Chang 'an, inside the Imperial City.
Li Shimin was now bent over his desk, reading the memorials submitted to him. It involved the operation of the entire Tang dynasty. Li Shimin was a workaholic who wanted to run the Tang dynasty well, so he was even busier.
Part of the reason was that he wanted to run the country well, but the bigger reason was that Li Shimin didn't want to lose to Du Qi. His Tang dynasty must develop better.
But the more he compared himself to Du Qi, the more Li Shimin was affected.
Du Qi was developing too fast.
Du Qi's perfume industry, liquor industry, and many other industries made a lot of money, all of which were shipped to Du Qi in the Western Regions and into Du Qi's pocket.
Du Qi first established himself in Yizhou, then swept through the entire Western Regions in a short time, destroying all the countries in the Western Regions. He even killed the Khan of the Western Turkic Khagan, Yehu. Recently, news came back that Du Qi had established himself in Tianzhu, killed the King of Jieri, and made Jieri Jieri disappear. Du Qi's strength and territory increased further.
In terms of territory, Du Qi was not as vast as the Tang dynasty, but Li Shimin knew that Du Qi's strength was constantly rising. Under such circumstances, it would be more and more difficult for Li Shimin to destroy Du Qi.
This was what made Li Shimin most depressed.
Most importantly, Li Shimin had arranged for people to hide in Xia Xia to steal the formula of gunpowder, but they had not made a breakthrough. If the Tang dynasty did not have Du Qi's weapons, then Li Shimin would always be weaker than Du Qi. After all, even if Li Shimin had a strong army, even if the Tang dynasty had more soldiers, Du Qi had gunpowder!
This weapon was too powerful.
Li Shimin was in a good mood when it did not involve Du Qi, but when it involved Du Qi, he was in a bad mood.
Because it involved Du Qi.
While Li Shimin was dealing with government affairs, Tang Zhen entered and said, "Your Majesty, Duke Qi requests an audience."
Li Shimin said, "Pass!"
Tang Zhen immediately passed down the order and the inner servant summoned him. Not long later, Zhangsun Wuji hurriedly entered with a radiant smile on his face. Even his footsteps were light and vigorous. This scene fell into Li Shimin's eyes, the corners of Li Shimin's mouth curled up into a smile, and he immediately laughed.
It must be something good!
Otherwise, Zhangsun Wuji wouldn't be so happy.
Something that could make the great Duke of Qi, Zhangsun Wuji, act like this must be something big.
Li Shimin smiled and said, "Wuji, did something good happen?"
Zhangsun Wuji was very excited, to the extent that he forgot to salute and directly said, "Your Majesty, good news, great news. Our men in the Western Regions have finally brought back craftsmen who can make gunpowder. He has already returned to Chang 'an. "
"Alright!"
When Li Shimin heard this, he also stood up and said the word 'good' three times in a row.
At this moment, Li Shimin could no longer sit still.
He was extremely excited.
In the confrontation between the Tang dynasty and Du Qi, the reason why Li Shimin was restrained and suppressed by Du Qi was because of gunpowder. If Li Shimin also had the same weapon, then Li Shimin would have a greater chance of defeating Du Qi.
Li Shimin said, "Has the craftsman's situation been sent back?"
Zhangsun Wuji said, "Not for now."
After a pause, Zhangsun Wuji said, "Our men brought the craftsman back and didn't send any news along the way. The reason for this is that we are worried that the news will be leaked and we will be ambushed by the spies that Du Qi arranged in the Tang dynasty. If something happens to the craftsman, then all our efforts will be in vain. So this time, we only sent back the news when we arrived in Chang 'an. This craftsman is temporarily placed in an ordinary inn in the city. Even the craftsman's family members have all been settled down. "
Li Shimin said, "Immediately bring him into the palace. I want to see this craftsman."
Zhangsun Wuji said, "I will arrange it immediately."
Li Shimin said, "Go and come back quickly."
Zhangsun Wuji happily turned around and left. In fact, he could have brought the craftsman to the palace gates to see Li Shimin together. But when he received the news, he was also handling government affairs in the palace, so he didn't go out temporarily. Instead, he came to report the news first to let Li Shimin be happy.
After Zhangsun Wuji left, Li Shimin still had a smile on his face. He looked at Tang Zhen and said, "Tang Zhen, now this matter is finally settled. The sharp sword that Du Qi hangs over the head of the Tang dynasty can finally be taken down. "
Tang Zhen said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. Congratulations."
Li Shimin couldn't help but laugh happily when he thought of this.
Happy!
He was really too happy!
Li Shimin had been the Emperor for the past few years. Logically speaking, the Tang dynasty's days were getting better and better. The strength of the Great Tang's main force was also increasing. But in fact, Li Shimin wasn't happy because Du Qi's development in the Western Region was too fast. Du Qi's existence was like a sharp thorn that pierced into Li Shimin's heart, causing Li Shimin to always have a thorn in his heart.
At this moment, there was finally a chance to pull out this thorn.
After Li Shimin finished laughing, because Zhangsun Wuji still needed some time to bring the craftsman, he simply left the palace and went straight to Li Yuan's palace.
In the past year, Li Yuan's body had deteriorated a lot.
He looked even older.
After all, Li Yuan was now sixty-seven or eighty-eight years old. His energy and spirit were not as good as before. To the Emperor, power was the best medicine for eternal youth. But the problem was that Li Yuan had no power in his hands.
Since he abdicated a few years ago, Li Yuan had aged a lot. Fortunately, when Li Yuan abdicated back then, there was Du Qi's advice, so the knot in Li Yuan's heart was not too big. So the conflict between Li Yuan and Li Shimin was not too deep.
But these years, Du Qi had risen in the Western Region. Especially when Du Qi's strength was getting stronger and stronger, and Xia Xia's influence was getting bigger and bigger. So much so that the current Li Yuan was also getting older day by day, no longer going to the West.
When Li Shimin saw Li Yuan, he bowed respectfully and said, "Father."
Now, Li Shimin would often come to see Li Yuan. After all, the relationship between the father and son was not as stiff as before. Especially now that it involved Du Qi, Li Shimin would often ask Li Yuan for advice.
Li Yuan was sitting casually. He nodded and said, "Is there something the Emperor wants to see this old man?"
Li Shimin said, "Father, the spies just sent back good news. Our people finally brought back a craftsman from Du Qi who can make gunpowder. Our Tang dynasty is also about to have this kind of powerful weapon. "
Li Shimin had a deep understanding of the power of gunpowder.
This weapon was too powerful.
When Li Yuan followed Li Shimin to Guazhou City, he also saw the power of gunpowder with his own eyes. Under the dense bombardment of gunpowder, the flesh and blood body was simply not enough to look at. It was directly blown into flesh and blood flying, men and horses in a complete mess. If the Tang dynasty had such a weapon, they could bombard Du Qi and make Du Qi's weapon useless.
Li Yuan suppressed the somewhat excited emotions in his heart and said, "Emperor, is this true? Has the weapon been developed?"
Li Shimin said, "Father, the weapon has not been developed for the time being. After all, this craftsman has just arrived in Chang 'an. In order to prevent Du Qi's people from making trouble, our people previously took the craftsman and hurried on the road, and there has been no news. In order to prevent Du Qi's people from making trouble or killing the craftsman. So when we arrived in Chang 'an, we arranged for people to pass on the message. "
Li Yuan nodded and said, "Yes, this is also a stable method."
To eliminate all hidden dangers.
Then, they could only hide all the news. If even their own people did not know, the enemy would not know either.
Li Shimin's eyes flashed and said, "Father, as long as our Tang dynasty also has a weapon. Then, when we fight with Du Qi again, we will have the confidence and strength to do so. Our Tang dynasty can wash away the disgrace. "
In Li Shimin's heart, Hou Junji was killed and Duan Zhixuan was once captured. These were all humiliations.
Li Shimin had never experienced it.
These humiliations that Du Qi inflicted on him, Li Shimin wanted to get them back one by one. He wanted to let Du Qi also experience these difficult situations that he had experienced.
Li Yuan stroked the gray beard under his chin. His eyebrows slightly furrowed, and the wrinkles on his face were squeezed together. He slowly said, "Emperor, you came to tell this old man that you are ready to declare war on Du Qi?"
As the founder of the country, Li Yuan was not afraid of war.
But in Li Yuan's heart, he did not want a meaningless war to happen. Especially Du Qi was not to be trifled with. Therefore, Li Yuan did not hesitate to start a war for Li Shimin.
Li Shimin said, "Father, now that we have gunpowder, declaring war on Du Qi is only a matter of time. But not now, but when the gunpowder is ready and can be used in battle, then I will start to declare war. After all, this war with Du Qi is unavoidable. How can I allow others to sleep beside my bed? This son understands this principle. Du Qi also understands this principle. "
Li Yuan sighed and said, "Do as you wish. You are the Emperor. But this old man will only say one thing. Think thrice before you act. Don't fight a war without preparation. "
Li Shimin said, "This son will remember."
At this time, Li Yuan was rather tired. He waved his hand, and Li Shimin turned and left.
Li Yuan looked at Li Shimin's back as he left in high spirits, but he shook his head and sighed. Because it involved starting a war with Du Qi, in Li Yuan's heart, there was still some worry.
Because Du Qi was not simple.
Du Qi, this brat, was simply like a monster.
Becoming stronger when encountering the strong.
There was no strongest, only stronger.
The more you fought with Du Qi, the more you could discover Du Qi's tyrannical place. Just like Li Shimin and Du Qi's battle, they fought again and again. Until now, Du Qi's strength was already extremely terrifying.
Li Shimin was not as sentimental as Li Yuan.
The current Li Shimin was delighted in his heart.
Because he felt that the opportunity had come.
Li Shimin returned to the main hall in high spirits and waited quietly. Time passed little by little, but Li Shimin was rather anxious in his heart. This kind of emotion on Li Shimin was actually rather rare. Because Li Shimin's experience and experience, as well as his status and identity, made him always be able to keep his countenance even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of him. He was able to stabilize his mind.
It was not to the extent of beaming with joy, not to the extent of being impatient. But today's situation was too special.
At this time, Li Shimin picked up a book to read.
But after reading a few lines, he threw it aside. He really could not calm his heart down. However, Li Shimin also knew that this was not appropriate. He continued to write, and every word was' calm '. After writing more than ten words, Li Shimin's heart gradually calmed down. He was no longer beaming with joy like before, nor was he so impatient.
Li Shimin sighed and said, "Tang Zhen, I did not expect that there would be a time when I could not wait."
Tang Zhen said, "Your Majesty, this is a joyous occasion. If it were anyone else, they would be extremely excited. Moreover, our Tang dynasty has craftsmen who can make gunpowder. This means that the Tang dynasty also has gunpowder and does not need to be controlled by others. When this old servant thinks of this, I am also happy for Your Majesty. This old servant also could not calm down for a long time. "
Li Shimin nodded. He waited for a while more, and after about 15 minutes, a series of footsteps could be heard from outside the hall. It was Zhangsun Wuji bringing the craftsmen in.
Li Shimin had already given the order earlier.
Zhangsun Wuji arrived and directly entered.
There was no need to announce.
Zhangsun Wuji brought the craftsmen in and bowed respectfully. This craftsmen was about 30 years old. He had a medium build, a square face, thick eyebrows, and big eyes. He looked quite burly and strong.
This person was called Zhong Shi.
He was a craftsman in the arsenal.
Zhong Shi was in charge of the final assembly of gunpowder. In fact, when it came to understanding gunpowder, Zhong Shi did not know much about it in the beginning. However, after spending a few years in the arsenal, Zhong Shi had a clear understanding of the various raw materials used for gunpowder, as well as the problems of matching them. Therefore, he knew how to assemble them.
In addition, he also had some understanding of landmines and grenades. He knew the general direction. After all, he had always been in the arsenal.
Zhong Shi was targeted by the spies of the Tang dynasty. He was not willing to submit, but his family and wife were all captured.
Zhong Shi had no choice but to submit.
Li Shimin looked at Zhong Shi with approval in his eyes. He could not help but ask, "What is your name?"
Zhong Shi said, "I am Zhong Shi."
Li Shimin murmured and nodded, "Zhong Qing, now that you have arrived in Chang 'an, you are already working for me. At this point, you have no way out. It is impossible for you to return to Xia Xia. Are you clear about this? "
"Yes!"
Zhong Shi nodded and answered.
Since leaving Chang 'an, Zhong Shi had already known everything about him. He knew very well that as long as he left, he would betray Xia Xia and become a sinner of Xia Xia.
It was impossible for him to go back.
Li Shimin said, "Zhong Qing, you are working for me and in charge of the gunpowder. I will confer you the title of Fourth Rank Official of Counsel. This is a non-official position. You are not an official in the imperial court, but it gives you a rank. "
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Zhong Shi was excited when he heard it.
When he was in Xia Xia, he also knew that Dan Yangzi and the others had official ranks. As for the situation, Zhong Shi was a low-level craftsman and did not know about it. But he knew that Dan Yangzi and the others were officials.
Now that he was in the Tang dynasty, Li Shimin directly conferred him the title of Fourth Rank Official of Counsel. For Zhong Shi, this was a great opportunity. He was an ordinary craftsman, but he was finally in the imperial court and could bring honor to his ancestors.
Li Shimin heard Zhong Shi's thanks and said, "Zhong Qing, I not only confer you the title of Fourth Rank Official of Counsel, but also the title of Fifth Rank Noble. You are the founder of Xingyang County."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
When Zhong Shi heard it again, he knelt on the ground with a plop and said with an excited look, "Your Majesty's kindness is vast and mighty. I am very grateful. I, Zhong Shi, will do my best for Your Majesty. Even if I have to go through a mountain of swords and a sea of fire, I will not hesitate. "
At this time, Zhong Shi was very excited.
First, he was given an official position.
Now, he was given a title of nobility. It was not easy to get a title of nobility. Even the assistant ministers in the imperial court may not have such a title. Even among the ministers of the various ministries, some of them might not even be able to become a fifth-grade viscount.
Li Shimin stood up and went straight to Zhong Shi. He helped him up and said with a smile, "Zhong Qing, I don't need you to go through water and tread on fire, nor do I need you to die. What I really need is you to develop the gunpowder for me. I want the weapons Du Qi has. Only this, I don't ask for anything else. "
Zhong Shi was now received by the Emperor and was entrusted with an important task. He was also very excited and said, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will definitely make the gunpowder and will not disappoint Your Majesty's high expectations."
"Good, good, good!"
Li Shimin's face was full of bright smiles.
He was waiting for Zhong Shi's words.
Li Shimin encouraged Zhong Shi again, and finally let people take Zhong Shi to rest. After Zhong Shi had a little rest, he began to prepare the gunpowder. In short, Li Shimin agreed to all of Zhong Shi's requests. As long as he could make the gunpowder, then everything was not a problem.
Zhong Shi did not disappoint Li Shimin.
He rested for half a day and adjusted his state of mind. In just half a day, he had gathered all the materials and prepared the gunpowder. After filling the gunpowder and adding the fuse, Zhong Shi arranged for someone to inform Li Shimin and asked him to inspect it.
The best way to test it was naturally to detonate it.
The detonation point was outside the Xuanwu Gate.
When the gunpowder detonated, a deafening sound rang out and a large hole appeared in the ground. Li Shimin saw the scene after the explosion and felt the tremor of the ground. His face was full of excitement.
Success!
It was finally a success!
Li Shimin was happy and praised Zhong Shi again. He gave Zhong Shi a house, as well as silk and satin. In short, Li Shimin treated Zhong Shi like a treasure.
Li Shimin let Zhong Shi make the gunpowder and at the same time continue to study landmines and grenades. Li Shimin returned to the palace and arranged for people to call Zhangsun Wuji, Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, and even Li Jing.
After all, Li Jing was familiar with war matters.
With Li Jing, the pillar of the country, it was easy to arrange things in the military. Especially in the current military, because of Li Xiaogong's relationship with Du Qi, Li Shimin could not completely trust him. As for the other generals like Qin Qiong, Duan Zhixuan, Liu Hongji, and the others, although they were not bad, compared to Li Jing, they were still lacking.
Hence, in terms of military matters, Li Jing had to participate.
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