The Tang Dynasty implemented the system of military service. Ordinary people did their own work in peacetime and only served as soldiers in times of war. They also had to provide their own weapons and equipment. Except for Chang'an City, which had a professional army, this was the case in most other places.
Although it can ensure social production, the army's combat effectiveness is not very good, especially in some economically underdeveloped areas. The Zhechoufu is basically a decoration. Take the current situation as an example. There are no people to be mobilized from the border areas because the peace period has been too long, and of course it is also related to the debt owed by the court.
Li Xiang's idea was very simple. There were so many soldiers in his system. As long as he was given a few Zhechoufu, he could release these people in an instant. As for who led whom and whose territory they went to, Li Xiang didn't care at all, because these people came out of the system, so they were 100% loyal to him. If the emperor didn't believe me, he could send other people to lead them, but if anything happened, I could call these people up at any time.
"You're truly incredibly wealthy, kid. Do you know how much it would cost to equip a Zhechoufu with 1,200 men, all equipped with armor and weapons?"
Li Shimin knew that Li Xiang had made a fortune, but Li Xiang spoke so arrogantly that Li Shimin still had to discourage Li Xiang's enthusiasm.
"My grandson has investigated this matter. If we follow the standards of the Chang'an City North Yamen Imperial Guard, it would cost sixty strings of cash, not including the warhorse. If we count it, it would probably cost four hundred strings of cash."
Li Xiang said with a smile, and Li Shimin was also very pleased. Many of his sons were always interested in literature, but in Li Shimin's view, it was useless. Can literature allow you to rule the world? That is just a fabrication of the rulers. The most important thing for a royal child is to govern the country. If you don't even know the most basic things, why should the empire be handed over to you?
"Then you need two Zhechoufu for one mouth. Have you ever calculated how much that would cost?"
Li Shimin knew that Li Xiang had money, but even if he had money, he couldn't spend it the way I did.
"Grandpa, have you forgotten? Zat'rk left a lot of money. It's all in my hands now. Normally, we should split it equally, but the entire Tang Dynasty is yours. I just handed over one million strings of cash. You wouldn't ask me for this money, would you? I'll use it to arm myself."
Li Xiang and Li Shimin have become friends at this moment. No one had dared to speak to him like this before, but now Li Xiang's way of speaking made Li Shimin feel friendly. Besides, what this little bastard said was right. I am rich in the world and cannot always focus on such a small amount of money. What's more, arming these soldiers is extremely beneficial to the entire Tang Dynasty.
Li Shimin had to think carefully about matters concerning military power, especially in the capital. Li Xiang held the official position of the Imperial City Administration, but he had only a few hundred soldiers under his command. He was mainly afraid that his descendants would rebel.
But it would be different if you were outside the capital. It was far away from the capital. If you wanted to bring your troops back, you would have to pass through countless checkpoints along the way. They would have arrested you before you could rebel. Therefore, Li Shimin was not so worried about the military deployment outside.
"Then I'll tell General Qin that I'll assign you three Zhechoufu when we get there. You'll have to manage them well. This is no joke. If you perform well, I'll naturally reward you. But if you don't, be careful or I'll spank you when you get back."
Li Shimin said with a fierce face that the three Zhechoufu were not many people, with a total of more than 3,000 people. Since he wanted to train his grandson, he had to give him power. If he kept them by his side every day, it would probably not be of much use. A sapling can never grow into a towering tree without experiencing wind and rain.
"Thank you, Grandpa. However, there is one more thing I hope you can agree to. After I leave, someone needs to take charge of the Eastern Palace. My father has almost finished reflecting on his actions at home. If you continue to keep him locked up in the Eastern Palace, he will become the same as before sooner or later."
Before leaving, Li Xiang had to release Li Chengqian. He had all kinds of connections in the capital. If he relied on Zhou Huairen, there might be many shortcomings. If Li Chengqian helped from the side, everything would naturally go smoothly. Of course, Li Xiang did not trust Li Chengqian too much, so he had to leave someone to keep an eye on Li Chengqian. After all, this guy had a criminal record.
"Go back and tell him that it's okay to release him, but if anything else happens, I will exile him to Minyue and he will never be allowed to return to Beijing!"
With Li Shimin's words, Li Xiang felt more relieved. His father had a gene for making trouble, but was very afraid of Li Shimin. Forced by these two sentences and the changes in recent times, Li Xiang believed that Li Chengqian could live well during the time he was away from the capital.
"Black robe."
After Li Shimin finished speaking, a man in black suddenly appeared from behind. Li Xiang was also startled on the spot. There was no shelter behind him just now. Where did this man come from? If we talk about the strength of the existence, Li Xiang dared to say that he was definitely in the top three in the world.
"Find two disciples to help this kid as he goes south. Don't worry about anything else. Just make sure he's safe."
After hearing this, the man in black bowed and retreated. Li Xiang's face was filled with joy, but inside he was worried. "We are surrounded by so many powerful generals, how can we not have someone to protect us?" If these two men of yours want to follow, they will have to find a way to get rid of them. This will make life miserable.
"Don't act like that. I know what you're thinking. These people are here to protect your life. Without your life, everything else is meaningless. On the battlefield, swords are blind. You must not act recklessly. Do whatever you're told. If the two generals report you when you return, I'll also find a temple to seal you up."
When Li Shimin said this, the majesty of an emperor was gone from his face, replaced by the kindness of a grandfather. After all, this was his eldest grandson, who was about to leave the capital for the battlefield. It was impossible for Li Shimin not to worry. Although he had many grandsons, not many of them were useful, and even fewer were useful and to his liking...
