Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 497 Feeling like a world away
Bang!
Zhang Guangsheng, who was walking at the front of the team, slammed the gong in his hand.

"The prince is on patrol!" "Pedestrians, get out of the way!"

He shouted at the top of his lungs.

Hundreds of people behind him had already raised the wooden signs and flags that had been prepared long ago. It looked mighty and imposing!

Zhang Guangsheng led Li Ying and his party and entered Chang'an City from the Mingde Gate in the south.

Since the southern part of Chang'an was full of civilian areas, and some of the neighborhoods were like wastelands with less than a hundred people living there, there was no commotion when they first entered the city.

But as the team continued to move northward along Zhuque Street, more and more "unidentified" people joined the team on both sides and "consciously" protected Li Heng and others.

By the time Li Heng and his party arrived at the Suzaku Gate of the Imperial City, the team had expanded to more than a thousand people, and the Suzaku Gate was already wide open!

The brothers Yan Zhenqing and Yan Gaoqing, with many officials in red robes behind them, stood in front of the Vermillion Bird Gate. They lowered their hands and looked respectful, like two stone statues.

Li Heng walked out of the crowd, saluted Yan Zhenqing with his hands crossed, and said, "Mr. Yan, I am here."

"Your Highness, please follow me to the Purple Palace in Daming Palace. All equipment has been prepared."

Yan Zhenqing saluted Li Heng with his arms folded.

What does "ready to go" mean? It's self-explanatory.

Li Heng could not guarantee that he would arrive today, and Yan Zhenqing and others could not predict that he would arrive today.

All I can say is that everything is self-explanatory.

Yan Zhenqing led Li Heng and his party into the gate of the imperial city. Before they had gone far, they saw the children of Ji Ge's brothers standing in front of Chengtian Gate in the imperial city with solemn expressions.

Qi Wang Li Zhen, Ning Wang Li Lin, Hexi Wang Li Jie, Rongyang Wang Li Yan and others were present. Many of the Li Hengs were just familiar faces, and they didn't even say a few words.

"Welcome to the Crown Prince!"

These princes saluted Li Heng almost in unison with a very respectful attitude, as if Li Heng had become Li Longji at this moment!
This made Li Heng feel as if he was in another world.

It seems like he did nothing and just became the emperor of the Tang Dynasty?

Li Heng was a little confused for a moment.

His brothers paid a heavy price for the throne.

The three unlucky guys who killed three sons in one day, Li Cong who was depressed because he lost his inheritance rights after his face was scratched by a monkey, and Li Heng who suddenly attacked because of various new and old grudges.

The tragic lives of these people all started and ended with the throne.

After all the fighting, just for such a piece of shit?
Li Heng suddenly felt that the complicated procedures for ascending the throne were not solemn at all, but ridiculous! It was like a child's play!

Do all the ministers, officials, and powerful families really support him becoming the emperor?

Li Heng was thinking as he walked. Along the way, officials and even royal relatives greeted him warmly and respectfully.

But Li Heng did not feel any joy or satisfaction.

Yes, these people are not supporting themselves, they just need an emperor.

Because without the emperor, the country cannot function, and these aristocratic nobles cannot use their original advantageous position to gain benefits.

They need stability, well, only the kind of stability that is beneficial to them. If society is stable but they don't get any benefits, these people will turn around and become the leaders of the rebellion.

Why did Wei Sanniang die but these insects didn’t?
Why can't they die?
Suddenly, a strong desire for revenge surged in Li Heng's heart! These people were once the accomplices of that old immortal dog emperor!

Why do they live well?

Noticing that Li Heng seemed a little bit unwell, Yan Zhenqing walked up to him and said in a low voice, "Your Highness must have been exhausted from the journey to Chang'an. I feel the same way. But later in the Purple Palace, there will be the coronation ceremony. Please cheer up."

"Please rest assured, Mr. Yan. I understand."

Li Heng nodded expressionlessly and spoke in an unusually calm tone.

So calm that it borders on indifference.

The thing that he had planned with his life and property at stake had come to this point, and Yan Zhenqing could no longer turn back.

What he believed in was great benevolence, righteousness, wisdom and courage, rather than rigidly following the rules of the game of imperial power!

It is obvious that Yan Zhenqing believed that Ji Ge, the emperor, was no longer able to bear the heavy responsibility that originally belonged to him. If this emperor continued to reign, the Tang Dynasty would only collapse more rapidly.

The people will suffer terribly!

As a last resort, between personal reputation and saving the country, Yan Zhenqing chose the latter.

"Your Highness, the Tang Dynasty is now at a critical moment of life and death. Please be patient and handle the urgent matter.

Everything else will be discussed after Hebei is pacified."

Yan Zhenqing tried to persuade him.

The "everything else" he mentioned actually referred to the privileges unique to the emperor.

For example, if you want a woman to be your concubine, just bring her into the palace.

For example, what should we do with the song and dance troupe in Liyuan Neiyuan?

There are many ceremonies that are unique to emperors. Li Ying tries a new one every day, and never repeats it for a month! Yan Zhenqing was worried that Li Ying would start the "emperor's enjoyment mode" after he came to power, which would really ruin the meal!
"Please rest assured, Mr. Yan. I understand."

Li Heng nodded slightly.

In fact, Yan Zhenqing was worrying too much. Li Heng had no interest in the things that Ji Ge liked, and even had a natural aversion to them.

"Welcome to the Crown Prince!"

"Welcome to the Crown Prince!"

"Welcome to the Crown Prince!"

Every person who "accidentally" appears along the way, no matter what style of official robe they are wearing, will shout "Welcome to the Prince".

These four words seemed like an idiom that could be used to relay messages, and they kept being passed in the direction that Li Heng was heading.

First enter the Taiji Palace, then continue north, pass through the Xuanwu Gate and enter the West Inner Courtyard. Finally, pass through the Hanguang Hall, enter the Daming Palace from the side door, and run all the way to the Zichen Hall!

When Li Heng and his party arrived at the Purple Palace, the place was already full of central government officials, as if they were all waiting for him to arrive.

What surprised Li Heng was that these people seemed to have prepared everything properly, and all the ceremonial vessels used for the ceremony were present!
Many of them were seen at the Prince’s Enthronement Ceremony!
Two unfamiliar eunuchs came forward and put the ochre-yellow dragon robe in their hands on Li Heng. Then they took off his futou and put on a black crown.

The crown is the "headgear", which can be simply understood as a kind of hat. It is just the highest status, usually worn during sacrifices and grand court ceremonies, and is generally not used at ordinary times.

The "Liu" are the strings of small jade beads hanging from the front of the hat, which are made of five colors: red, white, blue, yellow and black.

The so-called crown can be simply understood as the "crown" worn by the emperor during grand ceremonies.

Wearing this means that Li Heng will be the emperor from today!
Li Heng stood still, waiting for the eunuchs to put on the dragon robe and crown for him. After hastily completing the most basic etiquette of enthronement, Cheng Yuanzhen led Li Heng to the dragon throne in the Purple Palace and asked Li Heng to sit down.

After sitting down slowly, Li Heng did not seem to feel any "dragon energy" or infinite power in his body.

I just feel that this dragon throne is cold, hard, and hurts my butt, so it is really uncomfortable to sit on.

"Long live my emperor!"

Yan Zhenqing took the lead and shouted.

"Long live my emperor!"

All the officials in the Purple Palace bowed to the ground, shouting "Long live the emperor".

Cheng Yuanzhen shouted in a drake-like voice. He seemed to have gotten into the state earlier than Li Heng and was now completely immersed in the role.

Li Ying sat on the dragon throne, and could look down at the expressions of the ministers in the palace. It was a pity that these old foxes had already cultivated themselves into spirits, and from their faces, one could only see the four words "loyalty to the emperor and patriotism".

But if these people are really "loyal to the emperor", what virtue and ability do I have to deserve to sit on the dragon throne in the Purple Palace?
Li Ying felt such an inexplicable sense of absurdity that he wanted to howl to the sky.

If the emperor is not suitable, then change him. Among these people in the hall, there may not be any loyal and patriotic ones, but there are definitely many traitors.

A sneer appeared on his lips, but disappeared in an instant.

“Sage, the Emperor is still in Taiyuan. If this continues, the officials will be at a loss as to what to do. They may even think that it is because of your disrespect for filial piety that the Emperor dares not return to Chang’an.

It would be better for the saint to issue an edict to welcome the emperor emeritus and ask him to move to Da'an Palace.

Let everyone in the world see your majesty's filial piety."

An official in a purple robe stepped forward and suggested. His name was Li Xian, the newly appointed prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture and also the eldest son of Prince Xin'an Li Yi.

"Prime Minister Yan, draft the imperial edict."

Li Heng gave the order calmly.

"Sage, there are more than 100,000 elite troops in Taiyuan. They cannot be left without supervision. Sage, please issue an imperial edict to have these elite troops reorganized in Hedong.

Reappoint the commander."

Another official stepped forward and made a suggestion.

Li Heng nodded slightly and asked, "Who do you think would be the commander-in-chief? By the way, I don't know your name or position yet."

"Your humble servant Pei Zunqing is currently serving as the Minister of War. I recommend veteran General Du Xiwang to take up the post."

Pei Zunqing spoke slowly and calmly, not feeling embarrassed at all for his brazen words.

In fact, all the officials in the hall now are "fake officials", that is, they are only appointed by the Council of State but not approved by the emperor.

Strictly speaking, he is a genuine traitor in official robes!
The officials appointed by Ji Ge were either dead or fled, and those who were disobedient were "harmonized". For example, Yang Shenjin, who was in charge of the inner treasury, is now hiding in Yangzhou and dare not return to Chang'an.

Therefore, Pei Zunqing said that he was the Minister of War, but it was just a "self-proclaimed title" by the court, and it would only take effect officially with Li Heng's approval.

In other words, this is a reverse abdication!

If Li Heng did not "regularize" these people, the court would not be able to function normally. These people needed the endorsement of the imperial power, and Li Heng also needed them to handle various political and military affairs.

To some extent, both sides are "getting what they need".

"Yes, Mr. Yan, please draft the imperial edict."

Li Heng nodded slightly without saying anything else.

Everything is arranged.

He resisted the urge to yawn and sat quietly on the dragon throne, listening to the ministers below standing up one by one and presenting the memorials that had been prepared in advance.

"Wait, I have something to say."

Li Heng suddenly raised his hand, and Han Huang, the Minister of Justice who was about to step forward, stopped. Han Huang was the son of Han Xiu, who was the prime minister in the middle of the Kaiyuan period.

The four words "official family" are not said in vain. You think it is a rhetorical device, but it is just a simple description by others. The father is an official, and the son and nephew continue to be officials. This is the norm in Tang Dynasty politics.

"From now on, there will be no saints or rulers. You can call me Your Majesty and the reign title "Nian".

Li Heng suddenly said with a stern face, his tone leaving no room for bargaining.

When Li Heng thought of the word "saint", he felt so nauseous that he wanted to vomit.

Is a guy who extends his evil claws to his daughter-in-law worthy of the title of "saint"?

Even the word "saint" has become a shame!
Li Ying felt upset when he heard it!

"I will obey His Majesty's teachings!"

All the ministers in the Purple Palace bowed and spoke in unison.

"Well, you can tell me now, my dear."

Li Heng looked at Han Huang and said.

“Your Majesty, when the Supreme Emperor was in office, the government was weak and criminals were often present in the court and held high positions.

Not only did they occupy their positions without doing any work, but they also used their positions to sell official positions and titles.

Although these people have been dismissed from office now, the court will not tolerate such evil things, and Your Majesty will not tolerate such evil things.

I also ask Your Majesty to issue an order to have the Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple jointly investigate those old cases to rectify the government."

Han Huang said with a serious face.

After hearing these words, Li Heng was not angry, but felt like laughing.

It's just about striking down political enemies and eliminating dissidents. Is there any need to make it sound so high-sounding?
In fact, the reason is obvious. Since there are many people in Chang'an City who are willing to support Li Heng's ascension to the throne, naturally there are also people who oppose Li Heng's ascension to the throne.

The smooth connection between the court meeting and the coronation ceremony was obviously a long-planned plan by some people.

When Li Ying ascended the throne, some people sang praises, but where did the opponents go?

The content of Han Huang’s memorial is the answer.

They need Li Heng's approval, and then they can use the imperial power to eliminate dissidents!

There is nothing wrong with it. This is just party-building and petty oppression.

"My dear minister, you are right. But I have another idea."

Li Ying suddenly said with great sorrow:
"The court's rules and regulations need to be rectified, and Chang'an's customs need to be rectified even more! Before I ascended the throne, I heard that there were people like Lady Guo who had affairs with officials in Chang'an. There were so many of them that it was hard to count them!

Lust is the root of all evil. To rectify the customs in Chang'an, we should start by catching adulterers and adulterers. Once they are found, they will be killed without mercy."

Catch the adulterer?
The officials present looked at each other in bewilderment, not knowing what Li Heng was up to. But it was obvious that such matters were difficult to investigate, and could not be investigated.

For example, Yan Tingzhi's eldest son, Yan Wu, once had an affair with a married woman and killed someone and dumped the body thousands of miles away.

Such bad things happening to these officials are not isolated cases. Upon investigation, they are found to be full of shit.

Yan Zhenqing stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the matter in Hedong is the most important thing now. As for catching the adulterer and the adulteress, you can wait for now."

Li Heng looked at Yan Zhenqing with a look of disappointment on his face, then nodded and said, "Then let's do as Mr. Yan said."

Hearing this, Yan Zhenqing breathed a sigh of relief and presented a memorial, saying, "Your Majesty has ascended the throne, but the world is still unaware. It is better to announce it immediately to set things right, so as to prevent the scoundrels from taking advantage of the situation. I have already drafted a decree of enthronement, please review it, Your Majesty."

Yan Zhenqing held the memorial in both hands, feeling as if it weighed a thousand pounds.

But Li Heng didn't even bother to read it, and directly refused, saying: "Prime Minister Yan, you can just issue the edict directly. I have been traveling for days and I am a little tired. If you have anything else, please come and discuss it with me."

Seeing him say this, Cheng Yuanzhen on the side shouted: "Dismiss the court!"

Amid the stunned gazes of his ministers, Li Heng stood up from the dragon throne and walked towards the back hall on his own.

(End of this chapter)