When Li Xiang walked out of the palace, the news quickly spread throughout the entire Chang'an City. Not only the dignitaries knew the news, but also some peddlers and hawkers. They also knew that the situation in Chang'an City had changed today.
"His Royal Highness the Prince of Wu is quite good, and he has a very good reputation among the common people. But if he were to lead an army of 200,000, I'd feel a little uneasy. My son is still in the army. What if he doesn't come back, what will happen to my old bones?"
Before the vegetable vendor, Old Man Liu, smoothed out his wrinkles in the market, the news of what happened in the imperial court had spread to the market. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wu had a good reputation, but many people still couldn't believe him when he said he could lead troops to fight.
"Old Liu, you can relax now. Our Changsun Highness—pooh, we've gotten used to calling him that. Now he's the Crown Prince. He's a master at fighting. Tuyuhun has become our vassal state. I heard he turned the Tubo upside down this time. Not many people can match his abilities. Speaking of which, I'm afraid those princes can handle it."
Butcher Wang, who was processing the meat, said in a low voice that it was no small matter for the common people to talk about the prince of the court. Of course, everyone was acquaintances and it was impossible for them to report him to the government. He was so happy for a reason. His brother was also in the army outside the city and was just as uncertain as His Royal Highness the King of Wu.
"Who says it's not? It's strange, don't you think we're biased? No matter what His Royal Highness does, we all think he can succeed, but if someone else does it, we always feel uneasy."
A woman passing by also heard this. You know, women don't care much about political affairs, but many of Li Xiang's things have been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. For example, because of the large amount of grain arriving from the granary, the grain price in Chang'an City rose by half some time ago, but now it has returned to normal.
Whenever there is a war, the price of food is the most obvious indicator. These women don’t care who is the general. They just know that the price of food has dropped and we can buy more things with the same money.
When he learned that this matter was related to Li Xiang, he believed in Li Xiang even more.
"I heard from my cousin in the government office that this is called personal confidence. In other words, we have confidence in His Royal Highness. If someone else were to do the same thing, we would be worried, but if it were His Royal Highness, the matter would be smooth sailing."
After Butcher Wang finished speaking, everyone around him nodded. Although they were not well educated, after Butcher Wang's explanation, they found that it was indeed the case. Although His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had only been in power for a short time, in the hearts of the people in Chang'an City, he was synonymous with reliability.
While the common people were discussing this matter, the dignitaries in Chang'an City were also not idle. Some close friends began to look for opportunities to get together and discuss this matter. Of course, those around Li Xiang were the happiest. With this eastern expedition to Goryeo, perhaps many people could take off again.
Cheng Mansion
"The final situation hasn't been decided yet. One of you is the eldest brother-in-law, and the other is the second brother-in-law. You're out drinking on the street. Don't you know how to keep a low profile?"
Cheng Yaojin was holding a big stick in his hand, while Cheng Chumo and Cheng Chuliang were kneeling here obediently. Since they knew that Li Xiang was going to be the Grand Marshal of the Eastern Expedition, these two people were happy. Others may not bring him with them, but can we?
According to Cheng Chuliang, I am his second brother-in-law, and there is no one in the entire Chang'an City who is closer to him than me. My own sister has married him, so why doesn't he take me with him to the battle?
The two sons looked at each other, not knowing what to say. You, old man, only allow the officials to set fires but not the people to light lamps.
He must have smelled of alcohol after drinking somewhere else. He didn't dare to lie after returning home, so he called his two sons back.
After cursing for a while, Cheng Yaojin felt a little tired and suddenly remembered the serious matter.
"No one from the East Palace?"
When Cheng Yaojin said this, the two brothers felt strange. It is said that brothers are close in battle. Now Li Xiang is the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Expedition. We two should go with the army. Why hasn't anyone been sent yet?
"Could something have changed? Was he dismissed?"
As soon as Cheng Chuliang finished speaking, he immediately felt the murderous gazes of his father and brother. He also shook his head vigorously. This situation was impossible. The emperor only had a limited number of people he could use. If Li Xiang did not go, there would be no one left in the royal family.
"This is not right. It has been several hours. We should have received a letter by now. I cannot leave Chang'an City. You two brothers should follow me. This is a perfect opportunity."
Cheng Yaojin said to himself, everyone knows that this is the time to gain political achievements. If you don't go, it will not be easy to find such an opportunity in the future. Cheng Chumo and Cheng Chuliang are both rising rapidly, but then again, who would complain about having too many opportunities?
Just when the father and his two sons were wondering, Qian Ping, the chief eunuch of the Eastern Palace, came in and brought a handwritten letter from Li Xiang.
"Father, what does this letter say? Does it mean that my brother and I should leave the city and organize the troops?"
Cheng Chuliang was extremely anxious, but he also knew Cheng Yaojin's rules.
Cheng Chumo also nodded. The three armies had been trained by His Royal Highness the King of Wu, and even a lot of people had been stationed there. If Li Xiang wanted to reorganize these people, he would have to rely on his own talents. People like Niu Jinda and Su Dingfang were not known to our brother-in-law. If he relied on them, he would definitely not be comfortable commanding on the battlefield.
"You two should stop working. You two won't have the chance to fight in this Eastern Expedition to Goguryeo. The letter clearly states that according to the Emperor's original arrangement, Niu Jinda and Su Dingfang will accompany the army, while Qin Huaiyu and Fang Yiai will remain in the capital."
After Cheng Yaojin finished speaking, the two brothers were so shocked that their eyes almost popped out of their heads. How on earth was this arranged? Is there anyone more trustworthy than us two brothers on the battlefield? Cheng Chumo was a little bit unconvinced and hurriedly took the letter from Cheng Yaojin's hand. It was clearly written in black and white: the Cheng brothers stayed behind in the capital...