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

The Tang Dynasty gained rich spoils in the war against Japan. Prince Nakano Oe of Japan and Soga Ishikawamaro began an endless political struggle. Under the constant instigation of the Tang Dynasty Jinyiwei, the two sides finally broke out into war.

Seeing that the strength of both sides was gradually weakening and the Tang Dynasty did not intervene, the lords and nobles of various parts of Japan also took the opportunity to join the war for the supreme power in Japan.

While the Tang Dynasty continued to mine the silver mines in Iwami Province, it also sold various materials to various forces in Japan, making a lot of money. As for who would eventually win, the Tang Dynasty was naturally still waiting and watching.

Of course, no matter who wins in the end, Tang Dynasty's vested interests in Japan will not be cancelled, because Japan does not have the power or the courage to challenge Tang Dynasty again.

It was the end of the 15th year of the Zhenguan reign, and more than a year had passed since the war against Japan. The Tang Dynasty was thriving, and merchants and immigrants from various countries could be seen everywhere. The territory of the Tang Dynasty was unprecedentedly large, and its strength was far beyond that of any previous dynasty.

This day was the last grand court before the New Year. Li Shimin came to the court in his best attire, and Li Chengqian sat at the bottom of Li Shimin's steps in his princely court attire. After the ministers greeted him, Li Shimin looked at everyone and smiled.

"Gentlemen, the New Year is approaching. Do you have any important matters to deal with?"

"Your Majesty, our Great Tang is now peaceful and all nations are submissive. There is really nothing important to do. The only thing we have to do now is to wait for the Crown Prince to pay us our annual salary so that we can buy New Year's goods and go home for the New Year." Chang Sun Wuji said with a smile. The emperor and his ministers laughed together when they heard this.

"Uncle, you are so anxious. If you can't wait, you can go to your cousin's house to withdraw some money first." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Humph, that bastard is lucky enough not to care about my money." Changsun Wuji stroked his beard and snorted coldly. Changsun Chong was successfully caught in the crossfire, standing there with an embarrassed look on his face, rolling his eyes at Changsun Wuji and Li Chengqian to express his dissatisfaction.

"Haha, I am the Duke of Zhao of the Tang Dynasty, and I am still short of money. Changsun Dalang, why can't you change your money-loving habit?

Well, let's not talk about this anymore. Dalang, hurry up and pay the annual salaries to the ministers. My lords, when the Tang Dynasty was first established, there was a lot of work to be done and powerful enemies were all around.

I work diligently every day, treading on thin ice. My Great Tang is united as one, and works hard to become stronger. My lords, how is the Great Tang today? "Li Shimin said with a smile.

"The Great Tang Dynasty's territory is vast, and its national power is far greater than that of any other dynasty. The achievements of our Lord are unprecedented, even the Qin Emperor and Han Wudi could not match them. Our Lord is wise and wise, and he is a holy ruler for all ages."

Shangshu You Pushe Fang Xuanling bowed and said loudly. All the ministers followed suit and congratulated him loudly, "Our Lord is wise and wise, and he is the eternal sage king."

"Haha, you gentlemen don't have to praise me too much. I know that the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty today is due to the efforts of Dalang and you gentlemen. Dalang." Li Shimin laughed.

"My son is here. What instructions do you have, father?" Li Chengqian immediately stood up, turned around and bowed to Li Shimin.

"My son, you have been conquering the east and the west since you were 8 years old, and have established the vast territory of the Tang Dynasty. In your adult years, you have supervised the country and managed the government, making the Tang Dynasty's national strength flourish, and finally ushered in the Zhenguan era of prosperity.

The Tang Dynasty is so strong now, all thanks to my son. You have worked hard, Dalang." Li Shimin said to Li Chengqian lovingly.

"Father, my Li family is on behalf of the Emperor, so we should seek the welfare of all people. As the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, I have to share your worries both in public and in private. This is my duty. I dare not complain." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Well, I am very happy that my son has such thoughts. I believe that Dalang will become a wiser monarch than me one day.

But meritorious service must be rewarded. Dalang's merits are higher than heaven, so how can he not be rewarded just because he is the crown prince? Dalang and the other ministers, please see how the crown prince's merits should be rewarded. "Li Shimin said, stroking his beard.

Li Chengqian and his ministers were stunned. How should they reward him? Everyone knew about Li Chengqian's contribution to the Tang Dynasty. His merits were greater than heaven, so any reward would not be excessive.

But the problem is that Li Chengqian is the crown prince, and he is also the Shangshu Ling of the Tang Dynasty and the General of Tiance. Li Shimin even allowed him to open the government and be the same as the three officials, and he did not need to be named when praising or worshipping, did not need to rush when entering the court, and wore a sword and shoes when entering the palace. It can be said that this is the ultimate grace.

As for rewarding money and property, that was even more impossible. Li Chengqian was already rich enough to rival a country. In addition, Li Chengqian married Li Ling'er and Yu Moyun, two financial experts. Now, all of Li Chengqian's property added together was richer than the national treasury. Li Chengqian didn't care about a little money at all.

Just as the ministers were thinking about how to respond to Li Shimin, Changsun Wuji's eyes turned and he spoke.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has made great contributions. Any reward is not excessive. Now the Crown Prince is in a high position of power and is the heir to the throne of the Tang Dynasty. He has a noble status and is rich enough to rival an entire country.

We, the officials, really do not know how to reward the crown prince. Please make your decision, Your Majesty. We have no objection."

"Well, since you gentlemen don't know how to reward the prince, what reward does the prince want?" Li Shimin said with a smile, stroking his beard.

"I will let my father decide for me."

Li Chengqian thought about it and didn't know what he wanted. Besides, he held the power of the regent and was rich enough to rival a country. It didn't matter what he was given, as long as it wasn't the throne. Wait, the old man wasn't going to abdicate, was he?

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian raised his head and looked at Li Shimin. Li Shimin grinned with a cunning look in his eyes. Before Li Chengqian could speak, Li Shimin smiled.

"Since you and the Crown Prince have asked me to make the decision, I think that given your merits and your current status, ordinary rewards are not enough to show your virtue and achievements. So I have decided to abdicate to the Crown Prince. What do you think?"

The whole palace was in uproar. No one expected that Li Shimin would suddenly decide to abdicate. However, thinking carefully, the crown prince had been governing the country for ten years. He handled government affairs in an orderly manner, had a good understanding of the overall situation, and was able to listen and make decisions. He did a very good job. The officials of the Tang Dynasty were also very satisfied with Li Chengqian.

"Damn, I guessed it right. The old man actually did this." Li Chengqian thought in annoyance.

"The Crown Prince is a wise and enlightened crown prince. I have no objection to your Majesty's decision." Changsun Wuji was the first to stand up and support.

"I have no objection. I and the Tang army are willing to swear allegiance to the new emperor until death." Li Jing, the top military officer, also stood up to support.

The two of them stood up so quickly to support, it was obvious that they had discussed it with Li Shimin in advance. Seeing that the civil officials and military leaders all agreed, the officials also hurriedly spoke in unison.

"I have no objection."

"In that case, someone come and read the imperial edict." Li Shimin said with a smile. The palace servant opened the imperial edict and prepared to read it.

"I have objections." Li Chengqian shouted hurriedly.

"Oh? Dalang, do you have any objections?" Li Shimin said with a smile.

"Silly boy, I'm ascending the throne and becoming emperor, what objections do you have? Why don't you thank me?" Changsun Wuji said with a smile.

"Father, uncle, please stop making trouble. Father, you are only 43 years old. You are in your prime and healthy. Why do you have to abdicate so early? Well, the edict of succession is ready. You have planned this all along.

Even if you want to pass on the throne, you should discuss it with your son in advance. Don't you think it's abrupt and strange that you suddenly do this?" Li Chengqian said, looking at the ministers in the hall. Seeing this, the ministers shook their heads, indicating that they were not surprised.

Li Chengqian covered his head speechlessly and groaned.

"Everyone, I'm only 23 years old. Are you confident in handing over such a huge empire to me?"

"Don't worry, Dalang is doing a good job as regent. Dalang is just a little unconfident. If you don't believe me, ask the ministers if they are reassured." Li Shimin said with a smile. All the ministers nodded in agreement.

"The Book of Rites says: A gift from an elder should not be refused, and it would be disrespectful to do so. Moreover, my lord has spoken with such sincerity, so you should accept it, Prince." Kong Yingda advised.

"Teacher, why are you trying to persuade me to take over? The ancients said: As a son, one should be filial; as a father, one should be kind. My father is wise and brave, and he is in good health. I have no fear of being killed by someone who may take over the throne.

If I succeeded, it would be unfilial, and my father wanted to pass on the throne with an imperial edict, which is in accordance with etiquette. "Li Chengqian said with a bitter face.

"How can it be unfilial? How can it be against etiquette? A loving father loves his son not for reward. The saint loves the prince, and passing the throne to him is a loving father's love. How can it be said to be unfilial?

As for etiquette, the sage is the ruler of the Tang Dynasty, the supreme ruler, and the world dares not obey his edict. What does etiquette have to do with it?

Dalang has the appearance of a wise ruler, so don't keep declining, fearing that it will hurt the saint's fatherly heart, which is unfilial. "Changsun Wuji said.

"That's right. If Dalang doesn't accept it, I will be sad." Li Shimin covered his chest and said sadly.

"Father, can you wait a few more years? There's no rush." ​​Li Chengqian pleaded.

"After a few years?" Li Shimin asked.

"Can we talk about it in two years?" Li Chengqian said.

"Okay, since the prince said two years later, then we will choose a date in the 17th year of Zhenguan to pass on the throne. Dalang, don't refuse again, or I will issue an edict to pass on the throne immediately.

How many people want to sit on the throne, but you don't even want it. Do you really not care about the throne of the Tang Dynasty?" Li Shimin rolled his eyes.

"Hey, old man, when I said let's talk about it in two years, I didn't really mean let's talk about it in two years. I meant let's talk about it in a few years.

I don't care about the throne, so who is it that you are so eager to pass it on? " Li Chengqian complained in his heart. Seeing that things had come to this point, Li Chengqian had no choice but to agree.

After the court session, Li Chengqian returned to the Prince's Mansion with a gloomy face. Everyone in the Prince's Mansion came to congratulate Li Chengqian, but Li Chengqian covered his head and told them to do what they should do, as he just wanted to be quiet.

At this time, Chang Sun Chong came to the Prince's Mansion in court clothes, and Li Chengqian ordered not to see guests. But Chang Sun Chong was not an outsider. Deng Xiaohu led Chang Sun Chong to the study, saying that the prince did not want to see anyone at this time, but just wanted to be quiet. Chang Sun Chong was stunned, and then spoke.

"Who is Jingjing? Which lady is so unlucky to be favored by Dalang?"

"What is the Lord of Xiaoshan saying? It is his blessing to be favored by my master. I am still thinking whether I should find time to ask my master where this lady lives.

I will ask on behalf of my master whether the young lady is willing to marry my prince. If she is not willing, I will just tie her up and bring her here." Deng Xiaohu said dissatisfiedly.

"Oh, I didn't expect that the great Tiger Marquis of the Tang Dynasty would also be a part-time matchmaker. Just kidnap me and return it. Are you a noble of the Tang Dynasty, or a mountain king?

Hey, do you want my Jinyiwei to help find out? My Jinyiwei secret department is well versed in kidnapping." Chang Sun Chong winked.

"Thank you very much for your help. If successful, I will treat the Duke of Xiaoshan to a drink. A brothel has just opened in the capital. The ladies there are very charming, and the wine is not bad either." Deng Xiaohu said lewdly.

"Oh? What kind of enchantment method is that?" Chang Sun Chong said with a longing look on his face. Then the two of them started discussing it with a lewd look on their faces.

"I say, you two are openly discussing prostitutes in front of the study in the Crown Prince's Mansion, with lustful looks on your faces. Don't you take me, the Crown Prince, seriously?

Cousin, you dare to visit a brothel and use Jinyiwei's public property for personal gain? Be careful or I'll tell my uncle and Changle.

And you, Ah Hu, you are so powerful that you kidnap girls if they don't obey you. Do you think my Prince's Mansion is a den of bandits?" Li Chengqian said with a dark face as he stood in front of the study.

Deng Xiaohu apologized and left in a hurry. Chang Sun Chong followed Li Chengqian to the study. Li Chengqian spoke.

"Come on, cousin, you are not here to congratulate me, are you?"

"Congratulations? Wait until you ascend the throne. I'm here to tell you that the Imperial Guards have reported a secret. There is civil unrest in Tubo," said Chang Sun Chong.

"Oh? The Su Pi and Yang Tong tribes have finally taken action. How is the progress?" Li Chengqian said.

"Not bad. The two coalition forces were trained by the Tang Dynasty and equipped with Tang Dynasty equipment. They advanced rapidly all the way, coercing and tempting the small Tibetan tribes to join them in the rebellion. The two coalition forces fought against the Tibetan vanguard, which was defeated and retreated.

Now the two allied forces have attacked Nierong. Fortunately, Songtsen Gampo received the news in advance and made preparations. Although the front army suffered a defeat, it did not move at all. Songtsen Gampo now personally led the army to confront the two allied forces outside Nierong City. "Chang Sun Chong said.

"Very good, order Zhici to prepare to enter Tubo to fight. It won't be long before Songtsen Gampo, or the two tribes of Subi and Yangtong, will ask for help from our Tang Dynasty." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Then who should we help?" Chang Sun Chong asked.

“I will help whoever offers the best conditions, but considering the two tribe leaders, Su Pi and Yang Tong, who have great ambitions but little talent, and are greedy and lustful, I’m afraid they won’t be able to accomplish anything great.

But it's okay, the Tang Dynasty just lacks an excuse to send troops to Tubo. Let all parties prepare, Tubo will be defeated by this prince. "Li Chengqian said while drinking tea.

"Okay, I'll go down and prepare now." Chang Sun Chong said with a smile.

"Oh, by the way, cousin. Let the Fei Diao Army, Shen Ji Army and Fei Long Army set off for Xizhou. The three divisions will be under the command of Zhi Ci, and let the Fei Diao Army and Shen Ji Army train.

And tell Zhici that no matter which side the Tang Dynasty sends troops to help, it must consume the other side's strength and preserve its own strength. "Li Chengqian said

Chang Sun Chong nodded in agreement and left the Prince's Mansion.

At this time, the rebels and the Tibetan army fought for days in Tubo. Although the rebels were well-armed, Songtsen Gampo was no pushover. The two armies fought for many days, with both sides winning and losing, but both suffered heavy casualties.

When Songtsen Gampo saw that the rebels' equipment were all made in Tang Dynasty, he immediately realized that the Tang Dynasty was behind this and cursed the Tang Dynasty for being unjust and destroying the stability of other countries.

Tubo's national teacher Dugu Wuwang hurriedly tried to comfort them, saying that the rebels were strong and needed the help of the Tang Dynasty. He should be patient and wait until the rebels were defeated before dealing with the Tang Dynasty.

Songtsen Gampo had no choice but to send envoys to the Tang Dynasty for help and asked why the Tang Dynasty helped the rebels. At this time, the rebels were unable to defeat the Tibetan army, and they were short of food and grass, and urgently needed to replenish weapons and armor, so they also sent envoys to the Tang Dynasty for help.