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Chapter 148: Ascending the Throne
Li Jian Cheng did not respond, merely instructing the two to leave and forbidding them from speaking such reckless words again.
Silence can be a form of response, and besides, some matters were of little benefit to discuss with them. If they truly had the heart, they would know how to act.
After they exited, Dan Xiongxin felt somewhat puzzled, but Qin Shubao was genuinely relieved. He had worried that Li Jian Cheng might be like Yang Xuangan; changing dynasties was no simple task, and one must tread carefully.
Qin Shubao comforted Dan Xiongxin, saying, "A ruler who lacks discretion loses his state; a minister who lacks discretion loses his life. Lord's grand ambitions allow him to remain patient and silent, which is a good thing."
The next day, the two armies clashed again. Facing Yang Xuangan's elite forces, Li Jian Cheng's troops naturally suffered continuous defeats. However, they displayed remarkable resilience, diligently adhering to the strategy of retreating when the enemy advanced, harassing them when they camped, striking when they were weary, and pursuing them when they retreated.
This continued until the Emperor personally led over a hundred thousand Valiant Fruit Army troops to the battlefield. During this time, Yang Xuangan had regained control of several prefectures, where local noble families and officials began to spontaneously form Provincial Troops to drive out Yang Xuangan's garrison.
This was the power of Legitimacy; Yang Xuangan had no choice but to proactively withdraw and prepare for a direct confrontation with the Emperor. Such a situation would lead to another dramatic shift in power dynamics.
Li Jian Cheng arrived with his subordinates to pay their respects. Although it had only been half a year since their last meeting, the Emperor had visibly lost much weight. The aura he once exuded now seemed somewhat diminished.
His handsome features appeared less perfect due to excessive thinness and the sternness etched on his face.
"The General pays respects to Your Majesty; long live my Emperor!"
Yuwen Shu immediately pointed at Li Jian Cheng and said, "Your Majesty commanded you to lead troops to aid Luoyang, yet you stood by and watched as Luoyang fell while hoarding your forces. Furthermore, you conspired against Wei Wensheng and Zhou Fashang to seize military power. Li Jian Cheng, do you acknowledge your crimes?"
Li Jian Cheng calmly looked up at the Emperor and replied, "I have only sincere loyalty towards Your Majesty. My concern is for the court's troops; without them, how could we hold back the main force of the rebels?
As for seizing military power and conspiring against my fellow generals, that is utterly ridiculous. As Your Majesty's appointed Right General of the Imperial Guards, it is only natural for me to command the remaining troops under Wei Wensheng and Zhou Fashang. There is no need for treachery.
However, since Duke of Xu has made such accusations today, in order to clear my name, I am willing to relinquish my command back to Your Majesty for investigation."
Yuwen Shu attempted to speak again, but the Emperor interrupted him: "Enough! Jian Cheng is my beloved nephew. He has endured hardships fighting against the rebels while mourning my late father; no one shall speak further on this matter!"
All rewards and punishments come from above. Li Jian Cheng had grown accustomed to the Emperor's way of showcasing his own authority in bestowing rewards or punishments. He solemnly expressed his gratitude but reiterated that since His Majesty had arrived, he truly lacked the ability to command thousands of troops and insisted on returning military authority.
The Emperor refused several times but seeing Li Jian Cheng's unwavering insistence showed that he was indeed sincere. Yang Guang felt a sense of relief in his heart and began to dismiss his suspicions regarding Wei Wensheng’s case.
The child who had grown up under his watch was indeed loyal and reliable.
The Emperor left Li Jian Cheng with twenty thousand troops, recalling the rest, but he also granted Li Jian Cheng numerous rewards. Since he had no offspring, the Emperor conferred titles upon his three brothers, Shimin Xuanba and Yuanji, making them junior officials of the fifth rank.
Such rewards made the civil and military officials envious, but they could not help but mockingly glance at the silent Li Yan nearby. It was truly a stroke of good fortune for the Duke of Tang to rely on his eldest son when he could not confer titles upon his own children.
Soon after, the Consultation engaged in battle with the rebels. Li Jian Cheng did not speak much; he only answered truthfully when questioned about his own situation.
Li Jian Cheng also noticed that many in the camp were in awkward positions; their sons had either surrendered to Yang Xuangan or their family members had done so.
Although the Emperor said nothing at that moment, it was their last chance to prove their loyalty. Thus, they actively offered advice and strategies, with Come to Protect the Child even boldly requesting to take part in the battle.
The Provincial Troops also rushed to provide support, such as Hongnong Prefect Yang Zhiji. However, it was clear that the Emperor trusted the Royal Family the least.
In Luoyang, facing the Imperial Decree for a personal campaign, Yang Guang found that the Consultation was not discussing how to fend off enemies but whether they should declare themselves emperors.
If they did not declare themselves emperors while facing the Emperor as rebels, there would be no need for a fight; morale would naturally plummet. Therefore, even Li Mi did not offer much counsel this time.
Only Wei Fusi continued to persuade him earnestly. However, Yang Xuangan could not afford to heed him at that moment and immediately ordered preparations to be made for a ceremony to worship the Heavenly Sovereign and ancestral spirits, declaring himself emperor and establishing a new dynasty!
Thus began a hasty founding ceremony. In the Luoyang Imperial Palace, Yang Xuangan proclaimed himself ruler of the Chu Kingdom, basing his laws on those of the Kaihuang Era and bestowing titles upon civil and military officials.
Yang Jishan and other members of the Royal Family were made princes, while Li Zixiong and Li Mi were granted princely titles. The remaining confidants were elevated to dukes and marquises; everyone was promoted and honored in an instant.
With those above elevated, those below naturally found opportunities for advancement as well, leading to a surge in morale.
News quickly reached outside the city, infuriating the Emperor. He immediately ordered an assault on the city, but of course, it could not be taken easily; this was Luoyang City after all—no one could expect to conquer it without effort.
However, after uniting forces, the Emperor commanded an army of over two hundred thousand men, with continuous reinforcements from Provincial Troops arriving. They could besiege Luoyang; if Yang Xuangan could not break through this situation, he would eventually meet a fate similar to Fan Zigai's.
Thus, after declaring himself emperor, Yang Xuangan could not enjoy a single day of imperial dignity. He continued to struggle daily with his subordinates for survival.
Yang Xuangan could not find peace at night, but his ministers and generals were not in the same predicament. Suddenly elevated to high positions, they naturally wished to enjoy the corresponding privileges.
Gold, silver, beautiful women, luxurious residences, and fine carriages—these were all available in Luoyang City. With great power in their hands, they desired to have whatever they wanted.
They led their troops into the homes of the former nobility, plundering at will, even driving them all away to take over their properties and enjoy the spoils.
Li Mi saw this and hurried to intervene, but he had no direct troops under his command. He could not stop the bloodthirsty crowd and could only go to see Yang Xuangan.
"Your Majesty, if you do not intervene now, a great disaster will occur!"
Upon hearing this, Yang Xuangan replied, "As long as they enter the court as officials, I... I will ensure their families are preserved."
Li Mi was dumbfounded. "Such matters must be approached gradually. If you act so violently against the noble families, how can Luoyang City defend itself?"
Yang Xuangan could not help but roar, "If they do not comply, then let them die! Yang Guang's troops are at the gates; they do not even wish to see me. What intentions do they harbor? Must I spell it out?"
Li Mi understood the difficulties Yang Xuangan faced. Many still had choices, but Yang Xuangan had reached a point where there was no room for maneuvering. Yet to act so recklessly was to abandon even the last glimmer of hope.
………………
(End of Chapter)
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