Datang: Just been appointed as the crown prince, the counterattack system is here

Chapter 201: The Emperor's Disciple, the Essence of Class Struggle! [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

"Those traitors are dead!!"

An official from an aristocratic family who was implicated because of the Five Surnames and Seven Families, covered his eyes and shouted to the chaotic crowd, "Stop! This has nothing to do with us!"

"Hurry! Get away from them! They're the ones who caused all this trouble!!"

The other officials from aristocratic families who were implicated were also separated from the heads of the five surnames and seven families.

When Li Chengqian saw this scene, he hurriedly greeted the chaotic crowd.

"Everyone, calm down. You are scholars. A gentleman should use words, not fists!"

"Hey, hey, hey, brother, put down the bricks. Even if you want to fight, you can't use weapons!"

"And that big sister! Yes! That's you! Hit the rotten eggs right where they belong, don't throw them in people's faces!"

"Your Majesty! Look at this."

Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling and others hurried to Li Shimin, wanting him to give an order to stop the chaos.

Originally, they thought that the Five Surnames and Seven Families could rely on the power of their families to threaten Li Shimin and his son.

Unexpectedly, Li Shimin and his son were able to make clouds and rain with a wave of their hands, and directly broke through the united front established by the five surnames and seven families.

Let the children from poor families and the common people fight against all the wealthy families.

It was a chaotic fight that was so fierce that it was dark and chaotic, with all kinds of rotten vegetable leaves and rotten eggs thrown into the faces of the officials from the noble families.

The fighting power of the poor children and common people in the Tang Dynasty was unprecedentedly fierce. When they went crazy, they could even fight against the imperial guards. Soon, officials from aristocratic families were beaten to death.

Cool!
Seeing this, Li Shimin laughed so hard that he danced with joy.

As an emperor, he had everything, even his sister-in-law and brother's wife.

The only thing that made him feel uneasy was the aristocratic families.

Because of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, because of killing his brother and younger brother, because of forcing his father to abdicate, and because of usurping his sister-in-law and younger brother's wife, he was often pointed at and scolded by officials from aristocratic families, and he was unable to refute.

This almost made him depressed at one point.

Fortunately, his many years of military life gave him a strong heart, which prevented him from going to destruction.

However, everything has its pros and cons. Excessive repression will sooner or later lead to problems.

For example, in his later years, Li Shimin made many stupid moves, especially after Wei Zheng died, he completely let himself go.

Therefore, when Li Shimin learned that Li Chengqian wanted to suppress the aristocratic families, he agreed to his request without hesitation.

Because Li Shimin had wanted to vent his anger for a long time, but he had never found the opportunity.

And now, since he has such an opportunity, he naturally will not let it go.

On the other hand, Cui Renshi and his companions, after seeing their own nephews executed by Li Chengqian, still failed to quell the chaos around them. They were so angry that they trembled all over, pointing at the children of poor families and the common people, cursing: "You unruly people! You are a disgrace to the civilized world! You are a disgrace to the civilized world!"

Although their curses not only failed to quell the chaos but made the situation even more chaotic, they were treated much better than officials from other aristocratic families.

Because Li Shimin didn't want them to be beaten to death, he ordered the imperial guards to separate them from the children of poor families and the common people.

Li Shimin smiled and looked at Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling and others, then waved towards the clouds not far away.

Soon, the sound of golden swords hitting shields suddenly rang out.

“Ding! Ding!”

As the sound of golden swords rang out, the chaos around was like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, and it became silent in an instant.

Even the poor children and common people who were pinning the officials from the noble families to the ground stopped what they were doing.

Li Shimin said with a stern face: "Everyone, we are all scholars. How can you hit people casually? You must win people over with virtue!"

"Your Majesty! Can the affairs of scholars be called beatings? We are punishing the traitors and their accomplices!"

A shill of Li Chengqian in the crowd responded loudly.

The people around were suddenly filled with indignation and passion.

When Li Shimin heard this, the corners of his mouth twitched, and then he glared at Li Chengqian unhappily.

It is obvious that this sentence must have been taught to him by Li Chengqian.

But now was not the time to argue with Li Chengqian. Instead, Li Shimin said earnestly, "The traitors are dead. They are all loyal ministers. Don't let others sow discord among you and wrongly accuse good people!"

When the children from poor families heard this, they became extremely anxious.

A young man from a poor family beat his chest and stamped his feet, saying, "Your Majesty! You cannot be deceived by them. They cannot represent all scholars! We are willing to participate in the imperial examinations! We are willing to serve the court!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! As citizens of the Tang Dynasty, we have dignity! We can be our own masters, and we don't need others to make decisions for us!"

"They are a powerful family, only caring about their own family's interests, not the interests of the court! They don't care about the interests of the country! They are treasonous! This is disloyalty!"

"Master Cui Ren! You are so presumptuous to be the head of the Cui family! You actually threatened His Majesty to abolish the imperial examination just for your nephew who deserved death! And the heads of your five surnames and seven families! You deserve to die!"

"You have been passing down poetry and literature for hundreds of years! You are bringing shame to your ancestors! You are being unfilial!"

"Officials of the Five Surnames and Seven Noble Households incited the victims to riot and assassinated the Crown Prince! They are disloyal, unfilial, unkind, and unjust. How can they represent the scholars of the world?!"

"That's right! They are traitors to the country! Scum of the nation!"

The children from poor families criticized the Five Surnames and Seven Families and directly accused them of crimes, which was in stark contrast to the situation before when they had defended them.

"Your Majesty, please kill these scum of the nation!"

The young men from poor families knelt on the ground and shouted loudly that if Li Shimin did not uphold justice, they would die here.

"Your Majesty, please kill the scum of the nation!"

The common people also knelt down. After hearing the analysis of the children from poor families, they instantly felt that they had been deceived.

"You! You guys!"

Cui Renshi and others pointed at the people in the audience, their faces red and their necks thick with anger.

They never imagined that the person who was just about to build a memorial arch for them would now call them bitches.

The ups and downs in life happened too quickly, and they were a little overwhelmed.

Moreover, the entire Goujiling execution ground was packed with people.

They finally understood it now, even if they had mouths all over their bodies, they couldn't explain it.

As the saying goes, it is harder to guard against the people's mouths than to guard against the river. Their family's reputation in Chang'an is terrible.

Seeing this, Li Shimin was overjoyed.

Especially when he saw those officials from noble families who were beaten black and blue, he had never been so happy in his life.

But no matter how happy he was, the emperor's majesty could not be lost.

He suppressed his joy and looked at Li Chengqian calmly and dignifiedly, saying, "Prince, what do you think I should do in this situation? Tell me!"

When the ministers heard that Li Shimin asked Li Chengqian to express his opinion, they suddenly felt nervous.

Especially those officials from aristocratic families, they had long regarded Li Chengqian as their mortal enemy in their hearts. Now they had to let this mortal enemy decide their fate. How could they not feel anxious and uneasy?

However, when Li Chengqian heard Li Shimin's words, his expression was very calm. He neither looked at the officials from the aristocratic families nor at Cui Renshi and his companions. Instead, he slowly walked towards the children from the poor families and the common people and said:
"The country is in dire straits. I'm sure you all know that the locust plague has arrived, and the people in the affected areas are suffering. I, the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, Li Chengqian, do not want to see a scene of disunity. Therefore, I beg you here to dedicate your patriotism to the people in the disaster area, rather than wasting it on the scum of the country!"

After saying this, he turned to look at Li Shimin and said, "Father, our Great Tang needs talents and their patriotism. Can you hold a special examination for them, with your father personally serving as the chief examiner? Those who pass the examination will all become disciples of the emperor and serve our Great Tang, ruling over a region!"

Wow!
The whole place was in an uproar!

Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Zhangsun Wuji, including Cui Renshi and others, were so shocked that their eyes were wide open, as if they had lost the ability to think.

These so-called "disciples of the emperor" directly brought the fame and fortune of the imperial examination system to its peak.

Because there was no concept of "disciples of the emperor" in this era.

But the so-called "disciple of the emperor" is an honor just by the name itself.

This is much higher than the fame and fortune given by the aristocratic families.

After all, they were the first group of 'disciples of the emperor' in history.

As soon as Li Chengqian finished speaking, everyone fell silent and looked at Li Shimin involuntarily.

But Li Shimin was completely confused at this moment.

Because it was also the first time he heard of the title "Emperor's Disciple".

However, since it was Li Chengqian who did it and it was related to him, it didn't seem like a bad thing.

After a brief hesitation, he suppressed his surprise and said calmly, "The imperial examination is the foundation of the country's safety. The scholars and common people are so patriotic, I naturally cannot let them down!"

After saying this, he turned to Fang Xuanling and said, "Minister of the Central Secretariat, pass on my decree to open a special examination. I will personally serve as the chief examiner. Those who pass the examination will all become disciples of the Son of Heaven!"

"Sir, obey the order!"

Fang Xuanling bowed and accepted the order.

There was an instant sensation in the audience.

Countless people and scholars were almost going crazy with joy.

I originally thought I would have to wait another year, but I didn't expect the emperor to directly open a special examination, and if I passed the imperial examination, I could become a disciple of the emperor.

This great honor means that they will soon reach the peak of their lives.

Most importantly, they also beat up those children from wealthy and powerful families who usually looked down on them.

What a joyful occasion! Mixed emotions!
"Long live the Crown Prince! Long live the Emperor!"

"Long live the Tang Dynasty! Long live the Tang Dynasty!" "Long live His Royal Highness the Crown Prince! Long live the Emperor!"

"Long live the Tang Dynasty! Long live the Tang Dynasty!"

The voices of praising the merits of the Tang Dynasty were endless. Countless children from poor families and common people were praising Li Shimin and his son and were proud of the Tang Dynasty.

Only at this moment did Li Shimin realize how terrible his son was.

Not only did he use this opportunity to suppress the aristocratic families, he also forced them to not use their family's influence to force local officials to resign.

Because once they did so, a large number of "disciples of the emperor" would instantly replace those local officials, further causing a devastating blow to their families.

After all, there are only so many official positions, and if you lose one, you may not be able to get it back.

This is the cruelest.

On the carriage back to the palace, Li Shimin specifically asked Li Chengqian to ride in the same carriage with him.

It’s not that he wants Li Chengqian to return to the palace, but he is very curious about what Li Chengqian did today.

Although Li Chengqian's actions today made him very happy, he also completely broke off relations with the aristocratic families.

Li Shimin had no idea how to deal with them next.

That's why he wanted to discuss it with Li Chengqian.

But he asked curiously, "How can you be so sure that those people dare to go against the aristocratic families?"

"No, it's not that I'm sure those people dare to go against the aristocratic families, but I'm sure that my father will stand with me!" Li Chengqian shook his head.

Li Shimin raised his eyebrows and said with some displeasure, "Does this mean that you have me in your arms?"

"Uh,"

Li Chengqian's mouth twitched, and then he smiled and explained, "That's not the case! I don't mean to take Father for granted. It's just that Father and I are from the same class, so it's natural for us to stand together!"

"class?"

Li Shimin became more and more confused as he listened: "What class?"

Li Chengqian thought for a moment and said, "The main contradiction in feudal society is the contradiction between the landlord class and the peasant class. And the representatives of the landlord class are those officials from the aristocratic families."

"The emperor represents the peasant class!"

"Nonsense!"

Li Shimin immediately became unhappy: "How can I represent the peasant class? I am the Son of Heaven!"

"Yes, yes, you are the Son of Heaven. Then may I ask, Father, where do all the taxes you collect and all the troops you command come from?"

"This"

Li Shimin was suddenly speechless and his face was full of embarrassment.

"Are you speechless?"

Li Chengqian winked again and said, "Everything your father has comes from the peasants, not the landlords. Therefore, your father is the representative of the peasant class, and the peasants are the emperor's most valuable assets!"

"However, the emperor cannot directly manage the land and farmers, so he needs ministers. In order to obtain the greatest benefits, the ministers will choose to undermine the imperial power."

"From the emperor's perspective, the greatest contradiction in feudal society is the conflict between the emperor and his ministers."

"So the emperor's actions ultimately led to a dispute between imperial power and ministerial power!"

"My father and I are both representatives of the imperial power, so if we want to suppress the ministers, whose power should we borrow?"

"The power of the peasant class!" Li Shimin blurted out.

But soon, he was shocked by his own words.

Because Li Chengqian's words were like a bolt of thunder out of the blue, exploding in his mind.

After a long while, he slapped the carriage cushion hard and shouted wildly: "So that's how it is! So that's how it is!"

"No wonder after I became emperor, those aristocratic families who originally supported me started to make things difficult for me. Even the Guanlong clans colluded with them, making things difficult for me at every turn!"

"So they want to suppress the imperial power!"

"That's right! Father is right!"

Li Chengqian clapped his hands and then showed an expression that showed that the child was teachable.

Ministers like to treat the emperor like a pig. In the eyes of ministers, a wise monarch should be a perfect image who rules by doing nothing, is good at accepting advice, does not have his own preferences, and cannot make decisions arbitrarily.

However, how can an emperor without his own thoughts become a wise ruler who can achieve something?
After all, all the ministers need is a puppet.

It is only in their interest to have a puppet emperor who is at their mercy.

Thinking of this, Li Shimin's eyes flashed, and his whole body revealed an incomparable coldness. He said to himself: "No wonder the ministers and I are not on the same page. It turns out that the imperial power and the ministerial power are in opposition!"

After saying this, he looked at his son with a face full of surprise, as if he had just been enlightened. He reached out and patted his son's shoulder, praising him: "Good boy! You are indeed worthy of being called a disciple of an immortal!"

"A disciple of the immortal?"

Now it was Li Chengqian's turn to be confused. He thought to himself, what the hell is going on? When did he become a disciple of an immortal?!
However, before Li Chengqian could react, Li Shimin asked with a smile, "What are your plans next?"

"What's next?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian looked at Li Shimin with a complicated expression and thought to himself, I'm going to push you to the position of the Supreme Emperor next, is that okay?

But such dangerous remarks must not be made!

But he laughed wryly and said, "Father, I've investigated Liu Rengui and he's innocent. Can you please release him? I want him to be the president of my academy!"

"What Academy of Sciences president?"

Li Shimin frowned and asked.

"Uh, this."

Li Chengqian scratched his head, then patiently explained, trying his best to use words that Li Shimin could understand, "Since ancient times, Chinese culture has been extensive and profound. This was especially true during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, when Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, Legalism, Military Science, Logic, Yin-Yang School, Diplomacy, Miscellaneous School, Fiction, and Medical Techniques were among the representatives, ushering in an era of intellectual contention."

"Even in the Tang Dynasty, these ideas still influenced us, and the establishment of the Academy of Sciences was actually to ensure a clear inheritance of these ideas."

"This"

Li Shimin was surprised for a moment, then pondered for a moment before adding, "It seems there's not much difference between your Academy of Sciences and the Hongwen Academy! The collections of classics, history, and philosophy compiled by the Hongwen Academy also pass down the thoughts of ancient sages."

"No, it's different, Father. The collections of classics, history, and philosophy compiled by the Hongwenguan merely unified and organized the works of ancient sages, and they couldn't bring forth new ideas!"

Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "The Academy of Sciences I established is based on the knowledge of ancient sages. It aims to study the truth of things and make the Tang Dynasty even more powerful!"

"Oh?"

When Li Shimin heard that it could make the Tang Dynasty stronger, he immediately became interested: "Then what is the research direction of this academy?"

Li Chengqian glanced at him, then took out three pieces of paper from his arms and placed them in front of him.

There were only six words written on it: "Mathematics", "Physics" and "Chemistry".

"What does it mean?"

Li Shimin looked down and couldn't help but frowning.

But Li Chengqian smiled and explained, "This is science! And the research direction of the Academy of Sciences is scientific development!"

"Scientific development?"

The more Li Shimin listened, the more confused he became.

But Li Chengqian's thinking was extremely clear.

Because with his current power, even if he could clearly point out the conflict between imperial power and ministerial power, he would not be able to become a real chess player.

He had to borrow Li Shimin's power to strengthen himself and eliminate the aristocratic families.

For example, the imperial examination.

It seemed that he was helping Li Shimin, but in fact he was helping himself.

Because this was an important step for him to intervene in the imperial examination.

And the next scientific thought is another new step.

But no matter which step, Li Shimin's help is needed.

Therefore, he did not directly explain to Li Shimin the profound meaning of scientific development, but used facts to convince Li Shimin.

But he smiled and said, "I believe that Father should know that I have created many strange things in the past two years. Now I can tell you clearly that all the things I created are based on science!"

"For example, those fire bombs fall under the category of chemistry, and that musket involves mathematics, physics, and chemistry. The development of science, for a country, can bring about huge changes with just a slight step!"

After saying this, he immediately drew the sword from his waist and handed it to Li Shimin, saying: "Look, father, this is a dagger forged in my Jiangling 'Private Weapon' workshop!"

When Li Shimin saw the dagger handed to him by Li Chengqian, his eyes lit up involuntarily: "This dagger looks extraordinary!"

Li Chengqian smiled, then added, "Father, your eyes are sharp. This is an alloy dagger that can melt iron like mud!"

"Oh? An alloy dagger?"

Although the term sounded a bit strange, Li Shimin was still very interested and could not help but shouting outside: "Someone come! Bring a knife!"

"Your Majesty, calm down!"

Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji and others who were following Li Shimin's carriage outside were frightened when they heard that Li Shimin was going to take out a knife. They dismounted one by one and rushed towards the carriage.

　[Please give me a monthly ticket, please give me a monthly ticket, please give me a monthly ticket]

　　
　
(End of this chapter)