Zhangsun Wuji wasn't willing to continue the debate, so he turned to Li Shimin and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, we have to be careful when it comes to the Western Regions. The land outside of Longyou Road can be Du Qi's fief. However, the Tang dynasty's army will definitely be stationed there. All the land under the heavens belongs to the emperor, and all the land is the emperor's vassal. Since it's the Tang dynasty's territory, how can there be no army stationed there? Therefore, we have to arrange for someone to be the Jiedushi of the Anxi Protectorate to govern the Western Regions. Apart from that, arrange for someone to be stationed there. "
Gao Shilian said, "Your Majesty, I agree."
Hou Junji said, "Your Majesty, I agree."
After Gao Shilian and Hou Junji expressed their opinions, many other officials also expressed their opinions.
Fang Xuanling didn't say anything.
Li Shimin looked at Fang Xuanling and asked, "Xuanling, what do you think?"
Fang Xuanling said, "Your Majesty, the situation is complicated, and I can't make a decision immediately. Therefore, I can't say anything because I don't understand. "
Li Shimin frowned. How could he not know that Fang Xuanling was making excuses?
However, Li Shimin didn't insist and stopped asking Fang Xuanling. He looked at Zhangsun Wuji and said, "Zhangsun Wuji, who do you think is suitable to be the second Jiedushi of the Anxi Protectorate?"
Zhangsun Wuji said, "Your Majesty, I think Li Xiaogong is the most suitable."
Li Xiaogong was Du Qi's father-in-law.
Zhangsun Wuji's intention was to let Li Xiaogong go so that he could restrict Du Qi. With Li Xiaogong around, Du Qi wouldn't be able to implement many of his ideas. In the end, everything would be settled smoothly.
"Ah!"
Suddenly, a scream came from the crowd. Along with the scream, there was a loud bang.
Everyone turned to look.
The person on the ground was Li Xiaogong. At this moment, Li Xiaogong was lying on the ground, looking as if he had fainted. In fact, his eyes were already narrowed.
When Li Shimin saw Li Xiaogong on the ground and saw his ruddy face, he immediately understood.
He was faking it.
Li Shimin was very clear that Li Xiaogong did this in order not to go to the Western Regions and make things difficult for Du Qi. Even if Li Shimin's heart still had some knots, but Li Xiaogong had already fainted on the ground, so he could not say much. Therefore, he could only call for attendants to carry Li Xiaogong away for treatment.
After Li Xiaogong was taken away, Li Shimin asked, "Zhangsun Wuji, Li Xiaogong is sick. Get someone else."
Zhangsun Wuji frowned.
He believed that Li Shimin should not compromise.
However, Li Shimin had already decided. Zhangsun Wuji rolled his eyes and suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I feel that Duke Yixing is the most suitable."
The Duke of Yixing was Gao Shilian.
He was from Zhangsun Wuji's faction.
When Gao Shilian heard this, he rolled his eyes and took the initiative to say, "Your Majesty, this subject is willing to go."
The Jiedushi of the Anxi Protectorate was an official position that was even higher than that of a provincial governor. In fact, it was even higher than that of a few provincial governors. Especially in the current situation, the Jiedushi of the Anxi Protectorate was a lucrative position.
As long as he could stabilize his position as the Jiedushi of the Anxi Protectorate, when he stepped down from his position and returned to the imperial court, his official position would definitely rise by several ranks.
Henceforth. He would enter the level of an important official in the imperial court.
Even if he did not become the governor of three provinces, he would be more than qualified to become a minister. Therefore, Gao Shilian was willing.
Li Shimin nodded his head and said, "Official Gao, you should know that this trip to the Western Region might not be smooth. In fact, there might even be many obstacles. "
Gao Shilian said seriously, "With Your Majesty's grace, even if the Western Region is filled with difficulties, I believe that it won't be a big problem. After all, there is still the army led by Su Dingfang in the Western Region. "
Li Shimin said, "Since that is the case, I will allow it. I will give you the imperial edict. You will bring the imperial edict to the Western Region and complete the handover with Du Qi. After that, you will control the various provinces in the Western Region. "
"This subject obeys."
Gao Shilian immediately replied.
Zhangsun Wuji rolled his eyes and said, "Your Majesty, this subject has another suggestion."
Li Shimin said, "Speak!"
Zhangsun Wuji said, "Although this subject believes that Duke Yixing will successfully complete his mission in the Western Region, one must not be wary of others. However, one must always be on guard against others. One must be prepared for the worst. "
"Su Dingfang is the Provincial Governor of Guazhou and controls Guazhou and Shazhou. However, in reality, Su Dingfang does not have enough soldiers. It will be difficult for him to control Du Qi."
"Du Qi's strength is at the top of the four provinces. Previously, the news that was sent back said that he had thirty thousand soldiers. Now, there will definitely be more. Once a conflict breaks out with Su Dingfang, with just Su Dingfang's soldiers, he will not be able to win. "
"Therefore, this subject suggests that Hou Junji be the main general and lead fifty thousand soldiers to set up camp in Guazhou."
Zhangsun Wuji said, "On one hand, it is to deal with the unexpected. On the other hand, it is to intimidate the Western Region. If Du Qi really has any thoughts, let him know that we cannot casually start a war in the Western Region. The moment we start a war, the Tang dynasty will definitely charge over. "
"Approved!"
Since Li Shimin had already made the decision, he did not have any hopes and directly agreed.
To Li Shimin, this matter was not difficult.
When Wei Zheng heard Li Shimin's order, he waved his sleeves and said angrily, "Your Majesty, doing this will only increase the conflict and will only make Du Qi resist. Your Majesty, you will definitely regret your decision today. "
After he finished, Wei Zheng turned around and left.
Like Du Ruhui, he directly left the main hall and did not stay.
A dark expression appeared on Li Shimin's face. In truth, Li Shimin was wary of Wei Zheng, but he was also unhappy. This was because the current Wei Zheng was a huge scolding. Occasionally, he would scold him in court. However, Li Shimin could not retort.
Li Shimin was someone who wanted to be the Saint Ruler. If he directly punished Wei Zheng, it would be the same as smearing his reputation.
However, Li Shimin was still angry.
Now that Wei Zheng directly left, Li Shimin was even more unhappy. One must know that Li Shimin was the Emperor, and Wei Zheng was a subject. Previously, when Du Ruhui left, he pretended to be unwell and could not discuss matters. Li Xiaogong wanted to reject him, but he pretended to faint.
Wei Zheng was different. After scolding him, he left angrily, which was the same as saying that Li Shimin was an incapable ruler.
Li Shimin snorted and did not bother about Wei Zheng who left. He waved his sleeves and said, "Alright, this matter is settled. Make the arrangements."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Zhangsun Wuji and the others replied.
However, a smile appeared on Zhangsun Wuji's face.
Li Shimin waved his hand, and the subjects all left. Li Shimin stood up and went straight to the back of the palace. When he saw Zhangsun Wugou, he first vented his anger and scolded Wei Zheng before calming down.
Li Shimin said, "Guanyin Maid, Wei Zheng is really too much."
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Your Majesty, it is because Wei Zheng respects Your Majesty that he is so rude. Wei Zheng knows that Your Majesty is a Saint Emperor and will not punish him. You will not cripple him because of his words. Your Majesty, this proves that when you control the imperial court, everyone can speak freely and express their thoughts. It is not a lifeless imperial court. "
Hearing this, Li Shimin nodded and smiled.
It seemed to make sense.
Zhangsun Wugou continued, "Just now, Your Majesty said that you have arranged for my uncle to be the regional commander of the Anxi Protectorate. Sigh, I don't think so."
Li Shimin said, "Guanyin Maid, why do you say so?"
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Erlang seems to be easy to talk to, but in reality, he is extremely proud. I am afraid that he will not cooperate."
After pausing for a while, Zhangsun Wugou continued, "Your Majesty, back then, you were able to ascend to the throne because of Erlang's contributions. Whether it is planning for Your Majesty or providing money and effort, Erlang has made outstanding contributions. Does it have to come to this? "
Li Shimin sighed and said, "I have no choice. After all, things have already come to this. Especially now that Du Qi has taken over four prefectures. If he is not restrained, it will not be easy to handle. Therefore, I can only transfer him. "
Zhangsun Wugou nodded and changed the topic, "Forget it. As a woman, I cannot understand the matters of the imperial court. After all, my knowledge is limited. Since Your Majesty has decided, just do it. I support Your Majesty. "
Li Shimin nodded.
He was now the Emperor and had no other choice.
"Your Majesty, the Retired Emperor invites you in."
At this moment, the Chief Steward of the Imperial Household, Tang Zhen, entered. He stood beside Li Shimin and said, "I heard that the Retired Emperor sent someone to deliver the message. It seems to be quite urgent."
Li Shimin said, "Let's go."
He stood up and nodded at Zhangsun Wugou. Then, he led Tang Zhen to the palace where Li Yuan was sitting. Li Yuan's palace was much quieter now. Not many people came, and it was completely deserted.
Li Shimin entered the main hall and bowed to Li Yuan. Then, he sat down at the side.
The current Li Yuan had aged a lot.
After all, Li Yuan had nothing to do. To someone like Li Yuan, power was a means to preserve his youth. After losing power and everything he had, he gradually lost his heart to strive forward. In a short time, his hair had turned completely white, and his cheeks were wrinkled. One could see how old he was.
Li Yuan said, "Emperor, I heard that you arranged for Gao Shilian to be the Jiedushi of the Anxi Protectorate and let Hou Junji lead fifty thousand elites into Guazhou. Is this true?"
"Yes!"
Li Shimin replied directly.
This matter had already spread. There was no need to deny it.
Li Yuan said, "Emperor, now you understand how difficult it is to be an Emperor, right?"
Li Shimin narrowed his eyes but did not reply. Instead, he said, "What does Father mean by this?"
Li Yuan said, "You, Li Shimin, have an extremely close relationship with Erlang Du. It can be said that you are Du Qi's elder. Logically and emotionally, Du Qi is of great help to you. Without Erlang Du, your position as Emperor would not be so stable. But now, you are setting up a trap to deal with Du Qi. "
After a pause, Li Yuan continued, "Although your heart may not be willing, as the Emperor, as the Emperor, you are the Emperor. But as the Emperor, you have absolute power. You can't allow a young tiger to grow by your side. That's why you want to suppress Du Qi. How can you allow others to sleep by your side? This is the way of the Emperor. "
Li Shimin said, "Father is wise."
Since he could not hide it from Li Yuan, he admitted it directly.
Li Yuan said, "From the Emperor's point of view, there is nothing wrong with your actions. But Emperor, your actions this time may not be correct. Because Du Qi is not an ordinary person. Your actions may cause irreversible consequences. Have you really not considered the worst possible outcome? "
Li Shimin said, "Father, Guazhou has Su Dingfang and Hou Junji. There will not be any problems."
Li Yuan said, "One Du Qi is only equal to Su Dingfang and Hou Junji? In my view, even so, Du Qi is enough to resist. This time, you may have made a mistake in your judgment. Although I am old and have no power, I can only tell you that this matter is not simple. It may not go as you wish. Prepare for the worst. "
Li Shimin said confidently, "Father is thinking too much."
Li Shimin admitted that Du Qi was formidable. But Hou Junji and Su Dingfang were both fierce generals on the battlefield. Li Shimin believed that Du Qi would not dare to act rashly.
The position of Anxi Protectorate's Jiedushi must be transferred to Gao Shilian. Hearing Li Shimin's words, Li Yuan stroked his white beard and said, "Emperor, you must remember, a dike of a thousand li collapses because of an ant hole. A hole is enough to trigger a series of reactions. Du Qi is a hole that can be affected. Forget it, I am just spouting nonsense. You are the Emperor, do as you see fit. "
Li Shimin did not think that Du Qi would dare to act rashly.
Gao Shilian would definitely win.
Hearing Li Yuan's words, Li Shimin did not say anything more. He got up and left. At this time, Li Shimin secretly made up his mind that he would smoothly resolve the Western Regions.
Wei Zheng was not optimistic.
Li Yuan was not optimistic.
But in the end, he would easily and smoothly resolve this matter.
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