Chapter 33: Learning from Old Li, Governing the State with Benevolence

Inside the Taiji Palace, the atmosphere was so heavy it felt as though the very air had solidified. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting dappled shadows that seemed to peer into the unfolding drama of the imperial court.

The court officials were assembled in the hall. The voice of the attendant reading the roll call broke the silence, yet it landed like a pebble cast into a deep, swirling pool.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, General of the Left Tunwei, Cheng Zhijie, and the Governor of Fuzhou, Yuchi Jingde, have not appeared for court."

The attendant’s resonant voice echoed through the hall like a thunderclap, instantly throwing the officials into an uproar. Their eyes widened in shock, and soon a buzzing chatter erupted, turning the court into a chaotic hive of activity. They whispered to one another in disbelief: The Emperor had been so benevolent, relaxing the rules of attendance to an unprecedented degree. How could these two dare to be absent? In the past, the Dukes had considered attending court once every five days a grand favor from the late Emperor; now, with an attendance requirement of once every seven days, the grace shown was extraordinary. What more could they want? Was this not a blatant disregard for court protocol?

Fang Xuanling stood among the crowd, feeling as though he were standing on the edge of an abyss. His brows were furrowed so tightly they might have crushed a fly, and the veins on his forehead pulsed, betraying his extreme anxiety. The surrounding murmurs, rising like a surging tide, felt like sharp blades against his eardrums. He had no choice but to steel himself and step forward, praying silently that he might muddle through this ordeal.

"Your Majesty, General Cheng Zhijie and Governor Yuchi Jingde are ill at home. They have entrusted me to request leave on their behalf."

Fang Xuanling tried to keep his voice steady, but his slight tremor was like a candle flame flickering in a storm, threatening to extinguish and expose his panic. He cursed his luck inwardly: this excuse was thinner than paper. He prayed the Emperor would not press the matter, and begged the retired Emperor not to leave him in such a dilemma.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zheng’s thick brows shot up, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, like an eagle spotting its prey. He swept his sleeves, the movement itself seemingly imbued with his indignation, and strode forward. He stared straight at Fang Xuanling, his gaze like two keen blades aimed at piercing him through. Wei Zheng seethed: *Hmph, Fang Xuanling, do you think I am so easily fooled? This pathetic excuse is an insult to the dignity of the imperial court!*

"May I ask, Chancellor Fang," Wei Zheng demanded loudly, "are these two suffering from a terminal illness that prevents them from even standing?"

Fang Xuanling felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His face turned paper-white, and beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, instantly soaking his robes. He panicked: *This Wei Zheng is truly a troublesome adversary. I’ve stirred up a hornet’s nest! How am I to respond?* But the die was cast; he had to press on.

"It is not a terminal illness."

Seeing Fang Xuanling’s response, Wei Zheng’s lips curled into a cold sneer, his suspicion deepening. He pressed on, each step feeling like a strike against Fang Xuanling’s heart, his words becoming increasingly sharp, like a volley of arrows.

"If it is not terminal, then what grave sickness could prevent them from attending court? And both at the same time? How truly curious! Could it be that they are resting on their laurels, unwilling to attend court and seek the welfare of the people?"

His words struck like heavy hammers against the silent hall, vibrating in the air and shaking the hearts of the officials. Everyone held their breath, eyes wide, focusing all their attention on Fang Xuanling with curiosity and suspicion. Fang Xuanling felt like a small boat in a tempest, ready to be swallowed at any moment. His mind went blank, his lips trembling like leaves in the wind. He was filled with helplessness: *Wei Zheng is relentless, yet I cannot betray the Emperor’s instructions.* He chose silence, his eyes darting away, unable to meet Wei Zheng’s piercing gaze.

The officials were aghast. Seeing the usually eloquent and unshakable Chancellor Fang rendered speechless like a child who had done wrong, they were overwhelmed with shock. Some wondered: *Have Cheng Zhijie and Yuchi Jingde truly become blinded by fame and fortune, growing arrogant due to their merits? What is to be done?*

Wei Zheng looked at Fang Xuanling, his disappointment deepening, as if he were witnessing a betrayal by someone he trusted most. He was burning with rage at this perceived dereliction of duty. Turning away from Fang Xuanling, he bowed respectfully yet resolutely toward Li Chengqian.

"Your Majesty! This is a serious matter! It concerns the discipline of the court and the dignity of the Great Tang! I implore Your Majesty to send someone to their residences to ascertain the truth! If they are truly just idling at home, unwilling to attend court, I ask that Your Majesty punish them immediately!"

Wei Zheng’s voice rang out with unquestionable authority. In his eyes, the dignity of the court was as heavy as Mount Tai and could not be desecrated. Over the past seven days, he had witnessed the transformations brought about by Li Chengqian’s new policies and felt great admiration for the young Emperor. To him, Li Chengqian was a sage monarch leading the Great Tang toward a bright, prosperous future. He would not allow anything—not even two war-hardened generals—to disrupt this hard-won progress.

Li Chengqian sat upon the dragon throne, which shimmered with a mysterious and majestic light under the sun. He listened to Wei Zheng’s remonstrance, his brow furrowing slightly, a complex expression crossing his eyes. On one hand, he understood Wei Zheng’s concerns; court protocol could not be abandoned, and discipline had to be strict. On the other hand, Cheng Zhijie and Yuchi Jingde were more than mere officials; they were like elders and pillars of the Tang. He knew they had given their lives to the empire, and perhaps, in their old age, they truly had their reasons.

Today, he wore the dragon robe rushed into production by the imperial tailors. It was a masterpiece; every stitch seemed to hum with the essence of power, exuding an awe-inspiring royal majesty. The golden dragon on the robe seemed ready to break free and soar into the sky. Although Li Chengqian had canceled the coronation ceremony, the moment he donned the robe, he felt the crushing weight of responsibility, like a thousand mountains pressing upon his shoulders. In it, his temperament became incomparably majestic, a different person from the one who had worn red. He bore an eight-tenths resemblance to the late Emperor Taizong in his youth—the same bearing, the same aura. At times, even Wei Zheng would feel a sense of bewilderment, as if the wheels of time had turned back, unable to distinguish between Li Shimin and Li Chengqian.

"Enough, Grand Preceptor Wei. Both General Cheng and General Yuchi are pillars of our Great Tang," Li Chengqian said slowly. His voice was steady and gentle, like a spring breeze brushing over a lake, calming the storm in the court. His eyes revealed deep understanding and tolerance. "They are advanced in years, just like you. In their youth, they fought through fire and blood on the battlefield, slaying countless enemies for our Tang—what courage they displayed! Their merits are like the stars, illuminating the sky of our empire. Now that they are old, their bodies are like rusted armor, riddled with scars and illness. Perhaps they simply want to rest at home and enjoy their twilight years. I understand this. For those who have rendered such service, there is no need for such harshness. Let them be! Consider this a favor from me. If one day, Grand Preceptor Wei or Chancellor Fang also feel unwell, simply send word. You are all aging, yet still toiling for the Tang—in the end, it is I who owe you."

As Li Chengqian spoke, his heart was full of gratitude and guilt toward these old ministers. He scanned the officials, his gaze filled with affection. He knew they had sacrificed their entire lives for the Tang. They needed understanding, not reprimand.

Fang Xuanling’s eyes reddened, tears welling up. A warmth surged in his heart, like sunlight piercing through clouds. He was deeply moved by the Emperor’s magnanimity. He knelt down, the sound of his knees hitting the floor echoing loudly in the silent hall.

"This old minister thanks Your Majesty for your grace! I am willing to serve the Great Tang until my dying breath!" his voice choked with emotion. He vowed silently that he would give everything to repay the kindness of both the current and late Emperors.

Seeing this, the other officials followed suit, kneeling in unison. They shouted in chorus, thanking Li Chengqian for his grace, the sound surging through the hall like a tidal wave. They marveled at the Emperor’s benevolence; he wielded both grace and authority like a master chess player. When he was strict, he swept away corrupt aristocrats like autumn leaves; when he was kind, he cared for his diligent ministers like the warm sun of winter. His frequent rewards and welfare policies had greatly improved their lives. They felt this was an unprecedented era, a time where it was truly comfortable and fulfilling to serve.

Wei Zheng, seeing the Emperor’s stance, felt his resolve dissipate. Though he still harbored doubts, he felt like he had punched a pile of cotton. He sighed inwardly, letting his raised arms drop. *The Emperor is wise; perhaps there is reason in this. I only hope Cheng Zhijie and Yuchi Jingde do not betray this trust.*

"Very well, let the court session begin," Li Chengqian said, his voice calm and powerful, restoring the solemn atmosphere of the court. "Grand Preceptor Qi, how are the demolition and road planning in Chang'an progressing?"

Li Chengqian looked at Grand Preceptor Qi with anticipation. He had high hopes for the construction of Chang'an, as it concerned the well-being of the people and the prosperity of the Tang.

Mr. Qi stepped forward, his pace steady and confident. "Reporting to Your Majesty, all measures are proceeding in an orderly fashion. We originally estimated that the facilities would be finished by next year, but at our current rate, the renovation of Chang'an will be completed before the end of this year."

He gestured excitedly as he spoke, painting a grand picture. "This is because the pay is generous, the hours are reasonable, and the people of Chang'an are filled with enthusiasm! They know this is for their benefit, and they treat the work as their own. With the Ministry of Works providing two hot, fragrant meals a day, the people are even more motivated. Furthermore, since Your Majesty issued the decree closing the city gates, people from outside have heard the news and are flocking to Chang'an. I have begun coordinating to increase the scale of the projects so more people can find work. I have increased the number of planned public toilets from two hundred and eighty to eight hundred and fifty, which will fully meet the needs of the city."

Grand Preceptor Qi reported his work with great spirit, every data point a treasure he displayed with pride. Every measure was meticulously considered. Li Chengqian nodded in satisfaction, a smile of relief on his face. He could almost see the brand-new Chang'an, with people laughing on clean streets, living in peace and contentment.

"Well done, Grand Preceptor Qi. At the end of the year, I will give you all a grand bonus!" Li Chengqian said, his voice full of joy.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. It is only my duty."

After Grand Preceptor Qi stepped back, Zhang Xianhuai stepped forward, his posture as straight as a pine, his gaze as firm as a rock. "Your Majesty, over this past week, I have initially established the structure of the Brocade Guard, with the Qianniu Guard fully integrated into it. We now have thirty-seven thousand, two hundred and fourteen men, excluding secret agents. Five thousand remain to guard Chang'an, while the rest are distributed throughout the city per your orders. In seven days, the Brocade Guard has handled one hundred and thirty-two cases, eighty-three of which involved powerful nobles. Initially, they tried to use their status to bully others, but before the Brocade Guard, they were like mice before a cat, with nowhere to hide. The primary offenders have been thrown into the Imperial Prison. I have submitted the details of these cases to Chancellor Fang."

The Brocade Guard was like an invisible net, covering every inch of Chang'an, guarding every corner. His voice echoed in the hall, demonstrating the efficiency of the Brocade Guard and his own pride in their work.