Chang 'an, in the main hall.
Li Shimin, dressed in a dragon robe, sat at the front, looking majestic. The current Li Shimin had already stabilized the country. No one in the Great Tang could shake Li Shimin's position.
When Li Shimin had just ascended the throne, the rebellion of the various officials might have caused the Great Tang to fall apart, but at this stage, that was no longer possible.
After all, the Tang dynasty had Du Qi's foundation, and its businesses were developing rapidly. The economy was developing strongly, and the people's livelihood was quickly restored. Without the Turks as an external enemy, Li Shimin himself had released the palace maids, reduced taxes, reduced labor, and resumed production. Thus, the Tang dynasty had regained its vitality.
Li Shimin had become the Crown Prince at the end of the ninth year of Li Yuan's reign, and it had been nearly four years since then.
Such a long time was enough for a huge change to occur.
Li Shimin had completely stabilized his position.
At this moment, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Zhangsun Wuji, Hou Junji, Li Xiaogong, Li Shentong, Wei Zheng, Xiao Yu, and other officials were gathered in the main hall.
Li Shimin had many talents under his command.
The reason why Li Shimin had gathered so many officials was because the Western Regions had sent back news that Du Qi had taken down Yiwu City, Gaochang, Yanqi, and Qici.
Previously, the news was that Du Qi had only taken Yiwu City and Gaochang.
But now, there were two more countries.
The situation was very different.
After Li Shimin explained the general situation, he continued, "Du Qi has taken down the four countries of the Western Regions, and he is indeed very impressive. This kid is indeed capable. He hasn't been in the Western Regions for long, but he has made so many contributions in such a short time. "
All in all, Du Qi had only been in the Western Regions for a little more than a year, not even two years. It was not easy to build up such a foundation in such a short time.
Even Li Shimin, an emperor of great talent and strategy, admired Du Qi's ability. At least, if it was Li Shimin, he might not be able to do so.
When Zhangsun Wuji heard Li Shimin's words, he glanced at Du Qi and stood up without saying anything else. He raised his head and said in a powerful voice, "Your Majesty, this subject feels that we cannot tolerate this any longer. We cannot allow Du Qi to continue to grow."
His words were powerful and resonant.
It was as if a thunderclap had exploded in the hall.
Instantly, a storm was set off.
Zhangsun Wuji's words were the prelude to dealing with Du Qi. As Zhangsun Wuji stepped forward, Hou Junji also stepped forward, his expression somber and suffused with killing intent.
Although Hou Junji had made some contributions in his early years, they had not been particularly obvious. And when it came to supporting Li Shimin, Hou Junji had never backed down, so he had played a significant role in supporting Li Shimin.
Because of this, his official position was very prominent.
But compared to Li Jing, Li Xiaogong, Du Ruhui, and Fang Xuanling, Hou Junji was several levels lower. Thus, when it came to dealing with Du Qi, Hou Junji had stepped forward in a hurry.
Hou Junji said, "Your Majesty, this subject is willing to lead an army to deal with Du Qi."
These words caused Du Ruhui's expression to flicker.
But soon, he regained his composure. Compared to the people in the hall, Du Ruhui had received news that Du Qi had taken control of the four provinces. After all, the Jeong Clan had returned from the Western Regions and brought back news of the Western Regions.
Du Ruhui was very confident in Du Qi.
Although his son was young, he was very experienced in handling matters. Du Ruhui had specially sent a letter to Du Qi, telling him that there was no need to worry about him. Du Ruhui was an important official of the court, so nothing could happen to him.
Li Shimin glanced at Du Ruhui, a hint of guilt in his eyes. Then, he chided, "Hou Junji, shut up. No one will take you for a mute if you don't speak. "
Hou Junji said, "Your Majesty, this subject speaks from the bottom of his heart. Du Qi is the Pacifying West King of the Tang dynasty, but in the Western Regions, he has ceded territory and established himself as an independent force. His tail is too big to be removed. If we don't deal with him as soon as possible, the consequences will be unthinkable. Your Majesty, please reconsider. "
Li Shimin sternly said, "Du Qi has always been the Pacifying West King of the Tang dynasty. Du Qi's contributions to the Tang dynasty are indelible. Du Qi has also made great contributions in the Western Regions by stabilizing Suzhou, Shazhou, and Guazhou. We don't understand why this has escalated to the point of dealing with Du Qi. We find it strange! "
Li Shimin's reasoning as the Emperor was to curb Du Qi's power. However, Li Shimin was also clear that even if he wanted to curb Du Qi, he wouldn't be the one to take the initiative to send troops.
Li Shimin had obtained the throne unjustly. No matter how he tried to gloss it over, he had killed his brother and forced Li Yuan to take the throne.
Under this premise, Li Shimin couldn't do something like 'cook the hound after the cunning rabbit'. Because if he did so, his illustrious reputation would be destroyed in a single day.
Li Shimin would not allow this to happen.
As Li Shimin reprimanded him, Hou Junji's expression changed again and again, and he even turned red from shame and anger. However, there was nothing he could do.
After all, Li Shimin was the Emperor.
Hou Junji spontaneously returned to his seat and sat down, not daring to say anything else.
Zhangsun Wuji faintly smiled and said, "Your Majesty, Hou Junji's words are indeed a little excessive, but this subject agrees with everything he said. Du Qi's strength in the Western Regions spans Yizhou, Gaochang, Yanqi, and Qizi.
"His strength is already quite tyrannical, and he has the momentum of a tail that cannot be removed.
"A total of seventy thousand Turkic soldiers were easily wiped out by Du Qi. From this, one can see his strength. Thus, this point needs to be restrained. Moreover, I'm doing this for Du Qi's sake. "
"Once Du Qi truly grows too powerful, even if Du Qi's heart is with the court, his subordinates will still flock to him. This will cause Du Qi to be unable to act independently, and in the end, it will harm both himself and others."
Zhangsun Wuji spoke frankly and frankly, "Right now, Your Majesty, for the long-term stability of the Tang dynasty and for Du Qi's sake, you should act as soon as possible. Otherwise, if you allow Du Qi to grow too powerful, it will eventually lead to a situation that is difficult to resolve. "
"Your Majesty, this subject agrees."
At this moment, Li Shentong also stepped forward.
Li Shentong and Du Qi had their own conflicts. Although Li Shentong had once been instigated to submit to Li Shimin and work for Li Shimin, he could be considered to be in the same camp as Du Qi. However, things were different now.
Du Qi was now independent, and he had old grudges with Li Shentong.
This was what Li Shentong had to consider.
Li Shentong said, "Your Majesty, this subject thinks that we should act as a restraint. Just like what Zhangsun Wuji said, if we don't stop him, once Du Qi's true strength becomes tyrannical, he will be escorted forward by his subordinates. In the end, when he can't be stopped, then the situation will truly go out of control and that will be the real trouble. Your Majesty, please reconsider.
"Your Majesty, this subject also agrees."
At this moment, Gao Shilian stepped forward and spoke.
Gao Shilian was Zhangsun Wuji's uncle, and he was on Zhangsun Wuji's side. Now, the Du family's strength was too great. Whether it was in business or Du Qi's territory at the border, they were too powerful.
This had to be restrained.
Gao Shilian said solemnly, "Your Majesty, Du Qi has indeed made great contributions to the court. But if you want to punish him, it's definitely nonsense. That's impossible. "
Li Shimin respected Gao Shilian quite a bit. Because he married Zhangsun Wugou, Gao Shilian was his uncle. Thus, Li Shimin asked, "Official Gao, do you have any suggestions?"
Gao Shilian said, "Your Majesty, previously, didn't we appoint Du Qi as Anxi Protectorate's Jiedushi? Right now, we should make an adjustment and appoint another person as Anxi Protectorate's Jiedushi to control the Western Regions."
"This way, the Western Regions will be under the control of the Anxi Protectorate's Jiedushi."
"Even if Du Qi controls Yi, Gaochang, Yanqi, and Qizi Provinces, the new Anxi Protectorate's Jiedushi can gradually adjust the officials and replace them with people loyal to the Tang dynasty."
Gao Shilian smiled, "If Ping Xi Wang cooperates, everything will go with the flow. Of course, if Ping Xi Wang doesn't cooperate, then it's not Your Majesty's fault. It's Ping Xi Wang who doesn't know how to adapt to the situation. "
Li Shimin also nodded his head.
This was what he meant.
He agreed with Gao Shilian's arrangement.
Zhangsun Wuji stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this subject thinks that this matter isn't enough. No matter what Ping Xi Wang thinks, if he accepts the Imperial Court's arrangement, there won't be a problem. However, we don't know what will happen, so we need to send an order to Su Dingfang at the border and order him to make preparations. If Du Qi doesn't agree, we will have to go to war. "
When these words came out, many people's expressions turned solemn. Some people even looked at Du Qi. After all, Du Qi was Du Ruhui's son and Du Ruhui was the Prime Minister of the Imperial Court.
Zhangsun Wuji narrowed his eyes and turned to Du Ruhui, asking, "Prime Minister Du, what do you think?"
Du Ruhui's expression was unhappy.
He looked at Li Shimin with a complicated expression. Finally, he said, "Your Majesty, this subject isn't feeling well. Please take your leave."
After saying this, Du Ruhui turned and left.
He didn't care about Li Shimin.
Li Shimin looked at Du Ruhui's departing figure and wanted to say something. However, he swallowed his words and sighed. To be honest, Li Shimin also didn't want to deal with Du Qi. However, Du Qi's development was too fast.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Court has just stabilized a little. Are you going to cook the hound after the rabbit has been caught?"
The moment Du Ruhui walked out, Wei Zheng stood out. He had always been fearless. Not only because he was once part of Li Jiancheng's team and represented a part of the people, but also because Wei Zheng knew Li Shimin's nature and wouldn't do anything to him.
Wei Zheng wanted to show his value. He wouldn't hide anything or keep a low profile. The more low-profile he was, the easier it was for others to look down on him. He might as well do whatever he wanted.
As Wei Zheng spoke, Li Shimin's expression changed greatly.
Wei Zheng continued, "When Du Qi went to the Western Regions, His Majesty promised that as long as Du Qi stabilized the western border of Longyou Road, outside of Shazhou and Guazhou, then the territory Du Qi took over would be Du Qi's vassal state."
"Now, with Zhangsun Wuji as the leader, everyone is suggesting that His Majesty target Du Qi. He even wants to send troops to the Western Regions to suppress him. What I want to say is that it's easy to conquer the country, but it's not easy to govern it. "
"Today, because Du Qi has made a name for himself in the Western Regions, His Majesty thinks that Du Qi is a threat, so he wants to get rid of him. Tomorrow, Zhangsun Wuji has a high position in the Imperial Court. Even if he isn't an official of the three provinces and six ministries, he can still command hundreds of officials. Should he also be killed because of his achievements? "
"Or, as the number one person in the army, Li Jing has won every battle and is invincible. He can be called the evergreen tree in the army and has unparalleled prestige in the army. Should he also be killed?"
Wei Zheng spoke with fervor and assurance. His gaze was even sharper as he said in an overbearing tone, "Now that the imperial court has settled down, there's no need for generals to conquer the lands. However, there are many generals in the imperial court who are skilled in battle. The existence of these people may also affect the stability of the Imperial Court. Should we directly remove their military power? "
Every question was enlightening.
When Li Shimin heard it, his face couldn't help but twitch. Even his hands in his sleeves were clenched.
Wei Zheng's words were too hurtful.
As a person who obtained the throne by killing his brother and forcing his father, Li Shimin cared about his face the most. What he cared about the most was legitimacy. It was even more impossible for him to do such a thing. Otherwise, he would lose his face as the Emperor. Moreover, the description of him in the history books of the future would definitely be extremely bad.
This was what Li Shimin didn't want to see.
Li Shimin didn't stand out, but Zhangsun Wuji did. He sneered and said, "Wei Zheng, that's enough. How many benefits have you received from Du Qi? You're actually speaking up for him. Could it be that because the Wei Clan and Du Qi are in-laws, you want to side with him when it comes to him? "
Wei Zheng raised his head and said with a righteous look, "I, Wei Zheng, do things with a clear conscience. I don't let the Emperor down. I only have a heart for the country. If I, Wei Zheng, received benefits from Du Qi, my whole family will die. "
Hua!!
Many officials were in an uproar.
Wei Zheng's words were too domineering.
He directly swore an oath.
In this era, many people believed in ghosts and gods, especially when it came to oaths. Most people didn't dare to swear carelessly. Because of this, Wei Zheng's words made Zhangsun Wuji frown.
Zhangsun Wuji knew that Li Shimin was in a difficult position. As Li Shimin's trusted aide, he couldn't let Li Shimin suffer. Thus, Zhangsun Wuji continued, "Wei Zheng, I'm afraid that you have misunderstood His Majesty."
"His Majesty has already reprimanded Hou Junji for his words just now. The current arrangement of the Imperial Court is to guard against him. This is also for Du Qi's own good. Do you really want to wait until Du Qi's position has reached an irreversible stage before you make a move? "
"When that time comes, you can only use your weapons against him."
"Now that Du Qi is the Pacifying West King, the Imperial Court is only asking him to step down from his position as the Jiedushi of the Anxi Protectorate. They aren't targeting Du Qi. Furthermore, the taxes and rent of the various countries in the Western Regions will still be collected by Du Qi. The Imperial Court won't take a single cent from him. "
Zhangsun Wuji said, "Right now, the Imperial Court is only assigning people to the position of Jiedushi to control the various provinces and ensure that the various provinces belong to the Tang dynasty. Is there anything wrong with this? "
Wei Zheng sneered, "Zhangsun Wuji, you know very well what you are thinking. If you don't want others to know, then don't do it in the first place. Zhangsun Wuji, I can confidently say that this arrangement of yours will definitely cause unrest in the Tang dynasty. "
"Du Qi isn't someone who can be easily manipulated by others. Back then, His Majesty made a promise, but now, he wants to retract it. If His Majesty didn't agree to Du Qi going to the Western Regions and didn't even promise the various countries in the Western Regions to become Du Qi's vassals, today's matter wouldn't have happened. "
"But now, he's going back on his words."
"Du Qi has achieved success at a young age. Such a person isn't someone who's willing to swallow his anger. If you, Zhangsun Wuji, want to carry it out, I have nothing to say. But in the future, if it really affects the Tang dynasty, you, Zhangsun Wuji, will have to take responsibility. At that time, you will be the sinner of the Tang dynasty. It's you who forced Du Qi. "
Wei Zheng's words were extremely forceful.
He was originally a big mouth.
Once he opened his mouth, his words were overbearing. Step by step, he forced Zhangsun Wuji into a difficult position.
However, Zhangsun Wuji wasn't willing to admit defeat. He didn't budge an inch. "I'll take responsibility then. No matter what, I can't let Du Qi's strength increase again. Moreover, Du Qi is Ping Xi Wang, a person of the Tang dynasty. He's His Majesty's subject. Whatever His Majesty wants, Du Qi can only accept it. If Du Qi refuses, it means that he has second thoughts. If that's the case, Du Qi needs to be taught a lesson. "
Wei Zheng said in disdain, "If His Majesty treats his subject like a brother, then the subject will treat him like a confidant. If His Majesty treats his subject like a dog, then the subject will treat him like a countryman. If His Majesty treats his subject like dirt, then the subject will treat him like an enemy. How His Majesty treats Du Qi, Du Qi will naturally have a corresponding response. You need to teach Du Qi a lesson. Du Qi isn't that easy to teach. "
After a pause, Wei Zheng continued, "If I remember correctly, it was you, Zhangsun Wuji, who targeted Du Qi several times back then. But every time, you returned empty-handed and lost your face. To be honest, I hope that you can win this time. Because you can't bear the price of failure. "
Zhangsun Wuji said, "Wei Zheng, you're too arrogant. If you have foresight, you won't serve Li Jiancheng. This time, I insist on my opinion. "
The two of them couldn't come to an agreement.
Li Shimin sat at the top and frowned. However, he didn't interfere. He had a thought in his mind. He didn't want to target Du Qi anymore and leave the Western Region alone for now.
After all, His Majesty was far away. He could do whatever Du Qi wanted. However, just as this thought arose, Li Shimin suppressed it. Because Li Shimin was a promising ruler. He had unified the Tang dynasty and even reorganized the Longyou Road.
He hoped to expand his territory.
Li Shimin wanted to control the Western Region.
Li Shimin didn't say anything in the end. He just watched quietly.
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