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

Inside the Taiji Hall, the atmosphere was so solemn that it seemed as if the air had frozen.

The sunlight shines through the window, casting mottled shadows, as if peeking at the court storm that is about to unfold.

All the court officials lined up in the hall. The voice of the roll call broke the silence, but it was also like a stone thrown into a deep pool with undercurrents.

"Your Majesty, General Cheng Zhijie of the Left Garrison and Governor Yuchi Jingde of Fuzhou did not attend the court."

The resounding voice of the attendant in charge of roll call echoed in the hall, like a thunderclap out of nowhere, instantly causing an uproar among the court officials.

The ministers first opened their eyes wide in astonishment, and then like a hornet's nest that had been poked, buzzing discussions rose one after another, and the entire court was in chaos.

They were all secretly astonished: Your Majesty is so gracious, the court attendance has been relaxed to the utmost, how dare these two not come? Back then, the Dukes' attendance every five days was a great favor from the late Emperor. Now, only every seven days is an unprecedented privilege. What could they be dissatisfied with? Isn't this a blatant disregard for court etiquette?

Fang Xuanling stood among the ministers and felt as if he was on the edge of an abyss.

His brows were furrowed as if he could pinch a fly to death, and the blue veins on his forehead were throbbing slightly, showing his extreme inner tension.

The surging waves of discussion around him were like sharp blades piercing his eardrums.

But at this moment, he had no choice but to stand up and pray to God in his heart to help him get away with it.

"Your Majesty, General Cheng Zhijie of the Left Garrison and Yuchi Jingde, the Governor of Fuzhou, are ill at home. I have requested leave for them."

Fang Xuanling tried hard to make his voice sound calm, but the slightly trembling tone was like a candle flickering in a storm, which could go out at any time, exposing his panic.

As he spoke, he groaned in his heart: This excuse is even more fragile than paper. I hope Your Majesty will not pursue it too much. Your Majesty, please do not put me in a dilemma!

When Wei Zheng heard this, his thick eyebrows instantly raised and a sharp light flashed in his eyes, like an eagle spotting its prey.

He waved his sleeves, and the wind brought by his sleeves seemed to carry his anger, and he stood out with his head held high.

He stared at Fang Xuanling, his eyes like two sharp swords, as if he wanted to pierce two holes in Fang Xuanling's body.

Wei Zheng was furious: "Humph, Fang Xuanling, ah Fang Xuanling, do you think I, Wei Zheng, am so easily fooled? Your lame excuse is a blasphemy to the dignity of the court!"

He asked loudly, "May I ask, Prime Minister Fang, are these two people suffering from a terminal illness? Are they unable to get out of bed?"

Fang Xuanling suddenly felt as if struck by lightning, his face turned as pale as paper, beads of sweat the size of beans rolled down from his forehead, and the clothes on his back were instantly soaked with sweat.

He was in a panic: This Wei Zheng is such a difficult guy. I've stirred up a hornet's nest. How should I deal with it? But now that things have come to this, he can only bite the bullet and answer.

"It's not a terminal illness."

When Wei Zheng saw Fang Xuanling's response, the corners of his mouth rose slightly, revealing a sneer, and he became more certain that there was something fishy going on.

He pressed on step by step, and every step seemed to step on Fang Xuanling's heart. His words became more and more sharp, like a dense rain of arrows shooting at Fang Xuanling.

"Since he's not terminally ill, what kind of serious illness could he have that would prevent him from attending court meetings?"

"And they're both here together, which is truly bizarre! Could it be that they're too proud of their achievements to be at home, unwilling to attend the court and work for the welfare of the people?"

His words were like heavy hammers, hitting the silent court hard. Every word echoed in the air, shaking the hearts of the court officials.

The ministers held their breath, their eyes wide open, and all their attention was focused on Fang Xuanling, their eyes full of curiosity and suspicion.

Fang Xuanling felt like a small boat caught in a strong wind and huge waves, which could be swallowed up at any time.

His mind was blank and his lips trembled like leaves in the wind. He wanted to say something but didn't know where to start.

He was filled with helplessness: This Wei Zheng is really relentless, but I can't disobey His Majesty's instructions. What should I do? At this moment, he could only choose to remain silent, his eyes dodging in panic, not daring to meet Wei Zheng's blazing gaze, as if that gaze would devour him.

The ministers were horrified at the sight. They watched Fang Xiang, usually eloquent and steady as a rock, become speechless like a child who had done something wrong, and their hearts were filled with turmoil.

Some ministers secretly wondered: Could it be that Cheng Zhijie and Yuchi Jingde were truly blinded by fame and fortune, becoming arrogant because of their achievements? What should we do?

Wei Zheng looked at Fang Xuanling, and the disappointment on his face became more and more intense, as if he had seen the person he trusted most betray him.

He was filled with anger at this possible shirking of responsibility, as if a fire was burning in his chest, burning more and more vigorously.

Afterwards, he stopped looking at Fang Xuanling and, with a respectful yet resolute expression, bowed to Li Chengqian and said, "Your Majesty! This matter is serious!"

"This concerns the discipline of the imperial court and the dignity of the Tang Dynasty! Your Majesty, please send someone to the residences of these two to investigate the true situation!"

"If they are truly unemployed and unwilling to attend the court meeting, Your Majesty, please punish these two people swiftly!"

Wei Zheng's voice echoed in the hall with an unquestionable majesty.

He was wholeheartedly concerned about the imperial court. In his eyes, the dignity of the imperial court was as heavy as Mount Tai and would not tolerate any slightest desecration.

Over the past seven days, he had witnessed the various changes brought about by Li Chengqian's new policies, and his heart was filled with admiration for the young emperor.

In his view, Li Chengqian was the sage monarch of the Tang Dynasty, leading the Tang Dynasty towards the bright road of prosperity.

He would never allow anything to destroy this hard-earned good situation, not even two veteran generals with outstanding military achievements.

Li Chengqian sat upright on the dragon throne, which shone with a mysterious and majestic light under the sunlight.

As he listened to Wei Zheng's advice, his brows slightly furrowed, and a complex look flashed in his eyes.

His heart was in turmoil. On the one hand, he understood Wei Zheng's concerns. The rules of the court could not be abolished and discipline must be strictly enforced.

On the other hand, Cheng Zhijie and Yuchi Jingde were not just subjects to him, but more like elders, the backbone of the Tang Dynasty. He knew very well that they had devoted their entire lives to the Tang Dynasty. Now that they were old, they might have some unspeakable secrets.

Today, he was wearing a dragon robe that was made by the craftsmen of the Shangyi Bureau who worked overtime.

The dragon robe can be called a peerless work of art. Every stitch and thread seems to contain the breath of power and exude awe-inspiring royal majesty.

The golden dragon on the dragon robe is baring its fangs and claws, and its scales are shining with brilliant golden light, as if it will break free from its restraints and soar into the sky at any time.

Although Li Chengqian canceled the coronation ceremony, the moment he put on the dragon robe, he could clearly feel the heavy responsibility, like millions of mountains pressing on his shoulders.

After putting on the dragon robe, his temperament suddenly became extremely majestic, and he was completely different from when he was wearing red clothes before.

He is surprisingly similar to Emperor Taizong in his youth. His demeanor and aura are as if he is the reincarnation of Emperor Taizong.

Sometimes, even Wei Zheng couldn't help but feel dazed, as if the wheel of time had turned backwards, and he couldn't tell whether it was Li Shimin or Li Chengqian sitting in the hall.

Li Shimin in his youth left an indelible mark in Wei Zheng's memory.

It was a heroic aura of a king, like the scorching sun in the sky, so dazzling that people could not look directly at it, and it also brought with it a sense of oppression that made people feel awe.

At that time, Wei Zheng was still serving in Li Jiancheng's camp and was an opponent of Li Shimin. Every confrontation with Li Shimin made him feel a shock from the depths of his soul.

"Alright, Grand Tutor Wei, whether it's General Cheng or General Yuchi, they are both pillars of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Chengqian spoke slowly. His voice was steady and gentle, like a spring breeze blowing across the lake, calming the turbulent waves in the court.

His eyes revealed deep understanding and tolerance, as if he could embrace everything in the world.

"They are old, just like you."

"When they were young, they fought bravely on the battlefield, killing countless enemies for the Tang Dynasty. What bravery and fearlessness they showed!"

"Their military exploits are as brilliant as the stars, lighting up the sky of the Tang Dynasty."

"Now that I'm old, my body is like worn-out armor, plagued by injuries. Perhaps I want to put on airs and not attend court. I want to spend my remaining years at home in peace."

"I understand. There's no need to be so harsh on meritorious officials. Let them be!"

"Consider this a favor from me. If Grand Tutor Wei and Prime Minister Fang ever feel unwell before attending court, they can simply send someone to inform me."

"Now that you are old, you still have to work hard for the Tang Dynasty. Ultimately, I am the one who has let you down!"

As Li Chengqian spoke, his heart was filled with gratitude and guilt towards these old ministers.

His eyes swept across the ministers one by one, full of affection, as if expressing his respect and care for them.

He knew very well that these ministers had dedicated their lives to the Tang Dynasty, and their youth and blood were integrated into every inch of the Tang Dynasty's land.

Now that they are old, what they need more is understanding and tolerance, rather than criticism.

When Fang Xuanling heard this, his eyes instantly turned red and tears welled up in his eyes, as if they would burst out in the next second.

A warm feeling surged in his heart, like a ray of sunshine penetrating the dark sky and shining into his heart.

At the same time, he was deeply moved by Your Majesty's magnanimity, and this emotion was like a surging tide that almost drowned him.

He knelt down hastily, and with a "thump", the sound of his knees hitting the ground was particularly loud in the quiet court.

He shouted loudly with a choked voice: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace. I am willing to devote my life to the Tang Dynasty and never regret it until my death!"

His voice trembled with excitement, and every word was filled with his loyalty to the Tang Dynasty.

He silently swore in his heart that he would devote his whole life to the Tang Dynasty to repay the kindness of His Majesty and the late Emperor.

Upon seeing this, all the ministers in the court knelt down one after another, their uniform movements surging like waves.

They shouted in unison, thanking Li Chengqian for his grace. The sound echoed in the hall, so majestic that it seemed to break through the roof and reach the sky.

The ministers were all sighing in their hearts that His Majesty was truly a benevolent monarch. He treated his subjects with both kindness and severity, just like a skilled chess player who controlled the game of chess in the court.

When he was strict, he treated those powerful families who broke the law and discipline like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, without mercy, and cleared the atmosphere in the court, just like clearing away the clouds to reveal the blue sky.

And when he was in good health, he treated these ministers who worked diligently with great care. The warmth was like the warm sun in winter, shining on their bodies and warming their hearts.

These small subsidies every three days and large subsidies every five days have greatly improved the lives of the ministers and made them feel the love of Your Majesty.

During the performance of their official duties, all kinds of benefits are available, including tea, snowflake candy, fine salt, cakes, etc. These benefits are like sweet rain and dew, nourishing the hearts of the officials.

The ministers all sighed that this was truly an unprecedented good era, and there would never be another era when being an official was so comfortable and they could follow their hearts!

Wei Zheng heard Li Chengqian say this, and although he still had some doubts in his heart, he couldn't insist on it any longer. It was like punching cotton, with no place to put the strength.

He thought to himself: Your Majesty is so wise, perhaps he has his reasons. I hope Cheng Zhijie and Yuchi Jingde will not let Your Majesty down.

He sighed helplessly, and that sigh seemed to blow away the anger in his heart. He slowly lowered his raised arms and calmed down.

"Okay, let's start the meeting."

Li Chengqian said, his voice calm and powerful, like a general giving orders on the battlefield, instantly restoring the solemn atmosphere in the court.

"Grand Master Qi, how are the demolition and road planning in Chang'an going?"

Li Chengqian looked at Grand Tutor Qi, his eyes full of anticipation, and his gaze was so hot that it seemed to ignite the passion in Grand Tutor Qi's heart.

He placed high hopes on the construction of Chang'an City, because it was related to the people's well-being and the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, which was the top priority in his heart.

Mr. Qi took a step forward, his steps steady and confident, each one carrying a sense of pride in his work.

He replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, all measures are now proceeding in an orderly manner."

His face was filled with a confident smile, which was like a blooming flower, emitting charming radiance.

"We originally expected to complete the renovation of all the facilities in Chang'an City by next year, but judging by the current progress, the renovation of Chang'an City will be completed before the end of this year."

As he spoke, he waved his arms excitedly, as if he was painting a magnificent picture.

"The reason is that the pay is generous, the work is short, and the people of Chang'an are enthusiastic."

"The people's enthusiasm is like a burning flame that can't be extinguished! They all know that this is Your Majesty's work for their benefit, and they treat this work as their own, and they are full of energy!"

"Plus, the Ministry of Works provides meals, so the two meals a day are always hot and fragrant, which gives the people more incentive to work."

"Moreover, now that His Majesty has issued an edict, only people can enter Chang'an City and no one can leave. Some people outside have received the news and, knowing that Chang'an has such a good opportunity, are also rushing towards Chang'an."

"I have already begun to coordinate and appropriately increase spending on some projects so that more people can find work."

"Originally, we planned to build 280 public toilets, but I have reduced that to 850, which is enough to meet the needs of all the people in Chang'an."

Grand Tutor Qi reported the work content of this week with great enthusiasm. Every piece of data was like his treasure, and he spoke with pride.

Every move was considered in great detail, as if he was the commander-in-chief of the construction of Chang'an City, showing his great masterpiece to the world.

After hearing this, Li Chengqian nodded with satisfaction, a relieved smile on his face. That smile was as bright and warm as a flower blooming in spring.

There was a gleam in his eyes, as if he saw the brand-new Chang'an City right before his eyes, with the people laughing and talking happily on the clean streets, living and working in peace and contentment. What a beautiful picture that would be!

He seemed to have seen the prosperous future of the Tang Dynasty, and his heart was filled with hope: "Thank you for your hard work, Grand Tutor Qi. At the end of the year, I will give you a big red envelope!"

His voice was filled with joy, like a child seeing a long-awaited gift.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. This is what I should do."

After Grand Tutor Qi humbly withdrew, his smile grew even brighter, like sunlight penetrating the clouds and illuminating the earth. His heart was filled with happiness, and he almost jumped for joy at receiving His Majesty's approval.

Zhang Xianhuai took a step forward, his posture as straight as a pine tree, his eyes as firm as a rock, and he exuded an aura of majesty.

He began to report on his work: "Your Majesty, this week I have completed the preliminary establishment of the Jinyiwei system, and the Qianniuwei has been completely divided into the Jinyiwei."

His voice was deep and powerful, and every word seemed to be roared from his chest.

He was filled with a sense of accomplishment. In order to form the Jinyiwei, he had been working day and night these days, like a craftsman who carefully crafted weapons, not missing any details.

"The Jinyiwei currently has a total of 37,214 personnel, not counting the assassins."

"Except for the 5,000 men left in Chang'an City to protect its safety, the remaining personnel will be distributed throughout Chang'an according to Your Majesty's orders."

"Within seven days, the Jinyiwei handled a total of 132 cases, large and small, 83 of which involved the powerful. Those powerful initially wanted to bully others, but in front of the Jinyiwei, they were like mice meeting a cat, and they had nowhere to hide."

"The main culprit has been imprisoned. I have already submitted all the details of the case to the Prime Minister!"

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was like an invisible net in the sky, covering every inch of Chang'an City and guarding every corner of Chang'an City.

His voice echoed in the hall, demonstrating the competence and efficiency of the Jinyiwei, and also showing his pride in his work and confidence in the Jinyiwei.