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

Chapter 439 Mission Completed, System Rewards Calculated [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

Chang'an, Taiji Hall, court assembly

Inside the magnificent Taiji Hall, the atmosphere was as oppressive as an impending storm.

Civil and military officials lined up on both sides, while Li Shimin, sitting on the dragon throne, had a somber expression and unconsciously tapped his fingers on the armrests.

The Vice Minister of Revenue was reporting on the grain and provisions transported to Liaodong. In his remarks, he inevitably mentioned the "generous spoils" of Crown Prince Li Chengqian in Pyongyang and Nanbojing, attempting to alleviate the accusations that the Ministry of Revenue might have been "ineffective" in supplying the Goguryeo battlefield in the early stages.

However, before he could finish speaking, a rough and indignant voice boomed out:
"Seizures? Hmph! No matter how many spoils you seize, can they bring my son Huailiang back to life?!"

Everyone turned to look, and saw Duke Lu, Cheng Yaojin, with bloodshot eyes, step forward and point at the Vice Minister of Revenue, his voice choked with emotion:

"My Cheng family only has a few descendants! Following the King of Shu... that rebellious son was foolish and deserves punishment! But... but his crime doesn't warrant death!"

"Your Highness... Your Highness..."

He couldn't continue, tears streaming down his face.

Duke Yuchi Gong of E also had a livid face and said in a muffled voice:
"Although Jingde is crude and uncouth, he knows that the law of the land is as firm as a mountain. But even if his son Huan'er has a thousand faults, why... why is he not even allowed to leave a whole corpse!"

He heard that his son, Yuchi Huan, had died a horrific death, and he was filled with resentment.

His son, Yuchi Huan, was also one of the "Five Tigers and One Tai Sui" and was executed along with him.

Although Li Xiaogong, the Prince of Hejian, did not speak, his face was terribly gloomy.

His son, Li Zong, the youngest, was also not spared.

The attitudes of these individuals clearly represent a significant portion of the noble families who were purged by Li Chengqian because their sons were involved in Li Ke's rebellion.

They dared not openly criticize the emperor and the crown prince, but their suppressed grief and resentment were felt throughout the court.

The Vice Minister of Revenue was so frightened that he fell silent and dared not speak of the Crown Prince's achievements again.

At this moment, Liu Ji, the Left Minister, seized the opportunity and stepped forward to report:
"Your Majesty, I believe that in the previous war against Goguryeo, Your Majesty personally led the expedition but failed to achieve complete victory. While the soldiers fought bravely and the weather was unfavorable, the inefficient transport of supplies was also a key factor!"

"The Ministry of Revenue is in charge of the nation's finances and has an inescapable responsibility! The current Minister of Revenue, Ma Zhou, is diligent, but his abilities are perhaps inferior to those of his predecessor. I implore Your Majesty to investigate this matter thoroughly!"

These words were extremely insidious, shifting all the blame for Li Shimin's defeat in Goguryeo onto the Ministry of Revenue's logistics, while the current Minister of Revenue, Ma Zhou, was someone promoted by Li Chengqian.

Ma Zhou immediately stepped forward to defend himself: "Your Majesty is wise! The Ministry of Revenue has done its utmost in the war against Goguryeo, but the journey was long and the losses were enormous..."

"Hmph! What a show of giving it your all!"

Liu Ji interrupted him:
"If you truly exerted your utmost efforts, why did His Majesty's army frequently face food shortages? Why did His Highness the Crown Prince need to travel thousands of miles to provide reinforcements? It is clearly your incompetence that has hindered His Majesty's great cause!"

"you!"

Ma Zhou was so angry that he trembled all over.

"enough!"

Sun Fujia, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, could no longer stand it and stepped forward, sternly saying, "Minister Liu! The war against Goguryeo is complex; how can it be simply attributed to the Ministry of Revenue?"

"Since taking office, Minister Ma has reorganized the canal transport system and inventoried the granaries, and the results are evident to all!"

"While the new leader is certainly capable, Minister Ma is no mediocre man either! Your words are clearly motivated by personal revenge and an attack on a colleague!"

Liu Ji, embarrassed by Sun Fujia's public rebuke, retorted, "Minister Sun! I am only stating the facts! You, the Minister of Justice, are in charge of criminal cases. How much do you know about matters of finance and grain?"

"Could it be that just because Minister Ma is one of your... Hmph, a 'former of the Crown Prince's court,' you're going to blindly protect him?"

He emphasized the phrase "former members of the Eastern Palace" to imply that Sun Fujia and Ma Zhou were part of the Crown Prince's faction and were forming cliques for personal gain.

Sun Fujia, with his fiery temper, flew into a rage upon hearing this: "Liu Ji! You're spouting nonsense! Your Majesty, I..."

"All right!"

Li Shimin, seated on the dragon throne, finally spoke. His voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority that instantly silenced all the arguments.

His gaze swept over Liu Ji, then over Sun Fujia and Ma Zhou, and finally he said calmly:
"I will make a fair judgment on the matter of Goguryeo. As for the matter of the Ministry of Revenue, we will discuss it later. Ma Zhou, I know you have worked hard, but the affairs of the state cannot be neglected in the slightest. You must be even more diligent."

This statement, while seemingly blaming both sides equally, actually shows a clear bias.

It neither pursued Liu Ji's accusations nor affirmed Ma Zhou's achievements; instead, it carried a hint of warning.

Ma Zhou and Sun Fujia felt a chill in their hearts and could only bow in agreement.

Li Shimin turned his gaze to the silent Prince Wei, Li Tai: "Qingque, what are your insights on assisting Prime Minister Wei in handling government affairs recently?"

Li Tai's chubby face immediately broke into a respectful smile. He stepped forward, bowed, and spoke in a gentle voice:
"Your Majesty, I am but a humble subject, and I am working hard to learn. Minister Wei is fair in his dealings, and I have benefited greatly from his guidance."

"I just feel that... in the court today, harmony should be valued above all else, and only by working together can we deal with matters from all directions."

He didn't mention any specific political matters, only talking about 'harmony,' which made him seem both sensible and mindful of the overall situation, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere just now.

Li Shimin nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction showing on his face: "Hmm, it's good that you think that way."

This scene made many of the observing ministers start to consider their options.

It seems that His Majesty's affection for and support of the Prince of Wei is becoming increasingly evident.

The Crown Prince, though far away overseas and renowned for his military achievements, has made many enemies in the court, especially hurting the feelings of the nobles.

With one side gaining and the other losing, the future competition for the throne may still be subject to change.

……

Lizheng Hall, the inner palace
After the court session, Li Shimin went to the Lizheng Hall, where Empress Zhangsun was staring blankly out the window, with what appeared to be tear stains still visible in the corners of her eyes.

"Guanyinbi, what's wrong?" Li Shimin approached, his tone softening.

Empress Zhangsun turned around, looked at Li Shimin, and said in a sorrowful voice:
"Second brother, I just dreamt of Chengqian. I dreamt that he was covered in blood... I'm so scared."

Li Shimin frowned slightly: "Chengqian has won a great victory in Japan, and good news keeps coming. Why are you worried?"

"What good would it do to win?"

Empress Zhangsun became somewhat agitated:
"Second Brother, there are already many complaints about Chengqian in the court. I heard that there will be a court meeting today..."

"I know what I'm doing regarding matters of court assembly!"

Li Shimin interrupted her, his tone turning cold:
"Chengqian expanded the territory of the Tang Dynasty, and some of his methods were unavoidable. As for the complaints in the court... humph, those people are just worried about their own sons!"

"But it's my second brother!"

Empress Zhangsun grabbed Li Shimin's sleeve:

"Why did you summon Qingque back to Chang'an? And why did you allow Liu Ji and his ilk to rely on Qingque?"

"Do you know that there are rumors circulating outside that you are going to depose Chengqian and install Qingque in his place? Wouldn't that cause the brothers to fight amongst themselves?"

Li Shimin shook off her hand, his face darkening.

"I recalled Qingque because he is renowned for his talent and can share the burdens of the country! As for which court officials support, that is their business; how can I control that?"

"If Chengqian is upright and honest, what is there to fear from others? If he is truly as cruel and ungrateful as the rumors say, and has lost the hearts of his subjects, then it is his own fault!"

"Second brother! You..."

Empress Zhangsun looked at Li Shimin in disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes: "How could you say that? Chengqian is our eldest son! He has risked his life for the Tang Dynasty all these years."

"enough!"

Li Shimin turned away with a flick of his sleeve: "The women of the inner palace must not interfere in politics! You should rest well!"

Watching Li Shimin's departing figure, Empress Zhangsun slumped helplessly onto the couch, her heart filled with endless worry and chill.

She could sense that her second brother, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, was tacitly approving or even instigating a storm against their eldest son.

……

the other side.

The study of the Prince of Wei's residence
After seeing off yet another group of officials who came to 'visit', Li Tai returned to his study with a sense of satisfaction.

His trusted advisors were waiting for him.

"Your Highness, His Majesty's attitude towards you at today's court assembly can be described as tacit approval," the aide flattered.

Li Tai smiled smugly and picked up a delicate pastry:

"My elder brother is quite powerful overseas, but it's a pity that he cut off his own arm. He killed Li Ke and Li Yin, seemingly eliminating his rivals, but he also chilled the hearts of the imperial family and nobles."

"Now, I hear he's wreaking havoc in that desolate land again; his reputation is practically ruined." He swallowed the pastry and wiped his hands.

"How could my father not see through this? He is now tacitly allowing Liu Ji and his group to suppress the officials of the Eastern Palace, and he has placed me in the court. His meaning is already very clear."

"When my elder brother returns... Hmph, just based on his killing of his brother and his cruelty, Father will have enough reason to depose him!"

The advisor whispered, "Your Highness is wise. However... the Crown Prince has a distinguished military record..."

"Military achievements?"

Li Tai scoffed, "To have merit that overshadows one's master is the path to death!"

"Moreover, how much of his military achievement was based on killing his brothers? When the time comes, someone will naturally help us 'remind' Father."

He walked to the window, gazing in the direction of the palace, his eyes gleaming with ambition:
"The position of Crown Prince... will be mine sooner or later. Brother, you should stay overseas and expand the territory for your future emperor brother!"

The undercurrents in Chang'an are becoming increasingly turbulent due to Li Chengqian's remarkable military achievements and ruthless methods, as well as Li Shimin's tacit approval and indulgence.

A massive storm awaits the prince upon his return from his expedition.

……

And at the same time.

Naniwa-kyo, formerly the Imperial Palace of Wa (Japan), is now the Great Tang Dynasty's Wa Island Governor-General's Office.

The sea breeze, carrying a salty, fishy smell, blew into the main hall, but it couldn't dispel the faint stench of blood.

Li Chengqian stood before a large map of the Japanese islands, his fingertips tracing the newly marked Tang Dynasty place names, his expression cold and stern.

Pei Xingjian, Su Dingfang, and Pei Xuansu, who had just been appointed as the Chief Secretary of the Japanese Island Governor's Office, stood at the lower end.

"Dingfang."

Li Chengqian spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable power:
"I am entrusting the Japanese islands to you, leaving behind 20,000 elite troops and 5,000 naval soldiers. Can you hold this territory for me?"

Su Dingfang stepped forward, his armor clanging, and clasped his hands in a deep voice, saying:

"Your Highness, rest assured! With me here, the Japanese islands will forever remain the land of the Great Tang! If I am lost, I will offer my head in retribution!"

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, his gaze sharp as a knife: "Remember my words: barbarians fear power but do not cherish virtue, they know small etiquette but have no great righteousness."

“If you are kind to them, they will only see it as weakness. Only steel blades and raging fire can tame these wolves. Show no mercy, and don’t care about a little bit of infamy.”

"What I want is for the silver mines here to be inexhaustible, so that this land will never suffer again!"

"Your Highness's teachings will be remembered by this humble general!"

Su Dingfang's voice was loud and clear, and a cold light similar to that of Li Chengqian flashed in his eyes.

He knew full well that staying on the Japanese islands was not a pleasant task, but rather a matter of suppressing all possible resistance with an iron fist to ensure the interests of the Tang Dynasty.

This is destined to be a blood-stained road.

Li Chengqian turned to Pei Xuan: "Chief Secretary Li, you will assist Governor Su. You will oversee civil administration, taxation, and mining. Silver mining is of paramount importance!"

"Increase the conscription of laborers, and adopt segmented excavation and assembly line operations to improve efficiency. If there is any slacking off or resistance..."

He paused, then glanced at Su Dingfang:

"They shall all be punished as traitors, and their families shall be implicated and enslaved in the mines. I want to see enough silver transported back to the Tang Dynasty every year!"

"Sir, obey the order!"

Pei Xuan bowed and accepted the order, his expression solemn.

He understood that he would be in charge of a highly efficient exploitation machine, powered by relentless punishment and death.

"in addition!"

Li Chengqian added:

"The whole process of promoting Tang culture must be carried out without error. Abolish the Japanese language and script, and burn their historical books and classics. Establish schools and force Japanese children to learn Tang language and script. Those who disobey will have their parents severely punished."

"I will completely erase the mark of 'Japan' from this land."

After arranging military and political affairs, Li Chengqian looked at the taciturn plague doctor Sun Yuan and asked, "Doctor Sun, how is your 'research' progressing?"

A hint of fanaticism appeared on Sun Yuan's sallow face as he bowed and said, "Your Highness, thanks to Your Highness's great fortune, progress has been rapid!"

"This place is rich in 'materials' and the physical condition is slightly different from that of the Central Plains, which is of great benefit for exploring the spread of plague and drug tolerance."

"Several new types of toxins and methods of epidemic prevention have been preliminarily verified, and the records have been compiled into a book."

The "materials" he was referring to were naturally those Japanese who were captured during the suppression or dealt with for resisting.

Li Chengqian was fully aware of this and showed no discomfort, simply nodding slightly: "Very good. Governor Su will prioritize supplying you with the required 'materials'."

"Your research findings may be of great use to our Tang Dynasty army in the future. Continue, but be careful not to cause any uncontrollable disaster."

"Your Highness, rest assured, I understand."

Sun Yuan gave a sinister smile.

Finally, Li Chengqian said to Pei Xingjian:

"Pass down the order: set sail in three days. The fleet will return directly to Dengzhou, without stopping in Baekje or Silla. I need to return to Chang'an as soon as possible."

"promise!"

Pei Xingjian responded, sensing a barely perceptible urgency in Li Chengqian's tone.

Your Highness is already aware of the turmoil in Chang'an.

Three days later, at the port of Naniwa.

The massive Tang fleet was ready to set sail.

The flagship, the Dingyuan, resembled a sea fortress, with the Tang Dynasty dragon flag on its mast fluttering in the wind.

On the shore, Su Dingfang led the officers left behind to stand in solemn formation.

Further away were Japanese civilians who had been driven by the Tang army to "see them off." Most of them had numb expressions, and their eyes held fear and resentment deep within.

Some silver mines have their entrances near the port, and you can faintly hear the clanging of metal and the shouts of overseers coming from inside.

Li Chengqian took one last look at the land he had conquered with iron and blood, and said to Su Dingfang:
"Dingfang, this place is in your hands. Remember, a steel knife needs to be sharpened often to keep it sharp."

"Understood, Your Highness! We respectfully see you off on your triumphant return!"

Su Dingfang and his officers shouted in unison.

Li Chengqian turned around and strode onto the warship.

The pedal retracts, and the anchor chain rattles.

As the horns sounded, the fleet slowly sailed away from the port and headed towards the vast western sea.

Li Chengqian stood at the bow of the ship, the sea breeze ruffling his black cloak. He gazed at the receding coastline of the Japanese islands, his eyes cold.

The silver from Japan will enrich the Tang Dynasty's treasury, and the lessons learned from Japan will serve as a warning to the barbarians in all directions.

Now, he must return to face another battlefield, one without gunfire, but perhaps even more dangerous.

"Barbarians fear power but do not cherish virtue..."

He repeated his instructions to Su Dingfang in a low voice, a cold smile curving his lips: "Aren't some people in Chang'an City the same?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly remembered something and shouted in his mind, "System!"

[Here! ]

A mechanical voice suddenly rang out.

Li Chengqian smirked: "Is my mission complete? Shouldn't it be time to settle the reward?"

[Congratulations, host, you have completed the side quest and are rewarded with a new system. Would you like to claim your reward?]

"Ha! It really does have a reward system!"

Li Chengqian immediately smiled.

(End of this chapter)