Datang: Rebirth of Li Chengqian, the beginning of the treason interrogation

Chapter 52: Jianwu Temple and School

Li Shimin, sitting on the dragon throne, also looked exceptionally energetic today. His eyes were bright and he looked majestic without even being angry.

He looked at the civil and military officials of His Highness, and was filled with emotion. Since the uprising in Jinyang, after countless battles, he finally established the Tang Empire. This journey was inseparable from the assistance and support of many meritorious officials.

"Since the uprising in Jinyang, you have fought to the death and all the ministers have worked together to govern the country, which has led to the current prosperity. Whenever I think of the hardships in the past, I feel deeply gratified. In order to commend your great achievements, I have specially established the Lingyan Pavilion to remember your contributions."

"However, I have recently been commemorating those who have made great contributions. I have already given generous rewards, but what about those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country? They have given their lives for the country, but have not received the courtesy they deserve."

"Therefore, I have decided to build a temple outside the Daming Palace for these brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives, so that their heroic names will be forever revered by future generations and enjoy the incense of the world. From now on, all soldiers who died on the battlefield can enter this temple and receive offerings from future generations."

Li Shimin's expression became serious, his voice was low and powerful, and his eyes swept over every minister in the palace.

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

All the officials shouted in unison, expressing their approval of the emperor's proposal. After all, no one dared to refute the idea of ​​building a temple for the deceased.

This is not only a respect for the dead, but also an encouragement to the living. If anyone dares to oppose it, it will be an enemy of tens of millions of soldiers, which may cause public outrage.

"Also, now that our Tang Dynasty is strong, most of the civilians are still ignorant, which brings shame to our great Tang Empire. I want to open free schools among the people to educate them." Li Shimin continued.

This idea actually came from Li Chengqian, but it was expressed in a different way, which made it much easier to accept.

Hearing this, many ministers frowned, feeling something strange in their hearts, but they couldn't tell what was wrong.

"Your Majesty is wise! This move is for the country and the people, and it is truly a blessing for all people!" At this time, Xu Jingzong knew that he should take action, and immediately was the first to stand up and express his support.

However, Xiao Yu was the first to stand up and object again: "Your Majesty, now that war is about to start, the treasury is empty, and there is really no extra money to repair the private school."

What he said was true, but in fact, he understood better than anyone that if schools were opened on a large scale among the people, it would be a disaster for the gentry, because the implementation of the imperial examination system had already had a certain impact on the gentry.

Once the number of students from the public increases, the consequences can be imagined.

"Your Majesty, it is not mature to open schools among the people nowadays. Where will the teachers for the schools come from, and where will the maintenance of the schools come from?"

The Minister of the Interior Wang Gui also said that he thought the current situation was not suitable for opening schools among the people.

"Your Majesty, the priority right now is the war. It won't be too late to open a school later when all conditions are ripe."

Changsun Wuji looked at Li Shimin and said that he had reservations about this matter and felt that now was not the right time.

"It doesn't matter. Our Tang Dynasty is so powerful. How could we attack Goguryeo so badly that the whole country would have to go to war? The purpose of opening a school is to educate the people."

Li Shimin reiterated his point of view, saying that the country has the ability to handle both war and education at the same time.

"Your Majesty, please think twice! This could endanger the country."

Gao Shilian also stood up at this time. He was worried that opening a school would bring about some unexpected consequences and even threaten the stability of the country.

Because the opening of schools is meant to enlighten the people and cultivate talents, but this is contrary to the rulers' policy of keeping the people ignorant. What the rulers need are obedient subjects, not people with thoughts and wisdom.

"How could this be a threat to the country? Enlightening the people will only make our Tang Dynasty increasingly powerful." Li Chengqian said loudly.

The Holy Emperor and the Crown Prince both agreed, and so did the Left Prime Minister, which made it difficult to refute.

"What the Crown Prince said is absolutely right. All ministers should not raise any objections. The establishment of schools and martial arts temples will be left to the Crown Prince and Zuo Pushe, with the assistance of the six ministries." "As for the military affairs of Goguryeo, they cannot be left behind. The conscription of troops and the mobilization of food and grass will be coordinated by You Pushe himself."

Li Shimin saw that the time was almost right, so he gave the order.

"Your Majesty, opening a school is absolutely unacceptable. It will shake the country."

Cui Renshi said loudly that he was one of the counselors, a member of the Qinghe Cui family, and a representative recommended to the forefront by the major aristocratic families.

"Why not? This is a move for the country and the people. If Doctor Cui can't explain the reason, I'm afraid it will be difficult to explain to the people of the world." Xu Jingzong retorted.

"Opening a school costs money and manpower, and will also bring instability to the country."

Cui Renshi stepped forward and said that they still looked down on people like Xu Jingzong from the bottom of their hearts, even if he became a minister.

"Doctor Cui, what you said is wrong. Opening a school is a blessing, how can it be considered a destabilizing factor? Although you are a counselor, you cannot speak without thinking in front of His Majesty."

Xu Jingzong snorted.

"Your Majesty, this move is really detrimental to the country!" Cui Renshi's gaze passed over Xu Jingzong and looked at Li Shimin on the throne.

Once the people become civilized, it will definitely be detrimental to their rule.

"Admonition, I want you to base your arguments on facts, not empty words. If you do this again, I will sentence you to the crime of deceiving the emperor. I don't want to kill the meritorious officials, but don't force me."

Li Shimin said coldly that if the status of the gentry was not shaken a little bit, then the Li Tang dynasty would be shaken.

"I don't dare!"

The few people who showed up also returned to the queue.

"Since there is nothing more to do, let's adjourn the court!" Li Shimin turned around and left, not giving anyone any chance to make further suggestions.

"Dear Dukes, opening a school is absolutely not allowed. You should go and persuade His Majesty."

Many powerful people also realized the situation at this time and swarmed to Changsun Wuji's side.

The person Li Shimin listened to the most was undoubtedly Changsun Wuji.

"I will do my best!"

Changsun Wuji now has no idea what Li Shimin is trying to do. Ever since he was angrily criticized by Li Chengqian, he seems to have become a different person.

"Several counselors, let's join us."

Cui Renshi, on the other hand, also united all the ministers of remonstrance, and was determined to make his remonstrance till his death.

This is not impossible. Leaving a name for oneself after death is what these counselors want. Those who can become counselors have basically tried to die several times before being appointed by Li Er.

All I can say is that Li Er was a bit of a masochist. After becoming the emperor, few people dared to scold him, so he deliberately kept a group of people who scolded him.

(End of this chapter)