The immortal of the Tang Dynasty, but the game starts at Xuanwu Gate?

Du Ruhui glanced at Chen Huai'an silently.

It seems... the other party always manages to comfort Li Shimin with just a few words.

Unlike Wei Zheng, he always angered Li Shimin first, and then persuaded him with reason to calm him down.

Chen Huai'an's method was undoubtedly more gentle and more skillful.

This short poem not only helped Li Shimin recover from his disappointment but also boosted his confidence.

Most importantly... how can he write such good poems so easily?

Du Ruhui was somewhat envious.

He had to admit that this unique talent was something he could only admire.

If Chen Huai'an knew what Du Ruhui was thinking, he would surely shout in his heart, "If Heaven had not given birth to me, Chen Huai'an, the path of smuggling would have been shrouded in eternal darkness."

"Then let's do it this way." Li Shimin smiled again. "Huai'an, instruct the Ministry of Works to prepare paper as soon as possible. Keming and Xuanling, this time, you two will be in charge of compiling the second edition of the court gazette."

"We should follow the standards of the first version; it must be fair, impartial, and truthful."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling rose and accepted the order without the slightest hesitation.

Wei Zheng then said, "The second edition of the court gazette should definitely expand its scope, and secondly, it should include some content to appease the people."

"Last time, we talked about unifying the classics and reforming the imperial examination system, which gave everyone a path to advancement."

"Perhaps this time, we should issue some tangible measures that directly benefit the people."

Du Ruhui agreed, saying, "Indeed, I agree with what Xuancheng said."

"Since winter, many of the projects implemented by the court as a form of work relief have actually been halted. We can take this opportunity to announce the resumption of many projects, such as building granaries, continuing to reclaim wasteland, and recruiting manpower, etc."

"We can release the news first and recruit some people. When the locust plague arrives, we can recruit as many people as possible from the affected areas. In this way, we can minimize the impact."

Mentioning this, Li Shimin turned to Chen Huai'an and asked, "Huai'an, how are your glass preparations going?"

"Once the project is restarted, the national treasury's expenditure will increase significantly. I remember you said that we must ensure that the court has a certain ability to withstand risks."

"Therefore, I feel it is necessary to sell some glass first, so as to accumulate more money and grain for the national treasury."

Upon hearing this, Chen Huai'an's eyes flickered slightly, and he said tactfully, "Your Majesty, I am already making preparations for this matter, and we will be able to mass-produce glass within ten days."

"However... I still maintain that this thing is valuable because it is rare, so we cannot release too many."

"Moreover... glass is already circulating among the common people, and foreign merchants often bring some glass to our Great Tang to sell, so we can't sell too much."

"My suggestion is to produce more high-end glass artifacts..."

As he said this, Chen Huai'an secretly gave Li Shimin a look.

The latter understood instantly and was overjoyed.

Chen Huai'an ultimately didn't forget him; it seems his private stash of money will be growing again.

Li Shimin remained calm: "Alright, we'll do as you say."

He then changed the subject, lamenting, "Speaking of which, since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, there have indeed been many natural disasters. Not only during the Zhenguan era, but also during the turmoil in various places, especially the wars at the end of the Sui Dynasty, countless people were buried in the wilderness."

"In the past two years, there have been droughts and locust plagues. Even with my efforts and the efforts of all of you to manage them, people have still died."

"Here's what we'll do: issue an edict ordering all prefectures and counties across the country to collect and bury the remains of soldiers and civilians exposed in the wilderness since the end of the Sui Dynasty, in order to appease the people and prevent disease."

"Furthermore, court will be suspended for three days. I will personally go out of the city to collect the remains of the dead in the wilderness."

"May the people and soldiers of the Tang Dynasty, whose bodies lay exposed in the wilderness, be laid to rest in peace!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers were all stunned.

Li Shimin wanted to personally go out of the city to collect the remains in the wilderness.

Why would an emperor do such a thing?

This left them momentarily stunned.

Chen Huai'an was the first to stand up: "Your Majesty is wise. I am willing to go with Your Majesty."

"Good, good!" Li Shimin nodded repeatedly, not too surprised that Chen Huai'an spoke first.

In his view, Chen Huai'an was indeed ruthless and shameless.

They can be friends with the people, and they are excellent at governing the country, yet there is not a single fault to be found in them.

Others said that Chen Huai'an had a chance to become a saint, and he actually vaguely agreed with that in his heart.

The so-called mind is reason, extending innate knowledge, and the unity of knowledge and action.

Chen Huai'an has really done a great job in this regard.

After he spoke up, the others realized that Li Shimin had made up his mind and they could not object, so they all spoke up in agreement.

"Then let's make it a decision," Li Shimin instructed Zhang Anan. "Pass the word down and have Li Junxian prepare. I'm leaving the palace."

"Oh, and bring the Crown Prince with you."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Zhang Anan accepted the order and withdrew.

"You may all return first." Li Shimin was somewhat tired; he needed to prepare an edict of self-reproach. "Tomorrow, you will accompany me out of the palace."

"We, your humble servants, take our leave!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers rose, bowed, and then slowly withdrew.

"..."

"Old man from the countryside." After walking outside, Chen Huai'an walked with Wei Zheng, hesitated for a moment, and then advised, "You, I don't know how to say it either."

"You're just lucky to have met the current emperor. Otherwise, any other emperor probably wouldn't have tolerated you."

Wei Zheng remained silent; he himself was aware of this.

Moreover, to be honest, everyone in the court actually takes good care of him, and in the palace, Empress Zhangsun also speaks on his behalf.

Otherwise, he would have been exiled many times.

"Look at you, you fall silent again when faced with a difficult question," Chen Huai'an said irritably. "Can't you be a little more tactful?"

It would have been better if he hadn't said anything, because once he brought it up, Wei Zheng sneered, "I wonder who it was that instigated me to criticize His Majesty. Others have the right to say such things, but you still have the nerve to say it?"

"Nonsense," Chen Huai'an said seriously. "When did I ask you to do such a thing?"

"I didn't, don't talk nonsense."

Wei Zheng ignored him, gazing into the distance, and muttered, "I understand myself, but sometimes I really can't control myself. It's just my personality, and I haven't been able to change it all these years."

"Anyway, you won't abandon me!"

Chen Huai'an: "..."

The old lady crawling into bed made the grandpa laugh.

How could you say something like that so seriously?

"Forget it, I can't be bothered with you." Chen Huai'an shook his head. "Just let me use you as a pawn, don't let others use you too."

"Take it easy for yourself during this time. His Majesty said he wants to go out, but it's probably not as simple as it seems on the surface."

"Chang'an will remain in chaos for a long time to come."

After saying that, Chen Huai'an left on his own.

Wei Zheng watched him leave, a genuine smile appearing on his face.

He was indeed very lucky, not only meeting Li Shimin, but also a group of colleagues such as Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui.

More importantly, he met Chen Huai'an, a good friend.

"..."