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

Chapter 307 Crown Prince, are you trying to be like Sima Zhao?! It's too obvious! [Seeking monthly votes]

"You've lost weight and look so haggard, it breaks my heart. Sometimes love is crueler than time."

"It makes people blind and reckless, forgetting that love requires two equally devoted people."

Lately, a strange singing voice has been frequently heard in the Crown Prince's residence in the early morning, and almost every servant in the residence hums along.

Although they didn't understand what the song was about, it was sung by His Highness the Crown Prince, so they figured they could just follow along.

Moreover, they discovered something peculiar.

The Crown Prince's residence has been having an endless supply of fish balls lately, to the point that they're almost sick of them.

Especially their manager, Lai Fu, avoids fish balls like the plague, as if he never wants to eat them again in his life.

Meanwhile, outside Li Chengqian's room...

Upon hearing the singing coming from the room, Lai Fu quickly bowed and reminded Li Chengqian, "Your Highness, it's time for court."

But then Li Chengqian, speaking languidly from inside the room, said, "I know. Go and bring in breakfast. I'll go to court after I finish eating!"

"it is good!"

Lai Fu bowed and replied, and was about to turn around to get breakfast when he suddenly heard Li Chengqian in the room ask again, "Are there any fish balls delivered today?"

"Uh,"

Lai Fu's lips twitched, and then he said with a helpless expression, "Yes, and a whole truckload!"

"Oh!"

A dull thud came from the room.

Lai Fu hurriedly asked, "Your Highness, are you alright?!"

"No, it's okay."

After a long while, a snarling sound came from inside the room, followed by a groan: "You said you looked down on me, and now you're doing this? Who cares about you!"

"Go ahead and give it to them if you want. There are so many beggars in the city, and plenty of people are starving. Giving them food won't be a waste!"

"Uh, this."

Upon hearing this, Lai Fu hesitated for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Judging from Your Highness's words, do you know who sent it?"

"What does it matter if I know or I don't? I don't care at all!"

"If you didn't care, you wouldn't ask every day."

"What did you say?!"

"It's nothing, it's nothing. I'll go get you breakfast right away!"

Soon, Laifu ran off in a flash.

Li Chengqian, rubbing his lower back and pouting, opened the door.

Although he had a general idea of ​​who delivered the fish balls, he didn't want to waste time on such trivial matters.

After all, he still had a lot to do.

All that talk about love and romance is such a waste of time.

"Someone! Tell Laifu to bring breakfast to the carriage. I'll wait for him outside!"

With that, Li Chengqian walked towards the door on his own.

Li Shimin has been in a great mood lately.

Because he not only figured out the origin of that imperial aura, but also received good news from Li Ke in his fiefdom.

It is said that Li Ke increased grain production in Sichuan and Chongqing by nearly two times.

Therefore, not long after the court assembly began, he took the lead in bestowing titles and rewards upon the princes.

Li Ke was enfeoffed as the Prince of Shu, Li Yin as the Prince of Liang, Li Yun as the Prince of Tan, Li Shen as the Prince of Shen, Li Xiao as the Prince of Jiang, Li Zhen as the Prince of Han, Li Jian as the Prince of Dai, and even Li Zhi, who was just two years old, was enfeoffed as the Prince of Jin.

This shows how confident Li Er was after learning that he was destined for greatness.

As a result, special envoys from all over the country who came to the capital to pay homage to the emperor (the imperial envoys), including members of the imperial clan such as Li Daozong and Li Xiaogong, submitted memorials one after another, believing that all the ethnic groups in the four directions had submitted and requesting Li Shimin to go to Mount Tai to perform the Fengshan ceremony.

Although Li Shimin also wanted to perform the Fengshan ceremony, he could not agree immediately, because if he did, others would surely criticize him for being ambitious and eager for quick success.

Therefore, even though he was overjoyed inside, he remained outwardly calm and composed, like still autumn water.

But then he said calmly, "What do you gentlemen think of the Fengshan ceremony?"

Soon, Xiao Yu, the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, was the first to step forward, holding his ceremonial tablet, and said:
"Your Majesty, I believe that Your Majesty's merits are evident to all under Heaven, and it is time for the Fengshan ceremony!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers all echoed his sentiments.

"Yes, Your Majesty! Time is of the essence, and Heaven's will must not be defied!"

"In our opinion, it is already too late to perform the Fengshan ceremony now!"

Hearing the ministers' agreement, Li Shimin's lips curled into a slight smile, which vanished in an instant. Then, he said with a sigh, "You all think that the Fengshan ceremony is a grand event for emperors, but I don't see it that way!"

"If the world is at peace and every household is well-fed and clothed, what loss would there be even if we didn't perform the Fengshan ceremony?"

"This"

The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment, and the hall fell silent.

But then Li Shimin continued, “In the past, Qin Shi Huang performed the Fengshan ceremony, but Emperor Wen of Han did not. Do later generations think that Emperor Wen of Han was inferior to Qin Shi Huang?”

"Besides, even when worshipping Heaven and Earth, why must one climb to the summit of Mount Tai? Is it only by sealing a few feet of earth that one can express one's sincerity and respect for Heaven and Earth?"

"This"

The ministers looked at each other again, but none of them took these words seriously.

Because they all knew Li Er's personality, they had to be polite to him first, and then get him to reluctantly agree.

Therefore, even though Li Er spoke with great righteousness, the ministers still tried their best to persuade him to stay, which made Li Chengqian, who was sitting next to Li Er, feel disgusted and uncomfortable.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the Fengshan ceremony represents the achievements of the monarch, and the reason why the monarch has achievements is precisely because of the results of his governance of the world."

Just as the ministers were getting to the point of urging him to make the final decision, the newly appointed Left Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Fang Xuanling, stepped forward at the opportune moment.

As his words fell, the newly appointed Minister of War, Hou Junji, also stepped forward, holding his ceremonial tablet, and said: "Just now, Your Majesty compared Qin Shi Huang with Emperor Wen of Han, arguing that Emperor Wen of Han was more virtuous than Qin Shi Huang even without performing the Fengshan ceremony. In my opinion, in terms of results, Your Majesty's civil and military achievements far surpass those of Qin Shi Huang. Does that mean that if he could perform the Fengshan ceremony, Your Majesty cannot? Doesn't this mean that Your Majesty is inferior to Qin Shi Huang?"

“Yes! His Majesty is wise and mighty, how could he be inferior to Qin Shi Huang?” Xu Jingzong, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, chimed in.

"That's right! His Majesty is an emperor who has established great achievements, and he deserves to perform the Fengshan ceremony!"

"Your Majesty, we agree!"

Hearing more and more ministers agree with his decision to perform the Fengshan ceremony, Li Shimin deliberately put on a helpless expression, pointed at the ministers, and said, "You all like these empty titles, but I don't care about them at all."

"but."

Then, he changed the subject and continued, "I often say that we should follow the will of the people, and the will of the ministers is also the will of the people! Very well, I will grant your wish!"

"."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian couldn't help but roll his eyes inwardly.

Although Li Shimin said this with great reluctance, everyone knew that he was probably overjoyed inside.

After all, given his achievements, he certainly deserved the Fengshan ceremony.

However, just as the ministers were happily discussing the specific itinerary and related matters with Li Shimin, a figure that gave Li Shimin a great headache suddenly stood up, holding his tablet, and said: "Your Majesty, I think this is not advisable!"

Wow!
The whole place was in an uproar!

Li Shimin's face darkened, and he said coldly, "Wei Zheng, do you disagree with my decision to perform the Fengshan ceremony?"

"disagree!"

Wei Zheng, with a serious expression, spoke decisively.

The ministers looked at each other and whispered among themselves.

But then Li Shimin sneered, "What, do you think my achievements are not high enough?"

"Your Majesty's achievements are certainly great!"

"Ok?"

Li Shimin straightened his posture and continued, "Is it because my virtue is not deep enough?"

"Your Majesty's virtue is certainly abundant!"

No, is this country bumpkin messing with me?

Li Shimin was already getting angry and pressed on again, asking, "Is the country still unstable?"

“It’s stable! I never said it was unstable!” Wei Zheng replied calmly.

Li Shimin's face was almost as black as the bottom of a pot.

Li Chengqian, who was standing to the side, almost couldn't help but laugh.

When it comes to criticizing Emperor Taizong (Li Er), probably no one in the entire court could compare to Wei Zheng.

This is also why Li Er both loved and hated Wei Zheng.

I love his honesty and outspokenness, but I hate that he always puts me in an awkward position.

But Li Shimin gritted his teeth and said, "Then tell me, what is the reason?"

"No reason!" Wei Zheng replied calmly, "I simply disagree with Your Majesty's decision to perform the Fengshan ceremony!"

"Stop joking, how could there be no reason?"

Li Shimin clearly did not believe Wei Zheng's words, so he half-jokingly said to him, "Tell me, are the four barbarian tribes not submitting?"

"This"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zheng glanced at Li Chengqian subconsciously, then shook his head and said, "Since the night of the Double Ninth Festival banquet, when the Crown Prince went on a killing spree, coupled with that military exercise, I'm afraid there isn't a single foreign country that wouldn't submit to our Great Tang."

"Good good!"

Li Shimin, enraged, laughed: "So that means the harvest is poor?"

"No, since the Crown Prince promoted sweet potatoes, there has been surplus grain in various places. In addition, with the optimization of land policies, this year's harvest has been bumper!"

Depend on!
This sheep-nosed man!
Why do you always bring up that unfilial son?!
Was it me performing the Fengshan ceremony, or was it him?
Why does it feel like all my achievements are related to that rebellious son?!
No!

I can't ask any more questions related to that rebellious son; I have to ask a question that has nothing to do with him!
So, what exactly is the question?
Just as Li Shimin's mind was racing, he suddenly caught sight of Li Chunfeng in the corner of his eye. His eyes lit up instantly, and he thought to himself, "That's right! How come I didn't think of that! I am the emperor chosen by Heaven!"

What is a rebellious son?
Nothing!

Li Shimin immediately felt reassured and pretended to be nonchalant, saying, "I recently heard a piece of news that an aura of an emperor has appeared in Chang'an. Since ancient times, when the heavens display unusual phenomena, something big is bound to happen."

"But, with peace prevailing throughout the land and people living in contentment, what major event could possibly occur?"

"Now that I've thought it over, I'm afraid this is why the Crown Prince's tutor opposes the Fengshan ceremony. He feels that auspicious omens have not yet appeared!"

"No, Your Majesty is mistaken."

Wei Zheng directly denied it, saying, "In my opinion, auspicious omens have already appeared."

"Now that auspicious omens have appeared, it means that I have achieved six things."

Li Shimin sneered, "Then why can't we perform the Fengshan ceremony?"

Wei Zheng calmly replied, "Although Your Majesty has achieved six accomplishments, our dynasty is in ruins after the great chaos of the Sui Dynasty. Our population is depleted and our granaries are empty. Once Your Majesty makes an eastern tour, you will surely have thousands of chariots and horses. In each place you visit, the local prefectures and counties will definitely make proper arrangements for you."

"Wouldn't this just increase the burden on local governments and counties, plunging the people who have finally achieved a peaceful and prosperous life back into misery?"

"May I ask Your Majesty, would you like to see this happen?"

"I"

Li Shimin felt a chill run down his spine, unsure how to respond.

The ministers exchanged awkward glances.

But then Wei Zheng said righteously, "Furthermore, the Fengshan ceremony held at Mount Tai must be extremely grand, otherwise it will not be able to display the majesty of the emperor!"

"In that case, will the foreign envoys who have just returned to their countries have to come back to our Great Tang to participate in this grand event?"

"Very well! Assuming that envoys from various foreign countries have come despite the hardships, does Your Majesty know how desolate the road from Chang'an to Mount Tai is? Some places are even uninhabited, truly a desolate wilderness!"

"What's even more ridiculous is that our China has always been preventing barbarians from entering the heartland of China, but Your Majesty's single Fengshan ceremony has brought all the barbarians in. Is Your Majesty planning to show them the vast wilderness of our Great Tang Dynasty to demonstrate our weakness to the enemy?"

I rub!

Niubi Niubi!
Good scolding!

When Li Chengqian heard Wei Zheng's words, he almost gave him a thumbs up.

Li Shimin and his ministers were completely stunned by Wei Zheng's scolding, their heads buzzing.

It must be said that Wei Zheng was truly skilled at cursing people!

He's not the kind of mindless troll!

Every word struck at the hearts of Emperor Taizong and his ministers; it was a venomous attack!

However, he hadn't finished speaking.

But then he said coldly, "Furthermore, even if the Fengshan ceremony bestows rewards upon the world as a sign of grace, it may not satisfy the desires of those barbarians who have traveled a long way. Even if Your Majesty reduces the people's taxes for a few years, it may not make up for their losses."

"Therefore, I dare to ask Your Majesty and your colleagues, is it worth it to suffer real harm in order to gain the empty title of Fengshan?"

"What benefit would this bring to our Great Tang Dynasty, to His Majesty, and to all the officials?"

"This"

After hearing these words, Li Shimin and his ministers could no longer find a reason to perform the Fengshan ceremony.

At that moment, a crisp slap resounded throughout the hall: "Well said! The Crown Prince's tutor is right! To gain a false reputation at the expense of the world's interests is indeed unacceptable!"

boom!
The whole audience was shocked!

None of the ministers seemed to have expected that Li Chengqian would actually agree to not perform the Fengshan ceremony.

Given Li Chengqian's previous personality and his admiration for Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han, he could very well be the next emperor to perform the Fengshan ceremony.

But surprisingly, he also did not approve of the Fengshan ceremony.

That was truly unexpected.

Just as the ministers were surprised by Li Chengqian's statement, Liu Ji, who was praised by Li Shimin as "the second Wei Zheng", stepped forward and said with his tablet: "Your Majesty! I also agree with the advice of the Crown Prince's tutor. I believe that to govern the country, we should be frugal in our work, collect less tax, and set an example by ourselves."

"Although the strength of our Great Tang Dynasty is indeed much better than it was at the end of the Sui Dynasty, the decline in population is still a fact. Therefore, I think that instead of discussing the Fengshan ceremony, we should discuss the people's livelihood."

"Nowadays, there are still high platforms built with skulls in various states. Even if our Great Tang is not afraid of any barbarians, it would probably not be good for them to see these skull platforms."

"this."

Li Shimin hesitated for a moment, knowing that Liu Ji was trying to save face for him, so he went along with it and said, "Minister Liu's words are reasonable. Issue my decree that, regardless of the time period, all these skeletons should be leveled and the scattered bones reburied as tombs, and should not be exposed to the outside!"

After saying this, he took a deep breath to calm himself down, glanced at Li Chengqian, and said to Wei Zheng expressionlessly, "What you just said, Minister Wei, was thought-provoking and truly excellent! By imperial decree, bestow upon him five hundred bolts of silk!"

"Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!"

Wei Zheng accepted the reward without hesitation.

With Wei Zheng receiving his reward, the discussion on the Fengshan ceremony ceased.

However, this incident still somewhat hurt Li Shimin's pride.

Therefore, he no longer both loved and hated Wei Zheng, because the love had disappeared.

"Alright, if all my ministers have nothing else, then let's adjourn the court!"

"Your Majesty, please wait! Your subject has something else to discuss!"

Just as Li Shimin was announcing the end of the court session in a state of deep frustration, Li Chengqian's voice suddenly rang out again.

But upon hearing this, Li Shimin frowned deeply: "What else do you want?"

It is clear that he was also very unhappy with Li Chengqian's opposition to the Fengshan ceremony.

But Li Chengqian didn't care whether he liked it or not, and just said what he wanted to say.

"Your Majesty, I just heard the Crown Prince's tutor mention the desolate wilderness, and it suddenly reminded me of something. As far as I know, since the Sui Dynasty's three campaigns against Goguryeo, many soldiers have died in foreign lands. Although our Great Tang Dynasty has replaced the Sui Dynasty, the wives, children, and elderly of those soldiers are still hoping that their loved ones' souls will return to their homeland."

"Since Father Emperor ordered the skulls to be leveled, a platform built, a tomb constructed, and the souls appeased, why not bring back the remains buried in foreign lands for burial?"

Wow!
The whole place was in an uproar!

None of the ministers seemed to have expected that Li Chengqian, such a ruthless crown prince, would have such a benevolent side.

In particular, the generals led by Li Jing stepped forward one after another.

"Your Majesty! Your subject and the Crown Prince agree that we should retrieve the remains of those soldiers to appease the people and the nation!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! They were all brave warriors who fought for the country, and their souls should return to their homeland!"

"Your Majesty! We reiterate our opinion!"

Hearing his generals echoing Li Chengqian's suggestion, Li Shimin felt a slight unease.

However, there is no problem with Li Chengqian's suggestion.

Collecting the remains of fallen soldiers of the Sui Dynasty could indeed stabilize the hearts and minds of the people for the Tang Dynasty.

After all, remnants of the Sui Dynasty still occasionally rebel.

"Alright! Then let's send envoys to the Goguryeo Kingdom to collect the remains of those who died in battle, and bury and commemorate them!" Li Shimin said decisively.

The ministers immediately chorused their praise: "Your Majesty is wise!"

"Alright! That concludes today's court assembly!"

Li Shimin once again ordered the court session to end.

But Wei Zheng stepped forward at this moment, holding his scepter, and said, "Since Your Majesty is willing to take back the remains of those who died in battle, why not also ransom the Han people who were captured and taken to various countries?"

Li Shimin was annoyed as soon as he saw Wei Zheng step forward, and said irritably, "Leave this matter to the Court of State Ceremonies! I'm tired!"

After saying this, he left the court without another word.

Upon seeing this, the officials couldn't help but sigh, and then turned to look at Li Chengqian.

But Li Chengqian smiled faintly and said, "Since Your Majesty is tired, then I will preside over the court meeting in your stead."

"???"

The courtiers were all puzzled, thinking, "No way, Your Highness, are you trying to become Sima Zhao?!"

This is so common knowledge!
……

Requesting double monthly votes; I'll add an extra chapter when I reach 1000 votes.

(End of this chapter)