Datang: Just been appointed as the crown prince, the counterattack system is here

Chapter 21: The Prince is not about fighting and killing, but about human relationships and worldly affairs [New book, please collect]

Tai Chi Palace, inside the Ganlu Palace.

Li Shimin had just finished dealing with the state affairs reported by Fang Xuanling. At this time, the two were sitting in Ganlu Hall chatting.

Li Shimin smiled and said, "The matter of reducing the number of palace maids that I told you about some time ago has been reversed by Cheng Qian. Now we will not take the initiative to reduce the number of palace maids. We will let them decide for themselves whether to stay or leave!"

"I heard about this matter. It seems that the Queen has set up a new government office called the Royal Manufacturing Bureau. I think it should be related to the reduction of the number of palace maids, right?" Fang Xuanling said with a smile.

"Haha, it seems that the Minister of the Central Secretariat has been working harder and harder in his position recently."

"I dare not deceive Your Majesty. I am truly powerless!"

"Oh?"

Li Shimin raised his eyebrows: "What's going on?"

Fang Xuanling pondered and said, "Before, we decided on the reign title Zhenguan. The so-called Zhenguan emphasizes moderation and righteousness."

"But if you really want to be neutral and positive, some things are actually difficult to do."

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes slightly when he heard this: "What do you mean by this? Do you think I can't be fair and just?"

"minister"

Fang Xuanling hesitated for a moment, as if he had made up his mind, and said, "I would like to advise Your Majesty to look further ahead!"

"What do you mean by look farther?" Li Shimin asked with a frown.

Fang Xuanling thought for a moment and said, "Since the rebellion in Jinyang began, we have fought all the way to the present day. The retired emperor has bestowed titles and granted countless gifts. In terms of gaining control of the country, this is a good strategy to win over the people."

“Anyone who seeks to conquer the world does so.”

"However, this is a burden for His Majesty."

"I still don't quite understand what you want to say!"

Li Shimin said calmly.

Fang Xuanling smiled bitterly in his heart, it’s not that you don’t understand, you just want me to say it out loud.

Although Fang Xuanling had already guessed what Emperor Li II was thinking, he could not avoid it when faced with this matter.

Once you avoid it, you will never be able to go any further.

After a brief silence, he said seriously, "Your Majesty may be the emperor, but the power of the retired emperor still exists."

“Even if the Emperor’s forces don’t block the policies we are implementing now, we still have to be prepared for the worst. If our policies touch upon their interests, veteran officials like Pei Ji and Feng Deyi will definitely step in and hinder us.

In this way, even if we want to be loyal to His Majesty, we won't have to exert much effort!"

"Furthermore, Your Majesty's control over government affairs is still not perfect."

"First, the ministers of the retired emperor, and second, the princes appointed by the retired emperor. They will all disperse your majesty's ruling power."

"If that's the case, even if Your Majesty has great talent and strategy, it will be difficult for him to live at ease!"

"Ah!"

Li Shimin chuckled, then nodded with a smile: "You have a point."

Fang Xuanling also laughed, secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and continued:
"Therefore, I believe that neither the reduction of the number of palace maids nor the recovery of administrative power can be fully achieved with just the two words 'Zhenguan'!"

"No!"

Li Shimin shook his head and said, "I have already discussed this with the Supreme Emperor, and he has agreed to my reduction of the reward."

"However, I will only take back the power of those kings who have no merit and those who were previously granted power indiscriminately. For those who have merit, I will also grant them the title of king or duke!"

"And all of this depends on whether he has made contributions to the Tang Dynasty. This is the true Zhenguan!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling's smile froze instantly.

He seemed not to have expected that Emperor Li II would do the opposite.

But His Majesty Li Er ignored his thoughts and asked him unexpectedly: "If I plan to make Zhangsun Wuji the Right Prime Minister, what do you think?"

"Ah? This"

Fang Xuanling's heart skipped a beat.

He didn't seem to expect that after talking for so long, he would actually make things difficult for Changsun Wuji.

But since His Majesty Li II had asked, he had no choice but to answer, so he said with a stiff upper lip: "If Zhangsun Wuji can restrain old ministers like Pei Ji and Feng Deyi, it would be a good idea!"

"but."

Then he changed the subject: "The reaction from the imperial court could be huge."

"hehe."

Li Shimin smiled noncommittally and said with emotion: "Changsun Wuji is a smart man, and he is also one of us!"

"To accomplish what we just talked about, we must have such a person!"

"But."

Fang Xuanling was about to say a few more words when he heard a voice from outside the door: "Your Majesty, the Minister of Personnel, Zhangsun Wuji, wishes to see you!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Fang Xuanling's face changed slightly, and he immediately swallowed back what he was about to say.

"Your Majesty, minister."

"Well, you go down first."

Soon, Changsun Wuji walked in, and Fang Xuanling nodded to him and then walked out.

Even though they were both veteran officials of the Prince of Qin's Palace and had both assisted Emperor Li II in conquering the world and launching the Xuanwu Gate Incident, the competitive relationship between them had always existed.

Originally, Fang Xuanling proposed to take back the ruling power in order to seize the position of You Pushe for himself, but he did not expect that Emperor Li II would give it to Zhangsun Wuji.

Logically speaking, Zhangsun Wuji is the elder brother-in-law of Emperor Li II, but how can the emperor, who is in charge of ruling the country and pacifying the world, appoint people based on personal connections?

"Oh, it would be nice if Wei Zheng were here."

After leaving Ganlu Hall, Fang Xuanling couldn't help but sigh.

At this moment, a crisp voice suddenly reached my ears: "Is there something on your mind, Minister of the Central Secretariat? Why are you sighing so loudly?"

"Ok?"

Fang Xuanling was slightly startled and immediately looked in the direction of the voice. He saw Li Chengqian blinking his beautiful big black eyes and looking at him in confusion.

"Uh"

Fang Xuanling actually admired this shortest prince in history. Although what he did was a bit ridiculous, in Fang Xuanling's heart, in terms of courage, he was braver than Wei Zheng.

But why did he appear here?

Are you going to attack His Majesty Li Er again?!

Seeing Fang Xuanling looking at him with increasingly strange eyes, Li Chengqian seemed to realize something and took the initiative to explain with an awkward smile: "Don't misunderstand, Minister of the Central Secretariat. I came here with my uncle and will not bother my father."

Fang Xuanling nodded in understanding after hearing this, but then felt an inexplicable sense of loss. He cupped his hands and said, "Since that's the case, then I, this old minister, will not disturb Your Highness!"

After saying that, he was ready to leave.

At this moment, Li Chengqian hurried forward, caught up with him and said, "Wait a minute, Minister of the Central Secretariat!"

"Ok?"

Fang Xuanling was stunned again, and frowned, "What else does Your Highness the King of Zhongshan want?"

"Haha, actually, it's nothing. I just wanted to ask you, what are your opinions on my uncle being appointed as the Right Servant?"

"What!?"

Fang Xuanling was shocked and thought to himself, how did he know that Emperor Li II wanted to make Zhangsun Wuji the Right Prime Minister?

You know, His Majesty Li II had just finished telling me about this matter.

unless
Unless this guy has super hearing? !

Subconsciously glancing at Li Chengqian's ears, Fang Xuanling said sternly, "The position of Right Prime Minister was decided by Your Majesty. I, this old minister, have no objection."

But Li Chengqian sensed something unusual in his expression and tone, and nodded in surprise, "So, my father has decided to let my uncle serve as the Right Servant, right?"

"This"

Fang Xuanling froze in place, unsure of how to respond. Li Chengqian looked at him, his smile growing even wider.

This supporter of the historical King Wei Li Tai seemed to strongly support Li Tai as the crown prince, but when Emperor Li II really considered appointing a crown prince, only a few not-so-important ministers such as Cen Wenben stood up to support Li Tai as the crown prince.

What does this mean? It means Fang Xuanling can be won over!

Although Emperor Li II has made it clear that he will not reinstate himself as the crown prince anytime soon, it does not mean that he cannot win the support of his ministers.

Therefore, Li Chengqian wanted to try to win over Fang Xuanling.

He restrained his smile, looked around, and then lowered his voice and said, "Actually, it's not impossible for Lord Fang to be the Right Prime Minister. But if you do it, there will be no turning back."

"what?"

Fang Xuanling was shocked and wondered what this was.

But then Li Chengqian said lightly, "Think about it, Lord Fang. What is the Right Prime Minister's job? He protects my father from the wind and rain. If he does well, everyone will be happy. If he doesn't, my uncle won't care. At most, my father will assign him a sinecure."

"what about you?"

Having said this, he looked at Fang Xuanling meaningfully and said with a smile: "It is hard to say whether Chao was wrong."

Boom!

When these words were spoken, Fang Xuanling felt as if struck by lightning, and his head was buzzing.

Why didn't I think of that?

The Right Prime Minister is used to restrain the old ministers of Wude and to deal with the kings. If he succeeds, it's fine. But if he fails, isn't he finished?

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look at Li Chengqian with gratitude, with tears in his eyes, and then bowed in the direction of Ganlu Palace.

Then, he bowed to Li Chengqian and sighed, "Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. I have misunderstood you, Your Majesty."

"hehe."

Li Chengqian smiled knowingly.

The prince!
It’s not about fighting and killing, it’s about human relationships and worldly wisdom.

It's quiet at night.

After a busy day, Li Shimin finally returned to Lizheng Hall.

The gentle and virtuous Empress Changsun personally undressed him and changed him into casual clothes.

Li Shimin was lying comfortably on the couch. He sighed and said with a smile, "I have something to tell you!"

"What a coincidence! I also have something to say to Your Majesty!" Empress Changsun smiled with her hands covering her mouth.

"Oh?"

Li Shimin's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but get up and hugged Empress Zhangsun, saying lovingly, "Are you pregnant again?"

"what!"

Empress Zhangsun said to Li Shimin coquettishly, "I am speaking seriously to you!"

"Haha, then tell me."

Li Shimin smiled awkwardly.

But Empress Zhangsun was very tactful: "Your Majesty, please speak first. I am also very curious about what Your Majesty wants to say to me."

"Is it?"

Li Shimin raised his eyebrows and sat up without hesitation, saying, "Fang Xuanling can understand my thoughts. He said that the Emperor's influence in the court will not be beneficial to the new dynasty. I think so too."

"Tell me, how do I reduce the power and wealth of the kings?"

"This"

Empress Changsun's eyes curled up, she chuckled and shook her head, "I won't interfere in the affairs of the imperial court!"

"Humph, don't interrupt."

Li Shimin snorted in obvious displeasure, but he didn't argue with Empress Changsun. He continued, "Then we can discuss Wuji's matter, right?"

"What happened to Wuji?" Empress Changsun blinked and asked curiously.

Li Shimin smiled and said, "The day before yesterday, Wuji made two pieces of advice that really resonated with me. Even the reign title of Zhenguan was proposed by Wuji. I think he's a great guy!"

"So, I want him to be the Right Servant, what do you think?"

"I"

Empress Zhangsun's expression changed, and she couldn't help but say, "I remember that during the Wude era, you served as Shangshu Ling. To avoid taboos, no one could use the title Shangshu Ling anymore, only Pushe."

"I also know that the Shangshu Zuo Pushe is actually the prime minister."

"Well, you're right."

Li Shimin smiled and nodded.

Empress Changsun changed the subject again: "But Wuji is my brother, a relative by marriage! There are countless examples of the disastrous consequences of relatives by marriage interfering in politics in previous dynasties."

"Although I believe in Wuji, I don't want outsiders to talk about him like this."

Hearing this, the smile on Li Shimin's face instantly disappeared: "Didn't you say you wouldn't interfere in government affairs?"

Empress Changsun: “.”

"Okay! You're right. While there are lessons to be learned from the interference of foreign relatives in government, they also have a reliable side!"

Empress Changsun lowered her head and remained silent.

His Majesty Li Er was a little angry: "If you have this attitude, I will let Wuji be the Right Prime Minister!"

"I disagree!"

Empress Changsun raised her head instantly, looked directly at Li Shimin, and said solemnly.

Li Shimin was completely stunned. After all these years of marriage, this was the first time Empress Zhangsun had contradicted him. He even thought he had misheard. "What did you say?"

"I said!"

Empress Zhangsun said solemnly, "I don't agree with Wuji being the Right Servant!"

"Ouch!"

Li Shimin suddenly stood up from the couch, looked down at him, and said gloomily, "I said, I've decided!"

"I disagree!"

"What happened to you?"

Li Shimin seemed to be facing such a firm Empress Zhangsun for the first time. He couldn't help but raise his hand to his forehead and said, "On the one hand, you say you won't interfere in state affairs, and on the other hand, you say you don't agree with Wuji being the prime minister?"

At this point, he said angrily again, "Wuji has been with me since childhood, and later he went through life and death with me. If I don't use him, who should I use?"

Empress Changsun remained silent again.

Li Shimin was so angry that he couldn't speak and rushed out of Lizheng Hall.

When he reached the door, he thought Empress Changsun would give in, so he stopped and turned to look at her.

Seeing Empress Zhangsun still kneeling in the same place, she said nothing. The anger in his heart was completely ignited, and he could not help but roar angrily: "Tell me, who should I use?!"

After saying that, he rushed out of the gate of Lizheng Hall barefoot.

And at the same time.

The fat boy and Li Chengqian, who had just come out of their room, stood there in amazement, not knowing what to do.

What's going on?
Aren't they a famous loving couple? Why are they always arguing?
What's the reason this time?!
Li Chengqian looked depressed, thinking that Empress Changsun died early, could it be that she was angry with Emperor Li II?

If this continues, not to mention the Taixuan Health Preservation Sutra, even the immortal cultivation secrets will be useless!

"Queen, Queen, what's wrong with you? Quickly call the imperial physician—!"

Soon, the voice of the palace maid Xiangling was heard from the hall in fear.

Brother Li Chengqian's expressions changed drastically. Without any time to think, they rushed forward.

　[Seeking monthly tickets, recommendation tickets, collections, and follow-up reading]

　　
　
(End of this chapter)