Sky Curtain: With a vermilion mirror, Jing travels through the modern world, shaking all dynasties.

Chapter 137 Li Er Wants to Poach Talent!

Wang Anshi was taken aback upon hearing this, and his hands resting on his knees tightened slightly.

He was able to argue when Jiang Chuan said "haste makes waste".

But the one speaking at this moment was not Jiang Chuan, but Emperor Taizong of Tang!

From the Qin Dynasty to the Song Dynasty, which emperor could surpass him? Under his rule, the Tang Dynasty was a time of great prosperity, with foreign tribes submitting and all nations paying tribute. The brilliance of the Zhenguan era illuminated an entire age.

If even he said so, how could Wang Anshi not think it through carefully?

"Your Majesty, please speak—" Wang Anshi bowed, his voice lowering.

"When I first ascended the throne, the country was in ruins, the Turks were invading the borders, and everything was in need of rebuilding. How could I not want to make the country rich and powerful overnight? I even thought that if I could sweep across the land as quickly as possible, I would accept it even if it meant killing more people."

"But I've come to a realization later." Li Shimin put down his wine cup, his gaze calm and composed. "Governing a country is not like fighting a war; it cannot be achieved through reckless attacks! Issuing an edict today and implementing it nationwide tomorrow may seem powerful and decisive, but once it reaches the local level, will those who carry it out understand the Emperor's will? Will there be cunning individuals taking the opportunity to exploit the people? Will the new policies ultimately bring blessings or curses to the people? How can I, sitting on my throne in Chang'an, possibly see that?"

Wang Anshi's brow twitched slightly.

"Because of certain reasons, when I implement new policies, I always select one prefecture or county to test them first, and only gradually expand them if they prove effective," Li Shimin said slowly. "It may be slow, but it will prevent mistakes! Mr. Jiefu, you say that the Song Dynasty has long suffered from chronic illnesses, like a serious disease that can only be cured with strong medicine. But have you considered that if the dosage of this strong medicine is wrong, can the Song Dynasty's body withstand it?"

Wang Anshi seemed to be deep in thought, taking Li Shimin's words to heart.

Jiang Chuan nodded secretly, his admiration for this Heavenly Khan deepening.

Jiang Chuan pressed his advantage, saying, "Brother Jiefu, if you insist on radical reforms, not only will you fail to save the Song Dynasty, but you may even fall out with Mr. Su. Although it may not lead to enmity, it will still be a regrettable and heartbreaking situation!"

Wang Anshi was startled: "How could this be? I deeply admire Zizhan's literary talent; how could I have become his enemy?"

Jiang Chuan told him the truth: "According to established history, Mr. Su would oppose your new policies, suffer severe suppression in officialdom, and even almost lose his life."

Wang Anshi was horrified, muttering to himself, "Zizhan will oppose my new policies—am I wrong?"

Jiang Chuan gently shook his head: "What Mr. Su opposes is not your new policies, but your reckless nationwide implementation. If Brother Jiefu could formulate a meticulous plan and implement it step by step, I believe Mr. Su would stand on your side."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin nodded and said, "Master Jiefu, I also wish to offer you some advice. Su Shi's talent is unparalleled in the world, and his concern for the common people and the nation is no different from yours. If the two of you can join hands, learn from each other's strengths and make up for each other's weaknesses, why worry about the failure of the new policies? Why insist on your own way, only to cause pain to your loved ones and joy to your enemies?"

Wang Anshi lowered his head and pondered, remaining silent for a long time.

The hustle and bustle of the tavern seemed to fade away, leaving only the slight sloshing of the wine in the glass.

Finally, he raised his head, cupped his hands, and bowed deeply to Jiang Chuan and Li Shimin, his voice solemn and earnest: "Thank you both for your guidance. I have finally understood. Please accept my bow!"

After speaking, he slightly bent his knees, about to bow down.

Jiang Chuan, quick as a flash, grabbed his arm and laughed, "Brother Jiefu, we don't do that in my tavern! Forget about bowing and scraping, everything is in the wine, that's enough!"

Seeing this, Li Shimin laughed heartily, raised his wine cup, and said loudly, "Young friend Jiang is absolutely right! Let us make friends over wine; a thousand words can all be contained in this cup!"

Wang Anshi paused for a moment, then laughed and raised his cup to clink glasses with Wang Anshi.

The Great Song Dynasty, Chuigong Hall.

Zhao Kuangyin sat upright behind his imperial desk, stroked his beard, nodded, and said with a gentle gaze, "Truly worthy subjects of my Great Song! With Jie Fu and Zizhan working together so diligently for the sake of the nation, I have no worries!"

Zhao Pu stood to the side, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, they just mentioned that our Great Song Dynasty is plagued by deep-seated problems." In my humble opinion, this is not a matter of a single day or night, but rather the result of long-standing and accumulated ills.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin frowned deeply, turned to look at Zhao Pu, and said in a slightly somber tone, "According to you, could it be that the chronic illness began with me?"

Zhao Pu hurriedly bowed and shook his head repeatedly: "Your Majesty is wise, I had no such intention! What I meant was that if all the emperors of our Great Song Dynasty, since Your Majesty's founding of the dynasty, had been able to constantly examine themselves, correct their mistakes, and strive to improve where they were not, and had widely accepted wise advice and gradually governed well, then why should we worry that our Great Song Dynasty could not enjoy long-term peace and prosperity and have a long reign?"

Zhao Kuangyin remained silent for a moment, his brows gradually relaxed, and he nodded gently: "Your words are very good. The way of self-reflection is indeed indispensable!"

""

Modern Jiangchuan Tavern.

Li Shimin picked up his chopsticks and tasted several dishes, praising them repeatedly.

The braised pork was tender and flavorful, the steamed sea bass was fresh and smooth, and even a simple plate of stir-fried vegetables had a unique taste.

He put down his chopsticks and sincerely praised, "The delicacies of later generations are indeed well-deserved of their reputation! Young friend Jiang, could you please invite the chef over for a chat? I would like to learn from him in person."

Jiang Chuan nodded, then turned and called out towards the kitchen, "Xiaoyu, come out for a moment."

Lin Xiaoyu walked out of the kitchen wearing an apron, her hands still slightly wet.

"Your Majesty, I have long admired your name. It is my great honor to meet you today!" Lin Xiaoyu said gracefully, bowing with her hands clasped in greeting.

Li Shimin smiled and looked her over, praising, "Lady, I have witnessed your cooking from the heavens in the Tang Dynasty, and after tasting it today, it is indeed extraordinary!"

Lin Xiaoyu quickly waved her hand: "Your Majesty is too kind. I was just doing it casually and I'm not really a teacher."

Li Shimin pointed to several dishes on the table and asked with great interest, "This braised pork is fatty but not greasy, and melts in your mouth. I particularly like it. May I ask how it is made?"

Lin Xiaoyu replied, "Cut the pork belly into chunks and blanch it. After caramelizing the sugar, stir-fry the pork, add cooking wine, soy sauce, rock sugar, star anise, and cinnamon. Simmer over low heat for an hour."

Li Shimin then asked about the steamed sea bass, and Lin Xiaoyu answered in detail: "Make a few cuts on the fish, sprinkle with ginger slices and scallion segments, drizzle with steamed fish soy sauce and cooking wine, steam for 15 minutes, and pour hot oil over it after taking it out of the pot."

Li Shimin nodded repeatedly, clapped his hands, and laughed, "I see! I'll have the imperial chefs try it when I get back. And that stir-fried vegetable dish, it looks simple, but it's crisp and delicious—"

Lin Xiaoyu answered patiently, and Li Shimin asked detailed questions, just like a humble disciple seeking knowledge.

Jiang Chuan watched from the side and couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Who would believe that the mighty Heavenly Khan was actually learning to cook in this little tavern?

After asking the question, Li Shimin raised his wine cup and toasted Lin Xiaoyu from afar: "Thank you for your guidance, Ms. Lin. I would like to offer you a toast."

Lin Xiaoyu was flattered and quickly raised her glass in return.

"Lady, would you be willing to accompany me to the Tang Dynasty?" Li Shimin suddenly asked. "I am willing to entrust the entire Imperial Kitchen to your management!"