I have already established my power and prestige, so how did Li Shimin come back to life?

"How is this tyrant's actions any different from those of Emperor Yang of Sui? He's clearly trying to undermine the very foundations of our aristocratic families and oppose all the aristocratic families in the world!"

Lu Yichen, the elder of the Lu family, frowned, a trace of pain and resentment flashing in his eyes: "Patriarch, the tyrant's imperial decree may seem to be just a posthumous title for an insignificant person, but in fact it is a blatant provocation to our entire family system."

"He was warning us, intending to gradually weaken our power in this way until we were powerless to fight back."

Lu Jingchuan paced back and forth in the hall, each step filled with anger: "Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, our Lu family has fought bravely for the court, serving the emperor at all costs, and has made great contributions."

"We have always been loyal and dedicated to maintaining the stability and prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. Even if we enjoy some things on a daily basis, that is what we deserve!"

"Aren't we, the nobles, born superior to others? How much have we contributed to the founding of the Tang Dynasty?"

"And now this is what we get in return? How could the tyrant be so ungrateful, treating our family like a thorn in his side!"

"Haven't those untouchables been there for us to exploit since ancient times?"

Lu Shaoqing, a young and energetic member of the Lu family, stood up with a flushed face, his eyes gleaming with an unyielding light. "Master, we cannot sit still and wait for death! We, the Lu family, have strong wills and are filled with passion. How can we allow that tyrant to bully us like this?"

"We must resist and let this tyrant know that our family is not an ant that can be trampled on at will!"

Lu Jingchuan stopped, his expression solemn and resolute: "Shaoqing is right! We cannot let the honor of our family be disgraced in our generation, and we cannot let our descendants fall into an irretrievable situation."

"Our Lu family is closely connected with other aristocratic families. We prosper together and suffer together."

"Now that the imperial court wants to start a war, we will fight to the end!"

"Pass on my order to gather all members of the Lu clan and their branches in all regions and have them prepare immediately."

"At the same time, select the most reliable messenger and send him as fast as possible to the Five Surnames and Seven Families and other aristocratic families to inform them of our Fanyang Lu family's position and determination."

"We must unite and make it clear to this tyrant that if he insists on going down this path, we will make him the second infamous Emperor Yang of Sui!"

In the Qinghe Cui family's mansion, Cui Jingming, the head of the Cui family, was holding an urgent discussion with several confidants and local officials in the study.

Cui Jingming, a handsome and elegant young head of the family, had a frighteningly gloomy expression at this moment.

"Gentlemen, Li Chengqian's actions are truly insane!"

Cui Jingming slammed the message in his hand heavily on the desk. Although his voice was not loud, it contained endless anger.

"He's digging his own grave, attempting to destroy our family through violence. Does he really think he's so great just because he has some troops? Did Yang Guang win?"

Huangzhou Governor Su Zheng frowned deeply, his eyes filled with worry. "Master Cui, I understand your anger, but this is the will of the court after all."

"If we openly resist, it would be a grave crime of rebellion. The consequences... would be unimaginable."

Cui Jingming sneered, a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes. "Lord Su, do you think we have any other choice now? The court has been suppressing us for a long time since the tyrant came to power. This imperial decree is only a matter of time."

"That tyrant massacred us nobles twice in Chang'an! He is truly despicable!"

"If we don't resist, the calamity that awaits us will be the extermination of our entire family."

"Besides, the master of the Tang Dynasty may not be Li Chengqian. If we are not happy, we can just push someone else to be the emperor."

Cui Huaide, the elder of the Cui clan, nodded slightly and said in a heavy tone, "The head of the clan is right. As the leader of the aristocratic clan, our Cui clan shoulders the heavy responsibility of the family's rise and fall."

"If we retreat now, not only will our family be in dire straits, but the other families will also lose confidence. We must stand up and unite with the other families to fight against the tyrant."