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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 289: The National Legacy (Finale)
To be honest, at this moment, my Legitimate Eldest Son is quite impressive—steady and reliable—but he is not the most gifted among the princes, nor is his maternal family the most powerful.
The Lanling Xiao Clan has been in decline since Xiao Cong's death. Over the past six or seven years, many new nobles have risen in the Court, marking a generational shift.
However, it is precisely because of this that I am more determined to establish my Legitimate Eldest Son as the heir. Even I cannot discern which of my sons could lead the Tang Dynasty to continued glory.
The princes have learned to play to their strengths and avoid their weaknesses since they were around eight or nine years old. Each has their merits: one possesses a resolute character, another is friendly with guests, one is clever and quick-witted, while another is generous and magnanimous…
Of course, they all have their flaws, but none can compare to their uncle.
The Emperor ordered his ministers to prepare for the ceremony to confer the title of Crown Prince, leaving only a few younger brothers in the hall—his third brother, Prince Jin Li Xuanba, who had passed away a few years ago alongside the Retired Emperor.
However, Li Yan had left him with seven younger siblings.
The Emperor looked at the deposed King Qi and said, “Yuanji, have you regretted your actions over these years?”
Li Yuanji simply knelt and bowed. The once-disdainful King Li Shimin quickly interjected, “Your Majesty, Yuanji knows his mistakes. He has devoted himself to Buddhism and remained silent last year to pray for our father’s Empress. That is why he cannot answer.”
After all, they were brothers born of the same mother; Li Jian Cheng did not hold it against Li Yuanji whether he truly believed in Buddhism or simply did not wish to speak with him.
The Emperor nodded. “Being filial is good enough. I originally intended to confine you for life, but before the Empress passed away, she was most concerned about you. She specifically asked me to release you after a few years so that you could at least enjoy your freedom.”
Li Yuanji suddenly raised his head in disbelief; he could not fathom that his mother, who had nearly abandoned him, would think of him on her deathbed.
Li Jian Cheng gestured for an elderly female official to come forward and convey the words that the Dou Family had entrusted to Li Yuanji on her deathbed.
Li Yuanji wept bitterly after hearing the news, and Li Shimin's face was also streaked with tears.
...
"The primary heir must be the Eldest Son. The successor must establish a reserve, both to carry on the weight of the legacy and to honor the ancestral roots, thus solidifying the foundation and ensuring stability for all nations.
Therefore, the great righteousness of rulers and the vastness of emperors cannot be surpassed.
I, with my humble self, bear the Destiny, founding and establishing the nation, remaining vigilant and respectful, always contemplating long-term plans. With the brilliant light of Eight Leaves illuminating my path, I claim greatness across the seas; thus, as the master of Dagger and the weight of Grain Offering, I shall establish an Heir Apparent, a leader for the realm.
Eldest Son Chengzong is well-versed in rites and regulations; being both legitimate and eldest, he is intelligent, perceptive, respectful to his parents, not self-satisfied or presumptuous. He adheres to established principles, celebrates high virtues, and embodies the way of a son that only a father can truly understand.
Upon careful consideration of his character and aspirations, he should inherit Great Unity. He is capable of overseeing military affairs and maintaining stability; he embodies humility and respect.
When inquiring about well-being, it must come from genuine concern. In entering academia, he must understand the importance of yielding to seniors. As he ascends to this position, may he ensure stability for all nations; he should be appointed as Crown Prince with proper ceremonies arranged by those in charge!"
The news of King Qi's special pardon barely stirred any waves in Capital City; the enfeoffment of the Crown Prince was a matter that concerned everyone's interests.
The Eastern Palace had been vacant for over ten years, but now it finally had an owner. At the same time, this vast empire had a clear successor.
The difference between a prince and a Crown Prince is merely one character, yet the power they wield is worlds apart; the Eastern Palace possesses its own guards.
After the enfeoffment ceremony, many still held onto hope because they believed that if His Majesty truly favored Li Chengzong, it would not have taken until now to make a decision.
However, the Emperor's subsequent decree nearly extinguished their hopes. The Emperor commanded all Vassal States and Court Princes to send their outstanding sons into the Eastern Palace to serve as attendants for the Crown Prince.
Everyone tacitly sent their most distinguished legitimate sons over; thus, the position of Crown Prince became increasingly solidified.
The Emperor began to delegate power to the Crown Prince, allowing him to participate in the cabinet and review some simple state affairs as a form of training.
As for the other princes, the Emperor did not give them any opportunities to covet power, but he also did not intend to raise them as idle nobles. After their marriages, they were all assigned to territories in Liaodong, the Western Regions, and overseas lands such as Wa Country to establish their domains.
In cases similar to that of Prince Jin, Li Xuanba, who could not venture out for labor, they could remain in the Capital City. However, without a fief, they could only serve in the Royal Clan Office and enjoy wealth and privilege.
After the year six of the era, the Emperor lost interest in expanding his territory and focused on governing the existing lands while establishing schools to promote commerce and industry.
Li Jian Cheng clearly sensed that controlling such a vast territory was already at its limit; beyond that lay only enclaves that could be granted as fiefs.
After acquiring a large quantity of silver mines from Wa Country, the Emperor began to establish a silver standard system and utilized the credit of the Tang Dynasty to issue paper currency for trade.
As the center of the world at that time, the Tang Dynasty had both the capability and confidence to try anything. Li Jian Cheng did not set any particular traditions for his descendants. He simply ordered the Naval Forces to continuously explore new lands overseas. If any new nations were found, they were to establish trade routes and provide books for communication, while also instructing Soldiers to seek out specific crops to bring back to the Central Plains.
In the tenth year of the era, on the day after the Emperor's fiftieth birthday celebration, the Crown Prince Li Chengzong's son was born, which was seen as an auspicious sign by the Courtiers.
The Emperor was equally delighted but also worried; with a Grandson now born, how far could his own death be? Decades could be long or short depending on perspective.
Who would want to die after becoming Emperor?
The most obvious change was that after having a Grandson, various Monastic Daoism practitioners began appearing before him more frequently, offering countless remedies for longevity.
Some were relatively reasonable; instead of promising eternal life, they at least claimed to promote health. Others required consuming elixirs made from metals and stones, which if believed could shorten one's lifespan by a decade or two.
Then there were those sinister remedies that involved using the hearts and lungs of Young Boys and Girls. The Emperor ordered all such Demonic Monks promoting these wicked practices to be executed.
It was also in this year that the Queen suddenly passed away—so unexpectedly that even one who held such supreme power over an empire was utterly powerless to reverse it.
The Emperor was deeply saddened and buried the Queen in the mausoleum where they would both rest for eternity.
For the sake of the Crown Prince and the State, he did not take another consort. Instead, he appointed Consort Zheng and the Consort Crown Prince to jointly manage the affairs of the palace.
Without his wife, he became a widower, remaining so for another ten years.
During these ten years, he had killed many people—proud and arrogant generals who had committed wrongs due to their achievements, as well as numerous Royal Relatives. Gradually, the old faces around him diminished.
As the Crown Prince's position became more stable, more Civil and Military officials gathered at the Eastern Palace. Among them were Xue Rengui, who had distinguished himself in Liaodong during the Suppression of Rebellion, and Di Renjie, a young talent renowned from the Imperial Examination.
Over time, the Crown Prince grew increasingly composed. The Emperor began to realize that although he still held great power, the Crown Prince's influence in court was second only to his own and was closing in year by year.
This was something hard to accept; he had been autocratic for far too long. Even Li Yan had never been this close to his authority.
Instinctively, the Emperor felt the urge to act. He had many sons; with just one decree, everything accumulated in the Eastern Palace could be reduced to ashes. He could continue to wield the power of a god on earth without worry.
Sitting alone on the dragon throne, the Emperor touched his graying temples and sighed deeply.
In the twentieth year of his reign, while still physically robust enough to lead Civil and Military officials on hunting expeditions and with a clear mind—still praised as the Most Holy Son of Heaven—he suddenly issued an edict to pass the throne to the Crown Prince.
Helping him onto his horse for a final send-off might be the best conclusion.
The Crown Prince repeatedly knelt in refusal, even leading his wife and children into seclusion at the Eastern Palace, forbidding anyone from visiting to express his intentions.
The Emperor felt reassured; although he could see this was his son retreating to advance, testing his feelings.
But ultimately, it was a good sign. If the Crown Prince was joyfully preparing for ascension, he feared he would regret having chosen such a foolish heir.
In the Eastern Palace, the Emperor comforted his granddaughter and then instructed his daughter-in-law to take them away, leaving only his son and eldest grandson.
"Father, you are in good health; there is no need for this. I have no such intentions!"
Li Jian Cheng smiled and replied, "How long can good health last? It’s just a matter of time. I do not wish to hastily pass on the throne, causing turmoil both inside and outside the court. It is best to witness it with my own eyes.
I hope that in the future, you will also be able to hand over the country to your son personally. However, this is not easy; I wonder when you will have the courage to do so."
Li Chengzong glanced at his son beside him. "Father has set a good example for me. Naturally, I will work hard to ensure that our Li Family's State and Dynasty is well-preserved and will not let personal desires lead to misfortune for the country and its people."
"That’s good to hear."
At the end of the year, the ceremony for abdication took place. The Emperor, neither happy nor sad, handed over the empire he had built to his son, becoming the second Retired Emperor of the Tang Dynasty.
Although he was no longer Emperor, Li Jian Cheng continued to oversee state affairs for over a year before completely transferring power to his son and returning to Chang'an.
The first couple of years were somewhat uncomfortable, but seeing the country continue to prosper, he gradually began to enjoy life.
With splendid treasures and heavenly riches, he ruled over all under heaven, commanding respect from countless nations. This was his country, as well as that of future generations.
……………………
(End of Book)
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