"Haven't I warned you repeatedly? You must be careful when doing things in Gaochang and never clash with the local army. And yet, so many of you have died all at once. No matter what the reason, if word gets out to the Western Regions, what will they think of us?"
Li Shimin was very angry. In his heart, he had always been thinking about all nations coming to pay tribute. There were many countries coming to pay tribute now, but the scale was not very large. If the countries in the Western Regions came, Li Shimin's plan would be half realized.
"Your Majesty, this matter actually has internal reasons. During the capture of Xueyantuo Khan, the Gaochang army has been working without putting in any effort, and they have also taken a lot of benefits from us. That's why General Su is a little angry. I think it would be a good idea to teach them a lesson so that they will put in more effort when they serve us in the future."
Li Xiang felt something was wrong when he heard this. If he continued according to Li Shimin's words, Su Dingfang would definitely be punished again.
While Li Xiang was speaking, he casually picked up another memorial. This one was written by Lord Zhao. Lord Zhao was not Li Xiang's man. He was from the Lifanyuan. You can't say that I bribed this person as well.
After reading Lord Zhao's memorial, Li Shimin's anger was reduced by half. In Li Shimin's view, we did not take the initiative to provoke these Gaochang people. If these people provoke us, we cannot just let it go. Killing dozens of them can be regarded as a lesson.
"Old Five, if you were in Gaochang, how would you decide this matter?"
Just as Li Shimin was about to speak, he suddenly saw his fifth son standing beside him. Wasn't this guy going to Gaochang? Li Shimin tyrannically praised this guy, but he also wanted to see if he had any ability. He had already sent many people to teach him in the past few days. He hoped that he would not be a mere decoration after arriving in Gaochang.
It just so happens that my eldest grandson Xiao Shougui and Li Xiang are both here today. Let me show you two that the person I chose is not an idiot. If he can amaze the whole audience, what will Li Xiang say?
"To answer Father, these Gaochang people are really going too far. We should immediately mobilize the border guards and destroy them directly."
When Li You said this, no one present doubted that he did not say this, because he was just that kind of person. He was arrogant and domineering in his daily life. No matter if it was someone outside or someone inside, he would kill them if they disagreed with him.
Li Xiang beside him also nodded secretly. He really didn't expect that you would be such a great assist. He didn't know how to tell Li Shimin that this guy was too arrogant and too unstable in doing things. It would be easy for him to do bad things after arriving in Gaochang, so he had to ask for the imperial sword.
Now that your precious eldest son has said it himself, we don't have to bother at all. Think about it yourself. If you put such a guy on the front line, do you still think that the Western Region policy can proceed smoothly?
"This is one of the directions, but remember this: it's not time to start a war yet."
In front of so many people, especially his eldest grandson whom he met for the first time, Li Shimin could not lose his temper. If it were only him and Li You, he would have slapped him directly. So many teachers have been sent in the past few days, and they have already told you about the Western Regions policy. You can't just rely on brute force. If the Turks and Xueyantuo have been reorganized, then we will naturally take action, but is now the time to do so?
It seems that you haven't studied hard these days. You sent so many officials, not only delaying their work, but you also let so many people know your incompetence.
"Follow the rules, what do you think?"
If the original procedure was followed, Li Shimin would have tested Li Xiang, but Li Xiang no longer needed to be tested, so Li Shimin asked his eldest grandson. When he saw his eldest grandson for the first time, Li Shimin felt that he was a bit like himself, after all, they were direct relatives.
Li Xiang, who was standing beside him, also raised his eyelids. He felt that many of these children of nobles were talented. As long as you could put them in the right positions, they could still bring you considerable gains.
"My grandson doesn't understand the situation on the border, so I don't dare to speak rashly."
Xiao Shougui had a good family education. Although his grandfather and his father had different political views from Li Shimin, they never spoke wildly and never gave others any handle to attack them. Therefore, he was very cautious in doing things from childhood to adulthood.
"There's no one else here, we're all relatives. You can speak freely, and I'll forgive you."
Li Shimin was very fond of this eldest grandson, but he still had to see his real ability. If he was really capable, Li Shimin would at least give him a future. In Li Shimin's view, his children and grandchildren were trained to be emperors, and these relatives from outside the family were trained to be helpers.
"In reply to Grandfather, I believe that our relationship with the Western Regions is extremely delicate right now. We need to use our authority to control them, but we also need to appease them. We need time, so during this period, we cannot take any extreme actions, but at the same time, we must make them feel intimidated. We should exercise restraint in this matter, and we must also demand compensation from them."
Xiao Shougui thought for a while and said, you have to know that information was blocked in this era, and it was impossible for ordinary people to have such insights. Xiao Shougui was able to say these words, which was already better than many royal children. Li Xiang nodded beside him, and when he looked at Li Shimin on the throne, a smile appeared on his face.
"reward."
At Li Shimin's words, the young eunuchs immediately filed in. The national treasury was much richer now than before, so the rewards given to his eldest grandson were also better, much better than what Li Xiang had received back then. Of course, Li Xiang was no longer jealous now, because their business was making a fortune every day.
It's a pity that this is only his grandson. If it were his own grandson, Li Shimin really wouldn't mind training him well. Although he can't catch up with Li Xiang in some aspects, he can definitely catch up with Li Xiang in terms of obedience.
"What do you think?"
After Li Shimin finished giving the rewards, he asked Li Xiang in return that in fact everything had been done, basically the same as what Xiao Shougui said.
"This gentleman's words are correct. I think we can do as he says."
Although Li Xiang guessed who it was, he had to pretend to be stupid on the surface.