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

Chapter 742 The Second Request for the Fengshan Ceremony is Denied! (First Update of the Day)
In the Liangyi Hall, Li Chengqian sat on the imperial couch, with Empress Su Shu sitting beside him.

On the platform in front sat Crown Prince Li Xiang and Princess Wencheng.

Seated on the left side of the main hall were Changsun Wuji, Li Ji, and other prime ministers and numerous court officials.

On the right and left sides of the main hall were Liang Jianfang, Su Dingfang, Qibi Heli, Li Junxian, Li Dejian, Xi Junmai, Pei Xingjian, and even Di Renjie and other military generals.

Outside the Liangyi Hall, there were countless tables and chairs laden with fine wine and delicacies.

The army returned in triumph and presented the captured prisoners to the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

The emperor held a grand banquet for his officials and meritorious soldiers.

……

Li Chengqian's gaze swept over Liang Jianfang, whose face still bore a trace of unconcealed sorrow.

Offering sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, facing the late emperor.

For these veteran officials, the impact was enormous.

Li Chengqian withdrew his gaze, looked at the assembled officials, and sighed, “The remnants of the Tubo have often been ungrateful, but this is the case now. What crime have they committed? Let us preserve their livelihood and fulfill their wishes. The Court of State Ceremonial will select a place to settle them so that they can return to Chang’an to live out their old age.”

Li Yibiao, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, stepped forward and accepted the order with clasped hands.

The expressions of the officials in the hall all became serious.

Treating prisoners of war well is a matter of course.

Throughout history, prisoners of war who were presented to the Imperial Ancestral Temple were treated with preferential treatment.

Li Chengqian raised his head again and said, "This time the army has won a great victory, and all the generals have made contributions. The Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War have verified their merits and rewarded them accordingly. Minister Sun!"

Attendant-in-Ordinary Sun Fujia stepped forward, took the imperial edict from the tray, and then looked at the assembled officials, saying: "In the fifteenth year of Yongwei, the year of Guihai, on the third day of the seventh month, the day of Renxu, the Emperor decreed:
Yu Xi!

The Zhou dynasty appointed ministers, the six armies accomplished their tasks, the Han dynasty bestowed generals, and the three heroes were men of great talent.

Liang Jianfang, the Grand Commander of the Luoxie Road Army, the Pacification Commissioner of Luoxie Road, the Grand Protector of Fanzhou, the Governor of Fanzhou, and the Inspector of the Prefect of Fanzhou, and the Duke of Dai, possesses far-sighted vision, outstanding talent and strategy, is well-versed in political affairs, and is skilled in both civil and military affairs.

He could serve as Grand General of the State, concurrently holding the rank of Third Grade Official in the Secretariat and Chancellery, and concurrently serving as the Crown Prince's Guest.

All merits were awarded according to regulations.

Admire this! "

"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty." Liang Jianfang quickly stepped out from behind the table and kowtowed in gratitude. However, before he could finish speaking, he suddenly paused, looked up, and asked, "Your Majesty, are you a member of the same rank as the three officials of the Secretariat and the Chancellery?"

The third rank of the Secretariat-Chancellery is equivalent to that of a prime minister.

Liang Jianfang was completely stunned; he never expected that he would be appointed prime minister.

Sitting on the steps of the palace, Li Chengqian looked at Liang Jianfang's astonished expression and couldn't help but chuckle softly.

After a moment, Li Chengqian spoke, "My dear minister, you heard correctly. It is indeed a third-rank official in the Secretariat and Chancellery."

"Your Majesty, what virtue or ability do I possess!" Liang Jianfang bowed with trepidation.

"What, do you think that a real prime minister is someone that just anyone can do?" Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "Not to mention your unparalleled achievements in destroying the Western Turks, the Western Tuyuhun, and the Tibetan Empire, just the governance of Tibetan affairs alone requires the Grand Protector of the Tibetan Prefecture to have the status of a prime minister."

Li Chengqian looked up at the assembled officials, his expression already solemn: "Tibet is a vast territory with more than two million people, both inside and outside the country. It is not easy to govern. If we are not careful, decades of hard work in the court will be in vain. Therefore, we must be extremely cautious in governing it. That is why you were appointed as the third-rank official of the Secretariat and the Chancellery to concurrently govern Tibet."

Tibet is a vast territory with countless tribes. No one knows when a conflict might arise, or even lead to turmoil within Tibet.

If a powerful and ruthless leader were to emerge, the Tang Dynasty might be driven out of Tibet once again.

In that case, decades of hard work by the central government would have been completely in vain.

It's gone just like that.

"Furthermore, I have not only appointed you as a third-rank official in the Secretariat and Chancellery, but also as a tutor to the Crown Prince. Although the ministers of the Eastern Palace do not participate in the governance of the various affairs of Fanzhou, they excel at devising strategies. Now, having them plan everything for you is the best course of action." Li Chengqian looked to the side and whispered, "Crown Prince!"

Li Xiang quickly stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to Liang Jianfang, and said, "Master Liang!"

"I dare not!" Liang Jianfang quickly bowed to the Crown Prince.

Li Chengqian nodded and said, "Let's do it that way."

"Yes!" Liang Jianfang was taken aback, then smiled wryly and cupped his hands, saying, "Your subject accepts the decree."

He became prime minister; Liang Jianfang, such a rough and uncultured man, actually became prime minister.

The moment Liang Jianfang returned to his desk, his gaze inadvertently swept over Su Dingfang, Li Junxian, Li Dejian, Pei Xingjian, and others, and their eyes lit up.

……

Li Chengqian nodded slightly to Sun Fujia, who bowed again, picked up the new imperial edict, and then said loudly: "In the fifteenth year of Yongwei, the year of Guihai, on the third day of the seventh month, the day of Renxu, the Emperor decrees:
Yu Xi!

To establish good customs and bring peace to the nation, the responsibility lies deeply with the governors and prefects; to spread positive influences and enlighten the people, the task is heavy with those who follow the virtuous and upright.

Su Dingfang, the commander-in-chief of the vanguard of the Erluoxie Road Army, the general of the Left Guard, and the Duke of Wuyi County, was of dignified bearing, upright character, and capable administration, and his virtuous conduct was evident in the exoneration of wrongdoers.

He was appointed Governor of Xichang Prefecture, General of the Right Guard, Duke of Wuyi, and all other honors were conferred as stipulated.

Admire this! "

Su Dingfang stepped out from behind the table, then knelt on one knee, bowed deeply, and said, "Your subject accepts the decree and thanks Your Majesty for your great favor."

Li Chengqian nodded slightly and looked at Su Dingfang, saying, "Xichang Prefecture is strategically located, bordering Fan Prefecture to the south, Lanshan to the east, crossing the Qilian Mountains to the north to Shasu, and reaching the Anxi Protectorate to the west, even extending to the Western Turkic Khaganate and other Western Regions states. In addition, Yangtong and Supi are also under your jurisdiction."

If Liang Jianfang faced a difficult situation governing two million former Tibetan people in Fanzhou, then Su Dingfang's governance of Xichangzhou would certainly not be any easier.

The most direct example is Yang Tong Su Pi.

Because of the barrier of the Tanggula Mountains, the governance of Yangtongsupi by Fanzhou may have been somewhat limited.

Only in Xichang Prefecture, and all the roads from Xichang Prefecture to Fan Prefecture, pass through Yangtong and Supi, so it is best for him to intervene.

In particular, Su Dingfang was the prime minister of Yang Tongguo, so he was the most suitable person to be the governor of Xichang Prefecture in all matters.

"Your Majesty, I understand. Please rest assured." Su Dingfang bowed solemnly, clearly understanding the difficulties involved.

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "I am not worried about Supi Yangtong, Dangxiang Tuyuhun, or even the Western Turks. What I need you to pay extra attention to are Persia and the Abbasid Caliphate. If there is any change in the Western Regions, Xichang Prefecture must be able to send troops at any time, understand?"

"Your subject understands." Su Dingfang bowed deeply.

Li Chengqian nodded, then smiled and said, "My dear minister, you are very thoughtful. As long as you are cautious, I will be completely at ease."

"Your Majesty's teachings will be followed," Su Dingfang bowed respectfully. Li Chengqian waved his hand slightly, and Su Dingfang then retreated behind the table.

……

Sun Fujia then produced another imperial edict and loudly proclaimed to the assembled officials: "In the fifteenth year of Yongwei, the year of Guihai, on the third day of the seventh month, the day of Renxu, the Emperor decreed:
Yu Xi!

When Ji Li first arrived, he was among the commanderies of Zifang; when the Han state was prosperous, he went to the north and south to lead the armies.

Li Junxian, the Left General of the Golden Guard and Duke of Wuchang, was resolute and decisive in handling affairs.

He was the Duke of Hongguo, the Grand General of the Left Golden Guard, and was granted the title of General of the Garrison Army.

All merits were awarded according to regulations.

Admire this! "

Li Junxian took a deep breath, stepped out from behind the table, knelt down, and kowtowed deeply, saying, "Your subject, Li Junxian, kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your great favor. Long live Your Majesty!"

As he finished speaking, Li Junxian's voice trembled and choked slightly.

Li Junxian is different; he is different from everyone else.

The statement "The Tang Dynasty lasted for three generations, but a female ruler, King Wu, usurped the throne" almost plunged him into despair.

If the emperor hadn't spoken up for him at the last moment, Li Junxian might have already become a victim of the sword.

Even so, Li Junxian had no choice but to hide by the Tongtian River for fifteen years. Two commanders of the Tubo army died at his hands. Now, having achieved the merit of destroying a country, he was finally able to return to Chang'an.

Li Chengqian nodded gently and sighed, "I know you've worked hard, my dear minister. Now that you're back in Chang'an, take good care of the entire city for me."

"Your Majesty, I obey your decree!" Li Junxian then calmed down slightly and returned to the ranks.

Sun Fujia picked up the imperial edict again and read out the reward.

From Qibi Heli to Xin Liaoer, to Yin Yuan, to Pei Xingjian, to Wei Daijia, and other generals in the army, all received their own rewards.

Even Di Renjie was promoted from Palace Attendant Censor to Attendant Censor and was granted the title of Fifth-Rank Official. It can be said that he went from Attendant Censor to a fifth-rank official, whether it was a local chief clerk, a secretary in the Six Ministries, a director of the Nine Temples, or a vice censor, a censor, a secretary in the Secretariat, or a secretary to the crown prince. At least he opened up this path.

Although Di Renjie showed some joy on his face, he knew in his heart that from this day forward, his official position would no longer advance as rapidly as before.

It's hard to say whether it will take him at least ten years of honing his skills to go from the sixth rank to the fifth rank.

The court system was one thing, but what Di Renjie truly understood was the emperor's way of employing people.

If an emperor truly values ​​someone, he will do everything he can to hone and refine that person.

Of course, when one is below the fifth rank, promotion is very fast, but once one reaches the fifth rank, it is not just about honing one's skills, but also about facing a test.

Li Chengqian sat on the imperial couch, glanced at Di Renjie, then looked away before turning to the assembled officials. He raised his cup slightly and said, “My lords, now that the barbarians have been subdued and the people are at peace, although there are still many things to be done in the army, today you can put aside any concerns about potential dangers and drink to your heart’s content. Come, raise your cups and share in this prosperous age.”

"Yes!" The ministers nodded, then smiled and raised their cups, saying, "Congratulations on the prosperous era of Chang'an! Congratulations on Your Majesty's long life!"

"Congratulations!" Li Chengqian nodded in satisfaction, then raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

Setting down his wine cup, Li Chengqian looked ahead and said, "Someone, dance!"

As soon as Li Chengqian finished speaking, the sound of drums and music rang out instantly. At the same time, dozens of palace girls dressed in graceful dresses entered the hall from both sides and began to dance in response to the music throughout the hall.

The atmosphere in the entire hall immediately became lively.

Li Chengqian's face couldn't help but be filled with smiles.

……

Before we knew it, the banquet was coming to an end.

After the toasts and drinks, the ministers' faces were flushed with wine, and their eyes were glazed over.

As the music paused, a figure rose from behind a table and then, without anyone noticing, walked into the main hall, knelt down, and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I, Han Yuan, Vice Minister of War, have a report to submit."

Li Chengqian sat on the imperial couch, looking at Han Yuan with slightly narrowed eyes, and said, "Han Qing, if you have something to say, just say it."

"Yes!" Han Yuan bowed, then earnestly cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, the Tang army is now awe-inspiring, the barbarians are in awe, the world is at peace, and the people live in peace. On behalf of all the people of the world, I beseech Your Majesty to perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Song!"

After saying this, Han Yuan knelt down in the hall.

For a moment, the entire hall fell completely silent. The ministers in the hall looked at Han Yuan with a hint of envy and a hint of jealousy.

This guy really knows how to seize opportunities!

Since Liu Yingdao's first petition to the emperor to perform the Fengshan ceremony was rejected in March, although many officials in the court have submitted memorials, none of them have raised the issue in court at the time.

After all, this kind of thing still requires some tacit understanding with the emperor.

Not just anyone can propose the emperor to perform the Fengshan ceremony.

If someone angers a high-ranking official in the court, a small mishap by someone could cause them to suffer a major setback.

The ministers glanced slightly at Changsun Wuji. Everyone in the court knew that Han Yuan was the Grand Commandant's man.

Especially since he had served as Vice Minister of War for many years, his suggestion to perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Song today was essentially the same as Liu Yingdao's approach, which was made by former officials of the Eastern Palace.

Li Chengqian sat on the steps, tapped the table, and said calmly, "What you say makes sense, but the Fanzhou has just been returned to China, and the people's hearts are far from settled. There are also the Eastern and Western Turks, and the people's hearts are restless. After this great battle, the rewards for the soldiers have not been fully distributed. There are still many things to do, and it is far from being perfect. Therefore, your request is not granted."

"Yes!" Han Yuan bowed and returned to the column with a solemn expression.

The ministers bowed their heads solemnly. The emperor never spoke of useless things, nor did he do useless things.

The matters I just mentioned probably need to be sorted out properly.

Li Chengqian smiled calmly, then raised his wine cup and looked at the assembled officials in the hall, saying, "Today, our army has returned victorious and we have presented the captives to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. We are filled with boundless joy. Come, gentlemen, let us raise our cups together and celebrate the eternal prosperity of the Tang Dynasty!"

The courtiers immediately raised their cups in unison, chanting: "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Tang Dynasty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Tang Dynasty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Tang Dynasty!"

A thunderous sound came from outside the entire hall.

It even spread to the entire city of Chang'an.

Li Chengqian calmly raised his wine cup and slowly drank the wine in one gulp.

In that instant, a sharp, cold light flashed in his eyes.

It's time to move on to the next step.

(End of this chapter)