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

The entire Eastern Palace was deathly silent.

Chang Le and several younger members of the Princess Gaoyang group seemed to enjoy watching the spectacle.

They slumped over the table, ignoring the eunuchs and palace maids kneeling around them with their heads pressed to the ground, and looked at their elder brother, the Crown Prince, who was currently locked in a standoff with their father, the Emperor.

Their big eyes were filled with little stars of admiration.

My father has always been a man of his word, and everyone is afraid of him.

Only my elder brother, when it comes to something, he really confronts it head-on!

If Princess Xiangcheng hadn't quickly pulled the little ones back, they probably would have been standing on chairs to cheer on their elder brother.

“Huff, huff, huff…”

The emperor and the crown prince stared intently at each other.

The anger in their eyes seemed to want to burn each other to ashes; neither was willing to give an inch.

"I don't have the countenance of an emperor? You say I don't have the countenance of an emperor?!"

Li Shimin took a deep breath and gritted his teeth.

He glared at his own crown prince, whose actions were tantamount to slapping him in the face.

Li Chengqian refused to yield an inch, and the whip was pulled and struggled between the two men, making a sound of being unable to bear the weight.

"Isn't that right? Repair Chang'an City, repair the Luoyang waterways, and you'll be a wise ruler?"

"Were those families in Hedong Road wiped out?!"

"You warned Goguryeo, didn't you? Have they even given you a damn thing?!"

"Did I give you those 50,000 soldiers and armor so you could just leave them to gather dust?"

"Can we impose martial law on the border with Goguryeo? Can we completely ban caravans? Why are these most basic things being delayed again and again? What? Could it be that Father Emperor simply hasn't thought of these things?"

"Or is it that Father Emperor never seriously considered this, and simply thought that once the five surnames and seven noble clans were driven out of the Tang Dynasty, he could rest easy?!"

Li Shimin, who had been looking angry, was now speechless after being bombarded with questions from Li Chengqian. He opened his mouth for a long time but couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal.

"What? You're speechless? How about I give you a reason?"

"For example, how about it that the people should rest and recuperate, and it's not advisable to go to war with neighboring countries?"

"If that's the case, why have I sent so many glass beads to the palace more than once, instead of exchanging them for grain with the Lin-yi people?!"

"Does Father Emperor really like those worthless rubbish? Jieli and Tuli like them too!"

"Now they're locked up in jail every day, and they don't know where their next meal will come from!"

Li Shimin: "......"

Li Chengqian took a deep breath.

"Slacking in state affairs, being lazy and complacent, and content with the status quo!"

"Are you still my father? Are you really the General Li Shimin?!"

Li Shimin: "......"

"Alright, alright, Gaoming, say less. Your father is just here for a meal at the Eastern Palace, why make such a fuss? Why do you and your father always argue every time you meet? Don't the ministers worry about the future turmoil of the country?"

Empress Zhangsun hurriedly interrupted her son, the Crown Prince, who seemed to have more skills to unleash, and pulled Li Shimin, who was already somewhat doubting his life, back to their seats.

Li Chengqian snorted coldly.

He threw the riding whip on the ground, patted the grimacing sixth brother, Li Yin, beside him, and gestured for him to return to his seat.

Only then, amidst the admiring and awe-inspiring gazes of his younger siblings, did he return to his place.

"Sit down and eat!"

Empress Zhangsun gave the order, and the eunuchs hurriedly brought over the chairs that Li Er had ordered to be removed.

Originally, Li Chengqian and the other princes and princesses were enjoying a hot pot meal, but the arrival of Li Shimin, an uninvited guest, made the atmosphere noticeably more somber.

Li Shimin stared intently at Li Chengqian, who sat opposite him, showing no intention of giving up the main seat.

He chewed the mutton in his mouth with extra force.

However, Li Chengqian was not giving him a pleasant look at this moment.

That day, because of an imperial edict, he was ordered to go to the Ganlu Hall to receive it in person. He still harbors resentment about the things that were done to him during his busiest time.

The father and son still looked like they were irreconcilable enemies.

Empress Zhangsun felt utterly exhausted.

This father and son were usually gentle and polite to others, displaying the demeanor of gentlemen.

Putting these two together is like the sky falling and the earth cracking, a truly earth-shattering event...

Empress Zhangsun noticed the somber atmosphere and her gaze shifted.

Suddenly spoke.

"Chengqian, what did you just say, ten million strings of cash? What kind of thing would require so much money?"

Li Chengqian still held Empress Zhangsun, his mother in this life, in high esteem.

Upon hearing the question, he immediately gave Wang De a wink, who promptly pushed over a wooden board with wheels underneath.

Above, there was a map that encompassed most of the northern border of the Tang Dynasty, including the prefectures and counties along the Yellow River, and even the Tuyuhun.

A red line, clearly marked after careful consideration, comes into view, following the contours of the mountains and riverbanks surrounding the Yellow River.

Above this red line, there are branches that twist and extend outwards from time to time.

Li Shimin, who originally wanted to kill his own crown prince with his eyes, couldn't help but slightly shrink his pupils when he looked at this geomantic map.

The place where the red line originates and branches out in several directions is right here within the territory of Tuyuhun.

"Mother, now that our Great Tang has conquered the Eastern Turks, this is a grassland that must be controlled by our Great Tang. It is not only extremely suitable for developing animal husbandry, but also contains a large amount of mineral deposits underground."

"Your subject does not want to establish a protectorate like in ancient times, which would only allow the original herders to continue to rule the area. Your subject wants to truly take control of this place."

"Therefore, integration, and the northward migration of some of my people from the Central Plains, are inevitable."

"In order to support these ideas, and to ensure that this land can be suitable for the long-term survival of future generations, your son has decided to carry out a large-scale diversion of the Yellow River."

"By constructing canals, waterways, reservoirs, and dams, and through the most direct calculations and rigorous on-site investigations, we utilized the water from the Yellow River to transform what was once arid regions into the granary of the Central Plains..."

As Li Chengqian spoke, he stood up abruptly.

He was clearly genuinely involved, unlike Emperor Taizong of Tang, who simply had the "cabinet" Fang Xuanling and others discuss everything and then made the final decisions himself.

He was pointing to some locations on the geomantic map.

"Mother, please look here..."

Li Chengqian pointed to the upper reaches of the Yellow River on the geomantic map, and then pointed to the area around present-day Youzhou in the Tang Dynasty.

"Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty launched three campaigns against Goguryeo, all of which ended in defeat. This was due to his recklessness and the instability of the dynasty. Youzhou is the closest military stronghold of our Great Tang to Goguryeo, and since ancient times it has served as a transit point for defending the northern border and for military supplies and provisions..."

Li Chengqian's solemn and serious expression made Empress Zhangsun glance at her second brother, Li Shimin, who was still chewing on mutton and looking dazed.

"Because Youzhou is short of water and mostly consists of dry land, and the winters are even colder, not only is the grain yield low, but we also have to face attacks from bandits who infiltrate our territory from time to time."

"Therefore, Youzhou, a military stronghold, has always relied entirely on supplies from the rear and has been unable to be self-sufficient."

As Li Chengqian spoke, he gestured along the two red lines on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, between Youzhou and the river.

"This place, Mount Luya, is the source of the Fen River and the Sanggan River. The Fen River flows into Bingzhou, while the Sanggan River flows into Youzhou. The latter's water flow is insufficient to support the water supply of the entire Youzhou."

Li Chengqian pointed to a mountain valley in the upper reaches of the Yellow River.

"This place is called Laoniu Bay. It was originally the territory of the Eastern Turks, but now it has fallen into our hands. The river here is winding and the canyon is deep. If we build a dam that connects both sides of the river and create a reservoir here..."

"By opening the Yellow River diversion tunnel, the Yellow River water in this area will be diverted to the junction of the Fen River and the Sanggan River. Not only will the water system in Bingzhou be more developed, but the Sanggan River can also be supplemented by two reservoirs, turning the surrounding areas and Youzhou into a fertile land."

"At that time, Youzhou will be both a granary and a fortress. If we're in a good mood, we can invade Goguryeo and plunder it once; if we're in a bad mood, we can invade Goguryeo and plunder it twice!"

"Once the Dengzhou naval fleet is completed, Goguryeo will have to withstand attacks from three sides: the Eastern Turks of our Great Tang, Youzhou, and the Dengzhou navy!"

Li Chengqian became more and more excited as he spoke.

It was said that further north there was a vast expanse of black soil, suitable for growing Bingzhou's Tianbao Jinzhong winter wheat, and also suitable for growing rice, and so on.

In the end, the excitement on his face vanished with a long sigh.

"Alas! This matter is not easy to accomplish. Changing the world is no easy task. Not to mention the many technical aspects, a large amount of funds are needed for research. Such a large project, even without the use of corvée labor, will require a considerable amount of manpower alone."

He held up one finger.

"The cost of building diversion dams on the edge of some mountains alone, according to the estimates of the officials of the Crown Prince's Palace, is at least ten million strings of cash!"

"Ten million strings of cash... Nowadays, the Tang Dynasty's annual fiscal revenue is considered a bumper year if it reaches one and a half million strings of cash, not to mention that this money needs to be used for other purposes..."

"Your Majesty, I am so worried every day that I wish I could leave the palace and sell myself into servitude."

"Gao Ming, you child, what nonsense are you spouting!" Empress Zhangsun said, feeling both distressed and helpless.

"You clearly need the money, so why do you keep sending so much gold to the Empress Dowager? She doesn't need it. She'll have someone send some to you tomorrow. State affairs are more important..."

Li Chengqian waved his hand.

"Mother, please keep what I gave you. As the mother of the Tang Dynasty, you are the model for the world. If there are any disasters or famines, you will inevitably need to step forward to appease the people. If you don't have the money, are you going to set an example by cutting back on food and clothing?"

"That would only wear you out, and wouldn't actually help much with the disaster relief... What I need is quick money; a horse won't get fat without night grazing..."

As Li Chengqian spoke, his gaze drifted towards the direction of Tuyuhun.

Looking at his own crown prince, who was staring at the geomantic map with a helpless and worried expression, he was truly working hard for the country every day, and even planning to do things that he never dared to dream of, such as changing the world and altering the course of the Yellow River.

At this moment, Li Shimin could not help but feel a strong sense of inferiority.

Am I truly unsuitable for this position?

He remained silent for a long time, noticing the strange, almost imperceptible gazes from his children, and his lips twitched slightly.

"Your Highness, are you planning to launch a military campaign against Tuyuhun?"

Li Chengqian shook his head.

"Actually, I also want to launch a military campaign against Goguryeo. Tuyuhun is ultimately too poor. It is a country composed of nomadic peoples like the Eastern Turks. Taking them down would make it easy to make money and develop national strength, but it would require continuous investment and time to see returns."

"It is not as good as Goguryeo, which has similar lifestyle to the Central Plains of our Tang Dynasty, and its traditions have been passed down for a long time, and its population is also quite large."

"If we conquer Goguryeo, we can not only directly plunder its century-old national strength, but also reduce its people to slavery, and use them all to build irrigation works on the Yellow River, or construct official roads and cities..."

Li Shimin: "......"

Damn it, this feeling of inferiority is getting stronger and stronger!

The four brothers, Li Ke, Li Tai, Li You, and Li Yin, stared intently at Emperor Li Er, who still had the nerve to sit there and eat.

If they have such a crown prince, since they are lazy and indolent, why can't they abdicate and give way to a more worthy one?

Let the people who want to get things done come up!

Li Shimin suddenly felt as if he had entered a den of wolves and tigers in the Eastern Palace.

The strange gazes from all around him gave him a chilling feeling, as if he were being pricked by thorns.

"Ahem, now is the time for recuperation and rest, it's best not to resort to war..." Li Shimin coughed twice, then noticed the looks his sons, including Li Tai, gave him after he said that.

It became even more malevolent.

Suddenly, I had no desire to stay any longer.

He stood up, pondered for a moment, and stated the main purpose of his visit.

"Your Eastern Palace is still somewhat short-handed, especially in terms of capable personnel. I have found some people for you, and they will be sent to you in a few days. You can arrange their affairs as you see fit..."

After saying that, she didn't dare to look at her own crown prince's strange gaze, and hurriedly pulled the empress aside.

They walked out of the East Palace.

"Tch... I thought Father would at least be willing to give up his share of the profits from sea salt and salt, but he's just a smooth talker."

Li Tai curled his lip in disdain.

Li Ke, on the other hand, looked at the grand geomantic map and engineering plan route in front of him.

His brows were furrowed.

"Brother, how do we get those ten million strings of cash?"

Li Chengqian took a deep breath.

"It will be difficult for Father Emperor to hand over the property seized from the Cui family of Boling. Moreover, the ministers in the court will not be willing to let this property, which should have gone into the national treasury, fall into our hands."

"We can only borrow a little from another entity that has existed in our Tang Dynasty for many years..."

The topics that men talk about are often not very interesting to women.

however.

Princess Xiangcheng and the other princesses, looking at Crown Prince Li Chengqian who was strategizing and determined to change the world, suddenly felt a surge of impulse.

For several days in a row.

Li Chengqian was still out early, before dawn.

I woke up on my own.

Even though the end of the year was approaching and the people of Chang'an were starting to prepare for the New Year, Li Chengqian was still busy with his work.

The brothers Li You and Li Yin, who have now moved to the East Palace, are receiving training from their fourth brother, Li Tai, while holding wooden swords.

However, this caused them both great suffering.

Li Tai, who has always been dominated by Li Chengqian, now finally has two more "toys" in his hands.

That truly satisfied the veteran's cravings.

"Li Yin, weren't you quite assertive in front of Father the other day? Come on, keep attacking me!"

"Your lower body, your lower body! How many times have I told you, watch your lower body!"

"Hahaha, a sneak attack? Well done, Li You, you've got brains, but unfortunately, those who fail to launch a sneak attack on the battlefield and instead fall into enemy hands die a much more miserable death!"

"Aaaaaah! Fourth Brother, Fourth Brother, I was wrong, aaaaaah..."

While Princes Li You and Li Yin were screaming in agony, Li Chengqian, clad in heavy armor, was leading the six guards of the Eastern Palace, headed by Xue Wanche, in their daily physical training around the Eastern Palace.

It could be said that the announcement of "The Great River Flows Eastward" alarmed most of the palace, causing great tension among the eunuchs and palace maids.

These days, almost for several days in a row.

Inside the Empress's Lizheng Hall, it seemed as if a man's wailing had been heard. The wailing was so mournful that it broke one's heart. It sounded like that of an emperor, but no one could be sure.

Inside the Xiande Hall of the East Palace.

Li Chengqian had just washed up, changed his clothes, and sat down in his seat to handle the official business that had just been delivered from Bingzhou that day.

Li Ke then quickly approached.

"Brother, just as you said, none of those bald monks are good people! There are quite a few filthy places hidden in the temples..."

His face was full of excitement, and his eyes were like knives.

This time it was in Chang'an and its surrounding areas, and it was the Embroidered Uniform Guard who personally deployed and coordinated with the Six Guards of the Eastern Palace.

If they succeed, everything they gain will be theirs.

The Emperor's financial shortfall of ten million strings of cash should also be able to cover some of it...

Just as he was thinking this, Li Chengqian heard this and immediately revealed a cold smile.

He stood up, and the next moment Wang De rushed in.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has arrived, and he has brought many people with him..."