contacted the Western Turks, they pay little attention to Anxi. And don't forget, there's the Uyghur in the north. If they attack..."

"But we have Prince Jin in our hands!" the man in black exclaimed anxiously.

“Don’t look at anything from the immediate perspective.” Luo Binwang’s expression turned serious. “If the Tibetans were willing to let go, we could force Li Zhi to become emperor in Anxi, but how long could that last? Do you really think Li Zhi can make the Turks and Uyghurs submit?”

"Can't I?" the man in black asked instinctively.

“No.” Luo Binwang gently raised his head and said, “The crime for which the Prince of Jin was exiled was treason, attempting to assassinate the late emperor. Do you think the Uyghurs would submit?”

"No." The man in black nodded, somewhat disappointed.

Although the late emperor has passed away, his prestige throughout the world is growing ever stronger.

Especially after the emperor inherited the title of Heavenly Khan.

“But don’t be disappointed, our goal has never been Anxi.” Luo Binwang’s words made the man in black look up involuntarily.

"Then what is our purpose?" the man in black asked instinctively.

“In Tibet.” Luo Binwang narrowed his eyes and said softly, “The Tibetans may be able to hold out against the Tang Dynasty in Xichang Prefecture for a while, but if it goes on for too long, they may be at risk of collapsing, because Tibet’s national strength has not truly recovered, while the Tang Dynasty’s national strength is rapidly growing. Dragging it out will be beneficial to the Tang Dynasty.”

"What you mean, sir, is that the Tang Dynasty will reclaim Xichang Prefecture, and may even cross the Tongtian River, invade the Tanggula Mountains, and finally destroy the Tubo." The man in black looked on in disbelief.

"That's right." Luo Binwang nodded calmly and said, "At that time, our opportunity will come."

"Opportunity!" The man in black murmured the word.

“As the saying goes, ‘the whip is too far away to reach.’” Luo Binwang turned to look in the direction of Ziwei Palace and then said calmly, “It is not difficult for the Tang Dynasty to destroy Tibet, but it is difficult to govern Tibet. They can’t even wipe out the remaining Tibetans.”

The man in black bowed respectfully and listened to what Luo Binwang had to say.

Luo Binwang looked up and said seriously, "At that time, we will swallow up those remaining Tibetans. Once the Tang Dynasty's governance of Tibet is disrupted and war breaks out, we will drive them out of Tibet, then we will become kings of Tibet, rely on the Tanggula Mountains, and establish our Tang Dynasty."

Luo Binwang did not want to compete with the Tang Dynasty for the Four Garrisons of Anxi; he wanted to establish his own Tang Dynasty outside of the Tang Dynasty.

This was Luo Binwang's true plan.

In this way, his men will follow him without hesitation.

"Your Excellency is wise." The man in black bowed solemnly and excitedly.

Luo Binwang calmed down and said, "What I'm most worried about right now is that this is actually a trap set by the emperor."

The man in black was startled and leaned forward, saying, "Does my lord mean that everything we have could be part of the emperor's scheme?"

“Hmm!” Luo Binwang nodded, then shook his head and said, “However, the emperor is not scheming against us, but against the Tibetans.”

He used the same tactics to scheme against the Tibetans back then, and later against the Turks, and now he's probably just repeating the same trick.

"My lord, what about us?" The man in black was already getting nervous.

“It’s alright.” Luo Binwang calmed down and looked up, saying, “The emperor doesn’t even know we exist right now, and he might not even know Zan Xiruo. So let’s stick to our plan. However, to avoid this being a trap set by the emperor, we need to arrest someone after the trade route issue comes to light.”

"Who?" the man in black asked instinctively.

“Wu Yuanshuang.” Luo Binwang’s eyes became serious as he muttered to himself, “He was the one who started all of this in Tibet. He also revealed many things to the Tibetans, whether intentionally or unintentionally.”

"So it was him." The man in black nodded slowly.

……

Inside the Zhenguan Hall, in the East Upper Pavilion, people were exchanging toasts and drinks.

On the left side of the hall, at the head of the table, sat Su Xu and Princess Nanchang, while on the right side, at the head of the table, sat the seventh prince of the emperor, Li Miao, who was ten years old, along with the brothers Su Gan and Su Yu.

Above, Li Chengqian sat on the imperial couch, with Su Yi sitting beside him.

As everyone chatted and laughed, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall.

Li Chengqian turned slightly to the side, and Liu Shenli, the Left Imperial Guard, entered from outside the hall and handed Li Chengqian a secret letter.

Li Chengqian's expression immediately turned solemn. He opened the book and read it carefully, and finally his expression changed to one of realization.

He then put the letter back into his heart, handed the envelope to Liu Shenli, and said, "Get rid of it."

"Yes, sir!" Liu Shenli immediately bowed and left.

Li Chengqian then looked at the now quiet hall, smiled, and said to Su Xu, "Father-in-law, since you're returning to the capital, please rest in Luoyang for a while to recover before getting busy."

Su Xu looked up and said with a composed expression, "Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."

Li Chengqian became serious and looked outside the hall, saying, "Now that Andong has been newly pacified, a large number of officials are needed to fill the positions. Therefore, in the next few years, the personnel allocation in the court will prioritize Andong. However, as far as I am concerned, the matter of Tibet will be completely pacified within five years. Therefore, I need to prepare for the personnel situation after the pacification of Tibet five years in advance."

"Yes!" Su Xu nodded slowly. In recent years, all the talented people in the court have been transferred to Andong. So after Tibet is stabilized, where will there be any people left?

“Therefore, I plan to establish Luoyang Academy in Luoyang, modeled after the Imperial Academy.” Li Chengqian tapped the table lightly and said, “At present, one Imperial Academy is enough, but it would be better to build another one. There will be a palace examination next year, and another palace examination four years later, which will be just enough to store two batches of talents.”

Su Xu nodded with a hint of realization, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty's foresight is a great blessing to the world."

Li Chengqian smiled, "This matter is not that simple."

The current situation in Andong has already depleted a large number of the talents reserved by the aristocratic families.

Once Tibet is pacified, even the direct descendants of powerful and wealthy families will need to be sent to Tibet. This way, when there are vacancies in the central government, Li Chengqian can appoint more people from humble backgrounds.

“The Imperial Academy in Luoyang is not like the one in Chang’an. Chang’an is full of wealthy and powerful nobles and foreigners. The Imperial Academy in Luoyang can be built more simply, and the daily food and lodging are also mostly simple.” Li Chengqian smiled and said, “After all, the war with Tibet has also cost the court a lot.”

"Your subject obeys the decree." Su Xu nodded thoughtfully.

Li Chengqian said gently, "My father-in-law is in charge of this matter. We can discuss things with Lord Zhang more often, since he is a Grand Secretary of the Hongwen Academy."

Su Xu's breath hitched, then he slowly nodded: "Yes!"

"Alright, I'll toast my father-in-law." Li Chengqian raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp. Then he smiled and said to Su Yi, "Yi Niang and Qi Lang, accompany your father-in-law around the palace. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave first."

Su Xu, Princess Nanchang, and the others rose in unison and said, "Respectfully seeing off Your Majesty!"

Only then did Li Chengqian get up and leave.

The atmosphere in the hall relaxed for a moment.

……

The carriage slowly made its way down the long street, escorted by guards in front and behind.

Su Xu sat in the carriage, his gaze constantly falling on the outside of the curtain, his expression thoughtful.

Princess Nanchang sat to one side. As they were finally close to the residence, Princess Nanchang couldn't help but ask, "Is the Imperial Son-in-Law still thinking about what His Majesty said about the Imperial Academy? Although it is not a small matter, it is not worth the Imperial Son-in-Law worrying about so much, is it?"

Su Xu finally came to his senses, looked at Princess Nanchang, and smiled, saying, "While the princess's considerations are thoughtful, His Majesty's thoughts are far more profound."

“Profound?” Princess Nanchang asked, somewhat puzzled.

Su Xu sighed softly and said, "In the future, more students from poor families will enroll to balance the power of aristocratic families. Therefore, this Imperial Academy is only the beginning. In the future, there will also be an Imperial Academy in Luoyang."

The Emperor said that there was no rush to build the Imperial Academy now, but that was only for now. The Imperial Academy would certainly be expanded in the future, but not in Chang'an; rather, a new one would be built in Luoyang.

“And that’s not all.” Su Xu raised his head and said, “Zhang Xuansu was originally the tutor of the Crown Prince, and he was the tutor of the Crown Prince and the tutor of the Emperor. Therefore, after His Majesty ascended the throne, Zhang Xuansu was appointed as a Grand Academician of the Hongwen Pavilion and became a prime minister with the rank of Third Grade in the Secretariat and Chancellery. He also presided over two sessions of the imperial examinations.”

Princess Nanchang nodded, then asked, "What does this have to do with the prince consort?"

“Because Zhang Xuansu will be seventy next year.” Su Xu looked at Princess Nanchang and said seriously, “Princess, Zhang Xuansu will definitely retire either next year or the year after. At that time, the positions of Grand Academician of Hongwen Hall and Prime Minister of the Third Rank of Zhongshumenxia will be vacant.”

Princess Nanchang finally understood the meaning behind Su Xu's words and said with a trembling voice, "Does the驸马 (the princess's husband) have a chance to become prime minister?"

“That should be the case.” Su Xu smiled, then shook his head with a bitter expression. “I originally thought that since Yiniang married the emperor and I am the imperial son-in-law, she would never have the opportunity to become prime minister. But His Majesty seems to be looking to open up another path for prime minister.”

"Grand Academician of the Hongwen Hall, concurrently holding the rank of Third Grade within the Secretariat and Chancellery." Princess Nanchang had finally understood.

“That’s right.” Su Xu nodded and said, “This path is different from the path for the prime ministers of the three provinces, the ministers of the six ministries, and local officials who are of the same rank as the three-rank officials of the Secretariat and the Chancellery. This path is entirely prepared for the Grand Secretaries of the Hongwen Pavilion. In the future, the noble civil officials in the court will also have the opportunity to become prime ministers.”

"Moreover, even the emperor's son-in-law and relatives by marriage are not subject to these restrictions." Princess Nanchang's eyes were already filled with surprise.

“Hmm!” Su Xu nodded and said, “Because it is actually very difficult for ordinary imperial sons-in-law and relatives of the emperor to take this path. The reason why I am different is that I am one of the eighteen scholars of the Qin Prince’s Mansion, who compiled the ‘Kuodi Zhi’ and served as the Grand Protector of Andong. I have the merit of destroying a country, so I have the opportunity to become prime minister. How can others have such an opportunity?”

“Yes, the Prince Consort is the most capable minister in the land.” Princess Nanchang couldn’t help but smile, then sighed softly and said, “With the Prince Consort becoming the Prime Minister, the family’s foundation is now completely solid.”

Su Xu's smile faded, and he nodded slightly.

Despite being a prince consort and a meritorious official, Su Xu's achievements could only be conferred upon one generation. However, once he became prime minister, his family's future was secure for three generations.

After three generations, it will depend on their continued efforts.

Only families that have held high office for generations can become truly top-tier aristocratic families.

“With the King of Liao, our family is more secure.” Su Xu shook his head slightly and said, “Erlang’s lineage is pretty much like this.”

Although Su Dan was the Empress's father, the close relationship between his family and the royal family actually lasted for at most three generations.

Look at Changsun Wuji. Although he is the emperor's maternal uncle, his eldest son, Changsun Chong, can only serve as the Minister of the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs at most. The relationship between Changsun Chong's son and the crown prince has become quite distant. In the future, the family will probably inevitably decline.

Of course, when Su Xu and the others said their family had declined, they meant that only one or two people in their family held official positions of the third or fourth rank.

This is called the decline of a family.

“Gui’er is young and learned, with literary talent that has reached the junior high school level. She is already a fifth-rank Imperial Physician. Perhaps she will go even further in the future.” Princess Nanchang smiled wryly and said, “Gui’er is much better than our four children.”

Although Su Jun and the others were sons of princesses, Su Jun was actually the one with the best career prospects. He is now the governor of Shenzhou, and perhaps many years later, he will have the opportunity to become one of the six ministers, but that's about it.

Just like Changsun Xiang.

"Perhaps. With Gui'er around, perhaps the family can continue for several more generations." Su Xu calmed down and said, "It is Your Majesty's kindness and benevolence that allows the Crown Prince to succeed you, ensuring the long-term prosperity of the world."

The carriage slowly came to a stop ahead.

We have arrived at the Nanchang Princess's residence.

……

The Flying Fragrance Hall is weathered and faded.

Li Chengqian sat in front of the palace gate, and through the palace walls, he could see a vast expanse of Luoyang scenery.

On the low table in front of him were several memorials.

Li Chengqian also had a memorial open in his hand, but he showed no interest in reading it; his mind was elsewhere.

Luo Binwang praised Xi Ruo.

Although the information from Luo Binwang's side is not yet complete, it is generally clear.

The person hiding behind Tenzin Tashi, plotting everything, is Zanxi Ruo.

This is not an easy person to deal with.

In his previous life, before Lun Qinling actually took power, it was Zanxi Ruo who succeeded Lu Dongzan and helped Tibet become powerful.

Not only Zanxiruo, but the entire Tubo was different from the Eastern and Western Tuyuhun and Goguryeo, because they were too much like the Central Plains regimes, and they came up with all sorts of tricks.

The reason why Tuyuhun was completely lost from the Tang Dynasty in the previous life was because Li Zhi and Wu Zetian were chasing down Changsun Wuji's faction. The Tibetans seized the opportunity and took Tuyuhun away from the Tang Dynasty in one fell swoop, and then constantly threatened the Longxi region.

It was precisely because of this that the defeat of Dafeichuan occurred later.

No wonder the Tibetans learned so quickly and were so accurate in identifying the weaknesses of the Tang Dynasty.

It turns out to be Zanxi Ruo.

One Zan Xiruo and one Luo Binwang are indeed not to be underestimated.

Especially since they have the entire Tibetan Empire behind them.

Li Chengqian's expression calmed down. The situation was now completely in his hands. Although he still needed to be careful, he still had the upper hand. The rest depended on when the Tibetans would make their move against the Eastern and Western Tuyuhun, the Dangxiang, and the Western Turks.

"Your Majesty!" Yang Mi's voice rang out from behind.

Li Chengqian turned slightly to the side and saw Yang Mi walk up from behind, place a cup of warm tea on the low table, and take away the cold tea on the low table.

Li Chengqian watched Yang Mi's figure and said softly, "These things can be done by the maids. Why should my beloved concubine do them herself?"

“Serving Your Majesty is my duty.” Yang Mi put down the tray, then turned and walked to Li Chengqian’s side, where she sat down gently.

Li Chengqian looked at Yang Mi. She was just as charming as when she first entered the palace, but she had lost some of her innocence and had become more mature.

Of course, Li Chengqian also liked the innocent and lively girl, but he was naturally calm and composed, and he believed that excitement was only temporary. He preferred quiet.

Therefore, Yang Mi is actually more favored by Li Chengqian now.

Li Chengqian reached out and grasped Yang Mi's soft hand, then whispered, "I heard that the new maidservant who entered the palace to serve the Empress is a member of your family?"

Yang Mi raised her head slightly and said, "Is it or isn't it?"

"What do you mean?" Li Chengqian asked, somewhat surprised.

"Does Your Majesty still remember Yang Su?" Yang Mi said after seeing Li Chengqian nod. "Yang Su had a daughter who married Emperor Gaozu and gave birth to the Prince of Jiang; he also had a granddaughter who married the late Emperor Taizong and gave birth to the Prince of Zhao. The one who has entered the palace now is the daughter of Yang Tai, the Prefect of Songzhou and grandson of Yang Su."

After saying this, Yang Mi's face showed a hint of helplessness. She asked the clan to select a young woman to send to the palace, but she never expected that it would be Yang Su's great-granddaughter, Yang Ning.

Although the Dowager Princess Jiang and the Dowager Princess Zhao had left the palace, they were familiar with the palace and had some connections with Zhang Anan and Dou Zhijie. Therefore, Yang Mi was not needed to take care of Yang Ninggu in the palace.

It's even possible that Yang Ning will compete with her for the position of Consort De.

Li Chengqian sighed softly, then pulled Yang Mi into his arms before asking in a low voice, "Does my beloved consort really desire the title of Consort De?"

"Hmm!" Yang Mi lay in Li Chengqian's arms, looked at Li Chengqian, bit her lip and nodded gently, "Your father is now the head of the Yang clan of Hongnong. The Yang clan is in a precarious state. If I could obtain the position of Consort De, it would be of great benefit to the family."

Li Chengqian held Yang Mi tightly, looked ahead, and said softly, "If I were to bestow the title of Consort De in the future, I would consider my beloved consort first, wouldn't that be alright?"

"Your Majesty!" Yang Mi murmured softly in Li Chengqian's arms.

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps came from outside the hall.

Li Chengqian released Yang Mi, his expression turning serious. Immediately afterward, Zhang Anan appeared before the hall, bowing solemnly to Li Chengqian and saying, "Your Majesty, something has happened!"

"What is it?" Li Chengqian's eyes were icy.

"Your Majesty, the Khitan leader and governor of the Songmo Prefecture, Dahe Kuge, has passed away." Zhang Anan cupped his hands and said, "The spies from the Hundred Cavalry Division and the Ministry of War's Department of Military Affairs have reported that his son, Dahe Abugu, is preparing to raise an army."

"What!" Li Chengqian stood up angrily.

……

Inside the Zhenguan Hall, Li Chengqian looked at the memorial in his hand with a serious expression.

Changsun Wuji, Yan Lide, Su Xu, Zheng Rentai and others stood solemnly in the hall.

It's true that anyone dares to provoke the Tang Dynasty.

A man named Dahe Abugu, whose name I've never even heard of, actually dared to rebel against the Tang Dynasty.

Li Chengqian raised his head, his eyes serious.

Last year, the Tang Dynasty had just annexed Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, and was at the height of its power. It was one thing for the Tibetans to cause trouble, but the Khitans also started causing trouble.

That's all.

If it were just a minor disturbance among the Khitans, it wouldn't be a big deal. What worried him was that there was also something going on with the Tibetans.

Zanxi arrived in Chang'an last year and did not set off to return to Tibet until February of this year.

If Li Chengqian hadn't later received the news from Luo Binwang, he wouldn't even have known of his existence.

During his time in Chang'an, how many things did he do without Li Chengqian's knowledge, all under Li Chengqian's watchful eye?

If the Khitan affairs were indeed linked to the Tibetans, then the situation would be very serious.

After much deliberation, Li Chengqian spoke: "Issue the decree that Ashina Zhong, the Right General of the Martial Guard, be appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Songmo Road Army, Qiu Shenji, the Right General of the Golden Guard, and Zhang Yanshi, the Governor of Yingzhou, lead 30,000 elite troops to attack the enemy."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji and others bowed in unison.

Li Chengqian tapped the table lightly and said, "Let's add another person. Let Fang Yizhi, the prefect of Weizhou, be the deputy commander-in-chief of the Songmo Road Army, the commander-in-chief of the rear army, and the military advisor."

Everyone was surprised for a moment, then relaxed and bowed, saying, "Yes!"

"Fortunately, I have enough manpower. Even when Tibet launches a war, I can still dispatch capable civil and military officials to Songmo." Li Chengqian looked up and said, "Issue an edict to strengthen the defenses of all northwestern prefectures. The Tibetans' methods are far more insidious than we think!"

"Here!"

(End of this chapter)