The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 1226

But the royal family is the royal family. How can they be compared to ordinary people? A hundred lives of ordinary people are not worth as much as a prince or nobleman.

"My suggestion is that the national treasury be opened to the maximum extent possible, and that all the officials present also contribute their family's grain to relieve this disaster and protect the people's safety," Xu Tian said, glancing at the officials who were already burying their heads in their collars.

As a military general, Prince Lan Ying attached great importance to the matter of grain. If the granaries were to be opened, the Prince Lan Ying's residence would have to set an example, so how could he possibly allow this to happen?

“Xu Tian, ​​I think this is inappropriate. The national treasury is empty and taxes should be levied. If even the princes and nobles cannot survive, who will protect the common people?” King Lan Ying strongly objected.

As he spoke, Lan Yingwang gave his subordinates a meaningful look, and they immediately understood.

"I second that," said Minister Li quickly. "It is a year of famine, and my own residence is already in dire straits. If an official cannot even protect his own residence, I do not believe that the people of the world will trust that we can protect them well."

Upon hearing this, Xu Tian gave a cold laugh and said, "Minister Li, have you ever heard the saying that the people can carry a boat, but they can also capsize it? You have survived, but you have lost the hearts of the people. What good is that? Can't this dynasty also perish?"

Now that Li Zhi is critically ill, some important officials in the court know about this, and Prince Lan Ying is a military general who knows nothing about court affairs.

Many officials had already foreseen the dynasty's future fate, but none of them spoke of it as frankly as Xu Tian.

"I believe that Prince Lan Ying is a general whom neighboring countries fear, and he will certainly handle the affairs of the country well. As for the matter of opening the granaries, I share the same opinion as Vice Minister Li, and we do not wish to open the granaries," said the Left Chancellor.

“I have a different opinion,” said an official in blue robes, who usually spoke cautiously.

Xu Tian finally heard a dissenting voice among the officials. He glanced at the speaker and saw that it was Shen Qing, a civil official who was also the runner-up in this year's examination.

However, due to his humble origins and lack of influence in the court, coupled with his personality and unwillingness to take sides, he remains an obscure official to this day.

It was rare to see Shen Qing speak at the morning court session, perhaps because he had come to terms with the realities of the court, or perhaps because he understood his own limitations.

"What's your opinion?" King Yinglan asked unhappily. He had thought the situation was settled, but now a new obstacle had suddenly appeared.

Shen Qing seemed to have mustered a great deal of courage, and took a deep breath as he said, "I agree with Xu Tian's view. We must open the granaries. The strength of a country is judged by its territory and the number of its people."

"If we don't open the granaries, the people will all die or resort to cannibalism. The people from neighboring countries who originally wanted to join us will be terrified upon hearing this. What will our country rely on to become strong? How many people can the princes and nobles bring each year?"

These words gave Xu Tian a different perspective on Shen Qing. In the past, he would always agree with what others said, but now he was able to say such sharp words.

"Look at what they're saying! Do they expect us all to die to save those foolish people?" the Right Chancellor said, his tone extremely displeased.

Many of the courtiers discussed the matter, noting that everyone is selfish, especially the nobles who have enjoyed such privileges for so long.

"I share this view," Xu Tian countered, "but can you tell me which noble family has more children each year than the current Lotus Village, which is now a village where people are exchanging children to eat?"

The ministers looked at each other, none of them able to utter a word.

Xu Tiantong and Shen Qing nodded, expressing their gratitude.