My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 277 Returning to Chang'an is Impossible

Seven days later.

Duli Town.

This was the most important port in Goryeo, and Dori Town developed as an important coastal area under the rule of Goryeo.

Historically, Zhang Liang led his navy across the Bohai Sea and landed in Duli Town.

In the middle of the Tang Dynasty, the Khitan captured Yingzhou and cut off the land route between Liaodong and Youzhou. The exchanges between the Tang Dynasty and Liaodong were then carried out via the sea route from Qingzhou to Duli Town.

In later generations, this place is the Lushunkou, which is known as "One Lushunkou, half of modern history".

On the coast, the dawn light quietly broke through the night, covering the vast ocean with a layer of golden veil.

Li Chengqian stood on a high place, and wherever he looked, he saw a shocking scene.

Hundreds of large ships are neatly lined up on the sea, like a forest made of steel and wood.

The leading flagship, like a towering sea fortress, stood tall in front of the fleet.

The hull is huge and sturdy, made of thick oak. Each piece of wood has been carefully selected and polished, and tightly spliced ​​together to withstand the impact of the waves.

There is a lifelike carving of a mythical beast on the bow of the ship, the mast of the flagship is towering into the clouds, and several huge flags are fluttering in the sea breeze. The golden dragon patterns and the word "Li" embroidered on the flags are shining in the sunlight, highlighting the noble status of Crown Prince Li Chengqian.

Behind the flagship, a number of troop transport ships followed closely.

They are large in size and have spacious cabins, enough to accommodate a large number of soldiers.

On the deck of the troop transport ship, the elite soldiers of the Shenwu Army were lined up in an orderly manner.

They were dressed in heavy armor, holding sharp weapons, standing in neat rows, like a steel Great Wall waiting to go to war.

As long as Li Chengqian gives the order, they will move forward bravely and go through fire and water.

The sunlight shone on the armor, reflecting a cold light. The soldiers' eyes were firm and sharp, revealing a fearless momentum.

On both sides of the fleet are cargo ships loaded with various supplies.

These cargo ships were slightly wider and had deeper drafts, obviously carrying heavy cargoes.

The cargo ships were closely connected, stretching for miles. Some of the ships were loaded with mountains of food, with rice and wheat bags stacked one on top of the other. These grains had been carefully selected and stored, and would provide sufficient supplies for the army's journey.

Some cargo ships were filled with brand new weapons. Spears, swords, bows and arrows were neatly placed in the cabin. Each weapon was flashing with a cold light, as if telling of the upcoming journey.

And those ships carrying new textile machines were even more significant.

The textile machines were properly placed in the cabin and wrapped in thick felt to prevent them from being damaged during the voyage.

Cotton is now being grown on a large scale.

This year's autumn harvest will be the time when cotton is produced on a large scale, and cotton clothes will be produced in batches.

At present, in the Tang Dynasty, the main textile machines are hand-cranked spinning wheels, foot-operated spinning wheels, tilt looms, multi-heald and multi-foot looms, and bundled-heald jacquard looms.

This is naturally the pinnacle of the current era.

However, the textile machines manufactured by Li Chengqian were known as the "Jenny Looms", which were the symbol of the first industrial revolution in later generations and are now called Liaodong Looms.

A hand-cranked spinning wheel can only spin one spindle of yarn at a time, while a treadle spinning wheel has different types, such as three-spindle and five-spindle. Taking the three-spindle treadle spinning wheel as an example, its efficiency is two or three times higher than that of a hand-cranked spinning wheel.

However, after continuous upgrades and improvements, the textile machine manufactured by Li Chengqian, although it did not reach the peak of 80 spindles of the Jenny textile machine, it already had 60 spindles.

This is dozens of times more efficient than a hand-cranked spinning wheel.

Unlike the multi-harness and multi-tread loom and the bundle-harness jacquard loom, which are mainly used to weave fabrics with complex patterns and designs, the Jenny loom focuses on improving the output and efficiency of spinning.

In the dynasty era, clothes were hard currency, and the so-called Silk Road was mainly traded in silk.

For ordinary people at the bottom of society, being naked and without shoes is the norm.

A pair of pants or a piece of clothing can even be passed down from generation to generation, or even for hundreds of years.

You can get money from pawning any worn-out clothes.

Through the large-scale planting of cotton and the promotion of textile machines, Li Chengqian naturally wanted to gradually make the people of the Tang Dynasty richer.

This is also the foundation for Li Chengqian to settle down after returning to the Tang Dynasty.

It's kind of funny.

When Li Chengqian invaded Goryeo, the people he relied on were naturally the soldiers from the Tang Dynasty.

However, among the 50,000 elite soldiers of the Shenwu Army who returned to the Tang Dynasty this time, more than 40,000 were former soldiers from Goryeo, Silla, and Baekje.

The reason for this is that when attacking Goryeo, for the Han soldiers, their homes were in the Tang Dynasty, so there was naturally no chance of betrayal and their loyalty was high.

When he returned to the Tang Dynasty this time, Li Chengqian faced Li Shimin, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, also known as the Heavenly Khan.

If he fell out with Li Shimin, the families of the soldiers who had followed him to Liaodong, including their parents, wives and children, all lived in Chang'an or near Chang'an. They might cause trouble if they were attacked.

But it was different for the soldiers in Liaodong. After returning to the Tang Dynasty, the soldiers of the Three Kingdoms in Liaodong had their parents, wives and children in Liaodong. Naturally, they were more willing to die for Li Chengqian and more difficult to betray him.

Human hearts are complicated, and Li Chengqian has never underestimated them.

Only in the best interest is the safest way.

He didn't want his elite men to be secretly persuaded and tied up when they slept at night.

Such things have happened many times in history.

"Father."

Beside him, the eldest son Li Xiang suddenly shouted with some concern.

Li Chengqian asked: "What's wrong?"

Li Xiang frowned slightly and said, "Father, I am worried that you will face many dangers after returning to Chang'an. There are undercurrents in the court, and some people may not want to see you return safely."

Li Chengqian smiled slightly and patted Li Xiang on the shoulder: "Xiang'er, your father knows this. However, as the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, you shoulder the heavy responsibility of the country and society. There are some roads that you have to walk."

Li Xiang nodded and asked, "Father, do you have any plans for dealing with this situation when you return to Chang'an?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian raised his eyes and looked towards the sea in the distance.

At the dock, the porters were busy.

Boxes of gold, silver and treasures were carefully loaded onto the cargo ship.

These treasures were collected by Li Chengqian from the nobles of the Three Kingdoms, and the value of each treasure is difficult to estimate.

It is not much less than the treasury of the Tang Dynasty.

It sounds a bit exaggerated, but the Tang Dynasty treasury belongs to the Tang Dynasty court, and more wealth is concentrated in the hands of aristocratic families.

What is here is the national treasury of Goryeo, Silla, and Baekje, as well as most of the accumulation of the nobles of the three countries.

"there is always a solution to a problem!"

Li Chengqian smiled faintly.

Li Xiang followed his father's gaze and said thoughtfully, "Father, I am willing to go back to Chang'an with you to help you solve your problems."

Li Chengqian shook his head: "Xiang'er, you can't go back with me. Liaodong has just been pacified and the situation is still unstable. Your father needs you to stay here and protect this land for me."

A trace of disappointment flashed across Li Xiang's eyes, but he quickly regained his determination: "Don't worry, father. I will do my best to protect Liaodong. But I am still young and I am afraid that I cannot handle this important task. I hope you can teach me more."

Li Chengqian looked at Li Xiang and said earnestly, "Xiang'er, don't underestimate yourself."

"Over the years, I have watched you grow up. You are diligent and studious, and you care about the people. I trust you." "Now that you have some understanding of Liaodong's political affairs, I will tell you some key points in detail."

Li Xiang bowed and waited.

Li Chengqian said: "This issue of people's livelihood is of utmost importance. The new policies we have implemented in Liaodong encourage agriculture and commerce, reduce taxes, and let the people live a good life."

"You must continue to adhere to these policies, pay attention to the lives of the people, and listen to their demands. If there are natural disasters or man-made disasters, you must open the warehouses and release grain in time to provide relief to the people."

Li Xiang nodded seriously: "I will remember this. I will definitely put the welfare of the people first and continue to implement the new policy."

“And then there’s the military aspect.”

Li Chengqian continued, "Liaodong is located in the border area, and the situation around it is complicated. We cannot relax our military defense for a moment."

"The Military Academy is the key to training military talents. You must inspect it frequently and urge the students to train hard. They are the future of Liaodong's military power. Only when they are strong can we resist foreign enemies."

"I understand. I will go to the Military Academy often in the future to encourage students to study martial arts and defend the country."

Li Xiang responded firmly.

Li Chengqian did not say much. The Military Academy was where the military power was located, but there was no need to make it too clear now.

“In addition, this industrial cluster and technical school cannot be ignored.”

Li Chengqian said: "The factory is an important support for the development of Liaodong. We must ensure the normal operation of the workshop, provide sufficient armaments for the army, and provide abundant supplies for the people."

"Technical schools are the cradle for cultivating talents. We should increase investment in schools, hire more skilled craftsmen as teachers, and let students learn more knowledge and skills."

Li Xiang seemed to understand: "Yes, I remember it."

Li Chengqian said: "The relationship with surrounding forces is also crucial."

"Although we have unified Liaodong, the nomadic peoples in the north and other potential forces are still eyeing us covetously. You must strengthen exchanges and cooperation with neighboring tribes, and enhance mutual understanding and trust through trade and cultural exchanges. But at the same time, you must remain vigilant and not relax your defenses."

Li Xiang hesitated and said, "Father, if we encounter provocation from the surrounding forces, how should I respond?"

Li Chengqian replied: "If it is a harassment from a small group of forces, we can send troops to quickly repel them to maintain our dignity."

"But if you encounter a large-scale invasion, you must not attack rashly. You must promptly convene your generals to discuss countermeasures and formulate a reasonable strategy."

At this point, Li Chengqian paused for a moment and said, "We need to ask Chang'an for help. The Tang Dynasty is our backer. If necessary, we need to rely on the power of the court."

"I understand, and I will never let my father down," Li Xiang said firmly.

Li Chengqian looked at Li Xiang and said with relief: "Xiang'er, you are so steady that I am relieved. I will leave Liaodong to you. I hope you can govern it prosperously and live up to the expectations of the people and the trust of your father."

Liaodong is Li Chengqian's base, and there is no better candidate except his eldest son Li Xiang.

As the saying goes, before you think about advancing, think about retreating. Before you think about winning, think about losing.

Facing that man of the Tang Dynasty who had the appearance of a dragon and a phoenix and the face of the sun and the sun, the Taiwei, Situ, Shangshu Ling, Zhongshu Ling, Shangshu Ling of the Grand Secretariat of the East Shaanxi Road, Shangshu Ling of the Executive Office of the Yizhou Road, the Governor of Yongzhou, the Governor of Liangzhou, the Left and Right Wuhou Generals, the Left and Right Twelve Guards Generals, the Supreme Pillar of the State, the King of Qin, the General of Tiance, the Khan of Heaven, the Governor of Asia, the strongest carbon-based creature of the seventh century, the Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin.

Li Chengqian was not sure of winning.

The wisdom of the ancients has never been weaker than that of later generations.

Who can guarantee that one won’t capsize in the gutter?

The best strategy is to keep Liaodong as a retreat route.

Only by keeping Liaodong firmly in his hands can Li Chengqian have hope of a complete turnaround no matter what the situation is.

Of course, unless it was absolutely necessary, Li Chengqian did not want the Battle of Xiangji Temple in the Tang Dynasty to start ahead of schedule.

If a war were to break out with Li Shimin, this civil war in the Tang Dynasty would really exhaust the Tang Dynasty.

Not long after.

The eunuch Wen Zhong came over and reported, "Your Highness, Changsun Situ has arrived."

Li Chengqian nodded.

Since he was going to return to the Tang Dynasty, there was no need for Changsun Wuji to stay in Baekje.

After returning to the Tang Dynasty, Zhangsun Wuji became a member of the Prince's Party.

Besides, Li Chengqian was not at ease letting Changsun Wuji stay here. After all, Li Xiang was still young and could not deal with such an old fox.

Changsun Wuji, who arrived at Duli Town, was also helpless.

Although he knew that the so-called Baekje Governor was just a cover, he was still helpless when he was sent by His Majesty and then forcibly taken away by the Crown Prince.

Fortunately, the prince's side was relatively stable, and he immediately arranged to set off after receiving the imperial edict.

For him, it was considered that he had completed the instructions given by His Majesty.

As for what will happen after returning to Chang'an, we can only take it one step at a time.

evening.

In the prince’s temporary palace in Duli Town.

Li Chengqian sat at the desk, looking at the recent intelligence about Chang'an in his hands.

Soon, a voice sounded outside: "Your Highness, Helan Chushi wishes to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Li Chengqian put down the intelligence documents and said, "Come in."

Helan Chushi came in and bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Li Chengqian waved his hand: "Sit down."

After Helan Chushi sat down, Li Chengqian said, "Do you know why I asked you to stay in Liaodong to assist the emperor's eldest grandson?"

Helan Chushi hesitated and said, "I don't know."

Li Chengqian said calmly: "Because Chang'an, there is no official career for you anymore."

Helan Chushi's heart skipped a beat, but he also understood what the prince meant.

His support was his father-in-law Hou Junji, but now Hou Junji had been imprisoned, and there was no point in following him back to Chang'an.

"I am terrified."

Helan Chushi didn't know how to respond.

Li Chengqian said calmly: "Xiang'er is young and sometimes lacks decisiveness."

"Or sometimes, you should give advice, such as raising an army."

Helan Chushi trembled all over and knelt down immediately: "I understand."

Li Chengqian nodded and said nothing more.

He believed that Helan Chushi knew what he meant.

"I understand. Please leave."

"Yes, Your Highness."

After Helan Chushi left.

Li Chengqian's gaze turned to the Chang'an intelligence on the table again.

He chuckled and said, "Oh, Changan."

(End of this chapter)