The Eastern Expedition was a major event, and the process of preparing for the Eastern Expedition was lengthy and cumbersome. It was not as if Li Zhi just said the Eastern Expedition, and the court could immediately send troops.
From the beginning to the end of a war, the process of preparation and aftermath is often longer than the formal battle process.
Today's Tang Dynasty is not a prosperous country and a strong people. It can only be said to be better than during the Zhenguan period.
During the Zhenguan period, Li Shimin frequently used troops abroad, which intensified the suffering of the people. After Li Zhi ascended the throne, he had to adopt a policy of recuperation and recuperation. In the more than ten years since he ascended the throne, the Tang Dynasty had rarely used troops abroad, and the people finally recovered some of their vitality.
According to Li Zhi's original plan, the Eastern Expedition might be delayed for a few more years to allow the civilian population, food and wealth to reach a higher level before considering the Eastern Expedition.
However, the sweet potatoes introduced by Li Qinzai gave Li Zhi enough confidence.
After careful consideration, Li Zhi felt that Datang had gained the confidence to do something serious to the outside world.
With a yield of 5,000 kilograms of sweet potatoes per mu, the national treasury will soon be filled, the country's biggest food problem has been basically solved, and the time is ripe for the use of foreign troops.
After all, it was Li Qinzai who asked Li Zhi to change the established national policy.
Not only the Eastern Expedition, Li Zhi also wanted to conquer Tubo. If the two powerful enemies in the East and the West could be completely annihilated during his reign, he would be highly praised in the history books, calling him "One Emperor through the ages." "That's not too much, right?"
"First conquer Goguryeo, and then attack Tubo. We will eliminate these two powerful enemies within ten years. I can rest easy!" Li Zhi's cheeks were slightly red, he was already a bit drunk, and his smile was also a bit crazy.
Li Qinzai frowned, but he still raised his lamp and said in respect: "The Tang Dynasty has been a country for thousands of generations. Your Majesty's imperial majesty has served the world. I congratulate your Majesty."
Li Zhi happily took a swig and laughed: "Thanks to Jingchu, I am very lucky to have such loyal ministers and generals as Jingchu in my country, who can relieve my worries and make contributions to the country."
However, Li Qinzai's brief frown expression just now was noticed by the quiet Empress Wu.
Empress Wu suddenly smiled and said, "Does Jingchu have any advice?"
Li Qinzai said hurriedly: "I have no advice."
Empress Wu added: "There are no outsiders in the palace today. Your Majesty has always regarded Jing Chu as a brother. How can brothers cover up their faults and say nothing? This is not the way of brothers and friends."
Li Qinzai smacked his lips and secretly analyzed whether the intention of Empress Wu's words was good or evil.
Tsk, these ladies don’t look like good people.
After Empress Wu said this, Li Zhi woke up a little from his drunkenness. He looked at Li Qinzai seriously and said, "Jing Chu has something to say directly. Do you still need to hide it between you and me? Or do you say it, for fear of saying the wrong thing?" If you say that, will I punish you? Haha, don't worry, I am a narrow-minded person."
Li Qinzai sighed. In fact, most of the time, he didn't like to talk too much, and he didn't like to point fingers at state affairs. Doing so would easily cause trouble and make him look like a human being.
Many times, his truth is forced out by others, such as now.
After thinking about it, since Li Zhijin is the county official, the favor is not small after all, so he might as well say a few words when it is time to tell the truth.
If you find Li Zhi showing signs of falling out during the conversation, stop immediately and sing praises to him.
Human nature is so sophisticated, I understand!
So Li Qinzai pondered for a long time and said: "Since Your Majesty and the Queen insist on my opinion, then I have some advice."
Li Zhi said with a smile: "Jing Chu, feel free to tell me."
Li Qinzai said slowly: "My advice today is related to the Tang Dynasty's century-old strategy..."
Before he finished speaking, Li Zhi and Empress Wu were startled. After looking at each other, Li Zhi waved his hand to interrupt him and said to the outside of the hall: "Come here, call the people from the bookstore to the hall to have the secretary play."
Li Qinzai said hurriedly: "It doesn't have to be so formal. I just say what I say casually. Your Majesty can listen to it casually. If you don't listen to it, just think that I am drunk and gibbering. Don't take it seriously..."
Li Zhi and Empress Wu adjusted their sitting postures at the same time, becoming serious and upright. Li Zhi shook his head and said solemnly: "I have always attached great importance to Jingchu's advice. Today Jingchu advises the Tang Dynasty on the centenary strategy. This is a major matter for the country and the emperor." If the performance is correct, there must be etiquette and rules.”
At this time, Empress Wu consciously
He sat behind Li Zhi, a shoulder away from Li Zhi, and straightened his clothes and appearance, with a serious expression and calm eyes.
Not long after, Cui Sheng, the housekeeper, hurriedly entered the palace. After paying homage to Li Zhi and Empress Wu, the palace servants brought in a low table and paper and pen. Cui Sheng sat silently not far away, dipped his pen in ink, and waited quietly for the performance. right.
The sense of ritual was so strong that Li Qinzai couldn't stand it anymore. He twisted his body uncomfortably and felt tingling all over his body.
Why do you do this nonsense? You can't be like the barbecue stall in the previous life, where you can cook skewers and drink cold beer, and then talk about all kinds of cowhide, all kinds of advice, and all kinds of international situations. Only that kind of scene Relax.
Seeing Li Qinzai's uncomfortable expression, Li Zhi smiled and said, "Jingchu, you and I have been right more than once. Don't be so nervous. It doesn't matter what you want to say."
Li Qinzai grinned, forced a few laughs, and turned to look at Cui Sheng.
"Brother... your sister gave birth to a baby, why didn't you come to see her? By the way, did you give her a gift?"
Cui Sheng rolled his eyes and said calmly: "It's a gift, I'm not free, I'll go see it in a few days."
"I have become a county official again, don't forget to make up for it again..." Li Qinzai warned in a dry tone.
Cui Sheng didn't bother to pay attention to him this time.
Li Zhi and Empress Wu chuckled, and the solemn atmosphere in the palace finally relaxed a bit.
Li Qinzai gradually became less nervous, so he took a deep breath and said: "Your Majesty, I believe that the Tang Dynasty's century-old strategy can start with food, then conquer Goguryeo in the east, and conquer Tibet in the west again. These two wars, our Tang Dynasty has Sharp firearms, high winning rate."
"What happens after you defeat the two powerful enemies of the Tang Dynasty? Does your Majesty still have the ambition to make progress?"
Li Zhi thought for a while and said hesitantly: "If Goguryeo and Tubo are solved, I think...continue the Western Expedition? The thirty-six countries in the Western Regions, as well as the Dashi Empire further away, can be included in the territory of the Tang Dynasty."
Li Qinzai sighed and said, "Your Majesty's thoughts are still focused on territory and territory, and I think it's inappropriate."
Li Zhi straightened up and said, "I hope to see you again after hearing the news."
Li Qinzai pondered for a moment and said, "What do you think of sweet potatoes, Your Majesty?"
Li Zhi nodded: "It can be called a divine thing. With it, I have the confidence to conquer the east and west."
Li Qinzai said again: "Your Majesty, in this vast world, is it possible that there is only this one kind of god-given thing?"
Li Zhi was stunned and said, "What Jingchu means is..."
"Your Majesty, I believe that when an emperor is on the throne, opening up new territories and expanding the territory are meritorious achievements. However, if the people can have food and drink for generations to come, and there will never be famine in the world, then that is the greatest achievement of a generation of heroic kings and holy masters."
"If this achievement can be achieved, people from generation to generation in the world will be grateful to Your Majesty. Your Majesty's heroic reputation will last forever, and you deserve the title of "Eternal Emperor". "
Li Zhi asked in confusion: "What Jingchu means is that we should postpone the expansion of our territory and focus our national strength on finding new high-yielding grain varieties?"
Li Qinzai shook his head and said, "What I mean is that the emperor's gaze cannot just be on the land. To the west of the Tang Dynasty is the endless continent, and to the east is the vast sea."
"The end of the sea is the goal of the Tang Dynasty's century-old strategy."
