Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 4860: Prince
How to win over someone like Fang Jun?

Although his industries are no longer as widespread as they were in the past, he still possesses irreplaceable technology, scale, and channels in certain industries. It is no exaggeration to say that he is "rich enough to rival a country." It is absolutely impossible to bribe him with money because he is richer than most people.

Although his official position was not prominent, his title was already that of a founding duke, the pinnacle of meritorious officials. Moreover, as long as he was willing, he could serve as prime minister and rule the country at any time.

He made great contributions in the process from Li Chengqian's initial period as crown prince to his current ascension to the throne. He can be said to have "turned the tide and saved the building from collapse." His contribution was enormous, and Li Chengqian trusted him and listened to his advice.

Fang Jun has reached the pinnacle of money, power and influence. How difficult would it be to bribe and win him over?
The only way is to repeat the old tune and try the temptation of "king of a different surname" that Li Chengqian could never give...

……

Hearing Jin Renwen's words, Fang Jun smiled and shook his head, saying helplessly: "These people are really greedy and only want the world to be in chaos. Your Majesty has launched two consecutive mutinies since he ascended the throne. I don't know how many times he has promised the 'king of a different surname', but what is the result? Those who were bewitched by the 'king of a different surname' either suffered a miserable defeat and became idle, or their entire families suffered disaster and were ruined. Why am I, Fang Jun, such a short-sighted person in their eyes? The greatest failure in life is not being respected by your opponents."

The words he spoke were full of emotion, as if he was really upset by his opponent's contempt...

Jin Ren asked: "..."

He was just passing on the message, and he thought that Fang Jun would flatly refuse, but he didn't expect that the reason for the refusal was... he was indignant at being despised by his opponent?
It's really weird.

However, since he had been reprimanded by his aunt before, he naturally did not dare to say much at this moment. He nodded and said, "Since Duke Yue has made a decision, I will reject them later."

Fang Jun said: "Who said you want to refuse?"

"Uh..." Jin Ren was stunned and thought to himself, is there any other meaning in your words?
Fang Jun took a sip of tea and said slowly: "Go back and tell Li Shenfu, don't think that I don't understand history books and can let him control me! Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, there have been "kings of different surnames", but which one of them, such as Yanjun Wang Luo Yi, Pengcheng Jun Liu Jizhen, Beiping Jun Gao Kaidao, did not surrender first and then rebel and end up miserably? Only Dingxiang Jun Hu Daen never rebelled, but he also died in the battle against the barbarians... So I don't value the title of a mere king. I'd give it to a prince like Du Fuwei did, and see if he dares to do it!"

After Du Fuwei surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, he was granted the title of "King of Wu" by Emperor Gaozu, a title higher than that of the King of Qi, Li Yuanji...

Jin Renwen nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes, if you want a title of prince, how can a mere county prince be worthy of a contemporary hero like my uncle?"

Neither Fang Jun nor Jin Deman said anything to stop him from calling him "uncle", after all, Jin Shengman is also Jin Renwen's aunt.

Of course, they both knew which aunt Jin Ren was referring to when he asked about "uncle", but if they explained, it would be awkward, so they just let him do it...

Jin Deman also said: "That's right. This matter is of great importance. How can a mere prince reward him for his merits? After two generations, he will be reduced to a county duke, and after that, he will be just like everyone else."

As the queen of Silla, she had naturally studied the succession of the throne of the Tang Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty's royal titles were divided into three categories: prince, county prince, and successor prince. All of them had to be lowered in rank. Of course, the princes were all princes. The eldest son of the prince was the successor prince, and the rest of the sons were county princes. The successor prince would not be lowered in rank. The county prince would be the duke, county duke, county duke, and finally the founding marquis.

Seeing that Jin Deman believed it, Fang Jun smiled and said, "Do you really like this prince title? I'm afraid you will be disappointed. Li Shenfu dare not give it to you."

The only "prince of a different surname" since the founding of the Tang Dynasty was Du Fuwei. Du Fuwei was treated well by Li Yuan because he "married into" the Tang Dynasty with the entire Jianghuai region. Li Yuan wanted to reward him for his merits and also wanted to "buy a horse's bones with a thousand gold coins", so he was willing to give him the title of prince.

Even if Li Shenfu dared to give Fang Jun a prince, no one would believe that the Zongzheng Temple would fulfill his promise after the matter was accomplished. If they really did so, the entire Li Tang royal family would be in turmoil, the inheritance rules of the Tang Dynasty's princes would be shaken, and chaos would not be far away...

So he still rejected Li Shenfu.

Jin Deman nodded slightly, sighed softly, and said: "Although your emperor is kind and forgiving, he is also indecisive. The royal family is the foundation of the imperial power. How can you allow the Prince of Xiangyi to almost openly rebel?"

Even though she was a woman, she had been a queen and understood the principle of "hesitating when necessary to make a decision will lead to chaos". The result of her repeated tolerance towards the royal family might not necessarily be to reform the rebellious people, but to find their flaws and strike them deadly.

Fang Jun shook his head and sighed, "The situation of the Tang royal family is extremely complicated. They are deeply involved with the noble group and cannot be eradicated just because we want to. Now the aristocratic families are involved, and the situation is even more muddy. We must be more cautious, otherwise the world will be in chaos if we are not careful."

Aristocratic families have made great contributions to cultural inheritance, but they are a huge cancer when it comes to national security and can betray everything for the sake of profit.

Wealth, power, status... are never satisfied and desires are insatiable.

Of course, even if the aristocratic families were eventually buried under the rubble when the empire collapsed, the landlords and gentry who replaced them were not essentially different. It was just that their roots were not as strong as those of the aristocratic families, and their influence on the country was far less.

However, when the landlords and gentry developed into the stage of "scholar tycoons" and "financial tycoons", the gap between them and the "aristocratic families" gradually narrowed, and the harm to the country became greater. Not only did they not care about the survival of the country, but only cared about their own gains and losses, they were even capable of colluding with foreign races, and they were no different from the "aristocratic families"...

……

After Jin Renwen left, Fang Jun sat next to Jin Deman. Her Majesty the Queen was naturally beautiful, with a graceful profile and beautiful features, which made people forget the world when they saw her.

Somewhat guilty, he told Princess Gaoyang what she said. This matter could not be concealed, and there was no way to conceal it. As long as Jin Deman was determined to have a child, he would inevitably have to rely on Princess Gaoyang...

Jin Deman trembled all over, her eyes widened, and she said angrily: "How could she do this? Although I am a slave of a conquered country, even Emperor Taizong treated me with courtesy. Why should she take my child away?"

Fang Jun sighed, there was nothing he could do.

Although his official position and title were high, his highest status at the national level was "son-in-law of the emperor". No one cared if he had a mistress outside, but once the children were born, they would come under the jurisdiction of the Zongzheng Temple. Of course, they did not have to bring the children back to the palace. If an agreement could be reached, the Zongzheng Temple would not win the title.

But things are not that simple. As long as Jin Deman gives birth to her own child, her sister will definitely join in and stand on the same side as Princess Gaoyang. Given that King Han Li Yuanjia is so spineless and henpecked, would he dare to stand on his side?

Of course, with his current status and power, if he were to force it, Princess Gaoyang, his sister, and even the King of Han, Li Yuanjia, would have to give up. But that would inevitably cause a huge rift within the family, which would not be worth the loss...

Fang Jun suggested tentatively: "Why don't you just come back with me? It's impossible to be the principal wife, but I can ask His Majesty for a favor to grant me a 'second wife'. It won't be a problem. It will also be an explanation to you."

"I do not want it!"

Jin Deman rarely lost her temper. She said with a look of disdain, "Once I enter your house, I have to abide by all kinds of rules. Even if there is no abuse of concubines, there is no freedom. Instead of being trapped in a cage and becoming a bird, why don't I be free now? I don't care. I want the child, and she is not allowed to take him away!"

Fang Jun was in a state of panic. This was just because Princess Gaoyang was tough. If his father and mother knew that he had secretly given birth to a child and kept it outside, they would probably break his legs. In this era, the most taboo thing for wealthy families was to "leave a child outside", which would make them be ridiculed by the world...

And Kindman has this look of "I don't care, please solve it" on his face. Being a man is so difficult...

*****
Li Shenfu listened to Jin Renwen repeating Fang Jun's words, holding the teacup in his hand and slightly absent-minded.

Follow Du Fuwei's example and ask for a prince's title?

How dare you think so!
Why was Du Fuwei named "King of Wu" and even ranked higher than "King of Qi" Li Yuanji? That's because he brought the entire Jianghuai region to join the Tang Dynasty. He did not surrender after being defeated in the war, but accepted the Emperor Gaozu's invitation and surrendered!
He was appointed as the envoy with special powers, the general manager of the military affairs south of the Yangtze and Huai River, the governor of Yangzhou, the minister of the southeastern road, and the governor of the state in Wu...

It was precisely because of Du Fuwei's surrender that the entire Jianghuai area was taken into account, forming a semi-encirclement of Xiao Xin. Li Xiaogong and Li Jing were able to lead their troops from Bashu to successfully attack and destroy Xiao Xin. It can be said that half of the Tang Dynasty came from Du Fuwei!

No matter how glorious your achievements and how powerful you are, Fang Jun, how can you be compared with Du Fuwei?

I don’t know how high the sky is and how high it is!

Of course, a flat refusal is not an option. Even if Fang Jun cannot be lured to his camp, at least he must stay out of it at the critical moment. After all, the failure of the two previous mutinies has shown Fang Jun's ability to turn the tide, and Li Shenfu does not want any accidents.

As for whether such a blatant recruitment of Fang Jun would alarm Li Chengqian...so what if he were alarmed?

Would he dare to attack himself, the only surviving old prince of the Tang Dynasty royal family?

"This is a serious matter. Although there are precedents, we still need to consider it carefully. There will definitely be constant disputes within the royal family, which will have a very bad impact and may cause major events to be delayed."

Jin Ren asked in his heart, as expected, these people are ambitious but unwilling to take risks, it doesn't look like they can accomplish anything.

Shouldn't we agree to this kind of thing first and then consider it after it's done?
The key point is "getting things done", not the so-called princeship. If things cannot be accomplished, what difference does it make whether you are a prince or a duke?
On the other hand, as long as you can accomplish great things, what does a mere prince matter?