Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

Hearing His Majesty's comforting words, Xiao Yu shook his head.

"Your Majesty, I've been having dreams lately. I dreamt that my sister called me down to accompany her. I'm already 74 years old, and I'm almost done with my life."

"I am just worried about those three useless sons. I don't know if they will squander the family fortune after I die."

There was a pause.

Xiao Yu pointed at Du He and said, "Now that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has Du He's assistance, the Tang Dynasty will conquer a wider territory and quickly enter a more prosperous era."

"It's hard for us old ministers to keep up with the prince's thinking, and he gets annoyed by our excessive meddling."

Since the crown prince became regent, he rarely expressed his opinions at court meetings.

He knew very well that the prince did not like to be criticized.

If he used Wei Zheng's tactics against the prince and made him feel ashamed, he would probably lose his reputation in his later years.

Moreover, his ideas on handling the affairs of the vassal kings were also at odds with those of the crown prince.

He was a supporter of enfeoffment of princes and also supported increasing the power of clan members. However, what the prince was doing now was to gradually take back the power of the princes.

If he used these things to advise the prince, wouldn't he be treated as an enemy by the prince?

Currently, the only person who shares the same thinking as the prince is Du He.

On the imperial platform.

Li Shimin promised solemnly, "Xiao Yu, I promise you that as long as your three sons don't rebel, the Crown Prince and I will ensure their prosperity for the rest of their lives!"

Xiao Yu wanted to struggle to get up and salute, but found it difficult to even stand up.

He bowed in shame and said, "I thank your Majesty for your grace. I am an old minister with limited mobility and my lack of courtesy is unacceptable. I hope your Majesty will not blame me."

Li Shimin waved his hand indifferently.

Although Xiao Yu was a man of upright character and inflexible, he made significant contributions to himself and the Tang Dynasty.

During the Wude period, Xiao Yu was the Minister of Internal Affairs. He repeatedly conveyed to him the plans of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji to frame him. For example, Li Jiancheng framed him for causing chaos in the harem and tried to suggest to his father that the generals of the Qin Palace be transferred.

Xiao Yu also reminded him to take precautions early and not to trust the prince's faction.

It was precisely because of Xiao Yu's reminder that he and his staff were able to take the initiative and launch the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

Since the Zhenguan period.

Xiao Yu helped him balance the Guanlong Group and the Shandong gentry, improve the system of three provinces and six ministries, preside over the revision of laws and rituals, and promote the combination of rule of law and rule of ritual.

It was precisely because of Xiao Yu's many contributions to him that he promoted Xiao Yu to the position of prime minister time and time again.

When Xiao Yu was seriously ill, he was brought to Yuhua Palace to recuperate.

A moment of silence.

Xiao Yu glanced at Du He, then bowed to Li Shimin and said, "Your Majesty, the clansmen throughout the country are very agitated and are all opposing the court's harsh punishment of the clansmen."

"To avoid unrest in the country, I, this old minister, suggest using gentle tactics to appease the feudal lords as quickly as possible!"

Although he was recuperating in Yuhua Palace during this period, Li Shimin would often discuss the affairs of these vassal kings with him.

When he heard that the conflict between the Crown Prince and Du He and these vassal kings was getting worse and worse, he felt anxious.

He wished he could get up immediately and go to the court to persuade the prince.

Li Shimin stroked his beard and replied with a smile, "Xiao Yu, you don't have to worry about this matter. I believe the Crown Prince and Du He can handle it."

"Your most important thing now is to take good care of your body."

Xiao Yu bowed and said, "I obey your command."

He stayed in Ziwei Palace for a while, and because he was weak and a little drowsy, he was then carried back to his bedroom by the eunuchs on a sedan chair to rest.

After Xiao Yu left the hall.

Li Shimin asked Sun Simiao, "Dr. Sun, how is the Duke of Song doing?"

Sun Simiao said helplessly: "The lamp is dying and the oil is running out. It will only take a few days. We must let the family of Duke Song prepare for the funeral as soon as possible."

A few years ago, he examined Xiao Yu and found that Xiao Yu was in very good health.

Unexpectedly, after just two or three years, Xiao Yu's time was up.

A depressed mood can ruin a person!

Li Shimin said suddenly, "Du He, when you return to Chang'an, please inform Xiao Yu's descendants of this news."

"As ordered!"

Du He bowed in response.

The three chatted for a while. Li Shimin was anxious to read the biographies of immortals and gods, so he waved Du He to go back.

Originally, Du He wanted to chat with Sun Simiao for a few more words, but Li Shimin was reluctant to let Sun Simiao leave the hall, so he could only wait until next time to ask.

Two hours later.

After Du He returned to Chang'an, he first went to the Duke of Song's Mansion and told the three brothers Xiao Rui, Xiao Kai and Xiao Yue the news that Xiao Yu's time was up.

After hearing this, the three of them burst into tears.

Their father had said many times before that his end was near, but when the day came, they were still very sad.

Du He comforted them with a few words and then left the Duke of Song's Mansion.

...

The next day.

in the afternoon.

Du He was handling government affairs in the Ministry of Revenue when Wang Kang, the Secretary of the Treasury Department, suddenly appeared at the door.

"Knock knock knock."

"Lord Han Guo, I have something important to report. Are you free now?"

Seeing Wang Kang’s smiling face, Du He’s expression changed slightly.

This guy is so happy, those Taoists must have made some breakthroughs. Is it a breakthrough in fireworks or new progress in artillery?

Du He waved his hand and said, "Come in."

Wang Kang walked in and reported in a low voice, "Lord Han Guo, after many days of research, Taoist Master Zhen has finally made the fireworks you described."

"Why don't you go to the manor tonight and see if the fireworks made by Taoist Master Zhen are the effect you want."

It turns out that there is a breakthrough in fireworks!

Compared with the complicated artillery craftsmanship, fireworks are much simpler.

Du He nodded and said, "Go back and ask Taoist Master Zhen to make preparations in advance. I will go over there in the evening."

"By the way, is there any new progress in the development of artillery?"

Wang Kang shook his head and said, "Reporting to Lord Han, the dozen or so gun barrels we have made so far have all exploded because they could not withstand the power released by the burning gunpowder."

He then reported in detail the development process during this period.

After listening.

Du He said softly, "Go back and tell the Taoist priests not to worry. Protecting your own safety is the most important thing. Don't get hurt by the iron pieces of the artillery."

"As ordered!"

After Wang Kang finished his greetings, he said goodbye and left.

Half a quarter of an hour passed.

As it was time to go off duty, Sun Fujia hurried in to report.

"Duke Han Guo, the 76 members of the Li clan have responded. They have already set off one after another in the past two days and are gathering in Chang'an!"

"The Li clan members who live near Yongzhou have already arrived outside the Yongzhou territory."

"But they haven't set foot in Yongzhou yet. They must be waiting for others to arrive."

Do they really dare to come to Chang'an?

remarkably brave!

Du He asked, "Lord Sun, how many soldiers did these princes bring with them?"

Sun Fujia replied in a low voice, "According to the contact sent by Yuan Gongyu, the Deputy Minister of the Dali Temple, Prince Jiang Li Yuanxiang brought 400 soldiers and his followers, and Duke Xun Li Xiaoxie brought 200 guards and his followers."

Bring so few guards?

Do these people really want to come to Chang'an to reason with him?

Du He warned, "Lord Sun, if any prince brings more than 1000 soldiers with him, please come and inform me in advance."

"it is good!"

Sun Fujia nodded with a serious expression.

The two chatted for a few more words and then left the Ministry of Revenue together.

...

evening.

Du He brought his wives and concubines to the manor in a carriage.

Wang Kang, who had been waiting at the gate of the manor in advance, and the imperial guards guarding on both sides, bowed and greeted them respectfully.

"Greetings to Her Royal Highness the Princess, greetings to the Duke of Korea, and greetings to the three wives of the Dukes."

After the ceremony.

Wang Kang said respectfully, "Lord Han Guo, the fireworks are ready. Would you like to light them now?"