"Do you know that I dote on Mei Niang today, so that's why you say this? I asked Mei Niang to sit in on the government affairs because I am feeling unwell today, forgetful, and afraid of delays in government affairs, so I ordered her to sit aside and listen in."
Li Shimin's voice was full of doubts and uneasiness. He was well aware of Li Chunfeng's prophetic ability, but at this moment he felt a little confused.
He knew that his physical condition was not good and his memory was not as good as before, which made him worried that it would delay important affairs of the government. Therefore, he decided to let Wu Meiniang listen in to remind him in time.
"It's okay for others to talk nonsense. Why do you also say such alarmist things?"
Liu Shili came out and knelt beside Li Chunfeng. His eyes were firm and sincere, and his voice revealed his trust and respect for Li Chunfeng.
"Your Majesty, Mr. Li has lived in the Taoist temple for a long time and has not set foot in the court for a long time. He is not only aware of many things, but judging from his past experience, Mr. Li has never made a mistake in his predictions. Please think again, Your Majesty."
Liu Shili's words were full of sincerity and concern. He knew that Li Chunfeng was not empty talk, but had rich experience and accurate judgment.
He hoped that Li Shimin could seriously consider Li Chunfeng's warning to avoid making mistakes.
All the ministers in the court, headed by Liu Shili and Yuchi Gong, knelt down and said in unison: "Your Majesty, please think again."
Their voices converged into a powerful force, conveying their loyalty and concern for Li Shimin.
They understood that Li Chunfeng's words were not malicious, but out of concern for the country and the emperor.
Wu Meiniang, who was listening on one side, was sweating. She knew that Li Shimin always believed in Li Chunfeng's words.
Her breathing was quick, she was panting, and she didn't know what to do. Li Shimin, who was above the main hall, also hesitated at this moment.
He looked at the courtiers kneeling on the ground, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.
He knew that Li Chunfeng's predictions were often accurate, but he also knew that his physical condition was not optimistic.
He was lost in thought, hoping to make a wise decision.
Li Shimin had the rare opportunity to think clearly about what Li Chunfeng said. He secretly questioned himself in his heart.
"What happened recently? What happened to my sons? It seems that except for Wu Meiniang, everyone around me has deserted me."
How could Wu Meiniang give Li Shimin time to think? Regardless of the people around her, she rushed to the main hall and cried so hard: "Your Majesty, please grant Meiniang death!"
Above the court, there was chaos. The female concubines of Queen Wu Meiniang were acting wantonly in full view of the public. This was simply ridiculous!
"Your Majesty, this is outrageous!" A minister knelt on the ground and said with a trembling voice, "These women dare to disrupt order in the court and should be severely punished!"
Other ministers also agreed: "Yes, Your Majesty, this behavior is really too much."
Li Shimin sat on the dragon chair with a gloomy expression. He didn't expect that such a thing would happen in his harem, which made him very annoyed.
"How unbecoming!" Li Shimin shouted angrily, "Come here, take the martial artist down!"
When Wu Meiniang heard this, she felt panicked. She didn't know if her actions this time had angered the emperor. She had worked hard for so long and couldn't deny it all just because of Zhang Li Chunfeng's few words.
Her eyes were filled with hatred and she looked at Li Chunfeng fiercely. The guards came forward and took her down to the court. After all this fuss, Li Shimin also felt very tired.
Li Chunfeng, who was kneeling on the ground, did not tell Li Shimin what he had deduced about the "rising Qi of the King of Western Shu". He knew that it was not appropriate to say anything at this time.
"Your Majesty, although King Shu Li Ke proclaimed himself emperor, he was forced by circumstances. No matter what, he is your son like Li Zhi and Li Tai."
"Besides, our Tang Dynasty cannot have two emperors. I wonder if Your Majesty is willing to issue an order to summon him back to Chang'an for peace talks?" Li Chunfeng said cautiously.
Liu Shili on the side was sweating for Li Chunfeng. I wonder if this Taoist priest feels that he has lived too long?
Either he doesn't show up, or when he does show up, the emperor will say whatever he doesn't like to hear.
"Li Ke, this rebellious son, is plotting rebellion! Do you still want to really negotiate peace with him?" Li Shimin said angrily.
"Let's disperse! I'm tired." Li Shimin waved his hand tiredly.
In Licheng.
Li Ke learned that Li Chunfeng had told Li Shimin his prediction, which successfully aroused Li Shimin's suspicion.
Li Ke said to himself with a smile: "It seems it's time to make a comeback. We must seize this excellent opportunity to suppress the Wu clan, eradicate Wu Meiniang, and nip her ambition in the bud."
While Li Shimin was in a state of distress, Li Ke decided to strengthen himself.
The first step is for Li Ke to keep Li Zhi by his side. After all, Li Zhi was an important figure in Wu Zetian's ascension to the throne in history.
If it weren't for Li Zhi's irrationality, Li Shimin would never give up his power no matter how absurd he was.
Li Zhi is too cowardly. It happened that he was begging himself to rescue his mother at this time.
This incident happened to be an excuse to make Li Zhi more loyal to his brother, so that he could use Li Zhi's power to expand his own power in the future.
Although the speed of Qin Zaiming's recruitment and the quality of his training are currently unsatisfactory, the financial support from local wealthy families has also relieved Li Ke from a lot of worries.
But after all, he has proclaimed himself emperor and cannot stay in this small Qizhou Licheng.
The territory is in urgent need of expansion so that the power can continue to expand, but the expansion of territory cannot compete with the people in Chang'an City for the base, otherwise it will really become a rebellion.
Moreover, Li Ke did not want to compete within the territory of the Tang Dynasty. He wanted to expand outward. Li Ke thought of the Western Regions. The situations in the Western Regions and the Desert were similar, but very different.
The Western Region is the active area of the Western Turks and one of the areas with the most frequent military activities in the Tang Dynasty.
Let's start from here, first use the Western Turks to train Qin Zaiming's troops.
Li Ke told Changsun Wuji, Qin Zaiming, Quan Wanji and others about his plan. This time, they surprisingly unified their ideas. Changsun Wuji actually agreed and supported Li Ke's approach.
"Your Majesty, as the new emperor, it is natural for us to open up new territories and expand our territory. Moreover, the Turks have always been dissatisfied with us, the Tang Dynasty, and have repeatedly provoked us."
"In the past, the man in Chang'an City never took the initiative to send troops, but he was not afraid. Now that His Majesty has ascended the throne, it would be a good thing to eradicate the Turks."
"Lord Changsun, your analysis is correct. I feel that the current geographical location of the Western Turks is not far from Qizhou. We have a lot of good horses presented by the local wealthy families. The cavalry has always been the most valued by the Tang Dynasty. of."
"The soldiers trained by General Qin can mount their horses to fight and pursue, and they are also good at dismounting to fight the enemy."
