After ascending the throne, the new Emperor Li Muyang had a long-term perspective and was well aware that scientific and technological innovation was the foundation of a country's development. In the imperial court, he spoke earnestly, expounding to the ministers the strategy of rejuvenating the country through science and technology, and encouraging all officials to recommend capable people to study the innovation of agriculture, industry and commerce.
The imperial edict was issued, and both inside and outside the imperial court, there was a flurry of discussions. There were skeptics as well as supporters. Li Muyang had made up his mind, and a storm of reform quietly swept through the Tang Dynasty.
In the field of agriculture, officials from all over the country actively responded to the imperial order and widely recruited talents. Some agronomists have proposed improving farming tools, making the traditional plowshare lighter and more effective for deep ploughing.
Once the new plough was put into trial use, the people were pleasantly surprised to find that the efficiency of ploughing had been greatly improved. The farm work that used to take several days could now be completed in just a few days. Meanwhile, new irrigation technologies have also been promoted in the fields. The style of waterwheels has been improved, and the water-drawing efficiency has doubled. The farmland has been fully irrigated, and the grain output has been rising steadily.
The artisans were not willing to lag behind either. In the textile industry, skilled craftsmen studied day and night to improve the structure of looms. The new type of loom is easier to operate. The silk it weaves has increasingly fine and exquisite textures, and the patterns are also more diverse and rich.
The porcelain firing technique also made a breakthrough. The kiln workers adjusted the firing temperature and time, carefully mixed the glaze, and the porcelain they fired was as white as jade and had a warm and lustrous color. Once launched, it was in short supply in the market and became a sought-after item in the foreign trade of the Tang Dynasty.
In terms of business, Li Muyang ordered the improvement of transportation, the widening and repair of roads, and the addition of rest stops along the way. It has become more convenient for merchants to travel back and forth, and the efficiency of goods transportation has been greatly improved. Meanwhile, he encouraged the opening of markets in various places, standardizing trading rules and establishing specialized commercial management institutions.
For a time, the markets in Chang 'an City were bustling with activity, and a wide variety of local specialties were displayed. Not only was domestic trade prosperous, but commercial exchanges between the Tang Dynasty and neighboring countries also became increasingly frequent. The Silk Road once again regained its vitality. The sound of camel bells filled the air as the goods of the Tang Dynasty sailed far away.
When Empress Dowager Li Yi and Empress Dowager Lin Yue heard of the prosperous scene in the country, they were filled with joy. They often talked with Li Muyang in the palace and spoke highly of the new emperor's measures.
Li Yi said with emotion, "My son's actions are truly a blessing for the Tang Dynasty and the people."
Lin Yue also smiled and nodded, "Mu Yang, you have governed the country so prosperiously. My family and your father the emperor are deeply proud of this."
Li Muyang responded respectfully, "My son merely adapted to The Times. Thanks to the assistance of the officials and the unity of the people, we have achieved today's success."
In the imperial court, civil and military officials all offered their opinions one after another, highly praising Li Muyang's achievements.
Prime Minister Wang Zhong stepped forward and clasped his hands, saying, "Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, he has led the way with technological innovation, achieving bountiful harvests in agriculture, thriving handicrafts, and prosperous commerce. This is truly a wise move." We are willing to relieve Your Majesty of his worries and jointly promote the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
The military generals also expressed their willingness to fight bravely on the frontier to protect the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Li Muyang looked at all the officials in the court, his heart brimming with heroic spirit. He knew well that the glory of the Tang Dynasty had just begun.
To further promote scientific and technological innovation, Li Muyang established a specialized research institution in Chang 'an, gathering skilled craftsmen and scholars from all over the country here.
Within the institution, everyone freely expressed their opinions and jointly discussed new technologies and inventions. Some people study mechanical manufacturing, attempting to create more efficient production tools; Some people focus on astronomy and calendars, hoping to provide more accurate seasonal guidance for agricultural production. There are still people exploring in the field of medicine, seeking new treatment methods and drugs. Li Muyang often visits institutions in person, communicates with people, and offers them support and encouragement.
In agriculture, with the continuous investment in science and technology, new crop varieties have also begun to be cultivated.
Agronomists have cultivated drought-resistant and high-yielding wheat varieties through hybridization techniques, which have been widely planted in arid areas, effectively alleviating the problem of food shortage. Meanwhile, they have also developed a scientific fertilization method. According to the fertility of different soils and the growth stage of crops, they apply fertilizers precisely, which not only improves the utilization rate of fertilizers but also reduces waste and environmental pollution. With the help of new technologies, farmers' incomes have increased significantly and their lives have become increasingly prosperous.
The development of handicrafts is changing with each passing day. In the metal smelting industry, artisans have improved the smelting process, enhancing the purity and quality of metals. The weapons forged are sharper and more durable, and the farm tools are also more solid and practical.
In the shipbuilding industry, new design concepts have made ships sturdier, more stable in navigation, and significantly increased their cargo capacity. This not only promoted the development of domestic water transportation, but also provided a strong guarantee for the overseas trade of the Tang Dynasty. Merchant ships, fully loaded with goods such as silk, porcelain and tea, set sail for distant countries, spreading the culture and technology of the Tang Dynasty to all corners of the world.
The prosperity of business has also brought about innovations in the financial field. The earliest money shops emerged in Chang 'an City, providing lending and remittance services for merchants. The silver notes issued by money shops have facilitated large-scale transactions and promoted commercial circulation
. Meanwhile, the commercial credit system has gradually been established, and transactions among merchants have become more standardized and secure. With the development of business, the scale of the city continued to expand. Chang 'an became one of the most prosperous cities in the world at that time, attracting merchants, scholars and tourists from all over the world.
Amidst this prosperous scene, Li Muyang was not content with the status quo. He is well aware that scientific and technological innovation has no end, and the development of a country requires continuous impetus.
So, he increased his investment in education, established schools in various places, and cultivated more knowledgeable and innovative talents. Not only did the school teach Confucian classics, but it also offered courses such as arithmetic, astronomy, geography and science and technology, reserving a large number of outstanding talents for the future of the Tang Dynasty.
As time went by, the economic development of the Tang Dynasty reached a new height. The national fiscal revenue has increased significantly and the national Treasury is full.
Li Muyang used these funds to repair water conservancy projects, build roads and Bridges, and improve public facilities, greatly enhancing the quality of life of the people.
In foreign exchanges, the Tang Dynasty won the respect and admiration of neighboring countries with its strong economic strength and advanced science, technology and culture. Envoys from various countries came one after another to learn and exchange, and the influence of the Tang Dynasty spread far overseas.
Empress Dowager Li Yi and Empress Dowager Lin Yue were overjoyed to see that the Tang Dynasty was so prosperous under Li Muyang's governance. They often held banquets in the palace, inviting officials and foreign envoys to attend and jointly celebrate the glorious achievements of the Tang Dynasty.
At the banquet, Li Yi was filled with deep emotions and said, "The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty today is largely attributed to Mu Yang." Seeing the country growing stronger day by day and the people living and working in peace and contentment, my wish is fulfilled.
Lin Yue also smiled and said, "Mu Yang, you are the pride of the Tang Dynasty. I hope the emperor can continue to lead the Tang Dynasty towards an even more glorious future."
Li Muyang rose and respectfully bowed to his parents, saying, "My son, I will do my utmost to live up to the expectations of your Majesty and your Majesty, and ensure that the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty lasts forever."
Under the leadership of Li Muyang, all the officials in the court worked together with one heart and contributed their own strength to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
They have witnessed the tremendous changes of the Tang Dynasty driven by technological innovation and are full of confidence in the future.
Under the guidance of the new emperor, the giant ship of the Tang Dynasty is braving the wind and waves, sailing towards an even more glorious tomorrow. The brilliance of its economy, culture and technology illuminates the entire eastern part of the world.