Chapter 502: Chapter 40: The Death of Gu Quan

The entire Great Tang immediately began to stir once again.

In fact, everyone understood that it was impossible for Li Shimin to accomplish this in the end.

Not to mention advancing towards the Black Water, stabilizing near-coastal navigation was already a huge challenge for Li Shimin’s reign.

The production technology was still an obstacle.

Although the Gu Clan already had sufficient theoretical knowledge, building such large ships still required time, in addition to the time needed for navigation.

All of this was excessively lengthy.

Moreover, Gu Yi understood that such matters were destined not to be achieved in one stroke.

Navigating the seas required not only ships but also routes, and for the current Kyushu, all of these required human lives to pave the way.

However, even so, it was enough.

Gu Yi was not lacking in time; for him, it was sufficient for Kyushu to successfully take this step!

...

The focus of the court quickly shifted.

Li Shimin was extremely attentive to this matter and was evidently determined to establish maritime trade, even setting up the Maritime Trade Office.

Though it was much simpler compared to systems in later generations,

for the current Great Tang, it was sufficient.

Li Tai was indeed very skilled at winning Li Shimin’s favor, and upon discovering Li Shimin’s interest, he began finding ways to please him.

He even had people bring some fishermen’s manuals from the coastal areas.

Analyzing the tides based on fishermen’s experiences.

Though the Gu Clan had long possessed these things, Li Shimin was still very pleased and rewarded Li Tai once again in front of the ministers.

For a time, the entire court was in an uproar.

The ministers couldn’t help but think more.

Li Shimin favored Li Tai too much, and with Li Chengqian being lame, how could they not speculate?

But Gu Quan disliked Li Tai.

In his eyes, Li Tai’s opportunistic and pandering nature was that of a petty person.

He was purely pragmatic, even sometimes not publicizing his merits, so he looked down on Li Tai’s behavior.

Of course, Gu Quan would not take the initiative to express his stance.

Even though he had let go of everything, his character was as steady as ever, and only when Li Shimin asked did he express his opinion.

In the Taiji Hall.

"Why would Your Majesty be displeased with the Crown Prince for being straightforward?"

Gu Quan looked at Li Shimin, who was furrowing his brows, and said softly, "The Crown Prince’s pragmatism should be something to be happy about."

"Does Your Majesty still remember the times of the former Emperor....."

"Was Your Majesty skilled at currying favor with the former Emperor back then?"

His tone was extremely calm.

By now, only Gu Quan dared to say such a thing, even the other members of the Gu Clan would not dare to say it in front of Li Shimin.

Gu Quan was completely different from others.

He represented no faction, only himself.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was momentarily taken aback.

He recalled an event from the past.

Back then, Li Yuan was frolicking at a banquet with singing girls, and he secretly sighed, "If only mother was still here...."

Li Yuanji overheard this and reported it to Li Yuan, which made Li Yuan very displeased.

Such instances were not isolated.

For him at that time, he also had many opportunities to win Li Yuan’s favor and make Li Yuan more trusting of him.

But he didn’t do so, continuously adhering to his own choice.

Now.... Li Chengqian is much the same.

In an instant, Li Shimin’s expression grew complex, and after contemplating for a moment, he smiled bitterly: "It seems I have also become like Father."

"Your Majesty need not think too much." Gu Quan spoke again, "The Crown Prince is already excellent enough and will surely inherit Your Majesty’s great undertaking."

"Recalling the former Han...."

He cited examples to Li Shimin.

Liu Chen—Liu Jun.

He even mentioned Yang Jian—Yang Guang.

Each example awakened Li Shimin’s awareness even more.

His gaze grew increasingly complex, but ultimately he said nothing more, only nodding slightly.

The two of them continued to talk for a long time.

It wasn’t until dusk that Li Shimin had someone escort Gu Quan back.

...

Gu Quan had indeed changed somewhat, even to the surprise of Gu Yi, as he met with Li Chengqian and personally educated him along with members of the Gu Clan at his mansion.

This greatly exceeded Gu Yi’s expectations.

However, upon reflection, it was understandable.

He didn’t have much time left; Gu Quan’s entire life had been dedicated to his family and the Great Tang.

To cultivate a suitable heir for the Great Tang in his lifetime would leave him without any regrets. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Gu Quan understood Li Shimin very well.

Just like Empress Changsun, who, before her death, advised Li Shimin on matters regarding Li Chengqian.

A person in pursuit of perfection like him.

Li Chengqian’s crippled foot was an insurmountable obstacle for him.

Personally guiding Li Chengqian was also a way to offer him some assistance.

Gu Quan refused to place the Great Tang into the hands of a sycophantic emperor, fully aware of the influence an emperor holds over a dynasty.

If an emperor excelled in flattery.... then there was no need to mention the ministers.

He did this purely for the good of the public.

Regarding Gu Quan’s identity, Li Chengqian initially paid no attention.

But as time passed, he began to have some suspicions.

Champion Marquis Mansion.

"Sir.... are you Grand General Gu Quan?" Li Chengqian respectfully cupped his hands toward Gu Quan and asked softly.

Gu Quan did not deny it, instead looking at him and asking, "From where did the Crown Prince know?"