The first year of Zhenguan was not easy for Li Shimin. Because the government affairs in the court had to be adjusted too much and tidied up too much. In this year, Li Shimin was busy during the day and at night.
At the end of the year, everything was smooth.
At this time, Li Shimin was slightly relieved. After a year, the officials in all parts of the Tang dynasty had been adjusted and replaced with Li Shimin's people. And this year, because of Li Shimin's hard work, the destruction of the Turks' plundering, and the suppression of the aristocratic families during Li Yuan's period, the business development was very good.
The people lived a good life.
But Li Shimin was still not satisfied. The current Tang dynasty could only be said to have completed the handover for the time being. It was still far from enough to achieve political harmony, and the strength of the Tang dynasty could not be the best.
Especially in the west of the Tang dynasty, there were Tuyuhun and Tufan. In the northeast, there were Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje, and even Wo in the southeast. According to Li Shimin's nature, he hoped that all countries would come to court.
Li Shimin and Yang Guang, the second emperor of the Sui dynasty, had many similarities.
They were both second sons of the first wife.
They both made outstanding military achievements when the country was founded, and they both became emperors by fighting for the throne.
However, Yang Guang eventually buried the Sui dynasty, causing the Sui dynasty's good days to be completely gone. The Sui dynasty, which once spanned the north and south of the river, and the insufferably arrogant Yang family, completely collapsed.
Li Shimin also fought for the throne, and he even forced the emperor to abdicate. Therefore, Li Shimin always warned himself in his heart that he must not follow Yang Guang's old path.
Li Shimin wanted to wash away the stain on himself, so he had to make great contributions, and let all countries come to court. He had to let the Tang dynasty completely prosper. However, Li Shimin could not take big steps like Yang Guang. He had to fight steadily and surely.
To ensure the stability of the Tang dynasty.
This was what Li Shimin wanted to do.
Therefore, Li Shimin handled the government affairs conscientiously. Even in the face of Wei Zheng's persuasion, and even sometimes Wei Zheng almost pointed at his nose to persuade him, Li Shimin endured it.
Everything was for the Tang dynasty.
On this day, Li Shimin finished handling the government affairs and had rare time to rest.
Li Shimin went straight to the harem. Although there were many concubines in his harem, Li Shimin only favored Empress Zhangsun.
Zhangsun Wugou was the best in the harem.
Li Shimin entered Zhangsun Wugou's palace, and the group of servants bowed. Seeing this, Zhangsun Wugou hurriedly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, why didn't you inform us in advance that you are coming to the palace? Only then will this concubine be able to welcome you. "
Li Shimin laughed and said, "Guanyin maid, between you and me, there is no need to be overly courteous."
After that, Li Shimin waved his hand.
The group of palace maids retreated, leaving Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wugou alone.
Li Shimin pulled Zhangsun Wugou's hand, a smile hanging on his face as he said, "Now that it's nearing the end of the year, the Ministry of Secretaries is starting to tabulate this year's accounts. Whether it's population, taxes, or other things, they are all being calculated. "
"Although I don't have a specific answer for now, it seems to be pretty good."
"I've done some research. This year's population has increased by a little over 100,000 households. That's pretty good. Moreover, the harvest of grain and the increase in taxes are all pretty good. "
Li Shimin smiled and said, "With this kind of momentum, in my heart, I can also relax a little."
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Your Majesty, it's naturally not easy to build a foundation. Now that we have such an achievement, it's all thanks to Your Majesty. This year, Your Majesty's temples have faintly shown signs of wind and frost, and some of your hair has turned white. You must know that Your Majesty is still in the prime of your life. It's not easy to be an Emperor! "
Li Shimin had a look of praise as he said emotionally, "Guanyin maid's words have deeply touched my heart. You are right, it's not easy to be an Emperor. However, an Emperor who doesn't tire himself out is a fatuous Emperor. With tens of thousands of people on his shoulders, he naturally has to work harder. However, as long as there are some achievements, it's worth the effort. "
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Your Majesty has worked hard, but it's not easy for the court officials either. Your Majesty has to understand this point and can't be too harsh on the officials. "
Li Shimin said, "I naturally understand. Look at that bastard Wei Zheng. He humiliated me several times, but I didn't take it to heart."
Zhangsun Wugou laughed and said, "This is Your Majesty's magnanimity, and also Wei Zheng's fortune."
Li Shimin laughed and was rather proud.
Receiving praise from Zhangsun Wugou gave Li Shimin a greater sense of accomplishment than receiving praise from the other officials.
Zhangsun Wugou laughed and said, "However, Your Majesty can't be arrogant because now is far from a peaceful era. It's just a beginning. Your Majesty has a good start, and you have to maintain it and persevere. In this way, the Tang dynasty under Your Majesty's rule will definitely surpass the Great Sui Dynasty and the Tang dynasty that father once ruled. "
A glint flashed across Li Shimin's eyes as he said, "I will definitely conquer an unprecedented Tang dynasty and let those who don't recognize me see that the Tang dynasty under my rule can prosper like never before."
Zhangsun Wugou laughed and said, "With Prime Minister Fang and Prime Minister Du's help, as well as many civil and military officials, Your Majesty will definitely do it."
Li Shimin said, "Let's take it slow."
Zhangsun Wugou suddenly said, "Your Majesty, Erlang went to Longyou Road. Is there any news back? This kid is a very troublesome person. I wonder how he is doing now. "
Li Shimin said, "There is no latest news yet, but I believe that Erlang will definitely be able to eliminate the chaos in Longyou Road and establish a foothold in Jiuquan County."
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Your Majesty is right."
"Report!"
At this moment, a chamberlain came in.
The chamberlain was Li Shimin's personal attendant. His name was Tang Zhen, and he was the current Minister of Imperial Household. He followed Li Shimin and was in charge of everything around him.
Tang Zhen had replaced Xiao Li's position in the past.
After all, Xiao Li was by Li Yuan's side. Now that Li Yuan had retired, Xiao Li naturally retired as well.
Tang Zhen walked to Li Shimin's side, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, there is news from Longyou Road. It's from Ping Xi Wang."
Li Shimin had previously instructed that if there was news about Du Qi, no matter when, he was to report it directly. It was also because of this that Tang Zhen entered when Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wugou were talking.
If it did not involve Du Qi, Tang Zhen would not have entered at all. Other things could be pushed aside, but this matter could not be pushed aside.
Li Shimin said, "Where is the letter?"
Tang Zhen immediately took out the letter from his sleeve and placed it in Li Shimin's hand.
Li Shimin opened the letter and quickly browsed through it. When he finished reading the contents of the letter, a bright smile appeared on his face. He said, "Guanyin Maid, look, it is as I said. Erlang has easily taken over the entire Suzhou. Now, Suzhou is already under Du Qi's control. The bandits in Suzhou have been wiped out. "
After a pause, Li Shimin said, "Erlang will next target Shazhou and Guazhou. Pacifying these places is just around the corner. "
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, congratulations, Your Majesty."
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Your Majesty arranged for Erlang to go to the Western Region. This is really a brilliant move."
Li Shimin stroked the small beard under his chin, a proud expression on his face as he said, "But now that Suzhou has been seized, in Du Erlang's letter, he hopes to promote someone from the local area to serve as the Governor of Suzhou."
Zhangsun Wugou said, "Your Majesty, this is a government affair. You need to gather Prime Minister Fang, Prime Minister Du, and the others for a discussion."
Li Shimin smiled when he heard Zhangsun Wugou's words. He knew that Zhangsun Wugou was not involved in politics.
That was why he said that.
Li Shimin did not stay for long. He got up and left with Tang Zhen. He returned to the hall and asked Tang Zhen to summon Zhangsun Wuji, Du Ruhui, and Fang Xuanling for a discussion.
Although Zhangsun Wuji was a low-ranking official, his title and position were all top-notch. Most importantly, Zhangsun Wuji was Li Shimin's confidant. Even if he did not have an official position, he had always been in the core of the imperial court.
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