First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 539 Li Daoxuan, Governor of Yangzhou
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The servants welcomed Gao Chong and others into Qianqiu Palace, and then they left separately.

Gao Chong raised his eyes and saw that it was really lively. Officials in twos and threes gathered together. Seeing Gao Chong coming in, many people stepped forward to salute. Gao Chong responded one by one with a smile.

He could only hear Yu Chigong yelling out of righteous indignation not far away, and vaguely heard the words "teach him to come and go". go.

After getting closer, I heard it clearly, and I saw Yu Chigong gesticulating on the desk with his hand dipped in tea, "Although the soldiers and horses from Hedong haven't arrived yet, but with the strength of Jingji and Shannan Hanzhong alone, as long as the aggressive old man If a thief dares to enter the pass, he must be taught that he cannot escape."

Hearing Yu Chigong's words, everyone on the side nodded.

When everyone agreed, Hou Junji frowned slightly, shook his head and said: "Jingde said this is the most ideal situation."

Cheng Zhijie agreed with Yu Chigong's words very much. After all, the Tang army was ready, and it was time for the morale to be high to meet the Turks.

Hearing Hou Junji's words, Cheng Zhijie immediately stared and said: "Old monkey, can you explain clearly?"What is an ideal situation?We have already made arrangements in advance, can we still let the Turks fly? "

Hou Junji glanced at Cheng Zhijie, and just said: "If Jieli invades the south, or even enters the pass, it must be the power of the whole country, no less than hundreds of thousands of cavalry. Once a war breaks out in the pass, even if it can severely damage the Turks, the pass will be destroyed. After all, Gyeonggi is an important place, and we cannot afford this loss."

Hearing Hou Junji's words, the surrounding people were silent for a while. People like Cheng Zhijie and others were not brave and foolhardy. They didn't know what Hou Junji said. They just ignored it subconsciously. , The face of their group of honorable generals will be lost.

"Then what do you think?" Cheng Zhijie asked with wide-eyed eyes.

Hou Junji looked at the simple map made by Captain Chi Gong dipping in the water on the table, and just sighed softly: "The best result is to force Xieli back. I will save my strength and fight another day. I believe Xieli knows the situation." , will also think so, after all, both sides will suffer, hurting others and hurting themselves, which is of no benefit to both parties.”

"Crack~crack".

Gao Chong clapped his hands behind everyone and praised: "Mr. Lu Guo is good at strategy, and his analysis hits the nail on the head."

Just looking at the achievements on the original trajectory, Hou Junji can worship the prime minister and take command of the battle. This is not just Li Shimin's love, but Hou Junji's real strength is sufficient.

Hou Junji was born as a general. Although he was flamboyant and ignorant when he was young, his innate military talent made him stand out among the famous generals in the early Tang Dynasty. It is enough to prove his ability.

It's just that Hou Junji's personality is arrogant, cunning, coupled with unkind people, Li Chengqian and his son-in-law Helan Chushi kept agitating, and finally led to rebellion and disaster. Even so, Li Shimin also forgave his wife and children, and still kept his image Lingyan Pavilion.

For Hou Junji, Gao Chong admired it very much. Hou Junji can be said to be a genius-type general. He was ignorant since he was a child, but he always has unique insights into military affairs. He is a real handsome talent.

For example, in the face of the Turkic threat this time, Yu Chigong, Cheng Zhijie and the others were focused on how to use their troops and how to keep the Turkic people in the pass, while Hou Junji could think of a deeper comparison of national power, which is the difference between a general and a handsome .

What made Gao Chong admire even more was that Hou Junji had always been at odds with Wei Zheng. The two were loyal to Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin back then, but Hou Junji was able to win Wei Zheng's admiration by virtue of his personal ability. Wei Zheng recommended Hou Jun regardless of past suspicions. Ji Ji said that he had the talent of a prime minister.

The civil and military men of the Manchu dynasty, including Li Shimin, were skeptical about this. After all, although Hou Junji was good at fighting, he was illiterate in writing and ink, and could not read a few big characters. He also has unique views on government affairs, which was quite famous for a while.

It's just because of her personality, her thoughts are too treacherous, first she was greedy for property, and later she falsely accused her mentor Li Jing of rebellion, then bullied the princess in Gaochang, searched for property, and finally went on the road of no return.

Hearing the voice behind him, everyone greeted each other, Gao Chong praised: "Junji's analysis is very good."

Hou Junji's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly asked, "You also think so?"

Gao Chong was noncommittal, but just raised his head and smiled, "No one can grasp how the situation will develop, and we will see the sage's plan later."

One must be cautious in every word and deed. Gao Chong will not express opinions indiscriminately, even though this is a private discussion.

Qin Qiong also nodded when he heard the words and said: "I believe that the sage has his own plan, and when the time comes, he will adapt to the situation according to the trend of the Turks."

Gao Chong glanced at Qin Qiong calmly, he was still so cautious, even in private discussions, he was cautious, and always upheld the way of the monarch and his ministers, in this regard, Qin Qiong and Gao Junya were very similar.

For example, Gao Chong and Cheng Zhijie have the same respect for Li Shimin, but they can even hook up with Li Shimin as brothers and sisters when they are casual after drinking, but people like Gao Junya and Qin Qiong follow the etiquette even when they are drunk. conceptual difference.

Seeing Gao Chong's attitude, everyone understood that they no longer discussed in private, but only talked about their respective promotions and upcoming appointments.

Gao Chong turned his head inadvertently, and saw Li Daoxuan not far away, alone, leaning on the beam, frowning, looking worriedly at a group of people on the other side.

Looking at Li Daoxuan's gaze, I saw Li Xiaogong and others chatting around Li Shentong, Li Shenfu and others. Gao Chong thoughtfully, immediately patted Cheng Zhijie's shoulder, nodded to signal to leave, and walked towards Li Daoxuan go.

Walking in front of him, Li Daoxuan moved his ears, turned his head to look, and said with a smile: "It's Youzhi, congratulations on your entry into the rank."

"If Your Majesty wants to say that," Gao Chong smiled with his hands behind his back, "Then I will congratulate Your Majesty on his appointment as the Chief Superintendent."

The Metropolitan Governor of Yangzhou, which governs the six prefectures of Yangzhou, Shu, and Shou, belongs to the Governor’s Mansion, ranks second, and governs the important areas of the Jianghuai River. It can be seen how much Li Shimin attaches importance to him.

Li Daoxuan understood Gao Chong's meaning, grinned, and pulled Gao Chong to sit down, "Then don't call him Dawang, just call me Biao".

"Courtesy cannot be discarded".

Gao Chong sat down and said with a smile. He knew Li Daoxuan's temperament very much like Li Shimin. Bian raised his head to signal.

Li Daoxuan filled Gao Chong's glass of wine and said with a smile, "You saw it."

"Why doesn't Your Majesty go over?" Gao Chong continued to ask.

Li Daoxuan sighed when he heard the words, "I have a disagreement with Uncle Wang of Huai'an, and I have nothing to say in the past."

The father of Li Shentong, King of Huai'an, was King Li Liang of Zheng, the eighth son of Li Hu, the Taizu of Tang Dynasty, and Li Daoxuan's grandfather was Li Hui, King Yong, the fifth son of Li Hu, the Taizu of Tang Dynasty. The blood relationship is quite close.

It's just that Li Daoxuan's personality is the same as his idol Li Shimin, straightforward and open-minded. He has always been uncomfortable with the arrogant and fussy Li Shentong, and the two uncles and nephews rarely meet.

After the words fell, Li Daoxuan suddenly stopped, and looked at Gao Chong, "You Zhi, do you know what Uncle Huai'an is thinking?"

Gao Chong did not deny it, "a little guessing".

Li Daoxuan's eyes lit up when he heard the words, and he approached him and asked: "Then, how can you persuade Uncle Huai'an? I am worried, worried that he will take the opportunity to make trouble tonight, and maybe it will make it difficult for the saint."

Gao Chong took a serious look at Li Daoxuan, and sighed in his heart: Li Tang is so lucky, not only have such loyal and direct ministers as his eldest grandson Fang Du, Yuchi Chengqin, Li Jing and Li Ji, but also have such virtuous clans as Li Xiaogong, Li Daozong, and Li Daoxuan. It is God's will to seize the world.

Li Daoxuan did not have a deep friendship with Li Shentong, but he was worried that Li Shentong would embarrass Li Shimin by relying on his seniority, so he was so worried, which shows that this 22-year-old county king has the purest heart.

"I just saw the worry on the king's face, and I came here to persuade you." Gao Chong bowed slightly, took the wine glass handed over by Li Daoxuan, and said truthfully.

"Persuade me?" Li Daoxuan was only 22 years old. Under the leadership of Li Shimin, Li Daoxuan fought everywhere. clear.

"Your Majesty, don't worry," Gao Chong said with a smile, "Since the sage specially held a night banquet, he must have expected it. Even if King Huai'an is dissatisfied, I believe the sage can solve it."

Li Daoxuan was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head and smiled wryly: "What Youzhi said is that I am worrying unnecessarily. Anything I can think of, the saint must have thought of it long ago."

After thinking about this, Li Daoxuan smiled heartily, "Then don't think about those dirty things, let's drink to our heart's content."

In his opinion, as members of the clan and royal family, they should share the country's worries, and even if they are incapable of establishing achievements, they should not add chaos to the monarch.

But this afternoon, when he visited Uncle Wang in Xiangyi, he met Li Shentong and heard him complain about his dissatisfaction. He felt unhappy and expressed his concern about tonight's banquet.

Hearing Gao Chong's words now, Li Daoxuan suddenly became enlightened. He had a straightforward personality, so he put it aside, and started discussing the appointment of the new governor of Yangzhou with some anticipation.

Although Li Daoxuan also had the experience of serving as a chief officer, he once paid homage to the general manager of the army in Hebei Province and conquered Liu Heita, but at that time he led the army in battle, and he was assisted by Li Jing and others. Some are looking forward to it, but at the same time they are afraid of disappointing the emperor's kindness.

When Gao Chong saw this, he said with relief: "Yangzhou has been pacified for a long time, and with the help of Duke Ying, the king should be relieved."

When mentioning Ying Guogong, Li Daoxuan asked immediately: "Are you familiar with Ying Guogong? What kind of person is he?"

Li Daoxuan's meaning was already very obvious. He was afraid that the warrior's character would be poor, and if he refused to cooperate at that time, it would be quite bad for him, an ignorant governor.

Ying Guogong, warrior Xun, is now the official inspector of Yangzhou Governor's Mansion, and will be the first assistant official under Li Daoxuan's command in the future.

Hearing this, Gao Chong's heart was moved, and he inspected Shi Wushi, the governor of Yangzhou, and Li Daoxuan, the governor of Yangzhou.

Gao Chong seemed to grasp the point, and immediately smiled and said: "Mr. Ying is loyal and dignified. Although I don't have much contact with him, I know his reputation. Your Majesty can rest assured."

Li Daoxuan trusted Gao Chong very much, he couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief when he heard the words, once again put his worries behind him, and raised his glass to drink.

It's just that Gao Chong had some guesses in his mind that the warrior Xun would most likely not stay in Yangzhou for a long time. As for Li Daoxuan's appointment as the governor of Yangzhou, Gao Chong also understood Li Shimin's intentions. After all, the warrior Xun was Li Yuan's diehard loyalist.

Of course, neither Li Shimin nor Gao Chong had any doubts about the loyalty of the samurai Xun. Li Shimin sent Li Daoxuan to take over Yangzhou. His intention should not be to guard against the samurai Xun, but to take power, including other governors, which will help Li Shimin quickly control Sifang Prefecture county.

When the pot of wine bottomed out, as the bell rang, the supervisory censor was in place quickly and organized the shift.

Li Shimin came to the main seat at a fast pace, and under the guidance of the supervisory censor, all the officials stood in two rows and bowed to salute.

Li Shimin didn't hold back, and stretched out his hands to help, "Zhu Qing, please be at peace."

Everyone took their seats, and all the officials looked at Li Shimin in unison.

At this time, there were no courtiers who could not observe the emperor's stinky rules. In the main hall like the Taiji Hall, the emperor sat on a high place, and all civil and military officials looked at the majesty under the emperor's throne when they spoke.

When in other occasions such as the Ganlu Hall, it is okay to look directly at the emperor at the same height, and the emperor will not blame him for it.

The famous admonisher Wei Zheng, once admonished, was so emotional that he came directly in front of Li Shimin, spitting, and Li Shimin had to wipe his sleeves, which shows how the monarch and his ministers get along.

Li Shimin saw some jugs and teacups on the desks in the field with his eyes, and immediately laughed and said, "Are you impatient? I drank it before I came."

The atmosphere was quite harmonious, and Li Daoxuan grinned a little shyly.

"Let me explain first," Li Shimin said with a loud smile, "My private treasury is not rich. It is all the family assets saved by the Qin Palace in the past. The state affairs are difficult, so we must not be extravagant. Tonight, each person has a bucket of wine and five catties of meat. ".

Cheng Zhijie and others immediately turned bitter when they heard the words, shouting that it was not enough.

Li Shimin stared and said: "What's the matter? Do you still want to empty out my private treasury? There is only one bucket, there is no extra. If you think it is not enough, you can take your own treasure and invite us to drink together."

When Cheng Zhijie heard this, he waved his hands and backed away, saying that a bucket of wine is enough.

All the ministers laughed loudly when they saw this.

A bucket of wine is about four catties, plus five catties of meat, it is more than enough for a person, and he can reach the point where he is full of wine and food without getting too drunk.

As for Li Shimin saying that his private treasury is not rich, Gao Chong just rolled his eyes. Others don't know, but Gao Chong knows it well, and doesn't mention other places. When he invaded Luoyang, the mountain of property, food and grass, the exact number, So far it is a mystery.

"After tonight, the private treasury will be abolished, and all belongings will be put into the left treasury." Li Shimin glanced at the officials and continued: "From now on, the harem will only be used from the salary and the land and manor."

The Zuo Zang Treasury is the state treasury, Li Shimin may know other people's thoughts, or he intends to lead by example, but actually cancels the royal private treasury and no longer keeps property privately.

All the ministers were in an uproar when they heard the words, and someone immediately came out to persuade them: "Your Majesty, since ancient times, nobles in the palace have been supported by the subjects of the world...".

Li Shimin just waved his hands to stop the ministers from admonishing him, and sighed: "The country is in such a difficult situation, I should set an example, I have made up my mind, and you should sit down."

After Li Shimin's actions, all the ministers felt deeply, and they followed suit. It seems that it is logical to practice frugality. Gao Chong had to express his admiration for Li Shimin.

Following the announcement of the opening of the banquet, the maids in the court served wine and meat, and looked around, some raised their glasses to celebrate, while others bowed their heads in silence, thoughtful.

When I saw Li Shentong, I saw Li Shentong's face was complicated and uncertain, just staring at the wine and meat on the food table, as if hesitating.

Seeing the elder Sun Wuji shaking the wine glass with emotion on his face, Gao Chong instantly understood that it was a good idea to look up at Li Shimin.

(End of this chapter)