Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

Although Du Jingtong was still wearing his official robe, Li Shimin dismissed him from his official position in front of all the civil and military officials, so he was now just a commoner.

Zhang Jian said with a grim smile: "You have been dismissed by His Majesty, and you still dare to call yourself an official appointed by the court?"

"You are now impersonating an official appointed by the imperial court. Your crime is even more serious. I will deal with you first on behalf of the imperial court!"

After saying that, he punched Du Jingtong hard on the face several times.

The eunuchs stationed in the Taiji Hall saw two elderly men in their fifties fighting each other, but no one came to stop them. Instead, they watched with great interest.

The scene of ministers fighting in the Taiji Hall is something that can only be seen once in many years.

Another cup of tea passed.

After Zhang Jian saw Du Jingtong being beaten into a pig's head, his anger subsided and he slowly stopped.

He was originally at home accompanying his pregnant concubine, living a leisurely and comfortable life.

Unexpectedly, this villain Du Jingtong framed him for being unkind and unjust, and almost ruined his reputation.

Zhang Jian looked down at Du Jingtong and said, "Old man, from now on, there is no friendship between you and me. I am ashamed to be associated with you!"

After he finished speaking, he strode out of the Tai Chi Hall.

Du Jingtong, who was knocked to the ground, got up after a long time and limped towards the Secretariat.

When Du Jingtong walked into the Secretariat, all the officials in the Secretariat focused their eyes on him.

They pointed fingers at him without hesitation, and their words were full of ridicule.

"This old thief really doesn't know how to live or die. He actually dared to impeach Minister Du!"

"He is a piece of trash who was promoted to his current position by his family. Does he really think he is a big shot?"

"He was covered in bruises and I don't know who beat him up. It's really satisfying!"

What happened in the Taiji Hall was no secret. Within half an hour, it had been spread by the talkative officials.

Hearing the sarcastic remarks from his former subordinates around him, Du Jingtong was so angry that his lungs were about to explode.

These subordinates who used to fawn on him and try to please him in every way, now all became arrogant after seeing that he was dismissed from office.

What a bunch of white-eyed wolves!

Du Jingtong had just returned to his office and hadn't even sat down when the Secretary of the Central Secretariat Cen Benwen came over.

And behind Cen Wenben, there was a thin middle-aged official.

Cen Wenben frowned and said, "Du Jingtong, you should hand over the government affairs at hand to Gao Jifu now. After the handover, remember to hand over the official robes to the people in the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

Du Jingtong responded respectfully: "Yes."

This is how it is in the imperial court. When you are in power, a lot of people come to curry favor with you, but when you lose power, everyone pushes you down.

After Cen Wenben left, the office fell into a brief silence.

"Hey~"

Gao Ji Fu, who had a good relationship with Du Jingtong, suddenly sighed.

He shook his head and whispered, "Brother Du, do you really think that the massacre is a handle?"

Du Jingtong asked in astonishment: "Brother Gao, what do you mean by this?"

If even the massacre in the city is not evidence, then what other crimes can be used to bring down that ungrateful Du He?

Gao Jifu explained in a low voice: "Tang law does not clearly stipulate that massacres will be punished, and generals in the past did not dare to order massacres because they were afraid of being punished by heaven."

"Now that someone has done something like this, Your Majesty is so happy that he can't wait to punish the meritorious officials."

"You are asking for trouble if you use this reason to impeach Du He."

After hearing Gao Jifu's explanation, Du Jingtong was stunned.

He had never read the New Tang Code compiled by Zhangsun Wuji. He didn't expect that such a heinous act as massacre in a city was not included in the Tang Code?

No wonder Du He looked so confident when he heard that I was impeaching him.

a long time.

Du Jingtong gritted his teeth and said angrily: "What a shameless defeat!"

...

East Palace.

Mingde Hall.

Du He sat cross-legged on the cushion, leisurely eating the cakes and fruits brought by Crown Princess Su Wan.

Li Chengqian was looking at a price list carefully. He didn't know what was written on it and his brows were furrowed.

After a while.

Li Chengqian said in a deep voice: "Du He, does the Eastern Palace have to spend so much money every year to expand the spy team?"

"The total salary of these 950 people alone would be 4000 strings of cash!"

"If we add in the bribes for buying horses, houses, and gathering intelligence, wouldn't it cost tens of thousands of strings of cash a year?"

Although the imperial court gave the Eastern Palace a sum of money every month for daily expenses, Li Chengqian had to pay out of his own pocket to support these spies who did not see the light of day.

In the past, when the Eastern Palace had only 66 spies, the annual expenditure did not exceed 400 strings of cash, which he could fully afford.

The amount of silver that needs to be spent now has increased dozens of times, which puts great financial pressure on the Eastern Palace.

Du He curled his lips and said, "Your Highness, this spy is your eye to check the world's major events. It only costs 10,000 or 20,000 strings of cash a year, which is not much."

"Hasn't your copper furnace started minting coins? This little bit of silver is nothing to you, right?"

"If the East Palace cannot afford this huge expense, we can find someone to pay for it. I think many people would be happy to do so."

Now that Li Chengqian has made such a great contribution, Li Shimin should increase spending on the Eastern Palace, and there is also a copper furnace for minting coins that is continuously minting silver.

It’s not easy to raise this spy team, but it’s not a problem if you grit your teeth.

Li Chengqian winked and said, "Du He, why don't you pay the money? I will give you a great achievement!"

I rely on!

Du He jumped up directly from the cushion.

He didn't expect that Li Chengqian would actually set his sights on him.

Du He said unhappily, "Your Highness, I am now managing this spy team for you, and you still want me to pay for it?"

"Don't you feel ashamed or hurt inside?"

Li Chengqian's plan is really sound!

As a subordinate, I have to pay Li Chengqian to do things for me. Is there still justice? Is there still law?

"Hehe." Li Chengqian laughed awkwardly, then said seriously, "Du He, who do you think would be the most suitable person to pay for this sum of money?"

Du He said without hesitation: "Cui Shenji, Wang Jingzhi and Xiao Kai."

What he just said was just to let Li Chengqian ask Cui Shenji, Wang Jingzhi and Xiao Kai, three wealthy men, for money.

These three musketeers provide financial support to Li Chengqian, and after Li Chengqian ascends the throne, he will be able to promote them quickly.

"it is good!"

Li Chengqian nodded and said, "When I was in charge of the expedition against Goguryeo, the three of them provided 2 sets of winter clothing, which played a very important role."

"If they are willing to spend this large sum of money on me, I will definitely use these three meritorious officials when I ascend the throne!"

If the three of them provide a total of 2 strings of cash per year for 10 consecutive years, that would be 20 strings of cash.

This huge amount of money is not a small sum for the three of them!

Du He clasped his fists and said seriously, "As you command!"