novelcrest Chapter 5434 In Pursuit of Completeness
Chapter 5434 In Pursuit of Completeness
Chapter 5434 in order to complete the story
Compared to the countries of the East and Central South, the newly established country faced the most difficult and arduous challenges.
No matter how brotherly and respectful Li Chengqian appeared, the person he feared most among his brothers was undoubtedly Li Zhi. Moreover, no one is perfect, and the imperial ambitions and his entire family were almost destroyed by Li Zhi. How could he not harbor any resentment or hatred?
However, perhaps this hatred was not enough to break Li Chengqian's bottom line. Perhaps he wanted to show the world his "benevolent" nature by enduring humiliation and resentment, so he did not retaliate against Li Zhi.
However, it is an undeniable fact that among the princes who were enfeoffed overseas and established their own states, Li Zhi was assigned to the farthest place and received the least support from the central government.
At the beginning of the same period, Li Zhi was truly starting from scratch.
If Fang Jun hadn't been obliged by Chang Le and Jin Yang to send Li Jinxing to assist Li Zhi, Li Zhi would probably have already been washed clean by the native savages and thrown into a pot to be cooked and eaten by them...
……
"It's a bit more difficult for the Prince of Jin, but who can blame him for being in the wrong first? Not only do others not dare to lend a hand, but even the King of Fusang and the King of Silla don't dare to speak up. I can only do my part because Princesses Chang Le and Jin Yang entrusted me with this task."
Fang Jun helped Wu Meiniang back to her cabin, sat down, took a sip of tea served by a maid, and continued, "However, there is no need to worry. The Prince of Jin was favored by Emperor Taizong not only because of his 'unparalleled filial piety and brotherly love,' but also because he had real talent and learning. Given time, the only countries that have the potential to become great powers are Jiang and Jin."
Opinions on Li Zhi vary widely, with more criticism than praise.
The praise he received was mostly for his ability to deter foreign powers and maintain political stability during his reign, with the saying that "the people lived in peace and prosperity under the Yonghui reign, which was reminiscent of the Zhenguan reign."
The criticisms focused on the following: "He indulged in lust and failed to heed the gradual decline of virtue, thus spreading his poison throughout the land and bringing disaster to the nation," and "He was blinded by lust, becoming utterly incompetent, thus demoting meritorious officials and denouncing loyal and virtuous people."
Things in the world are not simply black and white.
While those criticisms of Li Zhi were certainly valid, he also had his merits.
While it is true that "he was originally mediocre and weak, but due to the legacy of the Zhenguan era, the military generals were talented, and he gained the support of the surrendered Turks, thus his territorial expansion in the first half of the year sometimes surpassed that of Emperor Taizong, which was due to the circumstances of the time rather than his own strength," there is some truth to this. However, we cannot completely deny Li Zhi's abilities. He may have been somewhat inadequate in governing a vast empire like the Tang Dynasty, but with his talents, he was more than capable of governing and prospering a vassal state established in a resource-rich and climatically suitable place.
……
Instead of continuing eastward to Java, the fleet sailed northwest along Brunei Island, passing through the port of Mora, which was leased by the Tang Dynasty in Brunei, to replenish its fresh water and food before setting sail again. Several days later, it arrived at Princess Gaoyang Island.
The fleet did not stop, and Fang Jun had no intention of meeting Zhang Liang. They continued along the route from Luzon Island to Yizhou Island and returned to Huating Town in early April.
After a brief stop in Huating Town, the two traveled along the Yangtze River into the Grand Canal, then from the Grand Canal to the Yellow River, and finally landed in Luoyang. Wu Meiniang prepared to finish dealing with the backlog of affairs, and then moved the headquarters of the "Dongda Tang Trading Company" to Huating Town, while Fang Jun returned to Chang'an via the ancient Shangyu Road.
*****
When we left, the land was covered in ice and snow, and the vegetation was withered; when we returned, the mountains were green, the waters were clear, and the willows were swaying.
The ancient road to Shangyu was winding and rugged, making the journey by carriage bumpy and uncomfortable. Therefore, Fang Jun rode a horse all the way from Luoyang. Along the way, he saw scholars in blue robes traveling towards Guanzhong, some in groups of three or five, others alone, in an endless stream.
Fang Jun then remembered that there would be an "Autumn Examination" this autumn, in which candidates who passed the provincial examinations would be qualified to go to the capital to participate in the palace examination...
Li Chengqian has been on the throne for eight years, and the imperial examinations have already been held four times. Although this is more frequent, it is a necessary measure. At present, the Tang Dynasty's official system requires candidates to pass the imperial examinations to be qualified for office. The existing officials are being gradually phased out, and with the continuous expansion of overseas territories, there is a huge shortage of officials.
Of course, even if the imperial court had regulations that scholars who had not passed the imperial examinations could not be appointed to official positions, the various systems for selecting officials that had been in place for a long time could not be abolished overnight. After all, many official positions and posts required more than just academic knowledge; they also required years of experience. Only after these scholars had established themselves and accumulated experience could the old management system be gradually phased out.
Especially the military.
Nowadays, the selection of military officers in the military, in addition to military merit, places greater emphasis on the training of previous officers. Graduates of the "Military Academy" can only serve as junior military officers in the military...
Any reform is a long and arduous task, and achieving it overnight will come at a huge cost.
Fortunately, the Tang Dynasty was currently peaceful and prosperous, and its power was formidable, giving it ample time to steadily and firmly implement various reforms.
In particular, the ample fiscal resources are sufficient to support any reform initiatives.
The saying that the economic base determines the superstructure is universally true. The rise of any era is related to abundant finances, while the downfall of any dynasty often stems from the collapse of its finances.
All I can say is that the future is bright, but the task ahead is arduous and the road is long.
His entourage was escorted by dozens of personal guards and surrounded by a large entourage. Naturally, it attracted attention as he traveled along the road. Many scholars on their way to take the imperial examinations, merchants returning to the capital, and passing officials gave way to avoid trouble.
However, some young scholars, while giving way, would gaze intently for a moment, then, from horseback, clasp their hands and call out, "May I ask if you are the Grand Commandant in person?"
His shout drew everyone's attention. After all, in the Tang Dynasty, almost no one could rival Fang Jun in terms of "fame." His literary talent, wealth, official position, and power were all unparalleled. The sons of noble families regarded him as a role model and followed his example, wishing they could replace him. Scholars from humble backgrounds respected him greatly and praised him, saying, "A true man should be like him!"
Moreover, news of Fang Jun's voyage to inspect the coastal areas had already spread far and wide, so it was highly likely that they would coincidentally meet Fang Jun on his return to the capital...
Fang Jun reined in his horse and stopped. His personal guards in front and behind him also stopped, standing in perfect unison. For a moment, the warhorses neighed and the atmosphere was imposing.
He loosened the reins, clasped his hands in return, and said, "It is indeed I."
The young scholar and his companions dismounted and stood by the roadside, loudly proclaiming, "I am Wei Yuanzhong, a scholar from Songzhou, greetings to the Grand Commandant!"
"I am Cui Taizhi, a scholar from Qinghe!"
"Under..."
Along one side of the road, many scholars dismounted, bowed, and introduced themselves to show their respect.
Fang Jun sat upright on his horse, returning the greetings one by one, and said loudly, "It is an honor to meet you all here today, but I am busy with official duties and must return to the capital to see His Majesty. I cannot speak with you all, which is extremely impolite. If you have time after arriving in Chang'an, you are welcome to visit my home. I will certainly prepare tea and wine and prepare a warm welcome for you!"
He did not dismount to return the greeting, but no one thought it was impolite; they simply felt it was the proper thing to do.
Regardless of his official position or power, Wen Hua's reputation for being renowned throughout the world and excelling in both poetry and prose was enough to make these scholars sincerely admire and bow down in respect.
Wei Yuanzhong said, "Grand Commandant, you are a pillar of the state and have many official duties. We should not delay your journey, but there is something that has been bothering us. We have met you today and would like to ask for your guidance!"
Fang Jun smiled and said, "Tell me about it."
Wei Yuanzhong said, "When the Grand Commandant inspected Fusang before, he composed a poem at a banquet in the royal palace. I am not very learned, but I feel that although the poem has a transcendent and simple artistic conception, it is not in accordance with the rules of poetry. The Grand Commandant's poetic talent is famous throughout the world, so it is unlikely that there was any mistake. May I ask if it is not an incomplete piece? If so, I wonder if we would be fortunate enough to hear the whole piece?"
The crowd echoed in unison, and more and more people were stuck on this narrow and rugged mountain road.
Fang Jun laughed loudly, "Since we are destined to meet, I will recite the entire poem and ask for your corrections! However, I am indeed in a hurry to return to the capital and cannot stay any longer. Let us exchange poems and bid farewell here. We will meet again in Chang'an in the future!"
"Please, Grand Commandant, compose a poem!"
Fang Jun sat upright on his horse, full of vigor, and recited in a melodious voice: "Joy is best enjoyed in youth, but life is often short and bitter. What use is wealth and honor in old age? Strength is only wasted on worry and toil. I wish I were a frivolous young man from the Five Mausoleums, born in the reigns of Zhenguan and Renhe. I would spend my life fighting cocks and chasing dogs, oblivious to the safety of heaven and earth... Farewell, everyone!"
He gripped the reins, spurred the horse with his legs, and rode off with his personal guards. The horses' hooves clanged as they quickly disappeared into the distance.
Behind them, on the mountain path, many scholars in blue robes echoed each other loudly.
"I wish I were a frivolous young man from the Five Mausoleums, born during the reigns of Zhenguan and Renhe!"
"I've spent my life fighting cocks and chasing dogs, oblivious to the safety of heaven and earth!"
The mountain road is rugged, the songs are loud and clear, the blue stream flows gently, and the white clouds drift lazily.
……
As we approached Baqiao, the crowds grew ever larger, with carriages and horses constantly moving about.
Scholars from Henan and Jiangnan chose to travel along the ancient Shangyu Road, while scholars from Shandong, Hebei, and Hedong either went upstream along the Yellow River, took the Xiaohan Road, or crossed the Yellow River via Pujindu and Fenglingdu. In the end, they all gathered at Chunming Gate in the east of Chang'an.
Fang Jun and his entourage, amidst the travelers, slowly crossed the Ba Bridge. They then sped up and entered the city through the Chunming Gate. He first sent his personal guards back to his residence to report the news, while he himself walked west along the long street, passing through the Yanxi Gate to the Chengtian Gate to pay homage to His Majesty.
When the eunuch saw that Fang Jun had returned to the capital and requested an audience, he quickly went into the palace to inform him. He returned shortly afterward and led Fang Jun into the palace, heading straight for the Wude Hall.
Inside the imperial study, after Fang Jun paid his respects, the emperor and his minister knelt on a mat by the window. The afternoon sun shone brightly, the shadows of the trees swayed gently, a light breeze blew, and cicadas chirped incessantly.
Li Chengqian was dressed in casual clothes, his fair and slightly plump face flushed, and there were even traces of sweat on his forehead, as if he had not been in the Wude Hall just now, but had rushed back after hearing that Fang Jun had come to pay his respects...
Li Chengqian poured Fang Jun a cup of tea, then took a sip himself, let out a soft sigh, and asked with a smile, "Second Brother, you have done a great job inspecting the coastal areas. You should rest well later. Don't take it for granted just because you are strong. If you overwork yourself and develop a chronic illness, you will suffer in the future."
Fang Jun pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Your Majesty is right. A gentleman should be mindful of his conscience and be vigilant day and night. Heaven and earth have their rules, and human affairs have their limits. Going too far will lead to disaster."
Li Chengqian paused slightly in his cup-holding hand, a hint of embarrassment appearing on his face. He quickly changed the subject: "The various vassal states have just been established. What is the current situation in each of them?"