"They did go together, and Wu Zetian later went to Mount Song to enfeoff her."
Li Shimin clenched his fists and asked, "How many people have visited Mount Tai throughout the dynasties?"
"There are only six people going to Mount Tai, not many."
Li Shimin was very surprised. "Why are there only six? That shouldn't be the case! The first one is Qin Shi Huang, Ying Zheng, Emperor Wu, Liu Che, and Emperor Guangwu, Liu Xiu. According to you, Zhinu also went. There are only two others I don't know about."
"Yes, the other one is Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, Li Longji. The heyday of the Tang Dynasty was during his reign, so he performed the Fengshan ceremony. In the early years, he worked hard to bring the Tang Dynasty to its peak. But the rest of the time is hard to describe, as he was the one who destroyed the Tang Dynasty."
"Unfilial descendants!" Li Shimin was still very satisfied that there were two in the Tang Dynasty. After all, there were only six in total. Even a powerful country like the Han Dynasty only had two Emperor Wu.
"Oh right, the last one should also be a great and capable emperor! Is it because of his great achievements that the emperors after him felt inferior and didn't go? Was it Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, or Taizong? I've read the history books, why don't they mention this matter?"
emm...
"Uncle, you've also read the history books of the Song Dynasty, don't you know?"
"I've looked at Zhao Kuangyin. His martial arts skills are good, and his methods are not bad, but he's not so good at leading troops in battle. He couldn't even take back the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun..." Li Shimin shook his head and didn't want to complain.
"The Emperor Taizong of Song who came after that, that's him? Emperor Taizong? I couldn't bear to read the rest of it. I just skimmed through it, and the Song Dynasty really made me feel pathetic. Losing was fine, but even winning meant signing a contract! And even paying money! How unlucky! When has my Central Plains dynasty ever felt so aggrieved? Look at the Han Dynasty, look at my Tang Dynasty!"
"Oh, uncle, the Han and Tang dynasties were at their peak, no other dynasty can compare."
"Don't tell me, the sixth one is the emperor of the Song Dynasty! You can't even take back the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, how dare you go there?"
"Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan are all quite reasonable, but the Song Dynasty is really... I really can't put it into words."
"It's Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty!"
"Why do I have no impression of this emperor? What's his reason?"
"Even after winning the war and signing the Treaty of Chanyuan, Emperor Zhenzong of Song felt he had made a great contribution! Later emperors were ashamed to be associated with him and never performed Fengshan ceremonies again. On the other hand, this was a good thing. Otherwise, those shameless emperors who came after him, who were nothing but emperors, would definitely have to perform Fengshan ceremonies. For example, the most shameless Emperor Qianlong probably only went once every few years."
Li Shimin had not expected this to happen, and shook his head helplessly, "How interesting!"
"The people owed Song Zhenzong a banner of honor, especially those during the Qianlong period. They had to thank him, otherwise they would have suffered. Fengshan was too laborious and costly."
"I feel much better after hearing this, although I still have some regrets." Li Shimin picked up the teacup.
"Uncle, what Wei Zheng said is right. It's a waste of money and manpower. It has no practical benefits and only adds to the burden on the people."
"Xiao Ran, I am an emperor, but I am also a human being! An emperor has no shortage of food and drink. I diligently govern the Tang Dynasty and ensure that the people live a stable life. It's not too much to ask for a reputation!"
"Now that the Tang Dynasty is free from external dangers and internally prospers, the situation is excellent. However, I have not neglected my duties and am still diligently working. Isn't my goal to be remembered for eternity?"
"Uncle, your reputation will be passed down through the ages. You are a role model for emperors. You didn't have an Fengshan ceremony before, so don't do it this time! Uncle Wei Zheng doesn't want to be enthroned on Mount Tai, but rather wants you to be remembered in people's hearts and recorded in history books for generations to come. When future generations mention Emperor Taizong of Tang, they will all say that you were wise, caring for the people, and not seeking fame for nothing. How wonderful is that?"
Li Shimin rolled his eyes at Xiao Ran, "I'm not dead yet! Emperor Taizong has even come out!"
"Well, I'm from the future, I'm used to it. You've also read history books, and you know your temple name is Taizong."
"Hahaha! I think what you said makes sense. Well, maybe I don't have the fate to go to Mount Tai to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth! Although it's a bit regrettable, this thing won't happen. Even if others persuade me, I won't agree. I don't want to be in the same group as Song Zhenzong, the First Emperor, and the two Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty..."
Li Shimin shook his head, as if he had made up his mind!
"Actually, it can be made up. Give me 10,000 strings of cash, and I'll take you and your aunt to Mount Tai. You can give me whatever title you want."
"Well, are you serious?" Li Shimin still wanted to go.
"It's difficult to go to Datang, but it's not so bad in the 21st Century. I can take you to Mount Tai and even climb up with you. You can handle it yourself."
"Although this isn't quite as good, it still seems pretty good. At least I can say I've been to Mount Tai. No, ten thousand guan is too much. Five thousand, at most..."
"Deal! A gentleman's word is as good as gold. You are the emperor and your word is your bond!"
Li Shimin's heart skipped a beat. He had given too much!
I was so excited that I cut it in half without thinking.
I forgot that Xiao Ran was too cunning and liked to ask for an exorbitant price.
Li Shimin knew that he had suffered a huge loss!
"Grandpa, give me some money~" the little princess stretched out her hand.
"Mingda and my second sister heard it, uncle, don't try to cheat."
"Hmmmm~"
"Grandpa, I heard it too."
The two little princesses were very willing to testify for Xiao Ran.
"Okay, okay, you little bastard, five thousand is five thousand!" Li Shimin regarded it as another lesson learned and also as a wish fulfilled for him to visit Mount Tai.
This method is not very good. It did not leave a name in history books, but it was enshrined in people's hearts in another way, and I think that is enough.
There is no need to associate with Emperor Zhenzong of Song.
There are pros and cons, and there is no way to have the best of both worlds.
"When are we going?" Li Shimin asked.
"I'm fine with either. It depends on when you, uncle, are free." Xiao Ran could just drive the princesses out for a stroll and see something different.
"These things at the academy have just started recently, and Dalang is not used to the high-intensity work yet. Wait a little longer, I will find you when I am free."
"Okay!" Xiao Ran stood up and took the two princesses with him, "Then let's go back, uncle!"
"Well, go ahead!"
The little princess took out a bag of green beans and said, "Grandpa, this is for you~"
"Okay, okay." Li Shimin was very happy with the food given by the little princess. He was happy with whatever the little princess gave him.
Xiao Ran took the two little princesses into the car and prepared to go back.
Unexpectedly, they saw Li Chengqian driving back, and the two of them stopped and rolled down the car windows.
"Your Highness!"
"Young Master!"
"Last time, Hou Shibo did something illegal in the Western Regions, and he was punished when he returned. Did you tell me this time?"
"I was worried about this problem before. I was also afraid that the tragedy would happen again, so I sent a telegram to warn him." Now Li Chengqian is in charge of the telegram. This matter is not difficult for Li Chengqian, and Li Shimin may not even know about it.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
