First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

...

Youzhou, Jimen Pass.

As night fell, the north wind was blowing outside, the flags were fluttering, and the house was burning with fire and heat.

Gao Chong had a skewer in his left hand and a pack of pepper powder in his right. The tender and fat mutton was grilled until it was oily, and he praised: "This Youzhou mutton really has a special taste."

Liu Hongji nodded and said, "The sheep in Guanzhong are still not as tasty as the grassland sheep in the northeast."

Wang Junkuo looked at Gao Chong, then at Liu Hongji, and stared at the two discussing the mutton skewers here. Finally, he couldn't bear it anymore and said, "This mutton is always available, so let's talk about the big things first."

Wang Junkuo was very speechless, you are a minister of Dali Temple and a governor of the state, and you don't want to start a business, but you are here to eat skewers.

Throughout the dynasties, the Tang Dynasty liked to eat sheep the most. No matter rich or poor, they liked to eat sheep. Foods made of mutton, such as roasted sheep, steamed sheep, Guoting sheep, muddy sheep, mutton soup cakes, etc., are all over the streets and alleys of Chang'an City.

In the Tang Dynasty, the number of sheep was extremely large. "New Book of Tang·Book of War" records: By the time of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, there were 67 sheep in the Longyou pasture. This number is only the number of sheep raised by the government on one longyou pasture, and does not include other pastures and private breeding.

Gao Chong smiled when he heard the words, and looked at Tudiji and his son who were grilling skewers silently, "Jun Kuo is in a hurry, so let's talk while eating."

"Duke Yarrow, I believe you already understand what I mean," Gao Chong said as he twirled the skewers, "I won't go into details again. Tuli extorted tyrannically, and exploited these tribes in the eastern grassland too heavily. This is your chance to grow stronger, and I understand this point."

Tu Diji nodded, and solemnly stated: "Ambassador, rest assured, no matter when, Sumo Mohe will always end up in Datang."

Gao Chong waved his hands and smiled: "I don't need to say much about this, I will let Youyan Zhuzhou cooperate with you, you accept the Tie Li Department first, and use the Tie Li Department as a breakthrough to divide and win over the eastern tribes.

There is only one idea, to let those suffering tribes in the east know that it is better to follow Sumo Mohe and Tang Dynasty than to follow Tuli.”

Tudiji responded in a deep voice, and Gao Chong continued: "You need to wrong Duke Yi. In this process, everything should be led by Liu Hongji. Don't use swords or offend Tuli too much. The 'degree' of this needs to be grasped by yourself."

Without waiting for the sudden answer, Wang Junkuo asked with wide eyes, "What about me?"

Gao Chong glanced at Wang Junkuo, "The prince has important uses for you, and your credit will not go away."

Wang Junkuo was completely stunned, and said with some dissatisfaction: "You mean that I don't need to participate in these matters in Youzhou?"

"This is also what the prince means," Gao Chong nodded expressionlessly: "The Tang Dynasty is about to change, you come back to Beijing with me, and Liu Hongji will take over the post of governor of Youzhou."

Wang Junkuo was suddenly sullen, stood up abruptly, glared at Gao Chong and Liu Hongji, "Why? I have worked so hard in Youzhou, now let me go back to Beijing?"

Gao Chong's face darkened, "Jun Kuo, are you sure you want to stand and talk to me?"

Liu Hongji just grilled the skewers by himself, not unresponsive.

Wang Junkuo's chest heaved with anger.

At this time, Tudiji said enviously: "Wang Shijun, you are going back to the Chang'an center. Once the crown prince ascends the throne, you will be the most likely to be reused by the prince in the center."

Wang Junkuo paused when he heard the words.

Gao Chong said indifferently: "Look at how transparent Duke Yi is."

"But it's none of my business to subdue the Eastern Zhuhu?" Wang Junkuo still asked unwillingly.

"It is your credit that you trained the Youzhou soldiers and cooperated with Hongji to take over smoothly. It is also your credit that the military exercise ended successfully."

Gao Chong said without raising his head: "How are you going? Don't you want to be a dragon?"

When Wang Junkuo heard the words Conglong Zhigong, he immediately reacted, changed his smile in an instant, sat back in his original position and grinned and said: "I was the one who got excited just now, don't blame me, come, eat skewers."

"The handover will take place tomorrow, and we will leave for Beijing the day after tomorrow, and this place will be handed over to Hongji and Duke Yi," Gao Chong continued.

Liu Hongji and Tudiji agreed upon hearing the words, how to deal with it specifically, Gao Chong had already discussed with them in detail separately, they already had a plan in their hearts, only Wang Junkuo felt regretful all the time.

"Youzhi, can't you return to Beijing later?" Wang Junkuo asked hesitantly: "Wouldn't it be better for us to return to Beijing with our merits after we have subdued the Tieli Ministry after this matter is over?"

Gao Chong glanced at Wang Junkuo, this guy had already written the word "greedy" on his face, and immediately said lightly: "I have brought the prince's words, and I will announce the decree tomorrow morning, whether to return or not is entirely up to you."

Wang Junkuo paused when he heard the words, and Liu Hongji sighed quietly at the side: "It's a pity."

"What do you mean?" Wang Junkuo asked with a stare.

He felt that Liu Hongji was acting good because he got cheap. Since Wang Junkuo came to Youzhou, he thought that the position of governor of Youzhou was in his pocket, and he was bound to win it. Unexpectedly, now that Li Yuan returned to Beijing, Liu Hongji picked the peach.

Originally, the two didn't get along very well because of their different backgrounds and standpoints, but now Wang Junkuo is even more displeased with Liu Hongji.

Liu Hongji glanced at Wang Junkuo, "It's just a pity that I can't be there to witness the crown prince ascending the throne, so it's none of your business."

"You?" Seeing Liu Hongji's attitude, Wang Junkuo was about to get angry, but suddenly he felt much better.

That's right, after Wang Junkuo returned to Beijing, he stayed by the prince's side, and Liu Hongji would continue to stay in this bitter cold place.

When the crown prince ascends the throne, with his close relationship, even the general of the Twelve Guards will be at his fingertips.

Wang Junkuo could only snort coldly, seeing his complacent appearance, Gao Chong secretly gave Liu Hongji a thumbs up.

The next day, Gao Chong invited the imperial decree, and Wang Junkuo cooperated with Liu Hongji to take over the military affairs of Youzhou.

Gao Chong saw it in his eyes, but secretly prayed for Wang Junkuo, Wei Fengwei...is it Wei Fengwei?

When Gao Chong was on his way back to Beijing.

In the city of Chang'an, the wind is surging.

When the prime minister of the court, a memorial to Feng Deyi, the right servant of Shangshu, caused a huge wave in an instant.

"I respectfully go to the Shu: I would like to hear that the Son of Heaven is merciful, and he is merciful, restraining and nurturing the four directions...The current crown prince is worthy of heaven and earth, wise and benevolent, and immediately weighs the fate of heaven, ascends the throne, and inherits the lineage...The minister Feng Deyi Dunshou".

A short letter of more than [-] words, "Invite the Crown Prince to Ascend the Throne", caused an uproar, and the officials were full of excitement.

Prince Li Shimin reprimanded Feng Deyi in court and dismissed the memorial, but once someone took the lead to pierce the window paper, there would be no barriers.

Within three days, all civil and military officials, headed by Feng Deyi, joined forces to invite the crown prince to ascend the throne.

Li Shimin could no longer sit comfortably in the East Palace, so he immediately went to Qizhou Renshou Palace to plead guilty.

In Renshou Palace, singing and dancing, and the sound of silk and bamboo are often played all night long.

Now the palace supervisor of Renshou Palace is Pei Ji, who is basically in a "retired" state, just accompanying Li Yuan to have a good time here every day, enjoying himself.

When Pei Ji told Li Yuan that the officials had invited the crown prince to ascend the throne, Li Yuan was undoubtedly furious.

"What does he want to do? I'm not dead yet, so he can't wait?"

Li Yuan swept all the food and wine on the desk to the ground, blushed and cursed loudly.

Li Yuan was tired of cursing, so he sat down on the ground panting, gnashing his teeth and cursing Li Shimin.

Pei Ji sighed secretly, and stepped forward to help Li Yuan.

"The matter has come to this, so what can I do, if your majesty just abdicates here, it will be better than father and son turning against each other."

Li Yuan's eyes widened when he heard this, and he was trembling with anger, "Jian Pei, even you said that?"

"Now the crown prince has completely controlled the world, and is convinced by all the officials and supported by all the people. With the crown prince's ability, he is destined to be a qualified emperor. His majesty will abdicate and become a leisurely emperor. There will be no piles of memorabilia to bother you. Wouldn't it be fun to play in the world every day?"

"Hmph, so what if he controls the government?"

Li Yuan said bitterly: "Don't think I'm stupid, the old traitor Feng Lun must have been instructed by him, as long as I have a will to re-establish him as the crown prince, how dare he dare to risk the world's disgrace to rebel?"

Pei Ji shook his head with a wry smile, and tried his best to appease him: "Why is this necessary? Your Majesty has endured many years of hard work and established the Great Tang. If he voluntarily abdicates, his achievements will be comparable to those of Yao and Shun. Why bother to fight again, this Great Tang cannot stand the torment."

As soon as the voice fell, the guards came to report: General Jiang Baoyi of Youwuwei asked to see him.

The two of Li Yuan paused after hearing the words.

"Jiang Baoyi is the son-in-law of the Gao family..." Li Yuan's expression changed immediately, "Gao Chong always wears the same pair of pants with him. Could it be that the rebellious son is going to use force?"

Pei Ji was also panicked, and hurriedly comforted him: "It shouldn't be, it shouldn't be, the prince has already controlled the world, there is no need to be so unwise and only provoke criticism."

Li Yuan got up and straightened his clothes, and snorted coldly: "Xuan".

"Chenyou Wuwei General Jiang Baoyi, I pay my respects to Your Majesty." When Jiang Baoyi saw Li Yuan who was seated first, he respectfully saluted.

"Get up," Li Yuan said in a deep voice, "What's the matter with you?"

"Gao Chong, Minister of Dali Temple, asked me to deliver a letter to His Majesty." Jiang Baoyi took out an oilcloth package from his arms and presented it with both hands.

Li Yuan frowned, motioned for the servant to come forward to fetch it, and asked, "I heard he went to Youzhou?"

"Return to Your Majesty, Gao Chong is on his way back to Beijing," Jiang Baoyi replied truthfully.

The servant carefully opened the tight package and took out an old letter.

"Is this the handwriting of Jian Jian?" Li Yuan picked it up and frowned and said, "Mr. Yao's Mansion? But Yao Junsu?"

"Exactly," Jiang Baoyi replied.

After Li Yuan read the letter suspiciously, he looked at Jiang Baoyi with a puzzled face. This was just Li Jiancheng's letter inviting Yao Junsu to a banquet back then, and there was nothing wrong with it.

Jiang Baoyi understood, and immediately explained the cause and effect in detail.

Li Yuan was shocked and furious when he heard the words, "You...you really mean what you said?"

"The pen, ink, handwriting, and seal of the letter have been authenticated, so there is no doubt that it is authentic." Jiang Baoyi bowed his head and replied: "After confirmation, the day the King of Central Guizhou invited Yaojun to have a vegetarian feast was the day he fled from Hedong."

"No, it's impossible," Li Yuan said in disbelief, "Jiangcheng is not such a person."

As soon as the words fell, Qian Jiulong, Duke of the State of Yun, who lived in the Renshou Palace, came to report in person: the crown prince, along with Duke Xiao Yu of the State of Song, Chen Shuda, Duke of the Jiang State, Duke Yu of the State of Yun, and three others, asked to see him.

Li Yuan's face changed, and he suddenly showed panic, "What does this rebel want to do? How many soldiers and horses does he have?"

Qian Jiulong hurriedly said: "The prince did not lead the army."

Li Yuan unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the words, and then looked at Pei Ji, "Jian Pei, what does this rebellious son want to do? Is he going to tear his face to force the palace?"

Pei Ji hurriedly reassured: "No, His Majesty sit down and call them to see what's going on."

Li Yuan nodded, "Xuan".

Qian Jiulong immediately went out of the hall to summon everyone.

Li Shimin was dressed in ordinary clothes, followed by Chen Shuda, Xiao Yu and others.

"Greetings to Aye, my son is not filial, I will pay my respects in a few days, and Aye is in good health." After entering the hall, Li Shimin stepped forward quickly and prostrated himself on the ground to pray.

"I pay homage to Your Majesty", Yuwen, Xiao and Chen bowed and saluted.

"What a great thing you have done".

Seeing Li Shimin lying on the ground, Li Yuan was furious, waved his sleeves and cursed: "I'm not dead yet, you can't wait..."

Li Shimin lay prone on the ground, not daring to defend himself against Li Yuan's anger.

When Li Yuan finished scolding Li Shimin, he rolled his eyes and looked at Yuwen Shi and the three of them, "There are you three, what are you going to do? Are you going to help this rebellious son force the palace?"

"I dare not wait," Yu Wenshi and others hurriedly bowed down.

"Don't dare", Li Yuan laughed anxiously, "Why don't you dare, "Please The Crown Prince Ascends the Throne" is really good literary talent, what about Feng Lun, where is the old thief Feng Lun?"

"Back to Aye, Feng Deyi is on duty in the Political Affairs Hall, no, dare not come," Li Shimin replied truthfully.

"Zhengshitang...you use a good prime minister," Li Yuan scolded, "What about Gao Junya? Where is Gao Junya? Is he going to force me to abdicate?"

Li Shimin paused, "Gao Xianggong is also on duty today, and he didn't go to the school."

Then he grabbed the land with his head, "My son came here to plead guilty today, just to show his heart, and he has no intention of arrogating. It's all because Feng Deyi and others insisted on going their own way, and they didn't get Haier's instruction, Aye Mingjian."

Li Yuan snorted coldly when he heard the words, he didn't care about Li Shimin's defense, he just looked at Yuwenshi and the three of them, "What do you three mean?"

Chen Shuda took a look at Pei Ji and stepped out first.

"Your Majesty, the crown prince's ascension to the throne is what the people want. Now that the crown prince is in charge of the country, there are many constraints. The name is not right and the words are not in order. Chen Shuda respectfully asks your majesty to abdicate and be promoted to the Supreme Emperor. The crown prince is the emperor."

Li Yuan blushed and pointed at Chen Shuda who was too angry to speak.

"Jiang Guogong, you..." Li Shimin turned pale with astonishment.

"The minister seconded the proposal", Xiao Yu took a look at Pei Ji, and then went out with Yuwen Shiji to agree.

Pei Ji sighed secretly, and also came out, bowed deeply, "The minister seconded the proposal".

"Pei Jian, you..." Li Yuan's eyes widened with disbelief.

"Your Majesty, the matter has come to an end, for the sake of the Tang Dynasty, and for the sake of the posthumous name, abdicate." Pei Ji lamented as if he was ten years old.

With a bang, Li Yuan slapped the desk, "You, you guys have bullied me too much, do you really think that I can do whatever I want, and I can...".

"Your Majesty..." Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Baoyi, who was standing on one side, interrupted Li Yuan's words in an extremely useless manner.

"Your Majesty, be careful, don't say anything about family and hatred." Jiang Baoyi said straightly: "After reading this letter, Your Majesty should understand that when the crown prince ascends the throne, all kings should enjoy wealth and honor in peace."

"Baoyi?" Li Shimin noticed Jiang Baoyi standing beside the hall at this moment, "Why are you here?"

"And Rong Chen will report later," Jiang Baoyi bowed and replied.

Li Yuan came to his senses, and slowly shifted his gaze to the opened old letter on the desk, trembling all over, and remained silent for a long time.

"Li Shimin, you swear that you will not kill brothers and sisters in the future."

After a long time, Li Yuan finally looked up to the sky and sighed, his eyes were red.