Tang Dynasty: The Holy Prince, the Dragon that Reigns Over the World

"My dear, our Qilin slave is now famous. People in Chang'an City all call Yun'er the reincarnation of the Son of Heaven. She is the fairy who will take over your place and continue to bring blessings to the Tang Dynasty." Qu Jingwen said with a smile, looking at Qilin slave with full of doting.

"These two old charlatans are really good at fooling people. Qilin Slave, grandfather, father and the people of the Tang Dynasty all have high hopes for you. You must not let them down, especially the people. Do you understand?" Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Qilinnu knows that the Master taught that a ruler should be like his grandfather and father, with the world in mind and sympathy for the people. I have also read the warning words written by my father in the study: The ruler is the head of the people and the master of the empire. He is believed by the people and worshipped by the people. He should seek the welfare of the people and bring peace to the world.

How can we harm the people of the world because of the likes and dislikes of one person, or the rise and fall of one family? It is easy to abuse the people, but it is difficult to deceive God. Beware! Beware! "Li Yun nodded.

"Okay, good boy Yun'er. But don't worry, Yun'er. When Yun'er ascends the throne, your father will have already laid a great foundation for Yun'er. By then, no one in the Tang Dynasty will be able to shake it. By then, Yun'er can rule the country without worrying too much.

However, my father has already canonized Yun'er as the crown prince, so I still have to go to the palace to express my gratitude." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"My dear, let's go and see Confucius first." Yu Moyun took over Li Yun and said.

"What's wrong, Master?" Li Chengqian asked in surprise.

"Alas, the old illness recurred at the beginning of this spring. During the time when my husband was in Tubo, he coughed up blood. He has been bedridden for some time. After seeing him, the old immortals Sun and Ziyang said that the old master was at the end of his rope and was hanging on for a breath because he had unfulfilled wishes.

The old master sent his son Kong Zhiyuan to the mansion several times to inquire about the whereabouts of the young master, probably wanting to see the young master again." Su Wan'er said.

"Ah Hu, quickly prepare the horse, I want to go see the Master." Li Chengqian cried out with a sad face after hearing this.

Soon, Li Chengqian rode on Zidian and galloped towards the Kong Mansion. When he arrived at the Kong Mansion, he saw that everyone in the Kong Mansion was sad, and he felt bad. Kong Zhiyuan went out to greet Li Chengqian, and when he was about to salute, Li Chengqian grabbed him and said.

"Brother Zhiyuan, there is no need to be so polite. I am your student, not an outsider. How is your teacher?"

"Father has been waiting for His Highness to return, saying that he would not be able to rest in peace if he could not see His Highness again. Father was unconscious last night, and the old immortal Sun rushed to rescue him, but he did not wake up. This morning he suddenly woke up, looking energetic and ruddy. Not only did he drink a large bowl of porridge, he also told me that the prince would come to visit today, and asked me to prepare well.

After seeing this, the old immortal Sun said that it was my father's last moments of life, but he was afraid, afraid that he would not survive today." Kong Zhiyuan finished speaking and burst into tears.

"Hurry, lead the way." Li Chengqian walked in hurriedly with tears in his eyes. When he arrived in front of the study, Li Chengqian wiped his tears, straightened his clothes, and walked in with a smile. Kong Yingda was sitting at the head of the table, looking good, closing his eyes and stroking his beard. When he saw Li Chengqian coming in, he smiled.

"Your Highness, I have finally waited for you. If Your Highness had not come, I would have gone first. Now that I can see Your Highness for the last time, I can die with peace of mind."

"Master, why do you say that? I see that you have a rosy complexion and will be able to live a hundred years longer." After saying that, Li Chengqian took a step back, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to the ground.

"Student Li Chengqian greets the teacher."

"Haha, Your Highness, there is no need to be so polite. In my life, there are two things I am proud of. One is that I am a descendant of Confucius, and the other is that I taught a saintly prince like Your Highness. Seeing Your Highness becoming more and more wise and brave, I have no regrets even if I die. In the nine springs of hell, I have done my best for my ancestors and my great-grandfather. Having such a disciple is enough to comfort me in my life, enough to comfort me in my life." Kong Yingda stroked his beard and laughed heartily.

"Your Highness, my life span has come to an end, and the relationship between you and me as king and subject is coming to an end. Before I die, I have something to report to you, Your Highness." Kong Yingda said solemnly.

"Teacher, please speak. I am waiting for your instruction." Li Chengqian stood up and walked to Kong Yingda, leaning forward to listen.

"Well, Your Highness is a young hero. Since you became regent, you have reformed the government and expanded the territory, making our Tang Dynasty the most powerful country. I am not flattering you. Your Highness's achievements have benefited the country and the people, and even the Qin Emperor and Han Emperor could not match them. Your Highness has been unprecedented and will be hard to surpass.

However, the military achievements are already great, as for civil governance. I am a dying man, and there is no need to hide the fact that Your Highness is still lacking in civil governance. I have taught Your Highness and persuaded You many times that if you want to be a sage king, both civil governance and military governance are indispensable.

The reason why I asked to be the Dean of the Imperial Academy is to help Your Highness lay a solid foundation for civil governance. Your Highness should vigorously develop civil governance and educate the world. Only when the people know etiquette and honor, and the world understands the truth, can the world be stable and peaceful for a long time. Now that my time has come, I hope Your Highness will think about my last words. "Kong Yingda said, stroking his beard.

"I will remember your words, teacher. I am ready to order someone to compile a great book on civil administration, and you will be the editor-in-chief." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Oh? That's great, very good. But my life span is over, and I'm afraid I can't compile this grand ceremony for Your Highness. I would like to recommend someone to Your Highness. Xu Jingzong has just completed the "Veritable Records" of the Wude and Zhenguan dynasties. In my opinion, he is rigorous in his academic research and pragmatic in his conduct. His talent is not inferior to mine, so he should be the editor-in-chief." Kong Yingda said happily.

"Teacher, you should take good care of your health. With you in charge, the students will have nothing to worry about." Li Chengqian said.

"Alas, I know my body is in bad condition. I am afraid I cannot complete your request. I would like to recommend two more people to your Highness." Kong Yingda said weakly at this time.

"Teacher, why don't you take a rest?" Li Chengqian stroked his back with concern.

"It doesn't matter. Life and death are determined by fate. I am not a person who fears death. When I was the principal of the Imperial Academy, I discovered two great talents. One is from Xiangyang, Xiangzhou, surnamed Zhang, named Jianzhi, and styled Mengjiang. He has passed the imperial examination and is now the chancellor of Qingyuan. The other is from Jinyang, surnamed Di, named Renjie, styled Huaiying. He is 14 years old and is currently studying at the Imperial Academy.

These two people are both talented in managing the country and helping the people. I hope Your Highness will cultivate them well and they can become prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty in the future." Kong Yingda said.

"Yes, I was just worried about the political officials in Xizhou. Your recommendation can solve my urgent problem." Li Chengqian was very shocked at this time. The two famous wise ministers of the Tang Dynasty were about to appear on the scene.

"Then I have no regrets. I still have one wish. Your Highness, could you still call me teacher?" Kong Yingda said weakly, gasping for breath.

Li Chengqian took two steps back, straightened his clothes again, bowed deeply to the ground, and spoke loudly.

"I, your student Li Chengqian, would like to thank you for your hard work and careful teaching over the years. Dear teacher, please accept my greetings." After greeting, Kong Yingda was seen sitting upright on a chair, stroking his beard and closing his eyes, without a sound. Li Chengqian went forward to check, and it turned out that Kong Yingda had passed away with a smile on his face.

Li Chengqian sighed and called for the people from the Kong Mansion to come. When they heard that Kong Yingda had passed away, they rushed in and fell to the ground crying.

Li Chengqian looked at the mentor in front of him who treated him like his own son, taught him carefully, and devoted himself silently to him. He bowed to the ground again and cried.

"Prince of the Tang Dynasty, Li Chengqian, a student of Confucius, respectfully bids farewell to my dear teacher. Rest in peace, dear teacher. I am bidding you farewell."

After standing up, Li Chengqian said loudly.

"Come here, pass on the instructions of my prince: the late Duke of Qufu, the Silver and Green Guanglu Doctor, the Upper Guard Army, and the Dean of the Imperial Academy, Confucius Yingda. He is upright and knowledgeable, humble and polite, a great scholar of the time, and the leader of the Confucian community. He is truly an arm of the saints, a pillar of the country, and a good teacher for students.

Confucius Yingda worked tirelessly and devoted all his efforts to teaching the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty since he entered the East Palace. During his lifetime, he spread Confucianism, educated the people, and recommended talents. His achievements are commendable and his virtues are outstanding.

Unfortunately, he passed away. I have lost my teacher, the Tang Dynasty has lost a great scholar, and the students have lost a famous teacher. I am very sad, the country is very sad, the scholars are very sad, and the students are very sad. Their grief can be seen by the sun and the moon.

In order to show his merits and honor, I hereby confer the title of Minister of Education, Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, and Special Promotion to the rank of Grand Master of Imperial Households on Kong Yingda. He is promoted to the rank of Duke of Yansheng (Duke of Yansheng is a hereditary title for the eldest descendant of Confucius, which began in 1055 (the second year of the Song Dynasty)), Duke of Guo, and his fiefdom is the hometown of Confucius, which is hereditary.

I grant you the posthumous title of Xian (according to the Yi Zhou Shu, Explanation of the Posthumous Titles and Laws, a saint who can follow the laws of heaven can be called Xian, a person who can create laws and establish laws can be called Xian, and a person who can follow the laws of civil and military affairs can be called Xian). I will be honored in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. When I ascend the throne, I will bury you in my mausoleum.

My dear teacher, your heroic spirit will live forever, and the future generations will share the glory with the Tang Dynasty. My dear teacher, I will go to the underworld to listen to your teachings after a hundred years. My dear teacher, thank you for everything you have done for me. "

After hearing Li Chengqian's order, everyone in the Kong family knelt down to express their gratitude. Kong Zhiyuan cried while holding Kong Yingda's body.

"Father, did you hear that? Your Highness, thank you for your kindness. Father can rest in peace in his grave."

"Brother Zhiyuan, please accept my condolences. Do you have any other requests? I will grant them for the sake of my mentor." Li Chengqian pulled Kong Zhiyuan up and said.

"Your Highness's kindness, the whole family of the Kong family is grateful to you and we are unable to repay you. How dare we ask for more? When my father was alive, he always taught us to be contented. Our Kong family is the descendant of Confucius, so we should take it as our responsibility to promote Confucianism and educate the world.

"My father worked hard all his life to realize his aspirations. Now he dies with a smile on his face. How can we disgrace his holy name just for our own desires?" Kong Zhiyuan cried.

"Your Highness, I do not seek an official position or wealth. I just hope that Your Highness can allow me to build a tomb for my father in my hometown. My father often missed his hometown when he was alive. I hope Your Highness will grant me permission." Kong Zhiyuan knelt down and cried.

"Brother, your request is reasonable, and I will agree to it. Not only that, to carry forward my teacher's legacy, I want to establish academies throughout the Tang Dynasty to spread the teachings of various schools of thought and educate the people with Confucianism. Brother, you can be the leader." Li Chengqian said, helping Kong Zhiyuan up.

"I am not talented enough to take on this important task. My second brother, Kong Zhiyue, has inherited my father's true teachings, is proficient in medicine, and has also dabbled in various schools of thought. He is qualified to take on this position.

I have no intention of pursuing a career in politics. I only wish to make a grass grove in front of my father's grave and recite ancient classics to him every day to fulfill my filial duty." Kong Zhiyuan said.

"Brother, you are indifferent to fame and wealth, and are extremely filial and respectful. It is a great comfort for my teacher to have such a son." Li Chengqian sighed.

After Li Chengqian said goodbye and left the Confucius Mansion, he returned to the Prince's Mansion and locked himself in the study. He cried and wrote a eulogy in his own handwriting, but he still felt bad. In a state of anxiety, he sent someone to summon Xu Jingzong and asked him to write a copy for him.

On the second day, Li Chengqian entered the palace to thank Li Shimin. Wang De, Li Shimin's close confidant, personally came to the palace gate to greet Li Chengqian.

"Oh, Your Highness is back. I haven't seen you for many days. You want to kill me." Wang De saw Li Chengqian from afar and trotted over happily.

"Ah, Old Prince. I haven't seen you for a long time. You look energetic again. And your Highness, Old Prince, I've said before that you are also an old man from the Qin Palace. You have taken care of me since I was young. I should call you uncle.

Now that there are no outsiders around, you should just call me Da Lang." Li Chengqian was in a bad mood. When he heard someone calling him, he saw that it was the old housekeeper of the Prince of Qin's Mansion and smiled.

"How dare I, my old slave? Now my young master is the crown prince of the empire. I dare not presumptuously call my young master Da Lang. I'd better call him my young master.

Young master is in a bad mood? But if you have any troubles, tell me, I might be able to help you solve your worries. " Wang De looked at Li Chengqian's lonely expression and said distressedly.

"Old Wang, the master is gone. I feel so sad." Li Chengqian said sadly.

"I heard that the Master was a good man. I heard that the Master left with a smile on his face, which shows that the Master's wish has been fulfilled, his worldly life has ended, and he is smiling in his grave.

Life and death are determined by fate, so don't worry, young master. The dead are gone, and we still have to live for the living. Young master still has the master and mistress, brothers and sisters, wife and children, and thousands of people. Young master's body is connected to the world, so you should take care of your body. "Wang De advised.

"Well, Old Wang is right. I understand." After Wang De's advice, Li Chengqian felt better. As they walked and talked, Wang De kept trying to make Li Chengqian happy. Just like when he was in the Qin Palace, this loyal old servant would try to make him happy when he was unhappy.

The two walked to the front of the Lizheng Hall and saw Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wugou standing in front of the hall looking at them with smiles. Li Chengqian walked forward quickly, lifted his skirt, knelt down and said.

"I have returned from Tibet and entered the palace to meet my father and mother. I have caused them to worry, and I am unfilial."

"Haha, my son, get up quickly and go into the hall to talk." Li Shimin said with a smile.

As soon as they entered the hall, Changsun Wugou called Li Chengqian closer, looked at him carefully, and said with a smile.

"My son has lost a lot of weight. Please have lunch here with me. I will cook for you myself."

"Haha, I, your father, will also take advantage of you. Usually, I want to eat the meals cooked by your mother, but I can't. Today, I, your father, will take advantage of Dalang." Li Shimin said with a smile, stroking his beard.

"Father, mother looks rosy and more energetic." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"It's Dalang's idea that we ask the old immortal Sun to come to the palace often to take care of our bodies." Changsun Wugou said with a smile.

"Da Lang, the Master has gone, and your father knows about it. Your father knows that you are upset, so he specially asked Wang De to go and meet you. He knows how to cheer you up. Da Lang, you submitted a petition for the Master's request, and your father has granted it. The Master should also receive Da Lang's favor.

The Master has gone, Dalang, please don't be too sad." Li Shimin said.

"Yes, Father, I understand." Li Chengqian nodded.

"Brother, brother, are you back? Zhinu missed you so much." The 15-year-old Li Zhi ran into the hall, shouting happily and leading the 12-year-old Li Mingda.

"You're getting married next year, why are you so unstable? Can't you learn from your elder brother?" Changsun Wugou said angrily.

"Mother, don't be too harsh. Zhinu is still young. Let Sizi hold you, elder brother. Our little Sizi is getting more and more beautiful." Li Chengqian picked up Li Mingda and said with a smile.

"Hmph, still young? You're going to get married and become a father, Dalang, don't spoil Zhinu. This kid's ability to be naughty is exactly the same as yours when you were a child. If he had half of your ability, I would feel at ease." Li Shimin said angrily.

"What you said, Aye! In the world, except Aye, who else can compare to my elder brother?" Li Zhi said with a smile.

"You, stop flattering me. When they were your age, Qingque and Kedi had already taken jobs outside the Great Wall. After your wedding next year, you should also leave Beijing to take a job and gain training." Li Chengqian said while rubbing Li Zhi's head.

"Brother, stop rubbing it, it hurts. Haven't I been to Goryeo? I just want to be a free and easy prince, staying in Chang'an with my father and mother." Li Zhi said with a bitter face.

"No, you were just assisting last time, but you will be in charge this time. How can we, the royal family of Li, be flowers in a greenhouse? In the future, when the territory of the Tang Dynasty expands, you will have to go out to serve as vassal states and guard the borders for the Tang Dynasty." Li Chengqian said firmly.

"Father, mother." Li Zhi pleaded with Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wugou with a bitter face.

"Don't beg us. Although I am still the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, your eldest brother has long been the one who has the final say in this family. Also, Dalang, you promised to ascend the throne this year. I still remember it." Li Shimin stroked his beard and smiled.

Li Chengqian's face instantly turned miserable.

"Wouldn't it be better to wait another two years?"

"No, this year." Li Shimin shook his head.

"The year after next." Li Chengqian argued.

"No." Li Shimin was firm.

"The year after next." Li Chengqian argued.

"No." Li Shimin was determined.

"Next year, next year should be fine, at least give me some time to prepare." Li Chengqian said anxiously.

"You're dead. You will ascend the throne in the early spring of next year. If you keep delaying, your father will tie you to the throne directly." Li Shimin said.

"Is the throne so hot? Why doesn't father want to be the emperor?" Li Chengqian wondered.

"Because I found that it's very enjoyable to be a hands-off boss." Li Shimin said with a wicked smile.