The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 457 Li Shi, whose given name was Zuo (Part 2)
In mid-February, two months had passed since the King of Qin issued an edict to exempt the people from taxes and pacify the land throughout Hebei. Under this severe punishment, all directions submitted to him. First, the State of Jin sent envoys to acknowledge him as a vassal state, and then the Crown Prince of Chu, Ma Xiyue, entered the capital to serve the emperor. Spring plowing flourished, the army and the people were invigorated, and the world was suddenly plunged into a peace that had not been seen in the past few decades. Everyone said that the time for the unification of the world was just around the corner.

Until this day, the Jiangnan region, which had always been peaceful and law-abiding, suddenly sent a proclamation to all parts of the country, which shattered the dream of unifying the world that millions of people had longed for, and caused panic in all directions.

It was still early, but the square outside the Qin Prince's Mansion was already bustling with activity. Carriages and horses rumbled, officials and nobles gathered, and more people continued to arrive, some on horseback and some on foot.

Jing Xiang arrived hastily, surrounded by Liang Dynasty officials such as Xue Yiju and Du Xunhe. Jing Xiang was lost in thought when his gaze met that of Han Yanhui, who had arrived first. The latter showed no expression, but simply nodded politely. Jing Xiang nodded slightly in return, though his thoughts about the past were still lingering in his mind.

As for Sikong Xue Yiju, who was standing behind Jing Xiang, he was over sixty years old, but his face was deathly pale, and he didn't even notice that the hem of his official robe was covered in dust.

Behind him, Su Xun, Zhang Yi, and other former Tang officials who had once actively urged Zhu Wen to become emperor were now constantly wiping sweat from their brows with their sleeves, whispering to Xue Yiju, "Lord Xue... how... how can this be resolved? The Prince of Qin is actually... one of our former..."

Xue Yiju did not reply, but followed closely behind Jing Xiang. Even though Jing Xiang had always disliked this group of people, that was all. At most, he would whisper a few words to Du Xunhe, the Minister of Rites, and there was a hint of bewilderment in his aged expression.

Just then, a commotion arose, drawing countless people to look, only to see Yang She, the Left Minister who had never done anything in the Liang Dynasty, almost staggering through the crowd.

His hair was disheveled, his robes were askew, and he looked utterly wretched. His descendants couldn't catch up with him in time, and he fell to his knees with a thud before the stone steps of the Prince's mansion, his forehead slamming heavily against the ground with a resounding thud: "Yang She, the late Emperor's loyal subject, requests an audience with His Highness the Crown Prince of the Great Tang! This old minister... this old minister is guilty!"

His hoarse, mournful cries echoed in front of the Prince's Mansion, causing Xue Yiju, who had been trying his best to remain calm, to change color instantly.

Yang She's descendants were helpless, and Zhang Wenwei also rushed out from the crowd. Seeing this scene, he could only watch helplessly as Yang She knelt and wept. He wanted to help him up but felt it inappropriate, so he wrung his hands anxiously and whispered, "Lord Yang...Lord Yang...get up...this is unacceptable...His Highness has his own plan...his own plan..."

Du Xiao, Zhang Ce, and many other former officials of the Liang dynasty from the Tang dynasty stood a little further away, their expressions complex.

With a thunderous roar of hooves, several generals from Hebei, including Ding Badu and the Guide Army, who were on duty in the capital, dismounted, their hands on their swords. Their hair and beards were bristling, and their eyes were wide with rage: "Li Xingyun, you brat, how dare you frame the Prince of Qin like this! When Your Highness gives the order, we are willing to be the vanguard, flatten Yangzhou, and capture this scoundrel alive!"

These rough men roared like tigers, provoking a chorus of angry echoes from the generals. Fortunately, there were many Qin Prince's followers standing outside the palace. Under the suppression of Wanyan Agunai, the deputy commander of the followers who had become completely like Han Chinese, and many night scouts, the commotion subsided slightly.

For some reason, the gates of the Prince's mansion remained tightly shut. The commotion outside—the weeping, the shouting, the fearful whispers—crashed against the oppressive silence like a boiling tide. Someone went to inquire of Han Yanhui, but the latter simply tucked his sleeves in and remained silent, making the atmosphere suffocating.

"Squeak-"

The sound of the mansion gate opening was not loud, but it instantly cut off all the noise outside.

Miao Chengtian, dressed in simple palace attire, with a calm and serene expression, appeared on the steps in front of the mansion gate, surrounded by a group of female guards and Xuan Jingtian.

"Gentlemen, please calm down." Miao Chengtian said in a clear and steady voice, "His Highness is aware of the situation in Jiangnan and is dealing with it. At this critical juncture, it is even more important for you all to remain calm and composed, stay in your positions, and not cause chaos in the court and the country."

Her gaze swept over the crowd, lingering for a moment on Yang She, who was kneeling and pleading for an audience, and Zhang Wenwei, who looked bewildered, before she continued, "His Highness has decreed: All of my Liang ministers who are loyal to their duties and have weathered the hardships together will be judged by public opinion for their merits and demerits; those who harbor ulterior motives and cause trouble will not be tolerated by the law. Please move to the front hall and wait a moment; His Highness will arrive shortly and will make a clear judgment."

Han Yanhui immediately stepped forward amidst a group of officials from the Tian Ce Mansion, bowed, and accepted the order: "Your subject obeys."

He walked straight to Yang She, who was kneeling before the steps, and said in a gentle tone, "Lord Yang, His Highness already knows your intentions. Please rise quickly and do not lose the decorum of a minister. Follow the maid to the front hall to wait for His Highness."

As he spoke, he bent down to help her up. Zhang Wenwei felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and hurriedly called several of Yang She's descendants to come forward. Without Han Yanhui having to help, he helped Yang She, who was still sobbing, to his feet.

Taking advantage of the situation, Han Yanhui turned around and faced the chaotic crowd, his voice suddenly rising: "Gentlemen, His Highness is benevolent and compassionate, and his ambition is to end the chaos and usher in an era of lasting peace, not for the sake of any one family or clan. At this critical moment, it is the right path to unite as one to protect the country and its people. Please follow me into the hall and await His Highness."

Miao Chengtian nodded slightly, and the gates of the mansion were pushed open completely by the guards. Han Yanhui stepped forward first, followed closely by officials of the Tiance Mansion and some courtiers, their steps steady. Zhang Wenwei and others supported the unsteady Yang She, who was surrounded by Du Xiao and other former Tang colleagues, and rushed in with excited and nervous expressions.

Jing Xiang remained lost in thought, while Xue Yiju, Su Xun, Zhang Yi, and others followed closely behind with their heads bowed, unable to conceal their fear. Zhang Ge, Zhou Xiang, and other former officials of Shu who had just arrived silently followed. A dozen or so Palace Guard commanders and Imperial Guard officers entered last, surrendering their weapons; the sound of their armor clicking softly filled the air, creating a chilling atmosphere.

The crowd briefly converged in the shadows of the portico before surging into the foyer.

------

"I, whose personal name is Xingyun, am a ninth-generation descendant of Emperor Taizong Wen and the eldest son of Emperor Zhaozong Jing..."

Although I suffered hardship in my youth and lived in hiding, I am always heartbroken and weep bitterly when I think of the pain Emperor Zhaozong suffered in this world, and I wail in the middle of the night...

Today, the Mandate of Heaven has been bestowed upon us, and the people yearn for the Tang Dynasty. Relying on the loyal and virtuous officials and the devoted soldiers, we solemnly announce in Yangzhou, south of the Yangtze River, at the Imperial Ancestral Temple that we have ascended the throne and changed the era name to "Guangqi." This is done in accordance with the spirits of the seven ancestral temples and the hopes of the people. We dare not presume to claim credit for Heaven's work, but truly desire to restore the legacy of Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong and save the people from suffering.

However, the treacherous and wicked Xiao, a fiefdom of the false Liang dynasty, is actually Li Zuo, the former crown prince of the late Emperor Zhaozong of the Tang dynasty. Despite his imperial lineage, he willingly serves as a lackey of his enemy. I, with tears in my eyes, hereby proclaim to the world his crimes:

"To recognize a traitor as one's master, to aid and abet evil, the late emperor, to protect the state, had no choice but to order loyal and righteous men like the wicked and treacherous Tian Anxing to take expedient measures... But now that you have grown up and know your true identity, you should have endured hardship and humiliation, determined to restore the country and kill Zhu Wen to avenge your father and emperor. Alas, you have lost all conscience; not only do you not think of revenge, but you have also recognized the usurper Zhu Wen as your master, kneeling before your enemy and begging for mercy..."

"Stop reading!"

The Empress's face was already as cold as ice when the proclamation began, and upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in her phoenix eyes, and her jade fingers resting on the soft couch tightened abruptly. "It's all nonsense, what's the use of listening to it? Skip it and read the most important part directly."

"Yes." Yang Yantian's voice trembled slightly as he hurriedly looked down.

“It’s alright. Since Yunji knows it’s a distortion of the truth, why bother?” Xiao Yan remained seated in the round-backed chair, opened his slightly closed eyes, and smiled, “Since it’s a list of sins, how can you know what evil deeds I’ve committed if you don’t hear it all? Try to keep it concise and read it aloud.”

"My lord," Qianwu advised, but Xiao Yan merely raised his hand, his expression unchanged.

Yang Yantian hesitated for a moment, then carefully read aloud: "To sit idly by and watch your sovereign suffer is unfilial and disrespectful. Emperor Zhaozong, your father, was murdered by the Zhu traitor. The whole nation grieved. At that time, you were just a child and powerless to reverse the situation, which is understandable. However, now that you are grown up, know your lineage, hold great military power, and are a force to be reckoned with in the Central Plains, why have you not avenged your sovereign and father? Where is the Zhu traitor now? Where are his clansmen? All I see is you sitting high on the throne of the false Liang king, living in luxury and enjoying honor, treating the blood feud of your sovereign and father as nothing more than fleeting clouds. You have caused the late emperor to be unable to offer sacrifices, and your ancestors to be ashamed in the netherworld. This is your second crime..."

"Stop reading it aloud!" The Empress, unable to contain herself any longer, interrupted again, clenching her fist and saying, "Just state the baseless accusations on it!"

Xiao Yan shook his head and chuckled. Looking back, he saw that Ji Ruxue's usually aloof face was now covered with a layer of frost. So he could only nod to Yang Yantian.

Yang Yantian breathed a sigh of relief and continued reciting: "He violated human ethics, imprisoned his brother's wife; secretly colluded with the barbarians, harboring evil intentions; he pretended to be benevolent to steal the country, and deceived the world with hypocrisy; he coveted important weapons and plotted rebellion..."

"Wait a moment." The Empress frowned again, stopping Yang Yantian. "The first three points are easy to guess how they framed you without even hearing them. As for the claim that you coveted the important artifact, where does that come from?"

"It's not hard to guess." Xiao Yan rubbed the fluffy little head with snow paws on his knee, making the kitten purr comfortably, then shook his head and said, "The other charges are not surprising, but this last one is really troublesome. Is it related to the Longquan Treasure?"

Not to mention Yang Yantian being stunned, even Guangmu Tian, ​​who was gently stroking the Empress's back, as well as the Empress herself, Ji Ruxue, and Qianwu were all momentarily astonished.

Yang Yantian immediately recited: "The Longquan Treasure is the foundation for the restoration of the Tang Dynasty, left by Emperor Xizong and Emperor Zhaozong, awaiting the true ruler. You, Li Zuo, as a rebellious son, how dare you covet it? The Twelve Holy Children of the Caves possess the secrets of the treasure, yet you forcibly abducted them and imprisoned them in Bianliang. Furthermore, I have heard that you cultivate the evil art of the Xuanming Sect, the 'Nine Netherworld Mysterious Heaven,' your malevolent energy offending the heavens..."

The Empress's chest heaved violently, and she let out a cold laugh that she could hardly suppress: "Good! What a clever scheme to shift the blame! What a Yuan Tiangang! How dare he frame me like this!?"

"Yun Ji, don't be angry." Xiao Yan had no choice but to give Qian Wu a look, so that she and Guang Mutian could comfort the rarely flustered Empress. At the same time, he squeezed the back of Ji Ruxue's hand, who had been sitting beside him.

Ji Ruxue's hands were icy cold, but when he grasped them with his warm palm, she looked up at him, her cold eyes churning with anger. However, under Xiao Yan's steady gaze, her tense shoulders finally relaxed slightly, and she gently returned his grasp, indicating that she was alright.

Even Yang Yantian, who was in charge of reading the proclamation, could not tolerate it at this moment. He suppressed his anger and said, "Utterly shameless. Lu Linxuan was clearly a scoundrel who pushed himself into the fire pit, and now he is turning around and framing Your Highness?"

"Compared to letting the world know that the Holy Child is in my hands, what is this?" Xiao Yan shook his head indifferently: "That bad leader was at his wit's end and had no other choice but to resort to this tactic. It was expected... There's no need to stop reading the rest. Let's finish reading it all at once."

Yang Yantian took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his turbulent emotions. He stole a glance at the Empress and saw that although her face was as cold as frost, her breathing had calmed down slightly, and she was closing her eyes to endure it. He then held the proclamation and continued reading:

"Alas.

Li Zuo was born into the imperial family, a descendant of the royal line. Yet you betrayed your country, betraying your own people; you imprisoned your brother's wife, defying all moral principles; you secretly allied with the barbarians, harboring treacherous intentions; you feigned virtue to deceive the world, abused your power to establish your authority; you coveted imperial power, plotting rebellion. Your sins reach to the heavens; your evil deeds reach the depths of the earth. How can the ancestors of the Tang Dynasty tolerate such a disloyal, unfilial, unjust, and treacherous son who brings ruin to the country and its people? Even Prince Li Keyong, loyal to the nation, was poisoned by your conspiracy; the loyal and virtuous perished—what justice can Heaven possibly offer?

As the eldest son of Emperor Zhaozong, I have received the Mandate of Heaven to succeed to the throne, restore the Tang dynasty, and rectify the fate of China. Now, I personally wield the imperial axe and respectfully carry out Heaven's punishment. All former officials of the Great Tang, loyal and righteous people, and regional military governors should recognize right from wrong, understand the greater good, and work together to restore our land.

The Mandate of Heaven remains unchanged, the imperial regalia has been returned to its rightful owner, and all of China ultimately belongs to the Great Tang! The demise of the false Liang dynasty is imminent; the execution of Li Zuo is a divine punishment. This proclamation is issued far and wide, so that all may know.

As the last word fell, the flower hall fell into a deathly silence.

The Empress's eyes remained closed, but her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her chest heaved more dramatically than before. Guangmu Tian and Qianwu, one on each side, practically supported her with their bodies, constantly whispering words of comfort. Ji Ruxue's hand was still held by Xiao Yan, but her palm had turned icy cold again. Her aloof face seemed covered with a layer of ice, and her eyes stared straight ahead into the void, as if trying to pierce through that nonexistent enemy.

After Yang Yantian finished reading, she held the scroll of proclamation, her fingertips trembling slightly. She looked at Xiao Yan, then at the Empress and Ji Ruxue who were suppressing their anger, and finally her gaze fell on Qian Wu's displeased face. She opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but she didn't know how to start. All that was left was a surge of resentment in her chest.

“The mandate of heaven has not changed…” Xiao Yan broke the silence, softly repeating the final paragraph of the manifesto. He looked down at the half-exposed furry ear peeking out from under his knee and gently tapped it with his fingertip.

“It’s easy to recognize the face of the east wind…” He raised his head, his gaze calmly sweeping over the Empress, Ji Ruxue, Qianwu, Yang Yantian, and Guangmutian, and couldn’t help but chuckle again, “Yuan Tiangang’s east wind has finally blown me into the open.”

He finally stood up slowly, his snow claws lightly leaping off his knees, and with that movement, his upright figure seemed to instantly dispel the heavy gloom that filled the hall.

His gaze swept over the Empress and Ji Ruxue, his eyes carrying a powerful reassuring quality: "Now that Lu Linxuan is in my hands, it wouldn't be difficult for things to turn out this way. Yun Ji, Xue'er..."

He paused slightly, then chuckled, "Yunji, Xue'er, he tries to unsettle me, but haven't I been waiting for this situation for a long time? Don't get upset over such things, taking care of your health is the most important thing."

The Empress met his gaze, and the raging anger churning within her was strangely soothed by his steady strength, transforming into a deep tenderness and absolute trust. She took a deep breath, slowly loosening her clenched hands and placing them on her lower abdomen.

The chill in Ji Ruxue's eyes did not subside, but her tense body relaxed slightly, and deep within her clear gaze was absolute trust in Xiao Yan's judgment.

“Guangmu Tian, ​​Yangyan Tian,” Xiao Yan nodded with a smile, then instructed, “Protect the Princess and Xue’er well, and Qianwu, prepare writing materials.”

Qianwu immediately bowed and said, "Yes."

She strode quickly to the desk beside her, deftly spreading out a large sheet of plain white Xuan paper. She picked up an inkstone, poured in water, and began grinding ink with a steady wrist. The ink spread in the inkstone, as black as night.

But before Xiao Yan could pick up his pen, he seemed to suddenly remember something. He looked at Yang Yantian and smiled faintly: "After Yu Youshu has rested, have her order Li Mang to make two copies of the proclamation. Send one copy to the Great Xiangguo Temple for the Emperor Emeritus, and send the other copy to His Majesty in the palace. Let them also see the good news that the world has risen up against me."

The women in the hall were taken aback at first, but then they understood the meaning behind it. Ji Ruxue's eyes flashed with a hint of pleasure, while Yang Yantian simply responded and left quickly.

Xiao Yan then paused in front of the desk, but did not sit down. He took the brush from Qian Wu, hovered the tip above the plain white Xuan paper, pondered for a moment, and then wielded the brush with the speed of the wind.

------

In the front hall of the Prince's mansion, the scent of sandalwood tried to diffuse, but it couldn't suppress the anxiety permeating every inch of the air. Yang She was placed in a round-backed chair, his body sinking deep into it, yet inexplicably invigorated. He would occasionally wipe away the silent tears streaming from the corners of his eyes with his sleeve, muttering incantations to himself. None of his descendants were originally qualified to enter this room, but an exception was made for one of them, who carefully served him, not daring to utter a sound.

Zhang Wenwei sat beside him, one hand pressing down on his old friend's trembling arm, while nervously glancing at the tightly closed inner hall door, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Xue Yiju, Su Xun, Zhang Yi, and the others felt like they were sitting on pins and needles, exchanging anxious glances every now and then.

Jing Xiang and Han Yanhui sat upright in the main seats, one below the other. Jing Xiang closed his eyes to rest, his fingers unconsciously tracing circles on his knees. Han Yanhui simply stroked his beard, deep in thought, without saying a word. Several generals stood by the pillars of the hall, their hands on their belts, their faces flushed, their eyes fixed intently on the doorway.

Time flowed by in a stifling silence, each breath feeling exceptionally long.

"squeak--"

The carved wooden door leading from the inner hall to the front hall was silently pushed open.

The moment the door opened, before they could even see the figure behind it.

Everyone in the hall, whether it was the weeping Yang She, the nervous Zhang Wenwei, the fearful Xue Yiju, Su Xun, and Zhang Yi, the closed-eye Jing Xiang, the pensive Han Yanhui, or the indignant generals, all seemed to be suddenly pulled by invisible threads, their movements uniform and abruptly rising to their feet.

Without the slightest hesitation, almost simultaneously everyone bowed deeply, heads bowed, and performed a solemn prayer towards the open doorway. The entire foyer fell into a strange, breathtaking, absolute silence.

Xiao Yan walked steadily and unhurriedly into the room, as if he did not see the officials bowing down. He simply carried a long, wide scroll of Xuan paper with ink stains, walked to the main seat, and stood with one hand behind his back.

"Be flat."

Xiao Yan's gaze calmly swept over every raised face in the hall. His gaze seemed to carry a tangible weight, causing Xue Yiju and the others to subconsciously lower their heads, making Zhang Wenwei's heart leap into his throat, and making the generals straighten their backs.

But he offered no words of comfort, rebuke, or reassurance; he merely pondered for a moment.

The courtiers waited quietly for a moment.

“The dogs of Jiangnan bark and spout wild ravings.” Xiao Yan finally spoke, his voice not loud, but instantly calming all the restless air in the hall. “Jiangnan is in turmoil, and there are even so-called descendants of the previous dynasty who have claimed the throne and denounced me.” He paused, his gaze sweeping over the terrified Xue Yiju, the weeping Yang She, and the nervous Zhang Wenwei. “I know you are all confused.”

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. But Xiao Yan simply raised his hand, letting the Xuan paper in his hand fall to the ground.

“That’s right.” Xiao Yan suddenly sneered, then his voice was resolute, like metal and stone falling to the ground, making people’s eardrums buzz, “I am Li Zuo. The ninth son of Emperor Zhaozong, the last crown prince of the Tang Dynasty. The proclamation in Jiangnan stated my background, which is indeed true.”

"boom--"

Despite having suspected it beforehand, hearing this earth-shattering announcement firsthand still caused a tremendous shock, plunging the entire foyer into a moment of deathly silence.

Yang She suddenly looked up, his cloudy old eyes flashing with disbelief as he stared intently at Xiao Yan. His lips trembled violently, but no sound came out. Zhang Wenwei shuddered violently, his hand holding Yang She tightening its grip. All color drained from her face, leaving only immense shock and a deeper, more profound shame.

Xue Yiju and the others were ashen-faced, their bodies trembling slightly, as if all their strength had been drained away. Jing Xiang suddenly opened his tightly closed eyes, a flash of brilliance passing through them. The generals, on the other hand, instinctively clenched their fists, a strange, fanatical flame igniting in their eyes.

Xiao Yan handed the Xuan paper in his hand to Han Yanhui, who was standing beside him: "The proclamation issued by the puppet emperor established in Jiangnan is a distortion of the truth and is not worth a laugh. My response is here. Zang Ming, read it."

Han Yanhui took a deep breath, bowed, and steadily unfurled the still-fragrant proclamation with both hands. His gaze fell upon the handwriting, and in just one glance, he was instantly shaken. He then subconsciously looked at Xiao Yan, but the latter had already turned away with his hands behind his back, without uttering a word.

Although Han Yanhui could not hide his trembling, he met the gazes of the crowd in the hall, including Jing Xiang's, and simply cleared his throat. When he spoke again, his voice was steady and resonant, each word firm and clear:
"Xiao Yan, Prince Qin of the Great Liang Dynasty and General of the Heavenly Strategy, issues this letter to all his subjects:"

Gu, of the Li family, whose given name was Zuo. Also of the Xiao family, whose given name was Yan.

Both names were personally bestowed by Emperor Zhaozong and appointed by his mother, Empress He. The emperor and empress doted on him, and his name was recorded in the imperial genealogy, making him a direct descendant of the Tang dynasty and Emperor Zhaozong's ninth son. However, Zhu Wen usurped the throne, wreaking havoc in the capital, poisoning the emperor, and causing the ancestral temples to crumble. The young and orphaned child suffered this calamity, forced to live in exile. Fortunately, the venerable Xiao Gong, a man of unwavering loyalty, took his own son's place in imprisonment, protecting the child and allowing him to hide in Yanzhou. He was placed under the guise of the Xiao family, and his name was changed to Yan, not out of a desire for survival, but rather to preserve his lineage.

However, the Mandate of Heaven is not constant; only virtue can guide it. The succession of the imperial regalia is not solely a matter for the Li family. Emperor Gaozu, wielding his sword, swept away all rivals and established the dynasty, not for the sake of his descendants' eternal reign, but to save the people from suffering and to relieve them from dire straits. Emperor Taizong succeeded him, ushering in the Zhenguan era of prosperity, with foreign tribes submitting and the country at peace. This was not due to the prestige of the imperial family, but rather to the selection of virtuous and capable officials, the reduction of taxes and corvée labor, and the implementation of benevolent policies throughout the land. However, from the Tianbao era onward, the order of governance deteriorated, regional warlords became arrogant, eunuchs seized power, the emperor's authority shifted downwards, and the people suffered for over three hundred years. The Huang Chao Rebellion broke out, palaces were reduced to ruins; Zhu Wen usurped the throne, poisoning and murdering the emperor. This was not Heaven's displeasure with the Li Tang dynasty, but rather the result of long-standing corruption and mismanagement, leading to the tarnishing of the imperial regalia and the collapse of the ancestral temples.

Emperor Zhaozong entrusted his son to the two unscrupulous men, Lin and Xiao, thus allowing me to survive in this chaotic world. Though I am alive, I am constantly filled with bitter resentment. Every time I see the palace crumble and the people displaced, I wail through the night, my heart breaking with grief. However, Zhu Wen's power is immense; his henchmen are everywhere, his hawks and hounds choke the roads. At that time, I was utterly alone, like an orphan. If I were to act rashly in a fit of rage and offer my neck to be killed, I would only become a laughingstock for the traitor, bringing no benefit to the country or the people.

Therefore, I endured humiliation and served my enemy with humility. Not to acknowledge the enemy as my master, but to emulate Goujian's perseverance and Han Xin's humiliation. Using the alias "Dark Star of Heaven," I entered the court of the false Liang dynasty, not to be an accomplice, but to observe their true strength and wait for the opportune moment. For three years I honed my sword, its sharp edge yet to be tested, waiting for the traitorous father and son to turn on each other. Then I rose up in the palace of Bianliang, forcing the usurper Zhu Wen to retreat, imprisoning him and his son at the foot of the steps, and slaughtering all their remaining supporters. The blood feud of Emperor Zhaozong has been avenged. This is not unfilial piety, but the greatest filial piety. I endured what others could not endure, and did what others dared not do.

There was a rogue leader named Yuan Tiangang, who claimed to protect the Tang Dynasty, but was in reality the source of all evil. For three hundred years, he used the rogues as his henchmen, treating the world as a chessboard. To fulfill his obsession with 'tyranny,' or in the name of 'reviving the Tang,' he instigated warlords to fight each other, watching the country crumble. He treated the common people like dirt and heroes like straw dogs. What was he supposedly 'reviving'? Now, seeing me, the pillar of the nation, with unification in sight, his heart is treacherous. He has actually installed my youngest brother, Xingyun, as a puppet, entrenched in Jiangnan, and usurping the title of emperor. Furthermore, he has concocted this distorted and absurd proclamation to frame me.

Her first crime was sowing discord among the imperial family, falsely accusing me of "imprisoning my brother's wife." The Lu family's Linxuan was a victim of Yuan Shao's treacherous scheme, lured and dragged into Bianliang, a poisonous bait to frame me. As the Imperial Commander-in-Chief, I was responsible for investigating and apprehending spies and traitors; this was my duty, clearly governed by law. What crime have I committed?
Their second crime is accusing me of "recognizing a thief as my master." My actions against Zhu Wen are known to all. Their third crime is slandering me as "unfilial and disrespectful." I have already avenged my father and ruler. Their fourth crime is denouncing me as "hypocritical and cruel to officials." In Hebei, I have eradicated corruption, executed corrupt officials to protect the good; in Shu, I have confiscated property to aid the people; I have developed water conservancy, encouraged agriculture and sericulture, and exempted taxes—where is the cruelty in that?

His fifth crime was falsely accusing the emperor of "secretly colluding with the Rong and Di tribes." The emperor's alliance with the northern deserts, control of the grasslands, and protection of the northern frontier were precisely to bring the Rong and Di tribes under his rule, allowing the people to recuperate and thrive. How could this be a repeat of the disasters of An Lushan and Lu Xun?
Yuan Tiangang, the wicked leader, is the source of three hundred years of chaos and the culprit behind the turmoil in the land. Without eliminating this villain, the world will never be at peace.

My ambition is not merely to restore the Tang dynasty to its former glory. The Tang dynasty failed because of the collapse of its laws and regulations, the separatist rule of regional warlords, and the suffering of its people. What I wish to emulate is not the old system of Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong, but their ambition to unify the land and rebuild the empire! What I wish to create is not a continuation of the Tang dynasty, but a new chapter for all ages!
What constitutes a new chapter for all ages?

It is said: Let us end the century of chaos, and forever cease warfare. Let the farmers have their fields, the dwellers have their houses, merchants travel freely on the roads, the young be nurtured, and the elderly be cared for until their end!
He said: "Break the shackles of powerful families and establish a ladder for those from humble backgrounds. Select the virtuous and capable, promote only the talented, so that no worthy person is overlooked in the countryside and no one is promoted by chance in the court!"

He declared: "Abolish the autocratic rule of the military governors, and centralize military power. Strengthen the central government and weaken the local powers, build an unparalleled army, defend against foreign aggression, and secure the borders!"

It is said: "Equalize land distribution, reduce taxes, develop water conservancy, and encourage agriculture and sericulture. When wealth is stored among the people, the foundation of the nation will be secure!"

This ambition remains unfulfilled; I cannot sleep soundly, nor can I enjoy my food. Spring planting is in full swing in Hebei, bringing some peace to the people; the transport routes through Sichuan remain uninterrupted, ensuring the supply of military provisions; though flames of war have risen in the northern deserts, these petty thugs will soon be quelled. All this is the result of the concerted efforts of myself, my ministers, and the loyal and righteous people of the land. How can I allow those cowards to shake this cause in the slightest with a mere empty promise?
Li Xingyun, the false emperor of Jiangnan, is my younger brother. He is trapped in the clutches of the traitor Yuan, a puppet incarcerated, and has no control over his own destiny. I deeply pity him. All the soldiers, officials, and civilians of Wu, Chu, Yue, and Min prefectures in Jiangnan who can repent and bring Yuan and his cronies to surrender, or who defect to the royal army, I will treat them with utmost loyalty, pardon their past transgressions, reward them according to their merits, and grant them a promising future.

Anyone who remains obstinate and willingly serves as a vanguard for the traitor Yuan, resisting the imperial army, will be utterly crushed by my command.

All officials of my Great Liang, elders of Hebei, righteous men of the Central Plains, and soldiers and civilians of Shu should heed this proclamation. I am but a remnant of the previous dynasty; what more can the world offer me? Yet, seeing the people suffering, I have no choice but to take up arms and quell the chaos! My desire is not for the weight of power, but solely to relieve the suffering of the masses!

Those who follow the will of Heaven and the will of the people and work together to achieve great things will be rewarded regardless of their background!
Those who have strayed from the right path and turned back to the light will be treated with utmost respect and forgiven for their past transgressions!

Those who stubbornly resist and aid the wicked will be destroyed by the heavenly army!

The sun and moon shine anew, mountains and rivers are rebuilt; this is not unique to the Li Tang dynasty, but opens a new chapter for all ages!
Announce it to the world, and the envoys will hear about it!
Xiao Yan, Prince of Qin of the Great Liang Dynasty and General of the Heavenly Strategy.

In February of the second year of Qianhua, Xi. "

Han Yanhui's voice was initially calm, but when he read the line "Entrusting himself to the Xiao family and avoiding the name Yan is for the sake of survival, not for forgetting his roots," he could hardly contain his emotions and his words were extremely agitated, as if they carried a power that could create the world.

Yang She trembled violently, and tears welled up in his eyes again. He struggled to slide off the chair and kowtow, but Zhang Wenwei held him down firmly. Zhang Wenwei, who was usually an honest man, was also inexplicably in tears, his lips trembling. He looked at the figure in the main seat with indescribable excitement and shame.

When the text read, "I rose up in the palace of Bianliang and forced the usurper Zhu Wen to retreat," the eyes of the generals in the hall blazed with fanaticism, their heavy breathing rose and fell, and their chests heaved like drums.

When the fourth chapter of the new chapter was read, even Jing Xiang, who had just figured out Xiao Yan's past and thought he had seen through everything, suddenly opened his half-closed eyes, his eyes shining brightly, his face showing unprecedented shock.

The fear on Xue Yiju and the others' faces was gradually replaced by a sense of awe, as if they had survived a calamity. And in the eyes of Zhang Ge, Zhou Xiang and other former officials of Shu, their eyes shone brightly.

When the final line, "The sun and moon shine again, the mountains and rivers are rebuilt..." fell like a resounding bell, its majestic power was beyond words. It was like a thunderclap that exploded in everyone's heart, regardless of their previous identity, thoughts, or stance, and regardless of what they would do afterward.

But at this moment, right before my eyes, gazing at that young figure standing with his hands behind his back, as upright as a mountain, the emotions surging in my chest could no longer be contained.

"Your Highness was born with a purple aura filling the courtyard and stars shining brightly. I witnessed it with my own eyes back then. Is this not the mandate of heaven?" Yang She seemed to be injected with new vitality. His complexion suddenly became rosy. He was the first to break free from Zhang Wenwei's support, and he knelt down with his head on the ground, shouting loudly. His old voice was hoarse and cracked with excitement.

Instantly, a deafening roar erupted, engulfing the entire front hall.

"We, your humble servants, are willing to devote our lives to this great cause, assisting Your Highness in ending the chaos and ushering in an era of lasting peace!"

The roar almost lifted the roof off. All fear, unease, shame, and suspicion were completely swept away at this moment by this manifesto and the mountain-like figure on the main seat, leaving only boiling blood and unprecedented cohesion.

Xiao Yan slightly raised his hand.

As if pressed down by an invisible giant hand, the boiling sound instantly subsided, and the hall was once again so quiet you could hear a pin drop, with only heavy breathing rising and falling. Xiao Yan turned around and saw countless pairs of eyes, some fanatical, some awe-inspiring, some submissive, but all following him intently.

"Everyone should stay in their place and perform their duties." Xiao Yan's voice remained calm. "I will handle the affairs of Jiangnan myself."

His gaze swept over Han Yanhui and Jing Xiang: "Han Qing, Jing Xiang."

"Your Majesty, we are here." The two immediately bowed.

"This proclamation shall be copied immediately and sent to all prefectures and counties throughout the land by express courier. All prefectures and counties shall post notices to ensure that even women and children are aware of it. All garrisons shall be on high alert to prevent petty criminals from taking advantage of the situation."

"Yes, sir," Han Yanhui replied solemnly.

"Yu Zhong, Shi Hongzhao, He Gui and other troops should actively prepare for war in accordance with the Princess's previous orders, and there must be no mistakes."

"Yes." Jing Xiang had no objection and simply bowed to accept the order.

Xiao Yan paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials, and said nothing more: "Issue an order for all spies and agents in Jiangnan to be mobilized, both overt and covert. The actions of the false emperor Li Xingyun, Wu Chancellor Xu Wen, Chu rebel Ma Xisheng, and the three kingdoms of Chu, Yue, and Min must be reported daily to Bianliang. The Privy Council, in conjunction with the Tiance Mansion, shall present a strategy for dealing with Jiangnan to me within three days!"

"Your subjects obey the order." Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang and the other ministers responded in unison, but although their voices were in unison, they dared not raise them even slightly, for fear of disturbing the solemn and dignified demeanor.

Only from the crowd did a voice rang out, filled with barely suppressed excitement and urgency. It was Yang She's grandson, supporting his still trembling grandfather, who raised his head and proclaimed loudly: "The false emperor of Jiangnan has usurped the throne! Your Highness, as the Crown Prince of the Great Tang, the ninth son of Emperor Zhaozong, the current Prince of Qin, General of the Heavenly Strategy, and the ruler of the world! Why not also ascend the throne, rightfully claim the throne, and deter the villains? The Zhu traitor has not ruled the Central Plains for many years, and it is time..."

"To subdue all sides and punish the disobedient, what need is there for an imperial title?" Xiao Yan waved his hand, his robes fluttering slightly as he turned. As he spoke, his footsteps had already left the back hall, only his voice still echoing in the hall.

"It's simply to let the world know. With the country shattered and the world suffering, what use is the empty fame within the nine-layered palace to the people? A true emperor is not defined by the height of the imperial steps, the weight of the imperial seal, or even by a single imperial edict, but by 'Heaven sees as the people see, Heaven hears as the people hear,' and stands where the people's hearts are, daring to change the world!"

The assembled officials stood frozen in place as if by an invisible force. Yang She's grandson opened his mouth, unable to utter a word, his eyes filled with utter shock.

Those who were called Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang, and even those who had been waiting for the decline of the previous dynasty and the establishment of the new one, were all simply lost in thought at this moment.

(End of this chapter)