The guards and eunuchs outside were all startled. Li Shimin's laughter was really too loud. Li Shimin seemed not to be so happy since Li Xiang left Chang'an. Today, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has returned, and His Majesty is really very happy.
Of course Li Shimin could be so happy. His Tang Empire was advancing at a high speed. The issue of succession was very important, and it could even be said to be the most important of the entire empire. Now that he saw that Li Xiang guessed his thoughts so easily, Li Shimin was indeed relieved.
According to Li Shimin's original idea, Li Xiang was still too young. Although he was extremely smart, he was too radical in many things. As a military commander, this was indeed acceptable, but if he wanted to become the emperor of an empire, many things needed to be corrected.
It just so happens that Li Chengqian can change all this, but now Li Chengqian's health condition is getting worse and worse. If it continues like this, I am afraid that Li Shimin will live longer than his son. In today's era, similar things are also very normal. Often a minor illness can take your life. This is why Li Shimin does not want Li Xiang to leave. He lets Li Xiang stay in Chang'an City to deal with these trivial matters in the court so that Li Chengqian can have a good rest.
Seeing how quick Li Xiang's mind works, even a small problem, can be solved perfectly. This is indeed a very good thing. For Li Shimin, if his heir can achieve this, what else can he ask for? The Tang Empire was so prosperous that it could continue to prosper for at least a few decades after Li Xiang ascended the throne. I can't imagine what the Tang Empire was like at that time.
When Li Shimin was the King of Qin, he did not dare to say that he could achieve what he has today. After Li Xiang became the commander-in-chief of the army, the Tang Empire made great progress almost every year, so Li Shimin also wanted to see the future of the Tang Empire. Unfortunately, human life is limited after all, but being able to see that his grandson is so capable is also a happy thing in life. People should not ask for too much, as too much will easily lead to divine punishment.
"This may be the last time I help you. The second son of your third uncle secretly forged armor on his own. I thought none of your brothers and uncles would dare to do such a thing. It seems I underestimated them. No matter how strict the court's investigation is, there will always be loopholes. I can't find out everything about everyone, but I can make them reveal it voluntarily. However, the court ministers are all on your side. Even if they have such an idea, I'm afraid they can't reveal it. Then I can only set them up with a new target to bribe."
When talking about this matter, Li Shimin was very angry. In fact, princes and kings in all dynasties would kill all their brothers, mainly because they were too troublesome. If they were not taught a lesson with blood, these people would always keep their eyes on the throne.
This is also a very normal thing. After all, we are all princes and descendants of the dragon. Why can you sit in that position and give orders while I can only kneel at your feet? We all started from the same starting line, but because I made some mistakes in the middle, this position is now given to you. Every time I kneel, these people may be dissatisfied, so in this case, I have to eliminate all the dissatisfaction in their hearts.
"Grandfather thinks long-term. If I'm not mistaken, you're becoming more and more compassionate. I can do this in the future, but if I do, many lives will be lost. Grandfather has made great contributions to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty royal family. So, you must do this yourself. You still love them very much."
Li Xiang poured wine for Li Shimin. After hearing what Li Xiang said, Li Shimin's face was a little embarrassed. What Li Xiang said was correct. When he was the emperor, if the princes and grandchildren rebelled, he only needed to kill the leader and imprison the rest. That would be an explanation to the world.
But if Li Xiang were to judge this matter, the number of people killed would be much greater. No one implicated in this matter would survive. At that time, Chang'an City might flow with blood. After all, these are all descendants of Li Shimin, and who wouldn't love their descendants? I can give you the country, but I must leave these people's lives to them.
"I don't know if it's because I'm old, but if your father and I were the same age, I'm afraid none of them would survive. But Grandpa is old, and especially when he sees some of the small yellow villages, he's hesitant. For my sake, if anyone really stands up, please spare their lives."
When Li Shimin said this, it was actually the point of negotiation. You have to know that he was one of the top three emperors in history, and it was not easy for him to discuss with Li Xiang in such a tone. If he were to make a decision arbitrarily, Li Xiang would probably not be able to stop him. He could only use other ways to influence Li Shimin's decision. But if that were the case, a civil war might break out, which was something Li Xiang absolutely did not want to see.
"I hope these people can understand Grandfather's painstaking efforts. I've spent a long time on the front lines, seeing nothing but the flashing of swords and sabers every day. I only want to see the Tang Empire advance further. As for these people in the rear, if I were to make the decision, as long as the other side shows their sword, there would be no room for maneuver. But now, Grandfather, I will not interfere with what Grandfather wants to do. As long as it is for the good of the Tang Empire, anything is fine."
Hearing Li Xiang's words, Li Shimin smiled and nodded. When he was fighting with his two brothers, if Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Li Yuan, had advised him in this way, Li Shimin would probably not agree. Young people have their own decisions. The arrow is on the string and must be shot. If you don't kill him, he will kill you. The struggle in the royal family is so fierce.
But in the current situation, it was quite difficult for Li Xiang to listen to the old man's advice, so Li Shimin picked up his wine glass and clinked it with Li Xiang's, and the two of them drank happily together.
The grandfather and grandson drank until the moon was above the willow branches, and only then did they let Li Xiang go. Wang Depei stood on either side of Li Xiang, escorting him out of the palace...
