Among the several protectorates of the imperial court, Beiting Protectorate had the largest jurisdiction area, but in terms of wealth, it was probably the lowest.
In addition, there is the issue of security. The herdsmen here do not obey the court's discipline. This is a historical problem. It cannot be said that this problem will not exist if the Tang Dynasty takes over. In the past, the nomadic peoples moving south have always been the biggest headache for the Central Plains dynasties. Therefore, anyone who is sent to manage this place will be in great trouble.
Some ministers had nothing to do, so they ranked the names of the protectorates outside the capital. The best one was naturally Tuyuhun. It was close to the economic heartland of the Tang Dynasty and not far from Chang'an City. The situation on the grassland was pretty good, and the annual income was around average.
The second is Goguryeo. The land here is also very good, and the most important thing is that it has a large population. If you are sent here to serve as a protector, life will be very comfortable.
The worst is the cold area in the north. The people there are unruly and the weather is extremely bitter. Anyone who is sent here will have to endure hardship.
"Li Jue..."
When Li Shimin mentioned this name for the first time in the court, the faces of many ministers around him changed suddenly, including Fang Xuanling, who opened his eyes at this moment. His son was still in Goguryeo and was also following Li Xiang to the expedition. Although he was not Li Xiang's man, he was also concerned about Li Xiang's every move.
Crown Prince Li Chengqian was a man of many thoughts. After hearing his father's words, he immediately knew that a new crisis was coming. The old emperor was really worried all day long. Your eldest grandson had just solved such a big danger for you, and now you send your youngest grandson to cause trouble for him.
The relationship between Li Chengqian's eldest son and legitimate son was not very good. When Li Xiang was just reborn, the legitimate son Li Jue was still a child and didn't know much about many things. But now as he grows older, and with the words and deeds of some people around him, this kid also knows what's going on with his mother.
Li Chengqian had tried to test this kid several times, wanting to see what he was thinking, but the people in the Li family were wary. Even though this kid was only a dozen years old, his answers were flawless. However, Li Chengqian had also observed that this kid should remember the hatred.
When he was young, his mother was driven out of the Eastern Palace and announced to the public as having been executed. In fact, she was taking care of Hou Junji's illegitimate son. The second son of the Eastern Palace once sent people out to inquire about her, but unfortunately there was no news at all.
Who wouldn't miss their mother? So, although this kid looks kind, he might actually have other thoughts in his mind. He might also blame everything on Li Xiang, but because Li Xiang is so powerful now, he doesn't dare to show it.
Li Chengqian did not want his brothers to become enemies. According to him, everything in the Eastern Palace was earned by Li Xiang, so Li Xiang would do his best to divide the cake. Now Li Shimin kept trying to please Li Xiang in order to regain the power in Li Xiang's hands. All his descendants became pawns in Li Shimin's hands. Even if he succeeded in the end, the Eastern Palace would be in disarray.
"Your Majesty, my son is too young and needs to study more in Chang'an City. If I am sent to the north, what if..."
Li Chengqian knew that he could not stop them, but he still hoped to try. If the two sons fought with each other, the one who would suffer the most would be him as their father. The most important thing was that he knew Li Xiang. Even though they were half-brothers, if the second son affected the eldest son, Li Xiang would kill him without hesitation.
How could a father not know the talents of his two sons? Li Xiang's talent did not need to be proven to anyone. Whether it was the ministers of the court or the common people, everyone knew Li Xiang's talent. The younger son was just a little smart. If he wanted to compete with Li Xiang, he would die countless times. Who wouldn't want their son to live?
"As a member of the Tang Dynasty royal family, of course I have to share the burdens of the imperial court. It seems Li Xiang was only this old back then, but he already knew how to pacify Goguryeo. Now he leads his army on campaigns across the country, making tremendous contributions to the Tang Dynasty. This is his younger brother, and I believe he's quite talented. Furthermore, there aren't many herdsmen within the jurisdiction of the Beiting Protectorate..."
Since Li Shimin had made up his mind, Li Chengqian could not stop him with just a few words.
Fang Xuanling and others also felt that it was inappropriate, but they could not find a reason to refuse. Li Shimin was the king of a country, and if he wanted to train his grandson, anything would work. If others stopped him, what would you be thinking?
"Grandson, I accept your order."
While everyone was hesitating, the second young master of the Eastern Palace had already knelt down to receive the imperial edict. Everyone was surprised again. It seemed that it was another fight between brothers. They all saw the fiery passion in the eyes of the second young master. The people of the Li family were extremely eager for power.
Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction, then moved his fingers slightly. Wang De announced the adjournment of the court. Even if some people still had things to do, Li Shimin didn't want to deal with them now. I have finished the most important thing. He now wants to go back to the harem to have a good rest. As for other matters of the former court, it is not too late to deal with them tomorrow.
"Your Highness, the Emperor has ordered that you stay in the palace for dinner."
Li Chengqian wanted to educate his second son, but before he could say anything, Wang De had already arrived next to Li Jue.
Li Chengqian is Li Shimin's son. What does he want to do? Li Shimin knows it clearly, so now he must give this grandson some strength. If he is fooled by Li Chengqian's words, all the efforts he has made will be in vain. With the support of his grandfather, the emperor, this kid dares to do anything.
Li Chengqian looked at his youngest son with a complicated expression. At this moment, the boy followed Wang De to the harem. Although he was the prince's legitimate son, he was rarely mentioned in the court because he was Hou Junji's grandson. Hou Junji had been identified as a traitor. If anyone brought up such a person, wouldn't it be a nuisance to the emperor?
But now this matter was proposed by the emperor himself. Even if they wanted to stop it, the emperor would not give them the chance. What's more, all under heaven belongs to the king, and all the people in the world are his subjects. If the emperor wants to promote someone, it is just a matter of a word, right?
