Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 291 Mother, I may not be suitable to be the crown prince

When Li Zhi arrived at the outer hall, he felt something was wrong.

When he came here on weekdays, the ministers were all whispering and talking in low voices, and they would not be quiet until he sat down.

As soon as I stepped into the hall today, I found it so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

As he walked towards the throne, he looked at the ministers. When his eyes fell on Cheng Zhijie, he was slightly startled and said, "Mr. Cheng, what's wrong with your face?"

I saw a swelling on Cheng Zhijie's left cheek, which squeezed his eyes into a slit.

Cheng Zhijie grinned and said, "Your Majesty, I just accidentally bumped into something at home. I'm fine."

Just now when Yuchi Gong punched Zheng Rentai, Cheng Zhijie happened to be standing next to Zheng Rentai and pushed him away, and Yuchi Gong's punch hit him in the face.

Li Zhi frowned and said nothing.

Xiao Siye quickly stepped out of the group and said, "Your Majesty, General Zheng and General Yuchi were arguing about state affairs. General Yuchi, in a fit of rage, attacked General Zheng. General Cheng pushed General Zheng away, and that's when he got hit."

What he said was fair and impartial, and Yuchi Gong had no way to refute it. He knelt on the ground and gritted his teeth and said, "I have been reckless and imprudent in the court. Your Majesty, please punish me!"

Li Zhi walked over to the dragon throne and sat down, frowning and asking, "What are you arguing about?"

Yuchi Gong hesitated for a moment and said nothing.

Xu Jingzong said, "Your Majesty, the two generals are arguing over the attack on Goguryeo."

When Yuchi Gong heard that he did not mention his son's affairs, he was about to speak, but suddenly changed his mind. To outsiders, this matter might seem like he did have selfish motives, but he didn't want the emperor to have the same idea, so he kept silent.

Li Zhi raised his eyebrows and said, "The court is a place for discussion, not a place for fighting. How can you rashly fight just because of a disagreement?"

Yuchi Gong put his forehead to the ground and kowtowed, saying, "I am guilty!"

Li Zhi asked, "Does General Yuchi support or oppose the attack on Goguryeo?"

Yuchi Gong raised his head and whispered, "This old minister believes that now is a good opportunity to attack Goguryeo and should not be missed."

Li Zhi was silent for a moment, then looked at Zheng Rentai and said, "General Zheng, are you against attacking Goguryeo?"

Zheng Rentai said proudly, "Indeed, the people of Hebei have always suffered hardships, and now they have just recovered. I do not think it is appropriate to start a war at this time."

After listening to this, Li Zhi nodded.

Judging from this incident alone, Zheng Rentai's words and actions were more in line with his wishes, while Yuchi Gong's behavior was too much.

However, in Li Zhi's mind, Yuchi Gong has a historical filter, and this punch did not hit Zheng Rentai.

"General Cheng, you took the punch. Tell me how to punish Yuchi Qing."

Cheng Zhijie laughed and said, "Just punish him by not letting him drink for a month."

Li Zhi smiled and said, "Yuchi Qing, are you willing to accept it?"

Yuchi Gong glanced at Cheng Zhijie, realizing that he had saved him this time, and said, "This old minister thanks your Majesty for your forgiveness!"

Seeing the emperor brush it off so lightly, Zheng Rentai sighed, lowered his head and said nothing.

Li Zhi glanced at him and said, "Yuchi Qing, you must also apologize to Zheng Qing. I think what he said makes sense. Hebei's livelihood has just been restored, and we shouldn't start a war lightly. What do you think?"

Yuchi Gong dared not insist any further and said, "Your Majesty's words are reasonable. I was not thoughtful enough." He bowed to Zheng Rentai and said, "General Zheng, I was impulsive just now. Please forgive me."

Seeing him staring at him intently, Zheng Rentai knew that the feud was sealed and whispered, "General Yuchi, you are too kind."

Li Zhi swept his eyes over the ministers and said slowly, "We discussed the Goguryeo issue last time. Because I didn't express my stance, you guys kept arguing with each other. This time, I'll make it clear. It's premature to start a war. There's no need to discuss this matter again!"

Xu Jingzong, Xiao Siye, Zhou Daowu and other ministers all bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Seeing that the emperor had made the decision, other ministers who advocated attacking Goguryeo had no choice but to agree, even though they were reluctant.

Li Zhi said slowly, "Let's discuss the Khitan issue. I've come up with a proposal these past few days, and I hope you will consider it."

All the ministers suddenly quieted down, holding their breath and waiting to listen to the emperor's speech.

Li Zhi said slowly, "Jiangnan is rich in soil and water, with thousands of miles of fertile land. It still has great potential for development, but the population is a little small. My suggestion is to relocate Khitan women to the sixty-four prefectures of Jiangnan. They should abandon Khitan customs, learn Tang language, wear Tang clothing, integrate into the local community, and marry local men."

The ministers were all shocked. One said, "Your Majesty, if we move the Hu people there, I'm afraid they will cause trouble."

Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "People are shaped by their environment. When they arrive in Jiangnan, if they want to survive, they will naturally adapt to the new life."

The Yuan Dynasty dispersed the Khitans and relocated them everywhere. Eventually, the Khitans merged with the local people and disappeared in the long river of history.

The same was true for the Mongols. After Zhu Yuanzhang destroyed Mongolia, he dispersed and relocated hundreds of thousands of Mongolian women, and eventually these Mongols were assimilated into the Han people.

Li Ji asked, "Your Majesty, what should be done with the Khitan men?"

Li Zhi said, "I intend to establish a new imperial guard in the Northern Court. Fifty thousand elite soldiers will be selected from the Zhechoufu throughout the country and added to the force. They will be under my direct command, with pay provided by the court, and will be responsible for guarding the safety of the imperial palace!"

"Select another 50,000 men from the Khitan people to supplement the Zhechongfu."

When the ministers heard this, they were all shocked.

To a certain extent, the emperor's decision was a revision of the military system. This would be a standing army independent of the government troops.

Many ministers guessed that since the emperor had reformed the equal-field system, he would sooner or later reform the military system. The expansion of the new imperial guards this time was just a small attempt.

The emperor wanted to build a new army, and the ministers did not dare to stop him. However, the addition of Khitans to the Zhechoufu made many people worried.

"Your Majesty, the Hu people cannot be trusted. Wouldn't it be inappropriate to expand their presence in the Zhechoufu?" Yu Zhining suggested.

Changsun Quan suddenly stepped out and said, "Sir, I believe that if we integrate the Khitans into the Tang army and treat them equally, they will become the elite troops of the Tang Dynasty in the future."

Yu Zhining turned his head to look at him and asked, "Why is Prince Consort Changsun so sure?"

Chang Sunquan said, "Because the Tibetans did this. They grew rapidly by this method. Why don't we follow their example?"

Dou Dexuan said: "Why should we, the great Celestial Empire, learn from the barbarians?"

Chang Sunquan said loudly, "Barbarians are also human beings, and there are things we can learn from them. If we become arrogant, we may just end up like the Five Barbarians invaded again!"

Dou Dexuan was about to refute when he suddenly heard the emperor say, "I think what Changsun Qing said makes sense." So he swallowed his words.

When the ministers saw that the emperor supported Changsun Quan, and many of them also thought that what Changsun Quan said made sense, no one opposed it anymore.

The Khitan issue was thus settled.

After the two major issues were discussed, the next court meeting was to discuss some minor matters.

After the court meeting, Li Zhi came to Lizheng Hall and accompanied Wu Meiniang for a walk outside, and then had lunch together.

After the meal, Li Zhi left Lizheng Hall, and Wu Meiniang prepared to take a short nap.

Suddenly, a eunuch came to report that Crown Prince Li Hong was asking for an audience outside the palace.

Li Hong hasn't come to pay his respects for a while.

When Wu Meiniang asked Li Xian, Li Xian said that his brother had been in a bad mood recently and was not very energetic when he went to Chongwenguan to study.

This morning, Wu Meiniang had instructed her second son to greet Li Hong and ask him to come to Lizheng Hall today. It was probably during lunch that Li Xian delivered the message to Li Hong, who then hurried over.

Wu Meiniang waved her hand and called Li Hong in.

Not long after, Li Hong walked in dejectedly, bowed, and looked listless.

Wu Meiniang asked him to sit beside her, looked at her son, and said, "Hong'er, what's wrong with you?"

Li Hong lowered his head, twisting his hands together, and said, "No, nothing."

Wu Meiniang said softly, "If you have anything to say, can't you tell me?"

Li Hong looked up at her and finally muttered, "Mother, I just feel that I may not be suitable to be the crown prince, and even less suitable to be..."

Before he could finish his words, Wu Meiniang scolded him, "Hong'er, what did you say?"

Li Hong lowered his head and remained silent.

Wu Meiniang's gaze was stern, with a cold light flashing in her eyes.

"Did anyone tell you something?"

Li Hong shook his head and said, "That's what the child thought."

Wu Meiniang frowned and said, "Why are you thinking about these things all of a sudden?"

Li Hong hesitated for a moment and muttered, "Father entrusted me with such a small task, and I still can't do it well. If Father were to hand over the kingdom to me, I'm afraid I would mess everything up."

Wu Meiniang asked curiously, "What little thing didn't you do well?"

Li Hong lowered his voice and said, "It's about the pawnshop."

Seeing that no one was trying to deceive her son, Wu Meiniang's expression softened a bit and she asked softly, "Is there something wrong?"

Li Hong said, "A while ago, I sent some officials to conduct secret investigations at various pawnshops."

Wu Meiniang encouraged: "You are doing very well."

Li Hong finally raised his head, his eyes red, and said, "But there are so many problems! Mother, if I can't even handle such a small matter, how can I handle state affairs in the future?"

Seeing him like this, Wu Meiniang smiled.

Li Hong muttered, "Why is mother laughing?"

Wu Meiniang took his hand and said with a smile: "You are only seven years old. Even when your father was seven years old, he might not have been able to handle state affairs."

Li Hong said anxiously, "But the ministers of the Eastern Palace also had a disagreement with me because of this matter."

Wu Meiniang asked, "What is the reason for your disagreement?"

Li Hongdao said, "Many people have used their land deeds as collateral for money. Then, when problems arose and they couldn't pay back the money, the people from the pawnshops rushed into their homes, took their deeds, and even kicked them out. This is simply too much!"

Wu Meiniang asked, "According to the rules, how long should it take to pay it back?"

Li Hongdao: "It should be six months."

"Did the pawnshop official go to collect the money six months later?"

Li Hongdao: "They went there eight months later."

Wu Meiniang said sternly, "The rules have been set. If the other party fails to abide by them, the land deeds will naturally be confiscated."

Li Hong said anxiously, "Mother, don't you think those people are too pitiful? If their houses are taken away, where will they live?"

Wu Meiniang asked, "Then what do you think should be done?"

Li Hong said, "In this special case, I think we should return the land deeds to them and not take the money. It's not much anyway, but it can save a family, so I think it's a good deal."

Wu Meiniang did not correct him, but only asked: "What did the officials of the Eastern Palace say?"

Li Hong lowered his head again and said, "They all expressed their opposition, believing that this would break the rules and that the pawnshop would be unable to continue."

Wu Meiniang coaxed: "Do you think what they said makes sense?"

Li Hong whispered, "I understand what they mean, and I know they are right, but... I just can't bear to see those officials kicking people out of their homes and leaving them on the streets..."

As he spoke, his voice choked.

Wu Meiniang thought to herself, "This child is too kind-hearted. I wonder if he can hold on to the throne."

Seeing that his mother hadn't spoken for a long time, Li Hong looked up at her and said, "Mother, do you also think that I am wrong?"

Wu Meiniang smiled and said, "You are kind-hearted, and your mother is very happy. But think about it, if you break the rules, and no one repays the money in the future, the pawnshop will be unable to make ends meet and will have to close down. What will happen then?"

Li Hong shook his head with a bewildered expression and whispered, "Mother, you should understand now. I'm not suitable to be the crown prince. Perhaps... Liu Lang is more suitable."

Wu Meiniang asked in a deep voice: "Why do you think Xian'er is more suitable?"

Li Hongdao: "I have told him about this matter. My brother thinks the same as the ministers, so..."

Wu Meiniang interrupted, "Hong'er, raise your head and look at your mother."

Li Hong looked up as he was told and met his mother's gaze.

Wu Meiniang glanced at Zhang Duohai, who understood and dismissed all the servants and stood guard outside the palace himself.
Wu Meiniang then spoke: "Hong'er, you must remember what I am going to say next. Never say anything about who is more suitable to be the crown prince again, otherwise you will only harm the other person."

Li Hong was stunned and asked, "Why?"

Wu Mei Niang said, "The crown prince can only be you. This is the ancestral rule and cannot be violated. If you give other brothers hope now and let them think that they can also become the crown prince, they may fight with you brothers and fight for the crown prince position. Wouldn't that harm them?"

Li Hong's face turned pale. He said, "But... I'm worried that I don't have the ability to govern the country well, and I'll fail you and your father's expectations."

Wu Meiniang smiled and said, "You are just kind-hearted. This is normal. Everyone is the same when they are young. Your father and mother were similar to you when they were young."

Li Hong was surprised and asked, "Really?"

Wu Meiniang said, "Of course it's true. If you don't believe me, you can ask your father. Hong'er, even if you are still like this when you grow up, it doesn't matter. A benevolent king will not destroy a country, only a cruel king will. Mother is very happy to see you so kind."

Li Hong opened his eyes wide and said, "Mother, can I really govern the country well if I am like this?"

Wu Meiniang said: "Of course."

Li Hong heaved a long sigh and said with a smile, "Hearing you say that, I'm not afraid anymore. Afternoon classes are about to begin, so I'll take my leave."

Wu Meiniang said, "Go ahead."

Li Hong bowed and said to Wu Meiniang's belly, "Brother and sister, my brother is leaving." He left with brisk steps.

After he walked away, Wu Meiniang's face became more serious. She said coldly, "Wang Hong, go check on the pawnshop and see if there's anyone behind it."

Wang Hong bowed and said, "Yes!"

(End of this chapter)