Li Chengqian of the Tang Dynasty: Please say long live His Majesty

Chapter 505: The Emperor's Last Will, Beware of the Kings (Part )

On the west side of the Wude Hall, a long wooden stick stands tall on the ground.

This is to hang heavy objects to summon souls.

All the officials knelt on the ground and cried softly. After half an hour, even the most grieving people had no strength to cry anymore.

In the Wude Hall, Li Chengqian stood in front of the imperial bed in the central hall.

Looking at Li Shimin who had changed his clothes and was fully prepared, Li Chengqian suppressed his immense grief and covered Li Shimin's face with the handkerchief in his hand.

Then he stepped back sadly and bowed deeply.

In an instant, he burst into silent tears again.

After a long time, he finally suppressed his grief and stood up.

"Your Majesty, please accept my condolences!" Changsun Wuji, Li Shenfu, Dou Dan and others bowed solemnly to Li Chengqian.

"I'm fine." Li Chengqian took a deep breath and waved his hand, saying, "Stand up."

"Yes!" Everyone stood up.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath and said, "What should we do next?"

"Your Majesty!" Zhangsun Wuji bowed and said, "It's time to read the late emperor's will."

Li Chengqian nodded and looked to the side.

Zhang Ananda walked over with a black gold box in his hand and stood behind Li Chengqian.

……

Li Chengqian turned sideways, glanced at everyone, and finally looked at Li Xizhi, saying, "Duke Shi'an, please come here. The emperor's will may contain some arrangements for everyone."

Changsun Wuji raised his head slightly, then lowered his head with a sad expression.

"Here!" Li Xizhi stepped forward, took the golden box from Zhang Ananda's hand, and opened it in public.

Li Chengqian's gaze then fell on Li Xizhi's hand. He didn't know the specific contents of the will in the golden box.

Li Xizhi opened the imperial edict.

Li Chengqian was the first to kneel down beside the imperial bed.

All the other ministers in the hall also knelt down.

At this moment, all the court officials outside the palace fell silent.

"The Emperor's will." Li Xizhi looked at the ministers, then spoke loudly, "The Mandate of Heaven is so important that Lucuo carries its documents. The Son of Heaven is so honorable that Chixian County takes precedence over its governor. His achievements are as great as those of nature, and the trees on Qiaoshan Mountain are already shady. His achievements have brought peace and prosperity, and Cangwu's chariots are far away.

As for quelling rebellions, ensuring the safety of the people, alleviating floods, and warding off major disasters, the fifty-three battles fought by the Yellow Emperor and the twenty-seven expeditions led by Tang of Shang were all ways to demonstrate their power, which were not enough to count.

In the past, chaos reigned for a long time, and disaster struck the end of the Sui Dynasty. The whole world was filled with a thick atmosphere, the sky was dark and the sky was dim, the land was in chaos, and the rivers were shaken.

I brushed my robes in the years of dancing elephants, and drew my sword in the land of slaying snakes. Even if there were a thousand demons like Wang Mang, whose heads would be cut off and their chariots would be broken; even if there were a hundred evil Chi You, whose corpses would be burned to the ground by military drums..."

Li Chengqian knelt beside him with a sad look on his face.

As Li Xizhi finished his words, the chaotic times at the end of the Sui Dynasty began, and Li Shimin rose from Taiyuan with his sword and finally attacked Chang'an.

Afterwards, he suppressed all the rebel kings and completely pacified the world.

After Xuanwu Gate, the Zhenguan Dynasty began.

Govern the country and accept advice.

He conquered the Eastern Turks, Xueyantuo, Gaochang, Kucha and Tuyuhun.

Goguryeo won the battle...

Scenes appeared before Li Chengqian's eyes.

Although they finally retreated, they still have an absolute advantage on the battlefield today, not to mention that the plan to destroy Goguryeo in the future has already been made.

Li Shimin's life was something that no one could achieve.

Galloping on the battlefield, governing the world.

A heroic era.

This is a heroic era.

While Li Chengqian was expressing his feelings, he was also asking himself, can he surpass him in the future?

Is that right?

At least Li Zhi did it.

Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla.

Western Turks.

Tibet.

Li Chengqian raised his head slightly, at least he was stronger than Li Zhi.

……

"I have done nothing wrong to the scholars and officials of the world; I have provided peace and comfort to the people of the world.

Emperor Cheng Qian was a man of great filial piety and divine wisdom. He was endowed with virtue and was well versed in state affairs. All his officials, ministers and nobles were in charge of the affairs of state, and they all followed his will without violating the righteous will.

"I am at peace with the trust of the nation and the country."

When the ministers inside and outside the court heard this, they couldn't help but bow slightly.

One year after the emperor ascended the throne, Gao Yuan defeated a 100,000-strong Tibetan army in one battle, divided half of Tuyuhun into Xichang Prefecture, and swallowed 100,000 gold from Tibetans.

He also ordered Li Jing to take charge of Xichang Prefecture.

To this day, Tubo, Eastern and Western Tuyuhun, Western Turks, Uighurs, and the four Anxi states dare not act rashly.

There is also Goguryeo. Last year, they pretended that their emperor had abdicated, luring Goguryeo's 50,000-strong army to attack, but in the end they retreated with only 30,000 casualties.

Now, taking advantage of the recent death of the Queen of Silla, they sent people to Silla and Baekje to sow discord among the people. As long as there is any change, it will definitely be beneficial for future wars.

Internally, they developed cheaper paper, constantly researched ways to increase grain yields, appointed talented individuals, and listened sincerely to advice...

The heyday of the Tang Dynasty can be seen at a glance.

He was a very filial person. After the emperor abdicated, he prepared and completed the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Song for him.

He is a man of utmost sincerity and is trusted by his ministers.

The emperor raised the prince and was admired by the world.

“…Therefore, after the funeral, the coffin should be laid to rest seven days later. Military and national affairs cannot be delayed, while ordinary and minor matters should be left to the relevant officials.

Civil and military officials of the third rank and above must come to mourn morning and evening for three days.

After fifteen minutes of raising the voice, he left when the task was completed.

Those below the fourth rank were to attend the imperial court. Those who were to attend the court in the palace were not allowed to cry without permission unless they were to attend the court in the morning or evening.

All the kings who served as governors and provincial governors came to mourn.

To prevent unexpected events, additional supervision can be implemented.

The local governors and officials in office all mourned for three days at their respective posts.

The severity of the clothing should follow the Han system, replacing months with days.

The system of gardens and mausoleums should be frugal.

In the past, the tomb of the Overlord was not excavated, which was my intention.

All the Taiyuan Yuancong people present will be awarded the rank of honorary official. All civil engineering work in the camps should be stopped."

Although Li Chengqian was kneeling on the ground, he felt slightly relieved.

All the kings who hold the office of governor and provincial governor should come to mourn. To prevent any unforeseen events, they should be supervised.

Sun Fujia will be an important official that Li Chengqian will use in the future, and strengthening the power of the Censorate is one of the most important steps.

Li Chengqian was originally a little worried about what arrangements Li Shimin would make, but he didn't expect that the words "be on guard against the kings" would make everyone accept it.

The kings returned to the capital, and local unrest occurred.

What they were actually guarding against were the kings, and the one who could accept this the most was Changsun Wuji.

Things can be accomplished easily.

Li Chengqian felt relieved. The reason why he hired Sun Fujia was because this person was capable and qualified, but he lacked sufficient background and was even somewhat overlooked.

It’s better to ignore it, because it makes it easier to do things.

……

After hearing Li Xizhi finish his reading, Li Chengqian was the first to kowtow to Li Shimin's body on the imperial bed and said, "Your Highness obeys my command. May your father live forever."

According to the system, Li Chengqian should have mourned for three years, or to be precise, twenty-seven months.

Ordinary officials had to attend court for three years after mourning for three years.

Although Li Chengqian, as the emperor, did not have to do so, his behavior would still be greatly restricted.

It may even affect his control over the world.

Especially after Li Shimin's death, the aristocratic families and countless officials in the world will inevitably become disunited. If we don't keep a close eye on this at this time.

According to the Han system, the day is replaced by the month.

Twenty-seven months, shortened to twenty-seven days, would in no way affect his control over the world.

"We obey your order. May the late emperor live long." All the ministers bowed their hands.

Many of them were Taiyuan Yuancong. When the retired emperor passed away, their honorary titles were increased by one level.

In addition, replacing months with days can also reduce their burden.

When the Supreme Emperor passed away, the whole country was in mourning.

In Chang'an City, all miscellaneous affairs came to a halt.

Not to mention all kinds of enjoyment, some families have even already made arrangements for marriage, and if it takes a long time, it will have an impact.

Not to mention that it is already late May and the autumn harvest is coming soon. The passing of the emperor may have an impact on the harvest, which would be troublesome.

"Everyone, please stand." Li Chengqian stood up and looked at the ministers. "The emperor has already decided on the general outline of the funeral ceremony. Now we need to deal with the details."

"Yes!" All the ministers stood up and bowed in unison.

Li Chengqian looked at the ministers and said, "I am in mourning and in a state of great difficulty. Therefore, I have appointed Duke of Zhao, Changsun Wuji, as the ambassador for the funeral. Prince of Xiangyi, Li Shenfu, and Duke of Shen, Dou Dan, as deputy envoys. Minister of Rites, Li Xizhi, Minister of Zongzheng Temple, Li Baiyao, and Minister of Taichang Temple, Zhao Yuankai, are the other envoys for the funeral."

"We obey your order!" Zhangsun Wuji, Li Shenfu, Dou Dan, Li Xizhi, Li Baiyao, Zhao Yuankai and others all bowed.

"The Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of the Imperial Household, the Ministry of Finance, the Imperial Household Department, the Imperial Household Department, and other departments involved should fully cooperate." Li Chengqian looked outside the hall.

All the ministers bowed and said, "We obey your command."

Li Chengqian's expression grew serious as he continued, "Issue an imperial decree ordering Li Jing, Duke of Wei, Niu Jinda, Duke of Langya, Wang Renyou, Governor of Songzhou, Xu Shuya, Chief Clerk of Jingzhou, Dou Xiaoshen, Chief Clerk of Bingzhou, Li Wenliang, Chief Clerk of Yangzhou, Xiao Jun, Chief Clerk of Luozhou, Du Zhenglun, Governor of Guangzhou, and Lu Chengqing, Chief Clerk of Yizhou, to prepare their armies and be on high alert, in accordance with the previous decree. If there are any unusual movements, they are allowed to act at their discretion."

At this time, all the barbarians from all directions and the noble families inside and outside the country will be ready to make a move.

"I obey your order." Zhongshu Ling Tang Jian stepped forward and bowed.

Li Chengqian nodded and continued, "Grand Censor."

Sun Fujia stood out with a solemn expression.

"My father's will stated that in order to prevent the provincial governors from becoming uneasy during the period of mourning, we need to increase supervision efforts. The censors from the Censorate should be dispatched to various regions to supervise the prefectures, counties, and districts." Li Chengqian raised his head slightly.

"I obey your order." Sun Fujia bowed seriously.

"Chang'an needs to be cautious, and Luoyang should follow suit. Furthermore, the Jiangnan route is too vast, Lingnan is remote, Liaodong is bitterly cold, and Anxi is complex." Li Chengqian thought for a moment and said, "I grant you temporary approval for six additional Supervisory Censors, three Supervisory Palace Censors, and two Supervisory Palace Censors. You will submit the details of these appointments to the Ministry of Personnel, and the Minister of the Interior will review them."

"I obey your order." Although Sun Fujia was surprised, he still bowed and accepted the order. After all, he was just an inspector.

Changsun Wuji and the ministers in the palace did not object.

The Censor-in-Chief simply has more experience.

Of course, this is a good opportunity for some officials who are trapped in their current positions and unable to be promoted.

Investigate more strictly, as long as the problem is found, it will be a political achievement.

This can actually shock people.

Li Chengqian glanced at the ministers and spoke calmly, "After returning to the capital, the princes and princesses will not return to their respective palaces. Instead, they will reside in the Princess Courtyard, Baifu Palace, or Chengqing Palace. They will not return to their respective homes until the funeral ceremony is over."

"Yes!" All the ministers bowed.

In an instant, everyone's expressions became stern.

The emperor's meaning was finally clearly revealed.

At this moment, the ones most likely to cause trouble are the kings.

When the retired emperor was in power, the kings were as obedient as quails.

Now that the emperor is gone, who knows what the kings will think.

People inside and outside the country are in turmoil, and if we are not careful, it will lead to a huge disaster.

……

Changsun Wuji stood there, and the figure of Li Ke flashed through his mind.

He is the son of the previous emperor and the grandson of Yang Guang.

From the perspective of the Tang Dynasty system, Li Ke would not be able to get any opportunities from within.

But from the outside, he has the blood of the emperors of the Sui and Tang dynasties.

When the emperor was alive, people were all supporting the emperor and the kings of Jin and Wei, until the emperor ascended the throne and the kings of Jin and Wei lost.

However, with the death of the retired emperor, I wonder how many people will turn their attention to Li Ke.

Li Ke still doesn’t have many chances now, but what about in the future?

The emperor's sons are still young. If something happens to the emperor, Li Ke, as the eldest surviving son of the late emperor other than the emperor, has a great chance.

It's big, it's big.

As soon as the emperor died, the situation immediately changed.

Maybe it won’t happen for a while, but I’m afraid that others will do it for a long time.

Ten years, twenty years, thirty years.

There will always be a chance.

Therefore, we must keep a close eye on Li Ke.

In particular, there is the Hongnong Yang family and the prophecy that "the Tang Dynasty will last for three generations, and a female ruler, King Wu, will succeed the Tang Dynasty."

Although Changsun Wuji didn't know how this prophecy would be connected to Li Ke in the future, he knew there would always be a way.

……

Li Chengqian restrained his expression and looked at Zhangsun Wuji, saying, "Uncle, please tell me about the specific arrangements for the funeral."

"Yes!" Zhangsun Wuji bowed, then said to Li Chengqian, "Tomorrow we will hold a small funeral, and the day after tomorrow we will hold a large funeral. At the same time, the coffin will be moved to the Taiji Hall and will remain there for seven days. After that, the coffin will be moved to the Qianqiu Hall, and then it will be time for burial."

Minister of Rites Li Xizhi stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, according to the ordinance, when an emperor dies of illness, he shall be buried after seven days and seven months."

"Seven months, wouldn't that be next year?" Li Chengqian looked up and shook his head, "That's not appropriate."

(End of this chapter)