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

Chapter 309 That's the kid who shot at me! [Seeking monthly votes]

To be honest, when Li Shimin realized what was happening, he really didn't want to go along with the wishes of the uncle and nephew.

But just as Changsun Wuji had predicted.

When it comes to national interests, Li Shimin and Li Chengqian will never have any conflict.

Therefore, Li Shimin ignored Cheng Yaojin and the others and immediately made a decision: "I choose the second method. Fuji, you go and do it!"

"Sir, obey the order!"

Li Shimin's decision did not surprise Changsun Wuji, but Changsun Wuji was a clever man.

He knew the consequences of hoarding food.

Therefore, after leaving Ganlu Hall, he did not rush back to his residence. Instead, he summoned Yuchi Gong, Cheng Yaojin, and other ministers who had come with him to see Li Shimin to a secluded corner and said that he had important matters to discuss with them.

But then Changsun Wuji said with a smile, "My ministers, you know me well. We've worked together for so many years, how could I not leave some benefits for you?"

"What do you mean?"

Cheng Yaojin's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but ask, "You want us to participate in the wool trade?"

"No, that's not true. Only the Changsun family can do the wool trade!" Changsun Wuji denied with a smile.

Yuchi Gong immediately sneered, "That's the business of the entire Turkic Khaganate! Aren't you afraid your Changsun family will be overwhelmed by it?"

"Yes, Duke Zhao, one should not be too greedy, or one will not have a good end!" Hou Junji also mocked.

But Changsun Wuji didn't care at all, and instead said with a smile, "You all think too simply. The wool trade may be a profitable business, but it's not something my Changsun family can get!"

"What do you mean?"

Fang Xuanling frowned and said, "Didn't His Majesty say that the second method would be chosen? You also said that you would contribute 50 million strings of cash. Shouldn't the benefits belong to you?"

“Xuanling, I don’t have fifty million strings of cash. Don’t you know my family’s situation?”

"That's exactly why I understand you less and less!"

"Okay, it's all my fault for not explaining myself clearly!"

Changsun Wuji sighed with self-reproach.

The ministers exchanged glances, completely baffled as to what Changsun Wuji was up to.

But then Changsun Wuji sighed and said, "Don't you all think about this? Who came up with this idea? It's the Crown Prince! Do you think the Crown Prince is the kind of person who would let someone take advantage of him so easily?"

"this."

The ministers looked at each other again, and couldn't help but stare at each other in bewilderment.

Thinking back carefully, it seems that's the case.

Neither Li Er nor Li Chengqian were the kind of people who would easily let others take advantage of them.

"So you mean His Majesty also saw through the oddities here, which is why he readily agreed, because he believed the Crown Prince could come up with fifty million strings of cash?" Xiao Yu asked thoughtfully.

"That's right!"

Changsun Wuji looked at Xiao Yu with great appreciation and said, "The Crown Prince's tutor is a wise man. My Changsun family is just someone who works for the Crown Prince and His Majesty. In fact, we don't get much benefit from it!"

"We might not get much, but it's still better than nothing!" Chu Suiliang muttered.

Changsun Wuji glanced at him with a cold smile and said, "Do you think the wool trade is the way to make money? Let me tell you, raising sheep takes time! No matter how much you invest upfront, you still have to wait for the wool to grow. The real money-making opportunities are the other industries around the Protectorate!"

"You all must know about Li Xiaochang's ambitions, right? How did he rise to power in Liangzhou?"

"this."

Upon hearing this, the ministers felt a chill run down their spines.

But Fang Xuanling asked with surprise and uncertainty, "You mean smuggling?"

"Ha, smuggling was back when the Turks were in power. Does the Turks still exist now?"

Changsun Wuji sneered, "Don't forget how popular our Tang Dynasty's silk, salt, porcelain, and tea are there!"

"And we love their spices, herbs, furs, cattle, sheep and horses so much!"

"Now, the entire Turkic Khaganate is ours, which means all trade is legal, including the slave trade!"

"This"

Upon hearing this, the ministers felt a chill run down their spines, as if they had suddenly realized what was going on.

Changsun Wuji smiled faintly and continued, "There are so many profitable businesses. Even if you only invest in one of them, you can make a fortune. Why bother competing for the wool trade?"

"Besides, the Turks were only defeated by our Great Tang, not wiped out by our Great Tang!"

"Before our Great Tang Dynasty defeated the Turks, the Turks were a people no weaker than us. Think about their population size carefully."

"hiss--"

Upon hearing this, the ministers couldn't help but gasp.

He thought to himself, "No wonder His Majesty ranked him first in the Lingyan Pavilion! It turns out he really understands His Majesty and his family!"
"Alright, I've told you everything I should and shouldn't have said. If you want to invest, you can come to my residence, and we can discuss it at length. Right now, we need manpower, resources, and funds to build the Beiting Protectorate. If you're not interested, then I'll look for someone else!"

"Oh, Duke Zhao, we're all close friends, why are you asking for someone else? Tonight, I'll treat you to the dinner at the Linjiang Restaurant!"

"Yes, Duke Zhao, I have a few bottles of fine wine that I planned to drink when my son gets married. But we're happy today, so we must drink some good wine!"

"Duke of Zhao"

Seeing that the ministers' attitudes had changed drastically as soon as he finished speaking, Changsun Wuji smiled faintly, then looked around at the ministers and said, "Then it's settled. See you at Linjiang Tower tonight!"

"Of course, of course, this way please, Duke Zhao!"

The officials immediately surrounded Changsun Wuji with smiles on their faces as they left the palace.

.........

at the same time.

After sending them away, Li Shimin immediately went to find Empress Zhangsun.

"Guanyinbi! I need some money, not from the imperial treasury, but from your private treasury!"

"This"

Empress Zhangsun hesitated for a moment, then asked with some doubt, "Why would His Majesty need money?"

"Sigh, it's all because of that rebellious son. He wants to establish a Protectorate in Beiting and also wants to seize land for the wool trade."

Soon, Li Shimin revealed Li Chengqian's plan, and specifically stated that this was something Li Chengqian had asked Changsun Wuji to do.

After hearing Li Shimin's explanation, Empress Zhangsun was taken aback at first, then smiled wryly and said, "Your Majesty wants to take money from my private treasury. Are you planning to get involved in this business?"

"Of course! How could he possibly handle such a huge business as auxiliary machinery!"

"I don't think so!"

"What do you mean?"

Li Shimin frowned.

Empress Zhangsun smiled calmly and said, "My brother is a smart man. Does Your Majesty not know him well? He would never embezzle such a large business. So, if I'm not mistaken, he might involve more ministers and then give the greater profits to Your Majesty and Chengqian!"

"Oh?"

Li Shimin raised an eyebrow; "Even if I don't participate, he'll still make me benefit greatly?"

"No, that won't happen. If Your Majesty doesn't participate, she will have Lady Meng come to the palace to find me, and I will share Your Majesty's share of the profits!"

"How can this be? I need money too!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin immediately became displeased: "I heard that rebellious son tell his father that Taiji Palace is not good, as it is located in a low-lying area and is damp in winter, which is not good for one's health."

"But as you know, those people in the court are watching me all the time, especially that country bumpkin Wei Zheng, and another one named Liu Ji. When I wanted to renovate the palace, one of them scolded me for wasting the people's money, and the other said I was not as good as Emperor Yang of Sui. It really infuriated me!"

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhangsun couldn't help but twitch her lips awkwardly, then smiled and asked Li Shimin, "So, what does Your Majesty mean?"

Li Shimin thought for a moment and said, "I plan to build a palace with my own money and see what they say then. If I spend my own money, they can't say anything about me, can they?"

"this."

Empress Zhangsun hesitated for a moment, then looked at Li Shimin with a complicated expression and said, "Your Majesty's idea is good, but I do not agree with Your Majesty's decision."

"why?"

Li Shimin frowned: "Do you think they will still talk about me?"

"This isn't about whether they talk about His Majesty or not; it's about how the people of the world perceive His Majesty!"

Empress Zhangsun shook her head, then countered, "Even if they know that His Majesty's money for building the palace comes from his own pocket, where did His Majesty's money come from? Is he competing with the people for profit?"

"This"

Li Shimin was stunned by the question.

But then Empress Zhangsun said with a smile, "So, I suggest Your Majesty not to take the money, because I'm worried you won't be able to handle it."

"Your Majesty wishes to build a palace, and I will build it for you in the future. Anyway, I am just a woman, and I am not afraid of what others will say. As long as Your Majesty is wise and mighty, isn't that enough? Your Majesty, don't you think so?"

"Really?"

"Of course!"

Empress Zhangsun smiled and said, "Since ancient times, has Your Majesty ever heard of a minister impeaching an empress for building a palace?"

"It seems there isn't one."

"So, you can leave the business with the Turks to me. Take the Royal Manufacturing Bureau, for example. Look how well I manage it. It's been incredibly helpful during major disasters. Don't you think so?" Li Shimin paused for a moment, then replied, "It seems so."

Empress Zhangsun smiled and asked, "Does Your Majesty still want the money from my private treasury?"

"No, let's not."

Li Shimin frowned and said, "According to you, it's useless for me to take the money."

"What about business with the Turks?"

"I'll leave it to you."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Empress Zhangsun bowed slightly, a fleeting smile playing on her lips.

Just then, a voice came from outside the door: "Minister of Personnel Gao Shilian requests an audience!"

"Uncle?"

Empress Zhangsun was stunned for a moment, then looked at Li Shimin.

But then Li Shimin seemed to remember something and said, "I almost forgot, today is the day the results of the imperial examinations are announced!"

Having said that, he immediately ordered towards the door: "Summon the Minister of Personnel to an audience!"

"promise!"

There was a response from outside the door.

Soon, Gao Shilian strode into the hall, bowed, and said, "Your subject, Gao Shilian, has come to report to the Emperor on his appointment as the chief examiner for this year's imperial examination!"

"My dear minister, you have worked hard. Bring me the list; I want to see it."

Li Shimin smiled and waved to Gao Shilian, then said to the eunuch not far away, "Pass on my decree, instruct the Ministry of Rites to release the results immediately, so the candidates don't have to wait any longer."

"Yes!"

The eunuch responded and ran out.

Gao Shilian then carefully handed the list to Li Shimin.

The moment Li Shimin received the list, he immediately opened the list of literary works.

Clearly, in his mind, martial arts were inferior to humanities, because humanities had stood the test of time and could not be compared to the newly established martial arts.

Moreover, he did not believe that a martial arts champion was more useful than a civil service champion.

In his view, a martial arts champion was at best a skilled martial artist, and such talents were not uncommon in the military.

But the top scholar in the imperial examination is different. Such talents can become pillars of the country with just a little training. For example, Sun Fujia is now a trusted minister of Li Chengqian.

Hateful!
He's clearly one of our own!

How did she end up being led astray by that unfilial son?

To be honest, Li Shimin still regrets it to this day, as too many talented people have gone to Li Chengqian.

However, the number of people participating in the imperial examination this year is quite large, and many talented individuals should emerge from it.

Therefore, Li Shimin quickly came to terms with it.

As long as all the candidates for this year's imperial examinations belong to him, then he doesn't need to worry about Li Chengqian poaching his talents.

Thinking of this, Li Shimin smiled and then gently peeled off the red paper covering his name.

Then, the first name that caught his eye made him pause slightly.

Because this name was not one he was familiar with.

It should be noted that, because of the Hongwen Academy, the scholars there had heard of almost every talented person, and would even mention them when lecturing.

However, when he saw the name, he had almost no recollection of it.

"Could it be some newly emerging genius?"

Li Shimin pondered for a moment, then immediately began to peel back the names of the others. He finally saw a few familiar names, but his doubts deepened.

Because the people he knows should, in theory, have more than these rankings.

Unfortunately, their grades were not very good.
"It's really weird."

Li Shimin tossed aside the list of civil officials with a hint of frustration, then reluctantly picked up the list of military officials. He casually peeled back a name, and the first name he saw made him jump up from his seat in shock: "How could it be him?!"

"Your Majesty, what has happened?" Gao Shilian couldn't help but ask.

Li Shimin's expression changed repeatedly. Clearly, upon seeing this name, a chilling image flashed through his mind, and his whole body trembled slightly.

Then, he took a deep breath and said to Empress Zhangsun with a hint of indignation, "Guanyinbi, do you know who this year's martial arts champion is?"

"Who?"

"That's the kid who shot at me!"

"What!?"

These words shocked the entire hall.

On the other side, the Prince's Mansion.

Cen Wenben was excitedly bringing the list of successful candidates in the imperial examinations to report the good news to Li Chengqian.

"Your Highness, the results of the imperial examinations are in. This year is truly brimming with talent!"

At this time, Li Chengqian was writing the school rules, training outline, and guidelines for the military academy.

But then he stopped writing and asked with a look of curiosity, "Who is this year's martial arts champion?"

"Hehe, it seems that His Highness the Crown Prince values ​​military studies more than academic subjects!"

Cen Wenben smiled, then picked up the list and glanced at it, saying, "Your Highness, this year's martial arts champion is named Wang Haibin!"

"Wang Haibin sounds familiar."

Li Chengqian was stunned for a moment, then looked at Cen Wenben with a puzzled expression.

Just then, Laifu, who had been grinding ink for Li Chengqian, suddenly remembered something, coughed, and said, "Your Highness, if I remember correctly, this Wang Haibin should be Commander Xue's bodyguard."

"Xue Rengui's bodyguards also participated in the martial arts examination?"

Li Chengqian was taken aback again, but quickly recovered and laughed, "So it was him! Wang Haibin! I remember now, he's the guard Xue Rengui who shot at my father, right?"

"Yes, Your Highness, it is him!"

"Heh, that's quite interesting! I wonder what kind of expression my father will have when he sees his name?"

Li Chengqian thought about it with a touch of mischievousness, then asked Cen Wenben, "Besides the top scholar in the martial arts exam, has the top scholar in the literature exam emerged yet?"

“He’s out. He’s a student of the Imperial Academy named Wei Yuanzhong!” Cen Wenben replied with a smile.

"Wei Yuanzhong?"

Li Chengqian was taken aback again, thinking to himself, why does this sound so familiar?

But this time he remembered it without Lai Fu's prompting, because the name was in the military academy instruction manual he had written.

This Wei Yuanzhong was one of the six talents that Pei Xingjian had recruited for him.

"I never expected Pei Xingjian to have such good judgment, actually managing to bring me the top scholar!"

Li Chengqian smiled and sighed, then put down his pen and said to Cen Wenben, "Give me the list, let me see if there are any people I recognize!"

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Cen Wenben immediately and respectfully handed over the list.

Meanwhile, at the Chengtian Gate in Chang'an.

Countless scholars who participated in this year's imperial examinations crowded the area outside Chengtian Gate where the results were posted.

Although this year's imperial examination has undergone significant changes, it is now divided into civil and military examinations.

The location where the results were posted remained unchanged, except that the civil service and military service lists were separated by a yellow line.

The section on the left displays the list of literary achievements, and the section on the right displays the list of martial achievements.

The number of scholars on the literary list was significantly greater than that on the martial arts list.

Strangely, most of the onlookers were on the martial arts side.

Because the martial arts examination was being held for the first time this year, many people were eager to know who would be the first martial arts champion of the Tang Dynasty.

On the other side of the martial arts ranking list, there was a desk where someone was sitting, and a sign held up by a member of the Imperial Guard read: "Recruitment Office of the Royal Military Academy".

Clearly, this was specifically set up for those taking the martial arts exam.

If you pass the entrance exam for the military science program, you can directly enter the military academy without taking the exam; you only need to register.

If you don't pass the entrance exam for the military science program, you need to register for the military academy's entrance exam and meet the requirements to be admitted.

Just as everyone was eagerly awaiting the announcement of the results, a group of young men, clearly different from the other scholars, arrived at the announcement site, chatting and laughing.

They glanced at the sign for the military academy, then curled their lip in disdain before turning and heading towards the display area for the cultural exhibits.

"Hey, isn't this Liu Yuan? What, you think you can pass the exam?"

Just as the group of young men turned around, a slightly mocking voice suddenly rang out.

(End of this chapter)