Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

The reason Du He had Li Chengqian announce at the court assembly that the court could provide weapons was because he was afraid that the princes and powerful families would forge their own weapons and armor.

In that case, the imperial court will not only fail to make money, but may also contribute to the growth of the power of these aristocratic families.

After all, ordinary spears and swords are not very intimidating, while lances, armor, and crossbows are powerful weapons of war.

Allowing powerful families and princes to forge materials privately would cause serious problems.

Du He cupped his hands and replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I already have a concrete plan in mind, and I will arrange for Du Zhenglun to be in charge of this matter."

"However, forging weapons requires the work of artisans from the Armory, so we'll have to transfer them over to serve as masters."

"As for the people who will actually do the work, I suggest that soldiers be recruited to do it."

Hearing Du He's words, Li Chengqian nodded slightly.

After thinking about it for a while.

Li Chengqian raised his eyebrows and said, "Du He, if the arsenal you set up produces high-quality armor and weapons, then keep it for the use of the court's soldiers."

"Then we'll take the weapons, armor, bows, and arrows that the imperial court has discarded and those seized from neighboring foreign countries and sell them to powerful and aristocratic families!"

"As for the price, we'll still sell it at the high price!"

Good guy!

Li Chengqian really has the potential to be a ruthless businessman!

Currently, multiple armories in Chang'an, Luoyang, and Bingzhou are filled with weapons, armor, bows, and arrows captured from neighboring countries, numbering at least in the hundreds of thousands.

At that time, he would select some slightly better weapons, armor, bows, and arrows, and sell them to princes and noble families, so that a huge sum of money could go into Li Chengqian's private account.

Moreover, the armor and weapons of these foreign tribes were slightly inferior to those of the Tang Dynasty.

Not bad!

To earn so much silver while upgrading Tang Dynasty equipment is something to be happy about.

Du He smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty is wise!"

After making the arrangements.

Li Chengqian continued, "Du He, how about we split the profits of the arsenal you've set up 80/20?"

"You only need to provide the technology and management; everything else will be provided by me!"

"Once the imperial guards have changed to the new standard equipment, I will sell you the discarded armor and weapons of the Tang soldiers at 30% of the original price!"

The armor and weapons used by the imperial court now are of the highest quality, far superior to those captured from vassal states.

He only gave Du He some benefits because he thought Du He had made great contributions.

He wouldn't sell it even if you begged him.

Du He cupped his hands again and said, "Thank you for your generous gift, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful!"

After a few more minutes of discussion with Li Chengqian, as the sky gradually darkened, Li Chengqian waved for Du He to go back and prepare.

"Du He, in addition to arranging for people to prepare enough fireworks, you also need to send people to spread rumors among the people."

"The fireworks display will be temporarily suspended from the public; let's keep it a mystery!"

The banquet tonight isn't the main event; the highlight is the fireworks that Du He prepared.

For ordinary people, this is an auspicious omen or miracle that is only seen once in a thousand years!

When a new emperor ascends the throne, auspicious omens naturally appear in the world!

"it is good!"

Du He nodded, then strode away from the East Palace.

After a cup of tea.

Ministry of official affairs.

Du He entered the office of the Minister of Personnel and instructed Pei Xingjian: "Shouyue, tonight I will send people to set off fireworks in the 27 wards of Chang'an. The people of Chang'an will be able to see it clearly."

"When the fireworks are set off, send spies to spread the word in all the markets that this is a divine miracle from heaven to celebrate His Majesty's ascension to the throne."

Now we need to build momentum for Li Chengqian and make his reputation quickly surpass that of Li Shimin, the great emperor of all time.

Once the imperial court expands its territory further, Li Chengqian's achievements will be as solid as a rock.

Pei Xingjian respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will make the arrangements shortly."

"Ah."

Du He smiled and nodded.

After arranging the important matters.

Du He said softly, "Shouyue, you are now serving as the Minister of Personnel, the Vice President of the Privy Council, and the Vice President of the Academy of Natural Sciences."

"You have a lot of responsibilities. If you are too busy, you can delegate some of the administrative tasks to someone you can trust."

Don't overwork yourself!

Despite Pei Xingjian's strong abilities, it took him a considerable amount of time to adapt after rising from the magistrate of Wannian County to the Minister of Personnel.

As for the Privy Council and the Academy of Natural Sciences, Pei Xingjian handled them with ease, and the others were also able to share the burden with him.

If Pei Xingjian were to collapse from exhaustion, he would be the one who suffers the greatest loss.

Training someone like Pei Xingjian, who is exceptionally capable, loyal, and hardworking, is no easy task.

Di Renjie might be able to do it, but he is still young.

It will take at least four or five years for him to grow up.

Upon hearing the King of Han's words of concern, Pei Xingjian gratefully replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have already trained several capable assistants, so I will not overwork myself."

"Many thanks to King Han for his promotion, which has allowed me to rise from a commoner to the Minister of Personnel!"

"I have no way to repay the King of Han's great kindness and virtue. If there is any need for me in the future, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

As he spoke, Pei Xingjian knelt down on both knees and kowtowed deeply to Du He.

Du He quickly helped him up, saying, "Shouyue, please get up quickly."

It must be said that the powerful families of Hedong are prone to producing fierce generals. Despite Pei Xingjian's refined and handsome appearance, he is very strong and robust, like a calf.

It took Du He a lot of effort to help him up.

The two exchanged pleasantries.

Du He patted him on the shoulder: "Shouyue, you go and arrange the spies first. I still need to check the fireworks setup."

With that, Du He, personally escorted by Pei Xingjian, strode away from the Ministry of Personnel.

Du He went to the newly built huge square of Daming Palace, found Wang Kang who was arranging for soldiers to set up fireworks, and asked him questions.

"Wang Kang, are the fireworks ready?"

Wang Kang hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, apart from the fireworks below Daming Palace which have not yet been set up, the fireworks for the 27 wards of Chang'an are ready."

"Once the fireworks are set off at Daming Palace, the fireworks in the other wards will also be set off at the same time."

Not bad!

He's a master at getting things done!

Du He said in a deep voice, "The fireworks display tonight is very important; we absolutely cannot afford any mistakes!"

Wang Kang quickly assured him, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will not let you down!"

Du He nodded slightly. He personally inspected the numerous fireworks on display before leaving the palace and heading towards Princess Chengyang's residence.

He plans to bring Li Yi, Du Pingan, Du Junshan, and Du Mingyuan to the banquet tonight.

...

An hour later.

In early spring, the city of Chang'an was already shrouded in darkness.

Although it wasn't snowing, the night wind was strong, making the people of Chang'an shiver.

With advance notice from the government, the people of Chang'an knew there would be performances in the market that evening, so they flocked to the brightly lit streets to stroll around.

Daming Palace.

In the vast, empty square.

Li Chengqian, accompanied by hundreds of members of the royal family and hundreds of civil and military officials, sat at tables and chairs to eat.

Du He and Li Yi arranged for them to sit in the deputy head's position, which was closer to the front than Li Tai and Li Zhi.

Everyone toasted and drank, creating a very lively atmosphere.

When the full moon hangs high in the sky.

Li Chengqian ordered Du He, "Du He, it's about time. Arrange for the fireworks to be set off!"