Li Shimin and Li Jing taught Li Jue a lesson, making him truly understand a principle: the reason the ancients didn't do it wasn't because they didn't understand, but because they understood it too well...

Corruption and bribery are things that cannot be eradicated, not only in the Tang Dynasty, but even in modern society a thousand years later.

Therefore, during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, the more backward Fubing system was preferred over the mercenary system, in order to save on national expenditures and reduce the burden on the people.

Li Shimin's original intention was good, but he did not expect that the Tang Dynasty would face a situation of insufficient land distribution just a few decades after its founding.

The Tang Dynasty's military forces are currently facing this problem: newly meritorious soldiers are waiting for the imperial court's rewards.

Because there is no more land available in Guanzhong...

"Your grandson will gladly accept your instruction!"

“Grandpa, I never imagined that you would think so far ahead.”

Li Shimin smiled with a hint of pride upon hearing this.

"Silly child, do you think that I and all the officials of the court are pushovers?"

"We also fought our way out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, so we know human nature all too well."

"Every additional step inevitably leads to more losses."

"Instead of doing that, why not just reduce or exempt the taxes for the soldiers and let them use the money saved to buy weapons and provisions to fight for the country..."

Li Jue nodded upon hearing this.

"yes!"

"Please forgive my ignorance..."

"But have you considered this, old man? The Tang Dynasty's militia system probably won't last more than a few years. The future will inevitably belong to a system of conscription!"

Li Shimin nodded upon hearing this.

"I've thought about it!"

“Actually, I have discussed this issue with your Master Li, and he has also told me about the benefits of the conscription system.”

"But with the current national strength of the Tang Dynasty, it is simply powerless to change this."

“If we rashly adopt a conscription system, the imperial court’s finances simply cannot support it.”

"Moreover, there are losses during the transportation of grain and supplies, neither of which the imperial court can afford."

Upon hearing this, Li Jue immediately felt a headache coming on. He had originally thought that the military system reform would be a simple matter, but he had not expected it to be so complicated.

Little did people know that the reason why later generations adopted the system of recruiting soldiers and the system of military pay was based on a major premise: the monetization of taxes and the super-development of the commodity economy.

Without these two items, military pay would be a joke.

Li Jue quickly realized the problem: the reason why the Tang Dynasty could not implement a conscription system was that the commodity economy was not developed enough, and most of the rent, labor service and tax system was in kind, without enough monetary tax revenue to support it.

However, given the current situation of the Tang Dynasty, it seems difficult to collect monetary taxes. The only option is to start with the economy, then infiltrate politics, and finally the military.

Li Jue never imagined that a small military reform would eventually involve so many problems.

Li Shimin and Li Jing saw Li Jue's furrowed brows and burst into laughter.

Finally, this grandson has run into a problem; otherwise, he would really think that his grandfather is just a freeloader...

"Li Jue, there's no rush. You'll have plenty of time to think about it later."

"However, whatever new ideas you have, you'd better discuss them with us while your Master Li and I are still alive."

“We’ve lived these past few decades for a reason, so we can offer you some advice or something.”

Li Jue nodded sincerely upon hearing this.

"Grandpa, your grandson understands!"

"Grandson will act cautiously. If he comes up with a new idea, he will definitely discuss it with Grandpa and Master Li!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin waved his hand and said.

"Go ahead and get busy. I'll continue discussing the Xueyantuo issue with your Master Li!"

"promise!"

At this point, whether or not to release Zhuo is no longer important; what matters is how to complete the military reform in a painless and ineffective manner.

However, Li Jue also knew that this was not something that could be accomplished overnight, and that even if he spent the rest of his life working on it, he might not be able to achieve perfection.

While Li Shimin and Li Jing were discussing the matter of Bazhuo, Li Jue was strolling around the temporary palace and unknowingly wandered to Li Zhi's residence.

Li Zhi had just woken up from his coma when he saw Li Jue arrive, and he was so frightened that he almost fainted again.

There was no way around it; the experience of having blood drawn just now was truly terrifying.

However, Li Zhi still struggled to get out of bed and knelt down to perform a deep bow to Li Jue.

"Uncle Jiu thanks his nephew for saving his life!"

"If it weren't for my nephew's idea, Uncle Jiu might not even be alive..."

Li Jue waved his hand dismissively upon hearing this.

You're welcome!

"If it weren't for your father protecting you, you would have been killed by me long ago!"

"ah?"

Li Zhi was stunned when he heard this, thinking to himself, "Is this grandson really that honest?"

"Don't be surprised!"

"If my advice is followed, you should pay with your life!"

"But your father couldn't bear it and cried out to save your life!"

"this……"

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi felt extremely embarrassed and immediately changed from a kneeling to a sitting position.

"All right!"

"I will go and thank my father for protecting me in a moment!"

Li Jue realized he had gone to the wrong place and immediately left Li Zhi's room. Shortly after he left, a young eunuch rushed over and whispered a few words in Li Zhi's ear.

"Your Highness, three officials died on the altar; they all bled to death!"

"ah?"

Li Zhi was terrified when he heard this. He suddenly realized that bloodletting could actually kill people!

If I hadn't been lucky, I might be dead by now!

When Li Zhi understood this, endless hatred welled up in his heart.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!