A = Austin (interviewer)
T = Taizong (interviewee)
A: Hey Taizong, how are you today?
T: Good how are you?
A: Good thanks. Let’s get down to business.
A: How high are the expectations after taking over from your older brother?
T: They are high. He was such a great ruler and I loved my brother so much. He rebuilt the country of China after the fail of five Dynasties. He eliminated all the rivals who threatened him. He was secretly an unbelievable poet and painter but never thought his work was good enough for others to see. I just hope that I can be as good as an emperor as he was.
A: What do have in mind to do as emperor?
T: The first thing that I plan to do is send a large army north to push the Khitan over the Great Wall. They are too much of a threat to us and we can’t take any chances with their fierce army.
A: You are a person who loves to read information. How does it feel to create the first encyclopedia?
T: It feels great! I get to share very important information with all of my fellow people of the Northern Song Dynasty. If kids start to read the books early they can become an important government official or a scholar. I just want our people to be very smart so it will be easier for me to pick the emperor after me.
A: Because you are such a great emperor you have set new standards for emperors to come. How does that make you feel?
T: It is exciting to know that I have been such a great influence and people have recognized my leadership role and success. Now the son of Heaven has to play the role of judge, poet, and head of the government, military leader, sage, high priest, and patron of arts. I never knew that my hard work would pay of so much.
A: Do you have anybody in mind to become the next emperor?
T: Yes, I think that the person who helped me make the encyclopedia will get the throne after my reign. He is such a bright individual and a great painter and poet, exactly like my brother and I. His name is Zhenzong. He is one of my younger brothers. I think greatness runs in the family.
A: Taizong, thank you for your time and go continue your successful reign.
T: Thank you.
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