Li Chengqian's anger gradually subsided, but there was still a spark of unwillingness in his eyes.
"Hmph, you're right."
He sat back in the armchair, a sneer on his face, "Why would a dignified prince like me bother with a little beast?"
Chengxin observed his words and expressions, and after a thought, he offered a suggestion softly: "Your Highness, although the little divine beast has great prestige, it is still young after all.
We may be able to leverage their power to lend a helping hand to His Highness."
Li Chengqian raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this, and said with great interest: "Oh? What good plan do you have? Tell me quickly."
Chengxin smiled slightly, leaned over and whispered in Li Chengqian's ear, "Your Highness can secretly arrange to exaggerate today's events and spread them among the people.
However, the content needs to be slightly adjusted. It will say that Your Highness and the little divine beast met by chance, and they had a pleasant conversation, discussing the way to govern the country. The little divine beast praised Your Highness's insights.
After hearing this, Li Chengqian's eyes flashed with a gleam of light, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise: "Brilliant! If this plan succeeds, my prestige will surely rise to a higher level.
Chengxin, you are truly my capable assistant! When this matter is accomplished, I will definitely reward you handsomely!"
Chengxin bowed, a humble smile on her face: "It is my honor to serve Your Highness.
I do not ask for rewards, I only hope that Your Highness can become a wise ruler and benefit the people."
Li Chengqian laughed heartily, his eyes full of longing: "With you by my side, I have no reason to worry about not accomplishing great things!
When I ascend the throne, I will bring about the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and make all the people admire me! "
With Chengxin's careful planning, the story of Li Chengqian's "chance encounter" with the little mythical beast soon spread among the people.
When the people heard that the prince and the little divine beast were discussing how to govern the country, their already great respect for the little divine beast increased, and their favorability towards the prince also soared.
Li Chengqian's prestige was thus further consolidated. He was secretly proud of himself and praised Mingxin's strategy highly.
However, what Li Chengqian didn't know was that Chengxin's appearance was actually the work of a prominent family.
They had suffered great losses under Li Shimin's iron fist.
And now, the emperor is leading the army in person, far away from the capital, which undoubtedly provides them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The aristocratic families secretly cultivated Chengxin and cleverly placed him next to Li Chengqian.
He hopes to use the prince's hand to make profits for himself while increasing his influence on the court.
Chengxin is well aware of his mission, so he always gives Li Chengqian advice. He seems loyal, but in fact he has evil intentions.
He took advantage of Li Chengqian's ambition and trust in himself, and guided him step by step to gain benefits for the aristocratic family.
For example, on this day, Chengxin took the opportunity to propose a new strategy to Li Chengqian.
"Your Highness, your prestige among the people is now at its peak. Why don't you take advantage of this opportunity as regent to make great plans and accomplish great things?" Chengxin's voice was low and persuasive.
Li Chengqian's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he asked anxiously, "Oh? You don't know what brilliant plan I have?"
Chengxin smiled slightly and slowly told his plan: "Your Highness, you can consider promoting some major engineering projects, such as building water conservancy projects and widening roads.
This will not only demonstrate your outstanding ability to govern the country, but will also effectively improve the lives of the people."
"Now that the Tang Dynasty's treasury is in surplus and the people are living and working in peace and contentment, it is an opportune time to develop water conservancy projects and roads..."
After hearing this, Li Chengqian's eyes flashed with excitement: "This is very reasonable! If I can lead these projects, I will definitely win more people's hearts."
Cheng Xin smiled slightly and continued, “Not only that, Your Highness can also nationalize Mingda College.
Or use it as a template to promote education across the country, so that more people have the opportunity to read and write.
This will not only improve the quality of the people and cultivate more talents for the court, but also take the opportunity to make a fortune and increase the income of the court!"
"Increase the court's revenue?" Li Chengqian asked with a hint of confusion. "How can this increase the court's revenue?"
Chengxin explained, “Your Highness, Mingda College is a private college, and although the tuition fees charged are considerable, they are still far from those of the aristocratic families.
If the imperial court could nationalize it or promote a similar education model across the country, then this part of the tuition fees would become a stable source of income for the imperial court.
At the same time, promoting education can improve the cultural level of the people and train more civil servants and scholars for the court.
In the long run, this will also be of great benefit to the country’s prosperity and stability.”
After hearing this, Li Chengqian frowned slightly and nodded thoughtfully: "Your idea is indeed novel, but...
"The person behind Mingda College is Xiao Sizi, so it won't be easy to nationalize it."
He paused and continued, "What's more, the financial and human resources required to promote education are enormous. The difficulties and challenges involved are not difficult to imagine."
After hearing this, Chengxin smiled slightly, with a sly glint in his eyes: "Your Highness is right, but this is also the time for you to show your wisdom.
As long as you can skillfully convince the powerful ministers in the court and make them see the long-term benefits of universal education for the country, they will definitely stand on your side."
He took a step closer and suggested in a low voice, "As for the resource issue, Your Highness, why don't you consider joining hands with wealthy merchants from all over the place?
They funded the establishment of the academy, and the court gave them some policy benefits and honorary awards. This way, both sides benefited. Isn't it a good thing? "
Li Chengqian's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he couldn't help but look at him with admiration: "You are truly a rare think tank!
Okay, I will do as you say and try my best to convince those important officials in the court."
However, Li Chengqian did not think deeply about the possible hidden meanings behind these suggestions.
Building large-scale water conservancy projects and widening roads require a lot of manpower and material resources.
In fact, most of these key resources are in the hands of those aristocratic families.
Although establishing more schools is beneficial to the country, the construction and management of schools are very likely to be interfered with by powerful families.
They wanted to take this opportunity to expand their sphere of influence to every corner of the court.
Chengxin looked at Li Chengqian's excited expression and felt secretly proud.
He was well aware that the suggestions he put forward seemed to be for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and the welfare of the people.
But in fact, it was to allow those aristocratic families to be more involved in government affairs, so as to gradually increase their influence and sphere of influence in the court.
"Your Highness, wait!" Just as Li Chengqian was about to leave to implement his plan, Chengxin suddenly called him.
Li Chengqian stopped and looked back at Chengxin, his eyes asking, "What's the matter?"
Cheng Xin stepped forward and said solemnly, "Your Highness, in order to consolidate your position and enhance your strength, there is one important aspect we have not yet considered."
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