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

Li Chengqian sat upright in the dragon throne. After scanning the ministers, he spoke calmly, "Although the New Year's Day ceremony must still be held, the format needs to be changed."

"There is no need to prepare a meal for this ceremony. We only need to set up a venue. The time is set at Si hour."

"The number of participants at that time will not be very large. Besides you, my dear ministers, those officials who have made contributions at the grassroots level, and envoys from various countries will be enough."

"As for you all, please enjoy a reunion dinner at home with your loved ones on New Year's Day."

When the ministers heard this, a warm feeling surged in their hearts, and they all bowed to express their gratitude: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, then continued, "At the New Year's Day ceremony in the future, please consider it as my sincere recognition of your hard work throughout the year."

"The spectacular nightly fireworks display continues. I know the people love and look forward to it."

Xie Wanquan listened carefully and nodded slightly. Your Majesty's arrangement truly achieved multiple goals at once.

The court was able to save a considerable amount of expenses through this, and the strict etiquette norms were not violated. Officials were finally able to spend the New Year's Day at home with their loved ones without any worries. In their spare time, they could also stroll through the bustling streets and alleys of Chang'an City and appreciate the city's customs.

After all, in the past, people had to go to the palace for social events every New Year's Day, which was not what everyone wanted.

With this plan, I can receive the reward bestowed by His Majesty in the morning and return home leisurely in the afternoon.

"I understand clearly." Xie Wanquan responded respectfully.

Li Chengqian then cast his gaze upon Xie Wanquan and said in a gentle voice, "The return gifts I have prepared for the various nations this year are ready and will be delivered to the Ministry of Rites soon. Minister Xie, there is no need to worry about the return gifts, nor to worry about losing face for the Tang Dynasty."

Xie Wanquan was stunned for a moment, then looked up in astonishment. He had fully believed that there would be no return gift from then on, and had never expected that His Majesty had already made such careful preparations.

But at this moment, my heart is still full of doubts, and I don’t know what this return gift will be.

If it were just some crude and cheap items, it would still be difficult to save the Tang Dynasty's reputation in front of other countries. Li Chengqian seemed to be able to read his inner thoughts, and the corners of his mouth lifted up, revealing a warm smile: "Thank you, Minister, don't worry. I might as well tell you directly that what I have prepared this time are all exquisite glassware, their value is inestimable."

"Your Majesty, absolutely not!" Xie Wanquan's expression changed drastically, and without hesitation, he loudly objected, "Your Majesty, colored glassware is precious and rare, rarely seen in the world. How can you so easily give it as a return gift to those tiny countries?"

"They are totally unworthy of such a valuable possession!"

"I would rather Your Majesty not send a return gift this time than allow the glassware to fall into the hands of those barbarians."

His words were full of determination.

Li Chengqian saw this and gently waved his hand, his tone unquestionable: "Thank you, Minister, you don't need to ask any more questions about this matter. Just follow my instructions."

"You can also tell them my intentions."

"However, I have a special request. This time I do not want their wealth and treasures. I want their bodies, and only women of marriageable age."

"The age limit is between fourteen and thirty-five. Tell them that after these women enter the Tang Dynasty, they will become its citizens."

"The more women one presents to the Tang Dynasty, the more valuable glassware one will receive."

Everyone was surprised when they heard His Majesty's words. After a little reflection, they could understand the deeper meaning behind His Majesty's actions.

However, in their hearts, exchanging extremely precious glassware for a foreign woman was not worth it.

In their eyes, those foreign women were just ordinary people.

"I will obey your Majesty's command."

Xie Wanquan replied weakly. Li Chengqian looked around the court and asked loudly, "My dear ministers, do you have any other important matters to report? If not, please adjourn."

Normally at this time, according to convention, the court would leave immediately.

But the situation today is different.

Yuan Tiangang took a steady step forward and said in a voice as loud as a bell: "Your Majesty, I have something to report!"

Li Chengqian couldn't help but be slightly startled, a look of surprise on his face. This was the renowned Yuan Tiangang, a figure shrouded in myth and mystery throughout history.

However, in the court of the Tang Dynasty, it seemed that all the ministers were more or less imbued with a mysterious and otherworldly aura.

"What brings you here today, Imperial Master? You rarely attend court, but you must have figured out something important."

"Come, come forward and tell me in detail."

Yuan Tiangang followed his instructions and slowly walked to the bottom of the jade steps, standing quietly with his head lowered.