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

Chapter 299 Li Yuan: Don't try to save Erlang money! [Seeking monthly votes]

"A skillful strategist first makes himself invincible, then waits for the enemy to become vulnerable."

Upon hearing Li Chengqian's words, Ma Zhou pondered for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "This must be from 'The Art of War.' Does His Highness mean that we should wait for His Majesty to make a mistake before launching a surprise attack?"

"But His Majesty has already revoked the power to reform the army. How can we find His Majesty's mistakes?"

"Ah!"

Li Chengqian smiled, then shook his head and said, "A skilled warrior first makes himself invincible, then waits for the enemy to become vulnerable. This means that he first makes himself invincible, and then waits for the enemy to become vulnerable before fighting him. This is called winning before fighting!"

"This"

Upon hearing this, Ma Zhou immediately fell into deep thought.

When he came to his senses, he heard Li Chengqian continue speaking eloquently: "Invincibility lies in oneself, while vulnerability lies in the enemy. Therefore, becoming invincible depends entirely on oneself. And being vulnerable to the enemy depends entirely on the enemy!"

"Therefore, when victory can be achieved is not something you can control; this is one of the most basic principles of military strategy."

"The same principle applies to military reform. When my father is confident of victory, there is no need for us to confront him head-on."

"Because when the enemy cannot be defeated, you will definitely suffer losses if you go up against them. This is what is meant by knowing victory but not being able to achieve it!"

“If victory were possible, my grandfather would not have been forced to abdicate by my father. It is precisely because of the invincibility that my father and grandfather have been able to live in peace.”

"And it's the same for me. We win because we win, and my father loses because he loses, not because we defeat him, understand?"

"This"

Upon hearing Li Chengqian's words, Ma Zhou fell into deep thought once again.

Li Chengqian did not interrupt him.

After all, some things can only be understood through personal experience.

If you understand it, you can make progress; if you don't understand it, you'll just stay stuck in the same place.

Li Chengqian needed generals who could fight independently, not soldiers who would follow orders.

Fortunately, Ma Zhou did not disappoint him. He quickly understood his meaning and smiled at Li Chengqian, saying, "Your Highness, I understand. This is why you want to be the principal of the military academy, isn't it? Because His Majesty does not believe that generals trained by a school can fight, thus neglecting the importance of this school. This is what is meant by 'victory lies in the enemy'!"

"hehe."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian smiled with satisfaction: "So, you know how to allocate the financial power of the Ministry of Revenue, right?"

"Understood, we must vigorously develop education!" Ma Zhou smiled knowingly.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace, at the Lizheng Hall.

Empress Zhangsun was gazing at the seven or eight young beauties before her with tender eyes. Although they were all young, just by looking at their faces, one could tell that they were all destined to be beauties.

At this moment, a beautiful, intelligent, dignified, and virtuous young woman attracted particular attention.

In particular, her needlework was so skillful that every stitch was perfect, which made Empress Zhangsun, who already loved needlework, like her more and more.

The other girl, though a woman, had a spirited air about her, and her concentration when reading was no less than that of the scholars and gentlemen.

Of course, the other girls also had their own characteristics. Some were good at playing bamboo flutes, while others were good at calligraphy, painting, and dancing. Each of them pleased Empress Zhangsun very much.

However, no matter how satisfied Empress Zhangsun was, she could not keep them all.

As a result, a hint of sorrow gradually appeared on Empress Zhangsun's face, which made Li Lizhi, who was standing to the side, pout slightly, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.

Fortunately, this atmosphere didn't last long. A palace attendant cautiously entered from outside the hall, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, His Majesty has finished court and said he wants to come here to use your talents!"

"Oh, when will His Majesty arrive?" Empress Zhangsun asked after straightening her posture.

"Your Majesty, His Majesty did not say when he would arrive, but he is in a good mood today and said he wants to eat shrimp dumplings and crab roe buns!"

Shrimp dumplings? Crab roe buns?

Empress Zhangsun paused for a moment, seemingly having never heard of these two dishes.

But then a palace attendant said, "Empress, His Majesty said that these two dishes were served to Li Jing and his wife by the Crown Prince. He also wants to try them and see what they taste like."

"."

Empress Zhangsun was speechless upon hearing this, thinking to herself, "Why are you two arguing again?"

However, if Emperor Li Er wants to eat, she will definitely make arrangements.

She hesitated for a moment, then said to the palace attendant beside her, "Gao Yao, go to the Crown Prince's residence and bring the chef who can cook these two dishes to the palace. Tell him that I want to eat them, understand?"

"understand!"

The palace attendant named Gao Yao rolled his eyes and instantly understood.

However, just as he was about to turn and leave, Li Lizhi suddenly spoke up: "Mother, I miss my elder brother, the Crown Prince. I want to go to the Crown Prince's residence too!"

Empress Zhangsun frowned: "Didn't you just go there before? Why are you going again?"

"It's been so long since I went there, I just missed my Crown Prince!"

Li Lizhi pouted and said to Empress Zhangsun in a coquettish manner.

Upon hearing her coquettish manner, the other girls couldn't help but glance at her frequently, their eyes filled with a variety of emotions.

Of course, not all girls were drawn to Li Lizhi's actions.

For example, the girl reading a book, and the girl embroidering.

Empress Zhangsun reached out and tapped Li Lizhi's forehead with a hint of helplessness, saying affectionately, "You! You're always so irresponsible. What will you do after you get married?"

"I don't want to get married so early."

Li Lizhi pouted and retorted, "My older brother already said that getting married too early will kill you."

Empress Zhangsun looked on in astonishment upon hearing this: "What did you say?"

"Huh?" Li Lizhi seemed to realize something, waving her hands repeatedly like a startled little rabbit, "Nothing, nothing, I didn't say anything."

"."

Empress Zhangsun narrowed her eyes.

She probably knows her daughter better than her daughter knows her.

Therefore, the moment she saw Li Lizhi acting so strangely, she understood that Li Lizhi must be hiding something from her, and it was related to Li Chengqian.

But with so many people around, she couldn't ask Li Lizhi directly, so she changed her expression and smiled, "You just said you haven't seen your older brother in a long time, right? How about this, do Mother a favor?"

"What's the deal?"

Li Lizhi breathed a sigh of relief, but asked with a wary look on her face.

Empress Zhangsun smiled gently and said, "It's nothing much, it's just that your younger sisters haven't seen your eldest brother in a long time. Why don't you help your mother take them to the Crown Prince's residence to see him?"

"Huh? Does Mother mean all my sisters?"

"Yes, including Yuzhang, they'll be going too!"

"Yuzhang?"

Li Lizhi was stunned for a moment, wondering what was wrong with her mother. She even arranged for her adopted daughter to visit her elder brother, the Crown Prince. Could it be that she had some kind of scheme?

It should be noted that Princess Yuzhang was a very obedient daughter to Empress Zhangsun, even more so than her own daughter.

Although Li Lizhi didn't quite believe that Empress Zhangsun would scheme against Li Chengqian, she still asked cautiously, "Does Mother have anything to say to my elder brother, the Crown Prince?"

Empress Zhangsun thought for a moment and sighed, "Nothing else matters. Tell him to visit your uncle's residence when he has time. It seems your cousin has offended your elder brother; he's been looking downcast and has lost weight. Your aunt is very worried about them. Could you help your mother persuade your elder brother? We're all family; we can talk things out."

"I won't try to persuade him. If the Crown Prince is angry with my cousin, it must be because he did something to offend the Crown Prince!" Li Lizhi said stubbornly.

Empress Zhangsun said with some displeasure, "You child, no one is perfect. Even if Chong'er is wrong, if you don't think about him, you should at least think about the Zhangsun family. You're going to marry into the Zhangsun family in the future."

"Oh, Mother! Why are you bringing this up again? I'm not talking to you anymore!"

Li Lizhi stomped her foot and immediately turned and ran away angrily.

Empress Zhangsun was taken aback at first, then chuckled: "She's still a young lady after all; she can be shy now."

After saying this, she turned to the young girls and said with a smile, "You can have your meal in the palace today, so His Majesty can also see you!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The young girls were overjoyed and quickly bowed respectfully. However, the girl who was reading put down her book at this moment, bowed to Empress Zhangsun and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. My mother is still recuperating at home. I have been in the palace for two hours today, and I am worried that my brothers are not taking good care of her, so I would like to go back to visit her first. Please understand, Your Majesty!"

"Ok?"

Empress Zhangsun frowned, then looked in the direction of the voice and saw that it was the girl named 'Hua Gu'. She smiled faintly and said, "With your filial piety, how could I blame you? Please give my regards to your mother. I will visit her in person another day. In addition, I will have the imperial physicians treat her. I hope she recovers soon."

"Thank you for your understanding, Empress."

"It's okay, you can go back."

After saying this, Empress Zhangsun instructed Xiangling to escort the young woman away.

The other girls who watched the girl leave secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that it was great to have one less important competitor.

However, the thought of another important competitor made them nervous again. They couldn't help but turn to look at the embroidering girl, thinking to themselves that they had to perform well in front of Li Shimin later.

The embroidery girl blinked silently, remaining as still as a virgin.

On the other side, Da'an Palace.

Although Li Yuan moved away long ago, he can still come back occasionally to stay and see his children.

After all, at Li Yuan's age, he would occasionally feel a surge of paternal affection.

Especially after Li Er murdered his brothers, he valued his descendants more and more, fearing that if he didn't have enough children, he would be lonely in the future.

So, whenever he had free time, he would try to have more children.

Moreover, they never built outside the palace, but only inside it, determined to be the first to fill Li Er's palace.

Sure enough, last winter, another of his concubines became pregnant.

On such a joyous occasion, he naturally had to return to the palace for a while.

"The Emperor Emeritus is still vigorous despite his old age, truly as good as ever!" Consort Sun glanced at Consort Zhao, whose belly was slightly protruding not far away, and praised Li Yuan with a smile.

Li Yuan smiled slyly and said noncommittally, "We haven't been back to the palace for quite some time, and it's still so unlucky here. Once my grandson builds a new palace for me, I never want to come back to this Da'an Palace again!"

"Does the Emperor Emeritus mean that we can move to another palace from now on?" Consort Zhao, who had been silent all along, asked with a mixture of joy and excitement.

Upon hearing this, Li Yuan smiled and glanced at her, nodding and saying, "By the time our child is born, that palace will probably be completed."

"Really? That's wonderful."

Zhao Jieyu smiled radiantly, then touched her belly and said proudly, "Child, you should thank your nephew properly in the future; he has enabled us to live a good life again."

"Uh,"

Li Yuan's lips twitched, and Consort Sun, who was standing next to him, almost burst out laughing.

Fortunately, these words were not said in front of Li Chengqian, otherwise Li Chengqian might have been furious.

After all, recognizing an unborn child as an elder is a somewhat stifling thought.

"Alright, you can go and rest now. If you need anything, just call the imperial physicians in the palace. Make sure you have the best food and drink; don't try to save money for Erlang!"

Li Yuan, who had been in a good mood, clearly lost interest after hearing Zhao Jieyu's words and immediately waved her away.

Consort Zhao seemed oblivious to the change in Li Yuan's emotions, only taking in his instructions. She immediately bowed to Li Yuan with a joyful expression, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I will take good care of myself and strive to give birth to a prince for you."

After saying this, she carefully got up, and with the help of a palace maid, supporting her belly, she slowly left.

But then Consort Sun, who was watching her leave, sighed softly, "Compared to Consort Sun, this Consort Zhao is still a bit lacking!"

"What's missing? Ambition?"

Li Yuan glanced at Consort Sun, then picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and said coldly, "My women don't need to be too smart. As long as they serve me well, I will give them anything they want."

"but."

At this point, he changed the subject and said in a deep voice, "If you have any other improper thoughts, or are dissatisfied with the status quo, then don't blame me for being ruthless."

"This"

Upon hearing this, Consort Sun's expression changed, and she hurriedly bowed to Li Yuan in a flustered manner: "Your Majesty, please forgive me, I meant no other thing, I just felt..."

"Your Majesty the Retired Emperor, Prince Yan, Li You, and Prince Lu, Li Yuanchang, request an audience!"

"Ok?"

Li Yuan was taken aback for a moment, then turned to look at Consort Sun, frowning as he asked, "You sent Yuan Chang and the others?"

"No, Your Majesty, I did not send Yuan Chang and the others."

Consort Sun kowtowed with a look of fear and trepidation.

Li Yuan narrowed his eyes, then waved his hand and said, "Let them in!"

"Yes!"

A voice answered from outside the door, and soon Li You and Li Yuanchang walked in with smiles.

"Your son, your grandson, pays respects to the Emperor Emeritus and Father Emperor."

Hearing the two bow to him in unison, Li Yuan smiled happily and then raised his hand to invite them, "Come, come, sit down and talk. It's hot outside, have some ice water to quench your thirst!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Li You happily accepted the glass of iced water poured by the palace servant, gulped down a large mouthful, and then smiled at Li Yuan, saying, "Grandpa Emperor, how have you been lately? I heard you had returned to the palace, so I came to see you as soon as possible!"

"Hehe, good, it couldn't be better!" Li Yuan replied with a smile.

At this moment, Li Yuanchang, who was standing to the side with impeccable manners, subconsciously glanced at his mother, Consort Sun, and then cautiously said, "Father, when I came in just now, I saw Consort Zhao clutching her stomach. Does this mean I'm going to have another little brother?"

"Uh, this"

Li Yuan's face twitched as he considered how to answer Li Yuanchang.

Just then, Consort Sun, who had been silent all along, hurriedly rebuked Li Yuanchang, saying, "Is this something you can inquire about? Consort Zhao is also your mother, yet you have no manners at all!"

"Ah I"

Li Yuanchang was at a loss after being scolded by his mother, and quickly turned to look at Li You.

But Li You chuckled and said, "Please calm down, Consort Sun. Uncle Yuanchang just wanted to show more concern for his younger siblings and had no intention of offending Consort Zhao. Besides, if Grandfather has another child, shouldn't we all be happy?"

"This"

Consort Sun was slightly surprised and turned to look at Li Yuan.

But Li Yuan also looked surprised, thinking to himself, "Why has Li You changed his ways? Did he take the wrong medicine?"
Just as Li Yuan and Consort Sun were exchanging glances, Li You said with a smile, "Grandfather, I heard that you accompanied the Crown Prince in Jiangling for a long time and were one of the people who witnessed his growth. Today, I have come to Da'an Palace not only to pay my respects to you, but also to hear what you think of the Crown Prince, so that I can learn more about him and learn from him."

"Ok?"

Upon hearing Li You's words, Li Yuan and Consort Sun immediately realized that this young man had ulterior motives!
Is he trying to take advantage of Li Chengqian?

But even if they wanted to take advantage of Li Chengqian, there was no need to come to Da'an Palace!
Why not just go directly to the Crown Prince's residence to find Li Chengqian?

It is said that Li You and Li Chengqian are quite close. What is the meaning behind his decision to go the long way around instead of staying close?

Just as Li Yuan and Consort Sun were filled with doubt, Li Yuanchang cautiously said, "To be honest, Father and Mother, the Prince of Yan is going to Youzhou and has already been enfeoffed."

"What!?"

Li Yuan and Consort Sun were both startled.

However, before they could recover from their surprise, another report came from outside.

"Your Majesty the Retired Emperor, His Highness Prince Yue pays his respects with deepest respects!"

Wow!
The whole place was in an uproar!

Li You, in particular, had a change of expression when he heard that Li Tai had paid his respects to Li Yuan. At the same time, he glanced at Li Yuanchang with secret annoyance.

He had originally intended to prepare a gift, but Li Yuanchang said that Li Yuan doted on him and that as long as he was there, there was no need for any formalities.

But nowadays, there is no harm without comparison.

Li Tai brought lavish gifts to pay his respects to Li Yuan, but he himself came empty-handed. As a grandson, what would Li Yuan think?
Moreover, Li Tai is also the eldest grandson of the emperor!
At this moment, Li You wanted nothing more than to beat Li Yuanchang up, but at the same time, a sense of doubt arose within him.

What's that chubby kid doing here?!

(End of this chapter)