Tang Dynasty: Father, if you don't rebel, I will!

The reign title "Tianwu" for the new dynasty was determined by Li Chengqian, his teachers, and the cabinet after discussions.

Anyone with even a basic understanding of Central Plains culture, including ethnic minorities like the Turks and Xianbei, could sense the almost undisguised expansionist desire behind this reign title.

In this regard.

At the grand banquet of Emperor Tianwu, officials from both China and abroad were toasting and drinking, with cups and plates constantly being served.

Li Chengqian, or rather, His Majesty the Emperor Tianwu of the Tang Dynasty, is currently entertaining several senior officials of the Tang Dynasty in an elegant hall in the inner court. In addition to them, Emperor Wude Li Yuan and Emperor Zhenguan Li Shimin are also present.

This rare sight of three suns in the sky stirred the hearts of everyone, from Grand Secretary Fang Xuanling to Li Gang, one of the three leaders of the Tian Ce Mansion.

Duke Pei Ji of Wei was also present. His wrinkled old face was beaming with joy as he cupped his hands and raised his cup to toast the retired emperor.

"Your Majesty, the current Tang Dynasty is far superior to the Qin and Han Dynasties. The imperial lineage continues, and the prosperity of the wise and valiant rulers is unmatched by any other dynasty. Our Tang Dynasty not only possesses the aura of a dragon, but this is also proof of the true Mandate of Heaven!"

"This old minister congratulates the Retired Emperor! Congratulations to His Majesty Emperor Tianwu! Congratulations to the Great Tang Dynasty!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the group of veteran officials standing nearby excitedly raised their wine glasses and shouted in celebration.

"We, your humble servants, offer our congratulations to the Great Tang!"

Li Yuan laughed even harder, laughing heartily as he raised his cup and downed the wine in one gulp, completely disregarding the wine stains on his beard, and then waved his hand dismissively.

"The Tang Dynasty is now prosperous and powerful, and this is inseparable from the contributions of you veteran ministers. The younger generation of your families are now able to govern a region for the new emperor. You are all talented young people, the cream of the crop!"

Li Shimin's face was also full of smiles, his handsome face flushed with the effects of the wine. Looking at his eldest son sitting in the main seat, he couldn't help but take a deep breath with a sigh.

"Gao Ming's achievements are beyond even my reach... Now, I only think about conquering vast territories in the west, so that in future history books I won't be forced by my son to leave only a temple name and a few trivial lines of writing..."

He was just joking.

Those who have been summoned here to attend this banquet today are all veteran civil officials who have truly won the trust of the imperial family.

Perhaps because of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, veteran officials like Pei Ji and Xiao Yu still harbored resentment and wariness towards Li Shimin, but now their family members all serve under the new emperor.

Whether it's about interests or stance.

There is no longer any need for hostility between the two sides.

Li Chengqian watched this scene with a smile. The purpose of today's banquet was not simply to entertain these old ministers.

Sure enough, just as the banquet was in full swing, Du Ruhui, who had become even thinner since the Liangjiang Case broke out, got up and came to Li Chengqian.

He bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, I have another matter to discuss today, and I request your permission."

Li Chengqian didn't feel any different about being addressed as "Your Majesty." He looked at Du Ruhui's current appearance, nodded to let him continue, but already knew what the other party was going to say.

really.

Du Ruhui then glanced around; his aged face showed no grief or sorrow, only relaxation and contentment.

He was also slightly intoxicated, and his body was swaying slightly, but no one said anything.

“This old minister has served as an official for decades since the end of the Sui Dynasty until the founding of the country by the Emperor Emeritus. Sometimes I governed the people of a region, and sometimes I followed the Emperor Emeritus in conquering the various kings in the Central Plains. The Emperor Emeritus has always treated me well, and now I am even granted the title of Duke.”

"Although the eldest son is not particularly talented, he has been influenced by modern learning and is capable of maintaining the status quo."

"My second son was unruly since childhood, but now he has turned over a new leaf and has been entrusted with important responsibilities by His Majesty. I am deeply grateful!"

At this point, Du Ruhui lost control of his emotions, tears streaming down his face, but it was tears of joy.

Li Chengqian got up and quickly helped him up.

Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui were undoubtedly prominent figures among the famous ministers of the Tang Dynasty. However, it was a pity that Du Ruhui was not as physically strong as Fang Xuanling.

It is no longer appropriate to burden the other party with paperwork.

Li Chengqian was moved: "The merits of Prime Minister Du cannot be repaid by anyone but a noble and powerful figure from three dynasties!"

Li Chengqian's words were already a promise.

Du Ruhui has stepped down.

He held the official seal of the Second Grand Secretary for less than half a year, but now the Tang Dynasty was not only in the hands of the royal family, but also in the officialdom, it was time for the old and the new to take over.

Unlike ordinary retired officials who receive a reduced salary, Li Chengqian did not grant Du Ruhui a half-salary. Instead, he continued to pay Du Ruhui the full retirement salary he received while in office.

Like Du Ruhui, those who voluntarily and formally proposed to resign and retire at this banquet included Pei Ji, Duke of Wei; Xiao Yu, Duke of Song; and Qu Tutong, Duke of Jiang.

The latter, Qu Tutong, wanted to retire when the campaign in the Western Regions ended.

He was forcibly dragged out by Li Chengqian, who acted like he was cheating, and worked at the Royal Military Academy for several years.

Now, seemingly afraid that Li Chengqian would act shamelessly again, the emperor was so tearful when he begged for his retirement that anyone who didn't know the situation would think that the newly enthroned Emperor Tianwu was about to mistreat his old ministers again.

When veteran officials retire, younger officials can naturally fill the vacancies.

Among them, Li Chengqian directly appointed his brother-in-law Xiao Rui, who had followed him the longest, to replace Du Ruhui as the second-in-command of the cabinet. In addition, he also replaced some veteran officials in the other six ministries.

Time flies.

Discussions about Emperor Tianwu's coronation ceremony hadn't faded much in Chang'an, but the new dynasty had already officially begun the first major event of the first year of Tianwu's reign.

Voyages to the Western Ocean!

"On this trip, I will have the Great Sage Overturning the Seas accompany the ship. However, Third Brother, you should be careful, especially with those local natives. If they are truly unteachable savages, then there is no need to hold back!"

"The Eastern Kingdom has already trained tens of thousands of Japanese slaves, who can all be transported to Australia to reclaim wasteland and mine for our Great Tang!"

At Chang'an Railway Station, Emperor Li Chengqian personally saw off the Prince of Han, the Prince of Liang, the Prince of Lu, and the Prince of Jing. The fleet was very large, and it was necessary to drop off the personnel who were to remain behind.

Prince Jing, Li Yuanjing, became the provisional Governor-General of Australia.

"Your Majesty, rest assured! Your humble servant will give his life for our Great Tang and conquer new territories!"

Li Ke's expression was serious and solemn. Although Li Chengqian treated him as he had always treated his younger brother after ascending the throne, he himself had a very good grasp of the appropriate degree of respect.

There is a distinction between ruler and subject; the elder brother is the emperor, while he is the King of Han.

My elder brother is first and foremost the emperor, and only then is he the elder brother!

Li Chengqian patted him on the shoulder, and then patted the shoulder of the Prince of Liang beside him in the same way: "Sixth brother, do a good job, I will not treat you brothers unfairly!"

The group boarded the train, and with a whistle, the train officially departed from the train station.

Watching the long, rolling steel dragon disappear into the distance, Li Chengqian took a deep breath.

Beside him, the two little ones looked unhappy.

Xiangyu couldn't help but tug at her father's sleeve and looked up to complain, "Father, why didn't you let Ninth Uncle go?"

The servant Pixu chimed in, "Yes, Father, Ninth Imperial Uncle idles away his days in Chang'an, doing nothing productive, and he even bullies us..."

A low chuckle rang out from the side; it was Chang Le and Gao Yang who couldn't help themselves.

Although Prince Li Zhi was pleased with himself, he noticed his elder brother's gaze and immediately put on a serious face, glaring at the two little ones.

"Outrageous! I've gone to great lengths to teach you, and you two brats dare to say I'm idle and lazy?"

Xiangyu was unconvinced and hid behind his father's robes, but raised his head to refute.

"You, you just want to hit our hands! If it weren't for you, would we be failing our homework every time?!"

Li Zhi scoffed: "What a joke! If you could resist the temptation, ignore those dancers, and focus on your studies, you wouldn't have been punished with slaps on the hands. In the end, it's just that you two little devils lack willpower!"

"Back in the day, my mind was firm, and I was not tempted by anything external, let alone beauty..."

Li Chengqian: "......"

Finally, Old Nine managed to turn the tables.