Changsun Wuji's eloquent speech stunned the ministers, and like a red-hot iron drill, it directly penetrated into the weak spot in Li Shimin's heart.
In the past few days, Li Shimin was worried about the connection between the war and the East Palace. On the surface, this battle must be fought; but as long as this battle continues, the expansion of the military's power and the weakening of the civil service group are inevitable, and Datang's future national policy is likely to be shaped by this.
In other words, it would not be easy for his eldest son, Sun Wuji, to be at the forefront of the imperial court in the future.
But Changsun Wuji's sophistication and decisiveness made Li Shimin a little unexpected - a big problem that the emperor had been struggling with for days was actually solved by his co-authoring in an understatement!
A battle is about to begin, so the prince is sent to supervise the army—and the one he sends is Li Tai, who has just formed an alliance with Changsun Wuji!
"It seems that the auxiliary machine has already understood my wishes and knows what is most difficult in my heart. What a wonderful move he is making now!" Li Shimin was surprised and exclaimed in his heart, "If I had followed his advice If Li Tai is sent to supervise the army, this person is recommended by the auxiliary machine. At the same time, Li Tai is also the auxiliary machine's close nephew and political ally. In this way, it is expected that there will be a balance in the court in the future, and the civil servants headed by the auxiliary machine will not be suppressed by the military. But in this way, Tai'er's reputation has been greatly improved. Originally, he was only outstanding in martial arts, but now he has added martial arts... This is obviously to choose the prince for me! "
"Last time, you chose me to rule the country and govern the country, and now it's Tai'er... With such ups and downs and changes in the world, is this court mine or yours?"
After thinking about this, Li Shimin's eyes flashed with a sharp light.
Changsun Wuji stood with his head bowed and his hands folded. He didn't see it, but he felt a chill on his back and was slightly startled.
In fact, Changsun Wuji also knew that his words were somewhat taboo and violated the taboo in His Majesty's heart. But in this situation, he had to say something - otherwise he would just sit back and wait for death!
All the ministers present realized the power of this moment, and they held their breath and did not dare to speak out. Who would say more? Even "Xiao Lao Niu" obediently remained silent.
Li Shimin suppressed the glare in his eyes, turned to look at King Wei who was standing in the train, and said: "Li Tai, your uncle recommends you to supervise the army, are you okay?"
Li Tai was already anxious and worried. When he heard his father's words, he almost jumped up on the spot. He hurriedly stood up and bowed to the ground, "My son, I am willing to share my father's worries and solve my problems, and I am willing to go through fire and water to serve the country!" "
"But you have never been on the battlefield, so you don't understand military affairs!" Li Shimin said calmly without showing off his acumen. "War is not a joke. It is not about writing poems and graffiti. If you make a slight mistake, there will be countless casualties and death from heaven and earth. This is This battle is even more important to the rise and fall of our country. If you go to the front line to supervise the army in my place, the soldiers will be wary of your own hands. If you don't know how to pretend to be a blind commander, What to do?”
Li Tai was obviously well prepared, and said hurriedly: "If I am sent to supervise the army by my father, I will definitely share the joys and sorrows with the soldiers. I will not ask anything about the tactical arrangements for the front line. The generals have the final say. Only when it comes to the strategic direction of our Tang Dynasty’s national policy, I will remember my father’s teachings and remind the generals on the front line.”
"Well, if you really do this, you will be a qualified military supervisor." At this point, Li Shimin paused for a moment and said, "My dear friends, Situ Jianyan asked the King of Wei to go to the front line in my place. Can you?"
Who dares to say anything? This is obviously Changsun Wuji joining forces with Li Tai to compete with the emperor! —Two tigers are fighting, who dares to interfere
"Li Tai, get up first!" Li Shimin gave the order, and Li Tai had to get up obediently and stand back on the train. Fang Xuanling and others standing behind him could clearly see that cold sweat was dripping down his thick neck, and the hem of his court uniform was also trembling slightly.
"Situ, your suggestion is good." Li Shimin said, "I was originally going to fight this battle personally, but for various reasons, I couldn't make it. It's a good idea to send a prince to go on my behalf. But, I There are so many princes, why do you only recommend King Wei?"
This understatement was like a cold and bright knife being placed on Changsun Wuji's neck.
Everyone in the court knew that Changsun Wuji had been at odds with Li Tai, and recently they had suddenly cleared up their previous feud and formed a political alliance. Everyone knew the reason why. It was nothing more than an alliance between the weak and the weak to resist the strong, and the target was directly at the East Palace. Now at this critical juncture, Changsun Wuji risked his life to push Li Tai out of the water. How could Li Shimin, the emperor, just let it go
It is related to the fate of the country and the crown prince. Even if the emperor has this thought in his heart, it cannot be shown as completely complying with the wishes of the minister. Li Shimin's heart is like a mirror, so he doesn't know what Changsun Wuji and Li Tai are thinking now. He also expected the consequences. If Li Tai is allowed to go to Lanzhou and the battle is won, is there any reason not to let Li Tai become the crown prince
Li Tai inherited the country. Why would Changsun Wuji, Prime Minister of Zhenguan and Li Tai's uncle, not be the most powerful official in the future? By then, can Li Tai be able to control him? With Qin Mubai as the representative of the military, can he reach a tacit understanding with Li Tai through this battle and become his confidant? Whether they can or not, can the military people compete with Changsun Wuji in the future
A series of major issues were vividly expressed in Li Shimin's question.
Changsun Wuji suddenly felt like a huge mountain was pressing down on him, and he could hardly breathe. After a quick calculation in his mind, Changsun Wuji replied: "Your Majesty, I have already answered this question just now. The king of Wei, Li Tai, has a good reputation and good reputation. He has learned to be humble and dignified, and he is worthy of adulthood." He who is strong enough to withstand the hardships of military service is the most suitable candidate!”
"Haha, you retell it word for word!" Li Shimin laughed.
Changsun Wuji was heartbroken and did not dare to say anything.
"The King of Wei is very outstanding, but so far he has been limited to literary skills. And marching and fighting are military strategies. Even if I want to train him to practice some military strategies, it is definitely not at this time, and I can never use this game to concern the country. The battle of life and death is used as a test. "Li Shimin said, "Just like a child who is just learning calligraphy, he can only use cheap and cheap paper. There are many famous calligraphers in history, right? I practiced calligraphy on the sand.”
As soon as these words came out, Changsun Wuji and Li Tai both felt cold in their hearts - it's over! The emperor saw through it at a glance, and then beheaded him at the waist! ! !
"I agree to send a prince to oversee the army in Guanxi, but the King of Wei may not be the most suitable candidate." Li Shimin paused for a moment, looked down at the ministers, and said loudly, "Why don't you invite the ministers to serve as my son?" How about selecting an outstanding person to take on this responsibility?”
No one dared to speak.
If the second name was mentioned, wouldn't it be a clear plan to slap Changsun Wuji in the face and dismantle Li Tai
"Why, don't any of my sons have this ability? My son is not a dragon, but a loser?" Li Shimin pressed.
Still no one dared to speak. At this time, it is absolutely impossible to hit the target first. Whoever says anything will be in trouble!
Today's seemingly peaceful court meeting is actually full of dangers. As long as someone expresses his good luck and is right, the prince he recommends will become emperor in the future, so good, he will definitely be prosperous in the future. But the premise is that before they develop, they are not killed by Changsun Wuji and Li Tai. On the contrary, if he comes forward to support Li Tai as the supervisor at this time, it will show that he is a party to Changsun and is sensitive to the dispute in the East Palace. On the issue, they jointly built momentum for Li Tai and put pressure on the emperor! —Isn’t that looking for death
The current situation is that the emperor did not even fully adopt Changsun Wuji's suggestions. Even if Changsun Wuji is like this, some of his disciples can't help but secretly wonder - who am I? It’s better not to seek death!
"Okay, you don't want to say anything, I will." Li Shimin was not in a hurry and said slowly, "The first important thing for a prince to serve as the marching commander of the Kansai Army is that he must have all three qualities: character, morality, and reputation. There are indeed some of my sons who only care about the affairs of the country and the military. Such a prince will only be a burden and will make the world laugh at me! Secondly, as the saying goes, one must be proficient in military affairs. For those who do not understand military affairs to hold powerful positions in the army will definitely be a disaster for this army. I dare not take the national war as a joke, let alone take the lives of frontline soldiers as a joke. , I would like to remind you about one person."
The ministers held their breath and listened intently.
"King Wu, Li Ke."
Upon hearing these four words, Changsun Wuji raised his head sharply, with beads of sweat on his face; Li Tai's eyes widened, and his face suddenly became ashen.
"What's wrong?" Li Shimin still said calmly, looking at Changsun Wuji and Li Tai, "Isn't the person I recommended suitable?"
No one dared to speak.
Li Shimin smiled and said, "Situ, King Wei, are you thinking too much?"
Hearing this, the two of them were shocked as if they had been whipped. Changsun Wuji hurriedly raised his hands and replied: "Wei Chen didn't think much about it! Wei Chen has no objection..."
"My son also feels that the brother of the Three Emperors, King Wu, is more suitable than my son to serve as the marching commander of the Kansai Army." Li Tai's face was ashen and he went out to answer.
Everyone knows that among Li Shimin's sons, Li Ke is definitely the best in terms of overall strength in terms of literary and martial arts. Maybe his literary skills are not as dazzling as Li Tai's, but Li Ke has always been studious and knowledgeable. From astronomy and geography to Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism and Buddhism, we have covered everything. Although none of them are outstanding, there is no obvious shortcoming—this is quite different from Li Tai! Li Tai knew absolutely nothing about military strategy!
Furthermore, the war between the Three Kingdoms on the Goryeo Peninsula had previously requested the Tang Dynasty to mediate. At that dangerous juncture, Li Ke bravely traveled to a dangerous foreign country and served as the envoy of the Tang Dynasty to mediate the conflict among the Three Kingdoms, and achieved a complete success!
Not to mention the credit, this courage alone has already put Li Tai and others behind - and what about Li Tai? He only has the merit of martial arts and the name of martial arts. When it comes to martial arts, he is completely blank! When Li Ke was on his mission to Goguryeo, he even clapped his foreheads to celebrate, secretly rejoicing that he finally had one less enemy. It would be best if this third brother, who was praised by his father as "English and fruit is like me", died in Goguryeo and did not come back. !
The third reason is that Li Ke succeeded Li Daozong, who was busy in Lanzhou, and officially became the governor of Youzhou. In addition to being a prince, he was also a border official. Like Qin Mubai, he guarded the border and governed the army on horseback and the people on horseback - he was originally a commander-in-chief. And he has been doing a pretty good job. The northeastern border of the Tang Dynasty is still relatively stable. Although the Khitan, Mohe, Goguryeo and other tribes have long been ready to move, they have never dared to make trouble in the power of Youzhou!
The fourth reason is that Li Ke and Qin Mubai are old partners who are inseparable from each other. They have a tacit understanding and friendship. Sending troops to fight is not about treating guests to dinner and making noises. If the generals don't agree with each other at the front line, it may lead to disaster. And this, Li Tai and other princes may not dare to guarantee.
For these four reasons, is there anyone more suitable than Li Ke
Therefore, when Li Shimin said the name "Li Ke", Changsun Wuji immediately despaired; Li Tai also admitted defeat on the spot. Not convinced, no.
And now that the "campaign for crown prince" has not been made clear, Changsun Wuji cannot use "bloodline" to obstruct it - in the past, this was his most powerful weapon. Li Shimin had not mentioned the matter of appointing Li Ke as his heir, but Changsun Wuji silenced Li Shimin by saying, "Li Ke carries the blood of the former Sui Dynasty, and he should abolish the ancient method of creating disaster by establishing a direct descendant."
Now that the matter has come to this, what can Changsun Wuji and Li Tai have to say? At this moment, they all just prayed in their hearts: After all, the candidate for the crown prince is not officially determined now, I hope I am overthinking it! ——Don’t be the third prince Li Ke who stayed away from the court and faded away from the competition. He was not the direct descendant. The fishermen benefited and the latecomers came first! -That would be really messy!
"Hmm..." Li Shimin hummed, and inadvertently raised the corner of his mouth, revealing a hint of a sharp and meaningful smile, and immediately said, "Xuanling, what do you mean?"
Fang Xuanling stood up quietly and bowed her hands, "Wei Chen believes that the proposal proposed by eldest grandson Situ is feasible. Your Majesty's prince is also qualified for the job."
"I have no objection!"
All the courtiers heaved a sigh of relief and hurriedly responded together.
Among them, Li Zhi, the king of the Jin Dynasty who was on duty, was also included!
"So, this matter is settled like this?" Li Shimin deliberately asked, looking at Changsun Wuji and Li Tai inadvertently.
The feeling of making wedding clothes for others is not good after all. At this moment, no matter how sophisticated Changsun Wuji's palace was, the expression on his face was already quite ugly. After all, Li Tai was younger. After encountering such a huge change and sudden blow, his lips were almost losing color, and he didn't know how he could stand firm.
"Since all the beloved ministers have no objections, that's all right! - Convey my decree. The imperial edict has been sent to Youzhou in a hurry for 600 miles, and the governor of Youzhou, Li Ke, is ordered to return to Beijing immediately to answer the order! For the time being, Cheng Zhijie, the commander-in-chief of the march of Liaodong Road, Take over the position of Grand Governor."
"Order Li Junxian, the general of Zuowei and Baiqiling, to temporarily resign from his post and concurrently serve as the general of the Youlongwuwei of the inspection school; and Qin Tong, the general of the Zuolongwuwei of the inspection school, immediately command the 100,000 troops of the left and right Longwuwei to go on an expedition. . An order was sent to Huizhou Right Guard General Li Daliang to lead his troops to join the troops of Li Junxian and Qin Tong, with a total of 150,000 troops to march to Lanzhou and jointly obey Qin Mubai's command! "
"The war situation is like fire. Soldiers and horses go first. There is no need to wait for the King of Wu."
"Order, General Zuo Longwuwei Wei Chi Baolin, with 10,000 Yulin Guards and horses in front of me, rushed to Songzhou to assist Wei Chi Jingde's troops. I ordered you and your son to lead the Sichuan and Shu soldiers and horses to cross Jinchuan to assist the Kansai Communist Party. Defeat Tubo!”
"Order, General Cheng Huaibi of the Youlong Military Guard, led my 10,000 Yulin guards to Taozhou, succeeded Li Daliang as the governor of Taozhou, led the local soldiers and civilians, and continued to hunt down the remaining Tubo bandits to protect the country. Peaceful!"
"Order, Qin Bin, the former general of the Youlong Military Guard in the inspection school, is the deputy commander of the Baiqi Supervisor. He will temporarily exercise the full power of the Baiqi Supervisor on behalf of Li Junxian, but he does not have to go to the official office every day. I should have ordered you to go out with me, but you The three brothers are wearing filial piety and their mother is in the hall. They cannot all go far away. At least one son must be left to serve Gaotang. I ordered Qin Bin to stay in Chang'an and Ding You to observe filial piety in order to fulfill the principles of human ethics."
"I, formally decree, order Qin Mubai to lead the three armies to punish the people and conquer the plateau, and launch the final battle against Tibet! Any method of using troops in response to the enemy's tactics can be done cheaply; regarding military and national policies, decisions must be made in consultation with the commander of the army, Shi Li Ke. If there are any matters that are difficult to decide, please report them to the court for a decision before proceeding!"
"Three days later, I will go to the military camp in person to offer sacrifices to the gods to strengthen the army! Reward the three armies and order the soldiers to set off for the battle!"
“I accept the decree—Long live, long live, long live my emperor!!”
…
After the court meeting was over, all the civil and military officials left the Wude Hall. There were heavy clouds in the sky, and the cold wind blew through the palace.
All the civil and military personnel unanimously tightened their necks and walked quickly. Without saying a word, Changsun Wuji and Li Tai walked out of the Tai Chi Palace, got on their sedan chairs, and went straight home.
Fang Xuanling walked slowly up the long steps of Longwei Road with furrowed eyebrows and slit back. He raised his head and narrowed his eyes to look at the sky. He thought to himself: "The world is unpredictable and the king's heart is unpredictable! Who would have thought that , Will King Wu return at this time? ... There is a war in the cold moon border; the situation above the temple is also changing! "