My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 303 Li Shimin: How did this turn into a siege of Chang'an?
Inside the Tai Chi Hall.

The king and his ministers discuss matters.

The sun is shining today, but the atmosphere is a bit solemn.

In Chang'an, the army has begun to be mobilized.

Under Li Shimin's edict, an army of 100,000 was prepared to attack Luoyang.

An army of one hundred thousand cannot be dispatched at any time. A lot of preparation is needed, not to mention a siege.

It’s just that Li Shimin didn’t want to attack by force.

But the news about the siege of Luoyang was not good.

For the deposed Crown Prince Li Chengqian, it did not seem to pose much of an obstacle.

Especially in terms of food and fodder, Luoyang has more advantages than Chang'an. With so many canals, even if Chang'an is short of food, Luoyang will not be short of food.

This siege actually led to a rise in food prices in Chang'an.

A few days ago, a dou of rice cost only two cents.

However, when Li Shimin issued an edict to depose the crown prince and to besiege Luoyang, the price of a dou of rice had risen to sixteen coins, an eight-fold increase.

And even at this point, there is no intention of stopping.

The previous attack on Korea did not lead to such an exaggerated increase.

“Food prices must be brought down.”

"Let Fang Qing handle this matter."

Li Shimin made the final decision without any discussion.

He also directly named Fang Xuanling.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Fang Xuanling bowed in reply.

This kind of thing is a bit troublesome for him, but it's just a trouble.

Moreover, managing the affairs of state was also his main job.

The rise in food prices is ultimately due to merchants seeking profit.

Behind these grain merchants, big and small, stand wealthy families, big and small.

War money makes money quickly.

It is difficult for everyone to make money abroad, and since there are fluctuations in the domestic market, naturally everyone wants to make some money.

"What's the price of grain in Luoyang like now?"

After a pause, Li Shimin asked.

Fang Xuanling hesitated a little and replied, "The news reported two days ago was that a dou of rice cost six cents."

Li Shimin glared at him and shouted, "How much did you say?"

Fang Xuanling bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, it's six cents for a dou of rice."

Li Shimin laughed angrily.

"Okay, I want you to find a way to besiege Luoyang and cut off its food supply."

"You misunderstood my words and are besieging Chang'an?"

Everyone lowered their heads and remained silent, not daring to speak.

Li Shimin asked: "What's going on?"

Seeing that His Majesty was furious, Fang Xuanling explained solemnly, "Your Majesty, calm down. Luoyang has a unique geographical advantage. Its canal system crisscrosses and connects many water systems such as the Yellow River and the Huai River. This allows grain from major grain-producing areas such as Jiangnan and Shandong to be conveniently and efficiently gathered here through water transport."

"Not only that, the counties around Luoyang have long attached importance to farming, have complete water conservancy facilities, fertile land, and high grain production, so there is usually sufficient reserve."

"On the other hand, although Chang'an is the capital, the demand for food and fodder has increased exponentially due to the preparation of a large army. A large amount of food and fodder must not only meet the daily needs of the soldiers and civilians in the city, but also be allocated to the front line. The supply system is overwhelmed."

"What's worse, those profit-seeking grain merchants hoarded grain and drove up prices, causing grain prices in Chang'an to soar."

"And this year's autumn grain was intercepted from the canal because of the deposed crown prince."

"A lot of food for Chang'an has always been shipped from Luoyang."

Li Shimin looked at Li Jing and said, "Didn't I ask you to cut off the food supply to Luoyang? Why didn't it work?"

Li Jing replied helplessly: "Your Majesty, Luoyang has too many water systems. I dare not disperse my forces too much. I can only cut off the main road. However, Luoyang has a lot of food. It is difficult to see any effect in a short period of time."

"Besides."

Li Jing paused for a moment, glanced at Changsun Wuji, and then said, "Besides, the deposed crown prince has issued an order to stabilize the grain prices in Luoyang. Anyone who dares to raise the price will be arrested and imprisoned, and their money will be confiscated, so that grain merchants dare not raise prices."

Li Shimin asked in confusion: "These grain merchants dare not resist?"

Li Jing replied, "Of course, many grain businesses were closed at the beginning, but the deposed prince used military force to arrest all those who dared to close their businesses, and those who continued to disobey were confiscated."

"Although the grain merchants are wailing, the people of Luoyang are still in a stable mood."

In times of chaos, severe punishments are used. In this regard, Li Jing also admires Li Chengqian.

With a large army in hand, anyone who disobeyed in Luoyang City would be thrown into prison, no matter who they were. After killing a few of the most rebellious people, everyone became obedient.

Some grain merchants wanted to unite to fight, but the grain was there.

If you don't sell it, Li Chengqian will snatch it away.

As the saying goes, if my neighbor hoards food, I hoard guns. My neighbor is my granary.

The reason why a dou of rice is six cents is that Li Chengqian believes that the current grain price is indeed too low, and low grain prices hurt farmers, so a slight increase is a good thing.

Why don’t these grain merchants transport grain to Luoyang? Wouldn’t they make more money by transporting it to Chang’an?

It’s all because of the Grand Canal.

Chang'an's water transportation was not well developed, and the starting point for grain transportation was a few hundred shi. The cost of transportation by grain boat was low, but if it was transported by land, the price would be completely different.

Moreover, in the present Tang Dynasty, except for the remote areas, there is no shortage of food in the central areas.

Earning less is still earning money. It’s not you, he, or anyone else’s luck.

Luoyang has many granaries, and the stored grain is enough to last for two years. If the grain really does not need to be transported, Li Chengqian can also open the granaries and sell grain to stabilize the grain price.

Li Shimin was a little annoyed.

He wanted to besiege Luoyang, but now he was failing.

He knew that dealing with his eldest son would be a little tricky, but the current situation was something Li Shimin had never expected.

Since ancient times, no matter how wise and intelligent the emperor was.

I don't know much about economics.

The way of the emperor, and no knowledge about economics.

And emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce is the foundation of a country.

No matter how talented and ambitious Li Shimin was, he could not escape the constraints of the times.

At this time, Chu Suiliang came out again and offered advice: "Your Majesty, Luoyang is located in the canal, and the granaries are already abundant. Even if the food supply is cut off, it is impossible to say that there is a shortage of food in the short term."

"However, within Luoyang City, the aristocratic families are intertwined and interconnected, forming a huge and complex network of power."

"Among them, the Changsun family led by Changsun Situ is the most powerful. Changsun Situ is highly respected and has a good reputation among the noble families in Luoyang, just like the bright moon surrounded by stars, with a single call and a hundred responses."

"If we can get Lord Changsun to take the lead and unite the noble families in Luoyang, and cooperate with our army outside the city, then we can attack from both inside and outside, and it will be just a matter of time before Luoyang City is broken!"

Chu Suiliang's voice echoed in the empty hall, resoundingly, as if injecting a shot of adrenaline into the depressing atmosphere.

These words really made Li Shimin's eyes light up.

No matter how strong a fortress is, it cannot withstand an attack from within. Li Shimin naturally wanted to make a breakthrough in Luoyang as easy as possible.

What Chu Suiliang said was exactly what I wanted.

He immediately turned his gaze to Changsun Wuji.

Changsun Wuji's heart suddenly tightened, as if an invisible big hand was grasping his heart tightly.

But he had experienced many ups and downs in the officialdom, and had the determination and shrewdness that ordinary people could not match. He remained calm, slightly bowed his hands, and said with a just right smile: "Your Majesty, although I have some foundation in the Changsun family in Luoyang, Crown Prince Li Chengqian is by no means a mediocre person." "To act rashly now is extremely risky, like walking on the edge of a cliff. If you are not careful, you will be crushed to pieces. It is unlikely to succeed."

"I hope Your Majesty will think twice before acting!"

As he spoke, Changsun Wuji glanced at Chu Suiliang with some hatred in his heart.

There has never been any enmity or grudge between him and Chu Suiliang, but now Chu Suiliang wants to drag him into this, which is extremely despicable.

Chu Suiliang actually felt Zhangsun Wuji's resentment, but he didn't care much and simply ignored it.

Now Chu Suiliang can be said to be in high spirits.

The Five Surnames and Seven Families have a huge influence in the aristocratic circle, especially the circle of literati.

Because of the various events that happened during this period, Chu Suiliang became a guest of honor for the Five Surnames and Seven Families.

In addition, there is a great possibility that the King of Wei will be appointed as the crown prince.

Of course, Chu Suiliang was not worried about offending Changsun Wuji.

You, Changsun Wuji, are the first meritorious official in His Majesty's Lingyan Pavilion, but he will also be the first meritorious official for the future King Wei to ascend the throne.

In addition, with the help of the five surnames and seven families, who is afraid of whom?

So when someone came to him yesterday and told him about the plan to drag Sun Wuji into the conspiracy and integrate the power of the aristocratic families in Luoyang City to assassinate the deposed prince, Chu Suiliang agreed immediately.

This is why today’s memorial was submitted.

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes slightly, his eyes were as sharp and majestic as an eagle, staring straight at Changsun Wuji, as if the eyes could see through every thought in his heart.

After a moment, he said in a deep voice: "Wuji, I have known you for many years. I know that you and I are of the same blood and have a close relationship, just like Boya and Ziqi, with a mutual understanding."

"Now the Tang Dynasty is in trouble. The crown prince has rebelled and openly opposed me, challenging my authority. I am determined to suppress the rebellion, rectify the government, and restore the prestige of the Tang Dynasty."

"You are my loyal minister, deeply indebted to me. How can you shirk responsibility and retreat at this critical moment?"

“The Luoyang family is headed by you. If you can take the lead in this matter, the hope of success will be greatly increased.”

"I have made up my mind. There is no need to discuss this matter any further! Wuji, you will be responsible for it."

Changsun Wuji secretly resented Chu Suiliang for being too talkative and pushing himself to the forefront of public opinion, making him the focus of everyone's attention.

Now the way to survive in the cracks is completely blocked.

He had no choice but to choose between the two.

Your Majesty will not give him any room to maneuver.

Naturally, he did not dare to disobey the emperor's will, so he could only bow his hands and said in a deep voice: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Then he said, "This matter is of great importance. One move will affect the entire body, just like making a move in a complicated chess game. If you are not careful, you will lose the whole game. I need to plan carefully and formulate a comprehensive strategy. I hope Your Majesty will give me some time."

Li Shimin nodded: "Yes."

No warning whatsoever.

However, as a large family of the royal family, the Changsun family was able to achieve what it has today entirely because of Li Shimin and the relationship with Empress Changsun.

Therefore, once this matter is decided, we have to do it.

There is no way to delay it.

Changsun Wuji looked at Chu Suiliang calmly, and bowed again, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

He and Chu Suiliang had a grudge against each other.
-
Luoyang.

Changsun Wuji acted quickly and soon passed the order to the Changsun family in Luoyang City.

The Changsun family is actually very large, but there are not many well-known people.

The Changsun clan originated from the Xianbei Tuoba clan and was descended from the Northern Wei royal family.

According to the "Official and Clansman Records in the Book of Wei", by the time of Tuoba Lin, "the people of the country were divided into seven parts, and each of the brothers was allowed to take charge of it, and then their clans were divided."

Tuoba, Hegu, Pu, Baba, Daxi, Yilu, Qiudun, Shihai, together with Yizhan and Chekun, are collectively known as the ten clans of the Northern Wei Dynasty. The Baba clan was later changed to Changsun.

Changsun Wuji's family can be traced back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. His ancestor Changsun Ren assisted Emperor Zhaocheng Tuoba Shiyijian during his reign and was granted the title of Lord of the Southern Region.

When the Northern Wei Dynasty split into the Eastern Wei and Western Wei, Changsun Wuji's ancestor Changsun Zhi joined Yuwen Tai's Western Wei, and the Changsun family joined the Guanlong Group from then on.

However, after Changsun Wuji's father Changsun Sheng died, Changsun Wuji and Empress Changsun were driven out of the house and adopted by Gao Shilian.

After that, as Li Shimin rose to power, the revenge of that year was naturally taken, but the rest of the clansmen were still connected by blood after all.

At this point in time, there is no such thing as severing the clan.

Therefore, relying on Empress Changsun and the title of Changsun Wuji, the first meritorious minister in the Lingyan Pavilion, the Changsun family enjoyed great reputation and influence in Luoyang.

Having said that, even the deposed Crown Prince Li Chengqian who now has his troops in Luoyang is the eldest son of Empress Changsun and the nephew of Changsun Wuji. In a sense, they are family.

The Changsun family can be said to be Li Chengqian’s maternal family.

Luoyang has experienced ups and downs, but the Changsun family remains unmoved.

In Luoyang City, Changsun family.

It's night and the lights are brightly lit.

Many elders of the clan gathered together.

"Hey, why bother?"

Some people sighed and said that they didn't want to get involved, but since Changsun Wuji had spoken, everyone had to obey.

The current Changsun Wuji is the head of the Changsun family.

Everyone naturally has to obey the orders of the head of the family.

"It's all Chu Suiliang's fault. He got the favors from the Five Families and Seven Nobles, and now his tail is sticking up in the sky."

The affairs of the Chang'an court were not a big secret to the Changsun family.

Changsun Wuji also explained the situation in his letter.

In other words, the Changsun family and the Yangdi Chu family, from which Chu Suiliang came, had become mortal enemies.

The Chu family of Yangdi is not a small family.

It flourished in the Han Dynasty and became a prominent family in the Jin Dynasty. It intermarried with the imperial family and its status remained strong through the Song, Qi, Liang and Chen dynasties.

This is the reason why Chu Suiliang had the confidence to confront Changsun Wuji.

In the fourth year of Wude, Li Shimin established the Academy of Literature, and Chu Suiliang's father Chu Liang was one of the eighteen scholars.

"What about that?"

"I am following the orders of the master."

"Let's gather all the noble families in Luoyang City to discuss the matter tomorrow."

Someone worriedly said, "The Crown Prince won't let us succeed so easily. If the news leaks out, it will be hard to explain to the Crown Prince."

"You must know that we are all in Luoyang City. The prince acts without scruples. If he knows the news, he may not let us go easily."

An elder said, "Then just be more careful. Are you going to give up because of your worries?"

Everyone nodded.

Things have come to this point, there is a risk of exposure, and there is nothing that can be done.

Having said that, they can also be considered the prince’s in-laws.

Even if it is exposed.

Look at the Buddha's face without looking at the monk's face.

The prince shouldn't go too far.

It's just that they didn't expect it.

It's not yet dawn.

The news had already reached Li Chengqian's ears.

(End of this chapter)