Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

Cui Shenji paused for a moment and said in a low voice.

"Hasn't the imperial court already started recruiting soldiers? Is it possible that they are still short of people?"

Wang Jingzhi and Xiao Kai also looked at Du He with curiosity, wanting to know why he made such arrangements.

The imperial court recruited soldiers from three densely populated areas, and with the existing government troops, there should be no shortage of troops.

"The court's recruitment of soldiers in Hedong Road was not effective, and the quality of the soldiers was relatively poor."

Du He told the three of them about the soldiers' heights.

Cui Shenji suddenly realized and said, "No wonder, Brother Du, although your central army is not the main force of the attack, it still has some combat missions. It's a bit shabby that you can only command a group of weak recruits."

The main task of the new recruits led by Xi Junmai is to protect the safety of the prince. If the front-line troops are short of manpower, they must also participate in the battle.

Xiao Kai also said with emotion: "Alas, now the lives of the people are gradually getting better, and no one is willing to take risks."

Although being granted a title of nobility or being appointed as prime minister attracted countless people, after so many years of war, everyone had become tired of war.

Moreover, now there is the imperial examination, a good way to become an official. Who would be willing to fight on the battlefield?

After a brief discussion, the three musketeers quickly reached an agreement.

Cui Shenji, as a representative, said: "Brother Du, each of our families will provide 350 strong guards, all of whom are good at martial arts since childhood, and their loyalty is reliable."

"You have to equip them with weapons and armor, but don't give them old, broken armor to wear."

Although these top families have many servants and guards, those who are strong and skilled in martial arts are still a minority after all.

Those who can be called loyal by them are basically a bunch of death warriors.

Every death or injury is a loss to them.

Du He said seriously, "Don't worry, my three brothers. All of your men will be given new armor and spears."

Then Du He raised his glass, gestured to them and said, "To thank the three brothers for their help, I toast you a glass."

"Brother Du, you're welcome."

The three musketeers raised their glasses, clinked them with Du He, and then the three of them drank it all in one gulp.

Cui Shenji then asked, "Brother Du, Xiao Kai's elder brother Xiao Rui has already gone to the states south of the Yellow River to transport food. The weather is good this year, so there shouldn't be a shortage of food, right?"

"Why do we need to prepare so much food?"

In order to conquer Goguryeo, the imperial treasury would naturally allocate funds to purchase food and fodder.

Now the request that Du He made to them on behalf of the prince is the prince's personal matter. It is somewhat irrational to spend his own money to do things for the court.

They didn't care. They had large families and wealth, so they provided some food and servants, and regarded it as an investment in the prince.

To put it bluntly, even if Li Chengqian cannot become the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, they will not feel bad if their investment goes down the drain.

They have a big family and a lot of business, so this loss is nothing.

But what does the prince want?

There is no profit in preparing food by yourself.

Du He said with a serious expression: "Xiao Rui's deputy is Chai Lingwu. Preparing food is also for emergency use. It would be best if it is not used."

"If the situation is urgent and it happens to be useful, just think of it as a rainy day preparation."

The three of them nodded in sudden realization.

Chai Lingwu, the Shaoqing of the Taifu, is the adjutant in charge of transporting grain and fodder. He is also a loyal lackey of Wei Wang Li Tai, so it is normal to be on guard against him.

When an army goes out on an expedition, it usually only prepares about three months' worth of food and fodder.

The army had no problem with food and drink in the first few months, but they were afraid that the war would become stalemate, so they deliberately dragged their feet in the subsequent collection and transportation of food and fodder.

Since the food and fodder were not delivered on time due to "reasonable" reasons, Li Shimin could not do anything about it. The worst that could happen was that he would dismiss Chai Lingwu from his post.

But since the prince lost the battle, there is a lot that can be done.

Cui Shenji patted his chest and assured: "Brother Du, we brothers will fully support the prince by providing manpower, food, and clothing. However, with such a large expenditure, we need to go back and say hello to our family."

None of the three of them are the ones in charge, so they still need the approval of the person who can make the decision.

Du He smiled and said, "Okay, then I will wait for good news from the three brothers."

Then Du He raised his glass again and said, "Come, let's have a drink."

Cui Shenji and the other two picked up their wine glasses and drank them all.

Because they had to go back and discuss important matters with their families later, the three of them did not dare to drink too much.

After staying in Baihua Tower for a while, the four of them got up and went back, feeling unsatisfied.

When Cui Shenji saw Du He was about to pay the bill, he rushed forward and rushed to pay.

"Brother Du, today is a great day to celebrate your promotion, how can I ask you to give money?"

Cui Shenji then threw a small bag of silver ingots to the madam without even looking at it, and said generously: "Sister Hua, there's no need to change it. The extra money will be considered as reward silver."

After the four of them left, the madam hurriedly opened the silver bag.

After being stunned for about ten breaths, the madam stamped her feet and cursed angrily.

"This damn bastard, the money I gave is not enough!"

"You don't even need to look for it. Just act generous to me!"

"I bah~"

After cursing, the madam opened the purse again and counted it carefully.

It was quiet for about ten breaths.

She put her hands on her hips again and cursed under her breath.

"You damn bastard, you're almost a gay man or a gay grandson!"

"Ah~ my money..."

Choi Shen-ki, who was riding on the luxurious carriage home, suddenly sneezed several times.

He murmured in a low voice: "Who is talking about me? Could it be the four courtesans of Qin, Qi, Shu and Hua?"

"hey-hey..."

Considering how he spent money lavishly when paying the bill, the four courtesans must have admired him.

The next day.

There was still about half a quarter of an hour before all the court officials left their posts.

The three musketeers Cui Shenji, Wang Jingzhi and Xiao Kai went to Princess Chengyang's mansion to find Du He with great interest.

"Hahaha, brothers, I told you that Brother Du is back."

When Choi Sun-ki walked into the lobby, he saw Doo already had tea ready and was waiting for them, so he laughed and said.

Wang Jing curled his lips and said disdainfully, "You guessed it right again."

The three of them walked over and sat cross-legged on the cushion without any greeting.

Du He poured each of them half a cup of tea and asked with a smile: "Three brothers, you look so happy. Do your families agree?"

The three musketeers nodded at the same time.

Cui Shenji, this conspicuous bag, also added drama to himself: "If my brother Du speaks up and the old antique in the family disagrees, wouldn't that be a slap in my face?"

The prince has never had any contact with these noble families. This time he made a small request, but it was a good signal.

Cui Shenji then asked, "Brother Du, most of our guards are in our hometown. Should we ask them to go directly to the recruit camp to sign up, or come to Chang'an?"

"Tell them to go to the Hedong Road Jiangzhou New Recruit Camp to find Xi Jun to sign up at the end of this month."

It would take some time for Xi Junmai to leave for the new recruits camp in Jiangzhou. Cui Shenji and his bodyguards went there too early and could not make corresponding arrangements.

These people are not just soldiers, but team leaders who support the team.

"Row."

The Three Musketeers nodded in response.