Tang Dynasty: Father, if you don't rebel, I will!

Meeting the next day.

As soon as the court session began, the assembled ministers saw Li Chengqian dressed in the crown prince's court robes, accompanied by the smug-looking Prince Yue, Li Tai, reappearing in the court after several days.

They all felt a sudden jolt in their hearts.

It was more like Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and other old ministers of the Prince of Qin's mansion, who were all calm and collected, keeping their eyes down and their minds at ease.

It's like they know nothing at all.

In fact, these people had already been summoned to the palace by Li Shimin last night.

They informed me of the additional titles bestowed upon Crown Prince Li Chengqian today.

Changsun Wuji looked at his nephew with a complicated expression. Although he had always supported many of Li Chengqian's actions, even when there were signs of conflict between Li Chengqian and Li Shimin.

They also tried their best to say good things to Li Shimin.

However, he also maintained a certain distance from Li Chengqian, who was the crown prince.

Otherwise, she now has two sons who are old enough to enter the Eastern Palace to assist the Crown Prince, but she has not yet let them enter the palace.

"...Regarding the new policies that the Crown Prince mentioned some time ago, I have considered them carefully. Although there are some imperfections, since it is a new policy reform, how can it be perfect..."

As the court session began, before any of the ministers could report anything...

Li Shimin, however, spoke first.

The majestic voice resounded through the unique amplification structure inside the Taiji Hall.

The officials, who were already feeling uneasy, suddenly changed their expressions drastically.

really.

"Having lived through turbulent times and countless battles, I have built the glorious foundation of my Great Tang Dynasty. I know all too well that conquering the world is easy, but governing it is difficult. The nation is like a sacred tree afflicted by pests; if left untreated, the edifice will crumble, but excessive governance risks damaging its very vitality..."

"I have heard that Shang Yang's reforms enabled the Qin Dynasty to seize the throne and establish its dominance. However, the people of Qin also suffered greatly. Our Tang Dynasty is in dire need of reconstruction, and the people's livelihood is impoverished. The government needs to change, but it should not be changed too drastically!"

"If the entire nation were to undergo reform, one wrong step could jeopardize the country and bring immense suffering to the people."

"After careful consideration, I have decided to adopt Crown Prince Chengqian's proposal for reforms in Huazhou..."

The courtiers were in an uproar, and the officials from powerful families looked up in shock.

Everyone had guessed this would happen, but when it actually turned out this way, everyone felt a sense of impending doom and panic.

Who is Crown Prince Li Chengqian?!

He killed his fourth uncle, Prince Qi, Li Yuanji, and was a ruthless man who even dared to boast that he would cause the death of the retired Emperor Li Yuan.

If he were to preside over the reforms, who in the world could stop him, and which powerful family wouldn't be targeted by him?!

"Your Majesty, I..."

Cui Minshi hurriedly stepped forward, intending to stop them.

however.

Li Shimin didn't even look at the other party. "My crown prince is not afraid of you noble families, you pigs and dogs. How can I, as the emperor, back down on such a matter of national importance?"

Li Shimin's voice suddenly grew louder, and an aura of domineering power as the Supreme General of the Heavenly Strategy instantly spread throughout the Taiji Hall.

"Now, Crown Prince Li Chengqian is hereby granted the title of Grand Chancellor of Bingzhou Circuit! He shall be in charge of the military and political affairs of Bingzhou, implement new policies, and serve as a trial for the implementation of the imperial decrees!"

"All officials under the Crown Prince, including those in the Eastern Palace and officials throughout Bingzhou, will be placed under his command."

"Officials below the fourth rank can be dismissed and promoted directly without reporting to the emperor. Officials above the fourth rank who unreasonably obstruct the new policies can be suspended from their posts and reported to the emperor, or recommended as capable and virtuous officials, for the emperor to decide personally!"

Everyone's expression had changed.

Even Li Chengqian, who had stepped forward to receive his appointment, stared in astonishment at his father, Comrade Li Er.

Appointing him as the Grand Chancellor of Bingzhou Circuit was something that the father and son had discussed long ago.

but.

Officials of the fourth rank or below can be appointed or dismissed directly.

Officials of the fourth rank or above may also be suspended from their duties by order.

This is something that Comrade Li Er has never said before. It's practically the same as handing over Bingzhou to him, the crown prince, and letting him be the emperor in Bingzhou!

Li Chengqian gasped inwardly, but his astonished and horrified expression appeared comical and amusing to Li Shimin.

If it weren't for the seriousness of the occasion.

Li Shimin would probably blink and tease his son, asking, "Can you feel your father's deep love?"

The father and son looked at each other.

Li Chengqian immediately saw the smile and encouragement in his father's eyes, and a warm feeling instantly welled up in his heart.

however.

Just when everyone thought it was over.

Li Shimin suddenly turned his gaze to Wang Ming, the Vice Minister of War who had just returned from the Turks that day.

"Wang Ming, Vice Minister of War!"

Wang Ming's heart skipped a beat when his name was called.

They hurriedly stepped forward.

"Your subject, Wang Ming, is here!"

A barely perceptible smile played on Li Shimin's lips.

"Your Excellency Wang Qing struck hard on the heartland of the Turks on the grasslands, annihilating the Turkic tribes. Although some have impeached you for violating the law, the people of our Great Tang were first insulted by the Turks. Your Excellency Wang Qing's actions have greatly pleased me!"

Wang Ming bowed his head in gratitude, but at that moment he could feel sharp gazes on his back.

It all came together in him.

Li Shimin's gaze slowly swept over the owners of these eyes.

Immediately, the officials from the powerful families all lowered their heads and bowed.

"Minister Wang, you come from the Wang clan of Taiyuan, and many of your descendants serve as officials in Bingzhou. You should be even more familiar with the situation in Bingzhou. The new policies are crucial to whether our Great Tang Dynasty can continue for another thousand years; they are the most important national policy of our Great Tang Dynasty today."

"I intend to have you assist the Crown Prince in implementing new policies in Bingzhou. I wonder if you are willing?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Ming, who had already anticipated this event when Li Shimin bestowed upon Li Chengqian the title of Grand Chancellor of Bingzhou Road, did not hesitate.

His face instantly lit up with excitement.

With a thud, he knelt down on the ground.

"Your Majesty, we thank you for your great kindness! The Wang family of Taiyuan thanks you for your great kindness!"

"We, your humble servants, are willing to die for Your Majesty! For His Highness the Crown Prince! For the eternal glory of the Tang Dynasty!"

Looking at Wang Ming, Cui Minshi, Lu Zhaojing, and other aristocratic officials who were prostrating themselves in obeisance, their expressions varied.

Some people were gloating, after all, Li Chengqian was implementing new policies in Bingzhou, which would definitely have a great impact on the Wang family of Taiyuan.

Some people were quite disdainful, saying that the prestigious Wang family of Taiyuan, whose ancestors had repeatedly produced capable ministers, was now fawning over Li Shimin, the traitor who had stolen the throne...

They lacked even a trace of the integrity expected of members of the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families!

However, Li Shimin was quite satisfied with Wang Ming's reaction.

He didn't care whether the other party's words were feigned or genuine submission.

He believed that his own crown prince, who also acted unconventionally, would definitely be able to make these guys understand what it meant to be subservient.

"it is good!"

"Wang Ming, the Vice Minister of War, is hereby appointed as the Governor of Bingzhou to assist the Crown Prince in implementing the new policies!"

"Wang Qing is loyal to the emperor and devoted to the country, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and made outstanding contributions in the war against the Turks. He is hereby granted the title of Earl of Jinyang County and a fief of seven hundred households!"

He's been granted a noble title just like that?!

Everyone turned their heads to look, and even the old ministers of the Prince of Qin's mansion couldn't help but glance at Wang Ming with deep eyes.

It is still the Wude era, and Li Shimin has not yet officially established the Kaiyuan era.

Therefore, ministers like Fang Xuanling who followed the emperor had not yet been granted titles.

However, who could have imagined that the first noble title bestowed by Li Shimin would not be given to a veteran official of the Prince of Qin's mansion, but to Wang Ming of the Taiyuan Wang clan, who came from one of the five prominent families and seven noble clans?

Even Wang Ming himself did not expect that Li Shimin would be so willing to part with it.

Originally, she was only clinging to the desire to preserve her family business, harboring a resentful attitude of being forced into prostitution. Now, she finally had a reason to console herself.

At least... since we can't resist the Li family father and son, why not just close our eyes and enjoy it?

"Your subject, Wang Ming, thanks Your Majesty for your great favor. I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust, and the Wang family of Taiyuan will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust!"

As he spoke, he bowed twice.

Li Shimin waved his hand and suddenly spoke again.

"Hou Junji!"

When his name was suddenly called, Hou Junji, who had been looking envious and jealous just a moment ago, shuddered and hurriedly stepped forward.

"Chen is here!"

"I am well aware of your contributions to the nation. You are skilled in military command and brave in battle. You also made a contribution in driving out the Turks some time ago. As the heir apparent, you should be stationed in Chang'an to stabilize the court and the people's hearts. However, the implementation of the new policies in Bingzhou requires your personal presence."

"Bingzhou is close to the Turks, and the dangers there are self-evident."

Li Shimin took a deep breath, glanced at the assembled veteran officials of the Prince of Qin's residence, and slowly began to speak.

"Feng Houjunji as Governor of Bingzhou, succeeding Li Jing as the former Governor of Bingzhou, to protect the safety of Bingzhou and assist the Crown Prince in implementing the new policies!"

"Furthermore, Hou Junji has rendered meritorious service to the nation and the state, and is hereby granted the title of Duke of Lu!"

Upon hearing this, Hou Junji's eyes widened in disbelief, and his old face flushed red instantly. He had been feeling a little jealous because Wang Ming had been granted a title.

The slight dissatisfaction that had just arisen vanished instantly.

Instead, they felt deep gratitude towards their leader, Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness! If Your Highness's new policies in Bingzhou are hindered and cannot be implemented, I beg Your Majesty to cut off my head!"

Li Chengqian witnessed this scene.

His gaze swept subtly across the faces of Changsun Wuji and the other veteran officials of the Prince of Qin's mansion.

But these people not only didn't seem angry at all, they all looked proud of themselves.

With a little thought, the key point becomes immediately clear.

His father had not yet established a new dynasty, and there was still no news regarding the rewards for those who had followed him in his rise to power.

It's impossible not to be in a hurry.

Over time, it's inevitable that some people will start to have doubts.

Now, Comrade Li Er not only took this opportunity to bestow the title of nobility that should have been granted to Hou Junji, but also greatly satisfied the other party's vanity.

It can also ensure that the other party will put in a lot of effort in the new policies that Bingzhou will implement next.

At the same time, those former officials of the Qin King's mansion who were not rewarded instantly felt a sense of justice.

Hou Junji is a Duke, so I, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Changsun Wuji are at least Dukes!

Everyone was overjoyed, and Prince Li Tai of Yue, standing next to Li Chengqian, was also filled with excitement.

These days, I wonder just how great my imperial brother's ambitions truly are.

He saw it all, though it was only the tip of the iceberg.

But now that he has gained considerable power in Bingzhou, he can finally realize his ambitions...

Here.

When the court session ended, people either came to congratulate him or gathered around to offer their greetings and inquire about his well-being, trying to become acquainted with him.

Li Chengqian was immediately surrounded by the ministers present.

As one of the people who were rewarded today, Hou Junji excitedly pushed through the crowd and approached Li Chengqian.

"Your Highness, when do you plan to depart for Bingzhou? I would like to make preparations in advance!"

He couldn't wait any longer.

If the new policies in Bingzhou are implemented smoothly, it will already be a great achievement.

However, Bingzhou was also close to those damned Turks, and military merit was within reach!

Hou Junji's mind began to wander uncontrollably.

It's not like we're without the chance to have the same honor as Li Jing!

If Li Jing knew what this guy was thinking right now, he would probably burst out laughing on the spot.

"You want my honors? Fine! The title of God of War is yours, the undefeated record is yours, even my title is yours, you can have it all!"

Li Chengqian nodded with a smile, and at that moment, he seemed to understand another layer of meaning behind why his father had chosen Hou Junji to assist him.

"Duke of Lu, you should prepare as soon as possible. I will depart no later than three days later!"

"So fast?!" Hou Junji's eyes widened in surprise, but then he was overjoyed.

"Very well! Your Highness is decisive! Such a matter of national importance should be addressed as soon as possible! I will return to prepare immediately!"

Watching the other party's hurried departure, Li Chengqian exchanged perfunctory pleasantries with the surrounding ministers.

Meanwhile, he was already pondering in his mind.

Although Hou Junji is a rebellious fellow, he is nothing more than a minor character in front of me, the Crown Prince, who is also a rebellious man!

Such a fierce general, if used properly, could probably be no less capable than the Embroidered Uniform Guard I wanted to establish...

Just as Li Chengqian was thinking this,

Suddenly a figure jogged over.

It was Wang De, Li Er's personal eunuch. He was holding a tray with what looked like a military tally and an imperial edict on it.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has issued a decree!"

Everyone hurriedly bowed in greeting.

As Wang De unfolded the imperial edict, he took a deep breath and read it aloud.

"To ensure the smooth implementation of the new policies, I hereby grant Crown Prince Li Chengqian five hundred cavalrymen and permit him to establish the Embroidered Uniform Guard to monitor the entire Bingzhou region. He is also granted the authority to execute first and report later!"

As soon as these words came out.

The officials who had been surrounding Li Chengqian, either fawning over him or flattering him, suddenly trembled.

Startled, she looked up again at the smile on Crown Prince Li Chengqian's face, and her heart instantly turned cold.

The crown prince of this dynasty seems to be a little too overpowered!

Ganlu Temple.

Li Shimin looked troubled.

"Guanyinbi, tell me, am I spoiling that rebellious son a little too much?"