Chapter 1631

But the harm of isolationism far outweighs the harm caused by technology leakage.

This is not the act of a wise man.

"Chief, are you really going to Changancheng to pay homage to the Heavenly Khan?"

"Indeed!"

The Turkic chief adjusted a garment, his gaze filled with nostalgia.

This was bestowed decades ago by the Heavenly Khan of the Great Tang.

Though aged by decades, it had been carefully preserved.

"Now that His Majesty has returned, I naturally must go to pay homage to the Son of Heaven!"

Though not of that era.

But having grown up hearing tales of the Heavenly Khan, he still deeply longed for that time.

All tribes gathered in Changancheng, merit alone determining rank.

What a glorious age!

Moreover, now the Immortal Emperor has returned—should the Turkic not follow the Great Tang's lead, would they not invite their own destruction?

Meanwhile.

The chiefs of the Uyghurs, Shiwei, and other tribes were also feverishly preparing, loading cart after cart of jewels and local specialties onto wagons, heading toward the Great Tang's Changancheng.

The return of that legendary man stirred the entire world into turmoil.

Changancheng.

A month slipped away quietly.

Li Shimin's return, though monumental, caused little unrest.

The people supported him; the hearts of the masses were with him.

Only the aristocratic officials suffered heavy losses, purged by Li Shimin.

Among them, the Wu clan was naturally a primary target, their three clans exterminated.

Aside from Wu Zetian, every once-arrogant Wu clan member was beheaded.

"This is the Great Tang's Changancheng?"

"I hope His Majesty still walks among mortals; otherwise, after traveling ten thousand li, we won't even see His face?"

Outside the Honglu Temple, diverse foreign peoples lined up, driving heavy wagons inside.

The common folk gathered at a distance, watching the spectacle.

For such foreign envoys to arrive so orderly was a sight unseen for ages.

Even the Turkic, who in the Empress's reign were notorious for stirring trouble, now behaved meekly.

They gazed toward the palace with reverence.

The people could hardly link them to their former defiant image.

"Are these people here to pay homage?"

In the crowd, an old woman watched the scene outside the Honglu Temple, her expression complex.

During her reign, these foreign tribes were arrogant, even launching armies to invade.

Now, they're as obedient as grandsons, hauling cart after cart of treasures to Changancheng to pay homage to the monarch.

"Is my gap with him really this vast?" Wu Zetian murmured, her aged hand clenching, then relaxing.

She was deeply unwilling.

She had worked just as hard!

Why couldn't she earn the loyalty of the foreign tribes?

No!

Not even the Han people of the Central Plains had ever supported her!

Her reign as Emperor had been a miserable failure!

The maid behind Wu Zetian said nothing, only gazing at the Honglu Temple scene, her eyes sparkling, thinking inwardly: "Truly, it is Emperor Taizong—just by returning, even without issuing an edict, the foreign tribes rushed here to pay homage."

"His Majesty has ordered: summon the chiefs of all tribes to court!"

Suddenly, a Eunuch hurried over, announcing loudly.

"His Majesty will see us!"

"Wonderful, wonderful! Our Turkic will once again serve His Majesty as steed and sword, through fire and water!"

"Our Uyghurs are the same!"

"We are willing to be His Majesty's dog!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd fell stunned.

Could one really say such a thing?

We all act similarly—why must you say it aloud? How are we supposed to follow?

Chat group.

Li Shimin: "【Video】 Old Zhu, see that? The people's hearts are with him!"

Zhu Yuanzhang: "So shameless—daring to say 'be His Majesty's dog'? Don't you feel humiliated?"

Zhao Kuangyin: "I'm envious. When will I ever have such prestige?"

Su Xiao: "Old Zhao, stop dreaming. Your Song Dynasty is called 'Great Coward' in later ages. The foreign tribes not beating you senseless is already a miracle—let alone being your dog?"

Zhao Kuangyin: "..."