Zhenguan Xiaoxian Wang Li Shen Li Shimin

When Li Chengqian learned about this, he sent people to the border to investigate, but the border was a restricted area and ordinary people could not enter.

However, no useful information could be obtained in Xizhou, and only someone like Li Shen who went there directly could investigate.

"Then why don't you send the Dali Temple or the Ministry of Justice? The Censorate would also be fine. They'd definitely be able to get some clues.

When I arrived, it was too late. All those who were supposed to die had already died, and the remaining survivors had followed Guo Xiaoke to join the Western Expedition.

And I found that the Xizhou case I was investigating this time was also related to Guo Xiaoke.

Almost everyone in Xizhou Prefecture has embezzled money. How could Guo Xiaoke not know about this?

Li Shen asked in confusion after hearing this.

"Alas, Guo Xiaoke had already joined the Western Expedition Army at that time. If I had sent someone to investigate, it would have disturbed the morale of the army, so I didn't make it public.

You've been investigating the Xizhou case for so long, hasn't anyone confessed Guo Xiaoke?"

Li Chengqian sighed. He had to consider more things than Li Shen. As the crown prince and now the regent, he had to consider the balance of forces from all sides and maximize the benefits.

Li Shen shook his head:

"No, they didn't say a word about Guo Xiaoke. Pei Ziyu and Sima Li were present the whole time.

Perhaps they secretly said something to these people, either through coercion or bribery.”

"These are all minor matters. Just take back the money they embezzled and teach them a lesson. Even if Guo Xiaoke is found to have embezzled, he won't be severely punished given his meritorious service and official position.

Dismissal from office is already the most severe consequence, no different from what is happening now.

I originally wanted to replace Guo Xiaoke as well." Li Chengqian said nonchalantly, the goal was the same, the process was unimportant.

Li Shen thought for a moment and said:

"It's fine to replace them with our own people, but I think we shouldn't focus on the military. You should stabilize the domestic political situation first.

Start with the states and counties outside. Use those that can be used, and find a reason to replace those that cannot be used.

After all, the people outside are local officials. The forces in the court will not care too much about them and will give you, the prince, some face.

Resist officials from aristocratic families as much as possible.

With Zhang Sun Wuji inside, there's no threat to you right now, and he'll definitely solidify your position."

Although Li Shen didn't understand politics, he had watched a lot of TV dramas and he remembered a line: "The countryside surrounds the cities."

All officials in the world are loyal to you, which is definitely more important than ten prime ministers.

The main reason why his father encountered obstacles in his work was that most of the officials and clerks under him were from aristocratic families.

No matter how good the government decree is, it will be in vain if you cannot leave Chang'an City.

As an emperor, his area of ​​activity was limited to the imperial city, and what he wanted to hear and see were what others told him to see and hear.

Li Shen felt that he must have his own talents below.

After hearing Li Shen's analysis, Li Chengqian pondered for a moment and nodded in approval:

“You are right. In the past, everyone was vying for the interests of the court and inserting their own people.

I have gone through a lot of hardships in the past few years, but I have not been able to occupy many important places.

The chief officials of the three provinces and six ministries were mostly veteran officials, and the assistant ministers and some minor officials under them were also placed in positions by aristocratic families and nobles.

It's not a big deal on normal days, but it can easily go wrong at critical moments."

"Take your time, there's no rush. Aye is still alive, so they dare not act too recklessly. They should first stabilize the prefectures and counties and wait for the overall situation to settle down.

At that time, you can issue a decree to abolish the recommendation system and implement the imperial examination system.

All officials who want to enter the court must be selected from the local area. Officials without experience are not allowed to enter the court, and officials above the fifth rank cannot be directly appointed.

By then, you will have many local officials at your disposal."

Li Shen patted Li Chengqian on the shoulder. This is sedimentation. It is hindsight from more than a thousand years ago, directly hitting more than a thousand years ago.

Li Shen doesn't know anything about politics, but he watches short videos. So many anchors care about various national affairs every day and analyze them very well. Li Shen has heard a lot of hearsay.

"Yes, Tenth Brother, you are right, but I am afraid that I won't be able to issue the decree when the time comes."

Li Chengqian clapped his hands in joy, but then he became worried because this would harm the interests of the nobles and officials.

How could it possibly pass then?

"Don't worry, I'm here for you. I'll find a way when the time comes. Don't forget, I'm the greatest noble in the Tang Dynasty, and the court still owes me more than a hundred nominations.

You should do your own thing first, and leave the rest to me. Also, don't touch the military forces. It's not appropriate at the moment. You should understand what I mean."

There was a hint of warning in Li Shen's tone.

"I understand. Today was just a coincidence, and Guo Xiaoke deserved it." Li Chengqian nodded.

Li Shen immediately made a disdainful expression towards Li Chengqian:

"Don't give me that! Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Don't try to probe me like that again. You might as well just tell Aye straight away."

Don't forget, Aye was the first Heavenly Khan in history, worshipped by all nations. Do you really think he was an old man who loved to take advantage of others?

With our little tricks, we are like naked in front of my grandfather, and everyone can see us clearly.

"Old man? You describe Father like this again. Aren't you afraid that Father will hear and punish you according to the family rules?" Li Chengqian glared at Li Shen. Li Chengqian had heard Li Shen explain the word "old man" before.

Li Shen said it was a respectful title for the old man, but every time Li Chengqian heard it, he felt that it was not as respectful as Li Shen said, but instead had a bit of a vulgar flavor.

"What are you afraid of? He can't hear you. He's so far away." Li Shenshou looked up at the gate guard standing next to him.

The guard at the gate held a spear in his hand and looked straight ahead, as if he didn't hear anything.

"I understand what you mean. I will pay attention to it next time." Li Chengqian sighed secretly.

"Brother, are you anxious?" Li Shen suddenly asked when he saw Li Chengqian's mood changing.

Hmm? Li Chengqian raised his head:

"No, how could that be? I have been the regent for several years now, and I have the final say in the court. What's the difference between this and sitting on the throne?

Don't worry, that's not the case."

Li Chengqian shook his head in denial.

"That's good." Li Shen looked into Li Chengqian's eyes, "Be patient for a while. Once you've dealt with the Western Turks and Tubo, Aye will abdicate to you.

Aye said that he didn't want to leave these troubles to you. Aye hoped to solve all the troubles and give you a powerful and transcendent Tang Empire.

We are all working towards this goal.”

Li Chengqian nodded and said:

"I know, this is actually quite good, if there is any problem, I can let Aye solve it.

Just like your looting of the workshop area in Xizhou, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to resolve it so easily."

"What do you mean by plundering the workshop area? I told you that you speak without thinking. Don't you know the saying that says think twice before you act?

I can’t play with you anymore. You’re too talkative. I’m leaving.”