Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 5274 Misunderstanding deepens
Throughout Chinese history, China has never truly conquered the strategically important Indochina Peninsula. There are many reasons for this, but the most important is that the vast territory has never been fully developed, leaving no time for outward expansion. For example, the Jiangnan, Lingnan, and Liuzhao regions were considered wild and undeveloped during the Sui and Tang dynasties, and remained undeveloped until the Ming and Qing dynasties. Another example is the continuous shrinkage of Dongting Lake and the increasing amount of marshland.

Why expand overseas when domestic land is still undeveloped?

In fact, throughout history, unless there is a strategic need, the Chinese have never been greedy for land.

Although the Han people lived on land that was not fertile and was prone to disasters, their first thought in the face of disasters and poverty was to improve farming techniques and work hard, rather than relying on force to expand outwards and wantonly burn, kill and plunder other ethnic groups.

"Benevolence and love for others" is the core of Confucianism and has long been the spirit passed down through the bloodline of the Chinese nation. Compassion for humanity and love for the world are by no means empty words.

This is precisely why many strategically important regions in history either rose up independently or were conquered by barbarians, ultimately becoming a noose that shackled the development of China.

Therefore, in Fang Jun's view, it was necessary to attack and conquer those barren lands and wild wildernesses. The Tang people's occupation of more territories would create a huge economic zone, which would then benefit the local area.

The economic base determines the superstructure. When the economy develops to a certain scale, regardless of the political system it eventually adopts, it will prompt huge social changes.

When a country is strong enough, and its economy, science, military and other fields keep pace with the times, how could it fall into decline and be vulnerable to attack because of a chance industrial revolution in the West?
A stable situation, a prosperous economy, and thriving technology were all within the initial accumulation of the Tang Dynasty's resources in just a century, which then triggered a leapfrog advancement in civilization.

This is precisely the result that Fang Jun has been tirelessly pursuing.

Compared to this, things like being remembered in history, having grand ambitions, or wielding immense power are all insignificant.

……

Li Chengqian frequently raised his glass, clearly in high spirits.

Although the military's series of military operations and major battles deviated from his original intentions and severely suppressed the civil service, he also understood that after winning these major battles, the empire would usher in an unprecedented opportunity for development. The "Prosperous Era of Zhenguan" that continued from the time of Emperor Taizong was like a raging fire, with flowers in full bloom, far surpassing the "Reign of Wen and Jing" that had been praised by scholars of all dynasties. It was unprecedented and unparalleled in history.

He could simply sit comfortably in Chang'an, within the Taiji Palace, letting the military bear all the accusations of "militarism" and "arrogance," continuing to uphold the principles of "benevolence and forgiveness," and becoming an unprecedented "benevolent ruler"...

Therefore, even if there is some dissatisfaction with the military starting the war and getting out of control, it is not unacceptable when compared with the other two.

Outside the door, the eunuch knocked and entered after receiving permission, followed by two palace maids.

"Your Majesty and the Grand Commandant, Princess Chang Le has learned that Your Majesty and the Grand Commandant are having a banquet, so she specially sent two side dishes to accompany the wine."

Li Chengqian nodded, and after the palace maid placed a few side dishes on the table, he smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I am actually benefiting from Erlang's kindness. Chang Le would never normally send me dishes."

Fang Jun replied with a smile, "Your Majesty is tolerant and trusting towards me, and treats Lu'er as your own son. Prince Chang Le is grateful for this, and this dish is naturally intended for Your Majesty."

Li Chengqian pointed at Fang Jun: "Sharp-tongued."

The implication is profound, but not difficult to understand. It is roughly a complaint that Princess Changle was married off in order to win over the Changsun family, and that when she learned of the disharmony in her marriage and her depression, she not only failed to provide support but also let it go.

The reason for this "feeling of nostalgia" is because Li Chengqian permitted Chang Le's affair with Fang Jun...

While drinking, the emperor and his minister discussed the current situation in the Indochina Peninsula, and Li Chengqian became even more determined to send troops.

Another request came from outside the door, and the eunuch brought in two more palace maids...

"His Highness Jinyang had the kitchen prepare two seafood dishes and sent them to His Majesty and the Grand Commandant to accompany their drinks."

Li Chengqian's expression darkened. He casually waved the palace maid away and glared at Fang Jun: "Even in the dead of winter, seafood is still being continuously sent to the palace from the East China Sea. Do you know how many censors and officials have impeached you for your extravagance and waste?"

Fang Jun disagreed: "I'm spending my own money, not public funds. I can spend it however I want. What business is it of those crows in the Censorate? Besides, His Highness Jinyang has suffered from weak qi, palpitations, and shallow constitution since childhood. Although he hasn't had a relapse in recent years, his underlying ailment hasn't disappeared. Back then, Master Sun said that eating more seafood would be beneficial to His Highness's illness. It's worth spending as much money as possible."

Li Chengqian clicked his tongue, unable to refute for a moment. He snorted and said with dissatisfaction, "You just keep spoiling her! It is precisely because of your meticulous care and unbridled pampering that the young girl's heart is completely devoted to you. She is indifferent to other men and finds them unappealing. The marriage has been delayed again and again, and it has become a major problem!"

"Heaven and earth bear witness that this humble subject has absolutely no improper thoughts towards His Highness Jinyang!"

Fang Jun complained, "Besides, His Highness Jinyang's feelings for me are more like those of a brother and sister. I only grew close to her because of her care and affection. Young girls in love cannot distinguish their own feelings. After a few years and gaining more experience, I will surely realize my mistake and return to the right path."

Li Chengqian said angrily, "In a few more years you'll be an old maid. What's the use of realizing your mistake now? You've been so nice to her all this time and you're complaining that she's fond of you? She's beautiful, pure, and the most obedient and virtuous. It's all your fault!"

"..."

Fang Jun shrugged, speechless.

When the emperor is unreasonable, who can do anything about it?
We can't just rebel because of this, can we?
Li Chengqian seemed to realize that he shouldn't have taken his anger out on others, so he snorted and picked up his chopsticks: "Since it was brought to you, eat a few more bites!"

Fang Jun could only lower his head and eat his food and drink in silence. At this moment, it seemed a bit deliberate for him to take his leave of the palace. He was determined to eat a few more bites and then leave.

However, it doesn't stop there.

The eunuch requested permission to enter again, glancing strangely at His Majesty and then at the Grand Commandant. He then lowered his head and cautiously said, "The Empress heard that His Majesty invited the Grand Commandant to dine with her, so she personally prepared two side dishes and had them brought over by palace servants to accompany His Majesty and the Grand Commandant's drinks..."

"Snapped!"

Li Chengqian threw his chopsticks on the table, expressionless: "I'm full."

He then stood up, turned and left.

Fang Jun quickly stood up, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, this humble subject respectfully sees you off... It is getting late, this humble subject will take his leave."

"Humph!"

"..."

Fang Jun straightened up and looked at the eunuch and the two palace maids in the Empress's bedroom, who were trembling with fear and anxiety. He sighed helplessly.

The Empress is also clueless; isn't she just making things worse?

However, he could not bow and complain about the Empress in front of the palace servants, so he could only force a smile and say, "Please inform the Empress that I thank her for her understanding!"

"Here."

The two palace maids didn't dare utter a single word. They lowered their heads, tiptoed back a few steps, then turned and fled quickly with small, quick steps...

Fang Jun went out and looked at the snow falling in the night sky, which, under the illumination of the palace lanterns, resembled pink and white peach blossoms and falling petals. He sighed again and left the palace led by the eunuch.

……

Ganlu Temple.

Three candles burned on a bronze candlestick on the table, their soft light illuminating Empress Su's fair profile and outlining her exquisite features. However, upon hearing the palace maid's report, her beautiful face showed a look of astonishment, followed by her delicate hand covering her forehead, filled with regret.

Upon hearing that Chang Le and Jin Yang had already sent dishes, and that His Majesty had stormed off after he sent someone over, he was filled with regret.

Although His Majesty has never revealed his true feelings, he must be concerned about the rampant rumors circulating among the people about him and Fang Jun. It is understandable that His Majesty would misunderstand him, since he sent dishes after Chang Le and Jin Yang.

Chang Le and Fang Jun have a real marriage and have a son. Jin Yang is deeply in love with Fang Jun and will marry no one but him... How can I do the same thing as these two?

Unexpectedly, their attempt to mend the rift between husband and wife backfired spectacularly.

Do you know where His Majesty is going?

"Your Majesty has gone to Consort Shen's palace."

"..."

Empress Su lightly pounded her forehead, feeling both annoyed and somewhat angry.

The couple has shared a bed for many years and has gone through difficult times together, living in harmony and mutual respect. Why is it that today they lack even the most basic trust?

Looking out the window at the falling snow illuminated by the palace lanterns, the Empress felt a chill in her heart.

"Go back and prepare. Come with me to the East Palace tomorrow morning for a few days."

"Here."

After the palace servants left, Empress Su sat alone by the window, her face cold and her eyes filled with sorrow.

I am extremely disappointed in Your Majesty.

Perhaps for the rest of my life, I can only rely on the Crown Prince...

*****
The carriage entered through the side gate and stopped at the entrance hall. Fang Jun got out of the carriage but did not return to the inner courtyard. Instead, he carried a lantern to the study in the front yard.

Fang Xuanling was reading by candlelight, his desk piled high with notes and memos. Just then, Madam Lu brought him a bowl of ginseng soup. When she saw Fang Jun walking in, patting the snow off his shoulders, she immediately raised her eyebrows and widened her eyes.

"Why aren't you sleeping in the middle of the night? What are you doing here?"

"Uh……"

Fang Jun was taken aback. He glanced back out the window, considered the situation for a moment, and asked in confusion, "It's only been a short time since the lights were turned on, it's not even past dusk yet, how can they be sleeping so early?"

Madam Lu said irritably, "You won't sleep, but you won't let your father sleep either? We can talk about this during the day, so that your twisted theories don't make your father think too much, lose his appetite, and even have trouble sleeping!"

"..."

Fang Jun then realized that his mother was afraid he would come and discuss those "political and economic" arguments and knowledge with his father again, which would prevent his father from sleeping well.

He smiled and said, "Mother, don't worry, I have something important to discuss with Father and Mother today."

He sat down on one side of the desk and looked at the ginseng soup on it: "Father should take good care of himself."

Fang Xuanling shook his head: "My body is not weak, why would I drink this stuff? You should drink it for me."

"As ordered."

Ignoring his mother Lu's wide-eyed stare, Fang Jun picked up the ginseng soup and took a big gulp.

Then, under her mother's disapproving gaze, she said, "What are your thoughts on my younger sister's marriage?"