First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 614 Li Chengqian was beaten

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At this time, the guard at the palace gate came to report: General Xue Yuanjing of Wei Feng Guard wanted to see him.

Li Shimin's hand holding the spoon paused, "Xuan", put the spoon aside, and took a sip from the bowl.

Then his face darkened slightly and he murmured to himself: "It's probably not a good thing for Zicheng to come here in the middle of the night."

Zhang Anan lowered his head and eyebrows, and gently took away the food box without making any sound.

Not long after, Xue Yuanjing, dressed in regular clothes, walked quickly into the palace and said, "Xue Yuanjing has met Your Majesty."

"Zicheng sat down and said," Li Shimin nodded slightly and extended his hand to one side.

"Your Majesty, this is an urgent report from Liangzhou." Xue Yuan worshiped and thanked him, and then he did not dare to delay. He took out the handwritten letter from Captain Guo from his arms and presented it with both hands.

Li Shimin's expression changed, and Zhang Ananda immediately stepped forward to get it.

"How brave," Li Shimin shouted sharply at a glance, with an angry look on his face, "these scoundrels are really bold."

"Counting the days, Renren Yuwen should have arrived in Liangzhou", Li Shimin muttered: "It seems that Liangzhou is in complete ruin."

Xue Yuanjing leaned forward slightly and said, "Your Majesty, please make your decision."

When Li Shimin heard this, he just waved his hand and said, "I don't trust people when I hire them. I believe that Yu Wenren will make his own decision."

Xue Yuanjing was startled when he heard the words. He was respectful but also a little worried.

Seeing that he was hesitant to speak, Li Shimin said bluntly: "If you have something to say, there is no harm in saying it."

"Your Majesty, with the talents and reputation of Governor Yuwen, it is no problem to stabilize Liangzhou. However, due to his status as the prince of Changle County, I am worried that Governor Yuwen may have some scruples."

Xue Yuanjing did not hesitate and said directly: "According to the report from Wei Feng Guard, the evidence is conclusive that the Prince of Changle County had an affair with Tuyuhun and smuggled arms, salt and iron. If the Prince of Changle County knew that the matter was exposed and took risks, the impact would be extremely bad. ".

After hearing Xue Yuanjing's words, Li Shimin nodded slowly, thought for a long time, and then said: "You order the Wei Feng Guards in Liangzhou to fully assist Yu Wenren. They can be dispatched when necessary. I will arrange the rest."

Xue Yuanjing accepted the promise, and when he saw that Li Shimin had no other instructions, he bowed and resigned.

Li Shimin sat alone, then laid out paper and picked up a pen.

After a while, Li Shimin put away his pen and ordered: "Seal it with fire paint and send it to Yu Wenren as soon as possible."

Zhang Anan, who was behind him, stepped forward to take it and responded softly.

"Your Majesty, where are you going to rest tonight?" Zhang Ananda asked when he saw Li Shimin leaning on the back of the couch and no longer planning to light a lamp and boil oil.

"Guanyin Maid must have rested a long time ago, so I won't wake her up. Let's rest in the back hall for a while," Li Shimin said, rubbing his brow.

Then he thought for a while and continued: "I will take a rest tomorrow. Mr. Gao should be at home. You should prepare yourself and bring the imperial doctor to visit Liu Niang tomorrow."

Zhang Ananda bowed and responded.

The next day, Li Shimin came to Lizheng Hall and saw Changsun Wugou scolding Li Chengqian. Li Shimin smiled knowingly, stepped forward and said with a smile: "Why did this kid make Maid Guanyin angry? You tell me, and I will punish him."

Li Chengqian, who was nearly ten years old, was now at a naughty age. Hearing Li Shimin's words, he looked at him timidly.

Changsun Wugou glared at Li Chengqian angrily, "Let this traitor tell you for himself."

Seeing that his wife was so angry, Li Shimin also paid attention to her, his face gradually became serious, he looked at Li Chengqian and said in a deep voice: "Tell me, why did you make your mother-in-law angry?"

Changsun Wugou has always been gentle and has always played the role of a loving mother, while Li Shimin has always been very strict. Now seeing how angry his wife is, Li Shimin's face is also horrifying.

Seeing his father's unkind expression, Li Chengqian was trembling all over, with his head lowered and his hands just holding the corners of his clothes, not daring to speak.

"Speak," Li Shimin scolded: "If you make a mistake, you must dare to admit it. It is coy and has no manly attitude."

Seeing Li Shimin's anger, Changsun Wugou was also a little anxious, "You still won't say anything?"

"My child, my child doesn't like family celebrations," Li Chengqian said bravely.

Li Shimin was a little surprised and asked: "Why?"

"He, he forced me to study, so I quarreled with him and scolded him," Li Chengqian said tremblingly. It was because his father's demeanor was too scary. With his beard and eyes crossed, Li Chengqian I feel like my legs are shaking.

"Jia Qing is your attendant, and it is his duty to advise you to study. Why do you refute? You dare to curse? How did you curse?" Li Shimin stared at Li Chengqian and asked with his hands behind his hands.

The eldest grandson Wugu next to him also looked a little nervous at this time, and Zhang Anan and others were even more nervous and did not dare to express their anger.

"I, I called him Aye, a traitor," Li Chengqian said tremblingly, not daring to hide anything under his father's gaze.

"What?" Li Shimin was startled when he heard this, and then became furious, "Sir, you are so uneducated, I will make you suffer today."

After saying that, he looked around, took a feather duster from one side of the screen, pulled Li Chengqian over, and whipped it down hard.

Li Chengqian screamed in pain.

"Erlang, calm down, calm down, don't break it." Changsun Wugou was shocked and rushed to stop him.

"Guanyin, please go away, I will make this traitor suffer a lot today." Li Shimin was furious, and regardless of Changsun Wugou's dissuasion, he whipped her hard again, causing Li Chengqian to scream repeatedly.

At this time, the guard came to report: Dr. Taichang Lu Deming asked to see him.

"I must intercede for this traitor, Xuan," Li Shimin said angrily.

An old man with white hair and beard came in tremblingly. Just as he was about to salute, Li Shimin took a deep breath, stretched out his hand and said, "You don't need to be polite, Mr. Yuen Long. Please sit down."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lu Deming bowed and thanked him. Then he looked at Li Chengqian who was in tears and dared not speak anymore. Lu Deming sighed, "Is your Majesty punishing the prince?"

Lu Deming, courtesy name Yuanlang, was born in Suzhou. He is 78 years old this year. He became famous during the Nanchen period. In Nanchen, he was an assistant to the Imperial Academy. After Emperor Sui Yang succeeded to the throne, he continued to be an assistant to the Imperial Academy.

Lu Deming was an upright person. When he was in Luoyang, Wang Shichong conspired to usurp the throne, made his son Wang Xuanshu the King of Han, and appointed Lu Deming to teach the king of Han knowledge. Lu Deming was not ashamed of Wang Shichong's character, so he took Croton Powder and became bedridden.

After Li Shimin pacified Luoyang, he established the Hongwen Hall at the suggestion of Gao Chong. Hearing about Lu Deming's reputation, he went to visit him in person and paid homage to him as a bachelor of Hongwen Hall, one of the nineteen bachelors of the Qin Palace. At the same time, he asked him to teach Li Chengqian his studies. After Li Shimin ascended the throne, , appointed Lu Deming as Dr. Taichang.

"Young Master Yuen Lang is laughing at me," Li Shimin sighed, and then glared at Li Chengqian fiercely, "It's his father's fault whether he raised him or not. This rebellious son only has such self-cultivation. This is my responsibility as a father."

In front of outsiders, Li Shimin would never say that Li Chengqian was uneducated. After all, Li Chengqian was the prince and the heir apparent of a country. If such words spread, it would be detrimental to Li Chengqian's reputation.Lu Deming shook his head when he heard this and said: "After all, your Majesty is busy with state affairs. The prince is at fault. It is actually my lack of virtue and talent. I come here today to ask for your resignation. I am old and frail and may not be able to teach the prince. I also ask your majesty to find another famous teacher." .

Li Shimin frowned when he heard this, "But this traitor has disappointed Duke Yuen Long?"

Lu Deming shook his head again and looked at Li Chengqian with a very gentle look, "No, although the prince is a bit naughty, it is inevitable in childhood. The prince is wise, pure and kind, and is really a talented person. But I am already nearly eight years old. [-]. I am really powerless, but I hope your Majesty will understand."

"Sir, Li Chengqian knows that he is wrong. Please don't resign. You must listen to the lectures carefully in the future." When he heard that his teacher who had taught him for many years resigned, Li Chengqian panicked and said hurriedly.

Hearing this, Lu Deming had a warm smile on his face, "Your Highness, I am too old to grow up with you. You are a good boy and will be a qualified prince in the future. I hope you will continue to do so and not take any detours." ".

After saying that, Lu Deming stood up and worshiped: "Your Majesty, please grant me your permission."

Seeing this, Li Shimin had no choice but to promise, "Pass the decree, grant Dr. Taichang the title of Dr. Lu Deming, a male from Jianguo County, Wu County, and grant him a hundred households in the city."

When Lu Deming heard this, he was neither sad nor happy, and bowed to thank him.

After Lu Deming left, Li Shimin's anger was mostly gone when he looked at the lost Li Chengqian.

"A-Mom, am I really disappointed by my fat husband?" Li Chengqian looked up at his eldest grandson Wugou with tears in his eyes.

The eldest grandson Wugou glanced at Li Shimin resentfully, hugged Li Chengqian, and said in a gentle voice: "My idiot, your husband is old. You see, he is nearly eighty years old. He comes to the palace every day to teach you your lessons. My body can’t bear it either.”

Li Chengqian paused after hearing this, and then burst into tears, "Sir, at such an old age, he comes to teach me every day, and I haven't listened carefully..., wuwu, grandma, I know that I am wrong, can you, can you let me go?" Come back, sir."

"It's good that you know," Li Shimin snorted, "Mr. Lu is getting older. I will find another famous teacher for you. You will definitely pay attention to your classes in the future."

"Also, you must apologize to the eldest son Jiaqing in person, don't show off your status as the prince, and live in harmony without quarrels in the future."

Ten-year-old Li Chengqian was indeed as Lu Deming said, wise, pure and kind, and could be called a good talent. Under the careful guidance of Changsun Wugou, he was also very sensible. Li Shimin's anger was basically gone at this time.

But Li Chengqian mustered up the courage to look at Li Shimin and said, "Yeah, I, I can apologize, but I don't want to go to school with my cousin Jiaqing anymore."

Changsun Jiaqing is the cousin of Empress Changsun. His grandfather is Changsun Chi, who is the elder brother of Empress Changsun’s father, Changsun Sheng.

Changsun Jiaqing's father was named Changsun Anshi. In the previous Sui Dynasty, he was worshiped by Tongshi Shiren. However, at the end of the Sui Dynasty, there was great chaos. Changsun Anshi defected to Wang Shichong and was highly valued by Wang Shichong. He was worshiped by Zheng's internal history order, that is, the prime minister.

After the defeat of Wang Shichong in the fourth year of Wude, the Tang Dynasty did not hold the eldest grandson Anshi accountable because of his relationship with the eldest grandson Wugou, and released him without charge.

However, the eldest grandson Anshi had a loyal character and was loyal to Wang Shichong. On July [-], the fourth year of Wude, Wang Shichong was exiled to Bashu and passed by Yongzhou Station. Dugu Xiude, the governor of Dingzhou, sent people to assassinate him.

When the news reached Chang'an, the eldest grandson Anshi fell ill and died three days later at the age of 51. His reputation as a loyal person became famous for a while.

After the death of the eldest grandson Anshi, he left two sons,
The eldest son, Sun Jiaqing, was born in the 18th year of the reign of Emperor Kaihuang of the Sui Dynasty. He is one year older than Li Shimin and is now Li Chengqian's attendant.

The second son, Sun Xiang, is the same age as Li Shimin. He used to be Li Chengqian's meritorious official in Zhongshan Prince's Palace, but now he is the official minister of Shangshe.

It can be said that Li Shimin took great care of Chang Shi Anshi's two sons for the sake of Empress Chang Sun.

I just didn't expect that the personality differences between Li Chengqian and the eldest grandson Jiaqing would actually insult the late eldest grandson Anshi. From the standpoint of the Tang Dynasty, the eldest grandson Anshi, as the prime minister of an enemy country, brought great resistance to the unification of the Tang Dynasty. Calling him a traitor is also in line with the actual situation.

However, the eldest grandson Anshi has passed away, and according to his seniority, he is Li Chengqian's cousin after all. It is definitely wrong for Li Chengqian to speak rudely. It is no wonder that the always gentle eldest grandson Wugou is furious.

This is also the reason why Li Shimin took the initiative to take responsibility when faced with Lu Deming and agreed to Lu Deming's resignation. This matter must not be spread to outsiders, and Li Chengqian cannot be known as disrespectful to his elders. Li Shimin really has good intentions.

At a young age, Li Chengqian, because he studied early and was surrounded by sensible and knowledgeable scholars, as well as the words and deeds of Li Shimin and his wife, is now very sensible, with a face full of perseverance.

"Aye, I'm not used to Jiaqing's cousin's stubborn character. He has incompatible personalities and is difficult to get along with. Even if we force him to cooperate, there will be no good results. I hope you'll be considerate, Aye." Li Chengqian looked at Li Shimin expectantly with a serious look on his face.

Li Shimin sighed and said, "I'll let you do it this time. Go back and copy the "Book of Filial Piety" ten times."

Li Chengqian accepted the promise and bowed again: "I will go to cousin Jiaqing to apologize now, and I also want to pay homage to cousin Anshi."

The eldest grandson, Anshi, was named Ren and had the courtesy name Anshi. He lived by his name.

When Li Shimin and his wife heard this, their expressions softened. Li Shimin nodded, "You can improve a lot if you know your mistakes, so go ahead."

Li Chengqian was about to resign when Li Shimin suddenly remembered something, "Go back tomorrow. Today, your mother and I will go to see your Aunt Wanchun."

The eldest grandson Wugou was startled when he heard this, "Erlang, do you know? I just went there yesterday."

Li Shimin nodded and took his eldest grandson Wugou's hand, "Come with me again today. Maybe I haven't been to the Gao family for a long time."

Changsun Wugao responded with a smile.

"Then can I play with cousin Yanzhang?" Li Chengqian suddenly said excitedly.

When Li Shimin heard this, an inexplicable look flashed in his eyes, "Do you like to play with Yan Zhang?"

"Yes, cousin Yanzhang is very lively and interesting. Of course, cousin Yanxing is also very good. He always speaks slowly and never gets angry with me." Li Chengqian said with a smile on his face: "My child I have long wanted to go out and play with them."

Li Shimin just smiled and nodded, "I'll let you have enough fun today."

Li Chengqian was overjoyed and almost jumped up, but it only affected his buttocks, and he grinned in pain.

Li Shimin's face turned solemn, "Remember to copy the "Book of Filial Piety" when you come back, and continue studying tomorrow."

Li Chengqian's face fell instantly.

Then the emperor drove out of the palace, and there was a huge battle. Although this time it was just an ordinary trip out of the palace to visit relatives and not to inspect the place, there were hundreds of guides, guides, chariots, guards, etc.

Early in the morning, a chamberlain went to Zhao Guogong's mansion to report, and Gao Junya did not dare to delay. He organized the palace to prepare for the arrival, and at the same time checked the inside and outside to avoid special circumstances.

It is not simple for a real emperor to leave the palace. When he leaves the palace, when he returns to the palace, where he goes, and his words and deeds will all be recorded in the book.

If something goes against etiquette and law, even if he is the emperor, he will be admonished by the etiquette officials, so even the emperor cannot help himself.

Of course, if the emperor acts rashly and ignores etiquette, others will be helpless.

In the car, Li Shimin looked at the people cheering in front of him and said with emotion: "Although he has ascended to a great position, he will not have the freedom of King Qin."

Hearing this, Changsun Wugu rolled his eyes unconsciously, covered his mouth and laughed.

(End of this chapter)