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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 219: Leaving the Palace
"Your Highness, it seems that Deng Zhao Yi is likely to be promoted to a consort position this time."
Xiao Chanyan gently stroked her son's chubby face and said, "Consort Four's position is right there; sooner or later, someone will take it. This palace understands the rules of the Zheng Clan and has given birth to a prince for His Majesty. It is only right for her to be conferred as a consort."
In the harem, all the children would call her Empress. When it came to nurturing, education, and marriage matters, her words carried more weight than those of their biological mothers. To her, there was little difference between Consort Four and Consort Nine.
The accompanying female officials were anxious for her. "His Majesty's favor towards the Zheng Clan is quite unusual. Your Highness cannot remain indifferent; you must consider the future of Little Prince as well."
Xiao Chanyan tapped her son's nose lightly. "What is there to think about? His father is the Emperor, and his mother is the Queen. This palace has already bestowed upon him the most precious title of legitimate heir."
Seeing the worried expressions of the Queen's female officials, they could only fret silently. The older female officials signaled for them to speak less; the princess had always been gentle and uncompetitive but had never suffered losses.
At this moment, in the Council Hall, ministers were still arguing. Shibi Khan had died, and Turkic was embroiled in a struggle for power. Princess Yicheng sought assistance from the court, hoping that Tang could support her son Shibobi in inheriting the Khan position.
"Princess Yicheng is not a princess of our Tang dynasty; her son will not have loyalty towards our court. Why should we exert ourselves in such a thankless task?"
"Our dynasty has not treated the former royal family harshly; the Sons of Emperor Yang have wealth to inherit. Princess Yicheng has expressed her gratitude multiple times through letters, and she needs support from Central Plains to stabilize her position in Kehe Dun."
"The issue now is not whether we are willing but that both countries have just been at war with each other. Sending an emissary to Turkic at this time may backfire."
"Supporting a young child who has yet to come of age will not yield results; even if he becomes Khan, he will not be able to control Turkic. It would be better to select a new ally from the Ashina Clan in exchange for at least three to five years of peace."
Once Li Jian Cheng took his seat, everyone gradually quieted down. Standing beneath Dan Emperor, Li Wei stood with his feet apart as ministers hurriedly congratulated him on the birth of a prince.
Officials from Shandong were especially delighted, and several members of the Zheng Clan were overjoyed.
However, since he was not born of the Queen, after offering their congratulations, court discussions resumed with disputes.
After listening to everyone's opinions, the Emperor decided to send an emissary to Turkic on behalf of Tang to support Shibobi as Turkic Khagan.
But soon after, he issued another decree commanding the emissary to head towards Western Turkic while Dong Turkic Khan's position remained uncertain amid internal strife. If both countries joined forces against each other, they would surely achieve great victory and obtain what they needed.
Then he issued another decree commanding Duke of Wei, who was currently campaigning against Tuguhun, to continue advancing and reclaiming the Four Commanderies established by Sui Dynasty back into Tang's territory.
After dismissing the court session, the Emperor left the palace under the protection of Xu Shijie and Zhang Hutan. Qin Shubao and Dan Xiongxin had recovered somewhat from their injuries and returned to Chang'an a few days ago for recuperation.
Li Jian Cheng sat in the carriage, gently pulling back the curtain. Chang'an was still as bustling as ever. He had deliberately taken a detour to observe the two cities, but it was far less lively than during the early days of Kaihuang's Great Undertaking.
Every trade seemed somewhat desolate, especially the taverns. The signs and banners remained the same as in years past, yet only a few scattered patrons could be seen inside.
Part of this decline was likely due to his decree prohibiting slaughter and wine; otherwise, Chang'an would never lack for wealthy and indulgent individuals.
After having beaten a few members of the royal family until they were bloodied and bruised, no noble dared to gather friends in taverns to feast on meat and drink, openly defying the Emperor's orders.
"Where are they holding their banquets now?" he asked.
Xu Shijie, who was riding alongside him, replied, "Nowadays, they are accustomed to hosting banquets at their own villas outside the city."
Li Jian Cheng nodded in understanding but did not pursue the matter further as the carriage smoothly made its way to Dan Xiongxin's residence.
Dan Xiongxin's injuries were lighter than Qin Shubao's. Upon hearing that the Emperor was coming, he hurriedly mustered his strength to greet him at the gate.
Seeing Dan Xiongxin pale and needing support to move, Li Jian Cheng felt a pang of sympathy mixed with anger. He turned to Dan Xiongxin's son and said, "You are already a married man with children and a government official. I specifically sent someone ahead to inform you of my arrival so that you wouldn't have to trouble your father. How can you be so irresponsible?"
Dan Xiongxin's son, Dan Qi, quickly bowed and said, "I am guilty; I deserve death!"
Seeing this, Dan Xiongxin also attempted to bow in apology, but Li Jian Cheng stepped forward to stop him. "Enough. The weather is getting colder; let us go inside and talk."
Zhang Hutan lightly kicked Dan Qi, who was still on the ground. "What are you waiting for? Get up and lead His Majesty inside!"
Dan Qi hurriedly got up and moved to the front, bowing slightly as he guided them. Dan Xiongxin helplessly said to Li Jian Cheng, "This son is foolish; I apologize for his behavior."
Li Jian Cheng came to offer condolences for his achievements, not to criticize his subordinate's offspring. He reassured him, "In a time of great peace, as long as one understands loyalty and filial piety, being somewhat dull-witted may not be such a bad thing."
Once inside the Main Hall, Li Jian Cheng looked around. "It's a bit small; I will have someone from the palace select a suitable residence for you another day."
Dan Xiongxin coughed a few times and quickly waved his hand. "Your Majesty, my humble achievements… cough… my humble achievements have already been rewarded with titles and promotions by Your Majesty’s grace. I cannot dare accept further rewards."
Dan Xiongxin held the title of Duke of Longxi, but this residence was more than half smaller than the former Duke Tang's Residence; it resembled more of a Marquis' estate.
"There is no need for formalities between us as ruler and minister," Li Jian Cheng said. "This residence should have been awarded long ago; it was just that during the founding of the nation, circumstances were complicated. Thus, I had to put you old confidants through some hardship."
Dan Xiongxin excitedly said, "Cough... Your Majesty, who has spoken any rebellious words? Please tell The General who it is, and The General will go and ask him; what great achievements does he have!
Victory in battle and success in offense are due to the army's efforts. Is it his credit?
All of this relies on Your Majesty's authority. We are merely fortunate to follow Your Majesty!"
Beside him, Dan Qi felt a bit awkward. He had never seen his father act this way and never expected that his usually imposing father could speak such flattering words.
However, he did not notice that Zhang Hutan and Xu Shijie nearby were nodding in agreement. Only those who have experienced it firsthand can understand that feeling as if aided by heaven.
Whether in battle or during sieges, it is not just about defeating the enemy; as long as one can hold their ground, it won't be long before the enemy collapses on their own, with commanders inexplicably surrendering.
It is quite common for thousands of troops to set out and casually occupy several counties during their campaigns.
Moreover, there is no need to worry about pacifying the locals or gathering supplies; local noble families willingly contribute manpower and resources without any need for concern over trivial matters.
In such circumstances, unifying the realm in a short time is not merely luck; it is because Your Majesty first secured victory in the court before seeking triumph on the battlefield.
………
(End of Chapter)
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