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

Chapter 744 The Last Words of a Veteran Minister of the Zhenguan Era (Second Update)

Snowflakes fall in Chang'an during winter.

In the Liangyi Hall, Li Chengqian sat on the imperial couch.

Beneath the steps on both sides, the stoves burned dimly.

Changsun Wuji and Li Ji knelt on the left side of the main hall, with hot tea on the table in front of them.

"Your Majesty!" Changsun Wuji bowed slightly and said, "The Eastern Turkic Khaganate is hit by a heavy snowfall, and the eighteen tribes of the grasslands are suffering severe damage. Hou Zhiyi, the chief secretary of the Bingzhou Grand General's Office, has reported that the various tribes of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate are requesting relief."

"Heavy snow!" Li Chengqian looked outside the hall and said, "The heavy snow is probably real, but is the disaster really true? What did Hou Zhiyi say?"

“The heavy snow has blocked the roads. Although we have sent people to investigate, it is difficult to find out the truth.” Changsun Wuji said with a solemn expression.

"I am not afraid of disasters in the world, but I am afraid of cover-ups and false reports. As for the Eastern Turkic tribes, I am even more afraid of their exaggerated reports." Li Chengqian shook his head slightly, looked at the memorials on the table, thought for a moment, and then looked at Li Ji and said, "Duke of Yingguo, what is the current state of the grain reserves in the Luoyang granary?"

“It’s acceptable.” Li Ji bowed and said, “Because the war with Tibet ended two years earlier than expected, although a large amount of grain still needs to be transported to Tibet, there is still a large amount of grain left over.”

Li Chengqian tapped the table lightly, then looked up and said, "From the Taiyuan granary, dispatch all available grain and fodder to aid the Eastern Turks in their disaster relief efforts. At the same time, order Li Yiyan, the Vice Minister of Works, and Ashina Zhong, the Right General of the Martial Guard, to dispatch 5,000 cavalry to the Eastern Turks for disaster relief. Also, order Hou Zhiyi to dispatch 3,000 soldiers from the garrison to provide support later."

"Your Majesty!" Changsun Wuji looked up in disbelief.

Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "If the various tribes of the Eastern Turks are severely affected by the disaster, we should do disaster relief. At the same time, we should transfer young cavalrymen from the various tribes of the Eastern Turks to the Left and Right Guards. In the past two years, many people in the Left and Right Guards have completed their service and retired. It's good to replenish them."

"The imperial guards!" Changsun Wuji nodded slowly, he understood the emperor's meaning.

The good treatment of the Fubing (府兵) soldiers made every Turkic cavalryman who joined the Fubing unwilling to leave Chang'an.

The Ministry of War also arranged for these Turkic cavalrymen to settle down around Chang'an.

Now, by drawing elite troops from various tribes of the Eastern Turks into the Fubing (府兵) system, the emperor can weaken the Eastern Turks while simultaneously influencing them through the Fubing system.

“It’s worth a try.” Li Ji nodded from the side and said, “His Majesty’s idea is probably that he is worried that the Eastern Turks did not actually suffer such a great disaster and that the tribal leaders are exaggerating the disaster situation. Once the army arrives and verifies the situation, they can directly deal with such tribal leaders.”

"At the same time, we also have supplies to aid them. We can also tell the Turkic tribes that the Tang Dynasty has provided relief in previous years. Haven't they received relief as well?" Changsun Wuji couldn't help but smile and said, "In that case, those Turkic tribes will probably resent their leader."

“It’s a good time to change the leader. We’ll hold the Fengshan ceremony next year and send him to Luoyang.” Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, “Actually, in recent years, Fanzhou has been stable, the Western Turks have been stable, and the Eastern and Western Tuyuhun have been stable. What I am most worried about is the Eastern Turks. The Eastern Turks have been under Tang rule for many years, but the people’s hearts are still hard to settle. If we don’t deal with them for a long time, they will surely change.”

"Your Majesty's concerns are valid." Changsun Wuji nodded and said, "In that case, resolving the Eastern Turkic issue will be the focus of the court for a while to come."

"That happened after the Fengshan ceremony," Li Chengqian said, waving his hand slightly.

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji bowed and said, "The work of the Court of State Ceremonial has been mostly completed this year, and Prime Minister Su is also rapidly promoting the establishment of official schools, but..."

"Does anyone want to ask about Xu Jingzong's work on the 'Hundred Family Surnames'?" Li Chengqian raised his head slightly.

Changsun Wuji nodded and said, "Yes, some people want to ask if the 'Hundred Family Surnames' had the same intention as the late Emperor's 'Clan Records'?"

“No.” Li Chengqian shook his head and said, “The compilation of the ‘Clan Records’ focuses on the origins of the major families, the hierarchy of their clans and the origins of their schools of thought. However, this ‘Hundred Family Surnames’ is merely a collection of the population of all surnames in the world and has no other meaning.”

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji bowed slightly, his face still showing worry.

Li Chengqian suddenly laughed and looked at Changsun Wuji, saying, "Uncle, even if I really want to revise the 'Clan Records,' is there really anyone in or outside the court who would dare to oppose me?"

Changsun Wuji was slightly taken aback, then bowed and said, "Of course not."

Although the emperor has devoted himself to foreign wars in recent years, his methods have never been weak. He often uses gentle methods, but he also uses ruthless ones.

Once the emperor seriously promotes the compilation of the "Clan Records," everyone will quiet down, fully cooperating while also striving to secure benefits for their own families.

After all, the "Clan Records" was compiled by the late emperor and is very different from those of the Northern Wei and Southern Liang periods.

They could accept what happened during the reign of the previous emperor, and they could accept it now that the emperor is in power again. It's just a matter of vying for their own positions. In the end, it's just a matter of which family is in power and which is in power; the essence will not change.

"So I really have no intention of revising the Clan Records. Otherwise, the one who should really be in charge of this matter should not be Minister Xu, but my uncle." Li Chengqian smiled and nodded to Changsun Wuji, who smiled and bowed slightly.

Yes, if the "Clan Records" were to be revised, Xu Jingzong would be completely unqualified.

At the very least, it would require Changsun Wuji to take charge.

Just like when Gao Shilian was in charge of compiling the "Clan Records" back then.

However, even as he lowered his head, Changsun Wuji still felt somewhat worried. If he didn't have ulterior motives, why would the prime minister be in charge?
Li Chengqian ignored Changsun Wuji's thoughts and looked up, saying, "What I wanted was to offer the most complete map of the Tang Dynasty's territory, the most complete population register of the Tang Dynasty, the most complete map of the academies in the world, and some other miscellaneous things together to the heavens. That's why this matter came about."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji bowed respectfully. Based on his understanding of the emperor, he knew that the emperor's actions were not so simple, but since the emperor did not want to reveal the secrets behind it, Changsun Wuji did not press the matter.

Changsun Wuji raised his head slightly and said, "Your Majesty, winter has arrived and the reports from all over the country have been received. Although a few counties have suffered from disasters, the problem is not serious. The specific autumn tax can be calculated before the New Year."

"Yes!" Li Chengqian nodded and said, "You have all worked hard."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji bowed, then pulled out a memorial from his sleeve, cupped his hands and handed it over, saying, "Your Majesty, now that the four barbarians are at peace and the world is at peace, I request to retire and return to my hometown after the Fengshan ceremony. Please grant me your permission."

“I feel the same way.” Li Ji’s voice came from behind Changsun Wuji. He also held a memorial and said, “I also request to retire and return to my hometown after the Fengshan ceremony. Please grant me your permission, Your Majesty.”

Zhang Anan quickly stepped down from the side, picked up two memorials, and placed them on the table in front of Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian placed one hand on two memorials and looked helplessly at Changsun Wuji, saying, "Uncle, what are you doing now? And Duke of Yingguo, what trouble are you causing again?"

"Your Majesty!" Changsun Wuji cupped his hands and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, I have served in the court for many years, and to be honest, it is indeed time for me to retire. Moreover, if I remain in office any longer, I am afraid I will completely block the path for future generations to advance."

“I agree,” Li Ji said, bowing. “Your Majesty, I have served as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel for many years.”

Li Chengqian sighed softly and said, "I have indeed thought about my uncle's situation, but I only intended for him to take on fewer miscellaneous duties after the Fengshan ceremony, and occasionally focus on the Council of State Affairs. This way, he can retire comfortably and at the same time keep the people of the court in check. I have never thought about letting my uncle retire. The same goes for the Duke of Yingguo. Although he is old, he can still serve the Tang Dynasty..."

"Your Majesty!" Changsun Wuji looked up, and Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "That's how it is. After the Fengshan ceremony, Uncle will still be the Grand Commandant and head the Council of State Affairs, and the Duke of Yingguo will be promoted to Minister of Works to assist Uncle. In this way, the position of Left Minister of the Ministry of Personnel will be vacant, and the positions in the court can be relaxed a bit."

"So, who does His Majesty intend to appoint as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel?" Changsun Wuji couldn't help but ask.

“What about Yan Qing? He is the Minister of Personnel, so it’s reasonable for him to be promoted to the position of Left Vice Minister.” Li Chengqian raised his head slightly.

"Your Majesty!" Changsun Wuji said with a wry smile, "After Yan Lide performs the Fengshan ceremony, he will probably retire as well, as will Yu Zhining."

Li Chengqian was slightly taken aback, then lowered his head. There were too many old ministers in the court now. In the past two years, due to the war, there have been few internal and external adjustments, but in reality, a large number of old ministers are retiring.

“Then let Du Qing be appointed as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. After all, he comes from a local governorship and is familiar with the local area, so he is suitable to be the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.” Li Chengqian directly rejected Zhao Yuankai, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. In fact, Changsun Wuji and Li Ji were also familiar with his style of personnel selection.

The prime ministers in the imperial court, especially the left and right vice ministers of the Ministry of Personnel, were basically required to be officials from prefectures and counties.

This way, one can gain a sufficient understanding of local prefectures and counties, and even the entire world.

Only in this way can we avoid being bullied by local officials and better govern the entire country.

Therefore, Du Zhenglun is the most suitable choice.

"After that, Sun Fujia will be promoted to Grand Secretary, and Xu Jingzong will be promoted to Attendant-in-Ordinary. After all, he is an elder of the Zhenguan era and one of the eighteen scholars of the Prince of Qin's mansion. He is more suitable to be Attendant-in-Ordinary." Li Chengqian raised his hand slightly.

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji and Li Ji nodded slightly.

"As for the remaining official positions, we'll discuss them after the Fengshan ceremony." For a fleeting moment, Li Chengqian's eyes held a seriousness that was barely perceptible.

Fifteen years have passed since the Zhenguan era began. Over these years, a large number of veteran officials from the Zhenguan era have gradually retired. However, today, a certain phase must eventually come to an end.

"As for the rest, let the Ministry of Personnel prepare them," Li Chengqian said, raising his head slightly. "First, let me tell the ministers my hopes."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji and Li Ji bowed at the same time.

"Furthermore, once all the princes have arrived in the capital, this year's political consultation can begin." Li Chengqian looked at Changsun Wuji and said, "Uncle, please make good preparations."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji bowed deeply, knowing that the time had come.

……

In the Wude Hall, Li Chengqian sat on the imperial couch.

Those of the third rank or above in the civil and military ranks of the court stood on the left side of the main hall, while all the princes of the realm stood on the right side of the main hall.

There were also countless officials standing in the main hall.

With the memorial in his hand, Li Chengqian looked at Prince Zhuang, Li Feng, who stood in the hall with a fearful expression, and said coldly, "Issue an imperial decree: Prince Zhuang, Li Feng, is corrupt and tyrannical. He is hereby dismissed from all official positions and ordered to cultivate himself in Zhongnan Mountain to reflect on his mistakes. He is not to return to Chang'an without an imperial decree."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Li Feng bowed with a bitter expression. He had made thorough preparations, but the emperor had still noticed some things.

Li Chengqian waved his hand, and Li Feng returned to the train.

Li Chengqian looked at the assembled officials and said calmly, "Issue the decree that Prince Yan, Li Jiu, shall be appointed as the Prefect of Shouzhou, and Zheng Xuanguo, the Registrar of Youzhou, shall be the Chief Secretary of Prince Yan and the Chief Secretary of Shouzhou. Starting next year, a copy of all reports from Shouzhou shall be sent to Prince Yan. By the end of next year, Prince Yan shall participate in political consultations."

Li Jiu stepped out from the ranks, solemnly cupped his hands, and said, "Your subject accepts the decree and thanks Your Majesty for your great favor."

Li Chengqian waved his hand slightly, and Li Jiu then returned to the ranks.

Li Chengqian's gaze swept over the princes, and he said solemnly, "Local administration must not only be directed at the people, but also at officials and clerks. They must act in accordance with the law and morality, and must not be harsh or scolding. For example, servants, if they are dismissed, locked out, or even exiled, are all within their grasp."

"Your Majesty, we will obey your instructions." The princes looked solemn.

Crown Prince Li Xiang stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Please calm your anger, Your Majesty. Although the Prince of Guo was wrong, he has already been punished, so it is over. All the princes will surely learn from this lesson and govern with benevolence and love for the people."

Your Majesty is wise and benevolent, fair and just, and respected by all the princes. Although there are minor flaws, they do not detract from the fact that the princes' administration is clear and efficient, and the provinces are well-governed. Your son requests Your Majesty to reward the princes.”

"Approved!" Li Chengqian nodded slightly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The princes finally relaxed and looked at the crown prince with gratitude.

At this moment, Li Xiang continued to bow and said, "Your Majesty, the princes are now serving in their respective regions, and they are diligently following Your Majesty's decrees, maintaining harmony in their areas. This is a sign of a prosperous era. Therefore, on behalf of the princes, I respectfully request Your Majesty to perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Song, so that the country may be stable, the imperial enterprise may be prosperous, and the virtuous members of the imperial family may serve the world."

"Your Majesty, we humbly request that you perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Song, so that the empire may be stable and the imperial enterprise may be prosperous." The princes knelt down in unison and kowtowed deeply.

All the ministers and ministers on the left, as well as all the officials of the fifth rank and above in the court, knelt down in unison and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, we humbly request that you perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Song, so that the Tang Dynasty may last for ten thousand years, the country may last for ten thousand years, and Your Majesty may last for ten thousand years."

A deafening roar echoed throughout the entire hall, reverberating endlessly.

"You all!" Li Chengqian sat on the imperial couch, looking at the kneeling officials, and sighed softly. He raised his eyes and looked outside the hall. After a long while, he spoke softly, "Since you all have put in such effort, I cannot object. So be it. We will hold the Fengshan ceremony next year."

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" The ministers' faces immediately lit up with smiles.

"Rise, all of you." Li Chengqian raised his hand slightly, then looked to the side and said, "Uncle, I appoint you as the Fengshan Ambassador to oversee everything. You will then discuss the Fengshan time and ceremony with the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. I will go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to report to my father and grandfather about the Fengshan ceremony. Their son and grandson have finally reached the stage of Fengshan today."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji, Li Baiyao, and Lu Chengqing all bowed in unison.

"Alright, that's enough for now. I'll head to the Imperial Ancestral Temple first." Li Chengqian said, then stood up from his imperial couch and walked down the steps.

The assembled officials bowed in unison and said, "Respectfully seeing Your Majesty off!"

Li Chengqian nodded, then stepped out of the Wude Hall.

Zhang Anan followed cautiously to the side.

Although the surrounding officials bowed their heads, their joy was evident. The Fengshan ceremony meant that their names would also be recorded in history.

Li Chengqian had just reached the gate of Daji when he saw Su Shu walking over from the opposite side in a hurry.

Li Chengqian was slightly taken aback. Although the Fengshan ceremony was a significant event, everything had already been decided, so there was no need for the Empress to come directly.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Su Shu bowed to Li Chengqian with a joyful expression and said, "Your Majesty, the Crown Princess has just been diagnosed with pregnancy."

Li Chengqian was taken aback, then his face lit up with joy. He waved his hand slightly and said, "Go tell the Crown Prince that the Tang Dynasty has a clear succession."

"Yes!" Su Shu smiled and stood up, then turned and headed towards the Martial Virtue Hall. Soon, cheers erupted from there.

Li Chengqian smiled and looked up at the white clouds overhead.

Twenty years.

(End of this chapter)