The Fierce Teacher of Zhenguan: Starting with Teaching the Crown Prince to Make a Comeback

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The solemn atmosphere in the Liangyi Hall had not completely dissipated. Li Shimin sat alone behind his desk, his fingers still unconsciously tapping the table. The urgent report of the locust plague in Shandong was spread out in front of him, and every word weighed heavily on his heart.

Money and grain, officialdom, public sentiment... a myriad of issues, like a tangled mess.

Just then, a clear voice from an attendant came from outside the hall.

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince requests an audience."

Li Shimin raised his eyes, somewhat surprised.

What is Gao Ming doing at this time?
He composed himself and said in a deep voice, "Summon."

The palace door was gently pushed open, and Li Chengqian stepped inside.

His steps were still somewhat unsteady due to his foot ailment, but his back was straight, and his face carried a calmness that Li Shimin had only recently become familiar with. However, beneath that calmness, there seemed to be a suppressed urgency and determination.

"My son, I will meet my father."

Li Chengqian walked to the imperial desk and paid his respects according to etiquette.

"No need for formalities," Li Shimin said, looking at him.

"What urgent matter brings you to see me at this hour?"

His gaze swept over Li Chengqian's slightly pale face, and recalling his "heart ailment" from a few days ago, his tone unconsciously softened.

"You are just recovering from your illness and need to rest more. You don't need to overwork yourself."

Li Chengqian stood up, but instead of bowing his head to listen to the instructions as usual, he raised his head and looked directly at Li Shimin.

"Father, I have come here specifically to discuss the locust plague in Shandong."

"Oh?" Li Shimin's eyebrows twitched slightly. "What are your thoughts?"

He had some doubts. Although the Crown Prince had performed well recently, his main focus was on the bonds of Xizhou and the affairs of the relocated people. What could he possibly think about the sudden natural disaster?
"I am deeply troubled to hear of the dire situation in Shandong."

Li Chengqian's voice was not loud, but it was exceptionally clear.

"Your Majesty, I wish to request permission to personally go to the disaster-stricken area in Shandong Province to oversee the disaster relief efforts."

Upon hearing this, the air in the Liangyi Hall seemed to freeze for a moment.

Li Shimin leaned forward slightly, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes as he stared intently at Li Chengqian.

"What did you say? Go to Shandong in person?"

"Yes!" Li Chengqian answered decisively, without the slightest hesitation.

"Your subject knows that this locust plague is no small matter and cannot be quelled by a few imperial edicts and a little money and grain."

"Local officials may be negligent or unwilling to implement policies, which inevitably leads to a compromise in the execution of government orders."

"Your subject believes that only the Crown Prince's personal presence can deter the villains, inspire the local people, coordinate the overall situation, and ensure that all disaster relief measures are implemented quickly and effectively, so as to save as many disaster victims as possible and stabilize the situation."

Li Shimin did not speak, but simply looked at Li Chengqian.

He saw the unwavering resolve in his son's eyes, a sense of responsibility he had rarely seen in Li Chengqian before.

This is not a rash statement made on impulse, but a petition made after careful consideration.

A complex mix of emotions welled up in Li Shimin's heart: surprise, scrutiny, and an indescribable sense of...gratification.

"Going to the disaster area in person... is no child's play."

Li Shimin spoke slowly, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger.

"The situation in the disaster area is complex; disease and chaos are both possible. As the crown prince, you are responsible for the foundation of the nation. How can you so easily take such a risk?"

He was testing Li Chengqian, trying to gauge just how determined he was.

"Father!" Li Chengqian's voice rose slightly, tinged with urgency.

"Precisely because I am the Crown Prince, the Emperor's son, I should step forward at this critical moment for the nation! How can I remain in the Eastern Palace, sit idly by and watch the people suffer, and place all the heavy burdens on the shoulders of the Emperor and the officials in the court?"

He took a deep breath and continued, "Your subject is aware of the risks. However, it is the duty of the crown prince to speak out for the people and share the burdens of the country."

Li Shimin stopped tapping.

He looked at Li Chengqian's cheeks, which were slightly flushed with excitement, and the light in his eyes reminded him of his own youth, that sharpness, and that reckless drive.

He remained silent for a moment before saying, "Since you have this intention, I am very pleased."

He spoke the words "very gratified" with great solemnity.

“However,” Li Shimin changed the subject.

"Since you're going, you're surely not going without empty words. Tell me, what are your plans? To control the locusts? To provide relief? What effective strategies do you have that are better than the court's usual methods?"

He needed to know whether there was a feasible strategy to match the Crown Prince's determination.

This is not just a matter of courage, but also a matter of ability.

Li Chengqian steadied himself and clearly articulated the countermeasures he had repeatedly discussed with Li Yichen.

"Your Majesty, I believe that this disaster relief effort requires a multi-pronged approach and a departure from some old practices."

"Firstly, the method of extinguishing the disease must be appropriate. Your subject suggests that the court should standardize the production of a batch of long-handled nets, sticky poles, and other tools, and distribute them to the disaster area, or have the local areas make imitations. With the cooperation of several people, the efficiency is far better than extinguishing the disease by hand."

"At the same time, large amounts of lime can be spread in the fields where locusts gather. Lime is dry and can damage locusts, slowing their spread and buying time for eradication. Both of these methods are aimed at improving the effectiveness of eradication."

Li Shimin listened and nodded slightly.

Making specialized tools and spreading lime was a more meticulous approach than simply ordering the people to beat the ground.

Li Chengqian continued, "Secondly, regarding grain prices and relief. Your Majesty... Your Majesty believes that we should not forcibly suppress grain prices this time."

"Hmm?" Li Shimin frowned. This statement was completely different from what Tang Jian and the others had just discussed.

"Why? Allowing food prices to skyrocket is tantamount to exploiting disaster victims."

"Father, you are wise." Li Chengqian calmly explained Li Yichen's theory of the "invisible hand" in language he could understand.

“If prices are forcibly suppressed, grain merchants will not be able to make a profit and will inevitably hide the grain or turn it into the black market. At that time, there will be no grain to buy on the market, and even if the disaster victims have money and silk, they will not be able to survive. This is driving the people to their deaths.”

"On the contrary, if grain prices are allowed to rise moderately, grain merchants will see that there is profit to be made and will transport grain to disaster areas for sale. Grain merchants in the surrounding areas and even distant places will also follow suit. As the grain supply increases, although prices are high, a balance will naturally be formed, and they will not rise indefinitely."

"This is to take advantage of the merchants' desire for profit and to divert grain supplies. The priority is to make grain circulate so that disaster victims have grain to buy. Even if the price is high, it is better than having a price but no market."

He paused, noticing a thoughtful look in his father's eyes, and knew that his words had had an effect. He then continued, "However, with rising grain prices, the poor and disaster-stricken people will certainly be unable to afford to buy it. Therefore, the court must intervene forcefully."

"Your subject proposes that the court should allocate funds and grain to set up soup kitchens to directly relieve the poorest and most destitute people."

"On the other hand, we vigorously promoted work-for-relief programs!"

"Work relief instead of work relief?" Li Shimin repeated the somewhat unfamiliar term.

“That’s right,” Li Chengqian explained.

"That is, the government organizes disaster victims to participate in projects such as locust control, digging pits to bury locusts, repairing roads and houses, and preparing firewood to burn locusts, and pays them with money and rice according to their work."

"In this way, the disaster victims can earn a living by working hard, thus preserving their sense of shame and their habit of diligence."

"The government was able to use its manpower to carry out disaster relief work, and the use of money and grain was traceable. The local area was also able to repair and restore its vitality."

“This is far better than simply distributing relief, which only breeds laziness and injustice. It is a better way to turn consumption into construction.” A glint flashed in Li Shimin’s eyes.

"Work relief"... This is a novel approach, but upon closer examination, it is indeed much more effective than simply distributing porridge!
It can provide relief, get things done, and maintain public morale and stability.

The more Li Chengqian spoke, the smoother his thoughts became.

"Furthermore, the use of grain stored in the Ever-Normal Granary and its release into the market at opportune times is not intended to suppress prices, but rather to demonstrate the court's control, increase supply, and mitigate excessive fluctuations. In this way, by combining guidance and control, we can find a way out of disaster."

He did not mention the idea of ​​"eating locusts," as it was too shocking. He planned to conduct a small-scale experiment if the situation became extremely critical in the disaster area. It was not appropriate to bring it up in front of his father at this time, as it would only increase opposition and suspicion.

As Li Shimin listened to the Crown Prince's clear, logical, bold, and pragmatic statement, waves of shock washed over him.

This is something a prince who only knows how to read the classics could never have come up with!

It contains profound insights into human nature, a simple understanding of economic laws, and a pragmatic spirit that is not bound by conventions.

His gaze toward Li Chengqian was full of inquiry, but even more so, it was filled with an irrepressible admiration and joy.

"Good! Good! Good!" Li Shimin said "good" three times in a row, and finally a genuine smile appeared on his face for the first time since receiving the disaster report.

"Brilliant! Your foresight and your ability to propose such a comprehensive and insightful strategy have greatly pleased me!"

"The fact that the Crown Prince possesses such responsibility and such strategic acumen is truly a blessing for the Tang Dynasty and a boon for the people!"

He stood up, walked around the imperial desk, and went to Li Chengqian, patting him hard on the shoulder.

"I grant your permission! You are authorized to personally go to Shandong to oversee disaster relief efforts!"

"Thank you, Father Emperor!" Li Chengqian felt a great weight lifted from his heart and bowed deeply in gratitude.

“However,” Li Shimin looked at him, his expression regaining some of the solemnity of an emperor.

"Since you intend to go in person, you must act with proper authority and clearly define your responsibilities. What kind of support do you need from me? Money and provisions? Manpower?"

Li Chengqian straightened up, his gaze resolute.

"Your subject dares not overdraw on the national treasury. As for the matter of money and provisions, your subject is willing to shoulder the responsibility!"

"Oh?" Li Shimin was surprised again. "You're going to take full responsibility? How will you do that?"

"Your subject requests that, in the name of the Crown Prince's Palace, a second batch of 'disaster relief bonds' be issued, with a total amount of 50,000 strings of cash."

"This bond issuance allows for the purchase of grain at a discounted price. The court will calculate the price at a fair value slightly higher than the current market price, which will directly attract grain merchants to transport grain to disaster areas or designated official granaries, saving the court the cost of purchasing and transporting grain."

"At the same time, some refined salt can still be exchanged. In this way, the money and food urgently needed for disaster relief can be raised quickly."

A look of admiration flashed in Li Shimin's eyes.

Using bonds to directly absorb grain is a clever method!

This not only solved part of the grain supply problem, but also avoided excessive consumption of the national treasury, and could further stabilize or even expand the credit of the bonds.

The Crown Prince's methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

"Approved!" Li Shimin said without hesitation. "You are in charge of handling this matter. The Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Household Department must fully cooperate."

"Thank you, Father Emperor!" Li Chengqian expressed his gratitude again. Then, he raised his head, looked intently at Li Shimin, and made his most crucial request.

“Father, now that I have gone to Shandong, I am representing the court and you, Father. I... require full authority!”

He emphasized the word "full authority".

"The situation in the disaster area is changing rapidly. If we consult the imperial court on everything, the back-and-forth trips will be delayed and may cause serious problems."

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you grant me the power to make decisions on an ad hoc basis, including the allocation of disaster relief materials, the appointment of personnel, and the reward, punishment, promotion, and demotion of local officials."

"Even in extraordinary times, when it is necessary to stabilize the situation, I may take all the necessary measures first and report back afterwards!"

Li Chengqian's heart was beating very fast.

This demand was very audacious; it was almost a request for absolute power in Shandong Province.

He knew this might arouse his father's suspicion, but he also knew that without this power, he would likely be sidelined by those officials who outwardly obeyed but inwardly defied him when he arrived in his post.

The various strategies taught by Li Yichen were also difficult to implement.

Li Shimin remained silent.

He stared at Li Chengqian with a gaze as sharp as a knife, as if trying to pierce through his body and reach the deepest part of his heart.

Granting the crown prince such great temporary power carries obvious risks.

This is not only a test of ability, but also a test of character.

The hall was eerily quiet.

Li Chengqian could feel the immense pressure from his father's scrutinizing gaze, but he did not back down. He stood tall with a calm and composed look in his eyes.

After a long silence, Li Shimin spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful.

"I grant your request."

Li Chengqian felt a sudden sense of relief, almost unable to suppress the surging emotions within him.

"I hereby issue a decree appointing you as the 'Governor-General of Disaster Relief Affairs in Shandong Province,' bestowing upon you a banner and insignia. All civil and military officials in Shandong Province shall regard you as if I were personally present!"

"All matters related to disaster relief shall be decided by you on the spot; there is no need to report to me for every matter!"

“Father!” Li Chengqian’s voice was choked with emotion.

"Your Majesty, I will not fail your trust! I will do my utmost to quell the locust plague and appease the people! If I cannot stabilize the situation in Shandong, I will have no face to face Your Majesty!"

Looking at his son in front of him, Li Shimin's heart was also filled with turbulent emotions.

He witnessed Li Chengqian's growth and saw his heavy sense of responsibility, which made him, as a father, more gratified than any political achievement he had made.

"Go back and prepare well, select capable personnel, and handle the bond matter as soon as possible. List the officials and guards you need and report them to me. I will have the Hundred Cavalry Command deploy elite troops to protect you."

"Yes! Your subject obeys the decree!" Li Chengqian stood up, suppressing his excitement.

"Go then," Li Shimin waved his hand. "I will await your news in Chang'an."

Li Chengqian bowed again, then turned around and walked out of the Liangyi Hall with steps that were still somewhat unsteady but extremely firm.

Li Shimin stood there for a long time, watching his figure disappear outside the palace gate.

The look of satisfaction on his face gradually faded, replaced by a deep contemplation.

Those ingenious disaster relief strategies, especially the insights on food prices and "work relief," were anything but ordinary.

Has the person hidden in the mist exerted their influence once again?

What was his purpose in supporting the Crown Prince's trip to the disaster area?
Was it to allow the crown prince to achieve great deeds and win the hearts of the people?
Or is there another plan?

Li Shimin walked to the palace window and looked out at the deep night.

He chose to believe and let the prince take the plunge.

This is not only a test for the crown prince, but perhaps also an opportunity to lure out the big fish lurking in the shadows.

"Summon Li Junxian," he whispered to the empty hall.

　I have a question for everyone: do you think a chapter should be 2,000 words, 4,000 words, or 6,000 words like the last one?
　　
　
(End of this chapter)