Zhuang Zhou pondered for a moment and said:

"Your Majesty, my opinion is simple.

Large-scale wars cannot be fought because once they start, casualties are inevitable, which will inevitably affect the development of national strength.

But we can fight a small-scale war, and we have to hurt them."

In this era, the most precious thing is people.

The imperial court prioritized agriculture, stopped fighting, and allowed the country to recuperate.

Ultimately, it is to increase the population.

It has only been about fifteen years since the end of the Sui Dynasty.

There is basically not much population left in Guanzhong. If there is another large-scale war, all the years of recuperation will be in vain.

Li Er and all the big guys present here must be very clear about this.

In response to this, Li Er nodded and agreed:

"What Master Zhuang said is indeed true. Years of war have caused the population of the Tang Dynasty to plummet. Now that we have finally recovered, we must not engage in another large-scale war."

At this time, Cheng Yaojin said:

"Then how should we force the Turks to retreat?"

Zhuang Zhou chuckled softly and said:

"The Turks mobilized their forces because of the salt lake, but after all, didn't they know where the salt lake was before?"

Changsun Wuji said:

"Of course they already knew."

"Then why, now that they know the Tang Dynasty is planning to build a salt factory, do they send troops to stop it?"

"Isn't it because you're worried that we'll take all the salt?"

"Okay!" Zhuang Zhou said, "Then let me ask one more question. Why didn't they just use the salt directly from the salt lake?"

"That's because the salt is poisonous and can kill people if eaten."

"That's right!"

Zhuang Zhou snapped his fingers and finally mentioned the crux of the matter:

“In fact, the Turks have long known that there is salt there, but they dare not eat it because it is poisonous.

But now that they saw that the Tang Dynasty was going to build a salt factory, they sent troops to stop it.

It’s clear that they also want a piece of the salt pie.”

After hearing this, everyone looked at each other and nodded silently.

At this time, Fang Xuanling asked:

"Then if we bring this back, how do we remove the poison from the salt?"

Zhuang Zhou said, "That depends on our salt-making technology."

Changsun Wuji continued, "So, Master Zhuang can cure the salt poison?"

"certainly!"

Zhuang Zhou nodded and said:

“The salt in the salt lake is mainly composed of sodium chloride.

But this salt contains a toxic ingredient called barium chloride.

Long-term consumption will act on the muscles, causing symptoms such as facial paralysis, muscle spasms, and convulsions.

It can even lead to respiratory paralysis and death.

That’s why the salt in the salt lake is poisonous.”

Seeing that everyone was listening, Zhuang Zhou continued:

"In fact, this kind of coarse salt usually only needs to be processed again and crystallized again to produce fine salt before it can be eaten.

If iodine is added to salt to make iodized salt, it can also prevent thyroid disease to a certain extent."

Of course, no one present could understand the following words.

However, Zhuang Zhou's meaning was very clear.

He has a way to turn these poisonous salts into non-toxic salts.

In fact, it all comes down to the steps of further purification and removal of impurities.

"So, Master Zhuang, how exactly do you carry out the purification and removal of impurities you mentioned?"

At this time, Crown Prince Li Chengqian also asked.

If Zhuang Zhou’s proposal can succeed.

Once the salt resources of the salt lake can be used safely, it will greatly enhance the national strength of the Tang Dynasty and lay a solid foundation for its prosperity and stability.

Therefore, it is undoubtedly a huge fortune for the Tang Dynasty.

Zhuang Zhou agrees with this even more.

You know, the salt in Chaka Salt Lake is enough for the people of the country to eat for 70 years.

That is the time calculation for a population of more than one billion.

If we consider the current population of Datang is tens of millions.

That would take hundreds of years.

The key is that the salt in this salt lake is renewable.

Therefore, as long as this salt road is opened, the Tang Dynasty will never lack salt in the future.

and.

When Zhuang Zhou advised Li Er to build a cement official road from Chang'an to the salt lake.

what does that mean?

In addition to the development of the salt industry, there are deeper considerations.

Because once this road is built.

The entire Liangzhou, and even the area from Yumen Pass to the Western Regions, will be greatly deterred.

Li Er knew all these things as soon as he heard them.

But Li Chengqian obviously didn't have this awareness yet.

Zhuang Zhou glanced at Li Chengqian and said with a smile:

"Your Highness, the method of purifying refined salt is actually not complicated.

Just follow the method I provided earlier, except for the additional step of adding iodide.

I will provide this step free of charge."

Cheng Yaojin urged loudly:

"So the salt issue is settled. Brother Zhuang, no, Master Zhuang, tell me first, how can this intimidate the Turks?"

After all, it’s far away!

How can we make the Turks surrender without launching a large-scale war?

I am afraid that when the official roads are built and salt is transported, they will be attacked by the Turks.

Zhuang Zhou said, "My idea is to form a small-scale special forces army, about 3,000 people will be enough."

Changsun Wuji and others were confused.

Three thousand people, trying to intimidate one hundred thousand Turks?

This is probably a bit taken for granted!

"Master Zhuang, what solution do you have? Just tell me."

Li Er asked impatiently.

For Zhuang Zhou, of course it means equipping a modern militarized special forces unit.

Zhuang Zhou pondered for a moment and replied:

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