Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

This group of people arrived with lavish gifts, and besides the matter of purchasing weapons and armor, they also discussed Emperor Li Chengqian's selection of concubines and the transfer of many official positions in the court.

Purchasing armor and weapons was a minor matter, after all, it was a business deal he was doing with Li Chengqian.

The selection of concubines by Li Chengqian and the reshuffling of official positions in the court were two matters of great importance, and it was not appropriate for him to get involved.

Although Li Chengqian wouldn't say much, it would eventually make him wary.

This move will seriously affect their relationship between the ruler and his subjects.

When the officials saw Du He's stern face, they were slightly startled and quickly waved their hands to explain.

"King Han, please don't misunderstand."

"We have come to your door today to present some small gifts to you gentlemen. This is a kind gesture from your uncles and elders."

"We won't let you make a mistake."

"It was our unauthorized visit that caused you trouble. We hope that King Han will forgive us."

"..."

Du He looked at these officials, all over fifty years old, still addressing them as "old folks," and his eyelids twitched slightly involuntarily.

These guys usually seem incredibly serious, but they're actually like playful old children in private.

Du He waved his hand and said, "What important matter brings you here today with such generous gifts?"

"Just state your purpose!"

As he spoke, he walked through the crowd into the lobby and then invited everyone to sit down.

A moment of silence.

Xue Wanche took the lead in bowing and said, "Your Highness, I have come here today not only to order 3000 sets of armor, but also to recommend 10 unmarried women from my family."

"Look at the appearance and character of these 10 people, do they meet your standards?"

What the hell?

Li Chengqian asked him to oversee the selection of his concubines.

This guy is such a reckless fool, he has no brains at all, I'm trying to drag him into a trap.

Before Du He could speak, the others chimed in.

Cui Yixuan: "King Han, my purpose is the same as that of the Duke of Guangguo. However, I have quite a few unmarried beauties in my household, about 30 in total. I would appreciate it if you could take a look."

Wang Renbiao: "King Han, most of the women of our Taiyuan Wang clan are imperial concubines. Please help us select them."

Li Mengchang: "My purpose is the same as theirs."

Lu Chengqing: "Your Majesty, we are related by marriage. The women of the Lu family of Fanyang are all gentle, virtuous and talented. I hope Your Majesty will recommend one or two of them to His Majesty."

Cui Dunli: "Your Majesty, I wish to purchase a batch of high-quality weapons and armor, and also recommend the women in my household to be my concubines."

After listening to the group's explanation of their purpose, Du He realized that they had only two objectives.

Firstly, they wanted to buy high-quality armor.

Secondly, they wanted me to recommend women from their family to be their concubines.

Wait until they calm down.

Du He said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, there is no problem with you ordering weapons and equipment from me. I will give priority to those who have placed orders."

"As for the selection of imperial consorts, His Majesty will have the Ministry of Rites handle it. Why don't you go and find Xu Jingzong?"

What?

Looking for that cunning old fox, Xu Jingzong?

forget it!

These high-ranking officials all knew that His Majesty looked down on Xu Jingzong, that sycophantic minister, and would never put him in charge of the selection of concubines.

Once they and the governors of various prefectures and counties recommend women to Chang'an, His Majesty will surely have the Prince of Han oversee the process.

Only by currying favor with the King of Han can one achieve their goals.

These people were all shrewd; when they saw that the King of Han had refused to help select concubines, they didn't press him for more information.

Their expressions changed several times before they all spoke up.

"Since it is inconvenient for the King of Han to select a consort for His Majesty, let's settle down with some weapons and armor today."

"This small gift will be used to secure a place among the first few. We will go to the Privy Council to pay the deposit in three days. We hope that King Han will put us ahead in the queue."

"I'm sorry to have troubled Your Majesty."

After explaining their reasons, the group put down the valuable gifts they were holding.

Hear them say that.

Du He smiled and said, "Your small request is very reasonable. It would be unreasonable for me to refuse again. So this matter is settled."

"However, everything has a first-come, first-served order. You will draw lots to choose your license plate number later, and then you will be registered according to the number."

Amidst the expectant faces of the group, Du He quickly wrote down 20 number plates and then threw them into a copper basin.

After shaking it a bit, Du He said with a smile.

"Gentlemen, come and draw lots."

Without the slightest hesitation, the group stepped forward and grabbed a slip of paper.

Xue Wanche exclaimed excitedly, "Hahaha, I drew number 1!"

Cui Yixuan also shouted loudly, "I am number 2."

Wang Renbiao also held up a piece of paper: "This humble official is number 3."

"..."

Those who drew earlier numbers all wore joyful smiles, while those who drew later numbers wore narrow, sullen smiles.

They all knew in their hearts that the armor purchased earlier would definitely be of better quality than that purchased later.

After writing down their numbers, Du He said with a smile, "Don't worry, the weapons the arsenal makes for you will definitely be of the best quality."

"You can have your family members quickly organize and train the militia, and then register the soldiers' waist circumference and height."

"It won't be long before the imperial court distributes the weapons and equipment."

There was a pause.

Du He continued, "You need to prepare food in advance. All the militia training sites will probably be moved to the Anxi Protectorate area."

Once the weapons and equipment were distributed, the Tang Dynasty gained hundreds of thousands of additional troops.

For the sake of national stability, Li Chengqian would not allow these militiamen to train in the heart of the Tang Dynasty, but would instead send them to the Anxi Protectorate or the territory of the Western Turks.

The group of people looked at each other for a moment, then cupped their hands and said.

"Thank you for the reminder, King Han!"

Let’s get down to business.

With a fawning smile, Xue Wanche asked, "King Han, would you like some concubines?"

"The women of our Xue family in Hedong are all fair-skinned, beautiful, and have long legs. I would like to recommend 50 of our family's most beautiful women to you, so that you may take a look."

Upon hearing Xue Wanche's words, everyone's eyes lit up.

Yup!

The King of Han was the most powerful prince in the Tang Dynasty, and his harem needed many concubines!

If a woman from a wealthy family could enter the Han Prince's residence, the effect would be no less than if she entered the imperial palace!

The group surrounded Du He, showering the women of their family with praise, almost turning them into goddesses.

Wait until they calm down.

Du He chuckled and said, "After His Majesty has chosen his concubines, I will decide based on the situation."

"It's getting late, you should go back and rest."

When the King of Han issued the order to leave, the group of people said a few more words, but then bowed and left the princess's residence.

After a while.

Du He glanced at the 20 treasures in the hall, smiled and shook his head, then called Du Wu in and said.

“Take 10 treasures to the palace and hand them over to His Majesty.”

"Yes, sir!" After receiving the order, Du Wu quickly called in a group of guards and then carried 10 treasures to the East Palace.

...

The next day.

Regular court meeting.

As the heads of various departments reported on their political affairs, the eyes of the civil and military officials and the princes kept falling on Du He, who was in the deputy head position.

Clearly, they had already heard about what happened last night.

Before long, the princes and most officials turned their attention to Cui Yixuan and Lu Chengqing.

"A bunch of old scoundrels!"

"They actually resorted to underhanded tactics behind my back!"

"hateful!"

Many people had already made up their minds to bring generous gifts to Princess Chengyang's residence after their shift ended today.

After the heads of each department finished their reports.

Li Chengqian said loudly, "King Han, the Three Dukes, and the heads of the Three Departments and Six Ministries, you will all come with me to the Liangyi Hall for a meeting."

"Retreat!"