Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 290 War Machine
Some things are just talk, such as losing weight.

There are also some things that are done without being said, such as rebellion.

After Li Ming officially raised the banner of the Ming Dynasty and sounded the clarion call of "revolution".

All internal disputes among the 14 parties were immediately eliminated.

Everyone was very executive. No matter what ideas and opinions they had before, they put them all aside and united under the baton of the new emperor Li Ming to concentrate on two things:

Nation building and war preparation.

In practice, these two things are actually the same thing.

Once the Ming Dynasty was officially established, the conflict with the Tang Dynasty would become irreconcilable.

No matter whether the attack comes from the other side or from this side, China will eventually be unified.

At the same time, no jaw-dropping major turning points occurred in the vast land of Ming Dynasty.

The people are still peaceful and harmonious.

The common people farm as usual, go to work as usual, expand the borders as usual, and continue their daily lives fighting against nature and the earth.

Bureaucratic agencies at all levels were also calm. They did not issue the "Anti-Rebellion Manifesto" immediately, nor did they rush to hold a swearing-in ceremony, nor did they send troops to the streets to carry out the "fortune-building" strategy.

This new land maintains its previous busy yet orderly pace of life, but some subtle changes have taken place in the details.

For example, the word "Da Ming" appears more and more frequently.

On the first day, documents circulated within the government removed the title of "Tang Dynasty" and uniformly changed it to "Ming Dynasty".

Soon after, all official documents to the outside and public announcements were titled "Da Ming".

Then, the bank also hung up the sign of "Da Ming Bank", gradually recovered the old banknotes circulating in the market and issued new banknotes.

The newly issued banknote had an official name for the first time, which was printed on the front of the banknote in four large and bright characters - "Da Ming Tong Bao".

Then, all government offices at all levels, state-run trading companies, farm production teams and other state-run organizations quietly hung up wooden signs with the words "Da Ming".

In this way, imperceptibly, traces of the Tang Dynasty were gradually erased, and the new concept of the Ming Dynasty began to penetrate into every corner of society.

Therefore, when the government finally issued an official announcement, officially announcing the founding of the country and the severance of ties with the Tang Dynasty, the new country was named "Ming", and the founding emperor Li Ming was in Pingzhou Prefecture.

There was no reaction from the public, which could even be described as indifferent.

You called us all out just for this? I thought we had broken up with the Tang Dynasty a long time ago.

The great project of changing dynasties was completed so easily. The whole process was smooth and peaceful without causing any waves.

However, beneath the calm surface, a turbulent current is surging.

"Are you sure that no one in the country is rebelling or causing chaos?"

Pingzhou Prefecture - now the seat of the new Ming Dynasty court - Li Ming confirmed again and again.

Yuchi Xunyu repeatedly assured:

"The founding of the Ming Dynasty was in accordance with the will of heaven and the people's will. The people of the whole country welcome the Ming Dynasty. How could anyone oppose it?"

Li Ming crossed his arms: "Really?"

I do not believe.

Yuchi Xunyu patted his chest loudly: "Really!"

Li Ming didn't say anything, just looked at him sideways.

"Brother Ming, you don't believe me?!"

Yuchi Xunyu blushed all of a sudden:

"Yes, I did not foresee the change in Chang'an, but is that my fault? Shouldn't it be your grandfather and your brother's fault?

"My intelligence arrived at the same time as the secret envoy from Chang'an, half a day earlier than Di Renjie and Zhi Shi Buzhen's information. Doesn't this prove that I am well-informed?"

When the intelligence Waterloo was mentioned, the little black charcoal became a little red charcoal that was burned red.

"I didn't say that."

Li Ming continued to tease his friend, his eyes inadvertently shifting to the two people behind Yuchi Xunyu.

The former Dali Temple Minister Sun Fujia and the former Minister of Justice Liu Dequan held back their laughter and endorsed the poor little black charcoal head:

"Yes, Your Majesty. There has been no recent increase in serious cases."

"Yeah good, I get it."

After teasing Yuchi Xunyu, Li Ming waved his hand and asked the three security team to leave.

"Your Majesty, what a brilliant plan to bring peace to the world." Changsun Wuji, who was writing tirelessly at the side, couldn't help but sigh.

"With gradual progress and gentle persuasion, the people were able to accept a new country without any hindrance and without causing any unrest."

Changing the flag seems simple. All you have to do is change the flag and shout from a loud speaker.

In actual operation, it is actually quite dangerous.

Because the current Ming Dynasty is worthy of a big character. It not only has a vast territory, but also has a complex people composition.

There are die-hard fans in the two core states of Liaodong, and there are loyal fans in Goguryeo who have been deeply brainwashed by the Pyongyang Daily... no, they are immersed in it.

But there are also people from Hebei, Qi and Lu who have been newly incorporated into the territory.

Not to mention the various ethnic groups such as Tiele, Turks, and refugees who came from unknown states and counties.

The large number of people and diverse sources means that ideologies are complex and it is impossible to be united.

Among them, there are certainly many old people from the Tang Dynasty, or old Confucian scholars who were deeply influenced by the ideas of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism.

After all, the Mandate of Heaven for the Tang Dynasty is still there, and many people still remember the kindness of the old Emperor Li Shimin. Li Chengqian has not yet done anything extraordinary like Emperor Yang of Sui did.

The Tang Dynasty had not lost the support of the people and should not have perished.

However, the Ming Dynasty was able to make such a smooth and gorgeous turn and set up its own regime without arousing large-scale opposition.

This is all thanks to Li Ming's sophisticated political tactics.

“Governing a big country is like cooking a small fish. No one can accept a sudden change of government. It would be much better if there is a prelude.”

In response to Changsun Wuji's "shock", Li Ming merely responded absentmindedly.

He has a lot of things to do, and he needs to focus his energy on military affairs.

The specific operation method is as follows:

"Mr. Li Wei, what do you think?"

Li Ming pressed against Li Jing's thigh.

"Ahem, Your Majesty... No, Your Majesty, this matter needs to be considered carefully. There is no rush."

Li Jing was stationed in Youzhou at the time, commanding the troops in the northwest to clean up the mess, when he was brought to Pingzhou by an urgent letter.

Then, we received the earth-shattering news that the Ming Dynasty was founded.

“It is difficult to say what kind of person Li Chengqian, the false emperor of the Tang Dynasty, is, but His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus is on his side.

"The Emperor is best at finding fleeting opportunities in a long battle, so when facing him, you must be modest and cautious."

Li Jing advocated slowing down the process.

"Really? The border between Ming and Tang is long. I was thinking of attacking the Central Plains suddenly to catch them off guard and gain the initiative in the war."

Li Ming proposed the idea of ​​attacking Pearl Harbor.

Li Jing did not blindly agree with His Majesty's idea, but bluntly expressed his negative opinion:

"No. Tang is not a small country, but a large country with a vast territory and a large population. The outcome of a war is not determined by a single victory or defeat."

As the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Li Ming did not feel humiliated by his subordinate's direct remarks in the face, but was happy to hear the criticism.

"Mr. Wei is right. When facing an enemy like my father, one should not be too eager for success. I am a little too impatient."

As a military commander who could make the most "military" Emperor Li Shimin admire him, Li Jing knew too much about war. When it came to marching and fighting, Li Ming just had to cling to him.

Seeing the new emperor's willingness to accept advice, Changsun Wuji clearly saw the shadow of another emperor, and his eyes suddenly became blurred.

This son is so similar to his father, they are simply carved from the same mold.

Whether it's good or bad...

"His Majesty."

Fang Xuanling pushed the door open with an expressionless face and slammed a thick stack of documents on Li Ming's desk.

"Your Majesty, the institutional reform has been completed, Your Majesty. The original 'temporary committees' have been officially upgraded to 'ministerial' level institutions, Your Majesty.

"Above all the ministries, a Zongli Yamen will be set up to coordinate the overall situation. It has officially started operations today, Your Majesty."

The "Committee", a functional government agency with Pingzhou characteristics, was originally established to deal with the imperial court in Chang'an. In the name of a "civilian advisory agency", it undermined the original Tang Dynasty's prefecture and county system.

Now that they have divorced the Tang Dynasty, there is no need to put on this shell anymore. They just formalize these "civilian institutions" and officially establish departments such as finance, agriculture, civil affairs, and national defense, all of which are under the jurisdiction of the Zongli Yamen.

"You have done a great job. You are worthy of being the Prime Minister. With your assistance in civil and military affairs, why should we worry about the Ming Dynasty's prosperity?" Internal affairs are the basis of all foreign wars. Li Ming was very satisfied that Fang and Zhangsun were able to sort out internal affairs at a rapid speed.

But he inexplicably felt that Mr. Fang seemed a little strange today.

"Father, why do you sound... a little off? Did you say a few words too much?"

"Really, Your Majesty? How come I didn't notice you?" Fang Xuanling had a blank expression on his face.

"Oh, I hope everything is normal." Li Ming didn't delve into it.

Changsun Wuji stood aside and glanced at his old rival.

Fang Xuanling was still as lukewarm as ever, but for some reason, today he always gave people the feeling that his back was particularly straight.

Old houses have the capital to be strong.

He has made countless decisions in his life, but betting on Li Ming was the wisest one.

From a naughty boy who caused headaches for countless people, he transformed into a terrifying ruler who caused headaches for countless people. The return on his investment even exceeded his own expectations.

Who would have thought that the little brat who rebelled against his teacher Kong Yingda at the beginning of the story would become a big traitor who rebelled against the Tang Dynasty...

"It seems that His Majesty has not changed? He has always been like this?"

Fang Xuanling felt like laughing.

Your Majesty...what a beautiful title.

This means that he, Fang Xuanling, as a rare minister in history who served two dynasties, will also be recorded in history along with the two majesties.

"Mr. Fang, Uncle Zhangsun." Li Ming's question interrupted Fang Xuanling's beautiful imagination.

"Li Weigong's point is that we should take our time in dealing with the false Tang emperor.

"But Xu Tu is not without a plan. What should we do next?"

Chang Sun Wuji spoke first before Fang Xuanling:

“Your Majesty, I believe that when two countries go to war, morality should be the most important.

"We should not start a fight with ourselves, but let the other side fall into injustice, and then we can seize the moral and win the hearts and minds of the people in the world, and then we can succeed."

In other words, don't fire the first shot, and don't give the enemy a chance to fire the second shot...

"My uncle's plan is very much to my liking. What about you, father-in-law? What do you think?"

Li Ming nodded and looked at Fang Xuanling.

Fang Xuanling bowed and said respectfully:

"Your Majesty, I do have an idea that I would like to share."

Li Ming raised his eyebrows: "Oh? What made the Prime Minister so unhappy?"

"Your Majesty, although you call yourself the emperor, you have not yet ascended the throne and announced it to the world." Fang Xuanling said:

"It just so happens that Mount Tai is within the territory of the Ming Dynasty..."

"Mount Tai is the place for Fengshan, and Pingzhou is just a temporary residence. Neither is the place to ascend the throne."

Li Ming interrupted:
"If possible, I would rather ascend the throne in Chang'an."

What this means is that he is still an intern emperor and will be promoted to a full-time position after he unifies the country.

His Majesty has always been so practical, so Fang Xuanling was not surprised by this answer and smoothly continued the topic:

"To deal with the fake emperor who is separatist in the Southern Dynasty, I have three strategies: the best, the middle and the worst."

Li Ming smiled:

"You're talking so seriously, isn't it just that you're having difficulty making a decision and want me to make the decision for you?

"Well, what's the best strategy?"

"The best strategy is to consolidate the city's defenses, not to attack proactively, and to wait and see." Fang Xuanling said:

"Although the fake emperor Li Chengqian has some talents, compared with Your Majesty, he is no different from the glow of rotten grass compared to the bright moon in the sky. His greatest reliance is nothing more than the emperor emeritus.

"The Emperor is old and is said to be suffering from rheumatism. Your Majesty is still young and has a long future ahead of him.

"As long as we wait until the Emperor Retired dies, the false emperor will lose his backing and collapse without a fight. And under your Majesty's governance, our Ming Dynasty is thriving.

"As one rises, the other falls. Taking over the world is as easy as taking something out of a bag."

Comparing between myself and my father to see who can live longer is a very hellish method, but it is also very low-cost. It is worthy of being a strategy that the poisonous scholar Fang Xuanling could come up with.

But Li Ming shook his head:

"Ten thousand years is too long, we must seize the day.

"Since the end of the Han Dynasty, the world has been divided for too long. We cannot continue to be divided and at odds with each other. We must unify as soon as possible so that the southern states can also bask in the glory of the Ming Dynasty."

If the family is separated for too long, it will really become two families, such as what happened in Annan, so the war of unification cannot be delayed.

"Tell me what the next step is."

"The worst option is to go to war with the Tang Dynasty. There is nothing much to say about this."

Li Ming smiled.

"It seems that the Prime Minister does not approve of a civil war? Fighting is not right, but not fighting is not an option either. Then tell me what the middle course is."

Fang Xuanling said:

"Your Majesty, both Ming and Tang are great powers. It is impossible for a single battle to decide the outcome. The game between the two countries will surely be protracted.

“The two countries are inextricably linked, and even today have very developed trade ties, which further complicates the situation.

"This means that the decisive battle between the two countries will not just be on the battlefield."

He glanced at Li Jing and continued:

“The military is only part of the struggle, and maybe not even the most important part.

“Internal affairs are the decisive factor.”

"I agree." Li Jing expressed his support frankly.

Fang Xuanling was stunned for a moment. He thought that the other party, as the top leader of the military, would object to this statement.

"War depends on logistics. If the people at home are suffering, the army will not have combat effectiveness." Li Jing looked back at Fang Xuanling and said.

Li Ming pondered for a moment.

“What the three of you said makes a lot of sense.

"A long-term, large-scale war tests a country's all-round capabilities from politics, economy to organization and mobilization, and is a major test of its comprehensive national strength.

"It's just that I prefer making questions rather than doing them."

Oh?
The three old men looked at each other and came over.

"Your Majesty, what's your plan?"

"It's not a brilliant plan, I'm just testing the other side first."

Li Ming lowered his voice.

At this time, Hou Junji, Xue Wanche and Li Daozon had just returned from the grassland and broke into the house under the guidance of their attendants.

"Your Highness, you are finally called His Majesty!"

The number one traitor Hou Junji shouted excitedly as he entered the room, but saw his old enemy Changsun Wuji sitting below Li Ming. He snorted at the guy and then gave Li Ming a shy smile.

"Your Majesty, when will our army reach Chang'an?"

"That's right. We're full from eating sand in the desert all day. When are we going to Guanzhong to eat rice?" The not-so-bright Xue Wanche cheered on the side.

Li Daozon was caught between two rebels and felt extremely embarrassed.

As one of the original shareholders of the Fourteen Traitors' Gang and the former prince's tutor, he naturally followed in Li Ming's footsteps.

However, as a member of the Tang royal family and the Minister of Rites who could convince people with reason, he still had many feelings about going to war with his own Li family.

"You've come at the right time. I have something to discuss with you." Li Ming greeted them with a happy expression.

We did this and that with everyone until late at night.

…………

During the Ming Dynasty, the world was at peace and the people were unaware of the war.

And behind all this calm appearance.

The bureaucratic systems at all levels of the empire began to operate at full speed, the troops on the border were frequently mobilized, the logistics warehouses were increasingly filled, and the workshops building weapons, armor and warships worked all night long.

The entire country is like a clenched fist, quietly waiting for the opportunity to come and then deliver a fatal blow to the opponent.

(End of this chapter)