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

The question raised by Li Chengqian was that all the officials who could serve in this majestic court were well-educated and eloquent.

When it comes to the topics of prosperous times and strong countries, they have been familiar with the classics, history, and literature since childhood, and can all use their vast knowledge to expound on long and eloquent speeches, and quoting from classics is not a problem.

But everyone knows in their hearts that the current emperor is completely different from the former emperor.

Your Majesty is quick-witted, decisive, innovative and unpredictable.

The final answers to the various questions raised by Your Majesty are often very different from the traditional cognition that everyone is familiar with, completely breaking the fixed thinking patterns that they have always held.

Therefore, at this moment, although all the ministers had their own opinions and answers in their hearts, no one was in a hurry to stand up and respond, because they were afraid that what they said would not be in line with the emperor's wishes, thus falling into an embarrassing and awkward situation, or even angering the emperor.

Seeing that no one answered, Li Chengqian's sharp eyes slowly swept across the faces of the ministers one by one.

After a moment, he finally spoke, "My dear Yu, I am well aware that you are a master of Confucianism. Since that is the case, I will ask you to answer my questions."

When Yu Zhining heard His Majesty call his name, his brows involuntarily frowned slightly.

Although he did not know what unique insights and profound meanings His Majesty had in his mind regarding the answer to this question, he was quite confident in the knowledge and wisdom he had accumulated from years of immersion in Confucian classics, especially the doctrine of the mean, in which he was proficient.

The answers I hold all come from the words of the saints, and are the crystallization of wisdom that has been passed down and accumulated over thousands of years. No matter what, Your Majesty cannot refute the words of the saints, right?

After thinking about this, he quickly collected his thoughts, took a step forward respectfully, and then performed a very standard and solemn bow to show his respect for His Majesty.

After the ceremony, he stood up, adjusted his breathing slightly, and began to talk eloquently based on his profound knowledge.

"In Confucianism, the hallmarks of a prosperous age are virtue nourishing the hearts of the people and propriety and righteousness prospering the nation."

Yu Zhining's tone was steady and powerful.

“When the monarch is wise and the ministers are capable, the foundation for a prosperous era can be established.”

"A ruler should be a model of benevolence and kindness for all people, just as the North Star hangs high in the sky, unwavering and unwavering, while all the other stars surround and guard it, revering and admiring it."

"A monarch should be open to the public and accept advice readily, just as the ocean embraces all rivers and does not reject even the smallest stream."

"And we should be diligent in government affairs, personally involved in all matters, be kind to the people, and implement all government orders with a benevolent heart, so that our grace, like the warm sunshine, will shine upon the vast expanse of the earth, benefiting every citizen."

"Officials should strictly abide by their duties, act in accordance with morality, be honest and self-disciplined, and obey the law."

"As Zengzi said, 'I examine myself three times a day.' I must constantly reflect on my own words and deeds, cultivate my character, and correct my behavior. I will fully assist the monarch in implementing benevolent policies and good deeds, and contribute my own efforts to the prosperity of the country."

"Only then can all people live in harmony and enjoy the blessings of a peaceful and prosperous age."

"In the family, the father is kind and the son is filial, the brothers are friendly and respectful, and the husband and wife are harmonious."

"Neighbors are friendly and helpful to each other, no one picks up things on the road, and no one locks their doors at night, demonstrating the simplicity and honesty of the people."

"The Church of Order is flourishing, and talented people will surely emerge."

"Scholars all respected the idea of ​​'learning well leads to officialdom,' and took self-cultivation, family harmony, governance of the country, and world peace as their grand ambitions. They devoutly respected the teachings of the sages, understood the principles of human relations, and knew the norms of etiquette. This is the embodiment of the flourishing culture and virtue that is prominent in the world."

"Furthermore, only when the granaries are full will the people learn etiquette."

“When people have enough food and clothing, they will begin to understand honor and disgrace.”

"Agriculture and sericulture flourish, artisans live and work in peace and contentment, trade flows freely, the economy thrives, and the people are wealthy and respect etiquette—this is the solid material foundation of a prosperous era."

Li Chengqian sat quietly on the dragon throne, his expression as calm as water, listening attentively to Yu Zhining's words. He nodded slightly to show his initial approval of his explanation, and then said softly, "My dear minister, please continue. I am listening."

Yu Zhining's words also made the old ministers in the court nod their heads frequently.

Yu Zhining swallowed softly to moisten his slightly dry throat, then continued, "The proof of a strong nation is its combination of civil virtue and military prowess. The two complement each other, like the two wheels of a car, neither of which can be missing."

"Laws should also conform to the principles of benevolence and righteousness, rewarding good and punishing evil, and being fair and strict. Adhering to the principle of 'punishing the guilty without sparing high officials, and rewarding the virtuous without sparing the common man,' we must fully guarantee the implementation of fairness and justice, so that the majesty of national law is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, so that the people, regardless of their status, will respect the law and dare not overstep the line."

"As for military prowess, it's not about wantonly abusing military power, but about possessing a strong military force capable of defending one's country."

"Conquests must be justified and fought for justice. This is what is meant by 'stopping war is the best way to fight.' Using war to stop war is the purpose of maintaining the territorial integrity of the Tang Dynasty and demonstrating national prestige."

"To make the barbarians pay tribute, to bring harmony among all nations, to make distant nations come to you in admiration, and to make nearby neighbors sincerely submit—this is the mark of a strong nation's military power."

"Like a skinny tiger standing tall in the forest, all the beasts are afraid."

After listening to Yu Zhining's grand speech, Li Chengqian raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, and said slowly: "When I first ascended the throne, I said that I have studied all the books that you, my dear ministers, have read."

"And I have also delved deeply into books that you have not yet explored. My knowledge is not superficial."

After saying that, he looked directly at Yu Zhining, with a hint of doubt in his eyes.

"Your Confucian theory, at first glance, makes a lot of sense. It's a beautiful piece of writing, with gorgeous rhetoric and rigorous logic."

“But if you think about it carefully, it seems like a castle in the air, just empty talk and difficult to implement.”

Li Chengqian paused slightly and his tone turned cold.

"Let me ask you a question, my dear minister. You speak of 'harmony among all people, filial piety among fathers, friendship among brothers, respectful respect among younger brothers, harmony between husband and wife, and love between neighbors.' While these aspirations are fine, don't these "all people" include those with disabilities?"

"Doesn't this also include the poor people of our Great Tang who are in dire straits?"

"What position do they hold in your blueprint for a prosperous world? Are they being ignored by you?"

When Yu Zhining heard this, his expression changed slightly and he seemed to want to say something but stopped.

Your Majesty is actually refuting the words of the saint!

Li Chengqian did not pause and continued, "I know what you are thinking, my dear ministers. I also understand that you think Mr. Ma's idea is a thankless task, a waste of manpower, material resources, and financial resources, but with little prospect of significant results."

Li Chengqian glanced at the entire audience, his tone firm and unwavering, "I declare today what constitutes a prosperous era. It is defined by the living conditions of the poor and needy."

"From ancient times to the present, has there ever been a truly pure and prosperous era in the world?"

At this moment, Mr. Qi, who had been silent all the time, quietly raised his head and looked deeply at Li Chengqian, with a complex look flashing across his eyes.

Li Chengqian remained unaware and continued his impassioned speech: "The so-called prosperous times of the past were merely the prosperous times of kings, princes, generals and ministers, and were definitely not the prosperous times of ordinary people in the world. They were merely the prosperous times of a small group of powerful people."

"The majority of the people are still in dire straits, worried about getting a full meal every day, struggling on the edge of survival."

"I despise the name of such a prosperous age, which is unworthy of its reality. I neither want it nor crave it."

Li Chengqian's words became more and more passionate.

"As long as there are still people in the Tang Dynasty who are hungry and clothed."

"There are still people who are oppressed and exploited, working hard but not getting the wages they deserve."

"Then this so-called Qianwu prosperous era is nothing more than a false joke, all show and no substance."

Li Chengqian turned to look at the historian in charge of recording with a serious expression.

"Historician, record my words today truthfully. I swear that as long as the people of the Tang Dynasty continue to endure hardship, no one will record the so-called Qianwu Era of Prosperity in the annals of history."

"I believe that such a false reputation is a disgrace to the Tang Dynasty! This is my promise to the people of the Tang Dynasty."

"I only hope that the ministers of my Qianwu Dynasty can sit with the poor people of this world, and not sit too high."

"A sage once said, 'The people are more important than the ruler,' but how many people, after becoming officials, no longer take the common people seriously?"

"I don't care what happens in the future, but you all must remember me!"

"During the reign of Emperor Qianwu, I shared the world with the common people, not with the literati and officials."

"Remember, when I meet the people, I will also greet each other. If anyone dares to put on the airs of those stinking bureaucrats in front of the people, don't say that I don't show you any mercy."

The historian felt his blood boiling when he heard Li Chengqian's powerful words.

Although everyone knows that your Majesty's ideal of writing is difficult to achieve and out of reach.

But if we don't even have ideals, what hope is there in this world? What's the point of looking forward to life?