I have already established my power and prestige, so how did Li Shimin come back to life?

Fang Xuanling asked cautiously, his voice was low but clearly audible in the quiet court.

He knew the sensitivity of this issue. Once the interests of aristocratic families and officials were involved, it would inevitably cause an uproar. Compared with some insignificant issues, the seriousness of this issue was self-evident.

He glanced around the court and saw that many officials' faces became nervous.

The ministers' hearts were in their throats, and they nervously waited for His Majesty's answer, like prisoners awaiting trial.

"That's the way it is."

Li Chengqian spoke in a firm tone, his eyes revealing a determination to fight to the death. He looked straight into Fang Xuanling's eyes without any intention of retreating, as if two flames were burning in his eyes.

The ministers were shocked, knowing that there was no turning back in this matter, as His Majesty had already broken off relations with the aristocratic families.

"Your Majesty, this approach is unlikely to succeed. Those aristocratic families and local officials are so powerful they will certainly resist the imperial decree. Not only will they pretend to obey but secretly disobey, but the manpower and resources the court will have to spend will be staggering."

Fang Xuanling advised earnestly, his eyes full of worry and the wrinkles on his forehead deeper.

He took a few steps forward and bowed to Li Chengqian.

"Your Majesty wants to open a mine, survey the land, and count the population. I'm afraid the court's money is far from enough."

The ministers nodded one after another, feeling that Fang Xuanling was right.

Wei Zheng also stood up at this time. He looked serious and was wearing red court robes, which made him look even more upright.

His eyes were filled with loyalty and integrity as he looked at Li Chengqian, thinking, "Your Majesty may be ambitious, but you must not act impulsively. I must offer my advice!"

"Your Majesty, we have three kinds of sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn. Even if your Majesty has to break with the noble families, you can still take your time. After three to five years, when the treasury is full, it won't be too late to reform then."

"During the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, it was because he was too ambitious and wanted to do too many things at once that the treasury of the Sui Dynasty was empty, the people suffered terribly, and eventually the country fell into chaos."

"Your Majesty is a holy ruler. You must not repeat the mistakes of Emperor Yang of Sui."

Wei Zheng spoke earnestly.

He hoped that Li Chengqian would consider it carefully and not bring disaster to the Tang Dynasty because of a momentary impulse.

He knew that His Majesty had made up his mind and these things had to be done, but given the current state of the national treasury, the Ministry of Revenue would certainly strongly oppose it.

As a minister, he had the responsibility to let Li Chengqian know the interests involved. After all, governing a large country is like cooking a small fish. It is simply not feasible to implement all policies in one go.

The ministers secretly agreed with Wei Zheng's words, feeling that everything he said made sense and that His Majesty was still too young.

The young officials, on the other hand, were all beaming with pride, completely trusting any policy orders issued by Li Chengqian.

Xianyang City is a living example!

"Of course I know, but when did I ever say that this money should come from the national treasury?"

Li Chengqian countered with a question, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned as he looked at the assembled officials with a meaningful gaze, his eyes revealing a sense of confidence and composure, as if everything was under his control.

The ministers were puzzled, wondering what His Majesty was up to.

"If His Majesty doesn't use money from the national treasury, where will the money come from?"

Fang Xuanling looked puzzled; he simply couldn't understand Li Chengqian's meaning, his eyes filled with confusion.

Having served in the imperial court for many years, he had never heard of any other source of funding that could support such a massive project.

He frowned and looked at the other ministers, hoping to get an answer from them, but only saw the same confused looks.

But in the eyes of those young people, all they saw was confidence.

The old ministers are all speculating whether His Majesty has some secret source of wealth.

"This money will naturally come from my own private treasury."

Li Chengqian said calmly.

"My private treasury is full of wealth, enough to support these measures. I will not use the money in the national treasury, so as not to affect the normal operation of the country. Chang'an will be used as a pilot city like Xianyang. All officials can ask Grand Tutor Qi about the relevant regulations after court."