Tang Dynasty: The pot is tied to the duck nest, the little rhinoceros is here!

Anyone with even a basic understanding of history knows the famous Zhanlu Sword.

"Young master, do you know the origin of this sword?" Qin Qiong asked.

"I know a little."

"Young master, you are truly learned and talented. This precious sword was forged by the master swordsmith Ou Yezi at the behest of King Yunchang of Yue during the Spring and Autumn Period."

"After the sword was completed, King Yunchang of Yue obtained it and regarded it as a divine product. He named it 'Zhanlu' after the place where it was forged."

"Young sir, this precious sword is a gift for a hero, so please don't stand on ceremony with this old man."

"Ahem~ Then I'll gladly accept your offer!" Jiang Fan's eyes lit up, but he never intended to be polite.

After all, this sword is just too cool. As a young person in the 21st century,

What man doesn't like swords, especially swords famous throughout Chinese history?

Jiang Fan stayed at Qin Qiong's house until nearly noon, but because he was worried about the little princess, he declined Qin Qiong's offer to stay for lunch.

Li Shimin and Cheng Yaojin, who was traveling along the way, also returned together. Of course, Cheng Yaojin loaded the sword into the cart and prepared to take it home.

"Jiang Fan, my uncle is planning to go hunting in the Tang Dynasty Royal Garden in a couple of days. Would you be free to accompany me?" Li Shimin suddenly said to Jiang Fan while sitting in the carriage.

"Hunting? Uncle-in-law has plenty of free time." Jiang Fan had only seen large-scale hunting in TV dramas and novels, so he naturally wanted to experience it for himself.

"Very well, but some stubborn ministers in the court may have different opinions. I will announce it at the morning court tomorrow. Zhijie, you should know what to do, right?"

"I, Old Cheng, will support His Majesty to the death!"

"good!"

"Uncle Cheng, you're home!" Jiang Fan said after a short while.

"Alright! I'll head back now, Your Majesty and the young master won't stay for dinner."

……

Immediately afterwards, Jiang Fan led Li Shimin back to the palace and arrived at the Lizheng Hall.

When Xiao Sizi saw her brother return, she took her short legs and slowly walked up to Jiang Fan, looking somewhat downcast and unhappy.

Seeing this, Jiang Fan was slightly startled and quickly asked, "Sizi, what's wrong? Who bullied you?"

Little Si shook his head: "Nobody dares to bully a tiger's den!"

"Why do you look so unhappy? This isn't like you!"

"Honey, I'm out of lollipops, there aren't any left..."

Hearing this, Jiang Fan couldn't help but laugh and say, "So that's why you're unhappy? I thought it was something serious."

"When we get back, your brother will take you to eat something delicious. Lollipops are tasty, but you can't eat too many, or they'll cause cavities!"

"Pig teeth? Does this mean that if I have too many lollipops, my teeth will turn into pig teeth?"

That nest won't be seven anymore, I don't want to turn into pig's teeth...

As she spoke, Xiao Sizi's expression became noticeably tense.

Jiang Fan gently ruffled Xiao Sizi's bun and comforted her, "It's a cavity, not a pig's tooth."

Eating too much of this candy can cause dental problems, commonly known as cavities, which will turn your teeth black and make them very sensitive.

Other kinds of pain feel like tiny bugs are constantly gnawing at your teeth, and...

"No more, no more, please stop talking, I'm not giving out lollipops anymore, I'll never give them out again..."

Upon hearing that a small insect was going to eat its teeth, the little ox immediately cowered in fear.

At the same time, she covered her mouth with both hands, as if afraid that a small insect would crawl into it.

Jiang Fan smiled and said, "Brother is just reminding you that you can eat candy, but you should eat it in moderation, and you can't completely avoid it..."

Xiao Sizi: "!@#￥%……&*" indicates that she has read the message but will not reply, because her mind is already confused by Jiang Fan's words.

After finishing their meal at the Tang Dynasty Palace, Jiang Fan took Li Lizhi, Princess Chengyang, and Xiao Sizi back home.

the next day.

Taiji Hall.

During the court meeting, Li Shimin took the opportunity to bring up his idea of ​​going hunting.

"My dear ministers, it is the golden autumn season, with clear skies and refreshing air."

I have been thinking recently that although I am busy with state affairs while living in the palace, my physical health also needs to be strengthened.

In our great Tang Dynasty, martial spirit prevailed, and the tradition of autumn hunting has a long history.

I wish to choose an auspicious time to lead you all on an autumn hunt at the hunting grounds.

Firstly, it can strengthen the body and demonstrate the heroic spirit of the men of the Tang Dynasty.

Secondly, it allows for the investigation of the surrounding terrain and local conditions, which is beneficial for the governance of the country.

What do you, my esteemed ministers, think?

As soon as Li Shimin finished speaking, Wei Zheng stepped forward, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Li Shimin, and said, "Your Majesty! I believe this is unacceptable."

Li Shimin glanced at Wei Zheng, somewhat displeased.

I knew this jerk would object; I wonder what he'll say this time.

However, Wei Zheng had appointed himself as an advisor, so they couldn't stop him from speaking his mind.

Li Shimin stroked his beard and said in a deep voice, "Why not?"

"Why not? Do I need to say it?"

Wei Zheng's opening retort was a sharp question, full of hostility.

"As a monarch, Your Majesty's every move is related to the well-being of all people."

If Your Majesty were to embark on a hunting expedition, you would surely be accompanied by a large number of guards and attendants.

This expedition involved a large number of people and horses. The local people along the route would have to work hard to welcome the emperor, either by providing food and fodder or by repairing the roads, which would likely cause hardship and financial loss to the people.

Your Majesty should prioritize the well-being of the nation and diligently govern the country from your palace, rather than indulging in hunting pleasures.

In the past, incompetent rulers such as Jie and Zhou indulged in sensual pleasures and extravagant lifestyles, causing the people to suffer and the country to decline.

Your Majesty is wise and should learn from history. You must never do anything that would tarnish your virtue and harm the people's livelihood.

Wei Zheng spoke eloquently, spitting as he launched into a long tirade.

Li Shimin was furious.

"Wei Zheng, in your eyes, I am comparable to Jie and Zhou?"

The rulers Jie and Zhou indulged in wine and women, were tyrannical and cruel, and ignored the suffering of the people.

Since ascending the throne, I have been constantly worried and anxious, and have not dared to slacken my efforts in the slightest.

I humbly accept advice, broaden channels for communication, prioritize the people, and dedicate myself to the stability of the country and the well-being of the people.

I have promoted the imperial examination system, reduced taxes and corvée labor, and appointed virtuous and capable officials. All of these actions have contributed to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

I have many considerations for this autumn hunt, and it is by no means for my own selfish reasons.

How could I be as foolish as Jie and Zhou? What is your intention in making such a generalization?

"Your Majesty's words are absolutely correct!" Changsun Wuji echoed.

"Wei Zheng was extremely loyal, and it was understandable that he was worried about the waste of manpower and resources."

However, the autumn hunt was not just for entertainment.

Firstly, the autumn hunt can test the archery and horsemanship skills of our Tang soldiers and maintain the army's fighting strength.

My great Tang dynasty is coveted by all sides. If my soldiers are negligent, how can I protect the peace and tranquility of my people?

Secondly, Your Majesty has been living in the palace for a long time, and your understanding of affairs in all directions may be limited.

During the autumn hunt, one can personally observe the surrounding customs and terrain in order to better formulate national policies that benefit all people.

Furthermore, as long as we pay attention to the scale and minimize the disturbance to the people, it will certainly not be as wasteful and burdensome as Lord Wei worried about.

As soon as Changsun Wuji finished speaking, Fang Xuanling also stood up and seconded his opinion:

"Ancient sage rulers also valued military drills. Although autumn hunts may seem like recreational activities, they were in fact rehearsals for military operations."

Our Great Tang Dynasty has a vast territory, and its borders are uneasy. Under the guise of an autumn hunt, we can secretly assess the strength of our army and adjust our military deployment.