Chapter 70 Wang De, make another cup of tea for Minister Wei.

What is policy discussion?

"Policy essays are written articles that offer advice to the court, not poems or songs."

"We need to focus on the content of the article, not its flowery language!"

"The military and civilian chapter perfectly illustrates the direction for building a strong military in our Great Tang Dynasty..."

"I'm not trying to brag, but the significance of this article alone is enough to secure its place in history!"

Swish.

Wei Zheng turned his gaze to Chu Suiliang...

"It's understandable that the elderly gentlemen can't see clearly, but are you already having failing eyesight in your thirties?"

"You still have a sore throat and don't want to read my son's article?"

"I see you are young but frail and sickly, you should resign from your post as soon as possible and go home to recuperate..."

Chu Suiliang's mouth and eyes twitched simultaneously.

Why are you targeting me with your criticism?

Is it because I'm young?

Yes, I am sixteen years younger than you, so I am considered your junior...

But my talent is no less than anyone else's, okay?

This is age discrimination, bullying the younger one!

"Focusing only on form and ignoring meaning, making hasty conclusions, and missing out on talented individuals... If you can't even be cautious enough, I, Wei, dare to ask you, have you missed out on other masterpieces in the past, given that you almost missed out on a great work today?"

Under Wei Zheng's questioning, they all lowered their heads in shame.

I am old now.

The principle is that one should learn from those who have achieved success.

It's not shameful to admit you're in the wrong; it's shameful to argue unreasonably.

Logically, Li Shimin should have stepped in to smooth things over at this point.

But Li Shimin pretended to be invisible.

Wei Zheng went on a tirade.

Now, whoever speaks will have to endure Wei Zheng's furious rebuke.

He's not stupid.

In front of everyone, Wei Zheng berated me. Don't I, Li Shimin, have any shame?

There's only one way now...

Let the allies exhaust Wei Zheng's ammunition first, and when Wei Zheng is tired of spewing bullets, he may forget about you.

This is the result of his years of accumulated experience!

Sure enough, Cheng Hanhan stepped forward...

"Wei Duzi, the fight is still going on, are you ever going to stop?"

Others may be afraid of criticism, but he isn't.

Everyone secretly gave Cheng Yaojin a thumbs up when he stepped forward.

As expected of my brother Yaojin.

We were defeated yesterday, but we're ready to fight again today!

"If the competition is unfair, can't I even speak up?"

Wei Zheng stepped forward and looked directly at Cheng Yaojin: "Do you also believe that the integration of military and civilian sectors has been defeated by Changsun Chong's theory of strengthening the military?"

How would I know?

Cheng Yaojin glared at him: "If I could understand your gibberish, would you be a court attendant?"

"Then why did you come out?" Wei Zheng said, flicking his sleeve.

"Let's continue the contest!" Cheng Yaojin said seriously. "An essay takes half an hour to write, and a poem will take who knows how long. My son Huailiang can't wait any longer!"

What utter bullshit is this?

So, after all this time, Cheng Yaojin, you're just here to stir up trouble?

Everyone stared wide-eyed.

"You'd be better off refraining from talking nonsense!" Wei Zheng rebuked angrily.

"Say it again?"

Cheng Yaojin walked up to Wei Zheng with a fierce expression.

good.

Li Shimin clenched his fist.

Zhi Jie, beat him up, beat up Wei Zheng.

This time, I will definitely not punish you, and I will stand by your side.

What's wrong with saying it again?

Wei Zheng was not afraid at all: "It's better for you to say less nonsense than anything else!"

“You…” Cheng Yaojin gritted his teeth.

"What do you mean, 'you'?" Wei Zheng suddenly roared, "Even the literary contest has lost its fairness, so what's the point of having a physical contest!"

"If you hadn't stepped forward, I would have forgotten that among all those in the court, you, Cheng Yaojin, are the most adept at spouting nonsense, throwing tantrums, and cheating. In my opinion, this trend of refusing to admit defeat was started by you!"

"You're talking nonsense!" Cheng Yaojin retorted, his brows furrowed.

"Still not admitting it?" Wei Zheng shouted, "Then tell me, what were you doing standing up when I was arguing my case?"

"I'm here for the fight!"

"The competition is unfair and has lost its meaning."

"I..." Cheng Yaojin was speechless.

"Now you understand? You're so stupid you don't even realize it, yet you try to stand up and reason with people."

"If you want a fair fight, stand back and wait for me to finish speaking. Then there will be a fair fight!"

"This wasn't originally your business, but now that you've stood up to obstruct me, if word gets out tomorrow that something unfair has happened, you'll be held responsible!"

"Don't underestimate the power of the article on military-civilian integration; its concept is destined to be remembered throughout history!"

"If you dare to speak up for Changsun Chong's theory of strengthening the army, not only will you be condemned by the world, but history will also record a significant chapter about you, Cheng Yaojin!"

Cheng Yaojin finally changed his expression.

"What strategy or not strategy? I don't understand. If you want to criticize, then criticize. My Huailiang is waiting for the duel!" Cheng Yaojin snorted and retreated.

What the hell?

Zhijie, aren't you usually very capable?

How come you were defeated so easily today after Wei Zheng just made a few casual remarks?

This is way too fragile...

Li Shimin muttered something to himself as he sat in his seat.

"It's never too late to admit your mistakes and correct them."

Kong Yingda murmured something, then stepped forward and bowed to Li Shimin, saying, "Your Majesty, for the policy proposal, I choose Wei Shuyu."

As soon as Kong Yingda finished speaking, the others realized what was happening and bowed in unison, agreeing that Wei Shuyu had won.

"No!"

Changsun Wuji immediately interrupted, "It was clearly decided just now that Chong'er won!"

He regretted it as soon as he finished speaking.

He was so provoked that he lost his composure.

Sure enough, Wei Zheng turned his gaze to Changsun Wuji...

"Old dog Changsun, it doesn't matter whether Shuyu wins or not, but you need to think carefully about what the consequences would be if Changsun Chongqiang won this game?"

Changsun Wuji naturally understood, but what could he do if he spoke too quickly and had a sharp tongue?

Let Wei Shuyu win; it would be a disgrace.

If we don't let Wei Shuyu win, his concept of military-civilian integration will lose to Changsun Chong's theory of strengthening the military, and he will be infamous for eternity!

There's no other way, call for backup...

"Your Majesty," Changsun Wuji called out softly.

Li Shimin did not respond.

"Your Majesty..." Changsun Wuji called out again.

Li Shimin was almost driven to his death by anger.

I'm already huddled in my seat, don't you have any sense of propriety at all?

Once wasn't enough, so you had to shout it twice?

If it weren't for the fact that you're my brother-in-law, I would have definitely stripped you of your official position.

Why doesn't Your Majesty reply?

Wei Zheng looked at Li Shimin and said, "Lord Ouyang and Lord Yu are both quite old, yet they have been bowing for so long."

They're here, they're here...

Damn it, it's all Changsun Wuji's fault.

If it weren't for you, how would Wei Zheng have noticed me?

No, I cannot sit idly by and wait to die!

Li Shimin immediately went to Yu Shinan and the others, personally helped them up, and then patted their hands to express his heartfelt concern.

But at this point, Wei Zheng was not someone he could fool.

"Your Majesty, I request permission, but Your Majesty is lost in thought. Is this the attitude a ruler should have?"

"At the very least, it might cause resentment among the officials."

"On a larger scale, it could mean overlooking a major national event."

"Moreover, the two elders are getting on in years. If someone with ulterior motives were to label them as not being considerate of their old ministers, how would Your Majesty deal with that?"

Resentment?

Anyone who dares to harbor resentment towards me, I will slaughter their entire family!

If it's a matter of national importance and I didn't hear it, won't he repeat it again?

They even showed consideration for their veteran ministers. I respect these two old men even more than my own father.

Of course, Li Shimin only dared to mutter these words to himself.

Based on his years of hard-earned lessons, he absolutely must not talk back at this moment!

If you dare to refute even one point, Wei Zheng can retort with ten!

I'll bear with it for now.

All that could be heard was Wei Zheng still muttering to himself...

"Your Majesty mocked Shuyu for not being able to write good policy essays. I don't mind, because I know Your Majesty was joking."

"But as the saying goes, 'Do not do evil even if it is insignificant.' If Your Majesty mocks me today, will you mock other ministers tomorrow?"

"If this continues, what will become of His Majesty's image?"

"The Great Tang is a mighty nation. As the supreme ruler, Your Majesty should command respect throughout the world, so that all nations will feel fear upon hearing Your Majesty's name."

"Your Majesty's mocking behavior is like that of children playing around, which is truly unbecoming of a monarch..."

"If Your Majesty is dissatisfied with me, you may simply dismiss me from my post, and I can then retire to my home to enjoy my remaining years..."

Li Shimin's lips twitched.

I only teased your son a few times, is it really necessary to hold such a grudge?

Even this has to be explained with a grand principle, does that mean I can't even make jokes anymore?

Should he be dismissed from office?

Pooh.

You dare to resign?

Let's see if I'll spare your life!

Others usually refuse three times before I grant their request, but if you dare to refuse, I will disregard all pride and approve your application in one go.

You're saying one thing but not saying another; I look down on you!

Fine, I'll bear with it a little longer.

I haven't made any mistakes in the past few days, it should be over soon...

"Does Your Majesty think I have finished speaking? This is just the tip of the iceberg..."

Li Shimin's eyes immediately filled with resentment...

Can't we save some face?

Even if you want to criticize, can't you do it privately after returning to the palace?

"This civil and military competition was a grand affair, consuming a great deal of national resources, with tens of thousands of soldiers on standby and several high-ranking officials observing the battle from their posts..."

Does Your Majesty consider this action appropriate?

"I originally thought Your Majesty came to this military camp because you needed a place for the martial arts competition."

"When I saw tens of thousands of soldiers waiting in battle, and all of you esteemed elders serving as judges, I..."

Seeing Wei Zheng rambling on and on, Kong Yingda finally couldn't stand it anymore.

"Xuancheng, Shuyu has won. The competition is more important now!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin immediately realized what was going on.

“Yes… Under the scorching sun, what should we do if the soldiers suffer from heatstroke?” Li Shimin hurriedly agreed.

Wei Zheng glanced at the soldiers in the distance and said nothing more.

call.

We finally managed to fool them.

Li Shimin breathed a sigh of relief.

If Wei Zheng kept spewing insults, he'd want to crawl into a hole and disappear.

"It was my oversight that I acted out of turn. Please forgive me, Your Majesty," Wei Zheng bowed to Li Shimin.

"Minister Wei, there's no need for that. You're only thinking of me, haha..."

Li Shimin forced a smile.

Damn it.

That's disgusting.

It's so frustrating.

Why doesn't God send down a bolt of lightning to strike this bigmouth idiot to death?

Li Shimin picked up his teacup and took a sip to calm his nerves.

Just then, Wei Zheng's voice came over again.

"His Majesty……"

Li Shimin suddenly felt a jolt...

Why did you speak again?

Did I give you permission to speak?

I don't want to hear your voice!

"Your Majesty, you are drinking my tea," Wei Zheng said leisurely.

"Ah? Oh? Is that so? Minister Wei must be thirsty after talking for so long, right?"

Li Shimin instructed, "Wang De, brew another cup of tea for Minister Wei."