But no matter what, they haven't betrayed their brothers yet, let alone rebelled.
When a court minister takes the initiative to talk to a prince, it's hard to ignore him.
"His Royal Highness King Wu, there are some private soldiers in the lower government office. If you don't mind, you can leave them to your Highness to use as you wish."
Zhang Liang hesitated for a long time, then gritted his teeth and said.
He is a county prince of a country. According to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, he can enjoy a certain number of government soldiers.
But things like government soldiers can be said to be everyone's method of keeping the bottom of the pack.
Cultivating a soldier not only requires a lot of manpower and material resources, but the most important thing is time.
In short, it can be treated as a non-renewable resource.
"Thank you Duke Zhang for your kindness, but eight hundred elite soldiers are enough. In two months at most, Duke Zhang will be able to hear my good news."
Li Ke smiled and rejected him.
To be honest, Li Ke was quite surprised that he could say this.
If he could really bring back enough refined salt, Zhang Liang might have fewer pots on him.
But if Li Ke fails to complete the task, he will not get any benefit at all.
The cause and effect relationship here is very clear, and I believe that people with Zhang Liang's identity will not be unable to figure it out.
But even so, he was still willing to lend his soldiers to Li Ke.
This shows that at this moment, he is still very loyal.
It's a pity that loyalty doesn't mean anything at certain times.
There is no more or less person in the army than elsewhere, and that must be recorded.
If Li Ke took his soldiers, he would definitely not be able to hide them from prying eyes.
Even if you bring back enough salt, the gong will be over.
"Your Highness is righteous. I am in Chang'an. I wish your Highness a safe journey."
Zhang Liang cupped his hands again, turned and left.
Li Ke smiled and was about to leave when he suddenly saw a figure.
"Master Duan..."
Duan Lun turned around after hearing this, saw Li Ke, and hurriedly bowed and saluted.
"His Royal Highness King Wu."
Although he is a minister, he does not have a title.
So it's not like Zhang Liang did, just give him your hand and it will be fine.
According to the regulations, except for the county princes and some people who have been personally pardoned by His Majesty.
When the rest of the people see the emperor's relatives, they must be polite.
In this era where etiquette is paramount, there is a slight deviation.
The plan to impeach him will appear on Li Shimin's desk the next day.
"Master Duan, you're welcome."
Li Ke walked over and helped him up personally.
"His Royal Highness King Wu..."
Duan Lun looked at Li Ke's friendly smile and felt a bad feeling in his heart.
"The Ministry of Industry has no money..."
Having no money is fake, but being afraid of trouble is real.
As one of the six ministries, the Ministry of Industry is the poorest.
But there is much more oil and water inside than in other small places.
At this court meeting, anyone with a discerning eye can see it.
The Crown Prince and His Highness King Wu have shown a tendency to disagree.
Duan Lun is a smart man, and Li Shimin is still in his prime.
As a minister, no one can force him to take sides.
And even if he takes sides, he will not stand on the side of His Highness King Wu, who has no hope at all.
He just hopes that he can serve as an official well, and when he has enough experience, he can be transferred to the Ministry of Revenue or the Ministry of Rites, which are oily places.
Or simply get a pension when you reach the age to take care of yourself, it is much better than getting involved in such a bloody party struggle.
Seeing his expression, Li Ke knew without thinking that the minister of the Ministry of Industry, who had just taken office, was too cautious.
However, he was too lazy to explain anything. Instead, he leaned his head next to Duan Lun and whispered quietly.
"...Hey, what did I think it was, but it turns out it is like this."
Duan Lun breathed a sigh of relief.
"Don't worry, Your Highness King Wu, what you need will be delivered to your house tomorrow at the latest."
"That's very good."
Li Ke smiled and patted his shoulder.
"You have half...one-third of the credit for bringing the salt back later."
"I dare not compete with His Highness King Wu for credit..."
…
the other side.
East Palace, inside the Prince's Mansion.
Li Chengqian was half lying on the bed, with two disheveled concubines beside him, handing fruits to his mouth.
Suddenly a eunuch walked in and whispered in Li Chengqian's ear.
"You two, get out quickly!"
Li Chengqian's expression changed drastically and he pushed away the two beautiful concubines.
He hurriedly put on the four-clawed dragon suit, sat down at the desk, picked up a copy of "The Analects of Confucius" and started reading.
Not long after, Changsun Wuji walked in.
"uncle."
Li Chengqian stood up quickly, but was stopped by Changsun Wuji.
"Your Highness, there is no need to be so polite."
Seeing Li Chengqian's appearance, Changsun Wuji sighed softly in his heart.
It's not like he has never been young. The room was filled with such a strong smell of powder, coupled with the fact that he was holding the Analects of Confucius upside down.
All of them showed him that Li Chengqian's East Palace was not as peaceful as imagined.
However, he is still a minister after all, and he still can't do such a thing to disgrace the prince.
Reaching out and taking the "Analects of Confucius" aside, Changsun Wuji said solemnly.
"Your Highness, you were a little impulsive in the court earlier."
"Please ask uncle to clarify my doubts."
Li Chengqian bowed and saluted with a very sincere attitude.
He clearly knows that other people's opinions are secondary to whether he can inherit the throne.
Only Changsun Wuji, his biological uncle, was the key figure who could make the final decision.
"Your Highness knows that Li Ke's mother, Concubine Yang, is a Hu."
Seeing Li Chengqian nod, Changsun Wuji said again.
"Then your Highness should know better. I, the throne of the Tang Dynasty, will not be handed over to a foreigner with impure blood. Therefore, Your Highness, your targeting of King Wu in the court is completely unreasonable."
"But uncle..."
Li Chengqian hesitated for a long time before speaking.
"Xuanwu Gate..."
"Your Highness, be careful what you say!"
Changsun Wuji shouted angrily, interrupting Li Chengqian's words.
Li Chengqian was shocked. He had never seen Changsun Wuji look so stern.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly cooled down.
After a long time, Changsun Wuji spoke.
"Your Highness, don't mention that matter in front of anyone in the future, not even me. Do you understand?"
"I see."
Li Chengqian nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.
"Your Highness, there is no need to think too much. As long as the situation in the court does not change much, this throne will definitely be yours."
Changsun Wuji stood up.
"I'm leaving. The Analects of Confucius is a good book. You can read it several times in your spare time."
"My uncle's teachings will be kept in mind by Cheng Qian."
Li Chengqian stood up.
"I'll see my uncle off."
"No need, if those gossip officials see you, you will inevitably gossip."
Changsun Wuji shook his head and walked out.
Seeing Changsun Wuji's leaving figure, Li Chengqian took a deep breath and threw the Analects aside.
"What my uncle said is a bit exaggerated..."
