After arriving at the emperor's place, the monarch and his ministers had a meal together. Originally, the meal was a reward for Li Xiang, but Li Xiang took a risk and asked for an opportunity for his father-in-law to go to the front line. The emperor then took the opportunity and found a quiet place for his son.
In addition to Cheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao and King Wu Li Ke were also here. Li Shimin had originally wanted to call Li Xiang over, but thinking of Li Xiang's attitude in the hall just now, he did not ask anyone to call him. It was like offsetting merits and demerits. Your merits in the south can be regarded as covering up your mistakes today.
Although Cheng Yaojin felt that Li Shimin was somewhat unfair, if it were any other time, if he and Li Xiang did not have a private relationship, Cheng Yaojin would have shouted loudly in the hall long ago. But now that they had this relationship, Cheng Yaojin could not say anything.
What's more, this matter had such an outcome, and that was after Li Shimin thought twice, so Cheng Yaojin didn't want to continue making trouble about this matter. What they wanted was a balance.
"Although Fusang has always been very respectful to our country, that kid has always said that Fusang has rebellious intentions. So you must also remember that only when the land is in our own hands can we be most at ease. The eternal foundation of our Tang Dynasty is still in its infancy."
Li Shimin himself was opposed to the occupation of Fuso, but the pirates of Fuso often attacked our coastal areas, which was also one of the reasons for attacking them. The envoys from Fuso had explained to me several times that they were just an island country, and there were many pirates around them, and they had no way to control these pirates.
At that time, Li Shimin thought it was normal. Take the current Tang Dynasty for example. There were many things that Li Shimin could not control. However, Li Xiang also submitted a memorial at that time, saying that since you can't control it, why don't we discipline it for you? Although the tribute is not small now, if we control it, it will be like Goguryeo today. Most of the surplus income will be transported to Chang'an, which will play a significant role in strengthening Li Shimin's ruling foundation.
Li Shimin himself was a man of expansion. In the past, I was in financial difficulty, but even so, during Li Shimin's reign, he had added a lot of territory to the Tang Dynasty. Now the entire Tang Dynasty was strong and powerful, and with Nanzhao just taken over, Li Shimin was very happy, so he was not so cautious about Fusang...
"Long live the wise."
Basically, everyone present got what they wanted. Qin Shubao was also very frustrated in Chang'an. However, after the battle with Tuyuhun, he and Cheng Yaojin were both put to death by the emperor. This time was an opportunity for him, perhaps the last time he would go to the battlefield in his life.
As for Prince Wu Li Ke, everyone felt that he was the one who suffered the most. Originally, he had the opportunity to compete for the throne. Crown Prince Li Chengqian would definitely have withdrawn early, and then the throne would have been between Prince Wei Li Tai and Prince Wu Li Ke. However, after the emperor issued this decree, Prince Wu Li Ke completely withdrew from the competition.
When Xueyantuo was defeated earlier, King Wu Li Ke had already withdrawn from the fight, but as the emperor's son, who would admit defeat so easily?
Now that he has received this imperial edict, he finally knows his future position.
Qin Shubao and Cheng Yaojin both ate with gusto. Li Shimin often kept his eyes on his son. He certainly knew what his son was thinking. He was also a prince in the past. Every prince has a dream, and that dream is to ascend to this position. But Li Shimin knew the dangers in the future, and now he was looking for a way out for his son.
After lunch, Li Shimin asked Cheng Yaojin and Qin Shubao to go back and prepare. After all, they would set off in more than a month, so there was still enough time for the two to prepare.
Since the defeat of Xueyantuo, Prince Wu Li Ke rarely had the opportunity to talk with Li Shimin alone. He might have wanted to find such an opportunity in the past, but after staying at home for so long, Prince Wu Li Ke's temper had been smoothed out, as if everything in the court had nothing to do with him.
"You have achieved self-cultivation. I have asked someone to notice that you have not spoken a word in the morning court for three months. Apart from the memorial of greeting, I have not seen any other memorials."
Li Shimin said as he looked at the flowers in the imperial garden. Prince Wu Li Ke was also surprised. He thought that he had faded from Li Shimin's attention, so Prince Wu Li Ke was discouraged in everything he did. No matter whether it was related to his own affairs or not, Prince Wu Li Ke always kept his distance.
"Everyone thinks my attention is focused on the Eastern Palace, but I can tell them that each of my sons is extremely precious. I also hope that you can all become successful, but the country is limited after all. It is impossible to split the entire country up and give it to you. If I do that, the great Tang Dynasty will be reduced to countless small countries. In the end, watching you fight each other to the bitter end, the people will suffer the most."
Li Shimin sighed, then walked towards the pavilion in the distance. He was unhappy because his son was not talented, and he was also unhappy because his son was too talented. This was the sadness of being an emperor.
"Don't worry, Father. I understand everything. I will definitely defend the east and serve as a strong barrier for the Tang Dynasty."
Li Ke also knew that now was the time to show loyalty. People had already made it so clear. If you still pretended to understand nothing, then Li Shimin might replace you with someone else. In addition to your son, there are many other sons who can be the Governor of Fuso.
"It's good that you truly think so. Although Fusang is a little poor, after some governance, you will still be able to enjoy a good life. I know you have various ambitions, and this is actually an opportunity for you. During this war, if you can show your talents, then the court will definitely not treat you unfairly. You have also seen your nephew. He uses people differently from others. He only selects the most talented."
Li Shimin was still a little disappointed with Prince Wu Li Ke. This kid didn't see this at all, and he had to rely on himself to remind him. If he didn't have that ability in the future, how would he advise you useless sons?
Actually, the original King of Wu, Li Ke, was also very good, but compared with Li Xiang, his excellence was greatly discounted...
