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

In order to consolidate the imperial power, the emperor's brother did not hesitate to use generous military pay to win the hearts of the soldiers.

In the parade ground outside Chang'an City, flags covered the sky and drums and gongs shook the heavens.

Whenever pay was distributed, the soldiers' eyes gleamed with fervent loyalty, and their cries of "Long live the emperor" resounded through the sky. What a magnificent scene!

But now, those powerful armies that once terrified the enemy have become a heavy burden to the empire.

The idea of ​​restoring the military system of the Zhenguan period had been lingering in Li Zhi's mind for a long time.

The government soldiers were farmers in peacetime and soldiers in wartime, and they provided their own weapons and food, which not only saved expenses but also ensured the supply of soldiers.

But the reality is like an insurmountable wall.

Those soldiers who had fought for their brother the emperor had long been accustomed to generous treatment.

If we rashly withdraw the military pay and restore the military system, how could those veterans who fought bloody battles on the battlefield let it go?

If things go wrong, a mutiny could make this seemingly stable regime shaky.

Just when Li Zhi was frowning, the "professionalization of soldiers" plan proposed by Mr. Qi was like a ray of light, illuminating his chaotic thoughts.

If the army were to stop farming and focus on training, its combat effectiveness would be greatly improved, and it might even be possible to regain its former glory.

But behind this lies a bigger problem.

The Tang Dynasty had a vast territory and a large army. If it implemented a conscription system, it would inevitably have to carry out large-scale disarmament.

It is estimated that the number of troops to be laid off may be no less than one million.

Each of these one million soldiers had shed blood and tears for the Tang Dynasty.

Their armor was still stained with the blood of the Turks and the dust of Goguryeo.

Their battle robes were filled with sand from the Western Regions and miasma from Lingnan.

With just one imperial edict, they were sent back to their hometowns. One can imagine the resentment in their hearts.

What is even more difficult is the resettlement of these veterans.

Most of them are good at wielding swords and guns. If not handled properly, these warriors who once defended their country may become a hidden danger that endangers the local area.

Li Zhi was lost in thought when Mr. Qi's low, steady voice broke the silence: "Your Majesty, these military matters will be discussed later. I have a few questions in my mind, and I hope Your Majesty will be able to enlighten me."

Li Zhi raised his head and looked at Mr. Qi

Mr. Qi is over 70 years old and has white hair, but his eyes are still as sharp as an eagle, as if he can see through people's hearts and understand the world.

Li Zhi nodded slightly: "Sir, please feel free to speak."

"May I ask, Your Majesty, what is the current state of the Tang Dynasty in your eyes?"

This question shocked Li Zhi.

Since ascending the throne, he has witnessed the unprecedented prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

With the opening of the trade route, the East Market of Chang'an was bustling with people, and the merchants' camel caravans brought a steady stream of new and interesting things.

The night market is brightly lit, the sounds of stringed instruments can be heard in the singing halls and taverns, and all kinds of rare treasures are on display.

But at the same time, a new ballad was circulating: "A merchant's one-day feast is worth ten years' food for the common people."

The glittering silks in the silk shops formed a stark contrast with the half-naked refugees in the slums.

He opened his mouth, but the complicated emotions were stuck in his throat and he didn't know where to start.

Mr. Qi stroked his beard, his gaze as deep as an ancient well. "Your Majesty is wise and must have noticed that since the opening of the trade route, people's hearts have quietly changed."

"The warmth of neighborly support has faded, replaced by petty calculations."

"On the streets of Chang'an, wealthy merchants paraded through the city in their carriages drawn by four horses, while in the villages outside the city, the elderly, the weak, women and children struggled for a bite to eat."

"The Tang Dynasty may appear prosperous, but in reality, undercurrents are surging. I, an old minister, dare to speak frankly—the Tang Dynasty is ill!"

Li Zhi suddenly gripped the armrests of the armchair.

Mentioning the word "disease" in front of the emperor was already disrespectful, but Mr. Qi actually pointed directly to "national destruction". This courage made him both surprised and admired.

"All dynasties have perished due to land annexation, but now the Tang Dynasty has a vast territory and land is no longer scarce."

Mr. Qi walked to the window and looked out at the twilight of Chang'an City. The outline of the city walls gradually blurred in the afterglow of the setting sun. "Your Majesty, I dare to ask: If the Tang Dynasty were to fall one day, what would be the root cause?"

The long sound of the night watchman's clappers could be heard from outside the hall. Li Zhi slowly shook his head and said, "Please enlighten me, sir."

"Ever since the First Emperor established the imperial system, subsequent monarchs have learned lessons from the fall of previous dynasties and patched up the system's loopholes."

"Han punished Qin's tyranny and allowed the country to rest and recuperate."

"The Tang Dynasty learned from the extravagance of the Sui Dynasty and advocated frugality in governing the country."

"But why do dynasties change like the seasons?"

Mr. Qi turned around, his eyes blazing. "Because it's human nature. Those in high positions and powerful positions always find it difficult to resist the temptation to seek benefits for their relatives."

"The saying 'one man's success brings prosperity to his family and friends' is the beginning of the corruption of dynasties throughout history."

Li Zhi recalled the late emperor's last words before his death, "the world belongs to the public", which seemed to still echo in his ears.

In the Tang Dynasty at that time, everyone cherished the ideal of building a world of great harmony, officials took pride in their integrity, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment.

But as time went by, everything changed.

The mansions of officials became more and more luxurious, with pavilions, towers, carved beams and painted rafters.

Merchants' fleets became larger and larger, monopolizing trade routes and hoarding goods.

But ordinary people are struggling under heavy workload.

"Although the late emperor's conception was good, he underestimated the complexity of human nature."

Mr. Qi sighed, "No matter how good the system is, it cannot resist the erosion of selfish desires."

"Commercial prosperity today may appear to be a sign of prosperity, but in reality, the flaws of the previous dynasty are already evident—wealth, like rivers flowing into the sea, is flowing entirely into the pockets of the powerful and wealthy."

“When the life savings of ordinary people cannot even cover the cost of a single banquet for the nobility, when the rich live in luxury while the streets are shrouded in frozen corpses, that is when the empire is about to collapse.”

"What's even more terrifying," Mr. Qi paused, his voice growing heavier, "is that in today's Tang Dynasty, while the people are not starving, they are plunged into deeper despair."

"They watch helplessly as the rich and powerful live extravagantly, while no matter how hard they try, they can't change their fate."

"This kind of despair is more devastating than hunger."

"If this continues, once a spark is ignited, it will surely spread like wildfire."

Li Zhi's back was already soaked with cold sweat.

He suddenly realized that he was facing not only a military expenditure problem, but also a life-and-death decision concerning the fate of the Tang Dynasty.

Military reform is imminent, but social contradictions are equally acute.

If we only focus on military affairs and ignore people's livelihood, it would be like drinking poison to quench thirst.

If we only focus on people's livelihood and neglect military spending, how can we defend our country when foreign enemies invade?

"Then what do you think we should do?" There was an imperceptible tremor in Li Zhi's voice.

Mr. Qi pondered for a long time and said slowly: "Your Majesty, reforms must be carried out gradually.

In the military, the conscription system can be piloted in some military towns to properly place the retired soldiers."

"In terms of people's livelihood, we will curb land annexation, severely punish corruption, and support agriculture and sericulture."

"In commerce, we need to break the monopoly and allow ordinary people to benefit from the trade routes."

“More importantly, it reshapes people’s hearts.”

As the night deepens, the candlelight in the Liangyi Hall remains bright.