Zhang Yang patted Li Chengqian on the shoulder, "His Royal Highness is a kind person. The kinder a person is, the more he will be taken advantage of."
Li Chengqian replied: "If it were you, what would you do?"
"So I have very few friends."
Li Chengqian added: "What happened to Li Yuanchang was not because of their kindness. Those who followed my father and made great achievements had their kindness, which made everyone in the clan feel that they had done something wrong and they could discuss it with my father."
"If it is Gu, Gu will never show these feelings. The law must be strict, otherwise the people in the clan will still feel that they can be unscrupulous."
Zhang Yang took a sip of tea. If Li Chengqian succeeded to the throne, he would be a harsh emperor.
"His Highness left the East Palace and stayed in the countryside for more than half a year. Did you gain anything?"
"Yes." Li Chengqian nodded heavily, "If you don't go to the countryside, you don't know the suffering of the villagers. You often say that if you stand on the side of the masses, your father's initiative of civil servants can report on their own, and there are more and more voices praising my father. "
"I have personal experience. In the future, I will pay more attention to the masses and strictly enforce the law. If the law is not strict, I will make the same mistake as my father. It is because my father indulged them and tolerated them time and time again that the Qizhou Rebellion occurred. , there will be rebellion by Li Yuanchang and others."
Zhang Yang drank tea and sighed: "That's right."
The prince just said that he hoped Lishan could support him in the future.
Li Tai is now in Lishan, and Li Zhi has not yet reached the crown, let alone the other princes.
In fact, Li Chengqian didn't have to do anything. No one was willing to compete with him for the position of prince.
Perhaps he felt that Lishan was very important, and all future actions depended on Lishan's attitude.
Zhang Yang thought to himself, it's too late for me to retire even if I am already in my thirties.
The passion of the past has long since disappeared.
The long-cherished wish of middle-aged people is to retire as soon as possible.
Thinking of this, the prince stopped talking. Zhang Yang poured him some tea and said, "What you said is absolutely true."
Li Chengqian said again: "I am admonishing my father. From now on, all princes will go to the countryside to experience and know the suffering of the villagers and how hard the work is. Then they will understand how important a few sentences in the decree are. Ideas can affect the lives of thousands of people.”
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has clearly learned from this, and I would like to express my congratulations to the country."
After saying these flattering words, Zhang Yang clinked glasses with him again.
After the prince's family left, Zhang Yang felt a lot more at ease.
Li Chengqian was sitting in the carriage returning to the palace. Although he had said so much to Zhang Yang, this man never made a promise from beginning to end.
"If Gu can ascend the throne, let Zhang Yang enter Lingyan Pavilion and be granted the title of Duke. He will be hereditary and will not be replaced."
The Crown Princess was a little moved when she heard this and whispered: "The County Marquis' family has never been greedy for power. If we were to grant a reward rashly, Lishan would probably not be willing to do so."
Li Chengqian nodded and said, "He deserves it."
In the palace, Li Shimin learned that the prince had gone to Lishan, and that Zhang Yang had withheld the token from the East Palace.
Empress Changsun was speechless at Zhang Yang's unreasonable behavior. Forget it if it was something else, this was the crown prince's token.
Li Shimin listened to the report and said in a deep voice: "Since the prince lost it himself, let him get it back by himself. There is no need to mention this matter to me in the future."
This prince is so old that he can't even keep a token.
Asking Lishan for help indeed settled Li Yuanchang's matter, but Li Chengqian also lost his East Palace token.
Queen Changsun knew very well that as long as His Majesty said a word, Lishan would return the token to the East Palace. The reason for not handing it over now was just because of the personal grudge between His Majesty and Zhang Yang.
Li Zhi walked into the Li Zheng Hall holding a pile of books and said, "Father, these are the Lishan articles compiled by my son over the years."
When he put the scroll down, Empress Changsun pulled him over and asked, "Will Lishan still send the scroll now?"
Li Zhi explained: "Sister Li Zhi often goes to Lishan Mountain and brings it to my son. After I sort it out, I can hand it over to my father."
Li Shimin picked up one of the volumes, which was about export-related articles. He said that the market in Guanzhong is limited, and too many workshops will form involution in order to compete for the only market. Counties in Guanzhong need to prepare for expansion and export.
exit? market? Involution?
These novel words appeared in my eyes one by one.
The things mentioned in the article are unheard of and can be considered a blind spot in the court.
After reading this article, Li Shimin will feel that the pace of the court is too slow and can no longer keep up with the development of Lishan.
This feeling is both frustrating and powerless.
He looked up at Li Zhi and asked, "Are these Lishan's recent articles?"
Li Zhi replied: "Last month's article was also convened for a meeting with the county magistrates of each county. They read it through on the spot. They all have it."
Li Shimin couldn't help but nodded and asked, "What has Li Zhi been doing these days?"
Li Zhi looked around and said, "Huh? Isn't the imperial sister in the Li Zheng Hall?"
Looking outside the hall again, he said: "Maybe he went to Lishan to help the emperor's sister and brother-in-law."
"I heard that Zhang Jianzhi was admitted to the imperial examination and became an official in the Secretary's Office. Di Renjie is also working in the Ministry of Justice. Your three or two friends are all engaged in business."
"My son..."
Li Shimin cleared his throat and interrupted: "These days you just follow the Prime Minister to do things, learn more, and you can also give more tips. These articles are very unfamiliar to everyone in the court, but are they familiar to you? "
Li Zhi lowered his head and said, "I understand."
"Well, don't just play around all day long. There are more and more talents in the court, and you should do something. After you reach the crown, I will send you to do other things. Go to Zhongshu Province first. "
"My son, please retire."
Queen Changsun looked a little unhappy.
Li Shimin withdrew his eyes and said discouragedly: "This kid needs some experience."
The child came to visit and didn't even drink tea. The queen was still somewhat emotional.
If it weren't for Lishan's rules that disciples could not get married until they were twenty years old, perhaps His Majesty would have been arranging their marriages now.
That's fine, you can spend more time in the palace.
Empress Changsun whispered: "Your Majesty, Mr. Zheng's health is getting worse day by day. It's time to visit him."
Li Shimin was still reading Li Shan's article and replied: "I will go after reading this."
These books are very attractive and contain novel ideas, many of which have never been heard of before. Lishan wants to build warehousing and transportation in various places.
These are concepts that have never been seen before. Just like what is said in this book, when soap and leather cloth and paper have become urgent needs, specific warehouses can be set up and the goods can be transported there first to prepare for emergencies. It can also stabilize prices.
This is a bit like the feeling of going ahead with food and grass before soldiers and horses are used. First, transfer the goods out, and then consider the conditions of whether to sell or not.
Moreover, the goods that are warehoused in advance are relatively long-term storage and have long-term demand, such as soap and cloth.
Lu Zhaolin has been staying at Wei Zheng's house these days. After going to the Imperial Medical Office for duty every day, he comes to take care of Duke Zheng's body.
Seeing that His Majesty was coming, Lu Zhaolin saluted and said, "Your Majesty."
Li Shimin stepped into the courtyard and asked, "How is Mr. Zheng's health?"
Several coughs were heard in the room, and Lu Zhaolin frowned and said, "Mr. Zheng coughs often, and he can still spit out phlegm now. If he can't spit out the phlegm next time, it will be dangerous."
Li Shimin quickly walked into the house, sat beside Wei Zheng's bed and smoothed his back and breathing.
"Your Majesty." Wei Zheng sat up on the bed, "I am dragging Your Majesty down."
"Mr. Zheng, please don't say that." Li Shimin supported him and said, "You should go to Lishan Mountain. Lishan Mountain is a good place to recuperate."
Wei Zheng shook his head and said: "It's useless, but it's just a different place. What's the difference? Lishan can cure difficult and complicated diseases, but it can't cure birth, old age, illness and death."
After that, he pointed to the table on the bed, "There are also several memorials here about the management of the Yellow River. I would like to see them before I can."
Li Shimin couldn't bear that he had to drag his sick body to review the memorials, so he pushed the table away and said, "Mr. Zheng, why are you doing this?"
Wei Zheng added: "As long as I don't relax, your Majesty will not relax, and neither will the courtiers."
Li Shimin stood and turned his back, unable to bear to look at him.
Lu Zhaolin whispered: "Your Majesty, we have arranged for the doctor from Lishan to come and see him. Now Mr. Zheng's body cannot withstand the fatigue, and he is unwilling to go to Lishan."
Li Shimin nodded and warned, "You must take good care of Mr. Zheng."
"Here."
Feeling sad, Li Shimin came back to his senses and held Wei Zheng's hand, "Mr. Zheng, there are many young talents in the court. They have included Tubo, the Western Regions, and the Turks into the territory of the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty has become stronger." .”
Wei Zheng couldn't help but nod, "Your Majesty, you shouldn't be complacent, you should always reflect on yourself. As a person, you should always examine your own moral character, especially as a king. There are always more people who are arrogant and less people who reflect on themselves. I still remember that Zhang Yang said, think about your character. This is a lesson that people need to learn throughout their lives.”
"I often think that if people lose their thoughts and moral character, they will be no different from pigs and dogs."
Wei Zhengyue said that Li Shimin felt more and more sad.
He continued: "Actually, Zhang Yang is a good boy. Although he has a weird temper, he is a boy with his own bottom line and principles. Such children are rare. If I leave in the future, Your Majesty can also listen to him more Admonish."
"I know he will resist the decree, but if he doesn't resist the decree, what will happen to His Majesty? I am worried about what will happen to His Majesty. I want to watch him for two more years and watch His Majesty more."
Li Shimin quickly said: "I understand, Mr. Wei, you must live for two more years."
The sixteenth year of Zhenguan passed by in a hurry, and in the first month of the seventeenth year of Zhenguan, Li Shimin took Prince Li Chengqian and Princess Hengshan to visit Duke Zheng again.
Li Shimin decreed that Princess Hengshan should be betrothed to Wei Zheng's legitimate son Wei Shuyu.
But at this moment, Wei Zheng was unconscious in bed.
Li Shimin sat by the bed and called several times, but Mr. Zheng didn't open his eyes.
A few days later in the first month of the seventeenth year of Zhenguan, Wei Zheng, a famous minister, passed away.
This bad news made the entire city of Chang'an fall into silence.
All civil and military officials in the dynasty were grieved.
After hearing the news, Zhang Yang remained silent for a long time on Lishan Mountain, looking at the official road to the west of Lishan Mountain, "Mr. Zheng, you are unwilling to retreat until you die."
"Is this Mr. Zheng who often curses others?"
Zhang Qingqing looked into the distance with a telescope.
"Well, he was a very stubborn old man and he has passed away now."
Zhang Qingqing put down the telescope in his hand, "Actually, when my daughter met Mr. Zheng, he was very kind."
Zhang Yang smiled in surprise, "Yes, he is usually very kind, but sometimes, he can always wake up the emperor by scolding him."
On the day Wei Zheng passed away, the emperor cried bitterly as he looked at the departing coffin and wrote an inscription for him with his own hands.
Prince Li Chengqian mourned for Duke Zheng in Xihua Hall.
Jin Wang Li Zhi was ordered to go to offer sacrifices.
The emperor named Wei Zheng Sikong, governor of Xiangzhou, gave him the posthumous title Wenzhen, and was buried with him in Zhaoling.
But all the rewards were rejected by Wei Zheng's wife, Pei, because Wei Zheng had always been frugal, so he didn't want his majesty to reward him too much.
In March of this year, Xueyantuo's Yinan Khan passed away, and civil strife broke out among Xueyantuo's two sons competing for the throne.
Su Dingfang once again submitted his resignation letter to Tian Khan.
However, your Majesty summoned a man named Qibi Heli. He had previously advised your Majesty to prepare troops to enter Xue Yantuo at all times.
Su Dingfang failed to resign, so he recommended Pei Xingjian to the Northern Expedition.
This time Xue Yantuo's civil strife is a perfect opportunity.
Before Li Shimin approved Fu Dingfang's memorial, he asked Pei Xingjian, Qibi Heli, and Ashinadur to lead their own troops to defeat Xue Yantuo.
War broke out again, and this time Datang went with the determination to destroy Xue Yantuo.
Xu Jingzong ordered the Ministry of Rites to prepare documents, and Li Yifu and Yuan Gongyu followed the army. Once the Tang Dynasty had an external war, diplomacy would inevitably take precedence.
In a wine shop in Chang'an City, Di Renjie said to Li Zhi: "Shilang Xu had expected this day for a long time, but he didn't expect it to come so soon."
Li Zhi replied: "Since his brother-in-law left the court, Xu Jingzong has been in charge of the foreign affairs of the Tang Dynasty. He can understand his father's thoughts through his father's words to Xue Yantuo."
Di Renjie said again: "His Royal Highness King Jin, let's go see Wang Xuance."
Pei Xingjian went on an expedition again. The Tang people were as graceful as the gods of war. The victorious Tang people rode up on their horses and the army headed north.
Xue Rengui was also in the team heading north, "Pei Fuyin, I can meet Ashinadur again this time when I go north."
Pei Xingjian rode his horse and replied: "Okay, but the Turkic people's wine is very hard to drink."
At this moment, Wang Xuance was still lazily dealing with various common affairs in the army. He was not interested in the Northern Expedition. It was just a matter of beating Xue Yantuo. It was no big deal. It was normal for Pei Xingjian and Xue Rengui to win if they were here.
The two figures blocked the sunlight. Wang Xuance frowned and looked up. When he saw the visitor, he saluted quickly, "General, I have met His Highness Prince Jin."
Li Zhi waved his hand and said: "No need to be polite, this time Renjie wants to tell you something."
Di Renjie saluted and said: "General Wang is the boy who was sent by Xu Shilang to deliver the message. After General Liang Jianfang returned from the Western Expedition, Tianzhu was in chaos again."
Wang Xuance spat, "What are these barbarians doing?"
Di Renjie added: "Please also ask General Wang to make preparations early. Mr. Xu said that His Majesty has noticed the chaos in the west, and General Wang has experience in attacking Tianzhu. At that time, he may join forces with Tubo to attack Tianzhu again."
Hearing this, Wang Xuance looked troubled. It seemed that his leisurely days had come to an end.
"General Wang, going west this time is not just about quelling the turmoil. Xu Shilang has read the memorial from the Marquis of Lishan County. Tianzhu is also a granary."
