I want to consult with you, Lin Shen.

Li Shimin gently tapped the table with his hand.

The things Princess Chang Le said are naturally within the knowledge of an emperor like him. However, while these words might placate a young girl like Princess Chang Le, they couldn't convince a mature man like him, who had experienced the changes of society and the times.

It's an interesting perspective, but it's also superficial and naive. Li Shimin didn't believe that Lin Shen could be so naive. Someone who dared to claim all the credit for himself just because he brought self-heating rice couldn't possibly be so naive.

Could this be a new doctrine developed by the Mohist and Agriculturalist schools during their seclusion these past years? Li Shimin frowned, then waved his hand, summoning the Qian Niu Wei: "Quickly invite the Duke of Chu into the palace. Tell him I have some matters to consult him on."

The Qian Niu Wei, who had long been accustomed to such tasks, immediately went out and brought Lin Shen into the palace.

Arriving at the Eastern Palace, Lin Shen was still puzzled. He didn't understand why Li Shimin had summoned him so late in the day. He pulled up a chair and sat down casually, waving his hand: "Old Li, what's the matter? Why did you call me over so late?"

Old Li... This address almost left Li Shimin breathless. He had never heard such a down-to-earth term in his life! Even when he was fighting battles for his father back then, others called him Your Highness the Prince of Qin. Even the closest people never called him "Old Li". But when he thought of Lin Shen...

Li Shimin didn't dwell on it too much. He took a deep breath and said unkindly: "Old Lin, I called you over because I have some things I want to consult you on. The things you and my daughter Chang Le talked about today caught my interest..."

Lin Shen raised his eyebrows, looking surprised: "You didn't actually believe those words, did you?"

Li Shimin sighed. He found that he couldn't maintain the dignity that an emperor should have when he was with Lin Shen. So he waved his hand and said directly: "No, I just thought that what you said was interesting. It should be the way of governance in your school, right?"

Lin Shen remained silent.

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes slightly: "Can't you say?"

Lin Shen shook his head: "I'm just afraid you might not be able to accept it."

Li Shimin said, "Rest assured, I... I can accept it."

Lin Shen nodded and posed a question: "What do you think... are the fundamental reasons why previous dynasties faced rebellions and fell?"

Li Shimin whispered, "If the emperor is incompetent, and the people cannot live, rebellion is inevitable."

Lin Shen shook his head: "I mean the root cause."

Li Shimin pondered.

Is it the layout of the aristocracy? No, that's not possible...

In the end, Li Shimin shook his head: "The only reason I can think of is the incompetence of the emperor. So I have always wanted to be a wise monarch, to ensure that all the people in the world can eat their fill, and I also want my descendants to be good emperors who can ensure that all the people in the world can eat their fill."

"But in your school, it seems that this is not the most fundamental reason for the downfall of a dynasty?"

Lin Shen nodded and sighed, "Old Li, to be honest, you are quite capable. You can think of this point in such a short time. Among the many emperors in history, you are outstanding."

Li Shimin's face brightened, being praised as "the emperor of all ages", especially by someone like Lin Shen, who had little respect for emperors, made him even happier.

"But unfortunately, you are still high above. You didn't consider a very simple question." 

This statement made Li Shimin's face darken.

"Oh, what aspects have I not considered?" Li Shimin asked.

Lin Shen waved his hand and said softly, "Actually, the reason for the downfall of a dynasty is very simple, it's class conflict."

Li Shimin frowned, muttering this novel term, "Class conflict? What does that mean?"

Lin Shen looked at Li Shimin, smiling meaningfully: "Are you planning to take action against those noble families?"

Li Shimin's heart skipped a beat. This was his inner thought, and no one else knew about it except for Empress Zhangsun.

How did Lin Shen, who had only been in contact with him for a short time, know about this?

Li Shimin touched his face: "Did I show it so clearly?"

Lin Shen shook his head: "No, but I can see it."

He didn't linger on this topic with Li Shimin but continued with the previous one: "In fact, this is the manifestation of class conflict."

"You now represent the imperial power class."

"Those noble families represent the aristocratic class."

"Now that there is a conflict between you, it will naturally lead to a struggle. This is called class conflict."

Li Shimin began to digest these things.

After a moment, he whispered, "But if it's just a struggle between the imperial power and the noble families, it won't lead to the downfall of the country..."

Lin Shen slapped his forehead, his tone full of regret: "The whole society is not just composed of the imperial power and the aristocracy!"

"There are many other classes!"

"The common people are a class, merchants are a class, local gentry and landlords are a class, civil and military officials are also a class!"

"When so many classes come together, and their contradictions become irreconcilable, conflicts will inevitably erupt. When this eruption occurs, social order will be disrupted... Naturally, the dynasty will fall."

Li Shimin repeatedly pondered these words, and then thought of what Lin Shen and Princess Chang Le had said in the morning.

Gradually, an idea formed in his mind.

"So your school believes that the way to resolve these conflicts is to eliminate these classes and make everyone equal?" Li Shimin hesitated to speak, softly saying, "This is somewhat similar to the Confucian concept of a Great Harmony Society, but it's too idealistic."

Li Shimin, the Emperor of All Ages, truly lived up to his name. From Lin Shen's few words, he deduced all these things.

Lin Shen looked at Li Shimin with satisfaction: "To be honest, you're quite capable. You can think of these things in such a short time. It shows that you're not stupid and there's still hope for you."

"This is the ultimate goal. You have to know that eating a meal is done bite by bite, and building a house is done step by step."

"Of course, it's impossible to achieve everything in one step and immediately implement this. Doing so will only cause greater contradictions and bigger problems."

Li Shimin couldn't help blushing.

"I'm a genius! I've never been stupid!"

Saying that, Li Shimin stood up and respectfully saluted Lin Shen like a student: "Please instruct me, Teacher Lin!"

Lin Shen nodded and said softly, "It's just that I see hope in you. If it were another emperor or anyone else, I wouldn't talk to you about these things."