The Great Tang General

"Your Majesty, please accept my condolences! The late emperor lived a long life and passed away like a crane. The dead are gone, and the living are like this. The country still needs your Majesty to cheer up!"

Li Xian, the chief prime minister, came out and comforted Li Xuan on behalf of all civil and military officials.

Li Longji's longevity ranks among the longest among all emperors.

It was thought that Li Longji would soon die of depression, but unexpectedly he could hold on until the sixth year of Qianyuan and outlast the former crown prince Li Heng.

At the same time, the death of Li Longji also meant that the Kaiyuan and Tianbao eras were completely over.

Now is the Qianyuan era, the era of Tian Khan.

For many literati and officials, they felt that this was the best era.

Born during the reign of Emperor Yao and Shun.

He opened up the channels for people to express their opinions freely, promoted people based on their performance, and gave countless people opportunities regardless of their background or bloodline.

"As the Prime Minister said, I will cheer up. I will carry on the will of the late emperor and govern the country and bring peace to the people."

"After the late emperor's body was buried, all officials above the ninth rank and soldiers above the rank of lieutenant in the capital went to Xingqing Palace to pay homage. The late emperor's tomb was placed in Jinsu Mountain in Fengxian County and named "Tailing."

Li Xuan also spoke to the civil and military officials.

The burial ceremony for Li Longji could not be held until the construction of Tai Mausoleum was completed.

After the burial, the coffin was placed there, waiting for the construction of the Tai Mausoleum.

Historically, Emperor Gaozong died in December of the second year of Yongchun, and his will ordered the crown prince to ascend the throne in front of the coffin and to be buried for seven days. Emperor Gaozong was buried in Qianling Mausoleum in August of the first year of Wenming.

The funeral was suspended for nearly eight months.

There is a clear stipulation in the Book of Rites: The Royal Regulations that "the emperor should be mourned for seven days and buried in seven months."

Li Xuan hoped that the Tai Mausoleum could be completed within seven months and Li Longji could be buried there.

Before that, the coffin will be placed in the Yuelong Hall.

"Your Highness will obey your orders."

All the civil and military officials spoke in unison.

"The late emperor was a man of great merit in civil and military affairs, and he revived the country during the Kaiyuan era, and was admired by all quarters. Now that he has passed away, the temple name and posthumous title should be decided early. Do you have any suggestions?"

Li Xuan asked civil and military officials about Li Longji's temple name and posthumous title.

The emperor expounded on Li Longji's achievements and did not mention his faults.

It is obvious that Li Xuan did not want to give Li Longji a bad posthumous title.

He is the successor of Li Longji. Compared with history, Li Longji's evaluation by later generations will not be too low.

Because Li Xuan cleaned up Li Longji's mess, the damage caused by An Lushan was only local.

Normally speaking, Li Xuan could not deny Li Longji's achievements.

Founding the foundation is the ancestor, preserving the foundation is the clan.

Li Longji also protected the foundation for Li Xuan, so he can only be the patriarch.

If no minister named Li Longji "Xuan", Li Xuan would name him "Xuanzong".

This has no precedent in the posthumous name system, but it is not a bad or low posthumous name either.

It is also suitable for Li Longji.

It depends on how people understand it!

It doesn't matter whether you call it a good posthumous title or a neutral posthumous title, or you can even misinterpret it as a bad posthumous title.

Looking back on Li Longji's life, it was very complicated.

His influence on the world was so great that the Kaiyuan and Tianbao periods were like two completely different people.

No matter how you look at it, he created a brilliant culture and made great military achievements.

Eventually it backfired from within.

"Your Majesty, the Kaiyuan Era was only inferior to our Qianyuan Era. Great achievements were made in poetry, classics, printing, papermaking, etc., and academies were established. Students from all over the world came to Chang'an to study, which was unprecedented at the time. I request that the late emperor be given the temple name Wenzong..."

Pei Zunqing asked Li Xuan for permission.

Among posthumous titles, "wen" has a very high value. The explanation of "wen" in the posthumous title law is: Wen means to be able to control the heaven and earth; Wen means to be moral and knowledgeable; Wen means to be kind and loving to the people; Wen means to be compassionate to the people and to be courteous; Wen means to bestow titles on the people; Wen means to be diligent in learning and inquiring; Wen means to be well-informed and knowledgeable...

There are at least twenty or thirty kinds of praise.

Li Shimin's posthumous title was "Wen".

But this does not prevent Li Longji from having the temple name "Wen".

Pei Zunqing was pragmatic and if nothing else was considered, Li Longji's actions were worthy of Emperor Wenzong.

"I think it is inappropriate. Wen is the posthumous title of Emperor Taizong. We should not choose Wen now, and even the temple name is not acceptable. Huan is for conquering distant lands; Huan is for being respectful and diligent in the people; Huan is for conquering lands and annexing states; Huan is for pacifying the four directions. I think the merits of the late emperor deserve the temple name Huanzong."

Minister of Rites Lu Sigong made a statement.

As to Li Longji's posthumous title and temple name, all the civil and military officials above the second rank pondered over it last night.

Because they knew that the supreme emperor today would definitely ask about Li Longji's temple name and posthumous title.

After the official system reform, only officials of the second rank and above were considered “ministers”.

For important matters like this one, only ministers can have a say.

Unlike Pei Zunqing, who had experienced the entire Kaiyuan Prosperity, Lu Sigong believed that even if it was a beautiful posthumous title, one should dare to face Li Longji's mistakes.

It is true that "Huan" is a beautiful posthumous name, but there was an Emperor Huan of Han in the Han Dynasty who was extremely lousy.

As a result, later generations would ignore Huan when adding beautiful posthumous titles.

Judging from Li Longji's military prowess, he could definitely be called Huan.

But calling him Huanzong obviously did not suit Li Xuan's intention.

Afterwards, several ministers proposed to use He, Shun, Ying, Jing and Lie as temple names.

All of them were temporarily put on hold by Li Xuan.

"Your Majesty, in the Kaiyuan era, culture flourished, the country was prosperous, the people had no worries about food and clothing, and the prime ministers of all dynasties were diligent and hardworking. Ming means to shine over all directions; Ming means to prevent slander and complaints; Ming means to think far-sightedly; Ming means to protect the people and the elderly; Ming means to appoint virtuous people to achieve far-sightedness. I think the temple name of the late emperor should be Ming."

Yan Zhenqing reported to Li Xuan.

The Supreme Emperor put it on hold, indicating that he was dissatisfied with the temple name proposed by other ministers.

He tried to say one too.

Ming is a beautiful posthumous title, which fits the first twenty years of Li Longji's reign.

"Ming can be used throughout the life of the late emperor. However, I think Ming is not suitable as a temple name, but a posthumous name. The late emperor's posthumous name is Emperor Ming. What do you think?"

Li Xuan agreed with Yan Zhenqing's "Ming", but changed it to a posthumous title.

Li Xuan didn't like the emperor's posthumous title, and it became more and more outrageous, until the last series of events.

He posthumously gave single titles to Li Chengqian and Li Xiang.

Same as Li Shimin.

For example, Li Zhi's posthumous title was "Tianhuang the Great Emperor", and during the Tianbao period, his posthumous title was increased to Tianhuang the Great Saint Emperor.

Li Dan's posthumous title was Emperor Xuanzhen Dasheng Daxingxiao.

Li Xuan's lineage is the descendant of Li Chengqian. They all have a single posthumous title.

Therefore, he also gave Li Longji a single posthumous title.

"Your Majesty is wise and worthy of the title of Minghuang, which can be said to be a lifetime."

How could the ministers have any objections?

It is reasonable to regard Li Longji as the Ming emperor.

"When the late emperor was alive, he admired Taoism and had a life of inaction. I think the late emperor should have a unique temple name. What do you think of Xuanzong?"

Li Xuan did not ask the civil and military officials to say the temple name. He did not explain the meaning of Xuan, and just let the people of the world feel it.

mysterious?
So subtle and profound.

Some officials were puzzled.

Some officials also agreed with this.

The word "Xuan" itself means heaven, which can imply that Li Longji is like a god, with supreme majesty and sacred status. Secondly, Li Longji's temple name "Xuan" also expresses high praise for him, praising his great achievements and contributions to the country during his reign.

But it can also be interpreted as Li Longji's meaning of "Everything has a beginning, but few can have an end" and "When sailing against the current, if you don't advance, you will retreat."

There is also satire on Li Longji's extravagance, debauchery and self-indulgence during the Tianbao period.

Once this name was issued, it was unique. Everyone knew that the Supreme Minor Sect replaced the Great Sect and completed the replacement of Li Zhi's lineage.

Evaluation of Li Longji and evaluation of Li Xuan.

Future generations can judge the merits and demerits.

"If Emperor Xuanzong knew about this, he would definitely protect the Tang Dynasty!"

While all the civil and military officials were silent and thinking, Li Xian was the first to finish Li Xuan's words.

There is nothing wrong with using the temple name of Xuanzong to refer to Li Longji's complicated life.

The main reason was that Li Longji's experience was too bizarre and he eventually lost the throne.

The emperor who replaced Li Longji will be the only one in history.

Li Xian predicted that a thousand years later, people would have a high opinion of Li Xuan, and would not have a low opinion of Li Longji.

After Li Xian finished speaking, all the civil and military officials responded.

"This matter will be settled now. When the emperor is offered sacrifices, the posthumous title will be announced. When he is buried in the mausoleum, the temple name will be announced."

Li Xuan nodded.

No further investigation was carried out.

According to the system, after Li Longji's small burial, there would be seven days of sacrifice. Then the coffin would be sealed and the Tai Mausoleum would be repaired.

During these seven days, all officials must refrain from any entertainment as a sign of mourning.

After mourning Li Longji for a while, Li Xuan asked the prime ministers to report to him the specific matters after he personally led the army to fight.

With the concerted efforts of the prime minister and the nine ministers, the twenty-four provinces have been planned and all the officials are in place.

The new map has begun to be drawn.

The local area was stable, and most officials had no complaints and obeyed the orders of the provincial governor.

Only next year did the imperial court delegate power and allow the governor to begin managing provincial affairs.

The Censor-in-Chief and the Embroidered Uniform Guard also found several corrupt governors and escorted them back to Chang'an to await punishment by Li Xuan.

Li Xuan was not angry.

This is normal. He believes there are still many bad apples hiding in the local area.

Every moment, there are officials who become blinded by greed.

Li Xuan didn't believe things like "all officials in the world are honest and upright".

Due to human nature, there are always some officials who, when hunted for interests, harbor a mentality of taking chances.

There are also those who are insatiable and will do anything to satisfy their greed.

We must not be lax in dealing with corrupt officials.

Official administration means constantly fighting corruption and catching corrupt officials to deter those who are ready to take further action.

Once there is any laxity, pests will quickly breed.

Local officials carefully selected a group of barbarians and various Hu people to study in the university in Chang'an.

Afif, the literary leader of the Persian Empire, arrived in Chang'an in May last year with hundreds of scholars, craftsmen and literati from various countries.

After strolling for two months, he went to Luoyang and went to the Palace of Wisdom.

These are the top talents from Persia and India.

The Palace of Wisdom is not a university. After the framework is established, if you want to enter the Palace of Wisdom, you must not only have achieved something early, but also undergo an examination.

Scholars from the Tang Dynasty also began to gather in the Palace of Wisdom.

With Luoyang as the center, it has convenient transportation and the Grand Canal.

The achievements of the Palace of Wisdom will be developed in Central Plains, Hebei, Shannan, Jiangnan, Huainan and other regions as soon as possible.

Li Xuan does not want to use a prosperous country to support two cities.

It would be best if every province had a central city and a secondary central city.

And Li Xuan knew that once the great voyages began, the Industrial Revolution would begin.

As the attacking party and the flag bearer, the Tang Dynasty must deploy troops along the coast.

"Your Majesty, some time ago, a craftsman presented cotton cloth to the Ministry of Industry's Craftsmen's Department. He made a cotton loom that can quickly weave cotton into cloth. Your Majesty has issued an edict that any invention can be verified by the Craftsmen's Department. If it can be promoted and can benefit the people and improve the combat effectiveness of the army, there will be a generous reward, and even a title of nobility."

After the prime ministers finished reporting their work to Li Xuan, the Minister of Works Cui Guangyuan stepped out and reported to Li Xuan.

"I will check it out after seven days. If it can meet my expectations, there will be a generous reward."

Li Xuan had expectations in his heart.

The advent of cotton has made cotton cloth very cost-effective.

Some countries in the Western Regions would offer cotton cloth.

But their weaving efficiency is too poor to be suitable for promotion.

Li Xuan knew that the structure of cotton looms was complex. If the looms could be improved and cotton could be woven into cotton cloth, it would be epoch-making for the Tang Dynasty.

Silk, in some cases, may not be as good as cotton.

Cotton has now become popular in Henan, Shanxi, Hebei, Hubei, Qilu and other places.

Other provinces are also trialing the crop.

In five years, cotton will be in full bloom all over the country.

Although Li Xuan knew that the cotton loom would be invented by craftsmen sooner or later, he didn't expect it to happen so soon.

"Your Majesty, there are also some craftsmen who have mathematics, machinery and other things. I don't understand them very well. But I think they are unique."

Cui Guangyuan only thought that the loom was very practical. He had personally watched the cotton cloth woven on the loom, which could be cut into clothes and dyed in bright colors.

In Li Xuan's edict, not only the invention of tools, but also mathematics, astronomy, geography, and even proving that a certain stone has a special use can be considered as "inventions" and reported to the Bureau of Craftsmen.

Li Xuan abolished the slave status of craftsmen and the market status of merchants.

This made Li Xuan like God in the hearts of craftsmen and businessmen.

They believed in Li Xuan's imperial edict of "granting titles" without a doubt.

Even if he only got a baronship, it would bring honor to his family for a craftsman who was originally a pariah.

How could the craftsmen not work hard?
As long as you have a little creative idea, you will get it from the Craftsmen's Bureau.

Local craftsmen can report to local officials, who will submit the report.

If a "craftsman" was discovered and given a title, it would also be considered as a basis for the promotion of local officials.

At the very least, the local government had to give these craftsmen money and let them come to Chang'an to give it a try.

"I already know. When I go to the Artisan Department, I will see the achievements together."

Li Xuan replied.

Li Xuan was pleasantly surprised when the seeds he planted blossomed and bore fruit.

Even if it is just an ordinary thing, or even has no use at all, Li Xuan will encourage them to continue to use their creative ideas.

"Your Majesty, since the 19th year of Kaiyuan, the Taigong Shangfu Temple has been established, with the Zhou Dynasty's military advisor Lü Shang as the chief priest, the Han Dynasty's Marquis Zhang Liang as the deputy priest, and ten famous generals as associate priests."

"Your Majesty has conquered Hezhong in the west and recovered Persia; destroyed the Huihe in the north; destroyed Tubo in the southwest; pacified Nanzhao in the south; destroyed Bohai, Shiwei, and Mohe in the north and east, subdued Khitan, Xi, and Tiele, and quelled the rebellion of Anzei, and all nations have come to pay homage to you... I believe that the current national military preparations are sufficient, and a martial arts temple should be established to re-list the famous generals since the Zhou Dynasty. The main priest and deputy priest will remain the same, the original ten generals will be changed to ten sages, and 64 more generals will be added for sacrifice."

Yan Zhenqing stood up and reported to Li Xuan.

Literati have many ideas.

The Tang Dynasty should not only have a Confucian Temple, but also a Martial Temple.

The original Taigong Shangfu Temple had Bai Qi, Marquis Wu'an of Qin, Han Xin, Marquis Huaiyin of Han, Zhuge Liang, Marquis Wuxiang of Shu, Li Jing, Duke Weiguo of Tang, and Li Ji, Duke Ying of Tang on the left.

On the right are Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liu of Han, Tian Rangju, Grand Marshal of Qi, Sun Wu, General of Wu, Wu Qi, Prime Minister of Chu, and Yue Yi, Lord Wang of Zhao.

In this era, these ten were the most admired generals by civil and military officials, so they were called the "Ten Sages of the Temple of War".

Yan Zhenqing wanted to select some famous generals in ancient times.

A few generals who have followed the Supreme in "following the dragon" will also be selected and included in the list.

Of course, sacrificial incense can only be enjoyed after death.

The Martial Temple can have 72 members, starting with 64. Gradually add more members...

(End of this chapter)