Chapter 474: Chapter 28: An Emperor Should Regard All Under Heaven as One Family

"Execute this traitor!!!"

"..."

The sound echoed throughout the entire Taiji Hall.

The expressions of the ministers were extremely fierce, filled with hostility towards Jie Li Khan.

"Your Majesty, under no circumstances can we let this traitor Jie Li return to the grasslands. Currently, though the tribes’ remnants are defeated, we cannot give Jie Li any opportunity. I believe we should relocate the tribe members just like during the era of Great Han, teach them etiquette and law, choose their chieftains, and bring them into the court as guards to consolidate the borders."

Wen Yanbo, Minister of the Secretariat, said with a solemn look.

As soon as he finished speaking, Wei Zheng immediately shook his head in denial: "The Turks are beasts in human form, submissive when weak, rebellious when strong; how can we relocate them to Kyushu?"

"As for Jie Li, I also believe he should be beheaded to establish authority."

At this time, Du Ruhui spoke up: "Your Majesty, I believe that although the Turks profess allegiance, their hearts are hard to fathom. Now, following the example of Marquis Zhao Lie, we should disperse their tribes to the counties, let them learn farming and weaving, and transform barbarians into Han."

Immediately, a military general shook his head: "Absolutely not!"

"How many of our Great Tang citizens have been plundered by these Turks? They should all be treated as slaves. Now is the time to execute their tribal leaders and relocate their people to Kyushu as slaves!"

"...."

The voices continued to rise.

The ministers were discussing how to deal with Jie Li and the various Turkic tribes.

This is the current political atmosphere of Great Tang.

Li Shimin had long ordered that the ministers could speak freely in front of him. Although initially no one dared to do so, as many subsequently received rewards, this atmosphere began to take shape.

This is definitely a good thing for a feudal dynasty.

As long as ministers dare to offer advice.

Indeed, they can correct the Emperor’s errors many times.

As long as the Emperor is adept at accepting advice, that’s enough.

Li Shimin listened very attentively, constantly listening to the ministers’ reasons.

But actually, he had already made up his mind.

What he discussed with Gu Quan that day was not just a vision but a goal for all of Great Tang to strive towards.

Let alone the precedent set by Gu Chen and Gu Ye years ago.

Integrating different ethnic groups—

For the entire Central Plains, as long as the court’s stability and the nation’s power can be maintained, it’s definitely an action with more advantages than disadvantages.

And this is the first element Li Shimin wants to develop.

In his thoughts, he slightly raised his hand.

The ministers instantly quieted down.

Li Shimin solemnly scanned the assembly, contemplating briefly before slowly standing up and speaking: "I believe that—to be an Emperor, one must view the four seas as one family."

"In the past, Marquis Jingxiang Gu Ye led a southern expedition to Lingnan, developed trade routes, carried out education, governed with benevolence, corrected folk customs with law, thus making Lingnan as stable as Mount Tai today, even if slight disturbances occur, they are resolved in a moment."

"Isn’t this the best example?

"Though Eastern Turks are a border menace, their people still know decorum, still understand good and evil."

"Today, Jie Li is captured; blind slaughter would only provide momentary satisfaction, yet lose the allegiance of the world."

"At that point, only military might could quell chaos."

"Now all tribes send envoys to Great Tang, observing our stance."

"If I emulate ancient sages, embrace different ethnic groups with open arms, incorporate them into our territory, establish governance regions allowing autonomy; send capable officials for education, impart etiquette and law."

"In this way, surely all barbarians will admire the ethos of our Great Tang, feel grace from my benevolence, and genuinely affiliate."

"I believe, in a matter of years, Hu and Han will meld, sharing in peace."

"Then, my Great Tang will have territories stretching for thousands of miles, with people living in contentment, foreign dignitaries paying tribute, symbolizing a prosperous age!"

Saying this, he suddenly displayed a faint smile, casually asking the assembly: "Could it be that you all think my abilities aren’t even a match for Emperor Xiaoren of Great Han?"

"Can’t I stabilize this realm? Can’t I intimidate those tribes?"

His tone was quite casual, but it felt particularly weighty to the ministers.

Who in the world dares to underestimate the current Emperor?

Even though in this battle, Li Shimin did not personally lead the army.

But who can deny Li Shimin’s expertise in commanding troops?

The name of the Holy Emperor is known throughout the world.

How could it fail to intimidate the world?

Everyone understood the meaning behind Li Shimin’s words, and their expressions became somewhat complicated.

But what could they say?

Li Shimin’s aspirations, not only known to these ministers at court, but even by the common folk.

This is the path Li Shimin must take, and when he says these words, he once again shows the ministers his determination....

....

(Ps: It’s the end of the month, please continue to vote for me, brothers, give your support!)