My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 218 Li Shimin: How dare the rebellious son plot a rebellion!

"What on earth are those things?"

Yeon Gaesomun gradually calmed down.

From previous intelligence on the Tang Dynasty, he had never heard of such a thing.

With such a huge power, once it appears, it is impossible that there is no intelligence at all.

This was the secret weapon used by the Tang Dynasty against Goryeo.

Perhaps it is only in the hands of the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty.

Because if the main force of the Tang army had such weapons, they would have attacked several cities in a row long ago.

At this time, Yeon Gaesomun suddenly comforted Yeon Junyue: "Get up, this is not your fault."

"The loss of Liaodong City was not human fault. Even if I were there, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to defend it."

He chose to believe Yuan Junyue.

Yuan Junyue has followed him for so many years, and Yuan Gaesomun is very familiar with him.

He is not a timid person, and this is not his first time dealing with the Tang army.

The information about Liaodong City will gradually be transmitted later, which will confirm Yuan Junyue's words.

Even if it is a lie, it won't last for a few days.

Yeon Gaesomun still has this tolerance.

Hearing this, Yuan Junyue took out a piece of torn cotton cloth from his arms.

"Da Molizhi, this is what the Tang army used to attack the city."

Yeon Gaesomun took the cotton cloth and examined it carefully.

There are traces of burns around the cotton cloth.

Yuan Junyue explained: "The thunder and fire used by the prince of the Tang Dynasty was wrapped in this cotton cloth and then hung on the crossbow and stones."

"When it first falls, there won't be any noise. After about twenty breaths, the things hidden inside will emit a thunderous roar, and the surrounding area within a radius of half a meter will be violently bombarded."

"If someone gets close, even their armor will be beaten to a bloody pulp."

Yeon Gaesomun's expression became serious, but soon he became confused.

"According to what you said, this cotton cloth should have been turned into powder. How could it be preserved?"

Yuan Junyue replied: "Sometimes the power is not strong, so some fragments will be retained."

Yeon Gaesomun thought about it carefully.

Then he analyzed: "According to what you said before, the places where those crossbow arrows were aimed at were the city towers and gates."

"It means that although this thing is strong, the wall cannot be broken by it. It can only destroy the things built with this wood, right?"

After hearing this, Yuan Junyue recalled, "That's right. Although the city wall was shaking at that time, it didn't collapse. Even the tower was not completely destroyed."

"It's just that the city gate was hit by more than ten crossbow arrows and lightning, so it collapsed, allowing the Tang army to enter."

Yeon Gaesomyun was acutely aware of the difference.

"That is to say, these thunder and fire are not actually that scary, and the city wall cannot be broken."

Yuan Junyue thought about it and replied, "Yes."

Then he hesitated and said, "It's just that the noise was too loud, just like thunder in the sky, and the ground was shaking. The soldiers suddenly became panicked and panicked, unable to control themselves, and lost all their courage and could not fight."

There was not much damage in Liaodong City.

Not only did not many soldiers die, but the damage caused by the thunder and fire, although seemingly scary, was actually not as great as that caused by the rocks.

Occasionally there are some fires, but they are not big and can be put out quickly.

The key point is that faced with such unpredictable means, no one dares to deal with it head-on. Everyone is panicking, so how can they fight back?

"If the city gate is replaced with an iron gate, can the thunder and fire blow it open?"

Yeon Gaesomun asked.

Yuan Junyue shook his head: "It should be impossible."

Upon hearing this, Yeon Gaesomun said, "Then first replace all the gates of the capital with iron gates."
-
Chang'an City.

The Tang Dynasty's war against Goryeo did not seem to have any impact on the prosperous and bustling Chang'an.

Yes, during the Zhenguan years, the country was peaceful, but foreign wars had actually never stopped.

The four major countries involved in the war of annihilation were the Eastern Turks, Tuyuhun, Gaochang, and Yanqi.

There were countless small-scale wars.

In the Battle of Songzhou, Songtsen Gampo defeated the Dangxiang and other tribes and approached Songzhou.

Liang Shidu established his own regime and was affiliated with the Eastern Turks. He led Turkish troops to invade the Tang Dynasty border many times.

Local wars with the Western Turkic tribes broke out almost every year.

The situation in the Western Regions was even more complicated, with the number of people ranging from as few as dozens to as many as thousands, especially in autumn, when nomadic tribes would come knocking on the border, and this happened almost every year.

During the prosperous Zhenguan era, the people lived and worked in peace and contentment, which was actually built on the foundation of a strong country.

Without a strong border, there can be no domestic stability and peace.

Therefore, even if a war was launched against Goryeo, the people of Chang'an had long been accustomed to it.

royal palace.

Li Shimin looked gloomy.

During these days, Zhang Ananda has been following the imperial edict and investigating the prince's rebellion.

Now that the prince has gone on an expedition to the east, even though Du He has fled, there are still many clues to be found if we really investigate.

The key breakthrough direction lies in Li Anyan.

Li Anyan was involved in the prince's rebellion, not just himself, but also his trusted subordinates.

After all, things like treason cannot be accomplished by Li Anyan alone.

If the time really comes to rebel, you still need a group of capable and reliable brothers to participate.

It is impossible that the brothers below would turn against us just because of your Majesty's words. How could this be considered a rebellion?

Zhang Ananda started with Li Anyan's trusted subordinates and soon found conclusive evidence.

The prince secretly sold a large number of treasures from the Eastern Palace to make money.

Bribing Li Anyan and his trusted subordinates.

The most obvious evidence is that not only did Li Anyan buy a big house in Chang'an, but most of his trusted subordinates also bought houses.

This is no small sum of money.

"The traitor! The traitor!"

"Your Highness did a really good job on this matter."

"He took the treasures I gave him and pawned them to bribe my guards, hoping to come against me."

Li Shimin was so angry that he was shaking.

Although he had doubts before, Li Shimin still had a glimmer of hope in his heart.

I think this is most likely a slander by the Wei Wang Party, and the prince himself has no intention of rebelling.

Even outside the city of Chang'an, people refused to participate in the sacrifice because of other misunderstandings.

But now the evidence is conclusive, and Li Shimin has no choice but to believe it.

"Your Majesty, there is one more thing that may have a greater impact."

Zhang Ananda spoke hesitantly.

Li Shimin said coldly: "Speak."

Zhang Anan said: "According to the information we have found so far, the Crown Prince seems to have some connection with Hou Junji. The middleman is most likely Helan Chushi, the chief of the Eastern Palace."

Li Shimin was shocked and asked, "Maybe it's confirmed."

"How did you get this information?"

This news made Li Shimin feel very fearful.

Because Hou Junji is now the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Expedition to Liaodong.

If he and the prince were conspiring to rebel together.

That would be a big problem.

Now Hou Junji is in charge of the army that is heading for the Eastern Expedition. If the prince rebels, Hou Junji will certainly respond.

This means that the prince may have an army of more than 100,000 at his disposal.

This is completely different from the previous impact.

Zhang Ananda replied: "Although there is no definitive evidence yet, it is basically certain."

"A lot of the money from the Eastern Palace was sent to Hou Junji's mansion."

Li Shimin murmured, "No wonder the prince refused to return to the city to participate in the sacrifice. This is not a misunderstanding, it is clearly a guilty conscience."

At this time, Li Shimin felt a little regretful. If he had known this situation earlier, he should have sent troops to besiege the city directly when the prince was still outside Chang'an and refused to return to the city.

After a brief moment of anger, Li Shimin calmed down.

Now is definitely not the time to force the Crown Prince to start a rebellion. If the Crown Prince knew about this at this time and his conspiracy was exposed, he might really join forces with Hou Junji and start a rebellion.

After weighing the pros and cons, Li Shimin ordered: "Ananda, immediately stop all investigations into the prince's rebellion."

"All those involved must not disclose any information." Zhang Ananda asked, "Your Majesty, how should we deal with Li Anyan?"

Li Shimin thought for a moment and said, "Arrange a case and say that someone impeached Li Anyan for taking bribes and used the bribe money to buy a mansion in Chang'an. As for how to deal with it, you can let your subordinates handle it."

"Go there in person and don't arouse Li Anyan's suspicion."

Zhang Ananda bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."
-
The Mansion of the General of the Left Tunwei.

Li Anyan was in a state of panic all day long.

Ever since His Majesty transferred him out of the imperial guards, he had a feeling that something was wrong.

Afterwards, almost all of his trusted subordinates were interrogated and investigated.

Even if no one comes to interrogate or investigate him, it is only a matter of time.

What he was most worried about was the prince's rebellion.

If this matter were to be exposed, he would be killed without a burial place, and his family would also be implicated.

Not only will the son lose his future, but his father, who is over 90 years old, may also be left without anyone to support him.

Every time Li Anyan thought of these things, he was in panic.

But such a long time has passed and still no one pays attention to him.

"What's wrong with you these days? You seem absent-minded all day long."

"Your Majesty just didn't let you be the commander of the imperial guards. You are still the General of the Imperial Guards, and your salary is not much different."

"In my opinion, it's a good thing. At least it's much easier than before, isn't it?"

"In the past, I would not see him for ten days or half a month."

Li Anyan's wife, Zheng, ran over and brought a pot of tea, and said comfortingly.

It is true that the commander of the imperial guards has great power, but for her, it often means living a life of widowhood.

Ever since Li Anyan was removed from his position as commander of the imperial guards, he has been living at home for many days, which is much better than before.

"What do you know."

Li Anyan replied unhappily, but didn't say much.

I didn't tell my family about these things.

"I see that you are just greedy for power."

Zheng gave Li Anyan a blank look but didn't care too much.

The salary of the commander of the imperial guards was not much different from what we have today, but the power was vastly different.

It’s not that the commander of the imperial guards has great power, but to be able to serve as the commander of the imperial guards, one must be trusted by the saint and can see His Majesty almost every day.

This is equivalent to your Majesty's close minister.

In comparison, although the position of General of the Household was a fourth-rank official, it was as difficult as ascending to heaven to see a saint.

In Zheng's view, her husband was lost because he lost power.

At this time, a servant came to report that Eunuch Zhang had arrived.

Li Anyan hurriedly stood up and went to greet him.

This day has finally come.

"How dare I trouble Eunuch Zhang to come here in person."

Li Anyan's tone was somewhat respectful.

Zhang Ananda was the emperor's eunuch, the most important minister to the emperor, and he was also the Grand General of the Imperial Guards. Even though Li Anyan was the commander of the imperial guards, he was still far inferior to him.

Zhang Ananda had a calm expression and walked straight to the main seat.

Li Anyan quickly asked the servants to pour tea.

After pouring the tea, Zhang Ananda waved his hand and Li Anyan quickly dismissed his attendants.

"Commander Li, how could you be so foolish? How dare you do such a thing?"

"Your Majesty is furious now. Tell me what to do."

Hearing this, Li Anyan's heart skipped a beat.

But I felt something was wrong.

He first thought it was a case of treason, but looking at it, it didn't look like treason.

If the prince's rebellion was exposed, why would Eunuch Zhang come? Shouldn't he have been arrested directly?

Li Anyan asked cautiously, "I wonder what I have done to cause His Majesty to be so angry."

Eunuch Zhang sneered: "What have you done wrong that you need me to remind you?"

"Didn't your subordinates tell you any information?"

"Now that things have come to this, you should tell the truth. Perhaps His Majesty will give you a lighter punishment."

Zhang Ananda was testing whether Li Anyan knew that his conspiracy was being investigated.

At the same time, it is also confusing Li Anyan.

Under such circumstances, Li Anyan would definitely not reveal anything about treason.

After all, if it was really a rebellion, it would be impossible for him to come here alone.

Li Anyan smiled bitterly and said, "Eunuch Zhang, I really don't know what mistake I made."

"Your Majesty dismissed me from my position as the commander of the imperial guards a few days ago, but I knew nothing about it."

"If I knew what I had done wrong, I would certainly apologize to Your Majesty."

This is not Li Anyan’s fault.

Because Li Anyan’s main source of information is from Du He or the prince.

He was on duty every day and might have heard something about the court, but where could he get information about such things?

Besides, Li Anyan didn't dare to ask around.

Zhang Ananda sighed when he saw this.

Pointing at Li Anyan, he said, "You, you are so confused."

"Your Majesty trusted you so much, but you let him down so much."

"I'll just tell you straight. The reason His Majesty removed you from your position as the commander of the imperial guards was because the Censor-in-Chief impeached you."

"They said you took advantage of your position to accept bribes and even sold palace secrets."

"Your Majesty has given you a lot of salary. How could you do such a thing and make His Majesty so disappointed in you?"

Li Anyan was stunned.

Feelings are not a matter of rebellion.

But how did the matter of corruption and bribery come up?

When did you commit corruption and bribery?

"No, Eunuch Zhang, I have never taken bribes. I have never done such a thing."

At this moment, Li Anyan's back suddenly straightened up.

Eunuch Zhang smiled faintly and said, "Without corruption or bribery, where did you get the money to buy this big house?"

"According to the market price, a house this big should cost at least two million yuan."

"Your wife is just a concubine's daughter of Zheng from Xingyang. How much dowry can she have?"

"Not to mention that even if you are the legitimate daughter of Zheng family from Xingyang, you don't have a house as big as this one in Chang'an City."

"According to your salary, how many years do you need to save to be able to afford this house?"

"Your ancestors were not wealthy, so this money must have been obtained through corruption or bribery. Could it have fallen from the sky?"

At this point, Eunuch Zhang suddenly changed the subject.

"However, I admire the way you act. You have managed to do it without revealing anything."

"The Censorate and the Dali Temple have been investigating for such a long time, but they haven't found any relevant information about the case."

Li Anyan really didn't expect that the problem was here.

This is really unlucky.

But as for how to answer, Li Anyan couldn't think of any good excuse for a while.

After all, it is true that the money has an unknown origin.

However, there is no crime in Tang law for having a large amount of money of unknown origin.

Li Anyan also figured it out. The reason why His Majesty dismissed him from his position as commander of the imperial guards was because of this matter.

Not breaking the law does not mean you won’t lose your holy heart.

Zhang Ananda said leisurely: "We are colleagues, and this is what I want to say this time."

"I also want to remind General Li that this house is too eye-catching and will inevitably attract other people's attention."

Li Anyan's eyes lit up: "Eunuch Zhang means that someone has set his sights on my house?"

Eunuch Zhang shook his head slightly: "I didn't say that."

"Okay, I should go back now. Li Lang, think about it carefully."

(End of this chapter)