The Great Tang General

The Prince's Palace was previously the Qin Prince's Palace, and before that the Tianshui Prince's Palace.

Li Xuan knew that his days as crown prince would be short, so he did not bring his family to the East Palace of Taiji Palace.

He would not violate basic etiquette until he had firmly ascended the throne.

At this critical moment, more and more Tiance Guards gathered in Daozhengfang, with almost one sentry every three steps and one guard post every five steps.

The princes and nobles who lived with Li Xuan in Daozhengfang witnessed that Li Xuan would gain power that overrides everything.

It was afternoon when Li Xuan returned to the Prince's Mansion. He was not in the mood to deal with military and political affairs that day.

"Meet Your Majesty..."

Pei Lingxi, Jiang Yueyao and the other two girls went out to pay their respects to Li Xuan.

During this period, abdication was a hot topic.

This morning, Li Longji abdicated to Li Xuan, and the news that Li Xuan accepted the grace with tears was delivered to the Prince's Mansion through Yulinlang.

Pei Lingxi couldn't help but get excited. She was happy for Li Xuan to have obtained the power of the emperor.

She had been prepared for this day, but she didn't expect it to come so soon.

After her husband took office, she could finally realize her ambitions.

"Ladies, please stand up."

After Li Xuan got off the car, he asked Pei Lingxi and other girls to excuse themselves.

Once again he showed his woman his accomplishments.

Only when he is at home facing his wife and children can he temporarily put down his burdens and let go of the people of the world.

To prove to his wife and children that he is the man who conquers the world.

He couldn't give Pei Lingxi, Jiang Yueyao, Shuang'er and Changli too much, so he tried his best to give them the most.

I thought he was in charge of the affairs of the harem.

After tomorrow, they will be crowned queens and consorts.

"Things in the world are unpredictable. Now I rule the world. Generals should pay more attention to virtue. If you are busy with government affairs, ladies should take care of your children. The stories of Gaoyang and Taiping should serve as a warning. Brothers should love each other and be as close as brothers."

Li Xuan asked Pei Lingxi and the other three girls to hold a small meeting in the attic by the lake in the mansion.

Finally, he added: "If a child is not taught well, it is the fault of the father. I will also find time to examine my children."

It is easier said than done to sacrifice one's own relatives for the sake of justice.

When killing a collateral relative, just grit your teeth and do it.

If it really comes to the son, who can kill his own son for the sake of justice without blinking an eye?

He really hopes that his children can become successful and inherit his career.

"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will supervise Yi'er, Song'er, and Zhenzhen and ask knowledgeable teachers to teach them."

Pei Lingxi could tell that her husband's words were very tactful.

She feels a great sense of responsibility.

The cruel stories of the late emperor made their hearts palpitate.

"Don't be too harsh on them, and combine work and rest. Respect their interests."

Li Xuan said again.

He also summarized the cases since ancient times where princes and princes were raised to be useless or paranoid.

It is certain that you will need to invite a teacher.

Most importantly, wives can often spend time with their children.

In the past, the princes often did not see the emperor.

The emperor was constantly in and out of the palaces and courtyards, and he was unable to take care of everything. The princes and princesses could only see their father at banquets, and they were not always able to talk to him.

Whenever Li Xuan was in the capital, he would see his children every two or three days no matter what.

"I obey your orders!"

While they were talking, the children were playing by the lake below the attic. It was the season when flowers were in full bloom.

May they always remain as close as they are now!

"In the future, the country will gradually abolish the eunuch system, and palace affairs will be replaced by female officials. I don't care what happens in the future. During my time as the Lord, a few hundred palace maids are enough."

Li Xuan revealed this matter to his concubine.

In every dynasty, there have been cases of eunuchs interfering in government affairs.

The eunuchs committed countless acts of corruption and bribery.

Of course, Li Xuan also knew the benefits of eunuchs, who could serve as the emperor's eyes and ears.

When the emperor cannot control his courtiers, he can use eunuchs.

But the collapse of the country was inevitable at that time.

In addition, eunuchs can be used to do some heavy work in the palace, which are some tasks that palace maids cannot do.

Allowing guards to enter the harem would create the risk of debauchery in the harem. At the very least, it was certain that they would secretly swap places with palace maids.

But Li Xuan doesn't want three thousand beauties, so there is no way he can take such a risk.

There was no work for eunuchs to do.

Prohibiting men from becoming eunuchs can increase the country's population.

Currently, there are five imperial palaces in the Tang Dynasty: Taiji Palace, Xingqing Palace, Daming Palace, Ziwei Palace, and Shangyang Palace.

There is also the lesser Huaqing Palace, and there are countless palace complexes and imperial palaces scattered in the two capitals.

There were tens of thousands of palace maids and eunuchs in total, which was too outrageous.

He would gradually close some palaces to announce to the world his determination to promote frugality.

As a pioneering monarch, it was impossible for him to use the eunuch system.

He has enough control. Just like the founding emperor, no founding emperor would rely on eunuchs to do things for him.

At the same time, he also did not want the eunuch group to appear in future generations.

"I am ignorant and will only follow my husband's instructions."

They were also surprised to hear what Li Xuan said.

How can the emperor show his majesty without eunuchs by his side?
This is a deeply rooted idea. No matter how much one dislikes eunuchs, one still finds them unpleasant.

But Pei Lingxi, Jiang Yueyao and other women obeyed Li Xuan's words. He believed that her husband's arrangement was well-intentioned.

"I also don't know how to select concubines. I will treat you well."

Li Xuan told Pei Lingxi and the others not to feel pressured, just like when they were in the palace.

The four women have complementary personalities and are as close as sisters.

Once there are a large number of concubines in the harem, any unexpected event will cause a fire in the backyard.

Moreover, Li Xuan didn't like to take a concubine for no reason.

He has several wives but none of them can love him enough.

He needs to focus his other energy on reform.

"Your Majesty, you cannot do that. The emperor's selection is to expand his family lineage. It is a major event for the ancestral temple and the country, and no exceptions can be made."

Pei Lingxi hurriedly advised Li Xuan.

No woman wants to share her man, especially when she may not see him for months and has to stay alone in an empty room.

But as the legal wife, she must be generous and magnanimous.

My current husband has only three children, one wife and three concubines.

It is totally inconsistent with Li Xuan's noble status.

If Li Xuan did not have three palaces and six courtyards, it would be their dereliction of duty.

During the Kaiyuan period, Li Longji set up flower and bird envoys to enrich his harem, constantly searching for beauties from all over the world for him, resulting in the number of palace maids and concubines in the imperial palace reaching the highest level in history.

There is a reason why palace complaint poetry flourished during the Tang Dynasty.

Most of the palace maids and selected concubines never saw Li Longji in their entire lives, as if they had been sent to the cold palace.

The palace maid Sichun was able to think of putting the letter in the cotton coats of the border soldiers.

But no minister complained about Li Longji's pursuit of beautiful women.

It can be seen that the minister thinks this is a common thing.

"Don't try to persuade me. You have no say in this matter. I know better what I am doing! When we get to Taiji Palace, we will live together in Ziwei Palace. This palace is enough. There is no need to live in separate cold palaces."

Li Xuan stopped Pei Lingxi and other girls from persuading him.

"From now on, ladies, you must act like Empress Changsun and persuade me of things that are immoral and unfair. You should understand me. You cannot restrain me with respect to etiquette and restraint. The money I save in a year with the ladies is enough to feed and clothe twenty large counties."

Li Xuan said to Pei Lingxi again.

He used the metaphor of the Kaiyuan period, and was very conservative.

Not to mention the deformed Tianbao period.

Wealth and glory are enough, there is no need for extravagance.

The money saved can be used to build roads and bridges, and the indirect benefits created are immeasurable.

He kept the huge harem the same as his Qin Palace.

"I know, and I will do my best to assist you, my husband."

The four girls had tears in their eyes. Their husbands' actions made them feel that they had the best of both worlds, family and status.

"Your Majesty, the King of Song is here."

Just then, Shen Ji reported to him.

"I understand."

After talking to his wives, Li Xuan was ready to go and meet Li Shizhi.

He took Pei Lingxi and the other four daughters downstairs. When his daughter Li Zhenzhen saw them, she immediately ran over from the lakeside.

Li Xuan pinched her face and took her to see Li Shizhi.

"Zhenzhen, do you know what your current title is?"

Li Xuan asked Li Zhenzhen.

"Grandpa, Zhenzhen is the Princess of Jincheng. Mom said that this was something my father fought for Zhenzhen on the battlefield, so Zhenzhen should cherish it."

Li Zhenzhen speaks fluently.

Since more than two years ago, the servants around him have called him the little princess.

She doesn't know what this means yet.

Princess Jincheng, is of great significance.

Because only the daughter of the crown prince can be conferred the title of princess.

But Li Xuan defeated the Arabs and pushed the territory of the Tang Dynasty to the Caspian Sea, which made Li Longji happy and he made an exception and promoted him to a higher position.

"Haha... Grandpa will give you a promotion tomorrow and make you a princess. How about that?"

Li Xuan laughed.

"Isn't the princess the emperor's daughter?"

She has been exposed to etiquette since she was a child and knows this knowledge.

The playful girl didn't know that in just a few months, her grandfather would become the emperor.

"Yes! My Princess Yongle."

Li Xuan rubbed Li Zhenzhen's head again.

Li Zhenzhen hasn't taken it to heart yet.

In a few years, she will understand how great her father is.

"Meet Your Majesty..."

Li Shizhi was not in the front hall, but in front of the front hall door, waiting for Li Xuan to arrive.

The dust has settled and he can finally relax.

After all, his son is doing the work of a small boss replacing a big boss.

But Li Xuan's control made Li Shizhi feel that he was worrying for nothing.

All the civil and military ministers were smart and capable.

For example, Liu Yan, the Secretary of the Central Secretariat, frequently disciplined conservative old ministers, making the Central Secretariat as stable as a rock.

Together with Yang Wan, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, he assisted the Secretariat in executing the orders.

Not only the military generals, but also the civil officials in Li Xuan's knowledge were strong and powerful. They not only remained relatively honest, but also saved Li Xuan a lot of effort.

"It is I who want to see the Emperor."

Li Xuan put Li Zhenzhen down and quickly bowed back to Li Shizhi.

"How can you say that? After Your Majesty ascends the throne, you should immediately make the saint the Supreme Emperor, so that the people of the world can see Your Majesty's legitimacy."

Li Shizhi was surprised and said to Li Xuan.

Qilang was Li Longji's adopted son, although only in name, but he became the crown prince because of this.

Logically speaking, Qilang must know the cause and effect relationship and should not give anyone a chance to criticize him.

For Li Shizhi, seeing his son ascend the throne made him satisfied.

It doesn’t matter whether he has the honorific title of “Grand Emperor” or not. Who would dare to disrespect him because of this?
"I want to confer the title of Grand Emperor on both my father and the Saint, so naturally I can call him Father Emperor."

Li Xuan replied to Li Shizhi: If there are two queen mothers, there can be two emperors.

The Taishang Huang, the emperor's father, is just a title and has no real power.

As long as Li Xuan added the title before the Grand Emperor, there would be two Grand Emperors.

He regarded the abdication of Li Longji as inevitable, because he was the crown prince, not a king of a different surname. Li Longji could not be demoted to a prince.

The Tang Dynasty ruled the world with filial piety, and as a filial son, there was nothing wrong with making his biological father the emperor emeritus.

She could be crowned Empress Dowager and Li Shizhi could be invited to live in the palace.

"Your Majesty should give it more consideration, and it would be better if there were less debate between the government and the people."

Li Shizhi persuaded Li Xuan to think twice.

"Father, trust me. The people will only praise this."

Li Xuan held Li Shizhi's hand and told Li Shizhi not to think too much.

"Father, let's have a drink today."

Li Shizhi wanted to say something but was interrupted by Li Xuan, who pulled Li Shizhi into the hall for a drink.

Of course, Li Xuan couldn't indulge himself.

In the evening, the chief ceremonial officer will tell him the procedures of the coronation ceremony.

There are also temporarily cut dragon robes to try on.

……

February 12th, the first year of the Qianyuan period.

In this bright season when all things come back to life, this day will eventually go down in history.

Although Li Xuan had been named emperor yesterday, he was only truly legitimate after the completion of the ceremony.

Before dawn, Li Xuan arrived at Taiji Palace with his wife and children.

As the morning light fell and the civil and military officials arrived at the Taiji Palace, countless people gathered on Suzaku Street to celebrate today's coronation ceremony.

Many literati produced the increasingly mature Tang Monthly.

This is the fifth issue of the Tang Monthly, which was delivered to Chang'an by Pegasus yesterday.

Recording national events in January.

Thousands of newspapers were sold out as soon as they arrived in Chang'an this morning.

The people gathered together, listening to the scholars reading newspapers, and were very much looking forward to the final mythological story.

Some prescient scholars would not miss a newspaper.

They believed that reading all the newspapers published would be more conducive to passing the imperial examinations than reading books of sages.

Even the businessmen were very concerned about Li Xuan's ascension to the throne.

There is news that after Li Xuan ascends the throne, he will begin to abolish the "city system" that divides merchants into different classes, so that merchants will not be discriminated against in official identity demarcation just like children from good families.

The thousand-year-old city-register system emphasized agriculture and suppressed commerce, making merchants look lowly.

Businessmen dream of this day.

As long as the municipal system is abolished, they are willing to accept even a higher commercial tax.

Taiji Palace, in front of Taiji Hall.

The altar was built overnight and all civil and military officials were ready.

Foreign envoys, be extremely respectful.

For ten years, Li Xuan conquered many countries in the east and west, and all of them surrendered.

Today, General Tian will become the Khan of Tian.

This is the Heavenly Khan, who is more famous than Emperor Taizong. Who would not be afraid of his power?
Although the coronation ceremony was not grand, its simplicity revealed its grandeur.

The sacred man in my mind is more important than any magnificence.

Three quarters of a hour.

"Your Majesty is here!"

Li Xuan, wearing a brand new dragon robe and a crown, walked up to the platform with a serious face.

Behind him, palace maids holding five-pointed fans followed, and on his sides there were canopies and a guard of honor.

The atmosphere suddenly became solemn, and everyone's eyes were focused on Li Xuan.

"I will pay my respects to Your Majesty!"

Civil and military officials all bowed to Li Xuan.

Who could have imagined that Li Xuan, who had achieved so many great achievements, would begin his legend again.

That mighty figure wearing a dragon robe seemed unique between heaven and earth.

He spread out his sleeves and shouted, "Everyone, stand up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Civil and military officials, nobles and officials, and foreign envoys all responded in unison.

"Announce the decree!"

Next, the edict of the coronation ceremony began to be read.

The imperial edict was not read out by a eunuch, but by a scholar with a loud voice in the Secretariat.

"The 3454th year of the Chinese calendar, the first year of the Qianyuan period..."

The imperial edict first mentioned the Chinese calendar before the reign title, which made countless people curious about what it meant.

Only the ministers knew about the promulgation of the Chinese calendar.

Different from ordinary coronation edicts.

The edict starts with Li Xuan’s bloodline and narrates from Li Xuan’s perspective, from the great-grandson of Li Chengqian, the eldest son of Emperor Taizong, to the adopted son of Li Longji.

Express the legitimacy of his succession to the throne.

Then he talked about the great military achievements that Jun had made and how he convinced the barbarians, and then he returned to his feelings after succeeding the emperor.

"…I am blessed with the care of the universe and the ancestor of the nation. My ancestors were virtuous and virtuous. They spread benevolence and educated the people, and implemented good policies to benefit all directions. However, destiny is determined, and the divine weapon is vacant. I have given it to one person, respectfully following the will of heaven.

At this moment, I feel the weight of the burden on my shoulders and think about the difficulty of maintaining the achievements. I must strictly follow the teachings of my ancestors, follow the old rules, respect the heavens and follow the ancestors, work diligently and love the people. Promote the virtuous and dismiss the unworthy, advocate frugality and avoid extravagance. I will make sure that the rivers are clear and the seas are peaceful, the country is prosperous and the people are safe, so that our Tang Dynasty will prosper and the people will be safe and healthy...

The new emperor ascended the throne and changed the reign to Qianyuan. The world was newly established and everything was renewed. He exempted all counties and prefectures from rent and labor service for one year to ease the people's food and clothing and relieve their hardship. He issued a general amnesty, but those who committed adultery, murder, cruelty, and robbery would not be pardoned. In prisons, he investigated grievances and enforced justice, and was cautious in punishment and cared for the people. All officials and ministers should be loyal to the country, serve the public and abide by the law, and assist me to achieve the best governance together...

Alas! At the beginning of my reign, my resolve has become even stronger. May the heavens bless me, my ancestors protect me, and I will be able to carry on my great ambitions and prolong my imperial throne forever. I will announce this to the world so that everyone will know..."

The Secretary General took a quarter of an hour to read out the enthronement edict.

"Long live! Long live! Long live!"

After it was finished, all the civil and military officials shouted congratulations to the new emperor.

This is an epoch-making feat.

Li Xuan filled civil and military officials with longing and political ambition.

This inspiring political ambition will become the driving force for the country's progress.

Among those present, except for a few people, only Li Longji's children and grandchildren felt embarrassed.

Li Heng refused to accept.

Li Chu refused to accept.

They believed that it was the late emperor who suppressed his own son, causing their lineage to not gain prestige in the court and the country.

This gave Li Xuan the opportunity to usurp the throne.

Little did he know that the overwhelming trend would not be able to stop Li Xuan from ascending the throne.

Amid shouts of "Long live the emperor", Li Xuan held up the imperial seal and stamped it on the edict of the coronation ceremony.

Then, Li Xuan stepped onto the loess, entered the altar, and performed a ceremony to worship the heavens to the sound of drums and music.

Those who receive orders from heaven will live long and prosperous lives.

Li Xuan has been relying on fate during this period, but he knows that he still has to rely on himself to work hard.

Offering sacrifices to heaven was a manifestation of his legitimate status by enjoying the exclusive power to offer sacrifices to the Emperor of Heaven. It was also to show the people the concept of "the king's power is granted by God" and to safeguard the imperial power.

Throughout history, every emperor regarded offering sacrifices to heaven and earth as a very important event. The construction of the altar for offering sacrifices played a pivotal role in the construction of the emperor's capital, and it was necessary to concentrate human, material and financial resources, and build it with the highest architectural level and the most perfect art.

But Li Xuan didn't want to waste time and money, so he just temporarily built the altar frame from last time.

"All officials enter the Taiji Palace!"

After Li Xuan completed the ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven and read the text of offering sacrifices to heaven in person, he went to the Taiji Hall.

Officials of the fifth rank and above, as well as officials and nobles, are eligible to enter the Taiji Hall, pay homage again, and listen to the new emperor's teachings.

Inside the main hall, the curtains, mats, incense burners, incense tables, etc. have already been set up.

There was just a temporary seat on each side of the imperial throne.

Li Longji and Li Shizhi sat on both sides staring at each other.

When Li Xuan came in escorted by palace maids, Li Shizhi immediately paid attention.

It was obvious that the two had a tit-for-tat struggle before.

When Li Longji met Li Shizhi for the first time after the Maweiyi coup, he scolded Li Shizhi severely.

It was thanks to his trust in Li Shizhi that he moved the tombs of Li Chengqian and Li Xiang and buried them in Zhaoling Mausoleum.

He actually raised a rebellious son to usurp his throne.

He criticized Li Shizhi harshly and accused him of having ulterior motives.

Li Shizhi didn't want to argue with Li Longji, but seeing that Li Longji was talking endlessly, he retorted a few words, saying that Li Longji used Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong and favored An Lushan, which led to the country's disaster. His son was just following the will of heaven and saving the people.

This made Li Longji feel that Li Shizhi had become too powerful.

Also, what does it mean for Li Shizhi to sit here?
Does Li Qilang dare not to appoint him as the emperor?

Seeing Li Xuan coming, Li Longji snorted.

He was forced to come here today and was very unhappy.

When Li Xuan entered the palace and reached the steps, he bowed to Li Shizhi and Li Longji. Then he climbed the nine steps, arrived in front of the imperial throne, and sat down.

This was the first time he sat on the legendary "Dragon Throne".

Li Longji watched helplessly as Li Xuan took his former position.

Li Shizhi stroked his beard and smiled.

"Greetings to Your Majesty!"

After a while, all the civil and military officials entered the Taiji Hall and bowed to Li Xuan again.

At this time, Li Xuan had not yet been crowned as the Supreme Emperor. Even if Li Longji was sitting on the stage, he did not need to pay his respects.

In the main hall of the Taiji Palace, civil and military officials only pay homage to the emperor.

"Everyone is safe!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Civil and military officials, kings and ministers took their seats under the guidance of the supervisor of ceremonies.

They also admired Li Shizhi and Li Longji.

"The change of the reign title to Qianyuan has a profound meaning. This is an era of change, the spirit of all things. Only change can enrich the people."

"Virtue lies in good governance, and governance lies in nourishing the people. Since ancient times, the prosperity of military power is just for the sake of reputation. The real prosperity is when the people have enough food and clothing and justice. The martial arts of the Tang Dynasty are famous far and wide, but the country is riddled with holes. I am ashamed of it!"

"In the sixth year of Tianbao, I served as Prime Minister and Minister of Personnel. The failure of the reform is my regret. Over the past few years, I have learned from the pain and summarized the causes and consequences. Now that I am back, I will implement the new policy to the end. I hope that you will work with me to overcome all difficulties, and the monarch and his subjects will be of one mind and leave a good reputation in history..."

Li Xuan got straight to the point and got straight to the point.

A great man changes like a tiger, a gentleman changes like a leopard, and a villain changes his face.

In an era of change, civil and military officials should be prepared.

In the court, there is only one voice that wants to be promoted.

Reformists!
Even if it fails, it is the failure of the reformists.

Merits and demerits will be judged by future generations!

The emergence of conservatives will only waste Li Xuan's time and intensify internal strife.

Anyone who dared to obstruct the reform would be removed from his post by Li Xuan. In serious cases, he would be ordered to return home to retire.

"We are willing to assist you with all our strength to promote new laws and bring prosperity to the world!"

Prime Minister Li Xian stood up and bowed.

The other ministers repeated Li Xian's words.

Of course, some princes and nobles who were not very polite were ignored by Li Xuan.

Li Longji next to him had a gloomy face. He always felt that Li Xuan was mocking him.

He was responsible for the unsteadiness of the reforms during the Tianbao period.

If he supported Li Xuan's reform, would the result be different?

On the way to Taiji Hall, Li Longji received a copy of the Tang Monthly Report.

In the fifth issue of the Tang Monthly, a secretary-general took advantage of this year's Lantern Festival to analyze Li Xuan's famous work "Qing Yu'an".

The article goes straight to the point, pointing out that "I searched for her thousands of times among the crowd", and the "she" in it refers to the peaceful and prosperous times. It says that since writing this poem, Li Xuan began to plan for his ascension to the throne.

Although the article was "bold", common people felt comfortable reading it, because Li Xuan became emperor for the people and for peace in the world.

(End of this chapter)