The Five Surnames and Seven Clans controlled the middle and lower-level officials, but Li Shimin began to establish some new government offices. Whenever a new government office was established, these people hoped to send their people in, but they failed every time, and this time was the same.
No matter whether it is Li Tai or Li Xiang, they are all members of the Li family after all. According to Li Shimin's idea, the meat will rot in the pot. No matter who of you two uncles and nephews makes great achievements, this new yamen will have great power and has nothing to do with the people of the Five Surnames and Seven Families.
Imperial City Division...
After leaving the court, Li Shimin wrote these three big characters, which were also written according to Li Xiang's suggestion. Li Shimin called Li Xiang and Li Tai to test them and asked them to name the new yamen. Li Tai was usually quite talented, but a stick of incense had passed and Li Tai still couldn't say a name, but Li Xiang blurted it out.
"Have you chosen a location?"
Li Shimin was asking Wang De. Both Li Tai and Li Xiang had lived in large mansions for a long time and did not know much about Chang'an City. Wang De, on the other hand, knew Chang'an City inside and out.
"In reply to the emperor, there is a vacant government office in the southeast corner of the imperial city. It was originally the residence of the Northern Yamen Imperial Guards, but later fell idle and can be used as the headquarters of the Imperial City Administration."
When Wang De left the court just now, he had already thought about this matter, and now that Li Shimin asked him, Wang De had already said it out.
Although the Imperial City Bureau is an agency for catching spies, it has hundreds of elite soldiers under its command and must be kept under the nose of Li Shimin. If it is too far away, it may be difficult to control it. Even if the emperor hands people over to his sons and grandsons, he must keep a close eye on them.
"Listen carefully, uncle and nephew. This isn't a place for you to fight each other, nor is it a place for you two to play around. This is also an important government office. Everyone in the world is watching, including the Five Surnames and Seven Families. You must make some achievements. We are planning a spy offensive against Goguryeo. Before that, you must find all the Goguryeo spies in Chang'an City to ensure the feasibility of the auxiliary machine's plan..."
When Li Shimin spoke seriously, both the uncle and nephew stood still and listened obediently. The establishment of the Imperial City Bureau was not a whim, but was really useful.
"Grandfather, I think my second uncle should take charge of the overall situation, and I can handle the affairs of Goguryeo alone."
While Li Shimin was happy, Li Xiang began to plan other things in his mind. He couldn't just throw everything together. He knew exactly what kind of person Li Tai was. If he were to work with someone like him, he probably wouldn't be able to accomplish anything. He would constantly cause trouble for himself. By then, the Imperial City Administration would not only suffer internal friction, but would also become a laughing stock for others...
When Li Shimin mentioned the Goguryeo spies just now, Li Tai had already frowned. He had been thinking only about military power in the court just now, but now he remembered that it was not an ordinary government office, and Li Shimin was keeping a close eye on it. If there was no result, a good thing would turn into a bad thing in the end.
Now that Li Xiang took the initiative to take over this task, Li Tai was very happy. If this guy could really get the job done and it would not affect our rights, we could give this matter to him. After all, in Li Tai's eyes, capturing Goguryeo spies was imperative, and he was afraid of failure. This was the kind of hard and tiring job, so it could be handed over to Li Xiang.
"It's not impossible for you to take on this job alone, but you have to give me a time limit."
Li Shimin said with a smile that he liked grandchildren like Li Xiang the most, because they were hardworking and motivated, but not everything you said could be taken as the truth. A few empty words would never fool this emperor who would be remembered throughout history.
"I hereby pledge my loyalty to you, my grandson, to exterminate all of Goguryeo's spies within two months. If you disobey me, I will bear any punishment."
Li Xiang's voice was sonorous and powerful. At this moment, Li Tai was like an outsider, watching Li Shimin and Li Xiang acting here. He also hoped to say the same words as Li Xiang, but he knew his own limitations. If he was given two months, he would definitely not be able to complete this task. However, he did not believe that Li Xiang could complete it, so he watched happily from the side. If you fail to complete it, let's see how your father punishes you.
"A gentleman's word is as good as his bond. Considering you're just a child, I won't punish you too much..."
"Father, although Xiang'er is just a child, this has already involved important matters of the court. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."
Hearing that Li Shimin wanted to exonerate Li Xiang, Li Tai immediately stood up.
Li Shimin looked at his second son with some dissatisfaction. He used to be most satisfied with his second son, but he didn't know when it started, this kid became less and less long-term-sighted in doing things.
"Second uncle is right. When it comes to matters of great importance to the imperial court, rewards and punishments must be clearly distinguished. I am willing to accept any punishment from grandfather."
Li Xiang is not a pushover either. Since we are talking about punishment, there must be rewards. If there is only punishment but no rewards, some things may not be justifiable. Punishment and reward exist with each other.
"You are such a fool, you are so sure of your words. If you can accomplish this within two months, I will find you a good marriage. I will even swallow my pride and marry you off to a girl from the Cui family."
When Li Shimin said this, Li Tai beside him was shocked. The Five Surnames and Seven Families were not allowed to marry into the royal family. This was also said before, but if Li Shimin really put down his old face, the Qinghe Cui family would not dare to disobey. If this kid had the help of the Qinghe Cui family, then in the future...
Li Tai also married the daughter of a big family, but compared with the Cui family of Qinghe, the difference is not a little bit. If the two of them were to confront each other in the future, the difference in external support would be clear.
"Father..."
Li Tai wanted to ask what the punishment was, but after seeing Li Shimin's dissatisfied look, Li Tai swallowed the rest of his words.
"I know what you mean. If you can eliminate all the spies from Goguryeo within two months, I will give you the opportunity to marry your son to a noblewoman from one of the Five Surnames and Seven Famous Clanes. But if you fail, I won't ask for much. Just like last time, I will fine you one million strings of cash."
After hearing this, Li Tai really didn't dare to say a word. This is millions of coins at any time. You two are really crazy...
