Chapter 158: Peace Across the Land, Ambition to Swallow Mountains and Rivers (Begging for Monthly Tickets)

The entire court, from top to bottom, was united as one.

The exemplary role Li Shimin, this Emperor, could play was truly immense.

In fact, more often than not—

As a true ruler, one only needed to set an example like Li Shimin and carry out correct policies; for the realm as a whole, that was already enough.

Under such circumstances, the entire Nine Provinces was recovering at a staggering pace.

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

The appearance of the Gu clan accelerated the progress of productive forces, making the current history far surpass the original.

Added to that was the original agrarian foundation of the Huaxia people.

Once the situation had fully stabilized, the pace of recovery across the realm naturally rose visibly.

Especially the repair of waterways everywhere this time.

For the recovery of grain production across the realm, this was utterly unimaginable.

Not only could it irrigate fertile fields, it could also open up a great many new fertile fields.

The continuous decline of population had destined that beneath today's wells there was far, far too much abandoned land, all of which could now be brought under cultivation.

So long as the administration remained clean and the great clans were curbed from hoarding arms.

All these results would be extraordinary.

And reality did not betray the efforts Li Shimin had put in.

By the third year of Zhenguan, the realm's population had recovered from under twenty million at the end of the Sui, when the warlords rose, to over twenty-six million, and the cultivated acreage in all directions far exceeded everyone's expectations.

—Two hundred million mu!

The value of this number spoke for itself.

And as days gradually improved, the chain reactions it set off had yet to cease.

Trade routes were reopened;

Under the court's policies, commerce across the Great Tang was also recovering at a visible pace.

At the same time, displaced people from all directions began returning home.

Displaced people had always been the most unstable element within any dynasty; once they appeared and reached a certain number, they could easily tear out the very foundations of a dynasty.

Destroying the dynasty bit by bit, from the bottom up.

And now, with displaced people flowing back, everyone could clearly feel the changes across the realm.

—It seemed a true golden age was truly about to return.

Li Shimin was naturally very concerned about this, and it likewise strengthened his conviction all the more.

He had not taken the wrong path!

In his elation, Li Shimin did not grow complacent.

With firm resolve, once Li Shimin had confirmed all this, he would only lead the entire Great Tang forward with even greater steadiness.

He ordered the household registers to be recompiled, gathering in refugees from all directions.

Nor did he forget the matter of stockpiling grain he had raised, always requiring officials everywhere to practice thrift.

And likewise, he did not forget the example he had to set.

He issued an order reducing tribute from all directions.

Beyond this, Li Shimin carved out time to begin studying more closely the golden ages of years past, including certain texts left behind by the Gu clan's forebears.

Drawing on those generations of Gu forebears, generations of wise rulers, and golden age after golden age, he pondered deeply the path that belonged uniquely to the Great Tang.

Of course, sometimes Li Shimin inevitably erred.

But beneath him he still had a host of capable men to assist him—Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, and Gu clan juniors among them.

With these luminaries, famed throughout the annals of history, to assist him.

Coupled with Li Shimin's own decisiveness and brilliance.

The road ahead for the Great Tang grew ever clearer through these discussions, one after another.

Even Gu Yi could not help but sigh that Li Shimin was, after all, Li Shimin.

In this era.

No one could overshadow the radiance that belonged to him alone; even those Gu clan juniors could only follow in his footsteps as they advanced.

He had perfectly absorbed the Gu clan's ideas;

And on that foundation, his talent and ability far surpassed anyone else's.

Especially his courage.

This invincible heart, uniquely his own, made Li Shimin all the more invulnerable, always steering the realm toward the direction he hoped for.

The fourth year of Zhenguan, the second month;

Li Shimin formally proposed before the court anonymous grading and transcription of examination papers, to put an end to aristocratic fraud.

And personally annotated the "Five Classics" and "Gu Studies."

Formally establishing an examination system with the classics as supplement and current affairs as the focus.

Beyond this—

He also instituted an assessment system for officials everywhere, drawing up an overall framework with household growth rate, grain output, case-solving rate, and number of schools as evaluation criteria—promote the excellent, dismiss and exile the inferior.

Strengthening central control over the localities.

This move could truly be called earth-shattering.

Perhaps only an Emperor like Li Shimin would dare take this step and carry out such an earth-shattering reform.

This measure could directly inflict tremendous damage on the interests of all aristocratic clans.

Although in the eyes of a modern man like Gu Yi, this policy still left plenty of room for corruption.

But for this era, it is enough!

As long as this policy continues, the quality of Tang's officials will surely improve by more than a little over the next hundred years.

This is the continuous progress of institutions.

Naturally, this matter will provoke opposition from many.

There is no way around it—the interests involved are too great; even with Li Shimin's immense prestige, these people will not sit idle.

Even Li Yuan has been drawn into it.

Though Li Yuan no longer involves himself in court affairs and holds no power, spending his days in palace pleasures and fathering children,

he is still the retired emperor, still Li Shimin's father!

Da'an Palace.

After years apart, father and son met again.

"That matter" had become a thorn between them—neither Li Yuan nor Li Shimin could easily forget it.

He slowly stepped into the palace.

Looking at the fluttering beauties around him, Li Shimin's eyes flickered with complexity.

If Li Yuan had truly given him the position of Ten-Fang Crossing Envoy back then,

how would the world be now?

The thought flashed through his mind, but vanished instantly.

He had nothing to regret.

For Li Shimin, he could only press forward relentlessly.

Bowing greetings echoed continuously.

Li Yuan set down his pipa, watching Li Shimin walk in, his eyes filled with a sense of loss.

"Father."

Their eyes met; Li Shimin bowed respectfully.

Li Yuan's gaze grew even more complex.

Yet he said nothing more, merely waved his hand—the beauties in the hall all withdrew.

The hall fell silent.

Li Shimin sat down quietly and asked calmly: "What is the purpose of Your Majesty's summons?"

"Er Lang, you cannot let the hearts of those old comrades who helped our Li family seize the empire grow cold." Li Yuan fell silent for a moment, then looked directly at Li Shimin and got to the point.

In truth, his feelings toward Li Shimin were equally complex.

Over these past years—he had seen the achievements Li Shimin had made.

But precisely because of that, his emotions were deeply tangled; he often questioned himself whether, had he acted differently, they might not now be in this state.

Such feelings were hard to articulate, impossible to share with anyone else.

Hearing this, Li Shimin's expression showed no ripple.

How could he not know why Li Yuan had summoned him?

But he would never agree.

After a brief silence, Li Shimin chose to ask directly: "What does Father think of my actions?"

"They were the old comrades who followed our Li family—they gave their lives." Li Yuan frowned slightly, refusing to answer Li Shimin's question.

He understood Li Shimin's intentions.

But reality was this: though the common people mattered, the great clans and aristocratic families mattered too.

At the very least, one could not offend all the clans.

"Your subject deeply appreciates the meritorious service of these veteran ministers and will surely treat them with honor and care, ensuring their lifelong wealth and hereditary status for their descendants," Li Shimin tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his voice steady as metal striking stone. "Yet the imperial examination system is the pillar of the state—if true talent holds office, why fear governance will falter?"

"But if appointments depend solely on seniority, not merit or folly—"

"One day, the court will be filled with idle officials, causing edicts to stagnate and the people to suffer, thereby shaking the very foundation of the realm."

"When the great house collapses and ancestral temples fall," his fingers clenched tightly within his sleeves, his tone growing colder and more serious, "even descendants of merit cannot escape ruin—what then becomes of this so-called wealth and honor?"

The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly serious.

Seeing Li Shimin's unwavering resolve, Li Yuan's face darkened with anger; he slammed his hand on the table and roared: "Er Lang!!!"

"Father!"

Li Shimin immediately rose, bowing deeply to Li Yuan: "I am the sovereign of Great Tang—I cannot allow anyone to shake the foundation of our empire."

"Father, enjoy your peace within the palace."

"As for matters beyond—"

"From now on, Father need concern himself no more."

Saying this,

he bowed deeply to Li Yuan, then turned and walked out without another word!

"Do you still see me as your father?!"

Li Yuan's furious shouts echoed behind him, but Li Shimin did not turn back—he walked straight out of the hall.

Outside the hall.

Empress Changsun saw Li Shimin's gloomy expression; she gently raised her hand and clasped his forearm, her voice as tender as a spring stream: "Has Father once again lost his temper?"

"A father is no longer a father, a son no longer a son."

Li Shimin lowered his gaze and sighed, his knuckles white with tension; after a long while, he slowly nodded: "Who could have imagined we would come to this?"

"Your Majesty need only focus on court affairs."

Empress Changsun lightly stroked Li Shimin's back, her tone solemn: "Let me handle filial duties."

Hearing this, Li Shimin looked at her and nodded slightly.

It has always been this way these past few years.

Li Yuan did not wish to see Li Shimin, and Li Shimin likewise did not wish to see Li Yuan.

But as ruler of the realm, one must not forget filial piety.

For these past years, Empress Changsun had always taken Li Shimin's place to pay respects to Li Yuan and fulfill the duties of filial piety.

Li Shimin said nothing more, and simply walked away directly.

But that very night.

He issued an edict to his trusted confidants, ordering them not to visit Li Yuan unless absolutely necessary.

Li Yuan truly could still influence him.

Li Shimin did not wish for such a thing to happen again.

He cherished time greatly and did not wish to waste any more of it.

Restoring the Nine Provinces, pacifying the Tujue, and reclaiming the Western Regions—all these tasks demanded time; he did not wish to squander his energy on these issues.

A sweeping reform was launched once again.

Facing the current Li Shimin, no one in the realm dared resist any of his policies.

Even if one harbored deep resentment, what could one do?

Rebellion?

Who would dare rebel against Li Shimin?

The people of the realm had suffered too long; Li Shimin's prestige now far surpassed that of any other emperor, even surpassing the famed virtuous rulers of history.

This was the irresistible tide of fate—no one could turn it back!

Li Shimin had clearly made all his plans, determined to restore the Nine Provinces swiftly through his own strength.

And this year, it seemed even heaven itself was aiding him.

Not a single disaster struck the entire realm.

One after another, the four quarters of the empire sent reports of bountiful harvests!

The granaries he had established filled to the brim; grain prices stabilized across the land; the thriving commerce triggered a massive economic revival, and the phenomenon of a dou of rice costing merely three or four cash coins returned to the Nine Provinces after many years.

The population of the entire Nine Provinces also continued to rise.

In just four short years.

The entire Nine Provinces had gradually recovered from their state of exhaustion.

Under these circumstances, Li Shimin turned his gaze directly toward the Tujue.

That night.

The moon was pale, the stars sparse, the night clear and bright.

Taiji Palace.

Watching Gu Quan enter slowly, Li Shimin, who had been reviewing memorials from across the realm, immediately waved his hand and said with a delighted expression: "Zi Yuan, come take a look."

He showed not the slightest trace of imperial arrogance, handing the memorials directly to Gu Quan.

This caused Gu Quan, who had intended to perform a formal bow, to halt his motion and reluctantly accept the documents.

The memorials detailed the conditions in each region.

Looking at these reports, Gu Quan's face broke into a faint smile, though it appeared even more chilling beneath his scars.

He studied them carefully for a long while before setting them down, clasping his hands in tribute: "Your humble servant congratulates Your Majesty."

"Zi Yuan!" Li Shimin frowned slightly, his tone tinged with frustrated anger, "I have told you before—we should be like Emperor Guangwu and Wu Hou. If you persist in this stubbornness, do not blame me for losing my temper!"

Hearing this, Gu Quan merely smiled gently, bowed solemnly, yet could not help but urge: "Your Majesty's body is of priceless worth; please cherish your imperial health and do not exhaust yourself day and night."

"Until the golden age arrives, how can I rest easy?" Li Shimin's eyes flickered with a faint bitter smile, quickly suppressed, as he gestured for Gu Quan to sit.

His fingers lightly tapped the desk, then turned to the matter at hand: "Zi Yuan, the people's livelihood is gradually recovering. I intend to resolve the Tujue threat once and for all—what do you think?"

The Tujue menace was like a thorn in the back.

And as time passed, the impact Gu Yu had once inflicted upon them continued to fade.

Over the past two years, as Tang's power grew stronger, Jiali Khan grew ever more greedy, repeatedly Intruding on the Border without Li Shimin's consent.

Only thanks to the defense of generals like Gu Yan was border security barely maintained.

Li Shimin had long desired to wage war.

He meant to emulate Gu Chen, utterly eliminating all threats to the Tang.

Gu Quan was well aware of this and knew Li Shimin's nature would never tolerate further concessions; he immediately nodded solemnly and clasped his hands: "Your Majesty's proposal perfectly aligns with the will of heaven!"

"Our iron cavalry now outnumber the clouds, our grain stores are overflowing—this is the perfect moment to sweep the Tujue from their lair."

"If Your Majesty trusts me, I beg to lead elite troops and strike straight at Shuofang!"

Had he not been waiting for this day as well?

The title of Marquis of Guanjun—

He would earn it himself, ensuring the Gu clan deserved this honor!

As he spoke, his eyes blazed with unmistakable battle-lust.

Seeing this, Li Shimin's smile deepened further.

Gu Quan understood him.

And how could he not understand Gu Quan?

Li Shimin said nothing more, merely rose silently and walked to the map, pointing with his finger at the Tujue, the Western Regions, and Goguryeo: "This vast realm is yours to ride."

Then his tone paused slightly, and he extended his finger again toward Lingnan: "In recent days, I have studied the policies of Marquis Jingxiang."

"I have been pondering one thing."

He suddenly turned his head to look at Gu Quan and said seriously, "Ziyuan, do you think that in My reign, we can achieve what Marquis Jingxiang envisioned in those years?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Quan's expression instantly grew solemn.

He understood Li Shimin's idea.

It was the vision Gu Yi had once laid out for the future of all of Lingnan when he was controlling Gu Ye.

A maritime Silk Road.

And this route was far clearer and more complete than the so-called "sea voyage" in the original history.

Although Lingnan had now been integrated into the Nine Provinces.

Yet this matter had never been completed over these years, because the demands it placed on national strength were unimaginable — neither the Yan Han, which had grown weak immediately afterward, nor the Sui dynasty, which perished in its second generation, could have borne it.

Gu Yi had left all the merits and flaws of this matter entirely within the Gu clan.

Now that Li Shimin had spoken these words, he clearly had this idea in mind.

This time, Gu Quan was silent for a long while.

How could he not understand the demands of such an undertaking?

"Your subject fully knows Your Majesty's ambition."

But looking at the blazing fire leaping in Li Shimin's eyes, he recalled the changes across the Nine Provinces these past few years, a faint heat rising in his throat, and finally nodded heavily, "We can!"

"Your Majesty is the sage lord upon whom the Mandate of Heaven rests,"

He suddenly dropped to one knee, his voice surging with a burning pledge, "such a grand and magnificent enterprise will surely succeed!"

(PS: begging for monthly votes, brothers — can this humble, ailing Little Fish's act of typing words move the sages among you to show a little mercy?)

(End of chapter)