Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Empress Zhangsun smiled and reached out to wipe away the remaining tear stains on his face: "This is my good child."

"Remember, no matter what, your mother and Ah Ye will always love you. But you must abide by the rules and protect the greater good."

The incense in the warm room still wafted gently, and sunlight streamed through the window, falling on the mother and child, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

The knot in Li Tai's heart gradually dissipated in his mother's gentle words, leaving only a sense of certainty and peace for the future.

When Li Tai stepped out of the Lizheng Hall, the afternoon sun shone softly on him, fading the fragrance from the warm pavilion, but not taking away the peace in his heart.

His expression no longer showed the resentment and frustration he had when he arrived; the unwillingness between his brows gradually faded, replaced by a rare peace.

In the past, he always walked with a sense of high spirits and eagerness, his eyes revealing his obsession with power, and even his steps showed a hint of restlessness.

At this moment, his pace slowed considerably, no longer hurried. His back was straight but not stiff, his brows relaxed, and the moisture in his eyes had long since faded, replaced by a clear and resolute expression.

He occasionally raised his hand to straighten his clothes, his movements unhurried and calm, no longer showing his previous impetuousness, but instead displaying the composure of a scholar.

It felt as if a huge burden had been lifted, and I felt much lighter.

Empress Zhangsun's gentle words soothed the knots in my heart like spring rain.

He finally understood that his father's decision to take back his political duties was not because he didn't care about him, but because he was afraid that he would be blinded by his lust for power and that it would cause discord among his brothers.

The resentment of being "deprived" of power was gradually replaced by the warmth of being "protected." It turns out that parents' love and care were always hidden in considerations of "following the rules and protecting the overall situation."

Thinking back on these years, relying on his father's favor, he gradually forgot his duty as a prince, always thinking about competing with his elder brother, and even secretly coveting the throne.

Looking back now, that obsession with power not only made my elder brother uneasy and aroused suspicion among the court officials, but also almost led me to repeat the mistakes of my uncle and grandfather.

Mother is right. His talent lies not in court politics, but in scholarship and book writing. That is the duty he should fulfill.

Since Li Shimin has given him the opportunity to calm down, he might as well put aside his ambition for the throne and devote himself to compiling classics and history, leaving his mark in another way.

Just as my mother said, compiling classic texts that will be passed down through generations is more enduring than temporary power.

From now on, he will be a good prince, get along well with his elder brother, cherish his younger sisters, and prevent the royal family from experiencing the bloodshed of the past. This is the best way to repay his parents.

Li Tai stood in front of the Lizheng Hall, gazing at the distant palace walls. Sunlight fell on his face, reflecting a peaceful smile.

After leaving the palace, Li Tai took many things with him and left Chang'an.

Heading straight to Kaolao Village, to the small courtyard where Xiao Ran was.

Previously, Li Ke, Cheng Chumo, and Qin Huaidao helped unload the things that Li Chengqian brought, and now Li Tai has sent over a whole bunch more.

"Qingque, what are you and your brother doing?" Li Ke had been in Kaolao Village and was unaware of what had happened at the palace.

Li Ke knew his special status and had no interest in the throne.

"It's nothing, I just wanted to come back. Chang'an is nowhere near as comfortable as this place!" Li Chengqian smiled.

Soon, Xiao Ran, Li Lizhi, and the others also came out.

Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi could both tell that Li Tai was not in a good condition.

When Li Chengqian arrived at Kaolao Village, Xiao Ran led his men to the palace the next day, and Li Shimin's attitude changed immediately afterward.

Li Tai naturally knew that this matter must be related to Xiao Ran.

Having stayed in Kaolao Village for a long time, Li Tai naturally knew Xiao Ran's worth and how much Li Shimin valued him.

“Brother!” Li Lizhi called out.

"Shiro!"

"Fifth Sister, Young Master, I want to come back and stay here," Li Tai said with a smile.

Upon hearing Li Tai's words, Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi understood what was going on.

"Okay, welcome!" Xiao Ran helped carry the things.

The house has been constantly being expanded, mainly for storage rooms, and now it's full again.

After moving everything, Li Tai found Xiao Ran and asked, "Young master, do you have some time?"

"some!"

"Let's take a walk!" Li Tai said.

"it is good!"

Li Lizhi took the initiative to walk away and went to another book, while Xiao Ran and Li Tai left the courtyard.

"Young master, am I not as good as my elder brother?" Li Tai asked calmly.

"In literature and painting, Si Lang is far superior to Da Lang." Xiao Ran knew what Li Tai wanted to ask, so he didn't hide anything.

"Young master, do you know something?" Li Tai wasn't stupid.

"Fourth Brother, it won't work out. I don't want you brothers to turn against each other, and I don't want Fifth Sister, Si Zi Fan Yin, and the others to be heartbroken in the future!"

Li Tai nodded, knowing that Xiao Ran was helping not Li Chengqian, but the eldest son.

Upon hearing Xiao Ran's words, Li Tai stopped in his tracks, turned his face to face the afternoon sun, and a faint, relieved smile appeared on his lips. His eyes no longer held any of the resentment or stubbornness of the past, only clear understanding remained.

Turning to look at Xiao Ran, her brows relaxed, showing no anger whatsoever, but rather a sense of "as expected" calm.

The sharpness and restlessness in his eyes when he used to talk about the position of successor have completely disappeared, replaced by a clarity that comes from time to time.

He nodded slightly, his tone as calm as if he were talking about someone else's business, without any grievance or resentment, only a kind of composure that "finally, I've been told what's going on."

Li Tai had a premonition, but now that Xiao Ran had pointed it out, he completely let go of his last hidden obsession and accepted the reality that "the position of heir has nothing to do with him."

He understood that Xiao Ran's starting point was never to "help Li Chengqian," and Xiao Ran and Li Chengqian had no prior relationship.

"Young man, I am still young, and I want to do something for the Tang Dynasty, for my father, and for my brother."

Xiao Ran pondered for a moment, "Si Lang, let's compile a book!"

I've compiled this before.

“I’m saying this is different!” Xiao Ran interrupted Li Tai.

Xiao Ran gazed at the rice stalks swaying in the wind along the edge of the field, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity, yet also revealing an undisguised expectation:
"The local gazetteers that Silang compiled before focused on geography, and although they were excellent, they had limitations."

"What I want to talk about is an unprecedented 'major category'."

"It encompasses all knowledge under heaven, from classics, history, philosophy, literature, astronomy and calendar systems to agriculture, sericulture, crafts, medicine, divination and astrology, and even folk legends and exotic customs. As long as it is useful knowledge, it will be included."

He turned to look at Li Tai, his eyes shining with an astonishing light:

"Think about it, during the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty, countless ancient books were burned and lost. Some rare copies might be completely gone in a few years."

"We collected all the books in the world, organized scholars and writers to sort and copy them, and compiled them into a magnificent masterpiece."

"From now on, students will no longer need to search for lost classics. Future generations who want to understand the wisdom of the sages and the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty can simply open this book and have a complete understanding." "This book must be unlike any other classic text before it."

Xiao Ran gestured with his hands to explain further:
“It’s not just about copying the original text; it’s also about categorizing and arranging it. For example, the ‘Classics’ section includes Confucian classics and commentaries, the ‘History’ section includes historical books and local chronicles from various dynasties, the ‘Masters’ section compiles various schools of thought, as well as medical and agricultural miscellaneous studies, and the ‘Collections’ section compiles poems, prose, and rhymed prose.”

"Furthermore, a separate section, 'Craftsmanship,' is added to include technological innovations, and a section, 'Geography,' records geographical customs. Each category is clearly organized and easy to understand."

He paused and added:

"Unlike the 'Treatise on Literature and Art' in the Book of Han, which only compiles a catalog, or the 'Imperial Compendium' which only compiles classics and histories, it aims to truly 'encompass everything'."

"Farmers can find better farming methods, doctors can find rare prescriptions, scholars can study ancient classics, and even craftsmen can learn superb skills."

"This is a truly momentous event that will benefit the present and be remembered for generations to come, and it demonstrates Silang's value more than any imperial authority."

Xiao Ran looked at Li Tai's widening eyes and spoke with increasing earnestness:

"During the prosperous Zhenguan era, we not only had to ensure that the people were well-fed and clothed, but also that our cultural heritage flourished."

"If you can take the lead in accomplishing this, you will have made an immortal cultural contribution to the Tang Dynasty. Your uncle will be pleased, your eldest son will be grateful, and future generations will remember your achievements."

"This is far more meaningful than arguing over a trivial matter in the imperial court!"

Xiao Ran wanted Li Tai to take the lead in compiling a book similar to the 'Yongle Encyclopedia'.

"I've already thought of a name, how about 'The Great Ceremony of Zhenguan', Si Lang?"

Upon hearing Xiao Ran's words, Li Tai was struck as if by lightning. His pupils dilated suddenly, and a burning light burst forth in his eyes. His previous calmness was completely replaced by surging excitement.

He took a sudden step forward, his hands clenching involuntarily until his knuckles turned slightly white, his breathing becoming more rapid than before, his voice trembling with barely concealed excitement, yet filled with overwhelming joy:

"The Zhenguan Grand Ceremony. The all-encompassing Zhenguan Grand Ceremony?"

He pondered those four words repeatedly, his gaze fixed intently on Xiao Ran, as if he could see a magnificent masterpiece being born in his hands.

The composure he usually displayed while studying and editing books was now shattered by his passion; his brows were furrowed with barely suppressed excitement, and the smile on his lips could no longer be held back, transforming from a calm demeanor into a hearty, cheerful one.

"Young master! This is truly a feat that will last for ages!"

He paced back and forth a couple of times, then suddenly opened his hands behind his back, his eyes gleaming with awe for knowledge and fervor for his work.

Sunlight fell on his face, making the light in his eyes shine even brighter. The gloom that used to hang over him when he talked about the succession completely vanished, replaced by an excitement of finding the ultimate direction in life.

He turned to look at Xiao Ran, his tone urgent yet unwavering:
"It encompasses everything from classics and history to philosophy, literature, geography, and natural history!"

"This is not just about compiling ancient texts; it's about building a cultural Great Wall for the Tang Dynasty and for future generations!"

Li Tai never imagined that his academic talent could bear such a heavy responsibility.

Compiling a comprehensive encyclopedia is a feat that no scholar before him had ever achieved, and it is an immortal achievement that transcends power and position and will be remembered for generations to come.

This surprise was like a spark, instantly igniting the passion in his heart and filling him with energy.

He was well aware of the devastation that wars at the end of the Sui Dynasty had inflicted on classical texts, and how much wisdom of the ancients had vanished with the flames of war.

The Zhenguan Encyclopedia can string these scattered pearls together, save endangered documents, and pass on cultural roots.

This reverence and sense of responsibility for culture made him instantly realize that this was what he should truly be doing, a hundred or a thousand times more meaningful than competing in the imperial court.

He secretly rejoiced that he had let go of his obsession with the throne and that Xiao Ran had given him such excellent advice.

This not only gave him a chance to use his talents, but also allowed him to find the best way to serve the Tang Dynasty and his father and brothers.

At this moment, he was filled with gratitude towards Xiao Ran. If it weren't for this wake-up call, he might still be struggling in the vortex of lust for power.

He had already started making plans in his mind.

How to gather books from all over the world, how to summon great scholars from all over the world, and how to classify and arrange them in a systematic way.

Every thought filled him with excitement, and he secretly vowed to do his utmost to compile the "Zhenguan Encyclopedia," making this masterpiece a cultural symbol of the prosperous Zhenguan era, and ensuring that his name would be remembered by future generations along with this classic work.

Li Tai took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his inner excitement, and looked at Xiao Ran with unwavering determination:
"Young master! This is feasible!"

"No, it absolutely has to be done!"

"In my lifetime, I, Li Tai, am determined to complete the compilation of this 'Zhenguan Encyclopedia,' thus establishing an immortal achievement for the cultural heritage of the Tang Dynasty and for future generations!"

"It is a blessing for the Tang Dynasty that Si Lang can think this way!" Xiao Ran was also happy. Such a book would benefit more than just the Tang Dynasty.

Li Tai quickly frowned again, "Young master, such books will cost an astronomical sum. Will the imperial court allow it?"

Li Tai had compiled books before and knew that this was very expensive.

"Si Lang, I don't have much money, but I will still help. I believe Uncle Shi will support me too."

"And the great scholars of Kaolao Village will also lend a hand."

"I'll talk to Uncle first. I think it's fine."

Li Tai looked grateful. "Thank you so much, young master. I'll write a letter to my grandfather right away."

Li Tai pulled Xiao Ran's arm and walked back, saying, "When the time comes, young master, you'll have to lend a hand too."

Feeling that Xiao Ran knew a lot, Li Tai wanted to bring Xiao Ran along.

Seeing the excited Li Tai, Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang were a little confused and looked at each other.

Li Tai ignored everyone else and immediately went to write a letter.

After writing the letter, he found Li Lizhi and said, "Fifth Sister, please help me deliver this letter to Grandpa."

Li Tai was also aware of Li Lizhi's contact with Li Shimin.

Li Shimin might not be able to read the letters he sent himself, but the ones sent by Li Lizhi were definitely safe.

“Alright, brother, I’ll have Uncle Wu deliver it right away.” Li Lizhi handed the letter to Li Wu.

Back in the courtyard, he found Xiao Ran and asked, "Young Master, what did you and your brother talk about? Why was your brother so agitated?"

"It's nothing, I just found something for Shiro to do."

Upon hearing that Xiao Ran was giving Li Tai something to do, Li Lizhi's eyes lit up, and she became curious.

What could excite Li Tai so much must be something truly amazing.

"Young master, what is it? Tell me quickly!" Li Lizhi was a little impatient.

Xiao Ran then told Li Lizhi about his suggestion to Li Tai to compile the "Zhenguan Encyclopedia".

Li Lizhi was also shocked, "Such a masterpiece, unprecedented in history, this idea is truly brilliant!"

"The cost isn't low either!"

"This isn't a big problem. If Uncle Shi is willing to support us, we can figure out the money." (End of Chapter)