Chapter 21 Twenty-first to avoid the cold winter, Tang Jun's teacher committed suicide because of slander

After Tang Jun's chance of victory was ruined, the two sides fought each other inside and outside the city wall.The days passed day by day, and it was September in a blink of an eye.The land of Liaodong has always been colder than the mainland. Several northerly winds blew past, and yellow withered grass was everywhere. The temperature dropped sharply. Soldiers of the Tang Army stood in the field in single clothes and shivered from the cold. At this time, Li Shimin no longer had the pride he had when he entered Liaodong.He knew that this expedition had to be abandoned halfway, and it would be impossible to send troops east to enter Pyongyang.He summoned all the generals and said: "Early cold in Liaodong, the grass will dry up and the water will freeze soon. It will be difficult for soldiers and horses to stay for a long time, and the food will be exhausted. We must immediately dispatch troops."

All the generals silently observed the situation in front of them, and they already knew that the matter of the class teacher was a foregone conclusion.However, the expedition to Goryeo was appointed by the emperor, Li Shimin didn't mention the class teacher, and they dared not speak out first.Now that Li Shimin finally asked the class teacher to go home, a stone hanging in everyone's hearts just fell to the ground. Li Shimin went on to say: "We must calmly teach and not leave opportunities for the Koreans. You two Gao Qing, you can go ahead and move all the population of Liaozhou, Gaizhou, and Yanzhou to the interior." Tang Jun captured Liaodong City, Gaizhou Moucheng and Baiyancheng, Li Shimin issued an edict to change these three cities into Liaozhou, Gaizhou and Yanzhou.

Gao Huizhen and Gao Yanshou bowed to accept the order. Li Shimin turned to Li Shi and Li Daozong again and said: "This mayor of Anshi City is really good, I want to have a conversation with him. Daozong, write down my meaning in a book, and then shoot it into the city. Tomorrow at three o'clock, I will go down to the city and talk to him." Li Daozong said worriedly: "Since we want a class teacher, we should not startle the snake. If they follow and chase, it will be really bad for our army to return calmly." Li Shimin said with emotion: "Tomorrow, I will clearly tell the city owner of Anshi that we will be a teacher immediately. If he has the courage, he can come after him. By the way, when we are a teacher, all soldiers must go around the city for a week, and then leave generously. go."

Li Daozong took the order to arrange it. Early in the morning of the second day, the morning sun dispelled the morning fog, the tall city walls stood majestically under the sun, and some water vapor was faintly glowing on the surface of the moat.Li Daozong shot into the city's book, stating that Tang Jun retreated half a mile today, and asked the city lord of An City to meet Li Shimin at the side of the moat bridge. Li Shimin came to the bridge in a chariot, surrounded by only Li Shi, Li Daozong, Ashina Sheer, Zhi Shisili, Xue Rengui and others as guards.I saw that the city lord of Anshi was also waiting on the opposite side under several guards. Li Shimin got out of the car slowly, and he could see that the city lord of Anshi was not tall, but he had a thick beard and hair, and he looked a bit heroic.

Li Daozong shouted loudly: "City Lord of Anshi, His Majesty the Emperor is here, hurry up and pay your respects." The city lord of An City bowed and said loudly: "The grasslanders of Gaoli pay homage to the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. They are late in welcoming them, and hope to beg for forgiveness." Li Shimin also said loudly: "Master Anshi, you are very good. I have fought all my life and attacked countless cities, but you, Anshi City, have not moved. Although we are enemies, I admire your ability. There are people in Korea who are like this. It is very lucky." .”

The city lord of An City bowed and said: "The reason why the grass people are like this is because they are loyal to the king. As a result, the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty have been trapped here for a long time, and I am deeply disturbed. I only hope that His Majesty the Emperor and Koryo will restore the old relationship and never go to war." Li Shimin sternly said: "Gai Suwen murdered the lord and rebelled, and invaded other countries. I can't sit idly by. I will be a teacher tomorrow. You can tell Gai Suwen that I will definitely come to raise troops to question my crimes in my life."

The city lord of Anshi is a wise man who understands that Goryeo is not China's opponent, and if China attacks with all its strength, Goryeo is really in danger.He couldn't answer, so he just kept silent. Li Shimin said again: "I think you have made great achievements in defending the city and are loyal to your country. I will give you a hundred horses as a reward." Changsun Wuji waved his hand, and the people behind him quickly walked over and placed a hundred horses on the side of the moat. The city lord of Anshi felt that Li Shimin was an extraordinary person, and he stood firm in the city to fight against him. Normally, he should be full of anger. Unexpectedly, today he received a compliment from Li Shimin, and he was also rewarded with a hundred horses.Thinking of this, he said sincerely: "I am tired of the emperor's personal conquest of Lao Dun, and I dare not expect extravagant rewards from your majesty. If your majesty knows that I am loyal to the Lord, then my heart is enough." After finishing speaking, he bowed to thank him.

Li Shimin stretched out his hand and shook it, and said: "If a person can show his loyalty, I respect him equally regardless of the enemy or us. Mayor of Anshi City, tomorrow is September 18th, and all our troops will return to the west. To fulfill your duty, do your best." You can send troops to chase after him." The city lord of Anshi is familiar with the climate here. He calculated that the Tang army's food was almost exhausted, and he knew that the Tang army's squadron was only a few days away.What he didn't expect was that Li Shimin was able to clearly state his return date, which shows that he is not afraid of his own soldiers chasing him.The city lord of Anshi knew that the reason why Anshi was under attack by the Tang army for a long time was because of the fact that Anshi City was built on a mountain. If the Gaoli soldiers and the Tang soldiers fought one-on-one in the wild, the Gaoli soldiers were definitely not opponents.Thinking of this, the city lord of An City became more humble and polite, bowed and said: "I dare not. When His Majesty returns to the west tomorrow, I will stand on the city wall to see you off, and I will promise my subordinates not to leave the city."

Li Shimin stopped talking, turned around and boarded the chariot, and slowly returned to the tent of the Chinese army. The second day was still a sunny day.Li Shimin ordered Li Shi and Li Daozong to lead a phalanx of 40,000 people to ride behind the temple. At this time, they each led a phalanx of 20,000 people to line up in front of the west gate of Anshi.After the rest of the Tang soldiers circled the city for a week according to the order, they began to line up and march westward.The city lord of Anshi did not violate his promise. He led his subordinates to stand on the city wall, let the Tang soldiers go away in a show of power, and closed the city gate tightly, not letting a single soldier leave the city.

During Li Shimin's expedition to Korea, he defeated Xuantu, Hengshan, Gaimu, Momi, Liaodong, Baiyan, Beisha, Maigu, Yinshan, and Houhuang Shicheng, beheading more than 40,000 Korean soldiers.Gao Yanshou and Gao Huizhen went to relocate the population of Liao, Gai, and Yanzhou, which added more than 70,000 households to China.Overall, the battle went smoothly at first, but the stalemate with Anshicheng was too long later, so that the date was delayed and entered the winter, which made the battle a failure. The brigade entered Liaozhou, and after a day's rest, they got up and set off for Liaoshui.At this time, the wind was getting stronger day by day, and sometimes the soldiers and horses were stumbling around. After all, the soldiers' clothes were thin, and all they could see were people with black lips.Changsun Wuji was the vanguard. Seeing this, he ordered the whole army to speed up the march.

After the army crossed the Liaoshui River, they encountered that piece of mud with a radius of hundreds of miles.If Yan Lide is allowed to build a bridge with soil as usual, the cold air will get colder day by day, and the soldiers in thin clothes will not be able to sustain it.At this time, Changsun Wuji was quick and wise, and ordered tens of thousands of people to cut grass at the same time, and then fill in the grass to make a road. When the water was deep, they filled the vehicles and other luggage into the water.At this time, Li Shimin also gave up his cart and rode a horse, and personally drove the horse to carry grass to fill the road.When everyone saw the emperor like this, their enthusiasm doubled immediately, they completely forgot that they were in the cold weather, and they didn't seem to feel the cold all over their bodies.They were so united that they finally paved a grassy road over the mud, allowing the army to pass.It's just a part of the army's luggage, which has been lost since then. The Tang army left Anshi on September 18th, stopped in Liaozhou, crossed the Liaoshui River, crossed the mud, and arrived at a place called Pugou. It was already October.At this time, the cold wind was like a knife, making Tang Bing shiver.At this time, Li Shimin ordered the whole army to speed up the march and rush to Yingzhou as soon as possible, and said: "I have prepared more than 100,000 sets of cotton clothes for everyone in Yingzhou." The exhausted Tang soldiers heard that there were cotton-padded clothes to wear, and they all cheered up and ran forward with all their strength.However, the sky fails to fulfill people's wishes.That day, the cold winter wind came and lasted for two hours. At night, the storm brought heavy snow and covered the walking Tang soldiers like snowmen.Along the way, when some soldiers crossed the Liao River and the mud, their clothing was completely wet and they were not dry at this time. They were caught in a snowstorm and froze to death. When Li Shimin heard about this, he ordered Changsun Wuji to send people to collect firewood, and then light a fire on the road, so that people with wet clothes could warm themselves by the fire and dry their clothes.The army marched so hard and finally reached Yingzhou.Li Shimin saw the soldiers put on cotton clothes, and the stone in his heart just fell to the ground. Seeing the departure of the Tang army, the city lord of An City ordered people to renovate the city, and at the same time comforted the casualties.Two days later, he also packed up and went to Pyongyang to meet Gai Suwen. At this time, the name of the city lord of Anshi spread throughout the country and was regarded as a hero of Korea.When Gai Suwen heard that he was going to enter the capital, he immediately prepared a grand welcome ceremony and went out of the city to meet him in person.When Gai Suwen conspired against him, the lord of Du'an City refused to listen to his orders, which made Gai Suwen personally lead his troops to seek rebellion, but he could not win the city after several days of siege.In desperation, Gai Suwen had no choice but to write a book and enter the city, promising that as long as the mayor of Anshi is willing to surrender, he can keep his position and let him stay in Anshi forever.The city lord of Anshi saw that the situation was unstoppable, so he had no choice but to agree.From then on, Gai Suwen treated the Mayor of An City differently. He not only respected his honesty, but also hated him for not listening to greetings, and felt helpless.He went out of the city to greet him with sincerity. After all, because of Anshi's steadfast defense, Pyongyang's bloody disaster was avoided. Gai Suwen hosted a grand banquet for the city lord of An City. During the banquet, Gai Suwen was very energetic and said to the people on the table: "Huh, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty didn't know what was good or bad. I think the emperor of the Sui Dynasty came to attack several times, but they all came back in failure. He thinks Are you tougher than the emperor of the Sui Dynasty? I can’t take down even one city here, so why talk about others?” The people in the seat echoed one after another, praising Gai Suwen endlessly, their words were so nasty. The city lord of Anshi didn't take it seriously. He waited for everyone to stop talking before he said: "Mo Lizhi should not underestimate the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. His mistake this time was because he was caught by Anshi. I heard that someone offered him advice and let him besiege Anshi. City, send out surprise soldiers to meet with the boat division again, and attack Pyongyang on a large scale, but it is a pity that they will not listen, so that our country will be saved from this disaster." When Li Shimin was dispatched, he also ordered the boat division to dispatch, and Li Daliang and Cheng Mingzhen led their men to board the boat and return to Laizhou. Gai Suwen still didn't take it seriously: "Hmph, he came to attack Pyongyang, is Pyongyang easy to attack?" The city lord of An City shook his head and said: "The national strength of the Tang Dynasty is unmatched in the world. We are lucky to be undefeated this time, nothing more than taking advantage of the city's solidity and climate. Mo Lizhi, I think that our country will repair with the Tang Dynasty in the future, and we cannot stand in a stalemate." Go on. I heard that the emperors of the Tang Dynasty did not use force to invade the surrounding area, but only used morality to transform them. It can be seen that their original intention of going to our country is not the original intention. I hope that Mo Lizhi will not invade Silla again. It can avoid the disaster of swordsman." When Gai Suwen saw that the mayor of Anshi spoke for Tang Chao, he felt angry, but because of the face of the mayor of Anshi, he did not dare to do anything wrong.He was silent for a long time, and only said three words in response to the city owner of Anshi: "Understood." When Tang Jun arrived in Yingzhou, he immediately changed his cotton clothes, and the doctors in the army were busy treating the frostbitten people.The army has been busy fighting since it entered Korea in April. Li Shimin ordered all soldiers to rest here for five days before returning to their respective camps. Changsun Wuji sent people to check the number of people returning home, and found that more than 3,000 soldiers died in battle or frozen to death, 80% of their horses were lost, and all their luggage was lost.When Li Shimin heard the news, he was silent for a long time, and then he ordered: "The bones of the dead in the Liaodong Road will be gathered in the southeast of Liucheng, and some officials will set up a prison to sacrifice them." On the day of offering sacrifices, Li Shimin led the generals in plain clothes and white robes, and went to offer sacrifices in person.After he finished reading the sacrificial oration, "Woo hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo."It can be seen that he is very dissatisfied with this campaign against Liao, and he feels very annoyed and a little useless.Compared with the rhetoric and rhetoric during the expedition, this situation is nothing less than a world of difference. At this time, Xue Rengui was accompanied by Li Shimin by En Zhun. Seeing Li Shimin was so sad, he hurried over to help Li Shimin.At this time, the sacrifice was over, and Li Shimin walked towards the chariot with Xue Rengui, and he said as he walked: "Rengui, all the generals in the court are old, and I have always wanted to find young and brave men to replace them. You stand out in this battle, my heart Very comforting." "As a soldier, I am very grateful for your majesty's reuse." Xue Rengui said sincerely. Li Shimin raised his head and said: "Rengui, I don't like to win Liaodong, but only to win heroes. The territory of the Tang Dynasty is very vast. If there is no one to protect it, let alone expand the territory, even the existing land will be lost. You understand this truth ?" Xue Rengui nodded repeatedly. Li Shimin said softly again: "Rengui, when I return to Beijing this time, I want to take the way of Bingzhou. When you pass through Longmen, you can take your good wife who is waiting in the cold kiln to Beijing. Also, you can also take the burial of your parents. things together." Seeing that the emperor cared about him so much, Xue Rengui couldn't help crying.This Xue Rengui has been guarding the Xuanwu Gate since then, and when Li Zhi came to the throne, he led the army to defeat Goryeo, attack Tie Le, and block Tubo, becoming a famous general of a generation. Li Shimin confessed to Xue Rengui that day, "I don't like Liaodong, but only the hero", which was actually a resignation.Thousands of Tang soldiers died on the Liaodong battlefield, and all their horses and luggage were lost. In Li Shimin's campaign career, such results are really not many, let alone his personal conquest?His mood at this time included the disappointment of not being able to win a complete victory, the anger at Gai Suwen, and the determination to win Goryeo.All kinds of emotions are intertwined and turbulent in his heart.A few days later, Li Shimin drove away from Yingzhou and began to head towards Dingzhou.Probably because of the cold weather, Li Shimin caught the cold accidentally and got sick.The disease is intertwined with its depressed mood, which makes the condition worse and worse.At first, he was able to walk on horseback, but later he had to walk slowly on foot. Li Shimin has always been in good health, even if he occasionally feels unwell, he can recover quickly.Now the disease is coming on fiercely, which has not happened for many years.When the ministers learned that the emperor was ill, they came to visit one after another. Seeing the emperor's limp and sallow face, many of them shed tears.Changsun Wuji advised Li Shimin that it is better to hold off on walking and find a nearby state capital to take a good rest.Li Shimin shook his head and refused, and said: "Let's walk slowly. I have the most confidence in my illness, and I will die. If we walk slowly like this, maybe halfway through, the illness may be cured." Changsun Wuji saw that Li Shimin was still wearing the tattered brown clothes, so he fetched a new robe and persuaded Li Shimin to change it.Li Shimin shook his head in disapproval, and said, "I haven't seen Zhi'er's face, so I will definitely not change this clothes." Changsun Wuji understood Li Shimin's mood, so he stopped persuading him, and instead asked him to take good care of Li Shimin.The brigade traveled to the ground of Yizhou that day, and Sima Chen Yuanshou of Yizhou presented green vegetables for the emperor to enjoy.After the winter in the north, vegetables are difficult to survive. Li Shimin has not eaten fresh vegetables for many days.Changsun Wuji sent someone to call Chen Yuanshou to inquire. Chen Yuanshou knelt in front of Li Shimin's Buyu, and said: "The weather is cold now, and everything on the ground is hard to live. I sent people to dig the basement, and then caged the little ones in the basement. The fire makes the room as warm as spring, and at this time, the rapeseed is planted, and it will be completed in half a month." Li Shimin heard that it took so much effort to grow this vegetable, so he asked: "In the northern land, do the people grow it like this in winter?" Chen Yuanshou replied honestly: "When the common people eat vegetables in winter, they pickle the vegetables in tanks at the end of autumn, and then eat them every day. It takes time and money to grow vegetables in the basement like this, and they don't want to grow them like this. .” Li Shimin was angry again, and asked: "So, can your family eat such fresh vegetables all the time in winter?" "I don't dare. I heard that your Majesty is a teacher from Korea. Counting the time, your Majesty will pass by the ground of Yizhou in the near future. Your Majesty is fighting on the front line this year. After winter, it will be difficult to eat live vegetables. Therefore, I have ordered people to store fire in the basement. , waiting for your Majesty to come here to eat, it is also a little bit of the hearts of the subjects of Yizhou." Li Shimin was even angrier when he heard this, and turned to Changsun Wuji and said, "Wuji, look, this is a good official in my court! Can you figure out this scheming?" Changsun Wuji understood Li Shimin's intentions, so he shouted to Chen Yuanshou: "Go away! Waiting for the emperor to punish you?" Chen Yuanshou's face turned pale with fright. Li Shimin stood up on the Buyu, pointed at Chen Yuanshou and said: "You dog official, you don't think about working hard and loving the people, you only want to flatter and flatter. You got the position of Sima, probably because you got it by drilling. Go back. Start today , this official doesn’t have to do it.” Chen Yuanshou took great pains to serve Li Shimin, but unexpectedly, he became self-defeating and lost his current official position.When he heard the words, he was like thunder, and hurried away. Li Shimin was still angry, and summoned Xu Jingzong and said, "Quickly draw up an order and send it to the capital, and ask Fang Xuanling carefully: I have conquered Liaodong for only one year, and the government in this country is so corrupt? They are in the capital. What have you done? You can ask Dali Qing Sun Fujia to lead people to patrol the four directions, focusing on investigating and punishing the bad behavior of governors and officials below the county magistrate, and they must be dealt with severely and strictly, and will not be tolerated." By convention, the Ministry of Officials is responsible for the annual performance appraisal of officials at all levels.Now that Li Shimin was furious, he had forgotten about these regulations, and urgently ordered Dali Temple to investigate and deal with it immediately.Li Shimin's decree was spread to the capital by the post, and Fang Xuanling and others did not dare to be negligent, and hurriedly drew up six regulations, and sent people to various places to investigate and unannounced, and dealt with immediately if any officials found bad behavior.A few months later, nearly a thousand officials across the country were demoted.Many of them claimed that they were wronged, and they went to the capital to appeal for injustice. This shows that Sun Fujia's strict handling has greatly violated the original intention of "lenient law and cautious punishment" since the Zhenguan period. Li Shimin's words and deeds were seen by the officials, each had their own thoughts, and they couldn't help discussing them in private.Li Daozong asked his eldest grandson Wuji: "What's the matter, Brother Huang? Getting angry at every turn is really contrary to the calm temperament of the past." Changsun Wuji sighed and said: "Isn't this a matter of discernment? When he came out of Beijing at the beginning of the year, he was full of pride, and he regarded Kingding Goryeo as a smooth path, but unexpectedly failed. He has always been arrogant and calm in his heart." ?" Li Daozong nodded and said: "That's right, that confused Sima didn't know what to do, so he rushed to invite pets, but he lost his current official position." "This one person's affairs are small, and after the decree was sent to the capital, I don't know how many people have been hit by the sword! Alas, it seems that people's temperament is actually unpredictable." Li Daozong nodded in agreement. Prince Li Zhiwen listened to his father's class teacher, so he discussed with his assistant ministers, and they went out of Dingzhou to the north to meet Li Shimin's car.Li Zhi led his people to Linyu Pass, and Li Shimin's car happened to arrive there too.Li Zhi led his assistant ministers to kneel down on the side of the road, shouted long live three times, and greeted Li Shimin. Li Shimin leaned on Buyu, seeing Li Zhi leading people to meet him, a warm feeling rose in his heart, and he called everyone to calm down.Li Zhi looked up and saw that Li Shimin was still wearing the same brown clothes. The clothes were worn out and filthy, and his haggard expression made him look even more miserable. Tears flowed from his eyes, and he choked up and said, "The emperor is sick, and the minister didn't come back in time." Serving by your side, my son is very uneasy. Father, the weather is so cold, how can you wear such shabby clothes, and let my son feel even more chilled." Li Shimin had always regarded Li Zhi as cowardly and disliked him very much, but now seeing Li Zhi's grief-stricken expression, it was obvious that his heart was filled with warmth, and he said softly, "Zhier, you are very sad." Well, you heard that my class teacher has greeted you so far, could it be that the assistant minister taught you?" Gao Shilian took a step forward and replied: "Your Majesty, the prince is benevolent and filial. Hearing about the commander of the army, he immediately brought his fellow ministers to greet him. It is not what the ministers taught him." People often long for the warmth of family members when they are lost.Li Shimin has countless concubines and many children in his life, but the closest person in his heart is his elder Sun Jiamin and his children.Now that the grandson Jiamin has passed away, Li Chengqian and Li Tai have been sent away for crimes, leaving only Li Zhi in front of him.Seeing Li Zhi's sincere tears, the figure of eldest grandson Jiamin suddenly appeared in Li Shimin's mind. At that moment, he felt very warm, and his illness also felt a lot easier. Li Shimin nodded and said, "Very well, I don't feel like returning home until today." Li Zhi turned around and took a new robe from Ma Zhou's hand, then knelt down in front of Li Shimin, raised the new robe above his head with both hands, and said respectfully: "I always remember the words of my father before leaving, and I specially made this robe." Father, please change your clothes." Li Shimin was in a happy mood, and said: "Okay, after I take a bath today, I will change into new clothes. Zhi'er, get up, and lead me the way, we will walk together." The next day, Li Shimin supported his sick body and listened to Li Zhi, Gao Shilian, Ma Zhou and others report the detailed domestic situation during the expedition. Gao Shilian said: "Fang Sikong lived in the prime minister's court in the capital, and he did his best, and he did everything possible. He passed the post to Dingzhou for the prince to judge. Since your majesty went out, Lai Qunchen have done their best, and the domestic affairs are still calm." Li Shimin asked: "Ma Qing, how is the autumn harvest this year?" Ma Zhou replied: "This year is another bumper year. The grain income has increased by 10% compared with previous years. The household registration has also increased. The granaries at all levels are still full. The military rations needed for this campaign have been transferred from the granaries last year. Make up the numbers." Li Shimin nodded and said: "Okay, the foundation of the country is the people and food. As long as the food harvest does not fail, the country will be safe and sound. Huh? Where is Liu Qing? Why didn't he come?" At this time, Liu Jie served as a servant of the province under the door, concurrently the prince Zuo Shuzi, the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the three ministers of the Ministry of Officials, the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Households.He assisted the prince in Dingzhou, and he was the one with the most general affairs. Li Zhi replied: "The sons and ministers came to welcome the emperor and dared not neglect state affairs, so Liu Ji and Chu Suiliang were left to deal with general affairs in Dingzhou." Li Shimin nodded, but a shadow flashed in his heart, and he said: "Oh, let them stay in Dingzhou?" Personality, it is absolutely difficult for them to get along well. The two have argued in the court many times before, so they know a thing or two. When Li Shimin was about to leave, he asked Liu Ji to say: "Liu Qing, I am going on an expedition, and you are assisting the prince, and you should know my intentions for your safety." Immediate execution." Li Shimin was very dissatisfied when he heard the words, and scolded: "I entrusted you with the great affairs of the world. If you deal with them in such a simple way, the affairs of the world will be in danger. Do people in the world obey you? Liu Qing, I see that when you issued a letter of remonstrance, your context was clear, and you persuaded people with reason, which is quite like Wei Zheng. However, once the power is in your hands, your mind will change. What about it?" Liu Ji was trained to bow his head, not daring to argue anymore.Li Shimin finally warned: "Liu Qing, you are weak-tempered and too strong, you will be defeated by this in the future, you should be careful!" Li Shimin's worry really became a reality in Dingzhou at this time.Liu Ji and Chu Suiliang had been at odds for many years, and Liu Ji was in power at this time, and his actions were simple, which deepened the conflict between the two.On this day, Li Shimin dismissed Chen Yuanshou's official position and ordered the Dali Temple to inspect the Quartet to Dingzhou. One example, how can it be used to promote the world? If we do this, we will definitely increase a lot of unjust prisons.” Chu Suiliang confronted him tit for tat and said: "Since the emperor has issued an edict, the ministers have to follow it. In fact, the emperor has a lot of reason for doing so. Human nature is often prone to arrogance when it is relaxed, so after a while, we must beat it. The emperor issued this edict for exactly this purpose." Liu Ji shook his head and said: "No. If you say that, you regard the people of the world as evil people and lack the heart to be good. I intend to inform the emperor immediately and advise that this inspection should be moderate. It cannot be expanded arbitrarily." Chu Suiliang sneered and said: "The crown prince is about to leave, and Master Liu is in charge here. My opinion has been expressed clearly. It is up to you whether to listen or not, so I will not talk nonsense." Liu Jie said angrily: "How can Master Chu say such words? We are both officials of the Tang Dynasty, and important officials deeply trusted by the emperor. It is our duty to do our best for the affairs of the world. How can we not agree with each other? Is this an unreasonable attitude? Master Chu, you don’t need to sign this remonstrance, I will play it alone!" Chu Suiliang walked away, and said as he walked, "Whatever you want. How can I stop you from doing what you want?" Sure enough, Liu Jie went to the memorial overnight, and the memorial was sent to Li Shimin. Li Shimin roughly flipped through it, and then threw it aside. After that, Chu Suiliang didn't have much in-depth conversation with Liu Ji. When the two met, it was mostly a routine matter, and they left after saying a few words coldly. On December 2, Li Shimin drove to Dingzhou. Liu Ji and Chu Suiliang led the crowd to welcome Li Shimin out of the city and live in the palace.Li Shimin's health improved slightly at this time, but after a long illness and the fatigue of the journey, he looked extremely tired, and a carbuncle appeared on his thigh, which added a lot of pain, and he needed several people to support him when he moved. The ministers sent Li Shimin to the palace. Li Shimin felt a little tired and asked everyone to withdraw, saying that he would take a good rest for a few days before dealing with political affairs.Liu Ji and Chu Suiliang originally carried many memorials with them, and they wanted to invite Li Shimin to read them.Seeing this, they didn't dare to mention it again, so they bowed out with everyone. Liu Jie came out of the palace gate, worried about Li Shimin's illness, his expression was very sad, and he sighed to his companions: "Your Majesty is in such a state of illness, the holy bow is worrying! May your majesty be blessed with good luck and recover soon." The companions Ma Zhou, Gao Shilian and others felt the same way and sighed at the same time, followed by Chu Suiliang who remained silent and rolled his eyes several times. A few days later, Li Shimin regained his energy, and the carbuncle on his thigh gradually subsided, and he looked very refreshed.After the hour of the day, Li Shimin walked out with Li Zhi's support, and looked up to see the winter sun hanging in the east. Although the surroundings were extremely cold, the sun's rays warmed his heart a lot.Li Shimin thought of the mud and ice and snow in Liaodong, recalled the countless difficulties on the way home, and felt that it was a nightmare in his heart, so he sighed to Li Zhi: "Zhier, I have learned the lesson of Emperor Sui Yang for this battle and planned it two years in advance. I made preparations, but in the end, I didn’t win a complete victory after all, and retreated hastily. Thinking about it now, I have countless regrets in my heart.” Li Zhi replied: "Royal father broke through ten cities in this trip, and immediately approached the city of Pyongyang. Gai Suwen and the Koreans were terrified, so the purpose of this trip has been achieved. My son thinks that royal father should have no regrets." The word "cowardly" flashed through Li Shimin's mind again. He shook his head and looked directly at Li Zhidao: "There is an old saying, 'Don't chase the poor', but I don't think so. To prepare for war, there must be a purpose for this trip; Go forward bravely and hit the target with one blow. When I was fighting for my father in the past, I used to stick to the enemy for a long time to consume energy, food and grass, and patience. When I saw a chance of victory, I immediately rose up and chased hard without giving the enemy anything. A chance to breathe. Due to the impact of the climate in the Liaodong battle, I had to stop my troops and return home. How can I not regret it? Zhier, the way to serve the country, should not be benevolent or weak, otherwise there will be endless troubles." "I know." Li Zhi replied respectfully. "I won't let go of the Koryo matter. I will capture Nagai Suwenjie and go to Beijing. Zhi'er, if my ambition is hard to repay, you must fulfill my wish for my father." "Koryo is a small country, what a big deal. In fact, the emperor doesn't need to do anything, just send a capable general to suppress the victory, and the emperor doesn't need to worry too much." Li Shimin couldn't help being surprised when he heard Li Zhi's decisive words, and tilted his head in praise: "Well, I am very relieved to hear your decisive words. I have always been afraid that you are weak-hearted. It seems that With the help of the ministers, you have gained a lot of knowledge during this period of time. Well, I feel in good spirits today, you sent someone to summon the ministers, and it is time for us to discuss matters together." While Li Zhi sent people to call the ministers, he helped Li Shimin slowly into the hall. Then the ministers came in a hurry and reported the recent domestic affairs to Li Shimin one by one according to their duties.After listening, Li Shimin nodded with satisfaction, looked at Chu Suiliang and said: "Chu Qing, before my expedition, you strongly opposed it, fearing that the people's power would be used lightly and cause people's grievances, which would lead to turmoil like Yang Xuangan's change. You listened to everyone As I said just now, you should know that the country is still relatively quiet, and the age is not bad, but you are still worrying too much." Chu Suiliang bowed and replied: "Your Majesty, I opposed the expedition at the beginning, and I will not change it now. Since Zhenguan, Your Majesty has calmed the people and achieved great order in the world. The warehouses are full and the people are rich. This battle alone will not shake the foundation of the country. What I am worried about is that such a waste of money and food should not be started lightly, if it continues, it will not be a blessing for the country." "So, the futility of my expedition to Liaodong this time can fully prove what you said?" Chu Suiliang was at a loss for words for a while, and didn't know how to answer.If it is said that the battle was laborious and futile, which confirmed his prophecy, then what should Li Shimin think?To say that this battle has achieved a great victory is obviously a flattery, and it is not in line with my own wishes.He pondered for a moment before replying generously: "In the battle of Liaodong, our army conquered ten cities, wiped out tens of thousands of enemies, and obtained nearly 100,000 household registrations. This battle made the whole country of Korea terrified, and it fully demonstrated the dignity of our great country. However, Pyongyang did not fall. That Gai Suwen is still at large, saying that the victory of this battle is after all reluctant. The minister now believes that the evil must be eliminated, and the enemy should not be aggravated by it. Gai Suwen must be captured. The war has come to this point, in order to protect the majesty of the great country, it cannot be taken lightly In the language of the people." Li Shimin smiled and said, "Well, Chu Qing's transition has been very fast. Yes, the battle of Liaodong was not a complete victory, and I feel bad at this moment. What will we do with Korea in the future? After we return to Beijing, we will discuss it slowly." All the ministers knew that Li Shimin had always been a victorious general, but this time the royal conquest had caused a disgrace, so they didn't dare to touch this topic lightly.Li Shimin's voluntary and frank admission today proves that this person has a broad mind, and he can not deliberately avoid talking about the Liaodong War in the future. Everyone secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Liu Ji said at this time: "Your Majesty, I saw the edict of Dali Temple to inspect the four directions a few days ago, and felt that we should be cautious, so I immediately sent a letter of advice to Your Majesty. I wonder if Your Majesty has seen it?" Li Shimin thought of Chen Yuanshou's matter, and the anger in his heart was ignited again. He said angrily: "Then Chen Yuanshou is a Sima of a small state, but he is used to flattery and flattery. Is the government of our dynasty so perfect? ​​You I have read the remonstrance chapter, and I really can't stand the empty words in it, so I have to put it aside. Liu Qing, you must always be unremitting in the affairs of officials, and a little indulgence is a big mistake. I let the Dali Temple sect People patrol the four directions, in fact, they want to rectify the mistakes of the officials. You have been the magistrate for a while, and you have not asked about the affairs of the officials, but you have come to blame me for doing things for you. Do you only have the talent to remonstrate, but not the ability to do it? " What Li Shimin said at this time was very harsh. Liu Jie still refused to accept softness, and continued to fight: "Your Majesty guides people to speak out, and always encourages his subjects to speak, how can you block people's words like this?" Li Shimin added to his anger, and reprimanded: "The government is so bad, it is the result of I have always indulged you to speak casually. I have recently reflected on it, if people cannot establish authority, how can they control others? You," Li Shimin pointed at everyone, "don't do it in the future. Discuss with your subordinates at every turn, as a human being, you must have your own opinions, and you can't let the gossip interfere with your own ideas." As soon as Li Shimin's words came out, all the officials were shocked when they heard the words.Since Zhenguan, Li Shimin has taught others to remonstrate and encourage others to speak endlessly, as long as the heart is for the country, it is okay to say wrong things.He suddenly changed his attitude today, making everyone confused. Liu Ji still defended: "Your Majesty, I think this statement is inappropriate..." Li Shimin interrupted Liu Ji's words and said loudly: "Master Liu, I don't want to hear from you anymore." Seeing that the scene was a little stiff, Gao Shilian hurriedly stepped forward to stop Liu Jie, and said, "Your Majesty is still ill, so don't waste your energy for a long time. Let's leave today." Seeing this scene, Chu Suiliang was secretly happy, feeling that the opportunity had come.After noon, he quietly came to the palace and asked to meet Li Shimin. Li Shimin had just woken up from his lunch break, so he allowed Chu Suiliang to see him.Chu Suiliang stepped into the hall lightly, then prostrated himself and said, "My subject, Chu Suiliang, has something to play." Li Shimin pointed to the chair on one side and said, "Chu Qing, get up, sit down and talk." Chu Suiliang thanked him, and obediently got up and sat on the chair. "What's the matter with you? Why didn't you play before noon?" Li Shimin raised his eyes and asked. "Your Majesty blamed Liu Ji for being rude today, and I felt the same way. I wanted to blame Liu Ji for his mistakes, but I was afraid that it would provoke comments that would make things worse, so I held back. Thinking about it afterwards, Liu Ji's actions became more and more rebellious. If you are in the way To not speak in front of your colleagues is to deceive the emperor, so I made a special trip today to inform His Majesty." "What's wrong with Liu Ji?" "Liu Ji and Cen Wenwen had similar experiences, and they were promoted to prime minister at the same time. Cen Wenwen was so loyal and dedicated that he died of exhaustion, while Liu Bo, relying on his sharp tongue, dreamed of gaining the status of an admirable minister like Wei Zheng. Use this to sway the court." Chu Suiliang mentioned the names of Wei Zheng and Cen Wenwen, which aroused Li Shimin's thoughts.Cen Wenwen died of exhaustion in this battle, Li Shimin felt guilty for many days, and felt that he was loyal, and often sighed; but for Wei Zheng, until now, he still has a lingering disgust.Li Shimin thought of this, nodded and said: "That's right, Liu Ji didn't learn from Cen Wenwen, but learned from Wei Zheng's shortcomings. After all, he was wrong." Chu Suiliang continued to criticize Liu Ji and said: "I know that Your Majesty once commented on Liu Ji and said: 'Liu Ji is the most steadfast and has benefits; but his intentions are still promises, private to friends'. After all, this evaluation is still a lot of praise. Because of this, I think that since your majesty set out to conquer Liaodong, Liu Ji has held a lot of power, and instead of trying to repay him, he has traveled farther and farther. What he has done is really unbearable." "Well, go on." "Your Majesty decided that the minister and Liu Ji were not in harmony in the past. In the depths, it is because the minister and the other two have different minds and actions. The minister's performance today is not revenge for personal gain. I beg your majesty to see clearly. The minister thinks that Liu Ji is the biggest mistake. ，其实有三。一者，其对权位看得太重。他此次在定州，不听别人建议，甚至对太子之言也置若罔闻。” 李世民点头道：“不错，他行事失于简单，朕临行之前曾经劝过他。” 褚遂良继续道：“其二，其疏狂有余，而稳重不足。其教导太子，多选严法与苛政例子来辅导，失于敦厚之意。其三，此人之心，深不可测，臣观之有侯君集之风。” “有侯君集之风？他莫非也有反意吗？” “臣不敢妄说。那日陛下返回定州入行宫居住，群臣辞别出宫，刘洎观看陛下病状，出外当众说了一句大逆不道之言，由此可以看出其叵测心机。” "What words?" “刘洎那日出宫之后，容色悲惧，其说道：'陛下病势如此，圣躬可忧！然国家之事不以圣躬好坏而忧，我们可辅幼主行伊尹、霍光故事，大臣中有异志者诛之，则国家可定矣。'” 伊尹辅周成王，霍光辅汉昭帝以定天下，褚遂良编造此话，明显是诬陷刘洎认为李世民必死，群臣可以辅佐李治为皇帝来定天下。 李世民听言果然大怒，骂道：“这个该死的逆臣，我还没有咽气，他竟然咒我早死。哼，行伊尹、霍光故事，朝中如此多的大臣，能容他来做伊尹、霍光吗？” 李世民当即让褚遂良退出，然后唤人宣刘洎前来。 刘洎匆匆赶来，李世民劈面骂道：“好一个大胆的逆臣，朕好好地活着，你竟然来咒我早死。我死了，你就可以当上伊尹、霍光吗？” 刘洎丈二金刚摸不着头脑，惶恐说道：“臣一向尽忠陛下，怎敢说出此等言语，想是陛下听错了。” “朕听错了吗？你那日出行宫当着群臣之面说出什么话了？” 刘洎一脸茫然，说道：“臣见陛下病体沉重，心中忧虑，未出悖逆之语呀。” “你当时敢公然说出，现在为何不敢承认？”李世民大喊一声，“薛仁贵。” 薛仁贵此时在门外，闻声立即入内。 李世民手指刘洎道：“薛仁贵，你即刻将他押下去看管起来，听候我旨意处理。” 薛仁贵答应一声，伸手唤来数人。 刘洎“扑通”一声跪在地上，大声呼道：“陛下，臣一向言语率直，然语出真诚，没有私心。陛下刚才所言之事，定是有小人向陛下进谗言，乞陛下明察。臣那日说话之时，高仆射和马周就在身侧，陛下一问便知。” 李世民哼了一声，仅将手向薛仁贵一挥。薛仁贵见状，急忙让人将刘洎拖走。 李世民记起刘洎临行之言，遂让人将高士廉和马周宣来。二人匆匆来到，李世民将刘洎的事向二人简略说了一遍，最后问道：“刘洎坚决不承认说过此话，还说你二人其时就在身侧可为之作证，你们好好想一想，他到底是怎么说的？” 高士廉道：“臣已老迈，耳朵又背，刘洎到底说过什么话，臣实在记不得了。”高士廉是年六十九岁，行动迟缓，老眼昏花且耳背。 李世民转问马周道：“你定然听到刘洎之言了。” 马周刚才听李世民说起刘洎之事，觉得事起仓促，有点难以置信。他多年随侍李世民左右，知道李世民为人最有主见，不会因别人的三言两语来断事，他现在对刘洎满腔愤怒，定有深层原因。马周见李世民转向自己，来不及细想，遂老老实实答道：“陛下，臣忆起当日之事，刘洎确实深忧陛下病体，且满面愁容。其当时说，'陛下病势如此，圣躬可忧！'” “就此一句话吗？” “臣不敢欺君，刘洎当时仅说过此一句话，并无他言。” “他忧虑何在？不就是盼我早死吗？”李世民愤愤说道。 马周与刘洎同朝多年，深知此人为人正派，少有私心，其言语率直，自魏征逝后，敢于向李世民进谏者以此人为首。他不忍刘洎因言获罪，使朝廷中失去一名栋梁之臣，遂向李世民央求道：“臣以为，刘洎忠心耿耿为朝廷办事，这一段时间总领数部庶务，虽有疏漏之处，亦为无心之失，其大节尚可。陛下今后可以多加诫约，使其臻于完美。” “臻于完美？”李世民冷笑道。 高士廉亦持同议，其向李世民央求道：“陛下，刘洎初随萧铣，后归大唐。其初为南康州长史，然后一步步升迁，终至相位。他有此际遇，皆因陛下重才纳士所致，可见其有着相当的能力。若因一言获罪，对天下而言，实为一巨大损失。臣愿替刘洎作保，容他戴罪立功。” 马周也跪下道：“陛下，臣亦愿作保。” 李世民默然注视二人顷刻，缓缓说道：“你们都退下去吧，朕自有分寸。” 翌日，李世民诏令下，其诏曰：小人在列，为蠹则深；巨猾当枢，怀恶必大。侍中、检校户部尚书、清苑县开国男刘洎，出自闾伍，言行罕称，于国无涓滴之劳，在朕匪扮榆之旧。但以驱策稍久，颇有吏能，擢以凡琐之间，收其鸣吠之用。超伦越品，使居常伯，纡青袭紫，摄职文昌。冀有葵藿之情，知惭雨露之泽。兹朕行履，小乖和豫，凡百在位，忠孝缠心，每一引见，涕泗交集。洎独容颜自若，密图他志。今行御进状，奏洎乃与人窃议，谋执朝衡，自处霍光之地，窥弄兵甲，擅总伊尹之权，猜忌大臣，拟旨夷戮。朕亲加临问，初犹不承，旁人执证，方始具伏。此如可怒，孰不可容？且皇太子治春秋鼎盛，声溢震方，异汉昭之童幼，非周成之襁褓。辄生负图之望，是有无君之心，论其此罪，合从孥戮。但以夙经任遇，不忍枭悬，宜免家累，赐其自尽。 刘洎此时被圈入一屋，身边有数人看守，他看罢此诏书，顿时流出眼泪，大呼道：“皇上啊，刘洎就如此不堪吗？我若如此不堪，你以前对我的赞语不都成了虚言吗？还好，你总算说我'颇有吏能'，然其他不实之处，你都一一验证过吗？”他转向看守之人道：“你们，速拿纸笔来，我要将冤情一一书写呈给皇上。” 看守之人面面相觑，无人敢动弹。 刘洎吼道：“我为将死之人，我临行之前索点纸笔，难道你们都不允许吗？” 看守人中有一人期期艾艾道：“刘大人，不是我们不予，实在因我们仅领看守之职，不敢办分外之事。” 刘洎颓然坐在地上，心死如灰，仰天长叹道：“皇上啊，你一生识人无数，为何就不理解我刘洎的一片忠心呢？你让我自尽，我心里实在不服啊！什么伊尹、霍光，我何尝说过这等话？” 一名看守手执绳索，将其捧给刘洎，说道：“刘大人，君叫臣死，臣不敢不死，时辰已到，请大人自己上路吧。” 刘洎又转怒其他大臣：“你们与我同僚多年，难道不知我刘洎的为人？皇上被小人蒙蔽，你们为何不出头帮我说句公道话？哼，什么清明政治，事到临头，你们为何都当了缩头乌龟？” 刘洎实在冤枉了诸大臣，那日高士廉、马周向李世民央求保下刘洎之命，第二日，长孙无忌、李世、李道宗等人也来皇宫向李世民央求，奈何此时诏命已下，刘洎已魂归西天。那褚遂良也随在人流中，假仁假义帮助刘洎说话。 刘洎之死，固然与褚遂良进谗言有直接关系，然更有深层原因。李世民口中说要导人谏诤，然诸人以直言相谏扫其颜面时，其心内还是十分不喜的，从其推倒魏征墓前石碑便可知一二。魏征逝后，刘洎隐然为谏者之首，其屡屡触犯李世民的龙颜，为其不喜。更有甚者，李世民觉得刘洎疏狂成性，其渐行渐积，定会形成“谋执朝衡”的局面，因而断然杀之。 褚遂良一生多才多艺，颇有干事之才，又有智谋，实为栋梁之臣，然他善于迎合皇上，有逢迎之嫌。此次诬告刘洎成功，去除自己的眼中钉，实为其一生中莫大的败笔。 李世民在定州养病月余，终于痊愈。百官为之庆贺。是时，已至岁末，李世民就与群臣在定州迎来了新年。元旦刚过，李世民离开定州，带领众人赶往太原，他想经过太原返回京师。 太原为大唐的龙兴之地，李世民对这里有相当感情。车驾到了并州，李世民下诏大赦并州，在太原城内摆宴款待城中父老，赐给他们粟帛。 想起当初起兵时，李渊曾在晋祠祈祷，李世民遂选一晴日到晋祠游历。事先，他先沐浴一番，然后亲自主祭。祭罢，他令人端来笔墨，遂在祠内书写一铭，即为后世所传诵的《晋祠铭》，其碑文立在晋祠内，至今犹存。