Chapter 505 The struggle for subordinates has always been like this.
In the second year of the Zhenguan era, there was a severe drought in the Guanzhong region.
Empress Zhangsun Wugou rode a one-legged bird, the Shangyang, soaring through the sky and bringing abundant rainfall to the Guanzhong region, quickly relieving the drought.
In the third year of the Zhenguan era, the first batch of talents from the Lingqi Academy were assigned to the army.
Li Shimin appointed Li Jing as the commander-in-chief, leading a large army to attack the Eastern Turks in separate routes.
The Spirit Pact Squad shone brightly, winning battle after battle, completely eliminating the Eastern Turks and removing the threat to the northern border. Neighboring countries flocked to pay tribute to the Tang Dynasty.
In the fourth year of the Zhenguan era, the Lingqi Army continued to expand, and the Tang army expanded its territory in all directions.
The Spirit Contract Department is rapidly improving, and under the supervision of the ten Spirit Contract Envoys, Spirit Contract Institutes are flourishing everywhere.
The method of mental strength training was announced to the entire Tang Dynasty, and everyone was encouraged to practice it.
In the fifth year of the Zhenguan era, all nations came to pay tribute.
Japan, Silla, and other countries sent students to Chang'an to learn about Tang Dynasty culture, institutions, and technology. At the suggestion of the tolerant Crown Prince Li Chengqian, students of Lingqi Academy accompanied envoys from various countries to their countries, engaging in friendly interactions.
Ultimately, the Tang Dynasty peacefully expanded its territory, and the number of provinces increased again.
In the sixth year of the Zhenguan era, civil and military officials submitted memorials requesting Li Shimin to perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai to demonstrate the civil and military achievements of the Tang Dynasty and the prosperity of the country.
Li Shimin agreed and took Crown Prince Li Chengqian to Mount Tai. During the Fengshan ceremony, the sky was filled with rosy clouds, and nine red rainbows pierced through the clouds, casting a phantom image of a unicorn stepping on clouds on the gray cliffs of Mount Tai.
A hundred divine birds with crimson feathers and black beaks flew in from nowhere, circling the altar three times. Where their tail feathers brushed, glistening dewdrops condensed and fell on the offerings, refracting a seven-colored halo.
Auspicious omens descended from the heavens, bringing great joy to everyone, and the reputation of the Tang Dynasty as a nation favored by Heaven spread far and wide once again.
In the sixth year of the Zhenguan era, ethnic minority tribes such as the Dangxiang Qiang in the northwest and the Xueyantuo Khanate in the grasslands submitted to the emperor. The 14-year-old Crown Prince Li Chengqian officially entered the court and took over this matter.
Li Chengqian tucked the gilded and jade-inlaid token into his sleeve, and as he gazed at the surging crowds on Zhuque Street, a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.
I forget who said it, but if you can't lead a team, you'll just work yourself to death!
As the number one playboy of the Tang Dynasty, a complete scoundrel, how could he possibly handle anything properly? Of course, he'd delegate it to his underlings!
However, taking this opportunity to escape the morning court session and go out for a stroll is still a good idea.
Before the morning mist had dissipated, the lanterns of the shops along the street were already lit one after another, and the copper bells of the Huji Tavern jingled softly in the wind, carrying the aroma of roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and the rich fragrance of spices from the Western Regions.
On the street, Persian merchants, wrapped in indigo turbans, led camels laden with spices past Tang Dynasty women in ruqun (traditional Chinese dresses); Arabs with high noses and deep-set eyes held glass cups and were haggling with cloth shop owners in broken Tang language.
Suddenly, a clear beastly cry pierced the air, and the crowd automatically parted to make way—three students of the Spirit Contract School walked side by side, with a snow-white jade fox perched on the shoulder of the one in the middle. The blue flames at the tip of its tail flickered with each step, causing the children to chase after it for a long distance.
The bustling city was prosperous, the people were wealthy, and it was a scene of great prosperity. Li Chengqian was increasingly satisfied with this, for only such a prosperous era was worthy of his playboy status.
...
Upon hearing the news of Li Chengqian's return to the palace, Li Tai strode through the palace walls and rushed toward the East Palace.
The once chubby little body has grown tall and slender, with a graceful figure like a deer in the forest, and the dark brocade robe flutters in the wind.
Yet, his eyes still shone with fervent admiration for Li Chengqian and a determined resolve to "compete for favor." He was preoccupied with how to perform well in front of his elder brother and solidify his position as "elder brother's number one younger brother."
When Li Tai arrived at the gate of the East Palace, panting, he bumped into Li Lizhi, who was all smiles.
Behind her followed three slick, furry little animals that deliberately maintained their juvenile appearance.
Li Tai inwardly groaned, "Here we go again! Every time, Li Zhi uses these furry little creatures to attract her older brother's attention."
Not to be outdone, Li Tai quickly brought the little golden crow on his head to his front. The little golden crow seemed to understand its master's thoughts, and its feathers instantly shone with a dazzling light, like a small sun.
"Qingque, do you think my brother will hug me today?"
The little golden crow asked in a chattering voice, its voice full of anticipation.
Li Tai emphasized with a dark face, "That's my older brother!"
The little golden crow waved its wings nonchalantly: "Hey, isn't your older brother my older brother too? If not, I can give you my older brother too."
"Who wants your older brother?"
Li Tai was both angry and helpless. He had almost forgotten that this little thing was also a "competitor" who was vying with him for the position of eldest brother! What happened to his eldest brother who loved him the most? How could he change his mind so quickly?
Watching them bicker, Li Lizhi covered her mouth and chuckled, "Fourth Brother, you two can chat slowly. I'm going to see Eldest Brother now."
Before the words were even finished, the three spirit pets acted swiftly. The little wolf leaped to Li Tai's feet, the little tiger bit his clothes, and the little leopard nimbly jumped up and pounced on the little golden crow, successfully blocking their path.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Li Lizhi happily ran towards the East Palace.
Li Tai stamped his feet in frustration, gritted his teeth, pushed aside the furry "obstacle," and strode after it, shouting, "Wait for me! I was the first one here!"
He rushed to the inner hall and saw Lizhi standing at the entrance with a long face. Before he could get closer to see what was going on, he heard a child's giggles.
When they reached Lizhi's side, following her gaze, they saw the ninth brother, Li Zhi, sitting in his elder brother's lap with his little feet sticking out.
"..." Four-year-old Li Zhi was curled up in Li Chengqian's arms, his little arms, as thin as lotus roots, still wrapped around his brother's neck. His dark eyes were fixed on the little Kunpeng hovering in front of them. The divine beast was surrounded by a pale golden light, and its transparent wings fluttered, creating shimmering starlight.
"Big brother, look!" Li Zhi pointed his chubby finger at the little Kunpeng, his childish voice full of excitement, "When Zhinu grows up, he'll take big brother to ride the Kunpeng and fly up to the sky to play—"
Her chubby cheeks were plump and cute.
Li Chengqian's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Alright, then I'll wait and see."
As soon as he finished speaking, the little one in his arms straightened up and nodded seriously, "Zhi Nu and Big Brother are the best. Zhi Nu likes Big Brother and will take Big Brother up first!"
"My elder brother also likes pheasants."
Li Chengqian pulled his younger brother closer to his chest. Although he didn't say the word "most," the little guy was already satisfied, grinning to reveal two baby teeth and sweet dimples.
Upon seeing his older brother and sister rushing over, Li Zhi immediately snuggled closer to Li Chengqian like a little animal guarding its food, peeking out and flashing a boastful smile at them.
Hehe, there's no way around it, the rivalry among underlings has always been like this.
Fourth Brother, Fifth Sister, you're getting old, it's time for Little Pheasant to take over—
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