Chapter 460: Chapter 24: Peaceful Rivers and Ambitious Aims to Conquer the Land

But after all, he was once the Supreme Emperor, and he is Li Shimin’s father!

....

Da’an Palace.

After several years, the father and son finally met again.

"That matter" had ultimately become a thorn between them. Whether it was Li Yuan or Li Shimin, neither could easily forget it.

Slowly, he stepped into this palace.

Seeing the women surrounding him, Li Shimin’s eyes briefly flashed with complexity.

If Li Yuan had truly given him the position of Ten Directions Expedition Envoy back then,

how would the world look today?

This thought flickered through his mind, but it quickly dissipated.

He had no regrets.

For Li Shimin, he could only keep moving forward bravely.

The sound of ceremonial greetings continued to echo.

Li Yuan put down the pipa in his hands, gazing at Li Shimin as he slowly approached, a deep sense of loss flashing in his eyes.

"Father."

Their eyes met, and Li Shimin respectfully saluted.

Li Yuan’s expression grew even more complex.

But he said nothing more, merely waved his hand, and the women in the palace all left.

The hall immediately fell silent.

Li Shimin sat down beside him of his own accord, his face calm as he asked, "I wonder why Father has summoned me... for what purpose?"

"Er Lang, the old brothers who once followed our Li family to conquer the world, you can’t let their hearts grow cold," Li Yuan paused momentarily, then directly addressed the matter with Li Shimin.

Actually, his feelings towards Li Shimin were also quite complex.

In recent years – he could see the political achievements Li Shimin had accomplished.

But precisely because of this, his emotions were extremely complex, often questioning himself whether if he hadn’t done things this way back then, would their father-son relationship be any different today.

This kind of emotion was very difficult to express and impossible to share with others.

Hearing this, Li Shimin’s expression remained unchanged.

How could he not know Li Yuan’s intentions in summoning him?

But he would never agree.

After a brief silence, Li Shimin also chose to directly counter-ask, "What does Father think of my actions?"

"After all, they are the old brothers who once followed our Li family, they risked their lives," Li Yuan slightly frowned, not answering Li Shimin’s question.

He understood Li Shimin’s thoughts.

But reality was such that, although the common people were important, the aristocratic families of the world were equally important.

At the very least, one could not offend all the aristocratic families.

"I am well aware of the services of the old ministers, and will surely treat them with due respect, ensuring their lifelong wealth and hereditary titles," Li Shimin lightly tapped the table with his fingers, his voice steady like metal striking stone, "However, the imperial examination is the pillar of the nation, so if those with real talent and knowledge are in charge, why fear the stagnation of policies?"

"But if positions are given purely based on seniority regardless of ability—"

"When one day, the court is filled with those idle and unaccomplished, causing policy blockages and hardships for the people, thereby shaking the very foundation of the state..."

"At that time, the grand edifice will topple, the ancestral temple will be in peril," his fingers clenched suddenly within his sleeves, yet his tone grew even colder and heavier, "Even descendants of merit, how can they remain unaffected? What value is there in such wealth?"

The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly tense.

Seeing Li Shimin’s resolute stance, a burst of anger inevitably appeared on Li Yuan’s face. He slammed the table and bellowed, "Er Lang!!!"

"Father!"

Li Shimin immediately stood up, bowed his hands to Li Yuan, "I am the ruler of the Great Tang and must not let anyone shake the foundation of my Great Tang."

"Father can enjoy peace within the palace."

"As for matters outside....——"

"From now on, Father need not worry."

With that said.

He gave Li Yuan a deep bow, then, without looking back, turned and walked out of the hall!

"Do you still see me as your Father at all!"

Li Yuan’s angry shouts echoed behind him, but Li Shimin did not turn back and left the hall just like that.

Outside the hall.

Seeing Li Shimin with a somber expression, Empress Zhangsun gently lifted her hand to support his forearm, speaking softly like the gentle waters of a spring stream, "Did Father get angry again?"

"Father is not a Father, son is not a son..."

Li Shimin sighed with lowered gaze, his knuckles turning white, and only after a long while did he slowly nod, "Who could have imagined my father and I would end up like this."

"Your Majesty, focus on state affairs."

Empress Zhangsun lightly stroked Li Shimin’s back, seriously stating, "Leave the filial duties to me."

Hearing this, Li Shimin looked at her and nodded slightly.

This has always been the case these past few years.

Li Yuan did not want to see Li Shimin, and Li Shimin also did not want to see Li Yuan.

But as a ruler, "filial piety" cannot be forgotten.

Over the years, Empress Zhangsun had been the one to visit Li Yuan on behalf of Li Shimin, fulfilling the duties of filial piety.

Li Shimin did not say anything more and left just like that.

But that very night.

He also issued an order to his trusted aides, instructing them not to easily seek out Li Yuan.

Li Yuan indeed had the ability to influence him.

Li Shimin did not want this to happen again in the future.

He highly valued his time and did not want to waste it on these matters.

Restoring Kyushu, pacifying the Turkic tribes, and reclaiming the Western Regions all required a lot of time; he did not want to expend his energy on these issues.

A grand and vigorous reform unfolded once again.

Facing the current Li Shimin, there was no one in the world who could oppose any of his policies anymore.

No matter how dissatisfied they were in their hearts, what could they do?