After a pause, he continued to explain, "Sizi, you must understand that the advantage of firearms lies in their immense power and their ability to quickly decide the outcome of a battle."
Li Shimin stood up, walked slowly to the window, stood with his hands behind his back, and looked into the distance.
"However, if such a weapon were to become widely available, it would likely lead to more war and unrest."
He turned his head and looked at the little princess with deep eyes, "Imagine how tragic future wars will be if firearms become widespread.
Even worse, it could be exploited by people with bad intentions and become a tool for them to do evil.
If these weapons fall into the hands of thieves, the consequences will be disastrous."
"If someone uses firearms to intercept and kill us, how should we respond?"
The little princess remained silent, for she knew that Li Shimin's worries were not unfounded.
She was naturally aware of the power of firearms, and if they were abused, they could indeed lead to unpredictable consequences.
"However," Li Shimin changed the subject, "if we can firmly control firearms in the hands of the royal family, they will become our most powerful weapon in maintaining the stability of our country and passing on our legacy for generations to come."
A gleam of light flashed in his eyes, as if he had seen the future, "When the world is at peace, the Firearm Battalion will become the solid backing of the Tang Dynasty Royal Family.
And if there is any change in the world, the Firearm Battalion will be able to quickly strike, quell the rebellion, and rebuild the Tang Dynasty."
The little princess felt envious after hearing this. She could imagine that with the help of firearms, the flag of the Tang Dynasty would fly high and no one would dare to attack.
"More importantly," Li Shimin continued, "controlling firearms can also effectively prevent eunuchs and powerful officials from usurping power.
Even if they have bad intentions, they need to consider whether they can withstand the power of firearms."
Having said that, he gently patted the little princess's shoulder and said, "So, Sizi, you have to understand.
Firearms are not only the sharpest weapons of our imperial family, but also the foundation for the continuation of our Tang dynasty for generations to come."
"For such a grand ambition, it doesn't matter if the pace of territorial expansion is slower.
As long as my future descendants can realize the grand vision of our Great Tang Empire, I will be satisfied."
The little princess nodded heavily, and she finally understood Li Shimin's good intentions.
Firearms, this epoch-making weapon, was regarded by Li Shimin as the sharpest sword in the hands of the Tang royal family, and would be used to protect this vast land.
"Father," the little princess had a different opinion. "In fact, with the current industrial base of the Tang Dynasty, Sizi can still produce more powerful weapons."
"For example, multi-barreled artillery, machine guns, grenade launchers, recoilless rifles, bazookas, airplanes..."
Finally, the little princess concluded, "In fact, with the development of weapons, the use of high-tech firearms in the future will become more high-end and centralized."
"It could even reach the point where in the future, Aye could simply press a button and destroy a giant city thousands of miles away."
"By then, who can shake the status of the Tang Dynasty royal family?"
"Also, these firearms can not only be improved upwards, but also downwards."
"Since Aye thinks those automatic firearms are too powerful, then why don't we popularize single-shot bolt-action firearms..."
After hearing the little princess's words, Li Shimin was both surprised and delighted.
He was deeply attracted by the description of the little princess, as if he saw an unprecedented and glorious Tang Empire.
Such a future was beyond his previous imagination, making him feel both shocked and excited.
"Okay! Since you have such thoughts and confidence, Yeye will fully support you.
Whether it's talent, resources, or other support, as long as you need it, Yeye will do its best to provide it for you."
Upon hearing this, the little princess' eyes suddenly lit up brightly. She excitedly grabbed Li Shimin's hand and said, "Thank you, Father! Sizi will definitely not let you down."
Li Shimin patted the little princess's head lovingly, "My Sizi has never let me down. This time, I also believe that you can create a miracle."
"But, Sizi, how difficult are those weapons you just mentioned to manufacture? How long will it take before they can be put into use?"
The little princess thought seriously for a while before answering:
"Aye, these weapons are indeed difficult to manufacture, requiring sophisticated machinery and superb technology.
However, fortunately, our Tang Dynasty already has the foundation of a firearms camp.
As long as we gradually upgrade and transform our technology, I believe we will be able to manufacture these advanced weapons within a few years."
She paused and continued, "Of course, this will require a lot of financial and material support.
Especially those rare raw materials, which may require our Tang Dynasty to spend some effort to find and mine."
Li Shimin nodded after hearing this and said, "You don't have to worry about the funds and supplies.
I will order the Ministry of Revenue to fully cooperate with you to ensure that your plan can be implemented smoothly.
As for those rare raw materials, I will also send people to various places to look for them."
"However, I believe that the popularization of firearms battalions requires careful consideration."
"Since future weapons can develop to such a powerful degree, in a few years I will simply send... my heavenly soldiers and generals to conquer those barbarians."
"Why should we spread such a powerful weapon as firearms to the world and put ourselves in danger?"
Obviously, even though the little princess described the future very beautifully, she still couldn't change Li Shimin's inherent ideas.
Seeing this, the little princess had no choice but to use her ultimate move, "But, a few years is a long time, Aye really may not be able to wait."
"Oh?" Li Shimin suddenly became curious. "Sizi, what do you mean by that? Why do you say I might not be able to wait?"
"I am only thirty-six this year, in the prime of my life. Let alone a few years, even if it's ten or twenty years, I can afford to wait!"
It has to be said that at this time Li Shimin was full of vigor and ambition, and it was indeed the peak moment of his life.
He was very confident that he had enough time and energy to wait for and witness the future that the little princess talked about.
Little did people know that he died in the 23rd year of Zhenguan.
In other words, Li Shimin only had about fourteen or fifteen years left to live.
Thinking of this, the little princess no longer kept the secret and asked directly, "Aye, do you wish to be immortal?"
Li Shimin was stunned when he heard this. He didn't expect the little princess to suddenly ask this question.
"Eternal life?" He repeated the word slowly, a hint of confusion and desire in his eyes.
As an emperor, he naturally had an unspeakable yearning for immortality, but at the same time he knew that this was an unattainable dream.
The little princess nodded gently, "Yes, Aye. Eternal life and eternal empire, don't you long for it?"
Li Shimin was silent for a moment before he slowly spoke, "Sizi, immortality is certainly something one desires.
But since ancient times, there have been many people pursuing immortality, but no one has ever truly succeeded.
Isn't this just a mirage, so far away and unattainable?"
After saying that, Li Shimin turned his head and saw the little princess looking at him with a smile.
A bold guess suddenly came to my mind.
"Sizi, could it be that you..."
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