The reason why Li Shimin did not choose to directly replace the equipment of the hundreds of thousands of Tang Dynasty troops was actually a helpless move after careful consideration.

In the early Tang Dynasty, the power of the aristocratic families was like a towering tree, with deep roots and lush branches that almost touched every corner of the Tang Empire.

Their influence is everywhere, even in the decision-making of the imperial court and Ganlu Palace, their shadows are inevitably secretly manipulating the affairs of state.

These aristocratic families, after hundreds of years of accumulation, not only control a large amount of land and resources, but also possess immeasurable wealth and influence.

Their children often can easily enter the officialdom and occupy important positions in the court by relying on the power of their family without any effort.

The imperial army had inextricable ties with these aristocratic families.

Many military generals and soldiers came from the families and spheres of influence of these aristocratic families.

Li Shimin knew very well that if he rashly pushed forward with the comprehensive replacement of the army's equipment, once his prestige was gone, these troops would likely become the private armies of the aristocratic families.

No one can predict whether there will be a situation of chaos like the one after the death of Qin Shihuang.

Therefore, he chose a more prudent strategy: secretly forming a royal private army, gradually strengthening the power of the royal family, and using it as a bargaining chip against the aristocratic families.

Through this private army, Li Shimin was able to not only effectively implement various reform measures but also weaken the influence of the aristocratic families.

It can also further strengthen centralization and consolidate the royal ruling position.

Although this is a long and arduous task, Li Shimin is full of confidence and determination.

He firmly believed that as long as he took steady steps and made cautious advances, he would one day be able to break the shackles of the aristocratic families and lead the Tang Dynasty to a more glorious tomorrow.

So, Li Shimin changed his tone and decided to put aside the issue of firearms manufacturing for the time being and turn his attention to another important technology - the steam engine.

He hopes that by understanding and mastering this technology, he can further promote Datang's industrialization process and thus enhance the country's overall strength.

"Sizi, go with Yeye and the ministers to see how the steam engines made by these craftsmen are doing."

Li Shimin said gently, his eyes flashing with curiosity and anticipation for the new technology.

Upon hearing this, the little princess nodded obediently, expressing her willingness to go with Li Shimin.

When Li Shimin and the little princess appeared again, the attention of the ministers was immediately attracted, and they looked at the father and daughter with anticipation.

In particular, the exquisite pocket firearm held in the little princess's hand attracted everyone's attention.

The mysterious weapon seemed to contain infinite power and could fire hidden weapons continuously, which made the ministers feel curious and awed.

"Ahem!" Seeing everyone's attention, Li Shimin coughed twice and explained, "I have already asked the little beast about this firearm.

It is not something that can be made by ordinary people, but a divine object that the little divine beast exchanged for its merits. Although our Tang Dynasty has superb craftsmanship, it is difficult to replicate it. "

He paused, then changed the subject: "However, the little beast has made a promise to me.

In the future, he will exchange more than a thousand sets of these magical weapons for the Tang Dynasty to help the Tang Dynasty's cavalry become more powerful and expand its territory! "

Upon hearing Li Shimin's words, all the ministers bowed and congratulated him in unison: "Congratulations, Your Majesty! With this divine help, the Tang Dynasty will surely prosper and enjoy eternal peace!"

Their voices were filled with excitement and anticipation, as if they had already witnessed the glorious scene of the Tang army being invincible on the battlefield after being equipped with firearms.

Li Shimin smiled broadly, nodded slightly, and motioned for everyone to stand. "Everyone, don't delay any longer. Let's go and see the splendor of that new steam engine together!"

After saying this, he turned and walked towards the workshop of the supervisor of works, followed closely by the little princess and the ministers.

Led by Li Shimin, the group passed through the layers of corridors in the workshop of the supervisor and finally arrived at the workshop where the steam engine was located.

Before entering the door, you can hear the "clang clang" sounds and the "whoosh" sound of steam gushing out from inside.

These sounds intertwine together, as if playing an industrial symphony.

The moment the door was opened, a scent of rust, burnt wood, and heat waves hit me in the face.

Inside the workshop, a busy yet orderly scene immediately caught everyone's eye.

The craftsmen wore coarse work clothes and conical hats. Although their backs were soaked with sweat, their enthusiasm and concentration on work were not diminished at all.

In the northeast corner of the workshop, a huge steam engine was being carefully debugged by craftsmen, emitting a deafening roar.

Driven by steam, the huge flywheel rotated rapidly, creating gusts of strong wind.

Next to the steam engine, there is a large machine with a strange shape. Driven by the steam engine, it is making a low and powerful operating sound.

Next to the steam engine is a large machine with a unique shape. Driven by the steam engine, it emits a low and powerful operating sound.

At this moment, a craftsman was sending a rough piece to the rapidly rotating flywheel.

The craftsman was skilled. He fixed the rough blank firmly on a special fixture and then carefully approached the rotating flywheel.

The moment the tool comes into contact with the rough blank, sparks fly and iron chips scatter like meteors, like bright sparks blooming in the night sky, beautiful and warm.

Driven by the powerful power of the steam engine, the flywheel drives the tool to rotate at an astonishing speed.

The craftsman skillfully manipulates the jig to gradually shape the rough draft.

His eyes were focused and determined, and his hands moved steadily and powerfully, as if he was dancing with the spinning flywheel.

In just a few minutes, an exquisite steam engine part is born in the skillful hands of the craftsman.

Its surface is as smooth as a mirror and its lines are flowing, showing an extremely high level of precision and craftsmanship.

Li Shimin and his ministers witnessed the entire process and were shocked by the craftsmen's superb skills and efficient production methods.

"This, this, this... Unbelievable! Unbelievable!!!" Wei Zheng's voice trembled, he was so excited that he could hardly control himself.

His eyes were fixed on the steam engine and the craftsmen who were working, as if he saw the dawn of the future prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

"It's truly breathtaking!" Fang Xuanling also exclaimed.

“I never thought there would be such a magical machine in the world that could produce precise parts so quickly.

The power of this steam engine is truly a work of nature, beyond human power!"

"Your Majesty!" Chen Yaojin said excitedly, unable to help but speak, "Since the speed at which this steam engine manufactures parts is so astonishing, I think..."

"If we use it to produce armor, wouldn't we be able to mass-produce hundreds of armor sets in just one month?!"

When Li Shimin heard this, a gleam of light suddenly flashed in his eyes.