Tang Dynasty: The Holy Prince, the Dragon that Reigns Over the World

After signing the treaty, Li Shimin and other ministers discussed and decided to hold a ceremony to enter the city to boost morale.

On the second day, the gates of Chang'an were opened. The news of the Turkic withdrawal had spread throughout the Tang Dynasty. The people of the Tang Dynasty were overjoyed to learn that the Tang army had defeated the Turkic army with a small force and forced them to pay compensation and withdraw. They also heard that the Tang army was returning victorious today, and the people of Chang'an spontaneously lined the streets of Chang'an waiting.

"Here they come." Someone among the waiting people shouted. There was a drum sound, and the heavy drum sound resounded throughout Chang'an City. Flags were flying at the gate, and Li Shimin and Li Chengqian, wearing full armor, rode on horseback with all the officials at the front. When the people saw Li Shimin and Li Chengqian, they were grateful to the father and son of the Li family for risking their lives to protect the people and facing the powerful enemy. They all knelt down to salute.

Li Shimin waved his hand to stop the troops and said loudly, "Everyone, please stand up. I am leading the army into the city today. I just want you to see the style of our Tang Dynasty men. I don't mean to disturb the people. You don't have to kneel down."

An old man walked out of the crowd and knelt by the road. "I am fifty-eight years old this year. I have lived through two dynasties. I have seen the Turkic bandits burning, killing and looting, and I have also seen the government of the previous dynasty levying heavy taxes, but I have never seen the court put the comfort of the people first.

Today, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty faced a powerful enemy without fear and personally met the enemy. The Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, at the age of a child, personally went to the battlefield and fought bloody battles. The royal family of the Tang Dynasty protected the lives of all the people and saved them from the ravages of the Turks. We, the people, are here to thank our Emperor and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Long live our Emperor, and the Crown Prince is mighty. "After saying this, the old man bowed again. The people of Chang'an followed and shouted "Long live our Emperor, and the Crown Prince is mighty. "

Seeing the people's sentiment, Li Shimin had no choice but to ride his horse forward. After Li Shimin passed, the people stood up and saw the Flying Dragon Army in heavy black armor following him into the city. Each Flying Dragon Army soldier had a solemn expression on his horse, with white cloth wrapped around his arm to commemorate his dead comrades. There were still dried bloodstains on the black armor. The black dragon on the Flying Dragon Army flag was waving its fangs and claws, fluttering in the wind. A murderous atmosphere was chilling.

"Is this the Flying Dragon Army that can fight ten enemies at a time? The momentum is truly astonishing." said a commoner.

"I heard that the Xuanwu Army is also very powerful. 5000 infantrymen wiped out 2 cavalry without any harm. It's a pity that we can't make it back, otherwise we could have seen their style." A commoner nearby said regretfully.

"Both armies are under the command of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. I heard that they were trained by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince himself. When His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was only a child, he killed five Turkic generals in battle and crushed the strongest Turkic warrior to death. He was also able to train such a strong army. It is truly a blessing from God that our Tang Dynasty has such a crown prince." said another citizen.

Li Chengqian himself did not expect that the people in the early Tang Dynasty were martial in spirit, and that his battle with the Turks would earn him the admiration of the people.

At this time, hearses slowly drove in behind the Flying Dragon Army. The armor of the Flying Dragon Army was neatly placed on the hearses. When the people of Chang'an saw the hearses of the dead Flying Dragon Army soldiers entering the city, they all bowed their heads in silence.

At this time, a scholar saw the hearse passing by and shouted, "With such generals and soldiers in the Tang Dynasty, we ordinary people have nothing to worry about. I wish I could serve the country with you on the battlefield. Please accept my respect." Then he bowed deeply. He stood up and shouted, "With a sage king in the court and brave warriors guarding the border, how lucky we are to be born in this world!"

After the entry ceremony, Li Shimin summoned all the ministers to Taiji Hall. Li Shimin and Li Chengqian changed into court robes and entered Taiji Hall. As soon as Li Shimin sat down, all the ministers, led by Shangshu You Pushe Feng Deyi, knelt on the ground and shouted in unison, "Congratulations to Your Majesty on your triumphant return to the court. Long live the emperor." Li Shimin smiled and asked all the ministers to stand up.

At the beginning, Li Chengqian also knew that the Tang Dynasty had defeated the Turks in this battle, and Li Shimin would definitely accept the congratulations of all officials when he returned to the court after a victory. To put it bluntly, this was flattery. This was understandable, but the flattery was getting more and more outrageous.

What "When the sage's majesty arrives, the little Jie Li flees in fear." What "The emperor's achievements are comparable to those of the Qin Emperor and Han Wudi, and the Turks will be wiped out in no time." And so on. What Li Chengqian couldn't stand the most was "When the emperor's majesty arrives, the little Jie Li dares not to touch the Central Plains again." "The little Jie Li overestimates his own abilities and shows off his skills in front of the capital. Your Majesty's victory in this battle is truly the glory of our Tang Dynasty."

"What the hell is going on? You're so proud of yourself after winning a battle? You think the Turks can be wiped out in no time? Do you really think the Turks are made of mud?" The more Li Chengqian thought about it, the tighter his brows furrowed. Li Shimin's close ministers and Wei Zheng also had the same expression on their faces.

Li Shimin was accepting the congratulations from the officials when he suddenly saw Li Chengqian frowning with dissatisfaction on his face. He could not help but ask curiously, "Da Lang, why are you frowning?" Li Chengqian bowed and said, "Father, I'd better not say anything to avoid spoiling your mood."

"It's okay to talk!" Li Shimin waved his hand. Li Chengqian thought about it again and again and decided to speak.

"Father returned victoriously to the court and accepted the congratulations of all the officials. I shouldn't have done such a thing as burning the piano and cooking the crane. However, I have something to say that I can't help but express. I hope father will forgive me.

The war with Tangtu ended with the Turks paying compensation and withdrawing their troops. But I ask all the ministers to be clear-headed. The reason why the Turks paid compensation and withdrew their troops was not because they were afraid of the Tang Dynasty, nor because the Turks really could not defeat the Tang Dynasty. It was because the Tang Dynasty took advantage of the internal contradictions of the Turks and used fighting to promote peace to preserve the dignity of the Tang Dynasty. "Li Chengqian said.

At this time, a doctor from the Ministry of Personnel said, "Didn't we sign the alliance?" As soon as these words were spoken, they were met with contempt from everyone in the hall, especially from the Minister of Personnel, Changsun Wuji, who wished he could strangle this idiot to death.

"The current Tang Dynasty does not have the strength to surpass the Turks, and the Turks also do not have the strength to defeat the Tang Dynasty. A piece of alliance is not binding for a country. When it comes to interests, the alliance is nothing more than a piece of waste paper. The Turks are still a major threat to the Tang Dynasty.

Moreover, the Turks have repeatedly harassed the border, treating the Tang Dynasty's borders as nothing. This time, the army even fought to the foot of the capital, showing off their power and intimidating the saint. They have already fought to the capital, and we are passively defending. Whether we win or lose, the Tang Dynasty will suffer. What kind of glory is this? This is a national humiliation for the Tang Dynasty.

I ask you all to remember that from now on, the Tang Dynasty should work hard to govern and conserve its strength. When the time is right, we should wipe out the humiliation brought to the Tang Dynasty by the Turks. Instead of being complacent and losing our vigilance and enterprising spirit. "Li Chengqian ignored the doctor's words and said loudly.

"Your Majesty, what His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said is like a wake-up call, an enlightenment for me. I implore Your Majesty to work hard to govern the country and not forget the national humiliation." Wei Zheng stepped out and bowed.

"Your Majesty, in this battle with the Turks, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince repelled the enemy in the palace, planned deployments, fought bloody battles on the battlefield, and went alone to the enemy camp to negotiate peace. He can be said to know victory but not be arrogant, and not panic in the face of danger. He is indeed the first meritorious service in this battle. The most rare thing is that although this battle has been won, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince can still maintain a clear mind. I congratulate Your Majesty and the Tang Dynasty for having such a virtuous crown prince." Changsun Wuji knelt on the ground and congratulated loudly.

When the ministers saw that the uncle was praising his nephew, they couldn't sit still and praise him too, because Changsun Fox's nephew was the crown prince. But the crown prince was indeed quite impressive. They immediately knelt down and congratulated him, "The crown prince is virtuous, and we congratulate your majesty and the great Tang Dynasty."

Well, don't praise the emperor, praise the prince. If Li Shimin didn't really love Li Chengqian, another emperor would probably be suspicious of the prince. After all, they grew up together, and Changsun Wuji understood Li Shimin's heart. Li Shimin was a famous wise ruler in history, how could he be flattered by a few words of flattery. Changsun Wuji praised the prince, and it was the praise that touched Li Shimin's heart. No matter how powerful his son was, he was still Li Shimin's good.

Sure enough, Li Shimin was very pleased and said, "Gentlemen, you are too kind. Dalang is still young and needs your assistance and guidance." Although he said it modestly, everyone could see the pride on his face.

"It's just a small contribution, not worth mentioning. I feel unworthy of your praise." Li Chengqian waved his hands repeatedly.

The officials in the palace looked at the father and son of the Li family and thought, "You two, you should try to be humble and pretend to be proud. You don't even pretend, so how can you be humble? You are hypocritical." Although they thought so, Wei Zheng didn't say anything, and no one dared to say anything. Not only did they not dare to say anything, they had to continue to flatter him. Didn't they see that His Majesty was very pleased?

"Haha, all right, all of you, please stop praising Dalang. The Crown Prince has indeed made great contributions in this battle." Li Shimin said with a smile. Li Shimin thought for a moment and said solemnly, "Crown Prince Li Chengqian, listen to my instructions."

"Your Majesty, I, Li Chengqian, kneel down to listen to the imperial edict." Li Chengqian knelt down and bowed his head.

"The Flying Dragon Army, Black Tortoise Army, and Flying Wing Archer Cavalry of the Tang Dynasty are under the command of the Crown Prince and are not under the control of the Ministry of War. After the number of troops in each army is determined, they can be reported to the Ministry of War. The number of the Sixth Army of the Eastern Palace will be doubled. The Crown Prince does not need to bow when entering the palace, and does not need to be named when praising or bowing. The Crown Prince is ordered to attend court and participate in government affairs. The Crown Prince will be awarded a government office and selected palace maids from the palace to enter the Crown Prince's mansion. He will be awarded 30 strings of cash, pieces of silk, and beautiful maids."

Li Chengqian looked up in surprise when he heard Li Shimin's edict. The Flying Dragon Army, the Black Tortoise Army, and the Flying Wing Archer Cavalry were originally secret troops, and Li Shimin officially confirmed their legal status. They were no longer under the control of the Ministry of War, which completely classified the three armies as Li Chengqian's private army. Moreover, the number of troops in each army was determined and reported to the Ministry of War.

The six guards of the Eastern Palace, the left and right guards of the crown prince, the left and right guards of the crown prince, and the left and right guards of the crown prince, each guard has 3 to 5 soldiers in the military office, and they are the personal soldiers directly under the crown prince and are directly controlled by him. A military office has about people, so the number of the six guards of the Eastern Palace is about to . Doubling the number of the six guards of the Eastern Palace is equivalent to doubling Li Chengqian's personal soldiers. And it does not include the number of the Flying Dragon Army, the Black Tortoise Army, and the Flying Wing Archer Cavalry.

He didn't have to kneel when entering the palace, and he didn't have to name his name when praising and worshipping. In addition, he had to bring a sword into the palace before. This reward was a bit high.

The prince was ordered to attend court and participate in government affairs. Previously, Li Shimin had brought him here to familiarize himself with the court. After this decree, Li Chengqian had to attend court every day and participate in state affairs legitimately.

Seeing Li Chengqian standing there in a daze, Fang Xuanling could not help but remind him, "Your Highness, please express your gratitude quickly."

Li Chengqian woke up with a start and immediately bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, I accept your instructions and thank you for your grace."

"Da Lang, you should learn more about state affairs from the ministers in the future. Don't let me down." Li Shimin went down the stairs, helped Li Chengqian up and said in a gentle voice.

"Yes, father." Li Chengqian nodded.

After the court was dismissed, Li Chengqian walked quickly towards the Lizheng Hall where Zhangsun Wugou was. After coming to this world, Zhangsun Wugou made Li Chengqian feel the long-lost maternal love, and Li Chengqian already regarded Zhangsun Wugou as his biological mother. Therefore, after Li Chengqian returned to the court, the first thing he did was to see Zhangsun Wugou.

Before he reached the door, he saw Zhangsun Wugou leaning against the door in the distance, looking forward to seeing him. Li Tai and Li Lizhi beside him cheered and jumped for joy when they saw Li Chengqian.

Seeing this, Li Chengqian quickly ran to Zhangsun Wugou, lifted his robe and knelt down. "Mother, I'm back. I'm unfilial for making you worry."

Zhangsun Wugou looked at her son, whom she had missed so much and worried about day and night, and burst into tears. "I am glad that my son has returned safely. Get up quickly, the ground is cold." Zhangsun Wugou helped Li Chengqian up, touched his face, and said distressedly, "My son has lost a lot of weight."

"Mother, make something delicious for Dalang. Dalang misses your cooking day and night." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Okay, mother will do it for you right away." Changsun Wugou said happily.

"Great, there are delicious foods." Li Tai and Li Lizhi said happily.

"Qingque, why are you fat again? Come with me to the military camp for exercise tomorrow, and call Ke'er too. Changle (Li Lizhi's title), eat more. Little Changle is beautiful again. Come, big brother, hug her." Li Chengqian picked up the 6-year-old Princess Changle. Although Li Chengqian was only 8 years old, his figure was no different from that of a teenager, and there was no sense of incongruity when he held the 6-year-old Li Lizhi.

"Brother, don't do this." Li Tai screamed.

"Your elder brother is doing this for your own good, so you must go." Changsun Wugou glared at Li Tai and said.

Then everyone entered the Lizheng Hall, and Zhangsun Wugou cooked a table of dishes himself. Li Chengqian finally understood what it meant to be hungry, that is, your mother thinks you are hungry. Li Chengqian was so full that he kept burping.