Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Li Wu delivered the letter to the Lizheng Hall immediately.

Inside the palace, Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun chatted about Li Chengqian and Li Tai.

The couple had a great understanding; Li Shimin talked with Li Chengqian, while Empress Zhangsun was more suitable to appease Li Tai.

Now everyone is happy.

Li Shimin also learned that Li Tai had gone to Kaolao Village, which meant he had withdrawn from the struggle with Li Chengqian.

Upon seeing the letter delivered by Li Wu, Li Shimin smiled and asked, "Is something the girl has to say?"

"Your Majesty, I do not know either." Li Wu truly had no idea what had happened.

Zhang Anan gave the letter to Li Shimin. Upon opening the envelope and reading the contents, Li Shimin frowned.

It wasn't Li Lizhi's handwriting, but Li Tai's.

Li Shimin was very familiar with the handwriting of his children.

"Your Majesty, what is it?" Empress Zhangsun asked hurriedly when she saw Li Shimin frowning.

"It's not a letter from the maid, it's from Qingque."

Li Shimin did not meet with Li Tai, and did not expect Li Tai to write a letter in this way.

This displeased Li Shimin.

Li Shimin's fingers paused slightly as he held the letter. He unfolded it with a hint of impatience, his gaze sweeping over the first few lines, but his brows gradually relaxed.

When he read the four characters "Zhenguan Grand Ceremony" and the subsequent compilation plan, the displeasure in his eyes had long since vanished, replaced by undisguised surprise and approval, and he even unconsciously softened his breathing.

"Your Majesty, what did Qingque say in her letter?"

Seeing the change in his expression, Empress Zhangsun asked softly.

Li Shimin did not answer immediately. He repeatedly stroked the letter, his fingertips tracing the words "all-encompassing, inheriting cultural traditions," his tone filled with a mixture of disbelief and excitement:
"Your Majesty, you would never guess that Qingque actually wants to compile an unprecedented encyclopedia!"

He handed the letter to Empress Fu, his voice filled with emotion:
"It encompasses everything from classics, history, philosophy, and literature, to astronomy and calendar systems, and down to agriculture, sericulture, crafts, medicine, divination, astrology, and even folk tales and exotic customs!"

He said he wanted to collect and organize all the lost books in the world and compile them into a "Zhenguan Encyclopedia" so that future scholars would have a basis for their studies and the cultural heritage of the Tang Dynasty would be passed down from generation to generation!

Empress Zhangsun read the letter carefully, and a relieved smile gradually appeared on her face:
"This child has finally found his way. This kind of thinking is much more meaningful than competing in the court."

"It's more than just meaningful!"

Li Shimin stood up, paced a few steps in the hall, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm for civil administration:

"During the chaos of the late Sui Dynasty, countless ancient books were destroyed in the fire. I have long wanted to organize the books in the country, but I have not yet found a suitable person to take the lead."

"Qingque has experience in compiling books and this passion for scholarship. With Xiao Ran's idea, this matter will surely succeed!"

He recalled his previous worries about Li Tai, and now he felt a sudden sense of relief:
"I was worried that he would not be able to let go of his obsession with the throne, but I did not expect that he could change his mind so quickly and devote himself to his studies."

"If this 'Zhenguan Grand Ceremony' can be successfully held, it will be a major cultural event of the Zhenguan era, showcasing the grandeur of our Great Tang Dynasty more than any political achievement!"

"However," Empress Zhangsun hesitated slightly, "compiling such a monumental work must have been incredibly expensive, requiring astronomical amounts of manpower and resources."

"What does money matter!"

Li Shimin waved his hand and said firmly, "Even if I have to scrimp and save, I will support this!"

"By imperial decree, immediately allocate funds from the Imperial Treasury as start-up capital for the compilation of the Zhenguan Encyclopedia."

"Order local officials to assist in collecting books from all over the land, and reward anyone who donates a book!"

"Furthermore, let renowned scholars such as Yu Shinan and Chu Suiliang assist Qingque in assembling the compilation team!"

He looked at Empress Zhangsun, his face full of satisfaction:

"It is Qingque's good fortune that he has such ambition, and it is also the good fortune of the Tang Dynasty."

"I was thinking about how to appease him, but now it seems I was overthinking it."

"Xiao Ran is indeed a wise child, able to enlighten Qing Que and lead him to such a good path!"

Li Shimin picked up paper and pen and personally wrote down the reply, his tone earnest and solemn:
"My dear Qingque, I am greatly pleased to read your letter. Your intention to compile the 'Zhenguan Encyclopedia' is a meritorious deed that will benefit future generations, and I fully support you!"

"You may report any necessary personnel, financial resources, and materials, and I will grant them all. I hope you will devote yourself to your studies, remain true to your original aspirations, and present this magnificent work to me as soon as possible, bringing glory to our Great Tang Dynasty!"

After finishing writing, he personally handed the letter to Li Wu: "Send it to Kaolao Village immediately and give it to Qingque in person. Tell Qingque that I am waiting for his good news!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Li Wu quickly took the letter.

Li Wu received the decree and left, and the atmosphere in the hall became increasingly lighthearted.

Empress Zhangsun looked at Li Shimin's spirited appearance and said with a smile:

"Now that's perfect! The eldest son is firmly seated on the throne, Qingque is focused on his studies, the brothers are harmonious, and the literary tradition is flourishing. This is truly the prosperous Zhenguan era!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's smile deepened, and he turned to Empress Zhangsun, saying with emotion:
"Your Majesty is right. Xiao Ran has made a great contribution!"

He stroked his beard, his eyes filled with admiration for Xiao Ran:

"When I first saw that he could come up with ideas for washing coal and make roasted chestnuts and persimmon cakes, I thought he was a genius who understood people's livelihood and had ingenuity."

"Unexpectedly, he not only manages to feed the people, but also plans for the long-term development of the Tang Dynasty's cultural heritage!"

"Qingque was able to let go of her obsession and devote herself to her studies entirely because of his enlightenment."

"This unprecedented concept of the 'Zhenguan Grand Ceremony' also originated from his planning."

"At such a young age, he possesses both the practical skills to govern the country and the foresight to carry on a thousand-year-old tradition. Such insight and wisdom are truly rare!"

Li Shimin became increasingly satisfied with what Zhang Anan said, and immediately instructed him:

"Zhang Anan, immediately take men to the inner palace and retrieve one hundred taels of gold, fifty bolts of brocade, and a thousand reams of fine Xuan paper. Also, select twenty rare volumes of books treasured in the palace and send them all to Xiao Ran's residence in Kaolao Village!"

He paused, then added, "Furthermore, by imperial decree: Xiao Ran's proposal to compile the 'Zhenguan Encyclopedia' is a meritorious deed that will last for generations. He is hereby granted 100 acres of fertile land and a silver plaque inscribed 'Wenyuan Assists in Governance,' and is permitted to enter the palace at any time to discuss matters!"

Zhang Anan bowed and accepted the decree: "Your subject obeys!"

Li Shimin watched Zhang Anan's departing figure and smiled at Empress Zhangsun:

"This child is kind-hearted and talented. I will reward him handsomely so that the world will know that I will never mistreat those who do practical things for the Tang Dynasty and offer good advice!"

Before long, Zhang Anan set off with a large procession of people to bestow rewards, heading towards Kaolao Village.

The golden imperial edict, the glittering gold and silver, the magnificent brocade, and the boxes of precious books all demonstrated the emperor's high regard and favor towards Xiao Ran.

Soon, Li Wu returned to Kaolao Village and gave the letter to Li Tai.

As soon as Li Wu handed the letter to Li Tai, he eagerly tore open the envelope, his fingertips trembling slightly with excitement.

His gaze swept across the letter, and Li Shimin's familiar and solemn handwriting came into view. With each sentence he read, his eyes brightened, and the eagerness between his brows gradually turned into uncontrollable ecstasy.

"Father! Father fully supports you!" Li Tai clenched the letter tightly, his voice choked with emotion as he repeatedly read, "Any manpower, resources, or materials required can be reported, and I will grant them all." The smile on his lips could no longer be contained, shining as brightly as the midday sun.

He recalled his previous concerns about funding and manpower, but now all of them vanished, leaving only boundless anticipation for the future.

The Emperor not only allocated funds from the Imperial Treasury, but also ordered local governments to collect books and dispatch renowned scholars to assist him. This substantial support further strengthened his resolve to compile the "Zhenguan Encyclopedia".

"That's great! That's great!"

Li Tai paced back and forth for a moment, then suddenly turned around and ran towards Xiao Ran's room.

He was overjoyed and wanted to share this good news with the person who had enlightened him and shown him the way.

"Young master! Young master!"

Li Tai pushed open Xiao Ran's door, his tone urgent and excited, the letter in his hand still trembling slightly, "Father has approved it! He fully supports our compilation of the Zhenguan Encyclopedia!"

Xiao Ran was not surprised by this; it was a matter of course.

Li Shimin's reign of Zhenguan required such a monumental work!
The chaos and war at the end of the Sui Dynasty led to the burning and loss of a large number of ancient books, and the cultural heritage was almost completely severed.

Although the nation's strength gradually increased during the Zhenguan era, its "civil administration" was still weak. A comprehensive encyclopedia could systematically organize the classics of the world, allowing the wisdom of the ancients to be passed on.

Infuse the prosperous era with cultural soul, so that "Zhenguan" is not only a period of political and economic prosperity, but also a period of cultural flourishing.

Li Shimin always aimed to be a "wise ruler" and aspired to surpass the emperors of previous dynasties.

Compiling a monumental work like the Zhenguan Encyclopedia not only demonstrated his foresight in "promoting cultural governance and passing on the cultural heritage," but also showcased the strength and grandeur of the Tang Dynasty to the world.

Only a prosperous era could accomplish such a massive cultural project, which was exactly the "Zhenguan era atmosphere" that Li Shimin desired.

The encyclopedia, which includes classics, historical texts, philosophical works, agricultural and craft information, can benefit people from all walks of life, allowing them to feel the dynasty's emphasis on "knowledge" and "people's livelihood."

At the same time, the unification and inheritance of culture can enhance people's sense of identity with the Tang Dynasty, so that the Zhenguan era not only has "hard power" but also "soft power".

Once completed!
This grand encyclopedia will become a model for the organization of ancient culture, and its comprehensive compilation concept and style will influence the compilation of encyclopedias for hundreds of years to come.

The Zhenguan era will also become a "golden age" of cultural inheritance because of this book, completely shaking off the impression of cultural desolation brought about by the wars at the end of the Sui Dynasty.

At that time, neighboring countries sent envoys to learn about Tang culture, and the creation of the Zhenguan Encyclopedia would make the Tang Dynasty the cultural center of East Asia.

The envoys brought back not only the contents of the classics, but also awe for the "Prosperous Reign of Zhenguan," extending the influence of the Tang Dynasty from military and economic fields to the cultural field and consolidating its status as the Celestial Empire.

When later generations mention the reign of Zhenguan, in addition to "Fang Xizhi's strategic planning and Du Fu's decisive action" and "Wei Zheng's straightforward remonstrance," they will also think of the cultural masterpiece "The Great Canon of Zhenguan."

It transformed "Zhenguan" from a mere reign title into a synonym for "political clarity, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing," greatly elevating the historical status of the Zhenguan era and making it a "template" for later golden ages.

Xiao Ran also glanced at the contents of Li Shimin's letter.

“There should be quite a few people coming from Kaolao Village.” Xiao Ran walked out of the room and found Zhang Dalang.

Tell him to go to the village and find someone to build a house.

Now that winter is approaching, the villagers have a bit more free time and there are enough people to build houses.

Not long after, Li Shimin's reward for Xiao Ran arrived.

"What's going on today?" Li Ke was completely exhausted; there was just too much stuff.

"This is a reward from your grandfather to the young master for his suggestion to compile the Zhenguan Encyclopedia."

Although it was meant for Xiao Ran, Li Lizhi was even happier than Xiao Ran.

Zhang Dalang, Cheng Chumo, Qin Huaidao, and the others temporarily put aside their glassmaking work and helped move things.

Zhang Erya and Zhang Jinhe and the others vacated another room.

Xiao Ran's house also needs to be expanded.

As the number of people increases, we need to find help with the work; we can't let Zhang Erya and the others keep doing this.

This is a problem that Xiao Ran overlooked.

Now that Xiao Ran is considered a wealthy family, it's not unreasonable for him to hire some long-term workers for his household.

In the evening, Yu Shinan, Kong Yingda, Chu Liang and the others returned to the courtyard. It wasn't time for dinner yet, so they chatted idly with Li Yuan and Sun Simiao as usual.

Li Taixing excitedly recounted the compilation of the "Zhenguan Encyclopedia" and Li Shimin's full support in approving it.

The scholars who had been chatting suddenly stopped talking, their eyes filled with surprise and excitement, and smiles gradually spread across their faces.

Yu Shinan stroked his white beard, his eyes gleaming with reverence and enthusiasm for classical texts, his voice trembling with barely concealed excitement:
"The Zhenguan Encyclopedia? It encompasses everything and organizes all the scattered classics in the world? This is truly a monumental event!"

"During the chaos of the late Sui Dynasty, the wisdom of so many sages was lost to the flames. Whenever I think of this, I feel deeply saddened."

"With the imperial court's strong support and the Fourth Prince taking the lead, this is the perfect opportunity to rescue our cultural heritage and pass on our classics!"

As a master of classical studies, Kong Yingda was well aware of the blow that the loss of classical texts dealt to the transmission of scholarship. He nodded repeatedly, his tone firm:
“Excellent! Excellent! The classics, histories, philosophical works and literary collections are the roots of Chinese civilization, and agriculture, sericulture and crafts are the foundation of people’s livelihood. If we can systematically organize this knowledge, it will not only provide students with a basis for their studies, but also allow future generations to know the wisdom of our ancestors.”

"This matter will benefit future generations, and I am willing to dedicate all my knowledge to assisting in the compilation of this great encyclopedia!"

Several renowned scholars were very supportive, and Li Tai invited them to another room to discuss the grand ceremony.

Only Li Yuan, Empress Xiao, and Sun Simiao remained.

"This kid is not bad, not bad!" Li Yuan was genuinely happy for the Tang Dynasty.

"Qingque will be quite busy from now on." Empress Xiao picked up her teacup and took a sip.

Sun Simiao glanced in Xiao Ran's direction, still admiring Xiao Ran more.

Sun Simiao had previously intended to continue traveling the world, but now he truly couldn't leave.

There are still many things to do, and what we are doing here is very meaningful.

Xiao Ran is also an interesting person.

Sun Simiao didn't know how long he would stay here.

The courtyard was filled with the aroma of food; it was almost time for dinner.

The little princess led several other little princesses around, calling others to eat.

Princess Gaoyang has integrated very well; once she arrived, she didn't want to go back at all.

I think this place is more fun than the palace.

After the meal, the elderly people enjoyed a cup of tea, and Xiao Ran and Li Lizhi also sat in the courtyard.

Li Lizhi held Xiao Ran's hand, "Young master, thank you!"

Xiao Ran was a great help, not only to the Tang Dynasty, but also to Li Shimin's family.

"Fifth Sister, you're being too polite!" (End of Chapter)