Don't be a prince

There was no way to wait. Following the emperor's order, a team of eunuchs brought tea to the emperor and ministers.

It was the first time since the founding of the People's Republic of China to drink tea during the court meeting.

After handing a bowl of tea to the prime minister, the eunuch who delivered the tea walked towards the crown prince. He didn't see Fang Xuanling's anxious expression, so he said, "Your Highness, please use the tea."

"His Royal Highness" woke Li Chengqian from his contemplation. Looking at the somewhat familiar face in front of him, Li Chengqian asked doubtfully, "Are you from the Eastern Palace?"

The eunuch shook his head: "Returning to Your Highness, the servants work in the Lizheng Palace, and have never been to the East Palace."

After speaking, the eunuch left with the tray.

Looking at the eunuch's back, Li Chengqian still felt that he had seen this face before.

When I thought of someone with a face similar to this one, a little inspiration appeared in my mind like an explosion!

Regardless of the disgusting tea soup in the bowl, Li Chengqian held the cup and muttered: "Master Xing is mighty!"

Taking a sip to pay homage to Zhou Xingchi who belonged to his own era, Li Chengqian put down the tea bowl and stood up directly.

While everyone was watching, Li Chengqian said, "Dai Qing, Gu has already thought of a reason to refute you!"

Dai Zhou bowed and saluted, and said with a smile: "Your Highness can talk about it."

Laughing loudly, Li Chengqian excitedly said: "The reason is very simple, Dai Qing, you have surpassed, and I come to ask you alone, are the refugees Tang people?"

Dai Zhou replied: "No, only those who are registered are the citizens of my Tang Dynasty."

"That's right, the refugees all escaped into the mountains during the Sui Dynasty, or at the end of the Sui Dynasty, then."

Li Chengqian folded his arms and said triumphantly: "How can you use the laws of this dynasty...to punish the people of the previous dynasty?"

Chapter 1

Dai Zhou was taken aback for a moment, he didn't expect that the prince would find such a reason.

Speaking of it, it really makes sense.When the refugees entered the mountains, it was during the Sui Dynasty or the end of the Sui Dynasty.Even if taxes are in arrears, it is the taxes of the Sui Dynasty that are in arrears.

Although Datang was established as a country, if you think about it this way, it seems that there is really no need to be too serious with the refugees.They are all poor people who escaped the chaos of war. Even if they are in the territory of Tang Dynasty, they don't know that the world is stable, which can be said to be excusable.

The courtiers were also shocked by the prince's statement.Although this statement is a little tricky, but in the current situation, it is enough to deal with Dai Zhou.

Sure enough, even the rigid Dai Zhou couldn't help bowing his hands to the prince at this time: "Your Highness is really smart, yes, lower officials should not use the laws of the Tang Dynasty to convict the people of the previous dynasty. Change the law For this matter, the old man will not stop me anymore."

Li Chengqian sent Dai Zhou away with a smile.

Now that the last hurdle has been cleared, the proposal to change the law and amnesty the refugees can be passed.

He glanced worriedly at Wei Zheng who hadn't spoken out from the beginning to the end.

If he hadn't turned his head and smiled before, Li Chengqian would almost have thought that this man had lost his mind in the court hall.It is one of the strangest things this year that the person who should have stood up and seconded the proposal did not stand up.

Clearing his throat, Li Shimin said: "Since everyone has no objections, then five people, including Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, Dali Siqing, and Shaoqing of Dali Temple, should work together to formulate a statute for the treatment of refugees. Autumn, if it is delayed any longer, I am afraid that the refugees in the mountains will have to spend another winter in the mountains."

Li Daozong, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishments, and Dai Zhou, Minister of Dali Temple, led their respective subordinates to lead the order.

"retreat...."

Before the word "Chao" came out, Li Shimin forced the word back.

Now that the matter of recruiting refugees has been passed, it is almost time to end the court meeting.But at this moment, Wei Zheng, who had been pretending to be dead, stood up, straightened his clothes and walked to the middle.

Taking back the words of retreating, Li Shimin was going to see what the old bastard would do again today.

When the word "retreat" appeared, Li Chengqian couldn't help standing up, ready to go out.

Fang Xuanling and others have long been accustomed to kneeling and sitting, and it is not a problem to sit there until paralyzed.

However, Li Chengqian was not used to this kneeling and sitting method, and it was already the limit to be able to persist for such a long time without making a fool of himself.

As soon as he stood up, he saw Wei Zheng walking over, and Li Chengqian's heart skipped a beat.

For some reason, she had a feeling that Wei Zheng at this moment seemed to be aiming at him.

really....

After saluting the emperor, Wei Zheng turned his head to salute the prince, and asked at the same time: "His Royal Highness, if I hear you right, there is a clause in your watch and regulations to levy double taxes on refugees, is it true?"

It turned out to be this one.

Li Chengqian nodded: "Yes, there is such a thing. Although the refugees have no choice but to go to the mountains to avoid disaster, but if they want to get the land, how can they get it for nothing. Therefore, doubling the tax is the best way."

"But in this way, Your Highness doesn't think that he is treating the refugees too harshly."

After finishing speaking, Wei Zheng bowed to the emperor and said: "Your Majesty, I beg Your Majesty to pardon the taxes of the refugees. They have lived in the mountains for a long time, and if they just resume working, they need to resume production slowly. If the taxes are doubled, it will be different from the tyranny in the Sui Dynasty. What's the difference?"

Li Shimin, whose buttocks had just left the throne a little bit, said with a wry smile: "Wei Zheng, don't mess around. Although the crown prince convicted the refugees and persuaded Dai Zhou with the words of the people from the previous court and the law of the present court, this is still the fact that the refugees are guilty. The refugees in the mountains , I don’t know how many people there are now. It is precisely because of their departure that there is a shortage of people and a lot of land in various parts of the country. "Fastest update../ ../

It is not Wei Zheng who can be dismissed by the emperor in a few words.

After worshiping again, Wei Zheng still insisted: "Your Majesty, this year is a drought year, and grain production in many places in Guanzhong has decreased. According to the calculation of Sinong Temple, next year will be a drought year. Under such circumstances, taxes must be increased. How should the refugees who settled down live? Your Majesty put himself in the shoes of the refugees, and if you were you, would you be willing to go out of the mountains?"

"At least Guhui is willing."

Seeing that Wei Zheng was so stubborn and insisted on exempting the "tax increase", Li Chengqian suddenly had an idea.

Arching his hands, Li Chengqian said seriously: "Duke Zheng, you care about the people of the world. Now that the refugees' affairs have been exposed alone and a proposal has been implemented, you will definitely not sit idly by. While the court is preparing the field book, You also need to send officials into the mountains to look for the refugees and persuade them to come out of the mountains. How about this, the crown prince personally selects a few soldiers to go into the mountains with your Yushitai officials to persuade the refugees.

Your condition is to distribute the land for free without taxation, while the rule on Gu's side is that the land can be distributed, but the tax must be increased.This victory or defeat lasted for seven days, targeting the refugees in the Qinling Mountains.I'll wait to see the results first, and then decide how to issue orders to various state capitals, how about it? "

Seeing the Prince's determination to win, Wei Zheng was very curious.

It can be said that the conditions of the two parties are not at the same level at all.It's completely free, and the land is distributed only after taxation is increased. Even a fool will know which side to choose.But, why is the prince so confident?

Li Shimin is also very confused, but he has 80.00% trust in his son.

Without hesitation, Li Shimin took pictures of the dragon case, and said: "Since that's the case, you and Wei Zheng should take a gamble, Prince. With Manchu civil and military witnesses, such a gamble is rare!"

Seeing that all the ministers were watching the excitement, although Wei Zheng was angry that the prince and the emperor had started a game of gambling in the court, he had no choice but to agree.

"The minister agreed, but Prince, what is the stake in this bet?"

Li Chengqian thought for a while and said: "Of course it is whether the "dividing the land and adding taxes" will be implemented, but on this basis, let's add one. How about drawing a turtle on the face of the loser and walking around Chang'an?" "

As soon as this remark came out, the courtiers couldn't help but burst out laughing.

No matter how witty and clever he is, the prince is still a child after all!Draw a turtle on your face?How did you come up with it!

For his own claim, Wei Zheng could only agree: "Of course, if that's the case, Your Highness, a gentleman."

Li Chengqian stretched out his hand and gave Wei Zhengsan a high-five: "It's hard to catch a four-horse horse!"

Seeing that the crown prince and Wei Zheng had reached a bet, Li Shimin waved his hand: "Retire!"

...

Different from the usual way of retreating freely and loosely, today's courtiers deliberately stayed where they were, waiting for the crown prince to go first.

As soon as he walked out of the palace gate, a strong and strong arm appeared in front of Li Chengqian in a flash.

It is Li Xiaogong, King of Hejian County.

Li Xiaogong turned his head, laughed and said: "Chengqian, today you have experienced the essence of the court? That's right, the court is a minority obeying the majority, and more or less obeying the emperor. I still underestimated your article, I didn't expect Well, Fang Xuanling, who is so cunning and scheming, took your side without thinking."

"Says like it's all thanks to you, shameless old thief."

Another voice appeared on the right side, Li Chengqian looked, and saw that it was; Li Daozong also walked side by side with him.

"Thank you, Uncle Huang, for your help just now."

Because Li Xiaogong woke up first, Li Chengqian expressed his gratitude very simply.As far as the position is concerned, Li Daozong, as the minister of the Ministry of punishment, should have been on the opposite side, just like Dai Zhou.But because of him, he chose to support.

Li Daozong smiled and said: "It's a small matter, the main reason is that your memorial is really well written. The hummus cakes delivered to your home during the Mid-Autumn Festival are delicious. Your elder brother Jing Huan has been weak since he was a child, so he ate two more. When, make another batch and send it to the mansion, it will be regarded as this time's thank you gift."

Li Chengqian also smiled: "Since that's the case, I'd better send the cook over and teach the recipe to your cook directly."

It is the most pleasant thing to be able to return the favor owed to others directly.

The three uncles and nephews chatted and laughed all the way, and left the palace.

Harem - Hall of Two Instruments

Li Shimin walked in front with his hands behind his back, behind him were eunuchs carrying a large pile of memorials.

Today's memorial, because of the great court meeting, received a lot, and it may have to be reviewed until late at night before rest.

However, this did not affect his good mood.

The emperor and empress are absolutely the absolute masters of the cloudy and sunny weather in the harem.

Seeing that the emperor was happy, even the maids and eunuchs on duty at Liangyi Hall laughed heartily.

Pushing the door open, Li Shimin, like an old father who just came back from the parent-teacher meeting, said directly: "Guanyin maid, Guanyin maid, come quickly, I will tell you what happened in the hall today, it is definitely interesting."

The eldest grandson was embroidering, but because of the emperor's sudden noise, he almost pricked his finger.

Seeing the emperor approaching excitedly, she smiled wryly, put the embroidered frame aside, got up to pour tea and prepare snacks for the emperor's husband.

After taking a sip of tea, Li Shimin said: "Queen, you don't know. Today, the crown prince has stole the limelight. Dali Temple Minister Dai Zhou is a person who is not inferior to Wei Zheng. However, under Dai Zhou's persecution, Cheng Qian Not only was she not angry, but she even made a perfect excuse..."

When he heard "the people of the previous dynasty, the law of the present", the eldest grandson couldn't help laughing.This answer is enough to find another way. Although it cannot be invincible, it is not easy for an eight-year-old to be able to develop wisdom in such a scene.

Happiness always has to be shared with others in order to make it last longer.

In fact, there are still some things that Li Shimin did not say.

In the prince's memorial, in addition to explaining the matters related to gathering refugees, it also talked about Xieli.Although he didn't want to admit it, he knew that the reason why Xieli took the risk and chose to go south was related to what he did.Now the prince has successfully changed the reason to "bullying the weak and fearing the strong", which can be regarded as dispelling his knot a little bit.

"I'd like to see what Wei Zheng would look like if he walked around Chang'an with a turtle painted on his face, hahaha."

Although he didn't know why the crown prince dared to bet with Wei Zheng, Li Shimin had extra confidence in his child.

East Palace—Li Gang's Bedroom

Although he was able to walk on the ground, the imperial doctor still refused to let the old man leave the house.

Now is the season of autumn and winter, and normal people are still prone to cold, let alone an old man with a weak body.

Li Chengqian still believes in the diagnostic results of traditional Chinese medicine for the presence or absence of vitality damage, "virtuality or not deficiency".

Once he had a cold, which made him unable to cheer up for a long time. He took a lot of medicine, but there was no improvement.However, even after eating the medicated diet of the old Chinese medicine doctor for three days, he recovered from the spirit that could not be recovered by taking various western medicines.

Sometimes Chinese medicine is even more unreasonable than Western medicine.Even in the later generations with advanced technology, it has not been squeezed out of the market by Western medicine, which can be seen.

Li Tai and Li Ke served on both sides, almost never pretending to be court ladies and eunuchs.

When the master is sick and the disciples accompany him by the bedside, this is the real way of respecting the master.This point, even the royal family is no exception.

Seeing Li Chengqian cautiously pushing the door and entering sideways, Li Gang smiled and said, "How is it? Your memorial was approved with a few percent approval?"

After receiving the teacup that Li Taixian graciously handed over, Li Chengqian asked after taking a sip: "You are so confident that the disciple's memorial will definitely pass?"

Li Gang stroked his beard and said: "Why can't you pass a memorial that is well-founded and touching? It's because some stubborn ministers in the court make it difficult for you."

If it was passed directly, it is absolutely impossible for Li Chengqian to come back now.

Morning mornings never last beyond mealtime unless there is a major event.Although it is not over now, it is very close.

Therefore, if you encounter a stubborn minister, even if you are at a disadvantage, you must try your best to oppose it.

Knowing that the old man had already guessed it, Li Chengqian sat helplessly on the chair and sighed: "I should look at the almanac before I go out today. I originally thought that Wei Zheng would definitely help, but this guy has been wandering. Dai Zhou has a temper." Not good, actually put the official hats at the feet of the disciples..."

"The most irritating thing is this Wei Zheng. It's fine if he doesn't help, but he still opposes it. Look, Wei Zheng will definitely lose in this competition!"

After ordering the eunuchs to go to the kitchen to fetch food, Li Gangcai said: "I still know about Wei Zheng. He first followed Li Mi, and then followed Dou Jiande. No matter where he is, he is loyal enough to the Lord. The old man heard that after the Xuanwu Gate, His Majesty personally interrogated Wei Zheng and accused him of sowing discord. Wei Zheng didn't have the slightest intention of pleasing the poor, but directly said that King Xi listened to him, and it was more than that. Such a courtier is rare. Just look at it, within ten years, his reputation will be enough to be recorded in the annals of history. A person who is single-minded, even if his official position is low, can achieve great things."

Chapter 131 Wei Zheng, who came out of the mountain in despair

Li Chengqian did not expect Master Li to see it so clearly. Indeed, in terms of status, although Wei Zheng had the status of a Duke, he was not very powerful during the Zhenguan period.However, it was because of his loyalty and direct advice that this guy was able to be listed alongside Taizong in the textbook.Many people don't know Prince Li Chengqian, but they must know Wei Zheng.

As for the bet with Wei Zheng, it was actually a pioneering experiment by Quan Datang to win over refugees.It is unwise to implement without knowing the effect.As for Qinling, which happened to be not far from Chang'an, if the refugees from Qinling were used to experiment around Chang'an, if the results were good, it would be possible to use these actions as a template to promote the whole world.

"Increasing taxes is indeed the most surprising part of this plan. Chengqian, the old man didn't understand why you insisted on adding such a thing. Don't you think there is such a danger that the refugees can go smoothly?" Accept the court's summons?"

Li Chengqian smiled and said: "The reason, you should not listen to it. You just need to know that such an approach will definitely have an effect."

After instructing Li Tai and Li Ke to take good care of the old gentleman, Li Chengqian went into the study and began to write letters to the prince himself.

It just so happened that the crown prince was on a hunting mission, so whenever he came across a village of refugees on the way, he would directly announce it to them.

As for persuading him personally, probably only Wei Zheng would do it.