Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 218 The Prince Supervises the Country
Every spring, Li Zhi liked to take a nap at the pavilion by the Jinshui River.

After a short rest, walk along the river bank for a while facing the warm breeze, your mind will become extremely clear, and your thoughts will be more acumen-rich no matter what you are thinking about.

Although the land system reform has not yet been extended to all prefectures and counties across the country, it has progressed quite smoothly in Guanzhong Road.

All things are difficult at the beginning, but once you take the first step, the rest will not be too difficult.

The opposition from the nobles was much weaker than he had imagined, and the reaction of the royal princes was beyond his expectations.

Li Zhen, Li Shen and others all submitted memorials in support of his policies.

The only one who opposed it was Prince Guo Li Feng, who had always had a bad reputation and could be compared to Prince Teng Li Yuanying, so he could be ignored.

Things were going so smoothly that Li Zhi suddenly became a little worried.

Hasn't this always been the case throughout the dynasties?

The emperor thought that the world was peaceful and prosperous, but in fact the people had long been living in poverty and had to eat bran and drink thin food.

Although Li Zhi did not think that the Tang Dynasty would really have such a big contrast, but was the real Tang Dynasty really the same as the Tang Dynasty he saw in the memorial?
Once this thought came to mind, it was no longer possible to suppress it.

Li Zhi stopped by the river, looked at the water rippling in the breeze, and said slowly: "Fu Sheng, where are you from?"

Wang Fusheng was stunned for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I am from Shu."

Li Zhi asked, "How old were you when you entered the palace?"

Wang Fusheng whispered, "I entered the palace at the age of thirteen."

Li Zhi looked at him sideways and asked, "Why did you enter the palace? Is it because your family can't make ends meet?"

Wang Fusheng said softly, "Your Majesty, I am from Mianzhu County. My mother died young, and my father owed money to others, so he came to Chang'an to seek refuge with my great uncle. Unfortunately, my great uncle's family had already moved away from Chang'an. My father had no choice but to sell me to the Eunuch Supervisor."

Li Zhi sighed and said, "You are also a pitiful person."

Wang Fusheng smiled and said, "My first half of life was miserable, but since I met Your Majesty, I am no longer miserable."

Li Zhi smiled and said, "Fu Sheng, have you heard any news from your hometown recently?"

Wang Fusheng said, "I have heard some things from some fellow villagers."

Li Zhi asked, "How are the people of Shu doing? Are they doing well?"

Wang Fusheng hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, the people of Shu are all living well."

"Are there any local vassal kings who are running rampant and oppressing the people?"

Wang Fusheng said, "The only person I've heard the most about is His Royal Highness the King of Han. I've heard that he's frugal and kind to the people, and he's very much loved by them."

Li Zhi nodded and said, "I have heard something about the King of Han. I heard that he was called a virtuous king. This uncle of mine is different from other uncles."

Wang Fusheng smiled and said, "I heard that the King of Yue and the King of Ji are also quite popular among the local people."

Li Zhi walked towards Ganlu Hall. After a few steps, he suddenly asked, "Fusheng, do you think the land system reform is going smoothly?"

Wang Fusheng was stunned and said, "Your Majesty means..."

"Do you think there are officials who pretend to obey orders but actually disobey, making things appear to be going smoothly when in reality they are not?"

Wang Fusheng was shocked and did not dare to answer immediately. If he said something wrong, it would harm a large number of officials.

But just say it's okay. If anything goes wrong in the future, the responsibility will be his.

He pondered for a long time and whispered, "Your Majesty, if you are worried, why don't you go and take a look at the local area?"

Li Zhi's eyes flickered as he asked, "Are you saying that you want me to go and inspect the local areas?"

Wang Fusheng whispered, "Didn't General Li suggest that you tour the country? Your Majesty, why don't you tour Guanzhong first?"

Li Zhi touched his chin, pondered for a moment, and said, "If I leave Chang'an, what will happen to the government?"

Without waiting for Wang Fusheng to answer, he clapped his hands and said, "Well, we can let Hong'er be the regent, and take Mei Niang with him."

Thinking of this, he strode towards the Lizheng Palace and said, "Send an order, have the Crown Prince come to the Lizheng Palace for an audience."

When Li Hong arrived at the Lizheng Hall, he found Li Zhi and Wu Meiniang sitting on the left and right of the couch, talking.

"I pay my respects to my father and mother." Li Hong bowed.

Li Zhi waved at him and said, "Hong'er, come and sit down."

Li Hong walked over and sat down between Li Zhi and Wu Meiniang.

Li Zhi said slowly, "Hong'er, your mother and I will be away for a while to inspect the Guanzhong Road, so we plan to let you supervise the country."

Li Hong was startled, and tilted his head back, saying, "Father, I'm still young, and I'm afraid I can't handle this important responsibility..."

Wu Meiniang reached out and squeezed Li Hong's shoulder, and said with a smile: "You are only appointed as regent in name only. The government affairs will be handled by the ministers. You don't have to panic."

Li Hong calmed down and said, "The child knows."

Li Zhi looked at him and said, "Hong'er, the other government affairs will be handled by the court officials. You don't need to worry about them. If an emergency occurs, how will you deal with it?"

Li Hong was stunned for a moment, then said, "Can I ask Grand Tutor Li and Grand Tutor Yu?"

Li Zhi asked, "What if they disagree?"

Li Hong was at a loss for words. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Can I wait for my father to come back before taking any action?"

Li Zhi said: "Since it is an urgent matter, it certainly cannot wait."

Li Hong's eyebrows knitted together tightly. After a long pause, he said, "If it's a military matter, I'll follow the advice of Grand Tutor Li. If it's a civil matter, I'll follow the advice of Grand Tutor Yu."

Li Zhi stared at Li Hong and sighed secretly: "This child is really smart. He is so clever at such a young age."

Seeing that he didn't speak, Li Hong asked anxiously, "Father, did I say something wrong?"

Li Zhi did not answer directly, but asked: "Hong'er, how is your archery practice going recently?"

Li Hongdao: "My son practices for 25 minutes every morning."

Li Zhi said: "Two quarters of an hour is too short. From now on, we should play Cuju for half an hour in the morning and evening."

Wu Meiniang laughed and said, "Your Majesty, are you planning to train Hong'er to become a general?"

Li Zhi said sternly, "Many emperors throughout history have died young because they didn't pay attention to physical exercise. Even if you're not on the battlefield, you still need to take care of your health. Hong'er, do you remember this?"

Li Hongdao: "I'll remember it."

After Li Hong left, Wu Meiniang said softly, "Your Majesty, isn't it too early to let Hong'er be regent now?"

Li Zhi said slowly, "I will be issuing many new policies in the coming period. I must confirm whether these policies can be implemented at the local level." Wu Meiniang's eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled, "I understand."

Just then, Wang Fusheng walked in and said that the Minister of War Xiao Siye wanted to see him and was waiting in Ganlu Hall.

Li Zhi said hello to Wu Meiniang, returned to Ganlu Palace, and summoned Xiao Siye to meet him.

After a while, Xiao Siye entered the hall and bowed to Li Zhi, saying, "Your Majesty, I am Xiao Siye, your servant."

Li Zhi raised his hand and said, "No need to be so polite, but is there any military information at the border?"

Xiao Siye smiled and said, "Your Majesty, it's not the border, but news from Tianzhu."

Li Zhi asked in surprise, "Tianzhu? Wang Xuance?"

Xiao Siye smiled and said, "It's Wang Xuance, Your Majesty. After entering Tianzhu, Wang Xuance united with several smaller Tianzhu states and attempted a surprise attack on Tubo. He was ultimately defeated by Qin Ling and had to flee south. He has now united with several southern Tianzhu states and is encouraging them to join forces against Tubo."

Li Zhi sighed, "I knew he wouldn't die so easily."

Xiao Siye added, "By the way, Your Majesty, Wang Xuance also sent someone with a message."

Li Zhi said, "What?"

Xiao Siye said, "He said that half of the 30,000 Tibetan troops stationed in Tianzhu have quietly withdrawn from Tianzhu. They may be returning to defend against Tubo and to deal with the Tang Dynasty."

After hearing this, Wang Fusheng had a flash of inspiration and seemed to have thought of something.

Li Zhi didn't think much about it and said, "From now on, any news Wang Xuance sends back will be directly passed to the Anxi Protectorate and Songzhou Military Governor's Office."

Xiao Siye agreed and left.

That night, Li Zhi did not visit his concubines, but rested in Ganlu Palace.

After Wang Fusheng helped Li Zhi to sleep, he went straight to the inner palace.

Halfway through the journey, he happened to meet a soldier from the Internal Affairs Office, who said that Wang Jishan had sent someone to invite him over.

When they arrived at the outer hall of the Nei Ling Mansion, only Wang Jishan was waiting inside.

Wang Fusheng said, "General Wang, I just received some news that may be related to Su Bi."

Wang Jishan raised his hand and said, "Grand Eunuch Wang, please wait a moment. Junior Eunuch Zhang will be here shortly."

Wang Fusheng nodded and walked to the chair and sat down.

After a while, Zhang Dahai finally came over.

Wang Jishan said in a deep voice, "I asked you two to come here because I have something to tell you."

Zhang Duohai smiled and said, "Regarding the matter of Su Bi, I have also thought of a possibility and was just about to discuss it with the two of you."

Wang Fusheng smiled and said, "What a coincidence! I just got some news that I wanted to share with you two."

Zhang Duohai said, "I am the lowest-ranking official, so I will speak first. In my opinion, Su Bi's surrender was Lu Dongzan's conspiracy."

Wang Jishan looked at him and said, "Then may I ask Junior Supervisor Zhang, Niangbo Jinniao and Dabo Wu have a grudge against the Tubo people. Why would they be willing to risk their lives?"

Zhang Duohai smiled and said, "It's very simple. Lu Dongzan used some method to gain the trust of the two of them."

"Oh, what method?"

Zhang Duohaidao raised a finger and said, "For example, Lu Dongzan personally went to Subi and used himself as a hostage."

After Wang Jishan heard this, a light flashed in his eyes and he said, "Yes, that must be the case!"

Wang Fusheng was stunned and asked, "General Wang, why are you so sure?"

Zhang Da Hai also looked at Wang Ji Shan in confusion.

This conclusion was speculated by Wu Meiniang, and she only said it was possible, but she was not so sure.

Wang Jishan smiled and said, "Because this coincides with the intelligence I received! The spies near Luoshui City just reported that Lu Dongzan is claiming illness and is neither attending court nor meeting anyone."

Zhang Duohai was overjoyed and said, "He must have hidden his identity and went to Subi with Xiruo, using himself as a hostage to persuade Niangbo Jinniao and Dabo Wu to implement this feigned surrender plan!"

Wang Jishan said, "This man is quite courageous, but unfortunately, he underestimates us."

This plan is extremely risky. Lu Dongzan will stay in Subi by himself. If the Tang Dynasty detains Niangbo Golden Bird or Dabo Wu, the people of the two tribes will never let him go!
Zhang Duohai laughed and said, "If we kill these two women, Lu Dongzan will definitely die too!"

Wang Fusheng suddenly said, "No, he has a backup plan."

"What is the backup plan that Wang Dajian mentioned?" Wang Jishan asked in confusion.

"If the plan fails, he can send troops to raid Subiru and rescue himself." Wang Fusheng replied.

Wang Jishan said, "Since Niangbo Jinniao and Dabo Wu are willing to take risks, they must be wary of Lu Dongzan and have sent people to monitor Luoshui City and Tubo Siru. If they dare to mobilize troops, they will definitely have their men kill Lu Dongzan."

Zhang Duohai said: "Yes, Lu Dongzan shouldn't be that stupid, right?"

Wang Fusheng said slowly, "He's not stupid, he's also extremely cunning. Don't forget, Lu Dongzan has another army under his command, an army that is easily overlooked."

Wang Jishan's expression changed as he said, "The Tibetan army stationed in Tianzhu!"

"Yes, Minister of War Xiao Siye reported to Your Majesty, and Wang Xuance sent back news that half of the Tibetan troops in Tianzhu have quietly left Tianzhu."

Wang Jishan took a deep breath and said, "I understand. If the feigned surrender succeeds, Lu Dongzan will use it to defeat our Tang army."

"If his plan fails, he will use the army of Tianzhu Qinling to launch a surprise attack on Subiru and conquer it again!"

Wang Fusheng nodded.

The two great chiefs of Subiru are absent and the group is leaderless. If Qin Ling leads his troops to raid Subiru, it will not be too difficult!

Regardless of success or failure, Tubo can resolve the crisis of Subiru's rebellion. This is Lu Dongzan's method!
Wang Jishan smiled slightly and said, "In any case, now that we know Lu Dongzan's purpose, we can go to see the emperor."

Early the next morning, Wang Jishan came to Ganlu Palace and told Li Zhi about Tubo's plan of false surrender.

After listening to this, Li Zhi nodded secretly. This is the advantage of having capable ministers. He doesn't have to worry about everything, as they can see the problems themselves.

"Is there a response plan?" he asked.

Wang Jishan said, "I think we can pretend to agree to Subi's surrender to stabilize Lu Dongzan. Then we can secretly tell Subi's tribe that Tubo is planning to attack them with the Indian army. In this way, they will definitely kill Lu Dongzan. At the very least, they will lock him up."

Li Zhi pondered for a moment and said, "First, send someone to tell Lord Li about the plan. If he has no objection, then we will act accordingly!"

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)