Chapter 498: Chapter 39: Father and Son, Suining in the Western Regions

The current political atmosphere of the Great Tang is indeed somewhat peculiar.

As for the reason—

It is naturally due to Li Shimin’s favoritism towards Li Tai. Although Li Tai’s current power has not yet surpassed the Eastern Palace, people can’t help but speculate.

This is human nature.

Although no one dares to bring up the Xuanwu Gate Incident, who can ever forget that experience?

Many things cannot be stopped once there is a precedent.

The current situation is exactly like this.

There is no perfect person in this world, and Li Shimin is no exception. It’s not just because Li Chengqian’s leg is disabled, but also due to the personalities of the father and son.

Everything has its cause and effect.

Li Shimin’s strictness towards Li Chengqian ultimately turned him into another version of himself.

The personalities of father and son are too similar.

Li Chengqian disdains flattering Li Shimin, even though he is his imperial father, he would not resort to tricks or deceit to curry favor, just like Li Shimin in the past.

In contrast, Li Tai is not like this.

In fact, if Li Chengqian’s leg weren’t crippled, perhaps none of these issues would have surfaced.

But how can things be flawless?

The current majesty of the Emperor of Great Tang surpasses all previous dynasties.

His influence extends not only across Kyushu but also among the states under his rule. Allowing a cripple to become emperor is indeed a thorn in Li Shimin’s heart.

This sentiment is unavoidable.

In addition, Li Chengqian has a penchant for luxury, always using it to cover up his physical defects.

Although this is a trivial matter for the Great Tang at present, it still leaves a knot in Li Shimin’s heart.

Whether it’s for Li Shimin or Li Chengqian.

Since the death of Empress Zhangsun, the way father and son interact has gradually become awkward.

Li Shimin’s strict requirements and being occupied with state affairs, ignoring Li Chengqian, have inevitably led to the current scenario.

Many things have long had their cause and effect.

....

In the fifteenth year of Zhenguan, there was a drought in Zezhou State.

As the birthplace of the Great Tang, and being close to Chang’an, Li Shimin attached great importance to this, deciding to visit the disaster victims personally, once again entrusting the state affairs to Li Chengqian.

This has also become a common practice in the current Great Tang.

Li Shimin could not possibly remain in the deep palace all the time, advocating "putting the people first." In recent years, he frequently toured disaster areas to visit the people.

Disaster areas have always been places where official corruption is most rampant.

His actions naturally carry political intentions.

Entrusting state affairs to Li Chengqian has also become customary, for Li Chengqian long proved his capabilities.

Of course, Li Shimin’s trusted aides would remain at court to "assist" Li Chengqian.

Chang’an.

Looking at the memorials before him, Li Chengqian couldn’t help but sigh: "The people of our Great Tang are living more and more peacefully and happily. Indeed, the salaries of officials should be raised somewhat."

"Let it be settled. The Ministry of Revenue Street should discuss how much the officials’ salaries should be increased."

Upon hearing this, the ministers all displayed curious expressions.

Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Tang Jian, did not think much and immediately nodded: "Your Highness is wise."

In fact, the salaries provided by Li Shimin for Great Tang’s officials weren’t lacking, sufficient for their needs.

But times have changed.

As the overall national strength of the Great Tang has been continuously developing, many wealthy families now live better than officials, and coupled with Li Shimin’s strict oversight of official governance, officials dare not engage in corruption.

This naturally fosters resentment in their hearts.

Now that Li Chengqian agreed to this, Tang Jian was naturally pleased.

But at this moment, Fang Xuanling suddenly spoke up: "Your Highness, this matter is of great importance, should we wait for His Majesty to return?"

Matters concerning the salaries of all officials.

This type of benevolence is best ordered directly by Li Shimin, the Emperor.

For Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince, to decide.....there’s always some unease, a sense of factionalism.

Indeed, many held this thought, including Zhangsun Wuji, but his nature wouldn’t allow him to speak out at such a time.

Sure enough, when Fang Xuanling first spoke up.

At this moment, many officials also began to advise.

Li Chengqian’s brows furrowed involuntarily. Perhaps because he had always been denied since childhood, he deeply disliked this kind of political atmosphere in Great Tang.

But he didn’t voice this to the group of ministers, only gestured with his hand and said: "I understand your intentions, but with my heart oriented towards the sun, what is there to fear?"

As he spoke, he slowly stood up, looking at everyone with firm eyes: "Now Zezhou State is suffering a major disaster, Father is worried about the people of Zezhou State."

"How can everything rely on Father to handle personally?"

"If so, wouldn’t I, the Crown Prince, become a laughing stock?"

"This matter is decided as such."

"After court is adjourned, I will personally report this to Father."

——So alike!

As they looked at Li Chengqian before them, the ministers couldn’t help but have this thought emerge in their minds.

Li Shimin of the past was just like this.

His determination was unparalleled.

Now that the words have reached this point, there’s no need for further discussion, and since this matter involves the increase of officials’ salaries benefitting all, there’s no reason to refuse.

Thus it was decided.

After the Ministry of Revenue discussed it and following some deliberation by the Central Secretariat, the specifications for the improvement were finally decided.

Li Chengqian also followed through on his promise, writing all the plans clearly and sent them to Li Shimin.

This has always been the case.

Although Li Chengqian, in name, supervises the government, he actually often adheres to the advice of those close to Li Shimin, only making decisions in minor matters.