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

Chapter 737 The Princess Protector of the Nation, Granted the Title of Grand Master of the Palace (Second Update)
In the Liangyi Hall, Li Chengqian and Empress Su Shu sat on the imperial couch.

The four brothers, Li Xiang, Li Jue, Li Yu, and Li Miao, sat on the left; Princess Wencheng, Princess Yongkang, and Princess Yongle sat on the right.

The officials sat on either side of the main hall, their eyes slightly turned to the side, glancing at the steps of the palace.

After the sacrificial ceremony at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the emperor held a grand banquet for his officials in the Liangyi Hall.

At the same time, a welcoming banquet was held for Princess Wencheng.

Li Chengqian was still somewhat immersed in the sadness of paying homage to Emperor Taizong. He reached out and wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, then looked at Princess Wencheng sitting to one side.

Even at this moment, Princess Wencheng could not stop crying.

Li Chengqian's words truly struck a chord with her.

No one knows that Princess Wencheng once said something to the late Emperor Taizong in private.

When will the world be at peace, even without marrying off princesses?

After hearing this, the late Emperor Taizong also couldn't help but burst into tears.

Over the years, it has been common knowledge that the emperor wanted to bring her back from Tibet. However, many people thought that this was just a side effect of the emperor's conquest of Tibet. But they did not know that in the emperor's heart, bringing Princess Wencheng back to the capital was a more important matter than destroying Tibet.

This is because he wants to make up for the debt the late emperor owed to Princess Wencheng, and he wants to make up for the debt the entire Tang Dynasty owed to Princess Wencheng.

Today, everything has finally come to fruition.

The mood among the courtiers in the palace was not very high either.

Over the years, the Tang Dynasty has sent many "princesses" away. Although this was a necessary means for the Tang Dynasty to control the barbarians around the world, in their hearts, especially the parents of those "princesses", were they really willing to send their daughters to marry thousands of miles away and then not know their fate for the rest of their lives?
No, not many people would be willing.

However, in the face of the general trend of the world, they were merely victims of the overwhelming tide, and in many things, they had no choice but to follow the tide.

If possible, they all hoped to bring their daughters back after they had been "married off," just as the emperor was doing now.

……

Li Chengqian sighed softly, glanced at Princess Wencheng, and then looked at Zhang Anan beside him.

Zhang Anan bowed slightly, stepped forward, and then unfolded the imperial edict, saying, "Princess Wencheng, receive the edict."

Princess Wencheng came to her senses, then walked to the steps and knelt down, bowing slightly.

Zhang Anan glanced at Princess Wencheng, then solemnly unfolded the imperial edict and said: "In the fifteenth year of Yongwei, the year of Guihai, the third month of Bingchen, on the third day of Dinghai, the Emperor decreed:
Yu Xi!

Those who have accomplished great deeds in establishing the dynasty can rise above the common people.

Those deeds that transcend the mundane and simple are thus able to forever illuminate their glorious achievements.

Princess Wencheng, with meritorious service in assisting the emperor, stabilizing the nation, bringing auspiciousness to the imperial court, and receiving blessings from the emperor; when the nation was in peril, she took the emperor's place, her righteousness moved heaven and her sincerity shone like the sun.

Yes, Princess Huguo is hereby promoted to Special Envoy, granted the title of Grand Master of the Palace, and given an additional fief of one thousand households. She is hereby ordered to hear complaints. On the 3rd, 13th, and 23rd of each month, those who have grievances and cannot get what they want may submit their complaints outside the gate of Princess Huguo's residence.

If this is true, you may report it to me, and I will handle it personally.

All else as per the decree, by imperial decree!

"Your Majesty, I dare not accept the order. Please withdraw it!" Princess Wencheng was shocked and quickly kowtowed in refusal.

"Princess Protector of the Nation", "Special Envoy", "Grand Master of the Palace", and "Receiving Orders to Hear Suspects".

Is it appropriate to grant so much power to this woman all at once?

Li Chengqian waved his hand slightly and said, "You have rendered great service to the court, the country, and me. I am granting you special privileges out of gratitude. As for the various official positions, the Tang Dynasty is not without precedent. My imperial aunt, Princess Pingyang Zhao, was in charge of all affairs in the early years of the Wude era. Now, it is just a matter of succession for you."

"Your Majesty!" Princess Wencheng was taken aback when the Emperor compared her to Princess Pingyang, and for a moment she didn't know what to say.

"This is my decision." Li Chengqian looked at Princess Wencheng with a serious expression and said, "I believe that this is also my father's decision. Moreover, whether it is the Protector of the Nation Princess, the Special Envoy, or even the title of Grand Master of the Three Departments, they are all honorary titles. They are just to make your life in Chang'an more convenient. They have no real power."

"Your Majesty!" Wen Cheng breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"As for the right to hear complaints," Li Chengqian raised his hand slightly and said, "This right, apart from the relevant officials in the court, is only held by the Crown Prince, and I also had it back then."

But the essence of this right is actually just to give the most miserable and wronged people in the world a last resort for appeal.

The Crown Prince is in the Eastern Palace, and I have sent people to the Ministry of Justice to hear the case. My younger sister is in the Princess's residence. They will hear the case, investigate and verify it. Then I will order the Three Judicial Offices to handle it, restoring order and justice to the world.

"Your Majesty is wise and virtuous, unparalleled in history." The ministers bowed solemnly, their expressions filled with deep emotion.

Upon hearing that the emperor had bestowed upon Princess Wencheng a title of nobility and special privileges, the assembled officials were almost all surprised and looked up at Li Chengqian.

But the emperor's words, "Restore a bright and clear world to the land," set the tone for the whole affair, leaving no room for anyone to say "no."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful." Princess Wencheng kowtowed again.

"Rise and take a seat." Li Chengqian raised his hand slightly and said, "After receiving your message last year, I had the Empress send people to renovate your princess residence. After the banquet, I will go with you to take a look. If there is anything inappropriate, I will have the Imperial Household Department make repairs."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, I am already satisfied." After Princess Wencheng sat down, she couldn't help but lower her head, and tears welled up in her eyes again.

Li Chengqian waved his hand slightly and said, "My sister has made great contributions over the years. I have no way to repay her, so I can only express my gratitude in this way."

Li Chengqian withdrew his gaze from Princess Wencheng and looked across the entire palace. He slowly said, "Gentlemen, the war with Tibet is now over."

Although there are various arrangements to be made afterward, everything will eventually return to the world.

First, bring peace to the four barbarian tribes, then bring peace to the people.

Only when the people are at peace can the country be secure, and only when the country is secure can it be strong.

You all must remember this well!

"Your Majesty, we respectfully receive Your Majesty's instructions!" The assembled officials bowed in unison, all understanding that Tibet had been destroyed and the Tang Dynasty was beginning a new chapter.

"Rise," Li Chengqian said, looking up. "Guards, begin the feast."

As the sound of drums and music began, countless beautiful maids carrying trays entered the hall, while at the same time, six dancers began to dance gracefully in the hall.

Laughter filled the air, and the feast began.

……

Princess Wencheng's residence was located on the east side of the palace, in Chongrenfang.

It is located right next to Wannian Street, opposite Yongkangfang, and diagonally to the side is the East Market, which is the most prosperous place in the entire Chang'an.

The mansion is deep and secluded, and the grass and trees grow lush in spring.

Li Chengqian walked through the inner courtyard, looking at the pavilions and waterside terraces. He nodded in satisfaction and said, "The Empress has done a very good job of tidying up this place."

Princess Wencheng followed beside her, bowing slightly and saying, "I must thank you, my sister-in-law, for your meticulous care, which has made everything look brand new."

“When you return to the palace next time, you can speak to her yourself.” Li Chengqian glanced at the stone pavilion ahead, sat down, looked outside the residence, sighed softly, and said, “Over the years, although I have left the palace, it has mostly been for sacrificial rites or imperial tours to Luoyang. I rarely leave the palace on ordinary days. It is here with my sister that I can hear the sounds of ordinary people living their lives.” “If Your Majesty finds my sister’s place pleasant, you can come here often. It’s only a street away from the palace,” Princess Wencheng smiled gently.

"If I really have the time, I will definitely come." Li Chengqian smiled gently.

Princess Wencheng glanced at the emperor and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I still feel that what happened before was somewhat inappropriate. I would like to ask Your Majesty to rescind your order."

Li Chengqian calmed down and looked at Princess Wencheng, saying, "Do you really think that I treat you well only because of yourself?"

Princess Wencheng was taken aback and asked in confusion, "Your Majesty!"

“Actually, many things are explained literally.” Li Chengqian raised his head slightly and said, “The real key to your reward lies in the words ‘protecting the country’.”

"Protect the nation." Princess Wencheng pondered these two words, a hint of shock flashing in her eyes.

Li Chengqian looked up at the archway in the backyard and waved slightly to Crown Prince Li Xiang, who was standing there.

When the emperor travels, the whole world pays attention.

Princess Wencheng's residence is now located on the east side of the palace, which is actually on the east side of the East Palace, so Li Chengqian also summoned Li Xiang.

"Father!" Li Xiang walked up to the pavilion and, following Li Chengqian's instructions, poured tea for him and Princess Wencheng.

Li Chengqian glanced at Li Xiang, then looked at Princess Wencheng and said, "The Crown Prince is kind and benevolent, and I have taught him for many years and given him many experiences. I can at least say that he is a qualified heir apparent."

Princess Wencheng raised her eyes slightly, and in the blink of an eye she caught the two core words that Li Chengqian had mentioned.

Passed.

“When I abdicate and he ascends the throne, he will at least be a capable ruler who maintains the status quo.” Li Chengqian suddenly smiled and said, “Now that the world is at peace and the barbarians have submitted, all that remains is to govern the world. In fact, being a steady and capable ruler who maintains the status quo is a blessing for the world.”

"Your Majesty!" Princess Wencheng bowed slightly, her gaze involuntarily drifting to Li Xiang beside her.

Li Xiang stood behind the emperor, his face full of a wry smile.

Li Chengqian sighed softly and said, "The Crown Prince is good in every way, but he lacks one thing: his vision is not sharp enough. He has difficulty seeing the deep contradictions and hidden dangers behind many problems at a glance... Perhaps it is because he is still young and has not seen enough."

"That's why Your Majesty wants my sister to have the power to hear cases." Princess Wencheng finally understood.

The right to hear a case, apart from the relevant officials, has historically been the exclusive right of the crown prince.

“Yes.” Li Chengqian nodded, turned to look at Li Xiang and said, “The right to hear complaints, on the one hand, allows you to understand the suffering of the people, and on the other hand, it also allows you to see the deeper issues behind them, and then see the style and problems of the relevant departments.”

Everything in the world operates according to its own rules.

Under normal circumstances, there should be very few cases of injustice and dissatisfaction, but such things actually happen everywhere.

Beyond the injustice itself, the more important thing is to understand why such problems arose in the operation of the imperial court.

Is it a problem with the system, or a problem with the people?

Princess Wencheng had fully understood the core message before the hearing: he was someone the emperor had sent the crown prince to use to check and balance the Three Departments, Six Ministries, and Nine Courts.

However, Li Xiang never thought of this.

Some of the officials in the Eastern Palace might have thought of this, but they dared not speak carelessly, because they did not know what the emperor was really thinking.

The emperor himself did not explain it clearly, because if such a thing were explained, the crown prince could easily use it to interfere in state affairs.

What he needed was for the crown prince to figure things out on his own, and then to carefully explore the possibilities little by little; that was the emperor's true intention.

Because in this way, no matter what the crown prince does, the emperor can easily overturn the situation.

Princess Wencheng looked at Li Xiang, whose face showed understanding, and bowed slightly, saying, "Your Majesty is far-sighted; your humble sister is no match for you."

Li Chengqian waved his hand, then looked up at the blue sky above and said with emotion, "My father abdicated at the age of sixty-one, and my grandfather also abdicated at the age of sixty-one. Although I can't say for sure that I will abdicate at the age of sixty-one, it won't be too far off."

"Father!" Li Xiang's expression turned somewhat fearful.

Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "When people get old, it's rare for them not to be confused. This is the case after sixty. So, before I turn sixty, Crown Prince, you must truly understand the essence of how things work in the world. After I turn sixty, I will let you lead the government for two years. If you do well, I will abdicate. If you don't do well, I will stay for another two years."

"Yes!" Li Xiang breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Looking at Li Xiang's appearance, Li Chengqian couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Over the years, he has taught Li Xiang to always look at the world from the most fundamental level.

One county, one prefecture, one route.

A single county already has countless difficult administrative affairs to handle, let alone a prefecture, a circuit, or even the entire country.

It was precisely because of this that Crown Prince Li Xiang knew the true weight of the world, and that without Li Chengqian supporting him, he alone could not bear the weight of the entire empire. Therefore, he was always cautious and apprehensive, which is why he was a qualified Crown Prince.

Li Chengqian looked at Princess Wencheng again and said, "Once I abdicate, I will live in seclusion in the palace and no longer concern myself with politics. At that time, someone will be needed to help the Crown Prince to govern the country."

"So it is my sister." Princess Wencheng finally understood the emperor's thoughts, and then she immediately realized what he meant and quickly shook her head, saying, "Your Majesty, there are countless talented people in the court, why would you ask my sister to do these things?"

"The court is mostly composed of old officials now. In a few years, the court may change drastically." Li Chengqian shook his head. Now that Tibet has been conquered, he didn't know how many old officials would retire in the next two or three years.

"With my sister here, the imperial clan in the court can be stable. Only by using the imperial clan to suppress the powerful families in the world can the future world order be stable." Li Chengqian looked at Li Xiang and asked, "Did you understand what your aunt and I just said?"

"Your subject understands some of it," Li Xiang said, bowing his head slightly with a bitter expression.

"It's alright." Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "Your imperial aunt has made great achievements in handling Tibetan affairs in the past. Now I have also given her the power to hear cases. There are some things that you don't understand, and the ministers of the Eastern Palace can't explain them either. You might as well come and ask your imperial aunt. Anyway, she's nearby."

"Father." Li Xiang looked up in surprise; he could leave the palace now.

Li Chengqian gave Li Xiang an annoyed look and said, "What are you thinking? I will have someone build a hidden wall so you can come and go to the princess's residence, that's all."

"Yes!" Li Xiang, still smiling, bowed slightly with joy in his eyes and said, "Thank you, Father Emperor."

Li Chengqian gave Li Xiang a deep look, calmed down, and said, "When you go out, bring more of the officials, both inside and outside the court."

"Yes!" Li Xiang bowed deeply.

Li Chengqian waved his hand, and Li Xiang then bowed and took his leave.

Li Chengqian raised his head and looked at Princess Wencheng with a serious expression: "I entrust this matter to my royal sister."

"Yes!" Princess Wencheng could also see that the Crown Prince still had some longing for things outside the palace.

Come to think of it, he grew up in the palace and was very disciplined, so naturally he longed for the vast city of Chang'an.

But this is not a bad thing.

The true nature of the world cannot be explained by the words in memorials; only by directly observing the joys and sorrows of the world can one grow and mature.

(End of this chapter)