Chapter 8 The Eighth Returns to Chang'an King Qin Presents Victory Banquet Prince Li Yuan Divides His Troops

In order to stabilize Longxi, Li Shimin lived in Jingzhou for a few more days. After making arrangements for the affairs here, he heard about Li Yuan and asked Hao Yuan to be the Governor of Jingzhou and Zong Luohui to be the General of Hussars.Zhang Wansui took a fancy to the fertile water and grass in Qianshuiyuan, and asked to use it as a horse ranch. Li Shimin agreed with his choice of this place, and awarded Zhang Wansui the governor of Gaochao.Li Shimin's arrangement was not a sudden inspiration, it was a discussion between him and Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui.Hao Yuan and Zong Luohu have lived in Longxi for many years, and they are well aware of the human relationship and geography here, and the two of them have a good reputation among Longxi people.Letting them preside over the military and political power here can not only comfort the local people, but also restrict Li Gui in the west.To take a step back, if the two of them had some evil intentions, Li Shimin had laid down Zhang Wansui's pawn in Gaoqi in advance, which could ensure that the gate to the west of Chang'an was safe and secure.

When the time came to the middle of the twelfth lunar month, Li Yuan's imperial decree arrived in Longxi, and he approved all Li Shimin's performances, and ordered the Western Expeditionary Army to escort Xue Rengao and others to Chang'an. Hearing that they could go home for the New Year, the whole army was overjoyed.On the sixteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the army set up camp in Jingzhou and marched eastward.Hao Yuan and Zong Luohu led a thousand officials to send Li Shimin ten miles away, and they bowed their heads to promise Li Shimin that they would be loyal to Tang, no matter what happened.Li Shimin held the hands of the two of them, trying his best to comfort him.The army passed through Qianshuiyuan, and the traces of fighting by the rebellious army were still there, and graves were piled up on the plain.In the low-lying areas of the long grass, there are grave mounds piled up with new soil scattered within a radius of five miles, looking bleak and desolate.

Chu Liang and his family are also in the ranks of the army.Li Shimin entered Jingzhou and asked Fang Xuanling to accompany him to find Chu Liang that night.Chu Liang heard the name of the King of Qin early on, and was so grateful to see him as a corporal, he immediately agreed to move to Chang'an with Li Shimin and his family. Li Shimin first gave him a literary position in the Qin Palace.At this moment, Li Shimin looked at the grave mound, turned his head and said to Chu Liang: "Mr. Chu, I heard that you almost lost your head because you persuaded Xue Rengao to stop fighting and surrender to Tang. If he had listened to your advice, he might not have these things in front of him." A graveyard. Today Xue Rengao was forced to surrender to the Tang Dynasty, but so many people dumped their corpses in the wilderness. Soldier, it has been miserable throughout the ages."

Chu Liang said: "So the world can't be chaotic. Everyone wants to be the emperor, so they have to fight each other. Seeing Xue Rengao, he can't be a great treasure. For such a person who doesn't know the current affairs, it's enough to get rich. Speaking of it, I'd better stand for him." For his sake." Li Shimin laughed loudly: "Mr. Chu's words are wonderful. When you arrive in Chang'an, you might as well travel around the world like Confucius, so that Liu Wuzhou, Wang Shichong and others will stop messing around there, and let them all surrender to the Tang Dynasty and become princes. You say How? Haha, you will definitely be beaten out with a big stick, or your head will be lost if you fail. It's a pity, there are too many people in the world who don't cry when they don't see the coffin."

The army slowly retreated to Binzhou, and Li Mi, the welcoming envoy sent by Li Yuan, had arrived here. The news of the great victory in the Western Expedition reached Chang'an, and Li Yuan was very happy.After Li Shimin's defeat in Feiyun Valley, Pei Ji's Northern Expedition to Liu Wuzhou suffered consecutive defeats, and finally fled back to Chang'an. Thanks to Yin Kaishan and Chai Shao's couple sticking to the dragon gate, Liu Wuzhou's advancing momentum was blocked.In those days, seeing that the war was unfavorable, Li Yuan didn't even have the mood to go hunting.All the officials in Chang'an were panic-stricken, fearing that Chang'an would not be guaranteed, they all petitioned for more troops and severely punished the escaped commander Pei Ji.Li Yuan had no soldiers to send, and he didn't want to blame Pei Ji deeply, so he could only moan in the palace all day long.Now that Li Shimin has captured Xue Rengao alive, the west of Chang'an is basically stable, and he can deal with Liu Wuzhou with all his strength.Li Yuan sent Li Mi to Binzhou to meet the rain after a long drought, and he himself urged all the officials in Chang'an to prepare for the sacrifice of the Taimiao.

After Li Mi came to the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan raised him in Chang'an and named him Guangluqing and Xing Guogong.When he arrived in Binzhou, he counted the time when Li Shimin would arrive, went out of the city gate with the governor of Binzhou and other officials and stood on the side of the road, with incense tables lined up beside him, colorful flags hunting behind him, and drummers waiting with instruments. The triumphant Western Expeditionary Army arrived near Binzhou. After the leading horse rode, Li Shimin rode the tall "White-hoofed Crow" in the front.When he walked to the front of the city, he only heard the sound of drums and music, and all the officials bowed down to greet him.When Li Shimin got off his horse, Li Mi read out the imperial decree and welcome speech to Li Shimin, in response to the red tape, without detailing them one by one.

The army did not stop in Binzhou.Li Mi also marched to Chang'an with the army.Li Shimin had heard Li Mi's name long ago, and this was the first time he met him. Thinking of the past when he helped Yang Xuangan raise an army, according to Wa Gang called him Duke of Wei, and killed Zhai Rang and called himself emperor, he always thought he was a strange person.When I met a real person this time, I saw that Li Mi was short and fat, with a darker complexion and a black beard, so there was nothing special about his appearance. When Li Mi saw Li Yuan in Chang'an, he often had arrogance. When he saw Li Shimin's majestic and heroic appearance, he managed the team in a mighty order.He sighed quietly to Liu Wenjing: "This king of Qin is really a hero. If he has no hero in his chest, how can he stabilize Longxi?"

Li Shimin and Li Mi walked side by side on the way home, and while they browsed the surrounding terrain, they chatted one after another.Li Shimin asked: "What's the situation in Liyang now? I've been busy here for a while, and I don't know much about the outside news. I heard that the father asked you to persuade you to surrender, so Xu Shi is your old department, right?" ?” Li Mi replied: "To make the king of Qin happy, then Xu Shi has agreed to vote for the Tang Dynasty when he saw the letter from the emperor and me. But he didn't understand the reason, so he handed over the surrender list and the list of soldiers to me, and asked me to report to the Tang Dynasty again." The emperor gave a report. Tell me, King Qin, how can Xu Shifei, an ignorant person, appear so pedantic?" After speaking, a smug look flashed in his eyes, which caught Li Shimin's eyes.

Li Shimin waved his hand and said: "Well, don't forget the old master, this Xu Shizhen is a loyal minister! When Li Yang returns to the Tang Dynasty, the situation there will become criss-crossed, which will disturb Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande like bones in their throats, and they will not be able to sleep peacefully." Oh! Mr. Xing, you should be happy, since then, Datang has gained another loyal general, and speaking of it, it's all thanks to you." Li Mi said sadly: "A downcast person, how can you be happy? If I had used more people like Xu Shi, would I have been defeated? Anyway, I still have to thank the emperor for taking me in and giving me a place to live."

Li Shimin looked at Li Mi silently, these words must be from his heart, and I believe it has always been a pain in his heart.He said: "Since Xu Shichong descended to the Tang Dynasty, the emperor should send more troops to reinforce him. Li Yang's position is too important. It would be a pity if Wang Shichong or Dou Jiande took it first." Li Midao: "When I came out, the emperor had sent Li Shentong, King of Huai'an, as the comfort ambassador of Shandong Province, and led 20,000 troops to Liyang. At this moment, I think he has joined forces with Xu Shi." Li Shimin clapped his palms and was overjoyed: "Okay, my father's move can be said to be far-sighted. If Li Yang is the foundation and gradually develop to Hebei and Shandong, the unification of the Tang Dynasty is just around the corner!"

Hearing the words, Li Mi's eyes suddenly showed a strange light, there was a trace of helplessness in it, as well as a trace of unwillingness and jealousy. This strangeness made Li Shimin brood.At night, Li Shimin was camping with Fang Xuanling, and he suddenly talked about Li Mi: "Xuanling, this Li Mi is not a peaceful person. Tell me about your impressions of him." Fang Xuanling said: "Li Mi has always had a very high vision and extraordinary insight. He helped Yang Xuangan and Zhai Rang, and he called himself emperor, which are all earth-shattering events. Let him walk from a low place to a high place alone, that's okay. If you fall from a high place to a low place, you will always feel a sense of loss, and you will feel unreconciled if you are arrogant. Li Mi now lives in Chang'an and is the Duke of Xing, but he is not a thing in the pool. Marshal, I can't rule Give them military power easily." Li Shimin said slowly: "It's not a thing in the pond! Xuanling, you're right, we can't let him add to the chaos." Half a year later, when Li Yuan heard that many of Wagang's descendants refused to accept Wang Shichong's command, he sent Li Mi to lead Wang Bo to appease him.When Li Mi walked halfway, Li Yuan suddenly regretted it and hurriedly called the two of them back to Chang'an.Li Mi thought that Li Yuan had become suspicious of him, so he refused to follow his orders, and led his troops into Taolin County to rebel against the Tang Dynasty. kill.Li Yuan told Xu Shi the news of Li Mi's death. Xu Shi burst into tears and asked Li Yuan to be willing to bury Li Mi. Li Mi's body was sent to Liyang. place.At that time, Li Shimin was guarding the Changchun Palace. When he heard the news, he praised Xu Shi again.This is for later. On June 6th of the first year of Wude, Li Yuan set up the Taimiao in Tongyifang, and four temples were set up in the temple to enshrine the longevity tablets of his ancestors Li Xi, Li Tianci, Li Hu and Li Bing respectively.Li Yuan became the emperor, and even his ancestors had to live an emperor's addiction. They gave these four generations of ancestors the posthumous titles of Emperor Xuan, Emperor Guang, Emperor Jing, and Emperor Yuan.Li Yuan's family claimed to be the descendants of the Zhengzhi branch of Li Dai, the Wuzhao king of Xiliang, and was one of the Eight Great Pillar Kingdoms in Guanlong.In fact, Li Yuan's ancestors first lived in Zhao County, Hebei Province. They were originally a common surname, but they gradually fell into disrepair.I don't know which of his ancestors felt that he couldn't get along here anymore. When the world was in chaos, his family moved to Longxi.At this time, the power of Yu Wentai, a Xianbei native, gradually became stronger, overthrowing the regime of the Northern Wei Dynasty in one fell swoop and establishing the Western Wei Dynasty.Li Yuan's ancestor thought that he joined the army under Yu Wentai's command. He gained honors for his military exploits, and his descendants gradually prospered.This Yu Wentai is a hero among the Hu people. He has a broad vision and a broad mind. He does not set up defenses against the Hu people and the Han people.During this process, the integration of Hu and Han was very fast, the Hu people were Sinicized, and the Han people were Huhua.In the end of the Western Wei Dynasty, these generals and advisers who made military exploits gradually formed the Guanlong noble group.From the Western Wei Dynasty to the Sui and Tang Dynasties, most of the royal family and Zuo Ming heroes were from the Guanlong Group since the Western Wei Dynasty. When they came out, they were generals, and when they entered, they were ministers.Yuwentai harmonized the Hu people and Han people under his rule, and it was normal for them to marry each other.Like Li Hu who married the Liang family, Li Bing who married the Dugu family, and Li Yuan who married the Dou family, they are all Sinicized Hu people.The blood flowing in Li Shimin's veins was divided between Hu and Han.The eldest grandson Jiamin's ancestors were also Hu people. The nineteenth day of the twelfth lunar month is the day when the ceremony of presenting victory to the Taimiao is held. Since the day before, Fang Xuanling has ordered the whole army to start fasting.At Yinshi, Li Shimin led the conscript generals and 500 soldiers, escorted Xue Rengao and other ten prisoners into the city.They entered through the Golden Light Gate and walked east along the street.They walked all the way to Suzaku Street without a word, formed a team in front of Suzaku Gate, and the servant of the Ministry of Rites led them to turn south and walk towards Tongyifang. The Tai Temple was brightly lit inside and outside. When the team arrived in front of the temple gate, the servant of the Ministry of Rites asked Xue Rengao and others to kneel at the south of the gate, while Li Shimin and others stood on the left side of the temple gate.On the right, hundreds of civil and military officials stood together in a dense crowd, they had arrived early. At dawn, everyone heard the wheels rolling, it was the sound of Li Yuanluan driving out of the palace.Li Yuan rode in a leather chariot, dressed in Wubian uniform, and had six armies in front and back, with a mighty guard of honor.Long live the civil and military officials. Li Shimin took a few steps forward and knelt down at Li Yuan's feet, kowtowed and said: "My sons and servants have entrusted their ancestors Hongfu and father to accumulate power, and they have pacified Longxi. Now, according to father's order, we will bring the captive Xue Rengao and others to the Taimiao." Li Yuan was full of joy, and said in a loud voice: "Erlang, take it easy; everyone who loves you, let's take it easy. The ancestors of my Li family were all galloping in Longxi on horseback. Why can't the Xue family's ringworm and scabies be taken away? Erlang, the family of all the Qings , and follow me into the temple to tell the ancestors!" Under the guidance of the servant of the Ministry of Rites, Li Yuan was in the front, and all the officials were behind, and went to the four inner temples to complete the ceremony in turn.At the time of the morning fruit, Wen Daya read out the victory sacrificial proclamation.Afterwards, Li Yuanluan drove back to the palace, and all the officials lined up to attend the announcement ceremony of Zhu Jie. When Xue Rengao knelt in front of the Taimiao, he thought that he opened the city gate and surrendered, and his life should be saved.Unexpectedly, in the victory ceremony that Wen Daya read out, there was a sentence "to kill the thief chieftain Xue Rengao in order to end the thief's hope", Xue Rengao suddenly collapsed on the ground like a pile of soft mud.Seeing Li Yuan passing by in a chariot, Li Shimin was about to step out of the temple surrounded by all the officials. He hurriedly climbed a few steps, fell at Li Shimin's feet and paused: "King Qin save me, you once said that you can save me. Family Yixiangmai, why did you change your mind when you arrived in Chang'an?" Li Shimin stopped in his tracks and said, "Xue Rengao, I said to preserve the fragrance of your Xue family. This is not bad. Your brother and your children will live on. But I can't spare you. Back then you killed the family in Longxi. Many people, like Liu Gan and others, how miserable they died! If you don’t kill you today, these dead souls will blame me, and the people in Longxi will also say that I don’t know right from wrong. You can go at ease, I guarantee your family Safe." After speaking, he ignored Xue Rengao and strode away. At noon that day, in front of Suzaku's gate, the executioner swung Xue Rengao's head with a swing of his sword. In order to commend Li Shimin's contribution, Li Yuan ordered Wen Daya to announce the ceremony so that the world would know the great victory.Li Shimin was also granted the title of Taiwei, and the order of Shangshu of Shandong Daoxingtai, ordering him to guard the Changchun Palace, and all the soldiers and horses in the Kwantung were subject to his restraint.The rest of the Western Expedition soldiers will be rewarded according to their merits. After hearing Liu Gan's deeds, Baiguan was so moved that Li Yuan shed tears in the court hall.He asked people to find Liu Gan's body, sacrificed it in Shaolao, and gave him the title of Inspector of Yingzhou, the Duke of Pingyuan, and his posthumous posthumous title of Zhongzhuang. At the court meeting, Pei Ji watched Liu Wenjing triumphantly there, feeling really uncomfortable, but after all he had lost the battle and he returned victorious, so he had nothing to say. Liu Wenjing didn't let him go, and the two stood next to each other. Liu Wenjing asked softly, "Jian Pei, what's going on? Many of our soldiers and horses are so unbearable that they can't even beat the grassroots bandits?" Pei Ji smiled and said nothing. Liu Wenjing continued to provoke Pei Ji, he played: "Your Majesty, now that the western front is safe, I would like to reinforce the northern front." At that time, Yin Kaishan and Chai Shao's couple led troops to resist on the northern front. They stationed troops at Longmen and fought against Liu Wuzhou with their backs against the river. Li Yuan asked, "What strategy does Liu Aiqing have?" "I think it is necessary to change the current situation where the enemy soldiers are approaching the city. You can let Chai Fuma and the others continue to defend at Longmen, and you lead the army to attack north, recovering the lost ground along the way; moreover, after all, I have been in contact with Shibi Khan several times, and I am willing to go out." As a Turk, please Shibi Khan restrain Liu Wuzhou. If you use this method of beating and pulling, it should be able to change the current situation." After Liu Wenjing finished speaking, she did not forget to smile sideways at Pei Ji. Pei Ji saw his sarcastic expression. Li Yuan thought it was a good idea and immediately agreed, but instead of sending Liu Wenjing to the expedition immediately, Liu Hongji and Changsun Shunde led the Northern Expedition, and asked Liu Wenjing to prepare gifts to go to the Eastern Turks, and promised that he would go to the front after returning from the mission.Li Yuan is fairly well-informed. He understands that Liu Wenjing's strengths lie in diplomacy and government affairs, and that fighting wars is not his forte. Li Shimin originally wanted to lead the army in the Northern Expedition, but when he saw that Liu Wenjing had taken the lead, he didn't say anything else.When Li Yuan asked for his opinion, Li Shimin fully supported Liu Wenjing, thinking that this was the best policy. It was nearly noon after the court meeting, and Li Shimin rushed back to Chengqian Hall excitedly, eager to see his two newly born sons.As soon as I entered the hall, I saw that the big brazier in the center was filled with glowing red charcoal fires, and the room was as warm as spring. Green smoke was rising from the two incense burners, and the aroma was tangy.The palace informed Chengqian Hall about the news of Li Shimin's class teacher. The eldest grandson Jiamin, Jing'er, and Yang Shi waited in the main hall early in the morning, waiting for Li Shimin's return, while two nurses waited on the two children.Li Shimin didn't have time to take off his court clothes, so he shouted: "Miss Min, Jing'er, quickly let the two children see me." The eldest grandson Jiamin stepped forward to remove Li Shimin's robe, and said with a smile, "Erlang, I prepared it for you a long time ago. When you get home, are you still in such a hurry? Look, your head is still sweating in winter." Nanny First hand Cheng Qian to Li Shimin's hands. This is the first time in his life that he holds his own child, and he is careful not to fall it.I saw the baby's chubby face was rosy and full, and couldn't help kissing it. At that time, Chengqian was about to fall asleep, and when Li Shimin fiddled with it like this, he burst into tears with a "wow", and the eldest grandson Jiamin quickly took it and hugged it in his arms . Li Shimin said: "My good boy, seeing my father doesn't smile, I'm getting angry now, are you blaming me for being late? Jing'er, where's Kuan'er? Let me have a look." The two babies were very similar in appearance, Li Shimin looked at them for a while, and then asked the nurse to carry them to the back room to rest.In the hall, the husband and wife were sitting together. Li Shimin was very happy and said, "Thank you for your hard work. I'm in Longxi. I heard that the goji berries produced there are very good. They can nourish yin and warm up. I'll bring some back. It's the best for you after giving birth." Make up for it." After finishing speaking, he asked his servants to bring up two packs of goji berries.The eldest Sun Jiamin opened it and saw that the goji berries were plump and as red as blood.She thanked her husband for his thoughtfulness, and asked someone to wrap it up and put it away, and said: "Erlang, it's best to send some to Concubine Wan Gui. You are not at home, and she talks about you every day." Li Shimin said: "It's rare that you still think about others." , don’t worry, Concubine Wan Gui, Prince Edward, and Shiro are all ready, and you can send them to them later.” The four of them were chatting together, Li Shimin remembered something, turned to Jing'er and said, "Jing'er, I want to discuss something with you. These days, I suddenly thought of poor brother Zhiyun again. Unfortunately, he was killed at a young age and had no children. Huh. Chengqian is our eldest son, that's all, I want to adopt Kuan'er to Brother Zhiyun and inherit his incense, what do you think?" Jing'er pursed her lips and smiled: "Jing'er and Kuan'er both belong to the prince, what do you think, Jing'er has no objection." Yang Shi didn't talk much at the side, and there was a faint melancholy in his brows and eyes. Li Shimin felt strange seeing this, but didn't ask any more questions.After listening to the two talking, the eldest Sun Jiamin liked it very much.Concubine Wan Gui is now the lord of the harem, she has always been on good terms with Concubine Wan Gui, and Concubine Wan Gui will definitely be very happy to adopt Kuan'er to Zhiyun. The three wives waited for Li Shimin to finish his lunch. Li Shimin rinsed his mouth and yawned, and said contentedly, "It's still comfortable at home. The warm room produces spring, and the beauty is by your side. It's better than fighting hard in the ice and snow." Jing'er interjected: "My lord is winning the battle ahead, and everyone in the palace is praising you. We are all very happy when we hear that." Li Shimin felt sleepy, he stood up, and said, "Sister Min, I'll go to your room to rest for a while. For today's victory ceremony, I hardly closed my eyes last night. Tell me the good things you hear." The elder Sun Jiamin led Li Shimin to his dormitory to rest, while the nanny took Chengqian to another room to rest.After entering the room, the eldest Sun Jiamin shook off the quilt, removed his underwear, and helped him onto the bed.When Li Shimin saw the crimson curtain on the bed, his sleepiness disappeared all of a sudden.He looked sideways at the elder Sun Jiamin who didn't intend to go to bed, and said strangely: "Sister Min, I ran all the way back, and I miss you the most. If you don't go to bed and let me cuddle for a while, are you trying to embarrass me on purpose?" Changsun Jiamin blushed and said, "Erlang, you are very sleepy. If I go to bed, I won't be able to sleep well." He took off his clothes and put them into the quilt, and said: "Who says I'm sleepy, sleeping with your arms is the best rest." The two hugged each other naked, Li Shimin touched her hot body, and his mouth fell She said in her ear: "Sister Min, I have been busy with the war for the past two months, and I haven't even smelled a woman. Hey, you gave birth and your body has plumped up. Look at your pair of jade breasts." , plump, no longer like a little girl in the past, let me have a bite too?" The eldest Sun Jiamin was shy and speechless, but clasped his body tightly with both hands.The two of them fought fiercely, and there was endless sweetness and intimacy in this red gauze tent. Li Shimin slept until the sun was about to set, and the elder Sun Jiamin had already woken up gently. Seeing that it was not early, she pushed Li Shimin up and said, "Erlang, get up quickly. Just after noon, the emperor sent someone to pass the In the evening, he will give a banquet in Tianran Hall." Li Shimin was sleepy, rubbing his eyes and asked, "Banquet? Is there anyone else?" The eldest grandson Jiamin said: "I heard that there are still princes and Shiro. The emperor said that this is a family banquet, and we don't call outsiders." Li Shimin then dressed and washed, suddenly thought of Yang, and asked: "Sister Min, I came back today and saw that Yang Qiong was lonely and lonely, and there seemed to be something sad. Did Jing'er quarrel with her?" The eldest grandson Jiamin said: "Why would Jing'er quarrel with her, Erlang, we sisters and children are very harmonious. The reason why Yang's sister is depressed is because of Shiro, who insisted on bringing her little girl who is not yet twelve years old to It’s in Prince Qi’s mansion.” Yang Qiong's mother is Empress Dowager Xiao, and this little girl snatched by Qi Wang Yuanji is the youngest daughter of Empress Dowager Xiao, and Yang Qiong has a very good relationship with her.The eldest grandson Jiamin went on to say: "The sister of the Yang family has been crying secretly for the past two days. I went to persuade her, but she said that the little girl is too miserable, and she was ruined by King Qi when she was still a child. Erlang, come back tonight and go to the Yang family. Sister's room to persuade her." Li Shimin nodded. The Tianran hall is brightly lit, the room is warm, and the fragrance lingers on the beams.Li Yuan saw that Li Jiancheng and the three of them were about to salute him after they entered the hall, so he waved his hands and said, "Forget it, let's hold a family banquet today, don't be so polite. Come, take your seats." The table in the middle was already filled with various dishes, fruits and vegetables, The wine bottles in front of everyone were filled with amber salamander wine. Li Yuan held up his bottle and said, "I am very happy to be my father today. During these days, Dalang and Shiro assisted me in handling the government affairs, and Erlang wiped out Longxi in one fell swoop. Today I specially bought wine to celebrate. Since we entered Chang'an, such occasions are not too many .Come on, drink it, Erlang, and it will count as a celebration for you." Several people drank it all in one gulp.Although today is a family banquet, with Li Yuangui as the emperor, the family atmosphere before will never return to the dinner table. Li Yuan said again: "You can drink and eat as you like. I specially asked the chef to make some more game, which tastes good. We talked while eating, and we also had to plan for the future. Dalang, you know more things, Erlang is not very clear outside, so let me introduce the current situation and share your views." As the prince, Li Jiancheng has been busy helping Li Yuan deal with the government these days.Li Yuanji is still unemployed at home because of the loss of Taiyuan.Li Jiancheng took a sip of his wine and said slowly: "Erlang's sweeping of Longxi this time has relieved me of my confidant's troubles. Now Uncle Shentong has joined forces with Xu Shi, restraining Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande's energy. As long as Li Yang is not lost, they will I dare not invade Chang'an for a while. The most threatening person is Liu Wuzhou, and..." Li Jiancheng said this, and Li Yuan interjected: "I am going to let Liu Wenjing lead 30,000 soldiers and horses together with Changsun Shunde and Liu Hongji tomorrow. To reinforce Yin Kaishan and the others, Liu Wenjing first contacted Shibi Khan to try to restrain Liu Wuzhou. Erlang, what do you think?" Li Shimin nodded and said: "It is very necessary for my father to send troops to the north for reinforcements. Liu Wuzhou's wolf heart cannot allow him to take another step forward. Liu Wenjing and the three of them followed their father in Taiyuan, and their experience and martial arts are considered to be excellent. Shimin thinks it is appropriate." candidate." Li Jiancheng continued: "There are also Bashu, Nanyang, and Yueyang areas in the south. I have never had the strength to suppress them. Now, Zhu Can, Xiao Xian, and Fugong Zhe there are very noisy. A few days ago, my father said Send someone to exterminate them." Li Yuandao: "This is Qu Tutong's idea. The thieves in the south are doing their own thing. Although they are raging fiercely, they are not powerful after all, and they won't be able to make things happen for a while. If they are left alone, the changes will definitely increase after a long time. Now the Western Expedition The troops have been withdrawn, and I can spare them, and I am considering letting Xiaogong lead the troops to march south." Among Li Yuan's nephews, Li Xiaogong is twenty-six years old this year. He usually likes to study the art of war and is good at practicing martial arts. Li Yuan thinks highly of him.Hearing that Li Xiaogong was going to be appointed as commander of Nanzheng, Li Shimin mused: "Brother Xiaogong is the right candidate for Nanzheng, but he has never experienced actual combat, such an important burden, I am afraid he will not be able to shoulder it alone." Li Yuanji interjected: "Father, just let me go out with brother Xiaogong, I can help him." Seeing Li Yuanji, Li Shimin wanted to get involved again. He didn't want to say anything at first, but he couldn't help but said: "Silang, don't make trouble anymore. The Southern Expedition is a big deal. You should study hard at home and practice more." Li Yuanji saw Li Shimin Finding fault with himself again, blushing and thick neck, wanting to have an attack when his mouth moves.Seeing this, Li Jiancheng winked at him to tell him not to move rashly. Li Yuan asked: "Erlang, you have many contacts, so recommend someone to assist Xiaogong." Li Shimin said decisively: "Li Jing is the most suitable. This time the western expedition is successful, and Li Jing has made great contributions. If he assists brother Xiaogong in the southern expedition, he will definitely make great achievements." Li Yuan said: "Okay, I believe in Erlang's vision, Dalang, let Wen Daya draw up the decree when you go to court tomorrow, and confer Xiaogong as Shannan Road's consolation ambassador and marching chief, and Li Jing as the marching deputy chief." The important matter of dividing troops to aid the North and Dingnan was settled at this family banquet. Li Yuan was very happy. After a few glasses of wine, his face was flushed. We need the four of us to plan together. Shiro, after noon tomorrow, you will accompany me to hunt in E County, but it is a pity that Ma Sanbao is in Longmen with Wanniang, and he knows the geography of E County like the back of his hand." The family banquet broke up happily, Li Yuan transferred to the harem.Now Li Yuan has left Concubine Yin De and Zhang Jieyu behind. There are so many beauties in the harem, and the colorful festoons make him dizzy.This Li Yuan is getting older, but with the spirit of Longma, in the two years since he entered Chang'an, he has given birth to two dragon sons and three dragon daughters. Even Li Shimin doesn't know how many brothers and sisters he has. The next day, the imperial decree came down, and the two armies and horses prepared separately.Li Jing was appointed as the deputy commander of the army this time, and he knew that this was the reason why Li Shimin recommended it.Thinking back to the days when he was a prisoner of Li Yuan's class, and seeing how he is now a member of the imperial court, it really seems like a lifetime away. After the imperial court was over, he returned to the Renwen Hall of Chengqian Palace with Li Shimin, and thanked Li Shimin with his hands together: "Marshal, it was your idea that Li Jing accompanied you on this expedition. How can you deduct all the credit to Li Jing?" It makes me really uneasy. Marshal, you are ten years younger than me and have such a broad mind, Li Jing sighs to himself." Li Shimin said with a smile: "Why should Senior Yao be too modest? Shimin asked you for advice on the art of war this time, and gained a lot. It is really the so-called 'talking with the king is better than reading ten years of books'. It is gold that will surely shine. The emperor named you the deputy of the army." Manager, I just want to use your talents to make contributions to the Great Tang." Li Jing was greatly moved: "Marshal, please rest assured, Li Jing will devote himself to this grand plan with King Zhaojun on the southern expedition." Li Shimin smiled, and suddenly asked: "Brother Yao, I have heard a legend about you, but I have never asked about it. Today, there are only the two of us here, so please help me solve the problem. It is said that you entered the Dragon Palace when you were young. Mother of Dragon called out two women in Tsing Yi, one with a smile on her face and the other with a slight anger. You can choose one, or you can take both. I think you were timid at the time, and you only wanted the slightly angry woman. After entering the door, the woman will tell you: "If the talented man takes two daughters together, he will have both civil and military skills. Later, he will become a general and become a prime minister. Today he will give up his literature and take martial arts. In the future, he will be a general!" After she finished speaking, she took out the military book Gift. I have read three volumes of your military book, is this story the origin of your military book?" Li Jing laughed loudly: "Marshal is so smart, would he still believe such deceptive stories? Who has seen the Dragon Palace? Where is the Dragon Mother? If this kind of thing really happened, we can all stop studying and practicing martial arts. Anyway, you are destined He's a great general." The two smiled relatively. Li Shimin said again: "Brother Yao, the horse 'Yuji' that I gave you originally was hit by a few arrows in Longxi this time, and the leg strength was greatly reduced. After a while, I will ask Li An to take you to the stables to take the 'White Hoof'. Take it away, it's my farewell gift for you." Li Jing hastily declined: "Don't dare, dare not, Marshal, you love horses like your life, and you were very grateful for the gift of 'Jade Jiji' last time, how can you win your love again?" Li Shimin didn't allow Li Jing to refuse, and insisted on letting him accept.He joked: "If we were scribes, we would go to Baqiao to pick a willow branch, which is very poetic and picturesque. Who told us that we are all destined to fight? A horse is the right to be a willow branch. I only hope that you will continue to spread good news and become a big one." Tang Tianxia established a special merit." Li Jing assisted Li Xiaogong in the southern expedition. They first designed to break through Nanyang, Zhu Can, the leader of the bandit, fled, then went west to appease Bashu, and then moved east along the river to garrison Xinzhou.They broke through Xiaoxian first along the river, and then descended to assist Gongzhe, and included the land along the river and south of it into the territory of the Tang Dynasty.Li Jing sincerely plotted against Tang and Tang, and made great achievements in battle. At the critical moment of every battle, as long as Li Jing is there, he can save the day.Speaking of it, this is all due to Li Shimin. He rescued Li Jing, met Li Jing, and used Li Jing to become a great military strategist.