"My grandson will select the most virtuous men regardless of their kinship. I would like to appoint General Cheng Yaojin as commander, and Cheng Chumo and Cheng Chuliang as lieutenants."
After Li Xiang said this, everyone present was dumbfounded. Even if you are promoting the virtuous without avoiding relatives, there is no need to drag Cheng Yaojin's family out. Do you know what you are doing now? This is openly coercing a faction.
Li Shimin had already stopped suspecting Li Xiang, but after hearing what Li Xiang said, a dark look appeared on Li Shimin's face. Everyone present knew very well how Li Xiang had obtained the throne. Wasn't it because he had military power in his hands?
Although Su Dingfang, Qin Huaiyu and others were under Li Xiang's command on the battlefield, they certainly did not belong to Li Xiang alone. They still had certain feelings for the Tang Dynasty and had a certain respect for Li Shimin. Therefore, Li Shimin was psychologically willing to let these people hold military power.
But who were Cheng Yaojin and his son? They were Li Xiang's father-in-law and his two older brothers-in-law. How could Li Shimin sleep at night if these three were to control the military? Although he was in control of the Goguryeo army this time, Li Xiang's greatest skill was training troops. With those strange weapons, he could transform any army into a powerful one. This was also what worried Li Shimin the most.
"I think this is inappropriate. If it were a general, I would recommend Qin Shubao."
Changsun Wuji can accompany Li Xiang on small matters, but he still has to consider the entire Tang Dynasty on big matters. Now Changsun Wuji is ready to push Qin Shubao out. This guy is always idle at home, and the others are in poor health. Only this guy can go on an overseas expedition.
When Li Shimin heard Qin Shubao, his expression softened a little. In fact, Cheng Yaojin's relationship with Li Shimin was even closer than Qin Shubao's.
But it was because of the relationship between Li Xiang and Cheng Yaojin that Li Shimin gradually distanced himself from Cheng Yaojin.
"I second the motion."
"I second the motion..."
Li Chengqian glared at his son fiercely. "We have finally got such a good situation, but you insist on trying to make trouble for your grandfather. If your grandfather really makes a fuss, neither we father nor I will have a good life."
"My grandson has something to report."
Seeing that the matter was settled, Li Xiang immediately knelt in the hall. Li Shimin couldn't figure out what his grandson wanted to do. You know, this grandson was the one he admired the most. Although there were some disputes in the past, it did not prevent Li Shimin from treating him as his future successor. Logically, this guy would not make a mistake in this matter, but what happened today?
"explain."
Li Shimin's voice was already filled with anger, and Li Chengqian wanted to go over and beat up his son. "We are finally living a comfortable life now, you must not cause trouble here. Who wants to live in fear every day?"
Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji were also full of questions. Li Xiang had always been very sensible in doing things. What was going on now?
"Grandfather, do you know the sadness of a military commander who has to stay at home for a long time? Because of his grandson, General Cheng can't go to the battlefield? Hasn't he shed blood and sweat for the Tang Dynasty?"
Li Xiang's tone was already questioning, but Li Xiang knew that only by taking this approach could he force Cheng Yaojin to go to the battlefield again. Otherwise, there would be no hope at all. The three people around him were also frightened by Li Xiang. What on earth was wrong with this kid today?
Li Shimin was furious at first. His grandson spoke in such a tone. Not to mention that he was the emperor, even if he was an ordinary old man, he would have beaten his grandson with a stick.
But Li Shimin suddenly thought of the report from the man in black yesterday. Cheng Yaojin had been drinking frequently recently, and every time he got himself drunk. As long as he took his men away from Chang'an, even if the distance was only ten miles, Cheng Yaojin would gallop away on horseback.
Li Shimin recalled the bravery of Cheng Yaojin. It was said that Cheng Yaojin's skill was his three axes, but how many people had fallen under these three axes? Li Shimin's eyes flashed with faces one after another. These people were the sinners who blocked the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, and they all fell under Cheng Yaojin's three axes.
"Do you know what you're talking about?"
Li Shimin quickly calmed down, but he was also shocked in his heart. This kid's ability to bewitch people was better than before. With just a few words, he brought him back to the days of war and iron cavalry. He hadn't felt this way for a long time. Fortunately, Li Shimin quickly controlled his thoughts.
"My grandson wishes to stay in Chang'an this time. After General Cheng has dealt with Fusang, he will return to Chang'an immediately."
Li Xiang had already made up his mind last night. Even if he had to get scolded, he had to fight for his father-in-law. If Cheng Yaojin was trapped in Chang'an City forever, he might be crippled. His two brothers-in-law would still have a chance to get out, but Cheng Yaojin would have no chance at all.
"Step back first and we'll discuss this later."
According to what Li Xiang said, there shouldn't be any danger this time, but Li Shimin didn't think through all the options, so he didn't dare to make a hasty decision. Li Chengqian and Li Xiang knelt down and then the father and son left, leaving Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling. Even if Li Shimin wanted to discuss something, he would not discuss it with his son and grandson. He always felt that these two guys would have various ideas, so he still trusted his close ministers.
"Are you going crazy? Do you think Cheng Yaojin is the only one idle in Chang'an? Go out and see how many of those who followed your grandfather to conquer the world still hold military power. Even if you were in that position, you should consider stripping these people of their military power instead of letting them take control of the army again."
Li Chengqian was so angry that he was about to roar. It was so hard to get the current relatively balanced situation, but it was broken after you came back. If I had known it would be like this, you would have stayed in Nanzhao. At least we can live a good life in Chang'an City.
Li Xiang knew this would be the result, but when he saw Cheng Yaojin's expression, he felt a little reluctant. It was Cheng Yaojin who handed over his personal soldiers to him, and this was also the cornerstone of Li Xiang's success. Even if there was no such relationship, Li Xiang thought that he had to help whoever he should, so as to live up to his conscience.
