The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 229

Xu Tian smiled, then cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. This is all due to Your Majesty's boundless grace and the blessing of Heaven upon our Great Tang. What I have done is but a trivial matter."

Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. The reason why the Sui emperor lost the hearts of the people was because he had exploited them. The high-ranking officials and nobles were forced to bleed money and became dissatisfied, while the common people below were suffering in dire straits and could not even get enough to eat. So they rose up in rebellion.

This isn't anyone's fault, but rather a lack of sound national policies. If everyone could have enough to eat, the world would be at peace, and the people would be loyal.

These words resonated deeply with Li Shimin, striking a chord with him. He had previously suffered greatly, only finding peace after Li Shimin personally ended the cholera outbreak.

Now that the biggest food problem had been solved, Li Shimin was quite gratified. Xu Tian was truly his right-hand man.

Li Shiming was so happy that he immediately burst into laughter. Seeing that His Majesty was so happy today, the expressions on the faces of the officials also relaxed. For a moment, they were very friendly to Xu Tian and did not mind that he was sitting in the Golden Palace to attend court. Every now and then, civil and military officials would throw a friendly look at Xu Tian to encourage him.

Li Shimin returned to the dragon throne and then said, "My dear minister has solved two major problems for me: the problem of food supply and the food supply for the border garrison."

Moreover, they have successfully cultivated new grains in the Western Regions. I believe that soon our people will be well-fed and clothed. Having such a virtuous minister is truly a blessing for me, for the Empress, and for the nation.

As Li Shimin was speaking, he suddenly saw Wei Zheng laugh. Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, who were talking to each other, did not take him, the emperor, seriously at all. He broke out in a cold sweat. After calming down, he realized that Xu Tian had not shown any expression at all and still looked pale. He immediately realized that he had been careless.

As expected, Wei Zheng stepped forward the next second and said, "The Emperor rewards those who have rendered meritorious service and punishes those who have committed wrongdoing."

Wei Zheng's eyes were sharp, and Li Shimin immediately felt a chill run down his spine. Sure enough, he had said something was wrong. Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling were no longer talking about this matter. The two of them stood calmly at the head of the civil officials. Li Shimin then realized that he had been talking for so long without giving Xu Tian, ​​this great contributor, any reward.

Just as Li Shimin was about to speak, the head eunuch beside him understood first and immediately gave a signal. Two junior eunuchs standing nearby immediately lifted Xu Tian up.

"Minister Xu has rendered meritorious service to the nation, repeatedly braving hardships and dangers. He truly deserves great praise. I hereby bestow upon you the Prince Pingning's Mansion. The Prince Pingning's Mansion was formerly the residence of a high-ranking official of the previous dynasty. After the Prince Pingning passed away, no one has lived in this house since. What do you think, my dear minister?"

Having a house to live in is certainly good, but think about how difficult it is to buy a house in modern times. It takes more than ten years to even obtain the qualification to buy a house, and buying a house can drain the savings of three generations of ancestors.

He lived in a small one-bedroom apartment of a few dozen square meters in modern times. There was no kitchen or living room, and the only large room was the bathroom. He had saved up for half his life and was bald before he finally bought a room.

Having finally made it to ancient times and now having his own house, Xu Tian immediately cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, thank you. Long live the Emperor! I am feeling unwell and would like to go back to rest."

Li Shimin nodded. Such a capable leader must not fall ill!

"I will immediately send General Qin Qiong to escort you back."

Qin Qiong was originally a general guarding the palace, but now he has become Xu Tian's groom.

Before Qin Qiong could speak, Xu Tian immediately realized what was happening and said, "Your Majesty, General Qin is of noble status. If I were to do so, it would be an overstepping of my bounds. To avoid attracting gossip, I should return on my own."