After my inner voice was eavesdropped, I became the favorite of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 36

He took a deep breath and decided to test the strength and temperament of those strong men first. So, he carefully summoned a strong man, fearing that they would be hot-tempered and difficult to control. A golden light flashed, and a tall golden figure instantly appeared in front of him. The powerful aura seemed to lower the sky a little. He couldn't help but step back several steps, widening his eyes vigilantly. The golden silk soft armor on his body flashed a dazzling light at this moment, as if ready to respond to possible challenges at any time.

"Master!" The golden light suddenly retracted, and a muscular man stood in front of him with a simple smile on his face, his eyes full of loyalty and admiration for him. That pure loyalty warmed his heart.

"Huh? So docile, not scary at all!" He didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but he couldn't hide the joy in his heart. The loyalty and honesty of this strong man made him feel relieved, and he knew that this would be his capable assistant.

In order to further confirm the characteristics of these strong men, he summoned a second strong man. The golden light shone again, and the second strong man appeared in front of him. He was like a twin brother to the first one, with no difference in body shape or temperament.

It suddenly became clear in his mind: "They may not have their own thoughts, they will only obey orders, they will neither rebel nor raise any questions." Such characteristics undoubtedly made him less worried. At least he did not have to worry that they would become uncontrollable variables.

"This is good, it saves a lot of trouble." He thought to himself, and had a preliminary plan on how to use this power. He knew that although these strongmen were powerful, they would never act rashly without his orders, just like his hands and feet, completely obeying his command.

"With this divine power, I naturally have to make good use of it..." He smiled cunningly, already having a plan in mind, "Let's harvest the crops first. But now is not the time, let's talk about it in two days." After saying that, he waved his hand gently, and those strong men turned into golden light and returned to the storage space.

He yawned, got on his horse and leisurely returned to Cheng's house. He strolled in the back garden, arranging the scattered flowers and plants, feeling their vitality under his fingertips. As the night deepened, he finally couldn't resist the invasion of sleepiness, climbed onto the bed, and fell asleep.

At this time, the study in the palace was brightly lit. Li Shimin frowned, and put the scroll in his hand aside, with doubt and confusion on his face. "Have you really checked it out? There is no warehouse over there?" he asked.

Zhang Sun Wuji stepped forward and reported with a serious expression: "Your Majesty, I personally went to the forest and conducted a thorough search. I dug three feet deep but could not find any trace of the warehouse."

"Where did the food come from?" Li Shimin stroked his beard and fell into deep thought, "Did it fall from the sky?" There was a hint of joking in his tone, but more of it was a deep curiosity and exploration about the source of this sudden large amount of food.

This matter needs to be done slowly, don't rush, and think it over carefully. For the common people of the Tang Dynasty, it is a great thing for Qian Dashan to donate grain. Li Shimin sighed, with a bit of doubt on his face, and his deep eyes seemed to hide endless thoughts. He sat on the dragon chair, his posture was upright, and the gold thread on the dragon robe flickered in the candlelight, looking particularly solemn.

However, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, and that smile could not be hidden, like a ray of warm sunshine in spring, warm but not dazzling. In fact, his heart was as clear as a mirror, and everything was clear. Those grains were not conjured out of thin air, nor were they in Qian Dashanren’s own warehouse. They were all made by Li Qingge, or that woman. When he thought of Li Qingge, Li Shimin’s eyes were filled with admiration and curiosity.

Li Qingge, the mysterious woman, behaved in a low-key manner, but always stood up in times of crisis for the Tang Dynasty. Her wisdom and courage amazed Li Shimin. As for how Li Qingge got so much food, Li Shimin was puzzled. But one thing is certain, as long as it was handled by Li Qingge, it would definitely not be harmful to the Tang Dynasty.

"If we forbid the investigation, people will become suspicious. Even if we give a death order, some people will still investigate secretly." Li Shimin thought, his eyes revealing a deep wisdom. He knew that the more some things were covered up, the more likely they would arouse people's suspicion.

"How about this, we investigate secretly and let them investigate. In the end, it will be in vain." Li Shimin smiled, his heart as steady as a rock. His smile showed both his trust in Li Qingge and his firm belief in the future of the Tang Dynasty.

In the court, Changsun Wuji was very disappointed when he heard that His Majesty did not intend to trace the source of the grain. He felt that the grain's source was unknown and might be related to the previous dynasty, so he had to get to the bottom of it. He clasped his fists and asked for permission, his eyes shining, like a hungry cheetah eager to catch its prey.

"Your Majesty, I beg you to thoroughly investigate this matter and find out whether there is any connection between Mr. Qian and the previous dynasty." Changsun Wuji's voice was firm and powerful, and his eyes revealed an indomitable persistence.

However, Li Shimin just smiled faintly and did not directly respond to his request. This made Changsun Wuji's heart cold, and he felt as if he had been poured with a basin of cold water.

But Li Shimin then secretly summoned him and asked him to investigate secretly. Changsun Wuji was so happy, as if the dark clouds had dispersed and the sun was shining into his heart again. He immediately ran to a sunny place in the suburbs and found a small forest. He thought this might be where the grain was stored. He quickly asked people to dig and also found some civil engineering experts to measure the land, hoping to find a large warehouse for storing grain.

However, after working for a long time, nothing was found. The grove was just a grove, nothing special. Changsun Wuji was stunned. He stood there blankly, looking at the desolate grove, and his doubts became heavier. He looked around, it was a wilderness, only this grove could hide food. But there were no tracks on the ground, no signs of transportation, not even a grain of food. Could this food have flown here?

Changsun Wuji smiled bitterly, thinking that he was really naive. How could food fall from the sky? He shook his head and smiled bitterly, as if he was laughing at his own ignorance and naivety.

In fact, what he didn't know was that although the food didn't fall from the sky, it was just like rain when it was transported out, and it was directly poured into the car, just like it fell from the sky. That was Li Qingge using her wisdom and magical system to gather food from all over the place, as if it was a magical show.

Changsun Wuji was completely at a loss now. He investigated in vain and was extremely disappointed. He felt like a sailor lost in the vast ocean, unable to find any direction or goal.

"My dear minister, you have worked hard. Go back and have a rest. I heard that Mr. Qian will donate more grain. You can check it out when the time comes." Li Shimin smiled calmly. His smile was like a spring breeze, warm and gentle, which comforted Changsun Wuji.

"As you command, Your Majesty." Although Zhangsun Wuji was disappointed, he felt hopeful when he heard that Mr. Qian was going to donate more grain. He was just the tip of the iceberg, and there must be more clues behind. He was full of confidence and vowed to get to the bottom of it. His eyes revealed a firm determination and perseverance.

Li Shimin looked at his back as he left and smiled even more happily. "Li Qingge, this boy, no, this woman, is really a lucky star for the Tang Dynasty. In the blink of an eye, food piled up like a mountain. What she said sounded as if she could meet all the needs of the Tang Dynasty. But how did she do it? Could it be..."

Halfway through his words, Li Shimin's face suddenly changed, as if he had thought of something terrible. His eyes revealed a kind of fear and uneasiness, as if he had seen an unimaginable horror scene. In the end, he was so scared that he felt as if he was shrouded by an invisible force and could not break free.

"Help!" he shouted, his voice revealing a kind of urgency and anxiety. He felt as if he was a person who was about to face a disaster and urgently needed to find a life-saving straw.

"Your Majesty?" The guards came over in response. They looked at Li Shimin's anxious expression and felt a little uneasy. They knew that His Majesty must be in a very bad mood at this moment.

"Prepare the car and go to Cheng's house!" Li Shimin said hastily, with an undisguised panic and anxiety in his voice. He felt like a person who was about to lose control and urgently needed to find Li Qingge to stabilize the situation.

"Which Cheng Mansion?" The guards were confused. They didn't know why His Majesty wanted to go to the Cheng Mansion, let alone which Cheng Mansion it was.

"General Li Qingge's residence!" Li Shimin added, his voice filled with an unquestionable firmness and determination. He knew he had to find Li Qingge, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous.

In the blink of an eye, the carriage sped out of the palace gate. The guards were stunned. They looked at each other, not knowing what had happened. Shouldn't His Majesty be resting now? Why was he in such a hurry to leave the palace? And the guard of honor was so simple, there must be something urgent. They were full of doubts and speculations.

When Li Qingge arrived at Cheng's house, she was sleeping soundly. She dreamed that she was walking in a golden wheat field, with the sun shining on her body, making her feel warm. Suddenly, a noisy sound broke her sweet dream.

"His Majesty has arrived!" The butler shouted in panic. He did not expect His Majesty to come so suddenly that he did not even have time to inform him. All the etiquette was messed up. He was filled with fear and anxiety.

When the servants in the mansion heard this, they all knelt on the ground in fear, not daring to breathe. They knew the majesty and power of His Majesty, and dared not neglect or offend him in the slightest. The whole mansion fell into a dead silence.

Li Shimin strode in with a solemn expression and a look of eagerness and anxiety in his eyes. Before everyone got up to salute, he had already arrived at the door of Li Qingge's bedroom. He was full of expectations and trust in Li Qingge, hoping that she could give him a satisfactory answer.

"What's going on?" The housekeepers turned pale with fear, wondering if Li Qingge had offended His Majesty and that His Majesty had come to question him personally. They were filled with worry and fear, not knowing what would happen next. In the bedroom, Li Qingge was awakened, and she jumped out of bed and bowed, "Your Majesty." But she secretly complained in her heart, thinking that His Majesty really knew how to pick the time, not even letting her have a good dream.

Li Qingge rubbed his sleepy eyes, feeling unhappy, but he still tried his best to maintain his expression.
What kind of drama was this? The housekeepers were so frightened that their faces turned pale, wondering if Li Qingge had angered His Majesty, so that His Majesty came to question him personally. Their hearts were filled with worry and fear, and they had no idea what would happen in the future. In the bedroom, Li Qingge was awakened. She sat up suddenly from the bed, and hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty." But she secretly complained in her heart, thinking that His Majesty really knew how to choose the time, and didn't even let people finish their dreams.

Oh, people were talking about Li Shimin, saying how could he be so rude? What kind of urgent matter was there that he had to break into Li Qingge's house in the middle of the night? She rubbed her sleepy eyes, feeling quite unhappy, but she still tried her best to keep a polite smile on the surface. Li Shimin was usually calm, but today he seemed so impatient, which was really rare.

"Even if there is an emergency, shouldn't people get some sleep in the middle of the night?" Li Qingge muttered to herself, but didn't say it out loud. Li Shimin frowned slightly when he saw her expression, but soon regained his composure, as if this kind of thing was commonplace for him. Then, he frowned, sat on the chair, and began to ponder, his deep eyes seemed to be able to see through everything in the world.

"Could something really have happened? Li Shimin was a notoriously ruthless guy when he was conquering the world. Something that could make him change his expression must be extraordinary." Li Qingge pondered in his heart, his eyes involuntarily falling on his furrowed brows, trying to get a clue from it.

"Why did he come to see me?" Li Qingge finally couldn't help asking, with a hint of confusion and dissatisfaction in his voice.

"Is it the foreign tribes on the border causing trouble? But those things are still a long way to go, there's no rush now." She guessed, trying to find the answer from the recent events.

"Or are the people going to rebel? Although the situation is tense, the recent natural disasters are not that serious. Moreover, I have already used food to stabilize the people's hearts in advance. This shouldn't be the case." She continued to speculate, but became more and more confused.

"Could it be that the masters in the martial arts world don't listen to the court and want to cause trouble again?" Her mind was like a revolving lantern, with various speculations flooding into her mind one after another.

Li Shimin seemed calm, but sweat still oozed from his forehead. He sighed and said, "The Tang Dynasty is really plagued by disasters, natural disasters and man-made disasters, one after another! If you hadn't warned me in advance, I wouldn't have believed it. However, you are always right, so this time it must be true too."

"What do you mean by using grain to resolve civil unrest? Does that mean that distributing grain to various states is not only for disaster relief, but also for preventing civil unrest in advance?" Li Shimin suddenly seemed to think of something, and a light flashed in his eyes, as if he had grasped a clue.

"This kid really thinks far ahead. I am ashamed of myself!" Li Qingge sighed in his heart. Li Shimin's scheming was truly admirable.

"Your Majesty, why do you come to see me so late? Is there anything you want to tell me?" Li Qingge cupped his hands and looked at him with confusion, trying to capture some useful information from his expression.

"Nothing, I just came to see you and chat." Li Shimin replied with a smile, looking very relaxed, as if he really just came to chat.

"I think your majesty must have had doubts in his heart, but now it has been resolved. In the name of Mr. Qian, I have distributed grain everywhere, and the warehouses are full. If there is any disaster, we can quickly provide relief to the people." Li Qingge said this deliberately, but in fact he was sighing in his heart: "Li Shimin, you are not young anymore, you should make your own decisions, don't ask me everything. Although I have some ability, I can't say anything casually. You don't understand the pain of forbearance, so it's better to ask less."

Li Shimin put away his smile and said calmly, "Recently, the people in the Astronomical Bureau said that there are strange phenomena in the sky, saying that there will be a disaster in the Tang Dynasty within two years. I am very worried." Although his voice was calm, Li Qingge could feel his inner anxiety. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Who can predict the celestial phenomena? It can only remind us. No one can tell whether it is good or bad. Don't take it too seriously." Li Qingge comforted him with a smile on his face, but he was muttering in his heart, "Disaster? Humph, it's more than a disaster. You don't even know that a disaster is coming. I have worked hard to earn this grain. I can't donate it for any disaster."

After hearing her words, Li Shimin felt much better and said with a smile: "Everything you did was for the good of the Tang Dynasty. Even if you spoke a little harshly just now, it was because you cared about the country. It can be forgiven." His voice was gentle and sincere, which made Li Qingge feel warm in her heart.

"The Astronomical Observer also mentioned the falling of Mars and the transformation of a hen into a rooster. I wonder what disaster this portends? Drought, flood, or earthquake?" Li Shimin's eyes were filled with anticipation, but he was actually testing her. There was a hint of urgency in his words, and it was clear that he took this matter very seriously.

Li Qingge smiled bitterly and complained in her heart: "Li Shimin, Li Shimin, your question is too difficult, isn't it? I am not a god, how can I understand these mysterious things? What good can I do if I read books like Tui Bei Tu? The more I know, the more troubles I will have!" She shook her head and pretended to be helpless and said: "Your Majesty, I don't know about this. The matter of celestial phenomena is mysterious and unpredictable. Who can say for sure?"

Li Shimin looked at her, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he soon regained his composure. He stood up, patted Li Qingge on the shoulder, and said, "Forget it, there is no rush for this matter. You have done so much for the Tang Dynasty, I know it. It's getting late, you should go to bed early."

Li Qingge nodded, and as she watched Li Shimin leave, she felt a wave of mixed emotions. This man shouldered the fate of the entire Tang Dynasty, and every decision he made affected millions of people. And she, although she was just a woman, was also doing her part for the Tang Dynasty in her own way. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction.

As the night deepened, Li Qingge lay on the bed, looking at the starry sky outside the window, with mixed feelings in her heart. The appearance of Li Shimin made her realize that the situation in the Tang Dynasty was far more complicated than she had imagined. And as a woman, she was able to contribute to the Tang Dynasty in this chaotic world, which was not in vain. Thinking of this, she smiled slightly, closed her eyes, and fell asleep. In her dream, she seemed to see the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, the people living and working in peace and contentment, and a peaceful scene. And she also found her own position and value in this prosperous era.

She had long understood the laws of the world. In her eyes, the future of the Tang Dynasty Li family was as clear as the lines on the palm of her hand. She regarded divination techniques such as the Tui Bei Tu as insignificant tricks. Li Qingge, this seemingly ordinary woman with extraordinary power, could always see the changes of all things in the world with an attitude that transcended the mundane.

At this moment, she stood in front of Li Shimin and saw his face suddenly change. She couldn't help but laugh secretly in her heart. Li Shimin shouted in surprise: "This person? Can he predict the future?" But soon, his surprise was replaced by a sense of relief, and he murmured to himself: "No wonder he can predict all kinds of affairs in our Tang Dynasty so accurately. This is really a blessing for our Tang Dynasty!"

Li Shimin's expression returned to calm, and he gently said to Li Qingge: "Just speak frankly and help me solve my problems." After that, his smile became even brighter, and that smile seemed to contain endless expectations and encouragement, which made Li Qingge want to say a few more words.

She had a sweet smile on her face, looking very respectful, but she was secretly muttering in her heart. She said, "Your Majesty, do you know? Mars in the sky suddenly flashed and dragged a long tail, which people regarded as a bad omen. However, now it has disappeared, I think it is actually a symbol of the dissipation of the disaster."

She paused deliberately, observing Li Shimin's reaction. Sure enough, he was deeply attracted by her words, and his eyes revealed a bit of curiosity and expectation. She continued: "Moreover, the hen turns into a rooster, the yin and yang are reversed, the winter becomes warmer and the summer becomes cooler, these are all auspicious signs! Your Majesty is blessed with great fortune and has attracted auspicious light, which is really gratifying!" After speaking, she bowed again to show her respect.

Li Shimin was so surprised after hearing these words that he was speechless. He thought to himself that this person's flattery skills were really first-rate, and it made people feel happy. Even though he knew that she was complimenting him on purpose, he couldn't help but feel proud. His eyes flashed with a complex light, with both joy and doubt.

At this moment, a mysterious voice suddenly sounded in Li Shimin's ears, conveying a prophecy about the future. The voice was deep and powerful, as if it came from the sky: "Emperors all like to hear good words, this is a common problem. But history will not deceive people. In the next two years, the Yellow River will flood and the continuous heavy rain will make the counties along the coast miserable. Then, the Yellow River will suddenly dry up, the land will crack, the crops will wither, and the people will have nothing to harvest. Foreign races will take the opportunity to invade, and people will starve to death outside Chang'an. The scene is horrible."

Li Shimin's face turned pale as paper in an instant, as if he had been struck by lightning, and he stood still. Li Qingge gently brushed the wrinkles on her sleeves and sighed in her heart. She knew that although Li Shimin had made outstanding contributions, he was only a mortal after all, not a god. Everyone makes mistakes, and all she did was try her best to make up for them.

She looked at Li Shimin, his eyes were full of shock and anxiety. He covered his chest with his hands and muttered to himself: "How could I have fallen to such a state? There were starving people everywhere outside the city, but I was so vain that I decorated the city with lanterns and flowers to welcome foreign envoys? This is not what I should do." He asked himself, his heart full of self-blame and regret.

Li Qingge stood quietly aside, watching Li Shimin clench his fists and swear firmly: "I swear! I will never do such a ridiculous thing again in my life!" His voice was full of determination and firmness, as if he was swearing to heaven and earth.

Then he thought of the flooding of the Yellow River. He sighed and said, "The Yellow River is a very difficult problem! It is like a sword hanging over our heads, which may fall at any time." His eyes flashed with helplessness and worry, as if he was telling the world about his helplessness and worry.

Although he was filled with worries and helplessness, Li Shimin still forced a smile and said to Li Qingge: "Cheng Qing is right. This is the good fortune of the Tang Dynasty and a sign of great luck!" However, his heart felt as painful as being stabbed by a needle. Li Qingge knew that he must be feeling very complicated and heavy at the moment, because he knew that the disaster was coming, but he felt powerless to change anything.

However, Li Shimin did not give up hope. He clenched his teeth and swore: "The trouble with the Yellow River must be eradicated! Although food can temporarily alleviate the crisis, the flood will cause countless lives to be destroyed. We must control the Yellow River to prevent future troubles!" His voice was full of firmness and determination, as if he was swearing an oath to heaven and earth.

After saying this, Li Shimin stood up and prepared to leave. Li Qingge knew that he must be feeling very heavy and complicated at the moment, because he knew that time was running out and he had to immediately summon all officials to discuss the river management. He turned to Li Qingge and said, "Mr. Cheng, it's getting late. You should also rest early. I'm going back to the palace now." After saying this, he hurriedly left Li Qingge's room.

Li Qingge looked at Li Shimin's departing back, feeling somewhat stunned. She thought, Li Shimin always asked her to show her cooking skills or talents every time he came, why did he suddenly lose his appetite today? Did he really foresee some disaster, or did the Observation of the Sky really notice something unusual? Her heart was filled with doubts and uneasiness.

However, she soon shook her head and put these thoughts behind her. She thought that those people who observed the sky were just trying to make a living. How could they really predict the fate of the country through celestial phenomena? Maybe she was worrying too much. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but curl her lips and reveal a disdainful smile. However, deep in her heart, she felt a little uneasy and worried, as if something big was about to happen.

At this moment, the corners of Li Qingge's mouth slightly raised, her bright red lips were like newly opened petals, with a hint of subtle cunning. She didn't take the little episode to heart. Li Shimin didn't stay for dinner, which did save a lot of trouble. She turned around lightly, put her hands behind her back leisurely, and walked briskly to the back garden, intending to visit the crops she planted with her own hands.

The back garden is full of greenery, as if it is the most sincere gift from nature. Both vegetables and crops are bathed in the fertile land, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the moisture of the rain. The young shoots are vying to emerge, and the leaves are swaying gently in the breeze, as if telling the song of life. This vibrant scene makes people feel good, as if all the troubles have disappeared at this moment.

Looking at the green scene, Li Qingge's mouth corners unconsciously lifted up, and her satisfaction was beyond words. There was a gleam of wisdom in her eyes, as if she could see through the mysteries of all things in the world. "These seeds will soon grow into a field, but even if there are a thousand acres of fertile land, it seems that it is still not enough..." She whispered to herself, frowning slightly, and began to plan the plan of ten thousand acres of fertile land. The harvest of a thousand acres is enough for the needs of the Tang Dynasty, but if there are ten thousand acres of fertile land, the scene of the bumper harvest is something she can't even imagine. Her heart was full of expectations and longings, as if she had already seen the golden wheat field swaying gently in the breeze.

"I really hope something big will happen recently, giving me a chance to show my talent, maybe I can even be appreciated by Li Shimin." She thought to herself, with a sly smile on her lips. "If he is happy, he might let me choose the reward myself. When the time comes, I will definitely get the ten thousand acres of fertile land." Her eyes flashed with determination, as if she had seen the ten thousand acres of fertile land that belonged to her slowly unfolding in front of her. "However, this seems to conflict with the reward mechanism of my 'do nothing and lie flat' system. Let's wait for the opportunity." She sighed softly, knowing that this matter could not be rushed and she needed to wait patiently for the opportunity to come.

At this time, inside the palace, Li Shimin had summoned all the civil and military officials to the main hall. The atmosphere in the main hall was solemn and serious. All the officials looked at each other, their faces full of confusion and puzzlement. It was so late, unless there was an emergency, His Majesty would not easily summon everyone. But looking at His Majesty's expression, it didn't seem like anything big had happened, and everyone was confused.

"My dear ministers, I have called you here today to discuss a major matter concerning the future of the Tang Dynasty and the well-being of the people." Li Shimin's voice echoed in the hall. He stroked his beard and spoke with great pride. "This matter cannot be delayed. We must go all out and not slack off." His eyes flashed with determination, as if he had seen the glorious future of the Tang Dynasty.

"May I ask your Majesty, what are you discussing?" a minister could not help but ask. "Are you planning to march to the Western Regions? Our Tang Dynasty is rich and powerful, and it is a good time to make great plans, which will surely win the hearts of those foreign races." When the officials heard this, they immediately became excited, thinking that a war was about to start, and they were eager to try and serve the country. Their eyes were shining with excitement and anticipation, as if they had already seen the heroic figures of the Tang army fighting bravely on the battlefield.

Li Shimin conquered the world on horseback in the past. Looking at his posture today, it is not difficult for everyone to guess his thoughts. The territory of the Tang Dynasty is vast, and the surrounding small countries naturally dare not underestimate it. But they also often covet the wealth and power of the Tang Dynasty. Now is a good opportunity to deal with them and expand the territory. This is the wish of all officials, but no one dares to say it directly. They all look forward to the order of His Majesty and look forward to contributing their own strength to the glorious future of the Tang Dynasty.

The generals were so excited that their breathing became heavier, their cheeks flushed, and their hearts were surging. Since His Majesty ascended the throne, the country has been stable, and they have not been on the battlefield for a long time. This opportunity is rare, and they are naturally full of expectations, wanting to gallop on the battlefield again and fight for the glory of the Tang Dynasty. Their eyes flashed with determination and courage, as if they had already seen their heroic figures on the battlefield.

Everyone's eyes were focused on Li Shimin, waiting for his orders and instructions. Fang Xuanling frowned slightly and showed worry on his face when he saw this. The Tang Dynasty was a place where all nations came to pay tribute, and it seemed unwise to invade neighboring countries for no reason. He was worried that your majesty's decision would cause unnecessary trouble and disputes, and put the Tang Dynasty in trouble.

"Okay, I know you will give me your full support." Li Shimin smiled comfortingly and stroked his beard. "In this case, I have decided to start taming the Yellow River from tomorrow." His voice echoed in the hall with firmness and determination.

"Control the river?" When the officials heard this, they were stunned and did not react for a while. They all thought that His Majesty wanted to expand the territory, but they did not expect that he wanted to control the Yellow River. Controlling the Yellow River is certainly a big plan, but... they were full of doubts and confusion, wondering why His Majesty made such a decision.

"Your Majesty, I dare to speak frankly." Changsun Wuji smiled awkwardly and stood up, wanting to speak but stopping. He felt a little uneasy and didn't know how to express his worries and concerns.

"You can go on." Although Li Shimin was unhappy, he knew what Wuji was going to say. He waved his hand, signaling Wuji to continue.

On that spring day with a gentle breeze but hidden challenges, a conversation about the fate of the country and the well-being of the people was quietly unfolding in the Daming Palace in Chang'an. The sunlight shone through the clouds, dappled on the magnificent palace, adding a bit of solemnity and sacredness to the discussion.

Wuji, this old minister who is over fifty years old, has a calm face and his eyes reveal the wisdom and sagacity accumulated over the years. He is dressed in a dark blue official uniform, and the lapels of his clothes sway gently in the wind, as if every wrinkle hides his deep worries about the country. With a gentle but meaningful smile again, Wuji bowed to Li Shimin who was sitting on the dragon throne and said: "Your Majesty, the Yellow River, the mother river that nourishes countless lives but often brings disasters, sometimes dries up like a dead tree, and sometimes floods. All dynasties have suffered from it. Countless innocent people have died in the floods, and their families have been broken up. The scene is horrible."

Li Shimin, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, was in his prime, with unquestionable majesty and heroism between his brows. His eyes, like the deep night sky, flashed with the light of determination and courage, as if he had foreseen that under his governance, the Yellow River would change from a ferocious beast to a docile lamb, with fertile land on both sides of the river and the people living and working in peace and contentment. His brows were furrowed, and his voice was as firm as a rock, echoing in every corner of the hall: "That's why I want to govern it. What's wrong with that? The Yellow River is the lifeline of the Tang Dynasty and the hope of the people. I can't let this river continue to be a sword hanging over the heads of the people."

Wuji's face changed slightly when he heard this. It was a resolute expression, as if he had thousands of words in his heart, but could only turn them into a short and powerful sentence: "Your Majesty is right. If the Yellow River is not controlled, the people will be in danger. It must be controlled!" In his heart, his admiration and respect for Li Shimin surged like a river. He knew that His Majesty resolutely embarked on this road full of unknowns and challenges for the welfare of thousands of people.

However, a trace of worry flashed in Wuji's eyes. He changed the subject and sighed, "However, it is not easy to control the Yellow River. For thousands of years, many wise monarchs have exhausted their efforts, but ultimately failed to achieve their goal. The water of the Yellow River is sometimes as gentle as silk, and sometimes as violent as a beast. It is not easy for human power to control it." At this point, Wuji paused and swept his eyes over every official present. There was both helplessness and expectation in his eyes. He continued, "This move is imperative, but it will cost a lot, especially food, supplies, and manpower, which are all incalculable expenses. I am worried that if it is not managed properly, it will not only fail to solve the problem, but may also put the Tang Dynasty in trouble and make people's lives more difficult."

In the hall, officials nodded their heads upon hearing this, with expressions of worry or contemplation on their faces. Some of them frowned, obviously thinking about how to solve this problem; others sighed quietly, as if they were not optimistic about the prospect of harnessing the Yellow River. The spring breeze outside the hall seemed to feel the heaviness, and when it blew through the window lattice, it brought with it waves of slight sobbing.

Li Shimin's face also became solemn at this moment. He knew that his momentary impulse might be too rash. He closed his eyes, and the scene of people on both sides of the Yellow River struggling in the flood and the bleak scene of those who had no harvest due to drought emerged in his mind. His heart was deeply touched, and a strong sense of responsibility arose spontaneously. He recalled the voice of Li Qingge, the official who had gone deep into the Yellow River disaster area, witnessed the suffering of the people with his own eyes, and made a tearful speech to him after returning, and his blood boiled in his heart.

After a moment of silence, Li Shimin slowly opened his eyes and looked at the officials in the hall with a firm gaze. His voice, although not loud, was full of power, as if it could penetrate everyone's heart: "No matter what, we must control the Yellow River. This is for the future of the Tang Dynasty and the well-being of the people. We cannot retreat because of difficulties, and we cannot give up because of challenges. We must go all out and not slack off. I believe that as long as we work together, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome and no challenges that cannot be defeated."

Li Shimin's words were like spring rain, nourishing the hearts of the officials. They nodded one after another, with determination and hope in their eyes. They knew that this would be an arduous battle, but for the future of the Tang Dynasty and for the peace of the people, they were willing to make every effort, even if there were mountains of swords and seas of fire ahead, they would move forward bravely.

At this time, a ray of sunlight outside the hall happened to penetrate the clouds and sprinkled on Li Shimin, coating him with a layer of golden light, as if a god had descended from heaven, giving them endless strength and courage. The officials smiled at each other, and in that smile, there was both a vision for the future and trust in each other. They knew that from this moment on, they would work hand in hand to face this challenge that concerns the fate of the country.

In the following days, Li Shimin, Wu Ji, and many officials began intensive preparations. They sent envoys to collect historical data about the Yellow River, invited water conservancy experts to conduct field investigations, and formulated a series of practical governance plans. At the same time, they also actively raised food and supplies, and mobilized the people to participate in governance. The entire Tang Dynasty was a busy and orderly scene.

During this process, Wuji put all his efforts into it. He not only went to the Yellow River to understand the actual situation, but also lived and ate with the people, listened to their voices, recorded their needs and difficulties one by one, and fed back to Li Shimin. Li Shimin, on the other hand, reviewed the plans day and night, listened to reports, and constantly adjusted strategies to ensure the smooth progress of governance.

Finally, after several years of hard work, the management of the Yellow River has achieved remarkable results. Floods no longer raged, droughts were alleviated, and the people on both sides of the river finally ushered in the long-lost peace and good harvest. They cheered and shed tears of gratitude, praising the wisdom and achievements of Li Shimin, Wu Ji and other officials.

Li Shimin and Wuji stood on the bank of the Yellow River, looking at the surging river, their hearts filled with relief and pride. They knew that this victory was not only about the management of the Yellow River, but also a testimony to the deep feelings between the country and the people. They smiled at each other, and in that smile, there was both emotion for the past and expectation for the future. They believed that as long as there was love and faith in their hearts, nothing could stop them from moving forward, and the future of the Tang Dynasty would definitely be better.

(End of this chapter)