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Establishing the Tang Dynasty
墨書 Inktalez
In ancient times, the Shaodian Clan married into the Youjiang Clan, giving birth to the Yellow Emperor and the Flame Emperor. The Flame Emperor was born of Ginger Water, while the Yellow Emperor was born of Ji Water. They possessed different virtues, which is why the Yellow Emperor is associated with the Ji clan and the Flame Emperor with ginger. The Two Emperors supported each other in their endeavors, which led to their rise in virtue.
This place is Wugong County, not far from the capital city of Chang'an, considered to be under the feet of the Son of Heaven. Before them flowed the Ji Water, a source of spiritual essence since ancient times, a land rich in treasures. Now, another child is about to be born here, destined to achieve remarkable accomplishments that will be recorded in history.
But… sigh.
“Eldest Brother, shouldn’t we head back? The Old Matriarch has already sent someone to urge us.”
“Alright, let’s go back.”
Li Jian Cheng urged his horse into motion. He had been in this world for over half a year and had integrated all his memories, yet he still hadn’t figured out how to face that person.
If it weren’t for Jian Cheng, even Yuanji would have been acceptable; at least there would have been room for maneuvering. As long as he tread carefully and maintained good relations with Er Lang, he could still enjoy a life of wealth and honor.
However, being in such a prominent position as the eldest son meant that taking a step back for someone else would leave him at their mercy—he would be like fish on a chopping board, with his honor and disgrace resting in another's hands.
Yet he also knew that this was merely an excuse he made for himself.
Commanded by heaven, may he live long and prosper! If given a chance, how could he not try? He would die without peace otherwise!
…
The youth of Yingzhou despised the wilderness, clad in fox fur as they hunted beneath the city.
A thousand jars of liquor do not intoxicate; ten-year-old boys can ride horses.
Under the protection of the Guardians, Li Jian Cheng practiced archery and horsemanship on his way back. As a qualified Guanlong Aristocrat's son, though still young, mastering archery and riding was fundamental.
This is a villa belonging to the Li Family, where over a hundred servants attend to their needs. The surrounding land, spanning nearly two thousand acres, is all owned by the Li Family and farmed by tenants under their care.
The Li Family also has a Duke's Residence in Chang'an, but the Duke of Tang, Li Yan, is currently serving as a Prefect elsewhere. His wife from the Dou Family claims to be pregnant and cannot endure the hustle and bustle of the Capital City, so she has brought their child to this villa for rest.
Li Jian Cheng changed into a round-collared robe and headed to the inner courtyard to pay his respects to his grandmother and mother.
"Lord, you have returned! The mistress is waiting for you," greeted a Green-Clad Maid who approached him.
"Is Mother feeling unwell today? Has the Physician come to check her pulse?" he asked.
"The mistress is not unwell, and the Physician said there are no issues," she replied.
Li Jian Cheng looked up at the sun and said, "Grandmother should be awake now. I will go greet her first, then attend to Mother."
"Yes, I will inform the mistress," the maid said before hurrying off.
As Li Jian Cheng walked through the pavilion, he raised his eyes to see tall trees and interesting stone landscapes that exuded grandeur. Compared to the gardens of the Song and Ming dynasties in later years, it lacked a bit of poetic charm and depth of meaning.
The passing maids merely stepped aside when they saw the Lord return. The Dou Family had previously ordered that female servants should not speak with the young master without cause, so as not to distract him from practicing archery and focusing on his studies.
Li Jian Cheng approached his grandmother's quarters. After a brief inquiry, he entered. His grandmother was nearing sixty and had suffered from chronic illness for many years. She often experienced excessive drowsiness and should not be disturbed.
Inside her chamber were two Green-Clad Maids. One was a beautiful woman with slightly graying hair who lay weakly on her bed, holding a medical book. Upon seeing her grandson approach, she smiled warmly and quickly set down her book, saying, "Come here so Grandmother can take a look at you. It's quite windy outside today; you should read at home instead of going out to ride."
Li Jian Cheng obediently walked over as Dugu Clan held his hand: "Father instructed me before he left not to neglect my archery practice. He will want to test me when he returns."
Dugu Clan gently touched the cocoon in Grandson's palm, but said nothing more. The Guanlong Descendants had always relied on military merit to establish themselves, and sooner or later, Grandson would have to experience life in the army. Feeling pained was not a reason to hold him back.
He instructed someone to bring over the prepared food, allowing Li Jian Cheng to sit at a small table to eat.
Once Li Jian Cheng had eaten enough, Dugu Clan coughed lightly and said, "Your mother is due to give birth in the next few days. I wonder if she will give you a younger brother or sister."
Li Jian Cheng pressed his thin lips together before smiling and replying, "Father hopes for a boy. He even invited the High Monk to consult on this matter, so it's likely he will get his wish."
Dugu Clan nodded and said, "Having another brother is naturally the best. We Wuchuan People have always believed in supporting each other through brothers and nephews to achieve great success."
The Wuchuan People were nobles among the Guanlong Aristocrats. Within the Western Wei Eight Pillars of State, there were figures like Grand General of the Pillar State, Duke Yuwen Tai, who was also the Grand Chancellor and Commander of all military affairs.
There was also Grand General of the Pillar State, Duke Dugu Xin, who held the title of Grand Commander and Chief Minister of Henei County.
Another was Grand General of the Pillar State, Duke Li Hu, who served as Grand Commander and Minister of Longxi County.
Then there was Grand General of the Pillar State, Duke Zhao Gui, who was also a Grand Commander and Minister of Nanyang County.
Lastly, there was Grand General of the Pillar State, Duke Houmo Chen Chong, who held the title of Grand Commander and Minister of Pengcheng County.
These five Dukes, along with twelve generals including Piaoji General Houmo Chen Shun and Charioteer General Yuwen Dao, as well as Grand General of the Pillar State Helan Xiang and Grand General of the Pillar State Yang Zhong, all hailed from Wuchuan Town.
After they took control of Western Wei's power, they became relatives through marriage and established Northern Zhou. The Founding Emperor was Yuwen Tai. In today's Sui Dynasty, the Founding Emperor is Yang Zhong. The others serve as ministers or generals, wielding power over the world.
If Li Jian Cheng were to speak on this matter, he would say that this group of noble warlords had already transcended the aristocratic class of the Wei-Jin period; they had moved from class monopoly to oligarchic monopoly.
The emperor was merely the result of their internal compromise, and outsiders could not interfere at all. The establishment of the Tang Dynasty later proved this point.
The Dugu Clan then said, "You have grown up now. After a while, you should return to the Duke's Residence. Staying here will not benefit you in the long run; it is better to maintain connections with relatives and old friends, and more importantly, to visit the palace often."
Li Jian Cheng hesitated and replied, "Although I am related to the Empress, I have seldom seen her esteemed face and do not know how to approach her."
The current Empress Dugu Qialo was the younger sister of Li Jian Cheng's grandmother, Dugu Bodhi. Their elder sister was Empress Mingjing of Northern Zhou. If one were to count, three Queens had emerged from the Dugu Family in just one generation.
Their father was Dugu Xin, one of the Eight Pillars State, known in his youth for his beauty and skills in horsemanship and archery. Both military and civilians referred to him as Dugu Lang, a term of admiration for his handsome appearance, distinct from the family name for their eldest son, Er Lang.
The Dugu Clan handed him an envelope and said, "I have not seen the Empress for a long time; please deliver this letter to her on my behalf."
As the youngest son and grandson, he was indeed the old man's lifeblood.
It is important to note that the current Empress is not an ordinary Queen without power or influence. Her impact on the emperor and the court is significant throughout history. The emperor and empress made a vow in their youth to remain devoted to each other until old age, never changing their hearts.
Now both nearing sixty years of age, with the Queen enjoying exclusive favor in the six palaces, Your Majesty has five sons and five daughters, all born of Empress Dugu.
……………
Please take a moment to bookmark this new release; I would be immensely grateful.
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