hsntnovel Chapter 2399 Li Shimin has some feelings
Chapter 2399 Li Shimin has some feelings
In Chang'an, heavy snow fell. This was the heaviest snowfall since the severe drought in Guanzhong.
On the platform on the second floor of Yajingju, Li Shimin stood in front of the railing, looking at the Nanhai Lake in the distance covered with heavy snow, and watching the snowflakes falling from the sky and hanging on the treetops.
The entire palace was covered with a snow-white coat, and eunuchs and maids were clearing the roads everywhere in the heavy snow.
"Your Majesty, it's windy outside, let's go inside."
Wang De whispered persuasion from the side.
Li Shimin looked at the snow scene in the distance and sighed:
"Auspicious snow indicates a good harvest, isn't that what Old Ten once said? Since the severe drought in Guanzhong, there hasn't been a year of heavy rain.
If the people cannot farm for a whole year, how much less grain will be harvested that year."
"Your Majesty, this is a natural disaster, beyond human control. Isn't it said that it's impossible to defy God's will?"
Wang De replied.
I don't know why Your Majesty suddenly became melancholy.
"Is it impossible to defy Heaven's will? The Tang Dynasty has been established for over thirty years, and disasters have struck every year. Shouldn't my Li family have this kingdom and its people?"
Li Shimin looked up at the sky with a questioning tone, as if he was talking to Wang De, or as if he was talking to God.
"Your Majesty, that's not what I meant. Your Majesty is the true emperor, and it is the destiny of the Tang Dynasty that we have conquered the world.
But this natural disaster... um... yes, King Ji once said that this natural disaster is a natural phenomenon, not the will of heaven."
Wang De thought for a long time before he remembered what Li Shen had said.
Whenever there was a natural disaster, some people would spread rumors that the emperor was unjust, or that the governors and magistrates of prefectures and counties were immoral.
At that time, Li Shen said that this was just a natural phenomenon, not God's will.
Li Shimin withdrew his gaze, turned around and sat on the chair.
"With this heavy snow this year, people can farm with peace of mind next year.
Wang De, do you remember when I first ascended the throne? Back then, disasters struck every day, the people were displaced, and countless people starved to death.
But now, do you remember how long it has been since you saw a large number of refugees in Chang'an City?
If there had been a severe drought in Guanzhong in the past, Chang'an City would have closed its gates by now, and a large number of refugees would have gathered outside the city.
Look at the present, it is really different from the past. This is what our Tang Dynasty should be like, with a strong national strength.
No matter how great the disaster, I can still ensure the safety of the people. This is very comforting to me. Even if I go to see the late emperor now, I have the confidence. "
Li Shimin was always resentful that Li Yuan chose Li Jiancheng instead of himself. He attacked Goguryeo, pacified the north, and conquered the Western Regions, all to prove himself.
He wanted to prove that he was better than anyone else and prove to his father that his original choice was wrong.
He is the one who can continue the Li Dynasty, and he is the emperor who can lead the Li Dynasty to the peak.
Now he has done it, but unfortunately his father cannot see it.
Sometimes he even wondered if his father knew about this and would regret his decision.
"Your Majesty is a man of virtue, both civil and military, diligent in government and devoted to the people. This is truly a blessing for the nation and the people. The late emperor would be very pleased in his grave."
Wang De saw that Li Shimin was a little sad, probably because he was thinking about some unhappy things that happened in the past.
Perhaps because of his old age, Li Shimin has been feeling a lot of emotion recently.
"Civil virtue and martial virtue? Diligent in government and loving the people? Hahahaha."
Hearing Wang De's words, Li Shimin said with a self-deprecating smile:
"I have been on the throne for twenty-three years. In the first thirteen years, I conquered Tuyuhun, the Eastern Turks, and Gaochang. It can be said that our national strength is indeed strong.
In order to solve the problem of people having enough food, I decree that the price of rice is five coins per dou.
As a result, people in barren areas still cannot get enough food, let alone when they encounter disasters.
But in the past ten years, the price of rice has risen to more than 20 wen per dou, more than four times the price. But the people can not only afford rice, but even meat.
Not only did there not appear to be a famine, but the imperial court's granaries were full, and the court also took the opportunity to dispose of the old grain during the disaster year.
I am well-versed in history books. Who else in history has been able to do the same?
And all this was done by a dandy royal son out of greed for pleasure. Ten years of playfulness surpassed my more than ten years of diligent work to govern the country. What is there for me to be proud of?
"Your Majesty, I think you should be proud. No matter how outstanding Prince Ji is, he is still your son and your bloodline, right?
His Royal Highness Prince Ji has inherited the talents and wisdom of Your Majesty, and has also been well-educated by Your Majesty.
Didn't Prince Ji once say this is called... called... heredity? Yes, heredity. Your Majesty has passed on all his abilities to His Highness Prince Ji."
Wang De nodded affirmatively. Now he understood why His Majesty was so sad today.
It turned out that he suddenly realized that he was not as good as his son and was surpassed by his son.
Others all hope their sons will become dragons, but Prince Ji is already a dragon son, and if he becomes a dragon, he will become a real dragon.
"Haha, you're quite good at talking. You remember all those new words of Old Ten very clearly."
Hearing Wang De's words, Li Shimin laughed.
Seeing Li Shimin happy, Wang De quickly continued:
"Hehe, Your Majesty, this old servant is doing this to better understand His Royal Highness Prince Ji so that I can report the news about Prince Ji to Your Majesty.
However, I find these new words of His Royal Highness Prince Ji very appropriate.
Just like the word "inheritance", the meaning of "heritage" in the Book of Changes is lost, while the meaning of "heritage" in the Book of History is retained. The meaning of inheritance is to pass on things that are about to be lost or retained.
Prince Ji is extremely talented, and I admire him immensely."
"What about the orphan? Do I have to wait until I die to leave him an inheritance?" Li Shimin said lightly.
"Uh..." Wang De was speechless. Is this how you and your son always talk? Prince Ji often says things that are too blunt. It turns out it's hereditary.
At this time, footsteps were heard. Li Shimin did not look back. After a moment, he felt a cloak on his body.
"Erlang, why are you sitting outside? It's cold, don't catch a cold." The queen's voice came from behind.
The only person in the entire palace who could prevent the guards from passing on the message and Wang De from reminding her was Empress Changsun.
Anyone else, even the Four Concubines, had to inform the emperor first and get permission before they could see the emperor.
"This old servant greets the Queen."
Wang De bowed slightly, then pulled out a chair for the queen to sit down.
"Wang De, order someone to light the furnace."
Seeing Empress Changsun sit down, Li Shimin looked up and gave an order.
Wang De waved to the eunuchs not far away, and four people came over carrying a large stove.
"Erlang, what did you just say about before and after death? I also heard Shen'er's name. Did Shen'er make a mistake again?"
Empress Changsun poured a cup of hot tea for Li Shimin and another for herself.
"Haha, Guanyin, you misunderstood. I was just chatting with Wang De about Old Ten just now."
(The storm is coming...it's time to pay the heating bill again.)