Chapter 217 focuses on commerce, with education as a secondary measure.

yes.

You're just busy criticizing us, not coming up with any solutions yourself, all you do is make noise and complain.

At the same time, Wei Zheng also frowned.

This outburst has cleared things up, but if no explanation can be given, there is no better policy than education.

Then just wait to be criticized by the courtiers.

Li Shimin advocated for open communication; you could criticize, you could even rant...

But we need a good solution.

If all you do is make noise, what do you take the imperial court for?

"His Majesty!"

Wei Shuyu bowed solemnly: "I believe that education is a feasible matter, but it should not be carried out blindly!"

Huh?

Judging from Wei Shuyu's tone, could it be that he really has some knowledge?

"What are your thoughts, my dear minister?" Li Shimin asked cooperatively.

Before we knew it.

Many officials turned sideways and looked at Fang Weishuyu at the very end.

Wei Shuyu remained unfazed, standing tall and speaking with a resounding voice...

"Prioritize commerce, supplemented by education!"

"First, we will gradually infiltrate and erode the Liao people's ranks by providing them with clothing, food, shelter, and transportation!"

"In order to weaken the Liao people's will to resist."

"Second, intermarriage and birth within the same clan."

"In order to weaken the hatred of the Liao people."

"Finally, we will launch a cultural shock, widely spreading the etiquette, writing, and other cultural traditions of our Great Tang Dynasty!"

"Once they get used to using Tang Dynasty items, have Tang Dynasty blood in their veins, and begin to use Tang Dynasty etiquette and culture."

"A hundred years later..."

"The Liao people are also true subjects of our Great Tang!"

Whoosh...

The courtiers were shocked.

The policy is detailed and the steps are clear.

Regarding using commerce to pave the way...

They will not, do not want to, and cannot use this strategy.

Scholars have always looked down on merchants, so why would they use such methods?

If the pro-business policy had not already been passed.

The mere statement about prioritizing commerce was enough to trigger a barrage of criticism from the officials...

"I don't know how to conduct business?"

Kong Yingda asked, frowning.

Wei Shuyu's words were very important!

If they are commercially minded and their marriage is successful.

His Confucian teachings have a high chance of succeeding in educating people!

This is truly a great act of merit.

Not only will they be remembered in history, but they will also be worshipped by future generations.

"As I just mentioned, it's about clothing, food, shelter, and transportation!"

Wei Shuyu smiled and said, "The Liao people live in mountainous areas, and they are very short of such supplies."

"This is definitely a large part of the reason why they frequently attack and plunder nearby state capitals!"

Upon hearing this, all the ministers nodded involuntarily.

Seeing that no one stood up to refute him, Wei Shuyu continued...

"How exactly should one conduct business..."

Wei Shuyu considered for a moment and said, "I can't go into the details."

Let me give you a simple analogy.

"The Liao people lack food, clothing, and shoes... Merchants can be responsible for selling these supplies to the Liao people."

"And what about the Liao people?"

"They can collect herbs and other items from the mountains and barter for them!"

"In this way, merchants can make money and ordinary people can have work."

"The Tang Dynasty can now have more life-saving herbs!"

"If the Liao people have no worries about food and clothing, their hostility towards the Tang Dynasty will be somewhat reduced..."

The courtiers listened attentively to Wei Shuyu's account.

Sometimes he frowns, sometimes he relaxes.

"What if they become powerful and attack our Great Tang?"

Fang Xuanling suddenly asked.

"This is even simpler."

Wei Shuyu smiled and said, "The decision on how much supplies the Liao people can obtain rests with our Great Tang!"

"Listen to them, make sure they have enough to eat and wear!"

"If they don't obey, just keep them in check with supplies!"

"Over time, once they accept the supplies from the Tang Dynasty, they will gradually integrate into the life of the Tang Dynasty..."

The ministers pondered.

It is despicable, to a certain extent.

But compared to blind indoctrination, the effect is definitely much better...

"wrong!"

Just then, Changsun Wuji suddenly stood up and said, "The Tang Dynasty is not rich in grain either. If we sell it to them, won't the Tang Dynasty face a grain shortage?"

Upon hearing this, the ministers nodded secretly.

"Changsun Wuji, did you even think before you said that?" Wei Shuyu suddenly snapped.

Back then, Changsun Wuji could use his seniority and official rank to suppress him.

But now Wei Shuyu no longer has these concerns!

Talented, capable...

Then you can spout nonsense in the imperial court!

If you try to pressure me with your official rank or seniority, I'll just keep quiet, okay?

Li Shimin will be furious then.

Let's see who's more anxious, you or me?

Anyway, we have Lao Wei backing us up, so let them criticize us, who's afraid of who?

"You brat, stop your arrogance!"

Changsun Wuji retorted, "This is the imperial court. Can't you have some manners?"

"Changsun Wuji, shut up!"

Wei Zheng immediately stepped forward: "The imperial court is a place where people can speak freely. If you're so capable, then you should resolve the matter of the Liao people."

"I'm asking your son, what are you yelling about?"

"My son called you stupid, can't you tell?"

The two began hurling insults at each other in a completely chaotic manner.

Li Shimin immediately felt a headache coming on.

That's enough.

Li Shimin declared authoritatively, "Let Shuyu finish speaking!"

"promise."

The two bowed and returned to their positions.

"Minister Changsun, you must take responsibility for your words and actions..."

"I just want to ask you one question..."

Wei Shuyu asked, "Aren't the Liao people also subjects of our Great Tang?"

Changsun Wuji's pupils suddenly contracted.

Although the Liao people often plundered the prefectures and cities of the Tang Dynasty, they were still subjects of the Tang Dynasty!

In ancient times, it was known as the Baiyue...

This includes numerous branches of the Yue ethnic group, such as Wu Yue, Yang Yue, Dong Ou, Min Yue, Nan Yue, Xi Ou, and Luo Yue.

Anyway, the area south of the Yangtze River basically belonged to the Baiyue people.

The Liao people also belong to the Baiyue ethnic group!

It's just because it was developed late.

They were not integrated with the Central Plains and caused much unrest.

In addition, the royal family system sought to enhance its political status.

The bad names given to it...

"In the past, Qin Shi Huang unified China!"

Wei Shuyu glanced at the assembled officials: "Do you all think that his conquest of the six kingdoms means he has unified China?"

"No!"

He even crossed the river...and conquered the Baiyue region!

"From the moment Qin Shi Huang conquered the Baiyue, all his subjects became Chinese!"

Swish.

Wei Shuyu raised his hand, pointed at Changsun Wuji, and scolded him fiercely: "Changsun Wuji, if you do not recognize the Liao people as subjects of the Tang Dynasty, you are dividing the territory of the Tang Dynasty!"

Changsun Wuji's face turned deathly pale.

If these words were to get out, Changsun Wuji would most likely be condemned by the world.

"Alright."

Seeing that Changsun Wuji's reputation had been damaged, Li Shimin immediately stepped in to smooth things over: "Fuji, you misspoke!"

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Changsun Wuji immediately realized what was happening and secretly glanced at the historian: "I was busy with the grain and supplies last night and felt a little dizzy."

"I have always believed that the Liao people are subjects of the Great Tang!"

What a coward.

The ministers all muttered to themselves.

The person who was criticized apologized, admitted their mistake, and even retracted their previous statement.

Li Shimin nodded.

Only then did he look at the assembled officials...

What do you all think of what Shuyu said?

The courtiers did not react.

This time, Wei Shuyu did indeed persuade them again.

But in the end, Wei Shuyu was just a kid, and still a member of the Wei family...

No one wanted to be the first to agree.

"I second that proposal."

Wei Zheng stepped forward without hesitation.

"I second that opinion."

Kong Yingda followed closely behind.

"I second that proposal."

Fang Xuanling also bowed.

Seeing that Fang Xuanling had agreed, the ministers felt relieved and bowed in agreement.

The education and taming of the Liao people was something that the court officials had already agreed to.

Wei Shuyu was just being a bit more detailed, and there's not much to refute.

In the end, even the military officers agreed.

It's true that they love fighting.

Because fighting wars can lead to promotions and titles.

But he doesn't like fighting with the Liao people.

Winning doesn't bring much credit, but losing is even more shameful.

If word got out that he couldn't even defeat an uncivilized barbarian, his reputation would be ruined for life.

at last……

All the ministers bowed and echoed his sentiments.

Only Changsun Wuji stood there blankly.

Involuntarily, everyone turned to look at him.

“Auxiliary machine, do you have any objections?” Li Shimin asked.

"minister……"

Changsun Wuji's expression was extremely unpleasant.

He glanced around furtively and then stood out from the crowd like a crane among chickens.

My scalp tingled immediately.

Especially since the historian was staring at him with his pen in hand...

He immediately bowed and said, "Your subject seconds this!"

At this point, all the civil and military officials had approved it!

"Since none of my ministers have any objections..."

Li Shimin looked at Wei Shuyu: "Shuyu, after Jingde defeats the Hou Liao people, you will be in charge of the follow-up matters."

"We must lay the foundation for subduing the Liao people!"

"promise!"

Wei Shuyu accepted the order.

"Minister Kong, you will assist Shuyu in the matter of education."

"promise."

Kong Yingda accepted the order.

Next, the court session handled some routine state affairs.

One of these was the death of Li Daliang.

It was a bit of a waste for him to die.

Li Daliang died voluntarily.

Otherwise, given his status in Longxi, who could possibly touch him!

He took all the blame in order to protect his four sworn brothers.

As for any other conspiracies involved, the imperial court had no way of knowing.

What can be done now that we're already dead?

Li Shimin could only posthumously confer titles upon him...