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

The atmosphere in the court was tense.

Xie Wanquan straightened his back and said in a resounding voice, "Minister Gao, you have already declared that our officials should each perform their duties and stay in their positions."

"Since this is the case, as the Minister of Rites, it is only natural for me to correct your behavior that violates etiquette!"

After he finished speaking, he glared at Gao Shilian with a sharp gaze and snorted heavily through his nose, expressing his inner dissatisfaction.

Then, he straightened his court robes and, like Gao Shilian, respectfully performed a very standard salute to Li Chengqian, with his sleeves swaying gently with his movements.

Li Chengqian sat upright on the dragon throne, slightly raised his heroic eyebrows, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

He quietly observed everything in the court. When the noisy discussions gradually receded like a tide and the entire court slowly returned to silence, he spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "Minister Gao recommended two talents to me, one is a woman, the other is a child."

"My dear ministers, if we put aside their identities for the moment and speak in an honest manner, do you think they are not qualified to shoulder this important responsibility?"

He paused, his eyes slowly sweeping over the ministers, and continued, "Right now, our Great Tang is in dire need of personnel. What is most urgently needed? Talent!"

"As for the complicated etiquette, I really can't take it all into consideration at the moment."

After saying that, he looked at Gao Shilian.

"Minister Gao, please correct Wu Meiniang's rank this year."

"Shouzhang County has become stable and prosperous under her governance. Now we can transfer her to a more impoverished county so that she can continue to display her talents."

Li Chengqian changed the subject and said, "As for Di Renjie, it's the same."

"Award him the rank of eighth rank. Although he is only twelve years old, I believe that heroes are not judged by their origins, and age is not the only criterion for measuring ability."

"I have decided to give him the position of county magistrate. I will choose a poor county in Bingzhou and let him take charge temporarily."

"Tell him that if he can manage the county effectively, I will definitely promote him to a higher position and rank."

When Gao Shilian heard the emperor's decree, a look of joy appeared on his face, and he quickly accepted the order and expressed his gratitude.

The faces of the opposing ministers in the court were uglier than each other.

Wang Gui took a steady step forward, his brow furrowed as he asked worriedly, "Your Majesty, isn't it too hasty and reckless to promote them both like this?"

"Leaving aside Wu Meiniang for now, I also acknowledge that she is indeed exceptionally talented. She was able to single-handedly govern Shouzhang County into a strong one. It is reasonable to promote her from the seventh rank."

"But Di Renjie is just a twelve-year-old boy. No matter how smart he is, he still has little experience. How much can he really do?"

"In today's complex and volatile situation, I am truly worried that someone is deliberately deceiving Your Majesty in order to achieve their ulterior motives."

Li Chengqian naturally understood the hidden meaning behind Wang Gui's words. He recalled that when His Majesty first ascended the throne, he generously granted titles to people like Qi Taishi, Qin Ruzhao, and Zhang Xianhuai.

These three people were young but already held high positions and power, and this move caused secret dissatisfaction among many ministers.

How could these three men, so young, rise so quickly to such high positions? Although they were trusted confidants of His Majesty and had served the emperor well, this did not quell the jealousy of the ministers.

From then on, the only one who was troubled by this matter was Li Chengqian himself.

After all, there are limited official positions, and most of the high-ranking official positions above the third rank are honorary titles, making it difficult to receive any substantial rewards.

I thought the matter had come to an end, but who would have thought that Di Renjie would appear again. Who is Di Renjie?

He has no special relationship with Your Majesty, nor has he accomplished any earth-shaking achievements.

Your Majesty wants to directly grant him an official position. How can the ministers be convinced?

You have to know that for an ordinary person to obtain an official position in the court, it is difficult and dangerous. He needs to study hard for decades, go through layers of imperial examinations, or accumulate countless achievements in the local area before he has a glimmer of hope.

Now that Your Majesty has so easily appointed Di Renjie as an official, I wonder how many officials will feel resentment and dissatisfaction because of this.

Li Chengqian looked at Wang Gui deeply, his eyes revealing an unquestionable determination: "Lord Wang, there is no need to be so worried."

"I have always upheld the principle of promoting the capable and demoting the incompetent. My mind is made up. If any of you disagree, please submit a memorial to me. As long as he is capable of governing the area well and ensuring the people live and work in peace and contentment, I will also promote him."

"Okay, that's enough of this. Leave now."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Wang Gui replied helplessly.

"Thank you, Minister." Li Chengqian called out loudly.

"Your Majesty, here is my minister."

Xie Wanquan hurried out with a respectful look on his face.

"This year's Ministry of Rites' New Year's Day ceremony will be kept simple. My clan members are all in Xianyang, and I intend to go there to spend New Year's Day with them."

Li Chengqian's decision instantly shocked and left all the ministers at a loss.

"How should the New Year's Day ceremony be conducted, Your Majesty?"

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, as if he had thought about it, and then shook his head gently.

“No need to be extravagant, just keep it simple and plain.”

"I remember that our Tang Dynasty didn't seem to have returned the gift last year, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Xie Wanquan lowered his head and answered respectfully.