In the imperial harem:
Li Shimin lay on his side on the bed tiredly while Zhangsun Wugou massaged his shoulders. The husband and wife had been together for many years and had formed a tacit understanding.
Even if they did not speak, it would not be awkward.
Zhangsun Wugou saw that Li Shimin did not speak and seemed to be deep in thought. He only massaged Li Shimin's shoulders quietly and did not say anything. This was because Zhangsun Wugou understood Li Shimin's character. If there was something to say, he would say it.
If Li Shimin did not say anything, it would be useless to ask.
"Whew!"
After a long while, Li Shimin sighed.
When Zhangsun Wugou heard this, a smile appeared on his face. He said, "Your Majesty, did you encounter something troubling you?"
Li Shimin said, "It's not really anything troubling. It just involves that brat Erlang."
Zhangsun Wugou said, "I heard from the palace servants that Erlang and Li Jing returned in triumph. In this battle, Du Erlang also made great contributions by devising strategies in a tent. Now that he made great contributions, what is there to sigh about, Your Majesty? "
Li Shimin said, "Erlang took the initiative to request to go to the Western Regions. He said that he wanted to expand the trade route and reopen the Silk Road. This Emperor knows that this brat must have taken out more than one million strings of cash because the Imperial Court needed money when the country was just established.
"Although this Emperor did not appear at that time, Du Ruhui took the initiative to mention it.
"However, this is equivalent to my tacit approval.
"Erlang has made great contributions to this Emperor. Furthermore, he did not ask for any rewards and helped this Emperor with all his might. However, after this Emperor ascended the throne, I only gave Erlang a small reward based on his contributions. After all, the so-called noble titles and scattered officials are not worth mentioning and do not have much practical value.
"Furthermore, in the end, he even paid for Li Jing's northern expedition to the Turks.
"This brat is unhappy."
Li Shimin said, "However, he still set off and completed the expedition to suppress the Turks. Now, he is going to the Western Regions to break free from the predicament in the Imperial Court. This place is suppressing him everywhere. "
Zhangsun Wugou smiled and said, "Your Majesty, Erlang is an intelligent child. I believe that he can understand His Majesty's difficulties. After all, His Majesty loves and cares for him. "
Li Shimin laughed and said, "Of course he can understand. Therefore, other than money, he has nothing else to do. Moreover, he went to the Western Regions to clean up the unstable situation of the Tang dynasty. It was just that the Western Regions did not restrict him, so he could fulfill both the monarch's and his vassal's principles and his own heart. This kid was indeed smart. Alas, we owe him. "
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Your Majesty, there's no need for this. Erlang can understand you."
"I hope so," Li Shimin said.
Zhangsun Wugou changed the topic and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, since Erlang requested to go to the Western Regions, did you agree?"
A smile appeared on Li Shimin's face as he said seriously, "Didn't he want to go to the Western Regions? I'll give him a chance. Therefore, I conferred him the title of Ping Xi Wang, and sent him to the Western Regions to stir up trouble. I told him that as long as he could conquer the Western Regions outside of Shazhou in Longyou Road, it would be his country. Of course, Shazhou, Guazhou, and Suzhou must be cleaned up for me to station my troops there. Therefore, this kid's wish has been fulfilled. "
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Your Majesty is wise. In this way, Erlang has nothing to say. He might even be grateful to Your Majesty in his heart. Therefore, Your Majesty, there's no need to feel guilty. Your concern for Erlang is well known in the court. "
Li Shimin said, "Really?"
He indeed thought highly of Du Qi.
He also treated Du Qi as a nephew.
Zhangsun Wugou nodded and said, "Of course it's true. You can ask anyone about this matter, and the answer will definitely be like this. After all, Erlang's achievements today cannot be separated from Your Majesty's support. "
Li Shimin laughed loudly when he heard this.
There was a heroic look on his face.
He was rather proud.
In fact, Du Qi's development was indeed the result of Li Shimin's support. No matter what it was, as long as it was Du Qi's business, Li Shimin would do his best to give it preferential treatment. That was why the current situation was possible.
Zhangsun Wugou saw Li Shimin laughing heartily and also heaved a sigh of relief in his heart.
At this moment, a eunuch entered.
This was Li Shimin's personal eunuch who had always been by his side. He came to Li Shimin's side and said something in a low voice. Then, he turned around and left.
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Your Majesty, since there are government affairs, please go ahead."
Li Shimin smiled and said, "What government affairs? It's just that after Du Qi left the main hall, he went to Father's palace."
Zhangsun Wugou smiled and said, "Your Majesty thinks highly of Du Qi and is concerned about Du Qi. Similarly, Father is the same. Father also treats Erlang as a grandson. "
Li Shimin said, "Du Qi is about to leave. It's normal for Father to call Erlang over. Speaking of which, after Erlang leaves, I'm afraid Father's palace will be a little more deserted. In the past, when Erlang was in Chang 'an, he would often enter the palace to see Father and console him so that Father would not go down a dead end. Father and I have a rather harmonious relationship. Now that Du Qi has left, we are missing this link. "
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Erlang has indeed played a big role in the relationship between Your Majesty and Father."
Whether it was Li Shimin or Zhangsun Wugou, both of them admired Du Qi.
They even treated him as a junior.
Zhangsun Wugou suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I have an idea."
Li Shimin said, "Speak!"
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Du Erlang, this kid, is a talented person. Chengqian is the Crown Prince appointed by Your Majesty. He definitely cannot leave Chang 'an. However, Qingque is different. She is six or seven years old and is quite intelligent. My plan is to let Qingque defeat Du Qi as her teacher and let her go to the Western Region with Du Qi. It can be considered as training. "
Qingque was Li Tai's nickname.
Li Tai was Li Shimin's fourth son and Zhangsun Wugou's second son.
Li Chengqian was the eldest son and the Crown Prince. Li Shimin was very strict with Li Chengqian but doted on Li Tai. Li Tai was six or seven years old and was extremely intelligent. He was deeply loved by Li Shimin.
When Li Shimin heard Zhangsun Wugou's words, he shook his head and said, "Guanyin, the Western Region is extremely chaotic. Especially Suzhou, Guazhou, Shazhou, and other places. On the surface, they submitted to the Tang dynasty, but they are actually independent. If Erlang goes, it will be like opening up a new land. It's not appropriate to let Qingque go, so Qingque will not go. Let him stay in Chang 'an. Let's forget about the matter of acknowledging him as a teacher for now. "
When Zhangsun Wugou saw this, she did not say anything more. However, in her heart, she still felt that although Du Qi was young, he was indeed intelligent. He had the ability to see the big picture and was capable. Moreover, he was a good person.
If she had another child, she would definitely acknowledge Du Qi as her teacher.
Zhangsun Wugou changed the topic and talked about other things with Li Shimin. The husband and wife chatted and laughed, and the atmosphere was very harmonious. Gradually, the atmosphere became even more charming, and everyone in the room was happy.
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