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

Chapter 162 Father and Son, Suining in the Western Regions (Seeking monthly votes)

The current political climate in the Tang Dynasty is indeed somewhat strange.

As for the reason——

Because of Li Shimin's favor towards Li Tai, although Li Tai's current power has not yet surpassed that of the Crown Prince, people can't help but have many thoughts about it.

This is only human nature.

Although no one dared to mention the Xuanwu Gate Incident, who could forget this experience?

Once a precedent has been set, it's impossible to stop.

That is the case right now.

There are no perfect people in the world, and Li Shimin was no exception. This was not only because Li Chengqian was lame, but also because of the personalities of the father and son.

Everything happens for a reason.

Li Shimin's strictness towards Li Chengqian ultimately transformed him into another version of himself.

The father and son have too many similarities in personality.

Li Chengqian disdained to curry favor with Li Shimin, even though he was his father. He would not resort to deception to do so, just as Li Shimin had done in the past.

In contrast, Li Tai was different.

In fact, if Li Chengqian hadn't been lame, all these problems might not have surfaced.

But how can anything be perfect?

The current Tang emperor is far more noble than any emperor in history.

His power extended beyond the entire Nine Provinces, including the vassal states in all directions. Allowing a cripple to become emperor was indeed a thorn in Li Shimin's side.

This feeling is unavoidable.

In addition, Li Chengqian had a penchant for luxury, which he used to cover up his physical defects.

Although this was a very small matter for the Tang Dynasty at present, Li Shimin still had a knot in his heart.

Whether it was Li Shimin or Li Chengqian, it was a matter of personal opinion.

It seems that after Empress Zhangsun passed away, the way the father and son interacted gradually became unnatural.

Li Shimin's strict requirements, coupled with his busy schedule with state affairs and neglect of Li Chengqian, inevitably led to the current situation.

Many things already have a cause and effect.

In the fifteenth year of the Zhenguan era, Zezhou suffered a drought.

As the birthplace of the Tang Dynasty and located close to Chang'an, Li Shimin attached great importance to this place and decided to personally visit the disaster victims, once again entrusting the administration of the court to Li Chengqian.

This is now the norm in the Tang Dynasty.

Li Shimin could not possibly stay in the deep palace forever. Advocating "putting the people first," he often went to disaster areas to visit the people in recent years.

Disaster areas have always been places where official corruption is most frequent.

He certainly had political motives in doing so.

Entrusting the administration of the court to Li Chengqian was also the current practice, as Li Chengqian had already proven his abilities.

Of course, Li Shimin's trusted confidants would remain in the court to "assist" Li Chengqian.

Changan.

Looking at the numerous memorials before him, Li Chengqian couldn't help but sigh, "The people of our Great Tang are living in greater peace and prosperity; the salaries of officials should indeed be increased."

"The matter is settled then. The Ministry of Revenue shall discuss and decide on the specific amount of the increase in the official's salary."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers showed strange expressions.

Minister of Revenue Tang Jian didn't think much of it and immediately nodded: "Your Highness is wise."

In fact, the salaries that Li Shimin gave to the officials of the Tang Dynasty were not small, enough for them to eat and drink.

But times change.

As the overall national strength of the Tang Dynasty continued to develop, many wealthy households now lived better than officials. In addition, Li Shimin kept a close eye on official corruption, so officials dared not embezzle.

This naturally leads some people to harbor resentment.

Now that Li Chengqian had agreed to the matter, Tang Jian was naturally pleased.

But at that moment, Fang Xuanling suddenly spoke up, saying, "Your Highness, this matter is of great importance. Should we wait until His Majesty returns?"

It concerns the salaries of officials throughout the country.

Such a favor should ideally be expressed by Emperor Li Shimin himself.

It's always unsettling to have the Crown Prince Li Chengqian in charge; he seems to be forming factions.

In fact, many people have this thought, including Changsun Wuji, but his personality prevents him from speaking up at this time.

As expected, Fang Xuanling spoke first.

At this point, a number of officials also offered their advice.

Li Chengqian frowned involuntarily. Perhaps because he had been rejected by others since childhood, Li Chengqian actually disliked the current political atmosphere in the Tang Dynasty.

However, he didn't address the group of court officials directly. He simply waved his hand and said, "I understand your intentions, but I am wholeheartedly devoted to the light, so what do I have to fear?"

As he spoke, he slowly rose to his feet, looking at everyone with a firm gaze: "Now that Zezhou is suffering a great disaster, Father Emperor is worried about the people of Zezhou."

"How can we expect Father to do everything himself?"

"If that's the case, wouldn't I, the Crown Prince, become a laughingstock?"

"That's settled then."

"After the court session, I will personally report this matter to my father."

—They look so alike!

Looking at Li Chengqian before them, the ministers couldn't help but have this thought in their minds.

The same was true of Li Shimin in the past.

His courage and determination are unmatched by others.

Since the matter has been discussed to this point, there is no need for further discussion. Moreover, all officials will benefit from this measure of increasing their salaries, so there is nothing to refuse.

That was how the matter was settled.

After the Ministry of Revenue reached an agreement, and after a period of discussion within the Secretariat, the final decision on the upgrade was made.

Li Chengqian also kept his promise, writing down all the plans and sending them to Li Shimin.

In fact, it has always been this way.

Although Li Chengqian was nominally in charge of the country, he mostly listened to the advice of Li Shimin's confidants and could only make decisions on some minor matters.

All that's left is to nod.

Even so, Li Shimin was still somewhat dissatisfied with this matter.

Zezhou.

Li Shimin slammed the letter onto the table with a "bang," his face showing anger: "The Crown Prince has truly disappointed me!"

It was not because Li Chengqian overstepped his bounds.

Li Shimin didn't care about these things.

Now, no one in the Tang Dynasty can escape his control.

The real reason he was angry was that he felt this was Li Chengqian's idea, because Li Chengqian had always liked luxury.

Raising officials' salaries is not just a matter for officials themselves.

Including the dukes
As a result, Li Chengqian's status as the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace naturally had to be elevated.

People are sometimes like this. Li Shimin was already somewhat dissatisfied with Li Chengqian's actions, and now he has directly erupted into anger.

"Why is Your Majesty so angry?" Gu Quan asked Li Shimin.

He was also brought along by Li Shimin.

Li Shimin didn't say much, but handed the letter to Gu Quan and frowned, saying, "Chengqian is extravagant and unrestrained. I have already mentioned this matter."

"He actually refused to learn his lesson despite repeated admonitions."

Then, he changed the subject and looked at Gu Quan seriously, saying, "Ziyuan, among all the philosophers, who do you think is like me?"

—Although he didn't say it explicitly, his meaning was quite clear.

If it were in the past...

Gu Quan would never answer such a question, but he spoke directly: "Crown Prince."

"Prince?"

Li Shimin immediately frowned, his anger subsiding slightly. "Why?"

"I have witnessed the Crown Prince studying in the palace, and his earnestness far surpasses that of others," Gu Quan replied without concealing anything, "Furthermore, the Crown Prince is extremely benevolent—"

“Every time he leaves, he always pays his respects to his cousin, which shows his sincerity.”

"Ultimate filial piety——"

"I have heard that the Crown Prince still holds monthly sacrifices to Empress Wende."

"Ultimately Firm—"

"The Crown Prince has not made any mistakes in handling state affairs so far."

He earnestly explained his reasons to Li Shimin, and finally smiled and said, "In my opinion, Your Highness the Crown Prince is very much like His Majesty in the past."

Even if he is not as good as His Majesty, he can still be a wise ruler.

"As for luxury matters."

"Your Majesty should understand that what the Great Tang Dynasty fears today is not the emperor's extravagance, but his incompetence."

Gu Quan's words were still quite effective.

The anger on Li Shimin's face completely subsided. After a moment of silence, he nodded and said, "That's quite true."

His expression was somewhat complicated.

After pondering for a moment, he continued, "But his foot ailment... if he were to become ruler one day, wouldn't he be looked down upon by envoys from all directions?"

In fact, Li Shimin had been thinking about this for a long time, but he had no one to tell.

Even trusted confidants are not an option.

Only Gu Quan now can say these things.

"So what if you have a foot ailment?" Gu Quan smiled, then said seriously, "Your Majesty should know that barbarians fear power but do not cherish virtue, and have petty courtesy but no great righteousness."

"The emperor is not a general."

"As long as our Great Tang Dynasty remains so powerful, who among the barbarians would dare to invade?"

"According to you, I should also reward the Crown Prince?" Li Shimin looked at Gu Quan and suddenly smiled.

Gu Quan nodded directly: "His Majesty has indeed been too harsh on the Crown Prince, and His Majesty should also be aware of the recent rumors circulating in the court."

This time, Gu Quan didn't say much.

Li Shimin naturally knew this.

It was a bit too sensitive to suggest that Li Tai had the desire to recruit talented people, but Li Shimin did not pay too much attention to it this time.

The reason is also quite simple.

He did like Li Tai, and also saw him as a test for Li Chengqian.

--Do not!

Perhaps it shouldn't be called tempering, but rather a beating.

He disliked Li Chengqian's extravagant lifestyle, but he didn't go so far as to depose the crown prince. He simply wanted to use this opportunity to make Li Chengqian restrain himself.

But Gu Quan's words resonated with him.

Li Shimin paused for a moment, then nodded, his expression returning to normal. "Alright, alright, what Ziyuan said is indeed reasonable."

He personally wrote a commendatory imperial edict, but also reminded Li Chengqian that he should not only keep the ministers in mind, but also the people of the world in his heart.

He then had someone send him back to Chang'an.

This was the second time Li Shimin had openly praised Li Chengqian after becoming emperor.

The first one was the one that Gu Lei fought for Li Chengqian.

At that time, Li Chengqian was still very vulnerable. Because he was young and Empress Zhangsun protected him, he was somewhat weak-willed and could not withstand the pressure from Li Shimin.

This time, it was Gu Quan who fought for it for him.

This is what he deserves.

The other officials were naturally unaware of the conversation between the ruler and his minister in Zezhou.

However, Li Shimin's imperial edict finally put everyone's minds at ease, and the growing atmosphere of unease in the court also dissipated. But, there were still some who were unhappy about it.

Prince Wei's Mansion.

"Father issued an imperial edict praising the Crown Prince?" Li Tai's eyes showed obvious disbelief.

Both Wei Ting and Du Chuke, his trusted confidants, nodded in agreement.

The next moment, he slumped into his chair, looking utterly dejected. "What does Father mean by this?"

"Is this an attempt to make me give up?"

Unlike Li Chengqian.

Perhaps because of his young age, Li Tai suddenly became a little scared.

His current position is actually quite awkward.

Although nothing has been done yet, Li Tai doesn't think that Li Chengqian will let him go after he ascends the throne; the smell of death terrifies him.

"Your Highness, please rest assured," Du Chuke immediately said, cupping his hands in greeting.

As the Minister of Works, Du Chuke was quite shrewd. "Who doesn't know His Majesty's affection for the Prince?"

"Furthermore, the Crown Prince also suffers from a foot ailment."

"Given His Majesty's character, how could he possibly allow the Crown Prince to inherit the throne?"

Upon hearing this, Li Tai immediately nodded, but then shook his head. "What does Father mean by this?"

"Father has not praised the Crown Prince for many years."

“Your Highness need not overthink it,” Wei Ting also spoke up. “His Majesty’s heart is hard for others to fathom, but for Your Highness, you must be even more careful in the current situation in order to please His Majesty.”

"Hmm?" Li Tai frowned.

Wei Ting immediately shared all his thoughts.

He wanted Li Tai to do the opposite, increasing his salary while being more frugal.

This will definitely please Li Shimin.

After a moment of silence, Li Tai nodded in agreement. He was extremely adept at pleasing Li Shimin and was quite certain of this.

At the same time, Li Chengqian also saw Li Shimin's imperial edict.

Looking at the contents above, his expression suddenly became somewhat complicated.

The officials in the hall all showed joy.

They are all princelings.

Even though it's just praise, it can make them happy for a long time.

However, Li Chengqian did not say much. After reading the imperial edict, his expression returned to normal, and he signaled everyone to continue their work.

There was nothing to be too happy about; he did all this not for Li Shimin's praise.

Such a huge change in a person's personality.

That alone is enough to show just how terrifying the pressure he was under.

He knew his father very well.

Knowing what kind of crown prince Li Shimin wanted, they wouldn't let this matter interfere with their important business.

However, when he returned to his palace that night, he once again offered sacrifices to Empress Zhangsun's memorial tablet.

Kneeling before his memorial tablet, they recited Li Shimin's imperial edict.

Gu Yi did not pay too much attention to the power struggles in the imperial court.

Some things are unavoidable.

After Li Shimin embarked on that path, what truly captured his attention was the progress in the Western Regions.

This matter truly concerns the entire Kyushu and the Gu family.

As a modern person, Gu Yi had always wanted the Gu family to go overseas, but this matter was too difficult and could not be rushed.

Now is a time of change, how could he not care?

As a large number of Tang Dynasty officials rushed to the Western Regions.

In addition, Gu Yan never gave up his military deterrence over the Western Regions. As time went by, the various systems and regulations gradually began to operate smoothly throughout the Western Regions.

There was no way around it; those who were the first to fully support the Tang Dynasty reaped too many benefits.

Whether it's the benefits of trade routes or the opportunity to take the imperial examinations by learning about Kyushu culture.

All of this is a huge temptation for others.

The key is--

The Tang Dynasty shows no signs of weakening, and its strength has instilled despair in all those who harbor ambitions elsewhere.

Even if they still wanted to persist, their subordinates wouldn't agree.

How could they not submit?

Of course, all of this will still take time.

The vastness of the Western Regions dictated that this was necessary; sending more people would be useless, and the only option was to gradually expand influence step by step.

That's enough for now.

Time flies by.

The disaster relief efforts in Zezhou went very smoothly. With Li Shimin personally coming to Zezhou, no official dared to cause any trouble in secret.

And this was not unexpected for Li Tai.

When Li Shimin returned to Chang'an, he was indeed extremely pleased to see that Li Tai was even more frugal than before.

First, he praised Li Tai in front of the court officials, and then he rewarded him again.

In an instant, the flames that had just been extinguished in the entire court rose up again.

There will always be people trying to guess the emperor's intentions.

This is especially true in today's prosperous times, where it is even more prevalent.

However, Li Shimin paid no attention to these things.

As news from the Western Regions gradually spread, and seeing that the Western Regions were finally at peace, he couldn't help but turn his attention to Lingnan.

—He plans to build a port and ships!

Although Li Shimin always maintained restraint, with the continuous development of the times, the Tang Dynasty now had several clear routes.

This includes the specific locations of the destinations in Southeast Asian countries such as Linyi and Zhenla.

Some of these shipping routes were left over from the previous dynasty.

Although Yan Han had rapidly declined after Gu Ye's death, Liu Jun still managed to develop it according to Gu Ye's ideas, in addition to the contributions of envoys from all directions.

These air routes were generally used for official diplomatic tributes.

Although some speculative merchants might be eyeing the profits, the vast ocean is simply too dangerous, and without the support of the imperial court, it would be impossible for the region to develop.

In the original history.

All of this would not have become popular until at least the Kaiyuan and Tianbao eras of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, because by then the sea falcon warships had become widespread.

However, even at that time, maritime trade had not yet reached a truly significant scale.

But that's different now.

Once an emperor like Li Shimin decides to take action, he is destined to be extraordinary.

He had been thinking about this for far too long.

The Gu family had been preparing for this since Gu Ye's time, and everything had already come to fruition.

Tai Chi Hall.

The assembled officials were all fully aware of what Li Shimin was about to do, and their expressions were extremely solemn.

Although it was just an experiment, it was a major event for the entire Tang Dynasty, and they could not afford to be careless.

Gu Zi also came.

The purpose of this visit was to introduce the Gu family's achievements to Li Shimin.

Before long, a craftsman from the Gu family followed the eunuch in and had the design drawings of the entire ship laid out in front of everyone.

It's called a design drawing, but it's really just a sketch of a ship.

But everyone immediately noticed the surprise.

It is completely different from current ships.

Almost immediately, everyone's eyes fell on the bottom of the ship in the picture.

It has a pointed bottom!

It is completely different from the round or flat bottom of most modern seagoing vessels.

This is the most obvious, you can see it at a glance, and the second is the triangular sail that is different from ordinary ships.

The officials were utterly astonished.

In fact, these technologies have already appeared in some coastal areas, although they are far inferior to those of this ship, they are still pioneering technologies.

Human wisdom is boundless; it's just that no one pays attention to it.

But the Gu family is different.

Over the years, the Gu family has never stopped learning, and the wisdom of those who make a living through these skills is unmatched by them.

The current ship design is simply an improvement upon these technologies.

Gu Yi was also watching all of this, and his eyes lit up instantly.

really!

The appearance of the Gu family has brought everything forward.

According to the original historical records, the technology of pointed-bottom ships, including the emergence of the sea hawk, was perfected and popularized in the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty, and it was not until the Song Dynasty that this technology was fully developed.

But now it has been brought forward to the early Tang Dynasty!
Gu Yi may not know much about navigation, but as a modern person, he still knows the difference between a flat bottom with a round bottom and a pointed bottom.

Moreover, this ship is not that simple.

As the craftsman explained the differences, Gu Yi became increasingly surprised.

This ship is even larger than the Sea Falcon.

This is because of the advancements in mathematics; even if craftsmen could not calculate the perfect proportions precisely, they still far exceeded the original historical figures.

The entire hall must be completely silent.

Everyone's eyes showed obvious surprise, including Li Shimin's.

He slowly rose, walked to the blueprints, and said with a complicated expression, "Can this ship truly withstand the dangers of the Blackwater?"

The craftsman did not answer.

No one can give a definite promise.

Let alone the Blackwater, even going to the nearshore waters is now a very risky business.

"—Let's give it a try; we have to take this step eventually, no matter what."

Li Shimin was never one to hesitate, and understanding the craftsmen's predicament, he didn't say anything more. He turned to his ministers and asked, "What do you all think?"

“Your Majesty,” Wei Zheng immediately said, “even if we do attempt it, we must proceed cautiously and steadily, and never overdo it.”

The ministers all nodded in agreement, unwilling for Li Shimin to take such a big step.

Gu Yi's original plan to manipulate Gu Ye was far too far ahead.

Maritime trade

While such a task would be easy in modern times, the risks involved in pioneering such endeavors today are unimaginable.

Li Shimin nodded, thus finalizing the matter.

Several years later—

The wheels of history have finally begun to turn forward again. Although this is just the beginning and will not be very significant, it is still extraordinary for the entire Kyushu.

This is a brand new road.

Given Li Shimin's boldness, even if things didn't go smoothly, he would still achieve something on this path.

As long as we can successfully take the first step.

Taking Kyushu as an example.

Future generations will carry on their aspirations and be the first in the world to embark on a brand new chapter!
(P.S.: I'm begging for monthly votes at the beginning of the month to help me stay on the leaderboard. Please support me, brothers. Thank you so much.)
(End of this chapter)