Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

Upon hearing His Majesty's words, the civil and military officials felt a sudden pang in their hearts, and then they all raised their wine cups and stood up to acknowledge him.

"Thank you for your care over the years, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, please!"

After a cup of wine, the atmosphere in the Taiji Hall became even more somber.

In particular, veteran officials of the Zhenguan era such as Fang Xuanling, Li Jing, Yuchi Gong, and Cheng Yaojin were deeply moved, their expressions showing profound emotion.

Throughout history, monarchs have been accustomed to killing meritorious officials, but Your Majesty has never taken the initiative to do so.

It was an honor for them, his subjects, to serve such a benevolent monarch.

Li Shimin glanced at the group of veteran officials from the Zhenguan era, then turned his gaze to Du He, Su Dingfang, Xue Rengui, Pei Xingjian, and Wang Fangyi.

“Xuanling, the pharmacist, Jingde, Tang Jian and others have all grown old.”

"The future Tang Dynasty will be the stage for young people like Du He, Su Dingfang, and Xue Rengui."

"A generational shift is a good thing!"

Upon hearing these words, the young officials showed excitement on their faces.

The expressions of those veteran officials from the Zhenguan era changed slightly.

His Majesty's words were not just casual remarks; they were a reminder to these veteran ministers of the Zhenguan era that it was time to give way to the younger generation.

These veteran officials from the Zhenguan era were all shrewd and astute. They all knew that once His Highness the Crown Prince ascended the throne, they might be gradually sidelined.

A moment of silence.

Yuchi Gong said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I have been following you since the third year of the Wude era, which is exactly 30 years now. I would like to retire at home with you."

"After working so hard for so many years, it's time for me to enjoy my retirement at home."

He had already resigned from his post in the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era, but the court continued to expand its territory and sent him to lead troops into battle on several occasions.

Now that his descendants have grown up, he no longer needs to be active in the court or among the people.

Li Jing patted Fang Xuanling's arm and said, "Your Majesty and I are both seriously ill and do not have many years left to live. It would be good if we could enjoy a few more days of peace and happiness."

"With young people like Du He, Li Ji, Ma Zhou, and Xue Rengui around, there's no need for us old men to point fingers."

He originally suffered from a hidden ailment, but under Sun Simiao's treatment, his condition was significantly alleviated.

It would be good to live a few more years now, hoping to witness the Tang Dynasty unifying the world.

As more and more veteran officials from the Zhenguan era expressed their opinions, both Li Shimin and Li Chengqian wore faint smiles.

Not bad!

The transfer of power was peaceful.

Li Shimin, who ascended the throne through the Xuanwu Gate Incident, was most aware of the serious consequences of the open and covert struggles between the old and new ministers.

Many veteran officials of the Wude era and his subordinate ministers suffered heavy losses in that political battle.

Li Shimin glanced at Du He and sighed inwardly.

"That brat Du He is right, the Prince cannot abdicate before he dies!"

"Now that the old ministers of the Zhenguan era have compromised, the court will remain stable after Li Chengqian ascends the throne!"

The succession of imperial power in various dynasties has often caused upheavals of varying degrees.

Whether it was the interference of the empress's family in politics, the misconduct of the empress's relatives, or the wielding of great power by powerful ministers, all of these brought enormous damage to each dynasty.

Even when he forced his father to abdicate, the country was still in turmoil.

After some emotion.

Li Shimin smiled and said, "My dear ministers, after the Crown Prince ascends the throne, all the princes will return to their fiefdoms."

"I am really bored by myself in Yuhua Palace. You can come to Yuhua Palace more often to accompany me fishing, playing chess, practicing Taoism and writing books."

Before Li Jing, Yuchi Gong, Tang Jian, and the others could speak...

Li Chengqian said, "Father, I still need the assistance of the dukes, and I cannot be completely idle at home."

"The Dukes of all the states are the pillars of our Great Tang Dynasty. With them watching over us, the Tang Dynasty will be even more stable."

Listening to Li Shimin and his son Li Chengqian singing in unison, the faces of the veteran officials of the Zhenguan era were also filled with smiles.

The crown prince has a conscience.

Good!

The Crown Prince's words were a promise to them that he would appoint them as high-ranking, sinecure officials.

When I'm not working and stay at home, I only participate in discussions and offer suggestions when there are urgent national events.

After discussing important matters in a relaxed and casual tone, the ensuing banquet was particularly lively and enjoyable.

Especially when those dancers from the vassal states came out, Li Shimin was so happy to see their alluring figures that he patted the armrest of his chair.

"Enjoyed!"

“What a feast for the eyes!”

Having been emperor for so many years and having assembled a large retinue of court dancers, this was the first time he had ever seen a performance entirely composed of dancers from different ethnic groups.

In particular, the fact that they wore identification plaques greatly boosted his virility.

The civil and military officials were also dumbfounded, and many of them even had long trails of drool running down their lips.

After the dancers' performance ended.

Li Shimin asked Du He, "Du He, did you come up with the clothes these dancers are wearing?"

All the civil and military officials turned to look at Du He, their faces filled with anticipation.

Well...

Du He's expression was slightly stunned.

At your age, do you still want to seek thrills?

Du He stood up, cupped his hands, and replied, "Your Majesty, these clothes are all fairy garments designed by Qionglu Yunshangfang. The price is unknown. You may send someone to inquire."

Qionglu Yunshang Workshop?

Isn't this the weaving workshop opened by Princess Chengyang?

Li Shimin and his civil and military officials nodded thoughtfully, their faces showing anticipation.

After this little incident, everyone continued drinking and chatting.

An hour later, the grand banquet finally came to an end.

As the princes and ministers left the Taiji Hall, Li Shimin waved to his attendants.

Inside the spacious Taiji Hall, only Li Shimin remained.

He looked longingly at the dragon throne he had sat on for twenty-three years, and then took a closer look at the furnishings in the main hall.

a long time.

Li Shimin murmured unwillingly, "The Zhenguan era lasted for twenty-three years, but the last five years were the only years of rapid development. Unfortunately, my health does not allow it."

If his body can withstand the strain and he continues to reign for another 10 years, the Tang Dynasty will likely conquer Qizhou.

pity!

Du Hesheng was born too late!

A long sigh escaped from the tranquil Taiji Hall.

"Hey~"

...

The next day.

As dawn broke, Du He, dressed in a brand-new official robe, rode his horse directly towards Mingde Gate.

This morning, Li Chengqian will lead his civil and military officials to the sacrificial site in the southern suburbs to hold a grand sacrificial ceremony.

When Du He arrived outside Mingde Gate, he found that civil and military officials were already waiting there.

When the group saw Du He approaching, they all surrounded him and bowed.

"Greetings to Lord Korea."

Du He also cupped his hands in return to them.

After a cup of tea.

Li Chengqian arrived in a royal carriage, and after the officials paid their respects, the entourage proceeded in a grand procession to the sacrificial site set up in the southern suburbs.

Over the next two hours, various ceremonies were carried out in an orderly manner under the supervision of Yan Liben, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

The first step was to burn firewood, lighting a huge pile of firewood to send the news of the new emperor's ascension to the throne to the heavens.

The second step was to offer a wine cup to the Heavenly Emperor.

The third step is reading the eulogy, which is personally read by Yan Liben.

After the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven was completed.

Yan Liben said solemnly, "Your Highness, please lead all officials to kowtow to the north!"