Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 5313 Commander of a Hundred Cavalry
British government.

As dusk settled in the study, the candlelight illuminated every detail of the room, while rain and snow glistened on the windowpane.

Between winter and spring, rain and snow fell incessantly.

After finishing his meal, Li Ji, dressed in casual clothes, sat in a chair drinking tea. He sent his sons away, leaving only the uneasy Li Jingye to sit beside him. Upon first hearing his grandfather relay the Emperor's decree, Li Jingye was initially surprised and overjoyed, but then put on a serious face, trying to appear calm and composed. He dared not reveal the slightest bit of his inner excitement and elation.

Commander of the "Hundred Cavalry"?
The king's close advisors and the emperor's henchmen—that's exactly where I'll put my skills to use...

Li Ji put down his teacup, looked at the solemn-faced Changsun, and asked calmly, "What do you think about this matter?"

Li Jingye knew that his grandfather had high expectations for him, but was not satisfied with his performance all along, and even forbade him from serving in the frontier army. Could it be that this time his grandfather would not allow him to serve as the commander of the "Hundred Cavalry Division"?

With a thought racing through his mind, he solemnly declared, "We soldiers take it upon ourselves to obey orders, to protect the imperial power, and to safeguard our homeland. We will obey the imperial command without hesitation, even unto death!"

Since His Majesty has already appointed me as the commander of the "Hundred Cavalry Division", surely you, grandfather, would not disobey the imperial decree?

If you disobey His Majesty's decree, you will not be a loyal subject!
Li Ji was known for his wisdom and resourcefulness throughout his life, so how could he not see through his grandson's little scheme?
He shook his head and said, "Tell me, if you were to take over the 'Hundred Cavalry Command,' what would you do?"

"Ok?"

The expected reprimand and belittlement did not occur, nor did the grandfather show any resistance to his becoming the commander of the "Hundred Cavalry Division". Does this mean that his grandfather has approved his appointment?
Li Jingye was overjoyed and hurriedly said, "Grandson is ignorant and inexperienced, please teach me, Grandfather!"

You always tell me I'm no good at this or that, but this time I won't make decisions on my own. I'll do whatever you tell me to do, okay?

Li Ji, with a stern face, rebuked, "You're an adult now. If you don't even have your own opinion on how to walk your own path, what kind of future can you expect?"

Li Jingye: "..."

Isn't this a double whammy?
Although he was unhappy, he dared not complain to his grandfather in the slightest and said sincerely, "Please teach me, Grandfather!"

Li Ji then slowly said, "In your opinion, why did His Majesty dismiss Li Junxian and appoint you this time?"

Li Jingye knew this was a test his grandfather had given him. If he couldn't answer it or answered it wrong, he would probably have to go to the palace and firmly refuse the emperor's request.

His mind raced, and after a long pause, he cautiously said, "Although Li Junxian made great contributions during His Majesty's ascension to the throne and has been deeply trusted by His Majesty over the years, he has a very close relationship with Fang Jun and other 'benevolent and meritorious officials,' which is very taboo."

What kind of entity is the "Hundred Riders Division"?

Those are the king's wings and the emperor's claws, the foundation His Majesty uses to maintain imperial rule. If the commander of the "Hundred Cavalry Division" has connections with the interests of various parties, how can he maintain absolute loyalty?

If loyalty is not absolute, then it is absolutely disloyal.

It was only right that he be removed from office.

"that's it?"

Li Ji was clearly disappointed: "Li Junxian may not be pure, but are you pure?"

Li Jingye puffed out his chest, his face solemn: "Of course I am pure! Since the Li family entered the Tang Dynasty, we have been trusted and valued by three generations of emperors. My father even once held the reins of the court and was in charge of all affairs of state as a military officer. Everyone in the Li family is willing to sacrifice their lives for the Tang Dynasty, even if it means going through fire and water!"

He was deeply in love with the Tang Dynasty and was willing to give everything for the emperor. In short, he was loyal!
Li Ji had a headache and scolded, "Speak properly! Why are you shouting so loudly? You're giving me a headache!"

I couldn't help but sigh.

Loyalty to the emperor and love for one's country are certainly good things. How can a great man, born between heaven and earth, be mediocre and drift with the tide?

However, his eldest grandson was filled with fanaticism for the Li Tang royal family. Nothing should be taken to extremes, otherwise one's mind will become clouded, one's vision will be obscured, and one will be unable to distinguish between family and country, country and emperor. With the slightest instigation, one is very likely to go astray.

Driven by his fervent passion, he was even willing to sacrifice his entire family to the point of destruction...

Seeing Li Jingye's excited and passionate expression, Li Ji had no choice but to be blunt: "His Majesty is very determined to change the heir apparent, but Li Junxian is a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince's faction and cannot possibly fully comply with His Majesty's wishes. Therefore, if His Majesty intends to change the heir apparent, he must undermine the solid foundation of the Eastern Palace... If His Majesty asks you to cooperate with him in changing the heir apparent, what will you do?"

Li Jingye blinked: "I... I'll do whatever my grandfather tells me to do!"

In any case, it's best to get my grandfather's approval first so I can take over as commander of the "Hundred Cavalry Division," and put everything else aside for now.

Only good children get to eat icing sugar; naughty children not only don't get any, but they also get beaten up...

Li Ji stared at his eldest grandson for a long while, his expression unreadable and showing no sign of anger, before calmly saying, "You must be loyal to the emperor and serve the country, but you must also have a sense of awe and be able to distinguish between what you should do and what you shouldn't do. If it is something you should do, you must do it even if it means overcoming all difficulties and going through fire and water; if it is something you shouldn't do, even if there are mountains of gold and silver ahead and the future seems bright, you must pull back from the brink and resolutely not do it."

After saying this, he sighed and shook his head, feeling that he was making things difficult for his eldest grandson.

How to distinguish between "talented person" and "outstanding person"?
Knowing what to do and what not to do is what makes someone a "talented person".

Do what you should do, be firm in your will and unwavering in your commitment; and stick to your principles and maintain mental stability in what you shouldn't do—only then can you be called an "outstanding person".

The former are everywhere, while the latter are one in ten thousand.

But his own eldest grandson, by all accounts, couldn't be considered a "prodigy"...

For some reason, I'm reminded of that phrase that was often joked about and mentioned by people in and out of government and the public a couple of years ago.

Having a son should be like having Fang Yi'ai...

As people age, after a lifetime of hard work and ambition, they suddenly realize that even if they become high-ranking officials and amass great wealth, without a qualified successor, it is all in vain.

The title earned with one's life will be revoked, the wealth accumulated over half a lifetime will be squandered, and the illustrious reputation will be swept into the dust.

*****
Royal study room.

The candles on the candlesticks burned brightly, making the room as bright as day. A thin layer of condensation covered the glass, keeping out the wind and rain from the courtyard and keeping it warm as spring.

Sitting behind his desk, Li Chengqian looked at Li Junxian and Li Jingye, who were kneeling before him to express their gratitude. He felt a mix of emotions, both complex and profound.

Especially Li Junxian.

He truly trusted and relied on this minister who had spared no effort in supporting him during his most difficult and dangerous times. Even though the minister had a close relationship with Fang Jun, he never harbored the slightest suspicion towards him.

However, at this moment, they have no choice but to remove him from this position and replace him with someone more loyal and capable of leveraging their influence.

He stepped out from behind the imperial desk, stood in front of the two men, patted Li Junxian's shoulder heavily, and said with a smile, "A ruler's word is his bond. I have finally fulfilled the promise I made to you."

Li Junxian was filled with gratitude and choked with emotion. After a long while, he finally spoke in a hoarse voice, tears streaming down his face: "Your Majesty's kindness and benevolence are unparalleled throughout history. I will certainly devote myself wholeheartedly to the frontier, braving fire and water, to defend Your Majesty's territory, even unto death!"

Throughout history, almost every emperor who has held power has had someone like him by their side, wielding mysterious power to maintain the stability of imperial authority. But because of this, they also learn too many royal secrets and do too many shady things. In order to maintain the emperor's glorious and majestic image, they generally do not have a good ending.

Especially for someone like him, a henchman who had served two dynasties and participated in several coups, a cup of poisoned wine and a three-foot-long white silk ribbon were considered acts of loyalty by the emperor; the extermination of his entire family was also commonplace...

When has there ever been a precedent of someone escaping unscathed?
I am extremely grateful for this ability.

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "We, as ruler and subject, have known and supported each other for so many years. We should end this relationship well and leave behind a beautiful story. There is no need to say more about gratitude. This is what you deserve."

After a pause, he said, "After you have finished handing things over with Li Jingye these past few days, go to the Ministry of War to report for duty and head to Liaodong to assume your post."

Although Goguryeo had been destroyed and Silla had submitted to the Qing dynasty and was under the rule of Li Ke, there were still many remnants of Goguryeo in Liaodong who harbored resentment and stirred up trouble. In addition, the court was about to vigorously develop the black soil of Liaodong and needed a stable environment. Therefore, the Council of State Affairs had decided to establish the "Andong Governor-General's Office" in Liaodong to give full control over the vast area stretching from Liaodong in the east to the former territory of Balhae in the west.

The first Grand Protector of the "Andong Protectorate" was Cui Dunli.

With sufficient qualifications and outstanding achievements, but with no vacancy for the position of prime minister, Cui Dunli had no choice but to travel to Liaodong.

The successor to the position of Minister of War was Liu Rengui.

Li Junxian readily agreed: "Yes!"

Although the journey to Liaodong is long and arduous, with its high mountains and harsh waters, the vast land offers great opportunities. If the development of the Andong Protectorate and the administration of its various ethnic groups are successfully completed, bringing such a vast region into the territory of the Tang Dynasty, it will surely be a great achievement and leave a lasting mark on history.

"Alright, you may leave now."

"Here."

After Li Junxian withdrew, Li Chengqian stood in front of Li Jingye with his hands behind his back, looking down at the latter kneeling on one knee, and nodded in satisfaction.

With broad shoulders, a thick back, long arms, and a slender waist, he exuded a fierce and valiant aura.

He looks like a brave and unparalleled warrior, yet easy to control...

"You're so dedicated, stand up and speak."

Li Chengqian was very amiable.

"Here."

Li Jingye stood up, his excited gaze meeting His Majesty's directly.

Li Chengqian: "..."

This kid's a greenhorn, how could he be so rude?

However, instead of getting angry, he laughed happily.

Young people should be so energetic and passionate!
That's how we should make them go wherever they want, without hesitation!

What's the point of always thinking things through and weighing the pros and cons?
"Has your grandfather given you any instructions or entrustment regarding your succession as commander of the 'Hundred Cavalry Division'?"

Li Ji was well aware of Li Jingye's intentions in appointing him.
By having Li Jingye carry out the emperor's will, it was tantamount to completely binding Li Ji to his chariot; otherwise, the grandfather and grandson would turn against each other, and the whole family would be in turmoil.

His ultimate goal was naturally to become the heir apparent.