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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 206: The Courtiers
"Long live Your Majesty, long live the Tang Dynasty!"
Under the feet of the Emperor, the people of Chang'an were always the first to know the state of affairs. They were excited about the return of their familiar noble, who had taken control of Chang'an and the world.
Even more thrilling was the new era name of the Emperor, Peace, something that everyone had longed for. There was nothing better than Peace.
The Emperor remained the benevolent Lord he had always been, ready to bestow Peace upon the realm!
In the Supreme Harmony Hall, after ascending to the throne, the Emperor commanded all the consorts to pay their respects to the Queen, then waved his hand to confer titles upon the Royal Family, starting with his three brothers.
Historically, royal titles such as those from Qin, Jin, Qi, and Chu were considered most prestigious. Following the wishes of the Retired Emperor, the Emperor conferred the title of Qin Wang upon Duke of Zhao Li Shimin, appointing him as General of the Left and Governor of Henan to eliminate bandits.
Duke of Jin Li Xuanba was made Prince Jin and assigned to oversee Zongzheng, managing the Royal Clan Office.
Yan Duke Li Yuanji was named King Qi and appointed as Right General of the Imperial Guards and Governor of Bingzhou, tasked with eliminating bandits and guarding against Turkic threats.
Qin Wang, Prince Jin, and King Qi stepped forward together to receive their decrees and express gratitude.
Among the remaining Royal Family members, only Li Xiaogong was conferred as Hejian Wang and Right Guard General; all others were granted Duke titles. The Emperor decreed that aside from princes, all members of the Royal Family must earn their titles through merit.
The Emperor conferred titles upon Li Bai Ju as Duke of Cucumber County, Li Xiaojin as Duke of Shuliang County, Li Shuliang as Duke of Changping, Li Daoxuan as Duke of Huaiyang, Li Shentong as Earl Yongkang, Li Shenfu as Duke of Xiangyi, Li Boyi as Duke of Longxi, and Li Fengci as Duke of Bohai...
Before any member of the Royal Family could respond, the Emperor issued further edicts appointing them to official positions, primarily as local Prefects. He promised that those who could maintain peace and stability would be rewarded with promotions and honors without deceit.
Much of what had been achieved in the realm was due to the Emperor's trusted aides. Although the Royal Family had contributed some effort, it was minimal. Seeing that the Emperor offered them a chance to earn merit, they could only accept it.
The Courtiers were quite surprised by this development and prepared themselves mentally; if the Emperor deliberately suppressed the titles of the Royal Family, he would undoubtedly do so for theirs as well. With the Royal Family setting a precedent, they found it even harder to voice their concerns.
All eyes turned to Xiao Cong as the Emperor began conferring titles upon the Courtiers. As expected, he was first in line.
"I confer upon Xiao Cong the title of Liang Junwang and appoint him Minister of Rites and Chief of Staff Equivalent to the Three Departments."
"I humbly thank Your Majesty!"
Xiao Cong had experienced great ups and downs in his life, and he no longer had any expectations for titles or positions. In fact, he felt that his current position was somewhat too high, and he planned to resign and return home after some time.
"Let it be decreed that Li Jing is appointed as Duke of Wei, Left Guard General, Chief of Staff Equivalent to the Three Departments, and Commander of the Imperial Guard."
"I humbly thank Your Majesty!"
Dan Xiongxin was appointed as Duke of Jiyin and Left Thousand Cattle Guard General, while Qin Shubao was made New Li County Duke and Right Thousand Cow Guard General. Xu Shijie became Li Hu Jun Gong and Left Martial General, and Zhai Rang was named Duke of Weicheng and Right Wu Guard General.
Zhang Hutan was appointed as Rongping Duke and Left General of the Gate, Yang Jishan as Hongnong Duke and Right Gate General. Li Mi was made Yangdu County Duke and Left Guard General, while Xue Ju became Fen Yang County Duke and Right Guard General.
Xiao Xian was appointed as Lanling Duke and Left General Commander. Du Fuwei was made Zhangqiu Marquis and Right General Commander, Wang Shichong as New Feng Marquis and Left General of the Golden Crow Guard, and Wang Bo as Zou Ping Hou and Right General of the Golden Crow Guard.
Chancellor Pei Ji was appointed as Right Minister in charge of state affairs, Liu Wenjing as Councilor, Registrar Dou Wei as Minister of Internal Affairs, and Li Gang as Minister of Rites in Charge of Appointments.
Yin Kaishan was named Minister of Personnel, Wang Yi also as Minister of Personnel, Zhao Cijing as Minister of War, Fang Xuanling as Deputy Minister of War, Wei Yijie as Minister of Rites, and Du Ruhui as Vice Minister of Rites.
The decree recognizing the merits of the courtiers took a full hour to read. It not only included their official positions but also briefly described their achievements. The official reading the decree changed five times during this period.
Once everyone had received their titles, the Emperor issued a decree: "In light of the situation where loyal ministers from the Zhou Dynasty and the end of the Sui Dynasty dared not offer counsel, I hereby seek candid advice; anyone with suggestions may present them."
He also decreed the establishment of selection systems for Mingjing, Scholar, Gentleman, and Jinshi categories, setting up National Academies and Four Gates Academies to recruit over three hundred students. He ordered all provinces and counties to simultaneously establish schools for enrollment.
Pei Ji and Liu Wenjing were tasked with revising the laws, primarily based on The Early Years of Kaihuang, ensuring that they were practical and suitable for the times while correcting any discrepancies.
The courtiers were invigorated by this decree, feeling that an era of great governance was approaching. However, there were still quite a few who pondered why their ranks were so low.
Yet faced with the Emperor who had just pacified the realm, they dared not raise their voices at this moment. Although the Sixteen Guard Generals had been established, military power still rested firmly in the Emperor's hands. For instance, even though Li Mi, Xue Ju, and Du Fuwei held high military titles, without a Tiger Tally bestowed upon them, they could not mobilize even a single soldier.
Those holding military power like Li Jing, Li Shimin, Zhang Hutan, and Xu Shijie were either siblings or long-time associates of the Emperor. In this moment of triumph for them all, how could they possibly defy him?
They would have to wait and see. While it was easy for the Emperor to conquer the world, clearing away many hidden dangers would prove difficult.
In the Martial Virtue Hall, the Emperor hosted a grand banquet for the courtiers. As everyone sang and danced together during the feast, halfway through the festivities, the Emperor remarked: "I enjoy wine and banquets; all you ministers know this well. Yet at this moment when I am tipsy with wine and filled with joy around me, I find my heart heavy with worries."
The ministers hurriedly stopped their singing and dancing. Even those who had drunk too much were firmly held back by others, while the sober ones stepped forward cautiously to bow and say, "Your Majesty, as the founder of the nation and the ruler of the world, you are the Sovereign Father of all people. Why should you be troubled? Please, Your Majesty, be stern and allow us to relieve your worries."
Li Jian Cheng sighed, "Since the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty, fields have been left fallow and the people are starving. As a ruler and a father, I lead my courtiers in indulgence and revelry. How is this any different from Emperor Yang?"
Wei Zheng, who had been frowning, immediately pushed past Fang Xuanling and stood up. "What Your Majesty says is very true. I wish to offer my counsel. Since you are the Sovereign Father, you should set an example for your subjects. Although today is a day of great joy, you must also exercise restraint and think of those still suffering in dire circumstances!"
Everyone was astonished at Wei Zheng's words; it seemed inappropriate to speak so boldly on such a day and risk offending the emperor.
However, Li Jian Cheng smiled heartily and said, "What Wei Qing says is indeed reasonable. I shall accept it. A bronze mirror can help one straighten their attire; by using ancient history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of dynasties; by using people as a mirror, one can see clearly what is gained and lost. Wei Qing shall serve as my bright mirror!"
Not only the courtiers but even Wei Zheng himself was taken aback. He had prepared himself to be dismissed and thought perhaps the emperor would humbly accept advice, but he never expected such praise.
Wei Zheng couldn't help but feel a bit regretful. After all, today was the first day of the emperor's reign. It was already quite remarkable that he could think of his people amidst his celebrations; he should have offered his counsel more gently rather than being so audacious.
Li Jian Cheng pointed at the scattered food and drink around them and said, "Let it not be said that I now enjoy being a wealthy emperor with riches from all corners of the world; even when I was merely the Duke's heir, I did not care for such trivial food and drink.
It pains me deeply to think of my people starving. I have assumed Destiny to establish this state; must I still indulge in luxury while my subjects suffer from hunger and cold?"
………
(End of Chapter)
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