Although Li Zhi was disgusted by Changsun Wuji's actions of harming the prince, he was the beneficiary and would have to rely on his uncle Changsun Wuji in the future.

Therefore, he could only force himself to express his gratitude, fearing that his insincere thanks might offend his maternal uncle, Changsun.

However, he had already made up his mind that once he became emperor, the first thing he would do was to get rid of Changsun Wuji!

"Uncle, about the renovation of the Eastern Palace..."

"You don't need to worry about this. If all else fails, you can move to the Prince of Jin's residence."

"Your most important task right now is to uphold filial piety, study hard, and not let His Majesty find fault with you again!"

"But I don't know how to learn..."

"What books has Your Majesty been reading lately?"

"How would I know? I only get to see my father when I pay my respects to him each day; I don't see him at other times..."

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji revealed a look of disappointment and frustration. If it weren't for the fact that the child was young and easy to manipulate, he would never have supported this child as emperor!

"Go back and read the Analects, and consult the Crown Prince's tutor about the essence of the Analects!"

"ah?"

"Uncle, I finished learning the Analects when I was ten years old. Do I need to learn it again now?"

"Of course I want to learn!"

Why?

"Because His Majesty ordered someone to bring him a copy of the Analects after returning to the palace today, and discussed its contents with Fang Xuanling and others!"

"oh……"

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi dared not ask any more questions and could only take his leave. He then took out the Analects, which he had not consulted for many years.

Why did Li Shimin read the Analects?

Of course, I need to review in advance so I can explain it to the eldest grandson in Xianyang!

Li Shimin didn't read much in his life. Most of the time, he would have others tell him the stories in the books, and then he would absorb the essence of them.

It's perfectly adequate for governing a country, but it's far from sufficient for giving lectures.

Therefore, he hurriedly reviewed in advance, so that he wouldn't be stumped by his clever grandson when he went to Xianyang to inspect the imperial tombs later.

The next day at court, Li Er had a very fruitful day.

Not only did Changsun Wuji strongly support the construction of the imperial road, but even Fang Xuanling, who had always opposed it, relented.

"Your Majesty, we have been discussing this for the past few days and we believe that Your Majesty's suggestion to build a road that connects the whole country is truly insightful and has a very strong foresight and vision."

"Although the Tang Dynasty is now powerful and invincible, there are still high mountains and dangerous obstacles within its borders, making it difficult to transport supplies and goods."

"At the same time, if a rebellion breaks out in the local area, our Great Tang cavalry will be trapped by mountains and rivers, having a lot of martial power but nowhere to use it."

"Therefore, after discussion, we, your humble servants, unanimously agree that the construction of the imperial highway is feasible!"

"However, building roads is not something that can be accomplished in a day. We must not be impatient for quick results, but rather proceed gradually, giving the people time to rest and recuperate!"

"This old minister estimates that if the project is completed within ten years, it will not damage the strength of the Tang Dynasty, and the imperial highway can still be completed!"

"ten years?"

Li Shimin was displeased upon hearing this. It was uncertain whether he would even live for another ten years. If he died and the weak and incompetent Li Zhi came to power, wouldn't these veteran officials halt the construction of the imperial highway?

Five years!

"I think five years should be enough!"

Five years?

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling's mind went blank. The Tang Dynasty now spanned more than ten thousand miles from east to west. If a highway stretching ten thousand miles long were to be built in five years, wouldn't that incite the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people?

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! Five years is too short a time; the people will likely be unable to bear the burden!"

"I've thought about it. We can build it in sections!"

"For example, the three regions of Chang'an are only responsible for the capital region. The people of Shandong build the Shandong roads, the people of Henan build the Henan roads... and so on. As long as they build strictly according to the blueprints, we can connect all the roads together later, right?"

"I see..."

Upon hearing Li Shimin's words, Fang Xuanling immediately pondered them seriously.

"If it is built in sections, it will save a lot of trouble. Food and manpower can be provided locally, which is indeed a great convenience!"

"But I wonder who suggested this method of segmented construction?"

"Could it be His Majesty?"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Even someone as picky as Fang Xuanling thought the method of building in sections was good, and Li Shimin almost admitted it was his own idea.

But the thought of Li Jue's chubby little face made him forcefully suppress it.

"This is a plan offered by one of my juniors!"

"His Majesty's junior?"

Upon hearing this, everyone perked up immediately. There weren't many people whom His Majesty addressed as juniors; ordinary imperial relatives didn't have that privilege.

At the very least, he should be the son of a princess or a grandson of the emperor.

"May I ask Your Majesty, was this method perhaps proposed by the Crown Prince?"

"No!"

"The Crown Prince doesn't have that kind of brain. He probably still doesn't know the reason why I insisted on building the imperial highway!"

"He doesn't even consider how many more years I have left to live. In the end, the one who benefits from the completion of the imperial road is this rebellious son!"

"Rebellious son?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling immediately began a mental exercise. He had long disliked Li Zhi, and in his mind, the most suitable person to be the crown prince was Prince Wei, Li Tai.

However, he and Li Tai were tricked by Changsun Wuji, which allowed Li Zhi to benefit from the situation.

Therefore, upon hearing His Majesty refer to Li Zhi as a "rebellious son," Fang Xuanling immediately had other thoughts.

Could it be that His Majesty dislikes Li Zhi and is considering replacing him with the Prince of Wei?

Other ministers shared similar thoughts, because apart from officials of Changsun Wuji's faction, almost no one in the court liked Li Zhi.

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