Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 5328 This is too much of a bullying!
Li Jingye's hurried footsteps faded away outside the door, and the academy fell silent for a moment.

After a long silence, Liu Ji sighed softly, carefully choosing his words, and slowly said, "Your Majesty... is too hasty."

Li Chengqian understood the implication of his words, but he didn't take it seriously. Instead, he said with a hint of self-deprecation, "I am the emperor, the ruler of the world, yet I cannot even choose my own successor from my own heart. Instead, I have to consider this and worry about that. Has there ever been an emperor like me since ancient times?"

Liu Ji said, “Your Majesty is mistaken. The world does not belong to Your Majesty alone, but to all people. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.”

Even if the emperor truly is the ruler of the world, holding the power of life and death over all people, he cannot openly proclaim it!
Besides, how can the allocation of the crown prince position be a matter for you alone?
All those whose interests are tied to the Tang Empire are concerned about the succession and the foundation of the state. How can you disregard their demands for interests and act unilaterally?

Seeing that Li Chengqian remained silent with a sullen face, he advised again: "As the saying goes, those who follow the right path will find many helpers, while those who stray from it will find few. Your Majesty should not place yourself in opposition to everyone. Your Majesty is in the prime of life, full of vigor and strength. Even if you have such intentions, you should proceed slowly and methodically. Why bother with short-term gains?"

Li Chengqian remained silent, instead frowning and pondering for a long time before suddenly realizing something.

"When Emperor Taizong was alive, his prestige was unparalleled, and he was able to make decisions on military and political affairs with a single word. The important officials in the court were merely figureheads, all obeying orders. But since I ascended the throne, political affairs have been decided by the Council of State Affairs, military affairs by the Grand Council, and even the Ministry of Personnel, because of my uncle, the Prince of Hejian, has prevented me from interfering in personnel matters... No wonder Fang Jun strongly supported me as the crown prince back then; he wanted to make me a puppet, while you civil and military officials would control the government and wield all power. Now you are all beneficiaries of this system. You don't care whether the emperor is wise or foolish, good or bad, because none of that matters, because the empire is in your hands."

This is a statement that strikes at the heart.

Liu Ji's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly got up and knelt on the ground in a panic: "Your Majesty's words leave me no choice but to speak. We subjects are loyal to the empire and to Your Majesty, and we would never dare to have the slightest disloyal thought!"

If His Majesty's words today were to be spread, all the ministers of the Council of State and the Grand Council would have to resign or retire voluntarily to demonstrate their loyalty.

Resigning or retiring might allow one to escape unscathed, but it would inevitably leave a stain on history books as "a treacherous minister abusing power," a consequence worse than death.

How could the ministers of the State Affairs Hall and the Grand Council be willing to bear the infamy for generations, and even have their descendants bear the name of "traitor"?

It's possible that some people might take the risk.

Because history is written by the victors...

Li Chengqian realized that he had spoken without thinking. Although he had thought so for a long time, he absolutely could not say it!
"I misspoke, my dear minister, you need not take it to heart."

Once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back. However, Li Chengqian was not too concerned. He did not have the cunning of Zhinu, so his thoughts would be exposed to these ministers sooner or later. What difference would it make if it was a few days earlier or later?
You can't force me, the emperor, to abdicate and hand over the throne to the crown prince at knifepoint, can you?

Let alone others, even Fang Jun would do the same...

So he has nothing to be afraid of.

On the contrary, this could be a chance to show these ministers his anger—you people have gone too far in bullying me!

Liu Ji refused to rise: "Since Your Majesty promoted me, I have worked day and night, neglecting sleep and meals, daring not to be idle for even a moment for fear of failing Your Majesty's trust. I dare not compare myself to the virtuous ministers of the past, but I do consider myself to be wholeheartedly devoted to public service, loyal and diligent... I am terrified!"

Your Majesty is indeed the ruler of a country, but you cannot erase all my merits with such slanderous words. Now the Imperial Diarist is recording the dialogue between the emperor and his ministers behind the curtain. Once this is passed down to future generations, what will become of my reputation?
Li Chengqian took a deep breath, stared at Liu Ji for a long time, and then slowly said, "It was my fault for speaking rudely, and my dear minister has been wronged."

Liu Ji then got up and returned to his seat.

“Your humble servant’s advice is not to defy Your Majesty’s imperial decree, but because Your Majesty is the ruler of the world, and your words carry the imperial law and are golden words. Your Majesty’s authority cannot be compromised.”

As the ruler of a country, the emperor's words naturally carry the weight of imperial authority and are law; once an imperial decree is issued, none dare disobey.

Conversely, if the emperor's decree is met with resistance or criticism, and his subjects outwardly comply but inwardly defy it or even openly reject it, what kind of emperor are you?
Therefore, an emperor should not issue an edict lightly unless he is absolutely certain of its outcome; otherwise, if even one person disobeys, it could lead to extremely dire consequences.

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "Although I am the Emperor of the Great Tang, I am not a tyrant. Since the day I ascended the throne, I have opened up channels for advice and humbly accepted criticism. I have been kind and benevolent to my ministers, and I often pardon them even if they have made serious mistakes. How could I not listen to honest advice that is hard to hear?"

It's alright if you sideline me.

It doesn't matter if you don't listen to me, the emperor.

Do you think the people of the world sympathize with me, the emperor, or curse you as "traitors"?
Without you "treacherous officials" and "cuckolds," how could I demonstrate my "generosity" and "benevolence"?
Liu Ji was stunned on the spot, his heart surging with emotion.

Is His Majesty doing this on purpose, seeking public support by humiliating himself in the process?

So, is His Majesty's insistence on changing the heir apparent truly his own will, or is he plotting something else entirely?

For the first time, he put aside all his contempt for the seemingly peaceful, timid, and even somewhat cowardly emperor in front of him.

He even felt that he should reconsider his stance.

*****
A troop of "Hundred Cavalry" cavalrymen in black helmets and armor emerged from the side gate of the palace, crossed Chengtianmen Street, their cloaks fluttering and hooves thundering, and rode grandly through the main street all the way to the Weiwei Temple government office, attracting officials from nearby government offices to come out and watch.

Although the "Hundred Riders Division" had the privilege of riding freely within the Imperial City, such a thing had never happened when Li Junxian was the commander of the "Hundred Riders Division". Humility, forbearance and knowledge of rules were the impressions Li Junxian gave people, but now the newly appointed commander was doing the opposite.

Parading around town, full of youthful vigor and ambition, it doesn't seem like a good thing for such a spirited young man to be in charge of the privileged "Hundred Cavalry Division"...

At the gate of the Imperial Guard Temple, Li Jingye led his iron cavalry in a whirlwind. Upon reaching the gate, he reined in his horse, dismounted, and kicked aside the gatekeeper who was about to stop him from asking questions. Surrounded by soldiers, he strode up the steps and entered the gate.

Seeing them barging in so recklessly, an official immediately shouted, "This is a government office, how can you act so arrogantly and without any manners? Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

Li Jingye's arrogance wasn't due to a sudden rise to power; rather, it was simply his consistent style: loyal, upright, and fiercely aggressive.

He ignored the reprimands and led his men straight to Dugu Lan's duty room.

The official was furious and was about to say more when a colleague pulled him back: "Are you crazy? This is the newly appointed commander of the 'Hundred Cavalry Division'!"

The official was startled and felt a pang of fear for his earlier recklessness. He admitted his mistake on the spot, but it was too embarrassing for him to save face. After Li Jingye and the others had walked away, he whispered, "What can the commander of the 'Hundred Cavalry Division' do? He can't be unreasonable!"

"You're going to reason with them?"

A colleague scoffed, "These kinds of close advisors to the king are the most arrogant and domineering when they are young. In two or three years, they will probably become another Fang Er."

Upon hearing this, the official immediately shut up.

Just thinking about how arrogant and domineering the second son of the Zhenguan court was back then, relying on the favor and trust of Emperor Taizong and the status and power of his father, sends chills down one's spine.

That's a "peerless villain" who dared to punch a prince, abuse a minister, and trample a prince's mansion with his horse—he's incredibly arrogant...

……

Inside the duty room, ignoring Li Jingye who barged in, Dugu Lan looked at Li Bi, the Junior Minister of the Imperial Guard, who was discussing matters, and said with a smile, "Your nephew is young and spirited, unconventional, and acts straightforwardly and decisively. The Duke of Ying's mansion has a worthy successor."

Li Bi remained expressionless: "Young people are full of ambition and eager to make progress. With His Majesty's support, they should be willing to go through fire and water without caring about personal gains or losses, unlike us bureaucrats who are mediocre and trapped in our old ways. I think that's not bad."

"hehe."

Dugu Lan smiled meaningfully before turning to Li Jingye: "Commander Li, what is your intention in entering without prior notice?"

Li Jingye paid no attention to his sarcastic remarks, standing tall and spirited: "By order of His Majesty, I inquire about the progress of the case involving Li Siwen, Cheng Chubi, and Qu Tuquan."

Dugu Lan shook his head and said, "The case is quite complicated, spans a long period of time, and involves many people. It needs to be carefully examined so as not to implicate innocent people... Therefore, it will take some time."

Li Jingye nodded: "What Minister Dugu said makes sense. From now on, the 'Hundred Cavalry Division' will be involved to urge and supervise the process. We must not only speed up the trial, but also carefully verify the facts to avoid implicating innocent people. Minister Dugu, please send someone to interrogate the three people immediately."

"absurd!"

Dugu Lan was displeased: "When did the 'Hundred Cavalry Division' have the authority to conduct investigations?"

“We are not conducting an investigation, but rather participating in urging and supervising to prevent the Imperial Guard from confusing right and wrong and protecting criminals in order to cover up their crimes.”

"presumptuous!"

Dugu Lan was furious: "You are just a mere commander of the 'Hundred Cavalry Division,' yet you dare to be so arrogant in front of me! This is simply outrageous!"

Li Jingye was not angry. Instead, he laughed and said, "How dare I be disrespectful to Minister Dugu? But I cannot disobey the imperial decree. From now on, I will be stationed at the Imperial Guard to personally guard the three generals until Minister Dugu has thoroughly investigated the case and revealed the truth."

After speaking, he ignored Dugu Lan's ashen face, nodded to Li Bi, and strode away.

Dugu Lan patted his forehead, his head throbbing with pain.

He didn't know why His Majesty had suddenly changed his mind. He had previously agreed to only imprison and transfer the three men, but why did His Majesty send Li Jingye, this hothead, to urge and supervise them, as if he wanted to completely convict the three men?

I was planning to bet on both sides and profit from both, but this is going to be difficult...