Chapter 84

Having witnessed the scene of the Tang Dynasty court deliberations and seen the living Li Shimin, Xia Hongsheng's first audience with the emperor and his first court session came to an end. As he walked down the road, Xia Hongsheng was still feeling elated. Li Laoer (Li Shimin) was indeed generous, sending people to build a house for him, and even following the specifications for a viscount, which was one level higher than his own baron status. It seemed that being a civil servant in the Tang Dynasty had its benefits. Not only did he receive a fief, but the emperor also arranged for a house to be built for him. Now he was a man with both land and a house!

Xu Xiaode was also very pleased. On one hand, he found that Xia Hongsheng's quick wit exceeded his expectations. Xia Hongsheng handled himself well in the court, not only defusing the jealousy of other officials over his young age and ennoblement but also reducing the threat he posed in their eyes by initially appearing flustered, reminding them that he was just a thirteen-year-old boy. On the other hand, Xu Xiaode himself had been promoted to the Right Guard Chief of the Crown Prince's Palace, making him a true capital official. Although it couldn't be said that he had regained the emperor's trust, he was back in the fold.

"Ha ha, today is a double celebration. Come, my virtuous nephew, follow me back, and I will host a banquet in your honor! Ha ha ha ha..." As they left the palace walls, Xu Xiaode said to Xia Hongsheng.

Xia Hongsheng was also very happy. Who wouldn't be happy to receive a large piece of land and a big house? So he laughed and said, "Ha ha, that's perfect. Let me prepare a feast. I've been craving good food for a while now!"

"That's great. Your aunt and the others often talk about how after eating your food, other things taste bland!" Xu Xiaode chuckled, stroking his beard as he spoke, and they walked out of the palace gate, heading for Xu Xiaode's house.

"Lord Xia, please wait!" As they were walking, a sudden shout came from behind. Turning around, they saw a palace eunuch hurrying up to them, stopping Xia Hongsheng.

Xia Hongsheng and Xu Xiaode exchanged a glance, and the eunuch approached Xia Hongsheng, "Your servant greets Lord Xia and Chief Xu. His Majesty has ordered Lord Xia to present his views."

Xia Hongsheng was taken aback. What was going on? Xu Xiaode was also shocked, turning to look at Xia Hongsheng with a furrowed brow. Xia Hongsheng quickly pulled out a string of copper coins from his sleeve, smiled, and took the eunuch's hand, asking, "Thank you, sir. Do you know why His Majesty has summoned me?"

The eunuch's eyes darted around, and in a smooth motion, he slipped the string of copper coins into his sleeve, a process that was so fluid and quick that Xia Hongsheng was momentarily stunned. The eunuch then said, "Your servant thanks Chief Xu. I only overheard a bit. His Majesty heard that Lord Xia is very talented and wants to meet him."

"Since that's the case, my virtuous nephew should go quickly. Don't keep His Majesty waiting." Xu Xiaode nodded and turned to Xia Hongsheng, "I will wait for you at home."

Xia Hongsheng bowed to Xu Xiaode and then followed the eunuch back into the imperial city. As they turned left and right, Xia Hongsheng was puzzled. Li Laoer (Li Shimin) wanted to see him alone? This didn't make sense. The rewards had been given, and the questions had been answered. Why was he being called back alone now?

"Lord Xia, His Majesty is here. Your servant cannot enter, so I will take my leave." The eunuch led Xia Hongsheng to a garden and bowed.

Xia Hongsheng returned the bow, "Thank you, sir!"

The eunuch turned and left, and Xia Hongsheng entered the garden. He saw a person standing under a pavilion, admiring the flowers, with an attendant standing beside him. It was Li Shimin.

Xia Hongsheng walked forward, and the sound of his footsteps caught the attention of the two people under the pavilion. He bowed at the pavilion entrance, "Your subject greets His Majesty!"

"Exempt from the formalities, sit down." Li Shimin nodded and pointed to the center of the pavilion. In the center, Xia Hongsheng saw a folding table and two stools. His heart skipped a beat, and he looked at Li Shimin, who had already sat down.

Xia Hongsheng then sat down and bowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for allowing me to sit. I wonder why Your Majesty has summoned me?"

Li Shimin smiled and tapped the table, "I heard that these two items were also made by you?"

"Uh, Your Majesty, your humble servant has no carpentry skills. They were made by an old neighbor, the carpenter Zhang Lao Han. Your humble servant only provided a little idea..." Xia Hongsheng lowered his head and said.

"Ha ha, it's just the two of us here, no need to be so formal." Li Laoer (Li Shimin) smiled, "These things are quite ingenious, and that folding fan is also elegant. Ha ha, and that poem 'Man Jiang Hong,' you are not only skilled in natural philosophy but also have great talent!"

Xia Hongsheng was taken aback. What was going on? Did you send someone to investigate me? Even these things are known! The political review for Tang Dynasty civil servants is too thorough!

"Uh, just a bit of cleverness, not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning!" Xia Hongsheng was sweating, "Your humble servant is very nervous!"

"Is it just a bit of cleverness? These things are extremely ingenious and very practical, not something that can be thought of with just a bit of cleverness." Li Shimin smiled, but his eyes were fixed on Xia Hongsheng, as if they could see through his skin and into his heart, making Xia Hongsheng feel very uncomfortable. "Moreover, I heard that you have some ideas about Liang Shidu. I am very interested. Speak freely, no need to be formal."

Ah? How did he know? Xia Hongsheng was stunned. Could he really read minds and see through his thoughts in the court? No, that's not possible... Wang Zike! It must be Wang Zike! He's the only one I discussed Liang Shidu with. He must have told his elders at home, and they must have told Li Laoer. It must be that! ... Wait! Wang Zike... Looking at Li Laoer, Xia Hongsheng noticed a resemblance to Wang Zike. This name is very suspicious. Wang Zike, Wang, Zi, Ke... Ke! Wang Zike is actually Wang Ke, who is Li Ke!

Xia Hongsheng frowned, "Your humble servant is not very smart..."

"Stop beating around the bush!" Xia Hongsheng's words were cut off by Li Shimin, "Answer quickly. If you don't, you'll be beaten! Wang De, go..."

"I'll speak, I'll speak!" Seeing that Li Laoer was really getting impatient, Xia Hongsheng quickly spoke, forgetting about the hierarchy, "Wasn't this already discussed in the court..."

"Which one do you agree with?" Li Laoer raised an eyebrow, "Don't be so formal. A man should be open. Speak well, and there will be a reward!"

... Xia Hongsheng was speechless. You are the emperor, if I speak openly, will I still have a life?!

Xia Hongsheng took a deep breath, steadied himself, and said, "Your humble servant believes that the war must be fought, but it's best to avoid actual combat and preserve our forces. We should try to win without bloodshed and capture Liang Shidu and his followers..."

"Rubbish talk. If we send troops, how can we avoid actual combat? I also want to win without bloodshed, but Liang Shidu is stubborn and has allied with Jiali..." Li Laoer's expression turned fierce at the mention of Jiali Khan.

"Your humble servant didn't explain clearly. This war is inevitable, but there are better ways than sending a large army. For example, we can wage a psychological war!" Xia Hongsheng blinked and looked at Li Laoer, then cautiously continued.

"Psychological war? What is a psychological war?!" Li Laoer was very curious and leaned forward.

"Um... A psychological war is a battle of the mind. It involves systematically using various methods to influence the enemy's cognition, emotions, and will, weakening their morale and resolve without physical combat. By spreading information, we can undermine the enemy's will to fight, making them lose the desire to resist, and even surrender. ... Cough, cough!" Xia Hongsheng recited the definition of psychological warfare, but as he spoke, he saw Li Laoer's face turning dark, almost saying, "Speak in plain language!"

So Xia Hongsheng quickly explained, "Our dynasty is strong and the people are stable, but Liang Shidu remains stubborn. Even commoners know that the court will eventually eliminate Liang Shidu. His soldiers must know this too. The power dynamics are clear, and it's likely that his soldiers are not as loyal as they seem. We can use this to our advantage by distributing leaflets and posters, spreading the message that Liang Shidu is despicable and weak, while the court is powerful and benevolent. We can make the local people understand that the court is the righteous force that can bring them a better life, while following Liang Shidu will only lead to ruin. We can spread rumors... and so on, to tarnish Liang Shidu's reputation, such as accusing him of raping women, plundering, and recognizing Jiali as his father. We can also spread the message that the court will treat his soldiers well, offering rewards to those who defect. We can create a few examples, reward them, and show the other soldiers. This will create division and doubt among Liang Shidu's forces, weakening their morale. Over time, his army will lose the will to fight, and they will no longer be willing to fight for him. When the time comes, His Majesty can make a show of force, and Liang Shidu will have no resistance. Hehe, perhaps his own men will even kill him and surrender!"

Li Laoer's eyes were bright as he stared at Xia Hongsheng, who felt very uneasy and quickly lowered his head, smiling awkwardly at Li Laoer.

"The concept of psychological warfare is quite unique. As for these methods... Yes, your ideas align with mine." Li Laoer nodded, looking very satisfied.

Xia Hongsheng was speechless. Then why did you ask?

"Your talent is indeed as your reputation suggests. Since I promised to reward you for speaking, I will keep my word." Li Laoer seemed very pleased, stroking his sparse beard and said, "Wang De, draft an edict. Xia Hongsheng, though young, is already accomplished. Therefore, I grant him the privilege of studying at the Hongwen Pavilion to enhance his talents and broaden his horizons."

Xia Hongsheng was stunned. What? Study at the Hongwen Pavilion? Go back to being a student?!

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