Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 458

Chapter 458 A Towering Tree Never Reached the Heavens
In Qin Mubai’s memorial, three things were mentioned.

The first was to apologize. Qin Mubai was willing to shoulder the responsibility for all the misunderstandings and disturbances caused by saying that Guanshan was thousands of kilometers away from the fortress and that there was no time for him to report back to the Imperial Court. In addition, Qin Mubai was willing to shoulder the responsibility for the loss of Dafei Chuan and the loss of his country due to the disadvantageous situation in the battles ahead.

Hearing this, the entire court was filled with resentment!

“Didn’t he die? Why is he alive now? Why did he jump out to shoulder the responsibility?”

“Da Fei Chuan has been lost. The Tibetan army is facing a critical situation in Lanzhou, the fertile land of the River Dragon will be lost, and the Hexi merchant dao will be bereaved of its enemies!”

“What a terrible sin!!”

The noise was so loud that Chu Suiliang was unable to continue.

Li Shimin sat steadily on the Diaoyutai, with an unfathomable smile on his face. He did not say anything to stop or reveal the answer to the riddle, allowing everyone to discuss it one after another.

Because of his own mood, it was precisely this kind of ups and downs that he experienced.

“Everyone, please calm down. The memorial is very long. It’s just the beginning.” Chu Suiliang couldn’t bear to watch any longer and could only stop him.

Everyone could only temporarily suppress their anger and continue listening.

The second part of the memorial was suddenly reversed. Let’s start with the first direct battle between Qin Mubai and Gaer Qinling. After the war, Gaer Qinling sent people to deliver the ashes of the fallen soldiers. After that, Qin Mubai found out that the enemy was plotting. Thus, he planned a plan and staged a fake and deceptive “fraud death” show. Most of the people in the court already knew what happened next-after Qin Mubai’s death, Dafei Chuan was left without a leader, and Li Daozong was ordered to abandon Dafei Chuan and retreat to Shanzhou in order to preserve his strength. In fact, this was also the arrangement Qin Mubai had made in advance to paralyze the enemy and lure them deeper into Shanzhou.

Finally, this “swindling death” scene, which made the world dance wildly, deceived Gaer Qinling. As winter approached, he led his troops into Dafeichuan and took advantage of the victory to capture Shanzhou and seize Helong with a single blow! Unexpectedly, the army he dispatched was lying in the Illusory Moon Valley, and 150,000 troops were wiped out, almost completely annihilated!

Almost at the same time as the battle in Illusory Moon Valley, Qin Mubai sent people to blow up the Buha River near the Great Afrikaans Military Camp, flooding the Tibetan main force and succeeding in one move!

Immediately after, Qin Mubai ordered Hou Junji to lead an army to counterattack Da Feichuan, capture the captives and recover the lost ground, while Gaer Qinling led the remnants to flee and defend the Qingluo Plain in panic!

The two victories wiped out nearly a hundred thousand enemies, captured more than fifty thousand, and exterminated countless horses and equipment.

In the beginning, before Qin Mubai swindled his death, he had already sent out a regiment of soldiers to travel thousands of kilometers across mountains and rivers, miraculously climbing over the Snow Mountain of Kunlun that birds could not cross, and successfully attacking Golmud! With this move, he took away Gaer Qinling’s lair and cut off his lifeline!

Nowadays, more than half of Gaer Qinling’s 300,000 troops had lost their grain to defend the Qingluo Plains, and they were already on the verge of dying!

…

Chu Suiliang’s voice was originally loud and clear. When the memorial came to this point, he was also deeply inspired and excited. Every word was sonorous, like a hammer striking, a thunderbolt piercing through his heart!

The civil and martial arts of the entire dynasty were all shocked. More than half of them widened their eyes with incredulous expressions as they stood in shock.

Everyone present was strangely silent.

Many of the people present felt their faces burning with shame, as if they had been slapped by someone … Because just now, they were still cursing Qin Mubai with excitement, “How guilty!”

Li Shimin looked at the expressions of these people and did not reveal his expression. However, he felt relieved and happy in his heart, but he could not help but laugh! At this moment, he secretly scolded Qin Mubai in his heart, “Bastard, you dare to play tricks when writing memorials!” He had first reduced himself to a national sinner who was worthless and worthless, and then he began to boast about the achievements of Hai Tian and Hu Di! … Big fuss, suppress it first and then raise it, haha! His temperament was truly different from his father’s, who was direct and straightforward, by heaven and earth! But I like it! This memorial is clearly written for the civil and military of the Manchu Dynasty. The purpose is to slap the mouths of some people and make me exhale! Because I have always advocated the use of force to settle the dispute between the two countries. If Qin Mubai wins, it will prove that I am right. Those people from the main faction in the court had to shut up! … In this way, having the ability is naturally important, but it does require some skills to deal with people. At this point, Qin Mubai was truly stronger than his upright and fierce father! However, there is one thing that their father and son are identical, and that is, they will put themselves in their shoes for my sake! …

The third part of the memorial was to request the Imperial Court to give a plan to deal with the post-war matters, and to request timely support for grain, medicine, and various military supplies. The Illusory Moon Valley and Da Feichuan won two great victories, annihilating nearly 100,000 enemies and capturing another 40,000 to 50,000 prisoners. In the court of the Central Plains, especially in the Great Tang Dynasty, which ruled by benevolence and filial piety and ruled by kingship, the issue of prisoners of war was very sensitive. The frontier generals didn’t dare to commit suicide easily, otherwise they would definitely be labeled as “anti-human” like modern times. It was common for them to be impeached and punished.

Therefore, before Hou Junji led the troops on their journey, Qin Mubai solemnly warned him not to kill innocent people. First, in order to avoid him killing prisoners and arouse the anger of the Tibetan people, to pacify the plateau increased resistance; Secondly, if these prisoners of war could surrender, they would be good cavalry. Thirdly, Qin Mubai did not want to cause any trouble and cause trouble for himself.

In addition, the bitter scheme of flooding Da Feichuan had destroyed the foundation of this place that had been in operation for many years, even though it was a huge defeat for the enemy. Now that the army was seriously short of grain and supplies, it was imperative to rebuild the fortress. Therefore, Qin Mubai made it very clear in his memorial that he requested the Imperial Court to provide grain and supplies as soon as possible in case of another battle to expand the results of the battle.

…

After reciting the memorial, the entire hall fell silent.

“Qing, why aren’t you saying anything?” Li Shimin said.

Only then did the officials think twice. Many of them awkwardly gave a few haha, and then shouted, “Long live the Great Tang, long live our Emperor” to celebrate this great victory.

Li Shimin sat on the dragon chair like a rock, his torch-like eyes quietly sweeping through the civil and military affairs of the dynasty.

The first minister, his eldest uncle, Situ, prime minister, and eldest Sun Wuji, lowered their heads and bowed their hands, silently standing there.

“Auxiliary, what do you think?” Li Shimin asked.

Changsun Wuji seemed to have expected the Emperor to call out a question. He stood up and answered, “Your Majesty, this humble servant thinks that Lanzhou has won a great victory. This is a great victory that is rare in recent years. It is enough to inspire the people and raise the prestige of the world. The Imperial Court should reward the three armies according to their merits. In addition, the supplies needed before the war should be delivered as soon as possible to relieve the urgent needs of the soldiers on the frontlines.”

“Mm” Li Shimin replied, his brows slightly furrowed as if he was unhappy. He finally endured some of the words that came to his mouth. At this moment, he thought to himself, “What he said is equivalent to not saying anything!” Right now, his face should be the darkest, because he tried his best to stop the war … Now, I won’t ridicule him anymore. After all, he is still my most capable and loyal minister, and the center of the Great Tang Empire cannot leave him. Not to mention anything else, just the new laws he had recently compiled were much more perfect and appropriate than the Martial Moral Laws of the previous dynasties, and they could be implemented and promulgated immediately. Ten Qin Mubai wouldn’t be able to do such a thing.

Thinking of this, Li Shimin’s heart inexplicably stirred, “Strange, when did I start comparing Qin Mubai to Eldest Sun Wuji?” …

“Your Majesty, this lowly official has an original plan to play!!” Suddenly, a loud voice rang out, attracting everyone’s attention.

Li Shimin saw that it was Liu Ji, the imperial servant in the hall. He was in charge of supervising the court’s deliberations, correcting the monarch’s gains and losses, recording important resolutions, and also had the power to report and impeach officials in the court.

In Zhenguan Dynasty, Li Shimin was good at taking advice, so he created many ministers who dared to take advice.

Liu Ji was one of them. He had always been famous for his iron courage and integrity. Whether it was the emperor, the prime minister, the general, Yang, or his best friend, as long as he made a mistake, he would unselfishly refute or impeach him. Although his talent and fame were far inferior to Wei Zheng’s, there were many similarities between him and Wei Zheng in this aspect, and even exceeded it.

In recent years, Wei Zheng had suffered from many diseases and eye diseases, so he could only recuperate at home most of the time. The imperial servant Liu Ji gradually became the most dazzling person in the court-the advisor.

When Liu Ji stood up, everyone, including Li Shimin, felt a jam in their hearts. This person had always been good at picking bones out of chickens. Moreover, he was right about things and wrong about people. He dared to say anything and anyone would dare to impeach him. A few years ago, he wrote a memorial to impeach the two of them, namely, the Jiangxia King, Li Daozong, and the River King, Li Xiaogong. These were the two closest and respected sect relatives of the previous emperor and Li Shimin, as well as the two founding fathers who had immense inner strength. Although he didn’t succeed in the end, Liu Ji became famous from this battle. Anyone who saw him would feel a little scared.

“Si Dao (Liu Ji’s word), what do you have to say? Speak.” Li Shimin said.

“This lowly official wants to impeach someone!” Liu Ji said loudly.

Many people started to sweat on their foreheads … again!

“Who?” Li Shimin asked indifferently.

“This is the military report. The general manager of the Kansai Road march, Qin Mubai!” Liu Ji’s words were astonishing.

Even Commander Sun Wuji’s head grew big, but he could only smile bitterly from the side.

Li Shimin smiled calmly, “What’s the reason?”

“Exhausting the people and wasting money, using military force! Deceiving a monarch and ignoring him, confusing the world!” Liu Ji said sixteen words word by word, his aura surging as usual, and he had to be unforgiving.

Many people didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. They secretly scolded Liu Ji for not knowing what was going on, but they also reported their desire to watch the commotion and watch it change quietly.

Actually, most people thought of one thing in their hearts. The Emperor was already making preparations for his personal expedition with great fanfare. There has always been no joke about a monarch, and he will always act. No matter what the reason is, a monarch’s promise before self-destruction is still a breach of faith, damaging the monarch’s prestige. This is one of the reasons. In addition, outside Chang’an City, by the Weishui River, three hundred thousand troops were ready to set off. The resources put forward by the National Treasury were piled up like mountains, and even the grain in Heluo granary was taken out. In addition, there were countless civilian men and mules recruited, truly worthy of the name “wasting the people and wasting the money”. And earlier, Li Shimin had already issued an imperial edict to the world, causing the entire country to respond. Now, they were watching Li Shimin with eagerness to personally conquer him!

Now that Qin Mubai’s army had sent them over, the Emperor had changed his mind. The enthusiastic army of 300,000 was relieved of their armor. Li Shimin’s previous determination and determination was even more like a farce and a mockery!

To the emperor, this was indeed a matter of great shame. As for the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty, who had been busy for more than ten days, they would feel even more teased. Imperial officials all paid attention to Monarch Wei Chengge, and it was within Li Shimin’s expectations that someone like Liu Ji would jump out to impeach him.

Therefore, Li Shimin was prepared. At this moment, facing the various thoughts of the civil and military, his Wisdom Pearl firmly waved his hand and said, “I know. You can leave now.”

Liu Ji was stunned for a moment and thought to himself, “Why did you ask me to leave? I haven’t finished yet.” He had no choice but to withdraw from the class tactfully.

“I know. Liu Ji has spoken the thoughts of many people.” Li Shimin said loudly, “As we all know, I have planned to personally take charge of the expedition and make all preparations.” Within ten days, the Wei River Camp has gathered three hundred thousand troops. Now, I have suddenly destroyed my preface and not personally conquered it. I have wasted countless amounts of money and rations. It seems that I, you, and all the officials in the world have also been toyed with. All of this seemed to have been caused by Qin Mubai’s fraudulent death. Thus, Liu Ji enumerated his four major crimes–wasting the people and wasting the money, waging war! Deceiving a monarch and ignoring it will confuse the world! ”

Everyone was speechless as they listened quietly. Because they could tell that the Emperor definitely had something else to say. Liu Ji still wanted to argue, but he was gouged out by Eldest Sun Wuji and could only suppress it.

“Actually, Liu Ji, you’re mistaken. The person who shouldn’t be impeached the most is precisely Qin Mubai. Even if you want to impeach, you should be impeaching the King of Jiangxia, as well as me!” Li Shimin’s words were also astonishing.

Liu Ji was shocked. Even though he was bold, he wasn’t big enough to impeach the emperor. Immediately, he knelt down and said in panic, “This lowly official does not dare!”

‘”I’m not blaming you for getting up. You’re just doing your duty as the imperial servant in the palace. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, I have to remind you that it’s not too late to impeach you after finding out the twists and turns of the situation.” Li Shimin said, “Everyone must have the same thoughts as Liu Ji in their hearts. In that case, let me help you untie your knot!”

“May I have His Majesty’s advice!” All the civil servants and martial artists agreed at the same time. Liu Ji also stood up and listened quietly.

“Soldiers are cunning. Weapons are fickle, and water is fickle. Hence, military tactics and clouds are everywhere, and the Sovereign’s life is unbearable. This is not to say that generals despise the Sovereign King when they are outside. Rather, the two armies’ fighter jets flash and they do not have the time to ask the Sovereign King for permission to do so.” Li Shimin said, “I am a horse emperor, and I agree with this.” How could Qin Mubai, who was far away from Da Feichuan, ask me a question before he used a trick to defeat the enemy? If this memorial came and the imperial edict went, the fighter jet would surely be wasted. Hence, Qin Mubai’s fraudulent death was only for the sake of deceiving the Tibetans. It is understandable that he did not inform me in time. Moreover, the fewer people who knew about such a secret plan, the greater their chances of success. Qin Mubai did not do anything wrong. ”

The civil and military thought after hearing this, the emperor’s words were indeed reasonable.

Li Shimin continued, “Because of this, I and you have been tricked and tricked. First, we have to blame the Jiang Xia King, Li Daozong, for misreporting the military situation on the frontlines in advance.” He is dozens of years old and can’t hold his breath. I will definitely reprimand him, but I will not be impeached. Because at that time, even he was deceived, deeply thinking that Qin Mubai was dead, and Guanxi Army was in danger of being defeated in the Lanzhou River Valley. It was also his duty to request reinforcements from the Imperial Court earlier. In the end, whether it was me, the King of Jiangxia, the beloved ministers, or the people of the world who were deceived, this was not Qin Mubai’s original intention. His goal was to break the enemy! However, this also proves that this move of his is extremely exquisite-even I can be deceived, and the Tibetans can’t be tricked? Thus, there were two great victories for Illusory Moon Valley and Da Feichuan! ”

“As a Sovereign King, His Majesty does indeed have a mind that is different from that of an ordinary person!” Many people began to sigh with emotion. If they were toyed with like this, no matter how good-tempered a person was, they would be annoyed and depressed. However, the Emperor was trying his best to excuse Qin Mubai, and even the matter of him being toyed with was easily overlooked.

‘”In that case, Liu Ji seems a bit far-fetched when he recounts Qin Mubai’s crime of’bullying a monarch and confusing the world’. As for being militaristic, it can’t be attributed to Qin Mubai.” Li Shimin said, “It was the Tibetans who first challenged the Great Tang, and then I ordered him to fight back on the spot to protect the territory and protect the soil. This is also considered militarism?” If that is the case, then the first charge should be against me. It was impossible to talk about wasting people and money. When did Qin Mubai ever say that he wanted us to personally send 300,000 troops and bring along countless amounts of money to help him? All of this is my opinion, and Qin Mubai is completely unaware of it. What sin does he have? ”

At this point, Li Shimin smiled and said in a relaxed and humorous tone, “Liu Ji, let me give you an example. It’s like you planted a tree somewhere ten years ago. Ten years later, someone hanged you from this tree. Should you be punished by the law or condemned by morality?”

“Hahaha!” The entire court burst into laughter, and Liu Ji’s face turned green.

“Chu Suiliang!”

“I’m here!”

“I believe that you have already recorded today’s court meeting. Please note what I have to say next. In the future, I will write it down in the Emperor’s Manifestation to warn my descendants and kings.” Li Shimin said, “As a ruler, the most important thing is not civil and martial talent, nor is it mental arts, but the amount of weapons in your chest!”

“This lowly official has memorized it!”

Li Shimin nodded with a smile on his face and said, “I will use the tree as an example to talk and laugh with all the beloved ladies.” If a tree grew in a crack in a thorn rock, or if it was planted in a narrow courtyard, it would definitely not grow tall or big. On the contrary, if they grew in the vast wilderness and fertile soil, they could grow into towering trees. If a subject is like a tree, then the king’s heart is the environment in which it grew. I am not afraid that you will grow to towering heights, because my bosom is as tall as the heavens! The towering giant tree would never reach the heavens in the end! “–I, why bother myself!”

His words touched the entire dynasty, both civil and military, and they were deeply moved and cheered. Who wouldn’t like such a monarch?

Throughout the ages, how many emperors could be like Li Shimin, who didn’t hesitate to kill the founding heroes and treat them kindly? How many emperors could be as scrupulous as Li Shimin and be good at receiving advice, and even encourage their subjects not to worry about his ruler’s face and only care about the advice on the reverse scale? This dynasty before which dynasty, out of the wei zheng dare to face the king’s remonstrance minister? How many more kings had interacted with their subjects on the same level as their families for decades?

Who else could have the confidence and heroism of a “towering tree that never reached the heavens”? !

“Long live my Emperor! Long live my Emperor! Long live my Emperor!”

“I have the honor of meeting His Majesty!”

Li Shimin laughed loudly, “I, it is also a great fortune to meet a good official like you!”