Chapter 368: You Really Are My Good Brother

"His Majesty need not be so; the Crown Prince and Prince of Yue's matter is just right, let's talk while we drink."

Chen Yan lifted his cup, took a small sip, organized his thoughts and said, "The newspaper, which is the refined tool of the method I am using today, is not meant to smear anyone or defame others, but to unify thought, promote orthodoxy, and break the aristocratic monopoly on knowledge and public opinion."

"A detailed explanation would be too verbose; I have a roughly made newspaper here, His Majesty, please have a look."

Speaking thus, he took the pre‑prepared newspaper from his bosom and handed it to Li Shimin.

The latter curiously took it, unfolded the newspaper, and found the paper several times larger than ordinary paper, densely filled with texts of all sizes.

Li Chengqian and Li Tai kept glancing that way, eager to see what the so‑called newspaper actually was.

Upon a closer look, Li Shimin's mouth twitched, because the first line was a sensational headline: "Duke of Yi, in order to obtain a daughter‑in‑law, resorted to such means?"

Nevertheless, the line truly piqued Li Shimin's curiosity, and he read on with great interest.

But after he finished the fine print detailing the background, Li Shimin burst out laughing in irritation, "Isn't it just Qin Qiong using a small trick to help her son propose?"

"Your headline is written such that anyone who doesn't know would think Qin Qiong has something with her daughter‑in‑law?"

Chen Yan spread his hands, "His Majesty, setting aside the specifics, tell me whether you have the desire to keep reading?"

"Consider whether ordinary citizens would find such a headline interesting, and how they would react."

"Of course, this is simply an attractive tactic, a gimmick; treat it as a joke, you may ignore it, just read on."

"You, you!" Li Shimin said helplessly, "If you say that to Qin Qiong, she'll have to beat you up."

Chen Yan smiled without replying, and Li Shimin continued to read.

This newspaper, crafted by Chen Yan with some ingenuity, not only mixed in numerous anecdotes but also listed the good policies proposed by high officials and detailed the benefits those policies would bring to the people.

Similarly, Chen Yan could not forget that this emperor, Li Shimin, would be tasked with assessing County Magistrates across the realm, and he lavishly praised Li Shimin's wisdom, portraying him as painstakingly caring for the people.

Li Shimin initially read it as a story, but as he progressed, his expression grew increasingly solemn, until finally he paused, pondering Chen Yan's intent in writing these.

When he recalled Chen Yan's earlier remark about how ordinary citizens would react to the newspaper, he fully realized its significance.

"A sword hanging over everyone's heads—this description is not an exaggeration at all."

Li Shimin let out a soft sigh, spoke slowly, and handed the newspaper to Li Chengqian.

Li Tai, seeing this, hurried over to watch.

Li Shimin, ignoring the two brothers, turned to Chen Yan, "If I am not mistaken, you wish me to issue this newspaper to the whole realm daily, or every three days, containing not only sensational anecdotes but also explanations of Court policies, clearly informing the people of the benefits of implementing those policies, so that they no longer resist new measures."

"Most importantly, once I control the newspaper, I control the lifelines of all aristocratic families, officials, and Meritorious Nobles; I can let them achieve everlasting fame or have their reputations ruined at will."

"This is the sword you spoke of, correct?"

"There are too many benefits!" Chen Yan shook his head, "The points you mentioned are indeed important, but I think using this to win the people's hearts is far more crucial than anything else."

"Water can carry a boat, and water can capsize a boat; the people's hearts are more important than anything!"

"We must not only strive to make the Tang Dynasty better, but also let the people know that we are striving to improve the Tang Dynasty."

"Gradually make the people realize how powerful the Tang Dynasty is, how wise its ruler is, how many efforts good officials make daily, uniting the people's hearts, making them proud to be subjects of the Tang Dynasty, so that this world—has only one voice!"

At this point, Chen Yan looked at Li Shimin, smiled, and said, "Then you will become the new benchmark surpassing Han Wendi."

"......"

Li Shimin was momentarily dazed, his emotions surging, yet he said nothing, pondering for a long time before shaking his head and laughing.

"You kid, you almost fooled me."

"You extol the benefits lavishly, yet you mention not a single drawback."

Li Shimin said gravely, "The newspaper is indeed a sword, but once I issue it, the conflict with the aristocratic families will inevitably intensify rapidly, reaching an irreconcilable point."

"Then it will no longer be a covert struggle; the specifics, I cannot predict."

"Then, Your Majesty, will you abandon it?" Chen Yan asked.

Li Shimin glanced at him, "It seems you've got me."

"I wouldn't dare!" Chen Yan laughed sarcastically, "I just think that such a sharp sword, given Your Majesty's character, you would never give up it under any circumstances."

"The contradictions will inevitably intensify; the newspaper's emergence now is merely a pre‑emptive step."

"Not to mention that once the newspaper is issued it can control public opinion; you yourself are already in an unbeatable position. Moreover, our current assets are already considerable: we have movable type printing and a new papermaking technique, as well as the fine salt you have been gradually marketing; I cannot think of a reason for you to retreat."

Li Shimin, without replying, turned and said, "How do you think the newspaper should be distributed?"

"Should it be sold at a low price, or, as before, mostly distributed for free?"

"Of course it should be sold!" Chen Yan straightened up and resumed his talk, "Distributing for free is only a desperate measure; the populace would not quickly accept paying if we sold it outright. What I want is to swiftly crush the Wei family, so I can only choose the large‑scale free distribution method."

"If we are to issue the newspaper, this method must not be used. We can recruit people to sell it across the lands, hire storytellers to read its contents to illiterate citizens, and also enact laws to prevent other forces from copying it, ensuring the newspaper's authority."

"Initially the effect will certainly not be great, but as time passes and the people recognize the newspaper's concrete role, I believe they will voluntarily purchase each new issue daily."

"After all, who isn't interested in the anecdotes of Meritorious Nobles and Dukes? Who wouldn't be interested in edicts that affect their own lives?"

Beside them, Li Chengqian listened to the conversation, occasionally glancing at Chen Yan with a thoughtful expression.

"Brother Zi An, so this is the idea you came up with—hand the newspaper to the Father Emperor for distribution; that way you are naturally safe."

"Impressive!"

Li Shimin:?

Chen Yan: "......"

Gao, you bastard!

You really are my good brother!

"......"