Li Chengqian of the Tang Dynasty: Please say long live His Majesty

Chapter 740 Inheriting the Crown Prince, the Way to Ten Thousand Years of the World (Second Update)
In Chang'an, news of the emperor's Fengshan ceremony spread like wildfire in a very short time.

In particular, the fact that the emperor did not make his usual eastern tour to Luoyang this year has made the people of Chang'an and the people of the world believe that the Fengshan ceremony will soon be held.

The emperor did not make an eastern tour this year, and grain prices in Chang'an rose slightly.

But the increase was not significant.

Firstly, because the emperor has already issued an edict exempting the people of Guanzhong from taxes for one year, the people will certainly not lack food after this autumn.

Without panic, there's no run on the market, and grain prices naturally won't rise.

Furthermore, the emperor in Chang'an would not allow others to hoard grain maliciously and drive up prices, especially with the Fengshan ceremony approaching.

Anyone who dares to affect the emperor's Fengshan ceremony will be punished by the officials.

Just like the officialdom of the world today, not to mention Chang'an, but in every state of the country, there are countless people eyeing the officials in their positions.

If they really made a mistake and someone reported it to Changsun Wuji, Changsun Wuji would definitely expose them completely.

The emperor's Fengshan ceremony was not only related to the fate of the Tang Dynasty, but also to all the officials and countless people, and even to his own son, Changsun Wuji.

Changsun Wuji was the late emperor's brother-in-law, the emperor's maternal uncle, and served as the Left and Right Vice Ministers of the Ministry of Personnel, Minister of Works, Minister of Education, and Grand Commandant for many years.

During both Fengshan ceremonies, he was the person who made the greatest contribution besides the emperor and would be most remembered in history. Therefore, he would not allow anyone to disrupt the emperor's Fengshan ceremony.

For a time, the political situation in the country became clear and efficient.

The second reason why grain prices in Chang'an could not rise was that the transport cableway in Shanzhou had already been built.

By utilizing wind and water power, the obstacles to transporting grain to Chang'an were greatly reduced, and the time and frequency were significantly improved.

This resulted in grain prices in Chang'an not being much higher than in Luoyang.

The people of Luoyang were not unhappy at all that the emperor did not make an eastern tour to Luoyang this year.

Because the people of Luoyang would benefit the most from the emperor's Fengshan ceremony at Mount Song, they were all eagerly anticipating it.

……

Taiji Palace, Lizheng Hall.

Su Shu's voice came from the inner hall: "Public opinion is boiling, officials are acting cautiously, and the world is at peace. Your Majesty's methods this time are much more sophisticated than the last time."

Li Chengqian lay on the bed, on Su Shu's lap, with his eyes closed, letting her clean his ears, before slowly saying, "The Fengshan ceremony is inherently prone to interference for various reasons. The officials have all witnessed Father Emperor's example back then; the lesson is still fresh in our minds!"

Su Shu paused slightly, looked at Li Chengqian, and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, is it truly time for Your Majesty to perform the Fengshan ceremony?"

Su Shu still couldn't quite believe it.

The late emperor performed the Fengshan ceremony after abdicating and becoming the Supreme Emperor. Now, the emperor is still nearly twenty years away from abdication, and to perform the Fengshan ceremony now seems somewhat like a dream to Su Shu.

"What, does the Empress find it amazing that she's also going to perform the Fengshan ceremony?" Li Chengqian couldn't help but laugh.

Although the Fengshan ceremony was a matter for the emperor and his officials, it was also a matter for the empress, concubines, imperial concubines, princesses, and other high-ranking officials.

They all had to participate in the Fengshan ceremony, but the Empress was the main figure in it.

"Yes!" Su Shu said softly, somewhat melancholy, "I have done nothing, yet now I am to lead all the women in the world..."

“Then let’s write a book.” Li Chengqian looked up at Su Shu and said, “The Empress Dowager has ‘Rules for Women,’ the Former Han Dynasty had ‘Instructions for Women,’ and the Empress wrote ‘Admonitions for Women,’ ‘Laws for Women,’ ‘Conduct for Women,’ ‘Virtues for Women,’ ‘Introductions for Women,’ ‘Nurturing Women,’ and so on, ...

Li Chengqian paused as he spoke, then gently patted Su Shu's hand, and Su Shu removed her hand from Li Chengqian's ear.

Li Chengqian sat up and said seriously, "It is what should be done. Now that the world is well-governed and the people are open, the restrictions on women should also be reduced. The Empress should be in charge, with the concubines and princesses assisting. The Empress can go to her uncle, who is a Grand Academician of the Hongwen Pavilion and a third-rank official in the Secretariat and Chancellery. It would be best if he could assist her."

"Uncle?" Su Shu nodded slightly, as if suddenly realizing something.

"It's settled then. Although it's a bit rushed, my merits, combined with the Empress's virtues, are enough to shake the heavens." Li Chengqian waved his hand, finalizing the matter.

"I'll give it a try first." Su Shu came back to her senses, smiled but looked at Li Chengqian seriously and said, "I'll try my best to do it carefully."

"Yeah!" Li Chengqian nodded slightly.

Just then, Xu An carefully walked in from outside the hall and bowed to Li Chengqian, saying, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived."

Li Chengqian's expression calmed down, and he raised his hand, saying, "Summon them!"

Xu An carefully withdrew.

……

Li Xiang stepped into the hall, then bowed to Li Chengqian and Su Shu, saying, "Your subject greets the Emperor and the Empress."

"Hmm!" Li Chengqian nodded and asked, "The public opinion outside the palace is in an uproar right now, what do you think?"

Li Xiang was somewhat surprised. He didn't know why his father had summoned him or asked such a question, but he still thought carefully and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that now that all the barbarians have submitted and the world is at its peak, it is the right time for Your Majesty to perform the Fengshan ceremony. Just as some people have said, Your Majesty's Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai would be a great achievement."

Li Chengqian chuckled and said, "Don't talk about Fengshan at Mount Tai. Even your grandfather didn't do it, let alone me... Unless the population of the Tang Dynasty surpasses that of the Sui Dynasty, I might have a chance, but in reality, by then it will already be your world."

"Then your son will perform the Fengshan ceremony for Father Emperor at Mount Tai." Li Xiang bowed deeply and earnestly.

"Very good, I will remember your promise." Li Chengqian nodded in satisfaction.

When he performed the Fengshan ceremony for his father, Emperor Taizong, at Mount Song, the whole country regarded him as the most filial emperor in history.

If this act can be passed down to future generations, then that will be his true achievement.

Li Chengqian's expression softened slightly, and then he calmly said, "During the Sui Dynasty, the population exceeded fifty million. Do you know what the most direct reason was?"

Li Xiang was taken aback, then cupped his hands and said, "Wasn't this the result of Emperor Wen's diligent governance and comprehensive approach, both internally and externally?"

"Hehehe!" Li Chengqian shook his head and looked at Li Xiang, saying, "Crown Prince, you should read more books."

"Please enlighten me, Father." Li Xiang quickly bowed.

Li Chengqian sighed softly and said, "Your imperial grandfather once said that Emperor Wen of Sui was extremely discerning but lacked a clear mind. When the mind is dark, one cannot see clearly; when one is extremely discerning, one is suspicious of everything. He also deceived orphans and widows to gain the empire. He was always afraid that his ministers would be dissatisfied and was unwilling to trust the officials. He made all the decisions himself. Since the court officials knew his intentions, they dared not speak out. From the prime minister down, they could only obey him."

"Yes!" Li Xiang quickly wrote down Emperor Taizong's words.

"As for the fact that the population of the world exceeded fifty million at that time, it was because he thoroughly searched the land and population of the world that there were signs of a prosperous era." After a slight pause, Li Chengqian looked at Li Xiang and said, "So, Your Highness, do you know where the people and land he searched for came from?"

Li Xiang raised his head slightly and said, "Hidden fields and hidden households."

“You always fail to grasp the fundamentals,” Li Chengqian shook his head and said, “It is the powerful families of the world.”

"Yes!" Li Xiang solemnly cupped his hands in greeting.

Li Chengqian stood up from the bed and said coldly, "Everyone, get out."

"Yes!" All the palace servants and eunuchs, including Xu An, withdrew.

……

The entire Lizheng Hall fell silent for a moment.

Only Li Chengqian, Su Shu, and Li Xiang, along with their family, were in the hall.

Wearing white socks, Li Chengqian walked forward. When he reached Li Chengqian's side, he calmly said, "The powerful families of the world hide millions of people, countless fields, and countless taxes. They are the biggest rats in the world, and they are the biggest enemies in the world."

By the end, Li Chengqian's face was contorted with rage.

“Father is right.” Li Xiang bowed respectfully and said, “Father has been investigating hidden lands and managing the population over the years, and I have learned a great deal from you.”

Li Chengqian calmed down and nodded slightly, saying, "I am very pleased that you have gained something, but you have not yet seen through the essence of all these things."

Li Xiang looked up, somewhat puzzled: "Father."

Li Chengqian walked to the window, looked at the distant city of Chang'an, and said softly, "There are five types of people in the world: slaves, commoners, poor families, noble families, and royalty. Everyone has greed. Slaves want to get rid of their slave status and become commoners. Commoners want to enter the ranks of the poor. Poor families want to become noble families. Noble families want to transform their family into a country and become royalty."

"Father!" Li Xiang felt a chill run down his spine.

When powerful families transform their families into states, that is treason.

"Don't be nervous, it's only natural." Li Chengqian waved his hand calmly and said, "Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants all want to become officials. Farmers want to become officials, workers want to become officials, and even merchants want to become officials. In addition, there are soldiers in the army and barbarians from abroad. They want to become officials, establish a family, and then turn their family into a country. This is the thought in everyone's heart. We should face it squarely and not be afraid."

"Yes!" Li Xiang felt slightly relieved.

"As an emperor, to wield imperial power, one must understand these things and then master them." Li Chengqian raised his head slightly and said, "Every year, bestow some slaves as rewards, allowing them to become commoners openly and legitimately. Through the imperial examinations, commoners can enter officialdom, enabling those from humble backgrounds to rise to high positions, ultimately enriching themselves and becoming aristocratic families. But aristocratic families..."

The next step for a noble family is to become royalty, which cannot be done smoothly.

Li Chengqian turned slightly to look at Li Xiang and said, "There are many kinds of aristocratic families. Most aristocratic families in the world are just small and medium-sized families. Even the top aristocratic families are divided into many categories. For example, the aristocratic families in Jiangnan are mostly known as gentry families because they have a strong literary tradition. The aristocratic families in Shandong are mostly known as clan families because they are involved in the military. And the aristocratic families in Guanzhong are mostly known as powerful families because they exert more effort in the military than in literature."

"Yes!" Li Xiang nodded slowly, and many things began to take shape systematically in his mind.

Li Chengqian nodded and continued, "For the emperor, the core issue is to control the powerful families in the land, to allow the smaller families to grow and expand, and to prevent the larger families from growing and expanding, because if they become too powerful, they may very well threaten the imperial power."

Li Xiang nodded, then looked at Li Chengqian with a somewhat solemn expression.

“Noble families naturally want to go further and transform their families into the state. This is their instinct. There is no point in deceiving themselves. The most correct approach is to divide, win over, suppress, or even destroy.” Li Chengqian’s eyes turned cold, and then he said, “Divide a noble family into countless branches, and then win over one or two branches, either by making them close or important, or even by arranging marriages. Those who are ambitious and uncontrollable should be completely destroyed.”

"Yes!" Li Xiang nodded.

He knew that the Secret Guards occasionally did things that completely exterminated their race, bypassing the law and making secret judgments, because this was the most time-saving and labor-saving method.

“The world is only so big, and even I, the emperor, have a limited number of official positions.” Li Chengqian shook his head and continued, “The positions occupied by the imperial family must be reserved and cannot be moved, as they are the foundation of imperial power. The rest should be given to the common people and those from humble backgrounds. In this way, the interests of aristocratic families will be harmed.”

"Yes!" Li Xiang nodded vigorously, confirming that this was indeed the case. "Therefore, the aristocratic families will turn around and fight against the commoners." Li Chengqian smiled and said, "Of course, there are also methods of winning them over, bringing the children of the commoners into the vassal states of the aristocratic families. These are all methods, and the commoners will also retaliate against the aristocratic families. The actions of officials from the aristocratic families are mostly arrogant and easy for others to find fault with. Therefore, once a mistake is made by an official from aristocratic families, he will be punished to death."

Li Xiang's eyes widened, and he bowed, saying, "Yes!"

“The aristocratic families are relieved of some official positions, while these families receive some from those from humble backgrounds. The emperor is constantly promoting new officials from humble backgrounds, creating a dynamic balance.” Li Chengqian looked at Li Xiang and said, “Your Highness, this is the most basic way the court operates. Do you understand?”

"Yes!" Li Xiang nodded vigorously.

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "Of course, there are also members of the imperial clan. If someone in the imperial clan makes a mistake, do not show mercy. When it is time to dismiss them from their post, be decisive and then give the vacant position to another member of the imperial clan."

"Yes!" Li Xiang nodded and noted it down. The foundation of the emperor was the imperial clan, and this could not be changed.

"Of course, as the population of the world grows, more and more people will want to seek official positions, so it is time to seek them from outside." Li Chengqian looked towards the direction of Fanzhou and said, "In recent years, I have destroyed the kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje, established the Eastern Protectorate, destroyed the Western Turks and established the Western Protectorate, as well as Xichangzhou and Fanzhou Protectorate, which are all located here."

Andong, Anxi, Xichangzhou, and Fanzhou—these places, established and expanded in recent years, have accommodated countless officials of the Tang Dynasty.

“In the future, as the population grows, people will have their own desires, but most people will find it difficult to even become a minor official, let alone pass the imperial examinations. Therefore, they are more likely to engage in commerce.” Li Chengqian raised his head slightly and said, “Go to Andong, Anxi, Xichangzhou, Fanzhou, or even the northern desert to do business. Wherever there are citizens of the Tang Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty’s official system will have to keep up, and naturally, there will be countless official positions.”

"Yes!" Li Xiang nodded, somewhat understanding.

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "In my reign, the expansion of the empire has been sufficient. No matter how great the conflicts are, they can all be accommodated. The remaining task is simply to control the empire, allow the population to grow on a large scale, and then in the future, that will be your responsibility."

"India in the southwest, and Daqin in the northwest?" Li Xiang asked cautiously.

“No, not India. India is too troublesome.” Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, “If you ever have any interest in that place, then use it as a place of exile. If you make a mistake, you can be sent there and let them make their own way. Even a member of the royal family can be sent there if they make a mistake, and let them explore and struggle on their own.”

Li Chengqian genuinely disliked India. He might submit, but if you try to change him, the end result will only be that you become just as rotten as him.

"Therefore, I hope you will go to the Western Regions, Kang, Shi, Tokharistan, Persia, the Abbasid Caliphate, the Roman Empire, and countless other vast territories." Li Chengqian looked at Li Xiang and sighed, "Your dynasty, the dynasty after you, and even the Tang Dynasty for generations to come, can develop along this line and control the world."

"Your subject understands." Li Xiang bowed deeply. What the emperor had told him today were all famous sayings on governing the country, the most essential things for an emperor.

“No, you don’t understand.” Li Chengqian shook his head with a smile and said, “What I just said was nothing more than theoretical talk on paper. The real reality is that before you even have a chance to figure out the true situation, the problem has already occurred.”

"Ah!" Li Xiang exclaimed in surprise.

“Take the situation in Hebei and Jiangnan for example,” Li Chengqian sighed and said, “Even your wise grandfather only realized the problems in Hebei and Jiangnan later on, especially in Hebei.”

"Your subject understands." Li Xiang nodded and said, "In recent years, Father Emperor has suppressed powerful families and cleared out hidden land in Hebei. At the same time, there has been immigration of people. In addition, the border is stable. Most of the heavy taxes and excessive labor in Hebei have been abolished. Hebei is now stable and prosperous. Moreover, Father Emperor is also actively solving the problems in Jiangnan."

“You know quite a lot.” Li Chengqian smiled lightly, then said, “Some things are instinctive, just like the aristocratic families’ encroachment on the people’s land. Today I am here and I have suppressed it, but tomorrow, once I am gone and you have just ascended the throne, they will definitely take action and seize more land. At that time, you will not have time to deal with it and can only deal with it afterward.”

"Yes!" Li Xiang bowed solemnly. Historically, the transition of imperial power was the most turbulent time, and also the time when powerful families in the land were most likely to take action.

“At that time, it might not be Hebei, it could be Henan, or it could be Shannan or Huainan. There will always be a place in the world that suffers the most.” Li Chengqian’s expression turned serious as he said, “You will be dealing with that place, and your means of dealing with it will be limited to one method unless you can expand in all directions like I do.”

"Please give your instructions, Father Emperor." Li Xiang finally received the most important words from the emperor today.

"The imperial examination." Li Chengqian looked up and said with an extremely solemn expression, "Let more local scholars from humble backgrounds become officials, so that they can use their official positions to counter the powerful families and slow down the rate of land encroachment. This is your starting point."

"Yes!" Li Xiang nodded slightly. With someone in his family holding an official position, the powerful families dared not provoke him too much.

“However, it is ultimately impossible to have every family in the local area have someone in their family who is an official. If that were the case, perhaps the world would truly be equal.” Li Chengqian shook his head and said, “Once someone becomes an official, the oppression from the powerful families will not be so heavy. They might even come back to win him over, and then the official will become someone of the other people. So what is needed is not officials, but scholars.”

"Scholars?" Li Xiang seemed to understand something and nodded slightly.

“When every young man can read, can submit a petition to the emperor, or even to the desk of an inspector, once this connection is established, then it’s all about investigation and execution.” Li Chengqian turned to look at Li Xiang, his eyes cold and sharp.

"Kill?" Li Xiang suddenly woke up and stared at Li Chengqian with wide eyes.

“The only option is to kill.” Li Chengqian shook his head and said, “Killing someone according to the law is the only option. There can be no leniency in this matter.”

“But Father is in Hebei…” Li Xiang couldn’t help but retort.

"Back then, because the central government was launching an expedition against Goguryeo, Hebei needed to be stable, so I had no choice but to take a roundabout approach. In this way, the world was at peace. If the Hidden Fields incident were to occur again in Hebei, do you think I would resolve it step by step, or would I send an imperial envoy to Hebei to kill all those who violated the law as a warning to others?" Li Chengqian said with a cold smile.

The phrase "to serve as a warning to others" rendered Li Xiang speechless.

After a long pause, he cautiously asked, "What if someone, feeling a sense of shared fate, plots a rebellion?"

“You said it yourself, it’s a rebellion.” Li Chengqian chuckled coldly, then shook his head and said, “The situation you described will not happen. When powerful families encounter a strong blade, they will only shrink back and wait for the future. As for those who are unlucky, they will only blame those people for not being cautious enough.”

“So, it’s those scholars.” Li Xiang grasped the key point.

Li Chengqian nodded and said, "If everyone in the world could read, there would be far fewer cases of hidden land and households, and even fewer cases of oppression."

"Yes!" Li Xiang bowed seriously.

“Of course, first and foremost, you yourself must be strong enough.” Li Chengqian said with a stern look in his eyes, “Only if you are strong will they not dare to resist. If you are not strong enough, they will turn around and devour you. Do you understand?”

"Yes!" Li Xiang bowed.

"You should resolve your own problems this time, and in the future, pass on these words of mine to your son, so that he can resolve his own problems." Li Chengqian breathed a sigh of relief and said, "In this way, the world can be at peace."

Li Xiang fell silent for a long time before asking, "Father, isn't there a way to solve this problem once and for all?"

"No, unless you can completely eradicate greed from people's hearts, this is the only way." Li Chengqian raised his hand and pointed at Li Xiang, saying, "I have one last thing to say: people should not be too greedy. Each generation has its own mission, and such things will happen in every generation. Don't try to solve all problems permanently at once, or you will only suffer the consequences. Do you understand?"

Li Xiang stiffened and bowed, saying, "Your subject understands."

The example of Shang Yang is right there, and the consequences are clearly visible.

Li Chengqian nodded and said, "All matters in the world are nothing more than interests. Promotions are made layer by layer from the bottom up, but at the very top, the treatment is harsh. The saying 'When a whale falls, all things are born' applies here. As long as the path to advancement is smooth enough, countless wise ministers will come to help you solve this problem. Do you understand?"

"Your subject understands." Li Xiang diligently memorized every word Li Chengqian said.

Li Chengqian sighed softly and said, "What I have said today, even if you are only a beginner, will allow you to see many things in the court clearly. When you are able to run these things smoothly in the future, then it will be time for me to hand over this empire to you."

"Father!" Li Xiang wanted to say something, but stopped when Li Chengqian waved his hand.

"Don't think too highly of yourself. It will take you at least twenty years to fully understand this matter. But if you do, I can finally put aside all worldly affairs and go to enjoy my retirement with your mother." Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "Alright, go back now. Think carefully about what I said today, word by word."

"Your subject understands." Li Xiang cupped his hands and said, "Father, Mother, your subject takes his leave."

……

Su Shu watched Li Chengqian walk back to the bed before asking, "Isn't the Emperor afraid that the Crown Prince has figured all this out beforehand?"

“I’m not afraid.” Li Chengqian shook his head at Su Shu and said, “Actually, whether you are the emperor or the crown prince, what you fear most is not knowing how heavy the world is. Once he understands what I said, he will know how heavy the world is. At that time, he will be even more hesitant to act. That’s how I got here.”

Li Chengqian couldn't help but sigh softly. Only those who bear the weight of the world truly understand the pressure on their shoulders.

Su Shu leaned into Li Chengqian's arms and asked with some confusion, "Your Majesty, why did you summon the Crown Prince to discuss this matter today without any apparent reason?"

Li Chengqian calmed down and said, "There are some things that the Crown Prince must know in advance, so that he can ensure he doesn't make mistakes when trouble comes in the future."

"A mistake?" Su Shu sat up abruptly, looking up and asking, "What could happen?"

Li Chengqian smiled, stood up from the bed, walked out of the inner hall, went to the back of the main hall, and then loudly proclaimed, "Issue the imperial decree!"

Xu An and Dou Zhijie entered from outside the hall at the same time, and then bowed to each other.

Li Chengqian walked out of the Lizheng Hall, stood in front of the hall, looked at the city of Chang'an before him, and said with a serious expression: "Of all things under heaven, culture and education are of utmost importance."

When the Tang Dynasty established its rule over the Central Plains and unified the four barbarian tribes, it prioritized education, nurtured talent, and fostered a culture of inclusiveness and growth.

Therefore, schools were established, and from east to west, south to north, by the sea and in the mountains, every household studied poetry and books, and every family upheld rites and music. People far and wide followed this example, in order to promote the flourishing of culture and education.

Having inherited the great throne, I abide by the old rules and constantly seek out worthy men, fearing that I might miss one.

Schools are a stepping stone for scholars to advance their careers, and are also crucial for moral and ethical conduct, so they are given utmost importance.

Now, Su Xu, the Grand Academician of the Hongwen Pavilion, concurrently holding the rank of Third Grade in the Secretariat and Chancellery, in charge of all matters of education and culture in the realm, Duke of Wugong County, and Imperial Son-in-Law, is hereby appointed to tour the realm on behalf of the Emperor and inspect all matters of education and culture.

He ordered the establishment of the Luoyang Imperial Academy in Luoyang.

The Hongwen Academy, Chongwen Academy, Imperial Academy, Secretariat, Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Revenue, and Ministry of Personnel all dispatched capable officials to inspect all 360 prefectures of the empire, examine education and culture, and care for the people's livelihood. At the same time, they expanded prefectural schools, county schools, township schools, and even village schools, in order to promote cultural virtue and achieve universal harmony.

Confucius said, "In education, there should be no discrimination," and I have put this into practice.

All officials and ministers under heaven should strive to do their utmost.

Do not neglect!

"Your subjects accept the decree." Xu An and Dou Zhijie, as junior supervisors of the Inner Palace, accepted the decree, then turned and went out together to the Secretariat to deliver it.

……

Su Shu walked out of the inner hall and looked at Li Chengqian in surprise, saying, "Your Majesty intends to use the grand occasion of the Fengshan ceremony to enhance the prosperity of culture and education, and then use this prosperity to undermine the foundation of the powerful families in the world, thereby eliminating the harm that the greed of the powerful families poses to the world. However, at the time of the Fengshan ceremony, everyone will think that this must be done now, even the powerful families themselves. Anyone who opposes it will be an enemy of the world. This is a cunning and open scheme."

Li Chengqian smiled lightly.

There are indeed some overtly strategic tactics involved, but the real overt strategy lies not in these, but in enlightening the people.

Only by enlightening the people can we truly achieve great order and stability in the world.

"My uncle is also going to Luoyang. As for the Empress's affairs, he can only be listed as an official. As for the specifics, let Liangsi and Shangguan Yi assist the Empress in compiling 'Women's Conduct.' After it is compiled, it will be promulgated throughout the country." Li Chengqian looked at Chang'an City in front of him and said softly, "If this matter is accomplished, more women can learn to read through it. In this way, the Tang Dynasty will be more stable and last longer."

"Yes!" Su Shu nodded, then stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Li Chengqian, looking at the entire city of Chang'an, the magnificent and majestic city.

And the entire Tang Dynasty under the heavens.

(End of this chapter)