"Long live the emperor."
At the gate of the Ministry of War, Li Shimin arrived with Zhangsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling. Although the matter of Liaodong Goguryeo was being discussed today, these two also had a say in this matter, so they were brought along directly.
When Li Shimin stepped down from the imperial carriage, he deliberately looked at where Li Xiang was. This kid was good. He knew how to keep a low profile. He knelt around the people from the Liaodong Division and did not stand in front of Li Jing. You know, according to the current rules, even if Li Xiang knelt in front of Li Jing, it would be reasonable, because he was the grandson of the old emperor!
"lead the way."
After Li Shimin asked everyone to stand up, he walked to Li Xiang. Li Xiang also understood what Li Shimin meant. He wanted to test himself. Had he just come here so early just now just for fun?
On the way, Li Shimin took many detours and almost walked through the entire Ministry of War. In fact, Li Shimin knew what these places were used for before, but today he just wanted to test Li Xiang. Every time he arrived at a place, he would ask Li Xiang what this place was used for. Fortunately, Zhang Ping knew a lot, and Li Xiang had a lot of questions just now. Li Xiang had asked most of Li Shimin's questions, so he could answer them fluently.
Li Shimin was very satisfied with his grandson's performance. He originally thought that this kid might not be able to cope with it after a surprise attack, but he didn't expect that he would answer in a reasonable and orderly manner. It seemed that he had not been idle just now. He really looked like a capable person, much better than other princes and grandsons of the emperor. After all, the others also served in various yamen, and under the same assessment conditions, none of them surpassed Li Xiang.
Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling also looked at each other. It seemed that this Royal Highness the Grandson was definitely not joking. If it was just a glimpse of him in the court that day, then he was a bit decisive in dealing with the subordinates of the Eastern Palace and Li Yuanchang. In addition, the cooperation with the Changsun family was also well thought out. At least from what has been shown so far, there is one word that His Royal Highness the Grandson deserves, and that is impeccable.
"His Royal Highness the King of Wei, His Royal Highness the King of Wu, His Royal Highness the King of Jin, and His Royal Highness the King of Qi have arrived..."
Hearing the shouts at the gate, Li Shimin couldn't help but frown. These sons came later than him and didn't look like they were capable of doing anything.
Li Xiang was also a little surprised at this moment. He originally thought that he was the only royal family member, but it turned out that Li Shimin had called all the adult princes, and it was a good opportunity for him to meet them all today.
After hearing that Li Shimin was leaving the palace, the princes rushed over without stopping, but unfortunately they were a little late in preparation. They thought it would start at noon, but who knew that Li Shimin was so impatient, which made them all embarrassed.
"You all just know how to mess around. It's already noon and your nephew is already working here, and you've just arrived. I don't know how you normally live. You'll all be fined half a year's salary."
Hearing Li Shimin's words, these princes all bowed their heads and admitted their mistakes. Li Xiang was very depressed at this time. Praising me in front of them? Isn't this looking for trouble for me?
While Li Xiang was dissatisfied, Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling thought a lot. If they were the emperor, they would also make the prince surrounded by enemies. If you can't even deal with your brothers, how can you deal with the whole world?
"Your Majesty, everything is ready."
In order to prevent these princes from further embarrassing themselves, General Li Jing pointed to the courtyard of the Liaodong Division of the Ministry of War.
Li Shimin was unwilling to continue embarrassing his sons in front of everyone, so he walked in, leaving an eye to observe behind. Li Xiang stood there honestly, waiting for all the uncles to go in, then Li Xiang returned to his own queue and followed Lord Pan in.
General Li Jing originally thought that Li Xiang did not know the rules, and that various frictions would likely arise when he worked under him in the future. However, he did not expect that Li Xiang was very knowledgeable about the rules when he should. Not to mention himself, the Shangshu, even Lord Pan, the mascot of the Liaodong Division, was respected by him.
After Li Shimin took his seat, on his left were the court officials, and on his right were the royal family members. Only Li Xiang stood obediently to the left under Lord Pan, which was the position of the deputy seal-in-chief of the Liaodong Division.
"Regarding the matter discussed in the court the other day, can your Ministry of War come up with a feasible plan? Let the auxiliary minister handle the task of sowing discord between Yeon Gaesomun and the King of Goguryeo, and you only focus on destroying their farmland."
Li Shimin divided the tasks very clearly, assigning shady people to do shady things. Zhangsun Wuji was known as the number one shady person during the Zhenguan period, so the task of sowing discord in the Goguryeo court had to be given to this guy, and others might not be able to do it.
"In reply to the Emperor, we at the Ministry of War have discussed and decided that after the beginning of spring next year..."
General Li Jing briefly stated the Ministry of War's plan, which was basically the same as what Li Xiang had said. After the spring when farming was about to begin, they would send troops to harass the Goguryeo farmers, preventing them from completing their farming and thus not being able to harvest grain the following year.
There was nothing special about the plan, but it was also standard. After General Li Jing finished speaking, Li Shimin's test questions came, of course, they were all aimed at the princes and grandchildren of the emperor.
"Second brother, start with you. Tell me what needs to be improved in this charter. Think about it and answer according to your age. If you say something good, I will reward you. If you say something bad, I will punish you."
What you fear will come true. Although these guys are good at some things, they are basically not good at leading troops to fight. After hearing Li Shimin's questions, they didn't know how to answer.
"I believe we should increase our military strength..."
"I think the duration of the harassment should be increased..."
"I think we should bring some dry food for our soldiers so they can hold out longer in the enemy country."
"I think..."
The princes responded one after another. Their answers were considered solutions, but they wouldn't significantly change the outcome of the battle. Li Shimin's smile faded completely. "Can't you offer something new?" "When I usually look for a master for you, I say literature and martial arts are mutually exclusive. Is this your answer?"
Li Shimin was very disappointed with his sons...