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Chapter 196 Tang Wang
Feng Deyi held the edict and began to recite, listing the emperor's crimes: fratricide, patricide, the rape of his own sister, and the oppression of his widowed mother and sister-in-law...
The emperor interrupted after hearing five or six accusations, saying, "Deyi, you are a learned Scholar, how can you have the face to do such things?"
Feng Deyi felt ashamed and stepped back. For a moment, no one in the court spoke. The emperor sighed, adjusting his Court Robes and crown, appearing as if he had finally received long-awaited news.
"Alright, it is time to set out. But when a son of heaven dies, there are laws to follow; how can we add sharp blades to the matter? Bring me poison wine!"
The emperor had already prepared poison wine for himself, with a designated palace maid responsible for its safekeeping. However, after a night of chaos, who knew where that maid was?
Linghu Xingda forcefully pressed Sui Yangdi onto the Sofa, ready to resort to violence. The emperor untied his headband and handed it to him without speaking, but his intentions were clear.
Soon, several strong members of the Valiant Fruit Army stepped forward and quickly ended everything. As they released their grip, the emperor fell grotesquely to the ground, with filth even seeping from beneath him.
The Sui Dynasty Predecessor Emperor seized power through deception, while the emperor ruled through suspicion over his Courtiers, ultimately leading to betrayal from noble families and discontent among Soldiers.
In the end, it was still Xiao Empress and a Court Lady who removed the lacquered bed board to serve as a small coffin, burying him in the western courtyard of Liuzhutang.
Afterward, Yuwen Huaji proclaimed himself Chancellor, taking control of all matters under Empress Xiao's orders to establish Qin Wang Hao as emperor. However, he was merely a puppet issuing edicts while being constantly monitored by Troops.
Meanwhile, before Li Shimin and Shen Guang, a man named Wang Gui appeared, carrying a thick stack of Letters in his bundle.
…………
Li Jian Cheng was walking in the estate with his wife when Xiao Chanyan asked, "Husband, should we return to Chang'an?"
Li Jian Cheng nodded and smiled, "It's time to go back, but let's wait until it warms up a bit more, so you don't catch a cold."
"Then when I return to Chang'an, will I be the Queen?" she asked.
Li Jian Cheng replied calmly, "It may take a little longer, but everything a Queen should enjoy will be yours, my wife."
Xiao Chanyan smiled with her eyes narrowed. As the warm sun slanted down, Li Jian Cheng escorted her back to her chamber to rest.
Then he went to the Main Hall, where Du Ruhui and Wang Yi were discussing matters. After sitting down, Li Jian Cheng instructed, "The troops should hurry to Luoyang as soon as possible."
"Understood."
Besides these two strategists, others like Fang Xuanling and Liu Wenjing had already rushed to Chang'an. With the Turkic forces retreating, there were no pressing matters at the Northern Frontier for now.
Although they agreed, Du Ruhui still said, "My Lord, Luoyang is not the immediate priority. With Zhai Rang there, it should suffice. I believe we should first stabilize Longxi and deal with Xue Ju to ensure Guanzhong's security."
Wang Yi, being from the south, had been contacted by some relatives and old acquaintances since revealing his identity, so he had some understanding of the situation in Jiangdu.
"Has something happened in Jiangdu?"
Li Jian Cheng replied, "News hasn't reached us yet, but the Emperor's passing should be within these few days."
Both of them were exceptionally clever individuals; however, they lamented that their information was too limited. Even knowing about the Emperor's impending death, they couldn't guess the purpose behind sending troops to Luoyang.
But they didn't ask further questions. At least until now, the Lord's arrangements had never gone wrong; they should choose to respectfully comply.
In May, the news of the emperor's death spread, and Li Jian Cheng, under the protection of a hundred thousand troops, made his way to Chang'an in grand procession.
On the road, a renowned Daoist from Guanzhong, known as High Monk, stopped him and said, "Today, the Jade Bed shakes, and the Throne topples. The world will surely see a Real Person rise from this turmoil; who else but an Immortal?"
"Li Gong calls upon the Barbarians to the north and gathers heroes from the south to seize the world. This is a move akin to that of Tang and Wu; Destiny is about to descend, and he shall enter Chang'an to accept it!"
Li Jian Cheng did not meet with him but instead offered vegetarian food as alms before continuing towards Guanzhong. The world trembled not only because of the emperor's death but also because numerous bandit leaders began to lay down their arms.
Ji Yin Fang Xian Bo, Shanggu Wang Junkuo, Li Shicai of Changping, Wei Liu'er, Li Deqian, Zhang Qian of Qiao County, Li Wenxiang of Wei County, Heishe of Qiao County, White Society, Jibei Zhang Qingtie, Shangluo Zhou Bitao...
Many notorious bandit leaders and prominent families expressed their willingness to rally under Li Langjun as State Protector if he would accept their allegiance and allow them to serve in court.
Prefects from various regions such as Nanyang Chunling, Xindu Beihai, Danyang Yuhang, Hongnong, and Northern Region also submitted petitions to Chang'an, expressing their desire to follow its orders. Some among them may have already lost control over their Prefectures.
However, they were still appointed Prefects by the court; their attitudes undoubtedly influenced many local officials and families. Everyone felt the impending tide that was about to sweep across the land.
As Li Jian Cheng stepped into Chang'an District, hundreds of thousands of citizens came out to greet him. His reputation in Chang'an was undoubtedly the loudest; after years of kindness and righteousness, even if he had not reached every citizen in the city.
Yet it was enough for them to know that this Lord of the Li Family was benevolent and righteous. In these times, supporting a Lord they knew well was far better than trusting outsiders.
Outside Chang'an City, Li Jian Cheng met with the people and established twelve laws: those who kill, rob, betray their troops, or rebel shall die; all other offenses would be pardoned. The aim was to be lenient and convenient for the times.
He exempted taxes and labor services; recruitment would not be forced. There would be no expansion of palaces or construction of a Summer Palace; instead, he sought to cultivate harmony with the world...
At this moment, within the Chang'an Palace City, Dai Wang Yang You ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, changing the era to Great Unity. He first appointed Li Yan as Han Wang, Grand Tutor, granting him the honor of wearing a sword in court, praising him without reservation, bestowing nine rewards, and appointing him as the Governor of Yongzhou.
Next, he conferred upon Li Jian Cheng the eleven-feathered crown, granting him authority to command troops, wield the yellow imperial seal, serve as Minister of Rites, Inner Secretary, and Grand Commandant overseeing military affairs both inside and outside the capital, while recording matters of the court. He was also granted the title of Tang Wang.
The Martial Virtue Hall was designated as the Prime Minister's Office, where orders were issued and matters were handled at Qianhua Gate. The court's affairs were to be decided by the Prime Minister's office!
Yang You looked down at the courtiers below who were calling out praises for his wisdom, feeling a chill run down his spine. His grandfather had passed away, his grandmother's fate was unknown, and his clan was nearly extinct. Even if there were still some surviving members, he imagined they would be just like him.
However, he could not afford to think too much about it now; even his own life was under the control of the Li Family. He could be forced to abdicate at any moment. The key concern was how to avoid dying from illness after stepping down.
Soon, the imperial edict reached Li Jian Cheng's hands. He bowed towards Chang'an City, thus legitimizing his position.
Hundreds of thousands of people knelt on the ground in chaos, shouting "Long Live the Tang King," "Long Live the King," while some simply called out "Long Live the Emperor." Gradually, their voices began to unify, shaking both heaven and earth while stirring people's hearts.
Even those commoners who had initially come merely to watch could not help but show respect, beginning to hope for a better life under Tang Wang's rule. This is how people are; they tend to follow the crowd, and so it is with the world.
In a carriage protected by a grand army at its center, Xiao Chanyan smiled as she looked at the Phoenix Robe and Crown placed before her. She reached out to gently touch them, feeling a sense of joy.
But soon she put away her smile. The Queen could protect her family; surely her aunt would be able to return safely to Chang'an to enjoy her old age.
(End of Chapter)
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