Li Shimin faked his death? Then I will be powerful enough to conquer the world!

Inside Beizhou City, several family heads had solemn expressions and furrowed brows as they paced restlessly in this gorgeous yet depressing hall.

They were waiting anxiously for the early arrival of the troops who had promised to support them.

As soon as those troops arrived, they had full confidence in fighting the imperial army outside the city who were eyeing them covetously.

With the help of both inside and outside forces, the imperial army was annihilated in one fell swoop.

By then, they will be able to completely sideline the so-called "tyrant" and leave him without any soldiers, so that he can know what it means that dynasties are short-lived but families are permanent!

Although they had such a seemingly grand plan in their hearts, as long as the reinforcements did not arrive, their hearts would be like hanging in their throats, and they would never be able to calm down.

"Report! Fellow clan leaders! An enemy general has challenged us outside Beizhou City, claiming to have brought the tyrant's imperial edict for rebellion!"

A man who looked like a servant ran in hurriedly, his voice sounding a bit panicked.

"An imperial edict to punish treason?" Lu Jingchuan was stunned at first, then a look of confusion and disdain appeared on his face.

In his opinion, these aristocratic families, with generations of nobility and profound background, have made invaluable contributions to the Tang Dynasty. Now they are just trying to protect their own interests and compete with the emperor. What crime have they committed?

It was clearly Li Chengqian who first sent the army to attack, which made no sense at all. Now, he has even come up with some kind of edict to punish treason, which is simply ridiculous.

The more Lu Jingchuan thought about it, the angrier he became, and in the end he was so angry that he laughed.

Li Chongshan, the head of the Zhaojun Li family, sneered when he saw Lu Jingchuan's reaction.

"It seems that the tyrant has run out of tricks and has no other options left. He is going to try to put the blame on us!"

"If this tyrant can't come up with a proper reason, he'll be ridiculed and his last bit of dignity will fall to the ground."

"Yes! It seems that this tyrant is about to make a stupid move."

The other family heads echoed.

After all, in their eyes, ordinary minor crimes are nothing but a drizzle for families like them with deep roots and extensive connections, and are nothing to be afraid of.

They could even easily turn around and accuse the emperor of being picky and deliberately making things difficult for them.

If we really have to define their crimes, the only crime that can bring them to an irretrievable end is treason.

Once they are charged with such a crime, they will become rats crossing the street and be hunted by everyone, and the family's hundreds of years of reputation and glory will be destroyed.

Although Cui Jingming is still young among the family heads, the Cui family is the head of the aristocratic families.

He grew up under the influence and training of his family. His every move showed majesty and he was quite prestigious among the people.

Seeing everyone talking, he slowly waved his hand, signaling the family heads to quiet down.

"Since the tyrant has issued an edict to punish treason, let's go and see what crime he wants to accuse us of!"

His voice was not loud, but it exuded unquestionable authority.

Hearing Cui Jingming's words, the heads of the noble families all nodded and echoed in unison: "Mr. Cui is right!"

"Then let's do as Mr. Cui said and go up to the top of the city wall and take a look."

Everyone filed out.

Seeing that all the family heads had gone out, Cui Shouren on the side looked very flustered.

His forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, his eyes were full of fear and anxiety, and his body was trembling slightly unconsciously.

And at the foot of Beizhou City, a lone man stood proudly on horseback.

He stood tall and straight, riding on the tall warhorse, holding the imperial edict symbolizing the emperor's majesty steadily in one hand.

He raised his other hand high, then slammed the spear into the ground with all his might.

With a muffled "puff" sound, the spear was inserted straight into the ground, three-quarters deep, firmly, and the red tassel on the spear shaft danced in the wind.

The breeze blew gently, constantly blowing the clothes he was wearing.

He closed his eyes slightly, his face as calm as water, and just waited quietly for the arrival of those important people from the aristocratic families.

Hearing the noise on the top of the city wall, Qin Ruzhao slowly opened his eyes.

Cui Jingming stood on the top of the city wall, his posture erect and his sleeves fluttering. He looked down at Qin Ruzhao below and shouted, "Little brother, we, the heads of the noble families, have gathered on the top of the city wall. Please read the imperial edict to punish Li Chengqian for his treason."

The voice echoed over the city, with a hint of provocation.

Lu Jingchuan stood aside, his arms folded across his chest, a scornful smile on his face.

"Read it, but don't bring up some trivial matters and make a fool of yourself."

Qin Ruzhao had a stern expression, as if he had not heard the provocative words of those family heads.

His movements were calm and solemn as he slowly and steadily spread out the imperial edict in his hand.

Then, he took a deep breath, his chest slightly puffed out, and his loud and clear voice resounded throughout Beizhou City.

"Edict to Punish Treason"

"I have received the mandate of Heaven, and reign supreme over the Nine Gai. I aspire to pacify the dust and achieve perfection."

"However, the Qinghe Cui family, whose families have enjoyed the emperor's grace for generations and have enjoyed high ranks and generous salaries, have harbored a treacherous heart and committed acts of rebellion. Their evil deeds are immense and their crimes are unforgivable. I hereby issue this edict to make it known to all."

"Look at what Cui has done."

"Blinded by greed and profit, they abandon the greater good."

"A private alliance was formed with Tubo, selling ironware and unique skills."

"Without any regard for the safety of the nation, he cut off the army's dispatches and plunged Songzhou into peril."

"It caused loyal souls to weep blood and a fog of tragedy filled the sky."

"There is widespread grief and resentment."

"Outside Songzhou City, blood flows like a river, all because of Cui's treacherous plot."

"Before the camp, the heroic souls are filled with hatred, because of the evil deeds of the rebels."

"His behavior is despicable, his heart deserves death, he is condemned by both humans and gods, and cannot be tolerated by heaven and earth."

"This family is unworthy, recklessly starting a rebellion, betraying their gratitude and turning against us, like an owl."

"Raising troops to attack the palace is intended to disrupt the government."

"I have been entrusted with the task of ruling the world, how can I allow these thieves to run rampant?"

"Holding the axe and leading the army, I vow to quell the evil and clear the air."

"All the soldiers and officers, obey my orders, quell the rebellion, and march bravely forward."

"All members of the Cui clan and those who assisted the rebels shall be punished according to law and without pardon."

"If any of his relatives or in-laws can turn back from their mistakes and expose the evil plot, they may be pardoned according to circumstances."

"If you still persist in your evil deeds and are an accomplice to the evil and rebellion, you will be punished without mercy."

"My Great Tang Dynasty's virtue spreads across the vast expanse of the world, and its power reaches the four seas."

"Although we have faced adversity and chaos, justice is within our grasp and our hearts are filled with righteousness."

"All ministers should devote all their energy and efforts to supporting the emperor's plans."

"All the soldiers should be armed with sharp weapons and armor to eliminate the evil spirits."

"Together we will safeguard the safety of our country and restore its prosperity."

"Appreciate this!"

Qin Ruzhao's voice echoed in the air as he read out one by one the various evil deeds listed in the imperial edict, including the Cui family's collusion with Tubo, and the crimes of the aristocratic family's rebellion that led to the Songzhou tragedy.