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

Chapter 149: Stirring up the hearts of the entire world.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath, trying to digest the enormous amount of information and the impact of Li Yichen's words.

Advocating for learning, spreading poetry, and vying for cultural discourse power and people's hearts...

This is no longer just a power struggle; it is an attempt to break down the cultural class barriers that have stood for centuries!
Seeing the thoughtful glint in his eyes, Li Yichen knew that he needed to give him a grander goal and a sense of mission to unify these seemingly scattered strategies.

"Your Highness, governing a country and bringing peace to the world is not something that can be accomplished overnight, nor can it be accomplished by one generation. Every great ruler has the mission and responsibility bestowed upon him by his time."

Li Chengqian's expression turned solemn.

"Please enlighten me, sir."

"Qin Shi Huang, Ying Zheng, built upon the legacy of six generations, wielded his long-term strategies to govern the world, annexed the two Zhou dynasties and destroyed the feudal lords, ascended to the supreme position and ruled the six directions, standardized writing, cart tracks, and ethical conduct, and unified weights and measures."

"He ended centuries of war and strife, laying the foundation for the unification of China. This was his responsibility to the times, and he fulfilled it. Although the Qin Dynasty only lasted for two generations, his system served as a model for future generations."

Li Chengqian nodded in agreement. He had heard the Grand Tutor talk about this since he was a child, but hearing it now made him feel particularly different.

"Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, rose in rebellion by slaying a white snake with a three-foot sword, defeated the tyrannical Qin, and overthrew the powerful Chu, thus establishing the Han Dynasty's four-hundred-year reign. Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, attacked the Xiongnu in the north, pacified the Baiyue in the south, secured Korea in the east, and opened up the Western Regions in the west, expanding the territory to thousands of miles. He also 'dismissed all other schools of thought and exclusively honored Confucianism.' Although later generations have had mixed opinions on his policies, he truly made the word 'Han' the unchanging name for our people for thousands of years!"

"They instilled in the Chinese nation a strong sense of unity and high morale. This is their responsibility in this era."

Li Chengqian's breathing quickened slightly as he recalled the vast historical records, such as the Records of the Grand Historian and the Book of Han, and those years of war and turmoil.

"Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu rebuilt the Han Dynasty, restored the Han court, healed the wounds of war, and revitalized the government."

"Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, ended the division between the North and the South, reunified China, and ushered in the Kaihuang Era of Prosperity. He reformed the system and accumulated national strength. He and his predecessors carried on the legacy and maintained the lifeline and prosperity of Chinese civilization."

He looked intently at Li Chengqian.

"Now that the Tang Dynasty has been established, and His Majesty has ushered in the Zhenguan era of prosperity, the world is at peace, and the nation's strength is increasing day by day. In this era, Your Highness, what do you think the Tang Dynasty's responsibilities lie?"

"Your Highness, as the Crown Prince, what responsibilities do you intend to shoulder in the future?"

Li Chengqian was utterly shocked by the question.

Never before has he stood at such a grand historical perspective to contemplate the mission of an era and a dynasty.

He murmured, "The historical responsibility of the Tang Dynasty?"

“That’s right.” Li Yichen said firmly.

"Your Majesty has quelled most of the external threats, and the governance of the internal affairs is also beginning to show results. However, the real threat to the world may not be external, but internal."

"It lies in the monopoly of power, resources, and knowledge held by powerful clans and aristocratic families over hundreds of years!"

"It's because talented people from poor families have no way to rise to the top! It's because the vast majority of ordinary people are firmly bound to the land, with little chance to breathe!"

"These invisible shackles bind the people's strength and also the nation's destiny!"

"Your Highness!"

Li Yichen's voice suddenly rose, carrying a deafening power.

"Break the monopoly of powerful clans on official careers and scholarship, and spread the seeds of learning to a wider range of people as much as possible!"

"Let the talents of more people be put to use by the empire! Let the saying 'From a peasant in the morning to a high official in the evening' no longer just a miracle for a lucky few, but a possibility that can be looked forward to!"

"This may take decades, or even centuries, of effort, but there must be someone, someone at the core of power, to start this and sow the first seed!"

He stared into Li Chengqian's eyes and spoke, word by word.

"Your Highness's actions in Shandong—dismissing corrupt officials, rectifying officialdom, and providing disaster relief—have already broken down old malpractices."

"Now, encouraging learning and supporting underprivileged students is an attempt to establish a new order!"

"This will lay a deeper foundation for talent and inject more vitality into the Tang Dynasty and the world! This move will benefit the present and future generations!"

Li Chengqian felt as if a thunderclap had exploded in his mind, and all the blood in his body seemed to rush to the top of his head at that moment, making his ears ring and his heart pound like a drum.

Break the monopoly of aristocratic families! Open up avenues for those from humble backgrounds! Sow the seeds of education!
The responsibility of our times...

These words struck his preconceived notions like heavy hammer blows, and also like a beam of light that instantly illuminated his previously confused and narrow vision.

An unprecedented sense of mission, a grander and more fervent emotion, surged and flowed within his heart!
For myself, I no longer just want to survive, but to realize this ambition!
For the sake of the people, we must not only pay lip service to "benevolent governance," but also genuinely open up channels for their advancement so that the talents of more people are not buried!

Yes! That's all he has to do!

Supporting the talented and virtuous, advocating for learning, breaking the monopoly, and injecting new vitality into the Tang Dynasty and the world!

This might be more appealing and more worthwhile for him to fight for than simply vying for the throne!
Li Chengqian's chest heaved violently, and his eyes gleamed with an almost fanatical light.

He looked at Li Yichen, his voice hoarse with excitement, yet filled with an unprecedented firmness and clarity.

"Sir... I... I understand! I completely understand!"

"All the confusion, resentment, and unwillingness I felt before seem so insignificant now! How short-sighted I am, confined to the corner of the Eastern Palace, and trapped in the struggle between father and son, and between brothers!"

"Father Emperor created a golden age. If I am able to inherit the throne, my task is not merely to maintain the status quo! Rather, it is to carry on the legacy and become... the one who ushers in a new era!"

"To sow the seeds of learning, to break the shackles of social classes, and to bring all the talents of the world into the embrace of the Tang Dynasty! This is... this is the ambition of our students!"

He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, as if he wanted to hold onto this newly established ambition firmly.

Looking at the transformed look in Li Chengqian's eyes, Li Yichen knew that this guidance had finally touched the depths of his soul.

He bowed slightly, his tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of relief.

"Your Highness's ability to make such a grand ambition is truly a blessing for the world. The road ahead will inevitably be difficult, with the backlash from powerful families, resistance from the old system, and a shortage of resources all looming ahead. However, as long as Your Highness remains steadfast in your resolve and proceeds step by step with caution, this matter... while the credit may not necessarily go to Your Highness, the process can begin with Your Highness."

Li Chengqian nodded emphatically.

My gaze fell upon the distant land, which still appeared somewhat desolate under the blazing sun.

But at this moment, what he saw was not just the devastation after the disaster, but a vast field waiting to be sown with seeds and to be reborn.

His goal became clearer than ever before.

"Before returning to Chang'an, I will act according to your plan, Master. I will support those from middle-class families, encourage those who travel west, recommend talented individuals, and promote a culture of learning!"

His voice was steady and powerful.

"Let's start from this land of Shandong and sow the seeds of learning!"

The Crown Prince's temporary residence was brightly lit with candles.

Li Chengqian dismissed his attendants, leaving only Dou Jing and Wang Cong. His expression was calm, the excitement he had shown during his conversation with Li Yichen in the fields earlier that day replaced by a resolute composure.

“Minister Dou, Minister Wang,” Li Chengqian said, his voice low but carrying an undeniable determination.

"I am about to return home, and the matters in Shandong need to be finalized. There are two things that you two must do immediately without fail."

Dou Jing and Wang Cong exchanged a glance, both seeing solemnity in each other's eyes, and replied in unison, "Your Majesty, we will obey your command."

“Firstly,” Li Chengqian said, his gaze sweeping over the two men.

"I wish to promote a culture of learning in Shandong, encouraging children from poor and middle-class families to study hard and aspire to higher education. You two should widely disseminate this poem, 'The wealthy need not buy fertile fields, for books hold a thousand bushels of grain… If a man wishes to fulfill his life's ambition, he should diligently study the Five Classics by the window,' under the name 'Hearing the words of the ancient sages,' among the scholars. Make sure to make the gesture clear, so that the students of Shandong can feel my thirst for talent and my encouragement to pursue learning."

Upon hearing this, Dou Jing and Wang Cong were slightly taken aback, and then their faces simultaneously showed shock.

They were not illiterate; they instantly grasped the immense power and subversive nature contained in the poem!
This is simply laying out the path of "excelling in studies leads to officialdom" in the most straightforward and tempting way in front of all those who yearn to change their destiny!
"Your Highness...this poem..."

Dou Jing realized that behind this seemingly simple "advocacy of learning" lay a far-reaching scheme.

"No need to ask where it comes from, just do it."

Li Chengqian interrupted him, his tone calm yet unquestionable.

"Secondly, regarding the vacancies created by the previously dismissed officials, especially those in the prefectures and counties, you two, together with the accompanying officials from the Ministry of Personnel, should draft a list of recommended candidates as soon as possible."

"The selection of candidates will focus on those from middle-class families in Shandong who have fallen on hard times and have not had a smooth career, but who have a reputation for talent or have shown diligence in this disaster relief effort."

"I will recommend them for acting official positions based on their ability to assist in government affairs and their familiarity with the local area, and then report this to the court."

Wang Cong gasped.

Your Highness is going to personally support a new force in Shandong that is dependent on the Crown Prince!
This is not just about division and disintegration, but about driving a wedge into the traditional territory of powerful families!
The two were filled with turmoil, but looking into the Crown Prince's calm and resolute eyes, all their doubts and shock were suppressed.

His Highness the Crown Prince's depth of thought and precision of action far exceeded their expectations.

"Your subject... understands!" Dou Jing was the first to react, bowing deeply.

"Your Highness is farsighted. If these two strategies succeed, the landscape of Shandong will be completely transformed! We will certainly do our utmost to accomplish this task!"

"Your subject obeys!" Wang Cong followed closely behind, his tone tinged with excitement.

If they can participate in and facilitate this matter, their own political future will be closely tied to the Crown Prince and this new force.

"Go, and be quick. Get the news out before I leave Shandong."

Li Chengqian waved his hand.

The two bowed and withdrew, their backs already covered in a fine layer of sweat.

They knew that the Crown Prince's seemingly calm arrangement was actually two thunderbolts thrown at Shandong and even the entire political situation of the Tang Dynasty.

The next few days.

With the vigorous promotion of the officials under the Crown Prince, the poem "In books there are thousands of bushels of grain, in books there are houses of gold..." quickly spread among the students in Yanzhou, Linyi and other places.

At first, it was just a small-scale whisper, but then it spread like wildfire throughout the entire Shilin district of Shandong Province.

Countless impoverished scholars from ordinary families, who studied diligently and tirelessly, felt a surge of passion rush to their heads upon hearing this poem, as if they had suddenly seen a guiding light in the darkness!

They chanted repeatedly, too excited to sleep.

It turns out that studying is not a hopeless dream; His Highness the Crown Prince approves of this path!

His Highness is encouraging them!
Those from "middle-class" families who were secretly contacted by Dou Jing and Wang Cong and listed as potential candidates for recommendation were overwhelmed with gratitude.

Their ancestors may have been wealthy in the past, but now they are overwhelmed by the power of top clans like Cui and Lu, and their careers have been thwarted.

The Crown Prince's favor and recommendation were like rain after a long drought for them, and the only hope for their family's resurgence!

Overwhelmed with gratitude, their loyalty to the Crown Prince skyrocketed.

Just as Li Chengqian's imperial carriage quietly left Shandong and embarked on its return journey, news of the Crown Prince's vigorous promotion of learning and his exceptional recommendation of talented individuals from average and humble families in Shandong to serve as local officials spread like wildfire throughout Shandong, even before he arrived, causing a huge sensation and rapidly spreading to surrounding prefectures.

The scholars spread the news, and morale soared.

The image of the crown prince instantly became incredibly lofty in their minds.

He was no longer the crown prince who was far away in Chang'an and high above others, but a wise ruler who understood their suffering and was willing to pave the way for them!

The news eventually reached Chang'an.

Inside the Liangyi Hall, Li Shimin held the secret report from the Hundred Cavalry Commandery and several routine memorials from Shandong officials, remaining silent for a long time.

His fingers tapped unconsciously on the imperial desk, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

"The wealthy need not buy fertile fields, for books contain abundant grain... The peaceful dwelling need not build grand mansions, for books contain houses of gold..."

He read the poem aloud in a low voice, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

These lines of poetry, straightforward and even somewhat colloquial, are like a precise awl, piercing the core of the problem.

Its persuasive power and wide reach far surpassed any of his previous edicts and sermons that encouraged learning.

Li Shimin certainly wanted to break the monopoly of powerful clans and recruit talented people from humble backgrounds.
The imperial examination system was implemented for this very purpose.

However, there were many obstacles and progress was slow.

But Gao Ming... he went to Shandong to do disaster relief and somehow managed to cause such a big commotion!
In this almost "seductive" yet irreproachable way, the idea that "studying can change one's destiny" was directly planted in the hearts of countless poor scholars!
What's even more impressive is that he immediately followed up with a real recommendation for an official position to prove and realize this "possibility"!
This series of combined punches was precise, ruthless, and positioned on the moral and national high ground.

Even the emperor couldn't find much fault with it; in fact... deep down, he felt a hint of indescribable admiration and...

What is commendable is that the methods were skillful, went straight to the point, and produced immediate results.

It is this ability and speed at which it wins people's hearts, and the political ambitions that it subtly reveals behind it, which transcend the boundaries of a crown prince.

He stood up, walked to the palace window, and gazed at the deep night outside.

This move by Gao Ming was more thorough and effective than anything the emperor had done.

He is using the resources of the Eastern Palace to influence the hearts of the people throughout the land.

This is certainly beneficial to the Tang Dynasty in the long run.

At the same time, the various mansions in Chang'an also received detailed news from Shandong almost simultaneously.

(End of this chapter)