Li Shimin faked his death? Then I will be powerful enough to conquer the world!

Inside the Liangyi Hall, sunlight shines through the carved windows onto the ground, creating patches of mottled light and shadow.

Li Chengqian sat quietly at the desk, the brush in his hand flying back and forth on the sheets of rice paper.

Each piece of rice paper was filled with his thoughts on how the Tang Dynasty should be governed in the future.

The reform method of distributing the tax on land to households was like a sharp blade, aimed at breaking the traditional tax and labor service system.

Make taxation more fair and reasonable, and no longer place excessive burdens on the poor.

The unified tax payment by the gentry was like a blockbuster bomb, impacting the long-standing privileges of the gentry class and making tax payment no longer the exclusive privilege of ordinary people.

The public ownership of fire consumption was like a rein that strangled officials from corruption and standardized the tax collection process.

These three reform methods were later called the methods that time travelers must use, as if they were three magic keys to open the door to a prosperous era.

Li Chengqian knew very well that as long as these three reforms were implemented, the country would surely become strong, and then the national treasury would be truly full.

In fact, these three reforms were not unattainable fantasy for emperors of all dynasties.

We can already see some clues from Zhang Juzheng's "One Whip Method" in the Ming Dynasty.

However, throughout the long course of history, among so many emperors, only Emperor Yongzheng dared to stand on the side of the common people and openly confront the gentry and officials of the world.

With fearless courage and firm determination, he thoroughly implemented these three reforms.

It is a pity that this great feat of his was criticized by scholars after his death.

Those writers held their pens like sharp swords, ruthlessly stabbing his spine.

However, just one year after his son Qianlong came to power, he destroyed his father's life's work and abolished these three decrees in exchange for the support of the literati and officials all over the world. This is undoubtedly a great tragedy in history.

Li Chengqian recalled the process of implementing these three decrees in Xianyang City. It was a bloody and courageous process.

The reason why he was able to successfully implement it in Xianyang was that he had enough military forces to control the entire Xianyang.

With the force of thunder and lightning, he killed all the noble families and corrupt officials in Xianyang. The scene was as cruel and decisive as the autumn wind sweeping away the fallen leaves.

The remaining officials were silenced under the attack of the army and dared not resist in the slightest. This enabled the reform to be implemented smoothly.

Now, as the second pilot, Changan naturally has to implement these reforms as well.

Li Chengqian knew clearly that after all the complicated matters at hand were dealt with, the reform of Chang'an must be put on the agenda.

He knew very well that if he wanted to avoid being distorted by the pens of writers, he had to keep public opinion firmly in his own hands.

The publication of Chang'an Daily is imminent, and this newspaper will become a powerful weapon for him to convey his thoughts to the people and guide public opinion.

Secondly, there is the issue of the Tang Dynasty’s original military power.

Now that he has ascended the throne as emperor, he has never found the military command left by Li Shimin.

Li Chengqian frowned and fell into deep thought. He guessed that his father must have handed over the military orders to the generals.

It seems that we need to find a suitable time to hold a meeting with these military generals, take back the military power of the Tang Dynasty, and carry out reforms. This is a key step in consolidating imperial power and ensuring the smooth progress of reforms.

The Qianyu Chamber of Commerce in Xianyang is also an important part of Li Chengqian's plan.

This chamber of commerce is like a sharp knife in his hand, and he must set up a presence in Chang'an City as soon as possible.

He looked at the markets in Chang'an City outside the window and frowned slightly. Most of those markets were dirty and messy, and there were serious problems with hygiene and environment.

The construction of public toilets should also be started, which is not only related to the city's environmental sanitation, but also can turn waste into treasure.

Fertilizers can be used to irrigate the imperial farm, nourish crops and promote agricultural development.

The Qianyu Chamber of Commerce has refined salt and snowflake sugar produced by the Ministry of Industry, which are luxury goods in this era. There are also various things such as glass and tea. Each of them is the hard currency of this era. They must be used well to maximize their value.

Things should be done step by step and in a down-to-earth manner. As Fang Xuanling said in the court, governing a large country is like cooking a small fish. If you want to eat a big fish in one bite, the final result will only be to eat yourself to death.

He looked at the mountain of affairs before him, and even though he had a firm will, he couldn't help but rub his temples gently, trying to relieve the heavy pressure brought by government affairs.

"Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Qi, Prime Minister Fang, Commander Zhang, and Imperial Censor Ma are requesting an audience outside the palace."

The eunuch's shrill voice broke the silence in the hall.

"Xuan."

Li Chengqian put down his hand that was rubbing his temple, sat up straight, and his eyes regained their dignity.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

After receiving the order, the young eunuch quickly walked out of the hall.

After a while, the young eunuch welcomed the four adults in, then quietly left the hall and gently closed the door.

"See Your Majesty!"

The four of them bowed in unison, their voices echoing throughout the hall.

"No need to be polite, just sit down."

Li Chengqian raised his hand slightly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After expressing their gratitude, the four of them took their seats one by one.

"Your Majesty, urgent news from Youzhou, Shuozhou, and Bingzhou."

Ma Zhou looked solemn as he handed the 800-mile express report to Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian took the report, glanced at it quickly, and then his face turned gloomy and his eyes burned with anger.

"This Xueyantuo is truly audacious. They actually took advantage of the power transition in the Tang Dynasty to invade the border of the Tang Dynasty."

His voice was low and angry, like an enraged lion.

"You all take a look."

Li Chengqian handed the express report to Fang Xuanling. After reading it, Fang Xuanling frowned and looked serious. He then passed it to other people in turn.

After everyone had finished watching, Mr. Qi stood up first.

He spoke passionately, "Your Majesty, the Xueyantuo are so rampant, plundering the borders of the three states of the Tang Dynasty. I suggest that we immediately send troops to wipe out the Xueyantuo and enhance the prestige of the Tang Dynasty!"

There was determination in his eyes and his words were powerful.

"I second the proposal."

Others responded one after another, and their voices echoed in the hall.

When it comes to invasion, officials of the Tang Dynasty were different from those of previous dynasties. In their minds, there were only two choices: either fight or destroy the country directly. There were no other options at all. This was the majesty and backbone of the Tang Dynasty.

"Who do you think should be sent to fight this time?"

Li Chengqian glanced at everyone, his eyes full of majesty and expectation.

Fang Xuanling paused, bent down and picked up a package from under his feet.

Li Chengqian was stunned for a moment, with a puzzled look in his eyes.

"Minister Fang, what are these things?"

Fang Xuanling gave a wry smile and said helplessly, "Your Majesty, the news that the Xueyantuo have attacked the border has spread throughout the court and the country.

These are letters of request for battle from the generals in the court.

Almost everyone has submitted at least two petitions for war. My memorials are already overflowing with space, so I can only pack them all up at once. Your Majesty, please make your decision."

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, opened the package, and read through the letters of request to fight one by one.

Li Jing is a veteran who has fought in many battles and is famous far and wide.

Li Ji also had great military achievements and outstanding military talents.

Cheng Yaojin, that bold and brave image seems to jump out of the paper.

Although Hou Junji has experienced some setbacks, his military capabilities should not be underestimated.

Yuchi Jingde is loyal and brave.

Xue Rengui, a fierce general of the younger generation, has unlimited potential...

Many Turkic generals also asked to fight.

Zhishisi Li, Ashina She'er, Qibi Heli, Shi Danai...

This full letter of request for battle displays a richness of martial virtue that is rare in history.

Li Chengqian pondered for a moment, and wanted to follow the principle of who should do the job now as well as who did it before, so he decided on the candidate directly.

"Minister of War Li Ji is the commander-in-chief of the Shuozhou Road army, leading 60,000 infantry and 1,200 light cavalry to meet the Xueyantuo's main force heading south. General Li Ji is a veteran of many battles. This time, we must proceed cautiously and not underestimate the enemy."

Li Chengqian's voice was steady and powerful, as if he had already seen the smoke of gunpowder on the battlefield.

"Order Yingzhou Governor Zhang Jian to lead his own cavalry, as well as those of the Xi, Khitan, and other tribes, to attack the eastern region of the Xueyantuo, threatening them from the flank. Utilize the advantages of the various tribes' cavalry, fight flexibly, and disrupt the enemy's formation."

Li Chengqian looked into the distance with a sharp gaze, as if he was giving orders to Zhang Jian who was far away in Yingzhou.

"Right Guard General Li Daliang is the Grand Commander of Lingzhou Road. He leads 40,000 infantry and 5,000 elite cavalry to Lingwu to coordinate with Li Shiji's forces. Li Daliang's forces must closely coordinate with General Li Ji to form a combined force, preventing the enemy from being able to support both ends."

Li Chengqian spoke in a serious tone, knowing full well the importance of coordinated operations.

"Grand General Zhang Shigui, commander-in-chief of the Qingzhou Road, has led 17,000 troops out of Yunzhong to cooperate with Li Ji in the battle against the Xueyantuo. Zhang Shigui's troops must strike quickly to add momentum to the overall battle situation."

"Liangzhou Governor Li Xiyu is the commander-in-chief of the Liangzhou Road. He will lead the army and cooperate with Zhang Shigui's troops to attack the western part of the Xueyantuo. Li Xiyu, you must ensure the stability of the western front and cooperate with other forces to form an encirclement."

Li Chengqian's eyes were firm, and every order he gave was related to the outcome of the battle.

"General Qin Ruzhao, the Dragon Warrior Lord, led a 3,000-man battalion armed with firearms to attack the Xueyantuo Khan's tent. Qin Ruzhao has the right to make his own decisions. If his ideas conflict with Li Ji's, his own will prevail! The key to Qin Ruzhao's operation this time is to strike directly at the enemy's core and destroy their command center."

Li Chengqian knew very well the key to this battle, and that the use of firearms would be the magic weapon to achieve a surprise victory.

"Convey my intention to the generals who are marching on the battlefield. This is my first battle since taking office. The Xueyantuo tribe must be completely annihilated in one fell swoop. Leave no one alive, young or old, male or female. Exterminate them all!"

A fierce look flashed in Li Chengqian's eyes. He wanted to let all the forces coveting the Tang Dynasty know that the consequences of invading the Tang Dynasty would be a catastrophe.

"Also, all the expenses and military pay for this expedition will come from my own private treasury. There's no need to bother the Ministry of Revenue with coordination. The pace is too slow. I want to launch a surprise attack on the Xueyantuo!"

Li Chengqian's decision surprised everyone present.

"Grand Master Qi, you taking charge of this matter will serve as an example to all the gentlemen in the room, so that they won't procrastinate in the future and must act decisively."

Li Chengqian looked at Mr. Qi with eyes full of trust.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Mr. Qi bowed slightly with a natural expression, and was already thinking about how to complete the task quickly and efficiently.

But Fang Xuanling and Ma Zhou's faces were full of shock!

All the troops are funded by your Majesty's own private treasury, without going through the court. What does this mean?

This is to tell the original officials of the court that His Majesty can get things done even without them.

In the past, they had only heard of ministers subverting the emperor, but this was the first time they encountered the emperor subverting the ministers.

Moreover, Your Majesty has done so many earth-shaking and expensive things at once. Is Your Majesty's private treasury really inexhaustible?

Of course, Ma Zhou and Fang Xuanling would not be so boring as to ask Li Chengqian: "Your Majesty, how much money do you have in your private treasury?"

This is really disrespectful.

But this did not prevent them from imagining how much money Li Chengqian had.

Since the war did not need to go through the court, Fang Xuanling and Ma Zhou naturally did not have to worry about it.

They were both curious and expectant, and it was a good opportunity for them to see the strength of His Majesty's subordinates.

"Your Majesty! I have one more matter to ask Your Majesty for your judgment."

Ma Zhou bowed slightly, breaking the brief silence.

"Go ahead."

Li Chengqian looked at Ma Zhou with a questioning look in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, I want to talk about Princess Wencheng's entry into Tibet!"

Ma Zhou looked solemn, as this matter also concerned the interests and stability of the Tang Dynasty.