Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

When asked whether Li Zhi would follow Li Tai's old path of rebellion, Du He thought it was absolutely impossible.

Regardless of whether Li Zhi had this ambition or not, the staff of the Prince of Jin's Mansion had no intention of rebelling.

After all, all of Jin Wangfu's followers are civil officials, and there is not a single outstanding military general. What can they use to compete with the prince's followers?

Is it enough for Xue Rengui, Su Dingfang and Xi Jun to buy three powerful generals to kill?

The advantage of the Prince of Jin's Mansion was due to the influence of two close ministers, Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang, who whispered in Li Shimin's ears.

Then, by slandering and framing the crown prince, Li Zhi was able to ascend to the throne.

Li Chengqian nodded solemnly.

He thought that what Du He said made some sense, because his father had told him a long time ago that if the Li royal family was to continue stably, the power of the clan must be strengthened.

If Li Ke and Li Zhi were willing to become people like Li Daozon and Li Xiaogong, it would indeed be a good thing for him.

With the checks and balances of powerful generals from the royal family, he doesn't have to worry about his power being hollowed out.

But both Li Zhi and Li Ke were coveting the throne.

Li Chengqian walked back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back. When he came back to Du He, he suddenly spoke with shining eyes.

"Du He, do you think I should lead my troops to the battle?"

"As long as I conquer the Western Regions and the Indian countries, my martial arts achievements will surpass my father's!"

"The throne of the Tang Dynasty must belong to me!"

Du He staggered backward.

He was so frightened by Li Chengqian's suggestion that he almost sprained his back.

Leading the troops to fight at this critical moment is a foolish decision only a person with no brains would make.

After seeing Du He's reaction, Li Chengqian said seriously.

"Du He, I'm serious!"

"Two years ago, I led my army to conquer Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla, and received support from civil and military officials and the people."

"If I lead my army to conquer more than a hundred countries now, I might be able to take this prestige and ascend to the throne right away!"

This unfortunate child...

After hearing what Li Chengqian said, Du He no longer wanted to complain about him.

There was silence for a long time.

Du He then said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, things are different now!"

"When we went to conquer Goguryeo, it was to make a name for ourselves. Now that you have proven your military prowess to His Majesty and the officials, there is no need to continue to prove it."

Now we have to deal with more countries, and it is a big game.

If a few armies fail to fight well, it will lead to collapse and the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty will suffer serious losses.

As the commander-in-chief of the entire army, Li Chengqian is the one who takes the blame.

It is hard to say whether Li Shimin would continue to let him be the crown prince if the Tang Dynasty's military strength was severely damaged.

There was a pause.

Du He continued to analyze: "Your Highness, according to the plan we have made now, this war will take at least 5 years to resolve, and it may take more than years if it is slower!"

"Your Majesty is now seriously ill. No one can predict whether he can live another five years."

"When the time comes, we will lead the troops outside, and the Prince of Jin will accompany His Majesty. Do you think the Prince of Jin will tamper with His Majesty's will?"

Boom!

Du He's words were like a thunderclap, instantly exploding in Li Chengqian's heart.

He felt his ears buzzing and was in extreme fear.

Li Chengqian's eyes instantly regained their clarity. He licked his dry lips and spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Du He, you're right to remind me!"

"My father's condition is getting worse. I absolutely cannot leave Chang'an!"

Li Chengqian suddenly thought of how Qin Shihuang died of illness during his eastern tour, how Zhao Gao and Hu Hai tampered with the imperial edict, and finally designed to kill Prince Fusu, who held a large number of troops.

If Li Zhi and Zhangsun Wuji also used this trick, they would tamper with the imperial edict and cut off the food supply to them, or they would unite with the Western Regions and Indian countries to attack him.

Faced with internal and external troubles, even if he had a large army, he might not be able to return to Chang'an.

When Du He saw Li Chengqian's face change drastically with fear, the worry in his heart finally settled down.

As long as Li Chengqian remains rational, he can still be a relatively wise crown prince.

Du He continued, "Your Highness, when you select the generals to go to war, you cannot send out all the generals under the East Palace."

"If you buy one of Xue Rengui, Su Dingfang, or Xi Jun, you have to let them stay in Chang'an!"

"I suggest that Xue Rengui, who is stationed at Xuanwu Gate, stay here. If your majesty's health deteriorates, Xue Rengui can also assist you in managing the palace!"

"If Your Majesty does not allow me to go with the army, I will stay in Chang'an!"

It is now the 20th year of Zhenguan, and Li Shimin's condition is not optimistic. Perhaps he will die of illness in the 23rd year of Zhenguan, just like in the original history.

According to the current situation, the army will set out at the earliest in the second half of next year, and at the latest in the first half of the year after.

If the army had just been out fighting for a year or two and the battle was at a stalemate, then Li Shimin suddenly stopped.

The city of Chang'an would surely fall into chaos.

Li Chengqian said solemnly: "Du He, what you said makes sense!"

"Even if the emperor orders you to do something, I will let you and Xue Rengui stay in Chang'an!"

Originally, Li Chengqian wanted to take command himself and lead the generals under the Eastern Palace to gain military merits.

Now this thought has disappeared from his mind.

Not to mention letting Du He and Xue Rengui go out to fight, he didn't even want Su Dingfang, Xi Junmai, Hou Junji and others to leave Chang'an.

After listening to what Du He said, Li Chengqian realized that his father's appointment of Li Ke and Li Zhi didn't seem to be a big deal.

Li Chengqian, with mixed feelings, said to Du He.

"Du He, have a drink with me, and let's talk about the follow-up arrangements!"

Du He smiled and said, "Okay."

He didn't have any urgent matters to deal with at the moment. The most important thing at the moment was to sort out with Li Chengqian what to do next.

This time, Du He and Li Chengqian chatted for more than three hours.

It was not until the sky grew dark that Du He left the East Palace with a tired look on his face.

...

The next day.

A meeting of hundreds of officials.

When the civil and military officials saw Li Zhi and Li Ke appear in the Taiji Hall, everyone's faces showed a look of astonishment.

"Why did the King of Jin and the King of Chu come to court?"

"Could it be that His Majesty has a new appointment?"

Civil and military officials were all suspicious.

After the court meeting began, Li Shimin did not say much, but asked the heads of the three provinces, six ministries, nine temples and five institutes to report on government affairs according to the daily procedures.

After all departments had reported, Li Shimin asked the eunuch to read the imperial edict.

"The Emperor of the Great Tang orders that Jin Wang Li Zhi, who is benevolent, filial, pure, and extremely intelligent, will be appointed as the Grand Commandant and concurrently the Grand Commander of Bingzhou from today onwards, to supervise the military affairs of the twelve states of Bing, Dai, Yi, Fen, Shi, Dai, Zhao, Xing, Ming, Lan, Lu, and Shuo!"

"The Emperor of the Great Tang orders that Prince Li Ke of Chu is brave and courageous, and is both civil and military, and is granted the title of Right Wuhou General!"

Wow!

As the eunuch finished speaking, a huge noise suddenly broke out in the Taiji Hall.

Xiao Yu immediately stood up and asked with a serious expression.

"Your Majesty, you appointed the Prince of Jin as the Grand Commander of Bingzhou. Are you planning to send the Prince of Jin to serve as a vassal?"