Zhuang Zhou responded with a playful smile, turned around and prepared to leave the imperial study.
However, just as he was about to step out of the door, Li Er's voice rang out again:
"return!"
“Okay!”
Zhuang Zhou came back again and turned to face Li Er:
"Your Majesty, do you have any further instructions?"
Li Er shook his head helplessly and laughed softly:
"Zhuang Zhou, I can give you as many bloodstone inkstones as you want, but I also hope you can understand my intentions."
Zhuang Zhou bowed respectfully and said:
"Your Majesty, please rest assured that I will do my utmost to contribute to the future of the Tang Dynasty.
To be honest, Your Majesty, I hope to see a different future for the Tang Dynasty even more than you do!"
"Oh, what do you mean?"
Zhuang Zhou said: "I have said before that I know the future of the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty had 21 emperors and lasted for 289 years.
In fact, this is a very long dynasty in the course of history.
In particular, the culture and art of the Tang Dynasty had a profound influence on the world.
Your Majesty is also known for his willingness to accept wise advice and his ability to govern effectively, earning him the esteemed title of "The Greatest Emperor of All Time" by future generations.
Li Er nodded with satisfaction, a smug smile on his face.
However, Zhuang Zhou changed the subject and continued:
"However, even such a glorious Tang Dynasty had its limitations.
History is a process of development and society is progressing. I hope that the Tang Dynasty will create even greater glory, continue to innovate, and leave more wealth for future generations."
After hearing this, Li Er frowned slightly and seemed to be lost in deep thought.
He knew very well that although Zhuang Zhou's words were straightforward, they revealed the hidden worries in his heart.
As a wise ruler, he naturally hoped that the Tang Dynasty would prosper forever.
However, he also knew that no dynasty could avoid its cycle of rise and fall.
The only thing that can be done is to extend this glory indefinitely.
Seeing this, Zhuang Zhou continued:
"Your Majesty, I am not disparaging the Tang Dynasty, but I hope that it can face up to its current shortcomings, continue to reform, and innovate.
Only in this way can the Tang Dynasty truly prosper and flourish for a long time, rather than being lost in the long river of history."
After hearing this, Li Er sighed and said:
"Zhuang Zhou, you are right.
Although I am the emperor, I cannot be complacent and satisfied with the status quo.
I am really looking forward to the future of the Tang Dynasty that you described!"
After all, Li Er is only in his thirties, although he is considered middle-aged or elderly in this era.
But for this talented leader, he is still full of energy!
The two chatted for a while, and Zhuang Zhou briefly recounted everything he knew about the history of the great voyages of discovery in later generations.
The earth is round, with land, mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes on it.
The Tang Dynasty is only a very small part of this sphere.
Outside the Tang Dynasty, there are tens of thousands of kilometers of land, where the land is vast, the population is sparse, and the resources are abundant.
But now the Tang Dynasty is too far away. If we launch an expedition, even if we succeed in conquering it, we will not be able to occupy it for a long time.
It would be better to develop national strength, with the Tang Dynasty as the center, and dominate the world. By then, the great voyage plan will be implemented, connecting the world, and all nations will come to pay tribute.
This is what is called conquering the enemy without fighting!
After saying this, Li Er stared at Zhuang Zhou for a long time without saying a word.
Zhuang Zhou's heart pounded. Did he say something wrong?
Immediately afterwards, Li Er let out a long sigh:
"Zhuang Zhou, you are absolutely right!
Today, our Tang Dynasty is surrounded by enemies on all sides. Although the world is at peace, our national strength is far from enough.
Especially for marching and fighting, huge amounts of money and food are needed.
But now, with the high-yield crops you provide, within five years, our Tang Dynasty's granaries will be overflowing, and our national strength will increase dramatically."
It was late at night, and Li Er seemed very excited.
He called the eunuchs over, served some wine and some snacks.
However, this side dish was very different from what Zhuang Zhou had imagined.
Not to mention the fried peanuts.
The key is to boil sweet potatoes, corn, and potatoes with the skin on.
The eunuch had just brought it up, and it was still steaming hot.
Li Er couldn't hold back any longer, so he picked up a sweet potato and started eating it without even peeling the skin.
While eating, he shook his head and looked very satisfied.
"This sweet potato is so delicious, I have to eat one with every meal now.
And the corn and potatoes are so delicious!"
As he spoke, he suddenly moved closer to Zhuang Zhou and whispered:
"Let me tell you, the first time the Emperor ate this sweet potato, he was so moved he cried!"
It seems like a very interesting thing.
But for Li Er, it was a great comfort.
Years of doubts and inner guilt now seem to have slowly faded from the heart of the retired emperor.
When Zhuang Zhou heard this, he vaguely remembered something.
It is now the end of the eighth year of Zhenguan.
According to historical progress, Li Yuan died on June 25, the ninth year of Zhenguan.
All in all, he only has half a year to live!
"What's wrong? What are you thinking about?"
Seeing Zhuang Zhou looking worried and silent, Li Er couldn't help but ask.
Zhuang Zhou paused for a moment and said:
"Your Majesty, there is something I'm not sure whether I should say."
"Hmm? What's up?"
Zhuang Zhou asked, "Is the emperor not feeling well recently?"
"yes!"
Li Er's expression was somewhat complicated when he talked about his father:
"It's winter now, and it's also a critical time. I just hope the Emperor can make it through the New Year!"
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