Dialogue between Emperor Taizong of Tang and Emperor Taizong of Ming

Chapter 51 Dialogue between Emperor Taizong of Tang and Emperor Taizong of Ming

Yongle.

Zhu Di looked at the words criticizing him on the sky and felt a sharp pain in his head. "With just a few words from these people from later generations, I've truly become a traitor who brought disaster to the country. Can that little bastard Zhu Yunwen govern the country? He doesn't have the ability, you know that?"

"If I don't raise an army now, they'll kill me with swords, and they'll say I shouldn't have launched the northern expedition against the Mongols."

Zhu Di grew angrier the more he spoke, especially after seeing the sign on the screen that he was Zhu Gaochi's Grand General for the Northern Expedition. He felt even more resentful towards Zhu Gaochi. "You are the Executive Vice Emperor, you cherish the people's strength; I am a warlord who exhausts his resources!"

In this Great Ming Dynasty, who is truly the master, you or I?!

"Boss, tell me, should we attack Mongolia?!"

Zhu Di, filled with anger, glared at Zhu Gaochi below and demanded an explanation. Zhu Gaochi, naturally, wouldn't risk offending Zhu Di at this moment. Although he did disagree with multiple large-scale northern expeditions, believing one or two were sufficient, he declared, "Father, the Mongols certainly deserve to be fought! If it weren't for your northern expedition against the Mongols, which displayed the might of our Great Ming, the north might still be suffering from Mongol incursions. This battle was well fought, I support it!!"

Zhu Di revealed a smug grin. He had finally fallen for it. "You said it yourself, Boss."

"Alright, since you, my lord, are so supportive, let's prepare the funds and provisions for the expedition. I'm going to launch another northern expedition against the Mongols!!"

Oh no, I've fallen into the old man's trap. Who would have thought that the old man could trick me again at this time? Zhu Gaochi thought to himself that this was bad, but he agreed aloud. It seems that he will have to be careful with his money for a while.

Compared to the covert confrontation between Zhu Di and Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Gaoxu seemed rather odd.

The old man didn't keep his word. The sky can testify to that. You did say that, so all the beating I took before was for nothing.

[Just the fact that Zhu Di moved the capital to Shuntian Prefecture set the tone for the Ming Dynasty: "The emperor guards the nation's gates, and the monarch dies for the state." The spirit of the entire Ming Dynasty was established after he moved the capital.]

"The emperor guards the nation's gates, and the monarch dies for the state."

Liu Che muttered these words to himself, slapped his thigh, and looked excited. These words resonated with him deeply, making him feel incredibly satisfied. The words sounded very powerful, indicating that this dynasty must have been outstanding in military achievements. He could clearly see that the celestial screen had mentioned the capital of the Ming Dynasty when it was mentioned at the end of the Ming Dynasty. It seemed to be located in the present-day Ji County. The location was strategic, but in terms of wealth, it could not compare with Chang'an or Luoyang. It was far inferior to even the original capital of the Ming Dynasty, Yingtian Prefecture. If the emperor was placed in such a dangerous situation just to defend the country's borders, Liu Che felt that it was not worth it.

It is estimated that Zhu Di had a deeper reason, or perhaps some major changes occurred in later generations.

Otherwise, given Zhu Di's abilities, he would have seen the danger of placing the capital here.

Just as figures from various dynasties were passionately debating the similarities and differences between Zhu Di and Li Shimin, as the sky seemed to hear the heated debate, the image abruptly split into two parts: on the left was Zhu Di as depicted on the previous screen, and on the right was Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. [The "bitterness and sorrow" of Li Shimin and Zhu Di]

What hardships and sorrows could they possibly have? They're emperors now, why would they still feel bitter?

Some people thought sourly, "If I were the emperor, I would be willing to eat meat and fish every day and favor my concubines."

Zhu Di and Li Shimin spoke simultaneously, with text displayed below them accompanying their words: "Do you think I wanted to be emperor? I wouldn't even take this throne for a dog."

I want it!

Li Jiancheng stared at the sky and shouted in his heart, "The dog doesn't want it, but I do!!"

We were originally a loving and respectful uncle and nephew, but for the sake of the throne, Zhu Yunwen (Li Jiancheng) changed and even disowned his uncle (brother).

If he hadn't forced me, would I have rebelled? I gave him the throne, and then he disappeared (due to acute iron poisoning). I sent men on six voyages to the Western Ocean, but we couldn't find him (I sent eight hundred men, but none of them could save him).

You all say I'm rebellious, but my father didn't say anything. I even extended his lifespan by four years (and made him the Retired Emperor)!

[It's all because my nephew (elder brother) is petty and always felt that I was a threat to him. I was forced to choose to follow the imperial orders and settle scores (that's why I chose to confront him at Xuanwu Gate)].

【I, the King of Yan (King of Qin), have wealth and land. Wouldn't it be better for me to plant trees and create forests (and engage in literary pursuits) there?】

One by one, words appeared on the sky: "[Emperor Taizong's authority, and the issue of kinship]".

Zhu Di had no eldest nephew, and Shimin had no eldest brother.

"Is this Versailles? Don't want to be here!"

The ancient figures from various dynasties were already barely able to contain their laughter. Although some of their dynasties didn't have the specific details of Emperor Taizong of Tang, they already knew from the descriptions in the heavenly curtain that it was nothing more than a struggle for succession followed by a seizure of power. Not surprising, but interpreting the scriptures in this way was quite amusing.

During the Wude era, Li Jiancheng cautiously asked Li Shimin, "Second brother, do you really want to become the Prince of Qin by writing and practicing literature? If you really don't want to be, it's nothing for your elder brother to suffer a little hardship and toil."

Li Shimin stared at Li Jiancheng, his eyes gradually turning hostile: Could it be that you, elder brother, harbor rebellious intentions?

He sneered, "Brother, I am the Crown Prince now. Are you plotting a rebellion?"

[What Oirat invasion (Turkic invasion)? Let whoever wants to deal with that mess take care of it. I'm the one who's pitiful, okay?]

My nephew is missing (my brothers have left me), and my father and elder brother died young (my father also neglects state affairs). Do you think I should rebel?

Besides, I'd be a much better emperor than him.

[Five expeditions to the northern deserts, six voyages to the Western Ocean, compilation of the Yongle Encyclopedia, dredging of the Grand Canal (destroying the Turks, defeating the Tuyuhun, reducing taxes and corvée labor, and improving the imperial examination system)]

Without me, could there have been the Yongle Reign (or the Zhenguan Reign)?

【Huh? Speak up!!!】

Shen Chuan himself hadn't expected that Li Shimin and Zhu Di would have such similarities: both started an uprising with 800 men, both had outstanding military capabilities, and both were Taizong... well, this one is a bit different, after all, Zhu Di was the only Emperor Chengzu in history, who made great contributions to the founding of the country.

The comments section was bustling with activity, demonstrating the immense popularity of Li Shimin and Zhu Di.

[Zhu Di, Li Shimin: I wasn't the heir apparent, how will history books and future generations evaluate me? Future generations: Awesome!]

Follow-up comment: Fusu: All troops, listen to my command! Watch me commit suicide and return to heaven!

[Zhu Di: Father, you're not dead! Spare me! Spare me! Li Shimin: Father, you're not dead! Li Yuan: Spare me! Spare me!]

Reversing the Heavenly Gang!

Li Yuan felt greatly offended that he was asked to beg for mercy for his son, Erlang. What kind of logic was this? Could it be that in the minds of future generations, he, the founding emperor, had accomplished nothing and could not even control his own son?