The first rebel of the Tang Dynasty

When Fang Xuanling's footsteps disappeared at the palace gate, Li Shimin sat on the dragon chair and sighed deeply. He understood that Fang Xuanling's stubbornness and conservatism could no longer adapt to the changes of this era. He needed someone with more vision and courage to assist him, and this person was Lu Zhaolin.

Li Shimin knew in his heart that if he wanted Qingzhou's economy to continue to prosper, he must get the support of Lu Zhaolin. Otherwise, Qingzhou will fall into chaos and the people will suffer.

So he ordered the guards: "Come here!"

"Here!" The guard quickly appeared in the hall and knelt down.

"Come out of the palace with me and find Lu Zhaolin." Li Shimin ordered bluntly. He has made up his mind that this time he will personally come forward to discuss with Lu Zhaolin and must draw him into his camp.

This time he had to personally come forward to find the other party and make it clear, otherwise it would be too late.

The guards took the order and left, while Li Shimin took a short rest, tidied his clothes, then got up and walked out of the palace. He knew that if Qingzhou's economy wanted to continue to prosper, he must get the support of Lu Zhaolin. Otherwise, Qingzhou's economy will not develop.

No one is in charge of Qingzhou, which is a very difficult thing to do. Qingzhou's current economic aggregate is pretty good. Maybe a little worse than Chang'an, but he had never paid special attention before and let Liu Rengui leave. It was his fault. This time, he must take down Lu Zhaolin, otherwise he would really be sorry to the people of Qingzhou.

At this time, people from the Shengtang Group also learned that Li Shimin wanted to meet Lu Zhaolin. They understood that this was an opportunity for Lu Zhaolin to join the Shengtang Group. So, they acted quickly and sent people to Lu Zhaolin's home.

Let's say that Li Si Minmin went to look for Lu Zhaolin. At the same time, someone from the Shengtang Group had already gone to find Lu Zhaolin. And left Lu Zhaolin's home.

When they went to Lu Zhaolin's home, Lu Zhaolin's expression was shocked. And after they left, Lu Zhaolin's expression became much more relaxed.

Perhaps, he also made up his mind. Maybe he already has a choice, that is, Shengtang Group is his choice. As for Li Shimin, he was kept in the dark.

When Li Shimin arrived at Lu Zhaolin's residence, he found that several people were walking out of Lu Zhaolin's home. They were dressed luxuriously and looked calm, obviously not ordinary people. After Lu Zhaolin saw Li Shimin, he seemed very enthusiastic and saw them off personally.

These faces felt familiar to Li Shimin, and he couldn't remember where he had seen them before. He was confused and couldn't help asking: "Who are they?"

The guard beside him replied: "Your Majesty, these people are from the Shengtang Group."

When the man said this, Li Shimin was shocked. Shengtang Group? How could it be... He never expected that people from the Shengtang Group would have come to Qingzhou and personally visited Lu Zhaolin. A sense of crisis came to his mind, and he was worried that Lu Zhaolin had been persuaded by the Shengtang Group.

what to do? If Lu Zhaolin turns to the Shengtang Group, his plans will be greatly hindered. He was very anxious now and had mixed feelings in his heart.

"Let's go in and take a look!" Li Shimin made up his mind and tried his best no matter what, to prevent Lu Zhaolin from being snatched away by the Shengtang Group.

When Li Shimin walked outside Lu Zhaolin's mansion. Then someone knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Lu Zhaolin's voice came from inside.

At this time, Lu Zhaolin just opened the door and saw Li Shimin. "Who are you looking for?"

At this time, the guard immediately said: "How dare you not be polite when you see His Majesty!"

Lu Zhaolin looked at Li Shimin. Only then did he remember that the middle-aged man in front of him was actually the emperor. He was so frightened that he immediately saluted: "My dear fellow, pay homage to Your Majesty!"

Li Shimin looked at him. A satisfied smile appeared on his face.

It seems that Lu Zhaolin is really a reliable person. The more he looked at Lu Zhaolin, the more satisfied he became.

"Your Majesty, why are you looking for Xiaominsuo?" Lu Zhaolin asked again.

"Lu Zhaolin, right?" Li Shimin asked.

"It's Xiaomin." Lu Zhaolin was a little frightened.

"Don't you invite me to sit inside?" Li Shimin asked, and Lu Zhaolin immediately said: "Your Majesty, please come inside." So he led Li Shimin inside.

Li Shimin stepped into the mansion and was greeted by the fresh fragrance of flowers. The scenery in the courtyard brightened his eyes. A path paved with bluestones led to a small pavilion, surrounded by green bamboos and several plum blossoms. He couldn't help but sigh that the life of a scholar was indeed different. This quiet scenery was completely different from his busy government affairs.

"Your Majesty's visit to this humble abode is really a blessing!" Lu Zhaolin came forward to greet him with a smile on his face.

Li Shimin nodded slightly, "Lu Zhaolin, I am here to discuss matters related to Qingzhou's future."

The two walked to the pavilion and sat down. Lu Zhaolin immediately served tea. Li Shimin picked up the teacup, blew gently, and said: "Lu Zhaolin, you should know the current economic situation of Qingzhou. I hope to use your wisdom and talent to jointly make suggestions for the prosperity of Qingzhou."

Lu Zhaolin gave a wry smile and spread his hands, "Your Majesty is exaggerating. The economic situation in Qingzhou is indeed worrying, but what can I, a scholar, do?" After saying that, he lowered his head and couldn't help feeling helpless.

Li Shimin put down the teacup, a trace of displeasure flashed in his eyes. He frowned slightly and took a deep look at Lu Zhaolin, "Have you thought about what I asked someone to come over to tell you before?"

Lu Zhaolin raised his head and met Li Shimin's gaze, feeling a little nervous in his heart. He knew that Li Shimin had high hopes for him, but Qingzhou's problems were too complicated, and he was worried that his abilities were not enough.

"Your Majesty, I have listened to your proposal, but my abilities are indeed limited." Lu Zhaolin took a deep breath and tried to make his voice sound firmer.

There was a sense of scrutiny in Li Shimin's eyes. He stared at Lu Zhaolin closely, as if he wanted to see through his heart. This made Lu Zhaolin feel a little uncomfortable. He lowered his head and avoided Li Shimin's gaze.

"Lu Zhaolin, you are too self-effacing." Li Shimin's tone was a little cold, "You are a famous talent in Chang'an, and your wisdom and talent are unmatched. I believe that as long as we work together, Qingzhou's future will be better good."

Lu Zhaolin was silent for a moment, knowing that Li Shimin had high hopes for him, but Qingzhou's problems were too complicated, and he was worried that his abilities were not enough.

He clenched his hands and hesitated, feeling helpless and guilty in his heart.

Li Shimin stared at Lu Zhaolin closely, with a look of scrutiny in his eyes, as if he wanted to see through his heart. This made Lu Zhaolin feel a little uncomfortable. He lowered his head and avoided Li Shimin's eyes. "Your Majesty values ​​me so much, how can I not appreciate it?" Lu Zhaolin took a deep breath and tried to make his voice sound firmer, "As long as Qingzhou needs me, I will definitely try my best to make suggestions for Qingzhou's prosperity."

After saying that, he raised his head and met Li Shimin's gaze, revealing a firm determination in his eyes.

Lu Zhaolin knew in his heart that he was already standing on the cusp of history. He knew that he had a heavy responsibility and could not live up to the expectations of the people of Qingzhou. Next, he will work closely with Shengtang Group to jointly write a new chapter in Qingzhou.

Li Shimin couldn't help but feel happy when he heard Lu Zhaolin's answer. He knew that he was right. Lu Zhaolin was a visionary and responsible person. So he continued: "Lu Zhaolin, I hope you can join my camp and work together for the future of Qingzhou."

Lu Zhaolin was stunned for a moment, as if he did not expect that Li Shimin would make such a request. He hesitated for a moment and said: "Your Majesty, I am honored by your invitation. But I have agreed to join the Shengtang Group and seek welfare for the people of Qingzhou."

Li Shimin's heart sank. What he was worried about finally happened. He knew very well that the Shengtang Group's purpose was not pure. If Lu Zhaolin turned against them, the consequences would be disastrous. He couldn't let this happen.

"Lu Zhaolin, you should know that people in the Shengtang Group act for their own interests. They don't really think about the people of Qingzhou." Li Shimin tried to persuade Lu Zhaolin, "I hope you can consider it carefully."

When he said this, he meant to belittle the Shengtang Group.

Lu Zhaolin smiled faintly, and a trace of determination flashed in his eyes, "Your Majesty, what you are talking about is an isolated phenomenon. I know that most people in Shengtang Group have ideals and responsibility. Not only do they have abundant resources and strength, but also They have the ability and determination to promote the development of Qingzhou. Not only in Qingzhou, their efforts spread throughout Chang'an and even Datang."

When Li Shimin heard Lu Zhaolin's words, his heart sank. He understood that Lu Zhaolin had made up his mind to join the Shengtang Group, and his own persuasion had no effect. He felt a little lost and helpless, but still unwilling to give up his last effort.

"Lu Zhaolin, you are a famous person in Chang'an. Your decision will affect the development direction of the entire Qingzhou. I hope you can consider it carefully." Li Shimin's eyes revealed a kind of expectation and concern. He hoped to persuade Lu Zhaolin to change his mind.

Lu Zhaolin took a deep breath. He knew Li Shimin's expectations and trust, but he also had his own difficulties and worries. He was worried that his ability and influence were not enough to realize Li Shimin's expectations, and he was also worried that his decision would bring more trouble and disaster to Qingzhou.

Looking at Li Shimin's expectant eyes, Lu Zhaolin couldn't help but feel touched. After a moment of silence, he said firmly: "Your Majesty, I have thought about it carefully. I believe that Shengtang Group can bring a better future to Qingzhou."

Hearing these words, Li Shimin couldn't help but feel a little annoyed, but he still maintained the demeanor of a monarch. "Lu Zhaolin, I hope you won't regret your decision."

Lu Zhaolin smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a firmness and confidence, "Thank you for your kindness, I will be responsible for my decision."

At this time, the guards standing beside him could not sit still. They clenched their weapons and were about to step forward to subdue Lu Zhaolin.

But Li Shimin raised his hand to stop them. He knew in his heart that he came here to recruit talents, not to cause conflicts and killings.

However, Lu Zhaolin's stubbornness and the influence of Shengtang Group made Li Shimin feel a little annoyed and confused. He didn't understand why Lu Zhaolin chose to join the Shengtang Group instead of standing on his side.

"Lu Zhaolin, what did Shengtang Group give you?" Li Shimin couldn't help but ask. He wanted to know what made Lu Zhaolin reject his proposal so firmly.

Lu Zhaolin took a deep breath and said firmly: "Your Majesty, the people's support!"

"What?" Li Shimin was stunned. He didn't understand what Lu Zhaolin meant.

"What the people want, Your Majesty! Shengtang Group can go deeper into the people's hearts and solve the practical problems of the people. Shengtang Group is also doing what I have always wanted to do. Therefore, I feel that my choice is not wrong. I should choose to join Shengtang Group." Lu Zhaolin explained.

Li Shimin couldn't help but feel a little annoyed when he heard what Lu Zhaolin said. He felt that Lu Zhaolin's choice was out of selfishness and not for the prosperity and stability of the Tang Dynasty.

Suddenly, he remembered that Fang Xuanling had previously persuaded Lu Zhaolin to join his camp, and he couldn't help asking: "Did Fang Xuanling give you something?"

Lu Zhaolin was shocked. He understood that Li Shimin's suspicion was well-founded. But he couldn't betray Fang Xuanling, he was a kind person to himself.

So he said firmly: "No, Your Majesty. The Duke came here just to care about my living conditions, nothing else."

Having said that, Li Shimin really couldn't say anything else.

Li Shimin felt a little annoyed. He felt that he had never been so passive. As the king of the Tang Dynasty, he came to recruit talents in person, but was rejected by a scholar, which made him feel very embarrassed.

"I've come here in person, Lu Zhaolin, you are the only one who has embarrassed me so much." Li Shimin's tone was a bit unkind. He felt that he was angered by Lu Zhaolin's stubbornness.

Hearing Li Shimin's words, Lu Zhaolin couldn't help but be surprised. He could feel Li Shimin's displeasure and anger, and he knew that his decision was an offense to Li Shimin.

He began to panic, worried that his stubbornness would bring him trouble. But he still said firmly: "Your Majesty, I have always thought that you are a wise monarch and you will definitely respect my decision."

Lu Zhaolin's words surprised Li Shimin. He didn't expect Lu Zhaolin to respond to him in this way, which made him feel a little comfortable. After all, it was rare for a minister to be able to express his thoughts so frankly.

This statement also made Li Shimin very happy. As a result, I couldn't bear to attack Lu Zhaolin. It can be said that the way this scholar spoke made Li Shimin very comfortable. He can talk a little better than the average minister. After all, you still know how to speak well and be obedient.

"Lu Zhaolin, you know that I hate the kind of villains who follow others' influence the most." Li Shimin's tone softened a little, "You can say this, it shows that you are a person with integrity."

Lu Zhaolin breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that his words had eased the awkward atmosphere. But he still maintained a cautious attitude and did not let down his guard.

Li Shimin continued: "Since you are so insistent on your choice, I will not force you. But you must remember that your decision may bring you trouble and danger."

Lu Zhaolin's heart tightened. He knew that Li Shimin's warning was reasonable.

Maybe one day he will do it to himself.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for reminding me!" Lu Zhaolin said immediately.