中英雙語話史記 第81期:貞觀之治
Tang Dynasty
唐朝Prosperity of Zhenguan
貞觀之治The Tang Dynasty (618—907) witnessed the first period of florescence in the reign (627—649) of Emperor Taizong,
唐朝（618——907）在太宗在位期間達到了第一次全盛時期，
which was called the Prosperity of Zhenguan, an era of peace and prosperity.
這個時期被稱爲“貞觀之治”喻意和平與繁榮。During his 23 years of reign, Taizong did more for the empire than any emperor before him.
在唐太宗執政的23年間，他比之前的帝王爲這個國家付出了更多。Through firm leadership and a positive example, the new emperor set about reforming agriculture, manufacturing and commerce.
通過嚴格的領導和正面的榜樣，這位新皇帝開始改革農業、製造業和商業。In his words： the waters can both float and capsize a vessel.
用他的話來說“水能載舟亦能覆舟”。This view led to humane policies, a strong economy and the commercial enterprise,
這樣的看法帶來了“仁政愛民”的政策、強大的經濟與商業，which became second to none throughout the known world.
使它們都成爲了全世界首屈一指的事業。Political progress was achieved by the overhaul of the examination system first introduced by the Sui Dynasty (581 —618) for the appointment of officials.
政治上的進步來源於科舉制度的修訂，這個制度在隋朝（581——618）時期被首次提出用來選拔官員。This system ensured only the best men regardless of their class or background could be appointed to vital posts within the government of the country.
這種制度保證了只有最優秀的人，無論他們來自什麼階級或背景，才能夠出任國家政府中的重要崗位。
Political corruption was virtually unknown as a result of these sound administrative structures.
正是由於這種可靠的行政結構，政治腐敗幾乎不曾出現。He adopted favorable policies for agriculture to reduced taxes and reward farming.
唐太宗針對農業採取了優惠政策，減免了稅收、實行了耕種獎勵制。Taizong endeavored to promote exchanges between nations.
太宗致力於加強各國之間的交流。Princess Wencheng left Chang'an (present-day Xi'an in Shaanxi Province) to marry Songtsan Gambo,king of the Tubo kingdom, which was located about 3 000 kilometers to the west.
文成公主離開長安（今陝西省西安市）嫁給了遠在3000公里之外的吐蕃國王松贊干布。This pioneered amicable relations between the Tang and the Tubo and contributed to the development of China as a multinational country.
這不僅開闢了大唐和吐蕃間的友好關係還爲中國作爲一個多民族的國家的發展做出了貢獻。
