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

The Eastern Turks were completely destroyed. The Gaochang royal family was captured, the royal city was destroyed, and it was only a matter of time before the rest of the territory of Gaochang was recovered.

Li Chengqian had previously reformed the government, making the Tang Dynasty stronger and the people living and working in peace and contentment. This time, he annihilated two countries in a row, eradicating the threat that had been threatening the Central Plains for nearly fifty years, and opened up the way for the Western Regions to come to the court. For a time, Li Chengqian's reputation in the Tang Dynasty grew.

In the 7th year of Zhenguan, the first court meeting was held. Li Chengqian proposed to set up the Anxi Protectorate in Gaochang to lead the Western Regions and to "comfort, conquer, commend merits, punish faults" and other matters. The seat of government was Changzhou, and Li Dejian was appointed as the Protector. Su Dingfang was appointed as the commander of the Xuanwu Army. Gaochang State was renamed Changzhou, and the seat of government was Gaochang City. Gaochang was used as a base to manage the Western Regions.

The Eastern Turks were divided into two parts from south to north, using the boundary between Inner Mongolia and Outer Mongolia in later times as the boundary. In the north, the Anbei Protectorate was established, with its seat at Shanyutai, and Li Ke, the King of Shu, was appointed as the Protector to manage the tribes in the northern desert. In the south, Shanzhou was established, with its seat at the ancient city of Yunzhong, and Li Tai, the King of Wei, was appointed as the governor and governor of Shanzhou.

Officials at all levels who were employed by the East Turkestan were ordered to encourage the people of the East Turkestan to live in the Central Plains, and those who did not want to migrate should not be forced. People in the mainland were encouraged to migrate to the East Turkestan land and integrate with the East Turkestan people.

Cities were built in various places in Anbei Protectorate and Shanzhou, and a large number of scholars and veteran farmers were sent to the two places to educate the Eastern Turkic people and help them learn how to farm.

Li Chengqian's proposal was passed effortlessly in the court. It must be said that the government efficiency in the early Tang Dynasty was extremely high. Soon all matters were implemented by the relevant departments.

After the court meeting was concluded, Li Chengqian, as the new Shangshu Ling, was busy with the subsequent establishment of prefectures and islands, construction of cities and relocation of people for the Eastern Turks and Gaochang.

In order to complete the follow-up work of East Turkestan and Gaochang as soon as possible, Li Chengqian ordered Li Dejian to complete the work of conquering all places in Gaochang as soon as possible. He ordered the Jinyiwei to closely monitor the tribes in East Turkestan and cooperate with local officials and garrisons to complete the administrative reform and personnel migration of East Turkestan. If anyone intends to do something wrong, they will be suppressed immediately without mercy.

On this day, Li Chengqian was writing a letter to Li Dejian in his study, preparing to send it to the officials who were going to Gaochang to take office. Li Chengqian wrote in the letter:

"The countries in the Western Regions are extremely important to our Tang Dynasty. We can trade with them and also plot against the Western Turks. I want to entrust the affairs of the Western Regions to you because you are mature and intelligent.

You are young but have taken on an important position. The affairs of the Western Regions are quite complicated. I hope you can discuss with your subordinates and help me manage the Western Regions. When you return after your success, I will treat you as a duke and confer you the title of Duke. I hope you will not let me down, and do not let down the word "Dejian".

Also, the cold weather in the Western Regions, please take care of yourself. I have prepared some good wine for you when you return. "The letter had just been handed to the official who was going to Gaochang to take up his post. The servant came to report that Li Ke, the King of Shu, and Li Tai, the King of Wei, had arrived. Li Chengqian went out to greet them, and the three of them entered Li Chengqian's study and sat down. Li Ke spoke.

"Brother, Qingque and I will be leaving for the borderland the day after tomorrow, so I am here to say goodbye to you."

"I sent you to the far frontier. Do you blame me?" Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Since we are the princes of the Tang Dynasty, we should share the worries of our father and brothers. Besides, our eldest brother fought for the country and took care of state affairs without any complaints. How dare we?" Li Tai said with a smile.

"I asked you to go to the frontier so that you could exercise your ability to govern the country. When the territory of the Tang Dynasty grows, I will be relieved when you are assigned to other places and have the ability to govern the country.

Be the King of the Frontier for a few years and govern the two places outside the Frontier for the Tang Dynasty. I have arranged for you all capable officials and good soldiers. Consult with others more often and do not act arbitrarily. If you are undecided or in urgent need, write to me and tell me. "Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"In a word, those who are obedient will be given candy, and those who are disobedient will be beaten. Anyone who dares to show his teeth will be beaten to death. Anyone who dares to rebel will be killed. If you don't want to be a submissive citizen of the Tang Dynasty, you will become a dead ghost of the Eastern Turks. Anyone who doesn't go with you, let them go to hell.

But you must protect yourself. If you can't win, tell your elder brother and he will personally lead his troops to defeat him. Remember, your elder brother and the Tang Dynasty are your backing. If anyone dares to bully my brother, I will make him regret it. "Li Chengqian said domineeringly.

"Brother, you have thought very much for me. I will definitely complete your entrustment and live up to the reputation of a man of the Li family." Li Tai and Li Ke were moved and said with a fist salute.

"The journey is long, my brother, take care. I will wait for you in Chang'an to come back and get drunk together." Li Chengqian said reluctantly.

"Brother, I can't bear to leave you. You are busy with state affairs, please take good care of yourself and wait for me to come back." Li Tai and Li Ke pulled Li Chengqian's sleeves and cried.

Li Chengqian, Li Tai and Li Ke hugged each other and cried for a long time. Li Tai and Li Ke wiped their tears and left the Prince's Mansion with firm steps. Li Chengqian watched them leave, feeling reluctant but full of expectation.

Li Tai and Li Ke were indeed the sons of Li Shimin. In history, both of them were capable of being kings. After they went to their respective territories, they used both kindness and power to govern their territories in an orderly manner. All the tribes respected them and obeyed their orders.

The news that the Tang Dynasty destroyed the Eastern Turks and Gaochang had a wide impact on the surrounding countries. Except for the Western Turks, the other small countries in the Western Regions submitted petitions to submit to the Tang Dynasty and applied to pay tribute to the Tang Dynasty in the 7th year of Zhenguan. The other countries also submitted petitions to come to the Tang Dynasty to pay tribute in the 7th year of Zhenguan. Li Shimin was overjoyed when he saw the petitions from the countries and agreed to allow them to come to Chang'an to pay homage in October of the 7th year of Zhenguan.

After the court session, Li Chengqian went to the Lizheng Hall to visit Changsun Wugou. When he entered the hall, Changsun Wugou was holding a ruler in one hand and angrily pointing out the mistakes in Li Zhi's homework.

The five-year-old Li Zhi lowered his head, tears welling up in his eyes. Zhangsun Wugou was about to hit Li Zhi's palm, but when Li Zhi saw Li Chengqian, he immediately ran behind Li Chengqian and hid. He whispered.

"Brother, please persuade my mother not to beat Zhinu anymore. Zhinu's hands are almost broken."

"Mother, Chi Nu is still young, don't force him too much." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Da Lang, please don't plead for Zhi Nu. If he had half of your ability, I would be relieved." Changsun Wugui said angrily.

"Mother, my elder brother is the future emperor. I just want to be a free and easy prince. Can my elder brother protect Zhinu for the rest of his life?" Li Zhi said.

"Okay, as long as my elder brother is here, I will be well-dressed and well-fed, and have nothing to worry about. But I also need to study and learn to be reasonable, otherwise how can I govern my fiefdom? Okay, go play." Li Chengqian touched Li Zhi's head and smiled. Zhi Nu cheered and ran out.

"Da Lang, just spoil Chi Nu." Changsun Wu Gou said angrily. Li Chengqian smiled and walked to Changsun Wu Gou, poured a glass of water, then knelt down and massaged Changsun Wu Gou's legs.

"Mother, Zhinu is still young. I will teach him more when he grows up. Mother has a respiratory disease. Although it has not recurred for a long time after treatment, the weather is still cold now. Mother, please don't get sick from being angry."

"Dalang is filial, mother knows that. Come, Dalang, get up. You must have worked hard these days. Mother will make something delicious for you." Changsun Wugou said with a smile.

"Hmph, you only know how to be filial to your mother, but you don't know about your father. He works hard. He is the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty. If he doesn't work hard, who will?" Li Shimin walked in with dissatisfaction on his face.

"My husband, how come Dalang doesn't know how to be filial to you? Isn't it enough that he works hard to share the affairs of state with you?" Changsun Wugou said dissatisfiedly.

"Guanyin maid, a loving mother often spoils her child." Li Shimin said.

"Li Erlang, one of my sons expanded the territory for you, and another son went to the frontier for you. My sons are so outstanding, and you say I am a loser?" Changsun Wugou said angrily.

"I was wrong, I was wrong. Guanyinbi is the best woman in the world. It is my blessing for eight lifetimes to marry you." Li Shimin apologized with a smile. Li Chengqian tried to hold back his laughter, and his face turned red.

"Da Lang, you've heard about the various countries sending their congratulatory messages to the court," Li Shimin said calmly.

"I see. Wasn't it discussed at the morning court today? All countries are ordered to come to the court in October this year. I have ordered the Secretariat and the Ministry of Rites to be in charge of the reception matters. Other provinces and ministries are required to fully cooperate. Any problems?" Li Chengqian asked puzzledly.

"No problem. We are just lacking a reception officer. Your father is going to let you be the officer. What do you think, Dalang?" Li Shimin said, stroking his beard.

"My son is now the Minister of the Chancellery, and he is very busy. I am afraid he will not be able to handle the task." Li Chengqian said in surprise.

"Dalang has outstanding talents, and as the saying goes, those who are more capable must do more work. Dalang, there is no need to be modest." Li Shimin said with a smile.

"My son is young and immature, and I am afraid he might bring disgrace to the country." Li Chengqian declined again.

"Alas, my son has fought in all directions and his reputation has spread far and wide. Who dares to underestimate him?" Li Shimin disagreed.

"Can I not be one?" Li Chengqian said bitterly.

"No, the emperor's words are more important than nine tripods. Humph, let you gloat over other people's misfortune." Li Shimin stroked his beard and sneered.

"Old man, you are taking revenge for your personal gain." Li Chengqian said anxiously. With a slap, Changsun Wugou hit Li Chengqian on the head and said unhappily.

"How can you talk to your father? Just do what I tell you to do." Li Shimin laughed when he saw this.

Li Chengqian had no choice but to accept his fate, and returned home with complaints in his heart. Chang Sun Chong came to the prince's mansion and was surprised to see Li Chengqian's constipated expression.

"what happened?"

"The old man asked me to be the chief reception officer, responsible for receiving guests from various countries." Li Chengqian said unhappily.

"Isn't this a good thing? It's a great opportunity to show your power to the four barbarians. Don't you want to be it?" Chang Sun Chong asked in confusion.

"I'm already busy enough. Isn't it just that I made a fool of myself? The old man is narrow-minded and is taking revenge for personal gain. How about you take charge?" Li Chengqian said expectantly.

"Goodbye, you don't have such a big head and can't afford such a big hat. You are the first person in the world who dares to laugh at the saint and even dares to call the saint old man. If I dare to treat my father like this, my father will beat me to death. Just for this point, I admire you." Chang Sun Chong bowed.

"No, no. You are too kind, cousin." Li Chengqian bowed modestly.

"Hmm? No, you don't seem to be praising me. Cousin, you have learned bad habits and are now insulting others in a roundabout way. By the way, it's almost time for dinner. What are you doing here at my house?

Free food? Humph, don't say I didn't tell you, this prince is poor, and I refuse to eat for free. If you want to eat for free, turn left and go home to eat. "Li Chengqian said with a sidelong glance at Chang Sun Chong.

"You are the prince of a country, and yet you are so stingy. Are you poor? I see, with your annual salary plus the dividends from the Chamber of Commerce, you have more money than the national treasury. If you are poor, are there still rich people in the Tang Dynasty? I have something serious to say. Liang Moyun wants to see you." Chang Sun Chong scolded with a smile.

"Oh, you finally get to see me. I don't have time. Can't you see I'm busy? Let's talk after the tributes from all the countries are over. Eh, it's still not right." Li Chengqian frowned.

"What's wrong?" Chang Sun Chong asked puzzledly.

"My cousin, you are now the Grand Master of the Crown Prince's Palace. You are also the Commander of the Imperial Guards, a force that everyone in the world fears. Do you need to come in person for such a small matter?

"Oh, I understand. You know that Changle has been coming to my house every day these days. You are here for Changle. Cousin, you are not honest." Li Chengqian teased. Changsun Chong's face turned red and he was speechless.

Seeing this, Li Chengqian had to arrange for his servants to prepare lunch. Chang Sun Chong was so embarrassed during this meal. Who would have thought that the leader of the Jinyiwei, who was feared by the whole world, would be at a loss for what to do during a meal. Li Lizhi was very open and calm, not at all abnormal. Li Chengqian looked at Chang Sun Chong and sighed.

In October of the seventh year of Zhenguan, the countries surrounding the Tang Dynasty entered Chang'an one after another. Li Chengqian was ordered to go to the Honglu Guesthouse to meet with the envoys from various countries one by one. The envoys from various countries were quite afraid of Li Chengqian and spoke in a very humble tone. Li Chengqian smiled and comforted them, showing the demeanor of a prince of a great country. The officials of the Ministry of Rites and the Honglu Temple who followed him all nodded with satisfaction.

Li Chengqian's face was stiff from smiling every day. After meeting the last envoy, Li Chengqian returned to the Prince's Mansion and shouted loudly as soon as he entered the bedroom.

"Ling'er, Jiao Nu (Qu Jingwen's nickname, both the person and the nickname are made up). Come out and change clothes for this prince. This damn prince's court dress is too formal. Whoever invented this should be spanked."

Soon after Li Chengqian returned from Gaochang, he fulfilled his promise and used the 1600 million system coins rewarded for destroying the Eastern Turks and Gaochang to recharge 16.8 strings of cash, spending 1 million system coins to transform Ling'er into a human. She was named Li Ling'er and is now the prince's personal maid.

Li Ling'er and Qu Jingwen covered their mouths and chuckled as they walked to Li Chengqian and helped him change his clothes.

"Hmph, you have described the crown prince's court robes in such a bad way. How many people want to wear them but cannot." Li Shimin walked in from outside and said coldly.

"Aye, you're here. Come and sit down. I'll be here after I change my clothes." Li Chengqian said.

Li Shimin looked at Li Ling'er and Qu Jingwen who were helping Li Chengqian change his clothes, and said with a hint of jealousy.

"Well, the maids around you are all very beautiful. One of them is a princess of Gaochang. You really know how to enjoy yourself."

"Old man, don't set your sights on my maid." Li Chengqian said while protecting his food.

"Asshole, how can a father disrespect his elders?" Li Shimin scolded with a smile. Li Chengqian had just changed his clothes, patted his chest and sat on the chair, saying.

"That's good."

"Have you met with the envoys from various countries?" Li Shimin asked.

"That's it." Li Chengqian nodded.

"How do you feel?" Li Shimin asked.

"Well, judging from their attitudes, the small countries in the Western Regions are truly submitting. Although Goguryeo's tone is humble, it is still somewhat arrogant. The Western Turks' words are nice, but they are not convinced in their hearts. There is nothing special about the rest. However, this time, there are some unusual people in the delegations of Goguryeo, Western Turks, and Japan, and I am afraid that they will have some intentions during the grand court meeting of the countries." Li Chengqian said.

"Oh? My son, what do you think should be done?" Li Shimin said.

"What else can we do? If an enemy comes, we will fight him with our soldiers; if a flood comes, we will block it with earth. If a small foreign country overestimates its own capabilities, it will challenge the majesty of our Celestial Empire. Humph, I will make them regret coming to the Tang Dynasty." Li Chengqian sneered.

"Hmph, why don't you know how to be honest. The Eastern Turks and Gaochang were just destroyed, and now they are provoking our Tang Dynasty, courting death. Since your father has asked you to be responsible for receiving the tributes from various countries, then just do it. If anything goes wrong, your father will take care of it." Li Shimin stroked his beard and sneered.

"Don't worry, father. If anyone dares to disrespect the Tang Dynasty and you, I will kill him." Li Chengqian nodded.