The Great Tang General

"It has been sixteen years since the Tianbao era. I am now thirty years old and should be independent."

It was the first spring snow after the New Year. After Li Xuan finished dealing with the last wave of affairs regarding Hexi, he paced outside the Secretariat, watching the falling snowflakes outside.

This year's New Year was very peaceful.

There are no banquets or banquets to celebrate either the New Year's Eve or the New Year's Eve.

People are immersed in a different New Year, feeling that "the sun is bright in every household, and people always replace the old charms with new ones."

It was only during the Lantern Festival that the merchants and citizens of Chang'an spontaneously organized lantern shows. Li Xuan ordered the iron flower troupe to perform in the two cities and the villages outside the city, bringing fireworks to the people at the beginning of the new year.

By suppressing dissenting voices and concentrating power, Tubo was defeated; Uighurs bowed their heads; Nanzhao stopped; and the various northeastern Hu tribes, under Li Xuan's instructions, would atone for their sins and launch an attack on Shiwei and Mohe this spring.

Shiwei and Mohe once asked for peace with the Tang Dynasty, but they could not afford the price offered by Li Xuan.

If you make a mistake you have to pay the price. It is impossible for Li Xuan to be as lenient towards the northeastern Hu people as other Tang emperors did.

In this way, except for the Western Regions where there has been no movement, the external factors of the Tang Dynasty are basically stable.

If external stability is to be achieved, internal reform is naturally necessary.

The debate among the ministers ended the moment Li Xuan became emperor.

Nowadays, the Tang Dynasty has begun preliminary construction, and the captives in Shu are expanding and repairing the main road from Shu County to Yunnan County.

Strengthen the Tang Dynasty's control over the Yunnan region.

This is crucial for future development.

The captives of the Battle of Baihai cooperated with the workers of Helong to build the highway from Dunhuang to Guanzhong, which prospered the Silk Road.

The captured rebels of An Lushan built the Heyang Bridge and the highway leading directly to Nanhai County in Lingnan. The construction was divided into ten sections and was planned to be completed within ten years.

The remaining elements will be laid out bit by bit when Li Xuan ascends the throne.

On January 25th, Li Xuan summoned Liu Shan to the Council of State Affairs.

"How is the Saint these days?"

Li Xuan asked directly.

"Your Highness, the Saint thinks the New Year is joyless and is a little dissatisfied."

Liu Dan replied to Li Xuan.

Li Longji was still thinking about having a grand banquet during the New Year, but the New Year passed quietly in the silence of Xingqing Palace.

In the past, even during An Lushan’s rebellion last year, the New Year has never been so peaceful.

"Although the national warehouse is full of gold and jade, the country is in ruins and people are dying in the rebellion. It is not appropriate to celebrate."

Li Xuan slowly replied: "Children and grandchildren should be contented and happy when they are with the saint."

A banquet, as long as it is not lavish, is a drop in the bucket for the national treasury.

But Li Xuangang had just issued an order to set an example by prohibiting officials, officials without a formal post, and nobles from engaging in extravagant behavior. In addition, An Lushan's rebellion had occurred before, so there was no plan to hold a year-end banquet.

"Your Highness, the princes and grandchildren are also very resentful."

Liu Dan told Li Xuan about this matter again.

How could they not feel resentful when Li Xuan stole their crown prince's position and imprisoned them?

It's just that they are powerless.

But their secret complaints had already been heard by Liu Dan.

"The princes and grandchildren of the emperor are ignorant of the world. Just know it. There is no need to ask more questions."

Li Xuan would educate the princes and grandchildren when he had time. He knew that as long as he looked after Li Heng and his son, the rest would not cause any trouble.

As long as the movement to eliminate low status and promote virtue is completed, there will be no need to imprison Li Longji's descendants.

"According to the order!"

Liu Dan nodded and waited for Li Xuan's instructions.

"I think the time is ripe for further progress. Liu Qing will inform Mr. Gao and ask him to do some ideological work on the saint so that he can put down his burden and retire with peace of mind."

Li Xuan didn't ask any more questions and let Liu Dan handle the matter.

Liu Dan is a smart man and knows what to do.

"I will fulfill my mission!"

Liu Dan bowed deeply to Li Xuan with an excited look on his face.

He also believed that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince should ascend the throne sooner rather than later.

But as a subject, he couldn't say it clearly.

As long as he can do this well, he will make great contributions in the future.

As a veteran under Li Xuan, how could he not have the desire to be granted a title of nobility or become a prime minister?

After the ceremony, Liu Shan left the government hall.

Li Xuan continued to handle documents regarding the Western Regions.

News came from the Zhezhi Governor's Office that there had been no movement from the Arab Empire, and Abu Jalfar Abbas was keeping a low profile and focusing on dealing with domestic factions.

There is also a possibility that Abu Jalfar Abbas had just received news of the civil unrest in the Tang Dynasty and was preparing to mobilize troops.

Li Xuan didn't believe that this heroic leader, later known as "Mansur", would willingly admit defeat.

Even if Li Xuan ascended the throne, he would wait for an opportunity to attack Persia.

In addition, Li Xuan received another piece of news from Yan Zhenqing of Anxi Protectorate.

The Roman Empire, which was later called the "Byzantine Empire" and is now called "Fulin" by the Tang people, sent an ambassador, took a long detour, came to Anxi, and paid a visit to the "Heavenly General" by name.

They were out of touch with the news, and now Li Xuan was no longer the Marshal of the Western Regions as they thought he was, but the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Xuan personally wrote a letter to Yan Zhenqing, asking him to issue a pass to the Roman ambassadors to come to Chang'an.

The Roman Empire was the mortal enemy of the Arab Empire. Li Xuan attached great importance to this contradiction.

The Roman Empire and the Tang Dynasty were separated by an ocean, but from the 17th year of Zhenguan to the first year of Tianbao, the Roman Empire sent envoys to the Tang Dynasty seven times.

Although not very frequent, there is some understanding between the two countries.

In the past, the Tang Dynasty had no chance to unite with the Roman Empire to deal with the Arabs. Now, Persia, a vassal of the Tang Dynasty, has established a stronghold south of the Caspian Sea. They train soldiers according to the Tang Dynasty's methods and can form a pincer attack on the Arabs together with the Roman Empire.

In Li Xuan's view, the Roman Empire could be used.

……

Xingqing Palace.

Liu Shan returned to the palace and found Gao Lishi, who was able to talk to Li Longji.

"Wait a minute, Mr. Gao."

Seeing the frail Gao Lishi walking in front of the Dragon Pond, he called out to him.

"What advice do you have, Mr. Liu?"

Gao Lishi had no good or bad feelings towards Liu Dan, and turned around and said.

They each serve their own master.

Things are no longer the same as they used to be. In order to live a good life in the palace, one cannot offend Liu Shan.

With Li Xuan coming to power, eunuchs had completely lost their power and were reduced to doing odd jobs.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs was replaced by the reformed Secretariat.

Only members of the Secretariat were allowed to enter and leave the Prince's Palace.

"Just when I returned to the palace, I saw people discussing the story of Emperor Gaozu abdicating to Emperor Taizong. It was precisely because Emperor Gaozu understood the great principles that the prosperous Zhenguan era came into being. It was the will of the people and became a good story."

Liu Dan went straight to the point and told Gao Lishi his intention.

He knew that Gao Lishi was not someone who wanted to beat around the bush, and that for the sake of the saint's safety, Gao Lishi would definitely persuade Li Longji to let go early.

"The Crown Prince is in charge of state affairs. The country is very stable. There is no need to rush. When the Saint dies, the Crown Prince will have to be both loyal and filial."

Gao Lishi's heart skipped a beat, but he still wanted to fight for it.

Although Li Longji knew that he would lose the throne sooner or later, he would feel better the day he lost it later.

"The current situation is like the Wude period, where everything needs to be rebuilt. Only by abolishing Wude as soon as possible can we usher in the Zhenguan period. When Emperor Taizong was the crown prince, some local officials pretended to obey but secretly disobeyed; the situation Your Highness is facing is the same now. Mr. Gao should also persuade the saint to consider the overall situation, so that he can live up to the name of Yao and Shun."

Liu Shan knew that Li Longji disliked him, and if he went to see Li Longji, he would most likely be kicked out.

It was Gao Lishi who had to persuade him.

His words were sharp yet contained within, making Gao Lishi believe that the situation was irreversible.

Because Gao Lishi was loyal to Li Longji, everything he did was for Li Longji's benefit. When Gao Lishi felt that there was no chance to save the relationship, he would seek benefits and avoid harm.

"Never mind! I will advise the saint on this matter."

Seeing Liu Dan's tough attitude, Gao Lishi shook his head and sighed.

The sky will eventually lose its color, and no one will sing Sanlang again in the opera world.

When Gao Lishi dragged his heavy feet back to Yuelong Palace, he saw Li Longji listening to musical instruments and drinking fine wine.

Gao Lishi did not let the dancers and musicians stop, and watched the song and dance from the side.

The sound of stringed instruments carries the melody of the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, and the dance music is as always, a glorious chapter of prosperity.

The embroidered colorful clothes fluttered as the dancer turned around; her orchid-like fingers moved gently, so gracefully.

But the look in the eyes of these dancers no longer existed as it did a year ago.

Li Longji closed his eyes, holding the wine jug, just listening to the sounds without watching.

After the dance, Gao Lishi came to Li Longji's bed.

"Lu Shi! Let's drink together."

Li Longji slowly opened his eyes and waved to Gao Lishi.

But Gao Lishi waved his hand towards the hall and asked all the palace maids, eunuchs and musicians to leave.

"Saint, you can be like Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Ruizong, not get involved in government affairs and enjoy your old age."

After the palace maids and eunuchs left, Gao Lishi came forward and spoke to Li Longji with sobs.

He watched Li Dan abdicate to Li Longji, but he didn't expect history to repeat itself.

"clang!"

The wine jug in Li Longji's hand fell to the ground and he was unable to speak for a long time.

After a long while, Li Longji finally said, "Is there no room for maneuver?"

During the ceremony of enthroning the crown prince, Li Xuan declared on the altar that if the reign was changed this year, he knew he would lose the throne.

But he couldn't bear to do so.

Handing the artifact to Li Xuan was as painful as cutting flesh.

"From what Liu Dan said, Li Qilang must take the throne now."

Gao Lishi replied.

After Li Xuan became the crown prince, Gao Lishi became even more afraid.

Regardless of whether the saint died of illness or suddenly, Li Xuan could inherit the throne openly.

He hoped that Li Longji could be more open-minded and not anger Li Qilang.

Not long after Yu Chaoen’s incident, the saint never set foot in Nanxun Palace again.

"Let me think about it!"

Li Longji had no prepared reply and wanted to hold on to his words and buy time.

Gao Lishi did not force him. He wanted to let Li Longji calm down.

After all, this is something that you have been waiting for most of your life.

This wait lasted for three days...

Seeing no movement, Liu Shan went to visit Gao Lishi again.

But Gao Lishi said that the sage was considering it and asked Liu Dan to wait a few more days.

So, Liu Dan took Li Longji to the Qinzhengwuben Building in the name of preparing singing and dancing.

"Saint, saint..."

Li Longji was just about to listen to the singing and dancing when bursts of shouting immediately came from the street below the Qinzhengwuben Building.

He couldn't wait to hear the long-lost sound and went to the window of the Qinzhengwu Building, lifted the curtain and looked towards Chunmingmen Street.

Hundreds of people knelt in the streets, densely packed, and kept calling out "Saint".

Li Longji, his heart beating faster, couldn't help but wave to the people below. It turned out that he still had such prestige and so many people were on his side.

"The Saint is coming..."

"The Saint is old, and the Crown Prince is young and strong. Please follow the example of Emperor Gaozu and abdicate to the Crown Prince. Let the world change its era name and enter a prosperous era again..."

"Please abdicate, Saint!"

After a chaotic discussion downstairs, everyone shouted in unison.

This is not about missing Li Longji, but about hoping that Li Longji can retire as soon as possible.

After Liu Dan "persuaded the people with reason and moved them with emotion", they sincerely hoped that Li Longji would abdicate.

After all, the Tang Dynasty had a tradition of "abdication", and it was inappropriate for the prince to rule all the time. The people recognized the emperor more.

The sudden change made Li Longji so angry that his face turned red. He lowered the curtains and said angrily: "This is forcing me to abdicate!"

So he had no interest in watching the singing and dancing anymore and returned to Yuelong Palace.

The next day, the news that the people were urging Li Longji to abdicate became the headlines in Chang'an. The people thought that Li Longji was old and were afraid that he would rise from his coffin again, listen to slander and bring disaster to the world. They all thought that Li Longji should abdicate and live in old age.

The princes and nobles who hated Li Xuan naturally began to insult Li Xuan.

Now it is clear that Li Xuan is not afraid of such insults. Even if the letter is sent to the Political Affairs Hall, Li Xuan can remain calm.

On the contrary, it is rumored among the people that Li Xuan's mind is so broad that he can accommodate the three mountains and five peaks.

To describe it using Du Fu's poem, "Your bodies and names will be destroyed, but the rivers and mountains will flow through eternity."

Or as Confucius said, "The only people who know me and judge me are those who read the Spring and Autumn Annals."

Civil and military officials stood in awe, ready to welcome the succession ceremony at any time.

Especially Li Xuan's loyal confidants, only when Li Xuan ascended the throne would they devote all their efforts and assist him without hesitation.

They are more anxious than Li Xuan.

Another day, Liu Shan consulted Li Xuan and visited the ministers.

He sent civil and military officials to Xingqing Palace to persuade Li Longji to abdicate.

Yuelong Palace.

Led by Prime Minister Li Xian, ministers including Pei Zunqing, Lu Sigong, Feng Changqing, and Wei Jiansu paid a visit to Li Longji.

"The saint's virtue is obvious, and his achievements in governing the country are remarkable. The Kaiyuan prosperous era has never been matched since ancient times. However, the prince is wise, talented, and young, and has made great achievements in both civil and military affairs. Tubo, Huihe, Dashi, Khitan, and Xi were all conquered because of the prince. He also opened up thousands of miles of territory for the country and found the source of the Yellow River. Although the world is peaceful now, there are crises and hidden dangers everywhere. The saint is old and weak, and he may not be able to do it. It is appropriate to follow the will of heaven and pass the throne to the prince, so that the saint can enjoy the blessing of leisure, the prince can realize his ambitions, and the Tang Dynasty can also have a permanent foundation. This is truly a good deed for thousands of years and a good story for generations..."

Li Xian, the prime minister, was the first to submit a letter.

The moment Li Xuan succeeded to the throne as the crown prince, he meant that regardless of future debates, the matter was settled. Li Xian believed that now was the best time for the saint to abdicate.

If we keep waiting for the saint to die, it will inevitably give local county governors and some stubborn ministers expectations and opportunities, which is not good for the country.

"King Xin'an was a loyal minister, how could he have a descendant like you?"

Li Longji glared at Li Xian.

He knew that he could no longer bear the throne, but it was too difficult to give it up.

"The sages are wise. At this time, abdication is the best thing for the country and the family. There were many sages in ancient times who abdicated, such as Yao to Shun and Shun to Yu, and they all became famous stories. The sages should be on par with Yao and Shun and take the overall situation into consideration."

Pei Zunqing also stepped out and spoke to Li Longji.

It was an irresistible trend, and he also believed that the Tang Dynasty would inevitably come to an end and enter a new era.

Li Longji's era is about to pass.

The people were living in poverty in the late Tianbao period, and An Lushan's rebellion and his abandonment of Chang'an and escape ruined Li Longji's reputation in his later years.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that if it weren't for Li Xuan, the Tang Dynasty's sacred artifact might have really been stolen by An Lushan, the mixed-race Hu.

After Pei Zunqing's speech, other ministers also gave their advice, as if they were doing it for the country and the people.

"Alright! Alright! Back off. I will give you a reply within a day!"

The furious Li Longji didn't want to listen to the nagging of civil and military ministers.

Everyone in the court and the public asked him to abdicate, and Li Longji had no choice but to face Li Xuan's aggressiveness.

"Your Majesty, please leave!"

Li Xian, Pei Zunqing and other ministers looked at each other and had no choice but to retreat.

"I am the meat and others are the butchers. Saint, please don't push Li Qilang too far."

After the palace was quiet, Gao Lishi persuaded worriedly.

"Oh!"

"Tell Liu Dan that you can abdicate, but give Madam Yuhuan back to me!"

Li Longji patted the jade table, as if he was willing to exchange the throne for the return of the beauty.

Little did he know that the throne at this time had become insignificant.

Gao Lishi had no choice but to pass the message to Liu Dan.

Liu Dan did not dare to make a decision on his own, and went to the Council of State to tell Li Xuan.

"The Yang family has committed heinous crimes and has been condemned by thousands of people. I made the imperial concubine a real female crown just to save her life."

"It is known to everyone in Chang'an that the imperial concubine has become the head of Taizhen Temple. If the imperial concubine returns to secular life to serve the saint, where will it stand in the eyes of the world in terms of etiquette and law?"

Li Xuan frowned.

In the 28th year of Kaiyuan, Yang Yuhuan had already worked as a female Taoist priest.

Now that he is in power, he is doing the same thing again.

It was a huge blow to his prestige.

The Yang family has been causing great harm to the country for more than ten years.

The civil engineering work of "Wu Yang" never stops day and night; the alleys are filled with beautiful women and the candlelight is as bright as day.

Yang Guozhong twice conquered Nanzhao, sold official positions and titles, and brought disaster to the world.

Just a few years?

How could the people forget?
Later generations of people have been spreading the romantic story of Yang Guifei and Li Longji: On the seventh day of the seventh month, in the Changsheng Palace, in the middle of the night when no one was whispering. I wish to be a pair of wings in the sky and a pair of branches on the ground.

But at this moment, the people did not have a good impression of Yang Yuhuan.

Even if Yang Yuhuan did not abuse her power and interfere in government affairs.

But she was too indulgent towards Wu Yang.

If a relative of a powerful person commits a crime, he cannot shirk responsibility no matter what.

The people cannot understand.

"Mr. Gao said that now that the Saint has lost the throne, the Imperial Concubine is the only one he can rely on."

Liu Dan answered Li Xuan.

What Gao Lishi wanted to express to Li Xuan was, please give Li Longji the last bit of comfort.

"How is the concubine now?"

Li Xuan also thought of Yang Yuhuan's beautiful face. He had not seen her since she entered Chang'an.

However, when she heard that Lady Guo and Lady Han were beheaded, Yang Yuhuan was heartbroken and fainted in front of the futon.

In the past, he had been amazed by Yang Yuhuan's swaying dance and longed for the colorful feathered dance that only the emperor could watch.

Now that he knew his identity, he tried not to imagine.

He also didn't dare to face Yang Yuhuan again because he had killed all of Yang Yuhuan's relatives.

"Your Highness, I have not been to Taizhen Temple. I only heard that the imperial concubine was very quiet. In Taizhen Temple, at most, the sounds of pipa and guqin could be heard."

Liu Shan replied.

Even if he had the guts, he wouldn't dare go beyond that point.

"It seems that the saint will not bow his head so easily. Liu Qing, do you have any solution to have the best of both worlds?"

Li Xuan asked Liu Dan.

"If the imperial concubine leaves Taizhen Temple again, your prestige in the court and the country will inevitably be hit. The saint wants to see the imperial concubine, but what if she refuses to let him in?"

Liu Dan replied to Li Xuan and told Li Xuan the method he thought of.

"You mean to persuade the imperial concubine not to meet with the saint?"

Li Xuan's eyes lit up slightly, he thought this was possible.

At this point, it is impossible for Yang Yuhuan not to be aware of the impact.

"I am willing to explain the pros and cons to the imperial concubine and persuade her to refuse to meet the saint."

Liu Dan already had an excuse in his mind.

"Good! The Saint will definitely meet with the Imperial Concubine first, and then issue an abdication decree."

Li Xuan nodded and continued to let Liu Dan do this.

Sure enough, when Liu Dan passed the message to Gao Lishi, Li Longji said excitedly: "I want to see Yuhuan first, and then issue the abdication edict."

He was afraid that Li Xuan would go back on his word.

"Liu Shan said that the imperial guards that had arrived at Taizhen Temple would be withdrawn early tomorrow morning, and the Saint would personally welcome the lady at that time."

Seeing Li Longji smile, Gao Lishi was sincerely happy.

"Tonight is too long!"

Li Longji slapped his thigh.

But he still held back, fearing that something unexpected might happen due to being too hasty.

At dusk that day, Liu Dan and his men arrived at Taizhen Temple.

After burning a stick of incense to the Jade Emperor, he asked the female Taoist priest in the temple to arrange for him to meet Yang Yuhuan.

The female Taoist priest did not dare to neglect and reported to Yang Yuhuan.

Hearing that it was Liu Dan, Yang Yuhuan had no choice but to let him enter the hall.

Yang Yuhuan was wearing a plain Taoist robe and only a simple jade hairpin on her head.

Her eyes were like a deep pool, seemingly having lost their former liveliness, but her temperament was uniquely refined and elegant.

Although still beautiful, she is no longer the Yang Guifei of the past.

"I have met Lady Taizhen..."

Liu Dan bowed to Yang Yuhuan.

"I am just an ordinary female Taoist now, and it is me who needs to perform the ceremony."

Yang Yuhuan returned the gift to Liu Shan, invited him to take a seat, and asked the female Taoist priest to prepare tea for Liu Shan.

"The Saint is obsessed with my lady and will take her back to Xingqing Palace tomorrow morning."

Liu Dan first said this tentatively.

But Yang Yuhuan's expression only moved slightly, and there was not much emotion in her eyes.

"The saint wants to abdicate to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. This is the virtue of Yao and Shun. But Yang Guozhong has brought chaos to the world, dragged down my wife, and caused the people to misunderstand you. If you return to Xingqing Palace at this moment, the saint will be criticized by the court and the public."

Seeing this expression, Liu Dan began to reason with him.

He thought that Li Longji was the most important person in Yang Yuhuan's heart, and hoped that Yang Yuhuan could save Li Longji's reputation.

Once Yang Yuhuan returned to Li Longji, his reputation as a Taoist would suddenly collapse.

"My heart belongs to Taoism. I will no longer be attached to the mundane world. I will refuse to see the saint again."

Yang Yuhuan seemed to see through Liu Dan's meaning and spoke slowly.

But she bit her red lips with her pearly teeth, closed her eyes slightly, and then slowly opened them, and a tear like a pearl fell from her eyelashes.

Although she never left Taizhen Temple, the female Taoist priests in the temple could enter and leave at will.

She had known about Crown Prince Li Xuan for a long time.

Li Xuan will achieve his goal and become the new emperor.

She, who had long admired Christianity, felt heartbroken and extremely sad.

She was the one who killed her own sister.

She can only atone for her sins in Taizhen Temple in this life.

Liu Dan didn't understand her at all.

There was no way she could return to Xingqing Palace even though she knew Li Longji treated her well.

She is a shameless woman who pursues fame and wealth.

She didn't want to ruin Li Longji's reputation anymore.

And, ruin that man's reputation.

Liu Dan was also confused. He had prepared a long speech to try to persuade Yang Yuhuan.

I didn't expect Yang Yuhuan to agree not to meet Li Longji so easily.

Looking at Yang Yuhuan's forced calmness, he was puzzled and also worried that Yang Yuhuan would suddenly change her mind tomorrow and go back to Xingqing Palace with Li Longji.

It was too late to stop it then.

Liu Dan couldn't decide whether to leave or stay.

"I am a beauty who brings disaster to the country. I have a great responsibility and I know the pros and cons."

Yang Yuhuan suppressed her emotions, took off the jade hairpin from her head, and knocked it on the corner of the table in front of Liu Dan.

"Snapped!"

With a crisp sound, the jade hairpin broke into two pieces.

"Tomorrow the saint comes, and I will send half of them out."

Yang Yuhuan saw Liu Dan's concerns.

"My lady, I am leaving now!"

Upon seeing this, Liu Shan bowed and left Taizhen Temple.

At this moment, Yang Yuhuan's tears silently flowed down her cheeks...

She put the hairpin on the table together, but the crack was clearly visible.

(End of this chapter)