The video takes us to ancient times; Li Er transforms into the Tongtian Emperor of Shu Han.

"Huh? It's fortunate that Old Zhu was in the middle of a challenge and couldn't see what you were saying."

"If he knew that you, Zhao Heizi, haven't even sent out troops yet, he'd probably be mocking you to no end!"

Li Er was shocked.

He also remembered that Zhao Kuangyin had confidently declared that he would send troops soon.

More than half of this review has already passed, and there's still no progress.

"I'm sorry to have disappointed Emperor Taizong."

Zhao Kuangyin didn't even want to defend himself anymore.

He watched quietly as the eunuch drafted the imperial decree he had just issued and gave a copy to each of the six ministers.

"We must win this battle; we cannot afford to lose. If we lose, all six of you ministers will be killed, and your families will be exiled without exception. I will also issue an edict of self-reproach."

"But I will not write these words in the imperial edict; you can keep them to yourselves."

He neither defended himself nor left himself a way out.

Most importantly, he knew in his heart that the best time had come.

Last year, we rewarded those who made outstanding contributions to the list of wise rulers. We have enough money and food, but it will take time to turn these things into a fighting force.

Although he easily gets carried away with enthusiasm whenever Lao Zhu urges him on.

However, after calming down, he knew what he should really do and that the time was not yet right.

Now, however, we have ample supplies and a strong military.

If he can't win this battle and recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, then Zhao Kuangyin must be a pig!

"Putting aside the sarcasm, I think Zhao Heizi is fine; in fact, he has impressed me."

"A general should cherish his troops and not fight battles he cannot win. A ruler should prioritize the overall situation and not be swayed by personal feelings."

"If we were to reluctantly send troops under Zhu's provocation, we would not deserve the title of a wise and benevolent ruler throughout the ages!"

Liu Bang, unusually, spoke up for Zhao Kuangyin.

"That's true. After receiving the immortal's reward, recovering the lost territory is a foregone conclusion. Compared to that, what's more important is to minimize our own losses."

"However, Lao Zhu's review was truly exhilarating to watch."

"Huo Qubing, have I not yet launched a northern expedition against the Xiongnu this year? Go and prepare. Zhu Yuanzhang is launching a northern expedition, and I will also be leading a northern expedition!"

Liu Che said he was also filled with excitement.

Since he already knew he would have to issue a self-reproaching edict when he got old, he might as well take advantage of his youth and the strength of the Han Dynasty to fulfill his desires as much as possible!

"Li Jing, you go down and make preparations. See if there are any small countries in the surrounding area that are disrespectful, and go and give them a warning."

As soon as Li Er said this, all the countries, large and small, during the Zhenguan era began to tremble.

For them, it's a terrifying game that's purely a contest of luck.

Even Li Er didn't explicitly state who he was going to warn, meaning who would be chosen was purely Li Jing's subjective assumption.

In a short time, countries large and small surrounding the Tang Dynasty rushed to send envoys.

These envoys carried a great deal of rare treasures and traveled day and night, fearing that even a slight delay would cause their countries to suffer an undeserved disaster.

Not long after Li Er made his statement, and in just over a month, while Li Jing was still choosing the lucky one, envoys from various countries arrived one after another.

Look at how obedient and docile they are, and how they've brought out all their savings.

Not to mention Li Er, who was finding it difficult to remain calm, even Li Jing was somewhat reluctant to do so.

It is said that one cannot hit a smiling face, but these people are more than just smiling faces; they are all kneeling down, fawning over the Khan who is close to power.

"Your Majesty, wouldn't it be somewhat inhumane to send troops again under these circumstances?"

Li Er: "..."

Inhumane? Do you think I wouldn't know?

But these harsh words have already been broadcast over the sky, are we just going to let it go like this?

"Let's take stock and see if there are any countries that haven't sent envoys yet. If not, then let it go. If so, then destroy them."

After thinking it over, Li Er ultimately couldn't bring himself to harm the rows of people kneeling respectfully.

Zhao Kuangyin watched this scene with envy.

When will he be able to have such power?

At a single command, all nations came to pay homage!

This is probably the greatest achievement of all emperors throughout history.

It not only subdued the enemy without a fight, but also made these small countries obediently submit!

"Zhao Kuangyin, stop looking. You won't be able to learn it. Let's talk about it after we've destroyed the Liao and Jin dynasties."

Liu Che said with a smile.

Of all the emperors, he was probably the only one who could still laugh and joke at such a scene.

After all, he and Li Er were completely opposite.

Li Er (Li Er) ordered those small countries to send envoys to kneel and submit, while he sent envoys to other countries to commit suicide; if the envoy died, the country would perish.

"In fact, after reading so many reviews, I suddenly feel that perhaps Emperor Wu is right."

Looking at the group of envoys before him, Li Er remained silent for an unknown period of time before finally speaking in a low voice.

"There is no right or wrong. You say I am right, but I envy your country's tributary system."

Liu Che shook his head helplessly.

If he had any other choice, why would he have been so warlike, almost completely ruining the economy of the Han Dynasty?

Wouldn't he rather be a ruler who maintains the status quo, like Emperors Wen and Jing, without having to rack his brains and still leaving a good reputation?

Of course!

The problem is, the big man's situation didn't give him any choice at all.

The Han Dynasty, after the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, had a full treasury and appeared to be a golden age, but in reality, it was beset by internal and external troubles.

The problems included the feudal lords, the Xiongnu, and even the occasional raids and plundering by neighboring small states.

We either have to show our strength and scare them into submission, or we can only swallow our anger and let them bully us.

Choosing the former meant becoming the powerful Han Dynasty; choosing the latter meant becoming the great Song Dynasty.

When Emperor Gaozu gained power, he had to swallow his anger in the face of the siege of Baideng in order to recuperate and rebuild his life.

Whether it was during the reign of Empress Lü or Emperors Wen and Jing, his achievements were considerable.

However, most of them were civil rulers, and they were unable to come up with any good solutions to deal with the attacks from the countries outside the Great Wall.

By the time it came to Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che), the civil and military officials in the court were so terrified of the Xiongnu that if no changes were made, the Han Dynasty would never be able to hold its head high again!

"But it is precisely because of the changes you have made that you can be considered to have committed a sin in this era but made a great contribution for future generations, and thus be able to be listed among the wise rulers of the immortals."

Li Er said with a smile.

"Others only see your martial arts skills, but they overlook one point: if you are truly not good at civil administration, how could the meager resources left by Emperors Wen and Jing have sustained you in fighting for decades?"

Liu Che: “…”

Upon seeing Li Er's praise, he suddenly blushed.

Indeed, the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing were considered a golden age for the Han Dynasty, but the actual wealth accumulated was not that substantial.

It's certainly not enough to cover what he built over those decades.

If he hadn't been good at making money, the Han army's food and supplies would probably have been cut off long ago.

But their methods of making money...

Just don’t mention it!