Time Travel: I am the idle king Li Shen and Li Shimin in the Tang Dynasty

Everyone understands the big principles, but how many people can actually put them into practice?

Li Shen asked himself honestly, and he realized that he could not escape worldly affairs, nor could he escape his own desires.

He was greedy for money and lustful, and he loved luxury.

That's why he felt that Li Chunfeng was truly a remarkable person.

"I truly admire Grand Historian Li."

Li Shen cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Li Chunfeng. Although he couldn't do it himself, he admired such a person greatly.

"Your Highness is too kind," Li Chunfeng quickly returned the greeting.

"Grand Historian Li, have you ever considered studying other things?"

"Oh? I wonder what Your Highness Prince Ji is referring to?" Li Chunfeng was also puzzled when he heard Prince Ji ask this question.

"It's nothing, it's just that you don't want to do other research. Like something you like."

Astronomy, geography, the I Ching, the Eight Trigrams, and so on.

Li Shen asked, counting on his fingers.

"Of course I would like to, but I am willing but unable to do so unless the court agrees and provides the funds."

Otherwise, I cannot afford it. Although he was unwilling, Li Chunfeng had no choice.

Li Shen's eyes lit up:

"Grand Historian Li, it doesn't matter if you can't afford it, I can afford it."

"What does Your Highness Prince Ji mean by this?" Li Chunfeng was taken aback.

"What I mean is, if Grand Historian Li wants to continue researching anything, I can provide the funding."

"You have talent, and I have wealth; isn't this a perfect match?"

Li Shen looked at Li Chunfeng, hoping for his agreement.

Li Chunfeng bowed to Li Shen:

“Your Highness Prince Ji, the things I have studied are of no value and cannot bring you any benefit.”

"This humble official has no intention of deceiving His Highness Prince Ji."

"It's alright. To be honest, I am quite interested in what you are studying, but unfortunately, I am not very knowledgeable and not very bright."

"Li Taishi is a talented man; perhaps he can fulfill my wish, I might as well."

Upon hearing Li Chunfeng's refusal, Li Shen had already prepared his explanation.

"But why is His Highness Prince Ji willing to help me?" Li Chunfeng asked.

He wasn't stupid; naturally, he wanted to figure out the reason.

Li Shen knew that Li Chunfeng had doubts, so he explained to him:

"No, Li Taishi, I am not helping you, but it just so happens that you know something that interests me."

Even if it were someone else, I would still help him.

You should know that I have an academy in the east of Chang'an, where many talented people of all kinds gather.

Most of what they research is useless and cannot bring me any benefit.

But I still invest a million strings of cash every year.

It's not because I'm foolish and rich, but because I believe that what you're doing, while currently of little use to the court,

But it is indeed a matter that benefits all living beings, and it will also bring great benefits to future generations.

"Does His Highness Prince Ji really think so?"

Li Chunfeng was excited to hear Li Shen's words; finally, someone recognized him.

"That's natural. I also study some things on a regular basis, such as tables and chairs, and soaps, which are quite popular, aren't they?"

If Grand Historian Li is willing to accept this offer, he may come to the research institute of my Prince Ji's residence. I will set up a separate team for Grand Historian Li.

They are to cooperate with Grand Historian Li. What is Grand Historian Li's opinion?

Seizing the opportunity, Li Shen extended an invitation to Li Chunfeng.

"This... Your Highness Prince Ji, please forgive me, I'm afraid I'll disappoint you greatly."

"I am an official of the imperial court..."

Before Li Chunfeng could finish refusing, Li Shen interrupted him:

"Grand Historian Li, this is not a problem. I know you are an official appointed by the court, so I am not trying to recruit you to the research institute."

You can attend court as usual every day, and come over whenever you have free time. You can also study whatever you want; I will not restrict you.

All the materials you could want were available, and you could also discuss and learn from the researchers inside.

To create something more meaningful.

Li Shen's expression was very serious. China has a history of thousands of years, and the basic concepts of most inventions in the world come from here.

However, we didn't delve deeper into it, feeling it was pointless.

We used gunpowder to make fireworks, while the West used it to make guns and cannons. In later dynasties, there was a technological gap.

Things that existed a thousand years ago could not be reproduced in later dynasties.

The main reason for this is a lack of awareness. Just like the wooden ox and flowing horse, a perfect application of mechanics, it became a legend in later generations.

Li Shen hoped that these things could be passed down and carried forward by someone to fight against the great powers that would come after.

Even if these things cause division, it is only an internal conflict within China.

Li Shen's words deeply moved Li Chunfeng. He had never expected that Prince Ji would have such a broad mind, caring for all the people.

Is this still the same evil King Ji he's heard about? The King Ji who's feared in official circles?

Li Chunfeng rose and bowed to Li Shenshen:

"Your Highness Prince Ji is truly admirable, possessing such lofty aspirations. If, as Your Highness says, it does not affect the affairs of the court, I am willing to do my utmost to support Your Highness's ambitions."

"Haha, good! Grand Historian Li is also a man who cares about the world. I am very pleased."

May our research benefit all people and improve their lives.

Upon hearing Li Chunfeng's agreement, Li Shen immediately burst into laughter. Li Chunfeng's achievements were extraordinary; although he had not made many accomplishments in officialdom, that was merely a political matter.

Some of his achievements are extremely useful, especially in mathematics, which is a very important foundation for scientific research.

With Li Chunfeng joining the team, Li Shen believed that the research institute would reach new heights.

"In truth, Li Taishi, if you are interested, why not come and serve as an official in my Prince Ji's residence? I will certainly not treat you unfairly. What do you think?"

Li Shen suddenly had an idea: he wanted to recruit Li Chunfeng.

Li Chunfeng was taken aback at first, then bowed again:

"I am deeply grateful for His Highness Prince Ji's kindness, but I am currently under imperial orders. His Majesty has commanded me to prepare the Book of Jin, the History of the Five Dynasties, and the Book of Sui."

"This humble official cannot fail His Majesty's trust, and begs for forgiveness from Your Highness Prince Ji."

"Well... alright, I was being presumptuous. Since His Majesty has entrusted you with such an important task, I will not force you."

When you are fully recovered and at peace, I will always open the door for you.

Li Shen was somewhat disappointed, but since the other party had an important mission, Li Shen could not force them, otherwise he might miss out on something.

Although he didn't know what the so-called "Book of Jin" and "History of the Five Dynasties" were, he hadn't read much.

Although he had studied for several years, he only barely knew some commonly used characters. He was never a top student.

So he was unwilling to study, since he could just have the people around him read to him.