My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 328 Li Shimin fell ill
Li Shimin finally agreed to Li Chengqian's conditions. After all, there were so many ministers to give him a way out.

However, he was a little cautious when it came to restoring the crown prince's position.

It was just a simple announcement, with no intention of making it known to the world.

However, the imperial court directly acknowledged this.

This is so that we can deal with it later.

Li Shimin needed more time, firstly to prepare for the defense against the artillery, and secondly to develop the artillery.

This stumped Li Chunfeng.

Although he performed very well in the field of gunpowder, it does not mean that he can easily make a leap in era.

There is a gap of several hundred years from gunpowder to cannon.

The various basic processes involved here cannot be completed at this stage.

You should know that the artillery produced by Li Chengqian has not yet reached its peak.

The world seemed to be at peace all of a sudden.

The court was also under great pressure. One hundred thousand elite troops and nearly two hundred thousand civilians represented a considerable expense.

A large amount of money and grain from the national treasury is consumed every day.

Now that the war has ceased, it can also reduce a lot of pressure.

Li Shimin also realized that having too many troops in front of Li Chengqian's artillery was not a good thing. Once the artillery was bombarded, many soldiers who had never seen artillery would easily collapse, and there might even be incidents such as camp howling.

So to deal with the rebellious son, we must first deal with the artillery.

"Now, I have agreed to the conditions of that rebellious son, but this is only a temporary measure."

"I want you to understand that our battle with the rebellious son is far from over."

Li Shimin set the tone during the meeting between the emperor and his ministers.

There is no way to reconcile, and it is impossible to reconcile.

The temporary ceasefire was only to better deal with Li Chengqian.

Fang Xuanling bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. The most important thing at the moment is to push forward the development of artillery. I have ordered the Ministry of Works to mobilize the country's top craftsmen to assist Li Zongguan."

Manager Li is Li Chunfeng.

After Li Chunfeng made a breakthrough in Thunderbolt Fire, Li Shimin directly appointed him as the officer in charge of the Gunpowder Bureau.

Now the Thunderbolt is not yet fully completed, but the order has been given to produce artillery.

After leaving the court, Li Shimin did not return to his bedroom to rest, but went straight to the armory of the palace. Here, the most sophisticated weapons of the Tang Dynasty were collected. Now, he hoped to find inspiration for fighting against artillery from these weapons.

He carefully examined the various swords, spears, and halberds, slowly stroking the cold metal surface, and constantly pondered in his mind how to combine traditional weapons with defensive artillery.

As his fingertips brushed against the sharp blade, Li Shimin muttered to himself, "I must find a way to control it..."

At the same time, large-scale city defense construction began in Chang'an. In the early morning, before the first ray of sunlight completely dispelled the chill of the night, the conscripted civilians were already busy working on the city walls.

They carried heavy stones and soil on their shoulders and backs to reinforce the walls of Chang'an for the second time. The supervising officials patrolled back and forth, constantly urging the progress and scolding them loudly if they were slack.

On the city wall, a new watchtower was being built, and craftsmen climbed up the tall scaffolding and carefully installed wooden boards.

In secret, Li Shimin secretly formed an elite intelligence team, which was directly led by his trusted generals. These spies disguised themselves, mixed in with the caravans and refugees traveling between Chang'an and Luoyang, and quietly sneaked into Luoyang City.

They either pretended to be peddlers, pushing carts loaded with goods, shuttling through the streets of Luoyang, but actually paying attention to the city's military deployment; or pretended to be downtrodden refugees, wandering around workshops to observe the progress of cannon casting. In a tavern in Luoyang, two spies pretended to drink, talking in low voices, and eavesdropped on the gossip of officials at the next table.

One of them frowned slightly and said softly, "Did you hear that? The prince seems to be expanding his military again." The other nodded calmly, put the wine glass to his lips, and concealed the vigilance in his eyes. They sent the intelligence they collected back to Chang'an through secret channels.

In Luoyang, Li Chengqian was not to be outdone. He also carefully built his own intelligence network, not only planting spies in Chang'an, but also extending his tentacles to the surrounding prefectures and counties.

Li Chengqian's spies disguised themselves as ordinary people and sold goods in the streets of Chang'an, but in fact they were keeping an eye on the military movements of the imperial court.

Or they would set up stalls near officials' residences to inquire about political decisions and the next plan for Luoyang. Once they found that the court had taken actions that were unfavorable to Luoyang, they would immediately pass the news through secret codes and report to Li Chengqian as fast as they could.

In the economic field, the two sides launched a war without gunpowder. The imperial court secretly implemented an economic blockade on the area east of Tongguan, restricting the flow of materials into Luoyang.

At the border checkpoints, goods shipped to Luoyang were strictly inspected, and materials that might support Li Chengqian's forces were seized and confiscated under various pretexts. The carriages loaded with goods were stopped at the checkpoints, and the merchants explained anxiously, but to no avail.

The officials looked stern as they carefully checked the goods and seized any that were suspicious.

Li Chengqian encouraged the people east of Tongguan to develop the local economy, implement new business policies, and support local merchants. He ordered the establishment of markets around Luoyang to promote trade circulation, while increasing investment in agriculture, increasing grain production, and reducing dependence on external materials.

In terms of culture, with the secret support of the court, the literati in Chang'an wrote articles and poems criticizing Li Chengqian's new policies and new learning, trying to weaken his influence ideologically.

They promoted orthodox ideas in major academies and poetry societies and belittled the reforms in Luoyang.

A white-haired scholar was giving a lecture in the academy, and he said passionately: "The new learning promoted by the prince deviates from the way of the saints and is actually a perverse doctrine. As officials of the Tang Dynasty, we should defend the orthodoxy."

The literati in Luoyang responded sharply, using their pens as swords to defend the new policies and new learning.

They created a large number of works, depicting the benefits that the new policies brought to the people and calling on people to support Li Chengqian's reforms.

Articles were circulated among the people, sparking widespread discussion, and people's thinking was quietly changing in this struggle.

The reason why Li Chengqian suddenly gained a status among scholars was, after all, due to the support of his aristocratic family who secretly relied on him.

These days, the pen is still in the hands of aristocratic families.

However, there is no such thing as a monolithic group of families. Seeing that Li Chengqian has the potential to win, many families are willing to take the risk and invest.

Investing in Prince has high risks, but the rewards are also huge.

In fact, from the perspective of the aristocratic families, although the prince’s new policies have touched upon the traditional fundamental interests of the aristocratic families, in fact, as long as they explore gradually, they can find new ways to make money.

Since ancient times, dynasties have changed, regimes have changed, and laws have been reformed, but there is no absolute statement.

There is always a way out here.

In terms of military, in addition to strengthening the city defense of Chang'an, Li Shimin also secretly mobilized the army.

He secretly deployed some elite troops in strategic locations around Chang'an, ostensibly for routine training, but in fact to deal with possible threats from Luoyang.

In a valley, the army was practicing artillery defense tactics. Under the simulated artillery attack, the soldiers quickly sought cover and maintained battle formation.

The generals shouted out their commands loudly, and in the rising dust, the soldiers stood firm and courageous.

At the same time, Li Shimin ordered all the soldiers around Chang'an to practice artillery defense tactics and study how to maintain the combat effectiveness of the army under artillery attacks. To this end, he used a large amount of thunderbolts to let the soldiers experience the power of gunpowder firsthand.

The fear comes from never having seen it, from not knowing it.

Once you get familiar with it, you won’t be afraid anymore.

As the strength of both sides continued to increase, a tense atmosphere spread between Chang'an and Luoyang.

However, it was at this critical moment.

Winter of the eighteenth year of Zhenguan.

Li Shimin fell ill.

The news of Li Shimin's illness was like a bombshell, causing a storm inside and outside the Chang'an Palace. At first, the news was strictly sealed deep in the palace, but after all, the truth could not be hidden. After a few days, it spread quietly in the court and among the people, causing a lot of speculation and anxiety.

In Chang'an, the ministers still maintained the order of the court meetings, but secretly there were undercurrents. The various forces that had been temporarily suppressed by Li Shimin's absolute authority began to stir.

Inside the palace of Prince Li Tai of Wei, candlelight flickered and the atmosphere was solemn.

Li Tai frowned and paced back and forth in the hall.

Chai Lingwu waited quietly on the side.

"Now that the emperor is seriously ill, this is a great opportunity for us. Li Chengqian's occupation of Luoyang has already caused the emperor a lot of headaches. Now that the court is leaderless, it is a good time for us to take action."

Li Tai was well aware that restoring Li Chengqian's position as crown prince was only a temporary measure.

Putting aside other things, if Li Chengqian's position as crown prince is restored, would Li Chengqian dare to return to Chang'an now?

My father is seriously ill, so the Tang Dynasty needs someone to supervise the country.

Li Tai felt that he could do it.

Chai Lingwu replied: "What the King of Wei said is absolutely right. Right now the people in the court are in a state of panic. It is the time for the King of Wei to demonstrate his ability and win the hearts of the people."

"In my opinion, Your Highness can first use the excuse of being concerned about your father's condition as an excuse to frequently visit the palace and show the ministers your filial piety and responsibility."

Li Tai nodded slightly.

The emperor has always favored him the most, but because of Li Chengqian's side, he has not designated him as the crown prince now.

But he knew in his heart that as long as Li Chengqian was defeated, he would be the new crown prince.

At this moment, Li Tai suddenly frowned.

"I heard that my good brother is now very close to my good uncle."

Li Tai always harbored resentment towards his uncle Changsun Wuji.

He was also born to Empress Changsun and was the nephew of Changsun Wuji.

But why did Changsun Wuji first stand on the side of the crown prince, and now that the crown prince has rebelled, he stands on the side of Prince of Jin and is determined to oppose him?

Li Tai secretly made up his mind that once he ascended the throne, he would definitely strip his good uncle of all power.

Let him be a rich man with peace of mind.

Chai Lingwu sneered: "Prince Jin is cowardly by nature, so he is not to be feared. Prince Wei only needs to show his talent in governing the country in front of Your Majesty, so that father will know that Prince Wei is the most suitable person to inherit the throne."

Li Tai nodded.

After all, Zhinu was too young, and there was an order of succession between the elders and the younger ones, so it would not be his turn no matter how you calculated it.

So what even if I have the support of Changsun Wuji.

the other side.

In the palace garden.

Li Zhi had another secret meeting with Wu Zhao.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to serve his father, Li Zhi had more time to enter the palace.

"Mei Niang, my father is seriously ill, the court is in chaos, and Prince Li Tai of Wei is secretly plotting to seize the position of crown prince. I really don't know what to do."

Li Zhi felt a lot of pressure.

His father suddenly fell seriously ill, which disrupted many of his plans.

The original plan was to prepare the bargaining chips step by step, but given the current situation, it is obvious that my father will soon decide on a new crown prince.

In name, the crown prince position will not be appointed because Li Chengqian's position of crown prince has been restored.

In fact, as long as the emperor defeats my elder brother, whoever is now regent will naturally become the new crown prince.

Wu Meiniang looked at Li Zhi with a firm gaze and said, "Prince Jin, this may seem like a crisis, but it is actually an opportunity for you. You have always been known for your benevolence and filial piety, and this is your greatest advantage."

"Now that your majesty is seriously ill, the Prince of Jin should serve you day and night, so that your majesty can feel the Prince of Jin's sincere filial piety, and the civil and military officials in the court and the people of the world can see your highness's kindness."

Li Zhi frowned slightly and said helplessly: "I understand the truth, but Li Tai is making frequent moves and trying to win over court officials everywhere. How should I respond?"

Wu Meiniang sneered: "The King of Wei is ambitious and flamboyant, which has already disgusted many ministers. The King of Jin does not need to rush to confront him. The King of Jin can secretly pay attention to those ministers in the court who are upright and loyal to the Tang Dynasty, communicate with them frankly, show the King of Jin's ambition and aspirations for the sake of the Tang Dynasty, and win their support. These ministers are the real power that the King of Jin can rely on."

Li Zhi sighed slightly: "That being said, I still feel unsure. The situation in the court is so complicated now. If we are not careful, we may lose everything."

Wu Meiniang gently held Li Zhi's hand, her eyes gentle but firm: "Don't be discouraged, Prince Jin. Since ancient times, those who have accomplished great things have all experienced twists and turns. Look at the court today, the various forces are constantly fighting. The Prince of Wei seems to be in the limelight, but in fact he has many enemies. The Prince of Jin is famous for his benevolence and filial piety. This is a gift from heaven."

At this time, Wu Zetian naturally had to give Li Zhi enough confidence.

Li Zhi raised his eyes, a trace of confusion flashed in his eyes: "Mei Niang, although I understand all this, but when it comes to really doing it, I always feel powerless."

Wu Zetian said: "Changsun Situ will support the King of Jin. He will not want to see the King of Wei as regent."

"Perhaps, the King of Jin can go directly to visit Changsun Situ and express his intentions."

Li Zhi shook his head: "Isn't this too reckless? If I go there rashly, what if..."

Wu Zhao chuckled and said, "Don't worry, Prince Jin. The court is in chaos now, and he must be worried about the future of the Tang Dynasty. Prince Jin is kind and filial, and he is honest and willing to do his best for the Tang Dynasty. How could he refuse?"

"Moreover, Changsun Situ has a very high prestige in the court. If he helps, the King of Jin will be even more powerful."

(End of this chapter)