Chapter 14
Li Shimin was walking on the bustling street, surrounded by people laughing and laughing, their joy was beyond words. The sun shone on the stone road, reflecting the smiles on everyone's faces, which made him feel even more relieved. He felt that his private visit incognito was very worthwhile. He could see the smiles of the people with his own eyes and hear their laughter. This was more real and vivid than any report.
But at the same time, he also felt sad that the people were so happy just because they punished a few domineering officers. He knew that the reason behind this was how much oppression the people suffered in daily life, and their happiness was so simple, yet so rare.
"On my trip this time, I learned that corruption was so prevalent in the Tang Dynasty. I have been in office for two years and failed to detect this shortcoming early. This is indeed my fault. Ah." Li Shimin was thinking deeply as he walked, and couldn't help but sigh, with a look of melancholy on his face. There was a deep self-blame in his eyes, as if the suffering of every common person was weighing on his heart.
[Li Shimin is sometimes vigorous and resolute, like a tiger descending a mountain, sweeping away all obstacles; sometimes he is as gentle as water, delicate and caring, caring about the sufferings of every common people. What a strange man. 】 Li Qingge observed Li Shimin from the side, muttering to himself. She saw the majesty of an emperor and the warmth of an ordinary person in Li Shimin's eyes. This complex emotion made her feel helpless.
[Let the past go, what matters is the present and the future, why bother yourself? 】 She tried to comfort herself, but the worry in her heart could not dissipate.
【No matter how much you talk, it is better to do one practical thing. 】Another feeling of pride arose in her heart, and she decided to work harder to assist Li Shimin and contribute her own strength to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
Li Shimin seemed to notice Li Qingge's subtle emotions, and turned to look at her: "Cheng Qing, I have a doubt in my heart, and I want to hear your opinion." His voice was gentle and deep, as if he could see into people's hearts. .
"I am afraid, but I would like to hear His Majesty's holy teachings." Li Qingge answered respectfully, but he was beating a drum in his heart. She didn't know what difficult questions Li Shimin was going to ask, and she felt a little uneasy.
【What is Li Shimin planning? If you ask me alone, do you want to make enemies for me? ] She muttered secretly in her heart, but still maintained a calm expression.
Li Shimin saw Li Qingge's thoughts and was secretly amused. Seeing Li Qingge's displeasure, he found it interesting. He liked Li Qingge's intelligence and wit, and also liked the helplessness and confusion she occasionally showed.
“I see corruption everywhere. Although some people have been punished, the vacant official positions still need to be filled. In your opinion, should we select good talents from various places, or send reliable ones directly from the capital? "Where are the ministers going to govern?" Li Shimin's voice was gentle and serious, and he was looking forward to Li Qingge's answer.
"This matter still needs His Majesty's Holy Judgment, and I believe that His Majesty's decision will be wise and decisive." Li Qingge used the cliche again, but he had other concerns in his heart. She knew that this question was difficult to answer, because no matter which method she chose, it might cause new problems and conflicts.
Li Shimin looked at her and smiled helplessly. Li Qingge's smoothness was beyond his imagination. Sometimes he even doubted whether Li Qingge really didn't have his own ideas and positions.
Wei Zheng and others stood aside and rolled their eyes at Li Qingge frequently. They were dissatisfied with Li Qingge's tact and perfunctoryness, but because they were not the ones being questioned, they did not say much. But the dissatisfaction and reproach in his eyes pierced Li Qingge's heart like a needle.
Li Qingge felt those rolls of eyes and felt a burst of curse in his heart. She felt innocent, the question was inherently difficult to answer, and she didn't want to get involved in any factional fights.
【This is what Your Majesty should worry about. Why do you ask me? ] She complained secretly in her heart, but still maintained a calm expression. She didn't want Li Shimin to see her dissatisfaction and helplessness, because she knew it would only make her more passive.
[If you don't answer well, if you disagree with His Majesty, I'm afraid it will make him unhappy; if you recommend someone according to your own ideas, if that person is greedy in the future, although it is not my responsibility, Your Majesty You will inevitably think of me. 】These thoughts were swirling in her mind, but she still tried to stay calm and rational.
[It is better to select from the people, which not only wins the hearts of the people, but also truly benefits the people. 】This idea suddenly flashed through her mind, and she felt that this idea was not only in line with Li Shimin's wishes, but also able to solve the problem at hand.
"What Aiqing said is in line with my intention." Li Shimin seemed to have heard Li Qingge's thoughts and had made a decision in his heart. There was a kind of appreciation and trust in his eyes, as if he had seen hope for the future.
"???" Wei Zheng, the others, and Li Qingge were all stunned, not understanding what Li Shimin meant. They looked at Li Shimin in surprise, as if they were looking at a magical magician.
In the next few days, Li Shimin went deep into the people and personally inspected local officials. He visited every corner, talked cordially with the people, and understood their sufferings and needs. Finally, he discovered Gao Huai, an upright and honest junior official, and decided to promote him to the position of governor.
"I thank you for your great kindness, and I will definitely live up to your majesty's high expectations." Gao Huai was so excited that tears filled his eyes. He knelt on the ground and took the imperial edict from Li Shimin with trembling hands. His heart was filled with gratitude and awe, as if he saw hope and light in the future.
Li Shimin personally helped him up, remembering what happened to Pang Xiangshou before, and repeatedly warned: "You have won the hearts of the people, and this position has a great responsibility. As a parent official, you must put the interests of the people first. There are many things happening in the government and the public nowadays. I hope you can live up to this responsibility, eliminate disadvantages and create advantages, and remain clean and honest." His voice was gentle and serious, as if every word contained infinite power and expectation.
Gao Huai was flattered and thanked him again: "I am a commoner, and I have been promoted to this high position by your Majesty. I should be self-denial, serve the public, put the people first, and never let down your majesty's grace." His words were sincere, His elegant demeanor is in sharp contrast to Pang Xiangshou's extravagant style. There was a kind of determination and persistence in his eyes, as if he had already seen the future path and goals.
[Li Shimin and I finally came together. Isn’t this a tacit understanding? As a monarch, if you don't have such judgment, how can you govern the country well? ] Li Qingge muttered secretly in his heart. When she saw Li Shimin's choices and decisions, she was filled with admiration and admiration. She felt that Li Shimin was a truly wise king who could see into people's hearts and distinguish right from wrong.
[Gao Huai is indeed a rare talent. Compared with Pang Xiangshou, there is a world of difference. Li Shimin finally made the right choice this time. 】Another feeling of pride arose in her heart, and she decided to work harder to assist Li Shimin and contribute her own strength to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. She believes that as long as they work together, they will be able to create a better future.
After the matter was settled, Li Shimin left the place with Liu and his son, Tang Cheng and others. On the way, the sun shines through the sparse clouds and shines on the winding path, adding a warm color to the return journey. He suddenly remembered the shy look on his little daughter's face when she secretly looked at Li Qingge, and couldn't help but laugh. It was a smile that was mixed with pampering and expectation, as if she had already seen her daughter's happy future.
He turned to look at Liu Weng and asked as if he were chatting about family matters: "Mr. Liu, what do you think of Li Qingge?" As soon as Liu Weng heard the emperor's question, he quickly looked at Li Qingge and recalled that he The scene when he heroically saved his daughter. At that time, Li Qingge's figure looked particularly tall in the afterglow of the setting sun. His eyes were firm and courageous, as if he could dispel all darkness. Liu Weng thought to himself, this man is really brave and extraordinary. So, he replied: "Your Majesty, General Cheng is resolute, courageous, wise, martial, and handsome. He is really a rare talent in the country!"
Liu Yuru sat aside and listened to his father's speech to Li Qingge. The praise made me even more shy. Her thoughts were clearly written on her face. Her watery eyes secretly glanced at Li Qingge from time to time, and then quickly looked back, for fear of being noticed. Li Shimin glanced at Liu Yuru, understood in his heart, and laughed loudly: "Haha, that's good! Then if Li Qingge is recruited as his son-in-law, Mr. Liu, what do you think?"
As soon as these words came out, Liu Weng, Li Qingge and Liu Yuru were all stunned. Liu Weng hurriedly knelt down to thank him and said, "Your Majesty, General Cheng is of noble character, and I admire him very much in my heart. But my little girl is from a poor family, so I am afraid she is not worthy of General Cheng." These words were true, and Liu Weng knew in his heart that he was a good man. On the other hand, although I am grateful for Li Qingge's kindness, I am also worried that my daughter will be wronged in the future. His face was full of worry and helplessness, as if he had seen his daughter suffering in a wealthy family.
Liu Yuru was happy and worried at the same time. She was happy that her feelings were noticed, but she was worried that her father would disapprove. She was shy. She just bit her lip and said nothing. Her hands were tightly wringing the corners of her clothes, not knowing what to do. There seemed to be thousands of butterflies flying in her heart, with both longing for the future and helplessness against reality.
Li Qingge also thanked him and said, "Wei Chen has just entered the official career and is planning to serve the country wholeheartedly and fulfill his ambitions. Miss Liu is gentle and virtuous, and is indeed a beauty, but Wei Chen has not achieved much yet. How dare you talk about family matters? I hope we can talk about marriage when we have something to do in the future." His voice was calm and firm, revealing a kind of persistence and pursuit of the future.
The refusal of both parties made it difficult for Li Shimin, who wanted to be a matchmaker, to step down. He coughed a few times and tried to find a way to get off the stairs. When Liu Yuru saw this scene, she felt even more anxious and her eyes were red. She plucked up the courage and said, "Your Majesty, Father, I appreciate you worrying about my affairs. General Cheng is right, I am still young and really not suitable for marriage. But my mind has been made up, that is Li General. If the general doesn't have this intention now, I'm willing to wait for him to become famous before we talk about marriage. "
After hearing this, Li Shimin's awkward atmosphere eased a little. Seeing Liu Yuru's affectionate look, he couldn't help but sympathize with her. It's really rare for this little girl to be so persistent in her feelings. So he said, "In that case, let's put this matter aside for now." After saying that, he couldn't bear to see Liu Yuru's disappointed look, so he turned to look at Li Qingge and said, "Cheng Qing, I hope that when you achieve success in the future, don’t forget that there is a beautiful woman waiting for you.”
Although Li Qingge reluctantly agreed, he felt a little more guilty towards Liu Yuru. He looked at Liu Yuru's expectant eyes and felt a surge of complicated emotions in his heart. He knew that he couldn't make any promises to her yet, but he also understood that this little girl had given her heart to him.
On the way, the scenery is pleasant, with rolling hills, green trees, and the breeze blowing on your face, bringing the fragrance of flowers. However, Li Qingge had no intention of enjoying the beautiful scenery. He secretly thought to himself: "Li Shimin, why doesn't he take care of national affairs and instead worries about my marriage?" He also wondered if Li Shimin had other thoughts about him: "Does he really like me? But because of the constraints of the world, you want me to have a formal marriage? This is really cruel!" Thinking of this, he looked at Li Shimin a little differently, a little more wary and speculative.
Li Shimin noticed Li Qingge's change of mind and felt helpless. He thought to himself: "Although my son is not up to expectations, I have no other thoughts about you. Why are you so worried? I actually wanted to find a good future for you, but you misunderstood me. How sad!" He sighed and decided not to dwell on the topic. After all, marriage requires two people to be willing to do it, and as the emperor, he cannot force it.
During the rest of the journey, the group of them walked forward silently. Li Shimin occasionally chatted with Liu Weng about daily life, while Li Qingge remained silent. His heart was full of contradictions and struggles. He didn't want to live up to Liu Yuru's feelings, but he also didn't want to be bound by marriage. Liu Yuru, on the other hand, kept secretly looking at Li Qingge's back, her heart full of expectation and longing. She knew that she had fallen deeply in love with this man, and no matter whether he would achieve anything in the future, she was willing to wait forever.
Li Qingge was still muttering in her heart, her clear eyes shining with thought. "Oh, let me tell you, I am not a native of this place. If I have to go back one day, it would be a sin to leave such a lonely little girl here." She sighed softly, her heart filled with joy. Worry about the unknown future. As she strolled along the stone road in the imperial city, she muttered, "It's really annoying. There are so many important national affairs that haven't been dealt with, and this guy Li Shimin is always worrying about my personal affairs."
After hearing these words, Li Shimin's heart trembled slightly. He thought to himself: "This girl always says that she is not from here. Could it be that she comes from another world? It's interesting. I have to think about it carefully." Thinking of this, His interest in Li Qingge became even stronger, with curiosity and inquiry shining in his eyes. "What is that other world like? From what this girl said, it might be even more exciting than ours." He thought to himself, "I have to work harder to make Datang a place that is envied by the whole world. "
Although Li Shimin thought so, seeing that Li Qingge and Liu Yuru were still young, he didn't want to force them to do anything, so he put the matter aside for the time being. He turned around and looked at the mountains in the distance, feeling a surge of pride and ambition in his heart.
At this time, Wei Zheng spoke, his voice was calm and powerful: "Your Majesty, the matter of Pang Xiangshou has been settled. Where should we go next?" Li Shimin felt worried when he heard this. Waves. He frowned, his heart filled with concern for the suffering of the people. "We are so greedy here so close to the imperial city. How can the people live further away?" Thinking of this, he became angry. "Come on, let's go somewhere else to see what's going on under the emperor's feet." The officials are so virtuous, and I don’t know what kind of chaos there is in other places!" After saying this, his face turned pale, and his eyes shone with determination.
Looking at Li Shimin's appearance, Wei Zheng felt troubled, but he didn't say anything. He just followed Li Shimin silently, his heart filled with awe and worry for the emperor. But Li Qingge secretly complained in his heart: "Isn't this guy Li Shimin not very smart? As an emperor, it's okay to pay a private visit incognito for so long. Now he still wants to run around." "It's no good if you don't have someone in charge at home, and there's no one in the country. Even those in charge can’t do it. Doesn’t he understand this? “Maybe he didn’t see the suffering of the people, so he wanted to go out and see more. But if you don’t do everything yourself, it would be strange if you don’t die from exhaustion. Besides, if the Tang Dynasty is so big, it will be strange if he doesn’t come back for a few years if he goes on like this.” “It would be better to arrest a typical example like Pang Xiangshou. Tell the world, and then send a patrol censor to replace him."
Li Shimin seemed to hear Li Qingge's thoughts, and he suddenly realized that he might have gone astray. "Yes, I was in a hurry to save the people from the fire, but I forgot that I was just an ordinary person. I have to do everything myself, which is limited after all. And I have been away from the court for so long, and there is a backlog of political affairs." He suddenly felt enlightened, as if After clearing the clouds and mist, I saw Qingtian said, "Forget it, I figured it out. Going on patrol in person is not a long-term solution. If I go to a few more places and encounter someone like Pang Xiangshou, I will make it known to the public to serve as a warning. In other places, I will leave it to the patrolling censor to investigate and deal with. ”
"I obey the decree." Wei Zheng responded. He knew that it was not a problem for the emperor to be away for too long, and he had to go back to deal with the affairs of the court as soon as possible. Li Qingge was slightly startled after hearing this. She looked at Li Shimin in surprise, "Li Shimin suddenly became enlightened? This idea coincides with mine." "I am getting closer and closer to his idea. Although he is confused sometimes, he is a wise man after all, and he will not fail to understand this truth. " "It's great that he can figure this out. I think Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty was also very ambitious and did everything himself, but he was exhausted in the end. Li Shimin was different, he knew how to use people."
When Li Shimin heard Li Qingge's praise, he couldn't help but smile. He was used to hearing Li Qingge's taunts, and he was quite happy when he got a compliment once in a while. He looked at Li Qingge with eyes full of appreciation and recognition.
So, the group speeded up the inspection. They severely punished the corrupt officials, then handed the matter over to the patrol censor, and returned to the palace. On the way back to the palace, they passed by fields and villages and saw the busy figures of the people and the scene of the harvest. Li Shimin's mood also became particularly comfortable.
Time flies so fast, and autumn is here in a blink of an eye. The locust plague has long passed, but the potato crops introduced by Li Qingge have achieved a bumper harvest. When Li Shimin saw the wonder of a yield of more than two thousand kilograms per mu for the first time, his eyes shone with wonder and joy. His admiration for Li Qingge grew even more spontaneously, and he secretly thought about how to better utilize this talented woman.
In the court, Li Qingge still leaned against the pillar and took a nap as before, but now no one laughed at her anymore. Her talents and contributions have been recognized by everyone. Li Shimin looked at her with a smile, and after she woke up, he said: "Cheng Qing has the greatest credit for this harvest. I will give you a thousand taels of gold and a mansion outside the city."
"Thousand taels of gold!" Li Qingge was still a little confused when he woke up. When he heard this reward, he looked at Li Shimin with wide eyes. She quickly saluted and thanked her, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. But this is not the credit of me alone, it is the result of the joint efforts of all the people of the Tang Dynasty. I am fortunate to have witnessed the grand scene of all the people united as one. I believe that the days of the prosperous Tang Dynasty are over." Far away!" Li Qingge also praised Li Shimin while thanking him. These words just touched Li Shimin's heart. He thought about the longing for the prosperous Tang Dynasty day and night. Now that he heard Li Qingge say this, he was extremely happy, and his heart was filled with expectations and longing for the future.
"Haha, good! Good! Good! Please get up quickly, Cheng Qing. After hearing your good words, I feel so happy in my heart. The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty is just around the corner. Here we come!" Li Shimin was smiling all over his face, and when he said these words, he felt as if he was carrying a deer, and he was so excited. His eyes sparkled with infinite longing for the future, as if he had already seen the prosperous Tang Dynasty, where the people lived and worked in peace and contentment, and the country was extremely powerful.
Li Qingge looked at Li Shimin's heartfelt joy and couldn't help but sigh in his heart. [I just said a few nice words casually. How come the emperor is so happy is really unexpected! It seems that everyone likes to hear good things, and the emperor is no exception! ] She was thinking in her mind, her eyes fell on Li Shimin again, and she observed him more deeply. [Looking at Li Shimin, he really wants to make Datang strong and powerful. Although he sometimes makes small mistakes, overall he is quite capable. And he was generous, giving away a thousand taels of gold, plus a luxurious mansion. This kind of gesture is rare in ancient and modern times! 】
When he thought of these rewards, Li Qingge felt comfortable. His future life seemed to be more nourishing. She thought to herself: "Money can communicate with both the mind and the human heart. I am afraid that I will live a more carefree life in the future." The corner of her mouth couldn't help but evoke a smile of satisfaction, and her eyes flickered with appreciation. Future expectations.
Li Shimin saw the change in Li Qingge's expression and knew that she was happy, so he didn't say anything more and started chatting with Yuchi Jingde. Yuchi Jingde took a step forward, clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, the cavalry and archers in our imperial city have now begun to take shape. If you are interested, we can go and try our skills together after the court." What he said He was full of pride, after all, these soldiers were brought out by him personally, and each one of them was like his child.
When Li Shimin heard this, his eyes lit up. He was originally an emperor on horseback. Although he was busy with government affairs after he ascended the throne, his love for horseback riding and archery was still deep in his heart. So he readily agreed: "Okay! General Yuchi is very agile in doing things. In just a few days, his troops have been trained. I must go and have a look!" His voice was full of anticipation and excitement, as if he couldn't wait. I want to see those brave soldiers.
At this time, Wei Zheng stood up. He had an upright character and said bluntly: "Your Majesty, the palace is a forbidden area, and safety is paramount. These weapons are sharp and soldiers are prone to accidents during training. I hope your Majesty Think twice." Although Wei Zheng knew that these words might make the emperor unhappy, he had to say it because of his duty. His eyes showed firm determination, as if no matter what Li Shimin decided, he would stick to his position.
Li Shimin waved his hand and said with a smile: "General Yuchi has been with me for so many years. I can trust the soldiers he trained. If you are cautious all day long, what's the point of living? Just relax once in a while. Think of it as a holiday for yourself. Besides, if an assassin does come, it will be my fault, and I will reflect on it." His tone was full of confidence and calmness, as if he was ready to face any challenge.
Li Qingge was still a little worried on the side. She reminded: "Your Majesty, protect yourself and your life, safety first." There was a bit of concern and worry in her voice, and she obviously did not want Li Shimin to take risks. Li Shimin smiled and comforted her: "Wei Qing, you are too cautious. It will be okay this time. There are so many of you in the palace to protect you, and I have the aura of the emperor to protect you. Everything will be fine." His tone It was full of relaxation and confidence, as if the possible dangers had been completely forgotten.
Now that the emperor has said so, it is hard for others to persuade him. So Li Shimin took Tang Cheng, Li Qingge and his party to the playground in a mighty manner. Along the way, they passed through prosperous palaces and lively markets, attracting everyone's attention. Li Shimin felt particularly comfortable. He felt everything around him, as if the whole world had become extraordinarily beautiful.
When we arrived at the playground, we saw the training commander leading a group of soldiers kneeling on the ground neatly to greet the emperor. Wearing armor and holding weapons, they looked majestic. As soon as Li Shimin appeared, everyone shouted in unison: "Long live your Majesty!" The sound was so loud that the whole playground buzzed.
Looking at the scene in front of him, Li Shimin felt so excited that he couldn't describe it in words. What was an idea a few months ago has now become a reality before our eyes. This sense of accomplishment is more satisfying than anything else. He seemed to have seen the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, when the people lived and worked in peace and contentment, and the country was extremely powerful. A satisfied smile appeared on his face, and his eyes shone with infinite expectations for the future.
As for Li Qingge, although he was still muttering in his heart, "Li Shimin, who likes horseback riding and archery, I'm afraid he will arouse the jealousy of villains," but looking at the emperor's high-spirited look, he couldn't help but be infected. She secretly prayed: "I hope everything will go smoothly, and don't let any accidents destroy this beauty." Her heart was full of expectations and blessings for the future, as if she had already seen the beautiful Tang Dynasty.
Li Shimin seemed to be aware of Li Qingge's worries. He secretly warned himself: "You must be careful and don't make any mistakes. With so many people protecting me, I will be safe and sound." Thinking of this , he strengthened his confidence and led the team to stride forward. His figure looked particularly tall and mighty in the sunlight, as if he was ready to face any challenge.
"Okay! Soldiers, you are all the pride of the Tang Dynasty. The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty in the future will be supported by heroes like you." Li Shimin's words were full of pride and expectation, and his eyes swept across Every soldier present seemed to see the glory of the future in them.
"Yes, the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty depends entirely on you elite soldiers and generals. You are all the pillars of the Tang Dynasty!" After Li Shimin finished speaking, his blood boiled and he was very excited. He imagined the future of the Tang Dynasty, and a prosperous scene emerged in his mind, which made him feel extremely excited and looking forward to it.
"We have a duty!" The soldiers replied in unison, their voices loud and firm. After hearing this, Li Shimin's smile became even brighter, and his heart was filled with trust and expectation for the soldiers.
However, in this exciting atmosphere, Li Qingge muttered in his heart: "Why does Li Shimin always like to say such nice things? What's the use of just shouting slogans? It's better to do practical things quickly. This The sun is still so strong in autumn, it makes people almost peel off their skin, so we might as well finish it and go home early." She was even more impatient thinking about the good things at home, and she couldn't help but complain softly.
Although he is dressed in men's clothing, as a woman, Li Qingge naturally has more delicate thoughts. She glanced at the blazing sun and couldn't help but feel a little irritated. She imagined the comfort and tranquility of her home. The new maids were all looking fresh and fresh. It would be great if she could go back and let them massage her now. It would be much more interesting than watching these men shoot arrows.
Li Shimin heard her whisper. Although he was used to her outspokenness, his face darkened slightly when family matters were mentioned this time. "This boy doesn't care about national affairs, but he is as anxious as anything about family matters. Isn't the position of General Xuanwei not as good as his gentle hometown?" Li Shimin was secretly angry, but he cherished her talents. , had to pretend not to hear.
He turned to the training officer and asked: "Who will accompany me to compete in riding and shooting today?" There was a bit of expectation and excitement in his tone, and he obviously enjoyed this time of close contact with the soldiers.
The training officer smiled and pointed out a person: "Your Majesty, this is Shao Yang. His riding and shooting skills are among the best in our team." His tone was full of admiration and respect for Shao Yang.
Li Shimin looked at Shaoyang. He was young, in his twenties, with a childish look on his face, but he was still mature and steady. There was a kind of determination and persistence in his eyes, as if he could move forward courageously no matter what difficulties he faced.
"Great! A hero is born out of a boy!" Li Shimin couldn't help but praise. His heart was filled with admiration and expectation for Shaoyang, as if he had seen the future pillar of the Tang Dynasty.
Shao Yang saluted quickly and said humbly: "Your Majesty has given you the award. I just work harder than others and have slightly better skills. How can I dare to compare with Your Majesty?" His tone was full of humility and respect, and he was obviously full of respect for Li Shimin. Feeling of admiration.
When Li Shimin heard this, he laughed loudly: "Since you are the best, let me see your true ability. Stop talking nonsense and let's start!" His tone was full of expectation and enthusiasm. Excited, obviously can't wait to see Shaoyang's riding and shooting skills.
“Yes!” Everyone responded and began to prepare for the competition. They quickly organized the venue and equipment to ensure the smooth progress of the competition.
Li Qingge looked on, always feeling that something was wrong, but couldn't explain why. She frowned, her eyes scanning the field, trying to find the source of the uneasiness she felt. However, everything seemed normal and nothing was out of the ordinary.
She could only intuitively feel that something unexpected might happen in this competition. Her heart was filled with worry and uneasiness, as if there was an ominous premonition lingering in her heart.
Sure enough, the situation on the field suddenly changed. It was rare for Li Shimin to go into battle in person and he was in high spirits. He was galloping on the field on a horse, with his bow and arrow ready, as if he could deliver a fatal blow at any time.
Tang Cheng stood next to him and was also infected by this warm blood. There was a smile on his lips, and excitement and anticipation shone in his eyes. He stared closely at Li Shimin's figure, as if he wanted to learn more skills and courage from him.
But at this moment, an accident happened. A soldier hiding in the dark suddenly drew his bow and shot an arrow, aiming directly at Li Shimin. The arrow flew with the sound of howling wind, and it was so fast that it was impossible to dodge.
The situation was critical. Li Shimin watched helplessly as the arrows flew at them. They were too fast to dodge, so he could only close his eyes and wait for death. His heart was filled with shock and fear, as if he had already seen his fallen figure.
But a miracle happened, the arrow deflected. Li Shimin opened his eyes and saw that it was Tang Cheng who stood up in front of him to save him. The arrow hit Tang Cheng's chest hard, and the blood instantly dyed his clothes red.
"Tang Cheng!" Li Shimin exclaimed and hugged him quickly. His heart was filled with grief and anger, as if he could not accept this cruel fact.
"Tang Cheng, you are still so young and have a bright future. How can you die here? I won't allow it!" Li Shimin was extremely anxious and scrambled to stop his bleeding. However, the blood gushes out like spring water and cannot be stopped at all.
Tang Cheng smiled, his eyes began to wander. He said with difficulty: "Your Majesty, I am originally a man from the mountains. It is a great blessing for me to be appreciated by you and serve as an official in the court. I don't have any big ambitions. I just hope that there will be less corruption in the world." , the people can live a good life." His voice became weaker and weaker, as if it would disappear at any time.
After saying that, he smiled again, his breath getting weaker and weaker. There was a kind of satisfaction and serenity in his eyes, as if he had seen the ideal world in his heart.
"Your Majesty, I will die with no regrets knowing you." After saying this, Tang Cheng's eyes closed and never opened again. His body lay quietly in Li Shimin's arms, as if he had fallen asleep.
When Li Qingge saw this scene, he was so heartbroken that he couldn't breathe. She regretted that she had not been more vigilant just now. If she could have discovered the assassin earlier, Tang Chengcheng would not have died. She was still so young, so optimistic and cheerful, why did she just leave like this? Her heart was filled with self-blame and grief, as if she had also lost an important relative.
And Li Shimin was even more miserable. He lost a loyal subordinate and a good friend, and this pain and regret will always be with him. He hugged Tang Cheng's body tightly, as if he wanted to use his own strength to keep his life. However, everything was irreversible and Tang Cheng had left him forever.
He stared at Tang Cheng's body quietly, his eyes that were once full of life and vitality were closed tightly at this moment, his face was peaceful but with a bit of unwillingness and pain, as if telling of unfinished ambitions and regrets . The sun shines through the sparse clouds and dapples onto her face, adding a poignant atmosphere to this painful scene.
"Your Majesty, how should we handle this matter next?" Yuchi Jingde's voice was low and heavy, and he did not expect such a tragedy to happen. He felt deeply sorry for the sudden loss of this young life. After all, this training ground was created by him, but now it has become a place of farewell, and his heart is full of self-blame and guilt.
Li Shimin closed his eyes tightly, frowned, and his pain was palpable. He didn't speak for a long time, just stood there silently, letting the grief rage in his heart. His thoughts surged like a tide, recalling every bit of time he spent with Tang Cheng, those days of laughter and fighting side by side, now they have become eternal memories.
"We must thoroughly investigate this person's background and never let go of any clues." After a while, Li Shimin slowly opened his eyes, with unquestionable determination and severity in his tone. His eyes were blazing, revealing an unyielding will and determination.
"As for Tang Guard..." Yuchi Jingde sighed and continued, "She was a good youngster with unlimited potential. What a pity!" His tone was full of regret and reluctance. It was as if a precious treasure had been lost.
Li Shimin looked at Tang Cheng's remains again, and bits and pieces of the past came to his mind like a tide. His heart was filled with complex emotions, including grief, regret, and expectations for the future. He knew very well that Tang Cheng's departure was not only the passing of a life, but also an inseparable concern in his heart.
"She did not hesitate to sacrifice her own life to save me. Such a loyal and brave person deserves the most solemn funeral!" Li Shimin said solemnly, his tone full of admiration and regret for Tang Cheng. His voice echoed on the training ground, as if it was the highest praise for Tang Cheng's heroic behavior.
He has always loved and valued Tang Cheng, and kept her by his side as his trusted bodyguard. Now he suddenly encountered such a change, which caught him off guard and filled him with regret. He secretly thought that if it hadn't been for his own negligence, he might have been able to avoid this disaster. However, what has happened has happened, and no amount of regret can undo it. He could only endure his grief and move on.
At this time, his subordinates hurriedly came to report: "Your Majesty, we have identified it. The perpetrator is a Turk. He has been lurking in the army for a long time. It seems that he had planned it for a long time." The man knelt on the ground and reported angrily. . There was a bit of anxiety and indignation in his voice, as if he was looking for a reasonable explanation for this sudden tragedy.
"Turk..." Li Shimin whispered, and his eyes instantly became sharp. He had long wanted to conquer the Turks, an enemy that had long threatened the Tang Dynasty's borders. Now, this enemy is actually lurking in his army and has poisoned his trusted bodyguards. This made the anger in his heart burn brightly.
Yuchi Jingde also took the opportunity to say: "Your Majesty, maybe we can take this opportunity to fight the Turks to the death." There was a bit of determination and determination in his voice, as if he was ready for the battle.
As the king of a country, Li Shimin knew that he needed to be cautious. Although he had already had the idea of conquering the Turks in his mind, the chance of victory was uncertain, and once the war broke out, it would definitely bring serious disaster to the people. Therefore, he fell into deep hesitation. He stared at the distant sky, his heart full of contradictions and struggles. He knew that this decision was not only related to his personal honor and disgrace, but also related to the future of the Tang Dynasty and the safety of the people.
After learning about the Turks, Li Qingge secretly planned in his heart. She believed that although the Turks were powerful and fierce, good at riding and shooting, they were still barbarians and unsophisticated. Their power is only to rely on force to oppress others and bully the weak, and they have already accumulated deep public resentment. For Datang, this is undoubtedly a God-given opportunity. The new ruler of the Tang Dynasty was just established. Although there were constant internal and external troubles, the people's will was strong and the country was rich and powerful. Conquering the Turks is not difficult. As long as the strategy is appropriate and the preparations are sufficient, they can be defeated in one fell swoop.
When Li Shimin heard Li Qingge's analysis, a surge of pride suddenly surged in his heart. This is exactly what he expected! He was well aware of Li Qingge's intelligence and courage, and had no doubts about her insights. He believed that with the assistance of Li Qingge, he would be able to lead Datang to a more glorious future.
So, he turned around and asked Yuchi Jingde: "What is the current strength of our army?" There was a bit of eagerness and expectation in his voice, as if he was ready for battle.
Yuchi Jingde immediately understood what Li Shimin meant, and he replied: "The soldiers have undergone strict training, and this year's sweet potato harvest will be bumper, and the country will be prosperous. The war horses have also been fattened and strong, and can be used at any time." Fight." There was a bit of confidence and determination in his voice, as if he had seen the dawn of victory.
Li Shimin was overjoyed when he heard this: "Okay! With this situation, our chances of winning the conquest of the Turks will be even greater." His voice was full of pride and confidence, as if he was ready for the war. He knew very well that this war was not only for revenge for the Turks' provocation and killings, but also for the glory of the Tang Dynasty and the safety of the people.
Then, he looked at Li Qingge and humbly asked for advice: "Cheng Qing, how do you think I should deal with the Turks?" There was a bit of humility and expectation in his voice, as if he regarded Li Qingge as his own. Think tank and right-hand man.
Li Qingge didn't expect that Li Shimin would suddenly ask her this question. She calmly saluted and replied: "War and peace are all decided by His Majesty. I believe that Your Majesty can weigh the pros and cons and make the most correct decision." There was a bit of firmness and trust in her voice, as if for Li Shimin. Decisions are made with confidence.
However, in her heart she secretly thought: [Conquering the Turks at this moment is indeed a God-given opportunity. But the people are innocent, and they will bear the suffering of war regardless of victory or defeat. However, I heard that the Turks had been hit by a heavy snowstorm recently, resulting in a lack of food and grass and an unbearable cold. Many animals died due to the cold, and they themselves faced internal and external troubles. In contrast, Datang had sufficient food and grass to withstand the severe cold. This God-given opportunity is truly not to be missed. 】
She secretly observed the changes in Li Shimin's expression and found that he had already made a decision in his heart - it was imperative to conquer the Turks. She is well aware of Li Shimin's determination and wisdom, and believes that he will be able to lead Datang to victory.
【It’s better to have a battle! The Turkic Jieli Khand has been incompetent for a long time. He used to rely on force to oppress others, but now he imposes excessive taxes, causing public dissatisfaction. Keeping him will only cause greater harm to the people. ] Li Qingge thought silently in his heart. She fully understands the significance and importance of this war, and believes that Li Shimin can lead Datang to a more glorious future.
(End of this chapter)