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墨書 Inktalez
It was simply impossible. Those from noble families had wealth and troops, and could achieve success in any dynasty, receiving titles and honors as a matter of course. Otherwise, why would they bow their heads in loyalty?
However, Li Jian Cheng could understand his father. He had lost his father at a young age, and this title was not without its half-brothers and branches of the Li Family watching closely. Although it rightfully belonged to him, the world did not operate on such assumptions.
As long as a member of the Li Family inherited the title, the other Wuchuan families would have little to say. Regardless of the Emperor's considerations or whose favor he was seeking, the fact that this title could smoothly fall into the hands of a mere seven-year-old child could certainly be called a grand Imperial Favor.
Moreover, later on, Li Yan was appointed as the Thousand Cattle Guard, allowing him to grow up safely within the palace.
Li Jian Cheng sighed and said, "Yang Su cannot be toppled. Not only does the Crown Prince rely on him, but His Majesty also cannot do without him. No one else in court could possibly take up the position of Left Chancellor."
Yang Su might have many flaws, but his merits were undeniable. He had never lost a battle on horseback and while his governance might be slightly inferior to Gao Shan's, he was still unmatched by others.
Li Yan thought for a moment and truly could not think of anyone who could replace Yang Su. Yang Su's ability to substitute for Gao Shan stemmed from his position as Right Chancellor since the twelfth year of Kaihuang, serving as a counterbalance to Gao Shan with his former students and officials spread throughout the court.
It wasn't as simple as the Emperor appointing someone as Left Chancellor and that person automatically possessing the authority of that role while subordinates would wholeheartedly cooperate; that was impossible.
Gao Shan had done well, but Yang Su had undermined him. Yang Su had only been in power for less than two years when people began conspiring against him. Both were exceptional talents; ordinary mediocrity would not even know how they met their demise.
"Alright, I will politely decline Liu Shu."
"You should go meet the Crown Prince now."
Understanding the bigger picture was always regarded as a virtue among those in power. Li Jian Cheng hoped his father could rise further; being City Gate Captain was rather unflattering.
...
After winter set in and everything withered away, Queen Dugu Qialo sat all day long, gazing out at the falling snow while reminiscing about the past and mourning her recently deceased son, Yang Jun.
Yang Jun, already weakened, had been mercilessly reprimanded by Yang Jian during the struggle for succession. In his shame and fear, his condition worsened further. Finally, Yang Jian showed some pity for his son and restored his Grand Minister title.
Unfortunately, it was all too late; Yang Jun still died. The Emperor mourned deeply over the fallen court while Empress Dugu ceased eating in her grief. Yet this was all there was to her love for her son.
The relics of Yang Jun were ordered to be burned by Sui Wendi, as they were deemed too extravagant. He also commanded that the funeral items must be frugal, so that future generations could follow this example.
This would have been acceptable, but the great Qin Wang had no epitaph after his death. The emperor left behind only a single statement: "If one seeks fame, a volume of history is sufficient; what need is there for a monument? If descendants cannot protect their family, they are merely a stone for others to rest upon."
Such words sounded noble and reflected the demeanor of a benevolent ruler. However, it would have been better if he had not ordered the conscription of commoners to expand the Ren Shou Palace.
Yang Jun's life was marked by tragedy; first poisoned by his wife, then abandoned by his father. In death, he had neither a tombstone nor any descendants to mourn him. A once-great prince was reduced to being less than an ordinary commoner.
The saying goes that a father hides for his son, and a son hides for his father. The emperor's attitude left many feeling cold; if he treated his own children this way, how would he treat outsiders?
The spirit of cooperation between ruler and minister during the early years of Kaihuang had dissipated, leaving behind a landscape where everyone looked out for themselves. Naturally, the crown prince emerged as the biggest winner, receiving daily greetings from officials and military officers through intermediaries.
The emperor may have sensed something amiss, but at that moment, he only wished to enjoy the little time he had left. He became increasingly devoted to immortals and Buddhas, issuing decrees that anyone who damaged statues of Buddhas or celestial beings would be judged as immoral; those who destroyed images of deities would be considered rebellious.
He also proclaimed the abolition of the Kaihuang era name in favor of the Ren Shou era, signifying blessings and longevity.
In the Year of Ren Shou, the long-vacant position of Right Chancellor fell to Duke Su Wei of Pi State. However, this veteran official had also turned his allegiance toward the crown prince, which facilitated his smooth promotion.
Not long after the new year began, it was clear that this new era name did not bring more fortune to the emperor. Queen Dugu Qialo passed away quietly; this renowned queen's death took everyone in the capital by surprise.
Just days before, during a banquet celebrating the new year with courtiers, she appeared to be in good spirits.
Li Jian Cheng wept as he bid farewell; while their relationship was not exceptionally close, it was decent enough.
Crown Prince Yang Guang was inconsolable in his grief. Li Jian Cheng, familiar with Yang Guang's character, could see that while there was genuine sorrow over losing a motherly figure, there was likely more anguish over losing a significant pillar of support.
The emperor's display of grief raised questions—was it not his choices that led to Queen Dugu's heartache and demise?
He appointed Minister of Rites and Left Chancellor Yang Su to personally oversee the funeral arrangements. The imperial Feng Shui Master Xiao Ji seized this opportunity to shine despite still being ill and personally led a team to search for an auspicious burial site.
Accompanying him were Grand Minister of Ceremonies Minister Shao, Xiao Ji, and Li Jian Cheng. The three worked tirelessly day and night until they finally found a suitable location not far from Wugong County at Three Fields Plain.
Xiao Ji, who was most trusted by the Emperor for his mastery of Yin-Yang arithmetic, walked back and forth meticulously dozens of times before finally stopping to set up the ritual platform and begin his divination.
It wasn't until deep into the night, when the moon was high in the sky, that he arrived at a conclusion: an auspicious omen, predicting two thousand years of prosperity for the Sui Dynasty and two hundred generations of descendants.
Everyone knew this was nonsense, just a way to conjure a good omen. Xiao Ji was putting on a show; it was hard to believe that such a beautiful place could be deemed unlucky.
Li Jian Cheng suspected that this man might be trying to drag Yang Su down with him. After all, Yang Su, a seasoned warrior, was still holding on despite being gravely ill.
The three hurried back to the capital to report, while the time for the Queen's funeral had already arrived. The Emperor nodded after looking at the drawn geomantic map and thanked the weary trio for their efforts.
Yang Jian suddenly murmured, "I will personally attend the Queen's funeral. I will escort Qialo to her final resting place."
Li Jian Cheng and Yang Su breathed a sigh of relief; what the Emperor chose to do was no longer their concern. However, Xiao Ji interjected, "Your Majesty, your birthday falls on Xin You this year, and with Dou Kui Star reaching Tian Gang near Mao You. I have carefully examined the Yin Yang Book; you cannot attend the funeral in person."
"Your Majesty, this not only concerns your Dragon Body but also the fate of the nation. It would be better for the Crown Prince and officials to escort Her Majesty instead."
But how could the Emperor, steeped in grief and guilt, heed his words? The Emperor, nearing sixty with graying hair, braved the spring chill and traveled hundreds of miles to see his wife off on her final journey.
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