Zhenguan Xiaoxian Wang Li Shen Li Shimin

Wang Xuance saw that Prince Ji had calmed down, bowed and said

“Yes, Your Majesty, according to my investigation, Wang Wencheng only started doing evil in the last two years.

He used to be just a little greedy.

Therefore, it was normal that Manager Wang did not notice anything. In the past two years, the demand for cotton in the royal palace had increased, and the money invested had increased accordingly.

He conspired with the leaders of some local small tribes to lower the purchase price of cotton and then reported the normal price to the palace.

It would be difficult to detect if you didn't visit it in person.

The local people did not know the reason and always thought it was the decision of Prince Ji's Mansion. They were the remnants of the people there and it was difficult for them to enter the pass.

This is the main reason why nothing has happened.”

Wang Xuance shared the results and analysis of his investigation.

After the fall of Gaochang and Tuyuhun, the imperial court still used barbarians to control barbarians, selecting their former royal family members who were loyal to the Tang Dynasty to govern them.

However, there are many leaders of small tribes below, who are in charge of different responsibilities, just like local officials.

Because they are the remnants of the people, their activity areas are designated, which means they are kept in captivity.

It's impossible to get out.

Li Shen frowned. He understood what Wang Xuance meant. The emperor was far away and he could not go anywhere without a pass.

With the constraints of the Western Province Governor, the people were like lambs to be slaughtered.

"You go on."

Li Shen nodded and motioned Wang Xuance to continue.

"Your Majesty, I have sent people to investigate and found that Wang Wencai has connections with some local tribal leaders.

He also had contacts with the governor of Xizhou and would often send him money and gifts.

Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to do such a thing, which would humiliate your reputation."

"You mean, the Xizhou governor is also helping out?"

Hearing Wang Xuance's words, Li Shen was a little surprised. How could a governor of a state have a relationship with a shopkeeper like you?

"Exactly."

Wang Xuance nodded.

"Have you checked who the Xizhou governor is?"

"Your Highness, the governor of Xizhou is Guo Jing."

"Who? Guo Jing? I'm Ouyang Feng."

Li Shen sat up straight and yelled. This is too funny. Did he travel through time again?

Li Shen's words confused Wang Xuance and others, and they didn't understand what King Ji was talking about Ouyang Feng.

"Who is this Guo Jing? He is no ordinary person to be the governor of a state."

Li Shen asked.

"My Lord, Guo Jing, courtesy name Xiaoke, joined the Wagang Army in his early years, and later surrendered to the Tang Dynasty together with the Duke of Ying.

He was given the title of Duke of Yang Zhai.

Wang Xuance replied.

"Guo Xiaoke, I seem to have heard of this name."

Li Shen thought about it and realized that he had definitely never heard of Guo Jing, but he had heard of the name Guo Xiaoke before. He was a military general.

"Your Majesty, this Guo Xiaoke is a brave warrior who followed Your Majesty in the battles of the south and the north and made great achievements.

It was his strategy that led to victory in the Battle of Hulao Pass.

Later he was appointed as Shangzhuguo and General of the Left Guard.

In the 16th year of Zhenguan, he was appointed Governor of Liangzhou, and later transferred to Anxi Protectorate and Xizhou Governor.

In the 18th year of Zhenguan, Yanqi rebelled and surrendered to the Western Turks. Your Majesty appointed Guo Xiaoke as the commander-in-chief of the Anxi Road, led 3,000 infantry and cavalry out of the Yinshan Road, attacked Yanqi at night, and captured Long Tuqizhi alive.

The Western Turkic minister Qulichu led 5,000 light cavalry to pursue Guo Xiaoke. Guo Xiaoke met them at Yinshan and defeated them. He continued to pursue them for dozens of miles before returning.

Wang Xuance slightly changed the results of his investigation, which shocked Li Shen.

"So fierce?"

Li Shen was really surprised. Guo Xiaoke was not even famous among him, so how could he be so powerful?

Three thousand infantry defeated five thousand light cavalry and chased them for dozens of miles. This was too fierce.

"Hey? You said he was the governor of Xizhou, or the Grand Protector of Anxi Protectorate?"

Li Shen suddenly realized that it was normal for one person to hold two positions, but being both the Grand Protector and the Governor was a bit too much.

The military and politics are integrated.

"Your Majesty, there are barbarians in Xizhou, so it is normal for the Protector General to also serve as the Governor."

Wang Xuance gave an explanation.

"Oh~~ I see, but have you really checked it out? Such a big shot, a founding hero, a supreme pillar of the state.

How did he get involved with Wang Wencheng, that little manager?

This is hard for me to believe.”

Li Shen has always believed in a principle: what kind of person you are, what kind of circle you will form.

Wang Wencheng was just a manager, and it was impossible for someone like a governor to appear in his circle.

Because you can't play together.

Wang Xuance expected Prince Ji to ask this question, and quickly answered:

"Your Majesty, the governor of Xizhou, Guo Xiaoke, is a man of extravagant nature. His servants, concubines, utensils, and entertainment are all extremely luxurious.

I heard that although he was in the army, his tent was decorated extremely luxuriously and all the utensils he used were made of gold and jade.

He is also extremely greedy for money and lustful. "

After hearing this, Li Shen frowned and fell into deep thought.

Many of the old ministers who followed his father to build the empire were like this; some of them really wanted to enjoy themselves after going through hard times.

Some of them did it on purpose, making mistakes for the benefit of His Majesty.

They were all afraid that Li Shimin would be like Emperor Gaozu of Han.

As far as Li Shen knew, Cheng Yaojin, Li Jing, Li Xiaogong, Li Daozon, and Li Ji were all like this.

He was wondering if this was also the case with Guo Xiaoke. After all, his military achievements were considered outstanding.

The old ministers from the Wagang period should be the earliest batch.

"Guo Xiaoke~~"

Li Shen repeated the name, thinking about how to deal with it.

This is a tricky matter. Guo Xiaoke, like Cheng Yaojin, is a founding hero and a senior general.

If I really touch him, how many people will become my enemy?

“Your Majesty, this Guo Xiaoke is just greedy for money and has not done anything substantial for Wang Wencheng.

It means that he just turns a blind eye to some things.

It is not impossible for the prince to impeach him for corruption.

But he is a hero after all.”

Wang Xuance saw Li Shen’s dilemma. The interest groups in the court were complicated and it was impossible for the Prince Ji’s Mansion to be enemies with everyone.

"You're right. After all, he is a meritorious official. It's okay for him to be a little corrupt.

But I have to make him spit out the money he spent on me, and he won’t be afraid of getting sick from eating my food.”

Li Shen has never been a person who suffers losses.

It was so difficult for his father to get some money from him, let alone others.

"My dear, since this matter has nothing to do with Shopkeeper Wang, please forgive him.

He has made great contributions to the Prince Ji's Mansion. Don't let the meritorious officials feel disappointed."

Lu Dingniang rubbed Li Shen's shoulders and pleaded for Wang Hongfu in a relaxed manner.

"Your Majesty, I also plead for Shopkeeper Wang. I hope Your Majesty will show mercy and forgive Shopkeeper Wang."

Wang Xuance also pleaded for mercy. After all, he had worked with Wang Hongfu for many years and they were considered good friends.

They usually cooperated well and he and Wang Hongfu learned a lot.