The Idle Man of Zhenguan Intercepts Wu Zetian at the Start

After the Empress finished speaking, Changsun Dan couldn't help but give the Prince of Yue a thumbs up. His method of using work as a form of relief and making overall arrangements was far superior to Li Chengqian's plan. Not only was it cheaper, but it was also much more efficient.

No wonder Emperor Taizong (Li Er) doted on him so much that he even broke ancestral rules and turned a blind eye to his staying in Chang'an instead of going to his fiefdom.

Li Chengqian lowered his head, knowing he was bound to lose, and only hoped that Changsun Dan wouldn't embarrass himself too much.

Li Tai, on the other hand, maintained a smile throughout, appearing completely calm and collected.

Since the plan is doomed to fail, we must find another way. We should talk about public sentiment and love. As long as we can stabilize public grievances, we can solve the vicious cycle of disasters in both places once and for all. A major loss can bring a century of peace. Which is more important is up to Your Majesty to decide.

Silently, he went through the memories left to him by his predecessor. When he entered the palace, he had a lot of contact with the Crown Prince. Perhaps because of Empress Zhangsun, Li Chengqian was also quite affectionate towards Zhangsun Dan. Occasionally, Zhangsun Dan would tell him about important world affairs and political analysis, and would often remind him not to become a good-for-nothing playboy.

Having thought all this through, Changsun Dan's eyes were clear, and his mind was free of any distracting thoughts.

Empress Zhangsun looked at Zhangsun Dan with a gentle expression, her heart filled with anticipation. Dan'er had already brought her so many surprises, and she hoped he could resolve the conflict between Chengqian and Li Tai. Both sons were her own flesh and blood, and she knew Li Tai's thoughts very well.

Changsun Dan straightened his robes and stood up:

"In my opinion, the Crown Prince's proposed plan will require a much larger amount of military and financial resources in the short term, and may even prolong the disaster relief efforts."

Li Tai glanced thoughtfully at Changsun Dan, not expecting him to admit defeat so readily.

Li Chengqian lowered his head, his hand almost digging into his flesh with the wine cup. If his father thought the Prince of Yue was more outstanding, why did he make him the crown prince and embarrass him in front of the court?

Changsun Dan changed the subject, not daring to directly criticize Li Er, and simply turned to face the assembled officials:

"When I was young, I had a bad reputation. Every time I entered the palace, in addition to my aunt educating me, the Crown Prince would often point out my bad points, talk to me about his ideals, and discuss the suffering of the people. He said most often that the people are the most important, the country is next, and the ruler is the least important. It is because of the Crown Prince's goodwill towards the people that he would only make decisions that would benefit the people at the expense of the court."

"I ask you gentlemen, in the heavy snows of Youzhou and Jizhou, many houses have collapsed. Are there bound to be people who have been crushed to death or frozen to death? If we implement work relief, everyone must contribute their labor, and every household must conscript able-bodied men. If the able-bodied men in a family die in the disaster, or if only women, children, and infants remain, should these people also be given work relief, or should they be left to die without any care?"

Changsun Dan spoke with great emotion and conviction, causing the ministers who supported the King of Yue to gasp in shock. This kid was too strange. They had agreed to only discuss the merits of the plan, but he was talking about good and evil and emotions, instantly portraying himself as a heartless and wicked official.

Wei Zheng's hair and beard trembled, and his face showed excitement; he was almost ready to stand up and cheer for Changsun Dan.

Yan Shigu stroked his beard and smiled, then asked a palace maid for a cup of fine wine.

Although Fang Xuanling did not make a choice, he began to doubt whether his own intelligence was even inferior to that of Fang Yi'ai.

Changsun Dan continued, "As you gentlemen surely know, Youzhou and Jizhou are both places with harsh climates and frequent disasters. They are also important border towns. The soldiers of the Zhechongfu farm in their spare time and go to war in times of war. Most of the people are their families. If they are injured or killed, the women, children, and young children at home still have to work to earn food. Tell me, who in this world would be willing to wholeheartedly defend the Tang Dynasty's territory?"

Li Jing's body stiffened, and Cheng Yaojin slammed his fist on the table, shouting, "Boy, well said! The soldiers on the frontier are risking their lives, and we, being in the rear, even if we eat chaff and wild vegetables, cannot let their spirits be dampened!"

Li Chengqian raised his head at this moment, his eyes filled with tears.

Li Tai remained silent in thought, his hands trembling uncontrollably within his sleeves.

Li Shimin remained calm, but a hint of warmth appeared in his eyes as he looked at Li Chengqian. This child was not like the empire he had conquered with his own sword and spear. If he did not push him to the limit, how would he face these powerful ministers and aristocratic families whose bodies were covered with fangs in the future?

Empress Zhangsun breathed a sigh of relief. Her son had been suppressed too much by his father, and it was time for him to vent his anger. Indeed, her son had not disappointed her!

Changsun Wuji became increasingly alarmed as he listened, as if he had never known this rebellious son before.

"Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. Perhaps in some people's eyes, the Crown Prince's choice is too weak, but in this great land of China, who wouldn't love such a ruler!"

Li Shimin sneered. This kid has become a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince. He's actually giving a warning to himself on behalf of his master.

Zheng Renji glanced at Li Boyi in horror. This kid was too monstrous. If the Crown Prince gained power, how could he and his Yue Wang faction have any good days left? Especially with his Immortal's Intoxication wine, he could already see the fate of his own winery.

Li Boyi, then serving as the Inspector of the Imperial Clan Court and the Prince of Longxi, rose to interrupt Changsun Dan:

"Does the Prince of Wannian know how vast the territory of the Great Tang is? Besides the snow disaster in Youzhou, how many other places have suffered from floods, locust plagues, and even the ravages of war caused by cavalry raids from foreign tribes on the border? It is precisely because His Majesty loves the people like his own children and has adopted a policy of light taxes and levies that the people have been able to recuperate and thrive, but the national treasury has been greatly reduced, and the court has to provide relief in various places, resulting in a deficit every year. Even the Empress has not made new clothes or worn jewelry for several years. If the ruler of a country is only kind to women in one place, how will he treat the other places?"

Li Boyi's words made the ministers who supported the King of Yue raise their heads. Yes, they couldn't let the Tang Dynasty's wealth be depleted because of a snow disaster in one city.

Changsun Dan frowned. Since you're forcing me to take sides, I might as well let His Majesty know that I'd rather be a lone minister. Perhaps if I accidentally make a mistake in the future, I can still save my life.

"What Your Highness says is absolutely right. His Majesty's policy of reducing taxes and corvée labor aims to lighten the burden on the people, ensuring they have enough to eat and wear, can be cared for in life, and have support in their old age. However, even His Majesty's strength has its limits. Your Highness only knows that the Empress has not made new clothes for three years, but do you know that some court officials live in luxury, indulging in extravagance and revelry every night?"

"It's only because His Majesty forbids princes from engaging in commerce, and all profitable businesses in the land are monopolized by a few powerful families. In the event of disaster, His Majesty's wealth is emptied out. Yet those unscrupulous merchants, cronies, and corrupt officials who are taking advantage of the national crisis, in their high positions, have they ever had the heart of a subject, or even thought of helping His Majesty?"

A glint flashed in Li Shimin's eyes. He remained outwardly calm but inwardly he was thrilled. "Ah, that feels so good! Good lad, thank goodness Guanyinbi stopped me earlier and didn't just chop off your head without thinking. You're young and impetuous, but you've helped me vent my anger."

Empress Zhangsun sighed inwardly, hoping that her adopted son would remember the kindness Dan'er had shown her today and treat him well in the future. After today, she feared that most of the court officials and noble families would regard him as a thorn in their side. Only now did she understand how wise it was for Erlang to allow him to build a hundred armored soldiers. Her Majesty always had a far-sighted view of people and things. With a thought, she looked at Li Shimin gently.

Li Shimin and Guanyinbi were of one mind. He reached out and held her hand, both to comfort her and to give her confidence.

As long as I am here, this world will never be turned upside down!