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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 240: Return to the Court
Goguryeo was merely a side target while dealing with the Turkic tribes; it served as a catalyst for the downfall of the previous dynasty. The prestige gained from destroying Goguryeo would be significant.
Having lost Liaodong City, Goguryeo was already a piece of meat on Li Jian Cheng's chopping board. If it weren't for this situation, he would have planned to consume it in a few years.
However, since there was now a need, he had to act decisively. Not only did he order Zhang Hutan and Luo Yi to march on Pyongyang, but he also sent an emissary to Silla and Baekje to issue an edict, commanding them to send troops against Goguryeo as well. Those who disobeyed would face destruction alongside it.
After the three left to carry out their orders, Li Jian Cheng rose and walked into the hall, slightly tilting his head to look at his usual seat. It still wasn't high enough.
The courtiers were also seated during the audience. They had initially thought this arrangement was favorable, but now it seemed they would have to stand during court sessions. Only when standing uncomfortably would they truly understand the distinction between ruler and minister.
However, reforming the bureaucracy required immense prestige, great courage, and unwavering determination. Li Jian Cheng undoubtedly possessed the latter two; now he needed to compensate for the one thing he lacked.
Li Wei entered and said, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager requests your presence."
"Who spoke out of turn? Did I not command that no one disturb the Empress Dowager's peace?"
Li Wei lowered her head. "The servants did not dare to obstruct the Retired Emperor."
Li Jian Cheng had bloodied the court but had only reduced Li Yan's allowances; there was no house arrest—he simply hadn't visited him.
In truth, the Retired Emperor's comforts still surpassed those of the reigning emperor. Not only did the courtiers avoid him, but even members of the royal family dared not visit him anymore.
"The Retired Emperor is here?"
"The Retired Emperor has left."
Li Jian Cheng nodded and stepped out. The father-son bond between him and Li Yan had completely vanished after this incident. He chose not to act against him for now solely because he posed no threat. In such turbulent times, it was unnecessary to give those in rebellion another reason to rise up.
Li Yan was only in his fifties, with plenty of time ahead of him.
Soon, they arrived at the Dou Family's sleeping quarters. Li Jian Cheng stood before the palace door, softening his expression before entering.
It was clear that the Dou Family had been crying. Upon seeing Li Jian Cheng, she could no longer hold back her tears.
"Empress, it's alright. It was just a farce; you need not worry."
"My son, your father has lost his mind. Why couldn't he have died sooner?"
The Dou Family spoke through gritted teeth, showing no regard for the palace maids and eunuchs nearby.
These words warmed Li Jian Cheng's heart. Over the past few days, even his confidants had subtly advised him to treat the Retired Emperor well; otherwise, right and wrong would be turned upside down.
"You all may leave now."
"Yes."
Once everyone had exited, Li Jian Cheng sat beside the Dou Family's couch. He had been in this world for twenty years, and the only ones who truly cared for him were his grandmother from the Dugu Clan and his mother from the Dou Family.
"Mother, it's alright."
The Dou Family looked at her son's haggard face with sorrow. "My son, my time is limited as well. How can I rest easy knowing your father is like this?"
Li Jian Cheng continued to comfort her, but his disdain for Li Yan grew deeper. Everyone was aware of the Dou Family's situation; even the several daughters-in-law who came daily with their children offered no words of comfort.
Yet Li Yan, who had made mistakes himself, still had the audacity to let his ailing wife worry about the struggles between him and their son during her time of illness.
"You need not worry about your son. Those treacherous officials who sowed discord have already been dealt with by me. No one dares to incite your father anymore."
Dou Family shook her head lightly. Although she had not been in the inner chambers for a long time, she was not an ignorant woman. She understood very well that while her son had won, his situation must be dire.
With so many noble families from the Royal Family, it was not so easy to deal with them. If killing could solve everything, then the emperors before would have been fools.
"I want to see the ladies of the inner and outer courts; someone must clarify the grievances my son has suffered."
She and Li Yan were a married couple, having raised their children together for a lifetime, but that bond could never compare to the mother-son relationship she shared with her child.
Jian Cheng was her Eldest Son, the most special of her flesh and blood, embodying all her hopes and fulfilling all her expectations.
At this moment, Wei Zheng had already led King Qi outside Chang'an City, and both of their faces were extremely grim.
The news from Chang'an along the way had shocked them continuously; the court situation was utterly chaotic.
Li Yuanji was delighted that his Pei Ji had died, but he also feared that several of the Royal Family Uncle who had originally supported him were now dead. Most critically, it seemed that he could no longer rely on his father.
However, he still held onto some hope. With so many deaths in the court, local officials were beginning to stir unrest. His elder brother even dragged out that useless third brother for use; perhaps he would be allowed to redeem himself.
Wei Zheng was filled with pure anger. The Retired Emperor and Pei Ji had ruined such a favorable situation, creating internal strife and external threats that risked tearing the country apart.
As they entered the city, they noticed that Bingzhou Deputy Governor Wang An had also ridden over. His face was clouded with gloom; gone was his previous arrogance and ease—only deep fear remained.
Behind him were seven or eight officials familiar to Li Yuanji. Strangely enough, seeing this made him feel somewhat relieved.
It was better to face this together than to confront his elder brother alone.
Wang An dismounted and bowed before Wei Zheng. "I ask Duke Wei to speak a few words on my behalf before His Majesty. I have no connections with Pei Ji, nor did I know he dared to forcefully seize power."
Li Yuanji sneered. "Who would believe you? Pei Ji just accused me in court, and you have already gathered evidence against him. In my view, you are all part of the same faction!"
Wei Zheng ignored them and headed straight for the palace, with Li Yuanji and Wang An following closely behind.
Soon, Li Jian Cheng, who had just emerged from the Empress Dowager's quarters, received the news and ordered them to wait in the Martial Virtue Hall while summoning the courtiers and royal family.
Originally, he intended to use Li Yuanji as an example to intimidate others, but he never expected Pei Ji and the others to be so self-sacrificing.
Once all the courtiers had gathered, the emperor finally made his way to the throne. Wei Zheng first reported back, detailing everything he had discovered during this mission, supported by witnesses and evidence that confirmed King Qi was committing atrocities and disregarding human life in his territory.
Li Yuanji hurriedly defended himself, saying, "This is a conspiracy orchestrated by Pei Ji and Wang An to frame me. They fear that I might take control of the troops in Bingzhou and respond to any changes in the court to protect His Majesty. Please see through their deceit."
Upon hearing this, the courtiers and royal family could not help but lower their heads. King Qi was someone they had watched grow up; everyone knew what kind of person he was.
If the Retired Emperor were truly reinstated, it was likely that King Qi would be among the first to support him.
Li Jian Cheng did not pay attention to Li Yuanji's words; instead, his gaze fell upon Wang An. He recalled their conversation during a banquet when he had entered Jinyang with his sword against Wei.
…………
(End of Chapter)
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