People in the early Tang Dynasty: I compete with Wu Zhao for the throne

Chapter 1686: Long Street Court Meeting, World Power

More than a dozen huge three-masted warships slowly moved along the south bank of the Luo River and arrived at the original location of Tianjin Bridge.

Li Xuan stood aside for a moment, raised his head and looked towards Ziwei Palace, and said solemnly: "Ziwei Palace is the world's fortress. Even if I want to capture it, I'm afraid it will take some effort and even a considerable price."

Lu Yuanfang nodded slightly. He was also a person who went in and out of Ziwei Palace all year round. No one knew better than him how difficult it was to conquer this palace.

Wang Dezhen, Cui Zhiwen, and Yao Lingzhang nodded silently at the same time.

The four people, Li Yuanjia, the King of Han, Li Yuangui, the King of Huo, Li Yuanming, the King of Shu, and Li Lingkui, the King of Lu, remained silent.

On their ship, apart from the prime minister and the prince, the other ministers, generals, governors and the like were all on the boat at the back.

Li Xuan raised his head and pointed at the Duanmen Gate. "Look, that person is the current Imperial Guard General Yan Huaidan. He followed Duke Jiang to fight in the Western Regions. He is quite capable. He first stopped Xuan outside Luoyang City, and now he is stopping Xuan outside Ziwei Palace again. I'm sure you are familiar with him."

Everyone subconsciously looked towards Duanmen and saw Yan Huaidan standing on the city gate tower.

Yan Huaidan also saw the kings and ministers at the same time.

In an instant, his expression turned extremely ugly.

Half of the government hall and half of the royal family are here, and they have only two goals.

One is to take over the power of the world.

One is to see the downfall of Empress Wu.

In the blink of an eye, Yan Huaidan had people run quickly towards the palace, while he himself stared at this group of people with his own eyes. He wanted to see with his own eyes how these people would seize the world's power from them.

Seeing that no one was talking, Cui Zhiwen finally spoke up: "I have had contact with him before, and he is a very low-key person."

Yan Huaidan was indeed very low-key in the past. He was born in the Yan family of Taiyuan. Even though he married into the Wu family, he was always low-key in his behavior, so much so that Li Xuan had never paid much attention to him before.

"Forget it, leave them alone." Li Xuan glanced at Yan Huaidan again, turned around and said, "Let's go ashore first. The officials in Luoyang are still waiting."

"Yeah!" Everyone nodded.

……

The warship docked, and everyone stepped on the planks and landed on the south bank of the Luo River, which was originally located south of Tianjin Bridge.

It was at this time that they saw the long street in front of them, with densely packed Luoyang officials all standing on both sides of Dingdingmen Street.

Lu Yuanfang paused and looked at Li Xuan with a frown: "Prince?"

"All Luoyang officials above the ninth rank are here today." Li Xuan glanced at everyone and said seriously, "These people come from various states and counties in the world. At least they are from local prominent families and well-known families. Today, we will settle all the affairs of everyone here and then announce it to the world. This way, the people's hearts can be stabilized as quickly as possible. What do you think?"

Everyone was slightly stunned. They really didn't expect there was such a thing.

"King Peng is right. Although the Ziwei Palace has not been taken down, the world will be stable in the blink of an eye. The sooner the world is stabilized, the better it will be for the government." Yao Lingzhang nodded seriously and looked towards the Ziwei Palace at the same time. There was a hint of hatred and a hint of joy in his eyes.

Everyone looked at him and immediately understood that Li Xuan was trying to strike a blow to the morale of the people in Ziwei Palace.

In the Ziwei Palace, there was only one left of the Great Zhou established by Empress Wu. If they could decide the world's affairs in front of the Ziwei Palace and in front of Empress Wu, it would be the biggest blow to Empress Wu and those around her.

It would be better if Empress Wu could die of anger.

Everyone immediately understood Li Xuan's little thoughts, but no one stopped her.

Which of these people right now does not harbor deep hatred towards Empress Wu?

Although Yao Lingzhang initially served as the Minister of the Secretariat, a third-rank official in the Secretariat, there was no doubt that he would step by step rise to the positions of Shizhong, Zhongshu Ling, and even Shangshu Zuo Pushe. However, all this was ruined by Empress Wu's palace coup.

Although Wang Dezhen had been trying his best to support her, to be honest, Empress Wu had clearly said that she would grant amnesty to the whole country, but in fact, people like Ouyang Tong and Cen Changqian were still imprisoned. Even he was imprisoned, and she wanted to use him to stop Li Xuan. Wang Dezhen was really disgusted.

Cui Zhiwen and Lu Yuanfang were better off, but to be honest, ever since Empress Wu supported Li Dan to ascend the throne, the two of them had been left idle in Chang'an and had no power at all.

Now, under the attention of Empress Wu, they have legitimately taken all of her power into their hands.

This feeling is really refreshing.

Although the kings did not speak, the sneers in their eyes showed their deep hatred for Empress Wu.

Too many royal family members died at the hands of Empress Wu over the years, even emperors Li Xian and Li Dan died at her hands.

"Let's go." Li Xuan took the lead and walked onto Dingdingmen Avenue.

On the left is Shangshanfang, and on the right is Jishanfang. Li Xuan walked all the way to the middle of the wall before stopping.

There is a long table in the middle, a short couch in the middle, four short couches on both sides, and more than a dozen short couches at the back.

At this point, Li Xuan looked at everyone, bowed slightly, and said, "Everyone, please forgive me for playing a trick first."

Everyone looked at Li Xuan in surprise.

Li Xuan waved his hand slightly, and the next moment, countless black soldiers, holding wooden boards four feet high in their hands, appeared behind the crowd.

Under the astonished gaze of the crowd, four-meter-high wooden boards were arranged directly behind the long table and then connected together across the long street.

In the end, the entire long street was completely cut off from here.

Everyone looked subconsciously and saw that a row of nailed wooden boards had completely blocked their view of the Ziwei Palace.

"From today until the fall of Ziwei Palace, the people of Luoyang will be completely cut off from Ziwei Palace, and Ziwei Palace will also be completely cut off from Luoyang." Li Xuan looked at the prime ministers, kings, ministers, generals, and ministers, and then said loudly: "From today on, that demon queen will never be able to see Luoyang again."

The ministers finally understood everything.

Li Xuan's move of blocking the line of sight also completely cut off all contact between Empress Wu and Luoyang.

From now on, Ziwei Palace is an isolated city.

That feeling of spiritual loneliness will deeply impact everyone in the Ziwei Palace, including Empress Wu.

I don’t know why, but thinking of this, everyone had a smile on their face.

Li Xuan smiled calmly. In fact, he understood that although Empress Wu changed the name of Tang to Zhou and became the emperor of the Zhou Dynasty, she still had great prestige among the government and the people of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Xuan built a four-meter-high wooden wall, which completely blocked Empress Wu's sight.

Empress Wu would never see them again, and they all felt relieved.

……

"Let's get started." Li Xuan looked at Lu Yuanfang, pointed to the main seat and said, "Prime Minister Lu, please take a seat." Lu Yuanfang was slightly stunned, looked at Li Xuan and said, "Isn't the prince in charge of today's event?"

Li Xuan shook his head slightly, and said in front of everyone very seriously: "Since the rebellion in Luoyang was suppressed, the Taiwei Mansion has always been placed under the Political Affairs Hall. Lu Xiang is now the Minister of the Central Secretariat and the Inspector of the Left Prime Minister of the Luoyang Shangshutai. Although this prince can participate in the political affairs, he is only supervising the actions of the Political Affairs Hall on behalf of the emperor. Everything is still presided over by Lu Xiang. This is also the intention of the royal family."

Lu Yuanfang looked up at the four kings, namely, King of Han Li Yuanjia, King of Huo Li Yuangui, King of Shu Li Yuanming, and King of Lu Li Lingkui. The four kings bowed seriously. They had no intention of usurping the throne. According to the court system, all political affairs were handled by the court.

It is enough to have a pair of eyes like Li Xuan keeping an eye on the Government Affairs Hall.

Moreover, when it comes down to it, the ministers are also handling the affairs of the world on behalf of the royal family, and they all recognize Lu Yuanfang's position.

"In that case, I, Lu, will respectfully obey your command." Lu Yuanfang looked up at Li Xuan and bowed seriously.

Lu Yuanfang knew clearly that his previous title of Minister of the Secretariat was conferred by Li Xuan on behalf of Li Chongzhao. Now that he had been recognized by the royal family, no one in the world could question it anymore.

Raising his head, Lu Yuanfang looked forward and said calmly, "Everyone, please take a seat."

Lu Yuanfang sat in the main seat in the center, with Wang Dezhen and Cui Zhiwen sitting on his left, and Li Xuan and Yao Lingzhang sitting on his right.

Five prime ministers held a meeting in front of all the officials to discuss the affairs of the world.

Here, where they are now, is the actual government hall.

Lu Yuanfang was the Minister of the Secretariat, Wang Dezhen and Cui Zhiwen were the Palace Attendants, Li Xuan was the Grand Marshal and the Vice-Chancellor, and Yao Lingzhang was the Vice-Minister of the Secretariat, all of whom were of the third rank.

In addition, there were Shangshu Zuo Pushe Liu Rengui in Chang'an, Zhongshu Shilang and Zhongshu Menxia third-rank Li Yiyan, and Shangshu You Pushe Liu Shenli in the Western Regions.

There was also the Yellow Gate Minister who was imprisoned in the Ziwei Palace, and the third-rank official Liu Jingxian of the Secretariat, a total of nine prime ministers.

As for the others, some of them were appointed as prime ministers, such as Dou Lu Qinwang, Dou Xuande, Ouyang Tong, and Wei Xuantong. They did not recognize these prime ministers.

People like them are lucky, as they still have positions to hold as prime minister. But people like Fan Lubing and Guo Daiju will be punished.

Of course, there is also Pei Xingjian. If he can return to Chang'an, they will also recognize him.

But the decisions made by the five prime ministers today are passed by the majority even at the plenary meeting of the Council of State.

In other words, they completely represent the Political Affairs Hall.

……

The five prime ministers took their seats, and the others followed suit.

The Minister of Personnel Zhang Da'an, the Minister of Revenue Yun Hongyin, the Minister of War Wang Fangyi, the Minister of Punishment Xiao Siye, the Minister of the Right Chancellor Wang Yinke, as well as Ouyang Tong, Duan Baoxuan, and Wang Jishan all sat down in the back. They were all high-ranking officials of the third rank.

As for the others, Liu Zhirou, Cen Changqian, Wei Shishi, Wei Xuanzhen, and Zheng Xuankai all stood beside him.

Prince of Han Li Yuanjia, Prince of Huo Li Yuangui, Prince of Shu Li Yuanming, Prince of Lu Li Lingkui and others also sat down behind Li Xuan.

Also sitting next to them was the General of the Right Guard, Sun Renshi.

Others including Tang Zhenxing, Qu Chongyu, Li Duozuo, Su Baotong, Nan Ju, Cui Ding, Zhou Qian and others all stood behind the kings.

The remaining officials from the three provinces, six ministries, nine temples and five academies, as well as the provincial governors of nearby states, and officials of all levels in Luoyang City above the ninth rank all spread out on the long street.

Except for the absence of an emperor, everything is no different from the founding of a new dynasty.

In other words, Li Xuan himself organized a dynasty without an emperor.

"The first thing to do today." Lu Yuanfang turned sideways and glanced behind him. The barrier completely covered the Ziwei Palace behind him. Lu Yuanfang took a deep breath and continued, "Luoyang has basically been conquered except for the Ziwei Palace. It is only a matter of time before the Ziwei Palace is conquered. Therefore, the most important thing right now is to welcome His Majesty back to the court."

Everyone suddenly became solemn. Although Li Chongzhao ascended the throne in Yangzhou, he disappeared after Yangzhou was captured.

Also missing are Pei Xingjian, Princess Wencheng and Wei Siqian.

No matter what, Li Chongzhao's whereabouts must be found, dead or alive.

He is the only legitimate emperor of the Tang Dynasty today.

We must find out whether he is dead or alive, so that we can take the next step.

“Therefore, Duan Baoxuan, the left palace attendant, third rank, and Jinzi Guanglu doctor, is appointed as the pacification envoy of Jiangnan, to go to Jiangnan to welcome the emperor back to Chang'an. All officials along the way must cooperate seriously in the reception, but if there is any lawlessness, I can execute them first and report to you later.” Lu Yuanfang looked up at Duan Baoxuan.

Duan Baoxuan stood up with his hands clasped, and said solemnly: "I obey your orders."

"Mr. Duan was once the governor of Yuezhou. He is indeed the best candidate. However, in my opinion, we should add a deputy envoy, such as the Wei family, to send someone." Li Xuan looked up at Wei Shishi and Wei Xuanzhen.

"I..." Wei Xuanzhen was about to stand up, but Wei Shishi held him down, stood up himself and said, "I am willing to go, but Shangluo County Lord should stay in Luoyang and wait for Ping'en County Lord to come out."

Wei Xuanzhen was slightly stunned, and finally nodded slightly and agreed.

"Okay." Li Xuan nodded, looked at Lu Yuanfang and said, "The emperor has returned to the east, and I should also do my part. Lai Sui, you take Ma Jingchen with you to help."

Lai Sui and Ma Jingchen stood up at the same time and bowed to accept the order.

Li Xuan looked at the ministers and said, "Laisui's father is now the governor of Yuezhou. With his full support, things will be much easier.

As for Ma Jingchen, he probably has the most clues about the whereabouts of the emperor, and at least they can be of some use.

Ma Jingchen, when the emperor returns to the east, I will request that you be reinstated as the General of the Left Tunwei."

"Yes!" Ma Jingchen accepted the order solemnly. This was his last chance to make a contribution.

Lu Yuanfang looked at Duan Baoxuan, and Duan Baoxuan nodded slightly. He could use both of these people, and they were very useful.

"That's it." Lu Yuanfang nodded, then looked at Han Wang Li Yuanjia and asked, "Should the royal family send someone as well?"

Li Yuanjia glanced at Li Xuan and said, "Li Xu, the Prince of Jiangdu, has just returned to Hangzhou. Let him go to Yangzhou to meet up with the angel."

Lu Yuanfang suddenly realized that he almost forgot that there were quite a few royal family members in Jiangnan.

"In that case, Lord Duan will be the chief envoy, and the Duke of Fuyang and the Prince of Jiangdu will be deputy envoys, with others assisting. General Cheng Chubi of the Right Jinwu Guard will lead one thousand Jinwu guards, one thousand Left Guards, and one thousand Right Guards. They will set off tomorrow to Jiangnan to welcome the emperor back to the court. All the states along the way need their full assistance. Lord Duan can act at his discretion on all matters this time, and execute first and report later." Lu Yuanfang looked cold.

"Yes!" On the long street, everyone bowed solemnly and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

The power of the world lies with us, now we just have to wait for the emperor to return.

"The second thing is the matter of the Ziwei Palace behind us." Lu Yuanfang turned to look at Li Xuan and asked seriously: "May I ask Your Majesty, how long will it take to capture the Ziwei Palace?"

"Seven days!" Li Xuan said calmly, and everyone looked at him sideways.

(End of this chapter)