Control your ancestors and create an immortal family starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty

Chapter 147 Peace and Prosperity, Ambition to Swallow Mountains and Rivers (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Throughout the court, everyone was of one mind.

The exemplary role that Emperor Li Shimin played was truly remarkable.

In fact, in many cases—

A true ruler only needs to set an example like Li Shimin and implement correct policies, and that will be enough for the whole country.

Under these circumstances, the entire Kyushu region is recovering at an astonishing pace.

This is also the difference between current history and the original history.

The emergence of the Gu family accelerated the progress of productivity, making the current history far surpass the original history.

In addition, there is the inherent national character of the Chinese people, who originally relied on the land for their livelihood.

Once the situation has completely stabilized, the pace of recovery across the entire world will visibly increase.

In particular, this renovation of waterways in various places.

This is completely unimaginable for the recovery of grain production across the entire world.

It can not only be used to irrigate fertile fields, but also to cultivate a great deal of fertile land.

The continuous decline in population has meant that there are now far too many abandoned plots of land in the mine today, all of which can now be cultivated.

As long as the administration is clean and the military presence of powerful clans is curbed.

The results of all this will be extraordinary.

And reality did not disappoint Li Shimin for his efforts.

By the third year of the Zhenguan era, the population of the entire country had recovered from less than 20 million at the end of the Sui Dynasty when the feudal lords rose up to more than 26 million, and the cultivated land area in all directions far exceeded everyone's expectations.

——Two hundred million mu!

The significance of this figure is self-evident.

As life gradually improves, the chain reaction it generates has yet to stop.

The trade routes were reopened;
Under the policies of the imperial court, commerce throughout the Tang Dynasty is recovering at a visible pace.

At the same time, it also included the return of refugees from all directions to their hometowns.

Migrants have always been the most unstable factor in a dynasty. Once a certain number of migrants appear, they can easily destroy the foundation of a dynasty.

Destroy the entire dynasty bit by bit, from the bottom up.

The return of displaced people now allows everyone to clearly feel the changes in the entire world.

—It seems that the golden age is really coming back.

Li Shimin was naturally very concerned about this matter, which also strengthened his resolve.

He didn't go the wrong way!

Despite his great joy, Li Shimin did not become complacent.

With a firm resolve, Li Shimin, having determined everything, would only lead the entire Tang Dynasty forward with even greater determination.

He ordered the household registers to be revised and to gather refugees from all directions.

He also did not forget his proposal to store grain, and consistently demanded frugality from officials in all directions.

Furthermore, he also did not forget the example he was meant to set.

He ordered a reduction in tribute from all directions.

In addition, Li Shimin made time to study in more detail the various prosperous eras of the past, including some classics left by the Gu family ancestors.

We should deeply consider the path unique to the Tang Dynasty by examining the ancestors of the Gu family, the wise rulers, and the prosperous eras.

Of course, Li Shimin was not immune to making mistakes at times.

However, he still had a group of capable people under his command, including Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, and members of the Gu family.

With the assistance of these talented individuals who will be remembered in history.

In addition, Li Shimin himself was decisive and wise.

The future path of the entire Tang Dynasty became increasingly clear through these repeated discussions.

Even Gu Yi had to admit that Li Shimin truly lived up to his name.

in this era.

No one could overshadow his unique brilliance; even the Gu family members could only follow in his footsteps.

He perfectly absorbed the Gu family's philosophy;

Furthermore, his talent and abilities far surpass those of others.

Especially his courage.

This invincible spirit, unique to him, made Li Shimin even more impeccable, always keeping the world in control and moving it in the direction he desired.

February of the fourth year of the Zhenguan era;
Li Shimin formally proposed anonymous grading and copying of examination papers in the imperial court to prevent corruption by powerful clans.

He also personally annotated the Five Classics and the Gu School.

A formal assessment system has been established, which prioritizes current events over classic works.

Besides--

He also established an evaluation system for officials from all directions, which included performance indicators such as the rate of population growth, grain production, criminal case clearance rate, and number of schools. Those who performed well were promoted, while those who performed poorly were dismissed or exiled.

Strengthen the central government's management of local areas.

This matter can be described as earth-shattering.

Perhaps only an emperor like Li Shimin would dare to take this step and make such a groundbreaking reform.

This move could directly and severely damage the interests of all powerful clans and aristocratic families.

Although this policy still leaves considerable room for corruption in the eyes of a modern person like Gu Yi.

But that's enough for this era!

If this policy can be implemented, the quality of officials in the Tang Dynasty will definitely improve significantly within at least a century.

This is the result of continuous progress in the system.

This matter will naturally provoke a lot of opposition.

There was no other way; the interests involved in this matter were simply too great. No matter how strong Li Shimin's prestige was, these people would not sit idly by and wait for their doom.

Even Li Yuan was implicated.

Although Li Yuan no longer cares about state affairs and has no power, he has been enjoying himself and having children in the palace.

But he was, after all, the retired emperor and Li Shimin's father!

Da'an Palace.

After several years, the father and son finally met again.

That incident ultimately became a thorn between the father and son, and neither Li Yuan nor Li Shimin could easily forget it.

They slowly stepped into the palace.

Looking at the beautiful women around him, a complex expression flashed across Li Shimin's eyes.

If Li Yuan had really given him the position of Ten Directions Expeditionary Envoy back then...

What will become of the world today?
The thought flashed through his mind, but it vanished in an instant.

He has nothing to regret.

For Li Shimin, he could only keep forging ahead.

The sounds of bowing and greetings rang out continuously.

Li Yuan also put down his pipa and looked at Li Shimin who was slowly walking in, a trace of melancholy flashing in his eyes.

"Father."

The two men looked into each other's eyes, and Li Shimin bowed respectfully.

Li Yuan's expression grew increasingly complex.

However, he didn't say much, but simply waved his hand, and all the women in the hall left.

The hall fell silent immediately.

Li Shimin sat down to the side and asked calmly, "I wonder what brings Father Emperor to see me?"

"Erlang, you can't let those old brothers who followed our Li family to conquer the world grow cold." Li Yuan was silent for a moment, then looked at Li Shimin and got straight to the point.

In fact, his feelings towards Li Shimin were also very complicated.

He could see the achievements Li Shimin had made in recent years.

But it is precisely because of this that his emotions are extremely complicated. He often questions himself: if he hadn't done things that way back then, would he and his son be in this situation now?

This feeling is extremely difficult to express, and it's impossible to tell anyone else.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's expression remained completely unchanged.

How could he not know Li Yuan's intention in summoning him?

But he absolutely could not agree to that.

After a brief silence, Li Shimin chose to speak directly and asked, "Father, what do you think of my actions?"

“Those were, after all, old brothers who followed our Li family back then; they risked their lives for us.” Li Yuan frowned slightly, not answering Li Shimin’s question.

He understood Li Shimin's thoughts.

But that's the reality. While the common people are important, powerful clans and aristocratic families are equally important.

At the very least, one cannot offend all the powerful families.

"Your Majesty, I am well aware of the meritorious service of your esteemed ministers and will certainly treat them with the utmost respect, ensuring their lifelong wealth and the continuation of their positions to their descendants." Li Shimin lightly tapped the table with his fingertips, his voice steady as the clinking of metal. "However, the imperial examination system is the cornerstone of the nation. If those with true talent and learning hold their positions, what fear is there of imperfect governance?" "But if official appointments are granted solely based on seniority, without regard to virtue or folly—"

"When the court is filled with incompetent officials who hold positions without fulfilling their duties, leading to blocked policies, hardship for the people, and ultimately shaking the very foundation of the nation."

“By then, the great edifice will be crumbling and the ancestral temple will be in danger,” he said, his fingers suddenly clenching in his sleeve, his tone growing increasingly cold and heavy. “Even those who have achieved great merit, how can they remain unscathed? What will become of their so-called wealth and status?”

The atmosphere inside the hall grew increasingly heavy.

Seeing Li Shimin's unwavering resolve, Li Yuan couldn't help but feel anger rising on his face. He slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Second Prince!!!"

"Father!"

Li Shimin immediately stood up and cupped his hands towards Li Yuan: "As the ruler of the Great Tang, I must not allow anyone to shake the foundations of my Great Tang dynasty."

"Father can enjoy his life in the palace."

"As for matters outside the world—"

"From now on, Father will no longer need to worry."

Say it.

He bowed deeply to Li Yuan, then turned and left the palace without regard for anything else!

"Do you even respect me as your father anymore?!"

Li Yuan's angry roars echoed behind him, but Li Shimin did not turn around and left the hall without turning back.

outside the temple.

Seeing Li Shimin's gloomy expression, Empress Zhangsun gently raised her hand and supported his forearm, speaking softly as gently as a spring stream: "Is Father Emperor angry again?"

"If the father is not the father, the son is not the son."

Li Shimin lowered his eyes and sighed, his knuckles clenching so tightly they turned white. After a long while, he slowly nodded: "Who could have imagined that my son and I would end up in such a state?"

"Your Majesty should focus on governing the country."

Empress Zhangsun gently patted Li Shimin's back and said solemnly, "You can leave this matter of filial piety to me."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin looked at her and nodded slightly.

This has been the case for the past few years.

Li Yuan did not want to see Li Shimin, and Li Shimin did not want to see Li Yuan either.

However, as the ruler of a country, filial piety must not be forgotten.

For the past few years, it has been Empress Zhangsun who has been on behalf of Li Shimin to pay respects to Li Yuan and fulfill his filial duties.

Li Shimin didn't say anything more and left directly.

But that very night...

He also issued an order to his confidants, instructing them not to easily visit Li Yuan again.

Li Yuan could indeed influence him.

Li Shimin did not want this to happen again.

He cherished his time and didn't want to waste any more of it.

Restoring the Nine Provinces, pacifying the Turks, and re-establishing control of the Western Regions all require time, and he doesn't want to waste his energy on these issues.

A vigorous reform has been launched once again.

Faced with Li Shimin now, no one in the entire world can resist any of his policies.

Even if you're dissatisfied, what can you do?

rebel?

Who dares to rebel against Li Shimin?

The people of the world have suffered for far too long. Li Shimin's prestige now far surpasses that of other emperors, and even the wise rulers of history are inferior to him.

This is an unstoppable trend, and no one can reverse it!
Li Shimin had clearly made all the plans, wanting to rely on his own abilities to quickly restore the entire Kyushu region.

And that year, it seemed as if even God was helping him.

Surprisingly, no disasters occurred throughout the world.

Good news of abundant harvests has been coming from all directions!

The granaries he had designated were filled to capacity, grain prices in various regions began to stabilize, and the continued development of commerce brought about a large-scale economic recovery. The phenomenon of rice costing only three or four coins per dou (a unit of dry measure) finally returned to the entire Kyushu region after many years.

The population of Kyushu as a whole is also continuing to rise.

In just four short years.

The entire Kyushu region gradually recovered from its state of exhaustion.

Under these circumstances, Li Shimin turned his attention directly to the Turks.

That night.

The moon is bright and the stars are few; the night is clear and bright.

Tai Chi Hall.

Seeing Gu Quan slowly walk into the palace, Li Shimin, who was flipping through memorials from various places, immediately waved his hand and said with a joyful expression, "Ziyuan, come and take a look."

He showed no airs of an emperor whatsoever, and directly handed the memorials to Gu Quan.

This forced Gu Quan, who was originally going to bow respectfully, to stop and accept the memorial.

The memorials were filled with reports on the conditions in various regions.

Looking at these reports, Gu Quan's face showed a smile, but it looked even more eerie against the backdrop of those scars.

He examined it carefully for a long time before putting it down and bowing in congratulations: "Your Majesty, I congratulate you."

"Ziyuan!" Li Shimin frowned slightly, his tone filled with a hint of exasperation. "I told you long ago that we should be like Emperor Guangwu of Han and Marquis Zhongwu. If you continue to be so stubborn, don't blame me for getting angry!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Quan merely smiled gently and nodded solemnly, but still couldn't help but advise, "Your Majesty's body is of utmost importance; I hope you will take good care of your health and refrain from further toil day and night."

"The golden age has not yet arrived, how can I sleep soundly?" A bitter smile flashed across Li Shimin's eyes, but he quickly concealed it and gestured for Gu Quan to sit down.

He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, then suddenly turned to the main topic: "Ziyuan, now that the people's livelihood is gradually recovering, I wish to completely resolve the problem of the Turks. What do you think?"

The threat from the Turks was like a thorn in my side.

Moreover, as time goes by, the impact that Gu Yu had on them is also gradually decreasing.

In the past two years, as the Tang Dynasty's national strength has grown, Khagan Jieli has become increasingly greedy and, despite Li Shimin's refusal, has begun to repeatedly invade the borders.

Fortunately, Gu Yan and others were stationed there, which barely maintained peace on the border.

Li Shimin had long harbored ambitions for conquest.

He wanted to be just like Gu Chen back then, to completely eliminate all hidden dangers for the Tang Dynasty.

Gu Quan was aware of this matter and knew that Li Shimin would not tolerate it forever. He immediately nodded and solemnly cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty's proposal is perfectly timed!"

"Now that our cavalry is as numerous as clouds and our provisions are plentiful, it is the perfect opportunity to sweep away their strongholds."

"If Your Majesty trusts me, I am willing to personally lead elite troops to strike directly at Shuofang!"

Wasn't he also waiting for this day?
The title of Marquis of Champion —

He was going to personally recruit them, to ensure that the Gu family was worthy of this title!
As he finished speaking, an undisguised fighting spirit surged in his eyes.

Seeing this, Li Shimin's smile deepened.

Gu Quan understood him.

How could he not understand Gu Quan?

Li Shimin didn't say much, but silently got up and walked to the map. He pointed to the Turks and Goguryeo in the Western Regions on the map and said, "This great world is enough for Ziyuan to roam freely."

As he spoke, he paused slightly, then pointed to Lingnan on the map before saying again, "I have been studying the policies of Marquis Jingxiang these days."

"I've been thinking about one thing."

He suddenly turned to look at Gu Quan and said seriously, "Ziyuan, do you think that in my reign, I can do what the Marquis of Jingxiang wanted back then?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Quan's expression instantly turned serious.

He understood Li Shimin's thoughts.

That was Gu Yi's vision for the future of Lingnan when he was manipulating Gu Ye.

A maritime Silk Road.

Moreover, this route is far clearer and more complete than the so-called "driving the sea" in the original history.

Although Lingnan has now been integrated into Kyushu.

However, this matter has never been completed over the years because the demands on national strength are unimaginable. Neither the Han Dynasty, which subsequently became weak, nor the Sui Dynasty, which perished after only two generations, could have sustained such a feat.

Gu Yi retained all the advantages and disadvantages of this product within the Gu family.

Now that Li Shimin has said this, it's clear that he has this idea.

Gu Quan remained silent for a long time this time.

How could he not be aware of the requirements for this action?

"Your Majesty's will is fully understood."

But looking at the burning fire in Li Shimin's eyes, and recalling the changes in the entire Kyushu over the past few years, his throat warmed slightly, and he finally nodded emphatically, "Yes!"

"Your Majesty is the holy ruler chosen by Heaven,"

He suddenly knelt on one knee, his voice brimming with fervent conviction, "Such a grand undertaking will surely be accomplished!"

(P.S.: Please vote for me, brothers! This humble fish is writing while ill; I hope it will move you saints to show some mercy.)

(End of this chapter)