Gu Yan and his companions have not returned to the court. According to their words, they intend to guard the borders of the Great Tang, allowing the whole of Kyushu to recuperate properly.

They all believe in Li Shimin.

They believe that one day, Li Shimin will lead them beyond the lands of Kyushu. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Li Shimin took a deep breath and earnestly nodded, "I, understand!"

.....

Though no posthumous title was given to Gu Yu, Li Shimin nevertheless granted him a very solemn funeral and buried him in Julu.

As the funeral concluded, the entire Great Tang finally returned to tranquility, and the relief efforts proceeded smoothly.

Even more smoothly than before.

Because Li Shimin took decisive action.

Regarding those ministers heavily relied upon by Li Yuan in the past, after thoroughly stabilizing the situation, Li Shimin finally chose not to tolerate them any longer.

He wanted to make it clear to everyone that he, Li Shimin, is indeed an emperor willing to accept counsel.

But he is not someone who only knows how to retreat.

As for those courtiers, he either dismissed them or, for those who obeyed, allowed them to live, but anyone harboring grievances or ulterior motives was exiled entirely!

The entire court was in a state of tension and fear.

Yet, even so, the internal affairs of the Great Tang court remained orderly.

Li Shimin’s own team served as the foundation within the Great Tang court, and one must not forget the talented members of the Gu Clan adept at governing the nation.

Although, individually, these people’s attributes may not seem outstanding.

Their abilities were nonetheless sufficient for them to keep pace with an emperor like Li Shimin, ushering in a prosperous era for the whole of Kyushu!

In the second year of Zhen Guan.

Li Shimin, learning from the great famine in Guanzhong the previous year, proposed to establish local grain reserves to prepare for disasters.

Additionally——

Besides, Li Shimin also contemplated the repair of water conservancy projects.

This was naturally a major undertaking.

Within the court, detailed discussions arose around these matters, and unlike past debates, the discussions focused on the suitability of the current approach.

"Your Majesty, the people are weary and impoverished, and the past conscription under Emperor Yang of Sui is still fresh; if the court suddenly initiates projects again, there might be public criticism,"

Zhangsun Wuji said with a stern expression.

Hearing this, Fang Xuanling also nodded, "With the recent recovery from the Guanzhong famine, unexpected occurrences might overwhelm the court’s capacity...."

Their temperament was somewhat cautious, naturally advising Li Shimin to wait a few years before proceeding.

——Water conservancy can indeed aid the people.

But the timing must be right.

"The two of you are mistaken," before Li Shimin could respond, Du Ruhui immediately interjected, "Now that Kyushu is stable and the realm is peaceful, the Grand Tutor and others defend the borders and can repel enemies from all directions."

"Your Majesty might not know, I recently heard that when the Turkic forces saw the flags of our Great Tang alongside those of the Gu Clan, they would retreat directly."

"Undertaking the projects now is absolutely an opportune moment granted by heaven."

Upon these words, many others also nodded in agreement.

The two sides had no real disputes.

They merely made different judgments due to differing governance philosophies.

Listening to everyone express their views, Li Shimin furrowed his brows, and after a long silence, he finally raised his hand to halt the debate.

"Emperor Yang of Sui, being a tyrant, acted only to satisfy his own desires, never considering the labor and peace of the people?"

His gaze slowly swept over Zhangsun Wuji and the other major ministers, his expression resolute, "My heart is set on the light. Implementing this policy serves one purpose only, which is for the people of the whole nation. Even if it invites criticism, what is there to fear?"

Once said, his words were as definitive as the sound of metal striking stone, clearly revealing his decision.

"I am well aware of the hardships the people have endured through the turmoil of war—" his voice was heavy, fingertips gently tapping the table, "but this time, the benefit of water management far outweighs the harm."

"You just wait and see—"

He glanced towards the geographic map, his tone suddenly fervent, "Water conservancy works have long been neglected, with silted rivers and crumbling embankments; if delayed further, we would be passively watching people’s livelihoods decline!"

"This year, using the strength of the whole nation for repairs, even if the first year would mean tightening belts and enduring hardships, in the future, irrigation will make fertile fields more productive, and grain harvests will certainly multiply."

"This is something that benefits the current generation and blesses future generations!"

"My decision is made—"

His words struck like a drumbeat, causing the candle shadows in the hall to flicker slightly, "From this day forth, all civil and military officials must practice frugality and share the people’s burdens."

"Starting with me." His fingertips caressed the edge of the imperial table, suddenly raising his eyes to scan those present, "Recently, in discussion with the Empress, we decided that there are too many palace maids; tomorrow, a census will be ordered, granting those willing to return home silver, allowing them to marry and return to their families—raising more citizens of the Great Tang is far better than being trapped within these palace walls."

The hall fell silent, save for the wind chimes on the eaves ringing softly in the twilight.

After his voice settled, Zhangsun Wuji was the first to kneel, followed by the ministers who bowed in waves, their voices echoing like crashing waves, making the dust between the beams quiver lightly: "May Your Majesty be blessed with wisdom!"

"Enough." Li Shimin waved his hand, his robe sleeve sweeping across the unsorted memorials on the table, "With the world unsettled, how dare I claim sanctity?"

He leaned forward, his piercing gaze sweeping past Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, and others, "The prosperous eras of previous dynasties have their lessons, but what I desire..."

"is not a prosperity that follows the rules, but one that, when future generations open the history books, they exclaim ’a time unparalleled!’"

"You all must remember—"

"Today’s frugality and hardships in water management are for the future of a land where people can ’do not have to pick anything up from the road, and do not need to bolt their doors at night.’"

"If anyone becomes lax..."

He suddenly smiled, but there was no warmth in it, "My Zhen Guan Law is far more ’lenient’ than Emperor Yang of Sui’s harsh rule."