Normally speaking, it wouldn't be a big deal if the emperor didn't return home for one night.
However, now that His Majesty is both promoting the "Imperial Roads" and preparing to wage war against Goguryeo, Changsun Wuji really couldn't figure out His Majesty's intention in suddenly leaving the palace.
Moreover, he was His Majesty's confidant, and it was highly unusual that His Majesty had not informed him of such a major event as leaving the palace.
"Your Highness, did His Majesty mention where he was going?"
"Never!"
"Which direction did His Majesty go?"
"According to the guards at the gate, His Majesty departed from Xuanwu Gate and traveled north along the official road..."
"North..."
Changsun Wuji immediately went through it in his mind. The closest place to Chang'an in the north is Xianyang. Why would His Majesty go to Xianyang?
Oh, right!
The imperial tombs are also in Xianyang!
Is His Majesty going to inspect the imperial tombs?
Why do they have to sneak around when inspecting the imperial tombs? They could have announced it to the world and gone there openly and legitimately.
"Your Highness, please do not be alarmed. I guess His Majesty must have gone to inspect the progress of the imperial mausoleum."
"Oh oh oh..."
"Uncle, why didn't Father take me with him when he inspected the imperial tombs?"
"Well..."
Changsun Wuji thought for a long time but couldn't come up with a reason to deceive Li Zhi. After all, this was really too strange. Logically speaking, it was normal for His Majesty to inspect the imperial mausoleum with the Crown Prince.
"Perhaps His Majesty left in a hurry and forgot about His Highness?"
"Uncle, do you think the reason why Father didn't take me with him might be related to the imperial road?"
"Chidao?"
"Some time ago, my father asked me about the gains and losses since the Zhenguan era. I replied according to my uncle's instructions, but my father seemed very dissatisfied and even brought up the matter of the imperial road."
"Without thinking, I said that this would be a waste of resources and manpower, and I advised my father not to build the imperial road."
"From then on, my father never summoned me on his own initiative. Even when I greeted him as my uncle had taught me, his attitude towards me was indifferent, unlike before when he was very affectionate."
"this……"
Changsun Wuji pondered for a long time, secretly considering the pros and cons of the matter.
"Your Highness, there is actually some reason why His Majesty built the imperial highways."
“Since the Zhenguan era, the Tang Dynasty has conquered the south and the north, and its territory is larger than that of any previous dynasty. Without a road that runs through the whole country, the transmission of goods through post stations, the transfer of troops, grain, and taxes, and even the movement of merchants would be greatly restricted.”
"Everyone criticizes Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty for his extravagant military campaigns and love of grandiose projects, but have you ever seen anyone criticize him for building the Grand Canal?"
"Although the canal project is laborious and costly, it is a great thing that benefits the present and future generations."
"Because of the changes to the canal, goods from the north and south could circulate, and people from the north and south could travel more conveniently."
"Therefore, it is indeed necessary for the Tang Dynasty to build a highway... one is probably not enough, at least three should be built!"
“One line runs east to west, one line runs north to south, and one line runs through the Western Regions.”
"Only in this way can the territory of the Great Tang Dynasty enjoy peace for ten thousand years!"
Changsun Wuji paused deliberately at this point, giving Li Zhi ample time to think and memorize.
"Keep these words in mind, and say the same thing when His Majesty asks you again!"
"Thank you, Uncle!"
"Oh, by the way, there's something else. I heard that the Emperor recently bestowed the title of Baron upon someone?"
Since the tenth year of the Zhenguan era, the imperial court had only been able to confer a few titles of nobility each year, let alone confer titles personally by Li Shimin.
Therefore, not only Li Zhi noticed it, but Changsun Wuji also noticed it.
However, he had sent people to inquire and found that this Li Zhong had no background at all. The two people Li Dechong and Li Zhong mentioned in the Emperor's decree of investiture were unknown to anyone in the entire Tang Dynasty.
It can be said that this title, along with the person who received it, was entirely fabricated by His Majesty the Emperor!
"Your Highness has also heard of this matter?"
"This matter is indeed strange. It is said that Fang Xuanling even went to advise His Majesty, but was scolded by His Majesty."
"Uncle, I heard that Li Zhong is only about ten years old. Do you think he might be Father Emperor's illegitimate son who was lost away from home..."
"Shh!"
Changsun Wuji quickly covered Li Zhi's mouth, then ran outside to check. Seeing that no one was eavesdropping, he closed the doors and windows and warned him.
"Your Highness, the Emperor has no private matters, let alone illegitimate children!"
"Anyone who is His Majesty's son is a prince. Where does the claim of him being an illegitimate child come from?"
"However, what you mentioned is indeed quite possible. Let your uncle look into it for you."
Upon hearing this, Li Zhi bowed respectfully.
"Then I thank you, Uncle!"
When Changsun Wuji saw that Li Zhi was about to leave, he immediately stopped him.
"etc!"
"Have you been consistent with the calligraphy model of His Majesty that I asked you to copy?"
"Uncle, I've been persisting. My father even praised my writing a while ago!"
"Uh-huh!"
"Go back and continue copying, striving to make it as similar as possible!"
"promise!"
Just as the two were talking, a little eunuch came running over.
"Your Highness, His Majesty has returned to the palace and summons you to an audience!"
"ah?"
Upon hearing this, Li Zhi panicked and immediately looked to Changsun Wuji for help.
"Uncle, Father wants to see me..."
"well!"
"Your Highness, you are the Crown Prince, and His Majesty is your father. What's so strange about a father wanting to see his son?"
"But...but how should I say it!"
"say what?"
"Just answer whatever His Majesty asks. If His Majesty brings up the matter of the imperial mausoleum, just say that you miss your mother recently and would like to visit the mausoleum to pay your respects to her!"
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