Chapter 160: Li Shimin

"Haha." Li Shimin laughed heartily, "Ke Ming, then tell me, what great game am I playing?"

He did not deny it, but retorted, causing Du Ruhui to be completely convinced of his suspicion.

However, he had said enough, and the matters that followed could not be spoken of.

Otherwise, what should His Majesty say?

"I do not know, which is why I have come here with Lord Fang to seek His Majesty's clarification," Du Ruhui said respectfully.

Beside them, Fang Xuanling also realized that Du Ruhui's conjecture was correct.

After all, after so many years of ruler–minister relations, the two still knew Li Shimin well.

Li Shimin lowered his hands and said, "Ke Ming, do you still recall what Zi An mentioned about that economic circulation?"

"I know a little," Du Ruhui nodded, "According to the Grand Historian, it is a profound and extensive discipline; grasping a bit can make the people's lives prosperous, and it even includes the brilliant strategy Replace Disaster with Labor."

"Could His Majesty's plan be related to this economic circulation?"

Ah?

Fang Xuanling looked utterly puzzled.

What is economic circulation?

And what is Replace Disaster with Labor?

When did the Grand Historian say that?

How could he not know?

Fang Xuanling felt excluded; Du Ruhui, the Grand Historian, and Li Shimin must have been scheming something during this period.

And they didn't bring him along!

Li Shimin, not noticing Fang Xuanling's expression, sighed, "Indeed, Replace Disaster with Labor, what a brilliant disaster‑relief measure."

"Economic circulation, what a grand conception!"

"If it can truly be realized, I have never been unable to forge a Zhenguan era that will be passed down through the ages."

Saying so, Li Shimin shook his head, "Alas, a conception remains a conception; no matter how brilliant a scheme, it must be tested in practice to verify whether it is truly a good scheme."

"It is like a raw recruit who has never seen battle; no matter how loudly he shouted slogans or how bravely he performed, only after experiencing combat can one tell whether he is a good soldier."

Du Ruhui suddenly understood, took over the words, and said, "So, His Majesty wishes to create a battlefield to test whether economic circulation can truly be realized?"

As an emperor who emerged from battlefield combat, Li Shimin is more adept at war, so he often uses the camp or battlefield paradigm as an example, and his close ministers have long become accustomed to it.

Fang Xuanling at this moment also sensed a hint of something.

Setting aside what economic circulation and Replace Disaster with Labor are, is the cost of this battlefield created for Marquis of Weinan Chen Yan perhaps too great?

Granting a fief to the Crown Prince could indeed spark Court turmoil, allowing some already favored princes to preemptively speculate on Li Shimin's intentions.

In the worst case, it could even lead to a split of imperial authority.

The cost is too high, isn't it?

Fang Xuanling frowned and said, "His Majesty, although I do not know your exact plan, if you merely wish to create a battlefield for the Marquis of Weinan and keep it free from disturbance or covetous eyes, you need not do so in the Crown Prince's name."

"Perhaps using other princes, or even the Princess, would be better than the Crown Prince?"

As he spoke further, his tone grew cautious.

Li Shimin said, "Xuanling, you are right; granting Weinan County to the Crown Prince was also a decision I made after deep deliberation."

"The Princess will one day marry, and a prince should simply remain a stable prince; some matters need not be examined."

"Then why not replace all the officials and garrison troops of Weinan County?" Fang Xuanling still tried to argue further.

In fact, it is not the officials' uproar that is to blame; the matter itself has considerable impact.

From Fang Xuanling's perspective, these unnecessary risks could be entirely avoided.

Li Shimin was not angered by Fang Xuanling's words, because he sensed that Fang Xuanling differed from other officials and was truly thinking of him.

When a minister who thinks of him offers his own suggestion, how could he blame him?

"Xuanling, you had not previously understood what economic circulation is, which is why you have this doubt."

"Once you truly comprehend it, you will see that I have done nothing excessive."

"See, Ke Ming did not refute me."

With those words, Fang Xuanling's gaze instantly shifted to his old friend.

Indeed!

That old fellow, after just now understanding what it is, has not spoken since.

Fang Xuanling had not forgotten that Li Shimin said he knew what economic circulation was.

It seems the problem lies in this economic circulation!

Du Ruhui did not expect Li Shimin to shift the topic back onto himself; faced with his friend's reproachful gaze, he helplessly explained:

"Lord Fang, His Majesty is correct; this matter is of great importance, doing it thoroughly is worthwhile, and of course some risks must be shouldered."

"Just as when we followed His Majesty to conquer the world, when have we ever fought a guaranteed victory?"

"If you want to obtain something, you must first bear the risks."

"Hahaha!" Li Shimin beamed, "Good, Ke Ming speaks well!"

"When, in the past, did I ever fight a battle that was certain to win?"

"Just some risks and obstacles; the economic circulation proposed by Zi An is worth my bearing these risks, clearing away all impediments."

He sprang to his feet, his eyes flashing with the sharp edge of his former campaigns.

No wonder he is so steadfast; the economic circulation that Chen Yan described offered so many advantages, each successive circulation signaled that the people would soon usher in a new world, and that the Tang Dynasty would truly become powerful.

Fang Xuanling remained silent; lacking understanding of economic circulation, he thought it best not to continue persuading.

Of course, he still feels there is no need to assume this portion of risk.

After all, Weinan County lies right beside Chang'an, truly under the Son of Heaven's feet.

As long as Li Shimin wants it, Weinan County will remain under his control no matter what; why must he insist on granting it to the Crown Prince as a fief?

Seeing his friend's thought, Du Ruhui explained softly: "His Majesty intends that Weinan County's finances, taxes, personnel transfers, including the garrison, be completely off-limits to anyone's interference."

"The Crown Prince is the heir apparent, so His Majesty naturally trusts him; the Marquis of Weinan is the one who proposed the plan, so he must be arranged to prove himself. My son has already entered the Court and has experience in office, therefore we arrange him to assist the Marquis of Weinan."

Now Fang Xuanling finally understood exactly what kind of battlefield the two were talking about.

That truly, from top to bottom, crafted a perfect battlefield for Chen Yan.

No wonder it was necessary to grant Weinan County to the Crown Prince as a fief.

Fang Xuanling couldn't help but marvel at how extraordinary Chen Yan's standing in Li Shimin's heart was.

It's astonishing that they could completely hand over such a strategically vital county to the other party.

Li Shimin nodded slightly, acknowledging Du Ruhui's words, then said: "Ke Ming, first explain to Xuanling what economic circulation is, so he won't remain in the dark."

Hold on!

Fang Xuanling suddenly spoke up, and Li Shimin and Du Ruhui looked at him doubtfully.

Then they saw him solemnly clasp his hands and say: "Your Majesty, I recall that the position of chief clerk of Weinan County could perhaps have two incumbents?"

"To be frank, I have a son named Fang Yizhi; over these years of official service he has shown some capability, and I think he is quite suited for the post of chief clerk."

Li Shimin: "......"

Du Ruhui: "......"

"......"