Tang Dynasty, I can lead troops through ancient and modern times

Chapter 266 Meeting at Wude Hall

Li Chengqian saw Li Shimin's doubts and continued, "We can learn from the experience of later generations and establish a complete navigation system and trade system.

At the same time, we will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with neighboring countries and jointly explore overseas markets.

As long as we have enough determination and wisdom, we will be able to achieve the prosperity and development of overseas trade."

Li Shimin was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "This matter needs to be considered carefully, and we must not act hastily."

He knew very well that promoting overseas trade required careful planning and could not be done blindly.

But he also understood that this was a rare opportunity, and if it could be successfully implemented, it would bring huge benefits to the Tang Dynasty.

"I will go to Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling to discuss this matter. You come with me!"

The Age of Discovery, under Li Chengqian's plan, seems to be about to begin ahead of schedule...

The atmosphere in the Wude Hall was solemn.

Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Chu Suiliang and others, who had just left the palace not long ago, were called back again with some doubts in their faces.

They stood in the hall, their eyes meeting from time to time, as if they were guessing the reason for this recall.

Li Jing, Pei Xingjian, Di Renjie and others also entered the hall one after another.

Li Jing has an upright posture, his eyes are calm and wise, like a wise man who has experienced many vicissitudes of life;

Pei Xingjian was imposing and dignified, exuding the courage and determination of a military commander;

Although Di Renjie is young, his face reveals an intelligence that allows him to see through everything.

Everyone gathered in the Wude Hall, quietly waiting for the emperor's arrival.

They don't know what decisions and challenges they will face.

But they know very well that every summons may affect the fate and future of the country.

Li Shimin looked at the few people still wearing bloody armor, frowned slightly, and then ordered the eunuch to take them to change into casual clothes first.

After everyone changed into casual clothes and returned to the Wude Hall, Li Shimin said solemnly, "Today I discussed with Cheng Qian the policy of 'spreading the tax burden on each acre'."

Zhang Sun Wuji seemed to know about the land tax distribution. His face suddenly changed and he said quickly, "Your Majesty, this matter cannot be rushed. The aristocratic families are very powerful. If we rashly implement the land tax distribution, it may cause strong resistance from them."

Li Shimin nodded slightly and said in a deep voice: "I also know that this matter is difficult, but for the long-term stability of the Tang Dynasty, this policy must be implemented.

The aristocratic families have occupied the land for thousands of years, and the people are suffering. If nothing is done about it, it will become a big problem in the future."

Zhang Sun Wuji said worriedly: "Your Majesty, the aristocratic families have deep roots and complicated relationships. If you forcefully implement the 'tax-to-land distribution' policy, it may cause unrest and even endanger the country."

Fang Xuanling stroked his beard and said, "What Lord Changsun said is not without reason. However, if this policy can be properly implemented, it can indeed reduce the burden on the people and promote national prosperity. We can first select one or two regions for pilot projects, carefully observe the results, and then gradually promote it."

Chu Suiliang continued, “Your Majesty, the selection of pilot areas is crucial.

You can choose places where the power of aristocratic families is relatively weak and where the people have strong reactions to land issues.

At the same time, we must strengthen supervision over pilot areas to ensure that policies are implemented properly.”

Li Shimin listened to everyone's opinions and fell into deep thought.

After a moment, he slowly said, "I will consider this matter carefully. What do you think about overseas trade?"

"Overseas trade?!"

Everyone was stunned again.

Zhang Sun Wuji frowned slightly and said, "Your Majesty, overseas trade has both risks and opportunities.

On the one hand, if the overseas market can be successfully developed, it can bring huge profits to Datang;

On the other hand, the sea is unpredictable and the situation in neighboring countries is complicated, so there may be many uncertainties. "

Fang Xuanling nodded and said, "Master Changsun is right. But I think we can first send envoys to neighboring countries to understand their needs and trade conditions and prepare for overseas trade.

At the same time, we will strengthen the navy to ensure the safety of maritime trade.”

Chu Suiliang said: "Your Majesty, you can also encourage private merchants to participate in overseas trade and give them certain policy support and protection.

In this way, the scale of trade can be increased and the financial pressure on the court can be reduced."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, indicating that he understood. "I also understand that this matter cannot be rushed, so I asked you to come here to formulate a practical plan."

Then, Li Shimin said: "There is another matter, which is overseas trade. I have decided to allocate half of the lathes to Dengzhou and Laizhou to build large gantry cranes and build large seagoing ships."

Li Chengqian added: "Building seagoing ships can be regarded as a win-win situation. Large seagoing ships can be used in the war against Japan, and we can also be familiar with large-scale navigation and naval warfare."

Li Jing said, "Your Majesty, if we can independently build a sea vessel similar to an ironclad ship, it will be of great significance to the coastal defense of our Tang Dynasty."

Li Shimin nodded and said, "Yes, that makes sense."

Li Chengqian continued, “Also, blast furnace steelmaking will require the establishment of steel mills in both locations to prepare for gantry cranes and future railways.

These major projects can give some benefits to the noble families, allowing them to invest, which can also reduce the financial burden of the court and also let them understand the profits of maritime trade. "

After thinking for a moment, Chang Sun Wuji said, "Your Majesty, you must be cautious when giving benefits to the noble families.

We need to ensure that they get a reasonable return on their investment, but also prevent them from using this opportunity to expand their influence.”

Fang Xuanling said: "Detailed rules and regulatory measures can be formulated to ensure the smooth progress of the project."

Everyone expressed their opinions one after another. The atmosphere in the Wude Hall was lively, and everyone was making plans for the future of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Chengqian did not say anything more, but just watched the discussion between Li Shimin and the ministers quietly.

Li Chengqian sat quietly aside, with a hint of relief in his eyes.

After several time travels through later generations, the rulers and ministers of the Tang Dynasty had indeed undergone earth-shaking changes.

They are no longer limited to traditional thinking patterns, but are actively exploring new development paths.

Nowadays, when the Tang Dynasty's monarchs and ministers discussed national affairs, the policies and preventive measures proposed often amazed Li Chengqian.

These measures were not only forward-looking but also very well considered, so well that even he, who was familiar with later history, felt ashamed of himself.

Li Chengqian is well aware of his limitations.

Although he knew some history of later generations, he was, after all, only a product of nine years of compulsory education.

When it comes to insights into national affairs, he really cannot compare with those ministers who have been in high positions for many years and have a good sense of the overall situation.

However, Li Chengqian was not discouraged.

He understood that his value lay not only in his understanding of history, but also in his ability to provide new ideas and directions for the development of the Tang Dynasty.

In his exchanges and discussions with ministers, he was also constantly learning and growing, striving to contribute his own strength to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.