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

Chapter 76 Public opinion is the will of the people
"I understand. I will be strict with myself and my subordinates and will not spend a penny on building the dam." Li Daliang was clear in his mind.

"Also, when conscripting laborers, pay them all to ensure their families' basic living needs. Don't turn something that benefits the people into something that harms them."

Serving labor service is no easier than serving in the military, both are compulsory labor.

Once the main labor force is mobilized, the family will not be protected.

We can't say that the Tang Dynasty was bad. The fact that people from all over the world admired it is worthy of recognition. However, the productivity in ancient times had already destined the lives of the lower-class people to be difficult.

At the very least, the people of the Tang Dynasty were much more stable. They no longer had to worry about being invaded and could farm in peace.

However, due to the exploitation from the ruling class within the Tang Dynasty, the lower-class people were always in a state of neither enough food nor starvation, and their families had no surplus food, which made them appear vulnerable when facing disasters.

"Your Highness's benevolence is a blessing to all people!"

Li Daliang bowed.

"Does your Highness have any other instructions?"

Gao Wenmin and Luo Binwang had been waiting outside the door for a long time, and Li Daliang was also tactful and prepared to leave.

"The construction of the dam can be assigned to Zhang Jianzhi, the Minister of Works."

Li Chengqian finally reminded Zhang Jianzhi that if he wanted to continue to rise, he must have achievements.

"Then I will take my leave!" After Li Daliang bowed, he kept Zhang Jianzhi, the minister who had not yet taken office, in mind.

"Come in, what's going on?"

Li Chengqian waved his hand, and Gao Wenmin and Luo Binwang stepped into the palace.

"Sit down and talk!"

The two of them sat down casually.

"Your Highness, this is the Times that Chongwenguan rushed out."

Luo Binwang handed a piece of white paper to Li Chengqian.

What is recorded is the concise summary of everything that happened in the Temple of Martial Arts today.

"Okay, first print a thousand copies and spread them throughout Chang'an City, and then have the bad guys spread them to various states and counties, so that all the people in the world will know about the major events in the country."

Li Chengqian played a greater role in the creation of movable type printing, which was to bring imperial power to the countryside and let most people know about state affairs.

This can avoid instigation by people with ulterior motives.

The people are not ignorant, they are just kept in the dark.

Due to the lack of information, it is manipulated by many people with ulterior motives.

This small piece of paper can play an important role in stabilizing the regime.

"Okay, when I get down, I'll ask the Royal Press to speed up printing."

Luo Binwang said. He is now the editor-in-chief of the Royal Newspaper, and he is a great writer, so he is making the best use of his talents.

Although Luo Binwang also entered the officialdom, his career was not smooth, which is enough to illustrate his ability.

And by giving it the word "royal", the Times is endowed with authority.

In the hearts of the people, imperial power is supreme and will not be falsified.

"Also, the Times should not only report good news but also bad news. However, you should also pay attention to the scale and let the Royal Society lead the people instead of spreading panic."

Li Chengqian continued to say that he would do his best to guide public opinion.

In ancient times, we must never underestimate the power of public opinion. Once a story was passed around, it was considered a major act of treason.

Handling public opinion well means winning the hearts of the people.

"I will keep your words in mind, Your Highness!" Luo Binwang replied. Li Chengqian had told them the original intention of establishing the Royal Newspaper.

"The lower-class people don't understand the national policies. You should explain the pros and cons of the equal-field system in several installments, as well as the prohibited behaviors and penalty clauses, and distribute them."

Only when the people know the reasons will they resist unreasonable exploitation.

If we want to change the fate of the Tang Dynasty and make it immortal, we need to do a lot.

The fundamental reason is to make the lower-class people rich. Only in this way can they resist disasters, whether it is war or natural disasters.

Everything Li Chengqian wanted to do could be said to be contrary to the ruling class.

What they want to do is to ensure that the people are always hungry and clothed, so that you work hard for food and clothing all day long and have no energy to imagine anything else.

Such people are the easiest to enslave.

Loyalty, filial piety and righteousness were used to restrain the people's thoughts, making them grateful to these exploiters.

However, the people are the creators of all materials, so doing so will greatly limit their productivity. This is not progress, but rather standing still or even regressing.

Therefore, Li Chengqian had to explain it based on his thoughts and actions.

The Royal Press is of great significance. It is the beginning of ideological emancipation and the liberation of people's creativity and imagination.

Confucian thought has been passed down for a long time. It is not possible to achieve liberation immediately, but it must be done gradually.

"We have already entered the auction period. After the chapter on leaving a name in the Temple of Martial Arts is printed, the explanation of policies such as the equal-field system will also be printed."

This is all planned.

"In a few days, I will leave the capital. You will have to worry about the operation of the East Palace."

Li Chengqian looked at the two of them and spoke slowly, showing that he trusted them very much.

"This is our responsibility!" Gao Wenmin and Luo Binwang said in unison.

On the other hand, Li Daliang, after leaving the Eastern Palace, went directly into the palace to meet Li Shimin.

"Are you here to give advice as well?" Li Shimin leaned on the dragon throne somewhat tiredly, with a hint of impatience in his eyes.

He had just dealt with the advice of several ministers.

Give advice?

Li Daliang was full of questions and bowed, "Your Majesty, I am not here to give you advice, but for this magical thing called cement. This thing will benefit future generations. I want the court to allocate funds to the Ministry of Works to build water conservancy projects to prevent floods in various rivers."

Before, Li Chengqian had told him about the special effects of cement. He didn't believe it at first, but after seeing the heroic deeds in Wu Miao, he also saw the mysterious power of cement.

Building dams to prevent floods is a must.

But now is a turbulent time, with war and military pay, Li Shimin, who had never thought about money before, now can't help but feel overwhelmed.

His expression softened a lot, and he treated Li Daliang differently. He thought that Li Daliang was a true loyal minister who could share his worries, which made Li Shimin very happy.

"Minister Li also knows that the court is in urgent need of money right now, so I'm afraid the construction of the Ministry of Works will have to be postponed."

Originally, the affairs of the Ministry of Works were the most important among the six ministries.

"Your Majesty, the river in Xuzhou has been severely damaged. If it is not repaired, the disaster will be even worse than this year when the flood season comes next year."

Li Daliang said with a stiff upper lip that this was not only a requirement for him to make some achievements, but also an instruction from the prince.

Li Shimin pondered for a moment before speaking: "I will ask the Ministry of Revenue to allocate funds to cooperate with the Ministry of Works in the construction of Xuzhou."

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

Li Daliang resigned with satisfaction, ready to make great efforts to establish his own achievements.

(End of this chapter)